Time-dose effects of Taohong Siwu Decoction on number and functional activity of peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that Taohong Siwu Decoction can alleviate the damage of vascular endothelial cells and maintain their normal secretory function, and endothelial progenitor cells can promote the repair of endothelial injury. Therefore, it is assumed that Taohong Siwu Decoction may protect endothelial function by improving the functional activity and increasing the number of endothelial progenitor cells. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Taohong Siwu Decoction can augment the number and functional activity of peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells. METHODS: Endothelial progenitor cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy subjects, and divided into control, low-, moderateand high-concentration Taohong Siwu Decoction groups. Cells were then cultured to observe the dose-effect relationship within 24 hours. Meanwhile, the high-concentration Taohong Siwu Decoction group was cultured for respective time points (6, 12, 24 and 48 hours) for observing the time-effect relationship. The number of endothelial progenitor cells was counted under inverted phase contrast microscope. Proliferation, adhesion and migration of endothelial progenitor cells were detected by MTT chromatometry, adhesion activity assay and modified Boyden chamber assay, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The proliferation, adhesion and migration abilities of endothelial progenitor cells in the Taohong Siwu Decoction groups were significantly higher than those in the control group and showed a certain dose-effect relationship. (2) The proliferation, adhesion and migration abilities of endothelial progenitor cells in the Taohong Siwu Decoction groups were enhanced in a time-dependent manner, especially at 24 hours after intervention (P < 0.01). To conclude, the Taohong Siwu Decoction can increase the number of endothelial progenitor cells and promote cell functions. High-concentration Taohong Siwu Decoction exhibits the best interventional effect at 24 hours after intervention.