Cholestin (Monascus purpureus rice) inhibits homocysteine-induced reactive oxygen species generation, nuclear factor-κB activation, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in human aortic endothelial cells

Chih Pei Lin, Yung Hsiang Chen, Jaw Wen Chen, Hsin Bang Leu, Tsan Zon Liu, Po Len Liu, Song Lih Huang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with dysfunction and an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Cholestin (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice), contains a naturally-occurring statin, which has lipid-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the effects of Cholestin extract on the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) by homocysteine (HCY)-treated human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Supplement of HAECs with Cholestin extract significantly suppressed cellular binding between the human monocytic cells U937 and HCY-stimulated HAECs. Quantitative PCR and immunoblot analysis showed that Cholestin extract significantly attenuated HCY-induced expression of VCAM-1 mRNA and protein, respectively. Gel shift assays showed that Cholestin treatment reduced HCY-activated transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Furthermore, Cholestin also attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in vitro and in HCY-treated HAECs. Supplement with statins including simvastatin and parastatin gave similar results as compared with Cholestin. In conclusion, Cholestin reduces HCY-stimulated endothelial adhesiveness as well as downregulating intracellular ROS formation, NF-κB activation, and VCAM-1 expression in HAECs, supporting the notion that the natural compound Cholestin may have potential implications in clinical atherosclerosis disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)183-196
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Biomedical Science
Volume15
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cell adhesion molecule
  • Cholestin (Monascus purpureus rice red yeast rice)
  • Homocysteine
  • Nuclear factor-κB
  • Oxidative stress
  • Statins

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry, medical
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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