[THE EFFECT OF VITAMIN D ON THE EXPRESSION OF ADAMTS13 IN CULTURED ENDOTHELIAL CELLS EXPOSED TO A DIABETIC-LIKE ENVIRONMENT].

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. Inflammation, fibrosis, coagulability and oxidative stress exacerbate kidney disease. The glycoprotein, Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) has a crucial role in platelet thrombus formation. The enzyme ADAMTS13 is responsible for VWF cleavage. Both are important in the interface between diabetic nephropathy, hypercoagulability and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D inhibits endothelial proliferation, blunts angiogenesis and is a cardioprotective agent. This study evaluated the role of vitamin D on ADAMTS13 activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) exposed to a diabetic-like environment.

METHODS

HUVEC were stimulated with 200µg/µl AGE-HSA, 250mg/dl glucose, and 10-10mol/l vitamin D for 24 hours. Western blot and ELISA techniques were used to determine ADAMTS13 protein expression and IL6 and IL8 protein secretion.

RESULTS

ADAMTS13 protein expression decreased and IL6 and IL8 protein secretion increased in HUVEC exposed to a diabetic-like environment. The addition of vitamin D significantly down-regulated IL6 and IL8 secretion and up-regulated ADAMST13 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased ADAMTS13 expression in HUVEC exposed to a diabetic-like environment may contribute to the pathogenesis of hypercoagulability observed in DM. Normalization of ADAMTS13 by vitamin D may contribute to improvement in hypercoagulability.