The Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-related Apoptosis in Vascular Endothelium Pathogenesis

Vascular endothelium refers to a single layer of endothelial cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels,serving as barriers and transducers between the circulating blood in the lumen and the rest of the vessel wall.Endothelial cells play essential roles in many aspects of vascular biology,such as barrier functions,thrombosis/fibrinolysis,inflammation,angiogenesis,vasoconstriction and vasodilation.

Scutellarin Reduces Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Involving in Vascular Endothelium Protection and PKG Signal

Flavonoid glycoside scutellarin(SCU)has been widely applied in the treatment of cerebral ischemic diseases in China.In this article,we conducted research on the working mechanisms of SCU in hypoxia reoxygenation(HR)injury of isolated cerebral basilar artery(BA)and erebral ischemia reperfusion(CIR)injury in rat models.In isolated rat BA rings,HR causes endothelial dysfunction(ED)and acetylcholine(ACh)induces endothelium-dependent vasodilation.The myography result showed that SCU(100μM)was able to significantly improve the endothelium-dependent vasodilation induced by Ach.However,SCU did not affect the ACh-induced relaxation in normal BA.Further studies suggested that SCU(10-1000μM)dose-dependently induced relaxation in isolated BA rings which were significantly blocked by the cGMP dependent protein kinase(PKG)inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cGMPs(PKGI-rp,4μM).Pre-incubation with SCU(500μM)reversed the impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation induced by HR,but the reversing effect was blocked if PKGI-rp(4μM)was added.The brain slice staining test in rats’model of middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)induced CIR proved that the administration of SCU(45,90 mg/kg,iv)significantly reduced the area of cerebral infarction.The Western blot assay result showed that SCU(45 mg/kg,iv)increased brain PKG activity and PKG protein level after CIR surgery.In conclusion,our findings suggested that SCU possesses the ability of protecting brain cells against CIR injury through vascular endothelium protection and PKG signal.

Expression of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 on vascular endothelium of gastric mucosa in patients with nodular gastritis

AIM:The interaction of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1) with integrin α4β7 mediates lymphocyte recruitment into mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).Nodular gastritis is characterized by a unique military pattern on endoscopy representing increased numbers of lymphoid follicles with germinal center,strongly associated with H pylori infection.The purpose of this study was to address the implication of the MAdCAM-1/integrin β7 pathway in NG. METHODS:We studied 17 patients with NG and H pylori infection and 19 H pylori-positive and 14 H pylori-negative controls.A biopsy sample was taken from the antrum and snap-frozen for immunohistochemical analysis of MAdCAM- 1 and integrin β7.In simultaneous viewing of serial sections, the percentage of MAdCAM-1-positive to von Willebrand factor-positive vessels was calculated.We also performed immunostaining with anti-CD20,CD4,CD8 and CD68 antibodies to determine the lymphocyte subsets co- expressing integrin β7. RESULTS:Vascular endothelial MAdCAM-1 expression was more enhanced in gastric mucosa with than without H pylori infection.Of note,the percentages of MAdCAM-1-positive vessels were significantly higher in the lamina propria of NG patients than in H pylori-positive controls.Strong expression of MAdCAM-1 was identified adjacent to lymphoid follicles and dense lymphoid aggregates.Integrin β7-expressing mononuclear cells,mainly composed of CD20 and CD4 lymphocytes,were associated with vessels lined with MAdCAM-1-expressing endothelium.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the MAdCAM一1/ integrin a4p7 homing system may participate in gastric inflammation in response to H py/o}i-infection and contributes to MALT formation, typically leading to the development of NG.

Effects of PAF and PAF antagonist WEB 2170 on relaxation of vascular endothelium after brief deoxygenation and reoxygenation

By means of the tension determination of rat thoracic aortic ring. it was found that PAF depressed the acetylcholine (Ach)-induced relaxation of the rings, having undergone 20 min of deoxygenation followed by 30 min of reoxygenation, to 36. 1% of norepinephine(NE) precontraction. PAF receptor antagonist WEB 2170 markedly improved the Ach-induced relaxation of the brief deoxygenated and reoxygenated rings to 86. 7 % of NE precontraction. The results indicated that PAF may be one of the mediators involved in the endothelium relaxation dysfunction related to brief deoxygenation and reoxygenation, and that PAF antagonist WEB 2170 has the protective effect on endothelium relaxation function.

Beneficial effect of berberine on atherosclerosis based on attenuating vascular inflammation and calcification

OBJECTIVE To investigate the beneficial effect of berberine(BBR)on atherosclerosisin Apo^(-/-) E mice and explore the underlying mechanisms based on attenuating vascular inflammation and modulating calcification in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) and smooth muscle cells(SMCs).METHODS 48 Apo-/-E mice,at 6-8 weeks old,were randomly allocated into 4 groups:normal,model,bbr and atorvastatin(positive control) groups with 12 mice in each group.They were fed with high-fat diet for 4 weeks except those in Normal group and then treated with indicated drugs orsolvent for another 4 weeks.The morphology and inflammation infiltration of aortic were examined with HE staining.The expression of BMP-2 in aortic was examined by immumohistochemical staining.Blood lipid levels were examined by automatic biochemical analyzer.The expression of IL-6,TNF-α and BMP-2 in serum and tissues was detected by ELISA method.The expression of ALP and the content of calcium were detected by commercially-available kits.HUVEC cells were stimulated with TNF-α and incubated with various concentrations of BBR for 24 h.The contents of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1),vascular cell adhesion molecule(VCAM-1),matrix metalloprotein-9(MMP-9) in the culture supernatant were detected by ELISA method.Calcification was induced with β-glycerophosphatein SMC cells and the effect of BBR on the content of calcium was examined.RESULTS 4-week berberine treatment markedly lowered serum TC and LDL-c levels and improved the plaque stability in Apo-/-E mice fed with a high-fat diet(P<0.05 or P<0.01) which was comparable with the effect of atorvastatin.Berberineal so significantly decreased the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in mice serum and aortic tissues(P<0.05 or P<0.001).Berberine tended to decrease ALP,BMP-2 levels and the content of calcium in mice serum and aortic tissues(P<0.05,P<0.01 or P<0.001) which were not observed in atorvastatin group.Berberine significantly lowered the levels of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,and MMP-9 in TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs.It can also lowered the content of calcium in SMCs.CONCLUSION BBR can profitably regulate the levels of blood lipid in mice fed with a high-fat diet,decrease the injury caused by inflammation,and attenuate vascular calcification.It may improve atherosclerosis and play a role in cardiovascular protection.

Effect of Yiqi Huoxue (益气活血) Herbs on Vascular Endothelial Cells and Platelets in Patients with Chronic Cor Pulmonale

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of Yiqi Huoxue (益气活血, YQHX) herbs in treating the patients with chronic cor pulmonale and to explore its mechanism by determining the relationship of oxida-tion/antioxidation system and how such herbs change on the function of endothelial cells and platelets. Methods: Fifty-eight patients were divided into two groups: conventional therapy group (control group, 28 patients) and convention plus YQHX herbs group (treated group, 30 patients). The control group received conventional management. The treated group were treated with YQHX 150 ml, twice a day, plus the conventional treatment, and the clinical efficacy was recorded. The lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ot-granule membrane protein (GMP140), partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide in artery (PaCO2) and circulating endothelial cells (CEC) were measured respectively before and after treatment, and the relationship between various parameters were analyzed. The results were compared with those of 10 healthy subjects got at the same period. Results: (1) The effective rate and PaO2 of the treated group was higher than that of the control group and there were no difference in PaCO2 between the two groups. (2) The levels of LPO, GMP140, CEC in all the patients before therapy were significantly higher than those of the healthy group, and there were marked decrease in the levels of those after treatment (all P<0. 01). On the contrary, the levels of SOD in all the patients before therapy were markedly lower than those in the healthy subjects and increased after treatment, P<0. 01. (3) The increase of SOD in the treated group was significantly more obvious than that of the control group. In the treated group, the decrease of LPO, GMP140, CEC were markedly more obvious than those in the control group (all P<0. 01). (4) The number of CEC, as well as GMP140, was negatively correlated to PaO2(P<0.01) and SOD (P< 0. 01), which was positively correlated to LPO (P<0. 01). There was a positive correlation between CEC and GMP140 (P<0.05). Conclusion: YQHX herbs in treating chronic cor pulmonale proved to be effective by balancing the oxidation and antioxidation, protecting the pulmonary endothelial cells and activated platelets and helpful in treating respiratory failure.

EFFECT OF QUERCETIN ON CULTURED HUMAN VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Objective To study the effects of quercetin (Que) on the release of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and prostacylin(PGI2) by normal human vascuiar endothelial cell (VEC). Methods Radioimmunoassay(RIA) was used to assess the amount of ET-1 and PGI2 produced by VEC. VEC prollferation was assessed by tetrazolium(MTT) assay. Results Que increased the normal VEC prollferation at the concentration or 5, 2o, 4o, 8o, 1oompol/L and increased the production of PG12 and inhibits the release of ET by the normal VEC at the concentratiou or 5, 2o and 8ompol/L. Que at the concentration of 5, 2o and 8omol/L had no direct effect on morphology of the normal VEC. ConcIusion Que can stimulate the proliferation of VEC and inhibit tbe reIease of ET-1 and increase the formation of PGI2. The data suggest that Que might be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of vascular endothelial injury-related cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosls and thromboembolism diseases.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its role in oncogenesis of human gastric carcinoma

AIM: To establish the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the oncogenesis of human gastric carcinoma more directly. METHODS: The expression of VEGF and its receptor kinase-domain insert containing receptor (KDR) in human gastric cancer tissue were observed by immunohistochemical staining. VEGF levels were manipulated in human gastric cancer cell using eukaryotic expression constructs designed to express the complete VEGF(165) complimentary DNA in either the sense or antisense orientation. The biological changes of the cells were observed in which VEGF was up-regulated or down-regulated. RESULTS: VEGF-positive rate was 50%, and VEGF was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and membrane of the tumor cells, while KDR was mainly located in the membrane of vascular endothelial cells in gastric cancer tissues and peri-cancerous tissue. In 2 cases of 50 specimens, the gastric cancer cells expressed KDR, localized in both the cytoplasm and membrane. Introduction of VEGF(165) antisense into human gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901, immunofluorescence intensity, 31.6%)) resulted in a significant reduction in VEGF-specific messenger RNA and total and cell surface VEGF protein (immunofluorescence intensity, 8.9%) (P【0.05). Conversely, stable integration of VEGF(165) in the sense orientation resulted in an increase in cellular and cell surface VEGF (immunofluorescence intensity, 75.4%) (P【0.05). Lowered VEGF levels were associated with a marked decrease in the growth of nude mouse xenografted tumor (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 345.40 +/- 136.31 mm3)(P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group: 1534.40 +/- 362.88 mm3), whereas up-regulation of VEGF resulted in increased xenografted tumor size (at 33 days postimplantation, tumor volume: 2350.50 +/- 637.70 mm3) (P【0.05 vs control SGC-7901 group). CONCLUSION: This study provides direct evidence that VEGF plays an important role in the oncogenesis of human gastric cancer.

Reduction of tumorigenicity of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells by vascular endothelial growth factor antisense gene therapy

AIM: To test the hypothesis to block VEGF expression of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cells may inhibit tumor growth using the rat hepatoma model. METHODS: Amplify the 200 VEGF cDNA fragment and insert it into human U6 gene cassette in the reverse orientation transcribing small antisense RNA which could specifically interact with VEGF165, and VEGF121 mRNA. Construct the retroviral vector containing this antisense VEGF U6 cassette and package the replication-deficient recombinant retrovirus. SMMC-7721 cells were transduced with these virus and positive clones were selected with G418. PCR and Southern blot analysis were performed to determine if U6 cassette integrated into the genomic DNA of positive clone. Transfected tumor cells were evaluated for RNA expression by ribonuclease protection assays. The VEGF protein in the supernatant of parental tumor cells and genetically modified tumor cells was determined with ELISA. In vitro and in vivo growth properties of antisense VEGF cell clone in nude mice were analyzed. RESULTS: Restriction enzyme digestion and PCR sequencing verified that the antisense VEGF RNA retroviral vector was successfully constructed.After G418 selection, resistant SMMC-7721 cell clone was picked up. PCR and Southern blot analysis suggested that U6 cassette was integrated into the cell genomic DNA. Stable SMMC-7721 cell clone transduced with U6 antisense RNA cassette could express 200 bp small antisense VEGF RNA and secrete reduced levels of VEGF in culture condition. Production of VEGF by antisense transgene-expressing cells was 65+/-10 ng/L per 10(6) cells, 42045 ng/L per 10(6) cells in sense group and 485+/-30 ng/L per 10(6) cells in the negative control group, (P【 0.05). The antisense-VEGF cell clone appeared phenotypically indistinguishable from SMMC-7721 cells and SMMC-7721 cells transfected sense VEGF. The growth rate of the antisense-VEGF cell clone was the same as the control cells. When S.C. was implanted into nude mice, growth of antisense-VEGF cell lines was greatly inhibited compared with control cells. CONCLUSION: Expression of antisense VEGF RNA in SMMC-7721 cells could decrease the tumorigenicity, and antisense-VEGF gene therapy may be an adjuvant treatment for hepatoma.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor is a potential biomarker of metastatic recurrence after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in China. To date, surgery is still the best solution to it. However, metastatic recurrences after curative hepatic resections are very common. Tang et al have reported that recurrence rate within 5 years of curative hepatic resection is 61.5% [1]. As curative hepatic resection has a high tendency for metastatic recurrence, therapeutic interventions such as transarterial embolization and antiangiogenesis have been tried to further improve prognosis of HCC patients. Therefore, establishing a dependable, sensitive, easy, and economical method to predict metastatic recurrence following curative hepatic resection is of clinical urgency.

Molecular signal transduction in vascular cell apoptosis

Apoptosis is a form of genetically programmed cell death, which plays a key role in regulation of cellularity in a variety of tissue and cell types including the cardiovascular tissues. Under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, various biophysiological and biochemical factors, including mechanical forces, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, cytokines, growth factors, oxidized lipoproteins, etc., may influence apoptosis of vascular cells. The Fas/Fas ligand/caspase death-signaling pathway, Bcl-2 protein family/mitochondria, the tumor suppressive gene p53, and the proto-oncogene c-myc may be activated in atherosclerotic lesions, and mediates vascular apoptosis during the development of atherosclerosis. Abnormal expression and dysfunction of these apoptosis-regulating genes may attenuate or accelerate vascular cell apoptosis and affect the integrity and stability of atherosclerotic plaques. Clarification of the molecular mechanism that regulates apoptosis may help design a new strategy for treatment of atherosclerosis and its major complication, the acute vascular syndromes.

Migraine attack restores the response of vascular smooth muscle cells to nitric oxide but not to norepinephrine

AIM:To clarify whether the vasoconstrictory response is impaired and to study vascular function in patients with migraine during the headache attack.METHODS:We studied vascular reactivity in the resistance arteries by using the forearm perfusion technique associated with plethysmography.We measuredforearm blood flow by strain-gauge plethysmography during intra-brachial infusion of acetylcholine,sodium nitroprusside or norepinephrine in 11 controls and 13patients with migraine,11 of them(M) in the interval between the migraine attacks and 4 during a headache attack(MH).Written informed consent was obtained from patients and healthy controls,and the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Federico Ⅱ.RESULTS:Compared to healthy control subjects,in patients with migraine studied during the interictal period,the vasodilating effect of acetylcholine,that acts through the stimulation of endothelial cells and the release of nitric oxide,was markedly reduced,but became normal during the headache attack(P<0.05by analysis of variance).The response to nitroprusside,which directly relaxes vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs),was depressed in patients with migraine studied during the interictal period,but normal during the headache attack(P<0.005).During norepinephrine infusion,forearm blood flow decreased in control subjects(-40% ± 5%,P<0.001).In contrast,in patients with migraine,either when studied during or free of the headache attack forearm blood flow did not change compared to the baseline value(-3%±13% and-10.4%±15%,P>0.05).CONCLUSION:In migrainers,the impaired relaxation of VSMCs is restored during the headache attack.The vasoconstrictory response is impaired and remains unchanged during the migraine attack.

非布司他联合阿托伐他汀钙治疗高脂血症合并高尿酸血症患者的效果

目的:观察非布司他联合阿托伐他汀钙治疗高脂血症合并高尿酸血症患者的效果。方法:选取2020年2月至2023年3月该院收治的120例高脂血症合并高尿酸血症患者进行前瞻性研究,按照随机数字表法将其分为对照组和观察组各60例。对照组予以阿托伐他汀钙治疗,观察组在对照组基础上联合非布司他治疗。比较两组临床疗效、治疗前后血脂指标[总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)]水平、血尿酸水平、血管内皮功能指标[可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1(sICAM-1)、内皮素-1(ET-1)]水平和不良反应发生率。结果:观察组治疗总有效率为93.33%(56/60),高于对照组的80.00%(48/60),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后,观察组TG、TC、LDL-C、血尿酸水平均低于对照组,HDL-C水平高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组sICAM-1、ET-1水平均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组不良反应发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:非布司他联合阿托伐他汀钙治疗高脂血症合并高尿酸血症患者可提高治疗总有效率,改善血脂指标水平,降低血尿酸和血管内皮功能指标水平,效果优于单纯阿托伐他汀钙治疗。

补阳还五汤干预急性心肌梗死疾病机制的研究进展

急性心肌梗死(AMI)是一种急性发作的冠脉综合征,已成为严重影响人类生活健康的重大疾病,中医药对AMI具有较好的治疗效果,近年来补阳还五汤干预AMI的作用成为了研究的热点。现代药理学研究表示补阳还五汤具有抗血栓、保护血管、抗炎症和抑制细胞凋亡的作用,补阳还五汤具有多靶点,多通路全方位治疗的优点。从保护血管内皮、促进血管生成、抑制心肌重构、抑制炎症因子、抑制细胞凋亡等方面对补阳还五汤干预AMI的研究进展进行综述,为AMI的中医药诊疗研究提供文献依据。

Expression changes of Akt and GSK-3β during vascular inflammatory response and oxidative stress induced by high-fat diet in rats

Aim: To observe the expression changes of Akt and GSK-3β during vascular inflammatory response and oxidative stress induced by high-fat diet in rats. Methods: 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats were separately fed for 18 weeks with two types of diets;a normal diet (control group, CON) or high-fat diet hyperlipidmia group, HLP). Then the body weight, lipid parameter, plasma hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) , malondialdehyde (MDA), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), Lectin-like oxidized cellulose low density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), as well as aortic endothelial p-GSK-3β, GSK-3β, p-Akt, Akt expressions were determined. Results: In comparison with the control group, the model group showed a significant increase in the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C) and significant decrease in the level of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) after high-fat diet for 18 weeks (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Meanwhile, a more obvious increase of plasma HGF, LOX-1 and serum MDA, TNF-α, and sICAM-1 levels were observed relative to the control group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Moreover, high-fat diet significantly increased the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β in rat aorta. Conclusion: Short-term high-fat diet could induce vascular endothelium injury by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress. And PI3K/Akt pathway could play an important role in hyperlipidemia-induced vascular endothelium injury.

脂肪酸氧化和促分解脂质介质水平与阴茎勃起功能障碍的相关性研究

目的探究脂肪酸氧化和促分解脂质介质水平与阴茎勃起功能障碍的相关性。方法选取2022年10月—2023年4月新疆医科大学第一附属医院泌尿中心诊治的勃起功能障碍患者70例作为观察组,另外选取同期健康男性70例作为健康对照组。比较2组受试者一般临床资料、血清睾酮(T)、勃起硬度评分(EHS)、阴茎单侧动脉最大收缩期血流速度(PSV)、血清过氧化脂质(LPO)、消退素D1(RvD1)及消退素E1(RvE1)的表达水平。通过相关性分析、多因素Logistic回归分析筛选勃起功能障碍发生的危险因素。进一步通过受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)及曲线下面积(AUC)评价各危险因素对勃起功能障碍发生的预测价值。结果观察组患者血清LPO显著高于健康对照组(t/P=8.714/<0.001),RvD1、RvE1及EHS评分、PSV水平均显著低于健康对照组(t/P=10.109/<0.001、10.410/<0.001、6.271/<0.001、13.243/<0.001);Pearson相关性分析表明,血清LPO水平与EHS、PSV呈负相关(r/P=-0.275/0.033、-0.233/0.049),RvD1及RvE1水平与EHS、PSV呈正相关(r/P=0.391/<0.001、0.366/<0.001、0.423/<0.001、0.387/<0.001);多因素Logistic回归分析表明,血清LPO水平升高是勃起功能障碍发生的独立危险因素[OR(95%CI)=1.127(1.045~1.216)],RvD1及RvE1水平升高均是勃起功能障碍发生的保护因素[OR(95%CI)=0.761(0.669~0.866)、0.787(0.707~0.876)];ROC曲线分析表明,血清LPO、RvD1及RvE1预测勃起功能障碍发生的效能均较高,三者联合预测疾病的价值高于各指标独立预测价值(Z/P=1.873/0.013、1.803/0.019、1.711/0.033)。结论血清脂肪酸氧化水平增高、促分解脂质介质水平降低是勃起功能障碍发生的危险因素,为进一步探究勃起功能障碍的发生、发展机制提供新的思路。

探讨丹芪精颗粒对急性高原暴露下肺血管内皮的保护作用

目的运用网络药理学结合临床试验探究阐明丹芪精颗粒对急性高原暴露后肺血管内皮的保护作用。方法首先利用中药系统药理数据库及分析平台(TCMSP)平台检索丹芪精颗粒的有效成分和药物作用靶点,并检索疾病作用靶点,获得疾病与药物的相互作用靶点。随后进行疾病和药物交叉靶点的基因本体论(GO)富集和京都基因与基因组百科全书(KEGG)通路分析,最后构建药物-疾病通路靶标网络图。根据随机对照法将80例患者分为红景天胶囊对照组和丹芪精颗粒组,各40例。分别于两组研究对象不同时间点(进驻高原后第1、3和7天)记录血清血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)和内皮素-1(ET-1)水平。结果网络药理学分析结果显示,丹芪精颗粒可能通过调节急性高原暴露中的VEGF信号通路参与炎症反应等生物学过程。临床试验结果显示,与红景天胶囊组相比,丹芪精颗粒组的VEGF水平升高(F=8.977,P<0.05),ET-1水平降低(F=5.248,P<0.05)。结论丹芪精颗粒对急性高海拔暴露具有多靶点、多通路的治疗作用,并且可以提高急性高海拔暴露患者血管内皮功能核心靶点VEGF水平、降低ET-1动态水平,对肺血管内皮细胞起保护作用。

天麻-丹参药对治疗高血压作用机制的网络药理学分析及实验验证

目的基于网络药理学方法及动物实验验证探讨天麻-丹参药对治疗高血压的作用机制。方法(1)通过TCMSP、BATMAN及TCMIP数据库筛选天麻-丹参药对活性成分及其作用靶点;通过Drugbank、Genecard、TTD、Disgenet数据库检索获得高血压疾病相关靶点;对药对的活性成分作用靶点与高血压疾病相关靶点取交集(共同靶点),所得交集靶点即为天麻-丹参药对治疗高血压的潜在作用靶点。将天麻-丹参药对活性成分及其作用靶点导入Cytoscape 3.9.1软件,构建“中药-活性成分-靶点”网络,筛选关键活性成分;构建潜在作用靶点的蛋白互作(PPI)网络,筛选潜在核心靶点;使用Metascape平台对潜在作用靶点进行GO功能及KEGG通路富集分析。选择关键活性成分与潜在核心靶点进行分子对接验证。(2)将30只雄性自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)随机分为模型组、西药组(坎地沙坦酯,0.72 mg·kg^(-1))及天麻-丹参药对低、中、高剂量组(2.25、4.50、9.00 g·kg^(-1)),另选雄性WKY大鼠为空白组,每组6只,每日1次,连续灌胃给药8周。分别在给药前及药物干预2、4、6、8周后检测大鼠尾动脉收缩压;采用HE染色法观察胸主动脉组织病理变化;Western Blot法检测腹主动脉中GRP78、CHOP、Caspase-12蛋白表达水平。结果(1)共得到天麻-丹参药对活性成分83个,筛选出天麻-丹参药对治疗高血压的潜在作用靶点(交集靶点)158个;5个关键活性成分:对羟基苯甲酸、4-羟基苄胺、丹参酮Ⅰ、丹参酮、γ-谷甾醇;6个潜在核心靶点:IL6、TNF、CASP3、JUN、PTGS2、IL1B;GO功能富集分析得到1826条生物学过程条目、89条细胞组分条目、199条分子功能条目;KEGG通路富集分析获得186条通路,主要涉及神经活性配体-受体相互作用、钙信号通路、炎症应答(如TNF和MAPK信号通路)、血管保护(如HIF-1和cAMP信号通路)、氧化应激(如PI3K-Akt信号通路)等信号通路;丹参酮Ⅰ、丹参酮对6个潜在核心靶点均有较强的结合力,γ-谷甾醇对IL6、CASP3、JUN、PTGS2、IL1B具有较强的结合力。(2)与空白组比较,模型组大鼠的收缩压显著升高(P<0.01);胸主动脉内皮损伤明显,内皮细胞形态异常,可见肿胀、脱落细胞,组织内膜排序紊乱,内膜结构不完整,出现内膜增厚;腹主动脉中GRP78、CHOP、Caspase-12蛋白表达量显著升高(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,给药组大鼠的收缩压均显著下降(P<0.01);胸主动脉损伤减轻,内皮细胞形态、内膜结构及厚度等均得到不同程度改善;腹主动脉中GRP78、CHOP、Caspase-12蛋白表达量显著降低(P<0.01)。结论天麻-丹参药对可能是通过对羟基苯甲酸、丹参酮、γ-谷甾醇等关键活性成分,作用于IL6、TNF、CASP3、JUN、PTGS2、IL1B等核心靶点,调控TNF信号通路、MAPK信号通路、PI3K-Akt信号通路、PERK信号通路等关键信号通路,发挥改善血管内皮功能障碍、抑制内质网应激及降血压的作用。

榛蘑多糖对乙醇所致大鼠血管内皮细胞损伤的保护作用

探究榛蘑多糖对乙醇所致大鼠血管内皮细胞损伤的保护作用。将40只SD大鼠随机分成4组(正常对照组、损伤组、榛蘑多糖低剂量组、榛蘑多糖高剂量组)。除正常对照组外的其余各组均按10 mL/kg mb灌胃体积分数40%乙醇诱导血管内皮细胞损伤。榛蘑多糖低、高剂量组分别以100、400 mg/kg mb灌胃榛蘑多糖,其余组以等体积生理盐水代替,实验共进行4周。使用苏木精-伊红(hematoxylin-eosin,HE)染色观察颈动脉组织病理变化;检测血清甘油三酯(triglyceride,TG)、总胆固醇(total cholesterol,T-CHO)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(low density lipoprotein cholesterol,LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(high density lipoprotein cholesterol,HDL-C)、内皮型一氧化氮合酶、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(inducible nitric oxide synthase,iNOS)、一氧化氮(NO)、内皮素1(endothelin 1,ET-1)、超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)和丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)水平。此外,以600μmol/mL乙醇诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞损伤模型,分析不同剂量(100、400μg/mL)榛蘑多糖对细胞活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)、线粒体跨膜电位、细胞凋亡以及凋亡相关蛋白B淋巴细胞瘤2(B cell lymphoma 2,Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bcl-2 associated X protein,Bax)和Caspase-3表达的影响。结果表明:榛蘑多糖减轻乙醇所致的血管内膜损伤,降低T-CHO、TG、LDL-C、iNOS、NO、ET-1和MDA水平,提高HDL-C和SOD活性;在体外条件下,榛蘑多糖降低细胞ROS水平,抑制乙醇所致的线粒体跨膜电位的下降和细胞凋亡,并提高Bcl-2/Bax,下调Cleaved caspase-3表达水平。综上,榛蘑多糖对乙醇诱导的大鼠血管内膜损伤有保护作用,机制可能与其降脂、抗氧化和抗凋亡作用有关。

前蛋白转化酶枯草溶菌素-kexin 9型抑制剂对血管内皮的保护作用机制研究进展

前蛋白转化酶枯草溶菌素-kexin9型抑制剂(PCSK9抑制剂)不仅具有良好的降脂作用,还具有改善心血管结局、减轻氧化应激及改善血管内皮等多效性作用。近年来,PCSK9抑制剂的不断研发为心血管疾病治疗提供了新思路,本文就PCSK9抑制剂的多效性作用机制研究,尤其是对于血管内皮功能的作用机制研究予以综述。