Inhibitory Effect of PPARδAgonist GW501516 on Proliferation of Hypoxia-induced Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells by Regulating the mTOR Pathway

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorδ(PPARδ)agonist GW501516 on the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells(PASMCs)induced by hypoxia,in order to search for new drugs for the treatment and prevention of pulmonary vascular remodeling.Methods PASMCs were incubated with different concentrations of GW501516(10,30,100 nmol/L)under the hypoxic condition.The proliferation was determined by a CCK-8 assay.The cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry.The expression of PPARδ,S phase kinase-associated protein 2(Skp2),and cell cycle-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 was detected by Western blotting.Then PASMCs were treated with 100 nmol/L GW501516,100 nmol/L mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)inhibitor rapamycin and/or 2µmol/L mTOR activator MHY1485 to explore the molecular mechanisms by which GW501516 reduces the proliferation of PASMCs.Results The presented data demonstrated that hypoxia reduced the expression of PPARδin an oxygen concentration-and time-dependent manner,and GW501516 decreased the proliferation of PASMCs induced by hypoxia by blocking the progression through the G0/G1 to S phase of the cell cycle.In accordance with these findings,GW501516 downregulated Skp2 and upregulated p27 in hypoxia-exposed PASMCs.Further experiments showed that rapamycin had similar effects as GW501516 in inhibiting cell proliferation,arresting the cell cycle,regulating the expression of Skp2 and p27,and inactivating mTOR in hypoxia-exposed PASMCs.Moreover,MHY1485 reversed all the beneficial effects of GW501516 on hypoxia-stimulated PASMCs.Conclusion GW501516 inhibited the proliferation of PASMCs induced by hypoxia through blocking the mTOR/Skp2/p27 signaling pathway.

Hypoxia promotes cell proliferation by modulating E2F1 in chicken pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

In this study,we sought to investigate the expression of the transcription factor E2F1 in chicken pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells upon hypoxia exposure,as well as the role that E2F1 played in the regulation of cell proliferation.Isolated chicken pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells were subjected to hypoxia or normoxia for indicated time points.Cell viability,DNA synthesis,cell cycle profile,and expression of E2F1 were analyzed.The results showed that hypoxia promoted cell proliferation and DNA synthesis which was accompanied by an increased S phase entry and upregulation of E2F1 at mRNA and protein levels.Using siRNA technology,we demonstrated that gene inactivation of endogenous E2F1 abolished hypoxia-induced cell proliferation,DNA synthesis,and S phase entry compared with negative siRNA transfected cells.These results suggest that hypoxia-induced proliferation is mediated by inducing E2F1 in chicken pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells.

The inhibitory effect of endogenous opioid peptide on the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

To investigate the effects of endogenous opioid peptides L-enkephalin (L-Enk) and morphine on the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and analyze their mechanism. Methods: Rabbit PASMCs cultured invitro, MTT method and 3 H-TdR incoporation were Used. Results: 1×10-3 -1×10-4 mol/L L-Enk markedly inhibited the proliferation and the DNA synthesis of PALMCs, which could be reversed by naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, while orphineseemed to have no obvious effects on the proliferation and the DNA synthesis of PASMCs. Conclusion: Endogenous opioid peptidecan inhibit the proliferation and DNA synthesis of PASMCs, which is mainly mediated through opioid δ receptor and not opioid μreceptor.

NR4A1 enhances glycolysis in hypoxia-exposed pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells by upregulating HIF-1αexpression

Background:Pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)is a chronic and progressive disease that is strongly associated with dysregulation of glucose metabolism.Alterations in nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1(NR4A1)activity alter the outcome of PAH.This study aimed to investigate the effects of NR4A1 on glycolysis in PAH and its underlying mechanisms.Methods:This study included twenty healthy volunteers and twenty-three PAH patients,and plasma samples were collected from the participants.To mimic the conditions of PAH in vitro,a hypoxia-induced model of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell(PASMC)model was established.The proliferation of PASMCs was assessed using CCK8 assays.Results:Levels of NR4A1,hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),and various glycolysis-related enzymes were measured.In addition,extracellular glucose and lactate production were assessed.The interaction between NR4A1 and HIF-1αwas evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation assays.Levels of NR4A1 and HIF-1αwas increased in PAH patients,and exposure to hypoxia resulted in increased levels of NR4A1 and HIF-1αin PASMCs.NR4A1 interacted with HIF-1α.NR4A1 overexpression enhanced hypoxia-induced expression of HIF-1α,GLUT1,PKM2,HK2,and CD36,decreased glucose levels,increased lactate levels and promoted hypoxic PASMC viability.Conversely,silencing NR4A1 decreased hypoxia-induced expression of HIF-1α,GLUT1,PKM2,HK2,and CD36,promoted glucose production,reduced lactate levels and inhibited hypoxic PASMC viability.Furthermore,overexpression of HIF-1αreversed the regulation of glycolysis caused by NR4A1 knockdown.Conclusion:NR4A1 enhances glycolysis in hypoxia-induced PASMCs by upregulating HIF-1α.Our findings indicate that the management of NR4A1 activity may be a promising strategy for PAH therapy.

Iptakalim, a novel ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener, inhibits pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation by downregulation of PKC-α

Iptakalim is a new ATP-sensitive potassium （KATp） channel opener, and it inhibits the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） and pulmonary vascular remodeling. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we found that iptakalim significantly decreased pulmonary artery pressure, inhibited pulmonary ariery remodeling and PKC-α overexpression in chronic hypoxia in a rat pulmonary hypertension model. Iptakalim reduced hypoxia-induced expression of PKC-α, and abolished the effect of hypoxia on PASMC proliferation significantly in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, these effects were abol- ished by glibenclamide, a selective KArp channel antagonist. These results indicate that iptakalim inhibits PASMC proliferation and pulmonary vascular remodeling induced by hypoxia through downregulating the expression of PKC-α. Iptakalim can serve as a novel promising treatment for hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.

The Effect of Erigeron Breviscapus on Proliferation of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells in Hypoxic Porcines

In order to study the effect of Erigeron Breviscapus (EB) on proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) in hypoxic porcines, immunohistochemical and MTT methods were employed to measure the proliferation of PASMC. It was found that the proliferation of PASMC in porcines was obvious, and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was significantly high within 48 h after exposure to hypoxia. The EB could inhibit the proliferation and the expression of PCNA in PASMC under hypoxia, but it had no effect on the proliferation and expression of PCNA in PASMC under normal condition. The EB could inhibit the proliferation and the expression of PCNA in PASMC induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an agonist of PKC in normal and hypoxic conditions. It was concluded that the hypoxia could enhance the proliferation and expression of PCNA in PASMC. The EB can inhibit the proliferation and expression of PCNA in PASMC under hypoxia through PKC-signal way. The EB may be used in treating the pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting the proliferation of PASMC and the pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Effects of calcium-activated chloride channels on proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in rats under chronic hypoxic condition

Objective：To investigate the effects of calcium-activated chloride （ClCa） channels on proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells（PASMCs） in rats under chronic hypoxic condition. Methods：The cultured PASMCs were placed under normoxic and chronic hypoxic conditions：The cells were observed by light and electron microscope; The cell cycles were observed by flow-cytometry; Immunocytochemistry staining was used to detect the expressions of PCNA, c-fos and c-jun of PASMCs; Cytoplasmic free Ca^2＋ concentration （[Ca^2＋]i） in PASMCs was investigated by fluorescent quantitation using fluorospectrophotometer. Results：The PASMCs were contractile phenotype under normoxic conditions. Observation by transmission electron microscope： In kytoplasm of contractile phenotype cells, myofilament bundles were abundant and the content of cell organs such as Golgi＇s bodies were rare. The PASMCs were synthetic phenotype under chronic hypoxic condition. There were increased free ribosomes, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulums, highly developed Golgi complexes, decreased or disappeared thick filaments and dense body in kytoplasm of synthetic phenotype cells. After NFA and IAA-94, the situations were reversed The number of S ＋G2M PASMCs were significantly increased in chronic hypoxic condition; The NFA and IAA-94 were shown to significantly decrease them from （28.6±1.0）% to （16.0±1.6）% and the number of G0G1 PASMCs significantly increased from （71.4± 1.9）% to （83.9 ± 1.6）% （P〈 0.01）. In chronic hypoxic conditions, the expression of proliferating cell nucleus antigen was significantly increased; The NFA and IAA-94 were shown to significantly decrease it from （81 ± 6）% to （27 ± 7）%（P 〈 0.01）. The expression of c-fos and c-jun were significantly increased in＇chronic hypoxic conditions; The NFA and IAA-94 were shown to significantly decrease them from 0.15 ±0.02, 0.32 ± 0.05 to 0.05 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.05, respectively （P〈 0.01）; Under chronic hypoxic conditions, [Ca^2＋]i was increased; The NFA and IAA-94 decreased it from （281.8±16,5）nmol/L to （117.7 ± 15.4）nmol/L（P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion：Hypoxia initiated the change of PASMCs from contractile to synthetic phenotype and increased proliferation of PASMCs. NFA and IAA-94 depressed cell proliferation by blocking ClCa channels in hypoxic condition. These may play an important role in proliferation of PASMCs under chronic hypoxic conditions.

Involvement of TRPC1 and Cyclin D1 in Human Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells Proliferation Induced by Cigarette Smoke Extract

Cigarette smoking contributes to the development of pulmonary artery hypertension(PAH).As the basic pathological change of PAH,pulmonary vascular remodeling is considered to be related to the abnormal proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells(PASMCs).However,the molecular mechanism underlying this process remains not exactly clear.The aim of this research was to study the molecular mechanism of PASMCs proliferation induced by smoking.Human PASMCs(HPASMCs)were divided into 6 groups:0%(control group),cigarette smoking extract(CSE)-treated groups at concentrations of 0.5%,1%,2%,5%,10%CSE respectively.HPASMCs proliferation was observed after 24 h.HPASMCs were divided into two groups:0(control group),0.5%CSE group.The mRNA and protein expression levels of transient receptor potential channel 1(TRPC1)and cyclin D1 in HPASMCs after CSE treatment were respectively detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.The intracellular calcium ion concentration was measured by the calcium probe in each group.In the negative control group and TRPC1-siRNA transfection group,the proliferation of HPASMCs and the expression of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein were detected.Data were compared with one-way ANOVA(for multiple-group comparison)and independent t-test(for two-group comparison)followed by the least significant difference(LSD)test with the computer software SPSS 17.0.It was found that 0.5%and 1%CSE could promote the proliferation of HPASMCs(P<0.05),and the former was more effective than the latter(P<0.05),while 3%and above CSE had inhibitory effect on HPASMCs(P<0.05).The mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPC1 and cyclin D1 in 0.5%and 1%CSE groups were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05),while those in 3%CSE group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Moreover,the proliferation of HPASMCs and the expression of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein in TRPC1-siRNA transfection group were significantly reduced as compared with those in the negative control group(P<0.05).It was concluded that low concentration of CSE can promote the proliferation of HPASMCs,while high concentrations of CSE inhibit HPASMCs proliferation.These findings suggested that CSE induced proliferation of HPASMCs at least in part via TRPC1-mediated cyclin D1 expression.

Hypoxia Down-regulates Secretion of MMP-2, MMP-9 in Porcine Pulmonary Artery Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells and the Role of HIF-1

Summary： Primary cell culture, techniques of gene transfection, gelatin zymography, and Western blot were used to investigate the effect of hypoxia on the secretion of MMP 2 and MMP-9 in pulmonary artery endothelial cells （PAEC） and smooth muscle cells （PASMC）, and the role of HIF-1. Our results showed that （1） after exposure to hypoxia for 24 h, the protein content and activity of MMP-2 in the PAEC medium as well as these of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PASMC medium （P〈0. 01 ） decreased significantly in contrast to those in normoxic group （P（0.05） ; （2） after transfection of wild type EPO3＇ enhancer, a HIF-1 decoy, the content and activity of MMP 2 and MMP-9 in hypoxic mediums became higher than those in normoxic group （P〈0. 01）, while transfection of mutant EPO3＇-enhancer didn＇t affect the hypoxia-induced down-regulation. It is concluded that hypoxia could inhibit the secretion and activity of MMP 2 and MMP-9 in PAEC and PASMC, which could he mitigated by the transfection of EPO3 ＇-enhancer and that H1F-1 pathway might contribute to hypoxia-induced down regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

EFFECT OF HYPOXIA ON DNA SYNTHESIS AND C－MYC GENE EXPRESSION OF PULMONARY ARTERY SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS

The neonate is particularly susceptible to the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. The present study was undertaken to observe the effect of hypoxia on DNA synthesis and c-myc gene expression between newborn calf and adult bovine PASMC in vilro. DNA synthesis measured by 3H- TdR incorporation was increased after hypoxic challenge for 24h. Hypoxia enhanced the increment in 3H-TdR incorporation induced by EGF. Northern blot analysis revealed that PASMC cultured in both normoxia and hypoxia expressed c- myc gene transcript of 2. 2Kb ,but there is a higher 2. 2Kb mRNA expression in hypoxic PASMC than that in normoxia. We speculate that newborn calf PASMC exhibited potential response to hypoxia than adult,which was augmented by EGF. Enhanced c-myc gene expression may lead to a great understanding of the mechanism of PASMC growth in the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Effects of NHE-1 ribozyme gene transfection on apoptosis of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in vitro

Objective : To investigate the effects of the transfection of NHE-1 ribozyme gene on the apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) in vitro. Methods: After NHE-1 ribozyme gene was designed, synthesized and then cloned into plasmid pLXSN, the recombined plasmid was tansfected into cultured rat PASMC. Expression of NHE-1 mRNA was detected with semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Intracellular pH (pHi) was measured by using fluorescence dye BCECF-AM. Cell cycle was measured with aid of flow cy-tometric DNA analysis. Cell apoptosis was observed with electron microscopy and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNED respectively. Results: The NHE-1 mRNA expression level and pHi value were significantly lower in PASMCs transfected with NHE-1 ribozyme gene than those transfected with pLXSN or without transfection. Meanwhile, the apoptosis rate of cells transfected with NHE-1 ribozyme gene was increased significantly. Morphology of cell apoptosis was observed in the cells transfected with NHE-1 ribozyme gene under an electron microscope. Conclusion: The transfection of NHE-1 ribozyme gene induces the apoptosis of PASMCs by inhibiting NHE-1 expression and intracellular acidification.

DL0805 derivatives protect the pulmonary arterial cells via the RhoA/ROCK pathway

OBJECTIVE Pulmonary artery hypertension(PAH)is a severe disease characterized by the mean pulmonary artery pressure exceeding 25 mm Hg at rest.PAH could induce right heart failure and has a very high mortality rate.At present,several kinds of drugs have been used in the treatment of PAH.However,most of these drugs aim to relax pulmonary arteries and do not inhibit the injury of vessels.In other words,the drugs available for PAH treatment do not improve the survival rate of PAH patients and cannot satisfy the needs in clinic.To discover and develop novel candidate compounds effective on the treatment of pulmonary artery injury and remodeling will be very important.Based on these background,the present study aimed to study the protective effect of two novel Rho-kinases(Rho-associated coiledcoil forming protein serine/threonine kinase,ROCK)inhibitors,DL0805 derivatives(DL0805-1and DL0805-2),on pulmonary arterial cells and further evaluate the underlying mechanisms and the possibility of DL0805 derivatives become therapeutic drugs for PAH.METHODS The primary cultured pulmonary arterial cells including human pulmonary artery endothelium cells(HPAECs)and human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells(HPASMCs)were used in this study.HPAECs were injured under hypoxia environment(1%O2)and treated with or without DL0805 derivatives.After 48 h,the proliferation and oxidative stress were observed.CCK8 was used to detect cell viability.DCFH-DA was used as probe for reactive oxygen species(ROS)under fluorescence imaging system.HPASMCs was stimulated by growth factors including platelet-derived growth factor-BB(PDGF-BB)and Fetal Bovine Serum(FBS).The proliferation was observed in the cells treated with or without DL0805 derivatives.HPASMCs treated with or without DL0805 derivatives were further incubated with endothelin(ET-1),the proliferation and cytoskeleton remodeling of cells were detected by immunofluorescence assay.At last,Western blotting(WB)and immunofluorescence assay were employed to analysis the underlying mechanisms in the above experiments.RESULTS 10μmol·L-1DL0805-2 could inhibit the proliferation of HPAECs induced by hypoxia.Each concentration of DL0805-1 and DL0805-2attenuated the production of ROS in HPAECs.Results from WB indicated that DL0805 derivatives decreased the injury of HPAECs induced by hypoxia through the inhibition of the expression of Rho A and the activity of ROCK.On HPASMCs,DL0805 derivatives reduced the proliferation induced by PDGF-BB and FBS and inhibited cytoskeleton remodeling induced by ET-1.Immunofluorescence assay showed that DL0805 derivatives inhibited ROCK activity and down regulated the phosphorylation levels of ROCK substrates.CONCLUSION DL0805derivatives exhibited protective effect on pulmonary arterial cells including endothelium cells and smooth muscle cells.Among the above experiments,DL0805-2 showed stronger potency than DL0805-1.These two compounds might protect the cells through the inhibition of Rho A/ROCK pathway and they probably have the potential in the treatment of PAH and deserve further evaluation.

Effect of inhibiting miR-155 expression on proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cell in patients with COPD

Objective:To investigate the effect of inhibiting miR-155 expression on the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells(ASMCs)in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods:ASMCs were isolated and cultured from 8 patients with COPD(observation group)and 3 patients with benign lung cancer without COPD(control group).The ASMCs were transfected with miR-155 suppression expression plasmid(to detect the expression of miR-155;flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycler of cell clones;Transwell was used to detect cell migration and invasion;Enzyme-linked immunosorbent aanti-miR-155)and the negative contre;clone formation experiment was used to detect the numbol plasmid(anti-miR-NC),and blank control group was set.Real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was usedssay(ELISA)method was used to detect tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)level.Results:The expression level of miR-155 in ASMCs of observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The miR-155 expression level in inhibited miR-155 expression group was significantly lower,compared with the negative control group and the blank group(P<0.05).In the inhibited miR-155 expression group,the proportion of G0-G1 phase cells was increased,the proportion of S phase cells was decreased,the number of cell clones,migration,and the number of invasive cells were decreased,and the levels of TNF-αand IL-6 were increased(P<0.05).Conclusions:Inhibiting the expression of miR-155 can inhibit the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells in COPD patients,and inhibit the release of proinflammatory factors.

An AMPK paradox in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a heterotrimeric serine-threonine kinase important as a metabolic sensor for intracellular ATP levels and plays a key role in regulating cell survival and proliferation, particularly when cells are exposed to hypoxia. AMPK is critical for lung function, and abnormal AMPK signaling participates in many lung diseases. Recent studies suggest that both inhibition and activation of AMPK are preventive for the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the molecular mechanisms by which inhibition or activation of AMPK affects pulmonary hypertension (PH) appear to be distinct. Inhibition of AMPK by compound C blocks hypoxia-induced autophagy and induces apoptosis in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, leading to prevention of PAH;activation of AMPK by metformin attenuates the PH phenotype induced by hypoxia by regulating endothelial cell function. These seemingly opposing data on the function of AMPK in PH can be partly explained by off-target and compartment-specific effects of AMPK inhibitors and activators and the differentiated expression of AMPK in various cell types and subcellular locations. To elucidate the specific roles of AMPK in the pathogenesis of PAH, it is important to study the role of AMPK in a tissue specific manner combining genetic and biochemical approaches.

Effects of superoxide anion on intracellular Ca^(2+) concentration in rabbit pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

目的：研究超氧阴离子对兔肺动脉平滑肌细胞内钙的影响．方法：采用Ｆｕｒａ２测定酶分离的兔肺动脉平滑肌细胞内钙．结果：ＡＴＰ３０μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１诱导平滑肌细胞内钙瞬时性增加．Ｔｈａｐｓｉｇａｒｇｉｎ引起平滑肌细胞内钙缓慢的增加．超氧阴离子作用于平滑肌细胞后，使ＡＴＰ诱导细胞内钙增加的持续相升高，在ＡＴＰ作用后５和１０ｍｉｎ的比值（Δｒａｔｉｏ５ｍｉｎ和Δｒａｔｉｏ１０ｍｉｎ）分别由００９１±００２２和００２１±００２０升高至０１４９±００４８和０１１７±００４７．但超氧阴离子对ｔｈａｐｓｉｇａｒｇｉｎ诱导的细胞内钙变化没有明显的影响．结论：超氧阴离子延迟ＡＴＰ诱导的平滑肌细胞内钙瞬时性增加，而不影响钙的泄漏途径．

Effect of cigarette smoke extract on proliferation of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and the relevant roles of protein kinase C

Background Increased proliferation of pulmonary vascular cells and muscularisation of pulmonary vessels are frequently observed in human smokers and in animals exposed to cigarette smoke. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms leading to these changes, we studied the in vitro effect of cigarette smoke extract （CSE） on proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） and activation of protein kinase C （PKC）, an important kinase implicated in cell proliferation. Methods PASMCs cultured from 12 normal Wistar rats were studied in the following conditions： （1） PASMCs were exposed to different concentrations of CSE for 24 hours, then MTT colorimetric assay was used for detection of cell proliferation. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion. （2） PASMCs were pre-incubated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate （PMA） for 24 hours or Ro31-8220 for 30 minutes before exposure to 5% CSE for 24 hours. Cell proliferation was examined by MTT colorimetric assay, cell cycle analysis and proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） immunocytochemical staining. （3） PASMCs were exposed to 5% CSE for 24 hours. Then PKC-a mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT- PCR） and protein expression by Western blotting, while PKC-α translocation was observed by immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. （4） PASMCs were transfected with specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against PKC-a 6 hours before exposure to 5% CSE for 24 hours. PKC-α protein expression and cell proliferation were detected by methods described previously. Results （1） Low concentration of CSE （5%） increased proliferation of PASMCs, whereas high concentrations （20%, 30%） were inhibitory as a result of cytotoxicity. （2） The value of absorbance （Value A）, proliferation index （PI）, S-phase cell fraction （SPF） and average optical density of PCNA staining in PASMCs from 5% CSE exposure group （0.306 ± 0.033, 0.339 ± 0.033, 0.175 ± 0.021, 0.315 ± 0.038, respectively） were significantly increased compared with those of control group （0.249 ± 0.018, 0.177 ± 0.055, 0.092 ± 0.023, 0.187 ± 0.022, respectively） （P〈0.05）. PKC down-regulation by PMA pretreatment or PKC inhibition by Ro31-8220 pre-incubation abolished the effect of 5% CSE on PASMCs proliferation. （3） After exposure to 5% CSE for 24 hours, PKC-α mRNA and protein expression in PASMCs （1.054 ± 0.078 1.185 ± 0.041, respectively） were much higher than in untreated cells （0.573 ± 0.054, 0.671 ± 0.055, respectively） （P〈0.01）. Moreover, 5% CSE induced a translocation of PKC-a from cytoplasm toward the perinuclear area and into the nucleus. （4） Specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against PKC-a reduced 5% CSE-induced expression of PKC-a protein （0.713 ± 0.047 vs 1.180 ± 0.056）, also abolished the effect of 5% CSE on PASMCs proliferation significantly. Conclusions CSE can be cytotoxic at high concentrations. But at low concentrations, it makes a mitogenic effect on cultured PASMCs. PKC, especially its alpha isozyme, seems to play an important role in CSE-induced proliferation of PASMC.

Focal adhesion kinase antisense oligodeoxynucleotides inhibit human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells proliferation and promote human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells apoptosis

Background Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation plays an important role in pulmonary vessel structural remodelling At present, the mechanisms related to proliferation of PASMCs are not clear Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a widely expressed nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase Recent research indicates that FAK is implicated in signalling pathways which regulate cytoskeletal organization, adhesion, migration, survival and proliferation of cells Furthermore, there are no reports about the role of FAK in human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) We investigated whether FAK takes part in the intracellular signalling pathway involved in HPASMCs proliferation and apoptosis, by using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) to selectively suppress the expression of FAK protein Methods Cultured HPASMCs stimulated by fibronectin (40 μg/ml) were passively transfected with ODNs, sense FAK, mismatch sense and antisense FAK respectively Expression of FAK, Jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK), cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK 2) and caspase 3 proteins were detected by immunoprecipitation and Western blots Cell cycle and cell apoptosis were analysed by flow cytometry In addition, cytoplasmic FAK expression was detected by immunocytochemical staining Results When compared with mismatch sense group, the protein expressions of FAK, JNK and CDK 2 in HPASMCs decreased in antisense FAK ODNs group and increased in sense FAK ODNs group significantly Caspase 3 expression upregulated in HPASMCs when treated with antisense ODNs and downregulated when treated with sense ODNs When compared with mismatch sense ODNs group, the proportion of cells at G 1 phase decreased significantly in sense ODNs group, while the proportion of cells at S phase increased significantly In contrast, compared with mismatch sense ODNs group, the proportion of cells at G 1 phase was increased significantly in antisense FAK ODNs group The level of cell apoptosis in antisense FAK group was higher than in the mismatch sense group and the latter was higher than sense FAK group In addition, the sense FAK ODNs group was strongly stained by immunocytochemistry, whereas the antisense FAK ODNs group was weakly stained Conclusions The results suggest that FAK relates to the proliferation of HPASMCs Antisense FAK ODNs inhibit HPASMCs proliferation and facilitate their apoptosis It is possible that FAK via JNK, CDK 2 signalling pathways enhances HPASMCs proliferation and via caspase 3 inhibits HPASMCs apoptosis

Effect of Yifei Huoxue Granule (益肺活血颗粒) on the Proliferation of Rat Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells upon Exposure to Chronic Hypoxic Conditions in Vitro

Objective： To investigate the inhibitory effect of Yifei Huoxue Granule （益肺活血颗粒, YFHXG） on the hypoxia-induced proliferation of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） and its mechanism of decreasing pulmonary arterial pressure. Methods： Twenty male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into four groups： saline, and 0.66, 3.30 and 16.50 g/kg of YFHXG groups, the saline and different concentrations of YFHXG were given twice daily for 7 days, respectively. Serum-pharmacology method was used in the preparation of YFHXG serum. Tissue block anchorage was employed in the primary culture of rat PASMCs. The PASMCs were randomly divided into normoxia group, hypoxia group, and hypoxia＋YFHXG group （0.66, 3.30 and 16.50 g/kg doses of YFHXG-treated serum groups, exposed to hypoxic condition）. PASMCs in normoxia and hypoxia group were cultured with saline serum, hypoxia＋YFHXG groups were cultured with different concentrations of YFHXG serum. Cell viability was assessed with 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay. Cell cycle was analyzed using flow cytometry. In addition, hypoxia inducible factor-l-alpha （HIF-1α） protein expression was evaluated by immunocytochemistry analysis, the concentration of intracellular reactive oxygen species （ROS） and Ca2＋ were determined by laser scanning confocal microscopy （LSCM）. Results： MTT assay and flow cytometry showed that hypoxia could directly activate the proliferation of PASMCs, while YFHXG dose-dependently inhibited hypoxia-induced proliferation of rat PASMCs. Immunocytochemistry showed that hypoxia enhanced HIF-1α protein expression, and LSCM showed that hypoxia significantly increased intracellular ROS and Ca2., while YFHXG decreased the expression of HIF- 1α and attenuated the hypoxia-induced increase in intracellular concentration of ROS and Ca2＋. Conclusions： YFHXG could inhibit hypoxia-induced proliferation of rat PASMCs, which may decrease pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular remodeling. The anti-hypoxia effect of YFHXG may be explained by its regulation of HIF- 1 α expression and of the levels of intracellular ROS and Ca2＋.

虎杖苷调节YAP1/TAZ信号通路对缺氧性肺动脉高压新生大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞增殖与凋亡的影响

目的 探究虎杖苷(PD)对缺氧性肺动脉高压(HPH)新生大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞(PASMCs)增殖与凋亡的影响及其作用机制。方法 将新生大鼠随机分为6组:对照组、模型组、PD低剂量组、PD中剂量组、PD高剂量组、PD高剂量+Hippo通路抑制剂(PD高剂量+XMU-MP-1)组,每组10只。缺氧2周后,检测各组大鼠右心室收缩压(RVSP)和右心室肥厚指数(RVHI),苏木精-伊红(HE)染色观察肺组织病理学变化,并计算肺动脉管壁厚度占总厚度的百分比(WT%)和管壁面积占总面积的百分比(WA%)。分离各组新生大鼠PASMCs,分为NC组、低氧(Hypoxia)组、PD低剂量组、PD中剂量组、PD高剂量组、PD高剂量+XMU-MP-1组。CCK-8和EdU检测细胞增殖,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡,免疫印迹(Western blot)检测肺组织和PASMCs中Yes相关蛋白1(YAP1)、PDZ结合域的转录共刺激因子信号通路(TAZ)、哺乳动物不育系20样激酶1(MST1)、B细胞淋巴瘤-2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关蛋白(Bax)蛋白表达。结果 与对照组相比,模型组大鼠肺动脉管壁明显增厚,管腔变窄,RVSP、RVHI、WT%、WA%、YAP1、MST1、TAZ蛋白表达显著升高(均P<0.05);与模型组相比,PD低、中、高剂量组大鼠肺动脉增厚减少,管腔变大,RVSP、RVHI、WT%、WA%、YAP1、MST1、TAZ蛋白表达显著降低,且PD各组间差异存在剂量依赖性(均P<0.05);XMU-MP-1可逆转这一结果。与NC组相比,Hypoxia组细胞A_(450nm)值、EdU阳性率、YAP1、MST1、TAZ、Bcl-2蛋白表达显著升高,凋亡率、Bax蛋白表达显著降低(均P<0.05);与Hypoxia组相比,PD低、中、高剂量组细胞A_(450nm)值、EdU阳性率、YAP1、MST1、TAZ、Bcl-2蛋白表达显著降低,凋亡率、Bax表达显著升高,且PD各组间有剂量依赖性(均P<0.05);XMU-MP-1可逆转这一结果。结论 PD可能通过抑制YAP1/TAZ信号通路抑制HPH新生大鼠PASMCs增殖,促进凋亡。

Nrf2调控的氧化应激在Adropin抑制低氧肺动脉平滑肌细胞增殖中的作用研究

目的 观察Adropin对低氧诱导的SD大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞(PASMCs)增殖及氧化应激的影响,并探讨其可能机制。方法 以1%的O_(2)作为诱导剂,建立PASMCs增殖及氧化应激的细胞模型,通过活性氧(ROS)激活剂H_(2)O_(2),抗氧化剂N-乙酰半胱氨酸(NAC)及不同浓度Adropin(100、300、1000 nmol·L^(-1))干预24 h后,检测细胞增殖及ROS,筛选Adropin抑制增殖及氧化应激的最适浓度。选择1000 nmol·L^(-1) Adropin和/或核因子E2相关因子2(Nfr2)抑制剂ML385在低氧条件下孵育PASMCs 24 h,并设置Nrf2激活剂富马酸二甲酯(DMF)作为阳性对照组,通过CCK-8试剂盒检测细胞增殖;DCFH-DA探针联合荧光酶标仪测定细胞内ROS的水平;试剂盒检测细胞内超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPx)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、丙二醛(MDA)的水平;流式细胞仪检测细胞周期;Western blot检测Nrf2、细胞周期蛋白(Cyclin)D1、Cyclin E的表达。结果 与对照组相比较,H_(2)O_(2)及低氧均能够诱导PASMCs增殖及ROS生成,而不同浓度的Adropin(100、300、1000nmol·L^(-1))和NAC均可抑制低氧诱导的PASMCs增殖及ROS产生,且Adropin抑制增殖及ROS产生具有浓度依赖性。与低氧组相比较,DMF或Adropin(1000 nmol·L^(-1))干预后,PASMCs增殖及细胞内ROS水平下降,SOD、GPx、CAT活性增加,MDA水平下降,Nrf2表达上调(P<0.05),而ML385能够逆转Adropin的上述作用(P<0.05);DMF或Adropin能够通过抑制Cyclin D1与Cyclin E的表达,阻滞细胞周期于G_(0)/G_(1)期,从而抑制PASMCs增殖(P<0.05),而ML385能够逆转Adropin上述作用(P<0.05)。结论 Adropin可通过抑制氧化应激抑制低氧诱导的PASMCs增殖,其机制可能与激活Nrf2有关。