AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF PURPLE SWEET POTATO INCREASED SOD-2, AND SOD-3 EXPRESSION ON HUMAN UMBILICAL VEIN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS IN VITRO

Abstract Oxidative stress is thought to be one of the causes of impaired function of vascular endothelial cells, causing a variety of cardiovascular disorders. Studies in various animal experiments proved the aqueous extract of purple sweet potato tuber has antioxidant potential, through the mechanism of enhancement of endogenous antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), that protects endothelial cells from oxidative stress. Effect of aqueous extract of purple sweet potato tuber in increasing SOD has not been proven in human vascular endothelial cells. This study aims to prove whether aqueous extract of purple sweet potato tuber may increase the expression of SOD-2 and SOD-3 in human vascular endothelium. This research was an experimental study on umbilical vein endothelial cells experiencing oxidative stress created by administering H2O2 in vitro, and protected with aqueous extract of purple sweet potato tuber at various concentrations. Observation of the SOD-2 and SOD-3 on endothelial cells was done by using immunohystochemestry with monoclonal antibodies. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in SOD-2 and SOD-3 on endothelial protected with aqueous extract of purple sweet potato tuber at concentration of 1.5625- 3.125 ?g/ml for SOD-2 and at concentration of 1.5625- 25?g/ml for SOD-3. From these results it can be concluded that the aqueous extract of purple sweet potato tuber could protect endothelial cells from oxidative stress through increasing expression of SOD-2 and SOD-3. Keywords: Aqueous extract of purple sweet potato, SOD, HUVEC