Betaine influence on the endothelial cells

The use of betaine as a bioactive substance remains relevant due to its role in methylation processes (including methionine), antioxidant protection of cells for lipid metabolism, participation in anti-inflammatory processes and stabilization of the endothelial-epithelial barrier as a powerful regulator of metabolic processes in cells and tissues. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study the direct effect of betaine on cultured endothelial cells. The objectives of the work were to analyze the literature on the use of betaine as a donor of methyl groups and osmoprotector (especially the use of its osmotolytic properties), and to conduct experimental studies of its effect on endothelial cells. The effect of betaine on endothelial cells (RAE lines) was studied using traditional methodological approaches: MTT test to determine the activity of mitochondrial enzymes and cell survival, assessment of glucose uptake and morphological properties of endothelial cells. The results of the study of the effect of betaine on endothelial cells showed no toxic effects, increased concentration of endothelial cells compared with control of its level of 0,5 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml when stained with trypan blue, increased optical absorption due to reduction of formazan by mitochondrial enzymes in living cells within its concentrations of 1–4 mg/ml by MTT test, increasing the activity of mitochondrial oxidoreductases per unit of living cells at its concentrations of 1 and 4 mg/ml, the highest absorption of glucose by cells at 0,125 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml of the biological product, compared with the control there were morphological differences of cells, namely: elongation, greater number of processes and the formation of structures that had signs of procapillary. Therefore, betaine at a concentration of 1 mg/ml may serve as a kind of standard of positive effects on endothelial cells in subsequent studies of bioactive drugs.