Atorvastatin inhibits homocysteine-induced dysfunction and apoptosis in endothelial progenitor cells

Atorvastatin improves bone marrow endothelial progenitor cell function from patients with immune-related hemocytopenia

Background

Immune-related hemocytopenia (IRH) is a type of autoimmune disease that targets bone marrow hematopoietic cells. This study investigated the influence of atorvastatin on the functional aspects of bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells (BM EPCs) in IRH patients.

Methods

BM EPCs were isolated from 15 patients with IRH and 20 normal controls. The isolated BM EPCs were characterized by flow cytometry. Cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, and Transwell migration assays were used to determine the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of BM EPCs, respectively. Protein levels were determined by western blot assay.

Results

The BM EPCs isolated from IRH patients showed reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis, and attenuated migratory ability compared to those from normal controls. Western blot analysis showed that the protein level of p-p38 was significantly increased, while that of Phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) was significantly decreased in the BM EPCs from IRH patients, compared to BM EPCs from healthy subjects. Cell proliferation and migration were significantly enhanced by atorvastatin, recombinant human thrombopoietin, and SB20358 compared to the untreated BM EPCs from IRH patients. Atorvastatin, Recombinant human thrombopoietin (TPO), and SB20358 treatment significantly suppressed the protein levels of p-p38 protein, but increased those of p-AKT in BM EPCS from IRH patients.

Conclusions

In summary, atorvastatin increases the number and function of BM EPCs in IRH patients by regulating the p38 and AKT signaling pathways.

Impact of atorvastatin loaded exosome as an anti-glioblastoma carrier to induce apoptosis of U87 cancer cells in 3D culture model

Exosomes (EXOs) are naturally occurring nanosized lipid bilayers that can be efficiently used as a drug delivery system to carry small pharmaceutical, biological molecules and pass major biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier. It was hypothesized that EXOs derived from human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs-EXOs) can be utilized as a drug carrier to enhance tumor-targeting drugs, especially for those have low solubility and limited oral bioactivity. In this study, atorvastatin (Ato) loaded EXOs (AtoEXOs) was prepared and characterized for its physical and biological activities in tumor growth suppression of 3 D glioblastoma model. The AtoEXOs were obtained in different methods to maximize drug encapsulation efficacy. The characterization of AtoEXOs was performed for its size, stability, drug release, and in vitro anti-tumor efficacy evaluated comprising inhibition of proliferation, apoptosis induction of tumor cells. Expression of apoptotic genes by Real time PCR, Annexin V/PI, tunnel assay was studied after 72 h exposing U87 cells where encapsulated in matrigel in different concentrations of AtoEXOs (5, 10 μM). The results showed that the prepared AtoEXOs possessed diameter ranging from 30-150 nm, satisfying stability and sustainable Ato release rate. The AtoEXOs was up taken by U87 and generated significant apoptotic effects while this inhibited tumor growth of U87 cells. Altogether, produced AtoEXOs formulation due to its therapeutic efficacy has the potential to be an adaptable approach to treat glioblastoma brain tumors.

Autophagy activation is required for homocysteine-induced apoptosis in bovine aorta endothelial cells

An elevated level of homocysteine (Hcy) in plasma is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and central nervous system disease. Endothelial dysfunction as a result of apoptosis in endothelial cells is involved in the development and progression of these diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of autophagy activation by amino acid starvation on Hcy-induced cytotoxicity in bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAECs). Hcy-induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was promoted by amino acid starvation. In addition, Hcy increased cleaved caspase-3 level, an indicator of apoptosis, by amino acid starvation. We revealed that oxidative stress is not involved in the Hcy-induced cytotoxicity promoted by amino acid starvation. Salazosulfapyridine (SASP), an SLC7A11 inhibitor, protected against the Hcy-induced LDH release promoted by amino acid starvation. SASP decreased the Hcy-induced cleaved caspase-3 level by amino acid starvation. We demonstrate for the first time that autophagy activation by amino acid starvation promotes Hcy-induced apoptosis in BAECs. Moreover, SLC7A11 inhibitor SASP, which is an amino acid transporter, protects against Hcy-induced apoptosis due to autophagy.

Mutual Influences between Nitric Oxide and Paraoxonase 1

One of the best consolidated paradigms in vascular pharmacology is that an uncontrolled excess of oxidizing chemical species causes tissue damage and loss of function in the endothelial and subendothelial layers. The fact that high-density lipoproteins play an important role in preventing such an imbalance is integrated into that concept, for which the expression and activity of paraoxonases is certainly crucial. The term paraoxonase (aryldialkyl phosphatase, EC 3.1.8.1) encompasses at least three distinct isoforms, with a wide variation in substrate affinity, cell and fluid localization, and biased expression of polymorphism. The purpose of this review is to determine the interactions that paraoxonase 1 has with nitric oxide synthase, its reaction product, nitric oxide (nitrogen monoxide, NO), and its derived reactive species generated in an oxidative medium, with a special focus on its pathological implications.

Endothelial cell apoptosis and the role of endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the progression of atherosclerosis

To maintain physiological homeostasis, cell turnover occurs every day in the body via a form of programmed cell death called apoptosis. During apoptosis, cells undergo distinct morphological changes culminating in the disassembly of the dying cell into smaller fragments known as apoptotic bodies (ApoBDs). Dysregulation of apoptosis is associated with diseases including infection, cancer and atherosclerosis. Although the development of atherosclerosis is largely attributed to the accumulation of lipids and inflammatory debris in vessel walls, it is also associated with apoptosis of macrophages, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells. During cellular activation and apoptosis, endothelial cells can release several types of membrane-bound extracellular vesicles (EVs) including exosomes, microvesicles (MVs)/microparticles and ApoBDs. Emerging evidence in the field suggests that these endothelial cell-derived EVs (EndoEVs) can contribute to intercellular communication during the development of atherosclerosis via the transfer of cellular contents such as protein and microRNA, which may prevent or promote disease progression depending on the context. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the known causes and consequences of endothelial cell death during atherosclerosis along with highlighting current methodological approaches to studying EndoEVs and the potential roles of EndoEVs in atherosclerosis development.

Hyperhomocysteinemia induced endothelial progenitor cells dysfunction through hyper-methylation of CBS promoter

Bone marrow (BM)-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are the key players in angiogenesis and vascular function. Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), an H₂S-generating enzyme in methionine metabolism, regulates the function of these EPCs. This study aims to examine whether CBS hyper-methylation contributes to the bone marrow endothelial progenitor cell (BM-EPCs) function and subsequent bone blood flow in mice fed with a high methionine diet (HMD). Bone marrow (BM) cells were collected from HMD and control mice, differentiated into BM-EPCs, and were characterized by acLDL-DiI labeling. CBS mRNA expression was analyzed by real-time PCR, and the global methylation status and methylation of the CBS promoter were detected by nuclear 5-mC assay and methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) respectively. The result reveals that CBS promoter in BM-EPCs from HMD mice was hyper-methylated and the methylation level was, indeed, negatively correlated with CBS mRNA and angiogenic function of BM-EPCs. In addition, global methylation (5-mC) and DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) expression were increased in HMD condition. In vitro study also shows that HMD induced hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) impaired both adhesion and angiogenesis properties of BM-EPCs, accompanied by higher methylation level of CBS promoter that compared to control. Furthermore, bone blood flow was found to be decreased in HMD mice as compared to wild-type mice. To dissect the epigenetic mechanism, we also administrated DNMT inhibitor, 5-azacytidine (5-Aza) to HMD mice. The administration of 5-Aza in HMD mice restored the CBS expression, EPC mediated angiogenesis and blood flow by reducing abnormal DNA hyper-methylation. In conclusion, HHcy dismantles BM-EPCs function and bone blood flow through the hyper-methylation of the CBS promoter in HMD fed mice.

Pioglitazone restores the homocysteine‑impaired function of endothelial progenitor cells via the inhibition of the protein kinase C/NADPH oxidase pathway

Homocysteine (Hcy) has been shown to impair the migratory and adhesive activity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). As a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist, pioglitazone (PIO) has been predicted to regulate angiogenesis, and cell adhesion, migration and survival. The aim of the present study was to determine whether PIO could inhibit Hcy-induced EPC dysfunctions such as impairments of cell migration and adhesion. EPC migration and adhesion were assayed using 8.0-µm pore size Transwell membranes and fibronectin-coated culture dishes, respectively. Hcy at a concentration of 200 µM was observed to markedly impair cell migration and adhesiveness, and PIO at a concentration of 10 µM attenuated the Hcy-mediated inhibition of EPC migration and adhesion. The mechanism of these effects may be through the inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) and reactive oxygen species production. The expression levels of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits, NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) and p67phox, were upregulated by Hcy, with a peak in levels following treatment with a concentration of 200 µM. PIO downregulated the expression levels of Nox2 and p67phox via the PKC signaling pathway. Furthermore, the mechanism of PIO associated with downregulating the p67phox and Nox2 subunits of NADPH oxidase was verified. Thus, PKC and NADPH oxidase may serve a major role in the protective effects of PIO in EPCs under conditions of high Hcy concentrations.

Protective effect of atorvastatin meditated by HMGCR gene on diabetic rats with atherosclerosis: An in vivo and in vitro study

BACKGROUND

Accelerated atherosclerosis in patients suffering from diabetes represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of present study was to investigate the protective effects conferred by atorvastatin (AVT) meditated by the HMGCR gene in diabetic rats with atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and serum insulin (INS) were all determined by means of in vivo experiments. Following the establishment of the diabetic model of atherosclerosis, the expressions of HMGCR, low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), fatty acid synthase (FASN) were detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis in the vitro experiments. Flow cytometry was adopted in order to detect cell cycle and apoptosis.

RESULTS

The in vivo experiments results indicated that FBG and INS among the diabetic arteriosclerosis rats exhibited markedly higher levels; after injected with AVT and HMGCR, decreased contents of TC, TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C, while increased contents of HDL-C as well as an increased positive rate of HMGCR protein expression were observed. In vitro experiment, the mRNA and protein expression of LDLR were increased and FASN were decreased in cells transfected with HMGCR and AVT; with a greater number of cells arrested at the S phase and less in the G0/G1 phase, as well as data indicating the rate of apoptosis was inhibited after HMGCR and AVT transfection processes.

CONCLUSION

The key findings of the present study suggested that the protective effect conferred by AVT in diabetic rats with atherosclerosis was associated with the overexpression of the HMGCR gene, thus presenting a novel target for atherosclerosis treatment.

Homocysteine inhibits endothelial progenitor cells proliferation via DNMT1-mediated hypomethylation of Cyclin A

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to neovasculogenesis and reendothelialization of damaged blood vessels to maintain the endothelium. Dysfunction of EPCs is implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular injury induced by homocysteine (Hcy). We aimed to investigate the role of Cyclin A in Hcy-induced EPCs dysfunction and explore its molecular mechanism. In this study, by treatment of EPCs with Hcy, we found that the expression of Cyclin A mRNA and protein were significantly downregulated in a dose-dependent manner. Knockdown of Cyclin A prominently reduced proliferation of EPCs, while over-expression of Cyclin A significantly promoted the cell proliferation, suggesting that Hcy inhibits EPCs proliferation through downregulation of Cyclin A expression. In addition, epigenetic study also demonstrated that Hcy induces DNA hypomethylation of the Cyclin A promoter in EPCs through downregulated expression of DNMT1. Moreover, we found that Hcy treatment of EPCs leads to increased SAM, SAH and MeCP2, while the ratio of SAM/SAH and MBD expression decrease. In summary, our results indicate that Hcy inhibits Cyclin A expression through hypomethylation of Cyclin A and thereby suppress EPCs proliferation. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism of DNA methylation mediated by DNMT1 in prevention of Hcy associated cardiovascular disease.

Atorvastatin enhances endothelial cell function in posttransplant poor graft function

Dysfunctional BM EPCs were found in subjects with PGF postallotransplant. BM EPCs from subjects with PGF were enhanced by atorvastatin through downregulation of the p38 MAPK pathway.

Hyperhomocysteinemia: a missing link to dysfunctional HDL via paraoxanase-1

Paraoxanase-1 (PON1) is an HDL-associated enzyme that contributes to the antioxidant and antiatherosclerotic properties of HDL. Lack of PON1 results in dysfunctional HDL. HHcy is a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders, and instigates vascular dysfunction and ECM remodeling. Although studies have reported HHcy during atherosclerosis, the exact mechanism is unclear. Here, we hypothesize that dysfunctional HDL due to lack of PON1 contributes to endothelial impairment and atherogenesis through HHcy-induced ECM re-modeling. To verify this hypothesis, we used C57BL6/J and PON1 knockout mice (KO) and fed them an atherogenic diet. The expression of Akt, ADMA, and DDAH, as well as endothelial gap junction proteins such as Cx-37 and Cx-40 and eNOS was measured for vascular dysfunction and inflammation. We observed that cardiac function was decreased and plasma Hcy levels were increased in PON1 KO mice fed the atherogenic diet compared with the controls. Expression of Akt, eNOS, DDAH, Cx-37, and Cx-40 was decreased, and the expression of MMP-9 and ADMA was increased in PON1 KO mice fed an atherogenic diet compared with the controls. Our results suggest that HHcy plays an intricate role in dysfunctional HDL, owing to the lack of PON1. This contributes to vascular endothelial impairment and atherosclerosis through MMP-9-induced vascular remodeling.

Hypermethylation of DDAH2 promoter contributes to the dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells in coronary artery disease patients

Background

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may be a biomarker for vascular function and cardiovascular risk in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH2) regulates the function of EPCs. This study aimed to examine whether hypermethylation of DDAH2 promoter contributes to impaired function of EPCs in CAD patients.

Methods

Peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells from 25 CAD patients and 15 healthy volunteers were collected and differentiated into EPCs. EPCs were tested for their adhesive capability. DDAH2 mRNA expression was analyzed by real-time PCR, and the methylation of DDAH2 promoter was detected by bisulfite genomic sequencing.

Results

DDAH2 promoter in EPCs from CAD patients was hypermethylated and the methylation level was negatively correlated to DDAH2 mRNA level and adhesion function of EPCs. Homocysteine impaired the adhesion function of EPCs, accompanied by lower DDAH2 expression and higher methylation level of DDAH2 promoter, compared to controls. These effects of homocysteine were reversed by pretreatment with Aza, an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase.

Conclusion

Hypermethylation in DDAH2 promoter is positively correlated to the dysfunction of EPCs in CAD patients. Homocysteine disrupts EPCs function via inducing the hypermethylation of DDAH2 promoter, suggesting a key role of epigenetic mechanism in the progression of atherosclerosis.

Osteoprotegerin causes apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells by induction of oxidative stress

OBJECTIVE

Elevated serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels represent an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic disease, although the underlying mechanism is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum OPG levels and circulating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) numbers, and to explore the effect of OPG on EPC apoptosis and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Flow cytometry was used to enumerate EPCs in the peripheral blood of 91 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Cultured EPCs, isolated from peripheral blood, were challenged with OPG, and apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining. Expression of apoptosis-related proteins was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by flow cytometry, and the expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX) and MAP kinases (MAPK) was measured by qPCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

The serum OPG level was independently associated with reduced numbers of EPCs in patients with SLE. In vitro treatment with OPG significantly induced apoptosis of EPCs; this effect was mediated by syndecan 4. OPG-induced apoptosis was abolished by the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine and the NOX inhibitor diphenyleniodonium. OPG increased ROS production through activation of NOX-2 and NOX-4 and triggered phosphorylation of ERK-1/2 and p38 MAPK. Quenching of ROS by knockdown of NOX-2 or NOX-4 transcripts inhibited phosphorylation of ERK-1/2 and p38 MAPK. Moreover, inhibitors of ERK-1/2 and p38 MAPK decreased ROS production and subsequent EPC apoptosis, indicating a feed-forward loop between NOX and MAPK to amplify ROS production related to apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Elevated OPG levels increase apoptosis of EPCs by induction of oxidative stress.

S-adenosyl methionine prevents endothelial dysfunction by inducing heme oxygenase-1 in vascular endothelial cells

S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) is a key intermediate in the metabolism of sulfur amino acids and is a major methyl donor in the cell. Although the low plasma level of SAM has been associated with atherosclerosis, the effect of SAM administration on atherosclerosis is not known. Endothelial dysfunction is an early prerequisite for atherosclerosis. This study was undertaken to investigate the possible preventive effect of SAM on endothelial dysfunction and the molecular mechanism of its action. SAM treatment prevented endothelial dysfunction in high fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. In cultured human aortic endothelial cells, linoleic acid (LA) increased and SAM decreased cell apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Both LA and SAM increased heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in an NF-E2-related factor 2-dependent manner. However, knockdown of HO-1 reversed only the SAM-induced preventive effect of cell apoptosis. The LA-induced HO-1 expression was dependent on PPARα, whereas SAM induced HO-1 in a PPAR-independent manner. These data demonstrate that SAM treatment prevents endothelial dysfunction in HFDfed animals by inducing HO-1 in vascular endothelial cells. In cultured endothelial cells, SAM-induced HO-1 was responsible for the observed prevention of cell apoptosis. We propose that SAM treatment may represent a new therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.

Attenuation by statins of membrane raft-redox signaling in coronary arterial endothelium

Membrane raft (MR)-redox signaling platforms associated with NADPH oxidase are involved in coronary endothelial dysfunction. Here, we studied whether statins interfere with the formation of MR-redox signaling platforms to protect the coronary arterial endothelium from oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL)-induced injury and from acute hypercholesterolemia. In cultured human coronary arterial endothelial cells, confocal microscopy detected the formation of an MRs clustering when they were exposed to OxLDL, and such MR platform formation was inhibited markedly by statins, including pravastatin and simvastatin. In these MR clusters, NADPH oxidase subunits gp91(phox) and p47(phox) were aggregated and were markedly blocked by both statins. In addition, colocalization of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) and ceramide was induced by OxLDL, which was blocked by statins. Electron spin resonance spectrometry showed that OxLDL-induced superoxide (O2(.-)) production in the MR fractions was substantially reduced by statins. In coronary artery intima of mice with acute hypercholesterolemia, confocal microscopy revealed a colocalization of gp91(phox), p47(phox), ASM, or ceramide in MR clusters. Such colocalization was rarely observed in the arteries of normal mice or significantly reduced by pretreatment of hypercholesterolemic mice with statins. Furthermore, O2(.-) production in situ was 3-fold higher in the coronary arteries from hypercholesterolemic mice than in those from normal mice, and such increase was inhibited by statins. Our results indicate that blockade of MR-redox signaling platform formation in endothelial cell membrane may be another important therapeutic mechanism of statins in preventing endothelial injury and atherosclerosis and may be associated with their direct action on membrane cholesterol structure and function.

Nitric oxide-donating statin improves multiple functions of circulating angiogenic cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Statins, a major component of the prevention of cardiovascular disease, aid progenitor cell functions in vivo and in vitro. Statins bearing a NO-releasing moiety were developed for their enhanced anti-inflammatory/anti-thrombotic properties. Here, we investigated if the NO-donating atorvastatin (NCX 547) improved the functions of circulating angiogenic cells (CACs).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) were prepared from peripheral blood monocytes of healthy volunteers and type-2 diabetic patients and were cultured in low (LG) or high glucose (HG) conditions, in presence of atorvastatin or NCX 547 (both at 0.1 µM) or vehicle. Functional assays (outgrowth, proliferation, viability, senescence and apoptosis) were performed in presence of the endothelial NOS inhibitor L-NIO, the NO scavenger c-PTIO or vehicle.

KEY RESULTS

Culturing in HG conditions lowered NO in CACs, inhibited outgrowth, proliferation, viability and migration, and induced cell senescence and apoptosis. NCX 547 fully restored NO levels and functions of HG-cultured CACs, while atorvastatin prevented only apoptosis in CACs. The activity of Akt, a pro-survival kinase, was increased by atorvastatin in LG-cultured but not in HG-cultured CACs, whereas NCX 547 increased Akt activity in both conditions. L-NIO partially blunted and c-PTIO prevented NCX 547-induced improvements in CAC functions. Finally, NCX 547 improved outgrowth and migration of CACs prepared from patients with type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

NCX 547 was more effective than atorvastatin in preserving functions of CACs. This property adds to the spectrum of favourable actions that would make NO-releasing statins more effective agents for treating cardiovascular disease.

TRB3 mediates homocysteine-induced inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been shown to induce endothelial dysfunction, an early event in the progression of atherosclerosis. However, the underlying mechanism of endothelial cell injury in HHcy has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we examined the effect of homocysteine on tribbles-related protein 3 (TRB3)-mediated cell-cycle arrest in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Treatment of HUVECs with homocysteine (0-250 µmol/L) resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation assessed by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA. Homocysteine induced cell-cycle arrest in the G1 phase by up-regulating the protein levels of p27(kip1). Under these conditions, homocysteine did not induce endoplasmic reticulum stress. However, homocysteine up-regulated the expression of TRB3, thus leading to the dephosphorylation of Akt (Thr308). Knock-down of endogenous TRB3 using siRNA significantly suppressed the inhibitory effect of homocysteine on the proliferation of HUVECs. Homocysteine-induced TRB3 expression was mediated by the cAMP/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) pathway. These results demonstrate that TRB3 is a critical molecule in the homocysteine-mediated cell-cycle arrest in endothelial cells.

AMP-activated protein kinase inhibits homocysteine-induced dysfunction and apoptosis in endothelial progenitor cells

PURPOSE

Homocysteine (Hcy) has been shown to induce oxidative stress and apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been reported to have protective effects on endothelial function. However, effects of AMPK activation on Hcy-induced EPCs injury remain to be determined. In this study, we examined the effect of AMPK phosphorylation on Hcy-induced NO bioavailability impairment and NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in EPCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EPCs were pre-treated with various concentrations of 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide riboside-l-beta-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR), a pharmacological agonist of AMPK, and then incubated with Hcy for 24 h. Furthermore, we challenged EPCs with Hcy in the presence or absence of atorvastatin and AMPK-DN which expressed a dominant-negative mutant of AMPK. Migration, proliferation and apoptosis were assayed to evaluate EPCs function. NO production, expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), intracellular ROS levels and Nox4 activation were determined to explore the potential mechanisms of Hcy-induced EPCs dysfunction.

RESULTS

We observed that AICAR attenuated the inhibition effects of Hcy on EPCs migration and proliferation. The apoptosis rates of EPCs were down-regulated by AICAR compared with the group treated with Hcy only [(0.25 mmol/L AICAR: 10.48 ± 1.6%; 0.5 mmol/L AICAR: 8.70 ± 1.0%; 1 mmol/L AICAR: 5.83 ± 1.3%) vs. (500 μmol/L Hcy only: 12.60 ± 1.9%)]. We also found that NO production and eNOS expression were up-regulated by AICAR compared with the group treated with Hcy only, while ROS accumulation and Nox4 activation were inhibited. Furthermore, atorvastatin suppressed Hcy-induced dysfunction of EPCs, increased NO production and eNOS expression, and down-regulated ROS accumulation and Nox4 activation. And these effects of atorvastatin could be blunted by AMPK-DN.

CONCLUSION

AMPK activation inhibits eNOS down-regulation and Nox4-derived ROS accumulation induced by Hcy in EPCs, and may contribute to the protective effects of atorvastatin on endothelial function.