Effect of Trametes cubensis Extract on Vascular Function of Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cells

Sujeong Jang¹ Dong Hyeung Lee² Seong Hwan Kim² Heonyong Park^1,*

¹Department of Molecular Biology & Institute of Nanosensor and Biotechnology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
²Department of Microbiology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea

Abstract

Mushrooms have been extensively used as traditional medicines to treat cancer and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we examined whether Trametes cubensis extract (TCE) exerted beneficial effects on cardiovascular function. First, we demonstrated that TCE was non-cytotoxic and enhanced cell proliferation of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Moreover, TCE induced cell migration and blocked lipopolysaccharide-induced adhesion of monocytes to BAEC. We performed a variety of cell signaling studies, showing that TCE activates p38 MAPK and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our results showed that TCE-induced vascular functions were mediated by p38 MAPK, but not by ROS. These results provide insights into bio-medical applications of TCE as a preventive or therapeutic agent for treating cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis.

Figures & Tables

Fig. 1. extract (TCE) induces cell proliferation in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). (A) Confluent BAEC were serum-starved for 2 hr and then cells were treated for up to 24 hr (0, 3, 6, 12, 24 hr) with none, ethanol or various concentrations of TCE. Cells were incubated with WST-1 reagent for 2 hr. Then, viable cell numbers were counted using optical density (OD) at 450 nm. Data were plotted as line graphs (mean±SE, n=3). (B) Bar graphs represent the percentages of cell proliferation in 24 hr point after treated TCE. Data were plotted as bar graphs (mean±SE, n=3). * p<0.05.