Effects of IL-32γ on proliferation and cell cycle of rat vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: To observe the effects of interleukin-32γ (IL-32γ)on the proliferation and cell cycle of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS: The VSMCs were isolated from the thoracic aorta of SD rats by the method of tissue-piece inoculation. The cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of IL-32γ. The proliferation of the cells was examined by MTT assay. The cell cycles were analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein levels of NF-κB p65 and cyclin D1 were detected by Western blotting. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)was examined by immunocytochemical staining. RESULTS: Administration of IL-32γ at the concentrations of 10~50 μg/L for 24~48 h significantly promoted the proliferation of VSMCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. After stimulation with IL-32γ at the concentration of 50 μg/L for 24 h, the cell cycle transition from G₁ phase to S/G₂ phase was accelerated and the expression levels of NF-κB p65, cyclin D1 and PCNA increased as compared with those in control group. CONCLUSION: IL-32γ promotes the proliferation of rat VSMCs and accelerates the cell cycle transition via upregulating the expression of NF-κB p65 and cyclin D1.     

STAT3 mediates PDGF-BB-induced Pim-1 expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: To study the expression of Pim-1 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB). METHODS: VSMCs isolated from rats were treated with different concentrations of PDGF-BB for different time. The proliferation of VSMCs was detected by cell counting. The mRNA expression of Pim-1 was measured by real-time RT-PCR. The STAT3 activity was determined by Western blotting. Actinomycin D, AG490, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) for Pim-1 or STAT3 were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: Pim-1 gene silencing attenuated the proliferation of VSMCs in response to PDGF-BB. The mRNA expression of Pim-1 was up-regulated by PDGF-BB at concentrations of 10 μg/L~50 μg/L for 1 h, and was maximally induced at the concentration of 20 μg/L. The time of Pim-1 mRNA expression maximally occurred 30 min after PDGF-BB exposure. Incubation of VSMCs with PDGF-BB resulted in a significant activation of STAT3. VSMCs pretreated with actinomycin D showed a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of Pim-1. Treatment with AG490 or knockdown of STAT3 in VSMCs resulted in inactivation of STAT3, and significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of Pim-1. CONCLUSION: PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation is partly attributed to Pim-1. VSMCs strongly increase Pim-1 mRNA upon stimulation with PDGF-BB, and STAT3 signaling pathway appears to be efficient for regulation of Pim-1 expression. This process may play a critical role in development of vascular remodeling.     

Role of NOX1 in TNF-α-induced oxidative damage and inflammation in alveolar epithelial cells

AIM: To explore the role of NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced oxidative damage and inflammation in alveolar epithelial cells.METHODS: The mRNA and protein expression levels of NOX1 in alveolar epithelial cells after TNF-α treatment were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. NOX1 siRNA and its negative control were transfected into the alveolar epithelial cells. After the induction of TNF-α, NOX1 levels in the cells were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the cells was detected by thiobarbituric acid method. Xanthine oxidation assay was used to detect the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the cells. The contents of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6 and IL-1β in cell culture medium were examined by ELISA. The rate of apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the level of apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3.RESULTS: The expression of NOX1 at mRNA and protein levels in TNF-α-induced cells was increased after induction (P<0.05). After transfection of NOX1 siRNA, the expression of NOX1 at mRNA and protein levels in the cell was downregulated (P<0.05). Transfection of siRNA negative control had no effect on the expression level of NOX1 in the cells. The content of MDA in the cells after TNF-α treatment was increased, the activity of SOD was reduced, the releases of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-1β by the cells were increased, and the apoptotic rate and the level of apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3 were increased as compared with the cells that were not treated with TNF-α (P<0.05). The content of MDA in the cells with NOX1 knockdown induced by TNF-α was reduced, the activity of SOD elevated, and the releases IL-4, IL-6 and IL-1β, the apoptotic rate and the level of apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3 decreased, as compared with the cells only treated with TNF-α induction (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: TNF-α induces the expression of NOX1 in the alveolar epithelial cells. Knockdown of NOX1 expression reduces cellular oxidative damage, releases of inflammatory factors, and cell apoptosis.     

Effect of Egr-1 gene transfection on renal inflammation in diabetic mice

AIM: To observe the effects of Egr-1 gene transfection on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), and to investigate the role of Egr-1 in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.METHODS: The diabetic mouse model was established. Ten mice were randomly selected as the diabetic group. The remaining 40 mice were injected with empty plasmid, Egr-1 expression plasmid or Egr-1 siRNA plasmid via the tail vein once a week. The normal control group was also set up. The animals were sacrificed at the end of the 4th week. The renal tissues were harvested. The expressions of Egr-1, TNF-α and ICAM-1 were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The pathological changes were observed under electron microscope.RESULTS: In diabetic mouse kidney, the expression of Egr-1, TNF-α and ICAM-1 was increased, and irregular thickening of glomerular basement membrane, mesangial expansion and fusion of foot were observed. The change trend was more significant in Egr-1 gene transfection group, and these changes in siRNA plasmid transfection group were obviously reduced compared with diabetes group.CONCLUSION: Egr-1 up-regulates the expression of TNF-α and ICAM-1, and induces mesangial cell proliferation and mesangial extracellular matrix accumulation, which is probably one of the mechanisms of accelerating glomerulosclerosis.     

Recombinant human interleukin-10 inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by TNF-α and PDGF-BB in vitro

AIM: To determine the effects of recombinant human interleukin-10(rhIL-10) on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC) by TNF-α and PDGF-BB and neointimal hyperplasia after rat carotid arterial injury.METHODS: Rat aortic VSMC was cultured and treated with rhIL-10 with or without tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), respectively.Proliferation of VSMC was quantified by colormetric assay.Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytomertry.SD rats were treated with recombinant human IL-10(rhIL-10) for 3 days after carotid arteries injury.Neointima to media area ratio at the site of arterial injury was measured at 28 days after balloon injury.RESULTS: Compared to control,both TNF-α and PDGF-BB stimulated VSMC proliferation. rhIL-10 alone had no effect on VSMC growth.With TNF-α or PDGF-BB stimulation,rhIL-10,at dose as low as 10 μg/L,inhibited VSMC growth( P <0.05) for both cases.Cell number in G 0/G 1 phase of PDGF-BB and rhIL-10 co-treatment group was higher than those of PDGF-BB treatment alone( P <0.01) by flow cytometry analysis.The same results were observed in TNF-α and rhIL-10 co-treatment group( P <0.01).Compared with the arterial injury group,neotima/media area ratio of recombinant human IL-10 group was reduced at 45%( P <0.01).CONCLUSIONS: The anti-inflammatory cytokine rhIL-10 inhibits TNF-α and PDGF-BB-induced VSMC proliferation,respectively.These results suggest the possibility that recombinant human IL-10 as a potential therapeutic approach prevents neointimal hyperplasia.     

Inhibitory effects of Lobelia Chinensis Lour alkaloid on the proliferation of human umbilical artery vascular smooth muscle induced by endothelin-1

AIM: To investigate the effects of Lobelia Chinensis Lour Alkaloid (LCLA) on the proliferation of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) induced by ET-1. METHODS: Human umbilical artery VSMC was cultured and divided into five groups: ET group, ET+LCLA group, ET+BQ-123 group，ET+ staurosporine （ST） group and control group. The cell proliferation activity was subsequently quantified by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and ［3H］-TdR incorporation. Flow cytometry was used to examine cell cycle. Quantitative immunohistochemical technique was used to investigate the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and confocal microscope was used to measure the fluorescent intensity of Ca2+. Cytotoxicity was measured by Trypan blue exclusion and LDH colorimetry tests. RESULTS: BQ-123 (10-6mol/L), ST (10-7mol/L) and LCLA (100, 200 and 400 mg/L) inhibited the increase in cell number, ［3H］-TdR incorporation, the percentage of the S phase and markedly decreased the expression of PCNA and fluorescent intensity of Ca2+ in response to ET-1 of VSMC (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: LCLA (100-400 mg/L) inhibits ET-1-induced proliferation of VSMC in a dose-dependent manner and the anti-proliferative effect is realized by reducing the Ca2+ concentration in VSMC.     

Inhibitory effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells

AIM:To explore the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) stimulated by endothelin (ET-1, 10^-7mol/L) and mitrogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity in VSMCs.METHODS:Cultured VSMCs were divided into six groups: (1) control group, (2) serum group, (3) endothelin group, (4) NaHS groups, (5) serum+NaHS group, and (6) endothelin+NaHS group. VSMC proliferation was measured by[³H]-TdR incorporation and MAPK activity in VSMC was determined by radioactivity assay.RESULTS:ET-1 increased VSMC[³H]-TdR incorporation by 2.39 times (P＜0.01) and MAPK activity by 1.62 times(P＜0.01), as compared with control. H₂S (5×10^-5-5×10^-4mol/L) decreased VSMC[³H]-TdR incorporation and MAPK activity by 16.8%-37.4% and 7.4%-33.6%, respectively (P<0.05 or P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:This study demonstrates that H₂S inhibits ET-1-induced proliferation of VSMC, which might be mediated by the inhibition of MAPK.     

Effects of apolipoprotein (a) on vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation and cell signal transduction pathway

AIM: To investigate the effect and the mechanism of apolipoprotein (a) ［apo (a)］ on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS: All VSMCs used in experiments were serial subcultured from primary cells and were identified by immunohistochemistry staining of α-actin. Cell growth assay was observed as cell counting and MTT assay. Western blotting was also employed to detect the related mechanism. RESULTS: All cells used in experiments were confirmed as VSMCs. Although apo (a) enhanced VSMCs proliferation, this effect was attenuated by anti-integrin αⅤβ3, LM609. Use these reagents alone had no effect on VSMCs growth. The results of Western blotting demonstrated that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was activated by apo (a) and the expression of total or phosphorylated transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was also decreased. However, these effects described above were all blocked by LM609. CONCLUSION: Apolipoprotein (a) enhances VSMCs proliferation and this effect is mediated by integrin αⅤβ3, which activates FAK and attenuates TGF-β1 and phospho-TGF-β1 expression.     

Effect of salidroside on alcohol-injuced hepatic injury in rats

AIM:To investigate the effect of salidroside on alcoholic hepatic injury in rats. METHODS:The SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:negative control group, model group, bifendate group, and low-and high-dose salidroside groups. The rats in model group were administered with 56% alcohol, while the rats in negative control group was administered with saline. The rats in bifendate group and salidroside groups were administered with corresponding drugs every day. The blood and the liver tissues were collected to measure triacylglycerol (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The pathological changes of the liver tissues were observed with HE staining. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were measured by ELISA and the protein and mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and NF-κB were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR. RESULTS:Compared with model group, the levels of TG, ALT, AST, MDA, TNF-α and NF-κB were reduced, while the activity of SOD was enhanced in salidroside group (P<0.05). The liver tissue injury was significantly attenuated. CONCLUSION:Salidroside improves the pathological changes, reduces inflammation, increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduces lipid peroxidation in the liver with alcohol-induced injury. This effect may be related to regulating the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses.     

Effects of tetramethylpyrazine on calcinerin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen gene expression in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM：To evaluate the effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on calcineurin (CaN) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene expression in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) treated by angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ).METHODS：A cell proliferating model of VSMCs induced by AngⅡ was established.PCNA gene exprersion was observed by immunocytochemical staining and image analysis technique;Calcineurin (CaN) activity was detected by enzyme reaction phosphorus measurement.RESULTS：AngⅡ significantly stimulated the proliferation of VSMCs,cell proliferation activity,CaN activity and the expression levels of PCAN were higher than those in control (P<0.01).While treated with TMP,the CaN activity and PCNA expression were obviously lower than those in AngⅡ group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION：The VSMCs proliferation induced by AngII can be inhibited by tetramethylpyrazine significantly,and the inhibiting mechanism of TMP may be related to inhibiting CaN activity and restraining the expression of PCNA in a dose and time-dependent manner.     

Effects of β3 integrin on adhesion and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells induced by growth factor

AIM: To investigate the effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on β₃ integrin gene expression and the role of β₃ integrin on adhesion, migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) induced by PDGF. METHODS: β₃ integxin gene expression was detected by RT-PCr. After β₃ integrin extracellular do-main was blocks, VSMC adhesio, migration and proliferation were measured by adhesion assay awound-culture model an [³H]-TSR incorporation respectively.RESULTS: After the interaction between β₃ integrin and extracellular matrix was blocked, VSMC proliferation was inhibited in some degree and the rate of [³H]-TdR incorporation into VSMC decreased 39%. The cell adhesion and migration were significantly inhibited when 10 mg/L anti-β₃ integrin antibody was added (P＜0.05). When VSMC were treated by PDGF for 6 hours, the expression of β₃ integrin gene was 87% higher than that of control. CONCLUSION: PDGF significantly induces expression of β₃ integrin gene in VSMC, and the interaction between β₃ integrin and ECM protein may play an important role in VSMC adhesion and migration.     

Effects of BTEB2 antisense gene transfection on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and its mechanism

AIM: To study the effects of BTEB2 antisense RNA on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC) and its mechanism. METHODS: After the recombinant adenovirus Ad.ASBTEB2 infected VSMC, antisense RNA and protein expression of BTEB2 were evaluated respectively by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Proliferation and cell cycle progress of VSMC were analyzed respectively by MTT test and flow cytometry. The expression of PCNA, AT1R and PDGF-BB were detected by immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: The expression of BTEB2 antisense RNA was demonstrated in VSMC after infected by recombinant adenovirus. Ad.ASBTEB2 infection significantly inhibited BTEB2 protein expression and proliferation of VSMC induced by serum, and resulted in G0/G1 blocking. The inhibitory effects of BTEB2 antisense RNA on the expression of PCNA, AT1R and PDGF-BB were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: BTEB2 antisense RNA significantly inhibits the proliferation of VSMC, probably by suppressing the expression of VSMC proliferation related genes, such as PCNA, AT1R and PDGF-BB.     

NR6A1 promotes vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis by up-regulating RIPK3 gene expression

AIM: To determine the role of nuclear receptor subfamily 6, group A, member 1 (NR6A1) in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis.METHODS: NR6A1 protein was over-expressed in the VSMCs by infection of adenovirus. The effect of NR6A1 on the viability of VSMCs was measured by MTT assay. DAPI staining, TUNEL staining and caspase activity assay were conducted. DNA microarray was used to quickly screen the target genes of NR6A1. The effect of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) silencing on NR6A1-induced apoptosis of the VSMCs was further analyzed.RESULTS: Adenovirus-mediated over-expression of NR6A1 induced the apoptosis of VSMCs. The RIPK3 gene expression was up-regulated by NR6A1 over-expression in the VSMCs. NR6A1-induced VSMC apoptosis was inhibited by RIPK3 silencing.CONCLUSION: NR6A1 promotes VSMC apoptosis by up-regulating the RIPK3 gene expression.     

Effect of L-arginine on intimal proliferation and expression of related cell cycle regulatory factors after vascular injury in rats

AIM:To investigate the effect of L-arginine (L-Arg) on intimal proliferation and expression of related cell cycle regulatory factors after vascular injury in rats. METHODS:Rats were divided into three groups :sham operation group, balloon injury group(this group included balloon 48 h,7 d and 14 d subgroup) and balloon+L-Arg group. Neointima area were calculated morphologiocally. The expression of cyclin dependent kinase-2(CDK2),cyclin E and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were measured by means of immunohistochemical technique and computer image analyzer. RESULTS:After vascular balloon injury, the level of plasma NO decreased, CDK2、cyclin E and PCNA expressed in the media at 48 h and in the neointima at 7 d and 14 d but with low and undetected expression in the media, the expression of CDK2, cyclin E and PCNA increased with the intima thickening. Compared with balloon 14 d group, the plasma NO level increased (P＜0.01), the neointima area reduced by 59.1%(P＜0.01) and the positive expression indexes of CDK2, cyclin E and PCNA decreased by 36.1%, 46.3% and 76.2% respectively in balloon+L-Arg group (P all＜0.01). CONCLUSION:L-Arg can effectively repress intima proliferation after vascular injury, which may be associated with its inhibiting the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cell through downregulating the excessive expression of CDK2, cyclin E and PCNA.