Effect of testosterone on the proliferation and collagen synthesis of cardiac fibroblasts induced by angiotensin II in neonatal rat

Abstract

The objective is to explore the effect of testosterone on the proliferation and collagen synthesis of neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (CF) induced by Angiotensin II (Ang II) and the underlying mechanisms. Derived from neonatal rats, the CFs were divided into 4 groups: the control group, Ang II group, testosterone group, and testosterone C Ang II group in vitro. Cell cycle distribution, collagen counts, and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) (p -ERK1/2) expression were assessed by flow cytometry, VG staining, and immunocytochemistry, respectively. The Ang II group had a much higher proportion of cells in the S-phase, higher collagen contents, and a higher p -ERK1/2 expression level than either the control or testosterone group. However, these factors were significantly reduced in the testosterone C Ang II group as compared to the Ang II group. In terms of cells in the S-phase and the collagen contents, there was not a significant difference between the testosterone group and the control. However, the protein expression of p-ERK1/2 was significantly increased in the testosterone group as compared to the control. Testosterone inhibits the proliferation and collagen synthesis of CF induced by Ang II. The underlying mechanism may involve the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Electrical stimulation: Complementary therapy to improve the performance of grafts in bone defects?

“…The increases in the number of fibroblasts demonstrate the positive effects of electrical stimulation to factors involved in the collagen content . Therapies that stimulate the synthesis of type I collagen and lead to increased maturation of collagen are used in the treatment of injury's in bone repair models . The evaluation of collagen I and III has been an important indicator of the progress of repair where it can be observed that the synthesis of type III collagen is gradually replaced by that of type I collagen, an essential process during bone remodeling phase, indicating tissue maturation …”

BMSCs Interactions with Adventitial Fibroblasts Display Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage Potential in Differentiation and Migration That Contributes to Neointimal Formation

“…TGF- β 1 represents one of the most important cytokines in this regard, as it appears to promote vascular proliferation, migration, and increasing collagen and elastin during adventitia remodeling [ 5 , 23 ]. Other factors include the expressions of MMPs and NF- κ B, all of which contribute to regulating vascular proliferation and migration responses [ 24 ]. MMP-1 is an extracellular matrix protein hydrolysis enzyme, which participates in regulating vascular remodeling and cell migration.…”

Chronic high‐dose testosterone treatment: impact on rat cardiac contractile biology

“…Of note, a direct impact of testosterone promoting enhanced collagen synthesis has also been observed in dermal fibroblasts (Yoo et al, ). Finally, testosterone induces increases in the production of angiotensin, thereby leading to enhanced neonatal cardiac fibroblast proliferation and subsequent collagen production (Yang et al, ). Thus, the fibrosis observed upon high‐dose testosterone supplementation may either be the direct result of testosterone itself, or a secondary compensatory effect.…”