叶酸通过下调ERK1/2信号通路抑制血管平滑肌细胞增殖和迁移

目的:探讨叶酸(folic acid,FA)对血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)增殖和迁移的影响及其机制。方法:取SD大鼠的主动脉,采用组织贴块法培养VSMCs,随机分组进行实验。采用CCK-8和Ed U法检测叶酸对VSMCs活力和增殖能力的影响。采用划痕实验和Transwell法检测叶酸对VSMCs迁移和侵袭的影响。采用Western blot法检测细胞增殖核抗原(PCNA)蛋白表达以及血小板源性生长因子受体(PDGFR)和细胞外信号调节激酶1/2(ERK1/2)蛋白的磷酸化水平。结果:叶酸抑制血小板源性生长因子(PDGF)诱导的VSMCs的活力,并呈浓度依赖性(P0.05)。叶酸抑制PDGF诱导的VSMCs的迁移,并呈浓度依赖性(P0.05)。叶酸降低PCNA表达和PDGFR磷酸化水平,并抑制PDGF激活的ERK1/2信号通路。结论:叶酸降低PDGF诱导的VSMCs PCNA和p-PDGFR蛋白水平,下调ERK1/2信号通路,从而抑制VSMCs的增殖和迁移。     

胰岛素通过活性氧的产生促进VEGF表达及血管平滑肌细胞迁移和增殖

 目的:探讨活性氧（reactive oxygen species, ROS）在胰岛素促进的血管平滑肌细胞迁移和增殖中的作用及分子机制。方法:采用原代培养的大鼠主动脉血管平滑肌细胞,应用DCF-DA荧光探针检测细胞内ROS的生成;应用实时定量PCR、Western blotting和ELISA法检测mRNA和蛋白的表达;应用转染报告基因的方法检测基因的转录活性;划痕法测定细胞迁移;CCK-8法测定细胞增殖。结果:胰岛素处理后血管平滑肌细胞内ROS产生明显增加。过氧化氢酶和NADPH氧化酶抑制剂二亚苯基碘鎓（DPI）明显抑制胰岛素促进的ROS生成及p-Akt、p-p70S6K1和p-ERK1/2蛋白的表达。过氧化氢酶和DPI明显降低胰岛素促进的血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF）的mRNA和蛋白表达及转录激活。抑制ROS产生明显抑制胰岛素刺激的血管平滑肌细胞迁移和增殖。结论: 胰岛素通过NADPH氧化酶途径促进血管平滑肌细胞ROS产生。ROS介导了胰岛素促进的Akt/p70S6K1和ERK信号通路的激活、VEGF表达及血管平滑肌细胞的迁移和增殖。     

Gastrodin inhibits cell proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells and attenuates neointima formation in vivo

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation plays a critical role in the development of vascular diseases. In the present study, we tested the efficacy and the mechanisms of action of gastrodin, a bioactive component of the Chinese herb Gastrodia elata Bl, in relation to platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-dependent cell proliferation and neointima formation after acute vascular injury. Cell experiments were performed with VSMCs isolated from rat aortas. WST and BrdU incorporation assays were used to evaluate VSMC proliferation. Eight-week-old C57BL/6?mice were used for the animal experiments. Gastrodin (150?mg/kg/day) was administered in the animal chow for 14?days, and the mice were subjected to wire injury of the left carotid artery. Our data demonstrated that gastrodin attenuated the VSMC proliferation induced by PDGF-BB, as assessed by WST assay and BrdU incorporation. Gastrodin influenced the S-phase entry of VSMCs and stabilised p27Kip1 expression. In addition, pre-incubation with sinomenine prior to PDGF-BB stimulation led to increased smooth muscle-specific gene expression, thereby inhibiting VSMC dedifferentiation. Gastrodin treatment also reduced the intimal area and the number of PCNA-positive cells. Furthermore, PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, Akt and GSK3β was suppressed by gastrodin. Our results suggest that gastrodin can inhibit VSMC proliferation and attenuate neointimal hyperplasia in response to vascular injury. Furthermore, the ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and Akt/GSK3β signalling pathways were found to be involved in the effects of gastrodin.     

Src/Stat3通路在高糖诱导的血管平滑肌细胞增殖及迁移中的作用

目的:探讨Src酪氨酸激酶(Src)/信号转导子和转录激活子3(Stat3)在高糖(HG)诱导的血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)增殖和迁移中的作用。方法:首先将VSMC细胞株A7R5与HG(10~40 mmol/L)共同孵育24h,MTT法及EdU染色检测VSMCs增殖,Transwell小室检测VSMCs迁移,Western blot检测p-Src、Src、p-Stat3和Stat3的蛋白水平。q PCR检测Stat3靶基因细胞周期蛋白D1(cyclin D1)、Myc、基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP2)及基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP9)的表达。为了进一步证实Src在高糖诱导VSMCs增殖和迁移中的作用,将HG与Src抑制剂saracatinib(100 nmol/L)共同孵育24 h,观察Src对HG诱导VSMCs增殖、迁移及Stat3激活的影响。结果:HG能浓度依赖性地促进VSMCs的增殖及迁移并激活Src和Stat3,上调Stat3靶基因cyclin D1、Myc、MMP2及MMP9的表达。抑制Src激活可抑制HG诱导的VSMCs增殖及Stat3的激活,同时下调cyclin D1及Myc的表达。结论:Src/Stat3通路可能在HG诱导的VSMCs增殖及迁移中发挥重要作用。     

MicroRNA 181b promotes vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation through activation of PI3K and MAPK pathways

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) hyperplasia is a common feature of pathologic cardiovascular event such as restenosis and atherosclerosis. The role and mechanisms of microRNAs (miRs) in VSMCs proliferation are poorly understood. Here, we report that miR-181b promotes VSMCs proliferation and migration. In an animal model, miR-181b was significantly increased in the rat carotid artery after balloon catheter injury. Delivery of miR-181b inhibitor to injured artery exhibited a marked inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia. Transfection of miR-181b with “mimics” to A10 cells accelerated cell proliferation, which was accompanied by an increase of cell migration. The induction of A10 cells proliferation by miR-181b appeared to be involved in activation of S and G2/M checkpoint, concomitant with decreases in cell-cycle inhibitors p21 and p27, and increases in cell-cycle activators CDK4 and cyclinD1. In contract, miR-181b inhibition attenuated A10 cells proliferation, inhibited cell migration and arrested cell cycle transition. Moreover, forced miR-181b expression elevated the phosphorylation levels of Akt and Erk1/2, whereas inhibition of miR-181b produced the opposite effects. Additionally, inhibition of PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways with specific inhibitors, but not inhibition of JNK pathway, significantly abolished the effects of miR-181b in promoting cell proliferation. These findings demonstrate that miR-181b enhances the proliferation and migration of VSMCs through activation of PI3K and MAPK pathways.     

硫化氢对培养的大鼠主动脉平滑肌细胞增殖的抑制作用

目的:探讨硫化氢(H₂S)对内皮素-1(ET-1)诱导的血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC)增殖的影响及丝裂原激活的蛋白激酶(MAPK)信号转导途径的作用。方法:体外培养雄性SD大鼠主动脉VSMC, 将细胞分成对照组、血清组、内皮素组、NaHS组、血清+NaHS组和内皮素+NaHS组进行研究, 以不同浓度梯度NaHS处理VSMC, 观察对VSMC[³H]-TdR掺入和MAPK活性的影响。结果:加入5×10^-5-5×10^-4mol/LNaHS可明显浓度依赖性地抑制由内皮素诱导的VSMC增殖, 其[³H]-TdR掺入量减低, 抑制率分别为16.8%-37.4%(P＜0.01), 其MAPK活性明显减低, 抑制率为7.4%-33.6%(P＜0.05或P＜0.01)。结论:H₂S对内皮素诱导的VSMC增殖有抑制作用, 同时使MAPK活性下调。推测H₂S对VSMC增殖的抑制效应可能由MAPK信号途径所介导。     

Abnormal activation of Ras/Raf/MAPK and RhoA/ROCKII signalling pathways in eutopic endometrial stromal cells of patients with endometriosis

BACKGROUND Enhanced proliferation and survival of eutopic endometrial cells from patients with endometriosis compared with healthy women is associated with abnormal activation of extra-cellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Given the role of Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and RhoA/ROCKII signalling pathways in the regulation of cell proliferation and migration, we analysed their possible roles in endometriosis. METHODS Primary eutopic endometrial stromal cells of patients with endometriosis (Eu-hESC, n= 16) and endometriosis-free controls (Co-hESC, n= 14) were harvested and subjected to proliferation and migration assays as well as kinase activity assays and immunoblot analysis of proteins from the Ras/Raf/MAPK and RhoA/ROCKII signalling pathways. Effects of ROCKII (Y-27632) and MAPK (U0126) inhibitors or siRNA knockdown of ROCKII, Raf-1 and B-Raf were analysed. RESULTS The proliferation rate of Eu-hESC was 54% higher than Co-hESC. Eu-hESC also displayed a 75% higher migration rate than Co-hESC. Eu-hESC displayed higher levels of ERK phosphorylation (83%) and p27 expression (61%) and lower levels of Raf-1 protein (47%) compared with controls. In addition to an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, ROCKII knockdown led to significant down-regulation of cyclinD1 and p27 but did not affect ERK phosphorylation. Down-regulation of Raf-1 by siRNA was dispensable for cell proliferation control but led to an increase in ROCKII activity and a decrease in cell migration. B-Raf was shown to act as a regulator of hESC proliferation by modulating cellular ERK1/2 activity and cyclinD1 levels. Eu-hESC displayed 2.4-fold higher B-Raf activity compared with Co-hESC and therefore exhibit abnormally activated Ras/Raf/MAPK signalling. CONCLUSIONS We show that the same molecular mechanisms operate in Co- and Eu-hESC. The differences in cell proliferation and migration between both cell types are likely due to increased activation of Ras/Raf/MAPK and RhoA/ROCKII signalling pathways in cells from endometriosis patients.     

apelin-13下调caveolae可促进血管平滑肌细胞增殖

背景：结合课题组以往研究成果,提出caveolae可能参与apelin-13促血管平滑肌细胞增殖的假设。 目的：实验观察细胞膜特殊凹陷结构caveolae参与G蛋白偶联受体APJ的内源性配体apelin-13促进大鼠血管平滑肌细胞增殖的作用。 方法：采用组织贴块法培养大鼠胸主动脉血管平滑肌细胞,用MTT方法观察血管平滑肌细胞增殖,Western Blotting方法观察信号蛋白表达,免疫共沉淀技术检测信号分子复合物的形成。 结果与结论：①caveolae结构破坏剂β-环糊精(5 mmol/L,25 h)可明显增强apelin-13诱导的血管平滑肌细胞增殖。②apelin-13(0,1,2,4,8 µmol/L)刺激血管平滑肌细胞,caveolin-1的表达下调,在1 µmol/L时下调明显。③β-环糊精        (5 mmol/L)破坏caveolae后,可使apelin-13下调caveolin-1表达的作用增强。④对照组(体积分数为0.1%胎牛血清孵育)及处理组(apelin-13刺激)caveolin-1与PI3K及ERK1/2均有复合物形成,在apelin-13刺激的情况caveolin-1-PI3K复合物减少、caveolin-1-ERK1/2复合物减少,即apelin-13可能促进caveolin-1与PI3K及ERK1/2解离。结果提示细胞膜特殊凹陷结构caveolae参与apelin-13促血管平滑肌细胞增殖作用。     

Cyclosporin A promotes proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and migration of human cytotrophoblast cells via the mitgen-activated protein kinase-3/1-mediated nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways

Our previous studies have demonstrated that cyclosporin A (CsA) promotes the proliferation and migration of human trophoblasts via the mitgen-activated protein kinase-3/1 (MAPK3/1) pathway. In the present study, we further investigated the role of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in the CsA-induced trophoblast proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and migration, and its relationship to MAPK3/1 signal. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of PCNA in trophoblasts. The migration of human primary trophoblasts was determined by wound-healing assay and transwell migration assay. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the activation of NF-κB p65 and NF-κB inhibitory protein I-κB in human trophoblasts. We found that treatment with CsA promotes PCNA expression and migration of human trophoblast in a dose-associated manner. Blocking of the MAPK3/1 signal abrogated the enhanced PCNA expression and migration in trophoblasts by CsA. In addition, CsA increased the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and the inhibitor I-κB in human trophoblasts in a time-related manner. Pretreatment with MAPK3/1 inhibitor U0126 abrogated the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and I-κB. Accordingly, the CsA-induced enhancement of PCNA expression and migration in trophoblasts was also decreased. This CsA-induced enhancement in the expression and migration of trophoblasts was abolished by pretreatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, a specific NF-κB inhibitor. Thus, our results suggest that CsA promotes PCNA expression and migration of human trophoblasts via MAPK-mediated NF-κB activation.     

Triptolide inhibits transforming growth factor-β1-induced proliferation and migration of rat airway smooth muscle cells by suppressing nuclear factor-κB but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2

Airway remodelling contributes to increased mortality in asthma. We have reported that triptolide can inhibit airway remodelling in a mouse asthma model. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of triptolide on proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC), and the possible mechanism. Rat ASMC were cultured and synchronized, then pre-treated with different concentrations of triptolide before being stimulated by transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁). Cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting and MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to study the influence of triptolide on the cell cycle. Migration was measured by Transwell analysis. Signal proteins [nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)] were detected by Western blotting. A lactate dehydrogenase releasing test and flow cytometry analysis of apoptosis were also performed to explore the potential cytotoxic or pro-apoptotic effects of triptolide. Triptolide significantly inhibited TGF-β₁-induced ASMC proliferation and migration (P < 0·05). The cell cycle was dose-dependently blocked at G1/S-interphase by triptolide. Western blotting analysis showed that TGF-β₁-induced NF-κB p65 phosphorylation was inhibited by triptolide pre-treatment, but ERK1/2 was not affected. No cytotoxic or pro-apoptotic effects were detected under the concentration of triptolide that was used. Triptolide may function as an inhibitor of asthma airway remodelling by suppressing ASMC proliferation and migration through inactivation of the NF-κB pathway.     

Caveolin-1蛋白及ERK1/2信号转导途径在17β-雌二醇抑制血管平滑肌细胞增殖中的作用

目的： 研究caveolin-1蛋白及细胞外信号调节激酶（ERK1/2）在17β-雌二醇（E2）抑制血管平滑肌细胞（VSMCs）增殖中的作用。方法：在培养的VSMCs上,采用［3H］-TdR掺入法、Western blotting观察E2预处理前后血清（FCS）对VSMCs DNA合成及caveolin-1、MKP-1、磷酸化ERK1/2蛋白表达的影响,同时采用RT-PCR技术观察caveolin-1 mRNA的变化。结果：E2作用24 h,可明显抑制FCS诱导的VSMCs增殖。RT-PCR及Western blotting结果显示,FCS可抑制caveolin-1 mRNA及蛋白表达,而E2预处理可增加其表达。同时,Western blotting结果还提示,E2预处理可增加MKP-1蛋白表达,抑制ERK1/2蛋白表达。结论：E2可通过增加caveolin-1及MKP-1蛋白表达,抑制磷酸化ERK1/2活性,促进其降解,来抑制VSMCs增殖。     

Vitamin E down-modulates mitogen-activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-kappaB and inflammatory responses in lung epithelial cells

The airway epithelium plays an active role in acute lung inflammation by producing chemotactic factors and by expressing cell adhesion molecules involved in the migration of leucocytes to extravascular spaces. We have reported previously that neutrophil migration to airways can be down-modulated by exogenously administered vitamin E (α-tocopherol). The mechanism for this effect is not well understood, however. The action of α-tocopherol was investigated in human alveolar type II and bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with tumour necrosis factor-α. Treatment of alveolar epithelial cells with α-tocopherol resulted in down-regulated cell surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). On bronchial epithelial cells, both ICAM-1 and vascular adhesion molecule-1 were decreased, leading to diminished adherence of leucocytes to the cells. The production of the neutrophil chemoattractant interleukin-8 was attenuated in both alveolar and bronchial cells. These effects were preceded by reduced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and p38, as well as down-regulation of nuclear factor-κB. Comparing the effects of α-tocopherol with that of specific inhibitors of MAPK and protein kinase C (PKC) revealed that effects appear to be partly independent of PKC inhibition. These results implicate the anti-inflammatory action of α-tocopherol in addition to its anti-oxidant properties.     

Stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell migration by macrophage migration inhibitory factor

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a well known proinflammatory factor that influences the migration and proliferation of various cell types, predominantly monocytes and macrophages. Recent evidence suggests an important role for MIF in the progression of atherosclerosis and restenosis. For this reason, we studied the effect of MIF on platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced migration and PDGF receptor protein expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Furthermore, the possibility of MIF influencing the migration of VSMCs was investigated. Our results show that short-term incubation of MIF is able to enhance PDGF-BB-induced migration. Long-term incubation decreases PDGF-BB-induced migration, but preserves a short-term stimulatory effect. These effects are not regulated at the level of PDGF receptor protein expression. MIF also acts as a chemoattractant for VSMCs, with a maximum response at 15 ng/ml. In contrast, the proliferation of VSMCs was unaffected by MIF. We conclude that MIF has a biphasic effect on VSMC migration. It remains unclear whether this effect is direct or involves the secretion of unidentified promigratory factors. Exogenous MIF does not stimulate VSMC proliferation; however, a role for MIF in proliferation cannot be fully ruled out. In view of the known key contributions of macrophage-derived MIF and VSMCs, the observed effects may well play a role in the progression of atherosclerosis and restenosis.     

ERK and Akt signaling pathways are involved in advanced glycation end product-induced autophagy in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) play an important role in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and accelerate atherosclerosis in diabetic patients. Autophagy, a life-sustaining process, is stimulated in atherosclerotic plaques by oxidized lipids, inflammation and metabolic stress conditions. In our studies, we utilized MTT assays to show that autophagy is involved in AGE-induced proliferation of VSMCs. Furthermore, treatment with AGEs (100 μg/ml) could induce autophagy in a time- and dose-dependent manner in rat aortic VSMCs. These results were further substantiated by electron microscopy and immunofluorescence imaging. Treatment with AGEs activated ERK, JNK and p38/MAPK, but inhibited Akt. Pretreatment with an ERK inhibitor and an Akt activator inhibited AGE-induced autophagy, demonstrating that AGEs induce autophagy in VSMCs through the ERK and Akt signaling pathways. In addition, RNA interference of RAGE decreased autophagy, indicating that RAGE is pivotal in the process of AGE-induced autophagy. Therefore, AGE-induced autophagy contributes to the process of AGE-induced proliferation of VSMCs, which is related to atherosclerosis in diabetes.     

TLR4/MAPKs信号通路在ox-LDL诱导的血管平滑肌细胞分泌MCP-1中的作用

目的:探讨Toll样受体4/丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(TLR4/MAPKs)信号通路在氧化性低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)诱导的血管平滑肌细胞分泌单核细胞趋化因子-1(MCP-1)中的作用。方法:在ox-LDL刺激下采用逆转录聚合酶链技术(RT-PCR)和酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测血管平滑肌细胞MCP-1的表达,用Western blotting检测细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK1/2)、p38促分裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)磷酸化水平的变化。同时,分别应用TLR4中和抗体(TLR4单克隆抗体、TLR4阻断剂)、PD98059(ERK1/2特异性抑制剂)、SB23015(p38MAPK特异性抑制剂)、SP600125(JNK特异性抑制剂),观察其对ox-LDL诱导的MCP-1的表达和ERK1/2、p38MAPK磷酸化水平的影响。结果:ox-LDL刺激血管平滑肌细胞上调MCP-1mRNA和其蛋白的表达(P0.05);用TLR4中和抗体、PD98059、SB23015预孵育后MCP-1mRNA和其蛋白的表达较单独ox-LDL刺激情况下降低(P0.05),而用SP600125预孵育后降低不明显(P0.05);TLR4调节了ERK1/2和p38MAPKs的磷酸化水平。结论:ox-LDL是TLR4的内源性配体;ox-LDL通过或部分通过TLR4/ERK1/2和TLR4/p38MAPK信号通路介导血管平滑肌细胞MCP-1的表达。     

Apelin-13刺激大鼠血管平滑肌细胞增殖

目的研究G蛋白耦联受体APJ的内源性配体多肽apelin-13对大鼠血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)增殖的影响及其与ERK1/2信号通路的关系。方法采用噻唑蓝比色法(MTT)、Western blot等方法观察apelin-13对体外培养大鼠VSMCs增殖的影响及细胞周期蛋白表达的变化。结果Apelin-13浓度依赖性促进VSMCs增殖,且cyclin D1表达增加;ERK1/2阻断剂PD98059可明显抑制apelin-13诱导的细胞增殖及pERK1/2、cyclin D1表达。结论Apelin-13能促进大鼠VSMCs增殖,其机制可能与apelin/APJ-ERK1/2-cyclin D1信号通路有关。     

PI3K-ERK信号在胰岛素诱导的血管平滑肌细胞增殖中的作用

目的： 探讨胰岛素促血管平滑肌细胞增殖的分子机制。方法: 原代培养的SD大鼠血管平滑肌细胞为研究对象,［3H］-TdR掺入实验观察胰岛素刺激后血管平滑肌细胞的增殖,免疫印迹分析PI3K－ERK信号在平滑肌细胞增殖中的作用。结果: 胰岛素明显促进血管平滑肌细胞增殖,该作用呈现剂量依赖性关系,PI3K抑制剂LY294002、MAPK抑制剂PD98059可抑制胰岛素的促增殖作用,［3H］-TdR掺入分别下降48.8%、43.6%,抑制PI3K可下调胰岛素刺激的磷酸化ERK1/2蛋白表达和ERK活性,分别下降112％、127％。结论: PI3K－ERK1/2信号通路参与了胰岛素促平滑肌细胞增殖过程。