Protective effect of trans-nerolidol on vascular endothelial cell injury induced by lipopolysaccharides / Efectos protectores del trans-nerolidol en lesiones inducidas por lipopolisacáridos en células endoteliales vasculares

This article aimed to discuss the protection of trans - nerolidol on vascular endothelial cells (ECs) injured by lipopolysac charides. ECs were divided into four groups: normal, model, low and high dose trans - nerolidol treatment groups. The cell survival rate and the contents of NO in the cell culture supernatant were determined. The protein expression and transcript level of pe roxisome proliferator - activated receptor - γ (PPARγ), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were determined by western blotting and RT - PCR respectively. Compared with the normal group, cell livability, protein e xpression and mRNA transcript level of PPARγ and eNOS decreased, NO contents, protein expression and mRNA transcript tlevel of iNOS increased in model group significantly. Compared with model group, all the changes recovered in different degree in treatmen t groups. Hence, it was concluded that trans - nerolidol can alleviate the ECs injuryby the regulation of iNOS/eNOS through activating PPARγ in a dose - dependent manner

Este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir la protección del trans - nerolidol en las células endoteliales vasculares (CE) dañadas por lipopolisacáridos. Las CE se di vidieron en cuatro grupos: normal, modelo, grupos de tratamiento con trans - nerolidol de baja y alta dosis. Se determinó la tasa de supervivencia de las células y los contenidos de óxido nítrico (NO) en el sobrenadante del cultivo celular. La expresión de p roteínas y el nivel de transcripción del receptor activado por proliferadores de peroxisomas - γ (PPARγ), el óxido nítrico sint et asa endotelial (eNOS) y el óxido nítrico sint et asa inducible (iNOS) se determinaron mediante western blot y RT - PCR, respectivamen te. En comparación con el grupo normal, la viabilidad celular, la expresión de proteínas y el nivel de transcripción de PPARγ y eNOS disminuyeron, los contenidos de NO, la expresión de proteínas y el nivel de transcripción de iNOS aumentaron significativam ente en el grupo modelo. En comparación con el grupo modelo, todos los cambios se recuperaron en diferentes grados en los grupos de tratamiento. Por lo tanto, se concluyó que el trans - nerolidol puede aliviar el daño en las CE regulando iNOS/eNOS a través d e la activación de PPARγ de manera dependiente de la dosis.

Efecto modulador de los glucocorticoides sobre la angiogénesis mediada porPI3K/Akt activada por α7-nAChR: Una revisión narrativa

Introducción: los glucocorticoides (GC) han sido ampliamente utilizados en el tratamiento de patologías oculares debido a sus efectos antiinflamatorios y anti-angiogénicos. Se ha sugerido que el mecanismo de acción anti-angiogénico de los GC puede estar relacionado con la enzima fosfatidilinositol-3-cinasa (PI3K), la cual desempeña un papel crucial en la angiogénesis mediada por el receptor de acetilcolina nicotínico alfa 7 (α7-nAChR). La PI3K es una enzima lipoproteica heterodimérica compuesta por las subunidades; reguladora (p85) y catalítica (p110). Objetivo: esta revisión examina la evidencia de cómo los GC modulan la vía de señalización de PI3K activada por α7-nAChR en el proceso de angiogénesis in vitro. Metodología: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica utilizando los motores de búsqueda PubMed y Web of Science, relacionando los conceptos "endothelial cell", "α7-nAChR", "PI3K" y "glucocorticoid". Resultados: se seleccionaron 30 artículos que informaron sobre la expresión de α7-nAChR y PI3K en células endoteliales humanas. Además, del efecto de dexametasona sobre las subunidades de PI3K y Akt (proteína cinasa B) en modelos humano, murino y porcino. A partir de estos hallazgos, se propuso un mecanismo mediante el cual los GC ejercen su efecto anti-angiogénico a través de la modulación en la expresión de la subunidad inhibitoria p85 de PI3K activada por α7-nAChR en células endoteliales humanas. Conclusión: los antecedentes evidencian que dexametasona, ejerce su mecanismo de acción anti-angiogénico mediante el incremento de la expresión de la subunidad inhibitoria p85 de PI3K activada por α7-nAChR.

Introduction: glucocorticoids (GC) have been widely used in the treatment of ocular pathologies due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects. It has been suggested that the anti-angiogenic mechanism of GC may be related to the enzyme phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), which plays a crucial role in angiogenesis mediated by the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR). PI3K is a heterodimeric lipoprotein enzyme composed of regulatory (p85) and catalytic (p110) subunits. Objective: this review examines the evidence of how the GC modulate the PI3K signaling pathway activated by α7-nAChR in the process of in vitro angiogenesis. Methodology: a literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Science search engines, relating the concepts of "endothelial cell," "α7-nAChR," "PI3K," and "glucocorticoid." Results: thirty-two articles were selected that reported on the expression of α7-nAChR and PI3K in human endothelial cells. Furthermore, the effect of dexamethasone on PI3K and Akt (protein kinase B) subunits was documented in human, murine, and porcine models. Based on these findings, a mechanism was proposed whereby GC exert their anti-angiogenic effect through modulation of the expression of the inhibitory p85 subunit of PI3K activated by α7-nAChR in human endothelial cells. Conclusion: background evidence suggests that dexamethasone exerts its anti-angiogenic mechanism of action by increasing the expression of the α7-nAChR-activated PI3K inhibitory subunit p85

Integrative analyses of genetic characteristics associated with skeletal endothelial cells

Abstract The osseous vascular endothelium encompasses a vast intricate framework that regulates bone remodeling. Osteoporosis, an age-associated systemic bone disease, is characterized by the degeneration of the vascular architecture. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms underpinning the metamorphosis of endothelial cells (ECs) with advancing age remain predominantly enigmatic. In this study, we conducted a systematic analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the associated pathways in juvenile and mature femoral ECs, utilizing data sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repositories (GSE148804) and employing bioinformatics tools. Through this approach, we successfully discerned six pivotal genes, namely Adamts1, Adamts2, Adamts4, Adamts14, Col5a1, and Col5a2. Subsequently, we constructed a miRNA-mRNA network based on miRNAs displaying differential expression between CD31hiEMCNhi and CD31lowEMCNlow ECs, utilizing online repositories for prediction. The expression of miR-466i-3p and miR-466i-5p in bone marrow ECs exhibited an inverse correlation with age. Our in vivo experiments additionally unveiled miR-466i-5p as a pivotal regulator in osseous ECs and a promising therapeutic target for age-related osteoporosis.

Endothelial cell ferroptosis influences IDH wild-type glioblastoma growth in recurrent glioblastoma multiforme patients

Glioblastomas are known for their poor clinical prognosis, with recurrent tumors often exhibiting greater invasiveness and faster growth rates compared to primary tumors. To understand the intratumoral changes driving this phenomenon, we employed single-cell sequencing to analyze the differences between two pairs of primary and recurrent glioblastomas. Our findings revealed an upregulation of ferroptosis in endothelial cells within recurrent tumors, identified by the significant overexpression of the NOX4 gene. Further analysis indicated that knocking down NOX4 in endothelial cells reduced the activity of the ferroptosis pathway. Utilizing conditioned media from endothelial cells with lower ferroptosis activity, we observed a decrease in the growth rate of glioblastoma cells. These results highlighted the complex role of ferroptosis within tumors and suggested that targeting ferroptosis in the treatment of glioblastomas requires careful consideration of its effects on endothelial cells, as it may otherwise produce counterproductive outcomes.

Effect of erianin on angiogenesis of glomerular endothelial cells in diabetic nephropathy model rats by regulating Slit2/Robo1 signaling pathway / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of erianin on the angiogenesis of glomerular endothelial cells in diabetic nephropathy(DN)rats and the role of slit homolog 2 protein(Slit2)/roundabout homolog 1(Robo1)consecutive signaling pathway.METHODS Rats were fed with high sugar and high fat feed for 8 weeks,before being intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin solution(35 mg·kg-1)to prepare a DN rat model.DN rats were divided into the model group and model+erianin 10,20 and 40 mg·kg-1 groups,with 10 rats in each,while another 10 rats served as normal control group.The urine protein quantification kit was used to measure the 24 h urine protein level of rats in each group while the automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect the fasting plasma glucose(FPG)and serum creatinine(Scr)levels of rats in each group.PAS staining was applied to observe the pathological changes in the renal tissue of rats in each group.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expressions of platelet endo-thelial cell adhesion molecule-31(CD31)and podocalyxin(PCX)in kidney tissue of rats in each group.Western blot was adopted to detect the expressions of Slit2 and Robo1 proteins in the renal tissues of rats in each group.RESULTS Compared with normal control group,the CD31 protein expressions,FPG,Scr,24 h urine protein levels,and renal tissue Slit2 and Robo1 protein expressions were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05).Pathological and immunofluorescence results suggested that rats in the model group developed many neoplastic glomerular capillaries,glomerular hypertrophy,and dilated mesangial areas,with non-tubular CD31 staining lacking adjacent PCX staining,and partial staining of tubular areas of CD31 lacking adjacent PCX staining.Compared with the model group,the CD31 glomerular endothelial area,FPG,Scr,24 h urine protein levels,and protein expressions of Slit2 and Robo1 in renal tissues were significantly reduced in the model+erianin 10,20 and 40 mg·kg-1 groups(P<0.05).Pathological and immunofluorescence results showed new glomerular capillaries,glomerular hypertrophy and dilatation of the thylakoid area were attenuated in rats,and CD31 tubular region staining was essentially adjacent to the PCX foot cell region staining in the model+erianin 10,20 and 40 mg·kg-1 groups.CONCLUSION Erianin may inhibit angiogenesis in glomerular endothelial cells of DN model rats by inhibiting the Slit2/Robo1 signaling pathway.

Alpha-synuclein dynamics bridge Type-I Interferon response and SARS-CoV-2 replication in peripheral cells

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests a double-faceted role of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) following infection by a variety of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Although α-syn accumulation is known to contribute to cell toxicity and the development and/or exacerbation of neuropathological manifestations, it is also a key to sustaining anti-viral innate immunity. Consistently with α-syn aggregation as a hallmark of Parkinson's disease, most studies investigating the biological function of α-syn focused on neural cells, while reports on the role of α-syn in periphery are limited, especially in SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: Results herein obtained by real time qPCR, immunofluorescence and western blot indicate that α-syn upregulation in peripheral cells occurs as a Type-I Interferon (IFN)-related response against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Noteworthy, this effect mostly involves α-syn multimers, and the dynamic α-syn multimer:monomer ratio. Administration of excess α-syn monomers promoted SARS-CoV-2 replication along with downregulation of IFN-Stimulated Genes (ISGs) in epithelial lung cells, which was associated with reduced α-syn multimers and α-syn multimer:monomer ratio. These effects were prevented by combined administration of IFN-ß, which hindered virus replication and upregulated ISGs, meanwhile increasing both α-syn multimers and α-syn multimer:monomer ratio in the absence of cell toxicity. Finally, in endothelial cells displaying abortive SARS-CoV-2 replication, α-syn multimers, and multimer:monomer ratio were not reduced following exposure to the virus and exogenous α-syn, suggesting that only productive viral infection impairs α-syn multimerization and multimer:monomer equilibrium. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides novel insights into the biology of α-syn, showing that its dynamic conformations are implicated in the innate immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection in peripheral cells. In particular, our results suggest that promotion of non-toxic α-syn multimers likely occurs as a Type-I IFN-related biological response which partakes in the suppression of viral replication. Further studies are needed to replicate our findings in neuronal cells as well as animal models, and to ascertain the nature of such α-syn conformations.

Comparison of keratoplasty outcomes at the scar versus edema stages of keratoconus

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty or penetrating keratoplasty at the scar and the edema stages. Methods: Forty-five patients (45 eyes) with keratoconus scar stage (scar group, n=26; penetrating keratoplasty a subgroup, n=7; deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty b subgroup, n=19) and keratoconus edema stage (edema group, n=19; penetrating keratoplasty c subgroup, n=12; deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty d group, n=7) who received penetrating keratoplasty or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty from 2000 to 2022 were retrospectively studied. At 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery, the best-corrected visual acuity, astigmatism, spherical equivalent, corneal endothelial cell density, and complications were analyzed. Results: The best-corrected visual acuity and average corneal endothelial cell loss rate were not significantly different between the scar and edema groups (p>0.05). At 6 and 12 months after surgery, the astigmatism and spherical equivalent in the scar group were significantly lower than those in the edema group (p<0.05). The spherical equivalent of the deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty b subgroup was lower than that of the penetrating keratoplasty a subgroup in the scar group 6 months after surgery (p<0.05). In the edema group, there was no significant difference in spherical equivalent between subgroups (p>0.05). There were no significant differences in best-corrected visual acuity and astigmatism between subgroups within the two groups (p>0.05). In comparison to the scar group, the edema group experienced more complications. According to a survival analysis, there was no statistically significant difference between the scar group and the edema group regarding the progression of vision. Conclusions: In terms of the outcomes and prognosis for vision after keratoplasty with edema stage and scar stage, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty may be as effective as penetrating keratoplasty.

Interação B1R/TLR4 como mecanismo de resposta inflamatória e sua implicação na barreira hematoencefálica em modelo de glioblastoma / B1R/TLR4 interaction as a mechanism of inflammatory response and its implication on the blood-brain barrier in glioblastoma model

A família dos receptores de cininas compreende dois subtipos, sendo o B1R aquele em tem como um de seus agonistas fisiológicos a des-Arg9 -BK (DBK). O receptor B1 tem baixa expressão ou está até mesmo ausente em condições fisiológicas normais, podendo ser induzido por vários estímulos, como o promovido pelo lipopolissacarídeo (LPS), um dos ligantes do receptor do tipo toll 4 (TLR4). Dados presentes na literatura sugerem uma possível interação entre B1R e TLR4, podendo esta ser importante para a resposta inflamatória local. O objetivo deste estudo é ampliar o conhecimento sobre uma possível relação entre esses receptores e a implicação clínica desta na abertura transitória da barreira hematoencefálica (BHE) através da administração de DBK. Em eletrofisiologia de aortas torácicas de camundongos C57BL/6 WT e nocautes para B1R ou TLR4 observamos que a ausência de B1R modifica a resposta de TLR4 e vice-versa nas células endoteliais (alteração da interação de canais de K na via), que na ausência de B1R a DBK ativa o receptor B2 de cininas e que essas vias não são dependentes de óxido nítrico. Imunohistoquímica em aortas de WT indicam que a marcação de TLR4 diminui em todas as camadas celulares quando o anel de aorta é incubado com DBK e LPS, enquanto que a marcação para B1R aumenta signitivamente na camada endotelial. Análises de células endoteliais em cultura (linhagem HBMEC) mostram que os receptores apresentam marcação perinuclear, e até mesmo no interior do núcleo, quando as células são tratadas com DBK e LPS e, quando o tratamento é somente com DBK, há o aumento de pontos de proximidade de B1R e TLR4. Fatores secretados por células de glioblastoma (U87MG e T98G) também alteram o padrão de marcação desses receptores e a resposta aos seus agonistas. Experimentos in vivo, em camundongos suíços inoculados ou não com células da linhagem C6, tratados ou não com DBK, mostram que há a abertura transitória da BHE, aumentando a biodisponibilidade de fármaco (doxorrubicina) no parênquima cerebral e na massa tumoral de glioblastoma. Os dados reforçam a evidência de uma conexão entre a sinalização B1R e TLR4, um alvo terapêutico a ser explorado, além de apresentar evidências adicionais para o uso do agonista fisiológico de B1R para a abertura transitória de BHE, pelo período menor que 48h, o que aumentaria a biodisponibilidade de fármacos no parênquima cerebral.(AU)

The family of ykinin receptors includes two subtypes, with B1R having des-Arg9 -BK (DBK) as one of its physiological agonists. The B1 receptor is either minimally expressed or entirely absent under normal physiological conditions, but can be induced by various stimuli, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a ligand of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Literature suggests a potential interaction between B1R and TLR4, which could be crucial for the local inflammatory response. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the possible relationship between these receptors and its clinical implications for the transient opening of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) through the administration of DBK.Ectrophysiology experiments in thoracic aortas, from C57BL/6 WT mice and B1R or TLR4 knockout mice, we observed that the absence of B1R alters the TLR4 response and vice versa in endothelial cells (affecting the interaction of K channels in the pathway). Additionally, in the absence of B1R, DBK activates the B2 bradykinin receptor, and these pathways are independent of nitric oxide. Immunohistochemistry of WT aortas indicates that TLR4 staining decreases across all cell layers when the aorta ring is incubated with DBK and LPS, while B1R staining significantly increases in the endothelial layer. Endothelial cell cultures (HBMEC) show perinuclear and even intranuclear receptor staining when treated with DBK and LPS, and treatment with DBK increases the proximity points of B1R and TLR4. Factors secreted by glioblastoma cells (U87MG and T98G) also alter the staining pattern of these receptors and their response to agonists. Experiments on Swiss mice, inoculated or not with C6 cell lines and treated or not with DBK, demonstrate that the BBB transiently opens, increasing the bioavailability of the drug (doxorubicin) in the brain parenchyma and glioblastoma tumor mass. These data reinforce evidence of a connection between B1R and TLR4 signaling, a therapeutic target to be explored, and provide additional evidence for the use of the physiological B1R agonists for transient BBB opening for less than 48h, which would increase drug bioavailability in the brain parenchyma.(AU)

Mechanism of abnormal function and inflammatory response of HUVEC induced by Helicobacter pylori infection / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of Helicobacter pylori(Hp)on the proliferation,migration,apoptosis and inflammatory response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)through activation of STAT3/nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)pathway.Methods HUVEC were divided into control group(without Hp infection)and Hp group(multiplicity of infection=25).Cell morphology was observed with inverted microscopy,proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and plate cloning assay,and the migration ability was examined by Transwell migration as-say and wound healing assay.Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptotic rate.Real-time fluo-rescence quantitative PCR was employed to measure the mRNA expression of cytotoxin-associat-ed gene A(CagA),IL-6,IL-8,IL-1β and TNF-α.Western blotting was applied to determine the protein expression of Cyclin D1,proto-oncogene C-Myc,MMP-2,MMP-9,PCNA,Bax,Bcl-2 and STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway.Results Hp infection resulted in suppressed proliferation and migration abilities,decreased protein levels of Cyclin D1,PCNA,C-Myc,MMP-2,MMP-9 and Bcl-2,elevated protein levels of Bax,p-STAT3/STAT3,p-NF-KB p65/NF-κB p65,raised apoptotic rate,and significantly increased mRNA levels of IL-6,IL-8,IL-1β and TNF-α(2.71±0.05 vs 1.06±0.41,1.42±0.02 vs 0.92±0.11,2.50±0.29 vs 1.00±0.10,5.34±0.57 vs 1.00±0.16;P＜0.01)when compared with the control group.Conclusion Hp infection inhibits proliferation and migra-tion,and induces apoptosis and inflammatory response in HUVEC through activation of the STAT3/NF-κB pathway.

3-n-butylphthalide antagonizes etoposide-induced senescence in vascular endothelial cells / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of 3-n-butylphthalide(NBP)on etoposide-induced senescence in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).Methods HUVECs were divid-ed into blank control group,etoposide group(500 nmol/L etoposide+dimethyl sulfoxide),etopo-side+low-,medium-and high-dose NBP groups(500 nmol/L etoposide+5,10 and 20 μmol/L NBP,respectively).Senescence-related β galactosidase(SA-β-gal)staining was used to observe the change in senescent cell proportion.Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to detect the mRNA levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP),such as IL-8,IL-1β,and CXC chemokine ligand 1(CXCL1).Western blotting was applied to measure the expression level of ag-ing-related protein,P21.Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to detect the proportion of pro-liferation-related protein Ki67 positive cells.Results Significantly higher P21 expression(1.00± 0.00 vs 0.59±0.09),larger ratio of SA-β-gal positive cells(29.58±4.51)％vs(11.27±1.18)％,increased mRNA levels of IL-8(2.49±0.11 vs 1.00±0.03),IL-1β(6.32±0.15 vs 1.00±0.03)and CXCL1(2.40±0.24 vs 1.00±0.04),but reduced proportion of Ki67 positive cells(5.95±1.55)％vs(27.38±7.00)％were observed in the etoposide group than the blank control group(P＜0.05).Low-dose NBP treatment decreased the ratio of SA-β-gal positive cells,P21 protein level,and mRNA level of IL-1β,and increased the proportion of Ki67 positive cells when compared with the etoposide group(P＜0.05).Conclusion NBP has an antagonistic effect on etoposide-induced se-nescence of vascular endothelial cells.

Role of RhoA in hydrogen-induced alleviation of lipopolysaccharide-caused damage to pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell barrier function in mice / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the role of Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) in hydrogen-induced alleviation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-caused damage to pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell(PMVEC) barrier function in mice.Methods:PMVECs were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin/streptomycin until 4-6 passage. These cells were divided into 6 groups ( n=36 each) using a random number table method: control group (group A), hydrogen-rich medium group (group B), LPS group (group C), LPS + hydrogen-rich medium group (group D), LPS + RhoA inhibitor C3 enzyme group (group E) and LPS + hydrogen-rich medium + RhoA agonist U-46619 group (group F). Cells were cultured within normal medium in group A, group C and group E and within hydrogen-rich medium in group B, group D and group F. LPS at a final concentration of 1 μg/ml was simultaneously added in group C, group D, group E and group F. C3 enzyme at a final concentration of 3 μg/ml was added at 2 h before addition of LPS in group E. U-46619 at a final concentration of 10 mg/ml was added at 3 h before addition of LPS in group F. The expression of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and occludin was determined by Western blot at 6, 12 and 24 h after incubation with LPS. At 24 h after incubation with LPS, the release rate of LDH was measured by LDH method, cell viability was measured by MTT method, and the activity of RhoA was determined by GST pull-down method. Results:Compared with group A, the expression of VE-cadherin and occludin was significantly down-regulated at 6, 12 and 24 h of incubation, the cell viability was decreased at 24 h of incubation, and the release rate of LDH and activity of RhoA were increased in group C ( P<0.05). Compared with group C, the expression of VE-cadherin and occludin was significantly up-regulated at 6, 12 and 24 h of incubation, the cell viability was increased at 24 h of incubation, and the release rate of LDH and activity of RhoA were decreased in group D ( P<0.05). Compared with group C, the expression of VE-cadherin and occludin was significantly up-regulated at 6, 12 and 24 h of incubation, the cell viability was increased at 24 h of incubation, and the release rate of LDH and activity of RhoA were decreased in group E ( P<0.05). Compared with group D, the expression of VE-cadherin and occludin was significantly down-regulated at 6, 12 and 24 h of incubation, the cell viability was decreased at 24 h of incubation, and the release rate of LDH and activity of RhoA were increased in group F ( P<0.05). Conclusions:RhoA is involved in hydrogen-induced alleviation of LPS-caused damage to PMVEC barrier function in mice.

Liuwei Dihuang Pills-elicited inhibition of MMP-2/MMP-9 via RAGE on tight junction protein of Aβ1-40-injured bEnd.3 cells / 中成药

AIM To investigate the protective effects and the mechanism of the Liuwei Dihuang Pills on mouse brain microvascular endothelial(bEnd.3)cells damaged by β-Amyloid protein1-40(Aβ1-40).METHODS CCK8 method was used to detect the effects of Aβ1-40 and medicated serum of Liuwei Dihuang Pills(MSLDP)on cell activity,and to screen the appropriate concentration.bEnd.3 cells of the control group,the Aβ1-40 group,the MSLDP+Aβ1-40 group and the MSLDP group had their low density lipoprotein-associated protein 1(LRP1),receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE),matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),MMP-9,scaffold protein zonule protein-1(ZO-1)detected by Western blot.bEnd.3 cells assigned into the control group,the Aβ1-40 group,the FPS-ZM1(RAGE inhibitor)+Aβ1-40 group and the FPS-ZM1+Aβ1-40+MSLDP group had their expressions of RAGE,MMP-9,MMP-2 and ZO-1 detected by Western blot as well.RESULTS The cell activity of bEnd.3,was dose-dependently decreased by Aβ1-40(P<0.01),but was protected by MSLDP(P<0.05,P<0.01).And 10 μmol/L Aβ1-40 and 10%MSLDP were selected for subsequent experiments.Compared with the control group,the Aβ1-40 group displayed increased protein expressions of RAGE,MMP-2 and MMP-9(P<0.01),decreased protein expressions of LRP1,ZO-1 and BDNF(P<0.05,P<0.01),and decreased fluorescence intensities of LRP1 and ZO-1(P<0.01).Compared with the Aβ1-40 group,the MSLDP group shared decreased expressions of RAGE,MMP-2,MMP-9 proteins and RAGE fluorescence intensity(P<0.05,P<0.01),and increased expressions of LRP1,ZO-1 and BDNF proteins,and the fluorescence intensity of LRP1 and ZO-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);the Aβ1-40+FPS-ZM1 group displayed decreased protein expressions of MMP-2,MMP9 and RAGE(P<0.05,P<0.01),and increased ZO-1 protein expression(P<0.05);and the Aβ1-40+FPS-ZM1+ MSLDP group displayed an even more decreased protein expressions of MMP-2,MMP9 and RAGE(P<0.01),increased ZO-1 protein expression(P<0.01)due to the the combination use of FPS-ZM1 and MSLDP.CONCLUSION Liuwei Dihuang Pills can protect the tight junction of bEnd.3 injured by Aβ1-40 and neurovascular units from Alzheimer's disease by alleviating the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier via RAGE-mediated MMP-2/MMP-9 pathway inhibition.

Silencing Nodal inhibits the biological behavior of retinal vascular endothelial cells under high glucose conditions / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of Nodal on the biological behavior of retinal vascular endothelial cells (RF/6A cells) in monkeys with high glucose.Methods:RF/6A cells were divided into normal group, mannitol group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with non-specific small interfering RNA treatment group (HG+NC group), high glucose combined with small interfering Nodal treatment group (HG+siNodal group). The transfection efficiency of siNodal was observed by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot protein immunoblotting. The effect of Nodal on the proliferation of RF/6A cells was detected by thiazole blue colorimetry. The effect of Nodal on migration ability of RF/6A cells was detected by cell scratch assay. The effect of Nodal on the formation of RF/6A cell lumen was measured by Matrigel three-dimensional in vitro. The expression of extracellular signal phosphorylated regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) in RF/6A cells was detected by western blot protein immunoblotting. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare groups.Results:Compared with HG+NC group, Nodal protein ( F=33.469) and mRNA relative expression levels ( F=38.191) in HG+siNodal group were significantly decreased, cell proliferation was significantly decreased ( F=28.548), and cell migration ability was significantly decreased ( F=24.182). The number of cell lumen formation was significantly decreased ( F=52.643), and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Compared with HG+NC group, the relative expression of pERK1/2 protein in HG+siNodal group was significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=44.462, P<0.01). Conclusions:Silencing Nodal expression can inhibit proliferation, migration and tube formation of RF/6A cells induced by high glucose. It may act by inhibiting pERK1/2 expression.

Effects of Tuina static training on vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and adiponectin in obese rats / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effects and explore the mechanism of Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)static training on vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and adiponectin(APN)in obese rats. Methods:Eight of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected as a normal group to be fed a common diet.The remaining rats were fed a high-fat diet to induce obesity models and randomly divided into a model group,an aerobic exercise group,and a static training group after successful modeling,with 8 rats in each group.During the entire experiment,rats in the normal group were fed a common diet without intervention.Rats in the model group were fed a high-fat diet without intervention.Rats in the aerobic exercise group were given moderate-intensity running exercises.Rats in the static training group were given 6-day/week static training for 8 weeks.The body mass and length of rats were recorded throughout the experiment,and the Lee's index was calculated.After the intervention,the perirenal and peri-epididymal fat weights of rats were measured,and the fat/body mass ratio was calculated.Four items of blood lipids were detected by biochemical methods[triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein(LDL),and high-density lipoprotein(HDL)];serum nitric oxide(NO),endothelin-1(ET-1),soluble thrombomodulin(sTM),and APN were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The morphological changes of the aorta in each group were observed under the microscope. Results:Compared with the normal group,the body mass,body length,Lee's index,perirenal fat mass,peri-epididymal fat mass,fat/body mass ratio,TG,TC,LDL,ET-1,and sTM in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.05),while the HDL,NO,and APN were significantly reduced(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass,Lee's index,perirenal fat mass,peri-epididymal mass,fat/body mass ratio,TC,LDL,ET-1,and sTM in the aerobic exercise group and the static training group were significantly reduced(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while the HDL,NO,and APN were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with the aerobic exercise group,NO in the static training group was significantly higher(P<0.05).APN was positively correlated with NO(P<0.01),while APN was negatively correlated with ET-1 or sTM(P<0.01).Aortic morphological observation showed that the degree of endothelial injury in the aerobic exercise group and the static training group was less significant than that in the model group,and the improvement of endothelial cell morphology in the static training group was more notable than that in the aerobic exercise group. Conclusion:Tuina static training and aerobic exercise improved the aortic endothelial injury in obese rats,and the effect of Tuina static training was more significant.The mechanism of action may be related to regulating lipid metabolism and promoting APN secretion.

Effect of α-Klotho on macrophage-vascular endothelial cell crosstalk in diabetic oxidative stress environment / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate the effects of overexpressing α-Klotho(KL)in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by oxidative stress on the proliferation, migration, tube-formation and tight junction of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).METHODS:RAW264.7 cells were categorized into control, 4-hydroxynonenal(4HNE), and 4HNE+KL groups, with F4/80 expression assessed via immunofluorescence staining. Three groups of conditional media were prepared for HUVECs and culture divided into M&#x0026;#xF8;-NC, M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE, and M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE+KL groups. Cell proliferation was evaluated using CCK8 assay, while scratch test and Transwell assays were employed to measure cell migration. Additionally, tube-formation assay was conducted to assess cell tubule formation, and Western blot assay was utilized to detect the protein expression levels of Claudin 5, Occludin and ZO 1.RESULTS:The results of immunofluorescence staining showed that the fluorescence intensity of F4/80 of RAW264.7 cells in the 4HNE group was significantly enhanced compared with the control group, while that of F4/80 in the 4HNE+KL group was significantly decreased compared with the 4HNE group(all P&#x003C;0.05). The CCK8 assay results revealed a significant increase in the proliferation of HUVECs in the M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE group compared with the M&#x0026;#xF8;-NC group. Conversely, the proliferation of the M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE+KL group exhibited a significant decrease compared with that in the M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE group(all P&#x003C;0.01). The results of scratch test and Transwell assays demonstrated a significant increase in the migration of HUVECs in the M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE group compared with the M&#x0026;#xF8;-NC group, while the migration of the M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE+KL group exhibited a significant decrease compared with the M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE group(all P&#x003C;0.01). In the tube-formation assay, it was observed that the number of tubes formed by HUVECs in the M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE group was significantly increased compared with the M&#x0026;#xF8;-NC group, while that of tubes formed in the M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE+KL group was significantly decreased compared with the M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE group(all P&#x003C;0.01). Additionally, the Western blot results revealed a significant decrease in the relative expression levels of Claudin 5, Occludin, and ZO 1 in the M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE group compared with the M&#x0026;#xF8;-NC group. Conversely, in the M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE+KL group, there was a significant increase in the relative expression levels of Claudin 5, Occludin, and ZO 1 compared to the M&#x0026;#xF8;-4HNE group(all P&#x003C;0.01).CONCLUSIONS: KL inhibits the proliferation, migration, and tube-formation of HUVECs while enhancing the tight junction by changing the activation state of macrophages in the diabetic oxidative stress environment.

Icariin Regulates Glucocorticoid-induced Autophagy of Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cells Through PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of icariin （ICA） on autophagy in glucocorticoid-induced bone microvascular endothelial cells （BMECs） mediated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin （PI3K/Akt/mTOR） signaling pathway. MethodBMECs were isolated and cultured from femoral heads obtained during total hip arthroplasty and identified using immunofluorescence staining. The experimental cells were divided into four groups： A control group， a glucocorticoid group （100 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone）， an ICA group （100 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone+6.7×10-3 mg·L-1 ICA）， and a Rapamycin group （100 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone+6.7×10-3 mg·L-1 ICA+1 mg·L-1 rapamycin）. Autophagy in BMECs was induced using 100 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone. LC3 fluorescence staining was used to observe the peak of autophagy at different time points. Western blot analysis was employed to analyze the expression of autophagy-related proteins and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway proteins in each group. Electron microscopy was used to observe autophagosomes and autolysosomes in the cells. ResultHydrocortisone at 100 mg·L-1 induced autophagy in BMECs， reaching a peak at around 5 hours， which then declined with further intervention. Compared to the control group， the glucocorticoid group showed cell membrane damage， disordered organelle arrangement， and a large number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes. Compared to the glucocorticoid group， the ICA group had more intact cell membranes， sparser organelle arrangement， and fewer autophagosomes and autolysosomes. Compared to the ICA group， the Rapamycin group showed cell membrane damage， disordered organelle arrangement， and more autophagosomes and autolysosomes. Compared to the control group， the glucocorticoid group had significantly increased expression of light chain 3B （LC3B）， Atg4B， and p62 （P<0.01）. Compared to the glucocorticoid group， the ICA group showed significantly decreased expression of LC3B， Atg4B， p62， and Beclin-1 （P<0.01）. Compared to the ICA group， the Rapamycin group had significantly increased expression of Atg4B and p62 （P<0.01）. Compared to the control group， the glucocorticoid group had significantly decreased expression of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-mTOR/mTOR （P<0.01）. Compared to the glucocorticoid group， the ICA group showed significantly increased expression of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-mTOR/mTOR （P<0.01）. Compared to the ICA group， the Rapamycin group had significantly decreased expression of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-mTOR/mTOR （P<0.01）. Ubiquitination levels were significantly decreased in the glucocorticoid group compared to the control group （P<0.01）. Compared to the glucocorticoid group， ubiquitination levels were significantly increased in the ICA group （P<0.01）， and significantly decreased in the Rapamycin group compared to the ICA group （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe glucocorticoid-induced autophagy in BMECs is time-dependent. ICA inhibits glucocorticoid-induced autophagy in BMECs， and this effect may be related to the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Effect of Jianpi Bushen Huoxue Prescription on Rat Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells Based on HIF-1α/VEGF Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Jianpi Bushen Huoxue prescription （JPBSHX） on rat brain microvascular endothelial cells （RBMECs） based on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）/vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） signaling pathway， aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of ischemic stroke. MethodTwelve 8-week-old male SPF-grade SD rats were selected. Eight of them were randomly chosen and given 3.25 g·mL-1 JPBSHX solution by gavage at a dose of 10 mL·kg-1 for 5 consecutive days to prepare the medicated serum， which was then preserved for later use. The remaining four rats were given the same volume of normal saline. Follow-up operations were the same as those of the above eight rats. Normal rat serum was collected and stored for later use. RBMECs were revived， cultured， passaged， and randomly divided into five groups： normal group （20% normal rat serum+80% high glucose DMEM）， model group （hypoxia-reoxygenation injury） （20% normal rat serum+80% glucose-free DMEM）， medicated serum group （20% JPBSHX-medicated serum+80% glucose-free DMEM）， medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group （20% JPBSHX-medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor 1 mg +80% glucose-free DMEM）， and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group （20% JPBSHX-medicated serum +VEGF inhibitor 1 mg+80% glucose-free DMEM）. The relative protein expression levels of Claudin-1 and Claudin-5 in RBMECs， the expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF in RBMEC culture supernatants， the repair ability of RBMECs， and the number of nodes， microvessels， and their lengths after 72 h of culture were observed in each group. ResultAfter 24 h of reoxygenation， the scratch healing rate in the model group was significantly lower than in the normal group （P<0.01）. Compared with the result in the model group， the scratch healing rates significantly improved in the medicated serum group， medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group， and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group （P<0.05）. However， the healing rates in the medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group were significantly lower than that in the medicated serum group （P<0.05）. The number of nodes， microvessels， and total length of microvessels in the model group were significantly lower than those in the normal group （P<0.01）. These indicators significantly improved in the medicated serum group， medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group， and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group compared with those in the model group （P<0.05）， but were significantly lower in the medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group compared with those in medicated serum group （P<0.05）. The relative expression levels of Claudin-1 and Claudin-5 proteins were significantly lower in the model group than in the normal group （P<0.01）. These levels were significantly higher in medicated serum group， medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group， and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group than those in the model group （P<0.05）， but were significantly lower in the medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group than those in the medicated serum group （P<0.05）. The expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF in the RBMEC culture supernatants were significantly lower in the model group than those in the normal group （P<0.01）. These levels were significantly higher in the medicated serum group， medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group， and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group than those in the model group （P<0.05）， but were significantly lower in the medicated serum+HIF-1α inhibitor group and medicated serum+VEGF inhibitor group than those in the medicated serum group （P<0.05）. ConclusionJPBSHX can promote the proliferation， migration， and angiogenesis， such as tubule formation， of RBMECs damaged by hypoxia-reoxygenation injury， and this effect may be achieved through the regulation of the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.

Effects of inhibiting CAMKⅡ expression in ARPE-19 cells on the migration, invasion, and tube formation of HUVECs in a non-contact co-culture system / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the effect of inhibiting Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ(CAMKⅡ)expression in adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19(ARPE-19)cells on the migration, invasion, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)in a non-contact co-culture system.METHODS: RNA sequencing was performed on ARPE-19 cells overexpressing CAMKⅡ-δ, and bioinformatics was used to analyze the biological functions of the differentially expressed genes. Transwell inserts was used to construct a non-contact co-culture system of ARPE-19 and HUVECs. The experimental groups included: blank group: only HUVECs were inoculated without ARPE-19 cells; control group: ARPE-19 and HUVECs cells were co-cultured with complete medium; AIP group(CAMKⅡ inhibition group): ARPE-19 cells in AIP(160 nmol/L)were co-cultured with HUVECs in complete medium. The migration, invasion and tube formation abilities of HUVECs were detected. The protein expression levels of CAMKⅡ/AMPK/mTOR/VEGFA were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS:Bioinformatics analysis found that the differentially expressed genes could affect biological processes such as cell growth and death and cell movement. The scratch test and transwell migration test showed that the relative mobility of HUVECs in the AIP group was significantly lower than that in the control group(all P&#x003C;0.05). However, the invasion and tube formation assay showed that the relative invasion rate and tube formation rate of the AIP group were not significantly different from those of the control group(both P&#x003E;0.05). Western blotting results showed that the expression levels of CAMKⅡ, P-mTOR, and VEGFA proteins in the AIP group were significantly lower than those in the control group, while the expression level of the P-AMPK protein was significantly higher than that in the control group(all P&#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION:In the non-contact co-culture system, inhibition of CAMKⅡ expression in ARPE-19 cells significantly reduced the migration ability of HUVECs, but it cannot change the invasion and tube formation ability, which may be achieved by AMPK/mTOR/VEGFA.

Effect of colchicine on LPS induced endothelial mesenchymal transformation and its mechanism / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of colchicine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and its related mechanisms. Methods The EndMT model was established by treating HUVECs with LPS. Cell proliferation rate was detected by CCK-8 assay, cytotoxicity was detected by LDH assay, and the optimal drug concentration was screened. The cells were divided into the normal control group, the normal control + colchicine (10 nmol • L) group, the LPS (10 mg • L) model group, and the LPS + colchicine (10 nmol • L) group. The morphologic changes of the cells were observed under an inverted microscope, the cell migration ability was detected by Transwell assay, and the ability of tube formation was analyzed by tube formation assay. The expression of endothelial markers (CD31/ VE-cadherin) and mesenchymal cell markers (a-SMA/FSP-1) were detected by Western blot. NF-KB inhibitor was used to detect the changes in related signaling pathways. Results CCK-8 and LDH experiments showed that 10 nmol • L colchicine was the optimal concentration. LPS could induce morphological changes in HUVECs, and colchicine could reverse morphological changes in HUVECs to a certain extent. Transwell experiment showed that the migration ability of HUVECs in the LPS treatment group was significantly enhanced (P < 0. 05), and colchicine could significantly reverse this phenomenon (P < 0. 05) . Tube formation experiment showed that LPS decreased the endothelial tube formation ability of HUVECs (P < 0. 05), while colchicine treatment markedly improved LPS-induced tube formation defects (P < 0. 05) . Western blot assay showed that after colchicine co-cultured with LPS, the expression levels of CD31 and VE-cadherin significantly increased compared with the model group (P < 0. 05), while the expression levels of a-SMA and FSP-1 significantly decreased compared with the model group (P < 0. 05) . During the induction of EndMT by LPS, colchicine could inhibit the activation of the NF-KB/Snail signaling pathway. Conclusions Colchicine can effectively inhibit EndMT induced by LPS, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of the NF-KB/Snail signaling pathway.

Research progress of targeted pulmonary vascular endothelial dysfunction in treatment of pulmonary hypertension / 中国药理学通报

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and fatal disease. The dysfunction of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) is one of its important pathogenic factors. PAECs are monolayer flat epithelial cells, which play an important role in maintaining pulmonary vascular homeostasis. Studies have found that PAECs show damage and apoptosis at the early stage of PH development, while PAECs show anti-apoptotic characteristics at the late stage of PH development. The transition of PAECs into mesenchymal cells induced by hypoxic and inflammatory factors is also involved in the pathogenesis of PH. Carcinoid metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction, bone mor- phogenic type 2 receptor mutation, epigenetic changes and inflammation of PAECs are the main pathogenesis of pulmonary vascular endothelial dysfunction in PH patients. New therapeutic measures targeting PAECs dysfunction are expected to play an important role in the treatment of PH in the future.