Effects of Apelin-13 on barrier injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by LPS

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of Apelin-13 on barrier function injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by LPS. Methods: The HUVECs cultured in vitro were divided into 4 groups: Control group, LPS group, Apelin-13+LPS group, Apelin-13 group. HUVECs were treated by 5 μg/ml LPS for 24 h to replicate the model with endothelial barrier impaired. Apelin-13 at the concentration of 1 μmol/L was given 30 min before LPS treatment. The cell viabillity of HUVECs was measured by CCK-8 assay. Protein expressions of VE-cadherin and F-actin were measured by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Nuclear factor κB p65(NF-κB p65) was detected by immunofluorescence. Results: Compared with the control group, the cell viabillity of HUVECs and protein expression of VE-cadherin were decreased by LPS, but the protein expression of F-actin and activation of NF-κB p65 were increased by LPS. These effects were attenuated by Apelin-13 administration. Conclusion: Apelin-13 ameliorates LPS-induced barrier function injury of HUVECs, which may be related to the inhibition of inflammation.