Erythropoietin attenuated high glucose-induced apoptosis in cultured human aortic endothelial cells

Abstract

High glucose-induced apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells may contribute to the acceleration of atherosclerosis associated with diabetes. Here, we show that erythropoietin attenuates high glucose-induced apoptosis in cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Exposure of HAECs to high glucose level for 72h significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells compared with normal glucose level, as evaluated by TUNEL assay. Simultaneous addition of erythropoietin (100 U/ml) significantly attenuated high glucose-induced apoptosis. In parallel, exposure to high glucose level induced caspase-3 activation and erythropoietin also prevented it. Erythropoietin stimulated Akt phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner (1-100 U/ml). PI3 kinase inhibitor, wortmannin or LY294002 eliminated erythropoietin's inhibitory effect on caspase-3 activity. In conclusion, erythropoietin may attenuate high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis via PI-3 kinase pathway. Replacing therapy with erythropoietin is often used for correction of renal anemia, but may have potential in preventing atherosclerosis in diabetic patients with end-stage renal failure.