RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of elemene on the survival of normal human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the protection of elemene on injured HUVECs induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). METHODS: Normal HUVECs were treated with elemene 1-100 microg/ml for 24-72 hours, the survival rate of HUVECs was determined by tetrazolium assay (MTT). To evaluate the protective effect of elemene on HUVECs from H2O2 injury, HUVECs were injured by 1 mmol/L H2O2 and then different final concentrations of elemene were added before the injury. After culturing 1 hour, then detecting the index of MDA, T-AOC, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and NO. RESULTS: Elemene could inhabit the proliferation of VEC and it presented dose-dependent, while on the side of anti-oxidization injury, it also presented dose-dependent. MDA content and the effect of H2O2 to antioxidase activity were decreased, NO content in cell was increased, and the amount of apoptosis was reduced. CONCLUSION: Elemene has dual effects on the survival rate of normal HUVECs in vitro, which is related to the concentration and the duration of drug exposure. Elemene has protective effects on the injured endothelial cells injured by oxidization through the function of anti-lipid oxidization.
