Erianin Induces a JNK/SAPK-dependent Metabolic Inhibition in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Abstract

Background: Erianin is a natural product derived from Dendrobium chrysotoxum, with promising antitumor activity. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the metabolic effect of erianin, a cytosensor assay for acidification rate, MTT assay, measurement of lactate, glucose and ATP were performed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to 1-100 nM erianin. JNK/SAPK activity was detected by Western blot. Results: Twelve- or 24- hour incubation with erianin induced a dose-dependent metabolic inhibition, as indicated by reduced acidification rate and cell viability, with an endothelium-selectivity. Erianin caused decreases in lactate production, glucose consumption and intracellular ATP level. Pretreatment with the JNK/SAPK inhibitor SP600125 significantly abolished these inhibitory responses, and especially restored the erianin-induced decreases in ATP and the erianin-induced phosphorylation of JNK/SAPK with dose- and time- dependence. Conclusion: Erianin inhibited endothelial metabolism in a JNK/SAPK-dependent manner. This mechanism may be involved in the potential antitumor and antiangiogenic actions of erianin.