Effects of thyroid hormone on the myosin heavy chain mRNA expression in cardiac myocytes induced by angiotensin Ⅱ

AIM: To study the effect of thyroid hormone on the expressional change of myosin heavy chain(MHC) gene in cardiomyocyte induced by angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ) and its potential mechanism. METHODS: Cardiac myocyte was cultured according to the method of Simpson. 10^-8 mol/L T₃ and 10^-7 mol/L AngⅡ were added to the culture medium, respectively or synchronously. After 48 h, the expression of α and β-MHC mRNA in myocytes were detected by RT-PCR. The protein kinase C activation were detected by PepTag non-radioactive PKC assay. The incorporation of -Leucine and [³H]-thymine to test the protein and DNA synthesis in myocytes were also performed. RESULTS: AngⅡalone increased the incorporation of [³H]-Leucine of myocytes while it had no effect on the incorporation of [³H]-thy mine. The expression of β-MHC mRNA was increased and the expression of α-MHC mRNA was decreased significantly at the condition of AngⅡ. The enhanced PKC activation was induced by AngⅡalso. When AngⅡand T₃ were added to the culture medium synchronously, though the incorporation of [³H]-leucine and [³H]-thymine were not changed compared with AngⅡ treated alone. The α-MHC mRNA expression was increased and the β-MHC mRNA expression was decreased significantly. The PKC activation of the myocytes also was decreased. CONCLUSIONS: T₃ inhibited the expressional change of myosin heavy chain gene in cardiac myocytes induced by AngⅡ. The effect of T₃ on the change of PKC activation in cardiac myocytes may be one of its mechanisms.     

Effects of meglumine cycle adenylate phosphate combined with transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells on heart functions in rat model of heart failure

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects of recombinant meglumine cycle adenylate phosphate (MCA) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the enhancement of the cell survival and improvement of the cardiac functions in the rat model of adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathic heart failure. METHODS: BMSCs were isolated and expanded using the pre-plating method. Doxorubicin was used by intraperitoneal injection into the Wistar rats to establish the model of cardiomyopathic heart failure. The model animals randomly received the injection of PBS, MCA, BMSCs or MCA+BMSCs respectively, and normal controls were without any treatment. Four weeks after injection, the cardiac functions were determined by echocardiography and multichannel physiological recorder. The levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured by ELISA. The positive rate of BrdU-labeled BMSCs in the myocardium was analyzed by the method of immunohistochemistry. The expression of myocardium-specific protein, GATA-4, connexin 43(Cx43) and cardiac troponin 1(cTNI), was detected by Western blotting. Myocardial fibrosis was observed with Masson's staining. RESULTS: Compared with other groups, the results of echocardiography and hemodynamic showed that the left ventricular functions in BMSCs+MCA group improved significantly (P<0.05). The BMSCs numbers in the myocardium in BMSCs+MCA group were significantly higher than those in BMSCs group (P<0.05). The level of BNP was significantly lower in BMSCs+MCA group than that in BMSCs group (P<0.05). Compared with other groups, the expression of GATA-4, Cx43 and cTNI was significantly increased in BMSCs+MCA group. CONCLUSION: Combination of MCA with BMSCs transplantation improves the cardiac functions, possibly due to the enhancement of BMSCs survival and the increase in the protein expression of GATA-4.     

Role of caveolin-1 on down-regulation of LPS-induced monocyte chemotactic protein 1 by 17β-estradiol in vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: To elucidate the effect of caveolin-1 on the down-regulation of LPS-induced monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) by 17β-estradiol (E₂) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).METHODS: The primary-cultured VSMCs were exposed to E₂ at concentrations of 10^-9-10^-6 mol/L. LPS-induced MCP-1 production was assayed by ELISA. The protein expression of caveolin-1 was determined by Western blotting and was silenced by β-methyl cyclodextrin(β-MCD) or caveolin-1 specific siRNA. RESULTS: LPS significantly enhanced MCP-1 production. E₂ at concentrations of 10^-9-10^-6 mol/L inhibited LPS-induced MCP-1 production. The use of caveolin-1 inhibitor β-MCD or silencing the protein expression of caveolin-1 by specific siRNA largely impaired LPS-enhanced MCP-1 production, while E₂ markedly inhibited caveolin-1 expression. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of LPS-induced MCP-1 production by E₂ is related to the suppression of caveolin-1.     

Effects of histone hypomethylation induced by alcohol during pregnancy on overexpression of cardiomyogenesis genes offspring mice

AIM:To investigate the effects of histone methylation on the abnormal expression of cardiomyogenesis genes caused by alcohol during pregnancy and the regulatory mechanism, and to provide a new idea and intervention targets for preventing and curing congenital heart disease. METHODS:The alcohol (56%, 5 mL/kg) and G9a-histone methyltransferases (HMT) inhibitor BRD4770 (1 mg/kg) were given by gavage in Kunming mice during embryo (E) 0.5~14.5 d, and the hearts of the mice in E14.5, E16.5 and post neonatal 0.5 d (PND0.5) were collected. The mRNA expression of Gata4, Cx43 and β-MHC genes was detected by RT-qPCR. The activity of HMT was measured by colorimetry. Meanwhile, the protein expression of histone H3K9me3, G9a-HMT, Cx43 and β-MHC was determined by Western blot. RESULTS:The results of colorimetry showed that the activity of HMT in the heart of the offspring mice treated with alcohol during pregnancy was decreased significantly compared with normal saline group (P<0.05), and Western blot data showed that the expression of G9a-HMT and histone H3K9me3 were apparently decreased in the same samples (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of Gata4, Cx43 and β-MHC in alcohol group were apparently increased compared with normal saline group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the protein levels of Cx43 and β-MHC were increased significantly in the same samples (P<0.05). However, BRD4770, a G9a-HMT inhibitor, further attenuated the level of histone H3K9me3, and further upregulated the expression of Gata4, Cx43 and β-MHC in the heart of the the mice treated with alcohol (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Histone methylation modification imbalance induced by G9a-HMT may be involved in the abnormal expression of cardiomyogenesis genes in the heart of offspring mice caused by alcohol during pregnancy.     

High glucose induces H9c2 cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through Ca2+-CaN-NFAT3 signaling pathway

AIM: To study the morphological changes of cardiac H9c2 cells during the developmental process of fetal rat. METHODS: Embryonic rat heart-derived H9c2 cells were maintained in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. The H9c2 cells were plated at a density of 6000 cells/cm and divided into 5 groups: H9c2 cells were treated with 5 mmol/L glucose, 25 mmol/L glucose, 50 mmol/L glucose, Norvasc (25 nmol/L)+25 mmol/L glucose, or Norvasc (25 nmol/L)+50 mmol/L glucose for 48 h. The morphology of H9c2 cells was observed. The cell surface area was measured by Image-Pro Plus 6.1 software. Fluorescence spectrophotometry was used to detect the concentration of intracellular calcium ion ([Ca²⁺]_i)in the cardiomyocytes. The concentration of CaN in the cell was measured by ELISA. The mRNA expression of CaNAβ, NFAT3 and β-MHC in the cells was detected by real-time PCR. The protein levels of CaNAβ, NFAT3 and β-MHC in cultural H9c2 cells were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The mean area of the cells, the mean fluorescence value of [Ca²⁺]_i and the concentration of CaN in 25 mmol/L glucose group were higher than those in 5 mmol/L glucose group, and those were lower than those in 50 mmol/L glucose group. After treated with Norvasc, those results decreased significantly. The expression of CaNAβ, NFAT3 and β-MHC at mRNA and protein levels in 25 mmol/L glucose group was higher than those in 5 mmol/L glucose group, but was lower than those in 50 mmol/L glucose group. The expression of CaNAβ, NFAT3 and β-MHC at mRNA and protein levels decreased significantly in Norvasc treatment group. CONCLUSION: Ca²⁺-CaN-NFAT3 signaling pathway is perhaps involved in high glucose-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.     

Effects of PKC and ROCK on vasodilation induced by nifedipine

AIM: To investigate the effects of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and protein kinase C (PKC) on the relaxation of isolated rat aortic rings induced by nifedipine and the mechanisms. METHODS: The changes of tension in vascular rings induced by nifedipine under the basic condition and pre-contracted by norepinephrine (NE, 10^-6 mol/L) or KCl (60 mmol/L) were observed. The effects of ROCK and PKC on the vasodilation induced by nifedipine were studied using the vascular ring perfusion device. RESULTS: Nifedipine (10^-10 mol/L, 10^-9 mol/L, 10^-8 mol/L, 10^-7 mol/L, 10^-6 mol/L and 10^-5 mol/L) had no significant relaxation effect on isolated aortic rings under basic condition. Nifedipine induced dose-dependent relaxation in both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings pre-contracted by 10^-6 mol/L NE and 60 mmol/L KCl (P<0.05). No obvious difference between endothelium-intact group and endothelium-denuded group was observed. After incubation of the PKC inhibitor staurosporine (STA, 10^-8 mol/L) and PKC agonist phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 10^-7 mol/L), STA increased the relaxation induced by nifedipine, while PMA reduced the effect of nifedipine on blood vessels (P<0.05). After the incubation of the ROCK inhibitor fasudil (10^-6 mol/L) and ROCK agonist angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang-Ⅱ, 10^-9 mol/L), fasudil increased the relaxation induced by nifedipine, while Ang-Ⅱ reduced the effect of nifedipine on blood vessels (P<0.05). The relaxation induced by nifedipine was not statistically inhibited by BaCl₂ (10^-4 mol/L), tetraethylammonium (10^-3 mol/L), glibenclamide (10^-5 mol/L) and 4-aminopyridine (10^-3 mol/L). In calcium-free and high-potassium solution, pre-treatment with nifedipine (10^-9 mol/L, 5×10^-8 mol/L and 10^-6 mol/L) inhibited calcium-induced contraction of the aortic rings (P<0.05). However, nifedipine pre-treatment did not affect the contraction induced by NE in Ca²⁺-free medium. CONCLUSION: Nifedipine exhibits vasodilatation effect in a dose-dependent manner and the vasodilatation activity is endothelium-independent. The vasodilatation effect of nifedipine may be related to the inhibition of extracellular calcium influx, and inhibition of PKC and ROCK enhances the vasodilatation effect of nifedipine.     

Inhibitory effects of dexamethasone on the expression of integrin CD18 induced by PMA

AIM:To study the effect of dexamethasone(Dex) on the expression of CD18. METHODS:Quantitative RT-PCR analysis, Northern blotting technique were used to measure the expression of CD18 in U937 cells treated by PMA.RESULTS:Dex could significantly attenuated the effects of PMA in a dose-dependent manner (10^-6 mol/L-10^-10 mol/L). These effects of Dex (10^-7 mol/L) were completely aborted by RU-486 (10^-6 mol/L).CONCLUSION:Dex, via GR, could inhibit CD18 mRNA expression in U937 cells treated by PMA. The effects of Dex might be possibly depended on the counteracting action on the NF-κB.     

Farrerol inhibits nicotine-induced proliferation of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells by enhancing Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 expression

AIM:To study the effect of farrerol (Far) on nicotine-induced proliferation of rat pulmonary smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and further to explore its relationship with voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv) 1.5 and Kv2.1. METHODS:Firstly, the effect of nicotine on the proliferation of PASMCs was detected by cell counting method, and the optimal concentration of nicotine was selected. Primary cultured PASMCs were randomly divided into 5 groups:normal control group, nicotine (1 μmol/L)group, nicotine (1 μmol/L) + Far (10^-6 mol/L, 10^-5 mol/L and 10^-4 mol/L) Far group. The activity of caspase-3 was measured by apoptosis kit, the cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay, the apoptotic rate was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of Kv1.5 and Kv2.1, and apoptosis-related factors Bcl-2 and Bax at mRNA and protein levels was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot respectively. RESULTS:Nicotine at 1 μmol/L increased the number of PASMCs to the maximum extent (P<0.01). Nicotine at 1 μmol/L significantly reduced the caspase-3 activity and enhanced the cell viability of the PASMCs (P<0.01). Farrerol at 10^-6~10^-4 mol/L eliminated the effect of PASMCs induced by nicotine in a concentration dependent manner. Compared with control group, nicotine at 1 μmol/L significantly increased the proliferation and inhibited the apoptotic rate of rat PASMCs (P<0.01). The apoptotic rate of PASMCs in farrerol intervention group was significantly higher than that in nicotine group (P<0.01). Nicotine at 1 μmol/L significantly inhibited the expression of Kv1.5, Kv2.1 and Bax but increased the expression of Bcl-2 in PASMCs (P<0.01). Farrerol at 10^-5 mol/L obviously inhibited the effect of PASMCs induced by nicotine. CONCLUSION:Farrerol eliminates nicotine-induced inhibition of caspase-3 and Bax, and enhancement of Bcl-2 in PASMCs by enhancing Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 expression.     

Effects of leptin on BSEP protein expression and signaling pathway in HepG2 cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of leptin on the expression of bile salt export pump (BSEP) and signaling pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. METHODS: HepG2 cells were cultured in vitro. Leptin at concentrations of 10^-8, 10^-7 and 10^-6 mol/L was used as a stimulating factor. The protein levels of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha subunit (AMPKa), phosphorylated AMPKa (p-AMPKa) and BSEP in the HepG2 cells at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h were detected by Western blotting. The optimal culture time and leptin concentration were selected, and compound C at concentration of 10 μmol/L was added to this group. The protein expression of BSEP was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Intervention of HepG2 cells with leptin for 72 h increased the protein expression of AMPKa gradually in a concentration-dependent manner, and leptin at concentration of 10^-6 mol/L induced the strongest AMPKa expression (P<0.01). Intervention of HepG2 cells with leptin for 24 h increased the phosphorylation level of AMPKa gradually in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). The effect of leptin on the increase in the protein expression of p-AMPKa was also in a time-dependent manner (P<0.01). After intervention with different concentrations of leptin for 24 h, the protein expression of BSEP in the HepG2 cells was gradually increased by the stimulation of leptin in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P<0.01). Compared with NC group, the protein expression of BSEP in 10^-6 mol/L leptin group and 10^-6 mol/L leptin+10 μmol/L compound C group was increased at 72 h (P<0.01), and that in 10^-6 mol/L leptin+10 μmol/L compound C group was lower than that in 10^-6 mol/L leptin group at 72 h (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Leptin promotes the protein expression of BSEP in HepG2 cells by leptin-AMPK-BSEP signaling pathway. Leptin promotes the increases in AMPKa protein and the level of phosphorylation of AMPKa in HepG2 cells.     

Effects of Tongxinluo on connexin 43 remodeling and ventricular arrhythmia after myocardial infarction in rats

AIM: To determine the effects of Tongxinluo(TXL) on connexin 43(Cx43) remodeling and ventricular arrhythmia(VA) after myocardial infarction(MI) in rats. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated(sham) group(n=25) and operation group(n=75). The left anterior descending(LAD) was ligated in operated group, while the rats in sham group only underwent pericardiotomy. The rats in operation group which survived for 3 d after operation were randomly assigned to TXL group and MI group. The rats in TXL group was administrated with TXL(2 g·kg^-1·d^-1, intragastric administration) for 4 weeks, while normal saline was applied to the rats in sham group and MI group. The levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and endothelin-1(ET-1) in the tissue from the border zone were measured by ELISA after treatment. The distribution and the mRNA and protein expression of Cx43 were detected by immunohistochemical staining, RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The burst pacing was used to induce ventricular arrhythmia(VA). RESULTS: Compared with sham group, the levels of IL-1β and ET-1 and the incidence of VA were significantly increased, while the mRNA and protein expression of Cx43 was markedly reduced with irregular distribution in MI group(P<0.05). Compared with MI group, the levels of IL-1β and ET-1 and the incidence of VA were significantly reduced, while the expression of Cx43 at mRNA and protein levels was markedly increased with augmented linear distribution in the myocardial cell intercalated disc in TXL group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: TXL reduces the incidence of VA after MI via inhibiting the Cx43 remodeling.     

Metallothionein involvement in myocardial protection of basic fibroblast growth factor

AIM: To observe whether metallothionein plays a role in cardiac protective effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on anoxic/reperfusion (A/R) injury in cultured cardiomyocytes and study the possible mechanism of cardiac protection by bFGF. METHODS: The present study made the model of myocyte A/R injury after having a 24 h incubation by bFGF (10^-10, 10^-9 and 10^-8 mol/L) and bFGF (10^-9 mol/L) +PD₀₉₈₀₅₉, respectively. We measured the levels of MT and MDA in myocytes, and the changes of LDH and protein in cultured medium. We also counted the number of viable cell in groups. RESULTS: The contents of myocardial MT were significantly increased after treatment by bFGF. The levels of MT in 10^-10 mol/L, 10^-9 mol/L and 10^-8 mol/L bFGF treated groups increased 54%, 62% and76%, respectively, compared with the A/R group, and the number of viable cell were also greatly increased, LDH and protein leakage in cultured medium and MDA contents in myocyte were dramatically decreased in bFGF treated groups. All the protection were completely disappeared with the inhibition of MT production with PD₀₉₈₀₅₉, the inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). CONCLUSION: MT involves in the protection of bFGF in cultured cardiomyocytes. It might be related with activation of MAPKase.     

Effect of inhaled nitric oxide on adhesion molecule CD11b expression in lung neutrophils of meconium aspiration rabbits

AIM:To evaluate effects of inhaled nitric oxide(iNO) on adhesion molecule CD11b expression on lung neutrophils in experimental meconium aspiration syndrome(MAS) rabbits treated with conventional mechanical ventilation under room air or 100%O₂. METHODS:Animals were randomly allocated to 8 groups(n=48) of 6 each: two MAS model groups(under room air or 100%O₂ without iNO treatment), 6 treatment groups were treated with continuous NO inhalation at a dose of 0.2×10^-6mol/L, 0.33×10^-6mol/L or 0.67×10^-6mol/L respectively for 12 hours under room air or 100%O₂. Mean systemic arterial pressure(SAP) and methemoglobin (MeHb) were performed at basement time, 0, 2, 4, 12 hours. Expression of CD11b on neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) was detected with flow cytometry. RESULTS:SAP, MeHb at different time among different groups were within the normal scale. CD11b expression on the neutrophils in the BALF significantly decreased in groups of inhalation 0.33×10^-6 mol/L or 0.67×10^-6 mol/L NO, compared with the two MAS model groups. (x±s: under 21%O₂, 0.33×10^-6 mol/L NO, 121±20 υs 392±204; 0.67×10^-6 mol/L NO, 112±30 υs 392±204;under 100%O₂, 0.33×10^-6 mol/L NO, 113±24υs293±65; 0.67×10^-6 mol/L 102±114 υs293±65, P<0.05). 0.2×10^-6mol/L NO inhalation did no effect on CD11b expression. (x±s:21%O₂, 190±101 υs 392±204; 100%O₂, 222±85 υs 293±65; P>0.05). No statistic difference was observed between groups inhaled 0.33×10^-6 mol/L NO and 0.67×10^-6mol/L NO. CONCLUSION:0.33×10^-6 mol/L or 0.67×10^-6 mol/L NO inhalation down-regulated the CD11b expression on the neutrophils in BALF to reduce the sequestration of neutrophils in rabbit lung.     

AngⅡ/AT1R pathway leads to down-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation

AIM:To investigate the mechanism of angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ)/angiotensinⅡ type 1 receptor (AT₁R) pathway activating protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) which leads to down-regulation endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation level in mesenteric arteries of rats. METHODS:The mesenteric arteries of adult male SD rats (weighing 160~180 g; n=90) were isolated under aseptic conditions. Firstly, to determine the effect of angiotensinⅡ down-regulated eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation level, the mesenteric arteries were randomly divided into normal control (control) group and AngⅡ group. The mesenteric arteries in AngⅡ group were incubated with AngⅡ at 1×10^-7 mol/L, 1×10^-6 mol/L and 1×10^-5 mol/L for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h, respectively. Secondly, to investigate the molecular mechanism by which angiotensinⅡ activated PP2A leading to down-regulation eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation level, the mesenteric arteries were randomly divided into control group, AngⅡ group and candesartan (CAN; a specific AT₁R blocker)+AngⅡ group. The mesenteric arteries were pretreated with 1×10^-5 mol/L CAN for 1 h, then incubated with 1×10^-7 mol/L AngⅡ for 12 h in CAN+AngⅡ group. The protein levels of eNOS, p-eNOS (Ser1177), PP2Ac, p-PP2Ac (Tyr307) and protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor 2 (I₂^PP2A) in the arteries were determined by Western blot. The activity of PP2A in the arteries was detected by PP2A activity kit. RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the protein level of p-eNOS (Ser1177) in the mesenteric arteries was decreased after incubated with AngⅡ for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h (P<0.05). The decreasing tendency of p-eNOS (Ser1177) showed concentration-dependently, especially in 12 h and 24 h groups. The expression of eNOS protein showed no significant difference in each group. Compared with the control group, the mesenteric arteries of the rats were incubated with AngⅡ at 1×10^-7 mol/L for 12 h in vitro, the protein levels of p-eNOS (Ser1177) were down-regulated (P<0.05); pretreatment with CAN significantly increased the protein level of p-eNOS (Ser1177) (P<0.05); the protein levels of eNOS showed no significant difference in each group. Compared with the control group, the protein levels of p-PP2Ac (Tyr307) and I₂^PP2A were decreased after the mesenteric arteries were treated with AngⅡ at 1×10^-7 mol/L for 12 h (P<0.05). Candesartan pretreatment restored the protein levels of p-PP2Ac (Tyr307) and I₂^PP2A (P<0.05), however the expression of PP2Ac protein showed no significant difference in each group. Compared with the control group, the activity of PP2A was increased in the mesenteric arteries incubated with AngⅡ at 1×10^-7 mol/L for 12 h (P<0.05). Candesarten pretreatment inhibited the activity of PP2A significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:AngⅡ increases PP2A activity via AT₁R pathway, thus leading to down-regulation eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation level in mesenteric arteries. The molecular mechanism of PP2A activation may be associated with decreasing the protein levels of p-PP2Ac (Tyr307) and I₂^PP2A.     

Insulin action potentiation by 17β-estradiol in cultured C2C12 mytoblasts

AIM:To investigate the effect of 17β-estradiol on insulin action in cultured C2C12 mytoblasts. METHODS:C2C12 mytoblasts were cultured in 35 mm wells of six-well culture plate in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂ at 37℃ in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS and penicillin/streptomycin(1×10⁵ U/L) to reach 80% confluence. Insulin-resistance C2C12 mytoblasts were obtained by incubating the cells for 24 hours in the presence of a high concentration (5×10^-7 mol/L) of insulin. After treatmented with 17β-estradiol (1 nmol/L and 10 nmol/L, respectively) for 24 hours, C2C12 mytoblasts were performed to measure insulin-stimulated 2-DG uptake and GS, PFK, PK activities. RESULTS:17β-estradiol enhanced the capacity of insulin-stimulited 2-DG uptake, increased the GS, PFK and PK activities and prevented insulin-induced resistance in cultured C2C12 mytoblasts. CONCLUSION:17β-estradiol potentiates insulin action and preventes insulin-induced resistance in cultured C2C12 mytoblasts.     

Effect of urotensin II on cultured pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells of rabbits

AIM: The effect of urotensin II (U-II) on proliferation of cultured pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) of rabbits and its mechanism are investigated. METHODS: PASMCs were isolated using explant technique. RPASMCs were incubated in serum-free medium with different concentrations of nicardipine, calcimodulin antagonist W₇, PKC inhibitor H₇ or MAPK inhibitor (PD₉₈₀₅₉), with or without U-II. RPASMC proliferation was examined by MTT assay and by the increase in [³H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA. RESULTS: U-II (10^-9 mol/L-10^-7 mol/L) increased A value of PASMCs by MTT assay and [³H]-thymidine incorporation in PASMCs in a dose-dependent manner. U-II induced a maximal effect at a concentration of 10^-7 mol/L. A value and [³H]-thymidine incorporation rose 42.9% and 68.5% (P<0.05), respectively. U-II had no effect at a concentration of 10^-10 mol/L. Nicardipine, W₇, H₇, PD₉₈₀₅₉ (10^-7 mol/L-10^-5 mol/L) inhibited the effect of U-II in inducing increase of A value and -thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent manner, with the maximal inhibitory rate of 42.3%, 19.6%, 23.2%, 10.5% (P<0.05) in A value and 46.6%, 9.8%, 21.7%, 14.7% (P<0.05) in [³H]-thymidine incorporation at concentration of 10^-5 mol/L, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that U-II may induce proliferation of PASMCs of rabbits by Ca²⁺, CaM, PKC and MAPK signal transduction pathway.     

Effect of leonurine on expression of miR-1 in rats with myocardial fibrosis induced by isoproterenol

AIM: To investigate effect of leonurine on the expression of microRNA-1 (miR-1) in rats with myocardial fibrosis induced by isoproterenol (ISO). METHODS: SD rats (n=10) were used as normal control group, and 80 rats were given ISO by intraperitoneal injection daily for 2 weeks to establish the model of myocardial fibrosis. The model rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:model group, low-dose (7.5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) leonurine group, middle-dose (15 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) leonurine group, high-dose (30 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) leonurine group and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitor (0.3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) group. After the treatment for 2 weeks, the ultrastructure of left ventricular myocardial tissues was observed under electron microscope. Masson staining was used to detect collagen fibrosis, and the expression of collagen I and collagen Ⅲ was determined by the method of immunohistochemistry. The contents of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) were measured by ELISA. The expression of miR-1 and ET-1 mRNA was detected by real-time PCR, and the protein expression of p38 MAPK, β-myosin heavy chain (MHC) and α-MHC was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with model group, the ultrastructure of left ventricular myocardial tissues in high-dose leonurine group was attenuated, and the expression of miR-1 and the protein expression of α-MHC in left ventricular myocardial tissues of high-dose leonurine group were increased (P<0.05). Collagen volume fraction, collagen I, collagen Ⅲ, the ratio of collagen Ⅰ/collagen Ⅲ, the contents of ET-1 and Ang Ⅱ, the mRNA expression of ET-1, and the protein expression of p38 MAPK and β-MHC in high-dose leonurine group were lower than those in model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Leonurine attenuates myocardial fibrosis in the rats induced by ISO, and it is potentially associated with affecting the expression of miR-1, and inhibiting ET-1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway.     

The effect of vasoactive substances on synthesis and release of C-type natriuretic peptide in cultured human endothelial cells

AIM:To investigate the effect of endothelin (ET), angiotensin II (AngII) and homocysteine (Hcy) on C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) synthesis and release. METHODS: Human endothelial cell was cultured; CNP was measured by radioimmunoassay method. RESULTS: ET and AngII could augment CNP synthesis in human endothelial cells. Compared with control group, 10^-9,10^-8,10^-7 mol/L ET and Ang II increased CNP content of endothelial cells by 1%(P＞0.05), 49%(P＜0.05),117%(P＜0.01) and 137% (P＜0.01),165%(P＜0.01),201%(P＜0.01),respectively. A great dose of ET and Ang II also stimulated CNP release from cultured human endothelial cells. Hcy had no effect on CNP synthesis, but 10^-9,10^-8,10^-7 mol/L Hcy enhanced CNP release from cultured human endothelial cells by 17%(P＞0.05),84%(P＜0.01) and 555%(P＜0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: ET, AngII and Hcy might be involved in the synthesis and release of human endothelial cell CNP.Fig 1 Time-course of CNP syntheis and release in cultured human endothelial cell ( ±s,n=6)     

Effect of dexamethasone or theophylline on platelet-activating factor-induced eosinophils

AIM: To elucidate the effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on eosinophil activation and the action of dexamethasone or theophylline during this process. METHODS: Eosinophils (EOS) from the peripheral blood of normal subjects were isolated. The hypodense eosinopil (HE) and normodense eosinophil (NE) were studied with electron microscopy. The effects of PAF on eosinophil activation and the action of dexamethasone or theophylline during the above process were measured. RESULTS: Hypodense eosinophil had significantly smaller individual granules than normodense eosinophil had. PAF induced eosinophil peroxidase release, and generated. Eosinophils incubated with 10^-8 mmol/L PAF and 10^-5 mmol/L dexamethasone released (101.17±10.32) mg/L eosinophil peroxidase (P<0.05). Eosinophils incubated with 10^-9 mol/L PAF and 10^-5 mmol/L dexamethasone caused a decrease in eosinophil peroxidase (110.85±4.16) mg/L and induced the generation of hypodense eosinophil (17.87%±2.16%). Eosinophils incubated with 10^-8 mmol/L PAF and 10 mg/L theophylline released (100.53±9.65) mg/L eosinophil peroxidase (P<0.05). Eosinophils incubated with 10^-9 mol/L PAF and 10 mg/L theophylline caused a similar decrease in eosinophil peroxidase (106.94±10.11) mg/L and induced the generation of hypodense eosinophil (14.08%±2.42%). CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophil degranulation is one of the reasons by which hypodense eosinopils develop. PAF induced eosinophil degranulation, so generated hypodense eosinopils. Dexamethasone and theophylline inhibited above effects.     

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibodies induces INS-1 islet β-cell apoptosis by upregulation of autophagy

AIM: To explore whether the angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor autoantibodies (AT1-AA) induces islet β-cell apoptosis and whether autophagy is involved in the process. METHODS: The INS-1 cells treated with AT1-AA at 10^-6 mol/L for 24 h, and then the apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry, Western blot and Hoechst 33258 staining. In addition, the expression of autophagy-related proteins such as LC3 and beclin 1 were determined by Western blot. The effects of AT1-AA on the apoptosis, autophagy and viability of INS-1 cells with or without 3-methyladenine (3-MA; a common autophagy inhibitor) or telmisartan (an angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor blocker) pretreatment, were detected by flow cytometry, Western blot and CCK-8 assay. RESULTS: Treatment with AT1-AA at 10^-6 mol/L for 24 h significantly reduced the cell viability (P<0.05). Compared with the negative IgG control group, the apoptotic cells increased after incubation with AT1-AA for 12 h, 24 h and 36 h, respectively (P<0.05). Moreover, the protein levels of LC3 and beclin 1 also increased gradually with the prolongation of treatment time, and the elevation of apoptosis and autophagy were blocked by telmisartan. After pretreatment with 3-MA, the apoptotic rate of the cells was obviously decreased compared with the cells treated with AT1-AA alone. CONCLUSION: AT1-AA induces the apoptosis of INS-1 islet β cells by upregulating autophagy via the angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor pathway.