Abstract:

Objective   To investigate the role of ALK7 in the process of myocardial interstitial fibrosis (transformation of cardiac fibroblasts and the production of collagen type I by cardiac fibroblasts) induced by high glucose. Methods   Neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts were cultured in vitro with different concentrations of glucose. Fibroblast phenotype transformation was observed by immumofluorescence method.The mRNA expressions of collagen type I and ALK7 were measured by real timePCR; the protein level of collagen type I was determined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay; the protein level of ALK7 was measured by Westernblotting analysis. Thereafter, we investigated the theraputic effects of ALK7 siRNA on the above changes induced by high glucose. Results   The transformation of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblast increased by high glucose; Both mRNA and protein expressions of collagen type I increased after high glucose stimulation (P<0.05); The mRNA and protein expressions of ALK7 increased by high glucose (P<0.05); The increased mRNA and protein levels of collagen type I and the transformation of cardiac fibroblasts induced by high glucose were reversed by treatment with ALK7 siRNA (P<0.05). Conclusion   ALK7 is involved in the transformation of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblast and the production of collagen type I by cardiac fibroblasts induced by high glucose.

Key words: High glucose; Cardiac fibroblasts; Myofibroblast; Collagen type I; ALK7