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High Glucose Induces Apoptotic Markers in Primary Human Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Author(s) -
Wiley Luke Aaron,
Steinle Jena J
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.6.a1217-d
Subject(s) - apoptosis , retinal , diabetic retinopathy , pericyte , angiogenesis , endothelial stem cell , l glucose , biology , endocrinology , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , diabetes mellitus , biochemistry , in vitro , islet
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the number one cause of blindness in working‐age adults. DR is characterized by thickened capillary basement membranes, loss of pericytes, formation of microaneurysms, proliferation of endothelial cells, and angiogenesis in the retina. Despite extensive research, a link between hyperglycemia and the mechanisms causing DR has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of high glucose to induce apoptotic markers in human primary microvascular retinal endothelial cells (HMRECs). HMRECs were maintained in media containing either a physiological concentration of glucose (5 mmol) or that consisting of 25 mmol glucose. 5% FBS was used to limit the serum effects on cell proliferation while also avoiding serum starvation, as it is known to induce apoptosis. Cells were maintained in the respective medium for 5 days with media changes every 24 hours. Immunoblotting was performed to assess pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic factor expression. High glucose (HG) increased the protein levels of the pro‐apoptotic proteins Bax and p53, compared to low glucose (LG)‐treated cells. Furthermore, the levels of the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2 was decreased in HG cells, compared to the LG controls. The increased Bax:Bcl‐2 ratio in HG versus LG cells indicates a likely apoptotic shift. The effects of high glucose on retinal endothelial cells has been extensively studied. However, most experiments are conducted using either HUVECs, which are macrovascular or BRECs that are not human. The results above demonstrate the importance of high glucose on cultured primary human microvascular retinal endothelial cells. Further understanding of the mechanisms behind hyperglycemia‐induced apoptosis could lead to new therapeutic interventions for diabetic retinopathy.