Metformin Effect on Endocan Biogenesis in Human Endothelial Cells Under Diabetic Condition

Background and aim Endocan is a novel endothelium-derived proteoglycan and may play a role in endothelial cells activity under diabetic conditions. Here, we evaluated the effect of high glucose concentration (30 mmol glucose) on endocan level in presence or absence of metformin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods Cells were incubated with 30 mmol glucose for 72 h. High glucose content, metformin (2.5 to 500 mmol) and compound C (10 mmol) effects were assessed on cell viability. HUVECs migration was studied by scratch test. The changes in endocan expression and protein level were evaluated by RT-PCR, ELISA and flow cytometry assays. Griess reaction was used to measure NO levels. Functional activity of endothelial cells was monitored related to lipoprotein lipase activity using Dil-Ac-LDL uptake. p-AMPK/AMPK ratio was assessed by western blotting. Results Cells viability significantly was reduced under high glucose condition (p  Conclusion Data demonstrated that metformin could promote angiogenic potential of endothelial cells which its reduction is a main cause in the development of diabetic foot ulcer, probably by the regulation of endocan dynamics under high glucose condition.