Effect of Gallic Acid on Alkaline Phosphatase Gene Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Background and Vascular calcification is an important factor in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that alkaline phosphatase increases vascular calcification. Here we investigated the effect of gallic acid on alkaline phosphatase gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In this experimental study humans aorta VSMCs were incubated with beta glycerol phosphate as calcification-inducing media. Then these cells were treated with 160, 180 and 200 µMol concentration of gallic acid for 24h, 48h and 72h. The total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized and then alkaline phosphatase expression was measured by real time PCR. Alkaline phosphatase specific activity was measured by spectrophotometry. Overall, 160, 180 and 200 µMol concentration of gallic acid decreased alkaline phosphatase gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cell by 1.98, 2.03, and 3.16 folds, respectively after 72h compared with the control group. The alkaline phosphatase specific activity also decreased compared to that of the control group. Our results showed that gallic acid decreased the expression and activity of alkaline phosphatase suggesting that this antioxidant compound may attenuate vascular calcification.