RESUMEN
Previous studies have demonstrated that DNA damage induces atherosclerosis and that oxidative stress has an important role in DNA damage. Gypenosides (Gps), the main ingredient of Gynostemma Pentaphylla (Thunb.) Makino, have been recognized as specific antioxidants and have previously been reported to inhibit highfat dietinduced atherosclerosis in rats. However, whether or not Gps attenuate DNA damage through their antioxidant effects remains to be elucidated. The current study was performed to clarify whether or not Gps can inhibit cholesterolinduced DNA damage through antioxidation. The present study provided new insights into the pharmacological effects of Gps on atherosclerosis. HUVECs were treated with Gps at various concentrations (1, 10 and 100 µg/ml) for 1 h. The protective effects of Gps on cholesterolinduced DNA damage were determined using immunofluorescence, western blotting, reversetranscription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. Pretreatment with Gps (1, 10 and 100 µg/ml) effectively attenuated cholesterolinduced DNA damage in HUVECs by inhibiting phosphorylation of H2AX, a member of the histone family. Furthermore, Gps (100 µg/ml) pretreatment inhibited cholesterolinduced transcription and activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphateoxidase 4 and reduced intracellular ROS levels. In conclusion, Gps attenuated cholesterolinduced DNA damage by inhibiting ROS production in HUVECs, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of Gps on atherogenesis is correlated with the alleviation of DNA damage.