The crosstalk between endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells during low shear stress:a proteomic-based approach

Instruction Shear stress,caused by the parallel frictional drag force of blood flow,is a biomechanical force which plays an important role in the control of blood vessels growth and functions [1]. Clinical researches had found out that atherosclerotic le-

Increased serum TREM-1 level is associated with in-stent restenosis,and activation of TREM-1 promotes inflammation,proliferation and migration in vascular smooth muscle cells

Background and Objective In-stent restenosis(ISR)remains a major limitation of percutaneous coronary intervention despite improvements in stent design and pharmacological agents,whereas the mechanism of ISR has not been fully clarified.In the present study,we sought to investigate the potential association of serum soluble TREM-1(sTREM-1)levels with the incidence of ISR.The role of TREM-1 was evaluated in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs).

High glucose decreases the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Objective：ATP-binding cassette transporters（ABC） A1 and G1 play an important role in mediating cholesterol efflux and preventing macrophage foam cell formation. In this study, we examined the regulation of ABC transporters by high glucose in human vascular smooth muscle cells（VSMCs）, the other precursor of foam cells. Methods：Incubation of human VSMCs with D-glucose（5 to 30 mM） for 1 to 7 days in the presence or absence of antioxidant and nuclear factor（NF）- κ B inhibitors, the expressions of ABCA1 and ABCG1 were analyzed by real time PCR and Western blotting. Results：High glucose decreased ABCG1 mRNA and protein expression in cultured VSMCs, whereas the expression of ABCA1 was not significantly decreased. Down-regulation of ABCG1 mRNA expression by high glucose was abolished by antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine（NAC） and NF- κ B inhibitors, BAY 11-7085 and tosyl-phenylalanine chloromethyl-ketone（TPCK）. Conclusion：High glucose suppresses the expression of ABCG1 in VSMCs, which is the possible mechanism of VSMC derived foam cell transformation.

Influence of Stent Implantation on the Expression of PCNA and Apoptosis in Injured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Objectives To evaluate the impact of stent implantation on proliferation and apop-tosis in injured media vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and to explore the mechanism of restenosis after stent implantation. Methods Fifty male New Zealand rabbits were randomized into two groups, including balloon group and stent group. Control group was set up. The samples were harvested on 3, 7, 14, 28, 56 days after operation and the following investigation was carried out: (1) Assessing the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) of media VSMC by the method of immunohistochemistry; (2) Analyzing apoptosis of media VSMC by DNA agarose gel electrophoresis and TUNEL technique. Results The expression of PCNA and apoptosis in stent and balloon groups were markedly increased compared with control groups. (1) Stent group induced significant increased expression of PCNA in the media VSMC compared with balloon group on 3 to 28 days. On day 7, the positive rates of PCNA were 24. 36±0. 55 % vs 18. 74±1. 09 % ( P < 0. 01 ); (2) From 3 to 28 days, stent group appeared obvious DNA ladder, while balloon group only had little trace ; (3) TUNEL method showed that stent group induced much more significant apoptosis than that of balloon group on 3 to 28 days. The highest rate of apoptosis appeared on day 7: 12. 42 ±1.13% vs 5. 54±0.53% (P<0. 01); (4) By calculating the ratio of the positive rate of PCNA to apoptosis, it showed that on 3 to 28 days, the ratio of balloon group was higher than that of stent group. There was obvious difference between two groups. Conclusions Stent group induces augmented proliferation and much more significant apoptosis of media VSMC than that of balloon group. It makes the ratio of proliferation to apotosis reduced and the severity of restenosis relieved after stent implantation.

Vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation－2010

Vascular smooth muscle cells have attracted considerable interest as a model for a flexible program of gene expression.This cell type arises throughout the embryo body plan via poorly understood signaling cascades that direct the expression of transcription factors and microRNAs which,in turn,orchestrate the activation of contractile genes collectively defining this cell lineage.The discovery of myocardin and its close association with serum response factor has represented a major break-through for the molecular understanding of vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation.Retinoids have been shown to improve the outcome of vessel wall remodeling following injury and have provided further insights into the molecular circuitry that defines the vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype.This review summarizes the progress to date in each of these areas of vascular smooth muscle cell biology.

枸橼酸镁对慢性肾衰竭环境下氧化应激的抑制作用

目的探讨枸橼酸镁(magnesium citrate,MgCit)抑制慢性肾衰竭(chronic renal failure,CRF)环境下氧化应激的作用。方法SD大鼠分为CRF模型组、MgCit组(375、750 mg/kg),另设正常对照组、MgCit对照组(750 mg/kg);透射电镜观察大鼠胸大动脉血管平滑肌细胞(vascular smooth muscle cells,VSMCs)中线粒体形态;利用试剂盒检测大鼠主动脉和血浆中超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)和丙二醛(malonaldehyde,MDA)的含量。培养VSMCs并分为正常对照组、CRF模型组、MgCit组(1.5、3 mmol/L),流式细胞仪定量检测细胞超氧化物阴离子(dihydroethidium,DHE)和细胞凋亡情况。结果与对照组相比,模型组大鼠胸大动脉VSMCs线粒体肿胀,嵴断裂或消失;MgCit干预能减轻线粒体肿胀,未见嵴断裂;模型组大鼠主动脉和血浆SOD水平降低(P<0.05),MDA水平升高(P<0.05);MgCit干预能增加主动脉和血浆SOD水平,并降低MDA水平(P<0.05)。CRF环境下即CRF模型组VSMCs的DHE含量升高,凋亡增加(P<0.05);MgCit干预能降低DHE含量,并抑制凋亡(P<0.05)。结论MgCit抑制CRF大鼠和VSMCs的氧化应激水平。

心血管纳米医学在血管平滑肌细胞中的应用

血管平滑肌细胞(vascular smooth muscle cell, VSMC)具有调节血管紧张性和维持血管形态的功能,其功能障碍与心血管疾病的发生、发展密切相关。纳米医学(nanomedicine)是指纳米材料在医学中的应用,因其能够克服传统治疗方式存在的药理学局限,如药物选择性差、生物利用度低等问题,被广泛应用于心血管疾病、肿瘤等的诊断和治疗。本文基于VSMC在心血管系统的关键作用和纳米医学在传统给药系统中的优化作用,概述了VSMC表型转换异常、恶性增殖和迁移引发心血管疾病的病理机制,总结了靶向改善VSMC功能来治疗心血管疾病的纳米应用,如靶向药物递送、自身靶向干预和组织工程支架制备等,最后讨论了心血管纳米医学面临的挑战和未来发展的方向,以期为预防和治疗心血管疾病提供潜在方案。

Effects of rosuvastatin on the production and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and migration of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells induced by homocysteine

Objective： To test the influence of homocysteine on the production and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 （MMP-2） and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-2 （TIMP-2） and on cell migration of cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs）. Also, to explore whether rosuvastatin can alter the abnormal secretion and activation of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 and migration of VSMCs induced by homocysteine. Methods： Rat VSMCs were incubated with different concentrations of homocysteine （50-5000 μmol/L）. Western blotting and gelatin zymography were used to investigate the expressions and activities of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in VSMCs in culture medium when induced with homocysteine for 24, 48, and 72 h. Transwell chambers were employed to test the migratory ability of VSMCs when incubated with homocysteine for 48 h. Different concentrations of rosuvastatin （10^-9-10^-5 mol/L） were added when VSMCs were induced with 1 000 pmol/L homocysteine. The expressions and activities of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were examined after incubating for 24, 48, and 72 h, and the migration of VSMCs was also examined after incubating for 48 h. Results： Homocysteine （50-1000 μmol/L） increased the production and activation of MMP-2 and expression of TIMP-2 in a dose-dependent manner. However, when incubated with 5000 pmol/L homocysteine, the expression of MMP-2 was up-regulated, but its activity was down-regulated. Increased homocysteine-induced production and ac- tivation of MMP-2 were reduced by rosuvastatin in a dose-dependent manner whereas secretion of TIMP-2 was not significantly altered by rosuvastatin. Homocysteine （50-5000 μmol/L） stimulated the migration of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner, but this effect was eliminated by rosuvastatin. Conclusions： Homocysteine （50-1000 μmol/L） significantly increased the production and activation of MMP-2, the expression of TIMP-2, and the migration of VSMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Additional extracellular rosuvastatin can decrease the excessive expression and acti- vation of MMP-2 and abnormal migration of VSMCs induced by homocysteine.

A new cerebroside and its anti-proliferation effect on VSMCs from the radix of Cyperus rotundus L.

A new cerebroside,1-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-(2S,3R,4E,8Z)-2-[(2′R)-2’-hydroxylignoceranoylamino]-4,8-tetradecene-3- diol was isolated from the 60%EtOH extract of traditional Chinese medical plant Cyperus rotundus L.Its structure was determined on the basis of spectroscopic data.This new compound showed anti-proliferation effect on vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs).

Parthenolide inhibits proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells through induction of G_0/G_1 phase cell cycle arrest

Objective： This study is to determine the effect of the natural product parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from extracts of the herb Tanacetum parthenium, on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs）. Methods： Rat aortic VSMCs were isolated and cultured in vitro, and treated with different concentrations ofparthenolide （l 0, 20 and 30 μmol/L）. [^3H]thymidine incorporation was used as an index of cell proliferation. Cell cycle progression and distribution were determined by flow cytometric analysis. Furthermore, the expression of several regulatory proteins relevant to VSMC proliferation including IκBα, cyclooxygenase-2 （Cox-2）, p21, and p27 was examined to investigate the potential molecular mechanism. Results： Treatment with parthenolide significantly decreased the [^3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA by 30%-56% relative to control values in a dose-dependent manner （P〈0.05）. Addition of parthenolide also increased cell population at G0/G1 phase by 19.2%-65.7% （P〈0.05） and decreased cell population at S phase by 50.7%-84.8% （P〈0.05）, which is consistent with its stimulatory effects on p21 and p27. In addition, parthenolide also increased IκBα expression and reduced Cox-2 expression in a time-dependent manner. Conclusion： Our results show that parthenolide significantly inhibits the VSMC proliferation by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. IκBα and Cox-2 are likely involved in such inhibitory effect ofparthenolide on VSMC proliferation. These findings warrant further investigation on potential therapeutic implications ofparthenolide on VSMC proliferation in vivo.

Inhibition Mechanism of Emodin on Rabbit Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Proliferation

The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis after angioplasty and vein graft. In this study, MTT colormetry was used to test the effective scope of emodin to inhibit VSMCs proliferation. Flow cytometry and confocal image were adopted to investigate its inhibitive mechanism. The results show that emodin could inhibit the growth and proliferation of VSMCs and the inhibition rate of emodin on VSMCs is 24\^6%-94\^58%, which is time \| and concentration \| dependent. Emodin could reduce S phase entry, increase the apoptosis of VSMCs, and reduce the intensity of \[Ca\+\{2+\}\]\-i in hPDGF B/B stimulated VSMCs. This research provides theoretical basis for medical application of emodin. It is concluded that emodin could inhibit the growth and proliferation of VSMCs effectively. Decreasing the DNA synthesis, increasing the cell apoptosis and reducing the intensity of \[Ca\+\{2+\}\] i in hPDGF B/B stimulated VSMCs may be the inhibitive mechanism of emodin against VSMCs proliferation.

Synthesis and Anti-VSMC Vegetation Activities of New Aurone Derivatives

A series of new aurone derivatives was prepared by means of a practical route and their anti-vascular smooth muscle cells（VSMC） vegetation activities were evaluated by the 3-（4,5-dimethylthlazol-2-yl）-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide（MTT） method with tetrandrine as a positive contrast drug. The structures of the com- pounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry（ESI-MS）. Several new compounds exhibited promising activity against VSMC proliferation and the preliminary structure-activity relation- ships（SAR） were discussed in order to investigate the essential structures required for their bioactivities.

橙皮素对PDGF-BB诱导的大鼠原代胸主动脉VSMCs表型转化的影响

目的:探讨橙皮素(HES)对血小板源性生长因子-BB(PDGF-BB)诱导的大鼠胸主动脉血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)表型转化的影响。方法:4周龄健康雄性SD大鼠1只,5%水合氯醛麻醉后,采用组织块贴壁法提取大鼠胸主动脉原代VSMCs并培养,取对数生长期细胞,采用细胞免疫荧光化学法鉴定VSMCs平滑肌肌动蛋白-α(α-SMA),采用Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)试剂盒检测2、5、10、25及50μg/L PDGF-BB和10、50、100、150、200、250及300μmol/L的HES对VSMCs增殖活性的影响,筛选PDGF-BB最佳造模条件和HES最佳干预浓度;VSMCs分为对照组(0μg/L PDGF-BB)、造模组(25μg/L PDGF-BB)及加药组(25μg/L PDGF-BB+100μmol/L橙皮素),采用划痕实验检测各组VSMCs的细胞迁移能力,采用Western blot检测各组VSMCs的α-SMA、平滑肌22α(SM22α)、弹性蛋白原(ELN)及增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)蛋白的表达。结果:原代平滑肌细胞呈长梭形,传代2 d后VSMCs有典型的“峰-谷”状特征,α-SMA鉴定阳性率>95%;PDGF-BB最佳造模浓度是25μg/L,HES最佳干预浓度是100μmol/L;与对照组比较,造模组VSMCs迁移率增加,α-SMA及SM22α蛋白表达下降,但ELN和PCNA蛋白表达上升(P<0.001);与造模组比较,加药组VSMCs迁移率降低,α-SMA及SM22α蛋白表达上升,但ELN、PCNA蛋白表达下降(P<0.001)。结论:PDGF-BB可诱导大鼠胸主动脉VSMCs的增殖及增强其迁移能力,HES可通过抑制PDGF-BB的作用从而影响VSMCs的表型转化。

周期性高张应变通过下调PGC1α表达抑制血管平滑肌细胞线粒体生物发生

目的 探讨高血压背景下病理性高张应变对血管平滑肌细胞(vascular smooth muscle cells,VSMCs)线粒体生物发生的影响,以及PGC1α蛋白在这一过程中的作用。方法 采用Flexcell-5000T体外细胞张应变加载系统对VSMCs施加频率为1.25 Hz、幅度分别为5%和15%的周期性张应变,模拟正常生理情况和高血压病理情况下的力学环境;通过蛋白免疫印迹(Western blotting)和荧光定量PCR(qPCR)方法检测正常生理和高血压病理力学条件下VSMCs的PGC1α蛋白表达,以及柠檬酸合酶和线粒体DNA(mitochondrial DNA,mtDNA)拷贝数变化情况;应用PGC1α特异性激活剂ZLN005和有效干扰片段siRNA检测PGC1α表达上调或下调对柠檬酸合酶和mtDNA拷贝数的影响。结果 与5%生理性周期性张应变相比,15%病理性高张应变显著抑制VSMCs的PGC1α和柠檬酸合酶的表达,mtDNA拷贝数显著降低。与对照组相比,对VSMCs转染PGC1α干扰片段siRNA或孵育PGC1α特异性激活剂ZLN005,分别下调和上调PGC1α蛋白表达,VSMCs的柠檬酸合酶表达和mtDNA拷贝数也相应地降低和增加。在加载生理性周期性张应变条件下,对VSMCs转染PGC1α干扰片段siRNA显著下调其蛋白表达;对VSMCs施加PGC1α特异性激活剂ZLN005显著上调PGC1α蛋白表达,柠檬酸合酶表达和mtDNA拷贝数也被增加。结论 高血压背景下病理性周期性高张应变通过抑制VSMCs的PGC1α蛋白显著下调VSMCs的柠檬酸合酶表达和mtDNA拷贝数,进而导致VSMCs线粒体功能障碍。PGC1α可能是缓解高血压病理进程的潜在治疗靶向分子。

绞股蓝总苷抑制血管平滑肌细胞去分化作用的miRNA研究

目的研究绞股蓝总苷(GP)抑制血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC)去分化过程中微小核糖核酸(miRNA)表达谱的变化以及目标miRNA。方法miRNA芯片检测胆固醇(CH)诱导的去分化VSMC以及GP作用后细胞miRNA的表达差异,Real-time PCR验证芯片结果。转染目标miR-150模拟物以及抑制剂,Real-Time PCR检测转染效率,Western bolt检测miR-150转染对GP抑制去分化过程中细胞表型变化的影响。结果CH诱导细胞去分化以及GP干预过程中miRNA表达差异都有显著变化。与对照组相比,CH组上调22个、下调7个miRNA。与CH组相比,GP组上调6个、下调13个miRNA。GP干预CH诱导细胞去分化过程中,转染miR-150 mimic后细胞分化型标志蛋白SM-actin的表达降低,去分化标志蛋白Epiregulin表达增高;而miR-150 inhibitor转染组蛋白表达变化与之相反。提示GP抑制VSMC去分化作用在过表达miR-150后被降低,干扰miR-150表达后被加强。结论CH诱导VSMC去分化以及GP干预后细胞miRNA差异表达明显,GP抑制去分化作用可能是通过下调miR-150表达实现的。

骨桥蛋白的制备及功能研究

目的 探讨骨桥蛋白 (OPN)对血管平滑肌细胞是否具有促黏附及趋化作用。方法 从大鼠源性血管平滑肌细胞的细胞培养基中纯化OPN ,制备家兔抗OPN多克隆抗体。用酶联免疫吸附及迁移分析方法测定OPN对血管平滑肌细胞的影响。结果 骨桥蛋白能够促进血管平滑肌细胞发生黏附 ,且其促黏附功能呈浓度依赖性。黏附率在实验开始后 90～ 1 2 0min区段达到最高。与对照相比 ,OPN刺激血管平滑肌细胞的迁移距离明显增加。结果 骨桥蛋白是血管平滑肌细胞的黏附。

丹参酮ⅡA对兔动脉粥样硬化病灶凋亡相关基因表达的影响

目的差异筛选丹参酮ⅡA诱导血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC)凋亡相关基因葡萄糖调节蛋白78(GRP78),观察其在动脉粥样硬化(AS)病灶中的表达情况,探讨丹参酮ⅡA抗AS的可能机制。方法建立同型半胱氨酸(HCY)诱导的兔VSMC增殖模型,与不同浓度丹参酮ⅡA共同培养48 h后,MTT法检测细胞增殖能力;RT-PCR筛选差异基因片段,克隆、鉴定、测序,组织原位杂交观察该基因在正常及AS病变组织中的表达水平。结果不同浓度的丹参酮ⅡA都可抑制HCY所诱导的VSMC增殖;筛选出全长648 bp的基因片段与兔GRP78基因高度同源,组织原位杂交显示该基因在AS病灶VSMC胞质中高表达。结论 GRP78基因参与AS病变形成,上调其表达可能是丹参酮ⅡA诱导VSMC凋亡作用机制之一。

高糖对MMP-2与TIMP-2的表达及血管平滑肌细胞增殖的影响

目的探讨高糖作用下大鼠胸主动脉平滑肌细胞基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)及其组织抑制剂-2(TIMP-2)的表达情况及高糖对血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)增殖的影响。方法大鼠胸主动脉平滑肌细胞培养及传代后,分为正常浓度葡萄糖组(NG组,5.5mmol/L葡萄糖)、甘露醇高渗对照组(5.5mmol/L葡萄糖+19.5mmol/L甘露醇)、高浓度葡萄糖组(HG组,25mmol/L葡萄糖)和GM6001组(25mmol/L葡萄糖+5μmol/L GM6001),在4组不同的培养环境下分别培养72h后,用RT-PCR技术检测MMP-2与TIMP-2的表达情况,同时用MTT比色法检测4种不同培养环境下VSMCs的增殖情况。结果 HG组与NG组相比,MMP-2与TIMP-2mRNA的表达增强,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01),甘露醇高渗对照组、GM6001组与NG组相比,MMP-2与TIMP-2mRNA的表达差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);HG组与NG组相比,MMP-2与TIMP-2 mRNA的相对表达量的比值显著增加,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01),甘露醇高渗对照组、GM6001组与NG组相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);HG组各时间点细胞增殖与NG组相比差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),而GM6001组、甘露醇高渗对照组各时间点的细胞增殖与NG组相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论高浓度葡萄糖促进血管平滑肌细胞增殖,这可能是通过MMP-2与TIMP-2表达失衡介导的。