The ethyl acetate extracts of radix trichosanthis protect retinal vascular endothelial cells from high glucose-induced injury

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance. Radix trichosanthis (RT) is a popular plant in China to treat diabetes. Aim of the study The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of different extracts of RT and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods Ethyl acetate extracts of radix trichosanthis (ERT), methanol extracts of radix trichosanthis (MRT) and water extracts of radix trichosanthis (WRT) were prepared. The retinal vascular endothelial cells (RVEC) were stimulated with high glucose or high glucose plus different extracts of RT. Then, cell viability, Transwell assay, tube formation and BrdU assay were measured. In the end, the Hippo and Notch signaling pathways were evaluated to clarify the pharmacological mechanism. Results The results indicated that ERT exhibited the best efficacy. It significantly inhibited cell viability, blocked cell migration, attenuated tube formation and reduced the ratio of proliferated cells. It also adjusted the Hippo and Notch signaling pathways. Conclusions ERT suppressed high glucose-induced injury in REVC by regulating the Hippo and Notch signaling pathways.