• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2011

The functional cardiovascular system is comprised of distinct mesoderm-derived lineages including endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and other mesenchymal cells. Recent studies in the human embryonic stem cell differentiation model have provided evidence indicating that these cell lineages are developed from the common progenitors such as hemangioblasts and cardiovascular progenitor cells. Also, the studies have suggested that these progenitors have a common primordial progenitor, which expresses KDR (human Flk-1, also known as VEGFR2, CD309). We demonstrate here that sustained activation of BMP4 (bone morphogenetic protein 4) in hESC line, CHA15 hESC results in $KDR^+$ mesoderm specific differentiation. To determine whether the $KDR^+$ population derived from hESCs enhances potential to differentiate along multipotential mesodermal lineages than undifferentiated hESCs, we analyzed the development of the mesodermal cell types in human embryonic stem cell differentiation cultures. In embryoid body (EB) differentiation culture conditions, we identified an increased expression of $KDR^+$ population from BMP4-stimulated hESC-derived EBs. After induction with additional growth factors, the $KDR^+$ population sorted from hESCs-derived EBs displays mesenchymal, endothelial and vascular smooth muscle potential in matrix-coated monolayer culture systems. The populations plated in monolayer cultures expressed increased levels of related markers and exhibit a stable/homologous phenotype in culture terms. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the $KDR^+$ population is stably isolated from CHA15 hESC-derived EBs using BMP4 and growth factors, and sorted $KDR^+$ population can be utilized to generate multipotential mesodermal progenitors in vitro, which can be further differentiated into cardiovascular specific cells.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.117-123
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• 2005

A cumulative evidence indicates that consumption of tea catechin, flavan-3-ol derived from green tea leaves, lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, a precise mechanism for this cardiovascular action has not yet been fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of different green tea catechins, such as epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin-3 gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC), on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertrophy in primary cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). [$^3H$]-leucine incorporation was used to assess VSMC hypertrophy, protein kinase assay, and western blot analysis were used to assess mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, and RT-PCR was used to assess c-jun or c-fos transcription. Ang II increased [$^3H$]-leucine incorporation into VSMC. However, EGCG and ECG, but not EGC or EC, inhibited [$^3H$]-leucine incorporation increased by Ang II. Ang II increased phosphorylation of c-Jun, extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and p38 MAPK in VSMC, however, EGCG and ECG , but not EGC or EC, attenuated c-Jun phosphorylation increased by Ang II. ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation induced by Ang II were not affected by any catechins. Ang II increased c-jun and c-fos mRNA expression in VSMC, however, EGCG inhibited c-jun but not c-fos mRNA expression induced by Ang II. ECG, EGC and EC did not affect c-jun or c-fos mRNA expression induced by Ang II. Our findings indicate that the galloyl group in the position 3 of the catechin structure of EGCG or ECG is essential for inhibiting VSMC hypertrophy induced by Ang II via the specific inhibition of JNK signaling pathway, which may explain the beneficial effects of green tea catechin on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases observed in several epidemiological studies.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.459-469
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• 1995

As S-nitrosothiols were proposed as nitrergic carriers in vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle, we have investigated the relaxant properties of several S-nitrosothiols in the porcine retractor penis(PRP) muscle and compared them with the effects of exogenously added NO, electrical field stimulation(EFS) of NANC nerves and sodium nitroprusside(SNP). Also the influences of oxyhemoglobin and hydroquinone on the relaxant responses were investigated. In addition, effects of NO on membrane potentials and its involvement in the generation of inhibitory junction potential(IJP) were investigated with conventional intracellular microelectrode technique. The results were summerized as follows. 1. Frequency-dependent relaxations of PRP muscle were induced by EFS to NANC nerve. Tetrodotoxin($1{\times}10^{-6}M$) abolished the relaxations of PRP muscle induced by EFS, and L-NAME(($2{\times}10^{-5}M$) and methylene blue($4{\times}10^{-5}M$) inhibited the relaxations. L-NAME-induced inhibition of the relaxations was reversed by L-arginine($1{\times}10^{-3}M$), but not by D-arginine. 2. Exogenous NO($1{\times}10^{-5}-1{\times}10^{-4}M$), sodium nitroprusside(($1{\times}10^{-7}-1{\times}10^{-4}M$) induced dose-dependent relaxations of PRP muscle. All S-nitrosothiols($1{\times}10^{-7}-1{\times}10^{-4}M$) tested relaxed the PRP muscle in dose-dependent manner and the potency order was SNAP>GSNO>CysNO>SNAC. 3. Oxyhemoglobin($5{\times}10^{-5}M$) blocked the relaxation induced by exogenous NO and inhibited EFS-, S-nitrosothiols-, and SNP-induced relaxation. 4. Hydroquinone($1{\times}10^{-4}M$) also abolished the relaxations induced by exogenous NO, and reduced the relaxations induced by S-nitrosothiols, but did not affect EFS- and SNP-induced relaxations. 5. SNP($2{\times}10^{-6}-5{\times}10^{-6}M$) relaxed muscle strips but the membrane potentials were not affected. 6. EFS with several pulses(1ms, 2Hz, 80V) produced an inhibitory junction potential(IJP) with muscle relaxation. They were abolished by TTX($2{\times}10^{-6}M$). $N^G$-nitro-$_{\small{L}}$-arginine(L-NNA, $2{\times}10^{-5}M$) abolished the muscle relaxation, but had no effect on IJP.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.34 no.7
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• pp.515-523
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• 2001

Background: More than 70% of morbidity and mortality of diabetes mellitus is due to macrovascular complications. These complications may be associated with defect of endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation. There have been suggestions that this defect might be due to direct toxicities of oxygen-free radical. So in this study ascorbic acid was used as a dietary supplement in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats to correct this defect. Material and Method: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. They were divided into control and experimental groups. Streptozotocin was injected to the 33 rats of experimental group and then divided into two the other receiving subgroups; one receiving ascorbic acid supplement(1 g/l in drinking water); and nosupplements. At 6, 9 and 12 weeks, abdominal aortic rings were obtained to make tissue preparations for evaluation of vascular smooth muscle contractility. Result: While control group showed good response to acetylcholine induced relaxation, diabetic group showed decreased relaxation regardless of ascorbic acid supplement at the experiments 6 weeks after streptozotocin treatment. This abnormal endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation was markedly reversed at 9 and 12 weeks into the diabetic group with ascorbic acid supplement. There were no differences in sodium nitroprusside induced relaxation responses between control and experimental groups; also, norepinephrine induced contractile responses did not show any remarkable effects. Conclusion: These results strongly suggest that the endothelial cells have defects in diabetic rats. Dietary supplement of ascorbic acid can reverse the defects of diabetic endothelial cells through its antioxidant effects and it may further protect against vascular disease in diabetic patients.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.36-44
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• 2006

Background: There is controversy regarding whether COX-2 specific inhibitors are associated with elevation of blood pressure. We compared the effects of aspirin, indomethacin, and celecoxib for vascular reactivity induced by phenylephrine. We also tested the effects of indomethacin and NO donor on COX-1 and COX-2 protein expression, as well as nitrite production in culture medium of vascular smooth muscle cells. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, we used the isometric tension study for vascular reactivity. After 45 minutes of pretreatment with aspirin, indomethacin, celecoxib, and phenylephrine induced contractions were tested. COX-1 and COX-2 protein expressions were analyzed by Western blot and nitrite production by the Griess reaction. Results: Although celecoxib pretreatment caused enhanced arterial contraction, aspirin pretreatment induced more potent arterial contraction than celecoxib in the isometric tension study of rabbit femoral artery. COX-1 protein expression was unchanged by indomethacin, SNP and NOR-3; COX-2 protein expression was increased by the addition of indomethacin, SNP, and NOR-3. Especially, NOR-3, a NO donor, significantly increased COX-2 protein expression with unstimulated conditions as well as LPS stimulation. Induction of nitrite production was higher with NOR-3 treatment than SNP treatment with LPS stimulation. Conclusion: These results suggest that aspirin caused more potent vascular contraction than celecoxib and indomethacin. COX-2 expression in VSMC depended on the types of NO donor and LPS stimulation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.160-169
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• 2008

Bakcground: To treat anastomosis site stenosis and occlusion of the artificial vessels used in vascular surgery, tissue-engineered artificial vessels using autologous cells have been constructed. We developed artificial vessels using a polymer scaffold and autologous bone marrow cells and performed an in vivo evaluation. Material and Method: We manufactured a vascular scaffold using biodegradable PLCL (poly lactide-co-${\varepsilon}$-caprolactone) and PGA (poly glycolic acid) fibers. Then we seeded autologous bone marrow cells onto the scaffold. After implantation of the artificial vessel into the abdominal aorta, we performed an angiography 3 weeks after surgery. After the dogs were euthanized we retrieved the artificial vessels and performed histological analysis. Result: Among the six dogs, 2 dogs died of massive bleeding due to a crack in the vascular scaffold 10 days after the operation. The remaining four dogs lived for 3 weeks after the operation. In these dogs. the angiography revealed no stenosis or occlusion at 3 weeks after the operation. Gross examination revealed small thrombi on the inner surface of the vessels and the histological analysis showed three layers of vessel structure similar to the native vessel. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated regeneration of the endothelial and smooth muscle cell layers. Conclusion: A tissue engineered vascular graft was manufactured using a polymer scaffold and autologous bone marrow cells that had a structure similar to that of the native artery. Further research is needed to determine how to accommodate the aortic pressure.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 1991

The inhibitory effects of GS354 and GS389 on cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ level ($[Ca^{2+}]_{1}$; measured with fura-2 fluorescence) and muscle tension in vascular smooth muscle of rat thoracic aorta were investigated. Both GS354 and GS389 inhibited the contractions induced by high $K^+$ or by norepinephrine. The vasodilator effect of GS354 was accompanied by a decrease in $[Ca^{2+}]_{1}$. The inhibitory effect on high $K^+-stimulated$ $[Ca^{2+}]_{1}$ was antagonized by a $Ca^{2+}$ channel activator, Bay K8644. However, the inhibitory effect on muscle tension was not antagonized by Bay K8644. These results suggest that GS354 inhibits $Ca^{2+}$ channels to decrease $[Ca^{2+}]_{1}$ and also decreases $Ca^{2+}$ sensitivity of contractile elements. The inhibitory effects of GS389 was accompanied by the increase in tissue fluorescence. This increment was not due to fura-2 fluorescence but to endogeneous pyridine nucleotides, suggesting that GS389 has an effect to inhibit mitochondrial function. Because of this interference, effects of GS389 on $[Ca^{2+}]_{1}$ was obscured. However, since sequential addition of Bay K8644 in the presence of GS389 further increased the fluorescence but not muscle tension, this compound seems to have the effects to inhibit $Ca^{2+}$ channels and to decrease $Ca^{2+}$ sensitivity of contractile elements.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.161-165
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• 2006

NO and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are contributes to vascular inflammation induced by various stimulation. The mechanism, which explains a linkage between NO and COX-2, could be of importance in promoting pathophysiological conditions of vessel. We investigated the effects of NO donors on the COX-l and COX-2 mRNA/protein expression, as well as the nitrite production in culture medium of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). VSMC was primarily cultured from thoracic aorta of rat. In this experiments, COX-l and COX-2 mRNA/protein expressions were analysed and nitrite productions were investigated using Griess reagent. VSMC did not express COX-2 protein in basal condition (Nonlipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated). In LPS-stimulated experiments, after 3 hours of NO donor pretreatment, LPS $10{\mu}g/ml$ was treated for 24 hours. COX-l protein expressions were unchanged by SNP and NOR-3. NOR-3 significantly increased COX-2 mRNA/protein expression under LPS stimulation. In contrast, SNP did not increase COX-2 mRNA/protein expression under LPS stimulation. Nitrite production was higher in NOR-3 treatment than SNP treatment under LPS stimulation. These results suggest that the expression of COX-2 in VSMC is regulated by NOR-3, COX-2 expressions were depending on the types of NO donor and LPS stimulation in VSMC.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.214-223
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• 2003

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of green tea extract (GTE) on arterial blood pressure and contractile responses of isolated aortic strips of the normotensive rats and to establish the mechanism of action. The phenylephrine ($10^{-6}~10^{-5}M$)-induced contractile responses were greatly inhibited in the presence of GTE (0.3~1.2 mg/mL) in a dose-dependent fashion. Also, high potassium ($3.5{\times}10^{-2}~5.6{\times}10^{-2}{\;}M$)-induced contractile responses were depressed in the presence of 0.6~1.2 mg/mL of GTE, but not affected in low concentration of GTE (0.3 mg/mL). However, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, $4~12{\;}{\mu}g/mL$) did not affect the contractile responses evoked by phenylephrine and high $K^+$. GTE (5~20 mg/kg) given into a femoral vein of the normotensive rat produced a dose-dependent depressor response, which is transient. Interestingly, the infusion of a moderate dose of GTE (10 mg/kg/30 min) made a significant reduction in pressor responses induced by intravenous norepinephrine. However, EGCG (1 mg/kg/30 min) did not affect them. Collectively, these results obtained from the present study demonstrate that intravenous GTE causes a dose-dependent depressor action in the anesthetized rat at least partly through the blockade of adrenergic $\alpha_1$-receptors. GTE also causes the relaxation in the isolated aortic strips of the rat via the blockade of adrenergic $\alpha_1$-receptors, in addition to the unknown direct mechanism. It seems that there is a big difference in the vascular effect between GTE and EGCG.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.247-254
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• 1997

The proteinase-activated receptor (PAR-2) belongs to the family of seven transmembrane region receptors, like the thrombin receptor, it is activated by specific proteolytic clea vage of its extracellular amino terminus and a synthetic peptide (SLIGRL). The earthworm protein fraction (EPF) extracted from Lumbricus rubellus elicted dose- and endothelium-dependent relaxations in phenylephrine-contracted rat thoracic aorta, whereas heat inactivated EPF (0.5 ${\mu}g$ /ml) had no effect. In the presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-methyl-L-arginine (1.8 micro M), EPF (0.5 ${\mu}g$ /ml)-induced relaxations were partially inhibited. Furthermore, EPF (0.5 ${\mu}g$ /ml) dramatically caused relaxation of thrombin-desenstized rat thoracic aorta. These results indicate that EPF activates PAR-2 in vascular endothelial cell. Intravenous injection of EPF (20 mg/kg, bolus) into anesthetized rats produced a marked depressor response. EPF (0 ~ 80 ${\mu}g$ /ml, gradient) was very effective on increasing of perfusion volume in rabbit ear vessel preparations. These results imply the usefulness of EPF as a vascular smooth muscle relaxant and indicate that the activation of PAR-2 may be a mechanism of EPF on hemokinetic improvement.