Co-transfection of PDGF-B antisense oligonucleotide and tissue-type plasminogen activator gene prevents vascular anastomotic restenosis after coronary bypass

AIM: To elucidate the co-transfection of platelet derived growth factor B(PDGF-B) antisense oligonucleotide and tissue-type plasminogen activator gene to prevent vascular anastomotic restenosis after coronary bypass.METHODS: A dog model of vascular anastomotic restenosis after coronary bypass was constructed.A constructed tissue-type plasminogen activator(tPA) gene plasmid and a designed PDGF-B oligonucleotide were used to transfect into the dog cardiomyocytes and anastomotic vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs) at the same time of coronary bypass,using a therapeutic ultrasound for the gene delivery.Effects of these two genes on thrombosis in local anastomotic vessels,the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) and PDGF-B mRNA by VSMCs and the proliferation of vascular intima were observed with the methods of routine pathological,immuno-histochemical staining,in situ hybridization and morphometry.RESULTS: PDGF-B antisense oligonucleotide and tissue-type plasminogen activator gene were succesfully transfected.These two genes significantly inhibited the expressions of PCNA and PDGF-B mRNA in intimal VSMCs with the inhibitory rates of 65.01% and 81.75%,respectively.The local intimal thickness and area also reduce markablely and the thrombosis of the anastomosis was prevented followed by the reduction of the anastomotic restenotic rate of 62.63%.CONCLUSION: Co-transfection of PDGF-B antisense oligonucleotide and tissue-type plasminogen activator gene inhibits the dog experimental anastomotic restenosis after coronary bypass.     

The in situ expression of PDGF-B mRNA increased after the denudation of rabbit iliac arteries

AIM: To elucidate the in vivo mechanisms of the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCS) in injuried arteries. METHODS: A VSMCS proliferative model was constructed by injury of rabbit iliac arteries with balloon catheters and a probe designed for rabbit platelet-derived growth factor B chain (PDGF-B ) mRNA was used to detect the expression of it by intimal VSMCS on the vascular cross sections using an in situ hybridization technique at the indicated times. The relation of this expression to the proliferation of VSMCS by their expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and vascular intimal areas were estimated. RESULTS: The expression of PDGF-B mRNA of intimal VSMCS was increased when calculating the intimal PDGF-B mRNA positive cells per millimetre area at ×400 magnification with average numbers of 31.93±14.64 in 1 week group, 26.50±9.25 in 2 weeks group and 24.85±13.65 in 4 weeks group. This was in accordance with the expression of PCNA by VSMCS and the increase of intimal areas. CONCLUSION: The local production of PDGF-B by VSMCS via an autocrine mechanism is responsible for the continuous proliferation of these cells and formation of neointima after the injury. The probe designed is very useful for detecting rabbit PDGF-B mRNA.     

Influence of Sini decoction on the proliferation and apoptosis of artery smooth muscle cells after balloon injury

AIM: To investigate the influence of Sini decoction (SND) on the proliferation and apoptosis of rabbit abdominal aorta smooth muscle cells after ballon injury and discuss the effect of vascular smooth muscle cell's (VSMCs) proliferation and apoptosis in post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) restenosis (RS) and the feasibility of SND preventing post-PCI RS. METHODS: The animal model of rabbit abdominal aorta ballon injury was set up and the therapertic group was treated with SND. The shape of proliferative and apoptotic cell were investigated by electron microscope. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed using α-actin,PCNA and Cyclin E monoclonal antibodies. In situ Cell Death Detection Kit was used to identify apoptotic cells. Abdomial aorta angiography was operated in the 84th day subgroup and the stenosis degree was evalued by quantitative angiographic analysis. RESULTS: As compared with the control group, the therapeutic group displayed a lower proliferative percentage and a higher apoptosic percentage (P<0.05). Moreover, the apoptosic peek time was on the 14th day after operation,which was longer than the control group. CONCLUSION: SND effectly inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs and iuduced apoptosis in VSMCs.     

Changes of Ca2＋ activated potassium channels and cellular-proliferation in autogenous vein grafts

AIM: To investigate changes of Ca^2＋ activated potassium channels (K_Ca) in autogenous vein grafts. METHODS: The contraction of venous ring was measured by means of perfusion in vitro. The intimal proliferation and proliferation of cultured smooth muscle cells (vascular smooth muscle cells, VSMCs) were observed by the means of computerised image analysis and MTT method, respectively. Furthermore, whole cell mode of patch clamp was used to record K_Ca of VSMCs isolated from autogenous vein grafts. RESULTS: 1 week after transplantation there were no significant differences of contraction and intimal relative thickness between autogenous vein grafts and control. Contraction and intimal relative thickness of autogenous vein graft were significantly increased 2 weeks after transplantation (P＜0.05, n=8 vs control), and they were more enhanced 4 weeks after vein transplantation (P＜0.01, n=8 vs control). TEA (blocker of Ca^2＋ activated potassium channels) increased MTT A₄₉₀ value of VSMCs from femoral vein in a dose-dependent manner (P＜0.05, n=8). K_Ca current density was significantly attenuated in VSMCs from autogenous vein grafts 1-4 weeks after transplantation (P＜0.05, n=5). CONCLUSION: K_Ca was inhibited in autogenous vein graft, which accounted for vasospasm and intimal proliferation.     

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.     

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.     

Smad pathway participates the process of proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells induced by extracellular signal regulated kinase pathway

AIM: To investigate whether Smad pathway participates the process of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) induced the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS: Human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells (hUASMCs) were divided into four groups: control group, PDGF (platelet derived growth factor) group, ERK blocking agent group and PDGF+ERK blocking agent group. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of hUASMCs (A value). Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of PCNA, phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) and phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) protein in hUASMCs. The expression of Smad2/3 mRNA in hUASMCs was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The proliferation of hUASMCs and the expression of PCNA, p-ERK and p-Smad2/3 proteins in hUASMCs in PDGF group were increased obviously than those in other groups (P<0.01). No difference in the expression of Smad2/3 mRNA in hUASMCs among groups was observed. CONCLUSION: Smad pathway participates the process of ERK pathway that induces the proliferation of hUASMCs at the level of protein.     

Effects of c-fos antisense oligoneuleotide and p21 genetic transfection on the intimal proliferation of venous autografts in rabbits

AIM: To investigate the effects of c-fos antisense oligoneuleotide and p21 genetic transfection on the intimal proliferation of venous autografts. METHODS: The external jugule veins were autografted into common carotid arteries in the same side in 20 New Zealand rabbits, which were divided evenly into experimental and control group randomly. The transplanted veins of experimental group were immersed in the adenovirus-mediated p21 gene solution for 15 minutes just before anastomosis and coated with c-fos antisense oligoneucleotide glue gel just after anastomosis, while the control was only treated with empty vector. The transplanted vascular sample were taken at 2 weeks after operation. The intimal thickness (IT), degree of restenosis (DR), expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), quantity of VSMC were determined by immunohischemistry. RESULTS: The IT, DR and expression of PCNA, VSMC were decreased, compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Transfection of c-fos antisense oligoneuleotide and p21 gene inhibits the intimal proliferation of venous antografs.     

Depressant effect and mechanism of atorvastatin on the chronic rejection of aortic allograft in rats

AIM: To investigate the depressant effect and mechanism of atorvastatin on the chronic rejection of aortic allograft in rats.METHODS: The models of abdominal aorta transplantation were made with micro-surgery in rats.The recipients were divided into three groups: allograft control group,atorvastatin-treated group and isograft control group.Vascular intimal thickness in all of the groups was observed by histological examination.The expression of proliferation cell nuclear antigenl(PCNA) and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) were determined by immunohistochemistry.The content of nitric oxide was measured by nitrate reductase chromatometry.RESULTS: The vascular intimal thickness in atorvastatin-treated group (11.60%±2.40%) was lower than that in allograft control group (34.60%±6.40%,P<0.05) and higher than that in isograft control group (1.15%±0.65%,P<0.05).The expression level of PCNA was decreased in atorvastatin-treated group (4.80%±0.80%) than that in allograft control group (18.40%±1.80%,P<0.05) and higher than that in isograft group (1.20%±0.40%,P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The expression of PCNA in the transplanted aorta is suppressed by atorvastatin,which results in relief of chronic rejection of aortic allograft.     

Effects of human growth arrest-specific homeobox gene delivery on proliferation,migration and cell cycle distribution of vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: To explore a new gene therapeutic strategy for vein graft restenosis by investigating the effects of adenovirus-mediated human growth arrest-specific homeobox (Ad5-hGax) gene delivery on the proliferation, migration and cell cycle distribution of serum-induced rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS: The recombinant adenovirus vector containing hGax gene was constructed and transfected into rabbit VSMCs. The expression of hGax in VSMCs was detected by RT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to assess the effect of hGax over-expression on serum-induced proliferation of VSMCs. Wound healing method was applied to examine the distance of serum-induce VSMCs migration. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze the cell cycle distribution. RESULTS: The recombinant adenovirus vector Ad5-hGax was successfully constructed. The results of RT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining revealed that the hGax -transfected cells contained a 174 bp specific fragment of hGax gene and target protein 48 h after transfection. The proliferation of serum-induced VSMCs was significantly inhibited by overexpression of hGax gene as compared with control group. The migration of serum-induced VSMCs was inhibited after hGax gene delivery. Flow cytometry showed that 72 h after serum induction, the cells in G₀/G₁ phase in Ad5-hGax group were significantly increased, whereas the cells in G₂/M+S phase were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of hGax gene inhibits the proliferation and migration of serum-induced rabbit VSMCs, and arrests the cells in G₀/G₁ phase. It is likely that hGax gene is a potential target for the gene therapy of vein graft restenosis.     

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.     

Influence of ginsenoside Re on vascular intima hyperplasia and NF-κB p65 signaling pathway in balloon-injured rats

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Re on intimal hyperplasia induced by balloon-injury and to explore the role of NF-κB p65 signaling pathway in the process. METHODS: SD rats(n=40) were divided into 5 groups randomly: sham operation group, model group, low-dose ginsenoside Re group, middle-dose ginsenoside Re group and high-dose ginsenoside Re group. The carotid artery intima injury model was established by 2F balloon catheters in all groups except the sham operation group. The day after modeling, the animals in model group and sham operation group were administered intragastrically with distilled water, and the rats in low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose ginsenoside Re groups were given ginsenoside Re at doses of 12.5 mg/kg, 25mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively. After 14 continuous days, the morphological changes of the injured arteries were observed by HE staining and the lumen area, intima area and media area as well as the ratio of intimal area/media area were determined. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) were detected by real-time PCR. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) p65 were examined by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Compared with sham operation group, the vessel cavity was narrowed(P<0.01), the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, and the protein expression of PCNA and NF-κB p65 were increased in model group(P<0.05). Compared with model group, the vascular intimal hyperplasia was alleviated obviously(P<0.05), and the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, and protein expression of PCNA and NF-κB p65 were decreased in medium and high-dose ginsenoside Re groups(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Ginsenoside Re inhibits the vascular neointimal hyperplasia induced by balloon-injury in rats, and the molecular mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB p65 signaling pathway.     

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.     

Effect of interferon-inducible protein p204 on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in rats

AIM: To study the effect of interferon-inducible protein p204 on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in rats. METHODS: Cultured VSMCs were treated with interferon alpha (IFN-α) and p204 gene (Ifi204) small interfering RNA (siRNA) in vitro instantaneously. The cell vitality was detected by MTT me-thod,and the cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of mRNA and proteins was determined by real-time qRT-PCR and Western blotting,respectively.RESULTS: IFN-α induced the increase in the expression of p204 at mRNA and protein levels, reduced the cell vitality, inhibited the cell cycle of G₁/S transition, and down-regulated the expression of Ras protein in VSMCs. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation levels of Raf and ERK were decreased. Transfection of Ifi204 siRNA restrained the expression of p204, increased the cell vitality and promoted the cell cycle of G₁/S transition in VSMCs. The up-regulation of Ras protein expression and the increased phosphorylation levels of Raf and ERK were also observed.CONCLUSION: The expression of p204 restrains the proliferation of VSMCs in rats by inhibiting the activation of Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signal pathway.