Effect of lycopene on H9c2 cell apoptosis induced by angiotensin II

Objective To investigate the effect of lycopene (Lyc) on H9c2 cell apoptosis induced by angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ). Methods Using Ang Ⅱ (10 μmol/L) to stimulate H9c2 cells, we observed the protective effect of Lyc on H9c2 cells apoptosis. The H9c2 cells viability induced by different consideration of Lyc or Ang Ⅱ or both was detected by CCK8 assay. The expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 in H9c2 cells were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Western blot was conducted to detect the protein expressions of Bax, Caspase 3, Caspase 9 and Bcl-2 in H9c2 cells. The apoptotic ratio of H9c2 cells was observed by TUNEL assay. Results Compared with control group, Ang Ⅱ could decrease the viability of H9c2 cells to (92.87±4.37)%. The result of RT-PCR showed that Ang Ⅱ decreased the expression level of Bcl-2, and Bax level was increased under the stimulation of Ang Ⅱ (P<0.05), while the expression level of Bcl-2 was increased and Bax level was decreased under the co-stimulation of Ang Ⅱ and Lyc in a concentration dependent manner, which indicated that Lyc ameliorated the apoptosis of H9c2 cells. The result of western blot showed that the protein expressions of Bax, Caspase 3 and Caspase 9 were increased, but Bcl-2 was decreased after the stimulation of Ang Ⅱ (P<0.05). While these phenomenon reversed apparently under the co-stimulation of Ang Ⅱ and Lyc. A large number of apoptotic cells were observed under the stimulation of Ang Ⅱ through TUNEL assay. But the number of apoptotic cells reduced significantly under the co-stimulation of Lyc and Ang Ⅱ (P<0.05). Conclusions Lyc ameliorates the H9c2 cell apoptosis induced by Ang Ⅱ, which indicates that Lyc may have an important role in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. Key words: Lycopersicon esculentum; Angiotensin Ⅱ; Myocytes, cardiac; Apoptosis