Background: Humanin, a newly emerging endogenously expressed cytoprotective peptide, has been shown to have anti-apoptotic properties effects by protecting neuronal cells injury. Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are considered as vital mediators in intercellular communication. EMPs may regulate various physiological and pathological processes by transferring mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) to recipient cells.
Methods: EMPs were isolated from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by ultracentrifugation. EMPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analyses. Observation of EMPs uptake into HUVECs and the number of EMPs were realized by confocal microscopy. The expression of miR-155 was examined using real-time PCR. Cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry assay.
Results: We found that high glucose (HG) increased the number of EMPs and upregulated the expression of miR-155 contained within EMPs, which was mitigated by HNG pretreatment. miR-155 overexpression in EMPs reversed the effects of HNG pretreatment and increased apoptosis of target cells. Effects of HNG pretreatment on HG-treated endothelial cells (ECs) were mitigated after miR-155 mimic transfection into HUVECs while were augmented after miR-155 inhibitor transfection into HUVECs.
Conclusion: HNG inhibited HG-induced apoptosis of ECs and the effect of HNG may be mediated by inhibiting the transfer of EMPs miR-155 from HG-induced HUVECs to normal cells. This study provides a new direction for biological products related to humanin to treat vascular complications associated with all forms of diabetes mellitus.
Keywords: humanin, apoptosis, microRNAs, endothelial microparticles, endothelial cells