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.

Influence of Angiotensin II on α1-Adrenergic Receptors Function in Rat Aorta and Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the main mediator of the Renin-Angiotensin-System acting on AT1 and other AT receptors. It is regarded as a pleiotropic agent that induces many actions, including functioning as a growth factor, and as a contractile hormone, among others. The aim of this work was to examine the impact of Ang II on the expression and function of α1-adrenergic receptors (α1-ARs) in cultured rat aorta, and aorta-derived smooth muscle cells. Isolated Wistar rat aorta was incubated for 24 h in DMEM at 37˚C, then subjected to isometric tension and to the action of added norepinephrine, in concentration-response curves. Ang II was added (1 × 10−5 M), and in some experiments, 5-Methylurapidil (α1A-AR antagonist), AH11110A (α1B-AR antagonist), or BMY-7378 (α1D-AR antagonist), were used to identify the α1-AR involved in the response. Desensitization of the contractile response to norepinephrine was observed due to incubation time, and by the Ang II action. α1D-AR was protected from desensitization by BMY-7378;while RS-100329 and prazosin partially mitigated desensitization. In another set of experiments, isolated aorta-derived smooth muscle cells were exposed to Ang II and α1-ARs proteins were evaluated. α1D-AR increased at 30 and 60 min post Ang II exposure, the α1A-AR diminished from 1 to 4 h, while α1B-AR remained unchanged over 24 h of Ang II exposure. Ang II induced an increase of α1D-AR at short times, and BMY-7378 protected α1D-AR from desensitization.

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.

Relationship of Intracellular Free Ca^(2+) Concentration and Calcium-activated Chloride Channels of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells in Rats under Hypoxic Conditions

To investigate the relationship between intracellular free Ca^2＋ concentration （[Ca^2＋ ]i ） and calcium-activated chloride （Clca） channels of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） in rats under acute and chronic hypoxic conditions, acute hypoxia-induced contraction was observed in rat pulmonary artery by using routine blood vascular perfusion in vitro. The fluorescence Ca^2＋ indicator Fura-2/AM was used to observe [Ca^2＋ ]i of rat PASMCs under normal and chronic hypoxic condition. The effect of Clca channels on PASMCs proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. The Clca channel blockers niflumic acid （NFA） and indaryloxyacetic acid （IAA-94） exerted inhibitory effects on acute hypoxia-evoked contractions in the pulmonary artery. Under chronic hypoxic condition, [Ca^2＋ ]i was increased. Under normoxic condition, [Ca^2＋ If was （123.634-18.98） nmol/ L, and in hypoxic condition, [Ca^2＋]i wag （281. 754-16.48） nmol/L （P〈0. 01）. Under normoxic condition, [Ca^2＋ ]i showed no significant change and no effect on Clca channels was observed （P〉 0. 05）. Chronic hypoxia increased [Ca^2＋ ]i which opened Clca channels. The NFA and IAA-94 blocked the channels and decreased [Ca^2＋ ]i from （281.75± 16.48） nmot/L to （117.66 ±15.36） nmol/L （P〈0.01）. MTT assay showed that under chronic hypoxic condition NFA and IAA-94 decreased the value of absorbency （A value） from 0. 459±0. 058 to 0. 224±0. 025 （P〈0. 01）. Hypoxia increased [Ca^2＋ ]i which opened Cl~ channels and had a positive-feedback in [Ca^2＋ ]i. This may play an important role in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Under chronic hypoxic condition, Clca channel may play a part in the regulation of proliferation of PASMCs.

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.

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 cytometric DNA analysis. Cell apoptosis was observed with electron microscopy and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) 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.

Effects of Total Flavonoids ofHippophae RhamnoidesL.on Intracellular Free Calciumin Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Wistar-Kyoto Rats

To explore the effects of total flavonoids of Hippophae rhamnoides L. （TFH） quercetin （Que） and isorhamnetin （Isor） on the intracellular free calcium （[Ca^2＋]） in vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMC） of spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHR） and Wistar-Kyoto rats （WKY）. Metheds： Fluo 3-acetoxymethylester（Fluo-3/AM） was used to observe the effects of TFH （100mg/L） and its essential monomers, namely Que （10^-4mol/L） and Isor （10^-4mol/L） on changes of [Ca^2＋]1 in cultured SHR and WKY VSMC （abbr. to Ca-SHR ＆ Ca-WKY） following exposure to high K^＋, norepinephrine （NE） and angiotensin Ⅱ （AngⅡ）, and to compare with the effects of verapamil （Ver）. Results： （1） TFH, Que and Isor had inhibitory effects on resting Ca-SHR （P〈0.05）, but had no significant effects on Ca-WKY （P〉0.05）. （2） High K^＋ could increase Ca-SHR more significantly than Ca-WKY （P〈0.05）; TFH, Que and Isor could inhibit the elevation of [Ca^2＋]1 induced by high K^＋ -depolarization, with the effects similar to that of Ver, and the effect on Ca-SHR was more significant than that on Ca-WKY （P〈0.05）. （3） NE and Ang Ⅱ could increase Ca-SHR more significantly than Ca-WKY （P〈0.05）, TFH, Que and Isor had remarkably inhibitory effect on the elevation of Ca-SHR and Ca-WKY induced by NE or Ang Ⅱ. （4） In the absence of extracellular Ca^2＋ , TFH, Que and Isor also had certain inhibitory effect on Ca-SHR and Ca-WKY induced by NE, and the effect on the former was more significant than that on the latter（P〈0.05）. Ceaclusiea： TFH, Que and Isor might decrease the levels of [Ca^2＋], in VSMCs by blocking both voltage-dependent calcium channels （VDC） and receptoroperated calcium channels （ROC） in physiological or pathological state, which may be one of the important mechanisms of their hypotensive and protective effects on target organs in patients with hypertension.

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.

Overexpression of heme oxygenasel protects smooth muscle cells against oxidative injury and inhibits cell proliferation

To investigate whether the expression of exogenous heme oxygenase-1 (HO-l) gene within vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) could protect the cells from free radical attack and inhibit cell proliferation,we established an in vitro transfection of human HO-1 gene into rat VSMC mediated by a retroviral vector.The results showed that the profound expression of HO-1 protein as well as HO activity was 1.8- and 2.0-fold increased respectively in the transfected cells compared to the non-transfected ones. The treatment of VSMC with different concentrations of H2O2 led to the remarkable cell damage as indicated by survival rate and LDH leakage. However, the resistance of the HO-1 transfected VSMC against H2O2 was significantly raised. This protective effect was dramatically diminished when the transfected VSMC were pretreated with ZnPP-IX, a specific inhibitor of HO, for 24 h. In addition, we found that the growth potential of the transfected cells was significantly inhibited directly by increased activity of HO-l, and this effect might be related to decreased phosphorylation of MAPK. These results suggest that the overexpression of introduced hHO-1 is potentially able to reduce the risk factors of atherosclerosis, partially due to its cellular protection against oxidative injury and to its inhibitory effect on cellular proliferation.

Lamin A/C Modulate Apoptosis of Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells During Cyclic Stretch Application

Objective The apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)influenced by abnormal cyclic stretch is crucial for vascular remodeling during hypertension.We explored that the causes of mechano-responsive lamin A/C changingin aonormai cyclic stretcn and its roles in VSMC apoptosis.Methods and results Our previous vascular proteomics study revealed that LaminA/C is mechano-sensitive molecule.When VSMCs are subjected to cyclic stretch,the expression of LaminA/C is significantly changed which participates dysfunctions of VSMCs during hypertension.However,the molecular mechanism involved in regulation of LaminA/C expression and the role of LaminA/C in the VSMC apoptosis during cyclic stretch application are still unclear.In the present study,VSMCs were subjected to different amplitudes of cyclic steetch in vitro:5%cyclic stretch(physiological strain)or 15%cyclic stretch(pathological strain).The expression of 2 different selective cleavage isomers of LaminA/C,i.e.LaminA and LaminC,and the apoptosis of VSMCs were detected.The results showed that compared with 5%group,15%cyclic stretch significantly decreased the expression of LaminA and LaminC,and promoted the apoptosis of VSMCs.Using specific small interfering RNA(siRNA)transfection which targets on LMNA the encoding gene of LaminA/C,the expression of LaminA and LaminC in VSMCs was significantly decreased,and the apoptosis was significantly increased.In order to study the molecular mechanism involved in cyclic stretch regulating the expression of LaminA/C,we focused on the microRNA(miR).Bioinformatics analysis showed that the 3’untranslated region(3’UTR)of LMNA has two potential binding sites to miR-124-3p.Double luciferase reported system revealed that both sites have binding abilities to miR-124-3p.Under static condition,miR-124-3p inhibitor significantly up-regulated the expression levels of LaminA and LaminC,while the miR-124-3p mimics significantly down-regulated them.RT-PCR results showed that 15%cyclic stretch significantly up-regulated the expression of miR-124-3p compared with 5%cyclic stretch.Furthermore,in order to study the role of changeed LaminA/C in VSMC apoptosis,LMNA-specific siRNA was transfected to repress the expression of LaminA/C in VSMCs,and Protein/DNA microarray was used to detecte the activity of transcription factors.The transcription factors whose activity were changed significantly(increase or decrease more than 2 times)were analyzed by cluster analysis and ingenurity pathway analysis(IPA).Six transcription factors associated with apoptosis were screened,in which TP53 was activated by the specific siRNA transfection and the other 5 were inavtived,including TP53,CREB1,MYC,STAT1/5/6 and JUN.Using abdominal aorta coarctation hypertensive model,the change of miR-124-3p in VSMCs was explored in vivo.A marked increase of miR-124-3p in thoracic aorta was revealed compared with the sham-operated controls,and in situ FISH revealed that this increase was mainly in the VSMCs.Conclusions The present study suggest that abnormally increased cyclic stretch(15%)up-regulates the expression of miR-124-3p in VSMCs,which subsequently targets on the 3’UTR of LMNA and decreases the expression of nuclear envelope protein LaminA/C;the repressed LaminA/C may play an important role in the apoptosis of VSMCs by regulating the activity of virious transcription factors,such as TP53,CREB1,MYC,STAT1/5/6 and JUN.The present study may provide a new insight into understanding the molecular mechanisms of vascular remodeling.

Effect of Nuclear Factor-kappa B on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor mRNA Expression of Human Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells in Hypoxia

In order to investigate the effect of nuclear factor kappa B (NF κB) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) in hypoxia, the cultured HPASMCs in vitro were stimulated with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of NF κB. The NF κB p65 nuclei positive expression was detected by immunocytochemical technique. The IκBα protein expression was measured by Western blot. RT PCR was used to detect the VEGF mRNA expression of HPASMCs. The results showed that no significant change was observed in the NF κB p65 nuclei positive expression of cultured HPASMCs during 6 h-24 h in normoxia, but the levels of NF κB p65 nuclei positive expression of cultured HPASMCs were significantly increased in hypoxia groups as compared with those in all normoxia groups ( P <0.05). The IκBα protein expression of cultured HPASMCs showed no significant change during 6 h-24 h in normoxia, but significantly decreased in hypoxia as comapred with that in normoxia groups ( P <0.05). PDTC (1 to 100 μmol/L) could inhibit the VEGF mRNA expression of HPASMCs in a concentration dependent manner in hypoxia. In conclusion, NF κB can be partly translocation activated from cytoplasm into nuclei in the cultured HPASMCs under hypoxia. The inhibition of NF κB activation can decrease the VEGF mRNA expression. It is suggested that the activation of NF κB is involved in the VEGF mRNA expression of HPASMCs under hypoxia.

Study of the structure and architecture of aortic smooth muscle cells under pressure overloading in rats

Male Wistar rats were used to study the changes of the structure and architecture of the smooth muscle cells(SMCs) of the aorta under pressure overloading(PO).The aorta was cut open longitudinally and the tunica media was examined with a histological tech

Role of Na^+/H^+ antiporter in pulmonary artery smooth muscle of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in the rat

Objective: To investigate the role of Na+ /H+ antiporter in the hypoxic pumonary hypertension ofrats. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 in each group: controlgroup, 3--week hypoxia group and 8--week hypoxia group. After the isolation of pulmonary artery smoothmuscles, pHi was determined by fluorescence measurement of the pH--sensitive dye BCECF and theexpression of NHE--1 mRNA was detected with reverse transcription--polymerase chain reaction. Results: ThepHi and expression of NHE-1 mRNA of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell in the hypoxia groups weresignificantly increased than those in the normal group (P < 0. 01 ). There was no remarkable differencebetween the hypoxia groups. Conclusion: With the function of regulation pHi., NHE--1 may play an importantrole in the pulmonary vascular remodeling of pulmonary hypertension. The result provides a new therapeuticmethod with NHE--1 inhibitors and/or gene therapy for the hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.

Expression of Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate Receptor mRNA in Myocardium of Spontaneous Hypertension Rats and Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells of Rats

Objective\ To investigate expression of inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor (IP\-3R) mRNA on sacroplasmic reticular in myocardium of spontaneous hypertension rats (SHRs) and cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) of rats and effects of perindopril and urapidil on them. Methods\ SHRs were orally given perindopril (1.0 mg·kg\+\{ 1\}·d\+\{ 1\}) or urapidil (15 mg·kg\+\{ 1\}·d\+\{ 1\}) for 24 weeks, respectively. Expression of IP\-3R mRNA was examined by semi quantitative reverse transcription polymers chain reaction (RT PCR) using three oligonuclotide primers for each subtype of IP\-3R with β actin as internal label. Results\ All subtypes of IP\-3R were expressed in myocardium of SHR, WKY and cultured VSMC. Expression of IP\-3R mRNA in left ventricle of SHR was markedly enhanced. Urapidil could down regulate expression of IP\-3R Ⅰand IP\-3R Ⅲ, perindopril slightly increased expression of IP\-3R Ⅱ and decreased expression of IP\-3R Ⅰand IP\-3R Ⅲ in myocardium of SHR. Conclusion\ Our results suggest that expression of IP\-3R mRNA in cardiovascular system could be regulated by urapidil and perindopril.