The HG-PA-induced increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells (Fig. 2c and g), and the increased c-caspase 3 levels and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (Fig. 2i–k), indicated that T2DM increased endothelial cell apoptosis, and these effects were reversed by si-HDAC3 treatment. The gene discussed is BAX; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.