Osthole protects against Ang II-induced endotheliocyte death by targeting NF-κB pathway and Keap-1/Nrf2 pathway.

Osthole, the main active constituents in traditional Chinese medicine fructus cnidii, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. Apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells is an important cause of cardiovascular disease. Inflammation and oxidative stress are two key factors in injury of endotheliocyte. In this study, we investigated the effect of osthole on Ang II-induced apoptosis of rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) and explored the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, the protective effects of osthole on RAECs induced by Ang II in vitro were tested. Additionally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were utilized to investigate the potential binding mode of osthole to NF-κB and Keap1. Our results showed osthole remarkably attenuates Ang II-induced apoptosis of RAECs via alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed the potential interaction of osthole bind to the P65 subunit of NF-κB and the Keap1 protein, an adaptor for the degradation of Nrf2. We further found that osthole decreased Ang II-induced inflammation and oxidative stress through respectively modulating NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways in RAECs. These studies provide evidence that osthole may represent a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of vascular injury.

Red yeast rice induces less muscle fatigue symptom than simvastatin in dyslipidemic patients: a single center randomized pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: About 10-15% patients who take statins experience skeletal muscle problems. Red yeast rice has a good safety profile could provide a compromise therapeutic strategy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of red yeast rice, when compared to simvastatin, on the muscle fatigue symptom and the serum lipid level in dyslipidemic patients with low to moderate cardiovascular risk. METHODS: A total of 60 dyslipidemic patients with low to moderate cardiovascular risk were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either simvastatin (n = 33) or red yeast rice (n = 27) for 4 weeks. The muscle fatigue score, the physical activity, the serum lipid profile and the safety profile were then evaluated. RESULTS: At the end of study, the fatigue score was significantly increased in patients treated with simvastatin, whereas no significant change was observed in patients receiving red yeast rice. In addition, the physical activity level was significantly decreased in patients from simvastatin group when compared to those from red yeast rice group. Similar lipid-lowering effects were observed in two groups. The safety profile was not affected after the treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Among dyslipidemic patients with low to moderate cardiovascular risk, red yeast rice induced less fatigue side effect and exerted comparable lipid-lowering effects when compared to simvastatin in this pilot primary prevention study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01686451 .