Effects of plant lectin and extracts on adhesion molecules of endothelial progenitors

Abstract

Promise of cell therapy has advanced the use of adult stem cells towards the development of novel approaches to promote regeneration of injured endothelium. The aim of this study was to stimulate endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) with lectin isolated from Solanum tuberosum (potato) shoot and Calendula officinalis (marigold) extracts, in order to increase EPCs proliferation and gene expression of molecules with roles in chemotaxis and adhesion for a better attachment to injured vascular tissue. EPCs were differentiated from umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells and characterized by light microscopy, flow cytometry, and vascular tube-like structures formation on Matrigel. Cell proliferation was determined by MTS assay, and gene expression of molecules involved in EPCs adhesion (VCAM-1, VE-cadherin, ICAM-1, PECAM-1, P-selectin) and chemotaxis was determined (CXCR4, Tie-2) by RT-PCR. For the assessment of cell motility, wound-healing assay was employed. Both potato shoot lectin and marigold extracts stimulated EPCs proliferation in a concentration dependent manner and were able to increase expression of adhesion and chemotactic molecules. Marigold flower extract proved to be more efficient. This study demonstrates the usefulness of potato lectin and marigold extracts to increase EPCs proliferation and modulate gene expression of chemotactic and adhesion molecules, which may facilitate EPCs attachment to injured endothelium.

Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Inhibitors Down-Regulate Endothelial Lineage Commitment of Umbilical Cord Blood Derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells

“…Endothelial progenitor cells derived from human umbilical cord blood were obtained by Histopaque (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) density gradient centrifugation at 400× g , for 30 min at room temperature as previously describe [11,13]. After centrifugation, the mononuclear cells (MNCs) layer was harvested and washed twice in Dulbeco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM, Sigma-Aldrich) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS).…”

“…As the cells differentiate, they acquire endothelial lineage markers, such as vascular endothelium-cadherin, PECAM-1 (CD31), von Willebrand factor, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), E-selectin, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR2), and incorporate acetylated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [11,12]. Because mature endothelial cells have limited ability to regenerate damaged endothelium since these cells are terminally differentiated, EPCs may play a significant role in vascular repair and healing, and reduce cardiovascular events associated with endothelial cell loss, including thrombosis, restenosis, and hypertension [13–15]. Understanding the mechanism induced by histones modifications that regulates pluripotency and differentiation of EPCs may help stem cell research for the elaboration of new hopeful treatments for various cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, autoimmune diseases, spinal cord injuries, by transplantation therapies of progenitor’s cells [16–18].…”

Phyto-Extracts in Wound Healing

“…Whole plant extracts from Achyrenthus aspera (33) and 'Calproteins' from Calatropis procera (123) were believed to posssess constituents having mitogenic activities. Extracts of Calendula officinalis flowers have increased proliferation potential for endothelial progenitor cells (518). Extracts of leaves from Datura alba (195) and Euphorbia heterophylla (220) are believed to have strong mitogenic potentials contributing to the healing process.…”

Effect of the Lectin of Bauhinia variegata and Its Recombinant Isoform on Surgically Induced Skin Wounds in a Murine Model

“…When activated, they release mediators capable of initiating inflammatory response [ 29 , 38 ]. Stimulation of adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, VE-Cadherin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and P-selectin) and chemotaxis (CXC receptors) triggers the migration of inflammatory cells to the damaged tissues [ 6 , 39 ]. Iordache and colleagues demonstrated that lectins from potatoes ( Solanum tuberosum ) and extracts of marigold ( Calendula officinalis ) are able to increase the proliferation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and modulate gene expression of adhesive molecules and chemotaxis, facilitating the attachment of the EPCs to the injured endothelium.…”