Notch1 level and its correlation with vascular endothelial function of peripheral blood monocytes in patients with hypertensive retinopathy

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression of Notch-1 in peripheral blood monocytes in patients with hypertensive retinopathy (HRP) and the possible relationship with vascular endothelial function. Methods Forty-two HRP patients were selected as HRP group and 30 healthy peoples were selected as control group. Peripheral blood serum and monocytes were collected. The levels of Notch1 mRNA and protein were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The level of VEGF, IGF-1, ET-1 and NO in serum was determined. Results The level of Notch1 mRNA and protein in HRP group was significantly lower than those in control group(P＜0.01,P＜0.05), especially in stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ(P＜0.01,P＜0.05). The levels of VEGF, IGF-1 and ET-1 in HRP group were significantly higher than those in control(P＜0.05) and NO was significantly lower than that in control(P＜0.05). The level of Notch1 was negatively correlated with VEGF, IGF-1 and ET-1(P＜0.05) and positively correlated with NO in patients with hypertensive retinopathy(P＜0.05). Low level of Notch1 was an independent risk factor for HRP (OR:0.733,95% CI:0.601-0.835,P＜0.001). Conclusions The level of Notch1 of peripheral blood monocytes is decreased in HRP patients, and vascular endothelial dysfunction may be associated with low level of Notch1.

Keywords

• hypertensive retinopathy|notch1|vascular endothelial function