Abstract
Viscolin, an extract of Viscum coloratum, has anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties against harmful stimuli. The aim of the study was to examine the anti-proliferative effects of viscolin on platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF)-treated human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and identify the underlying mechanism responsible for these effects. Viscolin reduced the PDGF-BB-induced HASMC proliferation and migration in vitro; it also arrested HASMCs in the G0/G1 phase by decreasing the protein expression of Cyclin D1, CDK2, Cyclin E, CDK4, and p21Cip1 as detected by Western blot analysis. These effects may be mediated by reduced PDGF-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and P38, but not AKT as well as inhibition of PDGF-mediated nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 and activator protein 1 (AP-1)/c-fos activation. Furthermore, viscolin pre-treatment significantly reduced neointimal hyperplasia of an endothelial-denuded femoral artery in vivo. Taken together, viscolin attenuated PDGF-BB-induced HASMC proliferation in vitro and reduced neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. Thus, viscolin may represent a therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of vascular proliferative diseases.