Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
Published on: September 26, 2018
Urantide improves atherosclerosis by controlling C-reactive protein, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and transforming
Juan Zhao1, Li-DE Xie2, Cheng-Jun Song2
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China ; Department of Pathophysiology, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei 067000, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of urantide on the expression status of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the inflammatory cytokines monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in the aortas of rats with atherosclerosis (AS), and to identify its underlying mechanisms. The effects of urantide in a rat model of AS and in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were analyzed via hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining and ELISA. The results in vivo demonstrated that urantide downregulated the expression of inflammatory mediators CRP and MCP-1 and upregulated the expression of TGF-β. The results in vitro indicated that urantide inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs. In addition, urantide reduced the expression of CRP and downregulated the secretion of TGF-β in the culture supernatant. In conclusion, urantide ameliorated the arterial inflammatory damage that was observed in the AS rat model at the cell and tissue levels by controlling the expression of CRP and the inflammatory cytokines MCP-1 and TGF-β. Therefore, urantide may be a potential agent for the complementary treatment of AS.
Related Concept Videos
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...

