2K1C-activated Angiotensin II (Ang II) exacerbates vascular damage in a rat model of arthritis through the ATR/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Objective: To explore the role and mechanism of the two-kidney one-clip (2K1C)-activated Angiotensin II (Ang II) in the development of vascular damage in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) rats.

Methods: 2K1C rats were established in normal and AA rats for 35 days. Hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular hypertrophy induced by 2K1C-activated Ang II in systemic inflammation rats were evaluated. The levels of Ang II and TNF-α in serum were observed by ELISA kits. Expressions of Ang II/ATR/ERK1/2 signaling pathway molecules in the aorta were tested by immunohistochemistry or western blot. The migration and capillary tube formation abilities of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were tested by migration chamber and capillary tube formation assays.

Results: The level of Ang II in serum was significantly increased in 2K1C rats. Compared with AA rats, the high level of Ang II activated by 2K1C reduced the endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses to acetylcholine (ACh) in the thoracic aorta and exacerbated endothelial dysfunction and vascular hypertrophy. Expressions of ATR, GRK2, p-ERK1/2, and p-NF-κB were significantly increased in the aorta of AA combined with 2K1C rats. The migration and capillary tube formation abilities of HUVECs were significantly enhanced by Ang II and TNF-α co-stimulations in vitro through the ATR/ERK1/2 signaling pathway compared to those stimulated with TNF-α.

Conclusions: 2K1C-activated Ang II is involved in aggravated vascular injury and endothelial dysfunction through the ATR/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in AA rats.