XJP-1 protects endothelial cells from oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced apoptosis by inhibiting NADPH oxidase subunit expression and modulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway.

Endothelial apoptosis triggered by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) can accelerate the progression of endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis. (±)7,8-Dihydroxy-3-methyl-isochromanone-4 (XJP-1) is a natural phenolic compound derived from banana peel. In the present study, we investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of XJP-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to ox-LDL and explored underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that in the presence of ox-LDL, XJP-1 significantly attenuated ox-LDL-mediated cytotoxicity, apoptosis, caspase-3 activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and NADPH oxidase subunit (p22phox and p47phox) expression in HUVECs. In addition, the anticytotoxic and anti-apoptotic effect of XJP-1 was partially inhibited by a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), an Akt inhibitor (SH-6), a specific eNOS inhibitor (l-NAME) and a NADPH oxidase inhibitor (DPI). In exploring the underlying mechanisms of XJP-1 action, we found that XJP-1 eliminated ox-LDL-induced dephosphorylation of Akt and eNOS in a dose-dependent manner. However, XJP-1 alone upregulation of Akt and eNOS phosphorylation were blocked by LY294002 and SH-6. Moreover, XJP-1 increased NO production, but this effect was abolished by LY294002, SH-6 and l-NAME. The inhibition of ox-LDL-induced endothelial dysfunction by XJP-1 is due at least in part to its anti-oxidant activity and its ability to modulate the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.