Effects of emodin on Hcy-stimulated CRP expression and ROS generation in VSMCs.

<p>The cells were preincubated with the different concentrations of emodin for 24 h before stimulation with 100 μM homocysteine (Hcy) for 12 h. mRNA (A) and protein (B) expression of CRP was identified by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. In another experiment, the cells were incubated with the different concentrations of emodin for 24 h and then, exposed to 100 μM Hcy for 40 min after preloaded with H₂DCF-DA (10 μM) for 30 min. The fluorescent intensity was measured by a fluorescence microscope. (C) Representative fluorescence images: (a) control, (b) Hcy alone, (c) Hcy + 0.1 μM emodin, (d) Hcy + 1 μM emodin, (e) Hcy + 10 μM emodin, (f) 10 μM emodin, (g) 0.1% DMSO. (D) Relative fluorescence intensity quantified from the fluorescence images. Emodin alone was used as drug control and DMSO (0.1%) was used as solvent control. Results from three independent experiments were expressed as means ± S.E.M. *<i>P</i> < 0.05 <i>vs</i>. control, ^<i>#</i><i>P</i> < 0.05 <i>vs</i>. Hcy alone.