Lignans from the stems and leaves of Brandisia hancei Hook. f. and their effects on VEGF-induced vascular permeability and cell migration in HRECs in vitro

In our continuing efforts to identify effective naturally sourced agents for diabetic complications, a new lignan glycoside, (7R,8R)-1-(4-O-β-D-glycopyranosyl-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-{2-methoxy-4-[1-(E)-propene-3-ol]-phenoxyl}-propane-1,3-diol (1), along with three known lignans (2-4) were isolated from the 80% EtOH extract of Brandisia hancei Hook. f. stems and leaves. These isolates (1-4) were subjected to an in vitro bioassay evaluating their effects on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced vascular permeability and cell migration in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). Of the tested compounds, compound 3 reduced the VEGF-induced vascular permeability by about 31.5% at 10µM, versus the VEGF-treated control group. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 significantly decreased VEGF-induced HRECs migration. In the Zebrafish assay, compounds 1- and 2-treated groups showed mild reductions in the migration of DLAVs (dorsal longitudinal anastomotic vessels), compared with the 0.1% DMSO control group.