Effect of ghrelin on human endothelial cells apoptosis induced by high glucose

Endothelial dysfunction is thought to be a major cause of vascular complications in diabetes. Our research shows that ghrelin attenuates high glucose-induced apoptosis in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECV-304). Exposure to glucose (33.3mM) for 72 h caused a significant increase in apoptosis, as evaluated by TUNEL and flow cytometry, but pretreatment of ghrelin (10(-7)M) eliminated high glucose-induced apoptosis in ECV-304. Ghrelin also prevented the induction of caspase-3 activation, in cells incubated with glucose (33.3 mM). Exposure of cells to ghrelin (10(-7)M) caused rapid activation of Akt. PI3K inhibitor, LY294002 attenuated ghrelin's inhibitory effect on caspase-3 activity. Ghrelin protected endothelial cells from high glucose by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Results of our study indicate that ghrelin inhibits both high glucose-induced apoptosis via PI3K/Akt pathway and ROS production in ECV-304. This peptide may have potential in preventing diabetic complications, especially in obese patients.     

Blockade of chronic high glucose-induced endothelial apoptosis by Sasa borealis bamboo extract

Hyperglycemia is a causal factor in the development of diabetic vascular complications including impaired vascular smooth muscle contractility and increased cell proliferation. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of Sasa borealis water-extract (SBwE) on chronic hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC). HUVEC were cultured in 5.5 mM low glucose, 5.5 mM glucose plus 27.5 mM mannitol as an osmotic control, or 33 mM high glucose for 5 days in the absence and presence of 1-30 microg/ ml SBwE. Caspase-3 activation and Annexin V staining revealed chronic high glucose-induced endothelial apoptotic toxicity with a generation of oxidants detected by DCF-fluorescence, and these effects were reversed by SBwE at > or =1 microg/ml in a dose-dependent manner. Cytoprotective SBwE substantially reduced the sustained high glucose-induced expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and attenuated the formation of peroxynitrite radicals. The suppressive effects of SBwE were most likely mediated through blunting activation of PKC beta 2 and NADPH oxidase promoted by high glucose. In addition, this bamboo extract modulated the high glucose-triggered mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent upregulation of heat-shock proteins. Our results suggest that SBwE suppressed these detrimental effects caused by PKC-dependent peroxynitrite formation via activation of NADPH oxidase and induction of nitric oxide synthase and heat-shock protein family that may be essential mechanisms responsible for increased apoptotic oxidative stress in diabetic vascular complications. Moreover, the blockade of high glucose-elicited heat-shock protein induction appeared to be responsible for SBwE-alleviated endothelial apoptosis. Therefore, SBwE may be a therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of diabetic endothelial dysfunction and related complications.     

Effects of glucose on migration, proliferation and tube formation by vascular endothelial cells.

In order to elucidate the association between hyperglycemia and the vascular complications of diabetes, the effects of high glucose concentrations on the migration, proliferation and tube formation of bovine carotid artery endothelial cells were investigated. Cells treated with 16.7 and 33.3 mM glucose for 6 days showed 1.69- and 1.75-fold increase in serum-induced migration compared with cells treated with 5.6 mM glucose (p less than 0.05). The effect of glucose on cell proliferation was affected by serum concentration. When this was below 0.5%, a high glucose concentration stimulated cell growth to a maximum of 1.73 times that at a serum concentration of 0.05% (p less than 0.01) whereas at a serum concentration of 10%, growth was inhibited (p less than 0.05). Tube formation was studied by culturing the cells between two layers of collagen gel. Ultrastructurally, tubular structures were composed of one to several endothelial cells containing pinocytotic vesicles and cytoplasmic projections, and linked by junctional complexes. A basal lamina-like structure surrounded the abluminal surface. Treatment of the cells with 16.7 and 27.8 mM glucose for 4 days stimulated tubular elongation 1.85 and 1.71 times, respectively (p less than 0.01). Other osmogenic molecules such as mannitol and sucrose did not affect tube formation. These data imply that high glucose concentrations mimicking diabetic hyperglycemia may not inhibit the repair of endothelial injury and could act as a stimulator of neovascularization.     

Short-term exposure of high glucose concentration induces generation of reactive oxygen species in endothelial cells: implication for the oxidative stress associated with postprandial hyperglycemia

Recent studies demonstrating a close relationship between postprandial hyperglycemia and the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prompted us to investigate the generation and source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelial cells stimulated by short-term exposure to a high glucose concentration. In addition, we investigated the effect of insulin on ROS production induced by high glucose concentration. Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells demonstrated a significant increase in intracellular ROS generation after a 3-h exposure to 25 mM glucose (131.4% versus 5 mM glucose). This increased generation of ROS was suppressed by an inhibitor of NAD(P)H oxidase. Intracellular ROS production in cells exposed to 3 h of high glucose concentration was increased significantly by the presence of a physiological concentration of insulin. However, after a 1-h exposure to high glucose levels, ROS generation in cells incubated with insulin was only about 80% of that measured in cells incubated without insulin. The generation of intracellular nitric oxide (NO) resulting from an acute insulin effect may account for this difference. In conclusion, acute hyperglycemia itself may possibly cause endothelial oxidative stress in patients with postprandial hyperglycemia. Endothelial oxidative stress may be determined by the interaction between NO and superoxide generation.     

Nitric oxide prevents apoptosis of human endothelial cells from high glucose exposure during early stage.

Hyperglycemia is a major cause of diabetic vascular disease. High glucose can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) generation, which can subsequently induce endothelial dysfunction. High glucose is also capable of triggering endothelial cell apoptosis. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms and the role of ROS and NO in high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. This study was designed to determine the involvement of ROS and NO in high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein and apoptosis were studied in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to control-level (5.5 mM) and high-level (33 mM) glucose at various periods (e.g., 2, 12, 24, 48 h). We also examined the effect of high glucose on H(2)O(2) production using flow cytometry. The results showed that eNOS protein expression was up-regulated by high glucose exposure for 2-6 h and gradually reduced after longer exposure in HUVECs. H(2)O(2) production and apoptosis, which can be reversed by vitamin C and NO donor (sodium nitroprusside), but enhanced by NOS inhibitor (N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ether), were collated to a different time course (24-48 h) to HUVECs. These results provide the molecular basis for understanding that NO plays a protective role from apoptosis of HUVECs during the early stage (<24 h) of high glucose exposure, but in the late stage (>24 h), high glucose exposure leads to the imbalance of NO and ROS, resulting to the observed apoptosis. This may explain, at least in part, the impaired endothelial function and vascular complication of diabetic mellitus that would occur at late stages.     

Methylglyoxal and high glucose co-treatment induces apoptosis or necrosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Hyperglycemia and elevation of methylglyoxal (MG) are symptoms of diabetes mellitus (DM). We previously showed that high glucose (HG; 30 mM) or MG (50-400 microM) could induce apoptosis in mammalian cells, but these doses are higher than the physiological concentrations of glucose and MG in the plasma of DM patients. The physiological concentration of MG and glucose in the normal blood circulation is about 1 microM and 5 mM, respectively. Here, we show that co-treatment with concentrations of MG and glucose comparable to those seen in the blood circulation of DM patients (5 microM and 15-30 mM, respectively) could cause cell apoptosis or necrosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. HG/MG co-treatment directly increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in HUVECs, leading to increases in intracellular ATP levels, which can control cell death through apoptosis or necrosis. Co-treatment of HUVECs with 5 microM MG and 20 mM glucose significantly increased cytoplasmic free calcium levels, activation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), caspase-3 and -9, cytochrome c release, and apoptotic cell death. In contrast, these apoptotic biochemical changes were not detected in HUVECs treated with 5 microM MG and 30 mM glucose, which appeared to undergo necrosis. Pretreatment with nitric oxide (NO) scavengers could inhibit 5 microM MG/20 mM glucose-induced cytochrome c release, decrease activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and increase the gene expression and protein levels of p53 and p21, which are known to be involved in apoptotic signaling. Inhibition of p53 protein expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) blocked the activation of p21 and the cell apoptosis induced by 5 microM MG/20 mM glucose. In contrast, inhibition of p21 protein expression by siRNA prevented apoptosis in HUVECs but had no effect on p53 expression. These results collectively suggest that the treatment dosage of MG and glucose could determine the mode of cell death (apoptosis vs. necrosis) in HUVECs, and both ROS and NO played important roles in MG/HG-induced apoptosis of these cells.     

Up-regulation of the association between heat shock protein 90 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase prevents high glucose-induced apoptosis in human endothelial cells

Hyperglycemia is the hallmark of diabetes mellitus. Poor glycemic control is correlated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. High glucose can trigger endothelial cell apoptosis by de-activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). eNOS was recently demonstrated to be extensively regulated by Akt and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). Yet, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that regulate eNOS activity during high glucose exposure. The present study was designed to determine the involvement of protein interactions between eNOS and HSP90 in high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. The protein interaction of eNOS/HSP90 and eNOS/Akt were studied in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to either control-level (5.5 mM) or high-level (33 mM) glucose for different durations (2, 4, 6, and 24 h). The results showed that the protein interactions between eNOS and HSP90 and between eNOS and Akt and the phosphorylation of eNOS were up-regulated by high glucose exposure for 2-4 h. With longer exposures, these effects decreased gradually. During early hours of exposure, the protein interactions of eNOS/HSP90 and eNOS/Akt and the phosphorylation of eNOS were all inhibited by geldanamycin, an HSP90 inhibitor. High glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis was also enhanced by geldanamycin and was reversed by NO donors. LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3) kinase inhibitor, inhibited the association of eNOS/Akt and the phosphorylation of eNOS but had no effect on the interaction between eNOS and HSP90 during early hours of exposure. From our results we propose that, in HUVECs, during early phase of high glucose exposure, apoptosis can be prevented by enhancement of eNOS activity through augmentation of the protein interaction between eNOS and HSP90 and recruitment of the activated Akt. With longer exposure, dysregulation of eNOS activity would result in apoptosis. The present study provides a molecular basis for the effects of eNOS in the prevention of endothelial cells apoptosis during early phase of high glucose exposure. These observations may contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of vascular complications in diabetes mellitus.     

High glucose increases platelet-derived growth factor production in cultured human vascular endothelial cells and preventive effects of eicosapentaenoic acids

The regulation of the production of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and the influence of high glucose concentration, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were studied in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUE). The PDGF production of HUE increased markedly depending on glucose concentration. However, EPA (3×10⁻⁴M) markedly inhibited PDGF production [27.5 mM glucose group: 123 ± 3% of control (5.5 mM glucose group), 27.5 mM glucose + EPA group: 104 ±5% of control]. These results suggested that a high glucose concentration and a high osmotic pressure-induced increase in PDGF production is involved in the development and progression of diabetic macroangiopathy. As eicosapentaenoic acid inhibits the PDGF production induced by high glucose concentration in HUE, use of this agent may exhibit anti-arteriosclerotic effects.     

AICAR potentiates ROS production induced by chronic high glucose: roles of AMPK in pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis

We previously demonstrated that chronic high glucose (33.3 mM) induced beta-cell dysfunction and apoptosis through glucokinase (GCK) downregulation, but the exact mechanisms involved remain unclear. Here, we show that prolonged exposure of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AICA)-riboside potentiated apoptosis induced by high glucose in MIN6N8 pancreatic beta-cells, correlating with enhanced GCK downregulation and decreased production of ATP and insulin. These events are potentiated in AMPK-overexpressing cells, but are prevented in cells transfected with mutant dominant-negative AMPK (AMPK-K45R). Furthermore, AMPK activation increases production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and loss of mitochondria membrane potential induced by high glucose, which is significantly inhibited by treatment with compound C or by AMPK-K45R overexpression. Overexpression of GCK prevents apoptosis; decreased cellular ATP and insulin secretion, and ROS production enhanced by AICAR, but does not affect AMPK activation. Similar results are obtained using isolated primary islet cells. Collectively, these data demonstrate that AMPK activation potentiates beta-cell apoptosis induced by chronic high glucose through augmented GCK downregulation mediated by enhanced ROS production.     

lncRNA PVT1沉默对高糖诱导的血管内皮细胞增殖、凋亡及氧化应激的影响*

目的: 探讨抑制lncRNA PVT1对高糖诱导的血管内皮细胞的增殖,凋亡和氧化应激的影响。方法: 体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs),分为四组:对照组(5.5 mmol/L葡萄糖),高糖组(30 mmol/L葡萄糖),高糖+siNC组(30 mmol/L葡萄糖+siNC,细胞转染阴性对照组),高糖+siPVT1组(30 mmol/L葡萄糖+siPVT1,抑制lncRNA PVT1组)。采用荧光定量PCR的方法检测转染后PVT1的表达水平。MTT检测siPVT1(短片段干扰RNA PVT1)对高糖诱导的HUVECs细胞增殖能力的影响。流式细胞术检测siPVT1对高糖诱导的HUVECs细胞ROS和凋亡水平。Western blot检测HUVECs细胞中凋亡相关蛋白如Bax,Bcl-2和cleaved-caspase-3的表达水平。结果: 与对照组比较,转染siPVT1后,PVT1的表达水平显著降低(P＜0.05)。MTT结果显示,与对照组比较,培养24 h和48 h后高糖组中HUVECs细胞增殖活力均显著降低,与高糖+siNC组(阴性对照组)比较,培养24 h和48 h后,高糖+siPVT1组中的HUVECs细胞增殖活力显著增加(P＜0.05)。流式细胞术检测结果表明,与对照组比较,高糖组HUVECs细胞中ROS和凋亡率均显著增加;和高糖+siNC组比较,高糖+siPVT1组中HUVECs细胞中ROS和凋亡率均有减少(P＜0.05)。Western blot结果表明,与对照组比较,高糖组中cleaved-caspase-3和Bax表达水平均显著上调,Bcl-2的表达水平显著下调(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)。与高糖+siNC组比较,高糖+siPVT1组cleaved-caspase-3和Bax表达水平显著下调,Bcl-2的表达显著上调(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)。结论: 抑制lncRNA PVT1可以显著增加高糖诱导的HUVECs细胞增殖活力,减轻氧化应激,抑制细胞凋亡。     

Hydrogen Sulphide modulating mitochondrial morphology to promote mitophagy in endothelial cells under high‐glucose and high‐palmitate

Endothelial cell dysfunction is one of the main reasons for type II diabetes vascular complications. Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) has antioxidative effect, but its regulation on mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy in aortic endothelial cells under hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia is unclear. Rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) were treated with 40 mM glucose and 200 μM palmitate to imitate endothelium under hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia, and 100 μM NaHS was used as an exogenous H₂S donor. Firstly, we demonstrated that high glucose and palmitate decreased H₂S production and CSE expression in RAECs. Then, the antioxidative effect of H₂S was proved in RAECs under high glucose and palmitate to reduce mitochondrial ROS level. We also showed that exogenous H₂S inhibited mitochondrial apoptosis in RAECs under high glucose and palmitate. Using Mito Tracker and transmission electron microscopy assay, we revealed that exogenous H₂S decreased mitochondrial fragments and significantly reduced the expression of p‐Drp‐1/Drp‐1 and Fis1 compared to high‐glucose and high‐palmitate group, whereas it increased mitophagy by transmission electron microscopy assay. We demonstrated that exogenous H₂S facilitated Parkin recruited by PINK1 by immunoprecipitation and immunostaining assays and then ubiquitylated mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), which illuminated the mechanism of exogenous H₂S on mitophagy. Parkin siRNA suppressed the expression of Mfn2, Nix and LC3B, which revealed that it eliminated mitophagy. In summary, exogenous H₂S could protect RAECs against apoptosis under high glucose and palmitate by suppressing oxidative stress, decreasing mitochondrial fragments and promoting mitophagy. Based on these results, we proposed a new mechanism of H₂S on protecting endothelium, which might provide a new strategy for type II diabetes vascular complication.     

Insulin administration in the mild hyperglycaemia changes expression of proinflammatory adhesion molecules on human aortic endothelial cells

An overexpression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) on the surface of endothelial cells is one of the first steps in a high glucose-mediated endothelial dysfunction in diabetic patients. The effect of insulin administration in the condition of elevated glucose concentration on the E-selectin, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression on human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) was investigated. Cells were cultured for 4 h in a medium supplemented with homocysteine (7 pM) and different concentration of glucose (5.5, 8.0, 12.0 and 16.5 mM respectively) with or without insulin (1 mlU/mL) addition. Expression of CAMs was analysed by flow-cytometry using monoclonal antibodies. Controls were CAMs expression in the medium with a corresponding glucose concentration. Obtained results show that short-term exposure of HAECs to moderate high glucose concentrations results in increased expression of E-selectin (2-fold), VCAM-1 (3-fold) and ICAM-1 (47%). At the same time, HAEC grown with 12 mM glucose expressed lesser E-selectin and, more ICAM-1 (for 64%) and VCAM-1 (41%) molecules. 16.5 mM glucose decreased expression of all investigated adhesion molecules. Addition of insulin was not changed expression of CAMs in a medium with 5.5 mM glucose. In conditions of elevated glucose concentration (12 mM), addition of insulin significantly dropped E-selectin (27%) and increased VCAM-1 (23%) expression. In conclusion, moderate elevated glucose concentration increased expression of cell adhesion molecules on HAEC. Insulin administration in the mild hyperglycaemia reduces an expression of the proinflammatory adhesion molecule E-selectin which could contribute in deceleration of macrovascular complications development in diabetic patients.     

Protective effect of trans-δ-viniferin against high glucose-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through the SIRT1 pathway

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. Trans-δ-viniferin (TVN), a polyphenolic compound, has recently attracted much attention as an antioxidant exhibiting a hypoglycemic potential. In the present study, we aimed at investigating the protective effect of TVN against high glucose-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the potential mechanism involved. We found that TVN attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, increased catalase (CAT) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels to ameliorate cell survival induced by 35 mM glucose. Meanwhile, it inhibited high glucose-induced apoptosis by maintaining Ca²⁺ and preserving mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels. The immunoblot analysis indicated that TVN efficiently regulated the cleavage of caspase family, p53, Bax and Bcl-2, all mediated by SIRT1. Furthermore, the increased level of SIRT1 induced by TVN was inhibited by nicotinamide and siRNA-medicated SIRT1 silencing (si-SIRT1), thereby confirming the significant role of SIRT1 in these events. In conclusion, our results indicated that TVN efficiently reduced oxidative stress and maintained mitochondrial function related with activating SIRT1 in high glucose-treated HUVECs. It suggested that TVN is pharmacologically promising for treating diabetic cardiovascular complications.     

Zinc finger protein A20 overexpression inhibits monocyte homing and protects endothelial cells from injury induced by high glucose

Diabetes mellitus causes vascular lesions and may ultimately lead to atherosclerosis. One of the earliest steps in the development of atherosclerotic lesions is the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells of the vessel wall. It is currently unknown whether zinc finger protein A20 is able to protect endothelial cells from injury caused by high levels of glucose and monocyte homing. In our study, adhesion of monocytes to the vessel wall endothelium was detected by measuring the rolling velocity of monocytes along human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Activation of NF-κB was analyzed through Western blot. HUVEC apoptosis was monitored by TUNEL in situ end-labeling and flow cytometry. High glucose concentrations (25 mM) stimulated monocytes, reducing the velocity at which they roll along HUVECs. Stimulation of monocytes with high levels of glucose also induced HUVEC apoptosis. Overexpression of the zinc finger protein A20 inhibited monocyte recruitment, NF-κB activation, P-selectin expression, and HUVEC apoptosis induced by high glucose levels. We conclude that zinc finger protein A20 can protect HUVECs from injury induced by high levels of glucose and potentially could be used to develop treatments against diabetic vascular lesions.     

FOXO3a-dependent up-regulation of Mxi1-0 promotes hypoxia-induced apoptosis in endothelial cells

Endothelial cell apoptosis induced by hypoxia is implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanism is not clearly elucidated. In this study, we found that hypoxia increased Mxi1-0 expression, and the Mxi1-0 siRNA could inhibit caspase-8 activation and apoptosis in HUVECs induced by hypoxia. In addition, hypoxia induced FOXO3 activation, while Mxi1-0 expression and apoptosis were inhibited by transfection with FOXO3 siRNA. Using ChIP assay, we confirmed that FOXO3a binds to the Mxi1-0 promoter region. Furthermore, hypoxia treatment leads to remarkable production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) inhibits hypoxia-induced ROS production, apoptosis and FOXO3a-mediated Mxi1-0 up-regulation. Finally, we found that the HIF-1α siRNA inhibited hypoxia-induced HIF-1α expression and ROS production, as well as FOXO3a/Mxi1-0 activation and apoptosis in HUVECs. Taken together, this study identifies a HIF-1α/FOXO3a/Mxi1-0/caspase-8 signaling pathway in hypoxia-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. These data also indicate that HIF-1α-dependent ROS production is required for FOXO3a-mediated Mxi1-0 up-regulation and apoptosis in hypoxic endothelial cells.     

The Role of TLR2 and 4-Mediated Inflammatory Pathways in Endothelial Cells Exposed to High Glucose

Postprandial hyperglycemia induces inflammation and endothelial dysfunction resulting in vascular complications in patients with diabetes. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are central to the regulation of inflammatory responses through activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ĸB). This study examined the role of TLR2 and 4 in regulating inflammation and endothelial dysfunction when exposed to fluctuating glucose concentrations. HMEC-1 cells (a human microvascular endothelial cell line) were exposed to control (5 mM), 30 mM (high), fluctuating (5/30 mM) and 11.2 mM glucose (approximate glycaemic criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus) for 72 h. Cells were assessed for TLR2, 4, high mobility group box -1 (HMGB1), NF-ĸB, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Fluctuating glucose concentrations maximally upregulated TLR4 but not TLR2 expression with increased NF-ĸB activation, IL-8 and ICAM-1 expression. HMGB1 was increased in the supernatants of cells exposed to 30 mM and 11.2 mM glucose compared to control. The addition of recombinant HMGB1 induced NF-ĸB activation and synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which were prevented by TLR2 or 4 signalling inhibition. An additive effect when both TLR2 and 4 signalling pathways were inhibited was observed. However, only inhibition of TLR4 signalling suppressed the synthesis of MCP-1, IL-8 and ICAM-1. In vivo, streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice exhibited an increase in glomerular ICAM-1 which was not evident in TLR2^-/- or TLR4^-/- diabetic mice. Collectively, our results suggest that targeting the signalling pathway of TLR2 and 4 may be of therapeutic benefit in attenuating vascular inflammation in diabetic microangiopathy.     

Critical effect of VEGF in the process of endothelial cell apoptosis induced by high glucose

The underlying molecular mechanism whereby hyperglycemia causes endothelial cell apoptosis is not well understood. This study aims to elucidate the role of survival factor VEGF involved in the apoptosis of endothelial cells induced by elevated glucose. The present study confirmed that high concentration of glucose (25 mmol/l) significantly increased the apoptotic cell number in cultured primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Up-regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of caspase-3 induced by high glucose suggested that mitochondria apoptosis pathway was involved. High glucose significantly reduced VEGF expression in HUVEC both at mRNA and protein levels. p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation was transitory attenuated when exposed to high glucose and preceded VEGF reduction, thus suggesting down-regulation of VEGF through inhibition of p42/44 MAPK. Addition of VEGF prevented HUVEC apoptosis from high glucose exposure. Moreover, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, calcium overload, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase-3 activation in HUVEC induced by high glucose were reversed by pre-challenge with VEGF. This may represent a mechanism for the anti-apoptotic effect of VEGF. These results suggest that down-regulation of VEGF plays a critical role in apoptosis of endothelial cells induced by high glucose and restoration of VEGF might have benefits in the early stage of diabetic endothelial dysfunction. Zhonghan Yang, Xuehua Mo, and Qing Gong have contributed equally to this study.     

ARPE-19-derived VEGF-containing exosomes promote neovascularization in HUVEC: the role of the melanocortin receptor 5

ARPE-19 retinal pigment epithelial cells cultured in a medium containing 35 mM D-glucose led to an augmented ROS formation and release of vascular endothelial factor (VEGF)-containing exosomes compared to ARPE-19 cells cultured in a medium containing 5 mM D-glucose (standard medium). Exposing these cells to the melanocortin 5 receptor agonist (MCR₅) PG-901 (10^?10M), for 9 d reduced ROS generation, the number of exosomes released and their VEGF content. In contrast, incubating the cells with the melanocortin receptor MCR₁ agonist BMS-470539 (10^?5 M) or with the mixed MCR_3/4 agonist MTII (0.30 nmol) did not produce any significant decrease in ROS levels. ARPE-19-derived VEGF-containing exosomes promoted neovascularization in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), an effect that was markedly reduced by PG-901 (10^?10M) but not by the MCR_3/4 agonist MTII (0.30 nmol) or the MCR₁ agonist BMS-470539 (10^?5 M). The MCR₅-related action in the ARPE-19 cells was accompanied by the increased expression of two coupled factors, cytochrome p4502E1 (CYP2E1) and nuclear factor kappa b (Nf-κB). These are both involved in high glucose signalling, in ROS generation and, interestingly, were reduced by the MCR₅ agonist in the ARPE-19 cells. Altogether, these data suggest that MCR₅ is a modulator of the responses stimulated by glucose in ARPE-19 cells, which might possibly be translated into a modulation of the retinal pigment epithelium response to diabetes in vivo.