dual diverse dynamic reversible actions of ankaferd on epcr and pai-1 inside vascular endothelial cells with and without lps

OBJECTIVE: Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) comprises a mixture of the plants Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum ve Urtica dioica. ABS has been used as a topical haemostatic agent because of its antihaemorrhagic effect. Its haemostatic mechanism of action remains to be investigated. ABS does not affect individual levels of the coagulation factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XIII. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ABS on endothelium and immune response. So, we investigated the possible changes in EPCR and PAI-1 without and with LPS-challenge inside HUVECs. METHODS: 10 μL and 100 μL ABS is given to HUVECs in 5 min., 25 min., and 50 min.,6 hour and 24 hour time periods. 10 μg/ mL LPS has been added for one hour to observe the effects of LPS challenge on HUVECs and then the cells have been treated with ABS for the time period of 5 min., 25 min., 50 min. and 6 hours to observe ABS-effects on HUVECs. Total RNAs were isolated from HUVECs and then EPCR ve PAI-1 mRNA expression levels were investigated. RESULTS: It was microscopically observed that cells arised from the surface and adhered to each other after the ABS application to the HUVECs. Also, after 24 hours cells returned the normal growth and physiology. It suggests that the adhesive cellular functions of ABS may be reversible. 10 µl ABS have negative effect on EPCR and PAI-1 expressions. Moreover the effects increases with 100 µl ABS. EPCR and PAI-1 expression increased by time with LPS and 10 µl ABS. Expressions were very low during the first hour when LPS and 100 µl ABS were given but at the end of 6 hour, EPCR and PAI-1 expression increased similar to LPS and 10 µl ABS experiment. CONCLUSION: In this study, we observed that Ankaferd has dual diverse dynamic reversible actions depend on dose and concentration on EPCR and PAI-1 inside vascular endothelial cells in the model of HUVEC. ABS might have a role on numerous cellular mechanisms as well as its hemostatic actions.