Protection of mitochondrial system by Hippophae rhamnoides L. against radiation-induced oxidative damage in mice

Dietary agents in the prevention of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV): review addressing the scientific observations, benefits, lacunae and future direction

PURPOSE

Radiation-induced Nausea and Vomiting (RINV) is an important side effect and conservative estimates are that 50-80% of the patients undergoing curative radiotherapy (RT) will experience some sought of retching, nausea, and/or vomiting during the course of their treatment. Conventionally, antiemetic drugs like the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists and steroids are the mainstay of treatment. However, the use of these agents, especially steroids, can cause side effects and thereby negate the proposed benefits. The antiemetic effects of Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn), oil of Mentha spicata (Spearmint) and the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (ginger) have been addressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that Indian pennywort, Sea buckthorn, Spearmint oil and ginger are beneficial in mitigating RINV. Also, of the four plants investigated in preclinical models of study, mint oil and ginger seem to be more useful and merit structured systematic translational studies to ascertain the benefit of these two agents.

Adverse effect propensity: A new feature of Gulf War illness predicted by environmental exposures

A third of 1990-1 Gulf-deployed personnel developed drug/chemical-induced multisymptom illness, "Gulf War illness" (GWI). Veterans with GWI (VGWI) report increased drug/exposure adverse effects (AEs). Using previously collected data from a case-control study, we evaluated whether the fraction of exposures that engendered AEs ("AE Propensity") is increased in VGWI (it was); whether AE Propensity is related to self-rated "chemical sensitivity" (it did); and whether specific exposures "predicted" AE Propensity (they did). Pesticides and radiation exposure were significant predictors, with copper significantly "protective"-in the total sample (adjusted for GWI-status) and separately in VGWI and controls, on multivariable regression. Mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress (OS) underlie AEs from many exposures irrespective of nominal specific mechanism. We hypothesize that mitochondrial toxicity and interrelated OS from pesticides and radiation position people on the steep part of the curve of mitochondrial impairment and OS versus symptom/biological disruption, amplifying impact of new exposures. Copper, meanwhile, is involved in critical OS detoxification processes.

Fruits and their phytochemicals in mitigating the ill effects of ionizing radiation: review on the existing scientific evidence and way forward

Although helpful in treating cancer, exposure to ionizing radiation can sometimes cause severe side effects, negating its benefit. In addition to its use in clinics, a nontoxic radioprotective agent can also be beneficial in occupational settings where humans are occupationally exposed for prolonged periods to low doses of radiation. Scientific studies using laboratory animals have shown that the fruits Aegle marmelos, Capsicum annuum, Citrus aurantium, Citrullus lanatus, Crataegus microphylla, Eugenia jambolana, Emblica officinalis, Garcinia kola, Grewia asiatica, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus baccata, Malpighia glabra or Malpighia emarginata, Mangifera indica, Prunus domestica, Prunus avium, Prunus armeniaca, Psoralea corylifolia, Punica granatum, Solanum lycopersicum, Terminalia chebula, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Vitis vinifera and Xylopia aethiopica, and the phytochemicals gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, geraniin, corilagin, ascorbic acid, hesperetin, ursolic acid, lycopene, naringin, hesperidin, rutin, resveratrol, β-sitosterol, apigenin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, mangiferin, diosmin, ferulic acid, and kaempferol are effective in preventing radiation-induced ill effects. Clinical studies with Emblica officinalis and Punica granatum have also shown that fruits help mitigate radiation-induced mucositis, dermatitis, and cystitis. For the first time, the current review summarizes the beneficial effects of fruits and phytochemicals in mitigating radiation-induced damage, the underlying mechanisms and the existing lacunae for future studies to be undertaken for the benefit of humans and the nutraceutical and agri-based industries.

Prebiotic Mannan Oligosaccharide Pretreatment Improves Mice Survival Against Lethal Effects of Gamma Radiation by Protecting GI Tract and Hematopoietic Systems

Total body irradiation (TBI) results in critical injuries in a dose dependent manner that primarily damages highly proliferating tissues including hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and intestinal crypt stem cells etc. This may result in hematopoietic syndrome leading to bone marrow failure and gastrointestinal syndrome leading to chronic intestinal functional alterations. Death results from the gastrointestinal syndrome due to sepsis, bleeding, dehydration, and multi-system organ failure. We demonstrate that the prebiotic mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) pretreatment substantially prolongs survival in both male and female mice when administered 2 h prior to radiation either through oral or intraperitoneal route. The radioprotective efficacy of MOS was found to be age dependent and improves survival even in aged mice (12–13 months old). MOS pretreatment effectively abrogates radiation-induced hematopoietic injury and accelerates recovery of lymphocytes and WBCs and alleviates depletion of circulatory blood cells. Results also illustrate that MOS pretreatment abolishes crypt cell death and denudation of villi in comparison to the respective irradiated animals and ameliorates the overall radiation-induced damage to the GI system. MOS pretreatment facilitates intestinal recovery leading to enhanced animal survival demonstrating its protection efficacy against TBI induced mortality. Moreover, MOS pretreated animals show signs of accelerated recovery in terms of severity of radiation sickness symptoms including weight loss and completely abolish TBI associated mortality.

The bioactive components as well as the nutritional and health effects of sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn (SB), also named sea berry, Hippophae rhamnoides L. or Elaeagnus rhamnoides L., has been used in daily life for centuries with kinds of purposes ranging from a beverage with a pleasant taste and flavor, to an agent for treatment of many disorders and diseases. SB is well known more than just a fruit. So far, a unique mixture of bioactive components was elucidated in SB including flavonoids, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, carotenoids, fatty acids, triterpenoids, vitamins and phytosterols, which implied the great medicinal worth of this seaberry. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments, ranged from cell lines to animals as well as a few in patients and healthy volunteers, indicated that SB possessed various biological activities including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant properties, anti-cancer activities, hepato-protection, cardiovascular-protection, neuroprotection, radioprotection, skin protection effect as well as the protective effect against some eye and gastrointestinal sickness. Furthermore, the toxicological results revealed neither the fruits, nor the seeds of SB were toxic. The present review summarizes the unique profile of the chemical compounds, the nutritional and health effects as well as the toxicological properties of SB, which lay the foundation for practical applications of SB in treatment of human diseases.

Sea buckthorn (SB), also named sea berry, has been used in daily life for centuries with kinds of purposes ranging from a beverage with a pleasant taste and flavor, to an agent for treatment of many disorders and diseases.

Mannan oligosaccharide requires functional ETC and TLR for biological radiation protection to normal cells

BACKGROUND

Low LET Ionizing radiation is known to alter intracellular redox balance by inducing free radical generation, which may cause oxidative modification of various cellular biomolecules. The extent of biomolecule-modifications/ damages and changes in vital processes (viz. cellular homeostasis, inter-/intra-cellular signaling, mitochondrial physiology/dynamics antioxidant defence systems) are crucial which in turn determine fate of cells.

RESULTS

In the present study, we expended TLR expressing (normal/ transformed) and TLR null cells; and we have shown that mannan pretreatment in TLR expressing normal cells offers survival advantage against lethal doses of ionizing radiation. On the contrary, mannan pretreatment does not offer any protection against radiation to TLR null cells, NKE ρ° cells and transformed cells. In normal cells, abrupt decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and endogenous ROS levels occurs following treatment with mannan. We intend to irradiate mannan-pretreated cells at a specific stage of perturbed mitochondrial functioning and ROS levels to comprehend if mannan pretreatment offers any survival advantage against radiation exposure to cells. Interestingly, pre-irradiation treatment of cells with mannan activates NFκB, p38 and JNK, alters mitochondrial physiology, increases expression of Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD, minimizes oxidation of mitochondrial phospholipids and offers survival advantage in comparison to irradiated group, in TLR expressing normal cells.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates that TLR and mitochondrial ETC functions are inevitable in radio-protective efficacy exhibited by mannan.

The Anticancer Activity of Sea Buckthorn [Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson]

Various parts of sea buckthorn [Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson], particularly the berries, known also as seaberries, or Siberian pineapples, are characterized by a unique composition of bioactive compounds: phenolic compounds, vitamins (especially vitamin C), unsaturated fatty acids, and phytosterols such as beta-sitosterol. These berries, together with the juices, jams, and oils made from them, have a range of beneficial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. This short review discusses whether sea buckthorn may represent a “golden mean” for the treatment of cancers: It has anti-proliferation properties and can induce apoptosis and stimulate the immune system, and sea buckthorn oil counteracts many side effects of chemotherapy by restoring kidney and liver function, increasing appetite, and keeping patients in general good health. Although the anticancer activity of sea buckthorn has been confirmed by many in vitro and animal in vivo studies, the treatment and prophylactic doses for humans are unknown. Therefore, greater attention should be paid to the development of well-controlled and high-quality clinical experiments in this area.

A review of radiation countermeasures focusing on injury-specific medicinals and regulatory approval status: part III. Countermeasures under early stages of development along with 'standard of care' medicinal and procedures not requiring regulatory approval for use

PURPOSE

Terrorist attacks, with their intent to maximize psychological and economic damage as well as inflicting sickness and death on given targeted populations, are an ever-growing worldwide concern in government and public sectors as they become more frequent, violent, and sensational. If given the chance, it is likely that terrorists will use radiological or nuclear weapons. To thwart these sinister efforts, both physical and medical countermeasures against these weapons are currently being researched and developed so that they can be utilized by the first responders, military, and medical providers alike. This is the third article of a three-part series in which we have reviewed additional radiation countermeasures that are currently under early preclinical phases of development using largely animal models and have listed and discussed clinical support measures, including agents used for radiation-induced emesis, as well as countermeasures not requiring Food and Drug Administration approval.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the significant progress that has been made in this area during the last several years, additional effort is needed in order to push promising new agents, currently under development, through the regulatory pipeline. This pipeline for new promising drugs appears to be unreasonably slow and cumbersome; possible reasons for this inefficiency are briefly discussed. Significant and continued effort needs to be afforded to this research and development area, as to date, there is no approved radioprotector that can be administered prior to high dose radiation exposure. This represents a very significant, unmet medical need and a significant security issue. A large number of agents with potential to interact with different biological targets are under development. In the next few years, several additional radiation countermeasures will likely receive Food and Drug Administration approval, increasing treatment options for victims exposed to unwanted ionizing irradiation.

Studies on radiation sensitization efficacy by silymarin in colon carcinoma cells

Recent reports demonstrated the role of silymarin as a cytoprotective agent for normal cells against ionizing or non-ionizing (UV) radiation, and in inhibiting the chemically initiated or promoted carcinogenesis in several malignancies, such as skin or prostate cancers. Silymarin is a plant flavonoid obtained from milk thistle; the main active principles in milk thistle are silybin (silibinin), sylichrisitin and silydianin, commonly referred as silymarin. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the radiation modulatory effects of silymarin on cancer cells. For this, we used the HCT-15 and RKO colon cancer cell lines as a model. Pre-irradiation treatment of cells with silymarin (20 mg/ml) followed by radiation exposure inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation and enhances cell death in a time-dependent manner. We have also examined the changes in p53 phosphorylation at Ser15, phosphorylation of p38 and their association with DNA damage. Silymarin was found to reduce proliferation of the human colon carcinoma cells in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Moreover, percentage of cell death was also increased in combined treatment (20µg/ml of silymarin + radiation). Our studies indicate that the combination increases the arrest of cells in G2/M phase of cell cycle, DNA damage-induced decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and a decrease of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which are associated with an increase in cell death. Altogether, these results suggest that silymarin sensitizes colon cancer cells to radiation, strategy with potential for colon cancer treatment. Noteworthy, since silymarin was previously shown to confer protection against radiation in at least some types of normal tissues, additional studies are needed to further investigate the potential of silymarin in colon cancer therapy when combined with radiation, its potential protective effects on normal tissues and its mechanisms of action.

Prospects in the development of natural radioprotective therapeutics with anti-cancer properties from the plants of Uttarakhand region of India

Radioprotective agents are substances those reduce the effects of radiation in healthy tissues while maintaining the sensitivity to radiation damage in tumor cells. Due to increased awareness about radioactive substances and their fatal effects on human health, radioprotective agents are now the topic of vivid research. Scavenging of free radicals is the most common mechanism in oncogenesis that plays an important role in protecting tissues from lethal effect of radiation exposure therefore radioprotectors are also good anti-cancer agents. There are numerous studies indicating plant-based therapeutics against cancer and radioprotection. Such plants could be further explored for developing them as promising natural radioprotectors with anti-cancer properties. This review systematically presents information on plants having radioprotective and anti-cancer properties.

Modulation expression of tumor necrosis factor α in the radiation-induced lung injury by glycyrrhizic acid

To evaluate the ability of glycyrrhizic acid (GLA) to reduce the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), release on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein production in the lungs using GLA in response to irradiation were studied. The animals were divided into four groups: No treatment (NT group), GLA treatment only (GLA group), irradiation only (XRT group), and GLA treatment plus irradiation (GLA/XRT group). Rats were killed at different time points. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the mRNA expression of TNF-α in the lungs (compared with non-irradiated lungs). An enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) assay was used to measure the TNF-α protein level. The TNF-α mRNA expression in the lungs of the XRT rats was clearly higher at all-time points compared to the NT rats. The TNF-α mRNA expression in the lungs of the GLA/XRT rats was lower at all-time points compared to the XRT rats. Release of the TNF-α on protein level in the lungs of the XRT rats increased at all-time points compared to the NT rats. In contrast to the XRT rats, the lungs of the GLA/XRT rats revealed a reduction on TNF-α protein level at 6 h after irradiation. This study has clearly showed the immediate down-regulation of the TNF-α mRNA and protein production in the lungs using GLA in response to irradiation.

NF-kB as a key player in regulation of cellular radiation responses and identification of radiation countermeasures

Nuclear factor (NF)-κB is a transcription factor that plays significant role in immunity, cellular survival and inhibition of apoptosis, through the induction of genetic networks. Depending on the stimulus and the cell type, the members of NF-κB related family (RelA, c-Rel, RelB, p50, and p52), forms different combinations of homo and hetero-dimers. The activated complexes (Es) translocate into the nucleus and bind to the 10bp κB site of promoter region of target genes in stimulus specific manner. In response to radiation, NF-κB is known to reduce cell death by promoting the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and activation of cellular antioxidant defense system. Constitutive activation of NF-κB associated genes in tumour cells are known to enhance radiation resistance, whereas deletion in mice results in hypersensitivity to IR-induced GI damage. NF-κB is also known to regulate the production of a wide variety of cytokines and chemokines, which contribute in enhancing cell proliferation and tissue regeneration in various organs, such as the GI crypts stem cells, bone marrow etc., following exposure to IR. Several other cytokines are also known to exert potent pro-inflammatory effects that may contribute to the increase of tissue damage following exposure to ionizing radiation. Till date there are a series of molecules or group of compounds that have been evaluated for their radio-protective potential, and very few have reached clinical trials. The failure or less success of identified agents in humans could be due to their reduced radiation protection efficacy. In this review we have considered activation of NF-κB as a potential marker in screening of radiation countermeasure agents (RCAs) and cellular radiation responses. Moreover, we have also focused on associated mechanisms of activation of NF-κB signaling and their specified family member activation with respect to stimuli. Furthermore, we have categorized their regulated gene expressions and their function in radiation response or modulation. In addition, we have discussed some recently developed radiation countermeasures in relation to NF-κB activation

Medicinal and therapeutic potential of Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL CONTEXT: This review explores the medicinal and therapeutic applications of Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in curtailing different types of acute as well as chronic maladies. The plant is being used in different parts of the world for its nutritional and medicinal properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sea buckthorn based preparations have been extensively exploited in folklore treatment of slow digestion, stomach malfunctioning, cardiovascular problems, liver injury, tendon and ligament injuries, skin diseases and ulcers. In the recent years, medicinal and pharmacological activities of Sea buckthorn have been well investigated using various in vitro and in vivo models as well as limited clinical trials.

RESULTS

Sea buckthorn has been scientifically analyzed and many of its traditional uses have been established using several biochemical and pharmacological studies. Various pharmacological activities such as cytoprotective, anti-stress, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, radioprotective, anti-atherogenic, anti-tumor, anti-microbial and tissue regeneration have been reported.

CONCLUSION

It is clear that Sea buckthorn is an important plant because of its immense medicinal and therapeutic potential. However, several knowledge gaps identified in this paper would give impetus to new academic and R&D activities especially for the development of Sea buckthorn based herbal medicine and nutraceuticals.

The relationship between structure and antioxidative activity of piperidine nitroxides

We have investigated the relationship between structure and antioxidative activity of piperidine nitroxides which were substituted by different groups at the 4-position. All of the tested piperidine nitroxides inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) generation caused either spontaneously or by a hydroxyl free radical generation system (Fe2+-ascorbic acid) in homogenates of liver, heart and kidney of rats, and antagonized H2O2-induced haemolysis from rat erythrocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. The same rank was followed: Bis-(4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinooxyl) (4-BIS-Tempo) and 4-azido-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinooxyl (4-N3-Tempo) >4-isothiocyanate-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinooxyl (4-ISO-Tempo), 4-2′,4′-dinitrophenyl-hydrazone-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinooxyl (4-D-Tempo), 4-sulfonate-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinooxyl (4-S-Tempo) and 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinooxyl (4-NH2-Tempo) > 4-acetate ester-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinooxyl (4-A-Tempo) and 4-benzoate-2,2,6,6-tetra-methyl piperidinooxyl (4-B-Tempo). With the exception of 4-A-Tempo and 4-D-Tempo, the tested piperidine nitroxides inhibited superoxide anion (O2.-) release from neutrophils stimulated by zymosan. The concentration required for inhibiting O2.- release was higher than that of inhibiting MDA formation and haemolysis. However, 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine (4-NH2-TempH) and other 4-position substitutes, such as NaN3 and isothiocyanate, had no effects on MDA formation, haemolysis or O2.- release. The results indicated that nitroxides have a wide range of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) actions. The nitroxide moiety was the essential group while the 4-position substitutes could influence the activity of nitroxides on scavenging ROS.

Adaptogenic and safety evaluation of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) leaf extract: a dose dependent study

The effects of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L., Elaeagnaceae), leaf aqueous extract were examined in rats for its adaptogenic activity and toxicity. Dose dependent adaptogenic study of extract was carried out at different doses administered orally, 30min prior to cold (5 degrees C)-hypoxia (428mmHg)-restraint (C-H-R) exposure. After sub-acute toxicity studies on 10 and 20 times doses of maximal effective dose administered for 14 days (single oral dose of 1g/kg and 2g/kg once daily) and maximal effective dose administered for 30 days (single oral dose of 100mg/kg once daily), biochemical and hematological parameters were studied in the serum and blood. The maximal effective adaptogenic dose of the extract was 100mg/kg body weight. No significant changes were observed in organ weight/body weight ratios, of any vital organ studied (except liver and kidney in 1g/kg and 2g/kg body weight doses, respectively), and biochemical and hematological parameters of the sub-acute drug treated animals in comparison to control rats. In acute toxicity study LD(50) of the extract was observed to be >10g/kg when given orally. These results indicate that seabuckthorn leaf aqueous extract possess potent adaptogenic activity with no toxicity even after sub-acute (30 days) maximal effective dose administration.

Isorhamnetin prevent endothelial cell injuries from oxidized LDL via activation of p38MAPK

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the protective effects of isorhamnetin on endothelial cell line EA.hy926 injuries induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and to uncover some of the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Indices such as cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and nitric oxide (NO) release were measured to evaluate the protective effects of isorhamnetin. 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), superoxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were also detected to evaluate the antioxidant effects of isorhamnetin. Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used to confirm the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA and lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 mRNA. Western blotting was used to evaluate the protein expression of this receptor and eNOS, as well as p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) phosphorylation and NF-kappaB p65 translocation. As a result, cell viability decreased significantly (P<0.01) after 24 h treatment with ox-LDL, accompanied with apparent secretion disorders such as NO reduction and LDH increase. Pretreatment with isorhamnetin resulted in remarkable increase of cell viability (P<0.05) and modulation of secretion disorders mediated by ox-LDL in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, ox-LDL led to upregulation of lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1, phosphorylation of p38MAPK, translocation of NF-kappaB, and downregulation of the eNOS expression in endothelial cells. Isorhamnetin pretreatment inhibited the ox-LDL-induced downregulation of eNOS, upregulation of lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1, phosphorylation of the p38MAPK and translocation of NF-kappaB. Moreover, isorhamnetin exhibited strong antioxidant activity, which was shown by its inhibition effects on ox-LDL-induced superoxide, ROS overproduction and significant SOD reduction. The data indicated the protective effects of isorhamnetin on endothelial cell line EA.hy926 from ox-LDL-induced cell injuries. These effects were obtained via inhibition of lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 upregulation, interference of ox-LDL-mediated intracellular signaling pathway (p38MAPK activation, NF-kappaB nuclear translocation, eNOS expression) and the antioxidant activity of isorhamnetin.

Flavonoids from seabuckthorn protect endothelial cells (EA.hy926) from oxidized low-density lipoprotein induced injuries via regulation of LOX-1 and eNOS expression

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the protective effects of flavonoids from seabuckthorn (FSBT), a traditional Chinese medicine, on endothelial cell line EA.hy926 injury induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Possible mechanisms were then explored. The effects of quercetin and isorhamnetin, 2 major components of FSBT, were examined as well. Indices such as cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase, nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase, and superoxide were measured. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry were employed to determine the endothelial constitutive NO synthase (eNOS) and lectinlike low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) expression. Cell viability decreased significantly after 24 hours treatment with ox-LDL, accompanied with apparent secretion disorders such as NO reduction and lactate dehydrogenase increase. FSBT pretreatment could remarkably prevent both cell death and secretion disorders in a concentration-dependent manner. Besides, it was observed that ox-LDL triggered superoxide production and suppressed the superoxide dismutase activity, both of which could be prevented by FSBT pretreatment. Moreover, ox-LDL inhibited eNOS expression and increased LOX-1 expression, whereas FSBT pretreatment partly abolished these effects. Similar effects were obtained with quercetin and isorhamnetin, implying that they may contribute, at least in part, to the protective effects of FSBT. The data indicate that the protective effects of FSBT against ox-LDL induced endothelial cell injuries might derive from its antioxidant activity and its capability in modulating the expression of eNOS and LOX-1. And quercetin and isorhamnetin may contribute to these effects of FSBT.