Protective effects of phosphocreatine on human vascular endothelial cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis and in the hyperlipidemic rat model

Phosphocreatine (PCr) has been shown to have a cardio-protective effect during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, little is known about its impact on atherosclerosis. In this study, we first evaluated the pharmacological effects of PCr on antioxidative defenses and mitochondrial protection against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) induced human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) damage. Then we investigated the hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of PCr on hyperlipidemic rat model. Via in vitro studies, H₂O₂ significantly reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis rate of HUVECs, while pretreatment with PCr abolished its apoptotic effect. PCr could reduce the generation of ROS induced by H₂O₂. Moreover, PCr could increase the activity of SOD and the content of NO, as well as decrease the activity of LDH and the content of MDA. PCr could also antagonize H₂O₂-induced up-regulation of Bax, cleaved-caspase3, cleaved-caspase9, and H₂O₂-induced down-regulation of Bcl-2 and p-Akt/Akt ratio. In addition, PCr reduced U937 cells’ adhesion to H₂O₂-stimulated HUVECs. Via in vivo study, PCr could decrease MDA, TC, TG and LDL-C levels in hyperlipidemic rats. Finally, different-concentration PCr could increase the leaching of TC, HDL, and TG from fresh human atherosclerotic plaques. In conclusion, PCr could suppress H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in HUVECs and reduce hyperlipidemia through inhibiting ROS generation and modulating dysfunctional mitochondrial system, which might be an effective new therapeutic strategy to further prevent atherosclerosis.