Inhibitory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on renal inflammation in diabetic nephropathy model mice and its mechanism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract （GBE） on renal inflammation in diabetic nephropathy （DN） model mice， and its potential mechanism. METHODS KK/Ay mice were fed with high fat and high sugar to induce DN model. They were divided into model group， positive control group [metformin 200 mg/（kg·d）]， GBE low-dose and high-dose groups [100， 200 mg/（kg·d）]， with 6 mice in each group. Six C57BL/6J mice were fed with a regular diet as the control group. Administration groups were given relevant liquid intragastrically， control group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline intragastrically， once a day， for 8 consecutive weeks. The body weight， fasting blood glucose， 24-hour food intake， 24-hour urine output， monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1）， interleukin-12 （IL-12）， IL-10， advanced glycation end products （AGEs）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN） and serum creatinine （Scr） of mice were measured， and the ratio of bilateral kidneys to body weight was also calculated. The pathological injury and fibrotic changes of the renal cortex were observed， and the expressions of macrophage polarization marker proteins [type M1： inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）； type M2： arginase-1 （Arg-1）] and AGEs-the receptor of advanced glycation end products （RAGE）/Ras homolog gene pharm_chenjing@163.com family member A （RhoA）/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase （ROCK） signaling pathway-related proteins were determined in renal cortex. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the symptoms such as renal cortical hyperplasia， vacuoles， infiltration of inflammatory cells， and renal cortical fibrosis had been improved in GBE low-dose and high-dose groups； body weight， serum level of IL-10， the expression of Arg-1 in the renal cortex were significantly higher than model group （P＜ 0.01）； fasting blood glucose， 24-hour food intake， 24-hour urine output， serum levels of MCP-1， IL-12， BUN， Scr and AGEs， the ratio of bilateral kidneys to body weight， renal injury score， the proportion of renal interstitial fibrosis， the protein expressions of iNOS， RAGE， RhoA and ROCK1 （except for GBE low-dose group） in renal cortex were significantly lower than model group （P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS GBE could improve kidney damage and alleviate inflammatory response in DN model mice， the mechanism of which may be related to inhibiting the AGEs-RAGE/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and regulating macrophage polarization.

Impact of Matrine on Th17/Treg Cell Balance in Coronary Heart Disease Rats by Regulating the RhoA-ROCK Signaling Pathway / 中药新药与临床药理

Objective To investigate the impacts of matrine on the balance of helper T cell 17(Th17)/regulatory T cell(Treg)and the Ras homolog gene family member A(RhoA)-Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase(ROCK)signaling pathway in coronary heart disease(CHD)rats.Methods A model of coronary heart disease was established.Rats were grouped into control group,model group(CHD group),low-dose matrine(50 mg·kg-1,Matrine-L)group,high-dose matrine(200 mg·kg-1,Matrine-H)group,and Matrine-H+LPA(200 mg·kg-1 matrine+10 mg·kg-1 LPA)group.Echocardiography was applied to detect cardiac function.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method was used to detect interleukin-17(IL-17)and transforming growth factor(TGF-β).The quantity of Th17,Treg and Th17/Treg ratio were detected by flow cytometry.Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the protein expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)and endothelin 1(ET-1).Masson staining was carried out to observe the pathological changes of myocardial tissue.The myocardial infarction in each group of rats was observed by TCC staining.TUNEL staining was performed to detect cell apoptosis in myocardial tissue.Additionally,RhoA activity was detected by assay kit.Western Blot method was applied to detect the protein expressions levels of B-cell lymphoma factor 2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax),cysteine aspartate proteinase-3(Caspase-3),RhoA,ROCK1 and ROCK2.Results Compared with the control group,a large amount of blue collagen fiber deposition was observed in the myocardial tissue of CHD group.The expression levels of left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV),left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV),IL-17,Th17,Th17/Treg,ET-1,infarct size,cell apoptosis rate,TUNEL positive rate,Bax,Caspase-3,RhoA activity,RhoA,ROCK1,ROCK2 were obviously increased.The expression levels of left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular shortening fraction(LVFS),TGF-β,Treg,eNOS,and Bcl-2 were obviously reduced(P＜0.05).Compared with the CHD group,blue collagen fibers in myocardial tissue of Matrine-L and Matrine-H groups gradually decreased.The expression levels of LVEDV,LVESV,IL-17,Th17,Th17/Treg,ET-1,infarct size,cell apoptosis rate,TUNEL positive rate,Bax,Caspase-3,RhoA activity,RhoA,ROCK1 and ROCK2 were obviously reduced in sequence.The expression levels of LVEF,LVFS,TGF-β,Treg,eNOS,and Bcl-2 were also obviously increased in sequence(P＜0.05).Compared with the Matrine-H group,blue collagen fibers in myocardial tissue of Matrine-H+LPA group increased.The expression levels of LVEDV,LVESV,IL-17,Th17,Th17/Treg,ET-1,infarct size,cell apoptosis rate,TUNEL positive rate,Bax,Caspase-3,RhoA activity,RhoA,ROCK1,ROCK2 were obviously increased,while the expression levels of LVEF,LVFS,TGF-β,Treg,eNOS and Bcl-2 were obviously reduced(P＜0.05).Conclusion Matrine regulates Th17/Treg cell balance and improves myocardial injury in rats with CHD by inhibiting the RhoA-ROCK signaling pathway.

Effect and mechanism of pachymic acid on renal function and fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of pachymic acid （PA） on renal function and fibrosis in chronic renal failure （CRF） rats and its potential mechanism based on the Ras homolog gene family member A （RhoA）/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase （ROCK） signaling pathway. METHODS Using male SD rats as subjects， the CRF model was established by 5/6 nephrectomy； the successfully modeled rats were divided into model group， PA low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （5， 10， 20 mg/kg PA）， high-dose PA+ROCK pathway activator lysophosphatidic acid （LPA） group （20 mg/kg PA+1 mg/kg LPA）， with 15 rats in each group. Another 15 rats were selected as the sham operation group with only the kidney exposed but not excised. The rats in each drug group were gavaged and/or injected with the corresponding liquid via the caudal vein， once a day， for 12 consecutive weeks. During the experiment， the general condition of rats was observed in each group. After the last administration， the serum renal function indexes （blood urea nitrogen， serum creatinine， uric acid） of rats in each group were detected， the renal histopathological changes were observed； the renal tubule injury score and the area of renal fibrosis were quantified. The levels of oxidative stress indexes [malondialdehyde （MDA）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）] and inflammatory factors （tumor necrosis factor-α， interleukin-1β， interleukin-6）， the positive expression rates of connective tissue growth factor （CTGF） and collagen Ⅰ were detected as well as the expression levels of pathway-related proteins （RhoA， ROCK1） and fibrosis- related proteins （transforming growth factor-β1， bare corneum homologs 2， α-smooth muscle actin） were determined. RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group， the rats in model group had reduced diet， smaller body size， listless spirit and sluggish response， reduced and atrophied glomeruli， dilated renal tubules with chaotic structure， and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated interstitium； the serum levels of renal function indexes， renal tubule injury score， renal fibrosis area proportion， the levels of MDA and inflammatory factors， the positive expression rates of CTGF and collagen Ⅰ， and the expression levels of pathway-related proteins and fibrosis-related proteins in renal tissues were significantly increased， while SOD level was significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the general condition and pathological injuries of kidney tissue of rats in PA groups were improved to varying degrees，and the above quantitative indexes were significantly improved in a dose-dependent manner （P＜0.05）. LPA could significantly reverse the improvement effect of PA on the above indicators （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS PA can improve renal function and alleviate renal fibrosis in CRF rats， which may be related to inhibiting the activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

Improved effect and mechanism of propofol on vascular hyporeactivity in septic rats / 陆军军医大学学报

Objective To observe the improved effect of propofol on vascular hyporeactivity in septic rats and its underlying mechanism.Methods A total of 96 SD rats(12 weeks old,both genders,weighing 200～220 g)were randomly divided into sham group(n=16),sepsis group(n=16,cecal ligation and puncture),propofol group(n=16),propofol+ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 group(n=16),propofol+PKCαinhibitor GO6976 group(n=16),propofol+IP3 inhibitor 2-APB group(n=8)and propofol+gap junction inhibitor metoclopramide sodium(Movens)group(n=8).In vitro vascular ring reactivity and vascular calcium sensitivity were measured to observe the improved effects of propofol on vascular hyporeactivity in septic rats and its relationships with RhoA/ROCK,PKCα,IP3 and cell gap junction.Results Determination of in vitro vascular ring and calcium sensitivity showed that the contractile reactivity to norepinephrine(NE)and to calcium sensitivity were significantly decreased in the arterial rings isolated from the septic rats compared with those from the sham group,with the dose-response curve shifting to the right,and most significant decrease by 51.42％in the superior mesenteric artery(SMA,P＜0.05).Propofol treatment significantly improved the hyporeactivity and calcium sensitivity of the vessels isolated from the septic rats,especially those of the femoral artery with a recovery rate of 89.57％(P＜0.05).In comparison with the propofol group,the dose-response curves of the propofol+Y-27632 group and the propofol+GO6976 group were shifting to right,indicating that Y-27632 and GO6976 could significantly inhibit the amelioration of propofol on calcium sensitivity of SMA in severely septic rats with an inhibitory rate of 146.95％and 88.63％(P＜0.05),respectively.Isolated vascular reactivity measurement demonstrated that Y-27632 and Movens treatment significantly antagonized the ameliorated role of propofol on hyporeactivity of blood vessels from the septic rats with an inhibitory rate of 40.79％and 169.90％(P＜0.05),separately,while no such effect was observed in the propofol+GO6976 and propofol+2-APB groups.Conclusion Propofol treatment can significantly improve vascular hyporeactivity of septic rats,which may attribute to the increase of vascular calcium sensitivity through RhoA/ROCK pathway.

Dexmedetomidine alleviates lung tissue injury of rat models with ventilator-associated lung injury / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the effect of dexmedetom idine(DEX)on lung tissue and Ras homolog gene family member A(RhoA)/Rho kinase 1(ROCK1)signaling pathway in lung tissue of rats with ventilator-induced lung injury(VILI).Methods A VILI rat model was established and separated into control group,model group(VILI group),dexmedetomidine low and high dose groups(DEX-L,DEX-H group),and high dose dexmedetomi-dine+lysophosphatidic acid(LPA)group(DEX-H+LPA group).Determination of wet/dry mass ratio of rat lung tissue(W/D);HE staining microscopy was applied to observe morphology of lung tissue;ELISA kit was applied to detect the level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF);TUNEL staining method was applied to detect lung epithelial cell death;Immunoblotting was applied to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins,and RhoA,ROCK1 pro-teins.Results DEX could reduce lung injury,lung injury score,W/D,apoptosis rate,levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and expression of Bax,cleaved caspase-3,RhoA,ROCK,α-SMA in VILI rats(P＜0.05),while increased the expression of Bcl-2(P＜0.05);LPA could aggravate lung injury and increase lung injury score,W/D,apopto-sis rate,level of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and expressions of Bax,cleaved caspase-3,RhoA,ROCK and α-SMA(P＜0.05);Bcl-2 expression level was decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusions Dexmedetomidine may protect rats with ventilator-induced lung injury by the inhibition of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway.

Effects of ICMT gene silencing on the invasion and migration of human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cells in vitro / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To investigate the effect of isoprene cysteine carboxymethyltransferase (ICMT) gene on the migration and invasion of salivary adenoid cystic cancer cells (SACC) and the related mechanism, to provide experimental evidence for molecular targeted therapy of SACC.@*Methods@# Adenoid cystic cancer cells SACC-LM and SACC-83 were cultured in vitro, and siRNA was transfected into human SACC-LM and SACC-83 cells (experimental group) by transient transfection of a liposome vector. A blank control group and negative control group were set up respectively (transfected NC-siRNA). qRT-PCR was peformed to measure the mRNA expression of ICMT and RhoA in each group after transfection and to determine the silencing efficiency. The expression of ICMT, membrane RhoA, total RhoA, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and Rho associated with coiled helical binding protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) in each group was detected by Western blot. The proliferation abilityies of SACC cells was detected by CCK-8 assay. The migration and invasion ability of SACC cells were detected by comparing the relative healing area of cell scratch assay and the number of Transwell assay cells. @*Results@#After transfection of ICMT-siRNA into SACC-LM and SACC-83 cells, the expression of ICMT gene and protein in the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with the negative control group and blank control group (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in the expression of RhoA gene and total protein among all groups (P>0.05). The expression of RhoA membrane proteins, ROCK1, MMP-2, MMP-9 in the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that in the negative control group and blank control group (P<0.05). Cell proliferation ability was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The migration and invasion abilities were significantly decreased (P<0.05). @*Conclusion @#In vitro silencing of ICMT gene can effectively inhibit the migration and invasion of human SACC-LM and SACC-83 cells, and the mechanism may be related to RhoA-ROCK signaling pathway.

Study on effect of astragaloside Ⅳ on apoptosis of thyroid cells in rats with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and RhoA/ROCK2 pathway / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of astragaloside Ⅳ on the apoptosis of thyroid cells in Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT)rats and Ras homolog gene family member A(RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase 2(ROCK2)pathway.Methods:The HT rat model was induced by subcutaneous injection of thyroglobulin combined with high iodine drinking water and randomly divided into model group,astragaloside(80 mg/kg)group,Rhosin(RhoA inhibitor,40 mg/kg)group,astragaloside Ⅳ(80 mg/kg)+ Rhosin(40 mg/kg)group(12 rats in each group),another 12 SD rats were selected and drank water normally and injected the same dose of saline subcutaneously as control group.After the drugs were grouped and processed,the serum anti-thyroglobulin antibody(TGAb),anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb)levels and the inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-17,IL-1β contents were measured by ELISA kits;the pathological changes of thyroid tissue in each group were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining;the apopto-sis rate of rat thyroid cells in each group were detected by TUNEL staining;the expressions of RhoA/ROCK2 pathway proteins in thy-roid tissues of rats in each group were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the control group,the thyroid follicles in the model group had abnormal structure,some atrophy or disappearance,disordered arrangement,surrounding inflammatory cell infiltra-tion,and obvious pathological damage to the thyroid tissue,the serum TGAb,TPOAb,IL-6,IL-17 and IL-1β levels,thyroid cell apoptosis rate,and thyroid tissue RhoA and ROCK2 protein expression levels were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the pathological damage of the thyroid tissue of rats in the drug intervention group were reduced,the serum TGAb,TPOAb,IL-6,IL-17 and IL-1β levels,thyroid cell apoptosis rate,and thyroid tissue RhoA and ROCK2 protein expression levels were decreased(P<0.05);compared with astragaloside Ⅳ group and the Rhosin group respectively,the pathological damage of the thyroid tissue of rats in the astragaloside Ⅳ+Rhosin group were further reduced,the serum TGAb,TPOAb,IL-6,IL-17 and IL-1β levels,thyroid cell apoptosis rate,thyroid tissue RhoA and ROCK2 protein expression levels were decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Astragaloside Ⅳ may down-regulate the expression of RhoA/ROCK2 pathway to reduce the inflammatory injury of thyroid tissue,inhib-it thyroid cell apoptosis,and improve the symptoms of HT in rats.

Effectss of hyperoside on traumatic brain injury rats by regulating RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To investigate the effects of hyperoside on traumatic brain injury (TBI) rats by regulating the Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled coil-forming kinase (ROCK) signal pathway. METHODS: The TBI rat model was established by modified Feeney free fall hit method, and was randomly divided into model group, low-dose hyperoside (60 mg / kg) group, high-dose hyperoside (120 mg / kg) group, high-dose hyperoside (120 mg / kg) + no load group, and high-dose hyperoside (120 mg / kg) + RhoA overexpression group, with 10 rats in each group, another 10 healthy rats were set as sham operation group, after hyperoside and plasmid were grouped, the nerve injury was detected by modified neurological deficit score (mNSS) and dark avoidance test; Evans blue (EB) quantitative method was used to detect the permeability of blood brain barrier in rats; ultrastructural damage of blood-brain barrier was observed by transmission electron microscopy; the levels of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and brain tissue of rats were measured with the kit; and the expression of RhoA/ROCK pathway related proteins in rat brain was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the blood brain barrier structure of the model group rats was damaged, the step-through latency and SOD level decreased obviously (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Hyperoside can inhibit neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in TBI rats by down-regulating RhoA / ROCK signal pathway, thereby reducing the damage of blood brain barrier and repairing its neural function.

Fasudil alleviates lung injury via targeting Rhoa/ROCK signal pathway in septic mice / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To determine the protective effect of fasudil on acute lung injury in septic mice.Methods:Forty-five 4-6-week-old male C57BL mice were randomly(random number) assigned to three groups ( n=15 each group): control group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group and Fasudil intervention group (FAS+LPS). Acute lung injury model of septic mice was established with an intraperitoneal injection and intratracheal infusion of LPS. The mice in the FAS+LPS group were injected with fasudil hydrochloride intraperitoneally 30 min before intraperitoneal LPS injection and 1 h after intratracheal LPS infusion, respectively. All mice were sacrificed at 4 h after modeling, and lung tissues were collected. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was preformed to observe the morphological changes in the lung tissue. The wet /dry weight (W/D) ratio, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the lung tissues were detected. Caspase-3 expression was examined by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of RhoA, ROCK1, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and p-eNOS. Results:Inflammatory cell infiltration and erythrocyte exudation were significantly reduced, and the degree of interstitial oedema and derangement of alveolar structure appeared in a decreasing degree after FAS intervention. Compared with the LPS group, the W/D ratio, MDA content, MPO activity and the expression of Caspase-3 in the FAS+LPS group were significantly reduced (all P<0.01). Meanwhile, the expression of RhoA and ROCK1 of the LPS group were obviously higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05), and p-eNOS was obviously lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). Furthermore, the expression of RhoA and ROCK1 of the FAS+LPS group were obviously lower than those in the LPS group, and p-eNOS was obviously higher than that in the LPS group. There was no significant difference on the expression of eNOS among the three groups. Conclusions:Fasudil can alleviate the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration, reduce apoptosis in lung tissue, inhibit the RhoA/ROCK1 signaling activity, and promote the phosphorylation expression of eNOS in septic mice.

Role of H2S produced by CSE in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice and its relationship with RhoA-ROCK2 signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the role of H2S pro¬duced by CSE in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion ( I/R) injury and its relationship with RhoA-ROCK2 signaling pathway.Methods Bilateral common carotid artery ligation was used to prepare a mouse cerebral ischemia- reperfusion injury model.Laser speckle method was used to detect cerebral blood flow, HE staining method was used to observe the pathological changes of brain hippocampus, and the activity of LDH, NSE, RhoA and ROCK,, H,S content and ROCK, protein expres¬sion were detected.Results The H,S synthase CSE substrate L-Cys ( 3(X) mg • kg-1) could significantly promote the recovery of cerebral blood flow in brain 1/ R mice, improve the pathological damage of hippocam¬pus , inhibit the increase of LDH activity in serum and NSE, RhoA and ROCK2 activity in brain tissues, and inhibit the decrease of serum H2S content and the in¬crease of ROCK2 protein expression in brain tissues.But the above effects of L-Cys could be significantly at¬tenuated by the CSE inhibitor PPG (50 mg • kg~ 1 ) ; the H2S donor NaHS (4.8 mg • kg"1 ) also had the same effect as L-Cys did.Conclusions H2S pro¬duced by CSE has a protective effect on mouse brain 1/ R injury, and its effect may be related to inhibiting RhoA-ROCK signaling pathway and increasing cerebral blood flow.

Naringenin regulates RAW264.7 macrophage polarization induced by high glucose through RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the effects of naringenin on the polarization of high-glycemic RAW264.7 macrophages and its related mechanism. 【Methods】 The mother solution of NAR was prepared with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and the log-growth phase macrophage RAW264.7 was pre-tested. DMEM medium with different glucose concentrations (1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 g/L) was used for cultivation for 24 h. Before the experiment, DMEM was diluted into NAR mixture with different final concentrations, and the effect of NAR on RAW264.7 cell activity was detected by CCK-8 method; nitric oxide synthase (NOS) type classification determination of checkerboard induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) active filter was used to control the concentration of sugar and high-sugar stimulation. The control group were subdivided into normal control (NG) and osmotic pressure control (NG+M). The high-glucose stimulation group was divided into normal high glucose (HG), high glucose + naringenin (HG+NAR), high glucose + Fasudil (HG+F), and high glucose +C3 transferase (HG+C3). RAW264.7 was cultured for 24 h in each group; the expression levels of supernatant cytokines, namely, interleukin6 (il-6), tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α) and interleukin10 (IL-10), were detected by ELISA. Western blotting was used to determine the RhoA/ROCK pathway related proteins, iNOS and Arg-1 protein levels. Type (M1, M2) and proportion (M1/M2) of macrophages were analyzed by flow cytometry. 【Results】 Compared with those in NG group, in HG group RhoA/ROCK pathway-related proteins and iNOS expression were increased, while Arg-1 expression was decreased (P<0.05). The secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α was increased while anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was decreased (P<0.05). The number of M1-type cells and M1/M2 ratio increased (P<0.05). Compared with HG group, RhoA/ROCK pathway related proteins and iNOS expression were decreased in HG+NAR group, HG+F group and HG+C3 group, while Arg-1 expression was increased, IL-6 and TNF- α secretion was decreased, IL-10 was increased, M2-type macrophages were increased, and M1/M2 was decreased (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 NAR may promote the M2-type differentiation of macrophages stimulated by high glucose by down-regulating RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

Effects of Bunao-Fuyuan decoction serum on proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic / 中国天然药物

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease, the main causes of which include abnormal lipid metabolism, endothelial injury, physical and chemical injury, hemodynamic injury, genetic factors and so on. These causes can lead to inflammatory injury of blood vessels and local dysfunction. Bunao-Fuyuan decoction (BNFY) is a traditional Chinese medicine compound that can treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but its effect on AS is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of BNFY in proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) on AS. At first, the expression of α-SMA protein in ox-LDL-induced VSMCs, which was detected by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. CCK-8 technique and cloning technique were used to detect the cell proliferation of ox-LDL-induced VSMCs after adding BNFY. Meanwhile, the expression of proliferating protein Ki67 was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Western blot was also used to detect the expression of proliferation-related proteins CDK2, CyclinE1 and P27. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of BNFY on cell cycle. The effects of BNFY on proliferation and migration of cells were detected by cell scratch test and Transwell. Western blot was used to detect the expression of adhesion factors ICAM1, VCAM1, muc1, VE-cadherin and RHOA/ROCK-related proteins in cells. We found that the expression of AS marker α-SMA protein increased significantly and cells shriveled and a few floated on the medium after induction of ox-LDL on VSCMs. The proliferation rate of ox-LDL VSMCs decreased significantly after adding different doses of BNFY, and BNFY can inhibit cell cycle. Meanwhile, we also found that cell invasion and migration rate were significantly inhibited and related cell adhesion factors ICAM1, VCAM1, muc1 and VE-cadherin were inhibited too by BNFY. Finally, we found that BNFY inhibited the expression of RHOA, ROCK1, ROCK2, p-MLC proteins in the RHOA/ROCK signaling pathway. Therefore, we can summarize that BNFY may inhibit the proliferation and migration of atherosclerotic vascular smooth muscle cells by inhibiting the activity of RHOA/ROCK signaling pathway.

The protective mechanisms of hippocampal neurons on RhoA/ROCK2 pathway mediated by Rho kinase inhibitors in vascular dementia rats / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#Objective　To investigate the protective mechanism of Rho protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) inhibitor constructed based on adeno-associated virus vector on vascular dementia (VaD) rat hippocampal neurons.Methods　Forty SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,ROCK2 interference group (shROCK2),negative control group.The VaD model was prepared by permanent ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries.AAV9-ROCK2-shRNA was injected into the hippocampus of the rat by stereotaxic technique,the negative control group was injected with the same amount of empty vector adeno-associated virus.After 4 weeks,morris water maze was used to test the learning and memory abilities of rats.RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of RhoA,ROCK2,MLC,MLCP.Results　Four weeks after operation.The mRNA and protein expressions of the above 4 indicators in hippocampus increased (P<0.01),the synaptic vesicles disappeared,and the structure of hippocampus was chaotic in the model group.Compared with the model and control group,the learning and memory ability of rats in ROCK2 interference group was significantly improved,the mRNA and protein of the above 4 indicators were significantly decreased (P<0.05),and the pre-synaptic vesicles were normal and the organelles were more complete.Conclusion　Rho protein kinase 2 inhibitors can reduce the expression of downstream related proteins by inhibiting RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway,then promote neuronal axon regeneration and alleviate cognitive dysfunction of VaD rats.

Anoxic injury down-regulates hydrogen sulfide in rat cerebrovascular endothelial cells and H2S-mediated activation of RhoA-ROCK pathway / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To observe the effect of different hypoxic time on hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitric oxide (NO) and Ras homolog gene family,member A/Rho associated coiled coil-forming kinase(RhoA-ROCK) pathway in rat cerebrovascular endothelial cells(EC),and investigate the effect of dermatogenous H2S on the RhoA-ROCK pathway. Methods Rat brain vascular EC was cultured by collagenase digestion. The EC was measured for H2S and NO after hypoxia for 1,2,4,8 and 24 h respectively. G-LISA was used to detect RhoA activity. Proteins expression changes were detected by Western blot. Results After 1 hour of hypoxia,the content of H2S decreased significantly, the NO content decreased significantly after hypoxia of 4 hours,the activity of RhoA increased significantly after hypoxia of 8 h. The expression of CSE protein decreased significantly after 4 h of hypoxia,the expression level of eNOS protein decreased significantly after 8 h of hypoxia,and the expression of ROCK1 and ROCK2 increased significantly at 8 h of hypoxia. Both endogenous and exogenous H2S inhibited RhoA activity. Conclusion During the hypoxic injury of rat cerebrovascular endothelial cells. The decrease of endogenous H2S occurred first, followed by NO,and the activation of RhoA-ROCK pathway occurred later,which may be secondary to the decrease of H2S.

The protective mechanisms of MEK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 on ox-LDL induced injury of HUVEC and the influence on the expression of LOX-1 / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the protective mechanism of MEK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 on ox-LDL induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC),and its influence on the expression of LOX-1.Methods HUVEC damage models were established by using ox-LDL and were treated with PD98059 later,divided into the negative control group,the ox-LDL group,the positive control group and the PD98059+ox-LDL group.The effect of inhibition of MEK1/2 on ox-LDL induced HUVEC damage was measured.Results Compared with the negative control group,the levels in the ox-LDL group of LOX-1,pMEK1/2,RhoA,ROCK1,ROCK2,TNF-α and IL-6 were increased significantly,the proliferations of HUVEC and the productions of NO were decreased (P＜0.05).Compared with the ox-LDL group,the levels in the positive control group and the PD98059+ox-LDL group of pMEK1/2,RhoA,ROCK1,ROCK2,TNF-α and IL-6 were decreased,the proliferation of HUVEC and the production of NO were increased (P＜0.05).Conclusion PD98059 inhibit the MEK1/2 signaling pathway to suppress the ox-LDL induced damage of HUVEC by decreasing the expression of LOX-1.

Effect of Different Stimulating Strength of Electroacupuncture on Gastrointestinal Motility and RhoA/ROCK Signaling in Gastric Antral Smooth Muscle in Diabetic Gastroparesis Rats / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of different strength of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation on gastrointestinal motility and Ras homolog gene family member (RhoA)/Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) signaling in diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) rats, so as to reveal the underlying mechanisms of EA for improving DGP. METHODS: Sixty SD rats were randomly and equally divided into blank control, DGP model, weak EA, medium EA, and strong EA groups (n＝12 rats in each). The DGP model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mmol/kg, 2%) and high-sugar and high-fat fodder feeding for 8 weeks. EA (0.12, 0.24, 0.36 mA, 20 Hz/100 Hz) was applied to "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) and "Liangmen" (ST 21) for 20 min, once daily for 15 successive days. Blood glucose levels were measured weekly with blood glucose meter and blood glucose test paper. Fecal phenol red excretion method was used to display gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion function. The expression of RhoA protein in the gastric antral smooth muscle tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot (WB), separately, and that of ROCK, myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT 1) and phosphorylated (p)-MYPT 1 proteins in gastric antrum detected by WB. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the gastric emptying rate and small intestine propulsion rate of the model group were significantly decreased (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture stimulation of ST 36-SP 6-ST 21 at 0.12, 0.24 and 0.36 mA can promote the gastrointestinal motility in DGP rats, which may be associated with its effects in enhancing RhoA/ROCK signaling in the gastric antral smooth muscle at different degrees.

Renoprotective Effects of Tang-Shen-Ping on RhoA/ROCK Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Kidney Disease KKAy Mice / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to explore the renoprotective effects of Tang-Shen-Ping (TSP) on RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in KKAy mice with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).A total of 60 female 10-week SPF degree KKAy mice,which were fed with KK special food for 10 weeks,were made into DKD model.Mice were randomly divided in the model group,irbesartan group,low-,medium-and high-dose TSP group (0.525 g· kg-1,1.05 g· kg-1,and 2.1 g· kg-1).Ten female C57BL/6J mice were used as the normal control group.Mice of each group were intragastrically administered with corresponding medicine,respectively,while mice of the control group and the model group were given deionized water of the equal volume.The body weight was measured and the 24-hour urine protein quantification was detected every 4 weeks.At the end of the 26th week,all mice were sacrificed and the biochemical indicators,such as fasting blood glucose (FBG),serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN),serum creatinine (Scr),and triglyceride (TG) were measured.HE staining,Mallory staining and PAS staining were used to observe the pathological morphology of kidney tissues.Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) were used in the detection of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA),Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1),α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),E-Cadherin (E-Cad) mRNA and protein expression.The results showed that compared with the model group,there were significant differences on body weight,the ratio of kidney weight to body weight,and urinary protein in the middle-and high-dose TSP group (P ＜ 0.01);the renal pathological damage was obviously decreased;contents of FBG,BUN,Scr and TG decreased (P ＜ 0.01);mRNA and protein expression of E-Cadherin increased;mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1,RhoA,ROCK1 and α-SMA decreased with significant difference in the middle-and high-dosc TSP group (P ＜ 0.01).It was concluded that the renoprotective effects and epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells of TSP on DKD KKAy mice may be related to the regulation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

Effect of Tangshenping Medicated Serum on Proliferationand RhoA / ROCK Signaling Pathway of High Glucose-induced Epithelial Cells of Renal Tubules / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

To study the effect of the Tangshenping containing serum on the proliferation of the high glucose-induced epithelial cells of renal tubules.To prepare durg-contained serum from rats to enter into in vitor reaction system,the cellscultured via 10％ FBS-RPMI 1640 were randomly divided into 7groups:the normal group,themodel group,the Y27632 group,theirbesartangroup,the small dose Tangshenping group,the medium dose Tangshenping group and the high dose Tangshenping group and The cells were cultured in 3000 cells/well and grown in 96-well plates.Each group had 8 wells,then detect the effects of all serum sections on the proliferation of high glucose-induced epithelial cells of kidney tubules by the MTT colorimetric method after cultured for 12 h,24 h,48 h,and 60 h.Based on the results above,cell protein were extracted from each group at 24 h,and the expression of RhoA,ROCK1,α-SMA and E-cadherin in each group were detected by Western blotting.After high glucose stimulation,the shape of cell was shuttle-like or irregular triangle,the way it grew was radial;after the intervention of the corresponding serum,the shape of the cell was fiat and irregular polygonal.Started with 12h,compared with the normal group,OD value of other groups increased;at the 24h、48hand 60h,compared with the normal group,OD value of high glucose groupincreased significantly (P＜0.01);compared with the high glucose group,OD value of treatment groups decreased (P＜0.05);and 48 h,compared with the Y27632group,irbesartan groupand Tangshenping high dose group,OD value of Tangshenping low and medium dose groups decreased (P＜0.05);60 h,compared with Y27632 group,OD value of Tangshenping medium dose groups decreased;compared with irbesartan group,OD value of o Tangshenpinggroupsdecreased (P＜0.05);compared with Tangshenping high dose group,OD value of Tangshenpinglow groupsdecreased (P＜0.05) Western blotting analysis showed that compared with normal group,the expression of E-Cadherin protein in high glucose group reduced,and the expression of RhoA,ROCK1 and α-SMA protein increased;compared with high glucose group,the expression of E-Cadherin protein in each treating group increased,and the Tangshenping large dose group wassignificantly different (P＜0.01);the expression of RhoA,ROCK1 and or-SMA protein reduced,Tangshenping,the large dose group was significantlydifferent (P＜0.01);Compared with the Y27632 group,the expression of E-cadherin,ROCK1 and α-SMA protein in Tangshenping large dose group had no significant difference,while the expression of RhoAproteinreduced (P ＜0.01).Compared with theirbesartan group,the expression of E-cadherin,RhoA,ROCK1 and α-SMA protein in Tangshenping large dose group had no significant difference (P＞0.05).The Tangshenping containing serum is abletoinhibit the proliferation of high glucose-induced epithelial cells of kidney tubules,and can reverse renal tubular-epithelial cell transdifferentiation via regulating RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway,and restrain renal interstitial fibrosis,thereby delaying the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease.

Effect of Compound Tangshenning on Proliferation and RhoA/ROCK Signaling Pathway of High Glucose-induced Epithelial Cells of Renal Tubules / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Objective:To study the effect of the prescription Tangshenning on the proliferation of the high glucoseinduced cells of near-end kidney tubules.Method:To prepare durg-contained serum from mice to enter into in vitor reaction system,the cells were randomly divided into 4 groups:the normal group,the model group,the,the irbesartan group,the tangshenning group and then detect the effects of all serum sections on the proliferation of high glucoseinduced epithelial cells of kidney tubules by the MTT colorimetric method,and the expression of RhoA,ROCK 1,Ecadherin and α-SMA in each group were detected by Western blotting.Result:The high glucose group of renal tubular epithelial cells form from the flat irregular polygon into long fusiform;After adding the drug-containing serum corresponding intervention into the cells into a flat in irregular polygon.The high glucose group of renal tubular epithelial cells show obvious proliferation condition,In the condition of 24 h,48 h,The high glucose group proliferation is better than the normal group (P＜0.01),in 60 h,The high glucose group proliferation is better than the normal group (P＜0.05);In 24 h,compared with the irbesartan,Tangshenning has better effect of inhibiting the cell proliferation(P＜0.05);In 48 h,Tangshenning has the better effect than irbesartan and Y27632 (P＜0.01);In 60 h,Tangshenning has the better effect than irbesartan and Y27632 (P＜0.05);Western blotting:Western blotting analysis showed that compared with the normal group,the expression of RhoA protein in high glucose group and Y27632 decreased (P＜0.01);The high glucose group and Tangshenning have significant difference (P＜0.01);Y27632 and Tangshenning have difference (P＜0.05).compared with the normal group,the expression of ROCK1 protein in high glucose group decreased (P＜0.01);The high glucose group,Tangshenning,the irbesartan and Y27632 have difference (P＜0.05).Compared with the normal group,the expression of a-SMA protein in high glucose group decreased (P＜0.01);The high glucose group,Tangshenning,the irbesartan and Y27632 have difference (P＜0.05).Compared with the normal group,the expression of E-Cadherin protein in high glucose group increased (P＜0.05).Y27632 and Tangshenning have difference (P＜0.05).The high glucose group,Tangshenning,the irbesartan and Y27632 have difference (P＜0.05).Conclusion:The prescription Tangshenning is able to inhibit the proliferation of high glucose-induced epithelial cells of kidney tubules and and can reverse renal tubularepithelial cell transdifferentiation via regulating RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway,and restrain renal interstitial fibrosis,thereby delaying the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease.

Sini Decoction improves rat myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway / 中成药

AIM To explore the effects of Sini Decoction (Aconiti lateralis Radix Praeparata,Zingiberis Rhizoma,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) on rat myocardial fibrosis induced by isoproterenol.METHODS Forty SD rats were randomly divided into blank,model,captopril [100 mg/(kg · d)] and Sini Decoction [3.8 g/(kg · d)] groups,with ten rats in each group.Except for the blank group,the rest rats were given subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol [5 rg/(kg · d)] to prepare myocardial fibrosis model,and successive administration lasted for four weeks.At 20 h after the last administration,hemodynamics changes of heart were detected;heart weight indexes were calculated;the changes of myocardial pathological morphology were observed by HE and Masson staining;NO level in serum was measured by nitrale reduetase;SOD activity in serum was measured by xanthinoxidase method;MDA level in serum was measured by thiobarbituric acid method;the protein expressions of RhoA,ROCK1 and eNOS in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot method.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the cardiac function of rats was significantly improved;the myocardial collagen content was significantly decreased;the MDA level in serum was obviously decreased;the NO level and SOD activity were significantly increased;the protein expressions of RhoA and ROCK1 in myocardium tissue were significantly reduced,and the protein expression of eNOS was markedly increased in the Sini Decoction group.CONCLUSION Sini Decoction can improve the isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis in rats,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the RhoA/ ROCK signaling pathway,in turn,raising the expression of eNOS,which leads to reduced oxidative stress.