Decreases of osteonectin gene expression by gallic acid in vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular calcification is important factor in atherosclerosis pathogenesis and osteonectin with others bone matrix proteins have regulatory function in atheroma formation and atherosclerosis progression. Studies showed that antioxidant compounds cause to decrease vascular calcification and prevent cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of gallic acid on osteonectin gene expression. In this experimental study, it was determined gallic acid half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). These cells were treated by 160, 180 and 200 µM concentration of gallic acid for 48h and the control group also was considered. The total RNA was extracted and its cDNA was synthesized and then the quantity of osteonectin gene expression was measured by real time PCR. Overall،160, 180 and 200µM concentration of gallic acid decreased osteonectin gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cell by 1/37, 2/93 and 7/3 folds compared with the control group, respectively. Gallic acid reduces osteonectin gene expression; therefore could reduce vascular calcification. Gallic acid could have prevented atheroma formation therefore could decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases.