妊娠高血压患者血管紧张素Ⅱ及AT1R、AT2R的表达及意义

目的:探讨妊娠高血压(HDCP)患者血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)及AngⅡ受体-1(AT1R)和AngⅡ受体-2(AT2R)的表达及意义。方法:选取2021年1月—2022月年9月孝感市中心医院收治的90例HDCP患者作为观察组,并将观察组根据病情程度分为HDCP组、轻度子痫前期组和重度子痫前期组3个亚组,将同期产检的90例健康孕妇作为对照组。检测并比较观察组与对照组、观察组不同亚组AngⅡ水平、AT1R和AT2R阳性表达情况。结果:观察组产前母血、产后脐血AngⅡ水平低于对照组,产后母血AngⅡ水平、AT1R、AT2R总阳性率高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。不同病情程度HDCP患者产前母血、产后脐血AngⅡ水平比较,HDCP组>轻度子痫前期组>重度子痫前期组;不同病情程度HDCP患者产后母血AngⅡ水平比较,HDCP组<轻度子痫前期组<重度子痫前期组;不同病情程度HDCP患者AT1R、AT2R阳性情况比较,HDCP组<轻度子痫前期组<重度子痫前期组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:HDCP患者母血、脐血AngⅡ存在异常表达,其AT1R、AT2R阳性率随病情加重而升高,检测上述指标有助于为HDCP发病机制、早期诊断与治疗提供参考。

血清Krüppel样因子2和血管紧张素Ⅱ受体样1内源性配体13对血液透析患者自体动静脉内瘘狭窄的预测价值

目的探讨血清Krüppel样因子2(KLF2)、血管紧张素Ⅱ受体样1内源性配体13(Apelin-13)水平对血液透析患者自体动静脉内瘘(AVF)狭窄的预测价值。方法选取2018年6月至2022年12月山东省济南市人民医院收治的214例以AVF为血管通路的血液透析患者为血液透析组,另选取同期53例体检健康者为对照组。血液透析组患者根据是否伴有AVF狭窄分为狭窄组(37例)和非狭窄组(177例)。记录患者临床资料,采用酶联免疫吸附试验法检测血清KLF2、Apelin-13水平。通过多因素Logistic回归方法分析血液透析患者AVF狭窄的影响因素,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清KLF2、Apelin-13水平对血液透析患者AVF狭窄的预测价值。结果血液透析组血清KLF2、Apelin-13水平均低于对照组(均P<0.001)。狭窄组年龄、透析龄、透析中低血压比例、超滤率、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平均大于/长于/高于非狭窄组,体重指数、收缩压、KLF2、Apelin-13水平均低于非狭窄组(均P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,透析龄延长、透析中低血压、超滤率增加为血液透析患者AVF狭窄的独立危险因素,体重指数增加、KLF2升高、Apelin-13升高为独立保护因素(均P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示,血清KLF2、Apelin-13单独与联合预测血液透析患者AVF狭窄的曲线下面积分别为0.797、0.794、0.907,敏感度分别为54.05%、100.00%、91.89%,特异度分别为92.66%、50.85%、83.05%。结论血清KLF2、Apelin-13水平降低与血液透析患者AVF狭窄密切相关,可作为AVF狭窄的辅助预测指标。

MicroRNA-155 mediates endogenous angiotensin II type 1 receptor regulation:implications for innovative type 2 diabetes mellitus management

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.

Association of Polymorphisms in Angiotensin-converting Enzyme and Type 1 Angiotensin Ⅱ Receptor Genes with Coronary Heart Disease and the Severity of Coronary Artery Stenosis

To explore the relation of angiotensin-converting enzyme （ACE） and angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor （AT1R） gene polymorphism with coronary heart disease （CHD） and the severity of coronary artery stenosis, 130 CHD patients who underwent coronary angiography were examined for the number of affected coronary vessels （≥75% stenosis） and coronary Jeopardy score. The insertion/deletion of ACE gene polymorphism and AT1R gene polymorphism （an A→C transversion at nucleotide position 1166） were detected by using polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and restriction fragment length polymorphism （RFLP） in CHD patients and 90 healthy serving as controls. The resuits showed that DD genotype and of ACE were more frequent in CHD patients than that in control group （38.5% vs 14.4%, P〈0.001）. The frequency of the ATIR A/C genotypes did not differ between the patients and the controls （10% vs 13.1%, P〉0.05）. The relative risk associated with the ACE-DD was increased by AT1R-AC genotype. Neither the number of affected coronary vessels nor the coronary score differed among the ACE I/D genotypes （P〉0.05）. But the number of affected coronary vessels and the coronary score were significantly greater in the patients with the AT1R-AC genotype than in those with the AA genotype （P〈0.05）. In conclusion, DD genotype may be risk factor for CHD and MI in Chinese people, and is not responsible for the development of the coronary artery stenosis. The AT1R-C allele may increase the relative risk associated with the ACE-DD genotype, and may be involved in the development of the stenosis of coronary artery.

Construction of shRNA Targeted to the Rat Angiotensin Ⅱ Type 1 Receptors and Its RNAi in Cytoplasma

The expression vector of shRNA targeted to the rat angiotensin Ⅱ receptor gene was constructed and the efficacy of siRNAs to modulate the expression of target gene in the in vitro cultured mammalian cells was investigated for antihypertensive therapy in spontaneous hypertensive rat （SHR） at post-transcriptional level. The sense and antisense RNA oligonucleotides strands targeting angiotensin Ⅱ receptor mRNA were synthesized individually according to the sequence of the rat angiotensin Ⅱ receptor. For preparation of duplexes, sense- and antisense-stranded oligonucleotides were mixed and annealed, and the annealed duplexes were cloned into the pGenesil-1 vector. The rat glioma cells were transfected with constructed pGenesil-1-shRNA plasmid and scrambled plasmid. The cultured cells were collected at different phases. RT-PCR and Western blot were performed. The AT1 mRNA and protein levels behaved ultimately same. Compared to control after 48 h, AT1 mRNA levels were decreased to 35.5%±3.0 %, and the levels reached their lowest point after 72 h （20.7% ±4 % of control）. At 24 and 48 h, AT1 protein was reduced to 46.9%±4.2% and 36.98%±3.7% respectively compared to control and a maximum reduction was observed after 72 h of incubation （28.1%± 4% compared to controls）. Plasmid-based shRNA expression systems targeted against the rat angiotensin Ⅱ receptor gene were generated successfully. The shRNAs with a 22-nt stem and a short loop were cleaved into small interfering dsRNA （siRNA） by the Dicer. The in vitro transcribed siRNA enables the effective silencing of gene expression to the target mRNA and leads to effective inhibition of translation of proteins and will be lay the foundation of application of gene silencing technology to hypertensive rats.

Expression of Angiotensin Ⅱ Receptors in Aldosterone-producing Adenoma of the Adrenal Gland and Their Clinical Significance

The expression of angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor (AT1R) and angiotensin Ⅱ type 2 receptor (AT2R) in aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) of the adrenal gland was detected, and their relationship with clinical indexes of APA was analyzed. The mRNA expression of AT1R and AT2R in 50 cases of APA and tissues adjacent to tumors and 12 cases of normal adrenal tissues was detected by using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of AT1R and AT2R proteins in paraffin-embedded slices of tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of AT1R in adenoma, tissues adjacent to tumor, and normal tissues of the adrenal gland showed no significant differences. The expression of AT2R in APA tissue was lower than that in normal adrenal gland tissues (P<0.05). Correlation analysis of the mRNA expression level of AT2R and clinical data from patients demonstrated that AT2R expression was negatively related to plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) (r=-0.467, P<0.05), but positively related with plasma renin activity (PRA) (r=0.604, P<0.05). It is concluded that down-regulation of the AT2R expression is possibly related with the tumorigenesis of APA.

Effect of nuclear factor-κB and angiotensin Ⅱ receptor type 1 on the pathogenesis of rat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

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.

Valsartan Inhibits Angiotensin Ⅱ-induced Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via Regulating the Expression of Mitofusin 2

Angiotensin Ⅱ (ANGⅡ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by inducing proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).In our study,we observed the effects of valsartan on proliferation of cultured VSMCs treated with or without ANGⅡ by cell counting and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay,and detected the expression of mitofusin 2 (Mfn2),a newly discovered cell proliferation inhibitor and a related cell proliferation signaling pathway pro-tein by Western blotting.ANGⅡ at a concentration of 10-6 mol/L significantly stimulated VSMCs proliferation,down-regulated the expression of Mfn2 and upregulated the expression of Raf and ERK1/2.Valsartan inhibited such effects of ANGⅡ at concentrations of 10-5 and 10-6 mol/L,but not at 10-7 mol/L.Valsartan had no significant effect on the proliferation of untreated VSMCs.These results suggest that valsartan inhibits ANGⅡ-induced proliferation of VSMCs in vitro via Mfn2-Ras-Raf-ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.

Effects of angiotensin Ⅱ receptor antagonist, Losartan on the apoptosis, proliferation and migration of the human pancreatic stellate cells

AIM： To investigate the effects of AT, （Type 1 angiotensin Ⅱ receptor） antagonist （Losartan） on the apoptosis, proliferation and migration of the human pancreatic stellate cells （hPSCs）. METHODS： hPSCs were isolated from pancreatic sample of patients with pancreatic carcinoma using radioimmunoassay （RIA） technique to detect the concentration of AngⅡ in culture media and cell homogenate. Immunocytochemistry （ICC） and in situ hybridization （ISH） methods were utilized to test AT1 expression in hPSCs. Effects of Losartan on hPSCs proliferation, apoptosis and migration were investigated using BrdU incorporation, TUNEL, flow cytometry （FCM）, and phase-contrast microscope separately when cells treated with Losartan. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were applied to quantify the expression of type Ⅰ collagen in hPSCs. RESULTS： There exists AT1 expression in hPSCs, while no AngⅡ was detected in culture media and cell homogenate. Losartan induces cell apoptosis in a doseand time-dependent manner （apparently at 10^-5 mol/L）, no pro-proliferative effect was observed in the same condition. Corresponding dosage of Losartan can also alleviate the motion capability and type Ⅰ collagen content of hPSCs compared with AngⅡ treatment and non-treatment control groups. CONCLUSION： These findings suggest that paracrine not autocrine functions of AngⅡ may have effects on hPSCs, which was mediated by AT1 expressed on cells, while Losartan may exert anti-fibrotic effects by inhibiting hPSCs motion and partly by inducing apoptosis.

Origin and genomic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and its interaction with angiotensin converting enzyme type 2 receptors, focusing on the gastrointestinal tract

The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 induced by a newly identified bcoronavirus, namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARSCoV-2) has constituted a public health emergency. Even though it was considered a zoonotic disease, the virus has also spread among humans via respiratory secretions. The expression and distribution of angiotensin converting enzyme type 2(ACE2) in various human organs might also show other possible infection routes. High ACE2 ribonucleic acid expression has been identified in the gastrointestinal tract(GI) indicating its importance as a possible infection pathway of SARS-CoV-2. ACE2 induces viral entry into the host and most importantly has been found to be associated with the function of the gut. Its deficiency has been implicated in several pathologies such as colorectal inflammation. The renin-angiotensin system(RAS) is an essential regulatory cascade operating both at a local tissue level and at the systemic or circulatory level. The RAS may be important in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease and is associated with the up-regulation of ACE2. Thus, the aim of this review is firstly, the analysis of some important general and genome characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and secondly, and most importantly, to focus on the utility of ACE2 receptors in both SARS-CoV-2 replication and pathogenesis, especially in the GI tract.

DNA methylation of angiotensin Ⅱ receptor gene in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related liver fibrosis

AIM To clarify whether Agtr1 a methylation is involved in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)-related liver fibrosis in adult rats.METHODS A choline-deficient amino acid(CDAA) diet model was employed for methylation analysis of NASH-related liver fibrosis.Agtr1 a methylation levels were measured in the livers of CDAA- and control choline-sufficient amino acid(CSAA)-fed rats for 8 and 12 wk using quantitative methylation-specific PCR.Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) were isolated by collagenase digestion of the liver,followed by centrifugation of the crude cell suspension through a density gradient.Agtr1 a methylation and its gene expression were also analyzed during the activation of HSCs.RESULTS The mean levels of Agtr1 a methylation in the livers of CDAA-fed rats(11.5% and 18.6% at 8 and 12 wk,respectively) tended to be higher(P = 0.06 and 0.09,respectively) than those in the livers of CSAA-fed rats(2.1% and 5.3% at 8 and 12 wk,respectively).Agtr1 a was not methylated at all in quiescent HSCs,but was clearly methylated in activated HSCs(13.8%,P < 0.01).Interestingly,although Agtr1 a was hypermethylated,the Agtr1 a m RNA level increased up to 2.2-fold(P < 0.05) in activated HSCs compared with that in quiescent HSCs,suggesting that Agtr1 a methylation did not silence its expression but instead had the potential to upregulate its expression.These findings indicate that Agtr1 a methylation and its upregulation of gene expression are associated with the development of NASH-related liver fibrosis.CONCLUSION This is the first study to show that DNA methylation is potential y involved in the regulation of a renin-angiotensin system-related gene expression during liver fibrosis.

利用受体配体亲和技术筛选黄芩中血管紧张素转换酶2和二肽基肽酶4抑制剂

目的筛选中药黄芩中血管紧张素转换酶2(ACE2)和二肽基肽酶4(DPP-4)抑制剂。方法以ACE2和DPP-4作为靶蛋白,利用受体配体亲和超滤和液质联用技术,对黄芩中与ACE2和DPP-4亲和的化合物进行筛选和分析,以筛选具有同时抑制ACE2和DPP-4的化合物。结果从黄芩中筛选出了5,7,2′,6′-4羟基黄酮、5,7,2′,5′-4羟基-8,6′-二甲氧基黄酮、白杨素-7-O-葡萄糖醛酸苷、黄芩素-6-O-葡萄糖醛酸苷、千层纸素A-7-O-葡萄糖醛酸苷、汉黄芩苷、白杨素、千层纸素A,可以同时亲和抑制ACE2和DPP-4,具有潜在的抗新型冠状病毒的作用。结论从黄芩中筛选出与新型冠状病毒肺炎有关的靶蛋白抑制剂,具备潜在开发价值。

Effect of Microinfusion of Angiotensin Ⅱ into the RVLM in Rats on the Baroreceptor Reflex Sensitivity

Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of microinfusion angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ),Ang Ⅱ type 1(AT_1)receptor antagonist losartan into the rostral ventrolateral medulla(RVLM)on the baroreceptor reflex sensitivity(BRS)in urethane-anesthetized rats. Methods: Reflex changes in heart rate(HR)were elicited by bolus intravenous injection of phenylephrine before and during RVLM microinfusion of saline(0.5 μl/h),Ang Ⅱ (1.5 nmol/h),losartan(250 nmol/h),and Ang Ⅱ(1.5 nmol/h)pretreated with microinjection of losartan (50 nmol/0.51 μl)into the RVLM.The average ratio between changes in HR in beats per minute(beats·min -1)and changes in mean arterial pressure [MAP,mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)] was used as an index of BRS. Results: Ang Ⅱ resulted in a significant decrease in the BRS for reflex bradycardia compared with control(-2.1±0.1 vs-3.9±0.4 beats·min -1·mmHg -1).Microinfusion of losartan had no significant effect on BRS for reflex bradycardia.The effect of Ang Ⅱ was almost completely abolished by pretreatment with microinjection of losartan. Conclusion:These results showed that the exogenous Ang Ⅱ in the RVLM produces inhibitory modulation of BRS,which is mediated by AT_1 receptor.However,AT_1 receptor in the RVLM is not involved in the tonic control of BRS.

磷酸弗林酸性簇分选蛋白2对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的心肌肥大的影响及其机制

目的探究磷酸弗林酸性簇分选蛋白2(PACS-2)对血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导的心肌肥大的影响及其机制。方法剪取并消化出生1~2 d的SD大鼠乳鼠的心脏组织,采用差速贴壁法获取乳鼠心肌细胞(NRCMs),原代培养24 h。以浓度为1.5μmol/L的AngⅡ处理NRCMs 0、3、6、12、24 h,采用Western blot方法检测细胞中FUN14域蛋白1(FUNDC1)、PACS-2、三磷酸肌醇受体蛋白(IP3R)的表达水平,采用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)方法检测细胞中心钠肽(ANP)、脑钠肽(BNP)、β-肌球蛋白重链(β-MHC)mRNA的表达水平。将NRCMs分为A~C组,A组使用无血清培养基培养,B、C组分别转染si-NC和si-PACS-2,采用Western blot方法检测各组细胞中PACS-2蛋白的表达水平。将NRCMs分为D~G组,D组使用无血清培养基培养,E组以浓度0.15μmol/L的AngⅡ培养,F、G组分别转染si-NC、si-PACS-2后再以浓度0.15μmol/L的AngⅡ培养,采用TRITC-鬼笔环肽染色技术检测各组心肌细胞表面积,RT-qPCR检测各组细胞ANP、BNP、β-MHC mRNA的表达水平,以Fluo-4,AM探针检测各组细胞胞质Ca^(2+)的水平。将NRCMs分为H~K组,H组使用无血清培养基培养,I、J组分别转染si-NC、si-PACS-2,K组转染si-PACS-2并且以浓度1μmol/L的钙调蛋白(CaM)拮抗剂处理后,采用RT-qPCR方法检测各组细胞ANP、BNP、β-MHC mRNA的表达水平。结果以浓度1.5μmol/L的AngⅡ处理NRCMs 0、3、6、12、24 h,NRCMs中ANP、BNP、β-MHC mRNA的表达水平呈时间依赖性上调(F=25.73~58.30,P<0.05),并且处理第24小时时相较于第0小时时均显著上调(t=5.35~37.50,P<0.05)。以浓度1.5μmol/L的AngⅡ处理NRCMs 0、3、6、12、24 h,NRCMs中IP3R、PACS-2以及FUNDC1蛋白的表达水平均呈时间依赖性下调(F=5.37~9.07,P<0.05),并且处理第24小时时相较于第0小时时显著下调(t=6.55~7.42,P<0.05)。与B组相比,C组NRCMs中PACS-2蛋白的表达水平显著下调(t=5.92,P<0.05)。与F组相比,G组NRCMs中心肌细胞表面积增大,ANP、BNP、β-MHC mRNA的表达水平及胞质Ca^(2+)水平均上调(t=3.50~26.60,P<0.05)。与J组相比,K组NRCMs中ANP、BNP、β-MHC mRNA表达水平均显著下调(t=3.27~5.13,P<0.05)。结论敲低PACS-2可增加NRCMs中胞质Ca^(^(2+))水平,并且可能以Ca^(^(2+))-CaM依赖的方式加重AngⅡ诱导的心肌肥大的发生。

Association of Polymorphisms in Angiotensin Ⅱ Receptor Genes with Aldosterone-producing Adenoma

This study examined the association of polymorphisms in angiotensinⅡreceptor genes（AT1R and AT2R） with the risk for aldosterone-producing adenoma（APA） in a Chinese Han population.Four polymorphisms including rs5182（573T/C） in exon 4,rs5186（1166A/C） in 3＇-untranslated region（3＇-UTR） in AT1R gene and rs5194（2274G/A） in 3＇-UTR,rs1403543（1675G/A） in intron 1 in AT2R gene were detected in 148 APA patients and 192 normal subjects（serving as control） by using a MGB-Taqman probe.The distribution of genotypes of each locus was in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium（HWE） in the APA and control groups（P0.05）.The allele A frequency at rs5194 was significantly higher in the APA group（0.49） than in the control group（0.35）（χ2=12.08,P=0.001）.Subjects with homozygotic genotype AA and heterozygotic genotype GA were at an increased risk for APA as compared to those with GG genotype（OR=2.66,95% CI=1.45-4.87;OR=1.67,95% CI=1.02-2.74）.Furthermore,rs5194 single-nucleotide polymorphism（SNP） at AT2R gene was significantly associated with APA in additive（OR=1.64,95% CI=1.21-2.20,P=0.001）,dominant（OR=1.94,95% CI=1.23-3.06,P=0.003）,and recessive model（OR=2.01,95% CI=1.17-3.45,P=0.01）.It was concluded that rs5194 polymorphism at AT2R gene was associated with the risk for APA,which may constitute a genetic marker of APA.

FOLLICULO-STELLATE CELLS OF THE RAT ANTERIOR PITUITARY RESPONDED TO ANGIOTENSIN Ⅱ BY INCREASING INTRACELLULAR Ca^(2+) CONCENTRATION

Objective The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether the folliculo stellate cells (FSC) respond to angiotensin(Ang)Ⅱ by increasing intracellular free Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ]i),and where the origin of Ca 2+ mobilization is if that has occurred.Methods Pituitary cells in primary culture were prepared from male Wister rats(250g) by a conventional method and cultured in MEM supplemented with 4% normal rat serum.After 2 days in culutre,cells were loaded with 1 μmol/L fura PE3/AM for 1 h and subjected to a Ca 2+ imaging experiment with Quanti Cell 700 system.Excitation wavelengths of 340 and 380 nm were selected by means of a computer controlled filterwheel.Results The [Ca 2+ ]i of FSC in the rat anterior pituitary was elevated by Ang Ⅱ.The elevation of [Ca 2+ ]i of FSC induced by 0.1,1.0,10 and 100 nmol/L Ang Ⅱ was (56.33±6.18)( ±s ),(117.07±36.07),(175.59±40.01) and (216.02±11.52) nmol/L,respectively.The increase of [Ca 2+ ]i of FSC induced by 100 nmol/L Ang Ⅱ was not influenced by the medium without Ca 2+ (0Ca),but significantly suppressed by thapsigargin(TG),an inhibitor of ATPase.The rate of responsive FSC to Ang Ⅱ (100 nmol/L) was 61.84% which was obviously higher than that of pituitary endocrine cells(43.49%).Conclusion The present experiment demonstrates that the FSC in the rat anterior pituitary responds to Ang Ⅱ by increasing [Ca 2+ ]i,which raises the possibility that Ang Ⅱ released from either lactotrophs or gonadotrophs affects FSC through paracrine mechanism.The elevation of [Ca 2+ ]i induced by Ang Ⅱ presents a dosage dependent relation, and is possibly because of the release of Ca 2+ from an intracellular Ca 2+ pool(s).Fashions of Ca 2+ release are relative to the concentration of Ang Ⅱ.The results indicate that Ang Ⅱ functions as a paracrine factor among pituitary cells including FSC.

急性冠脉综合征患者血清ACE2、suPAR水平与氧化应激损伤及不良预后的关系

目的 探讨急性冠脉综合征(Acute coronary syndrome, ACS)患者血清血管紧张素转化酶2(Angiotensin converting enzyme 2,ACE2)、可溶性尿激酶型纤溶酶原激活物受体(Soluble urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor, suPAR)与氧化应激损伤及不良预后的关系。方法 选择2019年9月-2022年9月大兴区人民医院收治的125例ACS患者作为ACS组,并选取与之性别、年龄相匹配的50例冠脉造影结果完全正常者作为对照组,比较两组血清ACE2、suPAR及氧化应激指标[丙二醛(Malondialdehyde, MDA)、过氧化脂质(Lipid peroxide, LPO)、超氧化物歧化酶(Superoxide dismutase, SOD)]水平,并分析血清ACE2、suPAR与氧化应激、不良预后的关系。结果 与对照组比较,ACS组ACE2、suPAR、MDA、LPO升高(P<0.05),SOD下降(P<0.05)。轻度病变、中度病变、重度病变患者ACE2、suPAR及冠脉狭窄Gensini评分显著上升(P<0.05)。ACS患者ACE2、suPAR与MDA、LPO、Gensini评分呈正相关(P<0.05),与SOD呈负相关(P<0.05)。与预后良好患者比较,预后不良患者年龄、发病至就诊时间、Gensini评分、ACE2、suPAR、MDA、LPO升高(P<0.05),LVEF、SOD降低(P<0.05)。年龄、发病至就诊时间、Gensini评分、ACE2、suPAR、MDA、LPO是ACS预后不良的危险因素(P<0.05),LVEF、SOD为其保护因素(P<0.05)。血清ACE2联合suPAR预测ACS预后不良的效能较高,其曲线下面积(Area under curve,AUC)为0.894。结论 ACS患者血清ACE2、suPAR高表达与氧化应激损伤、不良预后显著相关。

Effect of Atorvastatin on Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Beta/delta in Angiotensin Ⅱ-induced Hypertrophic Myocardial Cells In Vitro

Objective To explore the effect of atorvastatin on cardiac hypertrophy and to determine the potential mechanism involved. Methods An in vitro cardiomyocyte hypertrophy from neonatal rats was induced with angiotensinⅡ(Ang Ⅱ) stimulation. Before AngⅡ stimulation, the cultured rat cardiac myocytes were pretreated with atorvastatin at different concentrations(0.1, 1, and 10 μmol/L). The following parameters were evaluated: the myocyte surface area, 3H-leucine incorporation into myocytes, m RNA expressions of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, matrix metalloproteinase 9, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and interleukin-1β, m RNA and protein expressions of the δ/β peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR) subtypes. Results It was shown that atorvastatin could ameliorate Ang Ⅱ-induced neonatal cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in the area of cardiomyocytes, 3H-leucine incorporation, and the expression of atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide markedly. Meanwhile, atorvastatin also inhibited the augmented m RNA level of several cytokines in hypertrophic myocytes. Furthermore, the down-regulated expression of PPAR-δ/β at both the m RNA and protein levels in hypertrophic myocytes could be significantly reversed by atorvastatin treatment. Conclusions Atorvastatin could improve AngⅡ-induced cardiac hypertrophy and inhibit the expression of cytokines. Such effect might be partly achieved through activation of the PPAR-δ/β pathway.

维生素D受体敲除诱导AT2R(-/-)小鼠骨骼肌纤维化

目的 探讨血管紧张素2型受体(angiotensin type 2 receptor, AT2R)、维生素D受体(vitamin D receptor, VDR)对小鼠骨骼肌纤维化的潜在调控作用。方法 使用16周龄野生型(wild type, WT)与AT2R(-/-)小鼠,12周龄AT2R(-/-)小鼠与AT2R(-/-)/VDR(-/-)(DKO)小鼠分别进行抓力测试,并对后肢肌肉作湿重系数比、纤维化因子、促纤维化因子表达的检测。结果 (1)与WT相比,虽然AT2R(-/-)小鼠的骨骼肌湿重比无明显差异,但纤维粘连蛋白(FN)、促纤维化因子CTGF、VEGF(P<0.05)、以及MSTN等mRNA水平都有不同程度的下降,Col-IV、TGF-β蛋白表达显著下降(P<0.05),AT2R(-/-)小鼠骨骼肌MSTN的含量显著降低(P<0.05);(2)与AT2R(-/-)小鼠相比,DKO小鼠纤维化指标Col-IV、TGF-β、VEGF蛋白表达均显著升高(P<0.05),肾素(Renin)的蛋白表达显著上调(P<0.05),免疫荧光检测显示DKO小鼠腓肠肌FN的表达强度、阳性面积都明显升高(P<0.05)。结论 AT2R基因敲除小鼠的肌肉纤维化程度减轻,而VDR敲除加重AT2R(-/-)小鼠骨骼肌纤维化,可能与肾素-血管紧张素系统活性升高导致组织纤维化程度增强有关。

AT2R激动剂C21联合ACE2抑制剂对脓毒症大鼠炎症反应的影响

目的探讨血管紧张素Ⅱ-2受体(AT2R)激动剂C21和血管紧张素转换酶2(ACE2)抑制剂联合作用对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的脓毒症大鼠全身炎症反应的影响。方法50只SD大鼠均分为对照组、实验组、治疗组、ACE2抑制组及联合组,除对照组外其余各组大鼠采用腹腔注射LPS构建脓毒症模型,其中治疗组、ACE2抑制组、联合组在注射LPS前分别注射C21、ACE2抑制剂(MLN-4760)及二者联合进行干预;干预结束8 h后,麻醉各组大鼠、取腹主动脉血,采用酶联免疫分析(ELISA)检测血清中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、IL-10、血管紧张素1受体(AT1R)、AT2R、血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)及一氧化氮(NO)水平;取血后处死各组大鼠,取心脏和肾脏样本制作切片,采用HE染色观察心脏和肾脏组织学特征。结果与对照组比较,各组大鼠血清IL-6、IL-10、TNF-α、AngⅡ、AT1R及AT2R升高,实验组、ACE2抑制组、联合组NO升高(P<0.05);与实验组比较,治疗组、ACE2抑制组及联合组大鼠血清中IL-6、TNF-α、AT1R及AngⅡ降低、IL-10升高(P<0.05),治疗组、联合组联合组大鼠血清AT2R升高(P<0.05);与实验组比较,治疗组大鼠血清NO降低(P<0.05),ACE2抑制组NO升高(P<0.05);与治疗组比较,ACE2抑制组及联合组大鼠血清中IL-6、TNF-α、AT1R及NO升高(P<0.05),IL-10、AT2R降低(P<0.05);与ACE2抑制组比较,联合组大鼠血清中IL-6、TNF-α、AngⅡ及NO降低(P<0.05),IL-10、AT2R升高(P<0.05);与对照组比较,治疗组、实验组、ACE2抑制组及联合组大鼠心肌、肾脏细胞中可见炎症细胞浸润明显,但治疗组炎症细胞浸润较少,肾小管空泡变性、炎症细胞浸润较轻。结论AT2R激动剂C21联合ACE2抑制剂可减轻大鼠因高AT1R引起的炎症细胞浸润,其机制可能与血清AT1R、AT2R及AngⅡ影响炎症因子释放有关。