OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of danshensu on function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from peripheral blood which were damaged by oxidative low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL). And study its possible mechanism.

METHODTotal mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from peripheral blood by ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and were identified by demonstrating the expression of CD34, VEGFR-2 and AC133 with flow cytometry, to sure that all the cells needed were EPCs. Then the cells were plated on fibronectin-coated culture dishes. After incubation for 7 days, attached cells were collected and divided into three groups: Control group, Ox-LDL group, danshensu intervention group, stimulated with different cencentrations of danshensu (2, 10 and 50 mg x L(-1)), adhesion assay respectively. EPCs adhesion assay were performed by replating those on fibronectin-coated dishes, then adherent cells were counted. And take cell supernate of each group to carry on the SOD, MDA content examination.

RESULTOx-LDL impaired EPC proliferative and adhesive capacity. In Ox-LDL group, The SOD content obviously drops, the MDA content obviously elevates. After danshensu interventing for 24 h, adhesive EPCs and migratory EPCs were significantly increased. Compared with Ox-LDL group, the SOD content of Danshensu intervention group obviously increased and the MDA content obviously reduced.

CONCLUSIONdanshensu could improve proliferative and adhesive capacity of EPCs that were impaired by Ox-LDL. The mechanism might relate to the oxidation resistance damage.