Effects of pioglitazone on leptin-induced proliferating cell nuclear antigen and leptin receptor expression of vascular smooth muscle cells

The effects of pioglitazone on leptin-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), proliferating nuclear antigen (PCNA) and leptin receptor (OB-R) mRNA and protein expressions were measured. The results showed that pioglitazone inhibied leptin-induced VSMCs proliferation as well as expression of PCNA and OB-R at both mRNA and protein levels. The maximum effect was at 100 μmol/L(P<0.01). Key words: Pioglitazone;  Vascular smooth muscle cells;  Leptin;  Leptin receptor;  Proliferating cell nuclear antigen