AIM: To investigate the roles of nuclear factor(NF)-κB and angiotensin Ⅱ receptor type 1(AT1R) in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS: Forty-two healthy adult male SpragueDawley rats...AIM: To investigate the roles of nuclear factor(NF)-κB and angiotensin Ⅱ receptor type 1(AT1R) in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS: Forty-two healthy adult male SpragueDawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:the control group(normal diet), the model group,and the intervention group(10 wk of a high-fat diet feeding, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of PDTC); 6 rats in each group were sacrificed at 6, 10,and 14 wk. After sacrifice, liver tissue was taken,paraffin sections of liver tissue specimens were prepared, hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was performed, and pathological changes in liver tissue(i.e., liver fibrosis) were observed by light microscopy.NF-κB expression in liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of AT1 R in the liver tissue was detected by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The data are expressed as mean ± SD. A two-sample t test was used to compare the control group and the model group at different time points, paired t tests were used to compare the differences between the intervention group and the model group, and analysis of variance was used to compare the model group with the control group. Homogeneity of variance was analyzed with single factor analysis of variance. H variance analysis was used to compare the variance. P < 0.05 wasconsidered statistically significant.RESULTS: The NAFLD model was successful after 6wk and 10 wk. Liver fibrosis was found in four rats in the model group, but in only one rat in the intervention group at 14 wk. Liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were gradually increased throughout the model. In the intervention group, the body mass,rat liver index, serum lipid, and transaminase levels were not increased compared to the model group.In the model group, the degree of liver steatosis was increased at 6, 10, and 14 wk, and was significantly higher than in the control group(P < 0.01). In the model group, different degrees of liver cell necrosis were visible and small leaves, punctated inflammation,focal necrosis, and obvious ballooning degeneration were observed. Partial necrosis and confluent necrosis were observed. In the model group, liver inflammatory activity scores at 6, 10, and 14 wk were higher than in the control group(P < 0.01). Active inflammation in liver tissue in the intervention group was lower than in the model group(P < 0.05). HE staining showed liver fibrosis only at 14 wk in 4/6 rats in the model group and in 1/6 rats in the intervention group. NF-κB positive cells were stained yellow or ensemble yellow,and NF-κB was localized in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus. The model group showed NF-κB activation at6, 10, and 14 wk in liver cells; at the same time points,there were statistically significant differences in the control group(P < 0.01). Over time, NF-κB expression increased; this was statistically lower(P < 0.05) at14 weeks in the intervention group compared to the model group, but significantly increased(P < 0.05)compared with the control group; RT-PCR showed that AT1 R mRNA expression increased gradually in the model group; at 14 wk, the expression was significantly different compared with expression at 10 weeks as well as at 6 weeks(P < 0.05). In the model group, AT1 R mRNA expression was significantly higher than at the same time point in the control group(P <0.01).CONCLUSION: With increasing severity of NAFLD,NF-κB activity is enhanced, and the inhibition of NF-κB activity may reduce AT1 R mRNA expression in NAFLD.展开更多
AIM： To investigate the effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker （ARB） and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor （ACEI） on intraocular growth factors and their receptors in streptozotocin-induced diabet...AIM： To investigate the effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker （ARB） and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor （ACEI） on intraocular growth factors and their receptors in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS： Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups： control, diabetes mellitus （DM）, candesartan- treated DM, and enalapril-treated DM （each group, n---10）. After the induction of DM by streptozotocin, candesartan [ARB, 5 mg/（kg · d）] and enalapril [ACEI, 10 mg/（kg · d）] were administered to rats orally for 4Wko Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and angiotensin II （Ang II） concentrations in the vitreous were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and VEGF receptor 2 and angiotensin II type 1 receptor （ATIR） levels were assessed at week 4 by Western blotting. RESULTS： Vitreous Ang II levels were significantly higher in the DM group and candesartan-treated DM group than in the control （P=0.04 and 0.005, respectively）. Vitreous ATIR increased significantly in DM compared to the other three groups （P〈0.007）. Candesartan-treated DM rats showed higher vitreal ATIR concentration than the enalapril-treated DM group and control （P〈0.001 and P=0.005, respectively）. No difference in vitreous Ang II and ATIR concentration was found between the enalapril- treated DM group and control. VEGF and its receptor were below the minimum detection limit in all 4 groups. CONCLUSION： Increased Ang II and ATIR in the hyperglycemic state indicate activated the intraocular renin-angiotensin system, which is inhibited more effectively by systemic ACEI than systemic ARB.展开更多
Objective The study will explore effects of the autoantibodies against AT1 receptor and angiotensin Ⅱ on the refractory hypertension. Methods Seventy-seven patients (46 men and 31 women) with essential hypertension w...Objective The study will explore effects of the autoantibodies against AT1 receptor and angiotensin Ⅱ on the refractory hypertension. Methods Seventy-seven patients (46 men and 31 women) with essential hypertension were divided into groups of refractory hypertension (RH) and hypertension (HT) according to the 1999 WHO-ISH Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension. Forty normotensives (22 men) were recruited as controls. The mean age was 54. 3±13 years old in RH group, 53. 5±9 years old in HT group and 51. 2±11. 9 years old in normotensives (NT) group. The mean blood pressure was 154. 2±9. 4/98. 4± 8. 2 mmHg in RH group and 130. 1±7. 6/80. 5±6. 7 mmHg in HT group after combination drug therapy of hypertension for 4 weeks. Blood pressure in NT group was 120. 8±11. 7/76. 4 ± 7. 2 mmHg. The epitope of the 2nd extracellular loops of AT1 receptor was synthesized and used as antigens to screen the autoantibodies by ELISA. Plasma angiotensin (Ang) II were examined by a radioimmunoassay. Results The autoantibodies against AT1 receptor were positive in 18 (46. 15 %) patients with RH, in 4 (10. 5 % ) hypertension and in 3 (7. 5 % ) normotensives, P < 0. 01. Ang Ⅱwas 57. 01±52. 63 pmol/L in patients with RH. Both the autoantibodies positive and the Ang Ⅱ increasing were 4 (10. 3 % ) cases, both normal were 7 (17. 9 % ) cases, the autoantibodies positive or Ang II increasing was all of 14 (35. 9 % ) cases (x2 = 0. 09, P>0. 05) . There was no relationship between the autoantibodies against AT1 receptor and the angiotensin Ⅱ in refractory hypertension. Conclusion The autoantibodies against AT1 receptor and Ang Ⅱ might be two independent factors in developing of refractory hypertension. The findings suggest that AT1 receptor an-tagnist used in the treatment of refractory hypertension might have an important value.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To investigate the vasorelaxant effect of pinocembrin(5,7-dihydroxyflavanone),one of the main flavonoids in propolis,on angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ)induced vasoconstriction and the molecular mechanism of action.METH...OBJECTIVE To investigate the vasorelaxant effect of pinocembrin(5,7-dihydroxyflavanone),one of the main flavonoids in propolis,on angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ)induced vasoconstriction and the molecular mechanism of action.METHODS The isometric vascular tone was measured in thoracic aortic rings from SD rat,and the effects of pinocembrin on the single dose and concentration cumulative response curves of AngⅡ were recorded.The binding of pinocembrin to the angiotensin type 1 receptor(AT1R)was studied by using molecule docking analysis.Intracellular[Ca2+]([Ca2+]i)was measured with Fura2/AM in VSMCs.The phosphorylation levels of myosin light chain 2(MLC2)and myosin phosphatase target unit 1(MYPT1),and protein level of Rho kinase 1(ROCK1)in the rat aortic rings were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS Pinocembrin was observed to inhibit AngⅡ-induced vasoconstriction in rat aortic rings with either intact or denuded endothelium.In endothelium-denuded tissues,pinocembrin(pD′2 4.28±0.15)counteracted the contractions evoked by cumulative concentrations of AngⅡ.In a docking model,pinocembrin showed effective binding at the active site of AT1R.Pinocembrin was shown to inhibit both AngⅡ-induced Ca2+ release from internal stores and Ca2+ influx.Moreover,the increase in the phosphorylation of MLC2 and MYPT1,and the increased protein level of ROCK1 induced by AngⅡ was blocked by pinocembrin.CONCLUSION Pinocembrin inhibits AngⅡ-induced rat aortic ring contraction in a Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent manner via blocking AT1R.展开更多
Using the latest reported homologous Chemokine receptors （PDB ID： 3ODU, 3OE0 and 3OE6） as templates, twenty models of angiotensin II （Ang II） type 1 （AT1） receptor （known as p30556） were generated by multiple...Using the latest reported homologous Chemokine receptors （PDB ID： 3ODU, 3OE0 and 3OE6） as templates, twenty models of angiotensin II （Ang II） type 1 （AT1） receptor （known as p30556） were generated by multiple templates homology modeling. According to the results of the initial validation of these twenty models, the model 0020 was finally chosen as the best one for further studies. Then, a 2 ns molecular dynamic （MD） simulation for model 0020 was conducted in normal saline （0.9%, w/F） under periodical boundary conditions, which was followed by docking studies of model 0020 with several existing AT1 receptor blockers （ARBs）. The docking results reveal that model 0020 possesses good affinities with these docked ARBs which are in accordance with both the IC50 inhibitor values and their curative effects. The results also show more potent interactions between the model 0020 and its ARBs than those of ever reported results, such as hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and especially cation-n interactions and π-π interactions which have never been reported before. This may reveal that the structure of the model 0020 is quite close to its real crystal structure and the model 0020 may have the potential to be used for structure based drug design：展开更多
Objective： To investigate the effect of activation of angiotensin Ⅱ（AngⅡ） type 1 （AT1） receptors in the median preoptic nucleus （MnPO） of rats on renal sodium excretion. Methods： After anesthesia, the rats w...Objective： To investigate the effect of activation of angiotensin Ⅱ（AngⅡ） type 1 （AT1） receptors in the median preoptic nucleus （MnPO） of rats on renal sodium excretion. Methods： After anesthesia, the rats were injected into the MnPO via an implanted cannula. Urine samples were collected via a bladder cannula, and the urine sodium concentration was assayed with flame spectrophotometry. The serum level of endogenous digitalis-like factor （EDLF） and Na^＋,K^＋-ATPase activity in the renal cortex tissue were assayed respectively with a radioimmunoassay and with an ammonium molybdophosphate-based kit. Results： Both the urinary volume and the sodium excretion peaked 60 min after AngⅡ was administered into the MnPO. The responses were accompanied by an increase in serum EDLF and a decrease in Na^＋,K^＋-ATPase activity in the renal cortex. The responses of diuresis and natriuresis, as well as an increase in serum EDLF and a decrease in Na^＋,K^＋-ATPase activity in the renal cortex induced by MnPO adminstration with AngⅡ were inhibited by pior treatment with the AngⅡ receptor blocking agent losartan into the MnPO. Conclusion： These results suggest that activation of AT1 receptors in the MnPO of rat induces diuretic and natriuretic responses. The responses are associated with an increase release of EDLF and with the inhibition of Na^＋,K^＋-ATPase activity in renal cortex tissue.展开更多
Aldosterone mediates many of the physiological and pathophysiological/cardio-toxic effects of angiotensin II(Ang II). Its synthesis and secretion from the zona glomerulosa cells of the adrenal cortex, elevated in chro...Aldosterone mediates many of the physiological and pathophysiological/cardio-toxic effects of angiotensin II(Ang II). Its synthesis and secretion from the zona glomerulosa cells of the adrenal cortex, elevated in chronic heart failure(HF), is induced by Ang II type 1 receptors(AT1Rs). The AT1R is a G protein-coupled receptor, mainly coupling to Gq/11 proteins. However, it can also signal through β-arrestin-1(βarr1) or-2(βarr2), both of which mediate G protein-independent signaling. Over the past decade, a second, Gq/11 proteinindependent but βarr1-dependent signaling pathway emanating from the adrenocortical AT1R and leading to aldosterone production has become appreciated. Thus, it became apparent that AT1R antagonists that block both pathways equally well are warranted for fully effective aldosterone suppression in HF. This spurred the comparison of all of the currently marketed angiotensin receptor blockers(ARBs, AT1R antagonists or sartans) at blocking activation of the two signaling modes(G protein-, and βarr1-dependent) at the Ang IIactivated AT1R and hence, at suppression of aldosterone in vitro and in vivo. Although all agents are very potent inhibitors of G protein activation at the AT1R, candesartan and valsartan were uncovered to be the most potent ARBs at blocking βarr activation by Ang II and at suppressing aldosterone in vitro and in vivo in post-myocardial infarction HF animals. In contrast, irbesartan and losartan are virtually G protein-"biased" blockers at the human AT1R, with very low efficacy for βarr inhibition and aldosterone suppression. Therefore, candesartan and valsartan(and other, structurally similar compounds) may be the most preferred ARB agents for HF pharmacotherapy, as well as for treatment of other conditions characterized by elevated aldosterone.展开更多
AIM： To measure circulating angiotensins at different stages of human cirrhosis and to further evaluate a possible relationship between renin angiotensin system （RAS） components and hemodynamic changes. METHODS： P...AIM： To measure circulating angiotensins at different stages of human cirrhosis and to further evaluate a possible relationship between renin angiotensin system （RAS） components and hemodynamic changes. METHODS： Patients were allocated into 4 groups： mild-to-moderate liver disease （MLD）, advanced liver disease （ALD）, patients undergoing liver transplantation, and healthy controls. Blood was collected to determine plasma renin activity （PRA）, angiotensin （Ang） Ⅰ, Ang Ⅱ, and Ang-（1-7） levels using radioimmunoassays. During liver transplantation, hemodynamic parameters were determined and blood was simultaneously obtained from the portal vein and radial artery in order to measure RAS components. RESULTS： PRA and angiotensins were elevated in ALD when compared to MLD and controls （P 〈 0.05）. In contrast, Ang Ⅱ was significantly reduced in MLD. Ang-（1-7）/Ang Ⅱ ratios were increased in MLD when compared to controls and ALD. During transplantation, Ang Ⅱ levels were lower and Ang-（1-7）/Ang Ⅱ ratios were higher in the splanchnic circulation than in the peripheral circulation （0.52 ± 0.08 vs 0.38 ±0.04, P 〈 0.02）, whereas the peripheral circulating Ang Ⅱ/Ang Ⅰ ratio was elevated in comparison to splanchnic levels （0.18 ±0.02 vs 0.13 ±0.02, P 〈 0.04）. Ang-（1-7）/ Ang Ⅱ ratios positively correlated with cardiac output （r = 0.66） and negatively correlated with systemic vascular resistance （r = -0.70）. CONCLUSION： Our findings suggest that the relationship between Ang-（1-7） and Ang Ⅱ may play a role in the hemodynamic changes of human cirrhosis.展开更多
Objective： Recent studies have shown that the local expression of soluble interleukin （IL） -1 receptor type Ⅱ （slL-1 R Ⅱ ） in endometrial tissue of women with endometriosis is decreased, and the depression of I...Objective： Recent studies have shown that the local expression of soluble interleukin （IL） -1 receptor type Ⅱ （slL-1 R Ⅱ ） in endometrial tissue of women with endometriosis is decreased, and the depression of IL-1 R Ⅱ was more significant in infertile women than that in fertile women with endometriosis. In this research, we investigated the remedial effect of slL-1-R Ⅱ administration on endometriosis in the nude mouse model. Methods： Nineteen nude model mice with endometriosis were randomly divided into three groups： group A was treated by intraperitoneal administration with only slL-1 R Ⅱ for two weeks, group B was similarly treated with only IL- 1, and group C （control） was administered saline. After 2 weeks, the size of the ectopic endometrial lesions was calculated, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and B-cell lymphoma leukemia-2 （Bcl- 2） were detected by immunohistochemistry. The IL-8 and VEGF levels in the peritoneal fluid （PF） and serum were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results： The mean size of ectopic endometrial lesion did not differ between the three groups （P 〉 0.05）. Compared with the control, the expression of VEGF and Bcl-2 was significantly lower in group A, and higher in group B. In the three groups, the levels of IL-8 in the PF and serum were highest in group A, and lowest in group B. Conclusion： slL-1 R Ⅱ may suppresse hyperplasia of ectopic endometriosis, perhaps by reducing the expression of certain cytokines, such as VEGF, IL-8, and Bcl-2, which could provide a new clinical strategy for the treatment of endometriosis.展开更多
Aim The preclinical studies of a novel angiotensin II receptor 1 antagonist 2-（4-（ （1,7＇-dimethyl-2＇- propyl-1H ,3 ＇H-2,5＇-bibenzo [ d ] imidazol-3＇-yl ） methyl） -1H-indol-l-yl ） benzoic acid （ intesartan ...Aim The preclinical studies of a novel angiotensin II receptor 1 antagonist 2-（4-（ （1,7＇-dimethyl-2＇- propyl-1H ,3 ＇H-2,5＇-bibenzo [ d ] imidazol-3＇-yl ） methyl） -1H-indol-l-yl ） benzoic acid （ intesartan ）. Methods The affinity to AT1 receptor of intesartan was tested through radioactive receptor binding assay by -y-counter. The anti-hypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHRs） at different doses in vivo was tested by tail noninvasive arterial blood pressure measurement system. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed by high per- formance liquid chromatography （HPLC） method. Besides, acute toxicity tests in ICR and Ames reverse mutation assay in tester strain （TA97, TA98, TA100 and TA102） was also detected. Results The binding assays sugges- ted that intesartan displayed high affinity to angiotensin II AT1 receptor with an ICs0 value of （0.36 ± 0. 18） nmol · L^-1. In vivo anti-hypertensive experiments showed that intesartan had an efficient and long-acting effect in reduc- ing blood pressure which could last more than 24 h at the doses of 2 mg· kg^-1, 5 mg · kg^-1 , and 10 mg · kg^-1 in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The minimum effective dose of it was 2 mg · kg^-1 and the T/P value was 54. 18%. Acute toxicity tests suggested that intesartan was safe with the LDs0 value of 526.20 mg · kg^-1. Ames assay proved that it would not cause the mutations of salmonella typhimurium. And the pharmacokinetic experiments showed that it could be absorbed efficiently and metabolized smoothly both in blood and in tissues in wistar rats. Conclusions Intesartan could be considered as a novel anti-hypertension candidate with efficient, long-acting and low toxicity chracteristics.展开更多
Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a lifelong condition and a threat to human health.Thorough understanding of its pathogenesis is acutely needed in order to devise innovative,preventative,and potentially curative pharm...Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a lifelong condition and a threat to human health.Thorough understanding of its pathogenesis is acutely needed in order to devise innovative,preventative,and potentially curative pharmacological interventions.MicroRNAs(miRNA),are small,non-coding,one-stranded RNA molecules,that can target and silence around 60%of all human genes through translational repression.MiR-155 is an ancient,evolutionarily well-conserved miRNA,with distinct expression profiles and multifunctionality,and a target repertoire of over 241 genes involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes including hematopoietic lineage differentiation,immunity,inflammation,viral infections,cancer,cardiovascular conditions,and particularly diabetes mellitus.MiR-155 Levels are progressively reduced in aging,obesity,sarcopenia,and T2DM.Thus,the loss of coordinated repression of multiple miR-155 targets acting as negative regulators,such as C/EBPβ,HDAC4,and SOCS1 impacts insulin signaling,deteriorating glucose homeostasis,and causing insulin resistance(IR).Moreover,deranged regulation of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system(RAAS)through loss of Angiotensin II Type 1 receptor downregulation,and negated repression of ETS-1,results in unopposed detrimental Angiotensin II effects,further promoting IR.Finally,loss of BACH1 and SOCS1 repression abolishes cytoprotective,anti-oxidant,anti-apoptotic,and anti-inflam matory cellular pathways,and promotesβ-cell loss.In contrast to RAAS inhibitor treatments that further decrease already reduced miR-155 Levels,strategies to increase an ailing miR-155 production in T2DM,e.g.,the use of metformin,mineralocorticoid receptor blockers(spironolactone,eplerenone,finerenone),and verapamil,alone or in various combinations,represent current treatment options.In the future,direct tissue delivery of miRNA analogs is likely.展开更多
Angiotensin II (Ang II) is known to elicit cardiac fibrosis by activating the AT1 receptor and CD44 expression in the in vivo model. However, the cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac fibrosis are still not...Angiotensin II (Ang II) is known to elicit cardiac fibrosis by activating the AT1 receptor and CD44 expression in the in vivo model. However, the cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac fibrosis are still not well understood. This study examines the roles of the AT1 receptor and CD44 gene expression in collagen synthesis through Ang II stimulated cardiac fibroblasts. Fibroblasts were isolated from the neonatal rat hearts;the activation of fibroblasts was evaluated using the assays of cell viability and migration, and silencing of CD44 gene expression was conducted with small interfering RNA (siRNA). Results showed that Ang II significantly increases the cell proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. Upon activation, the protein levels of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad4 and collagen I were significantly increased (all p < 0.05 vs. unstimulated cells), but these changes were significantly downregulated by the AT1 receptor blocker, telmisartan (all p < 0.05 vs. Ang II activated cells). Furthermore, mRNA and protein level of CD44 were upregulated, and there was a linear correlation between CD44 and TGF-β1 as demonstrated by Pearson correlation analysis (r = 0.955, p < 0.01). Gene transfection of fibroblasts with Ad-CD44 siRNA, as evidenced by low levels of CD44 mRNA and protein, significantly reduced the production of collagen I. In summary, these results indicate that the proliferation, migration and collagen production from Ang II activated cardiac fibroblasts are potentially mediated by the AT1 receptor and CD44. Such a signaling mechanism could be crucial for the production of collagen and the development of tissue fibrosis in the heart.展开更多
基金Supported by grants from the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province,No.2011SZ0094
文摘AIM: To investigate the roles of nuclear factor(NF)-κB and angiotensin Ⅱ receptor type 1(AT1R) in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS: Forty-two healthy adult male SpragueDawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:the control group(normal diet), the model group,and the intervention group(10 wk of a high-fat diet feeding, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of PDTC); 6 rats in each group were sacrificed at 6, 10,and 14 wk. After sacrifice, liver tissue was taken,paraffin sections of liver tissue specimens were prepared, hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was performed, and pathological changes in liver tissue(i.e., liver fibrosis) were observed by light microscopy.NF-κB expression in liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of AT1 R in the liver tissue was detected by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The data are expressed as mean ± SD. A two-sample t test was used to compare the control group and the model group at different time points, paired t tests were used to compare the differences between the intervention group and the model group, and analysis of variance was used to compare the model group with the control group. Homogeneity of variance was analyzed with single factor analysis of variance. H variance analysis was used to compare the variance. P < 0.05 wasconsidered statistically significant.RESULTS: The NAFLD model was successful after 6wk and 10 wk. Liver fibrosis was found in four rats in the model group, but in only one rat in the intervention group at 14 wk. Liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were gradually increased throughout the model. In the intervention group, the body mass,rat liver index, serum lipid, and transaminase levels were not increased compared to the model group.In the model group, the degree of liver steatosis was increased at 6, 10, and 14 wk, and was significantly higher than in the control group(P < 0.01). In the model group, different degrees of liver cell necrosis were visible and small leaves, punctated inflammation,focal necrosis, and obvious ballooning degeneration were observed. Partial necrosis and confluent necrosis were observed. In the model group, liver inflammatory activity scores at 6, 10, and 14 wk were higher than in the control group(P < 0.01). Active inflammation in liver tissue in the intervention group was lower than in the model group(P < 0.05). HE staining showed liver fibrosis only at 14 wk in 4/6 rats in the model group and in 1/6 rats in the intervention group. NF-κB positive cells were stained yellow or ensemble yellow,and NF-κB was localized in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus. The model group showed NF-κB activation at6, 10, and 14 wk in liver cells; at the same time points,there were statistically significant differences in the control group(P < 0.01). Over time, NF-κB expression increased; this was statistically lower(P < 0.05) at14 weeks in the intervention group compared to the model group, but significantly increased(P < 0.05)compared with the control group; RT-PCR showed that AT1 R mRNA expression increased gradually in the model group; at 14 wk, the expression was significantly different compared with expression at 10 weeks as well as at 6 weeks(P < 0.05). In the model group, AT1 R mRNA expression was significantly higher than at the same time point in the control group(P <0.01).CONCLUSION: With increasing severity of NAFLD,NF-κB activity is enhanced, and the inhibition of NF-κB activity may reduce AT1 R mRNA expression in NAFLD.
基金Supported by Biomedical Research Institute Grant(PNU-2013-0373),Pusan National University Hospital
文摘AIM： To investigate the effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker （ARB） and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor （ACEI） on intraocular growth factors and their receptors in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS： Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups： control, diabetes mellitus （DM）, candesartan- treated DM, and enalapril-treated DM （each group, n---10）. After the induction of DM by streptozotocin, candesartan [ARB, 5 mg/（kg · d）] and enalapril [ACEI, 10 mg/（kg · d）] were administered to rats orally for 4Wko Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and angiotensin II （Ang II） concentrations in the vitreous were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and VEGF receptor 2 and angiotensin II type 1 receptor （ATIR） levels were assessed at week 4 by Western blotting. RESULTS： Vitreous Ang II levels were significantly higher in the DM group and candesartan-treated DM group than in the control （P=0.04 and 0.005, respectively）. Vitreous ATIR increased significantly in DM compared to the other three groups （P〈0.007）. Candesartan-treated DM rats showed higher vitreal ATIR concentration than the enalapril-treated DM group and control （P〈0.001 and P=0.005, respectively）. No difference in vitreous Ang II and ATIR concentration was found between the enalapril- treated DM group and control. VEGF and its receptor were below the minimum detection limit in all 4 groups. CONCLUSION： Increased Ang II and ATIR in the hyperglycemic state indicate activated the intraocular renin-angiotensin system, which is inhibited more effectively by systemic ACEI than systemic ARB.
文摘Objective The study will explore effects of the autoantibodies against AT1 receptor and angiotensin Ⅱ on the refractory hypertension. Methods Seventy-seven patients (46 men and 31 women) with essential hypertension were divided into groups of refractory hypertension (RH) and hypertension (HT) according to the 1999 WHO-ISH Guidelines for the Management of Hypertension. Forty normotensives (22 men) were recruited as controls. The mean age was 54. 3±13 years old in RH group, 53. 5±9 years old in HT group and 51. 2±11. 9 years old in normotensives (NT) group. The mean blood pressure was 154. 2±9. 4/98. 4± 8. 2 mmHg in RH group and 130. 1±7. 6/80. 5±6. 7 mmHg in HT group after combination drug therapy of hypertension for 4 weeks. Blood pressure in NT group was 120. 8±11. 7/76. 4 ± 7. 2 mmHg. The epitope of the 2nd extracellular loops of AT1 receptor was synthesized and used as antigens to screen the autoantibodies by ELISA. Plasma angiotensin (Ang) II were examined by a radioimmunoassay. Results The autoantibodies against AT1 receptor were positive in 18 (46. 15 %) patients with RH, in 4 (10. 5 % ) hypertension and in 3 (7. 5 % ) normotensives, P < 0. 01. Ang Ⅱwas 57. 01±52. 63 pmol/L in patients with RH. Both the autoantibodies positive and the Ang Ⅱ increasing were 4 (10. 3 % ) cases, both normal were 7 (17. 9 % ) cases, the autoantibodies positive or Ang II increasing was all of 14 (35. 9 % ) cases (x2 = 0. 09, P>0. 05) . There was no relationship between the autoantibodies against AT1 receptor and the angiotensin Ⅱ in refractory hypertension. Conclusion The autoantibodies against AT1 receptor and Ang Ⅱ might be two independent factors in developing of refractory hypertension. The findings suggest that AT1 receptor an-tagnist used in the treatment of refractory hypertension might have an important value.
基金The project supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81102444)the Major Scientific and Technological Special Project for"Significant New Drugs Creation"(2009ZX09302-003,2013ZX09508104)the Central Public Scientific Research Institution Fundamental Project(2014CX05)
文摘OBJECTIVE To investigate the vasorelaxant effect of pinocembrin(5,7-dihydroxyflavanone),one of the main flavonoids in propolis,on angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ)induced vasoconstriction and the molecular mechanism of action.METHODS The isometric vascular tone was measured in thoracic aortic rings from SD rat,and the effects of pinocembrin on the single dose and concentration cumulative response curves of AngⅡ were recorded.The binding of pinocembrin to the angiotensin type 1 receptor(AT1R)was studied by using molecule docking analysis.Intracellular[Ca2+]([Ca2+]i)was measured with Fura2/AM in VSMCs.The phosphorylation levels of myosin light chain 2(MLC2)and myosin phosphatase target unit 1(MYPT1),and protein level of Rho kinase 1(ROCK1)in the rat aortic rings were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS Pinocembrin was observed to inhibit AngⅡ-induced vasoconstriction in rat aortic rings with either intact or denuded endothelium.In endothelium-denuded tissues,pinocembrin(pD′2 4.28±0.15)counteracted the contractions evoked by cumulative concentrations of AngⅡ.In a docking model,pinocembrin showed effective binding at the active site of AT1R.Pinocembrin was shown to inhibit both AngⅡ-induced Ca2+ release from internal stores and Ca2+ influx.Moreover,the increase in the phosphorylation of MLC2 and MYPT1,and the increased protein level of ROCK1 induced by AngⅡ was blocked by pinocembrin.CONCLUSION Pinocembrin inhibits AngⅡ-induced rat aortic ring contraction in a Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent manner via blocking AT1R.
基金Project(20876180)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Using the latest reported homologous Chemokine receptors （PDB ID： 3ODU, 3OE0 and 3OE6） as templates, twenty models of angiotensin II （Ang II） type 1 （AT1） receptor （known as p30556） were generated by multiple templates homology modeling. According to the results of the initial validation of these twenty models, the model 0020 was finally chosen as the best one for further studies. Then, a 2 ns molecular dynamic （MD） simulation for model 0020 was conducted in normal saline （0.9%, w/F） under periodical boundary conditions, which was followed by docking studies of model 0020 with several existing AT1 receptor blockers （ARBs）. The docking results reveal that model 0020 possesses good affinities with these docked ARBs which are in accordance with both the IC50 inhibitor values and their curative effects. The results also show more potent interactions between the model 0020 and its ARBs than those of ever reported results, such as hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and especially cation-n interactions and π-π interactions which have never been reported before. This may reveal that the structure of the model 0020 is quite close to its real crystal structure and the model 0020 may have the potential to be used for structure based drug design：
基金supported by the Science Foundation of Zhuhai Municipality (PC20052031)
文摘Objective： To investigate the effect of activation of angiotensin Ⅱ（AngⅡ） type 1 （AT1） receptors in the median preoptic nucleus （MnPO） of rats on renal sodium excretion. Methods： After anesthesia, the rats were injected into the MnPO via an implanted cannula. Urine samples were collected via a bladder cannula, and the urine sodium concentration was assayed with flame spectrophotometry. The serum level of endogenous digitalis-like factor （EDLF） and Na^＋,K^＋-ATPase activity in the renal cortex tissue were assayed respectively with a radioimmunoassay and with an ammonium molybdophosphate-based kit. Results： Both the urinary volume and the sodium excretion peaked 60 min after AngⅡ was administered into the MnPO. The responses were accompanied by an increase in serum EDLF and a decrease in Na^＋,K^＋-ATPase activity in the renal cortex. The responses of diuresis and natriuresis, as well as an increase in serum EDLF and a decrease in Na^＋,K^＋-ATPase activity in the renal cortex induced by MnPO adminstration with AngⅡ were inhibited by pior treatment with the AngⅡ receptor blocking agent losartan into the MnPO. Conclusion： These results suggest that activation of AT1 receptors in the MnPO of rat induces diuretic and natriuretic responses. The responses are associated with an increase release of EDLF and with the inhibition of Na^＋,K^＋-ATPase activity in renal cortex tissue.
文摘Aldosterone mediates many of the physiological and pathophysiological/cardio-toxic effects of angiotensin II(Ang II). Its synthesis and secretion from the zona glomerulosa cells of the adrenal cortex, elevated in chronic heart failure(HF), is induced by Ang II type 1 receptors(AT1Rs). The AT1R is a G protein-coupled receptor, mainly coupling to Gq/11 proteins. However, it can also signal through β-arrestin-1(βarr1) or-2(βarr2), both of which mediate G protein-independent signaling. Over the past decade, a second, Gq/11 proteinindependent but βarr1-dependent signaling pathway emanating from the adrenocortical AT1R and leading to aldosterone production has become appreciated. Thus, it became apparent that AT1R antagonists that block both pathways equally well are warranted for fully effective aldosterone suppression in HF. This spurred the comparison of all of the currently marketed angiotensin receptor blockers(ARBs, AT1R antagonists or sartans) at blocking activation of the two signaling modes(G protein-, and βarr1-dependent) at the Ang IIactivated AT1R and hence, at suppression of aldosterone in vitro and in vivo. Although all agents are very potent inhibitors of G protein activation at the AT1R, candesartan and valsartan were uncovered to be the most potent ARBs at blocking βarr activation by Ang II and at suppressing aldosterone in vitro and in vivo in post-myocardial infarction HF animals. In contrast, irbesartan and losartan are virtually G protein-"biased" blockers at the human AT1R, with very low efficacy for βarr inhibition and aldosterone suppression. Therefore, candesartan and valsartan(and other, structurally similar compounds) may be the most preferred ARB agents for HF pharmacotherapy, as well as for treatment of other conditions characterized by elevated aldosterone.
基金Supported by Fundacode Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, FAPEMIG/CNPQ-PRONEX (Grupos de Excelência),Ministério de Ciência e Tecnologia/CNPq/ FAPEMIG-INCT-Nano-Biofar
文摘AIM： To measure circulating angiotensins at different stages of human cirrhosis and to further evaluate a possible relationship between renin angiotensin system （RAS） components and hemodynamic changes. METHODS： Patients were allocated into 4 groups： mild-to-moderate liver disease （MLD）, advanced liver disease （ALD）, patients undergoing liver transplantation, and healthy controls. Blood was collected to determine plasma renin activity （PRA）, angiotensin （Ang） Ⅰ, Ang Ⅱ, and Ang-（1-7） levels using radioimmunoassays. During liver transplantation, hemodynamic parameters were determined and blood was simultaneously obtained from the portal vein and radial artery in order to measure RAS components. RESULTS： PRA and angiotensins were elevated in ALD when compared to MLD and controls （P 〈 0.05）. In contrast, Ang Ⅱ was significantly reduced in MLD. Ang-（1-7）/Ang Ⅱ ratios were increased in MLD when compared to controls and ALD. During transplantation, Ang Ⅱ levels were lower and Ang-（1-7）/Ang Ⅱ ratios were higher in the splanchnic circulation than in the peripheral circulation （0.52 ± 0.08 vs 0.38 ±0.04, P 〈 0.02）, whereas the peripheral circulating Ang Ⅱ/Ang Ⅰ ratio was elevated in comparison to splanchnic levels （0.18 ±0.02 vs 0.13 ±0.02, P 〈 0.04）. Ang-（1-7）/ Ang Ⅱ ratios positively correlated with cardiac output （r = 0.66） and negatively correlated with systemic vascular resistance （r = -0.70）. CONCLUSION： Our findings suggest that the relationship between Ang-（1-7） and Ang Ⅱ may play a role in the hemodynamic changes of human cirrhosis.
基金supported by funding from Innovative Research Team in Nanjing Medical University(IRT0631)the collaborating Grants(30611120524)
文摘Objective： Recent studies have shown that the local expression of soluble interleukin （IL） -1 receptor type Ⅱ （slL-1 R Ⅱ ） in endometrial tissue of women with endometriosis is decreased, and the depression of IL-1 R Ⅱ was more significant in infertile women than that in fertile women with endometriosis. In this research, we investigated the remedial effect of slL-1-R Ⅱ administration on endometriosis in the nude mouse model. Methods： Nineteen nude model mice with endometriosis were randomly divided into three groups： group A was treated by intraperitoneal administration with only slL-1 R Ⅱ for two weeks, group B was similarly treated with only IL- 1, and group C （control） was administered saline. After 2 weeks, the size of the ectopic endometrial lesions was calculated, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and B-cell lymphoma leukemia-2 （Bcl- 2） were detected by immunohistochemistry. The IL-8 and VEGF levels in the peritoneal fluid （PF） and serum were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results： The mean size of ectopic endometrial lesion did not differ between the three groups （P 〉 0.05）. Compared with the control, the expression of VEGF and Bcl-2 was significantly lower in group A, and higher in group B. In the three groups, the levels of IL-8 in the PF and serum were highest in group A, and lowest in group B. Conclusion： slL-1 R Ⅱ may suppresse hyperplasia of ectopic endometriosis, perhaps by reducing the expression of certain cytokines, such as VEGF, IL-8, and Bcl-2, which could provide a new clinical strategy for the treatment of endometriosis.
文摘Aim The preclinical studies of a novel angiotensin II receptor 1 antagonist 2-（4-（ （1,7＇-dimethyl-2＇- propyl-1H ,3 ＇H-2,5＇-bibenzo [ d ] imidazol-3＇-yl ） methyl） -1H-indol-l-yl ） benzoic acid （ intesartan ）. Methods The affinity to AT1 receptor of intesartan was tested through radioactive receptor binding assay by -y-counter. The anti-hypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHRs） at different doses in vivo was tested by tail noninvasive arterial blood pressure measurement system. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed by high per- formance liquid chromatography （HPLC） method. Besides, acute toxicity tests in ICR and Ames reverse mutation assay in tester strain （TA97, TA98, TA100 and TA102） was also detected. Results The binding assays sugges- ted that intesartan displayed high affinity to angiotensin II AT1 receptor with an ICs0 value of （0.36 ± 0. 18） nmol · L^-1. In vivo anti-hypertensive experiments showed that intesartan had an efficient and long-acting effect in reduc- ing blood pressure which could last more than 24 h at the doses of 2 mg· kg^-1, 5 mg · kg^-1 , and 10 mg · kg^-1 in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The minimum effective dose of it was 2 mg · kg^-1 and the T/P value was 54. 18%. Acute toxicity tests suggested that intesartan was safe with the LDs0 value of 526.20 mg · kg^-1. Ames assay proved that it would not cause the mutations of salmonella typhimurium. And the pharmacokinetic experiments showed that it could be absorbed efficiently and metabolized smoothly both in blood and in tissues in wistar rats. Conclusions Intesartan could be considered as a novel anti-hypertension candidate with efficient, long-acting and low toxicity chracteristics.
文摘Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a lifelong condition and a threat to human health.Thorough understanding of its pathogenesis is acutely needed in order to devise innovative,preventative,and potentially curative pharmacological interventions.MicroRNAs(miRNA),are small,non-coding,one-stranded RNA molecules,that can target and silence around 60%of all human genes through translational repression.MiR-155 is an ancient,evolutionarily well-conserved miRNA,with distinct expression profiles and multifunctionality,and a target repertoire of over 241 genes involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes including hematopoietic lineage differentiation,immunity,inflammation,viral infections,cancer,cardiovascular conditions,and particularly diabetes mellitus.MiR-155 Levels are progressively reduced in aging,obesity,sarcopenia,and T2DM.Thus,the loss of coordinated repression of multiple miR-155 targets acting as negative regulators,such as C/EBPβ,HDAC4,and SOCS1 impacts insulin signaling,deteriorating glucose homeostasis,and causing insulin resistance(IR).Moreover,deranged regulation of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system(RAAS)through loss of Angiotensin II Type 1 receptor downregulation,and negated repression of ETS-1,results in unopposed detrimental Angiotensin II effects,further promoting IR.Finally,loss of BACH1 and SOCS1 repression abolishes cytoprotective,anti-oxidant,anti-apoptotic,and anti-inflam matory cellular pathways,and promotesβ-cell loss.In contrast to RAAS inhibitor treatments that further decrease already reduced miR-155 Levels,strategies to increase an ailing miR-155 production in T2DM,e.g.,the use of metformin,mineralocorticoid receptor blockers(spironolactone,eplerenone,finerenone),and verapamil,alone or in various combinations,represent current treatment options.In the future,direct tissue delivery of miRNA analogs is likely.
文摘Angiotensin II (Ang II) is known to elicit cardiac fibrosis by activating the AT1 receptor and CD44 expression in the in vivo model. However, the cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac fibrosis are still not well understood. This study examines the roles of the AT1 receptor and CD44 gene expression in collagen synthesis through Ang II stimulated cardiac fibroblasts. Fibroblasts were isolated from the neonatal rat hearts;the activation of fibroblasts was evaluated using the assays of cell viability and migration, and silencing of CD44 gene expression was conducted with small interfering RNA (siRNA). Results showed that Ang II significantly increases the cell proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. Upon activation, the protein levels of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad4 and collagen I were significantly increased (all p < 0.05 vs. unstimulated cells), but these changes were significantly downregulated by the AT1 receptor blocker, telmisartan (all p < 0.05 vs. Ang II activated cells). Furthermore, mRNA and protein level of CD44 were upregulated, and there was a linear correlation between CD44 and TGF-β1 as demonstrated by Pearson correlation analysis (r = 0.955, p < 0.01). Gene transfection of fibroblasts with Ad-CD44 siRNA, as evidenced by low levels of CD44 mRNA and protein, significantly reduced the production of collagen I. In summary, these results indicate that the proliferation, migration and collagen production from Ang II activated cardiac fibroblasts are potentially mediated by the AT1 receptor and CD44. Such a signaling mechanism could be crucial for the production of collagen and the development of tissue fibrosis in the heart.
