A Novel Mechanistic Insight: BYHWD Glycosides Promote Vascular Endothelial Repair Via Epcs
Our blood vessels are lined with a delicate layer called the endothelium, which plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health. When this lining gets damaged, it can lead to serious conditions like atherosclerosis, where arteries harden and narrow. Fortunately, our bodies have a natural repair system involving special cells called endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). These cells act like a repair crew, capable of replacing damaged cells and forming new, healthy blood vessel tissue.
Recent research has shed light on how certain natural compounds, specifically glycosides found in a traditional medicine known as BYHWD, can significantly boost this repair process. These glycosides have been shown to improve the ability of EPCs to multiply, migrate to areas of damage, and form new vessel structures. They also help to slow down the aging of these vital repair cells.
The study reveals that this beneficial effect occurs by influencing specific cellular communication pathways, particularly by inhibiting the integrin/extracellular matrix (ECM) pathway through the FAK/ERK signaling cascade. This intricate mechanism ultimately leads to a reduction in the thickening of blood vessel walls and contributes to healthier blood lipid profiles, including an increase in beneficial HDL cholesterol and a decrease in harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
This discovery offers a promising new understanding of how natural compounds can support our body’s inherent ability to repair and maintain healthy blood vessels, potentially paving the way for new strategies to combat vascular diseases.
Source: link to paper