The effect of the gold nanoparticles combined with endostar on proliferation, apoptosis, migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Objective To observe the effect of the gold nanoparticles combined with endostar on proliferation, apoptosis, migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), discuss the mechanism. Methods Firstly, we cultivated the primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells to the fourth generation. The group divided into endostar group (ES), gold nanoparticles group (AU), gold nanoparticles combined with endostar group (AU-ES) and blank control group. The proliferation rate of HUVECs was investigated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay under different time and different concentration, the optimum treatment concentration and time were selected. Under the optimum treatment condition, the apoptosis rate and the cell migration ability were assessed by flow cytometer, the Transwell assay. The expression level of function related proteins were examined by Western blotting assay. Results (1)CCK-8 assay results showed that in different concentration and time, AU-ES group (24 h, 100 μg/ml) proliferation inhibition rate was (35.166±3.076)%, the difference was statistically significant (t=4.251, P=0.013), and (24 h, 100 μg/ml) was the optimum condition; (2)Flow cytometry results showed that in (24 h, 100 g/ml), the apoptosis rate of HUVECs in AU-ES group was (27.197±0.390)%, and compared with the control group (10.357±3.012)%, the difference was statistically significant (t=9.603, P=0.001); (3)The Transwell experiment results showed the migration cell area ratio was (42.943±3.129)%, and compared with the control group (58.980±1.543)%, the difference was statistically significant (t=7.963, P=0.001); (4)AU-ES could decrease the expression of proliferation, apoptosis and migration related proteins [B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (bcl-2), c-Myc, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), Vimentin]. Conclusion Under certain condition, gold nanoparticles combined with endostar could inhibit the proliferation and migration, promote apoptosis HUVECs in vitro, and reduced the expression of related proteins. Key words: Gold nanoparticles; Endostar; Vascular endothelial cells; Proliferation; Apoptosis; Migration