Rosiglitazone increases endothelial cell migration and vascular permeability through Akt phosphorylation

BACKGROUND: Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonists, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and inhibit endothelial inflammation and dysfunction, which is anti-atherogenic. However, fluid retention, which may lead to congestive heart failure and peripheral edema, is also a concern, which may result from endothelial cell leakage. In the current study, we examined the effects of PPAR-γ agonists on vascular endothelial cell migration and permeability in order to determine its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: We used rosiglitazone and conducted cell migration assay and permeability assay using HUVEC cells and measured vascular permeability and leakage in male C57BL/6 mice. RESULTS: Rosiglitazone significantly promoted endothelial cell migration and induced permeability via activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) – Akt or protein kinase C (PKC)β. In addition, rosiglitazone increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and suppressed expression of tight junction proteins (JAM-A and ZO-1), which might promote neovascularization and vascular leakage. These phenomena were reduced by Akt inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular endothelial cell migration and permeability change through Akt phosphorylation might be a mechanism of induced fluid retention and peripheral tissue edema by TZD.