SURZB/Kir6.1通道开放剂纳他卡林对低氧致大鼠主动脉内皮细胞损伤的保护作用

目的:探讨纳他卡林对低氧引起大鼠主动脉内皮细胞损伤的保护作用及其机制。方法:选取大鼠主动脉内皮细胞作为体外低氧损伤的细胞模型,分为正常对照组、低氧模型组、纳他卡林低、中、高剂量组,利用MTT法测定细胞生存率,硝酸还原酶法检测一氧化氮(NO)释放,RT-PCR法检测细胞间粘附因子-1(ICAM-1)、内皮素-1(ET-1)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)mRNA水平。结果:纳他卡林三个剂量组均可逆转低氧所致的血管内皮细胞功能改变,包括提高内皮细胞生存活力和NO的释放水平,显著抑制低氧引发的内皮细胞ICAM-1,ET-1,VEGF mRNA表达量的上调。结论:纳他卡林对低氧诱发的血管内皮细胞分泌功能改变、细胞通透性增加及炎性因子的分泌均具有保护作用。     

动脉粥样硬化小型猪三磷酸 腺苷结合盒转运体 A1 表达的变化

用贵州小香猪建立动脉粥样硬化动物模型,探讨动脉粥样硬化小型猪三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体 A1(ABCA1) 表达的变化 . 采用血管内膜损伤法加高脂高胆固醇饲料喂养贵州小香猪,建立动脉粥样硬化动物模型 . 血浆总胆固醇、甘油三酯和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇的浓度均用氧化酶法测定,采用逆转录聚合酶链反应检测 ABCA1mRNA 水平,蛋白质印迹和免疫组织化学检测 ABCA1 蛋白质的表达 . 喂养 12 个月后,实验组与正常对照组比较,空腹血浆总胆固醇、甘油三酯和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平升高;实验组小型猪主动脉、髂动脉、颈总动脉和冠状动脉可见动脉粥样硬化斑块和脂质条纹;实验组小型猪肝组织、主动脉、小肠组织 ABCA1 表达上调 . 结果提示,采用血管内膜损伤法加高脂高胆固醇饲料喂养小型猪可建立动脉粥样硬化动物模型 . 动脉粥样硬化小型猪肝组织、主动脉和小肠组织 ABCA1 表达上调 .     

脂可平对实验性早期动脉粥样硬化大鼠主动脉ICAM-1表达的影响

研究脂可平对大鼠早期动脉粥样硬化氧自由基及细胞间粘附分子(ICAM1)表达的影响。应用高脂饲料复制SD大鼠早期动脉粥样硬化模型,分别给以脂可平、辛伐他汀片混悬液灌胃,实验10周后,酶比色法检测各组大鼠血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和丙二醛(MDA)含量,用免疫组化和RTPCR方法检测主动脉壁ICAM1及其mRNA的表达水平。两治疗组血清MDA含量均明显降低,SOD活性显著升高,ICAM1及其mRNA的表达水平显著下降,且脂可平优于辛伐他汀。本实验说明脂可平抗动脉粥样硬化作用的机制可能与其抗氧化、抗粘附等保护血管内皮细胞功能密切相关。     

三七总皂苷通过抗炎和调血脂作用抑制大鼠动脉粥样硬化形成

目的:利用高脂饮食叠加炎症刺激诱发大鼠动脉粥样硬化(AS)模型,在转录水平及信号转导方面探讨三七皂苷(PNS)防治炎性因素诱发AS的分子机制。方法:实验分为对照组、模型组和治疗组3组,分别腹腔注射给予无菌医用液体石蜡、酵母多糖(Zym,20mg/kg,1次/3天)、Zym(20mg/kg,1次/3天) PNS(100mg/kg,1次/天)。所有大鼠均喂食含3%胆固醇的高脂饲料。9周后,取血测定血脂水平和血液粘度;应用定量PCR法测定腹主动脉组织中抑制性核转录因子(IκBα)mRNA、心房肽(ANF)mR- NA、基质金属蛋白酶7(MMP7)mRNA以及炎性因子和脂肪酸合成酶(FAS)mRNA的表达;用Western Blotting法检测IκBα的表达。结果:Zym刺激引起大鼠血清总胆固醇、甘油三酯、全血粘度与血浆比粘度均显著升高,IκBαmRNA及其蛋白表达均明显降低,ANF mRNA、MMP7 mRNA和FAS mRNA表达均明显升高。与模型组相比,PNS能明显升高血脂水平、全血及血浆粘度,促进IκBαmRNA与蛋白以及ANF mRNA表达,抑制MMP7 mRNA和FAS mRNA表达。结论:PNS对炎症免疫诱发的AS有显著防治作用,其作用机制与促进IκBα的表达从而抑制相关炎症因子的生成有关,PNS对FAS的表达调节可能是其降脂的主要机制之一。     

脂可平对实验性早期动脉粥样硬化内皮细胞凋亡及Bax、Bcl-2表达的影响

研究脂可平对大鼠血脂、早期动脉粥样硬化血管内皮细胞凋亡及Bax、Bcl-2表达的影响。应用高脂饲料复制SD大鼠早期动脉粥样硬化模型,分别给以脂可平、辛伐他汀片混悬液灌胃,实验10周后,全自动生化分析仪、流式细胞仪定量分别检测各组血脂、主动脉内皮细胞凋亡率及Bax、Bcl-2蛋白的表达;苏木素伊红(HE)染色观察主动脉组织形态学变化。两治疗组均可降低血脂,不同程度的改善了主动脉组织病理损伤,降低内皮细胞凋亡率,调控Bax、Bcl-2蛋白表达。本实验说明脂可平可降低血脂,干预动脉粥样硬化的始动环节及其发生并从蛋白水平调控早期动脉粥样硬化内皮细胞凋亡。     

高脂高糖饮食对自发性高血压大鼠腹主动脉舒张功能及VCAM-1和ICAM-1mRNA表达的影响

目的:探讨高脂高糖饮食对自发性高血压大鼠(spontaneously hypertensive rats,SHR)腹主动脉血管舒张功能及血管间粘附分子-1 (vascular adhesion molecule-1,VCAM-1)和细胞间粘附分子-1(intercellular adhesion molecule-1,ICAM-1)mRNA表达的影响.方法:将24只6周龄雄性SHR大鼠随机分成高脂高糖饲料组(实验组,n=12)和普通饲料组(对照组,n=12).每3周测量其空腹体重,12周后处死大鼠,分别取两组动物的腹主动脉做离体血管环对乙酰胆碱(Acetylcholine,Ach)的舒张功能实验,并提取主动脉总RNA,通过实时定量RT-PCR实验检测其VCAM-1和ICAM-1 mRNA的表达.结果:从第6周开始,实验组SHR的体重较对照组明显增加(P＜0.01).12周时,实验组血管环对Ach的最大舒张率较对照组明显降低(69.20± 5.25 vs.79.10± 3.84,P＜0.01);实验组动脉VCAM-1 mRNA的相对表达量是对照组的1.97倍,差异有统计学意义(197.91±22.16 vs.100.33±11.44,P＜0.01),而两组ICAM-1mRNA表达的比较差异无统计学意义(97.75±8.05 vs.100.25±10.83,P＞0.05).结论:高脂高糖饮食能致SHR腹主动脉血管舒张功能明显降低,可能与其显著增加其主动脉VCAM-1 mRNA的表达有关.     

亚毒性剂量毒死蜱降低新西兰兔ABCA1表达加重高脂诱导的动脉粥样硬化

为了探讨亚毒性剂量有机磷酸酯杀虫剂毒死蜱对高脂饮食诱导的动脉粥样硬化的影响及其机制,32只健康雄性新西兰兔随机分为对照组、毒死蜱组、高脂组、高脂+毒死蜱组.每天以20 mg/kg亚毒性剂量的毒死蜱灌胃处理6个月.动物处死后检测血脂水平和血清胆碱酯酶活性.收集腹腔巨噬细胞,测定其胆固醇流出率.苏丹Ⅳ染色观察胸主动脉粥样硬化斑块,定量分析动脉粥样硬化斑块占血管内表面积的百分比.颈总动脉石蜡切片,观察动脉粥样硬化斑块.采用实时定量PCR和蛋白质印迹检测,分别检测肝脏、血管和腹腔巨噬细胞中三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体A1(ATP-binding cassette transporter A1,ABCA1)mRNA和蛋白质的表达.结果显示:与对照组相比,高脂饮食升高了血清总胆固醇和脂蛋白水平,主动脉和颈总动脉出现明显的动脉粥样硬化斑块,其肝脏、主动脉和腹腔巨噬细胞ABCA1的表达升高,腹腔巨噬细胞中胆固醇流出增加;与对照组相比,毒死蜱组血清胆碱酯酶活性降低,但没有出现明显的中毒症状和肝肾功能损伤,血清中高密度脂蛋白(HDL)水平降低,ABCA1的表达降低,腹腔巨噬细胞中胆固醇流出减少;高脂+毒死蜱组与高脂组相比,血清胆碱酯酶活性降低,也没有出现明显的中毒症状和肝肾功能损伤,ABCA1的表达降低,腹腔巨噬细胞中胆固醇流出减少,主动脉和颈总动脉粥样硬化斑块更加明显.结果提示长期暴露于亚毒性剂量的毒死蜱可加速高脂饮食的致动脉粥样硬化作用,其机制可能与毒死蜱降低体内ABCA1的表达和胆固醇流出有关.     

豚鼠动脉粥样硬化模型形成机制:LDL-C代谢异常

目的建立豚鼠动脉粥样硬化模型并探讨其形成机制,同时与大鼠进行比较,阐明模型特点及优势。方法应用高脂饲料诱导方法,观察豚鼠和大鼠动脉粥样硬化病变的形成情况。HE染色法分析主动脉内膜-中膜厚度、内膜炎性细胞浸润和内膜表层斑块的形成情况;酶法检测血脂,酶联免疫吸附法测定血清Ox-LDL浓度,实时定量PCR检测肝脏LDL-R mRNA表达的变化,免疫组化检测血管内膜CD36蛋白表达的变化。结果与对照组比较,豚鼠模型组动脉内膜明显增厚,单核细胞、巨噬细胞浸润与聚集增加,大量的泡沫细胞聚集形成斑块,而大鼠模型组未出现类似动脉粥样硬化病理改变。机制研究表明豚鼠较大鼠易于诱发形成动脉粥样硬化原因主要在于豚鼠血清Ox-LDL水平明显升高,肝脏LDL-R mRNA表达下调,动脉内膜CD36蛋白表达明显增强等。结论与大鼠不同,经高脂饲料诱导10周后,豚鼠可形成典型动脉粥样硬化病变,其机制主要在于LDL-C代谢异常。     

动脉粥样硬化小型猪三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体Al表达的变化

用贵州小香猪建立动脉粥样硬化动物模型,探讨动脉粥样硬化小型猪三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体Al(ABCAl)表达的变化．采用血管内膜损伤法加高脂高胆固醇饲料喂养贵州小香猪,建立动脉粥样硬化动物模型．血浆总胆固醇、甘油三酯和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇的浓度均用氧化酶法测定,采用逆转录聚合酶链反应检测ABCAlmRNA水平,蛋白质印迹和免疫组织化学检测ABCAl蛋白质的表达．喂养12个月后,实验组与正常对照组比较,空腹血浆总胆固醇、甘油三酯和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平升高;实验组小型猪主动脉、髂动脉、颈总动脉和冠状动脉可见动脉粥样硬化斑块和脂质条纹;实验组小型猪肝组织、主动脉、小肠组织ABCAl表达上调．结果提示,采用血管内膜损伤法加高脂高胆固醇饲料喂养小型猪可建立动脉粥样硬化动物模型．动脉粥样硬化小型猪肝组织、主动脉和小肠组织ABCAl表达上调．     

超声造影技术评价兔腹主动脉斑块内新生血管形成及斑块稳定性的研究

目的:通过超声造影技术评价不同时间点兔主动脉粥样硬化斑块内新生血管的变化,并进一步判断斑块稳定性。方法:60只纯种新西兰大白兔随机分为4组,每组15只。正常对照组、高脂饲养组、球囊损伤组、球囊损伤联合高脂饲养组。分别于第8、14、20周进行超声造影检查,比较斑块及斑块内新生血管形成率。20周后抽血测定血脂及炎性因子水平。处死动物,取腹主动脉,HE染色观察斑块形态及组成成分,并统计各组存活率。结果:高脂饲养组与高脂饲养联合球囊损伤组血脂无显著差异,但明显高于对照组(P<0.05);高脂饲养联合球囊损伤斑块内新生血管明显多于单纯高脂饲养以及球囊损伤组(P<0.05)。HE染色提示高脂饲养联合球囊损伤组不稳定斑块明显多于单纯高脂饲养以及球囊损伤组。结论:超声造影可以明确动脉粥样硬化斑块内新生血管,并进一步判断斑块稳定性。     

Expression of urotensin-II in human coronary atherosclerosis

The vasoactive peptide urotensin-II (U-II) is best known for its ability to regulate peripheral vascular and cardiac contractile function in vivo, and recent in vitro studies have suggested a role for the peptide in the control of vascular remodeling by inducing smooth muscle proliferation and fibroblast-mediated collagen deposition. Therefore, U-II may play a role in the etiology of atherosclerosis. In the present study we sought to determine the expression of U-II in coronary arteries from patients with coronary atherosclerosis and from normal control subjects, using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. In normal coronary arteries, there was little expression of U-II in all types of cells. In contrast, in patients with coronary atherosclerosis, endothelial expression of U-II was significantly increased in all diseased segments (P < 0.05). Greater expression of U-II was noted in endothelial cells of lesions with subendothelial inflammation or fibrofatty lesion compared with that of endothelial cells underlined by dense fibrosis or minimal intimal thickening. Myointimal cells and foam cells also expressed U-II. In most diseased segments, medial smooth muscle cells exhibited moderate expression of U-II. These findings demonstrate upregulation of U-II in endothelial, myointimal and medial smooth muscle cells of atherosclerotic human coronary arteries, and suggest a possible role for U-II in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis.     

炎症诱导的新型大鼠动脉粥样硬化模型的建立及Rb1的防治作用

目的通过激发大鼠炎症反应建立新型动脉粥样硬化（AS）动物模型并观察人参皂苷Rb1的抗AS作用。方法模型组采用酵母多糖混悬液（20 mg/kg）每隔3d腹腔注射一次,引发大鼠持续性炎症;相同方法注射无菌石蜡液作为对照组;Rb1组同时腹腔注射Rb1（40 mg/kg）;所有大鼠均喂食高脂饲料,实验共10周。分别通过苏丹染色、透射电镜、real time PCR、免疫组化、ELISA观察大鼠主动脉壁大体标本、超微结构、NFκB、TNFα、IL6的表达。结果模型组可见红染的脂纹、斑块形成,电镜显示内膜下层出现吞噬脂滴的泡沫细胞,NFκB/P65高表达于主动脉壁的内膜层,TNFα、IL6水平均明显高于对照组,经Rb1干预后大体标本可见AS病变明显减轻,电镜下未见泡沫细胞,NFκB、TNFα、IL6水平均较模型组显著降低。结论在高脂喂饲的基础上持续炎症刺激能够成功诱导大鼠AS模型,人参皂苷Rb1能够通过抑制炎症反应抗AS。     

Endothelial NADPH oxidase 4 protects ApoE-/- mice from atherosclerotic lesions

Vascular reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to be involved in atherosclerosis development and progression. NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is a constitutively active ROS-producing enzyme that is highly expressed in the vascular endothelium. Nox4 is unique in its biology and has been implicated in vascular repair, however, the role of Nox4 in atherosclerosis is unknown. Therefore, to determine the effect of endothelial Nox4 on development of atherosclerosis, Apoe E-/- mice +/- endothelial Nox4 (ApoE-/- + EC Nox4) were fed a high cholesterol/high fat (Western) diet for 24 weeks. Significantly fewer atherosclerotic lesions were observed in the ApoE-/- + EC Nox4 mice as compared to the ApoE-/- littermates, which was most striking in the abdominal region of the aorta. In addition, markers of T cell populations were markedly different between the groups; T regulatory cell marker (FoxP3) was increased whereas T effector cell marker (T-bet) was decreased in aorta from ApoE-/- + EC Nox4 mice compared to ApoE-/- alone. We also observed decreased monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG; CXCL9), a cytokine known to recruit and activate T cells, in plasma and tissue from ApoE-/- + EC Nox4 mice. To further investigate the link between endothelial Nox4 and MIG expression, we utilized cultured endothelial cells from our EC Nox4 transgenic mice and human cells with adenoviral overexpression of Nox4. In these cultured cells, upregulation of Nox4 attenuated endothelial cell MIG expression in response to interferon-gamma. Together these data suggest that endothelial Nox4 expression reduces MIG production and promotes a T cell distribution that favors repair over inflammation, leading to protection from atherosclerosis.     

Vasoprotective Effects of Urocortin 1 against Atherosclerosis In Vitro and In Vivo

Aim

Atherosclerosis is the complex lesion that consists of endothelial inflammation, macrophage foam cell formation, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation, and extracellular matrix production. Human urocortin 1 (Ucn1), a 40-amino acid peptide member of the corticotrophin-releasing factor/urotensin I family, has potent cardiovascular protective effects. This peptide induces potent and long-lasting hypotension and coronary vasodilation. However, the relationship of Ucn1 with atherosclerosis remains unclear. The present study was performed to clarify the effects of Ucn1 on atherosclerosis.

Methods

We assessed the effects of Ucn1 on the inflammatory response and proliferation of human endothelial cells (ECs), human macrophage foam cell formation, migration and proliferation of human VSMCs, extracellular matrix expression in VSMCs, and the development of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe ^−/−) mice.

Results

Ucn1 significantly suppressed cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis, and lipopolysaccharide-induced up-regulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in human ECs. Ucn1 significantly reduced oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation with a significant down-regulation of CD36 and acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Ucn1 significantly suppressed the migration and proliferation of human VSMCs and increased the activities of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and MMP9 in human VSMCs. Intraperitoneal injection of Ucn1 into Apoe ^−/− mice for 4 weeks significantly retarded the development of aortic atherosclerotic lesions.

Conclusions

This study provided the first evidence that Ucn1 prevents the development of atherosclerosis by suppressing EC inflammatory response and proliferation, macrophage foam cell formation, and VSMC migration and proliferation. Thus, Ucn1 could serve as a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.     

High dietary fat exacerbates arsenic-induced liver fibrosis in mice

Many factors could potentially affect the process of arsenic-induced liver fibrosis. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of high fat diet on arsenic-induced liver fibrosis and preneoplastic changes. Mice were given sodium arsenite (As3+, 200 ppm) or sodium arsenate (As5+, 200 ppm) in the drinking water for 10 months, and provided a normal diet or a diet containing 20% added fat. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), indicative of liver injury, was elevated in both arsenite and arsenate groups, and a high fat diet further increased these levels. Histopathology (H&E and Masson stain) showed that liver inflammation, steatosis (fatty liver), hepatocyte degeneration, and fibrosis occurred with arsenic alone, but their severity was markedly increased with the high fat diet. Total liver RNA was isolated for real-time RT-PCR analysis. Arsenic exposure increased the expression of inflammation genes, such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, iNOS, chemokines, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2. The expression of the stress-related gene heme oxygenase-1 was increased, while metallothionein-1 and GSH S-transferase-pi were decreased when arsenic was combined with the high fat diet. Expression of genes related to liver fibrosis, such as procollagen-1 and -3, SM-actin and TGF-beta, were synergistically increased in the arsenic plus high fat diet group. The expression of genes encoding matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2, MMP9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP1, TIMP2) was also enhanced, suggestive of early oncogenic events. In general, arsenite produced more pronounced effects than arsenate. In summary, chronic inorganic arsenic exposure in mice produces liver injury, and a high fat diet markedly increases arsenic-induced hepatofibrogenesis.     

High fat and high fructose diet induced intracranial atherosclerosis and enhanced vasoconstrictor responses in non-human primate

The present study examined the effect of high fat and high fructose (HFF) diet on the development of atherosclerosis and vascular contractile responses in the cerebral artery and thoracic aorta in non-human primates. Female cynomolgus monkeys (age: 3 to 4 years) were divided into normal control diet (N=5) and HFF diet groups (N=5). Twenty-eight weeks after feeding the HFF diet, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in serum were significantly increased in the HFF diet group compared to the control group. The ultrastructural analyses of the basilar artery and aorta demonstrated the infiltration of lipid-laden foam cells and the appearance of lipid droplet-filled smooth muscle cells in the monkeys fed with the HFF diet. In terms of vascular reactivity, there was significantly greater vasoconstriction of the aorta and basilar artery in response to 5-hydroxytryptamine in the HFF diet group compared to the normal diet-fed group. In addition, KCl-induced vasoconstriction of the basilar arteries was also significantly enhanced in the HFF diet group compared to the normal diet-fed monkeys. In all, our present study has demonstrated that changes in the vascular responsiveness of the cerebral artery and its cellular architecture may manifest into cerebrovascular complications consistent with a pathological state normally observed with the onset and progression of atherosclerosis.     

Xanthine oxidase inhibitor tungsten prevents the development of atherosclerosis in ApoE knockout mice fed a Western-type diet

Hyperlipidemia enhances xanthine oxidase (XO) activity. XO is an important source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since ROS are thought to promote atherosclerosis, we hypothesized that XO is involved in the development of atherosclerosis. ApoE(-/-) mice were fed a Western-type (WD) or control diet. In subgroups, tungsten (700 mg/L) was administered to inhibit XO. XO is a secreted enzyme which is formed in the liver as xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and binds to the vascular endothelium. High expression of XDH was found in the liver and WD increased liver XDH mRNA and XDH protein expression. WD induced the conversion of XDH to the radical-forming XO. Moreover, WD increased the hepatic expression of CD40, demonstrating activation of hepatic cells. Aortic tissue of ApoE(-/-) mice fed a WD for 6 months exhibited marked atherosclerosis, attenuated endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine, increased vascular oxidative stress, and mRNA expression of the chemokine KC. Tungsten treatment had no effect on plasma lipids but lowered the plasma XO activity. In animals fed a control diet, tungsten had no effect on radical formation, endothelial function, or atherosclerosis development. In mice fed a WD, however tungsten attenuated the vascular superoxide anion formation, prevented endothelial dysfunction, and attenuated KC mRNA expression. Most importantly, tungsten treatment largely prevented the development of atherosclerosis in the aorta of ApoE(-/-) mice on WD. Therefore, tungsten, potentially via the inhibition of XO, prevents the development of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in ApoE(-/-) mice on WD.     

Early obesity leads to increases in hepatic arginase I and related systemic changes in nitric oxide and <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-arginine metabolism in mice

Obesity is a risk factor for vascular endothelial cell dysfunction characterized by low-grade, chronic inflammation. Increased levels of arginase I and concomitant decreases in l-arginine bioavailability are known to play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular endothelial cell dysfunction. In the present study, we focused on changes in the systemic expression of arginase I as well as l-arginine metabolism in the pre-disease state of early obesity prior to the onset of atherosclerosis. C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet (CD; 10% fat) or high-fat diet (HFD; 60% fat) for 8 weeks. The mRNA expression of arginase I in the liver, adipose tissue, aorta, and muscle; protein expression of arginase I in the liver and plasma; and systemic levels of l-arginine bioavailability and NO₂ ^? were assessed. HFD-fed mice showed early obesity without severe disease symptoms. Arginase I mRNA and protein expression levels in the liver were significantly higher in HFD-fed obese mice than in CD-fed mice. Arginase I levels were slightly increased, whereas l-arginine levels were significantly reduced, and these changes were followed by reductions in NO₂ ^? levels. Furthermore, hepatic arginase I levels positively correlated with plasma arginase I levels and negatively correlated with l-arginine bioavailability in plasma. These results suggested that increases in the expression of hepatic arginase I and reductions in plasma l-arginine and NO₂ ^? levels might lead to vascular endothelial dysfunction in the pre-disease state of early obesity.     

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression kinetics in macrophage-derived foam cells

Macrophage-derived foam cells seem to play an important role during inflammatory response of atherosclerosis, in which the overexpression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are associated with the early and later pathological changes in foam cell formation. In this study, we investigated the expression kinetics of ICAM-1 and VEGF in macrophage-derived foam cells. The foam cell model was established through incubating the human monocyte line (U937 cells) with oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Up-regulated expressions of ICAM-1 and VEGF were analyzed in protein and mRNA levels in U937 foam cells by flow cytometry, ELISA, and Northern blot. Kinetic studies showed the deferent kinds of expression curves in dose response and time course. The expression dose-kinetics demonstrated that the ICAM-1 showed the peak expression induced by ox-LDL 50 mg/L, while VEGF levels increased in a dose-dependent manner with the maximum level induced by ox-LDL 200 mg/L. Time-kinetic studies revealed that the ICAM-1 levels showed the peak expression in 12 h while VEGF expression increased in a time-dependent manner with the maximum level in 48 h. These results proved that both ICAM-1 and VEGF expressions were enhanced in the macrophage-derived foam cells, but ICAM-1 expression increased earlier than the up-regulation of VEGF; low dose of ox-LDL mainly up regulated ICAM-1 expression, while high dose mainly increased the VEGF expression.