Homocysteine-Induced Caspase-3 Activation by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Patients with Coronary Heart Disease and Healthy Donors

Authors:
  • BHBang-Chuan Hu
    Bang-Chuan Hu
  • SGShi-Jin Gong
    Shi-Jin Gong
  • JYJing Yan
    Jing Yan
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Abstract
Previous studies have suggested an association of hyperhomocysteinemia-induced vascular pathology with enhanced apoptotic potential of endothelial progenitor cells in patients with coronary heart disease. Our results indicate that 500 µmol/L homocysteine induced endothelial progenitor cell apoptosis and activation of caspase-3, both of which were abolished by 100 µmol/L and 200 µmol/L salubrinal, an agent that prevents endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis. The addition of 500 µmol/L homocysteine caused a release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores, and enhanced phosphor-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α phosphorylation at Ser51 and the expression of a glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa and a C/EBP homologous protein independently of extracellular Ca(2+). These effects of homocysteine on endothelial progenitor cells were significantly greater in patients with coronary heart disease than in healthy donors. These findings suggest that homocysteine induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated activation of caspase-3 in endothelial progenitor cells, an event that is enhanced in patients with coronary heart disease. Furthermore, enhanced endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated activation of caspase-3 in endothelial progenitor cells might be involved in hyperhomocysteinemia-associated vascular pathology.

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