AIMTo investigate the relationship between the hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1) and apoptosis correlative proteins in the cardiomyocyte during hypoxia.

METHODSRat cardiomyocytes cultured in vitro were divided into normoxia, hypoxia and hypoxic preconditioning groups. The cardiomyocytes in hypoxic preconditioning group were cultured in 1% O2, 5% CO2, 94% N2 for 5 days, 12 h daily before exposed to 0% O2 hypoxia with the hypoxic group. The protein expression of HIF-1alpha, Bcl-2, P53 and Bax in the cardiomyocytes were analysis with Western blot after 48 h 0% O2 hypoxia.

RESULTSWith the increment of HIF-1 expression, the Bcl-2 expression was inhibited, the Bax and P53 expression were increased as well during hypoxia. Hypoxic preconditioning could suppress the HIF-1 expression, meanwhile the Bcl-2 expression was elevated, and the Bax expression was decreased.

CONCLUSIONHIF-1 may contribute to the regulation of the cardiomyocyte apoptosis with the Bcl-2 family during hypoxia.