ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of lysine methyltransferase SET8 on regulating cell transdifferentiation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)into osteoblast-like cells. Methods VSMCs were obtained from rat thoracic aorta,and then randomly divided into control group(non-transfection),the empty plasmid group(transfect NS-shRNA)and SET8-shRNA group. The expression of SET8, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured by enzyme linked immunoassay. Results The expression of SET8 in VSMCs was effectively inhibited by SET8-shRNA.RT-PCR and Western blot results showed that the expression of RUNX2 was decreased in cells after SET8-shRNA transfection (P<0.05). ALP activity was significantly reduced after SET8-shRNA transfection(P<0.05).Conclusion Interference with SET8 gene expression could inhibit the differentiation of VSMCs into osteo-like cells.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a model of chronic periodontitis (CP) accompanied with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in SD rats and investigate the relationship between chronic periodontitis and COPD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Equal gender SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, A: control group, B: CP group, C: COPD group, D: COPD with CP group (n = 10, respectively). Each group was subjected to its predesigned intervention to establish a specific disease model. After 10 weeks, animals were sacrificed. The level of alveolar bone loss, lung function measurement, and the histopathological changes of periodontal and lung tissues were examined. The serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level was detected by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay kits.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Bleeding index (BI) levels of group A and C were (0.25 ± 0.04) and (1.30 ± 0.25), respectively. Attachment loss was (0.43 ± 0.02) and (0.51 ± 0.02) mm. BI levels in group B and D were significantly higher than those in group A and C. Forced expiratory volume in 0.2 second to forced vital capital ratio (FEV(0.2)/FVC) values in group B, C and D were significantly lower than that in group A. Pulmonary function were worse in group D than that in group C (P < 0.05). The levels of serum TNF-α, a sensitive indicator of both diseases, were increased in all test groups compared with the control, and increased most in group D.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The chronic periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease model was established in SD rat. The chronic periodontitis may be a risk factor for promoting and inducing COPD.</p>