Abstract:Aim To examine the effects of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and antioxidant on calcium transportation of human vascular endothelial cells, then explore the molecular mechanism of cytotoxicity induced by ox-LDL. Methods Confluent primary cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVEC) were exposed respectively to ox-LDL or ox-LDL and vitamin E in medium. The uptake and release of calcium by hUVEC were measured. The mortality of hUVEC were assessed by the messurement of LDH. Results Ox LDL enhanced the mortality of hUVEC and the uptake of calcium by hUVEC with a dose-dependence manner, while vitamin E inhibited these effects. Conclusions Ox LDL may stimulate the uptake of calcium by hUVEC, leading to hUVEC injury. Vitamin E could protect hUVEC from such cytotoxic effect by inhibitting cellular uptake of calcium.