V. Ivanov, M.W. Roomi, T. Kalinovsky, A. Niedzwiecki, M. Rath
The Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology 2005, 46(5): 570-6

Introduction:
Plant-derived bioflavonoids have been recognized to support arterial wall structural integrity and interfere with a variety of pro-atherosclerotic stimuli. In this study we tested the effects of bioflavonoids on the contractile activity of cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) embedded in a three-dimensional type I collagen matrix.

Methods:

Collagen I solution mixed with human aortic SMC in 24-well plates were allowed to form gels. Tested compounds were added to the wells and the gels were set afloat by gentle tapping. Digital photographs of the gels were taken after 24h incubation at 37°C. The area of contracted gel was measured and expressed as a percentage of the control gel area from three or more replicates. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP -2) in conditioned media was assessed by gel zymography.

Results:
Different classes of bioflavanoids showed variable efficiency in inhibiting angiotensin II (ATII)-dependent collagen gel contraction by SMCs. Catechin potencies in collagen inhibition were related to the number of gallate groups per catechin molecule and the potencies of phenolic-enriched plant-derived extracts were based on phenolic composition. Antioxidants (N-acetyl cysteine and ascorbic acid) did not inhibit collagen gel contraction. Bioflavonoid inhibition of collagen gel contraction by SMC correlated with inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase -2 expression.

Conclusion:
Bioflavonoids participate in the regulation of SMC-mediated contraction and have a strong potential in counteracting pathophysiological effects of ATII. Bioflavonoid activity depends on structural characteristics and can be related to extracellular matrix integrity.

Key Words:
bioflavonoids, human aortic smooth muscle cell, collagen gel contraction

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