AimTo investigate the role of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in endothelial cells injury induced by high glucose. MethodsThe endothelial cell injury model was induced by high glucose.ECV304 cells were divided into six groups: control group, high glucose group, PCI transfection group, PCI transfection＋high glucose group, PCI-CREB transfection group and PCI-CREB transfection＋high glucose group.The cell survival rate of ECV304 cells was detected by MTT method.Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate.The MDA concentration was observed by TBA method and SOD activity was tested by xanthine oxidase method.ResultsCompared with control group, cell survival rate, SOD activity, MDA concentration and apoptosis rate in PCI-CREB transfection group and PCI transfection group were not significantly different (p>0.05).Compared with control group, both cell survival rate and SOD activity in high glucose group showed a significant decrease, however, apoptosis rate and MDA concentration increased significantly (p<0.05).Cell survival rate, SOD activity, MDA concentration and apoptosis rate in PCI transfection＋high glucose group was not significantly different compared with high glucose group (p<0.05).Compared with high glucose group, both cell survival rate and SOD activity in PCI-CREB transfection＋high glucose group showed a significant increase, however, apoptosis rate and MDA concentration decreased significantly (p<0.05). ConclusionOverexpression of CREB may protect endothelial cells from high glucose injury.