Role of ferroptosis in the process of diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction

Figure 4 The p53-xCT (the substrate-specific subunit of system Xc^-)-glutathione axis functions as a pivotal master in high glucose and interleukin-1β-induced ferroptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. A: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were transiently transfected with p53 small interfering ribonucleic acid or NC small interfering ribonucleic acid and then treated with NG, high glucose (30 mmol/L) and interleukin-1β (10 ng/mL). After treatment for 48 h, representative phase-contrast microscopy images of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were obtained and cell viability was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8; B: The protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4, FTH1, and cyclooxygenase-2 were determined using Western blot assays. β-actin was used for normalization; and C: The generation of reactive oxygen species was determined by the BODIPY™ 581/591 C11. ^aP < 0.05 vs the control group. ^bP < 0.01 vs the control group.