Role of Yellow Wine in Homocysteine-induced Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function

Background Increased Hcy level is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). It was proposed that yellow rice wine improves Hcy-induced EPCs dysfunction and inhibits the development of atherosclerotic plaques. In this study, we observed whether yellow rice wine and red wine improve the properties of homocysteine (Hcy)-induced endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Methods The bone marrow of rats was extracted to isolate EPCs from the bone marrow cell suspension using density-gradient centrifugation. The cells were inoculated on culture plates coated with human fibronectin (HFN), to induce mononuclear cell differentiation into EPCs. Samples were divided into 5 groups including a control group. Western blotting. and NO assays were used respectively to observe the generation of eNOS, p-eNOS and NO. MTT and transwell assays were conducted. Apoptosis and in vitro angiogenesis of EPCs were determined. Results Compared with the control group, the potential for proliferation, migration and in vitro angiogenesis of EPCs decreased significantly following Hcy intervention (P 0.05). No impact on apoptotic function of EPCs was observed (P > 0.05). Hcy significantly lowers the capacity of proliferation, migration and in vitro angiogenesis of EPCs and reduces the production of eNOS, p-eNOS and NO. Conclusion Our results showed Hcy significantly lowers the capacity of proliferation, migration and in vitro angiogenesis of EPCs and reduces the production of eNOS, p-eNOS and NO,which indicates that yellow rice wine and red wine in small doses improve the functions of EPCs.