Selenium modulates MMP2 expression through the TGFβ1/Smad signalling pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and rabbits following lipid disturbance.

Background: A high-fat diet is a major risk factor for coronary heart diseases. Matrix metalloprotease (MMP) expression is changed in many cardiovascular diseases. Selenium, which is an important trace element in animals, has a close relationship with cardiovascular diseases.

HS inhibits angiotensin II-induced atrial Kv1.5 upregulation by attenuating Nox4-mediated ROS generation during atrial fibrillation.

Our previous study demonstrated that angiotensin II (Ang II) upregulates the expression of Kv1.5, a promising target for atrial fibrillation (AF) therapy, by activating ROS-dependent P-Smad2/3 and P-ERK 1/2. A recent study showed that hydrogen sulfide (HS) may modulate the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) by inhibiting the NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4)-ROS signaling in the heart.

The Role of the Rho/ROCK Pathway in Ang II and TGF-β1-Induced Atrial Remodeling.

Objectives: To study the role of the Rho/ROCK pathway in Ang II and TGF-β1-induced atrial remodeling.

Methods And Results: A canine atrial fibrillation (AF) model was established by rapid atrial pacing (RAP) of the left atrium. The roles of TGF-β1, the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in atrial remodeling were studied via both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Zinc Regulates Lipid Metabolism and MMPs Expression in Lipid Disturbance Rabbits.

Lipid disturbance induced by high-fat diet is a worldwide problem, and it can induce inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo. Zinc is considered as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent. Since matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2) and matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9)'s expressions are changed under many pathological conditions, we would like to know how zinc affects lipid metabolism and MMP2, MMP9's expressions in the lipid disturbance rabbits.