Urokinase induces ROS production in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Urokinase stimulates the production of superoxide radical in cultured aortal smooth muscle cells simultaneously with activation of the expression of NAD(F)H-oxidases nox1, nox4, and phox22. Antioxidant ebselen abolishes the stimulating effect of urokinase on smooth muscle cell proliferation. The data showed that urokinase can potentiate oxidative stress in the arterial wall and can play an important role in the development of adverse arterial remodeling.