Preventative Effects of 4,4'-Diphenylmethane-bis(methyl) Carbamate Isolated from Cortex Mori on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Dysfunction Induced by Advanced Glycation End Products

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) have been regarded as an initial motivating factor in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in diabetic complications. 4,4'-Diphenylmethane-bis(methyl) carbamate (DMPC), a carbamate compound, was isolated from Cortex Mori and its prevention effects against AGEs-induced endothelial dysfunction were studied. 4,4'-Diphenylmethane-bis(methyl) carbamate significantly reduced cell apoptosis to normal level at 10-9?mol/L concentration. Advanced glycation end-products up-regulated the expression of Bad and Bax and down-regulated Bcl-2 proteins, and pretreatment with DMPC significantly down-regulated Bad and Bax while up-regulating Bcl-2 expressions. In addition, ICAM (intercellular adhesion molecule)-1 and TGF (transforming growth factor)-beta 1 expressions in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) were significantly enhanced by AGEs. More importantly, these increases of ICAM-1 and TGF-beta 1 expressions were reduced meaningfully with the pretreatment of DMPC. All the results showed DMPC had prevention effects against the progression of AGE-induced endothelial dysfunction, and this compound might be a promising agent against endothelial dysfunction in diabetic vascular complications. Copyright (c) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.