Mulberry and its main components protect against oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling

Nitric oxide (NO), which is produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), is an important protective molecule in the vasculature. However, eNOS coupling and its resultant activation are altered under oxidative stress. Under these conditions, eNOS uses molecular oxygen as a substrate instead of l-arginine, resulting in the production of superoxide anion radicals (O2-) rather than NO. We explored the effects of mulberry extract and its components on eNOS uncoupling induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein in HUVECs and investigated the potential molecular mechanism. Ox-LDL significantly increased O2- production and reduced NO release from HUVECs. Pretreatment of cells with mulberry extract and its main components significantly inhibited ox-LDL-induced O2- generation, preserving NO level. Mulberry extract also prevented ox-LDL-induced reduction in phospho-eNOS Thr495. These regulatory effects were related to phosphorylation of eNOS Thr495. Mulberry extract and its components can potentially be used to treat ox-LDL-related vascular endothelial dysfunction.