Aspalathin and nothofagin from rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) inhibit endothelial protein C receptor shedding in vitro and in vivo

Aspalathin (Asp) and nothofagin (Not) are two major active dihydrochalcones found in green rooibos, which have been reported for their anti-oxidant activity. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that beyond its role in the activation of protein C, endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) is also involved in vascular inflammation. EPCR activity is markedly changed by ectodomain cleavage and its release as the soluble EPCR. EPCR can be shed from the cell surface, which is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE). However, little is known about the effects of Asp and Not on EPCR shedding. Our results demonstrated that Asp and Not induced potent inhibition of phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-, interleukin (IL)-1β, and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced EPCR shedding. Asp and Not also inhibited the expression and activity of PMA-induced TACE in endothelial cells. Asp and Not also suppressed CLP-induced protein C decrease in mice and thrombin generation in HUVECs. In addition, treatment with Asp and Not resulted in reduced PMA-stimulated phosphorylation of p38, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). These results demonstrate the potential of Asp and Not as an anti-sEPCR shedding reagent against PMA and CLP-mediated EPCR shedding.