Abstract: AIM: To study the protective effects of gypenoside (GYP)on cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells against injury induced by oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). METHODS: Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC)were cultured and treated with oxLDL (0.1 g pr·L ^-1)and the different concentrations of GYP (5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mg·L ^-1)for 24 h.The cultured cells and the contents in the medium were determined by MTT colorimetric assay, TBA method, cell calculating and so on. RESULTS: The inhibitory effects were shown in the proliferation of BAEC by oxLDL (20.63 %) and GYP (10.0 and 20.0 mg · L ^-1) (9.14 % and 6.56 %)(P <0.01).The number of HL60 monocyte cells adhered to BAEC in oxLDL group and GYP group was markedly higher than that in control group (P <0.01).MDA content in culture media in oxLDL group was significantly higher than that in control group and GYP group (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: GYP can protect cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells from injury induced by oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein.

Key words: gypenoside, endothelial cells, oxidatively modified low density lipoprotein, cell proliferation, lipid peroxidation, monocyte cells, bovine aorta