Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of galangin on angiogenic activity of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: HAECs incubated with 10, 20, 40, and 80 μmol/L galangin for 24 h were assessed for cell viability changes using MTT assay to determine the cytotoxicity of galangin. HAECs treated with 5 mg/mL ox-LDL and incubated with 20 and 40 μmol/L galangin for 24 h, and the cells overexpressing lncRNA H19 and incubated with 40 μmol/L galangin for 24 h were examined for lncRNA H19 level with qRT-PCR. The migration and tube formation capacity of the cells were observed using scratch assay and angiogenesis assay, and ROS levels in the cells were detected with flow cytometry. The protein expression levels of VEGFA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the treated cells were detected with Western blotting. RESULTS: Galangin at 10, 20, or 40 μmol/L produced no obvious toxicity (P>0.05), whereas 80 μmol/L galangin significantly inhibited the viability of HAECs (P<0.01). Treatment with ox-LDL significantly increased the expression of lncRNA H19 in HAECs. Galangin significantly lowered lncRNA H19 expression in ox-LDL-induced HAECs, suppressed cell migration, angiogenesis and ROS production level, and reduced the protein levels of VEGFA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P<0.01). The effects of galangin were blocked by overexpression of lncRNA H19 in the cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect of galangin for atherosclerosis is mediated by inhibiting lncRNA H19 expression to reduce ox-LDL-induced migration, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis of HAECs.