High Glucose Induces the Expression of CD36 in Vascular Smooth Muscular Cells

Aim To investigate the effect of high glucose on CD36 expression in human vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC) and on VSMC-derived foam cell formation. Methods VSMC was incubated with different dose of glucose (5,11,20 and 30 mmol/L) for one to seven days.Real time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the expression of CD36 in glucose treated-VSMC;Oil red O staining was used to measure the intracellular lipid accumulation. Results CD36 was expressed in human VSMC.The expression of CD36 mRNA and protein was induced by glucose in a doseand time-dependent manner.Correspondingly,lipid droplets in the cytoplasm of VSMC were detectable and were gradually increased. Conclusion High glucose enhances the expression of CD36 and intracellular lipid droplets accumulation in VSMC, then inducing VSMC-derived foam cell formation.