Probucol mediates vascular remodeling after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty via down-regulation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway

Although probucol is known to prevent restenosis by regulating vascular remodeling after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, the mechanisms remain unclear. The present study was designed to investigate whether probucol mediates vascular remodeling via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signalling pathway. A rabbit restenosis model was used, in which the New Zealand white rabbits received angioplasty with a 3.5 F angioplasty balloon catheter and the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) was induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). We evaluated several vascular remodeling parameters and found that probucol prevented lumen restenosis and mediated expansive remodeling with a remodeling index greater than 1 and that the proliferation and migration of SMCs was inhibited. Based on Western blot analyses, probucol decreased the expression of phospho-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases 1 (p-MEK1) and phospho-ERK1/2 and enhanced the expression of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) and caveolin-1. Cells treated with the MEK1 inhibitor PD98059 demonstrated a remarkable suppression of the effects of probucol. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analysis showed that probucol inhibited the activation of ERK1/2 by preventing its translocation to the nucleus. It was also found that c-myc expression in aortic tissue after angioplasty and the activator protein 1 (AP1) activity in SMCs induced by ox-LDL were decreased with probucol treatment. In conclusion, probucol mediated vascular remodeling to prevent restenosis after angioplasty by down-regulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.