Astaxanthin Attenuates Hypertensive Vascular Remodeling by Protecting Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells from Oxidative Stress-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Figure 4

ATX inhibits the proliferation of VSMCs. (a) Cells were treated with progressive increased concentrations of Ang II (0-10 μM) for 24 h, cell viability in each group was assessed by CCK-8 kit. (b) The VSMCs were disposed to Ang II for 24 h and then treated with Ang II along or a mixture containing Ang II and increasing concentration of ATX (10, 15, 20, and 25 μM) for another 24 h. Cell viability in each group was assessed by CCK-8 kit. (c) Cell proliferation was assessed by EdU staining, and the percentage of EdU-positive VSMCs was quantified. . (d) Representative samples of cell cycle progression in each experimental group and the quantitative comparison in each phase of VSMCs. (e) The wound healing was observed every 12 h and quantitative analysis of the ratio of migratory area in each group at 48 h. . (f) Transwell assays in each experimental group and the numbers of migrated cells were quantified. . (g) The protein expressions of p38, ERK1/2, JNK, and Akt were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Values are represented as of 6 independent experiments. vs. untreated controls; ^# vs. VSMCs injured by Ang II (1 μM).

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