Eplerenone inhibits oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells by downregulating GPER expression

Background Excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are associated with the pathogenesis atherosclerosis (AS). Eplerenone (EPL), a novel selective aldosterone receptor blocker, plays substantial role in treatment cardiovascular disease. The G protein-coupled estrogen (GPER) is target EPL as STITCH website predicated. Objectives We aimed to investigate roles AS identify its potential mechanisms action. Material methods Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was employed stimulate VSMCs establish cellular model AS. ability cell examined using Cell Counting Kit-8, expression proliferation-related proteins tested immunofluorescence staining western blot analysis. Subsequently, migration-associated were evaluated wound healing assay, transwell assay Then, GPER determined analysis absence or presence EPL. To explore regulatory ox-LDL-stimulated VSMCs, overexpressed, followed by measurement migration. Results Ox-LDL stimulation notably upregulated expression, whereas downregulated dose-dependent manner. Additionally, markedly inhibited highest dose resulted most marked effect. By contrast, overexpression reversed inhibitory effects on VSMCs. Conclusions suppressed ox-LDL-induced partly through downregulation GPER, providing new mechanism support for use clinical