Abstract
Luteolin is a flavonoid with antioxidant properties already demonstrated in studies related to inflammation, tumor, and cardiovascular processes; however, there are no available information regarding its antioxidant effects at the venous endothelial site. We investigated the effects of luteolin (10, 20, and 50 μmol/L) in cultures of rat venous endothelial cells. Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed by fluorimetry; 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) residues were evaluated by immunofluorescence, and prostacyclin (PGI2) release was investigated by colorimetry. Intracellular NO levels were significantly enhanced after 10 min of luteolin incubation, with a parallel decrease in ROS generation. These results were accompanied by a significant reduction in the expression of 3-NT residues and enhanced PGI2 rates. Therefore, luteolin is effective in reducing ROS thereby improving NO availability in venous endothelial cells. Besides, luteolin-induced decrease in 3-NT residues may correlate with the enhancement in endothelial PGI2 bioavailability. These findings suggest the future application of this flavonoid as a protective agent by improving endothelial function in several circulatory disorders related to venous insufficiency.
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Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to Wilson Dias Segura for technical assistance. This study was supported by grants from Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) (2017/22028-5; 2017/21834-8), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq).
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This study was supported by grants from Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) (2017/22028-5; 2017/21834-8), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq).
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H.C.R.A.: Conceptualization; Methodology; Investigation. Y.M.C.C.: Conceptualization; Methodology; Investigation. J.S.B.: Conceptualization; Methodology; Investigation. R.C.T.G.: Conceptualization; Visualization; Funding acquisition. L.F.: Writing—Review & Editing; Supervision; Project administration; Funding acquisition.
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Assunção, H.C.R., Cruz, Y.M.C., Bertolino, J.S. et al. Protective effects of luteolin on the venous endothelium. Mol Cell Biochem 476, 1849–1859 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-020-04025-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-020-04025-w