Crocus Sativusand Its Active Compound, Crocin Inhibits the Endothelial Activation and Monocyte-Endothelial Cells Interaction in Stimulated Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells

Crocus sativus L. or saffron has been shown to have anti-atherogenic effects. However, its effects on key events in atherogenesis such as endothelial activation and monocyte-endothelial cell binding in lipolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated in vitro model have not been extensively studied. Objectives To investigate the effects of saffron and its bioactive derivative crocin on the gene and protein expressions of biomarkers of endothelial activation in LPS stimulated human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Methodology HCAECs were incubated with different concentrations of aqueous ethanolic extracts of saffron and crocin together with LPS. Protein and gene expressions of endothelial activation biomarkers were measured using ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively. Adhesion of monocytes to HCAECs was detected by Rose Bengal staining. Methyl-thiazol-tetrazolium assay was carried out to assess cytotoxicity effects of saffron and crocin. Results Saffron and crocin up to 25.0 and 1.6 μg/ml respectively exhibited >85% cell viability. Saffron treatment reduced sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and E-selectin proteins (concentrations: 3.13, 6.25, 12.5 and 25.0 μg/ml; 3.13, 12.5 and 25.0 μg/ml; 12.5 and 25.0, respectively) and gene expressions (concentration: 12.5 and 25.0μg/ml; 3.13, 6.25 and 25.0 μg/ml; 6.25, 12.5 25.0; respectively). Similarly, treatment with crocin reduced protein expressions of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and E-selectin (concentration: 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 μg/ml; 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 μg/ml; 0.8 and 1.6 μg/ml; respectively] and gene expression (concentration: 0.8 and 1.6 μg/ml; 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 μg/ml; and 1.6 μg/ml, respectively). Monocyte-endothelial cell interactions were reduced following saffron treatment at concentrations 6.3, 12.5 and 25.00 μg/ml. Similarly, crocin also suppressed cellular interactions at concentrations 0.04, 0.08, 1.60 μg/ml. Conclusion Saffron and crocin exhibits potent inhibitory action for endothelial activation and monocyte-endothelial cells interaction suggesting its potential anti-atherogenic properties.