Project Details
Description
The cardiovascular protective effects of Tashinone IIA, isolated from the traditional Chinese Tashin, are thought to be related to its antioxidant activity. However, the intracellular mechanisms underlying the protective effect of Tashinone IIA in the vasculature remain unclear. There is increasing evidence that the renin–angiotensin system, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic vascular disease. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is an important component of the renin–angiotensin system and a vasoactive peptide. For a review of the literature, it would appear that Ang II is able to “turn on” the synthesis of ET-1 for different vascular cell types, including cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. We previously demonstrated that ET-1 mediates the growth-promoting effect of Ang II and thus play an important role in cardiovascular disease and vascular remodeling. Ang II has also been shown to stimulate membrane-bound NAD(P)H oxidase, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vascular smooth muscle cells. In this project, we investigate whether Tashinone IIA affects Ang II-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, ET-1 gene expression and explore its molecular mechanism in culture system. In cultured smooth muscle cells (rat or human aortic smooth muscle cells) in response to Ang II in the presence of Tashinone IIA, we will examine the effects of Tashinone IIA on Ang II-induced smooth muscle cell proliferation、ROS levels、protein tyrosine phosphatase activity、extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation and ET-1 gene expression.
Status | Finished |
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Effective start/end date | 8/1/11 → 7/31/12 |
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