3,4,5,6-Tetrahydroxyxanthone preserves intercellular communication by reduction of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor level.

To observe the direct effects of 3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxyxanthone on connexin43 (Cx43) expression in cultured endothelial cells, cells were treated with lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC, 10mg/l) for 24 h in the presence or absence of different concentrations of 3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxyxanthone (1, 3, or 10 mu mol l(-1)). The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cell viability, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels, and Cx43 expression were detected. 3,4,5,6-Tetrahydroxyxanthone significantly inhibited the increase in ROS production and ADMA level, increased cell viability and up-regulated Cx43 mRNA and protein expression induced by LPC. 3,4,5,6-Tetrahydroxyxanthone has protective effect in LPC-induced atherosclerotic lesions, which is at least partly related to the reduction of ADMA level and downregulation of Cx43 expression.