Laminar shear stress is considered to improve endothelial cell (EC) function. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Autophagy has been found to protect cell survival under stress. In this study, the effect of laminar shear stress on EC autophagy and its potential mechanism were explored. The autophagic markers, Beclin 1 and LC3 II, in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells increased after laminar shear stress treatment. Meanwhile, the autophagic substrate, p62, decreased. The protein level of Rab4 increased under laminar shear stres...
