Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) protects vascular endothelial cells against advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-induced apoptosis

• Published in: Medical science monitor 2012-07, Vol.18 (7), p.BR286-BR291
• Main Authors: Zhan, Yi, Sun, Hui-lin, Chen, Hong, Zhang, Hua, Sun, Jia, Zhang, Zhen, Cai, De-hong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Apoptosis - drug effects; Basic Research; bcl-2-Associated X Protein - genetics; bcl-2-Associated X Protein - metabolism; Caspase 3 - metabolism; Caspase 9 - metabolism; Cell Survival - drug effects; Cytochromes c - metabolism; Cytoprotection - drug effects; Enzyme Activation - drug effects; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 - pharmacology; Glycation End Products, Advanced - toxicity; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells - cytology; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells - drug effects; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells - enzymology; Humans; Up-Regulation - drug effects; Up-Regulation - genetics
• ISSN: 1234-1010; 1643-3750
• DOI: 10.12659/MSM.883207

The peptide glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone secreted by intestinal L cells in response to food intake. GLP-1 has been proposed as the basis of emerging therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of GLP-1 on vascular injury in diabetes have not been identified. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) induce endothelial cell apoptosis and have been implicated in the process of vascular complications from diabetes. The aim of this work was to investigate whether and how GLP-1 protects endothelial cells from apoptosis induced by AGEs. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with AGEs (200 µg/mL) for 48 h in the presence or absence of GLP-1. Cell morphology, viability, apoptosis, ratio of Bcl-2 protein to Bax protein, cytochrome c release, and activity of caspase-9 and -3 were determined. Treatment of cells with AGEs led to cell morphology changes and decreased cell viability, resulting in apoptosis. GLP-1 alone increased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. GLP-1 partially inhibited AGEs-induced apoptosis in HUVECs. GLP-1 increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio, reduced cytochrome c levels in the cytoplasm, and reduced the activity of caspase-9 and -3 in AGEs-treated HUVECs. AGEs induces apoptosis via the mitochondrion-cytochrome c-caspase protease pathway, and GLP-1 protects endothelial cells by interfering with this mechanism. GLP-1 may represent an anti-apoptotic agent in the treatment of vascular complications arising from diabetes.