Damaging effects of exogenous spermine on HUVECs and its possible mechanism

AIM: To study the effects of exogenous spermine on human umbilical veins endotheliocytes (HUVECs) and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS: The serial subculture of HUVECs was used to investigate the effect of exogenous spermine with different concentrations (50 μmol/L-5 mmol/L) on HUVECs in different times (2 h, 4 h). The morphological changes of HUVECs (by inverted microscope and electron microscope), the cell viability, the level of MDA and activity of SOD were observed. RESULTS: Compared to normal control group, no change of all index detected in the group with spermine (50 μmol/L) was observed (P>0.05). Spermine injured HUVECs in a concentration-dependent manner. After adding spermine for 2 h and 4 h, it was observed that cellular injury in 4 h group was more serious than that in 2 h group. The injury of HUVECs caused by exogenous spermine was characterized by decrease in cellular viability and activity of SOD, ultrastructural injury, increase in MDA level. CONCLUSION: Exogenous spermine induces the injury of HUVECs in concentration and time-dependent manners. Its mechanisms may be related to lipid peroxidation induced by increase in the production of oxygen free radical.