Palmitic acid increases HCK protein and gene expression levels in vascular smoot muscle cells

Abstract

Background and Aims: Some saturated fatty acids are known to involve in atherosclerosis through different biologic pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of palmitic acid on the HCK gene and protein expression levels in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods and Results: The cells were treated with palmitic acid (0.5 mM, 24 hours) on the cell viability assays. The HCK gene and protein expression levels were measured by real time q-PCR and western blot techniques, respectively. Oil Red O staining method was used to determine the intracellular lipid values. The HCK gene expression level was increased significantly in the PA-treated VSMCs (P 0.02). The total and phosphorylated HCK (p-HCK) protein expression levels increased in VSMCs. However, there was a significant increase in p-HCK value (P 0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that the palmitic acid increases p-HCK function so that it may affect the VSMC proliferation.