The effects of artemisinin on the proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells of rats

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of artemisinin on the proliferation and apoptosis of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHOD: Primary rat VSMCs were treated with various doses of artemisinin. Cell proliferation was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and the messenger RNA and protein expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen were determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis was measured using annexin V and propidium iodide double staining evaluated by flow cytometry. Protein expression of Bax, Bcl2, and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: After 72 h of treatment, artemisinin significantly inhibited VSMC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with 1 mM artemisinin for 72 h significantly reduced the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen messenger RNA. On the other hand, the same treatment increased the apoptosis of VSMCs, the activation of caspase-3, the Bax protein expression, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that artemisinin can effectively inhibit VSMC proliferation and induce VSMC apoptosis.