Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of periostin (Postn) on oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) -induced injury in human artery endothelial cells (HAECs) and its underlying mechanisms. Methods The HAECs were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, ox-LDL group, Postn siRNA group and negative siRNA group. The mRNA and protein expression levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot respectively. Cell proliferation was tested by MTT. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. NF-κB DNA binding ability was measured by EMSA. Results Compared with control group, the mRNA and protein levels of Postn were increased significantly (P < 0.05); the ability of cell proliferation was reduced (P < 0.05); the cell apoptosis rate was increased (P < 0.05); the protein expression levels of VCAM1, ICAM1, E-selectin, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, p65 and p-IκB-α were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05), and the NF-κB DNA binding ability was markedly increased (P < 0.05) in ox-LDL group, which were all reversed in Postn siRNA group. Conclusion Postn si-RNA transfection could reduce ox-LDL-induced endothelial cell injury, which may be related with the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Key words: Periostin, Oxidized low density lipoprotein, Endothelial cells, Cell proliferation and apoptosis, Adhesion molecules, Inflammatory cytokines