Figure 5

TNF-α production and TNF-R1 neutralizing peptides-sensitive apoptosis in HCAECs under high glucose conditions. A: Effect of high glucose on TNF-α levels in cell culture supernatants, analyzed by ELISA. Values are expressed as mean ± SE (n = 3). **P < 0.05, ***P < 0.01 versus normal glucose (5.6 mM). B: Effect of TNF-R1 neutralizing peptides on high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. TNF-R1 neutralizing peptides (80 nM) were given in HCAECs treated with 16.7 mM glucose for 24 h. The DNA fragmentation was assayed as a biochemical hallmark of apoptosis. Values are expressed as mean ± SE (n = 3). ***P < 0.001 versus control (normal glucose); ##P < 0.01 versus high glucose treatment alone.