In vitro study of the effects of pioglitazone on endothelial cell functions of human umbilical vein and the mechanisms involved

• Published in: Sichuan da xue xue bao. Journal of Sichuan University. Yi xue ban Vol. 36; no. 4; p. 525
• Main Authors: Tong, Nan-wei, Wan, Qin, Liu, Xiao-jing, Wu, Hui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: China 01.07.2005
• Subjects: Apoptosis - drug effects; Cells, Cultured; Endothelium, Vascular - cytology; Endothelium, Vascular - drug effects; Endothelium, Vascular - physiology; Glucose - pharmacology; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents - pharmacology; Insulin Resistance; Nitric Oxide - metabolism; Protein Kinase C - metabolism; Thiazolidinediones - pharmacology; Umbilical Veins - cytology
• ISSN: 1672-173X

To determine whether pioglitazone (PIO) has effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro and to clarify the possible mechanisms therein involved. The HUVECs were selected to be a model, which was cultured with 5.5 mmol/L glucose (control group), 30 mmol/L glucose (high glucose group), and 30 mmol/L glucose+PIO at 10(-9), 10(-7), 10(-5) mol/L respectively (PIO+high glucose groups). The effects of the drugs on the endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose were studied. The role of protein kinase C (PKC) alpha and delta in the endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose and the effects of PIO were assessed. The translocation of PKCdelta or PKCalpha in a single HUVEC was observed by Laser-Scanning Confocal Microscope, and the expression analysis was conducted quantificationally by Western blotting. High glucose could induce HUVECs apoptosis; the concentration of NO reduced and the level of sICAM-1 increased in high glucose group. PIO could inhibit the increasing apoptosis peaks in