Ocimum basilicum attenuates adhesion molecule activation and microRNA-31 expression in oxLDL-induced endothelial dysfunction

Abstract Objectives This study examined whether extracts obtained from Ocimum basilicum using ethanol or methanol influence endothelial inflammatory responses and selected miRNAs associated with atherosclerotic processes in an oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-based in vitro model. Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to oxLDL and subsequently treated with different concentrations of basil extracts. Messenger RNA levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin, together with expression of miR-21-5p and miR-31-5p, were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Corresponding protein concentrations of VCAM-1 and E-selectin were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results OxLDL exposure was associated with increased expression of adhesion molecules and miR-31-5p, consistent with an inflammatory endothelial response. Treatment with basil extracts led to reduced E-selectin expression at both transcriptional and protein levels and was accompanied by lower miR-31-5p expression in several treatment conditions. Decreases in VCAM-1 mRNA were observed in selected groups, whereas VCAM-1 protein concentrations did not show significant variation. miR-21-5p expression remained largely unchanged across experimental conditions. Conclusions Basil extracts influenced molecular changes related to oxLDL-induced endothelial inflammatory activation, particularly through effects on E-selectin expression and miR-31-5p regulation. These observations suggest that phytochemical-rich plant extracts may contribute to modulation of early endothelial alterations linked to vascular inflammatory processes.