Effect of maixinkang capsule on Ca2+ and mitochondrial membrane potential in liver cells of ApoE(-/-) mice / 中国中西医结合杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Maixinkang Capsule (MXK) on Ca2t concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential in liver cells of ApoE(-/-) mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Liver cells from ApoE(-/-) mice were separated using collagenase digestive method. After the primary cells were cultured for 8 days in vitro, the concentration of 10% MXK contained rat's serum was added into the culture fluid. The Ca2+ concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential in liver cells after 48-hr culture were measured by confocal laser scanning microscopy with Flou-3 and Jc-1 as probes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MXK could decrease Ca2+ concentration in liver cells, which was significantly different to that in the control group (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, MXK could significantly improve mitochondrial membrane potential in liver cells (P < 0.01). There was no obvious dose-effect relationship shown in both effects of MXK.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MXK can decrease Ca2+ concentration and improve the mitochondrial membrane potential in liver cells of ApoE(-/-) mice so as to regulate the lipids and prevent the occurrence and development of hyperlipemia and atherosclerosis.</p>