Circ_0002984 Enhances Growth, Invasion, and Migration in PDGF-bb-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Through miR-379-5p/FRS2 Axis.

The accumulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is considered to play important roles in atherosclerosis (AS) development and progression. Circ_0002984 was found to be increased in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) human VSMCs (HVSMCs). However, the function and mechanism of circ_0002984 in VSMC dysfunction remain unknown.

TGF‑β1 upregulates the expression of lncRNA‑ATB to promote atherosclerosis.

Transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β1 is reported to be associated with the occurrence of atherosclerosis, although the mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the involvement of TGF‑β1 signaling in atherosclerosis. A total of 56 patients with atherosclerosis and 44 healthy volunteers were involved in this study.

A novel rat model of heart failure induced by high methionine diet showing evidence of association between hyperhomocysteinemia and activation of NF-kappaB.

Heart failure is one of the most serious diseases worldwide, and can be caused by many factors, among them hyperhomocysteinemia can increase the risk for development of heart failure. In this study, we treated rats with high methionine diet (HMD), which can be conversed to homocysteine in human body, to induce a novel model of heart failure. We proved the successful establishment of this model by echocardiography and pathological evaluation at the termination of treatment.