丹参对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的肾小球系膜细胞表达TGF-β1,ROS和PAI-1的影响

目的:探讨丹参对血管紧张素Ⅱ致肾小球硬化的干预作用.方法:采用血管紧张素Ⅱ刺激系膜细胞增殖,同时加入不同剂量的丹参注射液分别对系膜细胞作用24 h.观察系膜细胞纤溶酶原激活剂抑制物-1(plasminogen activator inhibitor-1,PAI-1)mRNA、培养上清液中的PAi-1蛋白和转化生长因子β1(transforming growth factorβ1,TGF-β1)的含量,以及细胞内活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)水平的变化.结果:丹参明显抑制住了由血管紧张素Ⅱ刺激大鼠肾脏系膜细胞而产生的PAI-1 mRNA以及蛋白表达的升高,且其抑制作用的强弱与丹参注射液的剂量密切相关.丹参还明显下调了因血管紧张素Ⅱ刺激后TGF-β1的表达增加以及细胞内ROS水平的升高.结论:丹参下调血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的系膜细胞PAI-1表达的增加,以及抑制TGF-β1的分泌增加与细胞内ROS水平的增高,从而发挥抗肾小球硬化的作用.     

宽叶缬草对高胆固醇血症大鼠肾组织内TGF-β1表达的影响

目的 :探讨宽叶缬草对高胆固醇血症大鼠肾组织内转化生长因子β₁(TGF-β₁)表达的影响及其意义。方法 :用含 4%胆固醇和 1%胆酸钠的高脂饲料饲喂大鼠建立高脂模型 ,观察宽叶缬草对大鼠血脂、尿蛋白和肾功能的影响 ,以及对肾小球细胞外基质增生、TGF-β₁和Ⅳ型胶原表达的影响。结果 :宽叶缬草有降低总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白、尿蛋白和血肌酐的作用 ,肾病理和免疫组化证实宽叶缬草在降脂同时 ,能减轻肾小球系膜病变和细胞外基质产生 ,降低肾组织内TGF-β₁和Ⅳ型胶原表达。结论 :宽叶缬草对高脂血症肾脏有保护作用 ,此作用可能与其降低肾组织内TGF-β₁表达有关。     

人参皂苷Rg1对转化生长因子-β1诱导的肾小管上皮细胞转分化的影响

目的：探讨人参皂苷Rg₁(Rg₁) 对转化生长因子-β₁(TGF-β₁)诱导的肾小管上皮细胞转分化(TEMT)的作用及对细胞外基质(ECM)的影响。方法：将体外培养的正常大鼠肾小管上皮细胞(NRK52E)分为空白对照组，10 mg·L^-1 TGF-β₁刺激组及不同剂量的Rg₁干预组(10,20,40 mg·L^-1)。应用形态学、免疫组化技术、酶联免疫吸附法、荧光定量PCR,Western 蛋白印迹等观察Rg₁对TGF-β₁诱导的NRK52E细胞转分化的作用及对ECM主要成分胶原Ⅰ(Col-Ⅰ)和纤维粘连蛋白(FN)的影响。结果：与空白对照组相比，NRK52E培养3 d后，TGF-β₁刺激组细胞形态学发生明显改变。免疫组织化学和Western 蛋白印迹结果显示α-SMA的表达显著增加而E-cadherin的表达明显减少(P<0.05)；RT-PCR结果示α-SMA，Col-Ⅰ和FN的mRNA表达明显增高(P<0.05)；细胞培养上清液Col-Ⅰ和FN的含量也显著增加(P<0.05)；与TGF-β₁刺激组相比，各Rg₁干预组均不同程度的改善了TGF-β₁刺激的细胞形态学改变；有效抑制了α-SMA的表达，部分恢复了E-cadherin的下调(P<0.05)； Col-Ⅰ和FN的含量亦明显减少(P<0.05)。结论：TGF-β₁可以诱导大鼠TEMT，刺激ECM成分Col-Ⅰ和FN的升高。Rg₁呈剂量依赖性地明显地抑制TGF-β₁刺激的NRK52E细胞的转分化和ECM的增加。     

丹参对血管紧张素Ⅱ致肾小球系膜细胞Wnt/β-catenin信号通路活化干预的影响

目的:基于Wnt/β-catenin信号通路,探讨丹参对血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngiotensinⅡ,AngⅡ)刺激肾脏系膜细胞后的影响。方法:浓度为(0~10-5mol/L)AngⅡ刺激系膜细胞,以及浓度为10-6mol/L的AngⅡ在不同时间(0 min~24 h)刺激系膜细胞,分别用氯沙坦和丹参注射液干预。用实时定量PCR与Western Blot方法分别检测细胞Wnt-1、β-catenin、PAI-1mRNA与蛋白水平,用ELISA方法测定细胞上清中纤维连接蛋白(fibronectin,FN)的含量。结果:AngⅡ使系膜细胞Wnt-1、β-catenin、PAI-1表达增加,FN水平升高,呈现剂量、时间依赖性。浓度为150 mg/mL的丹参注射液干预后,Wnt-1、β-catenin、PAI-1表达以及FN水平明显下降,与ARB作用相当。结论:AngⅡ通过刺激Wnt/β-catenin信号途径活化致肾小球硬化,而丹参能通过抑制AngⅡ诱导的系膜细胞Wnt/β-catenin信号途径活化进而下调PAI-1表达与FN合成而发挥抗肾小球硬化的作用。     

复方黄连胶囊对糖尿病肾病大鼠肾组织TGF-β1与Ⅳ型胶原蛋白表达的影响

目的:探讨复方黄连胶囊(CRCC)对糖尿病肾病(DN)大鼠肾病变的保护作用及其机制。方法:以链脲佐菌素(STZ)复制早期DN大鼠模型,动物分为正常组、模型组、CRCC高、中、低剂量组(生药含量分别为4.36,2.18,1.09 g.kg^-1)、消渴丸(XKW)0.80 g.kg^-1治疗组,灌胃给药,每天1次,30 d后检测空腹血糖(FBG)、尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(Cr)、胰岛素(Ins)及尿蛋白(Upro);光镜观察肾组织形态学改变;免疫组织化学检测肾小球系膜细胞转化生长因子β₁(TGF-β₁1)与Ⅳ型胶原(Ⅳ-C)蛋白的表达。结果:CRCC可降低大鼠FBG,BUN,Cr及Upro水平,升高Ins,降低肾小球系膜细胞TGF-β₁与Ⅳ-C蛋白的表达,改善肾组织形态学异常。结论:CRCC对早期DN大鼠肾微循环病变具有保护作用,延缓DN慢性病理进展,这种作用可能与其抑制肾组织TGF-β₁与Ⅳ-C蛋白表达有关。     

丹参酮ⅡA磺酸钠对AngⅡ诱导心房成纤维细胞胶原合成及TGF-β1活化的影响

目的：观察丹参酮Ⅱ_A磺酸钠（sodium tanshinone Ⅱ_A sulfonate,STS）对血管紧张素Ⅱ（angiotensin Ⅱ,AngⅡ）诱导心房成纤维细胞胶原合成及TGF-β₁活化的影响。方法：培养新生大鼠心房成纤维细胞,检测胶原含量,并[³H]-脯氨酸掺入法测定胶原合成速率作为心肌纤维化指标。ELISA法检测培养细胞上清中活性TGF-β₁及总TGF-β₁含量。Western blot测定血小板反应素-1（thrombospondin-1,TSP-1）表达。结果：AngⅡ能够明显上调心房成纤维细胞胶原含量、胶原合成速率;TSP-1表达及活性TGF-β₁分泌量上调,而总TGF-β₁表达无明显改变。在STS处理后,除总TGF-β₁外,其他指标均明显下调。结论：STS能减轻AngⅡ诱导心房成纤维细胞胶原分泌及合成速率,机制与抑制TSP-1/TGF-β₁通路有关。     

三七皂苷通过抑制自噬减轻TGF-β1诱导的肾小管上皮细胞损伤

目的 探讨三七皂苷（Panax notoginseng saponins,PNS）抗转化生长因子-β₁（TGF-β₁）诱导的肾小管上皮细胞损伤的作用及机制。方法 培养NRK-52E肾小管上皮细胞,分为空白组、TGF-β₁组、TGF-β₁+12.5 mg·L^-1 PNS组、TGF-β₁+25 mg·L^-1 PNS组、TGF-β₁+50 mg·L^-1 PNS组,PNS干预48 h,收集细胞及上清,采用倒置显微镜观察细胞形态;蛋白免疫印迹法（Western blot）检测上皮间质转化（EMT）相关蛋白、自噬相关蛋白表达;流式液相多重蛋白定量技术检测炎症因子含量;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率。结果 与空白组比较,TGF-β₁诱导后细胞呈梭形改变且呈明显的EMT表现,即E-钙黏蛋白（E-cadherin）表达明显下调（P<0.05）,α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）表达明显上调（P<0.05）,PNS处理后,大部分细胞形态趋向正常并逆转EMT的发生。同时,与空白组比较,TGF-β₁组肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）水平明显升高,IL-10水平下降,凋亡率增加（P<0.05）,PNS作用后,TNF-α水平下降,IL-10水平升高,细胞凋亡率明显下降（P<0.05）。并且TGF-β₁能明显上调肾小管上皮细胞自噬相关蛋白Beclin1和自噬相关蛋白微管相关蛋白轻链3Ⅱ/Ⅰ（LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ）的表达（P<0.05,P<0.01）,而PNS抑制其表达。结论 PNS对TGF-β₁诱导的肾小管上皮细胞具有保护作用,其机制可能是通过抑制自噬来减轻炎症和凋亡,进而抵抗TGF-β₁诱导的损伤。     

鳖甲煎丸通过Wnt/β-catenin信号通路逆转大鼠肝卵圆细胞EMT的机制

目的 研究鳖甲煎丸对转化生长因子-β₁（TGF-β₁）诱导的大鼠肝卵圆细胞WB-F344上皮间质转化（EMT）的影响,探讨其逆转EMT改变的作用机制。方法 将WB-F344细胞随机分为空白组,TGF-β₁模型组（10 μg·L^-1TGF-β₁）,鳖甲煎丸低剂量组（10 μg·L^-1TGF-β₁+0.55 g·kg^-1鳖甲煎丸）,鳖甲煎丸中剂量组（10 μg·L^-1TGF-β₁+1.1 g·kg^-1鳖甲煎丸）,鳖甲煎丸高剂量组（10 μg·L^-1TGF-β₁+2.2 g·kg^-1鳖甲煎丸）,除空白组外,均采用TGF-β₁诱导WB-F344细胞构建EMT模型,分别加入鳖甲煎丸低、中、高剂量含药血清处理细胞,采用细胞划痕实验检测WB-F344细胞迁移能力的改变;使用蛋白免疫印迹法（Western blot）检测E-钙黏蛋白（E-cadherin）,N-钙黏蛋白（N-cadherin）,波形蛋白（Vimentin）表达的变化;使用实时荧光定量PCR（Real-time PCR）检测β-连环蛋白（β-catenin）mRNA表达的改变;使用细胞免疫荧光法检测β-catenin的表达。结果 与空白组比较,TGF-β₁诱导WB-F344细胞4 d,WB-F344细胞间隙从紧密逐渐变得松散,细胞形态由鹅卵石状向成纤维样细胞转变,且E-cadherin蛋白表达降低,N-cadherin蛋白表达升高（P<0.01）,说明成功构建了WB-F344细胞EMT模型。划痕实验结果显示,与空白组比较,TGF-β₁模型组WB-F344细胞的迁移能力增强（P<0.01）;与TGF-β₁模型组比较,鳖甲煎丸中、高剂量组可以明显抑制WB-F344细胞的迁移能力（P<0.05）。Western blot结果显示,与空白组比较,TGF-β₁模型组E-cadherin蛋白表达水平降低,N-cadherin,Vimentin蛋白表达水平升高（P<0.01）;与TGF-β₁模型组比较,鳖甲煎丸中、高剂量组E-cadherin蛋白表达升高,N-cadherin,Vimentin蛋白表达降低（P<0.05,P<0.01）。Real-time PCR结果显示,与空白组比较,TGF-β₁模型组中β-catenin mRNA表达升高（P<0.01）;与TGF-β₁模型组比较,鳖甲煎丸低、中、高剂量组中β-catenin mRNA的表达降低（P<0.01）。细胞免疫荧光结果显示,与空白组比较,TGF-β₁模型组β-catenin在细胞核内荧光表达增强;与TGF-β₁模型组比较,鳖甲煎丸低、中、高剂量组β-catenin在细胞核内荧光表达减弱,且鳖甲煎丸对细胞核内β-catenin抑制作用与其浓度呈正相关。结论 鳖甲煎丸可能通过抑制Wnt/β-catenin信号通路,逆转TGF-β₁诱导WB-F344细胞的EMT进程,抑制WB-F344细胞的迁移能力。     

基于AngⅡ/AT1R/NOX4信号通路探讨加味真武汤延缓慢性肾功能衰竭肾间质纤维化机制

目的 通过观察加味真武汤对腺嘌呤诱导慢性肾功能衰竭（CRF）大鼠血清及肾组织中血管紧张素Ⅱ（AngⅡ）、血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体（AT1R）、还原型辅酶Ⅱ（NADPH）氧化酶4（NOX4）、转化生长因子-β₁（TGF-β₁）、Ⅰ型胶原蛋白（COL1A1）、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白（COL3A1）表达的影响,探讨加味真武汤延缓CRF肾间质纤维化的可能作用机制。方法 将50只SPF级雄性SD大鼠按照随机数字表法分为正常组10只、造模组40只,将大鼠适应性饲养1周后采用腺嘌呤150 mg·kg^-1·d^-1灌胃的方法建立实验性CRF大鼠模型。造模完成后随机选取正常组和造模组大鼠各3只取材,检测造模是否成功。造模成功后,将造模组大鼠按照随机数字表法分成模型组、中药低剂量组、中药中剂量组、中药高剂量组、盐酸贝那普利组各6只,进行药物灌胃,每日1次,治疗4周。于实验第1周末、第13周末、第17周末检测24 h尿蛋白定量（24 h-UTP）,第17周各组大鼠麻醉后取材,腹主动脉取血后离心取上清检测血清总蛋白（TP）、白蛋白（ALB）、肌酐（Cr）、尿素氮（BUN）;酶联免疫吸附测定法（ELISA）检测血清AngⅡ表达水平;苏木素-伊红（HE）、马松（Masson）染色法观察肾组织病理改变;免疫组织化学（IHC）法观察AT1R、NOX4、TGF-β₁、COL1A1、COL3A1表达情况;实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应法（Real-time PCR）观察AT1R、NOX4、TGF-β mRNA表达水平;蛋白质免疫印迹法（Western blot）检测AT1R、NOX4、TGF-β₁表达水平。结果 ①与正常组比较,模型组实验大鼠24 h-UTP显著增高（P<0.01）;模型组实验大鼠Cr、BUN含量水平显著升高（P<0.01）,TP、ALB含量水平显著降低（P<0.01）;模型组实验大鼠血清AngⅡ含量显著升高（P<0.01）;模型组实验大鼠肾小球球囊间隙明显增宽,可见坏死肾小球,肾间质明显增宽伴有大量炎细胞浸润,大量肾小管管腔有褐色沉淀物阻塞,无规整肾小管,肾间质有大量胶原纤维沉积,肾脏血管周围、肾小囊壁层囊壁外、肾小球基底膜和肾小管基底膜胶原纤维明显增多;模型组实验大鼠AT1R、NOX4在肾小球、肾小管表达明显增强,TGF-β₁在肾小管表达明显增强,COL1A1、COL3A1在肾间质表达明显增强;模型组实验大鼠AT1R、TGF-β₁ mRNA表达显著增强（P<0.01）,NOX4 mRNA表达显著减弱（P<0.01）;AT1R、NOX4、TGF-β₁蛋白表达显著增强（P<0.01）。②与模型组比较,加味真武汤干预后,24 h-UTP显著降低（P<0.01）;Cr、BUN含量水平显著降低（P<0.01）,TP、ALB含量水平显著升高（P<0.01）;AngⅡ含量显著下降（P<0.01）;肾脏病理损害减轻;AT1R、NOX4、TGF-β₁、COL1A1、COL3A1在肾小球、肾小管、肾间质达减弱;AT1R、TGF-β₁ mRNA表达显著下降（P<0.01）,NOX4 mRNA表达显著升高（P<0.01）;AT1R、NOX4、TGF-β₁蛋白表达显著减弱（P<0.01）;中药组表现出明显的量效趋势。结论 加味真武汤可能通过降低CRF大鼠血清及肾组织中AngⅡ、AT1R、NOX4、TGF-β₁表达,延缓肾间质纤维化进展,从而减轻肾脏病理损害,减少蛋白尿,保护肾功能,达到延缓CRF进展的目的,且中药组具有量效趋势。     

中医药调控TGF-β1/Smad信号通路治疗糖尿病肾病的研究进展

糖尿病肾病（DN）是糖尿病的严重微血管并发症之一，是终末期肾脏的主要病因。糖尿病肾病的发生发展与肾脏纤维化进展息息相关，研究表明肾脏纤维化是各种慢性肾脏疾病的重要病理特征和最终病理结果。因此，针对肾脏纤维化的治疗有利于延缓DN的疾病进展。转化生长因子-β₁（TGF-β₁）/Smad信号通路是肾脏纤维化的关键信号通路之一，TGF-β₁是介导肾脏纤维化的关键因子，在与纤维化有关的肾脏疾病中呈现出高表达状态，Smads蛋白是TGF-β₁信号转导通路中下游主要效应分子，TGF-β₁通过激活Smads蛋白将信号从胞质异位到细胞核中，并调节与纤维化相关靶基因的转录，从而发挥生物学效应促进肾脏纤维化进程。近年来中医药在DN的防治中起到越来越重要的作用，探索中医药通过调控TGF-β₁/Smad信号通路预防和治疗DN的研究也日益增多。基于中医药研究现状，该文查阅相关文献，通过综述TGF-β₁/Smad信号通路的基本结构及其与DN的关系，中药单体及提取物、中成药及中药复方基于TGF-β₁/Smad信号通路改善和延缓肾脏纤维化的研究现状及其通过调节TGF-β₁/Smad信号通路起到缓解炎症反应及氧化应激、减少细胞外基质的累积和抑制上皮间质转化等作用，旨在为DN的防治提供新思路和方向。     

心气虚证大鼠循环肾素血管紧张素系统激活与血浆纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂活性变化的实验研究

目的：检测心力衰竭（HF）－心气虚大鼠循环肾素血管紧张素系统（RAS）及纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂（PAI－1）活性变化，讨论HF－心气虚时气虚血瘀与RAS激活对内源性纤溶系统的关系及其意义。方法：建立大鼠动静脉瘘（AVF）HF－心气虚和对照组模型（假手术组），检测左心室功能，用放免法和发色底物法检测血浆肾素活性（PRA）、血管紧张素罗马数（Ang Ⅱ）浓度及PAI－1变化，并进行两组间比较。结果：与假手术组和术产比较,HF-沁气虚组大鼠术后出现左心功能不全，左室收缩压降低，舒张末压增高（P＜0.05），同时血浆PRA、Ang Ⅱ水平及PAI－1活性增高（P＜0.05）；随着心功能改善，血浆PRA、Ang Ⅱ水平及PAI－1活性下降。结论：HF－心气虚时RAS激活对导致机体纤溶系统功能失衡有重要作用，可用以解释严重心功能不全患者血液呈高产状态，并且发生血栓栓塞疾病危险增高的原因，可能为心气虚致气虚血瘀的病理生理基础。     

芪蓟肾康颗粒总多糖对大鼠肾小球系膜细胞IL-6和MCP-1的影响

目的:观察芪蓟肾康颗粒总多糖提取物对大鼠肾小球系膜细胞白介素-6(IL-6)、单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)表达的影响.探讨芪蓟肾康颗粒总多糖提取物防治肾小球硬化的作用机制.方法:应用血清药理学方法,制取芪蓟肾康颗粒总多糖高、低剂量组(生药:30,15 g·kg-1)的含药血清;用血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)作为刺激因子,培养大鼠肾小球系膜细胞,使其发生增殖;用免疫酶联吸附法(ELISA法)检测系膜细胞IL-6,MCP-1蛋白表达的情况.结果:芪蓟肾康颗粒总多糖对IL-6有显著抑制作用,与AngⅡ组比较,差异显著(P＜0.01);芪蓟肾康颗粒总多糖对MCP-1有显著抑制作用,与AngⅡ组比较,差异显著(P＜0.01).结论:芪蓟肾康颗粒总多糖可能通过抑制IL-6,MCP-1的蛋白表达,抑制炎症反应,从而防治肾小球硬化.     

The study of Chinese medicinal herbal formula Shen San Fang in the treatment of experimental IgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide, yet there is no effective or specific therapy. Shen San Fang (S3F) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicinal formula that has been used in China for many years to treat patients with hematuria. The aim of this study is to test the therapeutic value of S3F in an experimental model of IgAN. IgAN was induced in Lewis rats by continuous oral immunization with bovine gamma-globulin (BGG) in the drinking water for 8 weeks, followed by intravenous injection of 1 mg BGG daily for 3 successive days. The rats were randomly divided into four groups (five rats/group): control, control receiving S3F, induction of IgAN, and IgAN receiving S3E S3F decoction was fed to rats beginning week 4 from the first day of oral sensitization with BGG. The S3F treatment was continued until the rats were sacrificed or for a 4-week period. Hematuria, renal immunohistochemistry for IgA and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1), renal histopathology, and renal content of TGF-beta1 were measured. Rats developing IgAN had marked hematuria, profound mesangial proliferation and mesangial expansion, intense and diffuse glomerular IgA deposition, increased glomerular TGF-beta1 expression, and raised renal TGF-beta1 levels. S3F treatment resulted in a significant reduction of hematuria, decreased mesangial IgA deposition, weaker immunostaining of TGF-beta1 in glomerulus, and a lower renal TGF-beta1 concentration. Our animal data suggests a therapeutic value for the Chinese medicinal formula S3F in experimental IgAN. This beneficial effect was due to reduced glomerular IgA deposition and TGF-beta1 expression. Our preliminary findings hold promise for future human therapy.     

Crocetin inhibits cell cycle G1/S transition through suppressing cyclin D1 and elevating p27kip1 in vascular smooth muscle cells

Crocetin is a natural carotenoid compound isolated from Gardenia jasminoids Ellis. Our previous study shows that crocetin inhibits angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation. To further explore the mechanism by which crocetin inhibits VSMCs proliferation, in the present study we examined the effect of crocetin on cell cycle progression and cell cycle regulatory proteins. Flow cytometry analysis showed that Ang II elicited significant increase in the percentage of VSMCs in the S phase, with a concomitant decline in the percentage of VSMCs in the G₀/G₁ phase. However, on pretreatment of VSMCs with crocetin, the percentage of VSMCs in the S phase decreased, while that in the G₀/G₁ phase increased significantly. In addition, Ang II‐induced increase of cell proliferation index was also decreased by crocetin. Western blotting analysis indicated that crocetin markedly inhibited the protein expression of cyclin D1 but not cyclin E. Crocetin also increased the level of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p27^kip1 but not CDKI p21^waf1/cip1. In conclusion, our present results suggest that the inhibition of cell cycle G₁/S transition in VSMCs by crocetin can be attributed, at least in part, to its suppression of cyclin D1 and elevation of CDKI p27^kip1. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tetramethylpyrazine inhibits angiotensin II-increased NAD(P)H oxidase activity and subsequent proliferation in rat aortic smooth muscle cells

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is the major component extracted from the Chinese herb, Chuanxiong, which is widely used in China for the treatment of cardiovascular problems. The aims of this study were to examine whether TMP may alter angiotenisn II (Ang II)-induced proliferation and to identify the putative underlying signaling pathways in rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells were preincubated with TMP and then stimulated with Ang II, [3H]-thymidine incorporation and the ET-1 expression was examined. Ang II increased DNA synthesis which was inhibited by TMP (1-100 microM). TMP inhibited the Ang II-induced ET-1 mRNA levels and ET-1 secretion. TMP also inhibited Ang II-increased NAD(P)H oxidase activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and the ERK phosphorylation. Furthermore, TMP and antioxidants such as Trolox and diphenylene iodonium decreased Ang II-induced ERK phosphorylation, and activator protein-1 reporter activity. In summary, we demonstrate for the first time that TMP inhibits Ang II-induced proliferation and ET-1, partially by interfering with the ERK pathway via attenuation of Ang II-increased NAD(P)H oxidase and ROS generation. Thus, this study delivers important new insight in the molecular pathways that may contribute to the proposed beneficial effects of TMP in cardiovascular disease.     

基于主动脉Ang Ⅱ/AT1通路研究蒙花苷对高血压血管重构的影响

目的基于主动脉血管紧张素Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)/血管紧张素受体1型(AT1)通路研究蒙花苷对高血压大鼠血管重构的影响。方法采用自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)自然形成高血压血管重构模型,观察蒙花苷对SHR血压、眩晕时间、主动脉组织形态学及胶原纤维分布的影响。采用Ang Ⅱ诱导原代血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)建立体外血管重构模型,通过MTT和结晶紫实验观察蒙花苷对VSMCs异常增殖的影响,通过细胞划痕及小室实验观察其对VSMCs迁移的影响;检测Ang Ⅱ/AT1信号通路相关分子Ang Ⅱ、AT1、基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)、MMP-9、Src、p-Src、Syk和p-Syk蛋白表达。结果蒙花苷能明显缩短SHR眩晕时间及降低SBP、DBP及MBP水平,并能改善主动脉中膜增厚、VSMCs增生肥大且排列紊乱等,减少主动脉中膜胶原纤维分布;能显著抑制Ang Ⅱ诱导的VSMCs异常增殖和迁移;能抑制活性氧(ROS)的产生,降低Ang Ⅱ、AT1、MMP-2、MMP-9和p-Src的蛋白表达水平。结论蒙花苷可能是通过抑制主动脉中AngⅡ/AT1信号通路的活化,继而抑制血管平滑肌细胞的异常增殖和迁移,从而起到抗高血压血管重构的作用。     

槲皮素对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导大鼠胸主动脉平滑肌细胞IL-6的影响

目的:观察槲皮素对血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导大鼠胸主动脉平滑肌细胞产生IL-6的影响。方法:以不同浓度AngⅡ刺激培养的大鼠胸主动脉平滑肌细胞,并以不同剂量的槲皮素干预24 h,用ELISA法检测不同时间点上清液中IL-6含量,用半定量RT-PCR法检测槲皮素对IL-6 mRNA表达的影响。结果:AngⅡ刺激血管平滑肌细胞产生IL-6具有剂量和时间依赖性。槲皮素对不同浓度AngⅡ刺激血管平滑肌细胞产生IL-6有明显剂量依赖性抑制作用,1000μmol/L时作用最为明显;不同浓度槲皮素均可下调AngⅡ(10-7M)所诱导的血管平滑肌细胞IL-6mRNA的表达,浓度为1000μM时作用最明显。结论:槲皮素可在蛋白和转录水平下调AngⅡ诱导血管平滑肌细胞IL-6的产生,提示槲皮素的抗动脉粥样硬化作用可能与其抗炎作用有关。     

Lipid-soluble extracts from Salvia miltiorrhiza inhibit production of LPS-induced inflammatory mediators via NF-κB modulation in RAW 264.7 cells and perform antiinflammatory effects in vivo

Salvia miltiorrhiza, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is used to treat various inflammatory diseases. In the present study, the antiinflammatory effects of S. miltiorrhiza lipid-soluble extracts (SMLE) were demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, along with its underlying mechanism of action. SMLE significantly inhibited the production of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. SMLE also inhibited the LPS-induced degradation of IκB-α in the cytoplasm and the translocation of p65 to the nucleus in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, SMLE inhibited the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the surface expression of CD14 induced by LPS. In animal models, intraperitoneal administration of SMLE increased the survival rate of endotoxemia and sepsis in mice. The topical administration of SMLE significantly inhibited ear edema induced by PMA. It was found that SMLE inhibits the LPS-induced gene and protein expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in macrophages by blocking NF-κB activation, and these effects are mediated, at least in part, through the inhibition of intracellular ROS generation and the surface expression of CD14. The results suggest a possible therapeutic application of SMLE in inflammatory diseases and provide scientific evidence in support of the traditional Chinese medical practice of treatment with S. miltiorrhiza.     

In vitro protective effects of salvianolic acid B on primary hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is believed to be involved in liver injury and hepatic fibrosis. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key feature of liver fibrosis. Salvia miltiorrhiza is a traditional Chinese herb used in the treatment of cardiovascular and liver diseases to resolve stasis. The effects of salvianolic acid B (Sal B), a major component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, on oxidative damage include free radical DPPH scavenging, malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and ROS generation in primary rat hepatocytes and HSCs, and on alpha-SMA, and collagen expression in transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)-stimulated HSCs were examined. Results indicated that Sal B scavenged DPPH potently with an IC50 2.2+/-0.2 microg/ml (3.06+/-0.3 microM), inhibited lipid peroxidation and eliminated ROS accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner on primary rat hepatocytes and HSCs. Sal B also reduced alpha-SMA and collagen synthesis and deposition in HSCs, and had no direct cytotoxicity on both hepatocytes and HSCs. Our results suggest that Sal B ameliorated oxidative damage and eliminated ROS accumulation in hepatocytes, and attenuated HSC activation, potentially conferring hepatoprotective and anti-fibrogenic effects.