Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on the proliferation of endothelial cells. Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) were treated with LA. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell proliferation was evaluated by EdU incorporation. Cell death was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and Hoechst33342 staining assays. Gene expression was examined by polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Results LA reduced viable HUVECs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. LA inhibited HUVECs proliferation and the expression of C-Myc. LA did not result in LDH leakage and nuclei condensation. Conclusions LA inhibits HUVECs proliferation whereas not causing cell death. LA may have theropeutic potentials in the excessive angiogenesis-related diseases such as cancers.

Key words: endothelial cells, proliferation, α-lipoic acid