Heparin suppresses FoxO1/pFoxO1 signaling axis in vascular smooth muscle cells

Background: The atherosclerosis process relates to the dysfunction of different cells in the plaque microenvironment. The vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play an important role in atherosclerosis. Since the FoxO family is reported to control cell growth, thus the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Heparin, Betulinic acid, and Ibrutinib on the FoxO1/pFoxO1 axis in vascular smooth muscle cells. Methods: The VSMCs were cultured in DMEM-F12 medium and, were treated with Heparin (30IU), Betulinic acid (60 mu M), and Ibrutinib (2 mu M) in the 24 and 48-h periods. The FoxO1 gene expression level was identified using the RT-qPCR technique. The FoxO1 and pFoxO1 protein values were measured by the Western blot technique. Results: The FoxO1 gene expression levels were reduced significantly in the cellular groups treated with Heparin, Betulinic acid, and Ibrutinib (P < 0.05) in both periods. Moreover, the pFoxO1 and FoxO1 protein values were decreased by Heparin, and Betulinic acid in the VSMCs. Conclusion: Heparin suppressed the FoxO1/pFoxO1 signaling axis in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Furthermore, it modulated the effects of Betulinic acid and Ibrutinib.