Effect of resveratrol derivative BTM-0512 on high glucose-induced dysfunction of endothelial cells: role of SIRT1

Hyperglycemia impairs the function of endothelial cells. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is involved in regulating the function of endothelial cells. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in many plant species, exerts protective effects on endothelial cells through activation of SIRT1. The aims of this work were to explore whether BTM-0512, a novel derivative of resveratrol, is able to exert beneficial effects on high glucose-induced dysfunction of endothelial cells through regulation of SIRT1. We found that high glucose significantly impaired the function of endothelial cells as shown by reduced tube formation, cell migration, and cell adhesion concomitantly with downregulation of mRNA expression of SIRT1 and vascular endothelial growth factor as well as increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha release and reactive oxygen species production. These effects of high glucose were inhibited by pretreatment with BTM-0512. The beneficial effects of BTM-0512 on high glucose-induced cell dysfunction were abolished by splitomicin, a specific inhibitor of SIRT1. The regulatory effects of BTM-0512 on high glucose-induced changes in vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression and tumor necrosis factor-alpha release were also abolished by splitomicin. The results suggest that BTM-0512 exerts beneficial effects on high glucose-induced endothelial cell dysfunction through regulation of the SIRT1 - reactive oxygen species - vascular endothelial growth factor - tumor necrosis factor-alpha pathway.