Objective To construct vectors that express phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, catalytic, beta polypeptide （PIK3cb） shRNA in eukaryon plasmid catalyzed by PI3K in rat, then test their effects on intimal hyperplasia in transplanted vein graft. Methods One hundred and fifty SD rats were randomly divided into six groups （n=25, in each group）: blank (25% Pluronic F-127), shRNA-1, shRNA-2, 1/2 （shRNA-1+shRNA-2）, negative control (pGenesil-1 scramble shRNA) and positive control （wortmannin） group. The jugular vein in rats were interpositioned autologously into the common carotid artery. shRNA and 25% Pluronic F-127 were mixed and coated around the transplanted vein in three PIK3cb shRNA groups. Every 5 samples were removed according to the time point (1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after operation), respectively. The thickness of intima and neointima area were calculated and analyzed by computer system. The PCNA expression was detected by Western blot and SP immunohistochemistry. Results The intimal thickness of three PIK3cb shRNA groups were lower than those in the blank group and negative control group on day 3, 7, 14, 28 after operation (P＜0.05); The neointima area in three PIK3cb shRNA groups (except shRNA-2 group on day 3, 7) began to decrease significantly from day one (P＜0.05). The protein expression of PCNA in three PIK3cb shRNA groups on day 3 after operation were decreased compared with blank group and negative group (P＜0.05). The percentage of the PCNA positive cells area in three PIK3cb shRNA groups were significantly lower than those in blank group and negative control group in each time point (Plt;0.05). There were no significant differences between blank and negative control group in different time points (Pgt;0.05). Conclusion The PIK3cb shRNA can effectively inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cell, which may provide a new gene therapy for the prevention of vein graft restenosis after bypass grafting.
In order to develope a new method to overcome the difficulties in anastomosis of blood vessels with different diameter, phleboplasty was utilized at the join-point to expand the diameter of branched vein graft, with a funnel-shaped stoma formed consequently. After successfully experimented in fresh blood vessels in vitro, the method was practised clinically to repair injured arteries in extremities, with the outcome that phleboplasty of branched vein graft could enlarge the diameter by 1-1.25 times, and with satisfied effects in 3 clinic cases. So, the conclusion was that: phleboplasty of branched vein graft was a new effective and convinient method to repair injured arteries with different diameters
Objective To study the mechanism of restenosis of the vein graft and the effect of the grafting injury to the vein graft. Methods One side of the 36 healthy rabbits was randomly chosen as the V-A group, and on the side a 1.5cmlong femoral vein was obtained, and an 0.5-cm-long segment of the obtained femoral vein was separated as the control group. The remaining 1-cm-long femoral vein was inverted and was autogenously implanted into the femoral artery on the same side of the rabbit. The other side of the rabbits was chosen as the V-V group, and on this side a 1-cm-long femoral vein was obtained ex vivo and then was sutured in situ. The vein grafts on both sides were harvested 4 weeks after operation. The specimens from the harvested vein grafts were stained with HE and theelastic fiber Victoria blue for an observation on the histological changes in the walls of the vein grafts, and the specimens were also stained by the immunohistochemistry of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for an observation on the wall cell proliferation of the vein grafts. The changes in the ultrastructure of the proliferated wall cells of the vein grafts were observed under electron microscope. The two sides of the rabbits were compared. Results The smooth muscle cells of the media developed hyperplasia, but theintima and the media remained unchanged in their thickness (3.50±0.41 μm, 12.23±1.59 μm) in the V-V group, with no difference when compared with the control group (3.40±0.37 μm, 12.14±1.62 μm); however, when compared with the V-A group (25.60±3.21 μm, 21.30±2.47 μm),there was a significant difference in the thickness (Plt;0.01). There were no cells positive for PCNA by the immunohistochemistry examination in the control group. The cells positive for PCNA were found in the intima and the media in both the V-V group and the V-A group; however, the percentageof the cells positive for PCNA in the intima and the media was significantly greater in the V-A group than in the V-V group (16.4%±1.9% and 36.5%±3.7% vs 5.9%±1.3% and 23.4%±3.4%, Plt;0.01). In the V-V group, the endothelial cell could be observed under transmis-sion electron microscope, which was flat and had a processlike villus at its free end, and the endothelial cells were closely arranged andhad hyperplasia of the smooth muscle cells in the media. But in the V-A group,the endothelial cells had an obvious hyperplasia with an irregular shape and a widened space between the cells, and in the intima a great amount of the smooth muscle cells could be observed, which had a broken basement membrane. The smooth muscle cells also had an obvious hyperplasia in the media. The shape and alignment of the endothelial cells in the control group were similar to those in the V-V group, but the hyperplasia of the smooth muscle cells was not observed in the media. Conclusion The grafting injury can cause hyperplasia ofthe vascular wall cells, and if the hemodynamics is changed simultaneously, more serious hyperplasia and cell migration can be observed from the media to the intima, resultingin restenosis of the blood vessels. So, if we can reduce the grafting injury and improve the microcirculation of the vein graft, we may find out the methods ofpreventing restenosis of the vein graft. The animal model of the V-V graftcan help to understand the mechanism of restenosis of the vein graft.
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) combined with autogenous vein graft conduit on peripheral nerve regeneration. METHODS Fifty four New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups. The main trunk of sciatic nerve of rabbit in one side was severed and bridged by autogenous vein. 0.2 ml bFGF solution (4,000 U/ml) was intravenously injected to the vein graft conduit as group A, the same amount of saline solution as group B, and no solution injection as group C. Microscopic examination, axon video analysis and nerve conduct velocity were performed at the 10th, 30th, and 100th day after operation. RESULTS The nerve fibers were grown into vein graft conduit in all groups at 30th after operation, they were more and regular in group A than that of group B and C, and the axon regeneration rate in group A was more than that of group B and C. CONCLUSION bFGF combined with autogenous vein graft conduit can markedly promote nerve regeneration.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the different defect length of vessels and the options of vascular repair, and to compare the different options of repair because of the longitudinal biomechanical effect. METHODS: A clinical analysis was undertaken to evaluate the major arterial and venous injuries in human extremities repaired by end-to-end anastomoses or venous autograft(177 cases, 185 vessels). Compared the defect length of the same kind of vessels repaired by different options (Student-t test). Evaluated the defect length to repair arterial injuries between by end-to-end anastomoses and by vein graft by means of 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: There was significant difference between the defect length of brachial artery repaired by end-to-end anastomosis and femoral artery and popliteal artery repaired by autogenous vein graft (P lt; 0.01). The upper limit of confidence interval in the defect length of brachial artery, femoral artery and popliteal artery was 3.17 cm, 2.81 cm and 2.44 cm respectively by end-to-end anastomosis by means of 95% confidence interval. The lower limit of confidence interval in the defect length of brachial artery, femoral artery and popliteal artery was 2.82 cm, 2.41 cm and 2.17 cm respectively by vein graft by means of 95% confidence interval. The defect length of brachial artery, femoral artery and popliteal artery repaired by vein graft was linear correlation with the length of graft. CONCLUSION: Because of the longitudinal biomechanical difference of arteries and veins in human extremities, different options of repair are necessary to different arterial injuries.
Objective To study the expression of receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in autogenous vein graft of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and the inhibitory effects of aminoguanidine on intimal hyperplasia. Methods Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: aminoguanidine group, distilled water group and control group. Autogenous vein graft models were established in all groups. Streptozotocin was injected into abdominal cavity to induce diabetes in both aminoguanidine group and distilled water group, and they were intragastric administrated with aminoguanidine or distilled water, respectively before and after transplantation. Specimens were collected from autogenous vein graft 7 days and 14 days after surgery to undergo histological examination. At the same time, the level of serum advanced glycation end products (AGE) was tested. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the protein expression of RAGE and NF-κB p65. RAGE and NF-κB p65 mRNA were measured by reverse transcription-PCR. Results The mRNA and protein expressions of RAGE, NF-κB p65, the level of serum AGE and the intimal thickness of vein graft in distilled water group increased in comparison with those in control group 7 days and 14 days after surgery （P＜0.05). The level of serum AGE, mRNA and protein expressions of NF-κB p65 and the intimal thickness of vein graft in aminoguanidine group were lower than those in distilled water group （P＜0.05), and showed no significant difference compared with control group （P＞0.05). Conclusion The over-expression of RAGE in vein graft activats NF-κB in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat, which has a close relation with intimal hyperplasia. Aminoguanidine can block the binding of AGE and RAGE by inhibiting the production of AGE, which will prevent intimal hyperplasia of vein graft.
Objective To investigate the effect of adenovirus vector mediated transfer of human herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) gene inhibits intimal hyperplasia of vein grafts. Methods Auto vein graft models of Wistar rats were established. Adenovirus vector dwelled in cervical veins which were transplanted into inferior renal abdominal aorta. The combination of HSVtk (4×109 plaque forming units) and ganciclovir (GCV) was applied to test the inhibition effect. GCV was infused 〔60 mg/(kg·d), IP, Bid〕 from day 3 to day 21 after transplantation. Vein samples were harvested and the existence of HSVtk DNA was measured by PCR and the mRNA of it was studied by in situ hybridization. Van gieson (VG) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) stains were carried out in paraffin sections to study the thickness of neointima and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) proliferation with a computer-assisted analysis system. The apoptosis of SMCs also was detected by TUNEL. Results The existence of HSVtk gene in veins and its transcription were demonstrated. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a reduced intima thickness in the group receiving combination therapy (HSVtk/GCV) compared with HSVtk alone 〔(17.2±3.2) μm versus (31.1±2.5) μm, P＜0.05〕. GCV per se had no effect on intimal hyperplasia after vein transplantation. The apoptosis of SMCs increased significantly and expression of PCNA decreased in HSVtk/GCV gene therapy group versus blank control group 〔(9.1±2.3)% vs (28.7±3.6)%, P＜0.05; (38.7±5.6)%vs (18.5±2.6)%, P＜0.05〕. Conclusion GCV conditions reduction of intimal hyperplasia after intraluminal delivery of HSVtk in transplanting vena veins involving SMCs apoptosis.
【Abstract】 Objective To reduce restenosis in vein grafts after coronary artery bypass grafting, to investigate theeffect of human tissue factor pathway inhibitor(TFPI) gene del ivery on neointima formation. Methods The eukaryotic expressed plasmid vector pCMV-(Kozak) TFPI was constructed. Forty-eight Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups with 16 rabbits in each group: TFPI group, empty plasmid control group and empty control group. Animal model of common carotid artery bypass grafting was constructed. Before anastomosis, vein endothel iocytes were transfected with cationic l iposome containing the plasmid pCMV- (Kozak) TFPI (400 μg) by pressurizing infusion (30 min) in TFPI group. In empty plasmid control group, vector pCMV- (Kozak) TFPI was replaced by empty plasmid pCMV (400 μg). In empty control group, those endothel iocytes were not interfered. After operation, vein grafts were harvested at 3 days for immunohistochemical, RTPCR and Western-blot analyses of exogenous gene expression and at 30 days for histopathology measurement of intimal areas, media areas and calculation of intimal/media areas ratio. Luminal diameter and vessel wall thickness were also measured byvessel Doppler ultrasonography and cellular category of neointima was analyzed by transmission electron microscope at 30 days after operation. Results Human TFPI mRNA and protein were detected in TFPI group. The mean luminal diameter of the TFPI group, empty plasmid control group and empty control group was (2.68 ± 0.32) mm, (2.41 ± 0.23) mm and (2.38 ± 0.21) mm respectively. There were statistically significant differences between TFPI group and control groups (P lt; 0.05). The vessel wall thickness of the TFPI group, empty plasmid control group and empty control group was (1.09 ± 0.11) mm, (1.28 ± 0.16) mm and (1.34 ± 0.14) mm respectively. There were statistically significant differences between TFPI group and other control groups (P lt; 0.01). The mean intimal areas, the ratio of the intimal/media areas of the TFPI group were (0.62 ± 0.05) mm2and 0.51 ± 0.08 respectively, which were reduced compared with those of the two control groups(P lt; 0.05). The mean media areas had no significant differences among three groups (P gt; 0.05). Through transmission electron microscope analyses, no smoothmuscle cells were seen in neointima of TFPI group in many visual fields, but smooth muscle cells were found in neointima of two control groups. Conclusion Human TFPI gene transfection reduced intimal thickness in vein grafts.
ObjectiveTo detect the inhibitory effect of early growth response gene-1 DNA enzyme (EDRz) on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and intimal hyperplasia, and confirm the effect of gene therapy on stenosis and occlusion after vein transplantation. MethodsEDRz was constructed, and autogenous vein graft model was established with Wistar rats, transplanting the right jugular vein to infra renal abdominal aorta by microsurgical technique. EDRz was transfected to the graft veins and the vein graft samples were harvested at hour 1, 2, 6, 24 and on day 3, 7, 14, 28, 42 after grafting, 10 Wistar rats were randomly selected in every time. The expression of EDRz in transfected vein graft was detected by fluorescent microscope. Egr-1 mRNA was measured by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization, respectively. The protein expression of Egr-1 was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. HE stained vein grafts were observed under microscope. Results① The results of EDRz transfected vein graft: At hour 1 after grafting, EDRz was mainly located in adventitia, tunica media, and partial endothelial cells of vein graft; At hour 2, 6, and 24, EDRz was located in tunica media of vein graft; and on day 7, it was mainly located in intima of vein graft. There wasn’t EDRz in vein grafts on day 14, 28, and 42. ② The results of expression of Egr-1 mRNA: Detection by RT-PCR: At hour 1 after transfecting, the expression of Egr-1 mRNA arrived at the peak, and declined at hour 2, 6, and 24. The expression was tenuity on day 3. Egr-1 mRNA expression was not found on day 7, 14, 28, and 42. The expression of Egr-1 mRNA at hour 1 was significantly higher than that of the other time point (Plt;0.01). The result of in situ hybridization was coincident with RT-PCR. ③ The results of expression of Egr-1 protein: The result of Western blot: There was no expression of Egr-1 protein in normal veins. At hour 2 after grafting, expression of Egr-1 protein was found, and declined at hour 6, 24, and on day 3. There was no expression of Egr-1 protein at hour 1, and on day 7, 14, 28, and 42. The expression of Egr-1 protein at hour 2 was significantly higher than that of the other time point (Plt;0.01). The result of immunohistochemistry was coincident with Western blot. ④The degree of VSMC hyperplasia and intimal thickness were lighter in EDRz transfected vein grafts than that in nottransfected vein grafts contemporarily. ConclusionsEDRz could reduce the expression of Egr-1 in autogenous vein graft, and could effectively restrain VSMC proliferation and intimal hyperplasia, and prevent vascular stenosis and occlusion after vein grafting.
【Abstract】ObjectiveSome studies have demonstrated that recombinant adenoviruses are efficient vectors for gene transfer to the venous wall and AdCMV.tk encoded thymidine kinase can be used to reduce restenosis. In this study AdCMV.tk was apply to human vein smooth muscle cells (SMC) and organ cultured saphenous veins to study its effects on proliferation of SMCs and reduction of intimal hyperplasia. MethodsThe adenovirus vector transferred tk gene and mark gene lacZ to the SMC of human saphenous veins and organ cultured vein segments. Various concentrations ganciclovir (GCV) were contained in culture media. The efficiency of gene transfer was studied by using Xgal staining. The proliferation of SMC was monitored by the method of trypan blue exclusion. The bystander effect was observed by mixed cell culture. After vein segments treated by AdCMV.tk+GCV and cultured for 14 days, HE and VG staining were carried out and intimal thickness was analysis by computer image system. ResultsAdenovirus vector could infect saphenous vein SMC efficiently both in cultured SMCs and organ cultured vein segments. Gene expression sustained 14 d at least. The inhibition of SMCs proliferation in vitro was a positive correlation in GCV concentrations and the levels of tk expression. The proliferation of SMCs transfectered lacZ wasn’t restrained by GCV (P＜0.05). In mixed cell experiment there was at least 55% reduction in total cell number when as few as 10% of the cells express tk. Assessment of this “suicide gene strategy” in saphenous vein organ culture model demonstrated that veins treated with AdCMV.tk+GCV had a significant reduction at 14 days in the intimal thickness compared to control group (P＜0.01). ConclusionThe results suggest that adenovirusmediated gene transfer of tk along with GCV administration may be a useful strategy to treat the proliferation of intimal hyperplasia of transplanting saphenous veins. Bystander effects are amplified by AdCMV.tk/GCV gene therapy system.