| Aim:To explore the effect of pioglitazone on the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in diabetic rats aorta, and investigate the possible mechanism of inhibiting vascular calcification by pioglitazone.Methods:Rat model of vascular calcification and diabetes was established by in injection of vitamin D3plus warfarin and streptozocin(STZ).Thirty six ten-week-old male SD rats were randomely divided into six groups:groupA (CON). groupB (DM), group C (VC). group D (VC+DM), group E(VC+PIO), group F(VC+DM+PIO).Calcification was confirmed by Von Kossa staining, and calcium content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the vascular tissue were measured. The expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA and protein were examined by qRT-PCR and IHC.Results:Massive black granules were observed in the vascular smooth muscle cells and interstitial tissue by Von Kossa staining in group C and group D. Calcium content and ALP activity of group D were3.63times and1.35times higher than group B, and3.69times and1.3times (P<0.05) higher than group C, but the expression of OPG mRNA and protein were reduced (P<0.05). Calcium content and ALP activity of group F decreased13.7%and18.04%than group D (P<0.05). but the expression of OPG mRNA and protein increased (P<0.05)Conclusion:Pioglitazone can reduce the degree of vascular calcification and increase the expression of OPG mRNA and protein. OPG is likely to be one of the main factors of inhibiting vascular calcification. |
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