Effect of Ganoderman lucidum on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells in vitro

Abstract

Ganoderman lucidum is a well-known Chinese crude and traditional herb that has been used in clinical settings in East Asia. One of its active components is a polysaccharide. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different doses of Ganoderman lucidum on proliferation and apoptosis in cultured rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (RPMEC) . The cell proliferation cycle was established for the cultured RPMEC and any changes in the cell cycle or apoptosis were observed using flow cytometry. Cell proliferation began four days after administration of Ganoderman lucidum (2.75 mg/ml) and peaked at the day 7. After 24h culture, the quantity of cells in G₀-G₁ cycle had decreased (p<0.05) while numbers in G₂-M cycle had increased (p<0.05) in the low dose group. The quantity of cells in G₀-G₁ cycle decreased (p<0.05) while numbers in S cycle increased (p<0.05) in the moderate dose group. The quantity of cells in G₀ -G₁ cycle decreased (p<0.01), while numbers in G₂-M cycle (p<0.01) and S cycle (p<0.05) increased in the high dose group. No significant change in apoptosis was observed in any of the groups. Our results suggest that Ganoderman lucidum may stimulate the proliferation of cultured RPMEC, and therefore play an important role in healing injuries and accelerating repair.