Effect of Trametes cubensis Extract on Vascular Function of Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cells

Abstract

Mushrooms have been extensively used as traditional medicines to treat cancer and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we examined whether Trametes cubensis extract (TCE) exerted beneficial effects on cardiovascular function. First, we demonstrated that TCE was non-cytotoxic and enhanced cell proliferation of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Moreover, TCE induced cell migration and blocked lipopolysaccharide-induced adhesion of monocytes to BAEC. We performed a variety of cell signaling studies, showing that TCE activates p38 MAPK and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our results showed that TCE-induced vascular functions were mediated by p38 MAPK, but not by ROS. These results provide insights into bio-medical applications of TCE as a preventive or therapeutic agent for treating cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis.

Keywords

• cell migration
• endothelial cells
• heterotypic cell adhesion
• p38 map kinase
• trametes cubensis