Role of Autophagy in Angiogenesis Induced by a High-Glucose Condition in RF/6A Cells

Ophthalmologica. 2017;237(2):85-95. doi: 10.1159/000455270. Epub 2017 Mar 3.

Abstract

Purpose: To study the effect of autophagy on vitality, migration, and tube formation of RF/6A cells under the condition of D-glucose.

Methods: Cultured RF/6A cells were randomly divided into 4 groups (control, low glucose, high glucose, and high glucose with 3-methyladenine [3-MA]). Autophagy-related proteins (Atg7, p62, and LC3) were monitored. Cell vitality, cell migration, tube formation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptosis were assessed.

Results: Cell vitality significantly decreased and cell migration and tube formation significantly increased in the high-glucose group (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with 3-MA significantly increased cell viability and inhibited cell migration and tube formation (p < 0.05). ROS production increased in the high-glucose group and decreased in the high-glucose with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) group (p < 0.05). The level of apoptosis increased in the high-glucose group, while it was reduced in the high-glucose with 3-MA group.

Conclusion: Autophagy maybe participates in the formation of retinal neovascularization induced by high glucose.

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis*
  • Autophagy*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Survival
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / complications*
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / pathology
  • Glucose / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Nick-End Labeling
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Retinal Neovascularization / etiology
  • Retinal Neovascularization / metabolism
  • Retinal Neovascularization / pathology*

Substances

  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Glucose