Role of apigenin in high glucose-induced retinal microvascular endothelial cell dysfunction via regulating NOX4/p38 MAPK pathway in vitro

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the retinoprotective role of Apigenin (Api) against high glucose (HG)-induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs), and to explore its regulatory mechanism. METHODS: HRMECs were stimulated by HG for 48h to establish the in vitro cell model. Different concentrations of Api (2.5, 5, and 10 μmol/L) were applied for treatment. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell, and tube formation assays were performed to examine the effects of Api on the viability, migration, and angiogenesis in HG-induced HRMECs. Vascular permeability was evaluated by Evans blue dye. The inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress-related factors were measured using their commercial kits. Protein expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was measured by Western blot. RESULTS: Api prevented HG-induced HRMECs viability, migration, angiogenesis, and vascular permeability in a concentration-dependent manner. Meanwhile, Api also concentration-dependently inhibited inflammation and oxidative stress in HRMECs exposed to HG. In addition, HG caused an elevated expression of NOX4, which was retarded by Api treatment. HG stimulation facilitated the activation of p38 MAPK signaling in HRMECs, and Api could weaken this activation partly via downregulating NOX4 expression. Furthermore, overexpression of NOX4 or activation of p38 MAPK signaling greatly weakened the protective role of Api against HG-stimulated HRMECs. CONCLUSION: Api might exert a beneficial role in HG-stimulated HRMECs through regulating NOX4/p38 MAPK pathway.