Effect of oxidized LDL on expression of connexin43 in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells

AIM:To investigate the effect of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) on the expression of gap junction protein connexin43 in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro.METHODS:Human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured in normal condition were divided into blank control group,50 mg/L,100 mg/L and 200 mg/L ox-LDL intervention groups.The mRNA expression of connexin43 in cultured HUVECs was detected with RT-PCR method;while the protein level of connexin43 was determined by the method of immunocytochemistry in the control and 100 mg/L ox-LDL intervention groups 24 h after ox-LDL was given.RESULTS:Different concentrations (50 mg/L,100 mg/L,200 mg/L) of ox-LDL up-regulated mRNA expression of connexin43 in cultured HUVECs after 24 h intervention (P 0.01).The protein level of connexin43 in cultured HUVECs intervened with 100 mg/L Ox-LDL for 24 h was up regulated as compared to the control cells (P 0.01).CONCLUSION:Ox-LDL may up-regulate the expression of connexin43 at mRNA and protein levels in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells within short time,indicating that connexin43 plays an important role in the pro-atherosclerotic effect of Ox-LDL.[