Immobilization of sodium alginate sulfates on polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes for selective adsorption of low-density lipoprotein

A novel method for the immobilization of sodium alginate sulfates (SAS) on polysulfone (PSu) ultrafiltration membranes to achieve selective adsorption of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was developed, which involved the photoinduced graft polymerization of acrylamide on the membrane and the Hofmann rearrangement reaction of grafted acrylamide followed by chemical binding of SAS with glutaraldehyde. The surface modification processes were confirmed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization. Zeta potential and water contact angle measurements were performed to investigate the surface charge and wettability of the membranes. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the binding of LDL on plain and modified PSu membranes. It was found that the PSu membrane immobilized with sodium alginate sulfates (PSu-SAS) greatly enhanced the selective adsorption of LDL from protein solutions and the absorbed LDL could be easily eluted with sodium chloride solution, indicating a specific and reversible binding of LDL to SAS, mainly driven by electrostatic forces. Furthermore, the PSu-SAS membrane showed good blood compatibility as examined by platelet adhesion. The results suggest that the PSu-SAS membranes are promising for application in simultaneous hemodialysis and LDL apheresis therapy.     

Surface glycosylation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) membrane for selective adsorption of low-density lipoprotein

A novel method of constructing a glycosylated surface on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB-co-4HB)] membrane surface for the selective adsorption of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was developed, which involved the photoinduced graft polymerization of acrylic acid followed by the chemical binding of carboxyl groups with glucosamine in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(dimethyl-aminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and N-hydroxy-succinimide. The chemical structures of the fabricated membranes were characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Zeta potential and water contact angle measurements were performed to investigate the surface charge and wettability of the membranes, respectively. An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the LDL adsorption on the plain and modified membrane surfaces. It was found that the surface glycosylation of P(3HB-co-4HB) membrane greatly enhanced the affinity interactions with LDL and the absorbed LDL could be easily desorbed with eluents, indicating a specific and reversible binding of LDL to the surface. Furthermore, the hemocompatibility of glycosylated membrane was improved as examined by platelet adhesion. The results suggest that the glycosylated P(3HB-co-4HB) membrane is promising for application in LDL apheresis therapy.     

'Danger' effect of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL on human immature dendritic cells

Dendritic cell (DC) maturation may accelerate autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, and may contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis seen in these patients. The immune system responds to both exogenous and endogenous 'dangerous' signals that can induce dendritic cell maturation. We have found that autologous plasma contains danger signals that induce up-regulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and co-stimulatory molecules in immature DCs (iDCs). The objective of this study was to determine whether low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and/or oxidized LDL (oxLDL) constitute danger signals, and to assess the effect of exposure to LDL and oxLDL following monocyte differentiation into iDCs in lipoprotein-deficient serum (LPDS). IDCs were generated in the presence of autologous plasma or LPDS. Expression of maturation and migration molecules was evaluated using flow cytometry, and morphology was assessed by light microscopy. Pro- or anti-apoptotic effect was determined using annexin V and propidium iodide binding. Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells was evaluated using autologous plasma or LPDS. LDL and oxLDL were clearly able to slightly up-regulate levels of HLA-DR and co-stimulatory molecule CD86. High oxLDL concentrations (50-100 microg/ml) were associated with expression of additional maturation molecules. Moreover, iDCs that were prepared in LPDS showed partial maturation following exposure to LDL and oxLDL, and improved tolerogenic apoptotic cell uptake. This study suggests that oxLDL, and to some extent LDL, are at least partly responsible for the iDC 'danger' response induced by autologous plasma.     

Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1) receptor in locally advanced breast cancer

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors are overexpressed in most neoplastic cell lines and provide a mechanism for the internalization and concentration of drug-laden nanoemulsions that bind to these receptors. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the administration of standard chemotherapeutic schemes can alter the expression of LDL and LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1) receptors in breast carcinoma. Fragments of tumoral and normal breast tissue from 16 consecutive volunteer women with breast cancer in stage II or III were obtained from biopsies before the beginning of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and after chemotherapy, from fragments excised during mastectomy. Tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for both receptors. Because complete response to treatment was achieved in 4 patients, only the tumors from 12 were analyzed. Before chemotherapy, there was overexpression of LDL receptor in the tumoral tissue compared to normal breast tissue in 8 of these patients. LRP-1 receptor overexpression was observed in tumors of 4 patients. After chemotherapy, expression of both receptors decreased in the tumors of 6 patients, increased in 4 and was unchanged in 2. Nonetheless, even when chemotherapy reduced receptors expression, the expression was still above normal. The fact that chemotherapy does not impair LDL receptors expression supports the use of drug carrier systems that target neoplastic cells by the LDL receptor endocytic pathway in patients on conventional chemotherapy.     

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) but not LDL aggravates the manifestations of experimental antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Ox-LDL is thought to play a major role in atherogenesis. The mechanisms mediating the deleterious influences of Ox-LDL include foam cell formation and cell cytotoxicity. The production of anti-Ox-LDL antibodies results in the formation of immune complexes which are taken up at enhanced rate by macrophages, leading to foam cell formation. APS is characterized by repeated venous and arterial thromboembolic phenomena, recurrent fetal loss and thrombocytopenia, associated with the presence of antibodies to negatively charged phospholipids (aPL) (i.e. cardiolipin, phosphatidylserine). Phospholipids bear structural resemblance to LDL, and several studies have indeed proved that aPL display cross-reactivity with anti-Ox-LDL antibodies. In this study we assessed the capacity of oxidized and native forms of LDL to aggravate the clinical picture of experimentally induced APS in naive mice. Mice were actively immunized intradermally with anticardiolipin antibodies and developed a clinical picture resembling APS in humans. Subsequently, the mice were infused with either Ox-LDL, native LDL or PBS, and similar regimens were applied to controls. APS mice infused with Ox-LDL were found to exhibit a significantly more severe form of the disease in comparison with native LDL- and PBS-infused mice, expressed by lower platelet counts (261 000/mm³, 535 000/mm³ and 455 000/mm³, respectively), longer activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (99 ± 12 s, 63 ± 8 s and 74 ± 8 s, respectively) and higher fetal resorption rates (72.7%, 34.4% and 32.6%, respectively). The results of this study show that Ox-LDL, compared with native LDL, aggravates the clinical manifestations of experimental APS and suggest that cross-reactivity of Ox-LDL with phospholipids may provide a pathogenic explanation for this effect.     

Immobilized heparin and its anti-coagulation effect on polysulfone membrane surface

Polysulfone has been widely used as hemodialysis membrane material because of its excellent physiochemical performance. There is still a need to further improve its anti-coagulation property in clinical practice. In this work, we covalently immobilized heparin onto polysulfone membrane to improve its anti-coagulation performance. Low temperature plasma technique with environmentally friendly nitrogen as the gas source, as well as N-ethyl-N′-[3-dimethylaminopropy] carbodiimide hydrochloride/hydroxy-2,5-dioxopyrolidine-3-sulfonicacid sodium chemistry were utilized to immobilize heparin onto the surface of polysulfone membrane. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as water contact angle results confirmed successful binding of heparin to the membrane surface. Only slight permeability differences were observed between the immobilized surface and the unmodified surface, while the polysulfone membrane had become more hydrophilic after immobilization. The blood coagulation time was greatly prolonged after modification and less platelets adhesion was observed on the heparin immobilized surface. Also, compared with heparin injection doses in clinical, the heparinized process in our work consumed less heparin. Our study suggests that the immobilized heparin has local anti-coagulation effect, while reducing the doses.     

Immobilization of heparin/poly-l-lysine nanoparticles on dopamine-coated surface to create a heparin density gradient for selective direction of platelet and vascular cells behavior

Restenosis, thrombosis formation and delayed endothelium regeneration continue to be problematic for coronary artery stent therapy. To improve the hemocompatibility of the cardiovascular implants and selectively direct vascular cell behavior, a novel kind of heparin/poly-l-lysine (Hep/PLL) nanoparticle was developed and immobilized on a dopamine-coated surface. The stability and structural characteristics of the nanoparticles changed with the Hep:PLL concentration ratio. A Hep density gradient was created on a surface by immobilizing nanoparticles with various Hep:PLL ratios on a dopamine-coated surface. Antithrombin III binding quantity was significantly enhanced, and in plasma the APTT and TT times as coagulation tests were prolonged, depending on the Hep density. A low Hep density is sufficient to prevent platelet adhesion and activation. The sensitivity of vascular cells to the Hep density is very different: high Hep density inhibits the growth of all vascular cells, while low Hep density could selectively inhibit smooth muscle cell hyperplasia but promote endothelial progenitor cells and endothelial cell proliferation. These observations provide important guidance for modification of surface heparinization. We suggest that this method will provide a potential means to construct a suitable platform on a stent surface for selective direction of vascular cell behavior with low side effects.     

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) heterogeneity and atherosclerosis

LDL particles constitute the predominant form of transport of cholesterol towards tissues, and a major risk factor for atheroma. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is, as yet, far from completely elucidated and, indeed, within the LDL particles themselves, there is a structural heterogeneity. Approximately fifteen subfractions have been isolated so far, presenting differing profiles in normal and hyperlipidemic subjects. Some of these subgroups seem to be linked with an atherogenic potential, this is the case for the smaller and the more dense of the particles. LDL particles are normally cleared from the blood stream via the BE receptor, whose synthesis is regulated by the intracellular content of cholesterol. The particules must however undergo several, in vivo and in vitro, transformations which modify their metabolism and are all the more important when their half life is prolonged. These transformations, and in particular oxydation, lead, via the macrophage pathway, to the accumulation of cholesterol, the creation of foam cells, and ultimately to the formation of the lipid streak. Antioxydants therefore open the way to new therapeutic pathways by acting in synergy with cholesterol lowering agents.     

氧化低密度脂蛋白内皮受体在氧化低密度脂蛋白致内皮细胞损伤中的作用

目的:探讨血凝素样氧化低密度脂蛋白受体(LOX1)在氧化低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)致内皮细胞损伤中的作用。方法:采用倒置相差显微镜观察细胞形态的改变;发色底物法检测内皮细胞培养液中的组织纤溶酶原激活物(t-PA)和纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂(PAI-1)的活性;反转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测LOX1mRNA表达水平。结果:单纯加入ox-LDL,内皮细胞出现胞体收缩,细胞膜破坏等明显的损伤性改变,培养液中PAI-1活性较对照组高3倍(P<0.05),LOX1mRNA水平表达增高;而当培养液中同时加有LOX1抑制剂polyinosinicacid时,内皮细胞形态损伤不明显,培养液中PAI-1活性低约2.6倍(P<0.05),同时LOX1mRNA水平降低。结论:LOX1介导了ox-LDL对内皮细胞的损伤,可能在血管损伤性疾病的发生中起重要作用。     

Differential regulation of acid sphingomyelinase in macrophages stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL immune complexes: role in phagocytosis and cytokine release

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and oxLDL-containing immune complexes (oxLDL-IC) contribute to the formation of lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells). Fcγ receptors mediate uptake of oxLDL-IC, whereas scavenger receptors internalize oxLDL. We have previously reported that oxLDL-IC, but not free oxLDL, activate macrophages and prolong their survival. Sphingomyelin is a major constituent of cell membranes and lipoprotein particles and acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) hydrolyses sphingomyelin to generate the bioactive lipid ceramide. ASMase exists in two forms: lysosomal (L-ASMase) and secretory (S-ASMase). In this study we examined whether oxLDL and oxLDL-IC regulate ASMase differently, and whether ASMase mediates monocyte/macrophage activation and cytokine release. The oxLDL-IC, but not oxLDL, induced early and consistent release of catalytically active S-ASMase. The oxLDL-IC also consistently stimulated L-ASMase activity, whereas oxLDL induced a rapid transient increase in L-ASMase activity before it steadily declined below baseline. Prolonged exposure to oxLDL increased L-ASMase activity; however, activity remained significantly lower than that induced by oxLDL-IC. Further studies were aimed at defining the function of the activated ASMase. In response to oxLDL-IC, heat-shock protein 70B' (HSP70B') was up-regulated and localized with redistributed ASMase in the endosomal compartment outside the lysosome. Treatment with oxLDL-IC induced the formation and release of HSP70-containing and IL-1β-containing exosomes via an ASMase-dependent mechanism. Taken together, the results suggest that oxLDL and oxLDL-IC differentially regulate ASMase activity, and the pro-inflammatory responses to oxLDL-IC are mediated by prolonged activation of ASMase. These findings may contribute to increased understanding of mechanisms mediating macrophage involvement in atherosclerosis.     

Immobilization of heparin on a silicone surface through a heterobifunctional PEG spacer

A novel method of immobilizing heparin on a silicone surface through a heterobifunctional PEG spacer was used yield well defined surfaces with highly active surface immobilized heparin and low non-specific protein adsorption. The heparin surface density achieved using this technique was 0.68 microg/cm2. Sessile drop water contact angles showed increased hydrophilicity of the silicone surface after PEG modification and a further decrease in the contact angles following the grafting of heparin. High specificity for ATIII with little fibrinogen adsorption was noted in plasma adsorption studies. This ATIII adsorption was mediated by the heparin layer, since surfaces modified with PEG only did not adsorb significant quantities of AT. The thrombin resistance of the heparin modified surfaces was demonstrably greater as measured by a chromogenic thrombin generation assay. The results suggest that the heterbifunctional PEG linker results in a high density of active heparin on the surfaces.     

Polysulfone-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) graft copolymers for surface modification of polysulfone membranes

Amphiphilic graft copolymers having polysulfone (PSf) backbones and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) side chains were synthesized via reaction of an alkoxide formed from PEG and a base (sodium hydride) with chloromethylated polysulfone. The resulting polysulfone-graft-poly(ethylene glycol), PSf-g-PEG, materials were hydrophilic but water insoluble, rendering them potentially useful as biomaterial coatings. PSf-g-PEG films exhibited high resistance to protein adsorption and cell attachment. When used as an additive in PSf membranes prepared by immersion precipitation, the graft copolymer preferentially segregates to the membrane surface, delivering enhanced wettability, porosity and protein resistance compared to unmodified PSf membranes. The surface properties of PSf-g-PEG modified membranes render them desirable candidates for hemodialysis.     

Effect of low-density lipoprotein buoyant density and cholesterol content on the formation of lipoprotein(a) particles

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a unique lipoprotein which resembles low-density lipoprotein (LDL) both in lipid composition and the presence of apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B-100). Lp(a) is, however, distinguishable from LDL by the presence of an additional glycoprotein apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)], which is covalently attached to apo B-100 by a single disulfide bond. It is now generally accepted that Lp(a) assembly is a two-step process in which the initial non covalent interaction between apo(a) and apo B-100 is mediated by the weak lysine binding sites present in kringle IV types 6, 7 and 8 of apo(a). In the present study, we have investigated the effect of LDL heterogeneity on Lp(a) assembly in a group of 111 individuals. The three parameters of LDL composition assessed in this study were the cholesterol content, the apo B content, and the relative flotation rate (a measure of LDL buoyancy and thus size). We found no correlation between the size of LDL particles and the extent of Lp(a) formation; a weak negative correlation was observed between cholesterol content of LDL and Lp(a) formation (P=0.042). This may suggest a role for free (i. e., surface-associated) cholesterol in the ability of LDL to form Lp(a) particles. Received: 1 June 2001 / Accepted: 2 July 2001     

Immobilization of NaIO4-treated heparin on PEG-modified 316L SS surface for high anti-thrombin-III binding

Poor compatibility between blood and metallic coronary artery stents is one reason for arterial restenosis; however, the immobilization of anticoagulant agents on the surface of the stent is a feasible method of improving stent compatibility. Heparin, a well-known anticoagulant, has been frequently used to coat the surfaces of certain biomaterials to attain blood compatibility. The compound 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl) carbodiimide has often been utilized for the immobilization of heparin, but the critical carboxyl groups of heparin (with regards to heparin's anticoagulant activity) will be reduced by this method. This study examined possible methods of heparin immobilization without consuming these carboxyl groups. The 316L stainless steel surface was first activated with hexamethylene diisocyanate and then coupled with bis-amine-terminated poly (ethylene glycol) (BA-PEG) so as to create active amine groups. Sodium periodate (NaIO(4); SP) was then used to oxidize heparin to form aldehyde groups. The treated heparin could then be grafted onto the activated surface of the test material without losing its carboxyl groups. Effective surface modification of the hexamethylene diisocyanate-activated and BA-PEG-grafted 316L SS surface was confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis and a water contact angle test. After the heparin was immobilized on the BA-PEG-grafted 316L SS surface by SP, the surface showed an improvement in antithrombrin III (AT III) binding ability, its anticoagulant property, and hemocompatibility in comparison with heparin grafted by 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl) carbodiimide.     

The effect of protein adsorption on the anticoagulant activity of surface immobilized heparin

The anticoagulant activity of albumin-heparin conjugates covalently immobilized on carboxylated polystyrene beads was determined before and after exposure to different plasma/PBS dilutions using a thrombin inhibition assay, a FXa inhibition assay, and a modified aPTT assay. Exposure of albumin-heparin modified surfaces (alb-hep surfaces) to plasma dilutions resulted in surfaces with a lower anticoagulant activity than surfaces which were not exposed to plasma dilutions. The reduction of the activity increased up to ±80% when the surfaces were exposed to solutions containing more than 70% plasma. Alb-hep surfaces incubated in plasma which was preexposed to heparin-Sepharose retained 30% of their initial activity. These observations were attributed to non-specific adsorption of plasma proteins onto the surface and to interaction of heparin binding proteins with the immobilized heparin. Both processes result in a decreased accessibility of the immobilized heparin and thus in a reduced anticoagulant activity displayed by the heparinized surface. Identification of adsorbed proteins with SDS gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting revealed that many different proteins were present at the heparinized surface. Only small differences were observed between the gel electrophoresis pattern of adsorbed proteins obtained from heparinized surfaces and from a surface containing immobilized albumin.     

Effects in post-menopausal women of transdermal estrogen associated with progestin upon the removal from the plasma of a microemulsion that resembles low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

Objective: To evaluate the effects of transdermal estradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) treatment on the removal from the plasma of a cholesterol-rich microemulsion (LDE) that roughly resembles low-density lipoprotein (LDL) structure and that binds to LDL receptors. Methods: Ten healthy post-menopausal women were studied before and after 3-month treatment with transdermal estradiol in the following dosages administered every 3.5 days: 25, 50, 50, 100, 100, 50, 50 and 25 μg. From the 15th to the 21st day and from the 22nd to the 28th day of estrogen treatment, respectively, 10 and 5 mg q.d. MPA per oral were associated to the transdermal estrogen. The emulsion labeled with ¹⁴C-cholesteryl oleate was injected after 12 h fasting and its fractional catabolic rate (FCR) was calculated from the plasma decaying curves of the isotope. Results: Treatment reduced LDL-cholesterol levels by 8% only (149.0 ± 36.0 mg/dl, 138.0 ± 27.0 mg/dl; P = 0.046), but the FCR of LDE expressed in medians (25%; 75%) increased from 0.0054 (0.003; 0.052) h⁻¹ to 0.021 (0.009; 0.10) h⁻¹, P = 0.002. Conclusion: The association used in this study so as to mimic the increasing–decreasing pattern of the hormonal ovarian production reduced modestly LDL-cholesterol levels but pronouncedly increased the lipoprotein removal as tested by LDE FCR.     

Free electron laser induces specific immobilization of heparin on polysulfone films

Covalent immobilization of heparin has been developed to reduce the amount of heparin administered systematically during long-term dialysis. Recently, it was doubted partially because of the complexion during immobilization process. In this study, we investigated a novel method for specific immobilization of heparin on polysulfone (PSF) via free electron laser (FEL) irradiation. Laser wavelengths of 6.18 or 6.31 microm, the typical absorption bands of carboxyl groups of heparin and aromatic rings in PSF, respectively, were chosen to irradiate the thin heparin membrane formed on PSF surfaces. The amount of heparin immobilized on PSF was measured by the toluidine blue method. The binding of heparin on PSF was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The immobilization of heparin resulted in a hydrophilic surface on which decreased platelet adhesion was observed. The efficiency differences, depending on laser wavelengths, were discussed from the point of view of structural and environmental differences of light-absorbing groups.     

Free electron laser induces specific immobilization of heparin on polysulfone films

Covalent immobilization of heparin has been developed to reduce the amount of heparin administered systematically during long-term dialysis. Recently, it was doubted partially because of the complexion during immobilization process. In this study, we investigated a novel method for specific immobilization of heparin on polysulfone (PSF) via free electron laser (FEL) irradiation. Laser wavelengths of 6.18 or 6.31 μm, the typical absorption bands of carboxyl groups of heparin and aromatic rings in PSF, respectively, were chosen to irradiate the thin heparin membrane formed on PSF surfaces. The amount of heparin immobilized on PSF was measured by the toluidine blue method. The binding of heparin on PSF was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The immobilization of heparin resulted in a hydrophilic surface on which decreased platelet adhesion was observed. The efficiency differences, depending on laser wavelengths, were discussed from the point of view of structural and environmental differences of light-absorbing groups.     

Inheritance of two different alleles of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptor gene carrying the recurrent Pro664Leu mutation in a patient with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptor gene that result in impaired clearance of plasma LDL and increased risk of coronary heart disease. Numerous different mutations have been found in FH patients worldwide, the majority of which are infrequent in out-bred populations and account for 2% or less of patients with the disorder in large cohorts. Thus, it was surprising to find that two homozygous FH patients referred to a single hospital in the UK were both apparently homozygous for the Pro664Leu mutation. One, an Asian patient, was a true homozygote. The other, of English origin, had inherited two different alleles of the LDL-receptor gene with the same mutation from unrelated parents, as inferred from the haplotype of polymorphic markers. A third, clinically homozygous FH patient, despite being the offspring of first cousins, had inherited one 'Asian' Pro664Leu allele, but an allele with a 1-bp deletion in exon 5 from the other parent. The Pro664Leu mutation in the LDL-receptor gene has now been described in heterozygous patients of very different ethnic origin and is associated with different haplotypes, suggesting that the same base change at a CpG may have recurred as many as six times.     

不同剪切力对内皮细胞表面凝集素样氧化低密度脂蛋白受体1表达的影响

目的 研究不同剪切力对内皮细胞表面凝集素样氧化低密度脂蛋白受体1(LOX-1)表达的影响.方法 体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞,将其种植于载玻片上,放入流室系统分别施加以不同的剪切力.按施加剪切力的不同分为实验组和对照组:实验组分为低剪切力组(4.2 dyne/cm2,n=5)、中等剪切力组(8.4 dyne/cm2,n=5)和高剪切力组(15.0 dyne/cm2,n=5);对照组(n=5)静态条件下培养,不施加剪切力.剪切力加载1、2、4、8 h后RT-PCR测定各组内皮细胞LOX-1 mRNA的表达.结果 低剪切力(4.2 dyne/cm2)作用下,内皮细胞LOX-1表达随时间延长而增加.与对照组比较,中等剪切力(8.4dyne/cm2)作用2、4、8 h内皮细胞LOX-1的表达水平均降低[2 h:0.2346±0.0397比0.2948±0.0128,4 h:0.1747±0.0585比0.2985±0.0204,8 h:0.0256±0.0067比0.2968±0.0175,均P＜0.05].高剪切力(15.0dyne/cm2)作用下,血管内皮细胞LOX-1表达一直维持在极低水平.结论 不同剪切力可以影响内皮细胞的LOX-1表达水平.