Similarity of therapeutic networks induced by a multi-component herbal remedy in neurovascular unit cells

The neurovascular unit, which includes neurons, glial cells, and vascular cells, plays crucial roles in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, effective drugs against AD should be able to target the multi-cellular neurovascular unit and the therapeutic relationships among neurovascular cells should be defined. We aimed to examine the therapeutic effects of an herbal remedy with multi-targeting capabilities, ukgansan (UGS), using in vitro models of AD, and to assess the similarity among neurovascular cells in terms of a therapeutic network. Overall design: UGS and its components were administered in neurovascular cells including HT22 neurons, BV-2 microglia, and HBVP pericytes stimulated with H2O2, lipopolysaccharide, and transforming growth factor, respectively. The therapeutic effects of UGS and its components were measured from the recovery patterns of gene expression.