The effect of the Ras homolog gene family (Rho), member A/Rho associated coiled‑coil forming protein kinase pathway in atrial fibrosis of type 2 diabetes in rats

Chen,Jinling; Li,Qingqing; Dong,Ruiqing; Gao,Huikuan; Peng,Hui; Wu,Yongquan

doi:10.3892/etm.2014.1843

September-2014 Volume 8 Issue 3

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September-2014 Volume 8 Issue 3

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Article

The effect of the Ras homolog gene family (Rho), member A/Rho associated coiled‑coil forming protein kinase pathway in atrial fibrosis of type 2 diabetes in rats

Authors:
- Jinling Chen
- Qingqing Li
- Ruiqing Dong
- Huikuan Gao
- Hui Peng
- Yongquan Wu
View Affiliations / Copyright

Affiliations: Department of Cardiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
Pages: 836-840
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Published online on: July 14, 2014

https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2014.1843
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Abstract

Diabetes mellitus promotes atrial structural remodeling, thereby producing atrial arrhythmogenicity. Atrial arrhythmia can substantially increase the risk of premature death. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA)/Rho associated coiled‑coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) in atrial fibrosis in diabetic hearts, and the effects of fasudil hydrochloride hydrate on atrial fibrosis. An eight‑week‑old male Sprague‑Dawley rat model of type 2 diabetes was established using a high‑fat diet combined with streptozotocin [30 mg/kg, once, intraperitoneal (i.p.)]. Animals were randomly divided into three groups: Control rats, untreated diabetic rats that received vehicle, and treated diabetic rats that received Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil hydrochloride hydrate (10 mg/kg/day, i.p., for 14 weeks). The morphological features of atrial fibrosis were observed using Masson staining. The mRNA expression levels of RhoA, ROCK1, ROCK2, type‑I and type‑III procollagen were assessed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of RhoA, ROCK1 and ROCK2 were evaluated using western blot analysis. The atria of untreated diabetic rats showed evident atrial fibrosis as compared to the control rats; the mRNA expression levels of RhoA, ROCK1, ROCK2, type‑I and type‑III procollagen were upregulated; and the protein levels of RhoA, ROCK1 and ROCK2 were increased. The treatment with fasudil hydrochloride hydrate significantly reduced atrial fibrosis, mRNA levels of RhoA, ROCK1, ROCK2, type‑I and type‑III procollagen, and the protein levels of RhoA, ROCK1 and ROCK2. The results suggested that RhoA/ROCK was involved in atrial fibrosis, and that fasudil hydrochloride hydrate ameliorates atrial fibrosis through the RhoA/ROCK pathway in rats with type 2 diabetes.

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