Objective: To determine the protective effect of 17 beta-estradiol on endothelial cells under shear stress.
Methods: cDNA microarray technology was adopted in the analysis of gene expression of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) that had been incubated by 17 beta-estradiol for 48 h and then exposed to low fluid shear stress (4.20 dyne/cm2) for 2 h, Normal static cultured HUVECs were selected as control. Total RNA from normal static cultured HUVECs was labeled by Cy3-dCTP, and the total RNA of HUVECs incubated by 17 beta-estradiol (10(-7) mol/L) and then exposed to low shear stress was labeled by Cy5-dCTP. The expression ratios reported are the average from the two separate experiments.
Results: A total of 384 genes (approximately 0.094%) exhibited differential expression. 226 genes were up-regulated and 158 genes were down-regulated. The transcription protein of up-regulated genes related to synthesis of PGI2, macrophage phagocytosis, and so on. The transcription protein of down-regulated genes related to degradation of fibrinogen, and to production of protooncogene.
Conclusion: Estrin at the physiological concentration could protect impaired endothelial cells. Its protective effect may be related with some genes.