AimTo observe the changes of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in function and membrane surface ultrastructure during the lipid peroxidation.MethodsHUVEC were induced by 100 mg/L oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) as experiment group, then incubated for 0 h, 4 h, 8 h and 16 h.HUVEC in the PBS as control group was processed likewise.Cell viability was measured by MTT assay.The functional status of HUVEC was determined by detecting content of nitric oxide (NO) in the cultured cell supernate with nitric acid reduction assay.Atomic force microscope (AFM) was used for observation to membrane surface ultrastructure of HUVEC.ResultsThe research showed that the proliferation ability of HUVEC in the experimental group were inhibited, cell functions were attenuated, and the longer incubation, the more significantly effects.At the same time, the eminentias on cell surface became larger, distribution irregularity, even some caveolaes and holes appeared.However, there was no change in control groups.Cell surface roughness analysis showed that roughness on 0 h, 4 h, 8 h and 16 h experimental groups were 13.666±2.196 nm, 15.904±2.203 nm, 17.688±2.076 nm and 21.609±1.867 nm, respectively.There were significant differences between each two (p<0.05).In the comparison, the control group were 13.627±2.218 nm, 13.659±2.183 nm, 13.665±2.175 nm and 13.974±2.478 nm, respectively, and no significant differences between each two (p>0.05).Compared with the control group, roughness in the experimental groups after 4 hours induction was significantly higher (p<0.05).ConclusionsIt was demonstrated that the cell function of endothelial cells were weakened and membrane surface ultrastructure changed in an early stage of lipid peroxidation, and perform a time-dependent rule.