The role of ecto-5'-nucleotidase in endothelial dysfunction and vascular pathologies

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (e5NT, CD73) is an enzyme that is highly expressed in endothelium and is involved in the extracellular nucleotide catabolism. CD73 converts AMP to adenosine that via specific subtypes of P1 receptor mediates cytoprotection involving diverse mechanisms such as vasodilatation, suppression of inflammation, inhibition of thrombosis and anti-adrenergic effect. Physiological intravascular concentration of adenosine is in nanomolar range, but could become micromolar in response to various forms of stress. Endothelium is a major site for both CD73 mediated production of adenosine and its cytoprotective effect. Nucleotides (predominantly ATP or ADP) that could be released from different cells via controlled specific of unspecific mechanisms constitute a major source of substrate for adenosine production via CD73. Direct effects of extracellular nucleotides (mediated by P2 receptors) are typically opposite to adenosine P1 mediated activities. Retention of nucleotides and decreased adenosine production due to loss of CD73 function may have negative implications and could be important cause of various pathologies. Protective role of CD73 was indicated in ectopic calcification, atherosclerosis, rejection after xenotransplantation and thrombosis. Reduced activity of CD73 due to lymphocyte contact with endothelium increases its permeability that leads to enhanced leukocyte transmigration. Upregulation of endothelial CD73 may therefore be protective in a number of cardiovascular pathologies. Such effect has been confirmed for some common drugs such as statins and it could be part of its pleiotropic portfolio. Activation of CD73 could be a new target for specific treatment strategy that in particular will enhance endothelial protection.

Perspectives for angiotensin profiling with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to evaluate ACE/ACE2 balance in endothelial dysfunction and vascular pathologies

Vascular injury, characterized by endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, structural remodeling, thrombosis and calcification leads to cardiovascular diseases. Angiotensin (Ang) II (1-8) - synthesized mainly by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is the best characterized mediator of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This peptide initially identified by its vasoactive properties was found to play a major role in vascular response to insult. However, recent discovery of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) that produces vasoprotective Ang-(1-7) peptide highlighted complexity of the system and suggested that balance between ACE/Ang II and ACE2/Ang-(1-7) is fundamental in maintaining vascular homeostasis and its disorders are associated with cardiovascular pathology. There is therefore a need to develop methods for comprehensive analysis of biologically active Ang peptides and their metabolites of ACE/Ang II and ACE2/Ang-(1-7) axes. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) is an analytical technique that offers potential for specific, simultaneous analysis of Ang peptides. With sensitivity added by application of preconcentration nanochromatography reaching picomolar concentrations, practically all Ang peptides identified so far could be quantified in biological samples. Ang profiling is important not only for understanding their physiological or pathological role but could also serve as an early diagnostic biomarker of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular pathology. It could also be used for monitoring the efficacy of the RAS-targeted therapies. Although, the methodology requires further improvements to adopt it for routine application, Ang peptide profiling with targeted LC/MS analysis might assess functional balance between ACE/Ang II and ACE2/Ang-(1-7) axes, facilitate our understanding of the cardiovascular pathology and enhance biomarker portfolio in cardiovascular diseases.

HDAC4-myogenin axis as an important marker of HD-related skeletal muscle atrophy

Skeletal muscle remodelling and contractile dysfunction occur through both acute and chronic disease processes. These include the accumulation of insoluble aggregates of misfolded amyloid proteins that is a pathological feature of Huntington’s disease (HD). While HD has been described primarily as a neurological disease, HD patients’ exhibit pronounced skeletal muscle atrophy. Given that huntingtin is a ubiquitously expressed protein, skeletal muscle fibres may be at risk of a cell autonomous HD-related dysfunction. However the mechanism leading to skeletal muscle abnormalities in the clinical and pre-clinical HD settings remains unknown. To unravel this mechanism, we employed the R6/2 transgenic and HdhQ150 knock-in mouse models of HD. We found that symptomatic animals developed a progressive impairment of the contractile characteristics of the hind limb muscles tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL), accompanied by a significant loss of motor units in the EDL. In symptomatic animals, these pronounced functional changes were accompanied by an aberrant deregulation of contractile protein transcripts and their up-stream transcriptional regulators. In addition, HD mouse models develop a significant reduction in muscle force, possibly as a result of a deterioration in energy metabolism and decreased oxidation that is accompanied by the re-expression of the HDAC4-DACH2-myogenin axis. These results show that muscle dysfunction is a key pathological feature of HD.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder in which the mutation results in an extra-long tract of glutamines that causes the huntingtin protein to aggregate. It is characterized by neurological symptoms and brain pathology, which is associated with nuclear and cytoplasmic protein aggregates and with transcriptional deregulation. Despite the fact that HD has been recognized principally as a neurological disease, there are multiple studies indicating that peripheral pathologies including cardiac dysfunction and skeletal muscle atrophy, contribute to the overall progression of HD. To unravel the cause of the skeletal muscle dysfunction, we applied a wide range of molecular and physiological methods to the analysis of two well established genetic mouse models of this disease. We found that symptomatic animals developed muscle dysfunction characterised by a change in the contractile characteristics of fast twitch muscles and a decrease in twitch and tetanic force of hindlimb muscles. In addition, there is a significant decrease in the number of motor units innervating the EDL muscle, and this motor unit loss progresses during the course of the disease. These changes were accompanied by the re-expression of contractile transcripts and markers of muscle denervation such as the HDAC4-Dach2-myogenin axis, as well as the apparent deterioration in energy metabolism and decreased oxidation. Therefore, we conclude, that the HD-related skeletal muscle atrophy is accompanied by progressive loss of functional motor units.

AMP-regulated protein kinase activity in the hearts of mice treated with low- or high-fat diet measured using novel LC-MS method

AMP-regulated protein kinase (AMPK) is involved in regulation of energy-generating pathways in response to the metabolic needs in different organs including the heart. The activity of AMPK is mainly controlled by AMP concentration that in turn could be affected by nucleotide metabolic pathways. This study aimed to develop a procedure for measurement of AMPK activity together with nucleotide metabolic enzymes and its application for studies of mice treated with high-fat diet. The method developed was based on analysis of conversion of AMARA peptide to pAMARA by partially purified heart homogenate by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Activities of the enzymes of nucleotide metabolism were evaluated by analysis of conversion of substrates into products by HPLC. The method was applied for analysis of hearts of mice fed 12 weeks with low- (LFD) or high-fat diet (HFD). The optimized method for AMPK activity analysis (measured in presence of AMP) revealed change of activity from 0.089 ± 0.035 pmol/min/mg protein in LFD to 0.024 ± 0.002 in HFD. This coincided with increase of adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity from 0.11 ± 0.02 to 0.19 ± 0.06 nmol/mg tissue/min and decrease of AMP-deaminase (AMPD) activity from 1.26 ± 0.35 to 0.56 ± 0.15 nmol/mg tissue/min for LFD and HFD, respectively. We have proven quality of our LC/MS method for analysis of AMPK activity. We observed decrease in AMPK activity in the heart of mice treated with high-fat diet. However, physiological consequences of this change could be modulated by decrease in AMPD activity.

Effect of 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide ribonucleoside (4PYR)-potential cardiovascular toxin in perfused rat heart

We recently described a new nicotinamide derivative: 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide ribonucleoside (4PYR) and its conversion to intracellular metabolites (4PYR monophosphate: 4PYMP and 4PYR adenylate diphosphate: 4PYRAD). The aim of this study was to clarify the metabolism and physiological effects of brief exposure to 4PYR in perfused rat heart. Rat hearts were perfused in Langendorff mode. After 15 min equilibration, 100 μM 4PYR (or solvent in controls) was infused into coronary circulation for 5 min. Coronary flow was recorded with electromagnetic flow meter and left ventricular mechanical function was assessed with intraventricular baloon by constructing pressure-volume relations. After perfusion hearts were freeze-clamped and analyzed using HPLC for phosphocreatine, creatine, ATP with metabolites as well as 4PYR metabolites. 4PYR infused into the coronary circulation was rapidly converted in the heart into 4PYMP and 4PYRAD with concentrations reaching 85.6±46.9 and 43.9±6.4 nmol/g dry weight, respectively, while control concentrations were below 20 nmol/g. 4PYR had no effect on baseline coronary flow (11.9±2.3 ml/min versus 11.0±2.7 ml/min in control) or stimulated by shear stress (23.2±4.5 ml/min versus 23.1±5.2 ml/min in control). Both systolic and diastolic left ventricular mechanical function were not affected by 4PYR. No difference was noted for heart rate. Myocardial concentrations of ATP or phosphocreatine were also not affected by 4PYR. We conclude that 4PYR has no immediate effect on coronary endothelium or cardiomyocyte functions such as coronary flow, rhythm, diastolic properties, or contractility despite rapid incorporation into intracellular metabolites. This study also indicates the lack of effect on purinergic receptors.

Functional analysis of expression of human ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 and/or ecto-5'-nucleotidase in pig endothelial cells

Adenine nucleosides and nucleotides are important signaling molecules involved in control of key mechanisms of xenotransplant rejection. Extracellular pathway that converts ATP and ADP to AMP, and AMP to adenosine mainly mediated by ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1, (ENTPD1 or CD39) and ecto-5'-nucleotidase (E5NT or CD73) respectively, is considered as important target for xenograft protection. To clarify feasibility of combined expression of human ENTPD1 and E5NT and to study its functional effect we transfected pig endothelial cell line (PIEC) with both genes together. To do this we have produced a dicistronic construct bearing F2A sequence in frame between human E5NT and human ENTPD1 coding sequences. PIEC cells were mock-transfected as transfection control or transfected with plasmids encoding human ENTPD1 or human E5NT. PIEC cells were exposed to 50 μM ATP or 50 μM ADP or 50 μM AMP. Conversion of extracellular substrates into products (ATP/ADP/AMP/adenosine) was measured by HPLC in the media collected at specific time intervals. Following addition of AMP, production of adenosine in the medium of E5NT/ENTPD1- and E5NT- transfected cells increased to 14.2±1.1 and 24.5±3.4 μM respectively while it remained below 1 μM in controls and in ENTPD1-transfected cells. A marked increase of adenosine formation from ADP or ATP was observed only in E5NT/ENTPD1-transfected cells (11.7±0.1 and 5.7±2.2 μM respectively) but not in any other condition studied. This study indicates feasibility and functionality of combined expression of human E5NT and ENTPD1 in pig endothelial cells using F2A sequence bearing construct.

Effect of nitrosative stress on extracellular nucleotide metabolism in endothelial cells

Mechanisms of free radical injury involve chemical modification of proteins, lipid derivatives and nucleic acids and consequent loss of its function. However, specific targets and exact sequence of events has not been fully clarified. We determined whether extracellular enzymes that are involved in adenosine formation such as ecto-5'nucleotidase (e5N) and removal such as extracellular form of adenosine deaminase (eADA) could be affected by peroxynitrite. We used intact cell assay system that involves exposure of cultured HMEC-1 cells to substrates followed by HPLC analysis of conversion of substrates into products. We found that e5N and ADA activities decreased by 20-40% after incubation for 20 or 60 minutes with 30 μM peroxynitrite. Decrease of cellular ATP and NAD was also observed. We conclude that besides other cytotoxic effects modification of extracellular enzymes of nucleotide metabolism could be important target for free radical injury.

Effect of AMP-deaminase 3 knock-out in mice on enzyme activity in heart and other organs

Recent findings suggest that inhibition of AMP-deaminase (AMPD) could be effective therapeutic strategy in heart disease associated with cardiac ischemia. To establish experimental model to study protective mechanisms of AMPD inhibition we developed conditional, cardiac specific knock-outs in Cre recombinase system. AMPD3 floxed mice were crossed with Mer-Cre-Mer mice. Tamoxifen was injected to induce Cre recombinase. After two weeks, hearts, skeletal muscle, liver, kidney, and blood were collected and activities of AMPD and related enzymes were analyzed using HPLC-based procedure. We demonstrate loss of more than 90% of cardiac AMPD activity in the heart of AMPD3-/-mice while other enzymes of nucleotide metabolism such as adenosine deaminase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase were not affected. Surprisingly, activity of AMPD was also reduced in the erythrocytes and in the kidney by 20%-30%. No change of AMPD activity was observed in the skeletal muscle and the liver.

In vitro and cellular effects of 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide riboside on enzymes of nucleotide metabolism

4-Pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) is an endogenously produced nucleoside that has recently been identified as a substrate for intracellular phosphorylation to form nucleotide derivatives. Low level of 4PYR is normally present in human plasma, but 4PYR massively accumulates in patients with renal failure. This study aimed to evaluate effects of 4PYR and its monophosphate derivative (4PYMP) on several enzymes of nucleotide metabolism in homogenates and intact cells. Activities of adenosine monophosphate deaminase (AMPD), adenosine deaminase, ecto-5'-nucleotidase (e5NT), adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT), hypoxanthine/guanine phosphoribosyltransferase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, and S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) were evaluated in erythrocyte lysates, rat heart homogenates, and in the intact rat cardiomyocytes by high performance liquid chromatography-based assays. 4PYMP caused significant inhibition of AMPD in both erythrocyte lysate and heart homogenate with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 74 and 55 μM, respectively. Inhibition of e5NT in heart homogenates was also noted with IC50 of 63 μM. 4PYMP slightly inhibited APRT and 4PYR caused moderate activation of SAHH. No effects on other enzymes studied were noted. Inhibition of AMPD by 4PYMP in homogenates was confirmed in the intact cell experiments with isolated cardiomyocytes that were allowed to accumulate 4PYMP by incubation with 4PYR. We conclude that among pathways studied, most important is the effect of 4PYMP on AMPD and that such effect could be one of the consequences of elevated plasma 4PYR concentration.

Extracellular nucleotide catabolism in aortoiliac bifurcation of atherosclerotic ApoE/LDLr double knock out mice

Atherosclerosis is a consequence of diverse pathologies that could be affected by signaling mediated by nucleotides and their metabolites. Concentration of specific nucleotide derivatives in the proximity of purinergic receptors is controlled by extracellular enzymes such as ecto-nucleoside triphopsphate diphosphohydrolase (eNTPD), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (e5NT), and ecto-adenosine deaminase (eADA). To estimate changes in metabolism of extracellular nucleotides in the atherosclerotic vessel wall, aortoiliac bifurcation of ApoE/LDLr (-/-) mice was perfused with solution containing adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP), adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP) or adenosine. Formation of the product of eNTPD, e5NT or eADA was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The most significant difference between ApoE/LDLr (-/-) and wild-type mice was several times higher rate of conversion of adenosine to inosine catalyzed by eADA activity. This highlights potential decrease in intravascular adenosine concentration in atherosclerosis.

Activity of AMP-regulated protein kinase and AMP-deaminase in the heart of mice fed high-fat diet

AMP-regulated protein kinase (AMPK) is involved in numerous regulatory processes and its role in control of cardiac energy metabolism is particularly important. This activity could be affected by AMP-deaminase (AMPD) since substrate of AMPD is AMPK activator. Hearts of male mouse, fed for six weeks with normal or high-fat diet, were fractionated to enrich AMPK activity. Purified fraction was incubated with AMARA peptide for up to 5 minutes and then conversion of AMARA to pAMARA was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) using mass detector. Activity of AMPK in heart was 0.038±0.012 pmol/min/mg protein for mice fed high-fat diet and that was not different to control (0.032±0.01 pmol/min/mg protein). We observed change in AMPD activity. It was 5.39±1.5 nmol/mg tissue/min in heart of mice fed high-fat diet while in heart of mice fed low-fat diet it was 2.29±0.32 nmol/mg tissue/min. Data we present indicate that while total AMPK activity is not changed decrease in AMPD activity may affect AMPK signaling in diabetic heart.

AMP deaminase 1 gene polymorphism and heart disease-a genetic association that highlights new treatment

Nucleotide metabolism and signalling is directly linked to myocardial function. Therefore analysis how diversity of genes coding nucleotide metabolism related proteins affects clinical progress of heart disease could provide valuable information for development of new treatments. Several studies identified that polymorphism of AMP deaminase 1 gene (AMPD1), in particular the common C34T variant of this gene was found to benefit patients with heart failure and ischemic heart disease. However, these findings were inconsistent in subsequent studies. This prompted our detailed analysis of heart transplant recipients that revealed diverse effect: improved early postoperative cardiac function associated with C34T mutation in donors, but worse 1-year survival. Our other studies on the metabolic impact of AMPD1 C34T mutation revealed decrease in AMPD activity, increased production of adenosine and de-inhibition of AMP regulated protein kinase. Thus, genetic, clinical and biochemical studies revealed that while long term attenuation of AMPD activity could be deleterious, transient inhibition of AMPD activity before acute cardiac injury is protective. We suggest therefore that pharmacological inhibition of AMP deaminase before transient ischemic event such as during ischemic heart disease or cardiac surgery could provide therapeutic benefit.

Down-regulation of Zac1 gene expression in rat white adipose tissue by androgens

ZAC1 is a zinc-finger protein transcription factor, a transcriptional cofactor for nuclear receptors, and a co-activator of nuclear receptors, which interacts with multiple signaling pathways affecting apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and metabolism. Some data suggest that ZAC1 regulates the expression of genes associated with function of adipose tissue. Since there is no information about the levels of Zac1 gene expression in white adipose tissue (WAT), and the expression of several genes associated with metabolic function of WAT is significantly lower in male than female animals, we have examined: (a) the relative ZAC1 mRNA levels in some organs/tissues, including three main depots of WAT, in 3-month-old male rats; (b) the relative ZAC1 mRNA levels in WAT of male and female rats; (c) the effect of orchidectomy and orchidectomy with concomitant testosterone treatment on ZAC1 mRNA and protein levels; (d) the effect of ovariectomy and ovariectomy with concomitant 17β-estradiol treatment on ZAC1 mRNA levels; (e) the effect of dihydrotestosterone on ZAC1 mRNA levels in isolated adipocytes. Our results indicate that: (a) ZAC1 mRNA levels are relatively high in WAT in comparison with other organs/tissues; (b) ZAC1 mRNA levels in subcutaneous WAT are approximately 2-fold lower than in epididymal and retroperitoneal adipose tissue; (c) ZAC1 mRNA levels in WAT of adult female rats are approximately 2-fold higher than in male rats; (d) testosterone is inversely related to ZAC1 mRNA and protein levels in WAT of male rats; and (e) dihydrotestosterone decreases the ZAC1 mRNA levels in adipocytes in dose dependent manner. In conclusion, Zac1 gene is highly expressed in white adipose tissue of adult rats. Androgens could play an important role in down-regulation of the ZAC1 mRNA and protein levels in rats.

Hypoxic regulation of hand1 controls the fetal-neonatal switch in cardiac metabolism

This study reveals a novel pathway that responds to hypoxia and modulates energy metabolism by cardiomyocytes in the mouse heart, thereby determining oxygen consumption.

Cardiomyocytes are vulnerable to hypoxia in the adult, but adapted to hypoxia in utero. Current understanding of endogenous cardiac oxygen sensing pathways is limited. Myocardial oxygen consumption is determined by regulation of energy metabolism, which shifts from glycolysis to lipid oxidation soon after birth, and is reversed in failing adult hearts, accompanying re-expression of several “fetal” genes whose role in disease phenotypes remains unknown. Here we show that hypoxia-controlled expression of the transcription factor Hand1 determines oxygen consumption by inhibition of lipid metabolism in the fetal and adult cardiomyocyte, leading to downregulation of mitochondrial energy generation. Hand1 is under direct transcriptional control by HIF1α. Transgenic mice prolonging cardiac Hand1 expression die immediately following birth, failing to activate the neonatal lipid metabolising gene expression programme. Deletion of Hand1 in embryonic cardiomyocytes results in premature expression of these genes. Using metabolic flux analysis, we show that Hand1 expression controls cardiomyocyte oxygen consumption by direct transcriptional repression of lipid metabolising genes. This leads, in turn, to increased production of lactate from glucose, decreased lipid oxidation, reduced inner mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial ATP generation. We found that this pathway is active in adult cardiomyocytes. Up-regulation of Hand1 is protective in a mouse model of myocardial ischaemia. We propose that Hand1 is part of a novel regulatory pathway linking cardiac oxygen levels with oxygen consumption. Understanding hypoxia adaptation in the fetal heart may allow development of strategies to protect cardiomyocytes vulnerable to ischaemia, for example during cardiac ischaemia or surgery.

Regulation of oxygen usage in cardiomyocytes is of great medical interest, because adult cardiac tissue is extremely vulnerable to hypoxia during myocardial infarction and cardiac surgery. While some progress has been made toward protecting cardiomyocytes from hypoxia in these circumstances, it has been limited by a lack of understanding of endogenous oxygen-sensing pathways. In contrast to adult cardiac tissue, embryonic cardiomyocytes are highly resistant to hypoxia, although the mechanisms underlying this have hitherto been unclear. Using mice we show that the transcription factor Hand1 is expressed at high levels in the fetal heart, under direct control of HIF1α signaling, a pathway well known to respond to hypoxia. We show that Hand1 expression decreases at birth as the neonate is exposed to higher levels of oxygen. By experimentally increasing Hand1 expression in the neonatal heart, we see lower oxygen consumption in cardiomyocytes and this is caused by Hand1 repressing key regulatory genes involved in cardiomyocyte lipid metabolism. This has the effect of decreasing mitochondrial ATP generation via the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Furthermore, we show that increasing Hand1 expression in adult transgenic hearts is protective against myocardial infarction, suggesting that a hypoxia–Hand1 pathway may also be of importance in the adult heart.

Nucleotide metabolic mismatches in mammalian hearts: implications for transplantation

Introduction

Human donor organ shortages have led surgeons and scientists to explore the use of animals as alternative organ sources. Acute thrombovascular rejection (AVR) is the main hurdle in xenotransplantation. Disparities in nucleotide metabolism in the vessels of different species may contribute significantly to the microvascular component of AVR.

Methods

We evaluated the extent of nucleotide metabolism mismatch in selected organs and endothelial cells of different mammals with particular focus on the changes in activity of ecto-5’-nucleotidase (E5’N) elicited by exposure of porcine hearts or endothelial cells to human blood (ex vivo) or human plasma (in vitro).

Results

E5’N activity in the rat heart was significantly higher than in other species. We noted a significant difference (p<0.001) in E5’N activity between human and pig endothelial cell lines. Initial pig aortic endothelial E5’N activity decreased in vitro after a three-hour exposure to human and porcine plasma while remaining constant in controls. Ex vivo perfusion with fresh human blood for four hours resulted in a significant decrease of E5’N activity in both wild type and transgenic pig hearts overexpressing human decay accelerating factor (p<0.001).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that mismatches in basal mammalian metabolic pathways and humoral immunity interact in a xenogeneic environment. Understanding the role of nucleotide metabolism and signalling in xenotransplantation may identify new targets for genetic modifications and may lead to the development of new therapies extending graft survival.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent and -independent pathways regulate hypoxic inhibition of transepithelial Na+ transport across human airway epithelial cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pulmonary transepithelial Na(+) transport is reduced by hypoxia, but in the airway the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the role of AMPK and ROS in the hypoxic regulation of apical amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channels and basolateral Na(+) K(+) ATPase activity.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

H441 human airway epithelial cells were used to examine the effects of hypoxia on Na(+) transport, AMP : ATP ratio and AMPK activity. Lentiviral constructs were used to modify cellular AMPK abundance and activity; pharmacological agents were used to modify cellular ROS.

KEY RESULTS

AMPK was activated by exposure to 3% or 0.2% O(2) for 60 min in cells grown in submerged culture or when fluid (0.1 mL·cm(-2) ) was added to the apical surface of cells grown at the air-liquid interface. Only 0.2% O(2) activated AMPK in cells grown at the air-liquid interface. AMPK activation was associated with elevation of cellular AMP:ATP ratio and activity of the upstream kinase LKB1. Hypoxia inhibited basolateral ouabain-sensitive I(sc) (I(ouabain) ) and apical amiloride-sensitive Na(+) conductance (G(Na+) ). Modification of AMPK activity prevented the effect of hypoxia on I(ouabain) (Na(+) K(+) ATPase) but not apical G(Na+) . Scavenging of superoxide and inhibition of NADPH oxidase prevented the effect of hypoxia on apical G(Na+) (epithelial Na(+) channels).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Hypoxia activates AMPK-dependent and -independent pathways in airway epithelial cells. Importantly, these pathways differentially regulate apical Na(+) channels and basolateral Na(+) K(+) ATPase activity to decrease transepithelial Na(+) transport. Luminal fluid potentiated the effect of hypoxia and activated AMPK, which could have important consequences in lung disease conditions.

Cellular toxicity of nicotinamide metabolites

There are almost 100 different substances called uremic toxins. Nicotinamide derivatives are known as new family of uremic toxins. These uremic compounds play a role in an increased oxidative stress and disturbances in cellular repair processes by inhibiting poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase activity. New members of this family were discovered and described. Their toxic properties were a subject of recent studies. This study evaluated the concentration of 4-pyridone-3-carboxamid-1-β-ribonucleoside-triphosphate (4PYTP) and 4-pyridone-3-carboxamid-1-β-ribonucleoside-monophosphate (4PYMP) in erythrocytes of patients with chronic renal failure. Serum and red blood cells were collected from chronic renal failure patients on conservative treatment, those treated with hemodialysis, and at different times from those who underwent kidney transplantation. Healthy volunteers served as a control group. Nicotinamide metabolites were determined using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry based on originally discovered and described method. Three novel compounds were described: 4-pyridone-3-carboxamid-1-β-ribonucleoside (4PYR), 4PYMP, and 4PYTP. 4PYR concentration was elevated in the serum, whereas 4PYMP and 4PYTP concentrations were augmented in erythrocytes of dialysis patients. Interestingly, concentrations of these compounds were less elevated during the treatment with erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs). After successful kidney transplantation, concentrations of 4PYR and 4PYMP normalized according to the graft function, whereas that of 4PYTP was still elevated. During the incubation of erythrocytes in the presence of 4PYR, concentration of 4PYMP rose very rapidly while that of 4PYTP increased slowly. Therefore, we hypothesized that 4PYR, as a toxic compound, was actively absorbed by erythrocytes and metabolized to the 4PYMP and 4PYTP, which may interfere with function and life span of these cells.

Impact of γ-irradiation on extracellular matrix of porcine pulmonary valves

BACKGROUND

The extracellular matrix plays an important role in heart valve function. To improve the processing of porcine pulmonary valves for clinical use, we have studied the influence of cryopreservation, decellularization, and irradiation on extracellular matrix components.

METHODS

Decellularization was carried out followed by DNAseI/RNAseA digestion and isotonic washout. Valves were cryopreserved in 10% DMSO/10% fetal bovine serum, and then subjected to 25-40 kGy γ-radiation. Extracellular matrix constituents were evaluated by histologic staining, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Histologic, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and biochemical analyses demonstrated a marked reduction in the expression of extracellular matrix components particularly in the valves that had been γ-irradiated following decellularization and cryopreservation. In this group, histology and immunohistochemistry showed an obvious reduction in staining for chondroitin sulphates, versican, hyaluronan, and collagens. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the smallest fibril diameter of collagen, shortest D-period, and loss of compactness of collagen fiber packaging and fragmentation of elastic fibers. Biochemical analysis showed loss of collagen and elastin crosslinks. Decellularization followed by cryopreservation showed some reduction in staining for collagens and versican, smaller diameter, shorter D-period in collagen fibers, and ridges in elastic fibers. Cryopreservation alone showed minimal changes in ECM staining intensity, collagen, and elastin ultrastructure and biochemistry.

CONCLUSION

γ-Irradiated valves that have been decellularized and cryopreserved produces significant changes in the expression of ECM components, thus providing useful information for improving valve preparation for clinical use and also some indication as to why irradiated human heart valves were not clinically successful.

Adult human heart slices are a multicellular system suitable for electrophysiological and pharmacological studies

Electrophysiological and pharmacological data from the human heart are limited due to the absence of simple but representative experimental model systems of human myocardium. The aim of this study was to establish and characterise adult human myocardial slices from small patients' heart biopsies as a simple, reproducible and relevant preparation suitable for the study of human cardiac tissue at the multicellular level. Vibratome-cut myocardial slices were prepared from left ventricular biopsies obtained from end-stage heart failure patients undergoing heart transplant or ventricular assist device implantation, and from hearts of normal dogs. Multiple slices were prepared from each biopsy. Regular contractility was observed at a range of stimulation frequencies (0.1-2 Hz), and stable electrical activity, monitored using multi-electrode arrays (MEA), was maintained for at least 8 h from slice preparation. ATP/ADP and phosphocreatine/creatine ratios were comparable to intact organ values, and morphology and gap junction distribution were representative of native myocardium. MEA recordings showed that field potential duration (FPD) and conduction velocity (CV) in human and dog slices were similar to the values previously reported for papillary muscles, ventricular wedges and whole hearts. Longitudinal CV was significantly faster than transversal CV, with an anisotropic ratio of 3:1 for human and 2.3:1 for dog slices. Importantly, slices responded to the application of E-4031, chromanol and 4-aminopyridine, three potassium channel blockers known to affect action potential duration, with an increase in FPD. We conclude that viable myocardial slices with preserved structural, biochemical and electrophysiological properties can be prepared from adult human and canine heart biopsies and offer a novel preparation suitable for the study of heart failure and drug screening.

Metabolism of 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) in rodent tissues and in vivo

Our previous studies identified 4-pyridone-3-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside (4PYR) phosphates in human erythrocytes. We demonstrated formation of these nucleotides by phosphorylation of 4PYR and potential toxicity due to disruption of erythrocyte energy balance. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the other cell types to phosphorylate 4PYR to characterize function and toxicity of these compounds. Homogenates of rat heart, kidneys, and liver were used to study the rate of 4PYR phosphorylation in the presence of ATP. In another experiment, 4PYR was administered into mouse as repeated subcutaneous injections and into rats as intraperitoneal infusion. After 7 days, heart, liver, kidney, lungs, and skeletal muscle were collected, and the concentration of 4PYR nucleotides was evaluated. HPLC was used to measure 4PYR and 4PYR nucleotides in homogenate and specimens from in vivo experiments. 4PYR was rapidly phosphorylated by the liver homogenate (390 ± 27 nmol/min/g wet wt). Significant rates were reported in the heart and kidneys' homogenates: 34.3 ± 4.3 nmol/min/g and 33.2 ± 9.2 nmol/min/g, respectively. Phosphorylation of 4PYR was almost completely inhibited by adenosine kinase inhibitor 5'-iodotubercidin. Administration of 4PYR in vivo resulted in accumulation of 4PYR monophosphate in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and lung (20-220 nmol/g dry wt) except kidney (<1 nmol/g). In contrast to erythrocytes, no 4PYR triphosphate formation (<1 nmol/g) was observed in any of the organs studied. We conclude that not only the erythrocytes but also other cell types are capable of phosphorylating 4PYR to form 4PYR monophosphate. Potential toxicity or physiological role of 4PYR in peripheral organs could be considered, but mechanisms will be different from that in erythrocytes.

Erythrocyte-dependent regulation of human skeletal muscle blood flow: role of varied oxyhemoglobin and exercise on nitrite, S-nitrosohemoglobin, and ATP

The erythrocyte is proposed to play a key role in the control of local tissue perfusion via three O(2)-dependent signaling mechanisms: 1) reduction of circulating nitrite to vasoactive NO, 2) S-nitrosohemoglobin (SNO-Hb)-dependent vasodilatation, and 3) release of the vasodilator and sympatholytic ATP; however, their relative roles in vivo remain unclear. Here we evaluated each mechanism to gain insight into their roles in the regulation of human skeletal muscle blood flow during hypoxia and hyperoxia at rest and during exercise. Arterial and femoral venous hemoglobin O(2) saturation (O(2)Hb), plasma and erythrocyte NO and ATP metabolites, and leg and systemic hemodynamics were measured in 10 healthy males exposed to graded hypoxia, normoxia, and graded hyperoxia both at rest and during submaximal one-legged knee-extensor exercise. At rest, leg blood flow and NO and ATP metabolites in plasma and erythrocytes remained unchanged despite large alterations in O(2)Hb. During exercise, however, leg and systemic perfusion and vascular conductance increased in direct proportion to decreases in arterial and venous O(2)Hb (r(2) = 0.86-0.98; P = 0.01), decreases in venous plasma nitrite (r(2) = 0.93; P < 0.01), increases in venous erythrocyte nitroso species (r(2) = 0.74; P < 0.05), and to a lesser extent increases in erythrocyte SNO (r(2) = 0.59; P = 0.07). No relationship was observed with plasma ATP (r(2) = 0.01; P = 0.99) or its degradation compounds. These in vivo data indicate that, during low-intensity exercise and hypoxic stress, but not hypoxic stress alone, plasma nitrite consumption and formation of erythrocyte nitroso species are associated with limb vasodilatation and increased blood flow in the human skeletal muscle vasculature.

Protection of mouse heart against hypoxic damage by AMP deaminase inhibition

Clinical observation in patients with heart disease indicates that reduced activity of AMP deaminase could be protective in heart failure and ischemic heart disease. This study evaluated the effect of 3-[2-(3-carboxy-4-bromo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthyl)ethyl]-3,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo [4,5-d][1,3]diazepin-8-ol, an AMP deaminase inhibitor (AMPDI) in the mouse heart subjected to hypoxia. ApoE/LDLR knock-out mice were subjected to reduced oxygen tension in breathing air. AMPDI was infused before hypoxia in the treated group. We observed amelioration of elcetrocardiographic changes during hypoxia in the treated group that are consistent with a protective effect.