高同型半胱氨酸血症促进大鼠血管钙化

目的:在大鼠血管钙化模型上,探讨高同型半胱氨酸血症对血管钙化的影响及其作用机制.方法:用维生素D3加尼古丁诱导大鼠血管钙化模型,并给以高蛋氨酸饮食六周诱导大鼠高同型半胱氨酸血症,用高效液相色谱法检测血浆总同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平;采用血管组织vonKossa染色、钙含量测定、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性和骨钙素(OC)含量测定以判断血管钙化程度,同时测定血浆脂质共轭烯(Diene键)含量反映其脂质过氧化水平.结果:钙化组大鼠血管yon Kossa染色可见大量黑色颗粒沉积,其血管的钙含量,碱性磷酸酶活性及骨钙素含量分别较对照组增加8.09倍、45.57%和2.81倍(P＜0.01).高蛋氨酸饮食的钙化组大鼠血管内钙含量较单纯钙化组增高了34.29%,而碱性磷酸酶活性及骨钙素含量则较单纯的钙化组降低29.13%和74.69%(P＜0.01).钙化组大鼠血浆脂质共轭烯含量与对照组比较无显著性差异,单纯高蛋氨酸饮食和钙化加高蛋氨酸饮食大鼠血浆脂质共轭烯含量较对照组增加了1.93和2.89倍(P＜0.01),而钙化加高蛋氨酸饮食大鼠血浆脂质共轭烯含量较单纯高蛋氨酸饮食大鼠又增加了32.90%(P＜0.01).结论:高同型半胱氨酸血症可以促进血管的钙化,可能与其所致的脂质过氧化程度增强有关.     

二甲双胍对华法令诱导大鼠动脉钙化的影响及其机制初探

目的:研究二甲双胍(metformin,MET)对华法令(Warfarin,WFN)诱导大鼠动脉钙化的影响及其机制。方法:将28只SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、8周(W)钙化组、8W钙化+8W MET 100 mg/kg治疗组、8W钙化+8W MET 200 mg/kg治疗组。采用Von Kossa染色法检测胸主动脉组织中钙结节;邻甲酚肽络合酮比色法测定颈总动脉组织中钙沉积含量;免疫组化染色检测血管壁中成骨基因Runx2及血管平滑肌标志物α-SMA的表达;Western Blot检测血管壁中Runx2及自噬标志物LC3II的表达。结果:WFN干预8 W后,大鼠动脉中钙沉积含量显著增加(P0.01),MET治疗组主动脉钙含量与钙化组相比均显著降低(P0.01)。Von Kossa染色可见钙化组(WFN组)动脉壁中层黑色连续钙盐沉积条带,而进行MET治疗后,黑色条带明显减少,对照组未见黑色条带。免疫组化显示钙化组血管壁Runx2表达阳性,棕褐色染色较深,而α-SMA表达则显著下降,基本未见棕褐色染色沉积;MET治疗后能够逆转上述趋势。Western Blot显示钙化组血管壁Runx2表达明显上升,MET治疗后Runx2表达被抑制。此外,钙化过程中伴随着自噬标志物LC3II表达轻度上升;随着MET浓度升高,血管壁中自噬水平呈剂量依赖性显著升高。结论:二甲双胍能够有效抑制大鼠动脉钙化,减轻血管平滑肌细胞由收缩表型向成骨样表型转换,其机制可能与诱导自噬有关。     

丙二醛对小鼠骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化的影响

为了探索氧化应激活性中间产物丙二醛对小鼠骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化的影响及机制,体外培养的间充质干细胞经丙二醛处理后,在第4、7、14、21 d分别提取等份细胞进行碱性磷酸酶活性检测,第7 d时提取RNA通过实时定量RT-PCR测定ALP和Runx2/Cbfal mRNA表达,并在第21 d进行von Kossa染色,茜素红染色.研究发现:丙二醛通过降低碱性磷酸酶活性及ALP和Runx2/Cbfal mRNA的表达,抑制矿化骨节形成.这些结果表明:丙二醛可通过抑制ALP和Runx2/Cbfal通路,抑制小鼠骨髓间充质干细胞的成骨分化.     

华法令诱导大鼠体内主动脉的钙化作用

目的:研究华法令对大鼠体内主动脉的钙化作用。方法:采用华法令(3 mg/g饲料)的饲料喂养诱导大鼠体内动脉钙化。实验分3组(n=6),对照组、6 W钙化组、12 W钙化组。Von Kossa染色观察钙结节形成,邻甲酚酞络合酮比色法定量测定钙沉积含量。采用TUNEL染色法检测大鼠主动脉组织内血管平滑肌细胞(Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell,VSMC)凋亡。Western blot法检测大鼠主动脉组织中生长抑制特异蛋白6(Growth Arrest Specific Gene 6 Protein,Gas 6)蛋白表达水平。结果:钙化组钙结节、钙沉积含量及VSMC凋亡均高于对照组(P0.01)有显著差异。钙化形成与凋亡表达呈显著正相关(R2=0.8853,P0.0001);钙化组Gas 6蛋白表达量较对照组下调(P0.01)有显著差异。结论:华法令通过下调Gas 6蛋白诱导大鼠体内主动脉钙化形成。     

雌激素改善维生素D受体基因敲除雌性小鼠的骨、钙代谢

以维生素 D 受体基因敲除雌性小鼠为模型,研究雌激素对骨、钙代谢的调节作用。外源性给予雌二醇一个月后,观察小鼠血钙水平的变化,同时测定小鼠骨密度,并利用胫骨非脱钙 von Kossa 染色观察钙化的骨小梁和未钙化的类骨质面积的变化。结果显示,外源性给予雌二醇一个月后,维生素 D 受体基因敲除小鼠的血钙水平,从(2.10±0.37) mmol/L 上升到(2.80±0.41) mmol/L (P<0.05); 骨密度从(0.037±0.006) g/cm2增高到(0.048±0.007) g/cm2,显著改善(P<0.05) ;钙化骨小梁面积显著增加,未钙化的类骨质面积显著缩小。结果提示,外源性雌二醇对骨、钙代谢具有非依赖于维生素 D 的正向调节作用。     

花生四烯酸Alox15/12-HETE代谢通路抑制血管钙化的发生

本研究旨在探索血管钙化中花生四烯酸脂氧酶代谢产物的变化及作用。采用5/6肾切除及高磷饲喂的方法建立小鼠血管钙化的模型。在造模6周后,检测主动脉全长血管钙含量,主动脉弓部进行茜素红染色和Von Kossa染色检测钙沉积情况。收集对照血管和钙化血管组织进行花生四烯酸代谢产物的质谱检测,分析脂氧酶通路代谢小分子的变化。通过实时定量PCR方法检测钙化血管脂氧酶的表达改变。使用脂氧酶抑制剂明确脂氧酶代谢通路对血管钙化的影响。结果显示,造模6周后,肾切除组小鼠血管钙含量比假手术组显著升高(P 0.05),茜素红染色和Von Kossa染色显示肾切除小鼠主动脉弓部有明显的钙沉积,表明小鼠血管钙化造模成功。收取造模6周的钙化血管和对照血管,通过液相色谱-质谱(LC-MS)方法检测到9种花生四烯酸脂氧酶代谢产物,多种代谢产物(12-HETE、11-HETE、15-HETE等)的含量在钙化血管中显著升高,其中12-HETE含量最高并且升高最显著。进一步检测钙化血管中产生12-HETE的代谢酶的mRNA水平,发现花生四烯酸脂氧酶15(arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase, Alox15)表达增加。Alox15特异性抑制剂PD146176可显著降低血浆12-HETE水平,促进主动脉弓部的钙沉积、增加血管钙含量。这些结果显示花生四烯酸脂氧酶代谢在钙化血管中活化,Alox15/12-HETE通路可能对血管钙化发挥保护作用。     

血管钙化对血脂的影响及维生素K干预研究

目的：探讨在正常饮食情况下血管钙化是否影响血脂浓度。方法：Wistar大鼠30只,随机抽取10只作为阴性对照组,其余20只用维生素D3和尼古丁制备血管钙化模型。将造模大鼠随机分为钙化组和钙化+维生素K组：钙化组喂饲普通基础饲料,钙化+维生素K组喂饲含有维生素K2的饲料,维生素K2按30mg/（kg·d）给予。12w后,全自动生化分析仪检测血清TC、TG、LDL-C、HDL-C,取胸主动脉Von kossa染色进行病理学观察。结果：钙化组von Kossa染色血管弹性纤维间可见大量棕黄色钙化斑,而阴性对照组大鼠血管中膜弹力纤维正常,无钙沉积现象,钙化+维生素K2组无钙化斑或只有少量的棕黄色钙化斑。各组大鼠血清TC、TG、LDL-C、HDL-C浓度接近（P＞0-05）。结论：在本实验条件下,血管钙化对大鼠血脂无影响;维生素K对正常血脂无影响。     

Caspase-1抑制剂对大鼠血管平滑肌细胞钙化的初步影响

目的:研究Caspase-1抑制剂zVAD对大鼠血管平滑肌细胞钙化的影响。方法:体外分离、培养大鼠血管平滑肌细胞,加入β-磷酸甘油酯(β-GP)诱导细胞发生钙化;在细胞中加入Caspase-1抑制剂zVAD或DMSO对照,按照不同时间点收取细胞进行半定量PCR,检测骨保护素(OPG)/核因子κB受体活化因子配体(RANKL)的表达变化;通过茜素红钙化染色,直观观察zVAD对血管平滑肌细胞钙化的影响。结果:β-GP加入细胞后,可见细胞内OPG/RANKL的mRNA表达水平逐步增加,加入zVAD后增加趋势减缓;茜素红钙化染色显示,zVAD可抑制血管平滑肌细胞钙化。结论:分离、体外培养了大鼠的血管平滑肌细胞,并且发现在钙化过程中OPG/RANKL表达增加,而Caspase-1抑制剂zVAD可有效抑制OPG/RANKL的表达,提示炎症小体可能通过OPG/RANKL诱导动脉钙化的产生。     

树鼩背部肌肉植入多孔复合材料HAPw/n-ZnO的体内生物学性能

目的 初步探讨多孔复合材料HAPw/n-ZnO的体内生物学性能。方法 选用树鼩15只,雌雄不限,每只背部肌肉均植入多孔复合材料HAPw/n-ZnO、Bio-Oss骨粉、ATLANTIK人工骨、国产金世植骨灵人工骨,多孔复合材料HAPw/n-ZnO为实验组,其余为对照组。术后进行动物大体观察及手术部位观察,4周、8周、12周每次随机抽取4只动物处死,进行埋植部位肌肉组织病理学观察、碱性磷酸酶活性(ALP)及钙含量测定。结果 HE染色显示实验HAPw/n-ZnO组与各对照组肌间质内均可见钙化灶,实验组肌肉可见炎症细胞明显聚集;Masson染色显示实验组与各对照组植入材料周边均可见绿染的胶原纤维;碱性磷酸酶活性及钙含量测定实验组与金世植骨灵组及Bio-Oss骨粉组的差异有统计学意义,金世植骨灵组及Bio-Oss骨粉组优于实验组,与ATLANTIK人工骨组差异无统计学意义。结论 多孔复合材料HAPw/n-ZnO在植入树鼩背部肌肉后有成骨活性但未异位成骨,且引起炎症反应。     

Carvacrol modulates instability of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes and downregulates the expressions of PCNA,MMP-2, and MMP-9 during diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

Vascular calcification (VC) is highly associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Paracrine/autocrine factors such as vasoactive peptides are involved in VC development. Here, we investigated the expression of the novel peptide C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in the vasculature, tested its ability to prevent VC in vivo and in vitro, and examined the mechanism involved. Rat aortic VC was induced by vitamin D3 plus nicotine (VDN). CNP (500 ng/kg/h) was administered by mini-osmotic pump. Calcification was examined by von Kossa staining; CNP and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) contents were detected by radioimmunoassay, and mRNA and protein levels were examined by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis in aortas and calcified vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). VDN-treated rat aortas showed higher CNP content and decreased expression of its receptor natriuretic peptide receptor B, along with increased vascular calcium deposition and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Low CNP levels were accompanied by increased vascular calcium deposition and ALP activity in VDN-treated rats when compared to vehicle treatment, which was further confirmed in cultured VSMCs. Administration of CNP greatly reduced VC in VDN-treated aortas compared with controls, which was confirmed in calcified VSMCs. The decrease in alpha-actin expression was ameliorated by CNP in vitro. Moreover, protein expression levels of osteopontin (OPN) were significantly up-regulated in calcified aortas, and CNP increased OPN expression in calcified aortas. Furthermore, CNP downregulated OPN and bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2) expression in calcified aortas and VSMCs. Modulation of OPN and BMP-2 expression by CNP and the beneficial effects of CNP on calcified VSMCs were blocked significantly by protein kinase G inhibitor H7. Impaired local endogenous CNP and its receptor system may be associated with increased mineralization in vivo in rat aortas with VC, and administration of CNP inhibits VC development in vivo and in vitro, at least in part, via a cGMP/PKG pathway.     

Endothelin-1 is a potent regulator in vivo in vascular calcification and in vitro in calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells

We observed changes of endothelin content and endothelin mRNA in vivo in vascular calcification and in vitro in calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells to explore the role of endothelin in vascular calcification. Calcification model in vivo was induced by administration of Vitamin D(3) plus nicotine. Calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was induced by beta-glycerophosphate. Endothelin content was measured by using radioimmunoassay. Endothelin mRNA amount was determined by using competitive quantitative RT-PCR. The results showed that calcium content, 45Ca(2+) uptake and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were increased in calcified VSMCs, compared with controls, but were decreased, compared with calcified VSMCs plus BQ123 group. The endothelin content in the medium and endothelin mRNA in VSMCs were elevated by 35 and 120% (P<0.05), respectively, compared with those normal VSMCs. Calcium content, 45Ca(2+) accumulation and ALP activity in calcified arteries increased by 5.0-, 1.4-, and 1.4-fold. The endothelin levels in plasma and aorta as well as the amount of endothelin mRNA in calcified aorta were increased by 102, 103, and 22%, respectively, compared with control group. However, calcium content, 45Ca(2+) uptake and ALP activity in VDN plus bosentan group was 33, 36.7, and 40.4% lower than those in VDN group. These results indicated an upregulated endothelin gene expression as well as an increased production of endothelin in calcified aorta and VSMCs with BQ123 and bosentan significantly reducing vascular calcification. This suggested that endothelin might be involved in pathogenesis of vascular calcification.     

Changes of heme oxygenase-carbon monoxide system in vascular calcification in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the change in heme oxygenase (HO)-carbon monoxide (CO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in vascular calcification. Vascular calcification model was established in rats by using vitamin D(3) and nicotine. Vascular calcium content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, HO activity, HbCO formation and content of cGMP in vessels were measured. Immunochemistry (IH) for HO 1 expression and in situ hybridization (ISH) for HO 1 mRNA were observed. Compared to those of control rats, the aortic calcium content and vascular ALP activity in rats of the calcified group (VDN group) were obviously increased, but HO 1 activity, CO concentration and cGMP content in vessels of rats in VDN group were markedly decreased. Expressions of HO-1 protein and mRNA were significantly decreased compared to control rats. Vascular calcification might induce a down regulation in vascular HO-CO-cGMP pathway.     

BMP7 can promote osteogenic differentiation of human periosteal cells in vitro

To study and evaluate BMP7s functions in osteogenic differentiation of human periosteal cells in vitro. Human periosteal cells from adult tibia were collected and cultured as experimental samples. BMP7 was used to induce periosteal cells in the experiment group with common osteogenic medium. The proliferative activity of periosteal cells was detected by CCK-8. The potentials of osteogenic differentiation were demonstrated as follows: (1) realtime-PCR and ELISA to confirm the expression of the OC, ALP and OPN, (2) Colorimetry, ALP staining and Von Kossa staining were performed to identify ALP activity, ALP expression and calcium nodules, respectively. Based on the significant different expression of OC, ALP and OPN, BMP7 ability of osteogenic differentiation can be identified. ALP activity detection, calcium nodules staining and toluidine staining also provide the power evidence to support BMP7 can promote osteogenic differentiation of human periosteal cells in vitro. To human periosteal cells, BMP7 is a good inducer for osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, it's maybe a potential tool for clinical application.     

Ghrelin blunted vascular calcification in vivo and in vitro in rats

Ghrelin is a new peptide with regulatory actions in growth hormone secretion in the anterior pituitary gland and in energy metabolism. Currently, ghrelin has potently protective effects in cardiovascular diseases. We used an in vivo model of rat vascular calcification induced by vitamin D3 and nicotine and one of cultured rat vascular smooth muscular cells (VSMCs) calcification induced by beta-glycerophosphate to study the possible mechanism in the regulatory action of ghrelin in vascular calcification. Calcification increased total Ca2+ content and 45Ca2+ deposition in aortas and VSMCs and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activation in plasma, aortas and VSMCs. However, calcified aortas and VSMCs showed a significant decrease in osteopontin (OPN) mRNA expression and a marked reduction of ghrelin levels in plasma and its mRNA expression in aortas. The aortic calcification was significantly attenuated by subcutaneous administration of ghrelin 30 and 300 nmol kg(-1) day(-1) for 4 weeks, and the latter dosage was more potent than the former. Ghrelin treatment at the two dosages reduced the total aorta Ca2+ content by 24.4% and 28.1%, aortic 45Ca2+ deposition by 18.4% and 24.9%, plasma ALP activity by 36.6% and 76.7%, and aortic ALP activity by 10.3% and 47.6% (all P < 0.01 or 0.05), respectively. Ghrelin at 10(-8)-10(-6) mol/L attenuated the calcification in cultured VSMCs, with decreased total Ca2+ content, 45Ca2+ deposition and ALP activity and increased OPN mRNA expression, in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, endothelin levels in plasma and aortas and its mRNA expression in aortas significantly increased with calcification, but ghrelin treatment significantly decreased endothelin levels and mRNA expression, with the high dosage being more potent than the lower dosage. These results indicate that local ghrelin in vascular was down-regulated during vascular calcification, whereas administration of ghrelin effectively attenuated vascular and VSMCs calcification.     

Fibroblast growth factor 21 ameliorates vascular calcification by inhibiting osteogenic transition in vitamin D3 plus nicotine-treated rats

FGF21, a special member of FGF superfamily, has been proven to have pleiotropic metabolic effects and many potential therapeutic action in various metabolic disorders. Vascular calcification (VC), a perplexing clinical issue, is a major risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases, especially for patients with some metabolic diseases. However, the role of FGF21 on VC in vivo remains unclear. Thus, in this study, we observed the effect and mechanism of FGF21 on VC induced by vitamin D3 plus nicotine (VDN) treated rats. After four weeks' treatment, the calcium overload is mainly manifested in the increased blood pressure, aortic calcium content and ALP activity. Also, the HE and Alizarin-red S staining showed the structural damage of calcified vessel walls. In addition, the level of endogenous FGF21/β-Klotho/FGFR1 axis was up-regulated in the aortas of VC rats. Furthermore, exogenous FGF21 treatment significantly ameliorated the aortic injury and calcification in VC rats, and the level of β-Klotho and FGFR1 were furtherly increase. Moreover, FGF21 inhibited the osteogenic transition of VSMCs by down-regulating the expression of bone-associated proteins such as osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OCN) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), together with restored the expression of SM22α and SM α-actin, which are two of lineage markers in VSMCs. We provide the first evidence that FGF21 can inhibit the development of VC by inhibiting the osteogenic transition of VSMCs in rats. FGF21 might be an efficient endogenous vasoprotective factor for calcification.     

Cholestane-3beta, 5alpha, 6beta-triol promotes vascular smooth muscle cells calcification

Oxysterols found in atherosclerotic plaque may be associated with vascular calcification. We investigated the effect of oxysterol cholestane-3beta, 5alpha, 6beta-triol (Triol) on in vitro calcification of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In vitro calcification was induced by incubation of VSMCs with beta-glycerophosphate. Calcifying nodule formation, calcium deposition in extracellular matrix, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured as indices of calcification. Because apoptotic bodies can serve as nucleation sites for calcification, apoptosis of calcifying VSMCs was determined by Hoechst 33258 staining, TUNEL, and FITC-labeled annexin V/PI double staining. The calcium deposition and ALP activity in calcifying VSMCs were much higher than those in non-calcifying VSMCs. Triol increased calcifying nodule formation, calcium deposition, ALP activity, and apoptosis of nodular cells in calcifying VSMCs. As determined by 2,7-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence, Triol induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in calcifying VSMCs dose- and time-dependently. Triol-induced increases in calcium deposition, ALP activity, apoptosis, and ROS generation were all attenuated by antioxidant vitamin C plus vitamin E (VC + VE). The results demonstrated that Triol promoted VSMCs calcification through direct increase of ALP activity and apoptosis, probably by ROS-related mechanism.     

Homocysteine potentiates calcification of cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells

Aortic calcification was demonstrated in experimental animal models of hyperhomocysteinemia. Mild hyperhomocysteinemia was associated with aortic calcification, suggesting a relationship between homocysteine (HCY) and the pathogenesis of aortic calcification. In the present study, the effect of HCY on vascular calcification was examined in calcifying and non-calcifying vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Cell calcification was induced by incubation of VSMCs with beta-glycerophosphate. Proliferation of VSMCs was studied by cell counting, 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR) and 3H-leucine (3H-Leu) incorporation. 45Ca accumulation, cell calcium content, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured as indices of calcification. The results showed that the proliferation of calcifying VSMCs, which was indicated by cell counting, 3H-TdR and 3H-Leu incorporation in calcifying VSMCs, was enhanced as compared with that of non-calcifying VSMCs. HCY promoted increases in cell number, 3H-TdR and 3H-Leu incorporation in both calcifying and non-calcifying VSMCs, but with more prominent effect in calcifying VSMCs. The stimulating effects of HCY on the three parameters in calcifying VSMCs were antagonized by PD98059, a specific inhibitor of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK). The ALP activity, 45Ca uptake, and calcium deposition in the calcifying VSMCs were greater than those in non-calcifying VSMCs. PD98059 had no effect on ALP activity, 45Ca uptake, and calcium deposition in calcifying VSMCs. HCY caused marked increases in 45Ca uptake and calcium deposition both in calcifying and non-calcifying VSMCs. HCY, however, enhanced ALP activity in the calcified VSMCs but not in the non-calcifying VSMCs. The non-calcifying VSMCs treated with HCY showed the same low ALP activity, as did the control VSMCs. In calcifying VSMCs, the HCY-induced increases in 45Ca uptake, calcium deposition, and ALP activity were also attenuated by PD98059. The results demonstrated that HCY potentiated VSMC calcification probably through the mechanisms by which HCY promotes atherosclerosis.