ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: It has been proved that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has a correlation with stability of atherosclerotic plaque, and propolis flavone plays a role in anti-atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of propolis flavone on expression of MMP-9 in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The comparative observation was performed at the Institute of Life Science, Taishan Medical University from January to August 2008. MATERIALS: The propolis flavone was extracted by the Institute of Life Science, Taishan Medical University. The neonatal umbilical cord with 1 hour was supplied by Tai’an Central Hospital, and the informed consent was obtained from the puerperant. METHODS: HUVEC was cultured and identified in vitro, followed by treated with propolis flavoneat with different concentrations for 24 hours. The blank was used as the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The effect of propolis flavone on expression of MMP-9 in HUVEC was detected by cytoimmunochemical staining and ELISA. RESULTS: Propolis flavonecan with all concentrations can restrain the expression of MMP-9 after co-culture with the cells for 24 hours, which showed in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The propolis flavone can obvious depress the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in HUVEC.