Pro-angiogenic effect of the isoflavonoid Coumestrol on human vascular endothelial EA.hy926 cells

Abstract

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. Recent studies have shown that intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as extracellular stimuli such as VEGF, PDGF, and FGF, induces angiogenesis. Coumestrol, a phytoestrogen with high estrogenic potency, has been also assessed to regulate intracellular ROS. In this study, we investigated the angiogenic effect of coumestrol on human vascular endothelial cells, EA.hy926 and found that coumestrol increases intracellular ROS level and induces tube formation and cell migration of the EA.hy926 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Coumestrol-induced increase in the ROS level, the tube formation, and cell migration was decreased by treatment of cells with antioxidants, NAC and DPI. These results suggest that coumestrol shows angiogenic effects in the EA.hy926 cells by increasing intracellular ROS level. Coumestrol may be a potential candidate for a pro-angiogenic agent.