Irbesartan attenuates Ang II-induced BMP-2 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), a transforming growth factor-beta superfamily member cytokine, plays a key role both in vascular development and in pathophysiological processes. However, the effects and mechanisms of angiotensin II (Ang II) on BMP-2 expression remain unknown in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Here we show that Ang II treatment significantly increased BMP-2 expression, associated with NF-kappaB activation, which was suppressed by treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) or irbesartan. Furthermore, the increased levels of MDA (malondialdehyde) in conditioned media and the decrease in activities of total superoxide dismutases (SOD) caused by Ang II were reversed by irbesartan or PDTC treatment. Our findings indicate that Ang II-induced BMP-2 expression might contribute to NF-kappaB activation. BMP-2 expression induced by Ang II might involve excessive oxidative stress.