Teriparatide regulates osteoblast differentiation in high-glucose microenvironment through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of teriparatide on the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells in high-glucose microenvironment and explore the possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#MC3T3-E1 cells cultured in normal glucose or high-glucose (25 mmol/L) medium were treated with 10 nmol/L teriparatide with or without co-treatment with H-89 (a PKA inhibitor). CCK-8 assay was used to detect the changes in cell proliferation, and cAMP content in the cells was determined with ELISA. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodules in the cells were detected using ALP kit and Alizarin red staining, respectively. The changes in cell morphology were detected by cytoskeleton staining. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of PKA, CREB, RUNX2 and Osx in the treated cells.@*RESULTS@#The treatments did not result in significant changes in proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells (P > 0.05). Compared with the cells in routine culture, the cells treated with teriparatide showed significantly increased cAMP levels (P < 0.05) with enhanced ALP activity and increased area of mineralized nodules (P < 0.05). Teriparatide treatment also resulted in more distinct visualization of the cytoskeleton in the cells and obviously up-regulated the mRNA expressions of PKA, CREB, RUNX2 and Osx (P < 0.05). The opposite changes were observed in cells cultured in high glucose. In cells exposed to high glucose, treatment with teriparatide significantly increased cAMP levels (P < 0.05), ALP activity and the area of mineralized nodules (P < 0.05) and enhanced the clarity of the cytoskeleton and mRNA expressions of PKA, CREB, RUNX2 and Osx; the effects of teriparatide was strongly antagonized by co-treatment with H-89 (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Teriparatide can promote osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells in high-glucose microenvironment possibly by activating the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway.

Effect of high glucose on intracellular cholesterol content in rat glomerular mesangial cells / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of high glucose on intracellular cholesterol content in rat glomerular mesangial cells and the underlying mechanism.Methods:Rat glomerular mesangial cells were cultured in vitro and divided into high glucose culture group (high glucose group, medium glucose concentration of 30 mmol/L) and normal glucose culture group (normal group, medium glucose concentration of 5.5 mmol/L). Lipid content was determined by oil red O staining and spectrophotometer colorimetry at 24, 36 and 48 h of culture. Intracellular protein imprinting was used to detect the expression of low density lipoprotein cholesterol receptor (LDLR) and adenosine triphosphate binding cassette A1 (ABCA1). Results:Oil red O staining showed that the intracellular lipid drops in the high glucose group were less than those in the normal group at 36 h, and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 24 h and 48 h of culture. The total cholesterol (TC) and cholesterol ester (CE) in glomerular mesangial cells of rats in the high glucose group were significantly lower than those in the normal group ( P=0.028, 0.029), while there was no significant difference in the free cholesterol (FC) between the two groups ( P=0.306). There was no significant difference in TC, CE and FC between the two groups at 24 and 48 h of culture (all P>0.05). The expression of LDLR in mesangial cells of rats in high glucose group was significantly lower than that in normal group at 24, 36 and 48 h of culture ( P=0.043, 0.004, 0.028), and the expression of ABCA1 was significantly higher than that in normal group at 24, 36 and 48 h of culture, ( P=0.050, 0.009, 0.006). Conclusions:High glucose may reduce intracellular cholesterol content in rat glomerular mesangial cells by reducing LDLR protein expression and increasing ABCA1 protein expression.

miR-148a-3p improves mitochondrial injury and apoptosis induced by high-glucose through inhibiting CRT expression / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To evaluate the effects of miR-148a-3p on calreticulin (CRT) expression and mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes incubated with high glucose. 【Methods】 miR-148a-3p minic and inhibitor were used to intervene the H9c2 cardiomyocytes of rats. The expression of CRT protein was detected. Then the cells were divided into control group, high-glucose group (HG), HG +miR-148a-3p minic group, HG + miR-148a-3p minic + TG (CRT agonist) group, HG + miR-148a-3p inhibitor group, and HG + miR-148a-3p inhibitor + CRT- (CRT-siRNA) group. The content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex enzyme and apoptotic rate were detected. 【Results】 miR-148a-3p minic significantly inhibited the expression of CRT protein in cardiomyocytes, while miR-148a inhibitor increased the expression of CRT. miR-148a-3p minic inhibited the decrease of ATP production, the increase of ROS production and cell apoptosis, and the inactivity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex enzyme in cardiomyocytes induced by high glucose, while TG weakened the above effects of miR-148a-3p minic. miR-148a inhibitor aggravated the mitochondrial injury and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by high glucose, but the effects of miR-148a-3p inhibitor were partially blocked by CRT-siRNA. 【Conclusion】 miR-148a-3p negatively regulates the expression of CRT in cardiomyocytes and protects the mitochondrial injury and apoptosis induced by high-glucose through inhibiting CRT.

Liraglutide ameliorates high glucose-induced oxidative stress injury in rat H9c2 cells through modulation of SIRT1 / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of liraglutide(LRG) on high glucose-induced oxidative stress injury in(H9c2) cardiomyocytes and its underlying mechanisms.Methods:A high glucose treatment was applied to H9c2 cells for 24 hours to establish an in vitro model of myocardial cell injury. Different concentrations of liraglutide(10, 100, 1000 nmol/L) were administered for intervention. Cell viability was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay, and changes in cell morphology were observed under an inverted microscope. After 24 hours of liraglutide(100 nmol/L) intervention following high glucose treatment, the levels of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and malondialdehyde(MDA) in the cell supernatant were measured. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of silent information regulator factor 1(SIRT1) and forkhead box protein O1(FOXO1). Western blotting was also used to assess the acetylation level of FOXO1 protein. Small interfering RNA(siRNA) technology was employed to silence SIRT1 in H9c2 cells to confirm its role in the study. Results:Compared to the control group, the high glucose group showed decreased cell viability, cell structure damage, increased levels of LDH and MDA in the cell supernatant, decreased SOD levels, aggravated oxidative stress, decreased SIRT1 expression, and increased acetylation level of FOXO1(all P<0.05). Compared to the high glucose group, liraglutide intervention resulted in increased cell viability, improved cardiac cell morphology, reduced oxidative stress levels, increased SIRT1 expression, and decreased acetylation level of FOXO1(all P<0.05). When SIRT1 was downregulated, the protective effects of liraglutide were weakened(all P<0.05). Conclusions:Liraglutide has a protective effect against high glucose-induced oxidative stress injury in H9c2 cells, which may be associated with the upregulation of SIRT1 expression.

To investigate the effect of Astragaloside Ⅳ on high-glucose-induced cardiomyocytes pyroptosis / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of Astragaloside Ⅳ on high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis.Methods:H9c2 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into control group(5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group(33.3 mmol/L glucose), Astragaloside Ⅳ group(33.3 mmol/L glucose+ 100μmol/L Astragaloside Ⅳ), and NLRP3 inhibitor group(33.3 mmol/L glucose+ 1μmol/L MCC950). Cell counting kit 8(CCK-8)was used to detect the activity of H9c2 cells.Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)kit was used to detect the content of LDH in cell supernatant.Superoxide anion fluorescent probe(DHE)was used to detect the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of pyroptosis-related genes.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the fluorescence intensity of NLRP3.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the level of inflammatory factors in cell supernatant.Results:When the concentration of Astragaloside Ⅳ was 100 μmol/L, it could significantly inhibit the decrease of cardiomyocyte viability induced by high glucose( P<0.01)and reduce LDH release( P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the level of ROS was increased( P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of pyroptosis-related molecules were up-regulated( P<0.01 for all), the fluorescence intensity of NLRP3 was increased( P<0.01), and the levels of inflammatory factors in the cell supernatant were increased in the high glucose group( P<0.01). Compared with the high glucose group, the ROS level was decreased( P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of pyroptosis-related molecules were down-regulated( P<0.05 or P<0.01), the fluorescence intensity of NLRP3 was decreased( P<0.01), and the levels of inflammatory factors in cell supernatant were decreased( P<0.05 or P<0.01)in Astragaloside Ⅳ group and inhibitor group. Conclusions:Astragaloside Ⅳ plays a protective role in high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte injury by inhibiting NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.Moreover, it can improve the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in cell models.

miR-519d-3p alleviates high glucose-induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cells dysfunction and inhibits angiogenesis by targeting hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To clarify the effect of miR-519d-3p on high glucose-induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMEC)dysfunction and angiogenesis, and to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of miR-519d-3p on hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha(HIF-1α).METHODS: The normal glucose(NG)and high glucose(HG)cell models were established by inducing HRMEC with 5 and 30 mmol/L glucose, respectively. Control group: HG cell model was transfected with negative control mimics; mannitol group: the control group was added with 25 mmol/L mannitol; miR-519d-3p overexpression group: HG cell model was transfected with miR-519d-3p mimics; miR-519d-3p combined with HIF-1α overexpression group: HG cell model was co-transfected with miR-519d-3p mimics and HIF-1α overexpression vector. The expression of miR-519d-3p in each group was tested by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The expression of HIF-1α protein in each group was tested by Western blotting. The binding sites between miR-519d-3p and HIF-1α were detected by luciferase reporter gene assay. The cell proliferation of each group was detected by CCK-8. The cell apoptosis of each group was tested by Hoechst 33342 staining. The protein expression of extracellular fluid inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 in each group was tested by ELISA. The formation of new capillary lumen-like structures was detected by tubule formation assay.RESULTS: Compared with the NG, miR-519d-3p expression was significantly reduced in the HG cell model, while HIF-1α protein expression was significantly increased in the HG(all P&#x003C;0.01). Compared with the control group, HIF-1α protein expression was significantly reduced in the miR-519d-3p overexpression group(P&#x003C;0.01). The “CGUGAAA” sequence of miR-519d-3p could specifically bind to the “GCACUUU” sequence of HIF-1α 3'-untranslated region(3'-UTR). Compared with the control group, the miR-519d-3p overexpression group showed a significant increase in 24, 48 and 72h absorbance values, a significant decrease in cell apoptotic rate, a significant decrease in the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and a significant decrease in the number of new capillary lumen-like structures(all P&#x003C;0.01). Compared with the miR-519d-3p overexpression group, the miR-519d-3p combined with HIF-1α overexpression group showed a significant decrease in 24, 48 and 72h absorbance values, a significant increase in cell apoptotic rate, a significant increase in the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and a significant increase in the number of new capillary lumen-like structures(all P&#x003C;0.01). There was no difference between the control group and mannitol group in the comparison of the above indicators(all P&#x003E;0.05).CONCLUSION: miR-519d-3p expression is down-regulated while HIF-1α protein expression is up-regulated in high glucose induced HRMEC model. HIF-1α is a target gene of miR-519d-3p. The miR-519d-3p targets HIF-1α to increase cell proliferation and reduce cell apoptosis and inflammation, thereby alleviating high glucose-induced HRMEC dysfunction and inhibiting angiogenesis.

Antagonistic effect of SC79 on high glucose-induced apoptosis of RPE cells and its regulatory mechanism on AKT-XIAP signaling pathway / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the antagonistic effect and potential mechanism of specific AKT activator SC79 on the apoptosis of human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE)-19 cells induced by high glucose in vitro. Methods:The ARPE-19 cells were cultured in high glucose medium (containing 30 mmol/L glucose) plus 5, 10 or 20 μg/ml SC79, respectively.After 6-, 12- and 24-hour culture, the optimal experimental concentration and timing were determined according to cell proliferation rate.Then ARPE-19 cells were divided into four groups, normal control group cultured in normal medium containing 5.6 mmol/L glucose for 48 hours, mannitol group cultured in medium containing 5.6 mmol/L glucose and 24.4 mmol/L mannitol for 48 hours, high glucose group cultured in high glucose medium for 48 hours, and high glucose+ SC79 group cultured in normal medium containing 10 μg/ml SC79 for 12 hours plus in high glucose medium for 36 hours.The proliferation rate of APRE-19 cells was detected by MTS assay.The apoptosis rate was measured by flow cytometry.The relative expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), caspase-9, caspase-3 and its active fragments (active-caspase-3) were assayed by Western blot.The ARPE-19 cells were divided into Neg-shRNA group, AKT shRNA group and blank control group and were treated with the corresponding transfection complex and serum-free medium.The AKT mRNA expression was detected by real-time PCR.The transfected ARPE-19 cells were divided into Neg-shRNA+ SC79 group and AKT shRNA+ SC79 group and were cultured according to the culturing method of high-glucose+ SC79 group.The apoptosis rate of the two groups was tested by flow cytometry.Results:Among different concentrations of SC79 and treatment times, the proliferation rate of cells treated with 10 μg/ml SC79 for 12 hours was the highest.The proliferation rate of ARPE-19 cells in high-glucose group was significantly lower than that in normal control group, mannitol group and high-glucose+ SC79 group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.01). The apoptosis rate of cells in the high-glucose group was (52.27±3.21)%, which was significantly higher than (3.90±0.71)% in normal control group and (20.70±3.62)% in high-glucose+ SC79 group (both at P<0.01). The relative expression levels of p-Akt, XIAP, caspase-9 and caspase-3 were significantly lower and the relative expression level of active-caspase-3 was significantly higher in high glucose group than those in normal control group and high-glucose+ SC79 group (all at P<0.05). The relative expression level of AKT mRNA in normal control group, Neg-shRNA group and AKT shRNA group was 0.60±0.07, 0.59±0.03 and 0.11±0.10, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference among the groups ( F=30.44, P<0.01). The apoptosis rate of cells in the AKT shRNA+ SC79 group was significantly higher than that in high-glucose+ SC79 group and Neg-shRNA+ SC79 group (both at P<0.001). Conclusions:SC79 can partially antagonize the apoptosis of ARPE-19 cells induced by high glucose, which is related to the activation of AKT/XIAP pathway and the inhibition of the caspase family.

Role of ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway in high glucose-induced pyroptosis of human embryonic trophoblast cells / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the changes of ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway in pyroptosis of human embryonic trophoblast cells induced by high glucose.Methods:Human embryonic trophoblast cells were cultured in vitro to establish high glucose injury model, and they were randomly divided into control group, high glucose (HG) group and HG + ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine (HG + NAC) group. MTT assay was used to detect the cell survival rate. The level of ROS in each group was detected by dihydroethidine ROS fluorescence probe. Expression of TXNIP and NLRP3 mRNA was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, Caspase-1, interleukin (IL) -1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and GSDMD proteins. In addition, pyroptosis was detected by flow cytometry.Results:The optimal glucose concentration for high glucose-induced injury of human embryonic trophoblast cells was 30 mmol/L. Compared with the control group (96.27±3.10) %, the survival rate of human embryonic trophoblast cells in HG group (55.44±2.15) % was significantly lower ( P<0.05), while the fluorescence intensity (ROS level) of 7 'dichlorofluorescein (DCF), the expression levels of TXNIP and NLRP3 proteins, the number of pyroptosis, expression levels of Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β and TNF-α proteins were significantly higher ( P<0.05) ; Compared with HG group, the survival rate of human embryonic trophoblast cells in HG+NAC group (84.75±2.33) % was significantly higher ( P<0.05), the fluorescence intensity (ROS level) of DCF, the expression levels of TXNIP and NLRP3 proteins, the number of pyroptosis, and expression levels of Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β and TNF-α proteins were significantly lower ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Inhibition of ROS level in human embryonic trophoblast cells induced by high glucose may promote cell proliferation and reduce the occurrence of pyroptosis by inhibiting TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Red light-emitting diode light mediated by the KEAP1-NRF2/HO-1 pathway induces osteogenic differentiation and attenuates the oxidative stress damage of human periodontal ligament stem cells induced by high glucose / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@# To explore the effects of red LED light mediated by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (KEAP1-NRF2/HO-1) pathway on osteogenic differentiation and oxidative stress damage of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) induced by high glucose, which provides a basis for the application of red light-emitting diode (LED) light in cell antioxidative damage.@*Methods@#hPDLSCs were identified by flow cytometric analysis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and Alizarin red-S staining; hPDLSCs were pretreated in a high glucose environment for 48 hours and irradiated with 1, 3, or 5 J/cm2 red LED light. A CCK-8 assay was performed to choose the radiant exposure that had the strongest effect on promoting the cell proliferation rate for subsequent experiments. hPDLSCs were divided into a control group, a high glucose group and a high glucose+light exposure group. ALP staining, ALP activity, Alizarin red-S staining and quantitative calcified nodules were used to detect the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs; qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the gene and protein expression levels of ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osterix (OSX); the relative mRNA expression levels of antioxidant enzyme-related genes superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and catalase (CAT) in hPDLSCs were detected by qRT-PCR; reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry; the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels in cell supernatants were detected by ELISA; the NRF2-specific inhibitor ML385 was used to inhibit the NRF2 pathway; ALP staining and ALP activity were used to detect the markers of early osteogenic differentiation; qRT-PCR was used to detect the gene expression of ALP, RUNX2 and OSX; and the protein expression levels of KEAP1, NRF2 and HO-1 were detected by Western blot.@*Results @# Identified, and irradiant exposure of 5 J/cm2 was chosen for subsequent experiments. Red LED light irradiation (5 J/cm2) improved the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs induced by high glucose (P<0.05), increased the mRNA and protein levels of ALP, RUNX2 and OSX (P<0.05), upregulated the mRNA expression levels of SOD2 and CAT (P<0.05), reduced the levels of ROS (P<0.05), and reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the cell supernatants (P<0.05). When ML385 was added to inhibit the NRF2 pathway, the ALP activity of cells was decreased (P<0.05); the gene expression levels of ALP, RUNX2 and OSX were downregulated (P<0.05); the protein level of KEAP1 was upregulated (P<0.05); and the protein levels of NRF2 and HO-1 were downregulated (P<0.05)@*Conclusion@#Red LED light may promote the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLSCs induced by high glucose through the KEAP1-NRF2/HO-1 pathway and reduce the oxidative stress damage to hPDLSCs induced by high glucose.

Terpinen-4-ol inhibits proliferation of VSMCs exposed to high glucose via regulating KLF4/NF-κB signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to observe the effect of terpinen-4-ol(T4O) on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs) exposed to high glucose(HG) and reveal the mechanism via the Krüppel-like factor 4(KLF4)/nuclear factor kappaB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. The VSMCs were first incubated with T4O for 2 h and then cultured with HG for 48 h to establish the model of inflammatory injury. The proliferation, cell cycle, and migration rate of VSMCs were examined by MTT method, flow cytometry, and wound healing assay, respectively. The content of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin(IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) in the supernatant of VSMCs was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), Cyclin D1, KLF4, NF-κB p-p65/NF-κB p65, IL-1β, and IL-18. The KLF4 expression in VSMCs was silenced by the siRNA technology, and then the effects of T4O on the cell cycle and protein expression of the HG-induced VSMCs were observed. The results showed that different doses of T4O inhibited the HG-induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs, increased the percentage of cells in G_1 phase, and decreased the percentage of cells in S phase, and down-regulated the protein levels of PCNA and Cyclin D1. In addition, T4O reduced the HG-induced secretion and release of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and down-regulated the expression of KLF4, NF-κB p-p65/NF-κB p65, IL-1β, and IL-18. Compared with si-NC+HG, siKLF4+HG increased the percentage of cells in G_1 phase, decreased the percentage of cells in S phase, down-regulated the expression of PCNA, Cyclin D1, and KLF4, and inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. Notably, the combination of silencing KLF4 with T4O treatment further promoted the changes in the above indicators. The results indicate that T4O may inhibit the HG-induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs by down-regulating the level of KLF4 and inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Protective effects and mechanism of ghrelin on human retinal vascular endothelial cells under high glucose / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of ghrelin on human retinal vascular endothelial cells under high glucose.<p>METHODS: A hyperglycemic injury model as a research object was established on human retinal vascular endothelial cells. CCK-8 kit was used to detect the effects of ghrelin with different concentrations on cell proliferation under high glucose, so as to screen the optimal concentration of ghrelin. The cells were then divided into normal control group(NC), ghrelin group(ghrelin), high glucose group(HG)and ghrelin+ high glucose group(ghrelin+HG). Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 kit, apoptosis was detected by Annexin-APC/7-AAD kit, and the expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 proteins were detected by western blotting.<p>RESULTS: Compared with NC group(100.00%±0.00%), the cell proliferation rate of HG group(69.87%±0.68%, <i>P</i><0.05)was significantly decreased. Compared with HG group, the cell proliferation rate of ghrelin + HG group was significantly increased(92.31%±3.62%, <i>P</i><0.05). Compared with NC group(4.94%±0.15%), the cellular apoptosis rate of HG group(28.33%±1.37%, <i>P</i><0.05)was significantly increased. Compared with HG group, the cellular apoptosis rate of ghrelin+HG group(14.24%±0.32%, <i>P</i><0.05)was significantly decreased. Compared with NC group, the expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 proteins were all significantly increased(all <i>P</i><0.05). Compared with HG group, the expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 proteins in ghrelin + HG group were all significantly decreased(all <i>P</i><0.05).<p>CONCLUSION: Ghrelin can protect retinal vascular endothelial cells damaged by high glucose, it may function by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.

Effect of Dapagliflozin on high glucose-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in human retinal vascular endothelial cells / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To explore the effect of dapagliflozin on the apoptosis and oxidative stress of high glucose-induced human retinal vascular endothelial cells and its regulatory effect on forkhead FOXO4. <p>METHODS: High glucose-induced human retinal vascular endothelial cells(HRVECs)were used to establish a cell injury model(high glucose group). Experimental groups include high glucose+dapagliflozin low-dose group(1ng/L dapagliflozin), high glucose+dapagliflozin medium-dose group(5ng/L dapagliflozin), high glucose+dapagliflozin high-dose group(10ng/L dapagliflozin), high glucose+dapagliflozin high-dose+pcDNA group, high glucose+dapagliflozin high-dose+pcDNA-FOXO4 group, and normal sugar group(5.5mmol/L D-glucose). Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate. The levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)were tested with corresponding kits. Western blot assay was used to detect the protein level of FOXO4. <p>RESULTS: Compared with the normal sugar group, the apoptosis rate(<i>P</i><0.05), the level of MDA(<i>P</i><0.05)and FOXO4(<i>P</i><0.05)were increased, but the level of SOD was decreased(<i>P</i><0.05)in high-glucose group. Compared with the high glucose group, cell apoptosis rate(<i>P</i><0.05), the level of MDA(<i>P</i><0.05)and the protein level of FOXO4 were decreased(<i>P</i><0.05), but the level of SOD was increased(<i>P</i><0.05)in high glucose+medium-dose dapagliflozin group and high glucose+high-dose dapagliflozin group. Compared with high glucose+dapagliflozin high-dose+pcDNA group, the apoptosis rate(<i>P</i><0.05)and the level of MDA(<i>P</i><0.05)were increased, but the level of SOD was decreased(<i>P</i><0.05)in high glucose+dapagliflozin high-dose+pcDNA-FOXO4 group(<i>P</i><0.05). <p>CONCLUSION: Dapagliflozin could inhibit oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in high glucose-induced HRVECs by down-regulating FOXO4, thereby reducing cell damage.

Effect of ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway on the apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial cells induced by high glucose / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome on the proliferation and apoptosis of human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 exposed to high glucose and its mechanism.Methods:ARPE-19 cells cultured in vitro were divided into normal control group and high-glucose group, and were cultured in conventional medium and medium containing 30 mmol/L glucose for 48 hours, respectively.The content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by fluorescent probe, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) were tested by biochemical assay.The cells of the two groups were cultured with 0, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 μmol/L NLRP3 inhibitor CY-09 for 48 hours, respectively.The proliferation rate of ARPE-19 cells under various concentrations of CY-09 treatment was detected by cell counting kit-8, and the appropriate concentration of CY-09 was determined.ARPE-19 cells were divided into normal control group, normal+ CY-09 group, high-glucose group and high glucose+ CY-09 group.The culture medium in the normal+ CY-09 group and high glucose+ CY-09 group was supplemented with 15 μmol/L CY-09.Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate of each group, and Western blot was used to detect the relative expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated point protein (ASC), Caspase-1 precursor (pro-Caspase-1) and active fragments (cleaved-Caspase-1), B lymphocytoma-2 protein (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), Caspase-3 precursor (pro-Caspase-3) and active fragments (cleaved-Caspase-3). Results:The intensity of ROS fluorescence and MDA concentration were 120 020±3 245, (4.92±0.09) nmol/mg in the high-glucose group, which were both significantly higher than 35 426±811 and (1.78±0.03) nmol/mg in the normal control group, and the SOD activity was (35.65±1.22) μmol/(min·mg) in the high-glucose group, which was significantly lower than (74.96±1.41) μmol/(min·mg) in the normal control group, showing statistically significant differences between the two groups ( t=35.760, 46.960, 29.830; all at P<0.05). The proliferation rate of RPE cells in high-glucose group was significantly lower than that in normal control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=18.820, P<0.05). With the increase of CY-09 concentration, the proliferation rate of cells in the high-glucose group was gradually increased.The proliferation rates of cells treated with 10, 15 and 20 μmol/L CY-09 were all significantly higher than those treated with 0 μmol/L CY-09, showing statistically significant differences between them (all at P<0.05). The proliferation rates of cells treated with 15 μmol/L and 0 μmol/L CY-09 were not significantly different in the normal control group ( P>0.05). The apoptosis rate of cells in the high-glucose group was (21.68±0.41)%, which was significantly higher than (6.67±1.05)% in the normal control group and (13.96±0.07)% in the high-glucose+ CY-09 group, and the differences were statistically significant (both at P<0.05). The relative expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved-Caspase-1, cleaved-Caspase-3 and Bax proteins were significantly higher and the relative expression levels of Bcl-2 protein was significantly lower in the high-glucose group compared with the normal control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). The relative expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, the active fragment of cleaved-Caspase-1, Bax and cleaved-Caspase-3 proteins were decreased and the relative expression levels of Bcl-2 protein were increased in the normal+ CY-09 group and high glucose+ CY-09 group compared with the normal control group and high glucose group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:NLRP3 inflammasome mediates the high glucose induced RPE cells apoptosis through ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.

Mechanism of Didangtang Against Inflammatory Cascade Triggered by Foam Cell Pyroptosis in High-glucose Environment / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Didangtang （DDT） against the inflammatory cascade triggered by foam cell pyroptosis in high-glucose environment. MethodOxidized low density lipoprotein （ox-LDL， 100 mg·L-1） was used to induce pyroptosis of foam cells. The control group （5.5 mmol·L-1 glucose）， foam cell group （100 mg·L-1 ox-LDL）， high-glucose group （33.3 mmol·L-1 glucose）， DDT group （10% DDT-containing serum）， and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 （NLRP3） inhibitor group （MCC950， 10 nmmol·L-1） were designed. The cell membrane damage was observed by lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） release assay. The expression of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1） was detected by immunofluorescence method， and expression of key proteins NLRP3， Caspase-1， gastermin D （GSDMD）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and interleukin-18 （IL-18） in the pyroptosis pathway was determined by Western blot. The release of IL-18 and IL-1β， monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1）， and tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α） in cell supernatant was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. ResultThe expression of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD was up-regulated （P<0.01） and the release of IL-1β， IL-18， MCP-1， IL-1α， and TNF-α was increased （P<0.01） in foam cell group compared with those in the control group. The expression of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD was higher （P<0.01） and the release of inflammatory factors was more （P<0.01） in the high-glucose group than in the foam cell group. DDT and MCC950 can inhibit expression of NLRP3， Caspase-1， GSDMD and reduce the release of IL-1β， IL-18， MCP-1， IL-1α， and TNF-α. ConclusionDDT can suppress the pyroptosis of foam cells induced by NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway in high-glucose environment and thereby alleviate the inflammatory cascade.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Protects Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells against High Glucose-Induced Mitochondria-Related Apoptosis through Activating SIRT3 Signalling Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate whether ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) can protect human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) against high glucose-induced apoptosis and examine the underlying mechanism.@*METHODS@#HUVECs were divided into 5 groups: control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose (HG, 40 mmol/L) treatment group, Rb1 (50 µ mol/L) treatment group, Rb1 plus HG treatment group, and Rb1 and 3-(@*RESULTS@#Rb1 ameliorated survival in cells in which apoptosis was induced by high glucose (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Upon the addition of Rb1, mitochondrial and intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and malondialdehyde levels were decreased (P<0.01), while the activities of antioxidant enzymes were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Rb1 preserved the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced the release of Cyt-c from the mitochondria into the cytosol (P<0.01). In addition, Rb1 upregulated mitochondrial biogenesis-associated proteins (P<0.01). Notably, the cytoprotective effects of Rb1 were correlated with SIRT3 signalling pathway activation (P<0.01). The effect of Rb1 against high glucose-induced mitochondria-related apoptosis was restrained by 3-TYP (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Rb1 could protect HUVECs from high glucose-induced apoptosis by promoting mitochondrial function and suppressing oxidative stress through the SIRT3 signalling pathway.

Inhibitory effect of rosmarinic acid on high glucose-induced angiogenesis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) on high glucose-induced angiogenesis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway-related proteins.Methods:The HRMEC were divided into control group, high glucose group, high glucose+ low concentration RA group, high glucose+ medium concentration RA group, and high glucose+ high concentration RA group, and were cultured in vitro with conventional medium, 30 mmol/L D-glucose medium, 30 mmol/L D-glucose+ 25 μmol/L RA medium, 30 mmol/L D-glucose+ 50 μmol/L RA medium and 30 mmol/L D-glucose+ 100 μmol/L RA medium accordingly.The 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to detect the cell proliferation.Transwell assay was performed to detect the cell migration.Matrigel assay was employed to determine the tube formation ability of cells.Western blot was utilized to detect the expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck like protein (ASC) and cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to detect the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in supernatant of cell culture. Results:The cell proliferation rate, the number of migrated cells and the number of formed tubes were (100.00±0.92)%, 37.67±9.02 and 45.00±4.58 in the control group, (163.56±1.46)%, 117.33±7.23 and 95.00±9.54 in the high glucose group, (152.29±2.90)%, 78.67±4.04 and 84.67±1.53 in the high glucose+ low concentration RA group, (147.72±2.22)%, 65.33±4.16 and 71.00±3.61 in the high glucose+ medium concentration RA group, (132.47±0.74)%, 52.67±6.81 and 60.00±1.00 in the high glucose+ high concentration RA group, respectively.There were statistically significant differences in cell proliferation rate, the number of migrated cells and formed tubes among all groups ( F=537.07, 64.63, 45.58; all at P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the cell proliferation rate, the number of migrated cells and formed tubes were significantly increased in the high glucose group, high glucose+ low concentration RA group, high glucose+ medium concentration RA group and high glucose+ high concentration RA group, showing statistical significances (all at P<0.05). Compared with the high glucose group, the cell proliferation rate, the number of migrated cells and formed tubes were significantly decreased in the different concentrations RA groups (all at P<0.05). With the increase of RA concentration, the cell proliferation rate, the number of migrated cells and formed tubes were decreased, and there were statistical differences among high glucose+ low/medium/high concentrations RA groups (all at P<0.05). There were significantly differences in the relative expression levels of NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 proteins in cells and the concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell culture supernatant among all the five groups ( F=145.12, 422.82, 463.79, 2 019.96, 33 406.97; all at P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the relative expression levels of NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 proteins as well as the concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell culture supernatant were significantly increased in the high glucose group, high glucose+ low concentration RA group, high glucose+ medium concentration RA group and high glucose+ high concentration RA group (all at P<0.05). Compared with the high glucose group, the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 proteins as well as the concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 were decreased in the different concentrations RA groups, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). With the increase of RA concentration, the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 proteins as well as the concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 were decreased, and there were statistically significant differences among high glucose+ low/medium/high concentrations RA groups (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:RA can inhibit proliferation, migration and tube formation of HRMEC induced by high glucose, and inhibit high glucose-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.

Effects of Sulforaphane on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Induced by High Glucose and Its Mechanism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the effects of sulforaphane on the prolifera tion and apoptosis of human renal tubular epithelial cells HK- 2 induced by high glucose ，and to investigate its mechanism primarily. METHODS ：HK-2 cells were divided into normal group ，high glucose group ，irbesartan group （positive control ，1 μmol/L），sulforaphane low ，medium and high concentration groups （10，20，40 μmol/L）. The cells in normal group were cultured in DMEM medium for 96 hours. T he cells in other groups were cultured in high glucose DMEM medium （containing 40 mmol/L glucose ）for 48 hours. After inducing cell injury，the cells were added with corresponding drugs for 48 hours. Survival rate and apoptotic rate of cells were detected. mRNA expression of cyclin D 1，caspase-3，Bcl-2 and Bax as well as protein expression of p-mTOR ，p-AMPK，p-Akt and p-PI 3K were also determined. In addition ，HK-2 cells were divided into normal group ，high glucose group ，sulforaphane high concentration group（40 μmol/L），acardicin group （AMPK agonist ，1 mmol/L），sulforaphane high concentration+compound C group （sulforaphane 40 μmol/L+AMPK inhibitor compound C 40 μmol/L），perifoxine group （Akt inhibitor ，19.95 μmol/L）、sulforaphane high concentration+SC 79 group（sulforaphane 40 μmol/L+Akt agonist SC79 4 μmol/L）. After cultured with the same method ， protein expression of p-mTOR ，p-AMPK，p-Akt and p-PI 3K were detected in HK- 2 cells. RESULTS ：Compared with normal group，survival rate of HK- 2 cells，mRNA expression of cyclin D 1 and Bcl- 2 as well as protein expression of p-AMPK were decreased significantly in high glucose group （P＜0.05）；apoptotic rate ，mRNA expression of caspase- 3 and Bax ，protein expression of p-mTOR ，p-Akt and p-PI 3K in HK- 2 cells were increased significantly （P＜0.05）. Compared with high glucose group，above indexes of sulforaphane low ，medium and high concentration groups ，irbesartan group were all improved significantly （P＜0.05）；the improvement of above indexes in sulforaphane medium and high concentration groups were significantly better those of sulforaphane low concentration group （P＜0.05）. There was no significant difference in above indexes between sulforaphane high concentration group and irbesartan group （P＞0.05）. Compared with sulforaphane high concentration group，there were no significant difference in the protein expression of p-AMPK ，p-mTOR in acardicin group and p-mTOR ，p-Akt and p-PI 3K in perifoxine group （P＞0.05）；the protein expression of p-AMPK in sulforaphane high concentration+compound C group was decreased significantly （P＜0.05），while the protein expression of p-mTOR was increased significantly （P＜0.05）；the protein expression of p-mTOR 、p-Akt、p-PI3K in sulforaphane high concentration+SC 79 group were increased significantly （P＜ 0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ：Sulforaphane can promote the proliferation of renal tubular epithelial cells and inhibit its apoptosis ；its mechanism may be associated with up-regulating the expression of p-AMPK and down-regulating the expression of p-mTOR ，p-Akt and p-PI 3K.

Essential Oil from Alpiniae Zerumbet Fructus Alleviates High Glucose-induced HUVEC Injury via TXNIP Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the protective effect of essential oil from Alpiniae Zerumbet Fructus （EOAZF） against high glucose （HG）-induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） <italic>in vitro</italic>， so as to provide experimental evidence for the treatment of diabetes-induced cardiovascular diseases with EOAZF. Method:The cells were divided into the normal group， model group （25 mmol·L^-1 glucose）， positive control group （100 mg·L^-1 vitamin C）， and the low- （0.25 μg·L^-1）， medium- （1 μg·L^-1）， and high-dose （4 μg·L^-1） EOAZF groups. The HUVECs were damaged by HG. The secretion amounts of malondialdehyde （MDA）， nitric oxide （NO）， and endothelin-1 （ET-1） in HUVECs of different groups were measured to assess the protective effect of EOAZF against HG-induced injury. The effects of EOAZF on the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species （ROS） generation of HUVECs damaged by HG were detected by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide （Annexin V-FITC/PI） staining and dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate （DCFH-DA） assay. The protein and mRNA expression levels of thioredoxin interacting protein （TXNIP） and thioredoxin 1 （Trx-1） were determined by Western blot and Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， followed by the measurement of total intracellular Trx-1 activity with insulin disulfide reduction method. Result:The comparison with the control group revealed that the proliferation of HUVECs in the model group was significantly inhibited and their shape was damaged. Compared with the model group， EOAZF protected HUVECs against HG-induced injury in a concentration-dependent manner. The secretion amounts of MDA and ET-1 （<italic>P</italic><0.05） in the model group were increased in contrast to those in the control group， while the NO level was decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， EOAZF at all the three concentrations， especially at 4 μg·L^-1， obviously reduced the secretion of MDA and ET-1 （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， but elevated NO after HG induction （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The cell apoptosis assay and ROS detection results demonstrated that the apoptosis and ROS level in the model group were higher than those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， EOAZF at 4 μg·L^-1significantly lowered the ROS level and apoptosis （<italic>P</italic><0.05） of HUVECs damaged by HG. The Western blot assay and Trx-1 activity detection uncovered that the protein and mRNA expression levels of TXNIP in the model group were significantly up-regulated as compared with those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， whereas the Trx-1 activity was decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， EOAZF at 4 μg·L^-1significantly down-regulated the mRNA and protein （<italic>P</italic><0.05） expression levels of TXNIP and enhanced the total Trx-1 activity （<italic>P</italic><0.05） in HUVECs， thus suppressing the oxidative stress. Conclusion:EOAZF exerts the protective effects against HG-induced injury in HUVECs by improving the endothelial function and reducing intracellular ROS and apoptosis. Its efficacy in anti-oxidative stress may be related to the down-regulation of mRNA and protein expression levels of TXNIP and the enhancement of Trx-1 activity.

Effect of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes on autophagy and expression of VEGF of RPE cells under a high-glucose condition / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To investigate the effect of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells(hUMSC)exosomes on the autophagy and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)of ARPE-19 cells under the condition of high glucose.<p>METHODS: Tissue explants adherent culture was adopted to cultivate umbilical cord mesenehymal stem cells. The ultrastmcture of exosomes was observed under transmission electron microscope and the expression of surface specific marker proteins CD63 on exosomes were determined by Western blot. ARPE-19 cells were divided into the control group, high-glucose group and exosomes+high-glucose group. The cells in the exosomes+high-glucose group were pretreated with 75μg/mL exosomes. The ultrastructure of autophagosomes formed in all cells of the three groups was detected under transmission electron microscopy. The viability of ARPE-19 cells was measured by MTT assay. Western blot was applied to detect the expression of autophagy-associated proteins in different groups, including microtubule related protein 1 light chain 3B(LC3B), Beclin-1 and p62. The expression of VEGF in the cell supernatants was examined by ELISA assay. <p>RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy showed that the shape of hUMSC exosomes was spherical with membranous structure. The diameter of exosomes ranged from 30-100nm. Western blot indicated that the surface marker protein CD63 of exosomes showed positive expression. The number of autophagosomes in high glucose group was more than that in control group, while it was less in exosome+high-glucose group than in high glucose group. Compared with the high-glucose group, the cell proliferation rate of exosomes+high-glucose group was significantly increased(<i>P</i><0.01). In the control group, high-glucose group and exosomes+high-glucose group, the LC3B-Ⅱ/LC3B-Ⅰ ratio in ARPE-19 cells was 0.214±0.019, 0.461±0.067 and 0.332±0.079, respectively; the relative expression of Beclin-1 protein in the cells was 0.186±0.029, 0.615±0.044 and 0.464±0.046, respectively; the relative expression of p62 protein in the cells was 0.771±0.051, 0.364±0.016 and 0.547±0.039, respectively. Compared with the control group and exosomes+high-glucose group, the ratio of LC3B-Ⅱ/LC3B-Ⅰ and the protein expression levels of Beclin-1 were significantly increased in the high-glucose group(all <i>P</i><0.05). Compared with the control group and exosomes+high-glucose group, the protein expression level of p62 were significantly decreased in the high-glucose group(all <i>P</i><0.01). Compared with the high-glucose group, the expression levels of VEGF were significantly decreased in the exosomes+high-glucose group(<i>P</i><0.01). <p>CONCLUSION: High glucose conditions activated autophagy of ARPE-19 cells and promoted the expression of VEGF. hUMSC exosomes could effectively inhibit the autophagy level of ARPE-19 cells and the expression of VEGF in high-glucose environments.

<i>In vitro</i> isolation and culture of SD rat retinal ganglion cells and establishment of a high-glucose model / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To isolate the retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)of neonatal Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats <i>in vitro</i>, and to establish the RGCs primary culture method and high glucose model of neonatal SD rats.<p>METHODS: The retinal tissues of SD rats from 1-3d as the materials were taken, from which the RGCs were isolated and purified for primary culture. Toluidine blue and immunofluorescence staining methods were adopted to identify the cultured cells. After 48-72h of continuous culture, RGCs were randomly divided into 6 groups and cultured in different glucose concentrations of 5.5mmol/L(normal control group), 20mmol/L, 25mmol/L, 30mmol/L, 35mmol/L and 40mmol/L for 24, 48 and 72h, respectively. Finally, the CCK8 method and TUNEL method were adopted to determine the cell survival rate and apoptosis rate. <p>RESULTS: The primary RGCs purified and cultured <i>in vitro</i> represented typical cell morphology and grew well, the cells were confluent and aggregated in small lamellar manner, while the axons crisscrossed into a network, in addition, cell halo could be seen around the cell body. Nissl bodies with clear structure were found in the cytoplasm of toluidine blue stained cells, the percentage of neurons was more than 95%. RGCs specific antibodies Thy-1 and Brn-3a were employed to identify the purified cells <i>in vitro</i>, and the positive rate reached more than 90%. The CCK8 results showed that the survival rate of cells decreased(OD value decreased)with the increase of culture time and glucose concentration. When the cells were treated with different glucose concentrations for 24h, the OD values of each group were lower than those of the normal control group, but there was no significant difference between the OD values of each group and the normal control group(all <i>P</i>>0.05). With the extension of culture time, the OD values of 35mmol/L and 40mmol/L glucose concentration intervention RGCs 48h, 30mmol/L, 35mmol/L, 40mmol/L intervention RGCs 72h were significantly lower than those of the normal control group, the difference was statistically significant compared with the normal control group(all <i>P</i><0.05). TUNEL results revealed that the apoptosis rate of RGCs increased with the increase of glucose concentration and time, among them, the apoptosis rate of RGCs cultured in glucose concentration of 30mmol/L, 35mmol/L and 40mmol/L for 48h and 72h was significantly statistical different from that of normal control group(all <i>P</i><0.05). <p>CONCLUSION: The RGCs primary culture method established in this study is capable of separating typical RGCs with high purity. With the increase of glucose concentration in the medium, the survival rate of RGCs have been decreased while the apoptosis rate increased. Notably, the 35mmol/L glucose intervention for 48h can be employed as the optimal intervention concentration and time to effectively induce RGCs to establish the high glucose model.