Effects of triptolide on changes of endothelial progenitor cells from peripheral blood

AIM: To investigate the effects of triptolide on endothelial progenitor cells from peripheral blood.METHODS: Total mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation.The cells were plated on fibronectin-coated culture dishes.After 7 d of culture,adherent cells were characterized by demonstrating the expression of CD34,CD31 and vWF with immunohistochemistry.Adherent cells were stimulated with triptolide (2.5,5.0,10.0,20.0 μg/L) or vehicle control for 24 h.Activities of EPCs in terms of proliferation and migration were determined by MTT assay and modified Boyden chamber assay,respectively.EPCs adhesion assay was performed by replating MNCs on fibronectin-coated dishes,and then the adherent cells were counted.RESULTS: The proliferative,migratory and adhesive capacities of EPCs decreased significantly after 24 h incubation with triptolide,maximum at 20 μg/L (compared to that in control group).In patients with coronary heart disease,the biological function of EPCs was lower than that in patients without coronary heart disease in low dosage of triptolide but almost the same in high dosage group.CONCLUSION: Triptolide may inhibit functional activities of EPCs,the reendothelization and neovascularization of vessel.