VEGF activated the MAPK signaling pathway and promoted HEMEC angiogenesis by binding to VEGFR-2. (a) HEMECs were incubated in low-serum medium for 24 h and treated with VEGF (40 ng/mL) for indicated time points (0, 6, 12, and 24 h). The expression of MMP9, PCNA, cyclin D1, and VEGFR-2 was determined with western blotting using specific antibodies (left panel). Densitometric scanning (right panel). Values are expressed as the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. (b) MMP9, PCNA, cyclin D1, and VEGFR-2 mRNA level analysis with real-time PCR. Values are expressed as mean ± SD from three independent experiments. (c) The OD level analysis of four groups from CCK-8 assay. Values are expressed as mean ± SD from three independent experiments. ∗P < 0.05 as compared with 0 h group. (d) Images show HEMEC scratch-wound and tube formation assays. Magnification, ×100. (e) HEMECs were incubated in low-serum medium for 24 h and treated with VEGF (40 ng/mL) for indicated times (0, 15, 30, and 60 min). Phospho-ERK, phospho-JNK, phospho-P38, total ERK, total JNK, and total P38 levels were determined with western blotting using specific antibodies (left panel). Densitometric scanning (right panel). Values are expressed as mean ± SD from three independent experiments.