Objective: To investigate the effects of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and Wnt signaling pathway on the bioactivities of myofibroblasts (MFs) and the expressions of SDF-1 and components of Wnt signaling pathway in the myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).
Methods: BMSCs were induced to differentiate into MFs in vitro, and SDF-1 and Wnt signaling pathway were independently or simultaneously blocked. Then, the migration of MFs and the secretion of Col I and α-SMA were determined in MFs. Heart function, progression of myocardial fibrosis and structure of the heart were evaluated. The expression of SDF-1 and components of Wnt signaling pathway in SHR was detected.
Results: TGF-β could induce the differentiation of BMSCs into B-MFs; Blocking SDF-1/CXCR4 axis and/or Wnt signaling pathway was able to inhibit the MFs migration and Col I secretion; Blocking Wnt signaling pathway inhibited the differentiation of BMSCs into MFs; Serum SDF-1 increased with the increase in blood pressure, and serum β-catenin elevated with the fluctuation of blood pressure; Protein and mRNA expressions of SDF-1 in the myocardium increased, and those of DKK-1 (an inhibitor of Wnt signaling pathway) and GSK-3 reduced in SHR.
Conclusion: SDF-1 and Wnt signaling pathway are involved in the differentiation of BMSCs into MFs, as well as the migration and collagen secretion of MFs; Hypertension affects the expressions of SDF-1 and components of Wnt signaling pathway. In the myocardium of SHR, SDF-1 expression increases, but the expression of inhibitor of Wnt signaling pathway reduces.
Keywords: Stromal cell-derived factor-1; Wnt signaling pathway; myocardial fibrosis; myofibroblasts; spontaneous hypertensive rat.