A novel CD147 inhibitor, SP-8356, reduces neointimal hyperplasia and arterial stiffness in a rat model of partial carotid artery ligation

BackgroundNeointimal hyperplasia and its related arterial stiffness are the crucial pathophysiological features in atherosclerosis and in-stent restenosis. Cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), a member of the immunoglobulin super family that induces the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) by dimerization, may play important roles in neointimal hyperplasia and may therefore be an effective target for the treatment of this condition. Here, we investigated whether a novel CD147 inhibitor SP-8356 ((1S,5R)-4-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxystyryl)-6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-3-en-2-one) reduces neointimal hyperplasia and arterial stiffness in a rat model of partial carotid artery ligation.MethodsNeointimal hyperplasia was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by partial ligation of the right carotid artery combined with a high fat diet and vitamin D injection. Rats were subdivided into vehicle, SP-8356 (50mg/kg), and rosuvastatin (10mg/kg) groups. The drugs were administrated via intraperitoneal injections for 4weeks. The elasticity of blood vessels was assessed by measuring pulse wave velocity using Doppler ultrasonography before sacrifice. Histomolecular analysis was carried out on harvested carotid arteries.ResultsSP-8356 significantly reduced MMP activity by inhibiting CD147 dimerization. SP-8356 reduced neointimal hyperplasia and prevented the deterioration of vascular elasticity. SP-8356 had a greater inhibitory effect on neointimal hyperplasia than did rosuvastatin. Furthermore, rosuvastatin did not improve vascular elasticity. SP-8356 increased the expression of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC), but decreased the expression of collagen type III and MMP-9 in the neointimal region. In contrast to SP-8356, rosuvastatin did not alter the expression of SM-MHC or MMP-9.ConclusionsThe ability of SP-8356 to reduce neointimal hyperplasia and improve arterial stiffness in affected carotid artery suggests that SP-8356 could be a promising therapeutic drug for vascular remodeling disorders involving neointimal hyperplasia and arterial stiffness.