Study on the Effects of Hyperglycemia on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Apoptosis and bcl-x, bax and eNOS Expressions

Objective: To discuss the effects of hyperglycemia on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) apoptosis and analyze the relationship between apoptosis and expressions of bcl-x, bax and eNOS. Methods: HUVECs were incubated at different concentration of glucose for 72 hours, and total RNA was extracted. The expressions of bcl-x, bax and eNOS were measured by SQ-RT-PCR technique. The nature of endo thelial cells apoptosis was determined by AO/EB straining. Results: Hyperglycemia increased HUVEC apoptosis (P 0.01) and decreased the expressions of eNOS and bcl-x. There was a negative correlation between HUVEC apoptosis and the eNOS expression. Conclusion: Hyperglycemia can induce ECs apoptosis in DM, and it may be related to the decrease of eNOS and bcl-x expressions.