RESUMEN
Aim To investigate the effects of Semen Nigellae extract on regulating endothelial functions and angiogenesis and the underlying mechanisms.Methods After the extract of Semen Nigellae was obtained,the extract was administered to the primarily cultured rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs).Then,the tube formation,proliferation and migration ability of RAECs were examined,and the expression of angiogenesis-related signaling pathways proteins,such as transforming growth factor-betal (TGF-β1),Smad3,platelet derived growth factor receptor(PDGFR),Cx43,Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS),were detected via Western blot analysis.Meanwhile,production of nitric oxide(NO) from RAECs was also measured after treatment with the extract of Semen Nigellae.Results The extract of Semen Nigellae significantly promoted the tube formation,proliferation and migration of RAECs in a dose-dependent manner.The protein expressions of TGF-β1,Smad3,PDGFR,Cx43,Akt and eNOS,as well as phosphorylation levels of Akt and eNOS,in RAECs were also markedly elevated by the administration of Semen Nigellae.In addition,the production of NO was notably enhanced by the extract of Semen Nigellae.Conclusions The extract of Semen Nigellae may improve endothelial functions and angiogenesis by activating Akt-eNOS and TGF-β1-Smad3 pathway.Meanwhile,it may also promote the maturation and stability of nascent vasculatures by activating the PDGFR and Cx43-related signaling pathways.Hence,Semen Nigellae may be a new therapeutic drug for ischemic diseases.