Molecular Docking and the Protective Effects of β-Caryophyllene on ER Stress in Rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells Induced by Tunicamycin
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.11037Keywords:
β-caryophyllene, Cardiovascular diseases, ER stress, Reactive oxygen species, Aortic smooth muscle cellsAbstract
This study aimed to investigate the cytoprotective effects of β-caryophyllene (BCP) against endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced apoptosis in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs), confirm target protein interactions via molecular docking, and evaluate BCP’s pharmacokinetic/ADMET profiles through in silico analysis. The cytotoxic potential of BCP in RASMCs was assessed using the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis were evaluated using DCFH-DA and DAPI staining, respectively. Protein expression was analyzed through immunocytochemistry, while gene expression was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our findings from various cell-based experiments demonstrate that BCP exerts a cytoprotective effect against tunicamycin-induced toxicity in RASMCs. BCP significantly inhibits ROS production and apoptosis caused by tunicamycin-induced ER stress by downregulating ER stress response marker genes (CHOP, GRP78 and EIF2A) and smooth muscle cell markers (αSMA). Molecular docking studies further confirmed the mechanism of action of BCP. Additionally, pharmacokinetic/ADMET profiles determined through in silico studies suggest that BCP holds potential as a therapeutic agent for treating cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study highlights BCP as a promising candidate for CVDs treatment, demonstrating its protective effects against tunicamycin-induced toxicity in RASMCs and its ability to inhibit key ER stress response markers.
HIGHLIGHTS
- BCP inhibits ROS production and apoptosis.
- BCP suppresses ER stress response marker genes.
- BCP can protect chemical induced RASMCs cells.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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