Early Growth Response Protein 1 Promotes Restenosis by Upregulating Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Vein Graft

Abstract EN

Objectives.

To verify the relationship between Egr-1 and vein graft restenosis and investigate the related mechanisms.

Methods.

Mouse vein graft models were established in Egr-1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice.

The vein grafts in the mice were taken for pathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis.

The endothelial cells (ECs) were stimulated by using a computer-controlled cyclic stress unit.

BrdU staining and PCR were used to detect ECs proliferation activity and Egr-1 and ICAM-1 mRNA expression, respectively.

Western-blot analysis was also used to detect expression of Egr-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) proteins.

Results.

The lumens of vein grafts in Egr-1 KO mice were wider than in WT mice.

ECs proliferation after mechanical stretch stimulation was suppressed by Egr-1 knockout (P<0.05).

Both in vein grafts and ECs from WT mice after mechanical stretch stimulation, mRNA expression and protein of Egr-1 and ICAM-1 showed increases (P<0.05).

However, ICAM-1 expression was significantly suppressed in ECs from Egr-1 knockout mice (P<0.05).

Conclusions.

Egr-1 may promote ECs proliferation and result in vein graft restenosis by upregulating the expression of ICAM-1.

As a key factor of vein graft restenosis, it could be a target for the prevention of restenosis after CABG surgery.