Nifedipine inhibits gene expression of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in endothelial cells by suppressing reactive oxygen species generation

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), the senescent macroprotein derivatives that form in increased amounts in diabetes, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. Indeed, AGEs elicit oxidative stress generation in vascular wall cells through an interaction with their receptor (RAGE), thus playing an important role in vascular inflammation and altered gene expression of growth factors and cytokines. We have previously shown that nifedipine, one of the most popular dihydropyridine-based calcium antagonists, blocked tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in endothelial cells (ECs) through its antioxidative properties. However, the effects of nifedipine on AGE-exposed ECs remain to be elucidated. In this study we investigated whether nifedipine could inhibit the AGE-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and subsequent RAGE gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Nifedipine completely inhibited AGE-induced ROS generation in HUVEC. Furthermore, nifedipine was found to prevent up-regulation of RAGE mRNA levels in AGE-exposed HUVEC. These results demonstrate that nifedipine can inhibit RAGE overexpression in AGE-exposed ECs by suppressing ROS generation. Our present study suggests that nifedipine may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of patients with AGE-related disorders such as diabetic vascular complications.     

C-reactive protein-induced expression of CD40-CD40L and the effect of lovastatin and fenofibrate on it in human vascular endothelial cells

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the formation of atherosclerosis. In addition to being a risk marker for cardiovascular diseases, the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in atherogenesis has been supported by more recent data. CD40-CD40L system is proven to be an important mediator of several auto-immune and chronic inflammation diseases. Interruption of CD40-CD40L signaling pathway not only reduces the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions, but also modulates plaque architecture. By using a flow cytometry and western blotting, we found that incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with CRP resulted in a time- and dose-dependent increase in the cell-surface expression of CD40 and CD40L. In addition, CRP (25 microg/ml) increased gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Anti-CD40 antibody significantly reversed the upregulated activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 induced by CRP with gelatin zymography. Furthermore, lovastatin (10(-7), 10(-6), 10(-5) mol/l) and fenofibrate (5 x 10(-5), 10(-4), 2 x 10(-4) mol/l) significantly diminished the expression of CD40, CD40L and gelatinase activities (MMP-2, MMP-9) induced by CRP in HUVECs. In conclusion, our data provide evidence to support the direct pro-inflammatory effects of CRP via CD40-CD40L signaling pathway involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and lovastatin and fenofibrate possess anti-inflammatory effects independent of their lipid-lowering action.     

Nifedipine inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced upregulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA levels by suppressing CD40 expression in endothelial cells

There is a growing body of evidence that dihydropyridine-based calcium antagonists (DHPs) improve endothelial function, thus slowing the development and progression of atherosclerosis. We have previously shown that nifedipine, one of the most popular DHPs, inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced reactive oxygen species generation and subsequent monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). However, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains to be elucidated. CD40, a cell surface receptor that belongs to TNF-alpha receptor, has been associated with the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the involvement of CD40 in MCP-1 suppression by nifedipine in TNF-alpha-exposed HUVEC. Nifedipine completely inhibited TNF-alpha-induced upregulation of CD40 mRNA levels in HUVEC. Furthermore, antibody against human CD40 was found to significantly inhibit upregulation of MCP-1 mRNA levels in TNF-alpha-exposed HUVEC. These results demonstrate that nifedipine could inhibit the TNF-alpha-induced upregulation of MCP-1 mRNA levels via suppression of CD40 expression in HUVEC. Our present study suggests that blockade of CD40 signaling in endothelial cells may be a molecular target for the vasculoprotective property of nifedipine.     

CD40-CD40配体相互作用对培养的人单核细胞二酰基甘油-蛋白激酶C信号通路及胞内Ca^2＋的影响

目的：探讨CD40-CD40配体(CD40L)相互作用是否能激活人外周血单核细胞(PBMC)内二酰基甘油(DAG)-蛋白激酶C(PKC)信号通路．方法：细胞内DAG含量采用放射酶标记、薄层层析和放射自显影方法检测．细胞PKC活性及胞内游离钙分别采用[γ-^32P]ATP磷酸转移法和Fluo-3荧光负载流式细胞术检测．结果：CD40L以剂量依赖方式刺激人外周血单核细胞合成DAG,并具有双时限性变化,第一峰值在20s,第二峰值在10min时出现．然后DAG水平缓慢下降,至少持续20-30min．单核细胞蛋白激酶,C总活性受CD40L刺激后明显增加,峰值在12min,持续20min以上．并且这种作用主要是胞浆PKC活性向胞膜PKC活性转位所致．CD40L,能刺激胞内游离Ca^2 出现短暂的快速升高,继之为持续阶段．移去细胞外Ca^2 ,胞内快速阶段无影响,而持续阶段明显受到抑制．抗CD40抗体能显著抑制CD40L引起的胞内DAG-PKC信号通路激活及[Ca^2 ]i的动态变化．结论：CD40-CD40L相互作用能激活人外周血单核细胞[Ca^2 ]i动态变化及二酰基甘油-蛋白激酶C信号通路．     

Inhibition by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) gene expression in microvascular endothelial cells

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a natural extracellular component of the retina with neuronal differentiating activity. Recently, decreased levels of PEDF in the mammalian eye have been shown to participate in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy In addition, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), senescent macroprotein derivatives that form at an accelerated rate under diabetes, have also been implicated in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. However the role of AGEs in decreased levels of PEDF in the eye remains to be elucidated. In this study, we examined the effects of AGEs on PEDF gene expression in microvascular endothelial cells (ECs). Various types of immunochemically distinct AGEs, which were prepared in vitro by incubating bovine serum albumin with glucose, glyceraldehyde or glycolaldehyde, significantly decreased endothelial mRNA levels of PEDF Furthermore, H2O2 dose-dependently suppressed PEDF gene expression in ECs. Our present results suggest that AGEs could down-regulate mRNA levels of PEDF in ECs, probably via oxidative stress generation. The deleterious effects of AGEs on diabetic retinopathy could be due, at least in part, to their PEDF-inhibitory properties.     

CD40-CD40L interaction in Alzheimer's disease

Increasing evidence supports a role of the CD40 receptor-CD40 ligand (CD40-CD40L) interaction in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has previously been shown that this dyad acts synergistically with the Alzheimer amyloid-beta peptide to promote microglial activation. Reactive microglia produce potentially neurotoxic substances such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and the reactive oxygen species nitric oxide, which can induce bystander neuronal injury at high levels. When a transgenic mouse model of AD is crossed with an animal deficient in CD40L, the resulting phenotype is deficient in the gliosis observed in a mouse model of AD in which CD40L is present. Additionally, these crossed animals have complete absence of AD-like neuronal Tau hyperphosphorylation, a marker of the preneuronal tangle pathology in AD patients. This suggests that the CD40-CD40L system is a critical enhancer of microglial activation in an AD transgenic mouse model and that such activation is associated with an increase in a key indicator of neuronal stress. Conversely, the finding that reduced CD40-CD40L interaction is associated with reduced chronic microgliosis and Tau hyperphosphorylation supports the view that, in general, mechanisms that reduce microgliosis will be beneficial in AD.     

Nifedipine inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells by suppressing vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression

We have previously shown that nifedipine, one of the most popular dihydropyridine-based calcium antagonists (DHPs), blocked tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced reactive oxygen species generation and subsequent monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in endothelial cells (ECs), thus suggesting that nifedipine may inhibit monocyte recruitment, an initiating step in atherosclerosis. However, the effect of nifedipine on leukocyte adhesion to ECs, another pivotal step in the early stage of atherosclerosis, remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated whether nifedipine could inhibit TNF-alpha-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression and subsequent leukocyte adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Nifedipine significantly inhibited TNF-alpha-induced up-regulation of VCAM-1 mRNA levels in HUVEC. Furthermore, nifedipine was found to block MOLT-3 (a human lymphoblastic cell line) cell adhesion to TNF-alpha-exposed HUVEC. The results suggest that nifedipine could inhibit TNF-alpha-induced leukocyte adhesion to ECs by suppressing VCAM-1 expression. Our present study provides a novel beneficial aspect of nifedipine on atherogenesis.     

Relation between upregulation of CD40 system and complex stenosis morphology in patients with acute coronary syndrome

INTRODUCTION Disruption of vulnerable atheromatous plaque isthe most common pathogenic mechanism in acute coro-nary syndromes (including non Q wave AMI, Q waveAMI and unstable angina). Integrity of the extracellularmatrix constitutes a critical determinant in the stabilityof coronary atheromata. In particular, degradation offibrillar collagen may decrease the ability of the fibrouscap to withstand mechanical stress. Several membersof the MMP family contribute to collagen degrada…     

普伐他汀和阿司匹林对CD40-CD40L表达及斑块稳定性的影响

目的：研究普伐他汀和阿司匹林对兔腹主动脉粥样硬化斑块CD40-CD40L表达及斑块稳定性的影响。方法：新西兰大白兔32只予高脂饲养16wk及腹主动脉球囊损伤术建立腹主动脉粥样硬化模型,分4组：P组（普伐他汀）、A组（阿司匹林）、A＋P组（联合用药）与N组（不用药）,分别予相应药物灌胃8wk。通过免疫组化检测比较各组兔腹主动脉粥样硬化斑块内CD40-CD40L表达、MMP-1、胶原及脂质含量变化,超声检测腹主动脉内膜-中膜厚度（IMT）改变,ELISA法测定血清C反应蛋白（CRP）变化,分析2药干预动脉粥样硬化斑块稳定性的机制。结果：用药各组兔腹主动脉斑块内CD40-CD40L表达较N组显著受抑,普伐他汀作用更显著（P组和A＋P组均P＜0．01）；同时各用药组MMP-1的表达、IMT增厚及CRP增高较N组均得到明显抑制（P＜0．01）,P组和A＋P组较N组斑块内脂质显著减少（P＜0．01）,胶原含量明显增加（P＜0．01）。结论：普伐他汀和阿司匹林都可抑制斑块CD40-CD40L系统的表达,促进斑块的稳定性。普伐他汀促进斑块稳定的机制可能是多方面的。     

Amlodipine inhibits expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and its inhibitor in human vascular endothelial cells

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic plaque rupture. We investigated the effect of the calcium channel blockers amlodipine and nifedipine on the expression of MMP-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in endothelial cells (ECs). MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels in conditioned media of human vascular ECs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Collagenolytic activity was determined by fluorescence-labeled collagen digestion. The addition of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) increased MMP-1 levels in the culture media of ECs. Amlodipine, but not nifedipine, significantly decreased MMP-1 levels in IL-1beta-stimulated ECs. TIMP-1 levels also were significantly increased by IL-1beta, and its expression was slightly decreased by amlodipine, not by nifedipine. Amlodipine significantly inhibited collagenolytic activity in the culture media of IL-1beta-stimulated ECs, whereas nifedipine showed no significant effect on the activity. Our findings revealed that amlodipine, but not nifedipine, inhibits IL-1beta-induced MMP-1 expression in human ECs.     

吡格列酮对人脐静脉内皮细胞CD40/CD40L表达的影响

目的探讨吡格列酮对氧化低密度脂蛋白(oxLDL)刺激下的人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)CD40/CD40L表达的影响。方法原代培养人脐静脉内皮细胞,给予oxLDL刺激和不同浓度吡格列酮干预。采用流式细胞技术检测CD40/CD40L在细胞上的表达,采用反转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测LOX-1mRNA的表达。结果OxLDL以浓度和时间依赖的方式刺激HUVECs表达CD40/CD40L,吡格列酮以剂量依赖的方式减轻ox-LDL刺激HUVECs表达CD40/CD40L。同时我们还观察到oxLDL能刺激HUVECs上调LOX-1mRNA的表达,而吡格列酮能明显抑制这种作用。结论吡格列酮能减轻oxLDL刺激下的人脐静脉内皮细胞CD40/CD40L的表达,其作用的机制可能与其抑制了HUVECs的LOX-1受体表达有关。     

通心络对动脉粥样硬化模型兔内皮功能、CD40及CD40L表达的影响

目的 观察通心络对动脉粥样硬化家免模型的预防治疗作用,并探讨其对内皮功能、CD40及CD40L mRNA表达的影响.方法 选取60只雄性健康家兔,随机分为对照组、模型组、通心络组三组,每组20只,后两组家兔分别通过高脂饮食制备动脉粥样硬化模型.给药处理前及12周后分别测定以下指标：血浆总胆固醇（TC）、甘油三酯（TG）和高密度酯蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）的浓度;主动脉内膜/中膜厚度比值及粥样斑块面积;测定血清内皮素（ET）水平和血清一氧化氮（NO）水平;运用定量逆转尿PCR技术（RT-PCR）测定外周血单核细胞中CD40及CD40L mRNA的表达水平.结果 模型组和通心络组家免的TC水平均显著高于对照组（P〈0.01）,通心络组又低于模型组（P〈0.05）;通心络组血清ET水平和ET/NO显著降低（P〈0.05,P〈0.01）,血清NO水平显著升高（P〈0.01）;通心络组中,家兔的主动脉内膜/中膜厚度比值及斑块面积占血管总面积百分率均明显低于模型组[（0.56±0.07）与（1.16±0.08）,P〈0.01;（36.88±2.38）%与（76.58±2.86）%,P〈0.01];与模型组（0.798±0.115）、（0.592±0.132）比较,通心络组家兔外周血单-核细胞中的CD40及CD40L mRNA表达量明显降低[（0.686±0.132）、（0.498±0.108）]（P〈0.01）.结论 通心络可抑制动脉粥样硬化斑块的形成,其机制可能下调CD40及CD40L表达及有效地改善内皮功能有关.     

The CD40-CD40 ligand system: a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease in the westernized world. This review highlights emerging evidence linking atherosclerosis to the CD40-CD40 ligand (CD154) pathway. Recently, atherosclerosis has been associated with chronic inflammation, linking it to the immune system. This novel viewpoint may serve as an additional target for therapeutic intervention. CD40 and CD154 are highly expressed in atherosclerotic human plaques. Recent data from preclinical animal models of atherosclerosis show that disruption of the CD40-CD154 pathway can prevent atherosclerotic progression and may reverse established lesions. Blockade of the CD40-CD154 pathway by biologicals or small molecules may prove valuable in the treatment of atherosclerosis.     

系统性红斑狼疮患者外周血CD40-CD40L测定的临床意义

目的探讨系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)患者在疾病的不同阶段外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)CD40-CD40L、活化淋巴细胞亚群的表达水平。方法采用流式细胞术检测SLE患者不同时期淋巴细胞表达的CD40-CD40L的百分率,同时对淋巴细胞的表型及HLA-DR进行测定。结果活动期SLE患者淋巴细胞表达的CD40、CD40L均明显高于正常对照组(P<0.05);活动期SLE患者表达的HLA-DR、CD3+HLA-DR+细胞、CD4+HLA-DR+细胞、CD8+HLA-DR+细胞、CD8+细胞、CD19+细胞均显著高于正常对照组(P<0.05),而缓解期与正常对照组之间,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);活动期SLE患者表达NK细胞明显比正常对照组低(P<0.05);活动期SLE患者表达的CD3+、CD4+与正常对照组相比,虽有降低,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。相关分析表明,SLE患者(活动期和缓解期)淋巴细胞表达CD40-CD40L的水平与淋巴细胞活化程度呈正相关。结论活动期SLE患者外周血PBMC存在CD40与CD40L的异常表达,以及活动期SLE患者淋巴细胞的异常活化,这些免疫细胞异常在SLE的发病中起到重要的作用,并且异常程度与疾病活动度相关。     

CD137-CD137L信号通路通过活化TNF受体相关因子6促进小鼠动脉粥样硬化斑块内血管新生#br#

目的　探讨CD137-CD137L信号通路是否通过活化TNF受体相关因子6（TRAF6）促进粥样硬化斑块内血管新生。方法　将小鼠内皮细胞（bEnd.3）和小鼠主动脉环分别分为对照组（培养基中加入10 μg/L TNF-α）、IgG同型对照组（培养基中加入10 μg/L TNF-α+5 mg/L IgG2b）和CD137刺激组（培养基中加入10 μg/L TNF-α+5 mg/L CD137抗体）。利用转染小干扰RNA（siRNA）技术抑制内皮细胞和主动脉环TRAF6基因表达,将内皮细胞和主动脉环分别分为对照siRNA组（转染对照siRNA）和TRAF6 siRNA组（转染TRAF6 siRNA）。分别采用Western blot和实时荧光定量PCR（qPCR）检测内皮细胞和主动脉环TRAF6、血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）、Smad1/5蛋白和mRNA的表达;采用Transwell迁移实验检测内皮细胞的迁移能力;内皮细胞管腔形成实验检测内皮细胞的管腔形成能力;主动脉环血管新生实验检测主动脉环新生微血管形成能力。结果　CD137刺激组内皮细胞和主动脉环TRAF6、VEGF蛋白和mRNA表达水平均高于对照组和IgG同型对照组（均P＜0.05）。与对照siRNA组比较,TRAF6 siRNA组内皮细胞和主动脉环TRAF6、Smad1/5蛋白和mRNA表达水平明显降低,内皮细胞迁移数量减少,内皮细胞小管长度和分支数量降低,主动脉环新生微血管数量减少（均P＜0.05）。结论　CD137-CD137L信号通路可能通过TRAF6促进小鼠动脉粥样硬化斑块内血管新生。     

Cyclic AMP differentially modulates CD40L expression on human nai;ve and memory CD4(+) T cells

Although differences in nai;ve and memory T cell signaling have been recognized, how these differences relate to cell regulation and function is not well understood. In this study, we investigated CD40 ligand (CD40L) regulation by cyclic AMP (cAMP) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and observed differential effects depending upon the cell subset and mode of activation. cAMP inhibited CD3-induced CD40L in both nai;ve and memory subsets, although greater inhibition was observed in memory cells. With CD3/CD28 costimulation, cAMP inhibited CD40L in memory cells but had a minimal effect on nai;ve cells. In primed T cells, cAMP increased CD40L on nai;ve cells but inhibited expression on memory cells. Differential cAMP effects appear interrelated to calcium signaling since the level of CD40L induced by calcium ionophore was increased by cAMP in both cell subsets, although nai;ve cells were more calcium responsive. Calcium-dependent calcineurin activity appeared necessary for CD40L expression, although no interaction of calcineurin and cAMP regulation was demonstrable. In contrast, inhibitors of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) blocked cAMP effects to increase CD40L and resulted in marked CD40L inhibition. The importance of CaMKIV in cAMP regulation was confirmed by transfection studies using a dominant negative CaMKIV construct. We conclude that cAMP differentially regulates CD40L expression in a manner that appears dependent upon CaMKIV activation. In view of the central role of CD40L expression in immunity as well as the pathophysiology of common diseases, it is of interest that cAMP can either increase or decrease CD40L expression depending upon the T cell subtype and mechanism of cell activation.     

阿托伐他汀对颈动脉粥样硬化患者血清sCD40L水平的影响

目的探讨阿托伐他汀对颈动脉粥样硬化患者血清sCD40L浓度的影响,并探究其阻断CD40/CD40L信号途径的作用。方法选取颈动脉粥样硬化患者80例,随机分为对照组和试验组,每组40例。分别给予饮食控制和阿托伐他汀治疗,随访12周。治疗前、治疗后第4周、第12周检测血清sCD40L、血总胆固醇、甘油三酯、低密度脂蛋白。结果治疗组治疗后第4周、第12周所测指标浓度水平显著低于治疗前水平(P<0.05),且第12周指标血清浓度低于第4周血清浓度(P<0.05)。而对照组以上指标无明显变化。尚不能认为低密度脂蛋白水平异常对于阿托伐他汀的降血清sCD40L浓度作用有影响。结论阿托伐他汀能够显著降低颈动脉粥样硬化患者血清sCD40L浓度,具有除调脂作用外抗动脉粥样硬化的作用。     

Relationship between upregulation of CD40 system and restenosis in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention

AIM: To investigate whether the increasing CD40-CD40 ligand system is related to restenosis in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Twenty normal controls and 120 patients with PCI were investigated. The expression of CD40 and the CD40 ligand (CD40L) on platelets was analyzed by indirectimmunofluorescence flow cytometry. The serum level of soluble CD40L (sCD40L) and C-reactive protein (CRP) was determined by commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Restenosis was observed in 120 patients within a 6 month follow-up period after PCI surgery. RESULTS: Restenosis occurred in 29 patients (24.2%). Patients who developed restenosis showed higher levels of CD40-CD40L system compared with non-restenotic patients before PCI. All restenotic patients showed a significant increase in CD40 [66.9 +/-4.8, mean fluorescence intensity (MFI)] and CD40L (14.9 +/-1.8, MFI) co-expression on platelets as well as sCD40L (13.7 +/-1.7 ng/mL) compared with non-restenotic patients and controls during the 6 month follow-up period (P<0.01). Elevated sCD40L and CD40L were significantly correlated with the serum level of CRP after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and with lumen loss during the 6 month followup period. CONCLUSION: The level of CD40L was associated with late restenosis after PCI indicating that restenosis is an inflammatory disorder.     

Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits CD40/CD40L expression on human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by interferon gamma

Many studies indicated that the CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. It has been demonstrated a protective role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) against atherosclerosis. The major purpose of our present work was to assess whether DHEA could decrease the expression of CD40 and CD40L on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). We found that DHEA inhibited IFN-γ-induced expression of CD40 and CD40L in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, DHEA inhibited IFN-γ-induced activation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1/2). The important role of ERK1/2 in DHEA effect was further confirmed by using ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126. These findings suggest that DHEA can inhibit the expression of molecules involved in the inflammatory process in endothelial cells activated with IFN-gamma. Such antagonism is at least partially mediated through the modulation of ERK1/2 pathway. Therefore, DHEA may be considered as a potential preventive intervention for atherosclerosis.     

硫酸锌对高脂喂养载脂蛋白E基因敲除小鼠主动脉基质金属蛋白酶-9和CD40表达的影响

目的探讨硫酸锌对高脂喂养载脂蛋白E（ApoE）基因敲除小鼠血脂和氧化低密度脂蛋白（oxLDL）水平,及主动脉中基质金属蛋白酶9（MMP-9）和细胞分化抗原40（CD40）mRNA表达的影响。方法 AopE基因敲除小鼠连续14周喂饲高脂饲料,同时分别给予小鼠浓度为2.5、25 mmol/L硫酸锌水溶液作为低剂量组和高剂量组。测定小鼠血脂和oxLDL水平,并测定主动脉中MMP-9和CD40 mRNA表达水平。结果低剂量组和高剂量组小鼠血清中甘油三酯和oxLDL水平明显低于动脉粥样硬化（AS）模型组（P〈0.01）。低剂量组和高剂量组小鼠主动脉MMP-9 mRNA和CD40 mRNA水平与AS模型组没有差异。结论补充硫酸锌降低了AS模型动物的甘油三酯和oxLDL水平,具有潜在的抗AS作用,但对主动脉MMP-9和CD40 mRNA表达无影响。