Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 20, 2025

Increasing Pulmonary Artery Pulsatile Flow Improves Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension in Piglets
Published on: May 11, 2015
Piperlongumine attenuates vascular remodeling in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by regulating autophagy
Wu Ye1, Tingyu Tang1, Zhijun Li1
1Department of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang Hospital, 1229 Gudun Road Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, PR China.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of piperlongumine on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.
Methods:
A hypoxic pulmonary hypertension rat model was constructed, primary rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were isolated, and the proliferation of PASMCs was measured by Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay. The expression of autophagic proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) and P62 were examined by western blot. Autophagic flux in PASMCs was detected by tandem mRFP-GFP-LC3 fluorescence analysis.
Results:
Hypoxia-induced proliferation of PASMCs was significantly inhibited by piperlongumine exposure. Treatment with piperlongumine elevated LC3B II/LC3B I protein ratio and decreased the expression of P62 protein in both PASMCs and rat lung tissues. Tandem mRFP-GFP-LC3 fluorescence analysis showed that piperlongumine increased autophagic flux in PASMCs. Inhibition of autophagy using 3-methyladenine (3-MA) attenuated the inhibitory effect of piperlongumine on proliferation of PASMCs. Chronic hypoxia exposure led to a significant increase in rat right ventricle systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, wall thickness and area of pulmonary artery, and muscularization of pulmonary arterioles, which was obviously suppressed by administration of piperlongumine. 3-MA attenuated the alleviating effects of piperlongumine on pulmonary vascular remodeling.
Conclusions:
Piperlongumine attenuates vascular remodeling in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by regulating autophagy. Piperlongumine treatment may serve as a promising therapy for hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...

