[Establishment of Ace2 knockout mouse model with CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting technology].

The aim of the study was to establish Ace2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) knockout mouse model with CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting technology. A vector targeting Ace2 gene knockout was constructed with the primers of single-guide RNA (gRNA), and then transcribed gRNA/Cas9 mRNA was micro-injected into the mouse zygote. The deletion of exons 3 to 18 of Ace2 gene in mice was detected and identified by PCR and gene sequencing.

The sirtuin 6 prevents angiotensin II-mediated myocardial fibrosis and injury by targeting AMPK-ACE2 signaling.

Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is an important modulator of cardiovascular functions in health and diseases. However, the exact role of SIRT6 in heart disease is poorly defined. We hypothesized that SIRT6 is a negative regulator of angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated myocardial remodeling, fibrosis and injury.

Cardiac protective effects of irbesartan via the PPAR-gamma signaling pathway in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-deficient mice.

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a monocarboxypeptidase which metabolizes angiotensin II (Ang II) to generate Ang-(1-7), has been shown to prevent cardiac hypertrophy and injury but the mechanism remains elusive. Irbesartan has the dual actions of angiotensin receptor blockade and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) activation. We hypothesized that irbesartan would exert its protective effects on ACE2 deficiency-mediated myocardial fibrosis and cardiac injury via the PPARγ signaling.

Role of TGF-β1/Smads pathway in carotid artery remodeling in renovascular hypertensive rats and prevention by Enalapril and Amlodipine.

Objective: To investigate the role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Smad2/3 and Smad7 expressions in carotid artery remodeling in renovascular hypertensive rats, and also the therapeutic effect of Enalapril and Amlodipine.

Methods: The renovascular hypertensive rat (RHR) models with "two-kidney and one-clip" were established, including model group (n = 6), sham-operated group (n = 6), Enalapril group (10 mg/kg per day, n = 6), Amlodipine group (5 mg/kg per day, n = 6) and combination group (Amlodipine 2.5 mg/kg per day + Enalapril 5mg/kg per day, n = 6).

[Effects of ANP upon ion pump activity and gene expression in aortic smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats].

Objective: To explore the effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) upon the activities of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)-ATPase and mRNA expression levels of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase alpha(1)-subunit and plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase isoform 1 (PMCA1) in cultured thoracic aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Methods: ASMCs isolated from 14-week-old male SHR and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were interference-cultured in different doses of ANP and Angiotensin II (AngII). The contents of ANP and AngII in supernatant from ASMCs were measured by radioimmunoassay.