AIMS: Aortic dissections (AD) is characterized by some types of extracellular matrix (ECM) disorders, including fibrosis with collagen production. P54nrb /NonO is known to be involved in collagen formation. In this study, we examined whether AD is associated with abnormal P54nrb /NonO expression.METHODS: Aortic specimens and serum were obtained from 10 patients with AD and 10 controls. An in vitro culture of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) were obtained from organ donors. P54nrb /NonO protein and mRNA were determined by western blot, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (quantitative real-time RT-PCR). To evaluate ... More
AIMS: Aortic dissections (AD) is characterized by some types of extracellular matrix (ECM) disorders, including fibrosis with collagen production. P54nrb /NonO is known to be involved in collagen formation. In this study, we examined whether AD is associated with abnormal P54nrb /NonO expression.METHODS: Aortic specimens and serum were obtained from 10 patients with AD and 10 controls. An in vitro culture of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) were obtained from organ donors. P54nrb /NonO protein and mRNA were determined by western blot, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (quantitative real-time RT-PCR). To evaluate collagen expression, we stained tissue sections with Masson's trichrome. Serum concentration of TNF-α was determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).RESULTS: Aortic P54nrb /NonO protein and mRNA were decreased in AD patients, compared with controls. Decreased P54nrb /NonO mRNA significantly correlated with increased collagen deposition and fibrosis in AD aorta. P54nrb /NonO was strongly expressed and localized in the nucleus of HVSMCs and AFs from normal human aorta, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AD exhibited significantly decreased expression of P54nrb /NonO. The significant correlation between P54nrb /NonO and collagen may point out a novel thinking about the research of collagen metabolism in AD aorta. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
