Effect of Sodium Tanshinone ⅡA Sulfonate on Phosphorylation of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinasel/2 in Angiotensin Ⅱ-induced Hypertrophy of Myocardial Cells

Objective： To observe the effects of sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate （STS） on angiotensin Ⅱ （Ang Ⅱ）-induced hypertrophy of myocardial cells through the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase （p-ERK1/2）. Methods： In the primary culture of neonatal rat myocardial cells, the total protein content in myocardial cells was determined by coomassie brilliant blue and the protein synthesis rate was measured by [3H]-Leucine incorporation as indexes for hypertrophy of myocardial cells. The expression of p-ERK1/2 was determined using Western blot and immunofluorescence labeling. Results： （1） The total protein and protein synthesis rate increased significantly in contrast to the control group after the myocardial cells were stimulated by Ang Ⅱ （1 μ mol/L） for 24 h; STS markedly inhibited the increment of the total protein level induced by Ang Ⅱ and the syntheses of protein. （2） After pretreatment of myocardial cells with Ang Ⅱ （1 μmol/L） for 5 min, the p-ERK1/2 protein expression was increased, with the most obvious effect shown at about 10 min; pretreatment of myocardial cells with STS at different doses （2, 10, 50μmol/L） for 30 min resulted in obvious inhibition of the expression of p-ERK1/2 stimulated by Ang Ⅱ in a dose-dependent manner. （3） After the myocardial cells were stimulated by AngⅡ （1 μ mol/L）, the immunofluorescence of ERK1/2 rapidly appeared in the nucleus. The activation and translocation process of ERK1/2 induced by Ang Ⅱ was blocked distinctly by STS. （Conclusion： STS inhibited the myocardial cell hypertrophy induced by Ang Ⅱ, and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of p-ERK1/2 expression.     

Effects of Cyclosporine A on Angiotensin Ⅱ-induced Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy in Neonatal Rats

Summary： The effects of cyclosporine A （CsA） on Angiontensin Ⅱ （Ang Ⅱ ）-induced protein contents, c los protein levels and cytosolic Ca^2＋ level （[Ca^2＋]i） in cultured eardiomyocytes of neonatal rats were observed. Total protein contents were determined by Bradford method. The expression of c-fos protein was detected by Western blot. （[Ca^2＋]i） labeled with fluorescent probe Fluo-3/AM was measured under a laser scanning confoeal microscope. The results revealed that as compared with control, the total protein contents were increased in cardiomyocytes treated with Ang Ⅱ （10-1 mol/ L）, which could be inhibited by CsA in a dose-dependent manner. It was found that Ang Ⅱ could increase the c-los protein expression, which could be inhibited by CsA in a dose-dependent manner. Ang Ⅱ induced the [Ca^2＋]i elevation in cardiomyocytes. CsA did not influence the resting intracellular Ca^2＋ , but inhibited significantly the Ang Ⅱ-induced [Ca^2＋]i elevation. It was concluded that CsA can suppress the Ang Ⅱ-induced c-fos protein expression and [Ca^2＋]i elevation in single cardiomyocyte, which might play a role in the prevention of Ang Ⅱ-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by CsA.     

Effect of Sodium Tanshinone Ⅱ A Sulfonate on Phosphorylation of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase1/2 in Angiotensin Ⅱ-induced Hypertrophy of Myocardial Cells

Objective:To observe the effects of sodium tanshinone Ⅱ A sulfonate(STS)on angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)-induced hypertrophy of myocardial cells through the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase(P-ERK1/2).Methods:In the primary culture of neonatal rat myocardial cells.the total protein content in myocardial cells was determined by coomassie brilliant blue and the protein synthesis rate was measured by[3H]-Leucine incorporation as indexes for hypertrophy of myocardial cells.The expression of p-ERK1/2 was determined using Western blot and immunofluorescence Iabeling.Results:(1)The totaI protein and protein synthesis rate increased significantly in contrast to the control group after the myocardial cells were stimulated by Ang Ⅱ (1 μmol/L)for 24 h;STS markedly inhibited the increment of the total protein level induced by Ang Ⅱ and the syntheses of protein.(2)After pretreatment of myocardial cells with Ang Ⅱ(1 μ mol/L)for 5 min,the p-ERK1/2 protein expression was increased,with the most obvious effect shown at about 10 min;pretreatment of myocardial cells with STS at different doses(2,10,50 μ mol/L)for 30 min resulted in obvious inhibition of the expression of p-ERK1/2 stimulated by Ang Ⅱ in a dose-dependent manner.(3)After the myocardial cells were stimulated by Ang Ⅱ(1 μ mol/L),the immunofluorescence of ERK1/2 rapidly appeared in the nucleus.The activation and translocation process of ERK1/2 induced by Ang Ⅱ was blocked distinctly by STS.Conclusion:STS inhibited the myocardial cell hypertrophy induced by Ang Ⅱ,and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of p-ERK1/2 expression.     

Effects of Serum Containing Xinlikang (心力康) on Angiotensin Ⅱ Induced Hypertrophy in Cultured Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Xinlikang (心力康,XLK) on angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ) induced hypertrophic cultured neonatal rat's cardiomyocyte (CMC). Methods: Primary cultured neonatal rat's CMCs with the purity certified by immunohistochemical technique, were divided into three groups. Rats in the normal control group were untreated; those in the model group were established into hypertrophic models but underwent no treatment; and those in the XLK group were established to hypertrophic models and treated with XLK containing serum obtained from rats with aorta coarctation after 8 days of feeding with XLK. MTT and phase-contrast microscope were used to evaluate the effect of XLK on cell activity, pulsating rhythm and surface area; Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) expression was determined by radioimmunoassay; Protein content was determined by Bradford method; and DNA synthesis was detected by flow cytometric assay. Results: Immunohistochemistry results showed that more than 90% of the cells wereα-sarcometin actin stained positive cells. No significant effect of XLK on normal CMC was found. AngⅡcould significantly induce hypertrophy in CMCs, and XLK could significantly decrease the increased surface area and the accelerated pulsating rate in them. ANP expression was 780±38 Mg/L in the model group, and 430±23μg/L in the control group, and the elevated expression of ANP in model rats was significantly decreased in the XLK group;The DNA content in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases was significantly enhanced and at the same time it was accompanied with increase of total protein content in the model rats after being stimulated by AngⅡfor 24 h, showing that serum-containing XLK could also significantly suppress total protein synthesis (P<0. 05). Conclusion: XLK could improve AngⅡmediated pathological growth of CMCs without influencing the growth of normal CMCs, suggesting that XLK is probably an effective drug for treatment of myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure.     

Inhibitory Effect of Sodium Ferulate on the Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy Induced by AngiotensionⅡ

Objective:To investigate the effects of sodium ferulate(SF) on myocardial hypertrophy of rat and explore the protective mechanism. Methods:The myocardial hypertrophy was induced by 0.1 μmol·L~(-1) Ang II. The cytoactive was detected by MTT. The cultured cardiomyocytes from Sprague Dawley neonate rats were randomly divided into normal,model,L-arginine(L-arg 1 000 μmol·L~(-1)) group and SF(50,100,200 μmol·L~(-1)) group.To observe whether SF had nonspecific injurious effect on the cells,SF 200 μmol·L~(-1) was added into the normal cardiomyocytes and to determine whether the effect of SF on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was associated with NO release,another two groups were established. NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester(L-NAME) 1 500 μmol·L~(-1) combined with SF 200 μmol·L~(-1) or L-arg 1 000 μmol·L~(-1),respectively. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was confirmed by observing the histological changes and the measurements of cell diameter,protein content and ANF and β-MHC m RNA expression of the cells.The levels of NO,NOS and eNOS activity,the contents of cGMP and cAMP. The expression of eNOS were detected by Real time PCR and Western blotting. Results:(1) SF(50,100,200 μmol·L~(-1)) had no obvious side effect on cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes in vitro. In the group added 0.1 μmol·L~(-1) Ang Ⅱ alone,the cells displayed swollen,with undistinguishable border;the diameter and protein content of cardiomyocytes was increased remarkably,and the expression of ANF and β-MHC m RNA were up-regulated by Ang Ⅱ. SF and L-arg could ameliorate the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy which can be inhibit by L-NAME.(2) Compared with normal group,0.1 μmol · L~(-1) Ang II could decrease the NO content,NOS and eNOS activity in supernatant of cultured cardiomyocytes,decrease the content of cGMP and increase the content of cAMP incardiomyocytes,upregulation the expression of eNOS.SF-H and L-arg administrated could siginificantly ameliorate these changes. Conclusion:SF can inhibit cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced Ang Ⅱ in rats. The probable mechanism involved to promote NO-cGMP signaling pathway and up-regulate the expression of eNOS.     

Influence of silencing soluble epoxide hydrolase with RNA interference on cardiomyocytes apoptosis induced by doxorubicin

In order to investigate the influence of silencing soluble epoxide hydrolase(sEH) with double-stranded small interfering RNA(siRNA) on cardiomyocytes apoptosis induced by doxorubicin(DOX),two plasmids containing siRNA sequences specific to sEH were constructed and transfected into the primary cultured cardiomyocytes by using FuGENE HD transfection agents.The mRNA and protein expression levels of sEH were detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively,and the plasmids that silenced sEH most significantly were selected,and renamed EH-R.The plasmids carrying a nonspecific siRNA coding sequence(PCN) served as the negative control.Cardiomyocytes were divided into four groups:control group,DOX group,PCN+DOX group,and EH-R+DOX group.Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was induced by DOX at a concentration of 1 μmol/L.Apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes was determined by flow cytometery.The protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by Western blotting.The results showed that the expression of sEH was down-regulated by EH-R plasmid.The expression levels of sEH mRNA and protein in the EH-R+DOX group were significantly decreased as compared with other groups(P<0.01).As compared with the control group,the apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes in three DOX-treated groups was obviously increased,the expression levels of Bax increased,and those of Bcl-2 decreased(P<0.01).However,the expression levels of Bax were decreased,those of Bcl-2 increased and the apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes obvi-ously decreased in EH-R+DOX group when compared with those in the DOX group and the PCN+DOX group(P<0.01 for each).It was concluded that the recombinant plasmids could be successfully constructed,and transfected into the primary cultured cardiomyocytes.They could ameliorate the DOX-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis by selectively inhibiting the expression of sEH with RNAi and increasing the expression of Bcl-2.     

Effect of Atorvastatin on Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Beta/delta in AngiotensinⅡ-induced Hypertrophic Myocardial CellsIn Vitro

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

Influence of L-arginine on the Expression of eNOS and COX2 in Experimental Pulmonary Thromboembolism

The influence of L-arginine on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cyclooxy-genase 2 (COX2) was observed in experimental pulmonary thromboembolism and the action mechanism on pulmonary thromboembolism was explored. Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and treatment group. Pulmonary thromboembolism models were established by auto-blood back transfusion, and L-Arg 100 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected after successful model preparation. The animals were sacrificed at 3 h, 1 day, 3 days and 7 days after embolism. Plasma NO, TXB2 and 6-Keto-PGF1αwere detected. The expression of eNOS and COX2 protein and mRNA in pulmonary tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR respectively. The results showed that pulmonary thrombosis could be seen post pulmonary embolism and inflammatory reaction was significant. Plasma NO was decreased (P<0.01), and the levels of TXB2, 6-Keto-PGF1αand T/P ratio were all elevated. The expression of eNOS protein and mRNA in the pulmonary tissue was down-regulated (P<0.05), while that of COX2 protein and mRNA was upregu-lated (P<0.01). In treatment group, the level of NO was increased, the levels of TXB2 and T/P ratio were decreased, but the level of 6-Keto-PGF1αwas increased. The expression of eNOS protein and mRNA in pulmonary tissue was upregulated (P<0.05), while that of COX2 protein and mRNA was down-regulated (P<0.05). In conclusion, L-arginine can educe the role of pulmonary tissue protection through up-regulating the expression of intra-pulmonary NOS and down -regulating COX2 in pulmonary thromboembolism.     

Effect of angiotensin Ⅱ and angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor antagonist on the proliferation,contraction and collagen synthesis in rat hepatic stellate cells

Background Angiotensin Ⅱ （Ang Ⅱ） is a very important vasoactive peptide that acts upon hepatic stellate cells （HSCs）, which are major effector cells in hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of Ang Ⅱ and angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor antagonist （AT1RA） on the proliferation, contraction and collagen synthesis in HSCs.
Methods HSC-T6 rat hepatic stellate cell line was studied. The proliferation of the HSC cells was evaluated by MTT colorimetric assay while HSC DNA synthesis was measured by ^3H-thymidine incorporation. The effects of angiotensin Ⅱ and AT1RA on HSCs contraction were studied by analysis of the contraction of the collagen lattice. Cell culture media were analyzed by RT-PCR to detect secretion of collagen Ⅰ （Col Ⅰ）, collagen Ⅲ （Col Ⅲ） and transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. HSC was harvested to measure collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （TIMP-1） mRNA expression.
Results Ang Ⅱ （（1×10^-10-1×10^-4）mol/L）stimulated DNA synthesis and proliferation in HSCs compared with untreated control cells. AT1RA inhibited angiotensin Ⅱ induced proliferation of HSCs. A linear increase in the contractive area of collagen lattice correlated with the concentration of angiotensin Ⅱ （1×10^-9-1×10^-5 mol/L） and with time over 48 hours. AT1RA blocks angiotensin Ⅱ induced contraction of collagen lattice. Col Ⅰ, Col Ⅲ and TGF-β1 levels of the Ang Ⅱ group were higher than those of control group and this increase was downregulated by AT1RA. The mRNA expressions of Col Ⅰ, Col Ⅲ and TIMP-1 were higher in HSCs from the Ang Ⅱ group than the control group and downregulated by AT1RA.
Conclusions Angiotensin Ⅱ increased DNA synthesis and proliferation of HSCs in a dose-dependent manner, stimulated the contraction of HSCs dose- and time-dependently. Angiotensin also promoted excretion of Col I, Col Ⅲ and TGF-β1 lev     

Expression of Interleukin-17 in Lung and Peripheral Blood of Asthmatic Rats and the Influence of Dexamethasone

The expression of interleukin-17(IL-17) in lung and peripheral blood of asthmatic rats and the influence of dexamethasone,and the role of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of asthma were investigated.Thirty Sprague-Dawley(SD) adult rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=10 in each group):normal group,asthmatic group,and dexamethasone-interfered group.Rat asthmatic model was established by intraperitoneal(i.p.) injection of 10% ovalbumin(OVA) and challenge with 1% OVA via inhalation.Rats in dexamethasone-interfered group were pretreated with dexamethasone(2 mg/kg,i.p.) 30 min before each challenge.The expression of IL-17 protein in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) was detected by ELISA.The expression of IL-17 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC) and BALF cells was semi-quantitatively detected by RT-PCR.The expression of IL-17 protein in serum and BALF of asthmatic rats was significantly elevated as compared with normal rats and dexamethsone-interfered rats(P<0.01),and there was significant difference between normal rats and dexamethsone-interfered rats(P<0.05).The expression of IL-17 mRNA in PBMC and BALF cells of asthmatic rats was markedly increased as compared with normal rats and dexamethsone-interfered rats(P<0.01),and significant difference was found between normal rats and dexamethsone-interfered rats(P<0.05).It was concluded that the expression of IL-17 was increased significantly in asthmatic rats and could be inhibited partly by dexamethasone,suggesting that IL-17 might play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma as an inflammation regulation factor.     

Effect of Antisense FosB and CREB on the Expression of Prodynorphin Gene in Rats with Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias

The effects of antisense FosB and CREB intra-striatum injection on the expression of prodynorphin (PDyn) gene in striatal neurons of Levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID) rats with Parkinson disease (PD) were explored. PD model in rats was established by 6-OHDA microinjection stereotaxically. The rats were treated with chronic intermittent Levodopa celiac injection for 28 days to get the LED rats. Antisense FosB and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) were injected into striatum of all rats respectively. In situ hybridization was used to measure the changes in the expression of PDyn mRNA in striatum and behavior changes were observed. The results showed after administration of antisense FosB, abnormal involuntary movement (AIM) was decreased and the expression of PDyn mRNA in striatum was increased in LID rats as compared with sense FosB group (P<0.01, respectively). As compared with the control group, the expression of PDyn mRNA in striatum was decreased by antisense CREB-treated LID group (P<0.01) and compared with sense CREB treated LID group, antisense CREB-treated LID group showed no changes in AIM scores and the expressions of PDyn mRNA (both P>0.05). In conclusion, FosB protein, which replaced the CREG, could regulate the expression of PDyn mRNA and play critical role in the pathogenesis of LID.     

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and its pathogenic effects in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective:To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and its pathological effect in the experimental nonalcoholic fatty liver of rats,and to explore its possible mechanism.Methods:The rat NAFLD model was established by giving a fat-enriched diet.The blood samples were obtained form abdominal aorta and the levels of serum ALT,AST and IL-1,changes in the hepatic tissue 6-k-PGF1α TXB2 were measured.The expression level of COX-2 in rats livers were assayed by immunohistochemistry,RT-PCR and Western-blot.Results:Light microscope analysis revealed that hepatocytes were injured in the model group and slightly in the treatment group.The levels of serum TXB2 and IL-1 in the fatty liver rats were increased.Compared with the model group,the IL-1 and TXB2 increased significantly(P < 0.05),on the contrary,compared with the normal group,the hepatic tissue 6-Keto-prostagland decreased significantly in the model group(P < 0.05),the treatment group also increased but P > 0.05.There was no positive expression of COX-2 in hepatic tissue of normal rats.In the model group,there was positive expression of COX-2 antigen and the number of COX positive cells progressively increased at 4,8,12 wks.The intensity of expression of COX-2 had significantly increased(P < 0.05)and the intensity of COX-2 expression in the treated group decreased remarkably compared with the model group(P < 0.05).The expression of COX-2 mRNA and the level of COX-2 protein were significantly stronger in the liver of model rats compared with normal rats,and significantly weaker in treated rats,than in 8W and 12W model rats(P < 0.05).Conclusion:The increase of COX-2 expression in NAFLD is closely associated with the severity of liver inflammation and damage.COX-2 may play an important role in the progression of rat NAFLD,and the expression of COX-2 mRNA is downregulated by cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor,which can depress the oxidative stress and control inflammatory response efficiently.     

Protective Effect of Sodium Tanshinone ⅡA Sulfonate on Injury of Small Intestine in Rats with Sepsis and Its Mechanism

Objective:To explore the protective effect of sodium tanshinoneⅡA sulfonate(STS) on small intestine injury in rats with sepsis and its possible mechanism.Methods:According to a random number table, 24 Tats were randomly divided into 3 groups:sham operation group(sham group),sepsis model group(model group) and STS treatment group(STS group),with 8 Tats in each group.A rat model of sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) for 5 h.STS(1 mg/kg) was slowly injected through the right external jugular vein after CLP.The histopathologic changes in the intestine tissue were observed under a light microscope,and the intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleoddyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) method.The expressions of Bcl-2,Bax and nuclear factorκB(NF-κB) p65 in the intestinal tissue was determined by Western blot.The levels of tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α) and interleukin 6(IL-6) in the intestinal tissue were determined using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay(ELISA). Results:Obvious injuries were observed in the intestinal tissue in the CLP group compared with the sham group. The expression of NF-κB p65 and the levels of TNF-αand IL-6 were up-regulated after CLP,the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells was increased after CLP,and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was decreased.STS posttreatment could attenuate the injury on the intestinal tissue induced by CLP,decrease the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and the levels of NF-κB p65,TNF-αand IL-6,and increase the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax.Conclusion: STS can protect the small intestine in rats with sepsis,and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of intestinal epithelial apoptosis and the reduction of activation of inflammatory cytokines.     

Effects of transforming growth factor-β1 and signal protein Smad3 on rat cardiomyocyte hypertrophy

Background SMAD proteins have recently been identified as the first family of putative transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signal transducers. This study was to investigate the effects of TGF-β1 and signal protein Smad3 on rat cardiac hypertrophy.Methods The incorporation of [3H]-leucine was measured to determine the hypertrophy of cardiomyocyte incubated with different doses of TGF-β1 in cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes. The model of rat cardiac hypertrophy was produced with constriction of the abdominal aorta. At different times after the operation, rats were killed, and their left ventricular mass index (LVMI) determined.The mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 of cultured cells and hypertrophic left ventricles were assessed by RT-PCR. The protein expression of Smad3 was assessed by Western blot.Results In cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes, TGF-β1 significantly promoted incorporation of [3H]-leucine. With the concentration of 3 pg/L, it increased the expression of Smad3 in mRNA and protein levels after 15 minutes, and continued for up to 8 hours of cultured cardiomyocytes. The LVMI and theexpression of TGF-β1 (mRNA) and Smad3 (mRNA and protein) of hypertrophic left ventricle were increased by day 3 after the operation and continued to the 4th week. The peak expression of these was in the second week after operation.Conclusion TGF-β1 has positive effects on could be related to the pathologic progressionrat cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Signal protein Smad3 of rat cardiac hypertrophy.     

Changes in Plasma Angiotensin Ⅱ and Circadian Rhythm of Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients with Sleep Apnea Syndrome Before and After Treatment

Objective To explore the changes in plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) and circadian rhythm of blood pressure among hypertensive patients with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) before and after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or surgical treatment.Methods A total of 180 essential hypertension patients were enrolled in our study.The determination of plasma Ang II concentration,ambulatory blood pressure (ABP),and polysomnography (PSG) monitoring were performed before and 3 months after CPAP or surgical treatment.Results Patients were classified into three groups by their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI):essential hypertension group (EH group,n=72;AHI<5),essential hypertension with mild SAS group (EH+mild SAS group,n=60,5≤AHI<20),and essential hypertension with moderate and severe SAS group (EH+moderate-severe SAS group,n=48,AHI≥20).The concentrations of plasma AngⅡ in the above three groups were 13.42±3.27,16.17±3.82,and 18.73±4.05 ng/mL respectively before treatment,and AngⅡ concentration in EH patients combined with SAS was significantly higher than that in EH group (all P<0.05).After treatment the values in the latter two groups significantly decreased to 14.67±2.56 and 15.03±3.41 ng/mL respectively (P<0.05).The incidence of non-dipper blood pressure curve in EH patients was 31.9%,and those in hypertensive patients with mild SAS and moderate-severe SAS were 51.7% and 58.3%,respectively before treatment.The incidence of non-dipper blood pressure curve in the EH patients with mild SAS was significantly higher than that of patients with EH alone (P<0.05).After CPAP treatment or surgery,the incidence of non-dipper blood pressure curve in the two SAS groups was significantly decreased to 38.3% and 39.6%,respectively (P<0.05).Conclusions Ang II might play a role in blood pressure variability in patients with obstructive SAS.CPAP or surgical treatment can improve blood pressure disorder and decrease plasma Ang II level in patients with obstructive SAS.