High glucose and hyperosmolarity increase platelet-derived growth factor mRNA levels in cultured human vascular endothelial cells.

We investigated the effects of high glucose and hyperosmolality on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) production and PDGF-B chain mRNA levels in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Under an excess of ambient glucose (13.8 and 27.5mM) and a hyperosmolar condition (22.0mOsm/L with mannitol), PDGF concentrations in the culture medium were both significantly increased (10.3 +/- 6.0%, 36.2 +/- 7.2%, 48.5 +/- 9.0% increase respectively compared with 5.5mM glucose). Parallel to protein secretion levels, PDGF-B chain mRNA levels showed a significant increase (57.7%, 103.7%, 210.8% increase), while no change of beta-actin mRNA levels was observed. Thus, elevated PDGF released from endothelium by high glucose may play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic angiopathy.