Palmitate induces apoptosis in mouse aortic endothelial cells and endothelial dysfunction in mice fed high-calorie and high-cholesterol diets

Abstract Aims Obesity is associated with hypertriglyceridemia and elevated circulating free fatty acids (FFA), resulting in endothelial dysfunction. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in many of these processes. To determine if ER stress participates in palmitate-induced apoptosis, we investigated the effects of diet-induced obesity and palmitate on mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAEC) in vivo and in vitro. Main methods Male C57BL/6 mice were fed standard chow diets (SCD) or high-calorie and high-cholesterol diets (HCD) for 3 months. Insulin resistance was detected, and the serum, including proinflammatory indices and markers of endothelial function, was also analyzed. The ultrastructure and apoptosis of the endothelial cells in the thoracic aorta were observed. The primary MAEC were separated and treated with palmitate at different concentrations or different times respectively to observe any changes in cellular proliferation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and apoptosis. Finally, the ER stress markers C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were analyzed. Key findings HCD-fed obese mice became inflammation-activated and insulin-resistant. Swollen mitochondria, expanded ER and apoptosis in the endothelial cells of the thoracic aorta were observed in HCD-fed mice. Palmitate inhibited cell proliferation, increased production of ROS and induced apoptosis in MAEC. CHOP was overexpressed and shifted into the nucleus (mainly), while the expression of GRP78 was upregulated in the palmitate-treated MAEC. Significance Our results indicate that diet-induced obesity results in endothelial dysfunction in vivo, and that oxidative and ER stress may be involved in apoptosis induced by the palmitate in vitro.