Palmitic acid increases HCK gene and protein expression levels in vascular smooth muscle cells

Background and aims: Saturated fatty acids are known to involve in atherosclerosis through different biologic pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of palmitic acid (PA) on the tyrosine-protein kinase (HCK) gene and protein expression levels in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods: The human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMC) were treated with palmitic acid (0.5 mM, 24 h) based on the cellular viability studies. The HCK gene and protein expression levels were measured by real-time qRT-PCR and western blotting techniques, respectively. Oil Red O staining method was used to determine the intracellular lipid values. Results: The HCK gene expression level was increased significantly in the PA-treated VSMCs (p = 0.02). The total and phosphorylated HCK (p-HCK) protein expression levels increased in VSMCs. There was a significant increase in p-HCK value (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that the palmitic acid increases intracellular p-HCK value so that it may affect the HCK-mediated pathways in VSMCs.