Effects of different arginine concentrations on angiogenic protein production induced by HeLa cells

Abstract 

Objectives

This in vitro study investigated the effects of different arginine (Arg) concentrations on angiogenic protein expressions of HeLa cells and endothelial cells (ECs) after stimulation. In addition, an inducible nitric oxide (iNO) synthase inhibitor (1400W) was used to investigate the possible role of iNO in angiogenesis.

Methods

Endothelial cells and HeLa cells were treated with different concentrations of Arg and 1400W: Arg 0, 50, 100, and 1000 μmol/L; Arg 100 μmol/L+1400W 10 μmol/L; and Arg 1000 μmol/L+1400W 10 μmol/L for 24h. Then, ECs and HeLa cells were cocultured for 2h, and the supernatant in the transwell was collected for analysis of angiogenic protein secreted. The expression of CD51/CD61 by ECs was also analyzed.

Results

The productions of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, prostaglandin E₂, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 were higher with Arg 100 and 1000 μmol/L than with Arg 0 and 50 μmol/L Arg, and this was consistent with the expression of CD51/CD61 by ECs. Inhibition of iNO production resulted in lower angiogenic protein expressions comparable with groups with low Arg administration.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that Arg administration at levels similar to or higher than physiologic concentrations enhance the production of angiogenic protein and iNO may partly play a role in promoting angiogenesis in the presence of HeLa cells.

Keywords: Arginine, HeLa cells, Endothelial cells, Angiogenic protein, CD51/CD61, Inducible nitric oxide