Oxidants are important signaling molecules known to increase endothelial permeability. Studies implicate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the intrinsic apoptotic signaling cascades as mediators of vascular hyperpermeability. Here we report the protective effects of ulinastatin, a serine protease inhibitor with antiapoptotic properties, against oxidant-induced endothelial monolayer hyperpermeability. HUVECs were respectively pretreated with 10,000 and 50,000 u/l ulinastatin, followed by stimulation of 0.6 mM H₂O₂. Monolayer permeability was determined by transendothelial electrical resistance (TER); Mitochondrial release of cytochrome c was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; Caspase-3 activity was measured by fluorometric assay; Adherens junction protein β-catenin was detected by immunofluorescense staining; Ratio of cell apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin-V/PI double stain assay; Mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) was determined with JC-1; Intracellular ATP content was assayed by a commercial kit; Bax and Bcl-2 expression were estimated by western blotting; Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured by DCFH-DA. H₂O₂ exposure resulted in endothelial hyperpermeability and ROS formation (P < 0.05). The activation of mitochondrial intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway was evidenced from BAX up-regulation, Bcl-2 down-regulation, mitochondrial depolarization, an increase in cytochrome c release, and activation of caspase-3 (P < 0.05). UTI (50,000 u/l) attenuated endothelial hyperpermeability, ROS formation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cytochrome c release, activation of caspase-3, and disruption of cell adherens junctions (P < 0.05). Together, these results demonstrate that UTI provides protection against vascular hyperpermeability by modulating the intrinsic apoptotic signaling.
Keywords: Endothelial barrier; adherens junctions; apoptosis; mitochondria; oxidative stress.