Lab Anim Res.  2011 Jun;27(2):85-90. 10.5625/lar.2011.27.2.85.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate Regulates Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

• Ahn HY
• Kim CH

• KMID: 2053656
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5625/lar.2011.27.2.85

Abstract

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a main enzyme producing nitric oxide during inflammation and thus contributes to the initiation and development of inflammatory cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major catechin derived from green tea, has multiple beneficial effects for treating cardiovascular disease, but the effect of EGCG on the expression of vascular iNOS remains unknown. In this study, we investigated (i) whether EGCG inhibits the expression of vascular iNOS induced by angiotensin II in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and, if it does inhibit, (ii) mechanisms underlying the inhibition. Angiotensin II increased expression levels of vascular iNOS; EGCG counteracted this effect. EGCG increased the production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, EGCG did not affect the production of reactive oxygen species induced by angiotensin II. These data suggest a novel mechanism whereby EGCG provides direct vascular benefits for treating inflammatory cardiovascular diseases.

Keyword

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG); inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS); angiotensin II; reactive oxygen species (ROS); human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)

MeSH Terms

Angiotensin II
Atherosclerosis
Cardiovascular Diseases
Catechin
Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Humans
Inflammation
Nitric Oxide
Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
Reactive Oxygen Species
Tea
Angiotensin II
Catechin
Nitric Oxide
Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
Reactive Oxygen Species
Tea