阿司匹林对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导平滑肌细胞增殖的影响及其机制

目的:观察阿司匹林对血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导的人脐动脉平滑肌细胞增殖的影响及其机制。方法:采用组织贴块法培养人脐动脉平滑肌细胞,选3-9代细胞用于实验。①阿司匹林细胞毒性检测:实验分对照组和阿司匹林5 mmol/L组。两组培养24 h后,取上清液,用乳酸脱氢酶活性测定法,观察阿司匹林加入对细胞有无毒性。②阿司匹林抗增殖效果:实验分5组,对照组、AngⅡ组、AngⅡ+阿司匹林0.5 mmol/L组、AngⅡ+阿司匹林1 mmol/L组和AngⅡ+阿司匹林2 mmol/L组。以上各组分别培养1 d、3 d、5 d后,采用四唑盐比色法测各孔的吸光值。③NO含量检测:实验分4组,对照组、阿司匹林2 mmol/L组、AngⅡ组和AngⅡ+阿司匹林2 mmol/L组。以上各组分别培养24 h后,收集细胞培养上清液按试剂盒说明书检测NO含量。④细胞周期检测:实验分3组,对照组、AngⅡ组和AngⅡ+阿司匹林2 mmol/L组。以上各组分别培养24 h后,收集细胞,用流式细胞仪检测细胞周期。结果:①与对照组比较,阿司匹林5 mmol/L组细胞上清液中乳酸脱氢酶活性无明显升高(P>0.05)。②阿司匹林(0.5、1、2 mmol/L)呈剂量依赖性地抑制脐动脉平滑肌细胞的增殖,抑制的最大效果在本实验内显示为2 mmol/L浓度的阿司匹林在培养第5天时,与AngⅡ组比较有极显著性差异(0.27±0.01 vs 0.74±0.03,P<0.01)。③AngⅡ刺激脐动脉平滑肌细胞24 h后,可降低细胞培养上清液中NO的含量,与对照组比较有显著差异[(54.08±5.69)μmol/L vs (70.27±3.99)μmol/L,P<0.05];而加入阿司匹林2 mmol/L干预后,可升高上清液中NO的含量,与AngⅡ组比较有极显著差异[(63.31±5.41)μmol/L vs(54.08±5.69)μmol/L,P<0.01]。④与AngⅡ组比较,阿司匹林(2 mmol/L)可使细胞静止期/DNA合成前期(G0/G1期)的脐动脉平滑肌细胞所占比例显著升高[(62.05±1.55)%vs(48.72±2.31)%,P<0.05],而DNA合成期(S期)细胞所占比例显著降低[(24.77±2.82)%vs(35.77±2.13)%,[<0.05]。结论:阿司匹林能呈剂量依赖性地抑制AngⅡ诱导的脐动脉平滑肌细胞的增殖,抑制细胞在G0/G1期,促进脐动脉平滑肌细胞NO的产生。     

血管紧张素Ⅱ对肾小管上皮细胞Klotho基因表达的影响

目的:观察血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)刺激正常大鼠肾小管上皮细胞(NRK-52E)后Klotho、p53、p21mRNA及蛋白的表达和细胞凋亡情况,探讨高血压肾损害肾小管上皮细胞凋亡的相关机制。方法:AngⅡ按浓度梯度0(对照组)、10-10、10-9、10-8、10-7、10-6mol/L分组培养NRK-52E24h,确定适宜干预浓度后,按时间梯度0h、6h、12h、18h、24h分组培养确定最佳干预时间。分别用RT-PCR和Western印迹法检测Klotho、p53、p21mRNA及蛋白的表达;分光光度法检测Caspase-3的活性;AnnexinV-FITC双染法及流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率。结果:随着AngⅡ干预NRK-52E浓度增高(10-10mol/L～10-6mol/L)及作用时间延长(6h～24h),Caspase-3活性逐渐增高,凋亡率逐渐增加(P<0.01)。与对照组比较,AngⅡ组Klotho表达明显下调,p53和p21表达上调,Caspase-3活性增高,凋亡率增加(P<0.01)。结论:AngⅡ可通过抑制Klotho表达,增加p53和p21的表达,活化Caspase-3,从而诱导肾小管上皮细胞发生凋亡,这可能是其在高血压肾损害肾小管细胞凋亡中的作用机制之一。     

缬沙坦对血管紧张素Ⅱ抑制klotho基因表达的影响

目的:研究血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)调控klotho基因表达的机制,探讨缬沙坦(valsartan)对其调控作用的影响。方法:将大鼠肾小管上皮细胞(NRK-52E)与干预药物共培养。(1)按AngⅡ浓度梯度0(对照组)、10-9、10-8、10-7、10-6、10-5mol/L和时间梯度0(对照组)、3、6、12和24h分组培养,用RT-PCR检测klotho mRNA的表达水平。(2)按Valsartan浓度梯度0(对照组)、10-9、10-7、10-5和10-3mol/L分组培养,RT-PCR检测klothomRNA的表达。(3)设对照组、AngⅡ(10-7mol/L)组、AngⅡ(10-7mol/L) Valsartan(10-5mol/L)组和Valsartan(10-5mol/L)组,用RT-PCR和免疫组化法检测klotho mRNA和蛋白表达。结果:(1)AngⅡ对klotho mRNA表达呈量效抑制关系,但在时效关系上,klotho在3h点被AngⅡ抑制(P<0.05),6~12h klotho mRNA表达量逐渐增加,而24h后klotho mRNA表达减少,呈明显抑制状态(P<0.05)。(2)不同浓度Valsartan对klotho mRNA的表达无显著影响,组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。(3)AngⅡ可明显抑制klotho表达(P<0.05),给予Valsartan阻断AngⅡ作用后,klotho表达增高(P<0.05),而Valsartan本身对klotho表达无影响(P>0.05)。结论:AngⅡ对klotho基因的抑制作用呈浓度依赖性,Valsartan可拮抗AngⅡ对klotho基因的抑制作用,血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体是AngⅡ调控klotho基因表达的关键环节。     

血管紧张素 Ⅱ 受体拮抗剂对人胰腺星状细胞增殖和迁移的影响

目的 研究血管紧张素Ⅱ (AngⅡ)1型受体(AT1)拮抗剂洛沙坦(losartan)对人胰腺星状细胞增殖和迁移的影响及其抗胰腺纤维化的作用.方法 组织贴壁法从人胰腺癌组织中原代分离纯化人胰腺星状细胞(hPSC),体外培养10 d后细胞活化.应用放射免疫分析法测定细胞培养上清液和细胞匀浆中AngⅡ的含量,免疫细胞化学和原位杂交方法 检测PSC上的AT1表达.应用AngⅡ(10-8mol/L)和洛沙坦梯度浓度设计多种组合处理PSC细胞.BrdU掺入法和TUNEL法分别检测细胞增殖和凋亡.Wound-healing分析法观察细胞的迁移能力.Real-time PCR、Western blot和免疫荧光方法 检测PSC中Ⅰ型胶原和p38的表达.结果 人PSC存在AT1的表达,而细胞培养上清和细胞匀浆中未能检测到AngⅡ.洛沙坦能够时效和量效性地诱导细胞凋亡(10-5mol/L时最明显),能减轻AngⅡ所导致的细胞迁移和Ⅰ型胶原的分泌,抑制PSC p38的表达.结论 AngⅡ主要依靠旁分泌而并非自分泌途径,通过AT1受体对PSC发挥作用,而洛沙坦通过抑制AngⅡ同AT1结合而发挥抗纤维化效应.     

RhoA/Rho激酶通路在血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导大鼠血管外膜成纤维细胞表达纤维连接蛋白中的作用

目的观察血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)对大鼠血管外膜成纤维细胞(VAF)纤维连接蛋白(FN)表达的影响,并探讨RhoA/Rho激酶通路在AngⅡ诱导FN表达中的相关机制。方法分别以不同时间(0、6、12、24、48h)和不同剂量(0、10-8、10-7、10-6、10-5 mol/L)AngⅡ刺激体外培养的SD大鼠VAF,应用实时荧光定量逆转录聚合酶链反应及Western blot检测FN的表达变化,并分别应用表达目的基因N19RhoA的重组腺病毒和Rho激酶抑制剂Y27632进行干预,观察其对AngⅡ诱导FN表达的影响。结果 AngⅡ促进大鼠VAF表达FN。应用10-7 mol/L AngⅡ刺激VAF 24h,FN mRNA表达和蛋白表达增高最为明显(均P0.05)。与AngⅡ刺激组比较,表达目的基因N19RhoA的重组腺病毒和Y27632可明显抑制AngⅡ诱导的FN mRNA(N19RhoA组0.78±0.11,Y27632组0.72±0.08比AngⅡ刺激组1.82±0.12,均P0.05)和蛋白表达(N19RhoA组1.56±0.12,Y27632组1.43±0.12比AngⅡ刺激组3.89±0.32,均P0.05)。结论 AngⅡ促进大鼠VAF表达FN,RhoA/Rho激酶通路参与了该过程的调控。     

自噬在血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导血管平滑肌细胞迁移和增殖的作用

目的探讨自噬对血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导的血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)迁移和增殖的影响。方法采用体外培养大鼠胸主动脉VSMCs,采用不同浓度AngⅡ(10-10mol/L~10-6mol/L)刺激VSMCs 24 h,免疫印迹检测细胞自噬标志物LC3、Beclin1的表达;采用最佳浓度AngⅡ(10-7mol/L)对VSMCs刺激不同时间点(0 h、0.5 h、1 h、3 h、6 h、12 h、24 h),同时检测LC3、Beclin1表达。采用AngⅡ1型受体阻断剂(洛沙坦钾)、AngⅡ型受体阻断剂(PD123319)进行预孵,之后采用最佳浓度AngⅡ刺激,检测LC3表达。采用自噬特异性阻断剂3-MA进行预孵,通过损伤愈合试验,CCK8增殖试验检测细胞自噬在AngⅡ诱导的VSMCs迁移和增殖的作用。结果 AngⅡ刺激可引起VSMCs发生自噬,表现为LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ、Beclin-1上调,且呈现明显时间、剂量效应(P0.0 5),1 0-7mol/L AngⅡ刺激2 4 h自噬最强。AngⅡ1型受体(AT 1)阻滞剂(洛沙坦钾)能抑制AngⅡ诱导VSMCs的自噬(P0.05),而AngⅡ2型受体(AT2R)阻滞剂(PD123319)不能抑制AngⅡ诱导VSMCs自噬(P0.05)。自噬特异性阻断剂3-MA能抑制AngⅡ诱导VSMCs的迁移和增殖。结论 AngⅡ可通过AT1R诱导VSMCs发生自噬,从而促进VSMCs迁移和增殖。     

丹参酮Ⅱ_A对血管紧张素Ⅱ所致主动脉内皮细胞游离钙离子及产生一氧化氮的影响

目的通过观察猪主动脉内皮细胞在血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)作用下时,不同浓度和不同作用时间的丹参酮ⅡA(TSN)对血管内皮细胞分泌一氧化氮(NO)及其内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)基因表达的影响、细胞内游离钙离子浓度的变化,探讨TSN对血管内皮细胞的保护作用。方法采用硝酸还原法、免疫组织化学法,首先分别检测不同浓度(10-8~10-6mol/L)和不同作用时间(1、6、24h)的AngⅡ对培养的猪主动脉内皮细胞产生NO及其eNOS蛋白质表达的影响;然后比较在10-6mol/L的AngⅡ作用的不同点(0h点为A组、6h点为B组)加入不同浓度(10、50mg/L)TSN,分别检测作用1、6、24h后内皮细胞的NO生成和eNOS的蛋白质表达变化。用激光共聚焦扫描显像系统检测内皮细胞内游离钙离子浓度([Ca2 ]i)水平的变化。结果(1)随着AngⅡ浓度的增加、作用时间的延长,内皮细胞NO的产生及eNOS的表达呈顺序下降(P<0·01),表现出剂量、时间依赖性的负性作用。(2)TSN可抑制AngⅡ对内皮细胞分泌NO及eNOS表达的负性作用(P<0·01),但尚不能恢复到空白对照组水平(P<0·05);此作用与TSN的浓度无明显关系(P>0·05)。在TSN作用1、6h,A组的抑制效应明显强于B组(P<0·05);随着作用时间延长至24h,两组间差异无显著性(P>0·05)。(3)AngⅡ可引起主动脉内皮细胞[Ca2 ]i显著升高(P<0·01),TSN可部分抑制AngⅡ诱导的内皮细胞[Ca2 ]i升高(P<0·05)。结论TSN可抑制AngⅡ对血管内皮细胞分泌NO以及细胞eNOS蛋白质表达的负性作用,可能通过多种途径对血管内皮细胞及其功能起到保护作用。     

血管紧张素Ⅱ和卡托普利、缬沙坦对人脐静脉内皮细胞PAI-1、tPA蛋白表达的影响

目的研究血管紧张素Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)和血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂(ACEI),卡托普利和Ang Ⅱ 1型受体(AT-1)拮抗剂缬沙坦对人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)1型纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂(PAI-1)、组织型纤溶酶原激活剂(tPA)蛋白的释放及活性的影响.方法将不同浓度的Ang Ⅱ(10-6～10-9 mol/L)与HUVECs共同孵育24 h,以及将10-6 mol/L的Ang Ⅱ与HUVECs作用不同时间(0、4、8、12、24 h)后,用细胞酶联免疫法和发色底物法分别检测细胞培养液中PAI-1、tPA的含量及活性,并观察卡托普利和缬沙坦干预后的影响.结果 10-6mol/L Ang Ⅱ作用HUVECs 24 h后,可使细胞分泌的PAI-1含量与对照组相比明显增高(280±15.60 vs 83.33±10.56) ng/mL,P<0.01),PAI-1活性明显增加(9.25±0.39 vs 7.53±0.33) IU/mL,P<0.01),Ang Ⅱ虽也可刺激tPA含量增加(101.67±3.78 vs 70±5.62) ng/mL,(P<0.01),但PAI-1的增量是tPA增量的6～7倍(Δ196.67±21.34 vs Δ31±6.50) ng/mL,(P<0.01),Ang Ⅱ对tPA活性无影响(0.97±0.05 vs 0.95±0.08) ng/mL,(P>0.05);缬沙坦可显著抑制Ang Ⅱ的促PAI-1分泌作用(212.67±5.38 vs 290±6.57) IU/mL,(P<0.01),而卡托普利对Ang Ⅱ的促PAI-1分泌作用无明显抑制作用(278.33±9.16 vs 290±6.57) IU/mL,(P>0.05).结论 Ang Ⅱ可促使HUVECs分泌PAI-1,并使其活性增加;Ang Ⅱ亦可刺激tPA分泌,但作用弱于PAI-1,对其活性无明显影响.缬沙坦可抑制Ang Ⅱ促HUVECs分泌PAI-1的作用;卡托普利的作用不显著.     

血管紧张素Ⅱ和卡托普利、缬沙坦对人脐静脉内皮细胞PAI-1、tPA蛋白表达的影响

目的研究血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)和血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂(ACEI),卡托普利和AngⅡ1型受体(AT-1)拮抗剂缬沙坦对人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)1型纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂(PAI-1)、组织型纤溶酶原激活剂(tPA)蛋白的释放及活性的影响。方法将不同浓度的AngⅡ(10-6~10-9mol/L)与HUVECs共同孵育24h,以及将10-6mol/L的AngⅡ与HUVECs作用不同时间(0、4、8、12、24h)后,用细胞酶联免疫法和发色底物法分别检测细胞培养液中PAI-1、tPA的含量及活性,并观察卡托普利和缬沙坦干预后的影响。结果10-6mol/LAngⅡ作用HUVECs24h后,可使细胞分泌的PAI-1含量与对照组相比明显增高(280±15.60vs83.33±10.56)ng/mL,P<0.01),PAI-1活性明显增加(9.25±0.39vs7.53±0.33)IU/mL,P<0.01),AngⅡ虽也可刺激tPA含量增加(101.67±3.78vs70±5.62)ng/mL,(P<0.01),但PAI-1的增量是tPA增量的6~7倍(Δ196.67±21.34vsΔ31±6.50)ng/mL,(P<0.01),AngⅡ对tPA活性无影响(0.97±0.05vs0.95±0.08)ng/mL,(P>0.05);缬沙坦可显著抑制AngⅡ的促PAI-1分泌作用(212.67±5.38vs290±6.57)IU/mL,(P<0.01),而卡托普利对AngⅡ的促PAI-1分泌作用无明显抑制作用(278.33±9.16vs290±6.57)IU/mL,(P>0.05)。结论AngⅡ可促使HUVECs分泌PAI-1,并使其活性增加;AngⅡ亦可刺激tPA分泌,但作用弱于PAI-1,对其活性无明显影响。缬沙坦可抑制AngⅡ促HUVECs分泌PAI-1的作用;卡托普利的作用不显著。     

血管紧张素-(1-7)在拮抗血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导心肌细胞Cx43间隙连接上调中的作用

目的探讨血管紧张素-(1-7)[Ang-(1-7)]在血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导心肌细胞Cx43间隙连接中作用。方法AngⅡ处理培养心肌细胞24h。PD98059和Ang-(1-7)在AngⅡ刺激细胞前1h加到培养基中,对照组加等体积药物溶剂DMSO。用Western blot分析和电镜观察心肌细胞Cx43表达和间隙连接。结果Western blot分析显示用10-9~10-6mol/L AngⅡ刺激细胞24h,Cx43的表达与对照组相比呈浓度依赖性增加;用AngⅡ0.1μmol/L刺激心肌细胞24h,与对照组相比Cx43表达上调、磷酸化ERK1/2活性增加(P<0.01),ERK1/2激酶特异性抑制剂1μmol/LPD98059和0.1μmol/L Ang-(1-7)能阻断AngⅡ上调Cx43表达和磷酸化ERK1/2活性增加。电镜观察证明用AngⅡ0.1μmol/L刺激心肌细胞24h,AngⅡ处理组细胞间隙连接数目和大小较对照组增加(P<0.05),0.1μmol/L Ang-(1-7)能阻断AngⅡ增加心肌细胞间隙连接数目和大小。结论Ang-(1-7)通过抑制磷酸化ERK1/2活性增加,从而拮抗AngⅡ上调培养新生鼠心肌细胞Cx43间隙连接。     

肾上腺髓质素对血管紧张素Ⅱ促血管外膜成纤维细胞胶原生成作用的影响

目的探讨肾上腺髓质素（ADM）对血管紧张素Ⅱ（AngⅡ）诱导的血管外膜成纤维细胞胶原生成的影响及机制。方法体外培养大鼠主动脉外膜成纤维细胞,通过放射免疫法测定培养上清中ADM含量,采用酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）测定培养上清中Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白含量,用逆转录一聚合酶链反应（RT—PCR）及Western印迹法检测转化生长因子β1（TGFβ1）和基质金属蛋白酶-2（MMP-2）mRNA及蛋白的表达。结果AngII呈剂量依赖性地刺激血管外膜成纤维细胞分泌ADM,在AngⅡ（10^-6mol／L）刺激前30min加入氯沙坦或（和）PD123319,氯沙坦（10^-5mol／L）可明显降低AngⅡ刺激的ADM分泌,其抑制率为45％（P〈0．01）,而PD123319（10mmol／L）作用后抑制率仅为3％（P〉0．05）,氯沙坦＋PD123319组与单独氯沙坦组相比差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;AngⅡ显著增加培养上清中Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白含量,ADM呈剂量依赖地抑制AngⅡ上述作用,其中ADM（10“mol／L）组中I、Ⅲ型胶原合成分别抑制了30％和31％（P〈0．01）,ADM（10^-7mol／L）组则分别抑制了43％和42％（P〈0．01）。ADM受体拈抗剂ADM22-52可增强AngII上述作用,Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原合成分别增加了38％和43％（P〈0．01）;ADM呈剂量依赖性抑制AngⅡ刺激的TGFβ1mRNA及蛋白表达,其中ADM（10^-8mol／L）组中TGFβ1mRNA及蛋白表达分别抑制了55％和45％（P〈0．01）,ADM（10^-7mol／L）组则分别抑制了70％和59％（P〈0．01）;AngⅡ明显下调细胞内MMP-2mRNA及蛋白表达,ADM呈剂量依赖性抑制上述作用,其中10^-8mol／LADM组细胞内MMP-2mRNA及蛋白表达分别增加了1．0和0．9倍。结论AngⅡ可刺激血管外膜成纤维细胞释放ADM,而自分泌旁分泌的ADM可能通过下调细胞内TGFN表达和上调MMP-2表达,抑制AngⅡ刺激的Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白生成,从而发挥有效的抗血管重构作用。     

Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines (DARC) attenuates angiogenesis by causing senescence in endothelial cells

Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines (DARC), expressed on erythrocytes and post-capillary venular endothelial cells, selectively binds both CXC and CC chemokines. DARC binds ELR + angiogenic chemokines such as IL-8 (CXCL8). We show that the DARC on endothelial cells plays a direct role in regulating angiogenesis. Matrigel^TM in vivo plug assay showed that there was more capillary formation in DARC knockout mice compared to wild type mice indicating that DARC attenuated angiogenic activity. In vitro angiogenic assay on Matrigel^TM coated plates using DARC expressing stable human cerebro-microvascular endothelial cells (HCEC) showed that, although capillary formation in transfected cells started early within 4–8 h; capillary formation was attenuated within 12–24 h. Contrarily, mock transfected cells continued to show vascular capillary formation during that time without demonstrating any attenuation. Preincubation of DARC-expressing HCEC with monoclonal antibody (mAb-Fy6) against the N-terminal chemokine-binding domain of DARC increased capillary formation in vitro. Moreover, addition of excess IL-8 during incubation had the similar effect. DARC-expressing transfected endothelial cells underwent senescence in conditioned medium, whereas DARC non-expressing cells remained healthy. Interestingly, after several days in the conditioned medium, DARC expressing senescent cells started to initiate capillary formation; whereas capillary formed with DARC non-expressing cells remained the same. Our data evidently demonstrated that DARC on endothelial cells attenuated the angiogenic activity by causing senescence.     

Role of asymmetric dimethylarginine in inflammatory reactions by angiotensin II

Previous investigations have demonstrated that angiotensin (Ang) II induces inflammatory reactions and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous NOS inhibitor, might be a novel inflammatory factor. Endothelial cell activation was induced by incubation with Ang II or ADMA. Incubation with Ang II (10(-6) M) for 24 h elevated the levels of ADMA and decreased the levels of nitrite/nitrate concomitantly with a significant increase in the expression of protein arginine methyltransferase and a decrease in the activity of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH). Exposure to Ang II (10(-6) M for 24 h) also enhanced intracellular ROS elaboration and the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-8, upregulated chemokine receptor CXCR2 mRNA expression, increased adhesion of endothelial cells to monocytes and induced a significant increase in the activity of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, which was attenuated by pretreatment with the Ang II receptor blocker losartan (1, 3 and 10 muM). Exogenous ADMA (30 microM) also increased ROS generation and the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-8, decreased the levels of nitrite/nitrate, upregulated CXCR2 gene expression, increased endothelial cell binding with monocytes and activated the NF-kappaB pathway, which was inhibited by pretreatment with losartan or L-arginine. These data suggest that ADMA is a potential proinflammatory factor and may be involved in the inflammatory reaction induced by Ang II.     

Enhanced angiotensin II-mediated effects in fibroblasts of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia

OBJECTIVE: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by a high incidence of coronary heart disease. Evidence suggests an important role for angiotensin II (AngII) in the fibrotic response to tissue injury, and in promoting myocardial hypertrophy via paracrine mechanisms mediated by fibroblasts. We sought to determine whether AngII promotes proliferative and pro-atherogenic responses in FH patients. METHODS: We used primary fibroblasts -- from five patients with heterozygous FH and five control subjects (C) -- to study AngII-induced cell growth, intracellular calcium fluxes, and expression/release of matrix components and pro-inflammatory peptides [transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) and endothelin-1 (ET-1)] and metalloproteinases involved in plaque remodeling and vulnerability. RESULTS: AngII stimulated cell replication (5.1 +/- 0.03 versus 3.2 +/- 0.04 cells/50 cells per well, P < 0.001), and induced a larger increase in intracellular calcium content in FH cells than in C cells, in a dose-dependent fashion (mean difference = 76 nmol/l, P < 0.001). Similarly, TGFbeta1 and ET-1 expression and release were potentiated (after 24-h incubation with 1 micromol/l AngII: TGFbeta1 was 190 +/- 12 in C and 376 +/- 9 pg/ml per 10(6) cells in FH, and ET-1 was 93 +/- 5 in C and 192 +/- 7 pmol/ml per 10(6) cells in FH; P < 0.001 for both). AngII-induced release of the metalloproteinases MMP-1 and MMP-2 was also increased in FH versus C cells (0.52 +/- 0.04 versus 0.36 +/- 0.05 and 24 +/- 4 versus 13 +/- 3 ng/mg protein with 1 micromol/l AngII). These enhanced responses were likely due to an increased angiotensin receptor 1 (AT1) expression in cells from FH patients induced by AngII, and were prevented by pretreating cells with the selective AT1 antagonist irbesartan. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that some AngII-mediated pathways are enhanced in FH subjects irrespective of the presence of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), thus contributing to the development and progression of atherosclerosis in these patients.     

Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines and CXCL5 are essential for the recruitment of neutrophils in a multicellular model of rheumatoid arthritis synovium

OBJECTIVE: The role of chemokines and their transporters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is poorly described. Evidence suggests that CXCL5 plays an important role, because it is abundant in RA tissue, and its neutralization moderates joint damage in animal models of arthritis. Expression of the chemokine transporter Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) is also up-regulated in early RA. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CXCL5 and DARC in regulating neutrophil recruitment, using an in vitro model of RA synovium. METHODS: To model RA synovium, RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) were cocultured with endothelial cells (ECs) for 24 hours. Gene expression in cocultured cells was investigated using TaqMan gene arrays. The roles of CXCL5 and DARC were determined by incorporating cocultures into a flow-based adhesion assay, in which their function was demonstrated by blocking neutrophil recruitment with neutralizing reagents. RESULTS: EC-RASF coculture induced chemokine expression in both cell types. Although the expression of CXC chemokines was modestly up-regulated in ECs, the expression of CXCL1, CXCL5, and CXCL8 was greatly increased in RASFs. RASFs also promoted the recruitment of flowing neutrophils to ECs. Anti-CXCL5 antibody abolished neutrophil recruitment by neutralizing CXCL5 expressed on ECs or when used to immunodeplete coculture-conditioned medium. DARC was also induced on ECs by coculture, and anti-Fy6 antibody or small interfering RNA targeting of DARC expression effectively abolished neutrophil recruitment. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to demonstrate, in a model of human disease, that the function of DARC is essential for editing the chemokine signals presented by ECs and for promoting unwanted leukocyte recruitment.     

整合素αvβ3在血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导人脐静脉内皮细胞衰老中的变化

目的观察整合素αvβ3在血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)衰老中的变化。方法体外培养HUVECs,采用CCK-8法检测细胞存活率,用AngⅡ(终浓度10-6mol/L)干预,分为实验对照组、AngⅡ诱导组。以衰老相关β-半乳糖苷酶活性和细胞增殖能力两种衰老标志物为主要观察指标。其中衰老相关β-半乳糖苷酶活性采用免疫化学染色方法,流式细胞术检测细胞周期来反应细胞的增殖能力;利用Western印迹法分析AngⅡ诱导HUVECs 0、12、24、36、48 h的整合素αvβ3表达的时间效应关系。结果与对照组相比,10-6 mol/L AngⅡ诱导组存活的细胞数为对照组的(77.15±6.83)%;(81.80±0.92)%的细胞呈现β-半乳糖苷酶阳性染色,流式细胞仪检测细胞周期停滞于G0～G1,证实细胞衰老;AngⅡ呈时间依赖性上调整合素αvβ3表达。结论 AngⅡ可以诱导HUVECs衰老,其机制可能与上调衰老细胞整合素αvβ3表达有关。     

Anti-inflammatory mechanism of tocilizumab, a humanized anti-IL-6R antibody: effect on the expression of chemokine and adhesion molecule

We studied the influence of IL-6 on chemokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), fibroblastic synovial cells and human umbilical vessel endothelial cells (HUVEC). Moreover, we examined the effect of IL-6 on the adhesion of U937 cells to HUVEC. For chemokine production, PBMC, fibroblastic synovial cells and HUVEC were cultured with IL-6 or IL-6 + soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R) for 24 h and then the production of MCP-1 and IL-8 were measured in supernatants. IL-6 and IL-6 + sIL-6R induced production of both MCP-1 and IL-8 in PBMC and synovial cells, respectively. In HUVEC, IL-6 + sIL-6R induced MCP-1 production, but inhibited IL-8 production. For adhesion molecule expression, the production of soluble form of adhesion molecules in HUVEC culture supernatant were measured by ELISA and the expression of adhesion molecules on cell surface were examined by flow cytometry analysis. Soluble ICAM-1 was detectable in IL-6 + sIL-6R-treated HUVEC and IL-6 + sIL-6R-induced ICAM-1 expression on cell membrane of HUVEC. In addition, U937 cells were added to HUVEC, which were pre-treated with IL-6 + sIL-6R for 24 h, and 3 h later attached U937 cells were counted. The adhesion of U937 cells to HUVEC was augmented when HUVEC was pretreated by IL-6 + sIL-6R. This adhesion was suppressed by anti-ICAM-1 antibody and anti-IL-6R antibody, but not by antibodies against VCAM-1 or E-selectin. In conclusion, IL-6 signaling plays an important role in inflammatory cell migration by increasing the rate of cell adhesion and by inducing chemokine production in inflamed joints.     

Coupling factor 6 downregulates platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 via c-Src activation and acts as a proatherogenic molecule

Coupling factor 6 (CF6), a component of ATP synthase, suppresses the generation of prostacyclin and nitric oxide (NO). Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) is involved in shear-induced NO production. To investigate the linkage between the actions of CF6 and PECAM-1, we examined the effects of CF6 on PECAM-1 expression and shear-mediated NO release, comparatively with those of angiotensin II (AngII). Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) with CF6 at 10⁻⁷ M or AngII at 10⁻⁷ M for 24 h suppressed PECAM-1 gene and protein expression. CF6 or AngII activated c-Src at 15 min in HUVEC, and blockade of c-Src with PP1, its specific inhibitor, restored them. Efrapeptin, an inhibitor of ATPase, attenuated CF6-induced suppression of PECAM-1 gene expression by blockade of acidification, whereas superoxide dismutase or apocinin, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, blocked AngII-induced suppression of PECAM-1. Exposure of the cells to shear stress at 25 dynes/cm² for 30 min enhanced phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser¹¹⁷⁷ and NO release. Pretreatment with CF6 or AngII for 24 h attenuated them in HUVEC and HAEC. These suggest that CF6 downregulates PECAM-1 expression via c-Src activation and attenuates shear-induced NO release presumably by suppressing eNOS phosphorylation.     

Angiotensin II activates myostatin expression in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes via p38 MAP kinase and myocyte enhance factor 2 pathway

Angiotensin II (AngII) plays a critical role in cardiac remodeling and promotes cardiac myocyte hypertrophy. Myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle growth, is increased in hypertrophied and infarcted heart. The direct effect of AngII on cardiac myocyte myostatin expression has not been previously investigated. We hypothesized that myostatin may act as a cardiac endocrine inhibitor for AngII. AngII-induced myostatin protein expression in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes was dose-dependent. AngII significantly increased myostatin protein and mRNA expression in a time-dependent manner. Addition of losartan, SB203580, or p38 siRNA 30 min before AngII stimulation significantly blocked the increase of myostatin protein by AngII. AngII significantly increased phosphorylation of p38 while SB205380 and losartan attenuated the phosphorylation of p38 induced by AngII. AngII increased, while myostatin-Mut plasmid, SB203580, losartan, and myocyte enhance factor 2 (MEF-2) antibody abolished the myostatin promoter activity. Co-stimulation with myostatin and AngII significantly inhibited the protein synthesis induced by AngII. In conclusion, AngII enhances myostatin expression in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. The AngII-induced myostatin is mediated through p38 MAP kinase and MEF-2 pathway.     

Regulation of interleukin-8 expression by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a potent chemotactic factor that has been implicated in atherogenesis. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) may reduce the cardiovascular risk and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaque through nonlipid mechanisms such as inhibition of cytokine expression. In this study, we investigated the effects of statins on IL-8 synthesis in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Addition of angiotensin II (Ang II) increased IL-8 production in VSMCs in a time (0-24 h)- and dose (10(-8)-10(-6) mol/l)-dependent manner with increased IL-8 mRNA accumulation. The Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist candesartan, but not the Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R) antagonist PD123319, significantly blocked Ang II-induced IL-8 production. Addition of fluvastatin decreased the basal and Ang II-induced IL-8 production in VSMCs in a dose (10(-8)-10(-5) mol/l)-dependent manner with a decrease in IL-8 mRNA accumulation. The effect of fluvastatin on IL-8 production was completely reversed in the presence of mevalonate or geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate, but not in the presence of squalene or farnesyl-pyrophosphate. Lipophilic cerivastatin also significantly decreased IL-8 production, while hydrophilic pravastatin showed no effect on IL-8 levels. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time that Ang II increased IL-8 production and fluvastatin decreased the basal and Ang II-induced IL-8 production in human VSMCs. These findings suggested that Ang II may exacerbate atherosclerosis through induction of IL-8 in VSMCs, while statins may exert therapeutic effects by modulating IL-8 synthesis in patients with atherosclerotic disease.