Abstract
Objectives : Oxidative stress can induce negative responses such as growth inhibition or cell death by necrosis or apoptosis due to the intensity of the oxidative stress, as well as positive responses such as cellular proliferation or activation. We examined the effect of Jihwangeumja on this process. Methods and Results : We analyzed the influence of oxidative stress and agents that modify its effect in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). Oxidative stress was induced by $B_2O_2$. With induced oxidative stress the results obtained indicate that it has a harmful effect over cell function and viability, and that this effect is dose and time dependent. When oxidative stress increased, Jihwangeumja reduced cell damage and had protective functions. $B_2O_2$, induced the apoptosis of HUVEC through the activation of intrinsic caspases pathway as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. A significant increase in cell survival was observed in culture cells with oxidative stress when they were treated with Jihwangeumja. Conclusions : These results suggest that Jihwangeumja may be potentially useful to treat HUVEC against oxidative damages mediated by modulation of caspase protease and mitochondrial dysfunction.
