Saikosaponin C inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis by suppressing caspase-3 activation and subsequent degradation of focal adhesion kinase in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Highlights: [•] Caspase-3 and FAK degradation are important in LPS-induced apoptosis in endothelial cells. [•] SSc inhibits LPS-induced apoptosis. [•] SSc suppresses LPS-induced caspase-3 activation and FAK degradation. [•] Caspase-3-mediated FAK degradation is important in the protective action of SSc against LPS-induced endothelial apoptosis. [•] SSc represents a potential novel therapeutic approach against endothelial injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]