Atorvastatin suppressed high glucose induced endothelial microparticles released and cell apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cell
AIM: To observe the effect of atorvastatin on the high glucose-induced release of EMPs and apoptosis in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). METHODS: The HUVEC was cultured in vitro, and divided into 3 groups. There are control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group (33.3 mmol/L glucose) and atorvastatin treatment group. For atorvastatin treatment group, the cells were incubated with atorvastatin (0.01 - 10 μmol/L) respectivly for 1 h, and subsequently stimulated with 33.3 mmol/L high glucose for another 24, 48 and 72 h respectively. The survival rate of cells was examined by MTT assay. EMPs level and percent of cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Production of Nitric oxide (NO) in cell culture medium was determined by the Griess reaction technique. RESULTS: Atorvastatin reduced the cells damage induced by highly concentrated glucose. The cells, shape kept normal in atorvastatin group. The level of EMPs release and cell apoptosis ratio were suppressed by atorvastatin in concentration and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Atorvastatin increased NO level in HUVEC. The best effect of atorvastatin on NO level in HUVEC was at the concentration 0.1 - 10 μmol/L (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was suggested that atorvastatin suppressed high glucose induced EMPs released and cell apoptosis, through which atorvastatin may play a protect effect in HUVEC cells.