Effect of astaxanthin on vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation induced by platelet derived growth factor-BB

To investigate the effect of astaxanthin (AST) on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation in vitro induced by platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and to explore its possible mechanism. There were 4 groups in this experiment: blank control group, PDGF-BB group, PDGF-BB+ AST group, AST group. After the cells received different intervention for the indicated time, the cell growth was determined by Trypan blue staining; cell proliferation was demonstrated using CCK-8 kit; the cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the mRNA expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK6, CDK4, cyclin kinase inhibitor protein P21 was determined by real-time PCR; reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was detected using a Microplate reader; the total and phosphorylated forms of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, JNK was observed in AST pretreated VSMCs in 5, 10 and 15 min after PDGF-BB treatment by Western blot analysis. (1) Cell viability: AST and/or PDGF-BB did not induce VSMCs necrosis with the different concent