ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the effect of DL-homocysteine (Hcy) on expression of VCAM-1 and the adhesion between endothelial cells and monocytes in cultured rat aortic endothelial cells. Method: Rat aortic endothelial cells were cultured in vitro and treated by 0-5.0 mmol/L Hcy for 24 h. The activity of SOD and GSH-Px, the contents of MDA in the medium and the rates of adhesion between endothelial cells and monocytes were determined. The expressions of NF-?b,VCAM-1 protein and the VCAM-1 mRNA were detected by immunocytochemical and reverse transcriptase PCR respectively. Results: Compared with control group and 0.01 mmol/L Hcy , 0.1-5.0 mmol/L Hcy significantly inhibited the activity of SOD and GSH-Px, increased the contents of MDA and the expression of NF-?B and VCAM-1mRNA, enhanced the rates of adhesion between endothelial cells and monocytes. Conclusion: Homocysteine may play a crucial role in atherosclerosis by increasing the expression of NF-?B,VCAM-1mRNA and enhancing the rates of adhesion between endothelial cells and monocytes.