Preliminary study on relationship between renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and hypertension in coal miners

AIM: To study the relationship between renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and hypertension in coal miners. METHODS: The coal miners received questionnaire investigation and their blood pressure, height and weight were measured, plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ) and aldosterone (ALD) were tested by means of radio immunoassay in coal miners with hypertension and nor-hypertension. RESULTS: It was found that levels of PRA, Ang Ⅱ and ALD were significantly higher in hypertensive group than in nor-hypertensive group (all P<0.01), average blood pressure had positive correlation with levels of PRA, Ang Ⅱ and ALD in all miners (r=0.371, r=0.412 and r=0.352). In coal miners with hypertension, levels of PRA, Ang Ⅱand ALD were significantly higher in underpit operation group than in ground operation group (all P<0.01), and install-repair group's were highest in underpit operation group; Levels of PRA, Ang Ⅱand ALD were significantly higher in high-salt diet group than in normal diet group (all P<0.01), but there was no significant change in age, length of service, family history, body mass index, smoking and alcoholism on levels of PRA, Ang Ⅱ and ALD. CONCLUSION: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may potentially mediate underpit operation-and salt-induced hypertension pathogenesis in coal miners.     

Protective effects of tongxinluo,carvedilol and valsartan on microvascular endothelial function and integrity after late reperfused AMI in rabbits

AIM:To compare the protective effects of tongxinluo, a Chinese medicine, and carvedilol and valsartan on myocardium microvascular endothelial function and integrity after late reperfusion of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rabbits. METHODS:Forty-eight rabbits were randomly assigned to the following groups:(1) sham operated rabbits;(2) ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) controls;(3) tongxinluo (1.0 g·kg^-1·d^-1);(4) carvedilol (5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1);(5) valsartan (10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) and (6) ticlopidine + aspirine (30 and 20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, respectively) groups. After 3 d of drug treatment, the left coronary artery in the rabbit was ligated for 2 h and loosed subsequently for another 2 h. The serum levels of nitric oxide (NO₂^-/NO₃^-) and endothelin (ET) at baseline before AMI, 2 h after both AMI and reperfusion were examined. Also, the number of circulating endothelial cells (CEC), MI size and percentage myocardium focal bleeding incidence were determined 2 h after reperfusion. RESULTS:(1) The baseline level of NO₂^-/NO₃^- was significantly higher in tongxinluo group than that in other groups (all P<0.01), whereas the content of ET was not significantly different among the groups. 2 h after both AMI and reperfusion, NO₂^-/NO₃^- was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01) and ET was significantly increased in each group as compared with their baseline (P<0.05, P<0.01). Yet among the groups, NO₂^-/NO₃^- was still significantly higher and ET was significantly lower in tongxinluo-treated group than that in the other groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). (2) CEC number was significantly increased in I-R controls as compared with sham group (P<0.01), and was significantly reduced in the tongxinluo-treated groups as compared with I-R controls (P<0.05). (3) MI size was significantly reduced in the four treatment groups as compared with I-R controls (all P<0.01). (4) The percentage of myocardium focal bleeding incidence was significantly lower in tongxinluo and valsartan-treated groups than that in I-R controls (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Tongxinluo as well as valsartan effectively protectsmyocardium endothelial function and integrity during AMI and late reperfusion,with the effects of tongxinluo being superior.     

Effects of sodium hydrosulfide on cardiac function and activity of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in rats with chronic heart failure

AIM: To investigate the effect of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on cardiac function and activity of renin-angiotensin (Ang)-aldosterone (ALD) system (RAAS) in the rats with chronic heart failure (CHF).METHODS: The CHF rat model was established by abdominal aortic coarctation. SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, low dose of NaHS group and high dose of NaHS group (n=6). The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured before and after treatment by echocardiography in each group. The levels of renin, AngⅡ and ALD in the plasma were measured by ELISA. The expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor (AT1R) at mRNA and protein levels in the myocardium tissues was determined by qPCR and Western blot, respectively.RESULTS: After treatment with NaHS, compared with model group and before treatment, LVEDD and LVESD in low dose of NaHS group and high dose of NaHS group were decreased significantly, while LVEF was increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with low dose of NaHS group, LVEDD and LVESD were decreased, while LVEF was increased in high dose of NaHS group (P<0.05). Compared with sham operation group, the levels of renin, AngⅡ and ALD in the plasma of model group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the expression of ACE and AT1R at mRNA and protein levels in the myocardium tissues of model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the plasma levels of renin, AngⅡ and ALD in low dose of NaHS group and high dose of NaHS group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the myocardial expression of ACE and AT1R at mRNA and protein levels was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). The plasma levels of renin, AngⅡ and ALD, and the myocardial expression of ACE and AT1R at mRNA and protein levels in high dose of NaHS group were significantly lower than those in low dose of NaHS group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: NaHS inhibits the activation of RAAS, thus improving the cardiac function of CHF rats, and the effect of high-dose NaHS is better than that of low-dose NaHS.     

Effect of tongxinluo capsule on endothelial function in stable angina pectoris patients

AIM:To investigate clinical effect of tongxinluo capsule in treating stable angina pectoris patients,and its influence on endothelial function,superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA).METHODS:One hundred and twenty-four stable angina pectoris patients were divided into three groups,isosorbide treatment group (41 cases),tongxinluo capsule treatment group (40 cases),tongxinluo and isosorbide treatment group (combined treatment group,43 cases).The serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO),endothelin-1 (ET-1),SOD and MDA were determined before and after treatment.The data in traetment groups were compared with that in normal control.RESULTS:The symptoms of 3 groups were significantly improved,and the total effective rate of tongxinluo capsule group and combined treatment groups were better than that in isororbide treatment group (85.00% and 88.37% vs 73.17%,P<0.05).Before treatment,the levels of serum NO and activity of SOD in angina patients were lower than that in control group.The serum MDA and ET-1 levels were higher than those in control.The levels of serum NO and SOD activity were increased remarkably after tongxinluo capsule or tongxinluo combined treatment.However,besides the concentration of NO increased after isosorbide treatment,the levels of serum ET-1 and MDA and SOD activity were not changed.CONCLUSIONS:The results suggest that tongxinluo capsule could effectively improve the symptoms of stable angina pectoris,and it is important for tongxinluo capsule to increase NO level and decrease ET-1 product,scavenge free radical and prevent lipid peroxidation.     

Effects of aldosterone on expression of angiotensin Ⅱ receptors in cultured rat mesangial cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of aldosterone (ALD) on the mRNA expression of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang II) type 1 (AT-1a R and AT-1bR) and 2 (AT-2R) receptors in cultured rat mesangial cells (RMCs) treated with high glucose. METHODS: Rat mesangial cells were cultured in high glucose medium containing different concentrations of ALD (10-8-10-6 mol/L). The antagonists of ALD and Ang II receptors including pironolactone (10-7 mol/L, aldosterone receptor antagonist, SPI), losartan (10-7 mol/L, Ang II type 1 receptor blocker, Los) or PD123319 (10-9 mol/L, Ang II type 2 receptor antagonist, PD) were added in the cell culture for 12 h. The control cells were only treated with high (30 mmol/L) or normal (5.6 mmol/L) glucose medium. The viability and proliferation of the RMCs were evaluated by MTT assay. The mRNA expression of AT-1aR, AT-1b R and AT-2R was detected by semi-quantitative RT- PCR. The expression of MCP-1 in cultured RMCs was detected by ELISA. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of AT-1aR, AT-1b R and AT-2R was increased significantly by treatment with ALD in a dose-dependent manner (1.62-1.77, 9.61-9.89 and 7.26-7.35 folds of high glucose control, respectively, P<0.01). SPI significantly reduced the mRNA expression of AT-1aR and AT-1b R (P<0.01) but not affected the mRNA expression of AT-2R. The ratio of AT-1aR/AT-1b R in cultured RMCs treated with high glucose decreased significantly after stimulated with ALD (P<0.01). However, the effect of ALD was inhibited by SPI (P<0.01). Aldosterone treatment induced a significant upregulation of MCP-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner, and previous treatment with spironolactone, losartan or PD123319 abolished this aldosterone-induced MCP-1 expression. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that aldosterone is involved in the inflammatory response by up-regulating the expression of AT-1aR, AT-1bR and AT-2R, changing the proportion of AT-1R subtype, and inducing MCP-1 overproduction in cultured RMCs treated with high glucose.     

Angiotensin Ⅱ stimulates TNF-α and NO production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in heart failure patients

AIM: To examine the change of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO) in patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) and the effect of angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), valsartan on TNF-α and NO production in culture peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), to assess the relationship between the renin-angiotensin system and cytokines. METHODS: Venous blood of both healthy volunteers (n=12) and patients with CHF (n=16) were collected. Serum TNF-α and NO were examined. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from both the control and the patients groups and cultured with AngⅡ at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 μmol/L, respectively. AngⅡ at concentration of 0.1 μmol/L combined with 0.1 μmol/L of valsartan was also used. After 24 h incubation, the contents of TNF-α and NO in the culture supernatants were measured. RESULTS: Serum TNF-α and NO production in CHF group were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.01). The higher the heart failure degree, the higher the levels of TNF-α and NO (P<0.01), and no significant among different etiologies of CHF (P＞0.05) were observed. AngⅡ stimulated TNF-α and NO release from PBMC of patients with CHF and normal person, which was inhibited by valsartan. CONCLUSIONS: AngⅡ obviously increases TNF-α and NO production from PBMC, which indicates there is relationship between the renin-angiotensin system and TNF-α, NO. The fact that valsartan inhibits TNF-α production may be one of the mechanisms in treating CHF.     

Effect of atorvastatin on myocardial fibrosis induced by aldosterone

AIM: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of atorvastatin on myocardial fibrosis induced by aldosterone in SD rats. METHODS: Forty male uninephrectomized SD rats were limited to drink 1% NaCl water for 4 weeks and assigned to the follow groups: vehicle control rats (CON group); aldosterone treated rats (ALD group); spironolactone + aldosterone treated rats (SPI+ALD group); atorvastatin + aldosterone treated rats (ATO+ALD group). Blood pressure was measured by catheterization. Expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-A, PDGF-B), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR-α, PDGFR-β) and ectodermal dysplasia-1 (ED-1) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Collagen volume fraction (CVF) and perivascular collagen area (PVCA) were analyzed by Sirius-Red staining. Myocardium osteopontin protein was detected by Western blotting analysis. RESULTS: Mean arterial blood pressure in ALD group, SPI+ALD group and ATO+ALD group was elevated, and significant difference was observed between the three groups and vehicle control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Myocardial fibrosis was observed in ALD group. Compared to other three groups, the index of CVF and PVCA was increased significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.05). No significant difference of the index of CVF and PVCA between ATO+ALD group and SPI+ALD group was observed (P>0.05). Compared to other groups, the levels of PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGFR-α, ED-1 and OPN in ALD group were significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The levels of PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGFR-α and OPN were no significant difference between ATO+ALD group and SPI+ALD group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). However, the level of ED-1 in ATO+ALD group was significantly decreased compared to SPI+ALD group (P<0.05). No significant difference of PDGFR-β level among four groups was found (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that atorvastatin may attenuate myocardial fibrosis induced by aldosterone. The mechanisms concern with reduction of macrophage infiltration, expression of inflammatory cytokines OPN, partially inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor and its receptor expression.     

Over-expression of ACE2 gene alleviates Ang Ⅱ-induced oxidative stress in neural cells

AIM:To investigate the effect of over-expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene on angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced oxidative stress and NADPH oxidase (NOX) expression in mouse neuroblastoma Neuro-2A cells. METHODS:The recombinant lentivirus encoding ACE2 gene was constructed and transfected into the Neuro-2A cells at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10 for 72 h. The transfection efficiency of ACE2 gene and protein expression of ACE2 were detected, and the Neuro-2A cells were identified by detection of a neural cell marker. The Neuro-2A cells were divided into 7 groups:control group, eGFP group, ACE2-eGFP group, Ang Ⅱ treatment group, Ang Ⅱ-eGFP group, Ang Ⅱ-ACE2-eGFP group and Ang Ⅱ-ACE2-eGFP-A779 group. The Ang(1-7) level was determined by ELISA. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells was measured with a method of DHE staining. The protein expression of MAS receptor and NOX subunits (NOX2, NOX4, p47^phox and p67^phox) was detected by Western blot. RESULTS:Ang Ⅱ signi-ficantly increased ROS levels (P<0.01) and up-regulated the protein expression of NOX2, NOX4, p47^phox and p67^phox (P<0.01), but down-regulated MAS protein expression (P<0.01). Over-expression of ACE2 inhibited Ang Ⅱ-induced increase in ROS, down-regulated the protein expression of NOX2, NOX4, p47^phox and p67^phox,and still increased the Ang(1-7) level (P<0.01) and MAS receptor expression (P<0.01). An antagonist of the MAS receptor, A779, blocked the down-regulating effect of ACE2 on NOX expression (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:ACE2 over-expression antagonizes Ang Ⅱ-induced oxidative stress via MAS receptor in the neural cells.     

PP2A activation in mesenteric arteries of angiotensin Ⅱ-induced hypertensive rats

AIM: To investigate the mechanism of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activation in mesenteric arteries of angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ)-induced hypertensive rats. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to AngⅡinfusion (500 ng·kg^-1·min^-1) using osmotic minipump up to 14 d to established the hypertension model. The rats (n=40) were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group (n=10), AngⅡgroup (n=10), candesartan (CAN; AngⅡtype 1 receptor blocker)+AngⅡgroup (n=10) and CAN group (n=10). The rats in CAN+AngⅡgroup and CAN group were administered with candesartan ester at the dose of 10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 by gavage on the first day after implantation of osmotic minipump. The rats were sacrificed on the 15th day after minipump implantation. Serum and mesenteric arteries were collected. Systolic blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff method. The serum levels of AngⅡ were measured by ELISA. The protein levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phosphorylated eNOS (Ser1177), PP2A catalytic subunit (PP2Ac), phosphorylated PP2Ac (Tyr307) and PP2A inhibitor 2 (I₂^PP2A) in the mesenteric arteries were determined by Western blot. The activity of PP2A in the arteries was detected using PP2A activity assay kit. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the systolic blood pressure in AngⅡgroup was significantly increased(P<0.05), while those in CAN+AngⅡgroup and CAN group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The serum levels of AngⅡ in AngⅡ group and CAN+AngⅡ group were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the phosphorylation levels of eNOS Ser1177 were decreased in AngⅡgroup (P<0.05), but the activity of PP2A was significantly increased (P<0.05), and Pearson correlation analyses showed a negative correlation between PP2A activity and eNOS S1177 phosphorylation (r=-0.842, P<0.05). Compared with AngⅡgroup, the phosphorylation levels of eNOS Ser1177 in CAN+AngⅡgroup were significantly increased (P<0.05), but the activity of PP2A was reduced (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the protein levels of phosphorylated PP2Ac (Tyr307) and I₂^PP2A in the mesenteric arteries were decreased in AngⅡgroup (P<0.05), but increased in CAN+AngⅡgroup (P<0.05). No significant difference in all above-mentioned measures between control group and CAN group, nor in the levels of total eNOS and PP2Ac protein expression among all the groups was observed. CONCLUSION: AngⅡmay reduce the protein levels of phosphorylated PP2Ac (Tyr307) and I₂^PP2A in the mesenteric arteries of AngⅡ-induced hypertensive rats through AngⅡ/AngⅡ type 1 receptor-mediated signaling pathway, resulting in the activation of PP2A, then leading to down-regulation of eNOS S1177 phosphorylation, which ultimately mediates the occurrence of vascular endothelial dysfunction.     

Effects of perindopril at different doses on cardiac function and ACE2/Ang-(1-9)/Ang-(1-7) axis of ischemic cardiac dysfunction rabbits

AIM: To investigate the different dose of perindopril on cardiac function in the rabbits with ischemic cardiac dysfunction. METHODS: Male rabbits weighing 2.5~3.0 kg(n=30) were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=10):high dose perindopril group(HD group), low dose perindopril group(LD group) and cardiac dysfunction group(CD group). The Left anterior descending coronary artery of the rabbits was ligatured for model preparation. In HD group, the rabbits were treated with perindopril split normal saline solution(1 g/L)2 mL·kg^-1·d^-1. In LD group, the rabbits were treated with perindopril split normal saline solution(0.33 g/L)2 mL·kg^-1·d^-1. In CD group, the rabbits were treated with normal saline solution 2 mL·kg^-1·d^-1. Four weeks after treatment, the cardiac function was measured via echocardiography, the mRNA expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2) and angiotensin type 2 receptor(AT2R) was analyzed by real-time PCR, serum angiotensin(Ang)-(1-9) and Ang-(1-7) levels were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with CD group, the cardiac function of the 2 groups treated with perindopril was significantly improved(P<0.01), and more improvement in HD group was observed than LD group(P<0.05). The serum angiotensin(Ang)-(1-9) and Ang-(1-7) level and the mRNA expression of ACE2 and AT2R in the 2 groups treated with perindopril were significantly improved(P<0.01). Compared with LD group, the mRNA expression of ACE2 and AT2R and the serum levels of Ang-(1-9) in HD group were significant improved(P<0.05), while no difference of serum Ang-(1-7) level was observed. Correlation analysis revealed that the improvement of the cardiac function was associated with serum Ang-(1-9) level, mRNA expression of ACE2 and AT2R(P<0.01), but has no significant correlation with serum Ang-(1-7) level. CONCLUSION: High dose of perindopril may improve more cardiac function in ischemic cardiac dysfunction model in rabbits. The mechanism may relate to increasing serum Ang-(1-7) level to activate AT2R.     

Effects of hypothermia on the contents of neuropetides and other active substances in rat plasma and different brain regions

AIM: To study the effects of hypothermia on the contents of AVP,Ang Ⅱ,L-EK,cAMP,Mg²⁺and Ca²⁺in rat plasma and different brain regions.METHODS: The model of experimental hypothermia rat was established and treated in groups randomly.At the end of the experiment,samples of plasma and braintissues were taken and the contents of L-EK,cAMP,AVP,Ang Ⅱ were determined by RIA methods,Mg²⁺and Ca²⁺by atom absorption methods.RESULTS: The contents of Ang Ⅱ,AVP increased significantly in the plasma of Ⅰ,Ⅲ group(P<0.01),while that of group Ⅱ decreased obviously (P<0.01);the contents of Ang Ⅱ,AVP decreased in the hypothalamus and truncus encephalicus of Ⅰ,Ⅲ group(P<0.01),and that of group Ⅱ increased (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: L-EK,cAMP,AVP,Ang Ⅱ,Mg²⁺and Ca²⁺might be involved in body temperature regulation during hypothermia.     

Role of MMP2/TIMP1 in the vascular remodeling after angioplasty in rabbits

AIM: To discuss the effects of matric metalloproteinasez and tissue inhibitor 1 (MMP2/TIMP1) on the vascular remodeling after angioplasty and the regulatory effect of tongxinluo on it in rabbits. METHODS: 65 male white rabbits (2.5-3.5 kg; 6-8 months) were divided into 4 groups: control group (n=5, normal diet ), injury group (n=20, normal diet plus intimal injury), high-lipid group (n=20, high cholesterol diet plus intimal injury) and tongxinluo group (n=20, tongxinluo 0.5 mg·kg-1·d-1, 4 weeks, also high cholesterol diet plus intimal injury). Under X-ray the narrow parts of the vessel underwent angioplasty. All rabbits were killed and vessel samples were excised, respectively, for the detection of histomorphometry immunohistochemically and RT-PCR. The data were expressed as ±s. RESULTS: (1) The change of vascular morphological results showed that the intimal area in tongxinluo group was less than that in high-lipid group (P<0.05), inversely the lumen area in tongxinluo group was higher than that in high-lipid group (P<0.05). The difference between the increase in lumen area and the decrease in intimal area suggested that the vascular remodeling exist. (2) RT-PCR showed that the relative level of mRNA of MMP2 and TIMP1 in tongxinluo group was less than those in high-lipid group (P<0.05). (3) The immunohistochemical staining showed that the light absorption of MMP2 and TIMP1 in Tongxinluo group was less than that in high-lipid group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tongxinluo inhibits the accumulation and secretion of extracellular matrix, also inhibits vascular remodeling in rabbits, which is related with MMP2 and TIMP1.     

Early treatment with aminoguanidine on level of plasma and renal AngⅡ in diabetic rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of aminoguanidine (AG) on plasma and renal levels of angiogenesis Ⅱ (AngⅡ), and to identify the relationship of AGEs with AngⅡ in STZ-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups. Diabetes was induced, rats were then received AG in treatment group. At the end of 12th week, urine albumin excretion rate (UAER) and calculate creatinine clearance (Ccr) were detected. Periodic acid-Schiff reagent was used to evaluate renal pathology. Plasma and renal AngⅡ were analyzed by radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS: AG treatment significantly prevented the increase in UAER (P<0.01), renal pathology (P<0.01), and level of renal AngⅡ (P<0.01). However, plasma concentration of AngⅡ was higher than that in diabetic rats without AG treatment (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: AG down-regulates renal Ang Ⅱ level, probably by reducing the formation of AGEs, which may be one of the renoprotective factors in diabetic nephropathy. More proofs are needed to identify the result that plasma AngⅡ concentration increases in DMA group.     

Pathways of local angiotensin II generation in islets of Langerhans in Syrian golden hamster fed with high-fat diet

AIM: To investigate the diverse pathways of local angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) generation in islets of Langerhans in Syrian golden hamsters with dyslipidemia. METHODS: The Syrian golden hamsters were fed with high-fat diet to induce dyslipidemia. Purified islet cells from dyslipidemia and normal Syrian hamsters were prepared and divided into control group, captopril group, chymotrypsin endostatin group, aprotinin group, α-antitrypsin group and captopril+chymotrypsin endostatin group by adding respective reagents into the cultured cells after treated with angiotensin I. The Ang Ⅱ levels in the supernatants of each group were examined by ELISA.RESULTS: Compared with the control animals, Ang Ⅱ levels decreased in all groups with interventions. Compared with the normal hamsters islet cells, the Ang Ⅱ levels in captopril group, chymotrypsin endostatin group, α-antitrypsin group, aprotinin group and captopril+chymotrypsin endostatin group were decreased by 39.98%, 50.10% (P<0.01), 23.04%, 20.85% (P<0.05) and 82.78% (P<0.01), respectively. Compared with high-fat group, the corresponding data were 42.12%, 56.96% (P<0.01), 26.11%, 22.68% (P<0.05) and 83.59% (P<0.01), respectively. The levels of Ang Ⅱ in chymotrypsin group between normal and high-fat diet hamsters were significantly different (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Under the condition of dyslipidemia, the classic angiotensin-converting enzyme-based pathway and chymotrypsin pathway are still the main approaches of producing Ang Ⅱ in male Syrian hamster islet to produce angiotensin. The effect of chymotrypsin endostatin is comparatively stronger in inhibiting the production of local Ang Ⅱ than the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor.     

Effect of adipokine chemerin on mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiac H9C2 cells with hypertrophy

AIM To study the regulation of adipokine chemerin on mitochondrial function of rat cardiac H9C2 cells with hypertrophy, and to explore its effect on mitochondrial dysfunction in the H9C2 cells. METHODS In vitro cell experiments were performed, and the H9C2 cells were divided into normal group, chemerin group, angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) model group and Ang Ⅱ+chemerin group. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR were used to identify whether the model was successfully constructed. The morphological changes of mitochondria in the H9C2 cells were observed under electron microscope. The mitochondrial membrane potential and membrane permeability were analyzed by flow cytometry. The activity of cytochrome C oxidase (COX) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) was measured by enzyme activity kit. RESULTS Compared with normal group, the mitochondrial structure in Ang Ⅱ group and chemerin group was seriously damaged, the permeability of mitochondrial membrane was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mitochondrial membrane potential and the activity of COX and SDH were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the mitochondrial damage in the H9C2 cells was more serious in Ang Ⅱ+chemirin group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Chemerin stimulation not only induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, but also promote the pathological process of mitochondrial dysfunction in the myocardial cells with hypertrophy.     

Regulatory effects of DIS3 expression on colony formation ability in human myeloma cells and tube structure formation of endothelial cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of DIS3 expression on the colony formation ability of 3 kinds of human myeloma cells and tube structure formation of the endothelial cells. METHODS:Human myeloma cell lines NCI-H929, RPMI-8226 and U266 were selected as the study objects, and DIS3 gene over-expression vector and DIS3-siRNA were designed and constructed respectively. The cell experiments were divided into 5 groups:control group, siRNA negative control (siRNA-NC) group, siRNA-DIS3 group, empty vector group and DIS3 over-expression group. The colony formation ability was tested by the plate colony formation assay. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and HIF-3α. The expression of angiogenesis-related molecules angiogenin 1 (Ang1), Ang2 and vascubar enelothelial growth factor-A(VEGF-A) at the mRNA and protein levels was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Matrigel method was used to detect the effect of supernatant from each group of the cells on the tube structure formation of HUVECs. RESULTS:The trends of the following indexes in NCI-H929 cells, RPMI-8226 cells and U266 cells were similar. Compared with empty vector group, the colony formation ability of the cells in DIS3 over-expression group was significantly inhibited (P<0.05). Compared with siRNA-NC group, siRNA-DIS3 significantly enhanced the colony formation ability of the cells (P<0.05). DIS3 over-expression significantly reduced the expression of HIF-1α and HIF-3α (P<0.05), while knock-down of DIS3 expression significantly increased the protein levels of HIF-1α and HIF-3α (P<0.05). In addition, DIS3 over-expression significantly reduced the expression of Ang1, Ang2 and VEGF-A at mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05), while siRNA-DIS3 significantly promoted the expression of Ang1, Ang2 and VEGF-A (P<0.05). Compared with empty vector group, the supernatant from DIS3 over-expression group significantly inhibited the tube structure formation of HUVECs (P<0.01). Compared with siRNA-NC group, the supernatant from siRNA-DIS3 group significantly promoted the tube structure formation of HUVECs (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:DIS3 over-expression significantly inhibits the colony formation ability of human myeloma cells and tube structure formation of HUVECs, which may be closely related to the regulation of the expression of HIF-1α and HIF-3α.     

Endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor increase skeletal muscle contractility and mitochondria biosynthesis in 4-week running rats

AIM: To observe the effect of endogenous nitric oxide synthase(NOS) inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine(ADMA) and its signaling pathways on NO levels and skeletal muscle contractility in 4-week running rats. METHODS: The 4 weeks running rat model was established. The twitch tension, tetanic tension and the fatigue test of soleus muscle induced by electrical stimulation ex vivo were detected. The ATP content, mitochondrial DNA levels and the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α(PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor(NRF) were measured to reflect the mitochondrial function and biosynthesis in the skeletal muscle. Serum ADMA concentration was detected by high performance liquid chromatography. The endogenous ADMA enzymes PRMT1 and 2 subtypes of ADMA metabolism enzyme DDAH, 3 subtypes of NOS protein expression in the skeletal muscle were determined by Western blot. NOS activity and nitric oxide(NO) content were analyzed by colorimetric method. RESULTS: Compared with normal control group, the twitch tension, tetanic tension and the anti-fatigue capability of soleus muscle in running group were significantly enhanced, ATP content, mitochondrial DNA content and the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and NRF were significantly increased(P<0.01). In addition, the protein expression of constitute type NOS(cNOS) and NOS activity were significantly increased(P<0.01), but the increase in NO content was relatively smaller in soleus muscle in exercise group(P<0.05). Moreover, serum ADMA concentration in running group was increased, while the DDAH2 expression in skeletal muscle was decreased.CONCLUSION: Short-term endurance exercise enhances the twitch tension, tetanic tension and fatigue resistance of soleus muscle. The mechanism may be that increased cNOS expression feedbacks to increase ADMA concentration, thus maintaining the increase in NO synthesis at a relatively low level, and resulting in promoting skeletal muscle mitochondria biosynthesis and mitochondrial function.     

Influence of MTHFR genetic polymorphism on the indexes of vascular endothelial functions

AIM: To investigate the influence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677 C→T mutation on angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang II), prostacyclin (PGI₂) and nitric oxide (NO). METHODS: By cluster sampling, 1146 adult Han people were selected from the residential communities. MTHFR 677 genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for each sample. Plasma levels of homocysteine were determined by fluorescence ration biochemical assay. Serum NO levels were determined by cadmium reduction method. Plasma AngⅡ and PGI₂ concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. SPSS 13.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Total samples were divided into three groups according to the genotypes. No significant difference in PGI₂ and AngⅡamong the three groups was observed. The difference of serum NO level between the C/C and T/C genotypes was not significant (P>0.05). The serum concentration of NO of T/T genotype was significantly lower than that of T/C and C/C genotypes (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The influence of MTHFR 677 C→T mutation on Ang II and PGI₂ is not significant in the people from the residential communities. The decrease in serum NO level might be one of the underlying mechanisms of MTHFR 677 C→T mutation causing myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.