Abstract:Aim To investigate the effect of glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β)inhibition on the proliferation, migration and adhesion of endothelial progenitor cells(EPC)in atherosclerotic mice. Methods Atherosclerotic mice model were established. Mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured from bone marrow in atherosclerotic mice (atherosclerotic group) and wild type mice (normal control group). EPC in logarithmic phase were transduced with replication defective adenovirus vector expressing catalytically inactive glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GKS3β-KM)(gene transfer group) in atherosclerotic mice. The number and biological functions of EPC, such as proliferation, migration and adhesion were assessed by cells count, MTT assay, modified Boyden's chamber migrationtrial and adhesion test. Results Compared with normal control group, the number of EPC was observably reduced and proliferation, migration and adhesion capacities of EPC were markedly impaired in atherosclerotic mice(P<0.01,n=5). Compared with atherosclerotic group, the number (P<0.01,n=5)and biological functions of EPC including proliferation (P<0.01,n=5), migration (P<0.01,n=5) and adhesion were significantly enhanced in gene transfer group (P<0.01,n=5). Conclusion GSK3β inhibition could improve impaired proliferation, migration and adhesion capabilities of EPC in atherosclerotic mice.