Thiamine reverses hyperglycemia-induced dysfunction in cultured endothelial cells

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• High glucose levels impair endothelial cell migration and increase von Willebrand factor (vWF) secretion, indicating endothelial cell damage.
• Thiamine, a crucial coenzyme in glucose metabolism, is investigated for its potential to counteract these hyperglycemic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if thiamine improves endothelial cell migration under hyperglycemia.
• To assess if thiamine reduces von Willebrand factor secretion in high glucose conditions.

Main Methods:

• Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were cultured in normal (5.5 mmol/L) and high glucose (13.8 and 27.7 mmol/L) with or without thiamine (200 micromol/L).
• Endothelial cell migration was quantified using a scratch-wound assay.
• vWF secretion was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Main Results:

• Hyperglycemia significantly reduced BAEC migration and increased vWF secretion (P <.001).
• Thiamine treatment counteracted the inhibitory effects of high glucose on cell migration.
• Thiamine restored migration distance to 6.94 cm and wound area coverage to 47.7 cm², compared to 4.0 cm and reduced area under hyperglycemia (P <.001).

Conclusions:

• Hyperglycemia activates endothelial cells, increasing vWF secretion and impairing migration.
• Thiamine mitigates hyperglycemia-induced endothelial cell dysfunction.
• Thiamine may prevent vascular complications of diabetes by improving glucose metabolism and reducing endothelial cell damage.