The expression of heme oxygenase-1 in vascular smooth muscle cells induced by lipopolysaccharide

AIM:To study the alterations of heme oxygenase-1 mRNA in vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC) induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and the role of heme oxygenase(HO)/carbon monoxide(CO)pathway in the disorders of regulation of cardiovascular system by LPS. METHODS: LPS (final concentrations 10 mg/L,30 mg/L and 50 mg/L) was added in cultured VSMCs for 6 h respectively or 10 mg/L LPS for 9 h and 18 h. MDA content, LDH release and the rate of trypan blue uptake of VSMC were measured. HO-1 mRNA expression was examined by Northern Blot. RESULTS:VSMC HO-1 mRNA expression was increased gradually with the increasing of LPS concentration. When final concentration of LPS was 50 mg/L, the HO-1 mRNA expression of VSMC was increased by 176.7% compared with control. When LPS final concentration was 10 mg/L, the HO-1 mRNA expression increased gradually along with the culture time. When cultured for 18 h, the HO-1 mRNA expression of VSMC was increased by 195.6% compared with control. Only at LPS 50 mg/L for 6 h and 10 mg/L for 18 h, the rate of trypan blue uptake,MDA content and LDH release were significantly increased. CONCLUSION: LPS can induce the HO-1 mRNA expression of VSMC and that were dose-dependent and time-dependent. The inducible HO may play an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular system under LPS.     

Metallothionein inhibits homocysteine-induced proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM:To investigate the effect of metallothionein(MT) on proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) stimulated by homocysteine and its mechanism. METHODS:VSMCs proliferation was measured by [³-H]-TdR incorporation, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)activity were determined by immunoprecipitation method, the intracellular contents of MT and malondialdehyde (MDA)were assayed by -hemoglobin saturation method and TBA reaction, respectively, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage was measured by NADH oxidation. RESULTS:Hcy(10^-6-10^-4 mmol/L) stimulated [³-H]-TdR incorporation by the VSMCs in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with control, [³-H]-TdR incorporation in VSMCs treated with 0.1 mmol/L Hcy was increased by 4.2 fold (P＜0.01). Meanwhile, Hcy enhanced MAPK activity, MDA formation and LDH release (P＜0.01)in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment of VSMCs with MT alone did not change above parameters, compared with control. However, MT (10^-6-10^-4 mol/L)attenuated significantly Hcy-stimulated proliferation of VSMCs (P＜0.01)in a concentration-dependent manner. And MT inhibited obviously Hcy-induced activation of MAPK activity, MDA formation and LDH release. Preincubation of VSMCs with 0.5 mmol/L ZnCl₂ for 6 h induced an increase cellular MT content by 5.7-fold (P＜0.01). The MT-overexpressed VSMCs resisted Hcy-stimulating action on MAPK activity, MDA formation and LDH leakage (P＜0.01). CONCLUSION:These results show that MT has an inhibitory effect on Hcy-induced VSMCs proliferation, and that MT could inhibit Hcy-stimulated MAPK activity and lipid peroxidation.     

Correlative cell signaling pathway for expression of heme oxygenase-1 induced by ginkgo biloba extract in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: To explore the effects of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) protein expression induced by ginkgo biloba extract (EGB761) in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (RVSMC) and the correlative cell signaling pathway.METHODS: The RVSMC lines were revived.Serial passage to 6 generation was carried out and divided into different groups.The cells were treated respectively with vehicle,purely EGB761,EGB761 plus zinc protoporphyrin IX or other specific inhibitors of cell signaling pathway.Western blotting method was used to detect the expression of HO-1 in RVSMC.RESULTS: EGB761 induced HO-1 protein expression in a dose dependent manner.ZnPPⅨ and genitein significantly inhibited HO-1 protein expression induced by EGB761 (0.10±0.01,0.07±0.01 vs 0.61±0.07,P<0.01,respectively).However,calphostin-C,LY294002,Bay11- 7082 had no apparent effects on HO-1 protein expression induced by EGB761 (0.63±0.07,0.65±0.07,0.64±0.06 vs 0.61±0.07,P>0.05,respectively).CONCLUSION: (1) EGB761 significantly induces HO-1 protein expression in RVSMC,and the effect can be inhibited by a specific HO inhibitor ZnPPⅨ.(2) The HO-1 protein expression induced by EGB761 in RVSMC is mediated by tyrosine protein kinase pathway.     

Effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: To elucidate the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CCRP) in the therapy of atherosclerosis.METHODS:Effect of CGRP on cell cycle kinetics of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells(HA-VSMC) was investigated by flow cytometry. The expression of cyclins D₁ and E required for initiation of S phase were also studied by immunochemistry method. RESULT: CGRP was shown to arrest VSMC in the G₀/G₁ phase of cell cycle and reduced expression of cyclins D₁ and E. CONCLUSION:CGRP inhibits proliferation of HA-VSMC by arresting cells in G₁ phase via limiting accumulation of cyclin D₁ and E. It might play a role in the therapy of atherosclerosis.     

Effect of trichosanthes injection on expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen of vascular smooth muscle cell in rabbit

AIM: To observe the effect of thichosanthes injection on the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC). METHODS: The expression of PCNA of cultured rabbit aortic SMC was examined with LSAB immunohistochemical technique, and [³H]-thymidine( [³H]-TdR) incorporation data of SMC and the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxide (LPO), prostacyclin (PGI₂) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) in medium were simultaneously determined. RESULTS: Thichosanthes injection has an effects of increasing SOD activity, decreasing LPO, elevating PGI₂ and cAMP, reducing [³H]-TdR incorporation and expression of PCNA (all P＜0.05,P＜0.01). CONCLUSION: Thichosanthes could inhibit SMC proliferation.     

Taurine attenuated β-glycerophosphate-stimulated calcification in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of taurine on calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).METHODS: Calcified VSMCs of rat in vitro were induced by β-glycerophosphate. Cellular calcium content, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activities and [⁴⁵Ca]accumulation were measured. DNA synthesis were evaluated by [³H]-thymidine ( [³H]-TdR) incorporation. RESULTS: Calcium content, ALP activities and [⁴⁵Ca]uptake of calcified VSMCs stimulated by taurine (5-20 mmol/L) were greatly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner as compared with calcified group (P＜0.01). Taurine also inhibited the proliferation of calcified cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell countingz, [³H]-TdR incorporation of calcified cells stimulated by taurine were greatly decreased as compared with calcified VSMCs (P＜0.01). CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that calcification of VSMCs may be alleviated by taurine.     

Effects of three kinds of calcium activator on the proliferation of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of intracellular free calcium ([Ca²⁺]i) from different resources on the proliferation mediated by mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS: Cultured VSMCs were used in all experiments. Calcium influx was stimulated by angiotension Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ). The release of intracellular calcium stores was induced by inositol trisphosphate (IP₃) and ryanodine (RY). MAPK activity was measured by [γ-³²P]-ATP incorporation MAPK protein expression by western blot, VSMCs proliferation by [³H]-Leucine ([³H]-Leu) and [³H]-Thymidine ([³H]-TdR) incorporation. RESULTS: Compared to the control VSMCs, Ang Ⅱ, IP₃ and RY significantly increased [Ca²⁺]i concentration activity of MAPK and its protein content in VSMCs. The promotion of [³H]-Leu and [³H]-TdR incorporation in VSMCs was also observed (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The study indicated that calcium activator-induced increase in the activity and protein content of MAPK was involved in the proliferation of VSMCs, which was closely related to the [Ca²⁺]i concentration but independent to its origin.     

Role of angiotensin II and angiotensin II receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells migration

AIM:To determine the effects of Angiotensin II(AngII) on migration of rat smooth muscle cells and to investigate the mechanisms underlying Ang II action in the development of injured vascular disease. METHODS:VSMCs isolated from aortic media of Wistar rats and cultured by the modified explant method were adopted. In prersence and absence of AngII, the expression of AngII receptor and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton of VSMCs were studied by immunocytochemistry technique, fluorocytochemistry technique. The migration assays were performed by a modified Boyden's chamber. And the effects of AT₁R antagonist (CV-11974), AT₂R antagonist (PD123319) on aforementioned target were studied.RESULTS:VSMCs migration was stimulated by addition of AngII. The dynamic reorganization of actin cytoskeleton may be an important mechanism by which AngII facilitates VSMC motility. The expression of AT₁R in VSMCs can be upregulated after treatment with AngII initially, then decreased gradually. The expression of AT₁R was downregulated by AT₁R antagonist. The effect of AngII on VSMCs migration was mediated by AT₁R, while AT₂R had no significant effect.CONCLUSION:The dynamic reorganization of actin cytoskeleton is required for AngII-induced VSMC migration, and this effect is mediated by AT₁R .     

Role of heme oxygenase-1 in the ischemic preconditioning of isolated rat heart

AIM: To investigate the influence of ischemic preconditioning on heart function, the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) after ischemia/reperfusion in isolated rat heart. METHODS: The model of Langendorff was used in isolated rat heart perfusion. Ischemic preconditioning protocol: stopping perfusion for 5 minutes and reperfusion for 5 minutes, repeating three times. Ischemia protocol: stopping perfusion for 40 minutes and reperfusion for 20 minutes. Indexes of heart function were recorded in control M8, ischemia and reperfusion group (IR), and ischemic preconditioning group (IPC). The content of LDH of coronary effluent was measured. Moreover, the content of MDA and activity of HO-1 in myocardium were also measured. RESULTS: The recovery percentage of heart function in IPC group was significantly higher than that in IR group (P<0.01) and the activity of heme oxygenase-1 also increased significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The contents of LDH and MDA significantly decreased in IPC group compared with IR group. The increase in heme oxygenase-1 activity might be involved in the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning on ischemic/reperfused rat heart.     

Oxysterols downregulate tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase -1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of oxysterols on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. METHODS:Rabbit aortic vascular smooth muscle cells were culturedin vitroand incubated with cholesterol, Triol and 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OH), respectively. Slot blot was used to detect the mRNA expression level of TIMP-1 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs); meanwhile the protein expression level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was detected by immunohistology. RESULTS:Triol and 25-OH inhibited the expression of TIMP-1 compared with control and cholesterol, but have no effect on expression of MMP-9. CONCLUSION:Both Triol and 25-OH downregulated TIMP-1 expression in VSMCs.     

The intermediate phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells in adult

The intermediate phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cell in adult is the dedifferentiation state returned from the high differentiation state, appeared on the damaged blood vessels.It is regulated by many factors.Its distribution, the characteristics of morphology and structure, the regulated transform factors and the molecular biological mechanism are introduced, and its functional significance and the role in vascular diseases are also discussed in this article.     

Effects of insulin on mitogen-activited protein kinase of vascular smooth muscle cells in spontaneously hypertensive rat

AIM:To explose the possible existing pathway of intracellular signaling transduction in hypertensive induced by insulin in rat vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation which involved mitogen-activated protein kinase. METHODS:Male spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) aorta and WKY(6 weeks old) were isolated and then cultured to make the purified vascular smooth muscle cells.6-8th generation of VSMC were interfered with insulin in vitro. MAPK activity was determined by myelin basic protein method and its volume was measured with Western Blot. And [³H]-TdR was used to measure DNA synthesis in VSMC proliferation. RESULTS: After the interfered with insulin the DNA synthesis was increased obviously in SHR group. MAPK activity and its contains in SHR were increased more than the control group. Protein kinase C inhibitor decreased MAPK activity induced by insulin. CONCLUSION:Proliferation of SHR VSMC in vitro was correlated with increased activity of MAPK. Insulin can affect MAPK induced activity. So an insulin-PKC-MAPK axis may exist in hypertensive VSMC.     

Effect of diltiazem on heme oxygenase-1 and nitric oxide synthase in rats with pulmonary hypertension

AIM: To investigate the action of diltiazem (a calcium antagonist) on the expression of heme oxygenase (HO) -1 and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the small pulmonary arteries (SPA) of rat in chronic hypoxia. METHODS: Chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension models were established by treating the rats in hypoxic environment for 6 weeks. After 2 weeks of hypoxia, rats were treated with diltiazem (15 mg/kg/day). Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) were measured. Pathological changes in the lungs were observed under the light microscope and transmission electron microscope. The expression and distribution of heme oxygenase (HO) -1, endothelial NOS (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) were tested by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Guanosine-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) of lung tissues were detected with radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Diltiazem significantly decreased abnormal RVSP, and RVHI in model rats, attenuated the SPA media thickeness, and recovered abnormal eNOS and iNOS expression in SPA. Whereas diltiazem had little effect on the increased HO-1 expression in SPA caused by hypoxia and ultrastructure injury in endothelium. cGMP levels were corresponded with HO-1. CONCLUSION: Diltiazem has a significant effect on inhibiting hypoxic pulmonary hypertension structural remodeling. These effects might be partly attributed to the suppression of iNOS, promotion of eNOS, and not attenuation HO-1 expression in the lung of hypoxic rats.     

Effects of probucol on the proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells stimulated by basic fibroblast growth factor and hydrogen peroxide

AIM: To investigate the effect of probucol on proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC) stimulated by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and/or hydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂). METHODS: Effects of probucol on VSMC proliferation and DNA synthesis stimulated by bFGF and/or H₂O₂ were observed by means of MTT test, cell number count and [3H]-TdR incorporation. RESULTS: ①Probucol significantly inhibited proliferation and DNA synthesis in VSMC stimulated by bFGF and/or H₂O₂, with dosage-dependent manner. Cell number, A value and [3H]-TdR incorporation in group probucol+bFGF and group probucol+H₂O₂ were reduced by 40.0%, 39.1%, 45.5% and 46.9%, 45.0%, 39.5%, respectively, compared with group bFGF and group H₂O₂ (P＜0.05, P＜0.01, respectively). ②Pretreatment of VSMC with probucol for 24 h prior to bFGF and/or H₂O₂ stimulation exhibited significant inhibiton of VSMC proliferation and DNA synthesis, but after prestimulation by bFGF and/or H₂O₂ for 24 h, probucol had no influence on VSMC proliferation and DNA synthesis (P＞0.05). CONCLUSION: Probucol dramatically inhibited proliferation and DNA synthesis in VSMC stimulated by bFGF and/or H₂O₂, but had no inhibitory effect on the cell proliferation prestimulated by bFGF and /or H₂O₂.     

XBP-01 accelerated apoptosis induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein in vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: Previous studies performed with XBP-01 in vitro indicated that XBP-01 could inhibit vascular smooth muscle cells from being transformed into foam cell and could eliminate the atherosclerotic plaque in C57BL/6J mouse. This experiment is to investigate its mechanism of eliminating plaques in vitro. METHODS: The cultured porcine artery smooth muscle cells incubated with XBP-01 of 0.1 mg/L for 24 h after preincubated with oxidized low density lipoprotein of 15 mg/L for 72 h in vitro. The samples were analyzed by fluorescence microscope, confocal microscope system and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Apoptosis was triggered by being incubated with oxidized low density lipoprotein and this process was accelerated additionally by being incubated with XBP-01. CONCLUSION: XBP-01 can be effective in eliminating atherosclerotic plaque by accelerating the process in which oxidized low density lipoprotein induced smooth muscle cell apoptosis.     

Effect of neuropeptide Y on bcl-2, bax,fas expressions and proliferation in vascular smooth muscl cells

AIM: To explore the effect of neuropeptide Y on expression of apoptosis associated genes and proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). METHODS: The proliferation activity of VSMC was dterminded by MTT colorimetry. The average fluorescence intensity that represented VSMC nuclear antigen (PCNA) and bcl-2, bax, fas expressions was quantitatively measured by fluorescence immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with control, the expressions of bcl-2, bax, fas, PCNA and the VSMC proliferation activity in VSMC treated with NPY were significantly increased. CONCLUSION: NPY may increase the expression of apoptosis associated genes in VMSC and promote its proliferation.     

Effect of estrogen on the gene expression of caveolin-1 in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: To assess the effect of estrogen on the gene expression of caveolin-1 in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS: Wistar rats were ovariectomized and subjected to subcutaneous implantation of placebo pellets (OVX+V group) or estradiol pellets (OVX+E group). 2 weeks after implantation, the expression of caveolin-1 gene in endothelium-denuded aortic tissue was examined by RT-PCR. Furthermore, Northern blotting was used to analyze the mRNA expression of caveolin-1 in cultured rat VSMCs. RESULTS: RT-PCR showed that expression of caveolin-1 gene was significantly higher in OVX+E group than that in OVX+V group. Northern blot analysis showed that the mRNA expression of caveolin-1 was higher in VSMCs pretreated with 17β-estradiol (17β-E₂) than that in VSMCs without 17β-E₂ pretreatment. CONCLUSION: Estrogen up-regulates the gene expression of caveolin-1 in the vascular wall, partially indicating the cardiovascular effect of estrogen.     

Effect of adenoviral vector containing AT1 receptor antisense cDNA on migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: To evaluate the role of human angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT1R) antisense cDNA (ahAT1) on migration of cultured artery smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS: Two recombinant adenoviral vectors, Ad/CMV.ahAT1 containing full length antisense cDNA targeting to human AT1R mRNA, and Ad/CMV.LacZ containing LacZ called report gene, were constructed by orientation clone technology and homologous recombination, and then were used to transfect VSMCs in vitro. AT1R expression detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, and migration of VSMCs measured by Boyden's Chamer methods, were compared between transfected and nontransfected VSMCs. RESULTS: Forty-eight hours after Ad/CMV. ahAT1 transfection, the level of AT1R mRNA decreased markedly (50% of control group), and AT1R protein expression was significantly less (P＜0.01 vs control-group and Ad/CMV.LacZ-group, respectively) in VSMCs. So it was migration distance of VSMCs among the three groups. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that antisense cDNA targeting to human AT1R transfer in vitro mediated by adenoviral vector has a powerful inhibitory effect on migration of VSMCs by attenuating AT1R expression.