Indicaxanthin from Opuntia ficus indica (L. Mill) Inhibits Oxidized LDL-Mediated Human Endothelial Cell Dysfunction through Inhibition of NF-κB Activation

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) play a pivotal role in the etiopathogenesis of atherosclerosis through the activation of inflammatory signaling events eventually leading to endothelial dysfunction and senescence. In the present work, we investigated the effects of indicaxanthin, a bioavailable, redox-modulating phytochemical from Opuntia ficus indica fruits, with anti-inflammatory activity, against oxLDL-induced endothelial dysfunction. Human umbilical vein cord cells (HUVEC) were stimulated with human oxLDL, and the effects of indicaxanthin were evaluated in a range between 5 and 20 μM, consistent with its plasma level after a fruit meal (7 μM). Pretreatment with indicaxanthin significantly and concentration-dependently inhibited oxLDL-induced cytotoxicity; ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and ELAM-1 increase; and ABC-A1 decrease of both protein and mRNA levels. From a mechanistic perspective, we also provided evidence that the protective effects of indicaxanthin were redox-dependent and related to the pigment efficacy to inhibit NF-κB transcriptional activity. In conclusion, here we demonstrate indicaxanthin as a novel, dietary phytochemical, able to exert significant protective vascular effects in vitro, at nutritionally relevant concentrations.