FHL1在胸主动脉瘤发病机制中的初步研究

目的:研究FHL1蛋白在胸主动脉瘤发病机制中的作用。方法:利用Western Blotting分析胸主动脉瘤患者与正常人主动脉组织中FHL1蛋白表达的情况,利用免疫组织化学检测FHL1蛋白在主动脉组织中的定位,并进一步分析该蛋白在两组中的表达情况,结合文献报道分析FHL1蛋白在胸主动脉瘤发病机制中的作用。结果:Western Blotting、免疫组织化学分析均表明FHL1蛋白在胸主动脉瘤患者主动脉组织表达水平较正常人明显降低,FHL1蛋白主要定位于主动脉血管平滑肌细胞的细胞质中。结论:FHL1蛋白在胸主动脉瘤患者主动脉组织中明显降低,这可能导致主动脉血管平滑肌细胞增殖能力下降,从而在胸主动脉瘤的发病中发挥重要的作用。     

PTEN蛋白表达和明胶酶及其抑制因子在乳腺癌侵袭转移中的关系

目的研究乳腺癌中明胶酶(MMP-2、MMP-9)及其抑制物(TIMP-1)与抑癌基因PTEN产物PTEN蛋白的表达在肿瘤侵袭转移中的关系.方法应用免疫组织化学S-P法检测98例浸润性乳腺癌组织MMP-2、MMP-9及TIMP-1和PTEN蛋白的表达.结果乳腺癌MMP-2、MMP-9与PTEN表达呈显著负相关,而TIMP-1与PTEN蛋白表达呈显著正相关(P<0.05).在PTEN低表达组中,MMP-2、MMP-9的表达与腋窝淋巴结受累呈正相关;在PTEN高表达组中,MMP-2、MMP-9的表达与腋窝淋巴结受累呈正相关,TIMP-1与腋窝淋巴结受累呈负相关.结论在乳腺癌侵袭转移中MMP-2、MMP-9、TIMP-1与PTEN蛋白表达显著相关.MMP-2、MMP-9和TIMP-1对肿瘤细胞侵袭转移的作用可能在一定程度上受到PTEN的调控.     

黄连提取物对动脉硬化小鼠斑块胶原类型及MMP-9/TIMP-1 比值 的影响*

目的:探讨黄连提取物对高脂喂养ApoE-/-小鼠主动脉AS斑块内胶原类型及基质金属蛋白酶-9( MMP-9)与基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂( TIMP-1)比值的影响,探讨黄连提取物稳定斑块的可能作用机制.方法:33只6-8周龄的ApoE基因敲除小鼠予高脂喂养13周后,待其形成成熟的AS斑块后,随机分为3组:模型组、黄连提取物组、辛伐他汀组(阳性对照组),每组11只.继续高脂喂养,并按体重比折算给予小鼠临床推荐剂量的相应药物治疗13周,处死动物,每只小鼠取主动脉根部的4个切面,行天狼猩红染色,检测各组小鼠主动脉斑块内Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原含量,以及斑块内MMP-9和TIMP-1的表达,计算MMP-9/TIMP-1比值.结果:给药13周后,图像分析结果显示,黄连提取物组小鼠主动脉斑块内Ⅰ型胶原含量与模型组比较有所增加,但无显著差异(P＞0.05);辛伐他汀组和黄连提取物组小鼠主动脉斑块内Ⅲ型胶原含量与模型组比较显著降低(P＜0.01).Ⅲ型/Ⅰ型胶原比值,两给药组与模型组比较均显著降低(P＜0.01).与模型组比较,黄连提取物和辛伐他汀组小鼠主动脉斑块内MMP-9的阳性表达均明显减少(P＜0.01),黄连提取物组主动脉斑块内TIMP-1的阳性表达与模型组相比明显增加(P＜0.01),辛伐他汀组TIMP-1表达有所增加,但无统计学差异(P＞0.05),两给药组之间比较无显著差异(P＞0.05).各给药组中MMP-9/TIMP-1比值均有所降低,与模型组比较具有显著差异(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).结论:在临床推荐剂量下,黄连提取物可明显改善ApoE-/-小鼠主动脉AS斑块内胶原类型,调整斑块内MMP-9/TIMP-1比值,从而促进斑块稳定.     

白细胞介素1β抑制心肌成纤维细胞胶原合成并促进其分解

本文应用3H-胸腺嘧啶核苷(3H-thymidine, 3H-TdR)掺入法及3H-脯氨酸(3H-proline, 3H-Pro)掺入法观察白细胞介素1β(interleukin-1β, IL-1β)对Spague-Dawley乳鼠心肌成纤维细胞DNA及胶原合成的影响,并用明胶酶谱法和Western blot检测基质金属蛋白酶(matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs) MMP-2、 MMP-9活性及MMP-2和MMP-9蛋白表达,用RT-PCR检测MMP-2、 MMP-9的mRNA表达.结果显示:(1)0.1、1、10、100ng/mL的IL-1β作用于细胞24h后,各组3H-TdR掺入量明显较对照组低(P<0.05, P<0.01),同时3H-Pro掺入量明显降低(P<0.05, P<0.01);而0.01ng/mL的IL-1β作用于细胞后,对3H-TdR掺入量和3H-Pro掺入量无明显影响.(2)不同剂量(0.01～100ng/mL)的IL-1β均刺激MMP-2和MMP-9活性升高,并呈剂量依赖性.IL-1β增加MMP-2和MMP-9蛋白表达(P<0.05, P<0.01).(3)IL-1β(0.01～100ng/mL)刺激MMP-2和MMP-9 mRNA表达升高(P<0.05, P<0.01).以上结果表明,IL-1β通过减少心肌成纤维细胞的细胞分裂来降低胶原的合成,同时促进MMP-2和MMP-9的转录及转录后的表达来促进胶原的分解,提示其在心肌重塑过程中起一定作用.     

MiR-425对血管平滑肌细胞增殖迁移的作用及分子机制

目的探讨miR-425对人主动脉平滑肌细胞增殖迁移的作用及潜在的分子机制。方法实时定量RT-PCR(qRT-PCR)检测人主动脉平滑肌细胞(human aortic smooth muscle cells, HASMCs)中miR-425的表达水平。转染miR-342inhibitor改变HASMCs中内源性miR-425的表达,采用CCK-8法和流式细胞术检测细胞增殖及周期的变化,Transwell检测细胞迁移能力;Western blot检测PTEN、PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、MMP-9的蛋白表达水平。结果血管紧张素Ⅱ(angiotensionⅡ,AngⅡ)可时间及剂量依赖性地促进HASMCs中miR-425的表达。转染miR-425 inhibitor可抑制AngⅡ对HASMCs的促增殖作用,并抑制细胞迁移,同时细胞中PI3K、p-AKT/AKT及MMP-9的蛋白水平显著降低,PTEN水平显著升高。结论沉默miR-425可通过调控PTEN/PI3K/AKT信号通路抑制人主动脉平滑肌细胞的增殖及迁移,提示miR-425可作为血管重构的一个潜在诊疗靶点。     

MMP-2及MMP-9与主动脉疾病相关性的研究进展

基质金属蛋白酶是一类可降解细胞外基质的蛋白酶,基质金属蛋白酶-2和-9为明胶酶,可降解细胞外基质中的胶原蛋白及弹性蛋白,其动态平衡对维持细胞外基质的稳定具有重要意义。主动脉的细胞外基质是主动脉中层重要的组成部分,细胞外基质成分的改变可导致主动脉中层结构的损伤,在主动脉疾病的发生、发展过程中起着重要作用。主动脉基质金属蛋白酶-2和-9的表达失衡可引起主动脉中层细胞外基质的降解,导致主动脉中层结构的损伤,从而促进主动脉疾病的发生。同时,主动脉疾病也可导致血浆中MMP-2、MMP-9浓度的升高。本文对近年来基质金属蛋白酶与主动脉疾病相关性的研究及进展作一综述,为心血管疾病发生机制的研究和治疗提供文献依据。     

MMP-2, -9, -14及其抑制剂TIMP-1, -2, -3在恒河猴周期黄体中的时空表达

用原位杂交和免疫组织化学方法研究了基质金属蛋白酶MMP-2, -9, -14及其组织抑制因子TIMP-1, -2, -3在恒河猴周期黄体发育不同阶段的协同表达. 结果显示: MMP-2 mRNA及其蛋白主要表达在早中期发育黄体的内皮细胞上, 在晚期黄体发生萎缩时则大量表达于黄体细胞; MMP-9, -14及其TIMP-1, -2, -3主要表达于黄体细胞; MMP-14 mRNA在早期和晚期黄体中高表达, MMP-9蛋白只在晚期黄体中高表达; TIMP-3蛋白在早、中、晚三期黄体中表达均较高, 但很明显晚期表达降低. 结果提示: MMP/TIMP系统参与灵长类黄体发育的调控, MMP-2, -14及其TIMP-1, -3可能参与黄体的形成和功能维持, 同时MMP-2, -9, -14及其TIMP-1, -2, -3在黄体萎缩期的协同表达, 提示它们可能在黄体发生萎缩时发挥作用.     

基质金属蛋白酶MMP-26能有效促进人绒毛膜上皮癌细胞JEG-3浸润能力

胚胎植入过程中,滋养层细胞浸润与肿瘤的迁移过程非常相似,但显著的区别在于前者是受严格调控的有节制的浸润,基质金属蛋白酶(MMPs)的许多成员在其中起重要的作用.MMP-26是近年来发现的MMPs家族的新成员,它在滋养层细胞中的作用所知甚少.利用国际常用的人滋养层细胞模型——人绒毛膜上皮癌细胞系(JEG-3)作为体外实验模型,探讨MMP-26在人滋养层细胞浸润调节中的作用.将含有MMP-26全长cDNA的pCR3.1质粒转染到JEG-3细胞中,获得过量表达MMP-26基因的稳定细胞系JEG-3/MMP-26;细胞浸润分析表明JEG/MMP-26细胞的浸润能力较母本细胞明显增强;RT-PCR和明胶酶谱分析显示JEG-3/MMP-26细胞中MMP-9的表达和分泌水平提高;双荧光免疫细胞化学进一步显示MMP-26和MMP-9蛋白在细胞中有共定位现象.上述结果表明MMP-26能有效促进人滋养层细胞浸润,其作用可能是通过与其他MMP分子(如MMP-9)的协调来实现的.     

同型半胱氨酸对A7r5细胞增殖及MMP-9表达的影响

观察同型半胱氨酸（Hcy）对大鼠胸主动脉平滑肌细胞（A7r5细胞）增殖及对基质金属蛋白酶9（MMP-9）表达的影响。0.25、0.50和1.00 mmol/LHcy分别作用A7r5细胞48 h,倒置显微镜下观察细胞的形态学改变;RT-PCR检测MMP-9 mRNA的表达,Western blot检测MMP-9蛋白的表达。随着Hcy浓度的升高,细胞数目逐渐增多,体积增大,生长旺盛,呈增殖表现。不同浓度Hcy处理组MMP-9 mRNA及蛋白的表达均逐渐增加,各实验组与对照组差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。同时显示正常对照组中MMP-9表达相对较少,为（3.60±1.42）%、（1.60±0.82）%。Hcy能促进A7r5细胞增殖,正常A7r5细胞中MMP-9表达较少;Hcy可诱导A7r5细胞MMP-9的表达,这一效应可能是Hcy致心血管疾病的分子机制之一。提示MMP-9可能成为干预心血管疾病的靶点。     

MCP-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are present in early aneurysmal dilatation in experimental rats

Recent studies have suggested that inflammation actively participates in ascending aortic aneurysm formation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression changes of adhesion molecules and MMPs in an experimental model of ascending aortic aneurysm induced by ascending aorta banding in Wistar rats. Twelve rats developed aortic dilation after ascending aorta banding treatment, while nine normal animals underwent surgery without banding were used as controls. Light microscope and scanning electron microscope showed that the wall of the ascending aorta became disorganized as well as infiltration by inflammatory cells in aneurysmal rats. By using immunohistochemical techniques, a significant increase in the immunostaining of MCP-1 was observed in the aneurysmal wall as compared to the normal aortic wall. Under similar experimental conditions, we also found that the immunostaining of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was markedly increased in the aneurysmal wall. In addition, gelatin zymographic analysis showed that the expression and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were remarkably enhanced in the ascending aorta of ascending aortic aneurysmal rats as compared to normal rats. These results demonstrate that MCP-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are involved in the pathogenesis of ascending aortic aneurysm and an increase in the immunostaining and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 may promote the progression of ascending aortic aneurysm.     

The effects of nicotine administration on the pathophysiology of rat aortic wall

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the progressive dilation of the abdominal aorta. Nicotine is reported to be associated with the development and rupture of AAA, but the pathological effects of nicotine on normal rat aorta have not been determined. We investigated pathological changes in the aortic wall of rats caused by the administration of nicotine. Nicotine administration weakened the vascular wall, increased gelatinolytic activity and promoted the destruction of elastin and collagen in the rat abdominal aorta. There were no differences in the areas positive for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 between the control and nicotine treated groups. The areas positive for MMP-12 in the nicotine group were significantly greater than for the control group. Gelatinolytic activity in the aortic wall was increased significantly in the nicotine group. Our findings suggest that MMP-12 is sensitive to nicotine exposure in rats.     

Measuring,reversing, and modeling the mechanical changes due to the absence of Fibulin-4 in mouse arteries

Mice with a smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific deletion of Fibulin-4 (SMKO) show decreased expression of SMC contractile genes, decreased circumferential compliance, and develop aneurysms in the ascending aorta. Neonatal administration of drugs that inhibit the angiotensin II pathway encourages the expression of contractile genes and prevents aneurysm development, but does not increase compliance in SMKO aorta. We hypothesized that multidimensional mechanical changes in the aorta and/or other elastic arteries may contribute to aneurysm pathophysiology. We found that the SMKO ascending aorta and carotid artery showed mechanical changes in the axial direction. These changes were not reversed by angiotensin II inhibitors, hence reversing the axial changes is not required for aneurysm prevention. Mechanical changes in the circumferential direction were specific to the ascending aorta; therefore, mechanical changes in the carotid do not contribute to aortic aneurysm development. We also hypothesized that a published model of postnatal aortic growth and remodeling could be used to investigate mechanisms behind the changes in SMKO aorta and aneurysm development over time. Dimensions and mechanical behavior of adult SMKO aorta were reproduced by the model after modifying the initial component material constants and the aortic dilation with each postnatal time step. The model links biological observations to specific mechanical responses in aneurysm development and treatment.     

层粘连蛋白、基质金属蛋白酶-9的表达及微血管密度在卵巢黏液性肿瘤中的意义

目的探讨卵巢黏液性肿瘤组织中层粘连蛋白(LN)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)的表达及间质微血管密度(MVD)的意义.方法应用免疫组织化学方法检测43例卵巢黏液性肿瘤LN、MMP-9、CD31的表达情况,并在CD31染色切片上检测其微血管密度.结果 LN的表达级别、MMP-9的表达阳性率及MVD依卵巢黏液性肿瘤良性、交界性、恶性逐渐增高;LN的表达程度与卵巢黏液性囊腺癌的组织学分级有关(P＜0.01);MMP-9的表达与卵巢黏液性囊腺癌的组织学分级(P＜0.05)、FIGO分期(P＜0.05)、术后复发和死亡(P＜0.05)有关;MVD与卵巢黏液性囊腺癌的组织学分级(P＜0.05)、术后复发和死亡(P＜0.05)有关.在卵巢黏液性囊腺癌中,LN的表达程度在MMP-9阳性组与阴性组之间有显著性差异(P＜0.01),并呈负相关;MVD在MMP-9阳性组高于阴性组,两者之间差异有显著性(P＜0.01)结论 LN、MMP-9及MVD在卵巢黏液性肿瘤的浸润转移中起重要作用,是卵巢黏液性肿瘤的恶性指标,可望作为交界性黏液性囊腺瘤及黏液性囊腺癌的诊断和分级的客观参考指标;MMP-9、MVD有助临床估计预后.     

Analysis of Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase and Akt in Ascending Aortic Aneurysm With Tricuspid or Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Ascending aortic aneurysm (AsAA) is a consequence of medial degeneration (MD), deriving from apoptotic loss of smooth muscle cells (SMC) and fragmentation of elastin and collagen fibers. Alterations of extracellular matrix structure and protein composition, typical of medial degeneration, can modulate intracellular pathways. In this study we examined the relevance of extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3) and Akt in AsAA pathogenesis, evaluating their tissue distribution and protein levels in ascending aortic tissues from controls (n=6), patients affected by AsAA associated to tricuspid aortic valve (TAV, n=9) or bicuspid aortic valve (BAV, n=9). The results showed a significant reduction of SOD3, phospho-Akt and Akt protein levels in AsAA tissues from patients with BAV, compared to controls, whereas the differences observed between controls and patients with TAV were not significant. The decreased levels of SOD3 and Akt in BAV aortic tissues are associated with decreased Erk1/Erk2 phosphorylation and MMP-9 levels increase. The authors suggest a role of decreased SOD3 protein levels in the progression of AsAA with BAV and a link between ECM modifications of aortic media layer and impaired Erk1/Erk2 and Akt signaling in the late stages of the aortopathy associated with BAV.Key words: Ascending aortic aneurysm, bicuspid aortic valve, medial degeneration, smooth muscle cells, extracellular superoxide dismutase, Akt, tri-cuspid aortic valve     

Ang II Enhances Noradrenaline Release from Sympathetic Nerve Endings Thus Contributing to the Up-Regulation of Metalloprotease-2 in Aortic Dissection Patients' Aorta Wall

Object

To test the hypothesis that angiotensin II (Ang II) could enhance noradrenaline (NA) release from sympathetic nerve endings of the aorta thus contributing to the up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) during the formation of aortic dissection (AD).

Methods

Ang II, NA, MMP-2, MMP-9 of the aorta sample obtained during operation from aortic dissection patients were detected by High Performance Liquid Chromatography and ELISA and compared with controls. Isotope labelling method was used to test the impact of exogenous Ang II and noradrenaline on the NA release and MMP-2, MMP-9 expression on Sprague Dawley (SD) rat aorta rings in vitro. Two kidneys, one clip, models were replicated for further check of that impact in SD rats in vivo.

Results

The concentration of Ang II, MMP-2, 9 was increased and NA concentration was decreased in aorta samples from AD patients. Exogenous Ang II enhanced while exogenous NA restrained NA release from aortic sympathetic endings. The Ang II stimulated NA release and the following MMP-2 up-regulation could be weakened by Losartan and chemical sympathectomy. Beta blocker did not influence NA release but down-regulated MMP-2. Long term in vivo experiments confirmed that Ang II could enhance NA release and up-regulate MMP-2.

Conclusions

AD is initiated by MMP-2 overexpression as a result of increased NA release from sympathetic nervous endings in response to Ang II. This indicates an interaction of RAS and SAS during the formation of AD.     

COMBINED REPLACEMENT OF THE AORTIC VALVE AND ASCENDING AORTA IN JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES: REPORT OF TWO CASES

Two Jehovah's Witnesses with large ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic insufficiency secondary to annuloaortic ectasia underwent successful combined replacement of the aortic valve and the ascending aorta. One patient received a composite graft containing an aortic valve prosthesis, which necessitated supravalvular coronary ostia reimplantation; the other patient underwent separate aortic valve and left supracoronary ascending aneurysm replacement, with reimplantation of the right coronary ostium into the graft. No blood or blood derivatives were administered. Both patients had uneventful recoveries and continue to do well. To our knowledge, they represent the first reported cases of successful combined replacement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta in Jehovah's Witnesses.     

Long Telomeres in Blood Leukocytes Are Associated with a High Risk of Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

Ascending aortic aneurysm is a connective tissue disorder. Even though multiple novel gene mutations have been identified, risk profiling and diagnosis before rupture still represent a challenge. There are studies demonstrating shorter telomere lengths in the blood leukocytes of abdominal aortic aneurysm patients. The aim of this study was to measure whether relative telomere lengths are changed in the blood leukocytes of ascending aortic aneurysm patients. We also studied the expression of telomerase in aortic tissue samples of ascending aortic aneurysms. Relative lengths of leukocyte telomeres were determined from blood samples of patients with ascending aortic aneurysms and compared with healthy controls. Telomerase expression, both at the level of mRNA and protein, was quantified from the aortic tissue samples. Mean relative telomere length was significantly longer in ascending aortic aneurysm blood samples compared with controls (T/S ratio 0.87 vs. 0.61, p<0.001). Expressions of telomerase mRNA and protein were elevated in the aortic aneurysm samples (p<0.05 and p<0.01). Our study reveals a significant difference in the mean length of blood leukocyte telomeres in ascending aortic aneurysm and controls. Furthermore, expression of telomerase, the main compensating factor for telomere loss, is elevated at both the mRNA and protein level in the samples of aneurysmal aorta. Further studies will be needed to confirm if this change in telomere length can serve as a tool for assessing the risk of ascending aortic aneurysm.     

Possible Dual Role of Decorin in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by chronic inflammation, which leads to pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Decorin, a small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycan, has been suggested to regulate inflammation and stabilize the extracellular matrix. Therefore, the present study investigated the role of decorin in the pathogenesis of AAA. Decorin was localized in the aortic adventitia under normal conditions in both mice and humans. AAA was induced in mice using CaCl₂ treatment. Initially, decorin protein levels decreased, but as AAA progressed decorin levels increased in all layers. Local administration of exogenous decorin prevented the development of CaCl₂-induced AAA. However, decorin was highly expressed in the degenerative lesions of human AAA walls, and this expression positively correlated with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression. In cell culture experiments, the addition of decorin inhibited secretion of MMP-9 in vascular smooth muscle cells, but had the opposite effect in macrophages. The results suggest that decorin plays a dual role in AAA. Adventitial decorin in normal aorta may protect against the development of AAA, but macrophages expressing decorin in AAA walls may facilitate the progression of AAA by up-regulating MMP-9 secretion.     

Differential effects of pressure or volume overload on myocardial MMP levels and inhibitory control

Left ventricular (LV) pressure (PO) or volume (VO) overload is accompanied by myocardial remodeling, but mechanisms that contribute to this progressive remodeling process remain unclear. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to tissue remodeling in a number of disease states. This study tested the hypothesis that increased MMP expression and activity occur after the induction of an LV overload, which is accompanied by a loss of endogenous MMP inhibitory control. LV MMP zymographic activity and species abundance were measured in dogs under the following conditions: acute PO induced by ascending aortic balloon inflation (6 h, n = 9), prolonged PO by aortic banding (10 days, n = 5), acute VO through mitral regurgitation secondary to chordal rupture (6 h, n = 6), prolonged VO due to mitral regurgitation (14 days, n = 7), and sham controls (n = 11). MMP zymographic activity in the 92-kDa region, indicative of MMP-9 activity, increased over threefold in acute PO and VO and fell to control levels in prolonged PO and VO. The MMP-9 activity-to-abundance ratio increased by over fourfold with acute VO and twofold in acute PO, suggesting a loss of inhibitory control. Endogenous MMP inhibitor content was unchanged with either PO or VO. Interstitial collagenase (MMP-1) content decreased by 50% with acute VO but not with acute PO. Stromelysin (MMP-3) levels increased by 40% with acute VO and increased by 80% with prolonged PO. Although changes in LV myocardial MMP activity and inhibitory control occurred in both acute and prolonged PO and VO states, these changes were not identical. These results suggest that the type of overload stimulus may selectively influence myocardial MMP activity and expression, which in turn would affect the overall LV myocardial remodeling process in LV overload.