ABSTRACT
Aim To investigate the molecular mechanism of the protection of vascular smooth muscle cells by the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy by Fufang Danshen dripping pills.Methods Fifty patients with atherosclerosis were randomly divided into two groups; one group received normal treatment,while the other group was added Fufang Danshen dripping pills,and the clinical efficacy was observed.Vascular smooth muscle cells were divided into control,ox LDL model,Fufang Danshen dripping pill group,Fufang Danshen dripping pill+endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor group,and Fufang Danshen dripping pill+endoplasmic reticulum stress inducer group.Proliferation was detected,and vasodilator function factors and oxidative stress were measured in each group,ER stress marker proteins,autophagy marker proteins and apoptosis related protein expression were detected,and activation of the IRE1-TRAF2-ASK1-JNK signaling pathway was detected.Results Compared with control group,various indicators of cells in ox-LDL model group showed that they were under ER stress,high oxidative stress,high autophagy status,and the IRE1-TRAF2-ASK1-JNK pathway was found to be over activated.However,compared with ox LDL model group,the above indicators in Fufang Danshen dripping pill group and Fufang Danshen dripping pill+endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor group were significantly better,the IRE1-TRAF2-ASK1-JNK pathway was over activated,and the endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor was more obvious,and Fufang Danshen dripping pill+endoplasmic reticulum stress inducer group significantly reversed the improved effects of Fufang Danshen dripping pills.Conclusions Fufang Danshen dripping pills protect vascular smooth muscle cells by inhibiting excessive activation of the IRE1-TRAF2-ASK1-JNK pathway,decreasing endoplasmic reticulum stress,maintaining proper autophagy,and inhibiting abnormal cell proliferation and apoptosis.