Mechanism of cyclooxygenase-2 upregulation in late preconditioning

Janus kinase 3 inhibitor WHI-P154 in macrophages activated by bacterial endotoxin: differential effects on the expression of iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-alpha

Bacterial endotoxin is a potent inducer of inflammatory response, including the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nitric oxide (NO) production, and the expression of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in inflammatory cells. In the present study, we investigated the effects of pharmacological inhibition of Janus kinase (JAK) 3 on the production of these proinflammatory molecules in macrophages exposed to bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS). JAK3 inhibitors WHI-P154 (4-(3'-bromo-4'-hydroxylphenyl)-amino-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline) and its derivative WHI-P131 inhibited LPS-induced iNOS expression and NO production in a dose-dependent manner. WHI-P154 inhibited the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 and the expression of iNOS mRNA but it had no effect on iNOS mRNA decay when determined by actinomycin D assay. The JAK3 inhibitor had no effect on COX-2 expression, and TNF-alpha production was slightly inhibited only at higher drug concentrations (30 microM). In addition, WHI-P154 inhibited iNOS expression and NO production also in human epithelial cells. Our results suggest that JAK3 inhibition modulates human and murine iNOS expression and NO production in response to inflammatory stimuli.

Cyclooxygenase-2 mediates the delayed cardioprotection induced by hydrogen sulfide preconditioning in isolated rat cardiomyocytes

We previously reported that hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) preconditioning (SP) produces cardioprotection in isolated rat cardiomyocytes. The present study was designed to determine the involvement of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the SP-induced delayed cardioprotection. Isolated cardiac myocytes were treated with NaHS (100 microM, a H(2)S donor) for 30 min and then cultured for 20 h followed by ischemia/reperfusion insults. SP significantly increased cell viability, percentage of rod-shaped cells, and myocyte contractility after 10 min of reperfusion. Given 30 min before and during lethal ischemia, two selective COX-2 inhibitors, NS-398 and celebrex, abrogated SP-induced cardioprotective effects. Moreover, SP upregulated the expression of COX-2 and increased PGE(2) production in the cardiac myocytes. These effects were significantly attenuated by glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (K(ATP)) blocker, and chelerythrine, a selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, suggesting that activation of both K(ATP) and PKC is required for the stimulation of COX-2. Additionally, NG-nitro-L: -arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, failed to regulate COX-2 protein expression but inhibited SP-enhanced COX-2 activity and PGE(2) production. In conclusion, we provided the first evidence that SP may produce delayed cardioprotection via K(ATP)/PKC dependent induction of COX-2 expression and via nitric oxide-induced COX-2 activation.

The cardioprotection of the late phase of ischemic preconditioning is enhanced by postconditioning via a COX-2-mediated mechanism in conscious rats

The present study sought to determine whether the combination of late preconditioning (PC) with postconditioning enhances the reduction in infarct size. Chronically instrumented rats were assigned to a 45-min (subset 1) or 60-min (subset 2) coronary occlusion followed by 24 h of reperfusion. In each subset, rats received no further intervention (control) or were preconditioned 24 h before occlusion (PC), postconditioned at the onset of reperfusion following occlusion, or preconditioned and postconditioned without (PC + postconditioning) or with the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (3 mg/kg ip; PC + postconditioning + celecoxib) 10 min before postconditioning. Myocardial cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression and COX-2 activity (assessed as myocardial levels of PGE(2)) were measured 6 min after reperfusion in an additional five groups (control, PC, postconditioning, PC + postconditioning, and PC + postconditioning + celecoxib) subjected to a 45-min occlusion. PC alone reduced infarct size after a 45-min occlusion but not after a 60-min occlusion. Postconditioning alone did not reduce infarct size in either setting. However, the combination of late PC and postconditioning resulted in a robust infarct-sparing effect in both settings, suggesting additive cardioprotection. Celecoxib completely abrogated the infarct-sparing effect of the combined interventions in both settings. Late PC increased COX-2 protein expression and PGE(2) content. PGE(2) content (but not COX-2 protein) was further increased by the combination of both interventions, suggesting that postconditioning increases the activity of COX-2 induced by late PC. In conclusion, the combination of late PC and postconditioning produces additive protection, likely due to a postconditioning-induced enhancement of COX-2 activity.

Pleiotropy and Redundancy of STAT Proteins in Early Pregnancy

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are a group of proteins involved in signal transduction from numerous bioactive substances. Hormones and cytokines such as leukaemia inhibitory factor, interferon-tau and prolactin, which play key roles during early pregnancy, activate the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT signalling pathway. The STATs are thus involved in the regulation of implantation, establishing uterine receptivity and regulation of the maternal immune response. It seems that STATs can orchestrate signals from hormones and cytokines in different cell types and may therefore generate numerous biological effects, despite the relatively small number of receptors activating the JAK/STAT pathway. This review summarizes the participation of STATs in the main processes of early pregnancy, especially regarding their pleiotropy and redundancy.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase plays an obligatory role in the late phase of ischemic preconditioning by activating the protein kinase C epsilon p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase pSer-signal transducers and activators of transcription1/3 pathway

BACKGROUND

The role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in ischemic preconditioning (PC) and cardioprotection is poorly understood. We addressed this issue using a genetic, rather than pharmacological, approach.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the nonpreconditioned state, eNOS-/- mice exhibited infarct sizes similar to those of wild-type mice. A sequence of six 4-minute coronary occlusion/4-minute reperfusion cycles (ischemic PC) induced late PC in wild-type mice; genetic deletion of eNOS abrogated the cardioprotection induced by late PC. In wild-type mice, ischemic PC induced membranous translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) epsilon and an increase in pSer-MEK-1/2 and pTyr-p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear pSer-signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)1 and pSer-STAT3, and nuclear STAT1/3 DNA binding activity, followed by upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 protein and activity 24 hours later. All of these changes were abrogated in eNOS-/- mice. The NO donor diethylenetriamine/NO recapitulated the effects of ischemic PC.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to previous reports, we found that basal eNOS activity does not modulate infarct size in the nonpreconditioned state. However, eNOS is obligatorily required for the development of the cardioprotective effects of late PC and acts as the trigger of this process by activating the PKC epsilon-MEK-1/2-p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, leading to Ser-727 phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 and consequent upregulation of STAT-dependent genes such as cyclooxygenase-2. The effects of eNOS-derived NO are reproduced by exogenous NO (NO donors), implying that nitrates can upregulate cardiac cyclooxygenase-2.

Theaflavin ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats through its anti-inflammatory effect and modulation of STAT-1

Theaflavin, a major constituent of black tea, possesses biological functions such as the antioxidative, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory ones. The purpose of this study was to verify whether theaflavin reduces focal cerebral ischemia injury in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and subjected to 2 hours of MCAO followed 24 hours reperfusion. Theaflavin administration (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, IV) ameliorated infarct and edema volume. Theaflavin inhibited leukocyte infiltration and expression of ICAM-1, COX-2, and iNOS in injured brain. Phosphorylation of STAT-1, a protein which mediates intracellular signaling to the nucleus, was enhanced 2-fold over that of sham group and was inhibited by theaflavin. Our study demonstrated that theaflavin significantly protected neurons from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by limiting leukocyte infiltration and expression of ICAM-1, and suppressing upregulation of inflammatory-related prooxidative enzymes (iNOS and COX-2) in ischemic brain via, at least in part, reducing the phosphorylation of STAT-1.

Role of the JAK-STAT pathway in myocardial injury

Cardiovascular pathologies are an enormous burden in human health and despite the vast amount of research; the molecular mechanisms and pathways that control the underlying pathologies are still not fully appreciated. The Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway has recently been shown to be an integral part of the response of the myocardium to various cardiac insults, including myocardial infarction, oxidative damage, myocarditis, hypertrophy and remodeling, in addition to having a prominent role in cardioprotective therapies such as ischaemic preconditioning. Here, recent advances in the understanding of how the JAK-STAT pathway orchestrates the response to cellular damage in the myocardium are discussed, along with the potential benefits and challenges in manipulating this pathway in cardiovascular therapy.

Cardioprotective effect by tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 through late preconditioning in unstable angina patients

BACKGROUND

It has recently been demonstrated that upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines plays an important role in induction of the late preconditioning in rodent models. The aim of this study was to determine if there was a late preconditioning effect caused by higher proinflammatory cytokines in unstable angina patients.

METHODS

TNFalpha and IL-6 levels in plasma before surgery were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Biopsies of right atrial tissue were obtained from patients with unstable and stable coronary artery disease in conjunction with coronary artery bypass surgery. The two main transcription factors involved in the late preconditioning nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were investigated by electromobility shift assay. The effector proteins in late preconditioning including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were evaluated by immunoblotting as candidates for possible endogenous cardioprotective agents. Cardioprotective effects were assessed by creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) and cTnT leakage postoperatively.

RESULTS

We found parallel relationships between plasma cytokine levels, activated extent of transcription factors, expression quantities of effector proteins, and cardioprotective effects assessed by CK-MB and cTnT.

CONCLUSIONS

Upregulation of the proinflammatory cytokines in plasma by unstable angina induces late preconditioning effects and shifts the myocardium to a preconditioned phenotype upon exposure to impending stress.

Interleukin-6 and STAT3 protect the liver from hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury during ischemic preconditioning

BACKGROUND

Ischemic preconditioning has been shown to protect the liver from ischemia/reperfusion injury. We hypothesized that IL-6 directly modulates the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning.

METHODS

Three weeks after undergoing splenic transposition, wild-type C57BL/6 and IL-6 null mice underwent 75 minutes of total hepatic ischemia with or without prior ischemic preconditioning (10 minutes of ischemia followed by 15 minutes of reperfusion). After reperfusion, serum ALT, serum IL-6, hepatic IL-6 mRNA, hepatic pSTAT3, and liver histology were evaluated.

RESULTS

In wild-type mice, survival at 24 hours was greater in the preconditioned group compared with the non-preconditioned group (75% vs 40%, P<.05). In IL-6 null mice, however, ischemic preconditioning did not improve survival when compared with the non-preconditioned group. Preconditioning significantly reduced hepatocellular injury in wild-type mice (P<.05) when compared with IL-6 null animals. This protection was associated with significant increases in serum IL-6, hepatic IL-6 mRNA, and hepatic pSTAT3 levels (P<.05). The protective effects of ischemic preconditioning that correlated with significant increases in systemic IL-6, hepatic IL-6 mRNA abundance, and pSTAT3 levels, were not observed in IL-6 null mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective effects of ischemic preconditioning during total hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury are dependent on IL-6 signaling and are associated with increased phosphorylation of hepatic STAT3.

Preconditioning: a paradigm shift in the biology of myocardial ischemia

The discovery of preconditioning (PC) has arguably been the single most important development in the field of ischemic biology in the past 20 years. The significance of this phenomenon transcends cardiovascular medicine, since it is ubiquitously observed in virtually every tissue of the body. This article reviews the pathophysiology and molecular basis of myocardial PC, with particular emphasis on the late phase of this cardioprotective adaptation. The article also discusses the exploitation of late PC for the development of novel gene therapy strategies aimed at inducing a permanently preconditioned cardiac phenotype (prophylactic cardioprotection). Besides its conceptual interest, deciphering the mechanism of late PC has considerable therapeutic reverberations, since transfer of the genes that underlie late PC would be expected to emulate the salubrious effects of this response of the heart to stress.

Circulating interleukin-6 induces fever through a STAT3-linked activation of COX-2 in the brain

Interleukin (IL)-6 is an important humoral mediator of fever following infection and inflammation and satisfies a number of criteria for a circulating pyrogen. However, evidence supporting such a role is diminished by the moderate or even absent ability of the recombinant protein to induce fever and activate the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway in the brain, a prerequisite step in the initiation and maintenance of fever. In the present study, we investigated the role of endogenous circulating IL-6 in a rodent model of localized inflammation, by neutralizing its action using a specific antiserum (IL-6AS). Rats were injected with LPS (100 microg/kg) or saline into a preformed air pouch in combination with an intraperitoneal injection of either normal sheep serum or IL-6AS (1.8 ml/rat). LPS induced a febrile response, which was accompanied by a significant rise in plasma IL-6 and nuclear STAT3 translocation in endothelial cells throughout the brain 2 h after treatment, including areas surrounding the sensory circumventricular organs and the median preoptic area (MnPO), important regions in mediating fever. These responses were abolished in the presence of the IL-6AS, which also significantly inhibited the LPS-induced upregulation of mRNA expression or immunoreactivity (IR) of the inducible form of COX, the rate-limiting enzyme for PGE2-synthesis. Interestingly, nuclear signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3-positive cells colocalized with COX-2-IR, signifying that IL-6-activated cells are directly involved in PGE2 production. These observations suggest that IL-6 is an important circulating pyrogen that activates the COX-2-pathway in cerebral microvasculature, most likely through a STAT3-dependent pathway.

Atorvastatin-induced cardioprotection is mediated by increasing inducible nitric oxide synthase and consequent S-nitrosylation of cyclooxygenase-2

We determined the effects of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1; SC-560), COX-2 (SC-58125), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS; 1400W) inhibitors on atorvastatin (ATV)-induced myocardial protection and whether iNOS mediates the ATV-induced increases in COX-2. Sprague-Dawley rats received 10 mg ATV·kg−1·day−1 added to drinking water or water alone for 3 days and received intravenous SC-58125, SC-560, 1400W, or vehicle alone. Anesthesia was induced with ketamine and xylazine and maintained with isoflurane. Fifteen minutes after intravenous injection rats underwent 30-min myocardial ischemia followed by 4-h reperfusion [infarct size (IS) protocol], or the hearts were explanted for biochemical analysis and immunoblotting. Left ventricular weight and area at risk (AR) were comparable among groups. ATV reduced IS to 12.7% (SD 3.1) of AR, a reduction of 64% vs. 35.1% (SD 7.6) in the sham-treated group ( P < 0.001). SC-58125 and 1400W attenuated the protective effect without affecting IS in the non-ATV-treated rats. ATV increased calcium-independent NOS (iNOS) [11.9 (SD 0.8) vs. 3.9 (SD 0.1) × 1,000 counts/min; P < 0.001] and COX-2 [46.7 (SD 1.1) vs. 6.5 (SD 1.4) pg/ml of 6-keto-PGF1α; P < 0.001] activity. Both SC-58125 and 1400W attenuated this increase. SC-58125 did not affect iNOS activity, whereas 1400W blocked iNOS activity. COX-2 was S-nitrosylated in ATV-treated but not sham-treated rats or rats pretreated with 1400W. COX-2 immunoprecipitated with iNOS but not with endothelial nitric oxide synthase. We conclude that ATV reduced IS by increasing the activity of iNOS and COX-2, iNOS is upstream to COX-2, and iNOS activates COX-2 by S-nitrosylation. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that preconditioning effects are mediated via PG.

Estrogen up-regulates inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, and cyclooxygenase-2 in splenocytes activated with T cell stimulants: role of interferon-gamma

Estrogen is implicated in many autoimmune diseases and is a robust immunomodulator. For example, it regulates interferon (IFN)-gamma, a cytokine believed to up-regulate inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). A notable gap in the literature is a lack of information on the regulation of nitric oxide in immune tissues by estrogen. We now show that activation of splenocytes with T cell stimulants [concanavalin-A (Con-A) or anti-CD3 antibodies] results in copious release of nitric oxide in splenocyte cultures from estrogen-treated but not placebo-treated mice. Moreover, even a low dose of T cell stimulants induced nitric oxide in splenocytes from estrogen-treated, but not placebo-treated, mice. Con-A-activated splenocytes from estrogen-treated mice also have up-regulated iNOS mRNA, iNOS protein, and cyclooxygenase-2 (a nitric oxide-regulated downstream proinflammatory protein) when compared with controls. Our studies suggest that the induction of nitric oxide by activated splenocytes from estrogen-treated mice is mediated in part by IFNgamma. First, blocking costimulatory signals mediated through interactions of CD28 and B7 molecules by CTLA-4Ig markedly decreased not only IFNgamma but also nitric oxide. Second, estrogen treatment of IFNgamma-knockout (IFNgamma(-)/(-)) mice did not induce iNOS protein or nitric oxide. Finally, in vitro addition of recombinant IFNgamma to Con-A-activated splenocytes from IFNgamma((-)/(-)) mice induced iNOS protein primarily in estrogen-treated mice. Overall, this is the first report to show that estrogen treatment up-regulates IFNgamma-inducible-iNOS gene expression, iNOS protein, nitric oxide, and cyclooxygenase-2 as an indirect consequence of activation of T cells. These findings may have wide implications to immunity and inflammatory disorders including female-predominant autoimmune diseases.

Cyclooxygenase-2 mediates the development of cortical spreading depression-induced tolerance to transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats

We examined the role of cyclooxygenase-2 in the development of ischemic tolerance induced by cortical spreading depression against transient, focal brain ischemia. Cortical spreading depression was continuously induced for 2 h with topical KCl (13+/-1 depolarizations/2 h) in male Wistar rats. At 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days following recovery, the middle cerebral artery was transiently occluded for 120 min. Four days later, the animals were killed and infarct volume was determined. Additionally, cyclooxygenase-2 levels in the cerebral cortex and 15 deoxy-Delta(12, 14) PGJ2 levels in cerebrospinal fluid were determined at these times with Western blotting and immunoassay, respectively. Infarct volume was reduced compared with non-cortical spreading depression control animals (274.3+/-15.3 mm3) when cortical spreading depression was performed 3 and 4 days before middle cerebral artery occlusion (163.9+/-14.2 mm3, 154.9+/-14.2 mm3) but not at 1, 2 and 5 days (280.4+/-17.3 mm3, 276.3+/-16.9 mm3 and 268.5+/-17.3 mm3). Cyclooxygenase-2 levels increased most dramatically starting at 2 days, peaked at 3 days, and started to return toward baseline at 4 days after cortical spreading depression. 15 Deoxy-Delta(12, 14) PGJ2 levels increased from 134.7+/-83 pg/ml at baseline to 718+/-98 pg/ml at 3 days. Administration of N-[2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl] methanesulphonamide (10 mg/kg, i.v.), a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, at 1 h prior to middle cerebral artery occlusion in cortical spreading depression preconditioned animals did not affect infarct volume (162.6+/-62.1 mm3). However, administration of N-[2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl] methanesulphonamide given three times prior to middle cerebral artery occlusion prevented the reduced infarct volume induced by cortical spreading depression preconditioning (272.9+/-63.2 mm3). Administration of L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (4 mg/kg, i.v.) prior to cortical spreading depression blocked increases in cyclooxygenase-2 normally seen at 3 and 4 days. We conclude that NO-mediated cyclooxygenase-2 upregulation by cortical spreading depression protects the brain against ischemic damage.

Theaflavin Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats Through Its Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Modulation of STAT-1

Theaflavin, a major constituent of black tea, possesses biological functions such as the antioxidative, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory ones. The purpose of this study was to verify whether theaflavin reduces focal cerebral ischemia injury in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and subjected to 2 hours of MCAO followed 24 hours reperfusion. Theaflavin administration (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, IV) ameliorated infarct and edema volume. Theaflavin inhibited leukocyte infiltration and expression of ICAM-1, COX-2, and iNOS in injured brain. Phosphorylation of STAT-1, a protein which mediates intracellular signaling to the nucleus, was enhanced 2-fold over that of sham group and was inhibited by theaflavin. Our study demonstrated that theaflavin significantly protected neurons from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by limiting leukocyte infiltration and expression of ICAM-1, and suppressing upregulation of inflammatory-related prooxidative enzymes (iNOS and COX-2) in ischemic brain via, at least in part, reducing the phosphorylation of STAT-1.

COX-2 mediates morphine-induced delayed cardioprotection via an iNOS-dependent mechanism

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) have been shown to be mediators of cardioprotection induced by ischemic preconditioning and opioids. However, it is not known whether COX-2 is involved in morphine-induced cardioprotection accompanied with iNOS. Therefore, we investigated the role of COX-2 in morphine-induced cardioprotection and the effect of iNOS on COX-2. Myocardial ischemia was induced by a 45-min coronary artery occlusion in mice. Infarct size (IS) as a percentage of the area at risk (AAR) was determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The COX-2-selective inhibitor NS-398 was used to investigate the role of COX-2. Expression of COX-2 was assessed by Western blotting, and the myocardial prostaglandin (PG)E2 and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) contents were measured using enzyme immunoassays. The iNOS-selective inhibitor SMT and iNOS gene-knockout mice were used to investigate the effect of iNOS on COX-2. IS/AAR was reduced significantly 1 and 24 h after morphine preconditioning. The infarct-sparing effect 24 h after morphine administration, but not the cardioprotection 1 h later, was completely abolished by NS-398. Marked enhancement of myocardial COX-2 expression was measured 24 h after morphine preconditioning associated with up-regulation of myocardial contents of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha). Neither the level of COX-2 nor the contents of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) were enhanced 1 h later. Administration of SMT and targeted abrogation of iNOS gene blocked the enhancement of myocardial PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) 24 h after morphine administration but did not inhibit the up-regulation of COX-2 expression. We concluded that COX-2 mediates morphine-induced delayed cardioprotection via an iNOS-dependent pathway.

Role of the protein kinase C-epsilon-Raf-1-MEK-1/2-p44/42 MAPK signaling cascade in the activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 and 3 and induction of cyclooxygenase-2 after ischemic preconditioning

BACKGROUND

Although Janus kinase (JAK)-mediated Tyr phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 1 and 3 is essential for the upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the cardioprotection of late preconditioning (PC), the role of Ser phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 in late PC and the upstream signaling mechanisms responsible for mediating Ser phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 remain unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In mice preconditioned with six 4-minute coronary occlusion/4-minute reperfusion cycles, we found that (1) ischemic PC activates the Raf1-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) 1/2-p44/42 MAPK signaling pathway, induces phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 on the Ser-727 residue, and upregulates COX-2 expression; (2) pSer-STAT1 and pSer-STAT3 form complexes with pTyr-p44/42 MAPKs in preconditioned myocardium, supporting the concept that Ser phosphorylation of these 2 factors is mediated by activated p44/42 MAPKs; and (3) activation of the Raf-1-MEK-1/2-p44/42 MAPK-pSer-STAT1/3 pathway and induction of COX-2 during ischemic PC are dependent on protein kinase C (PKC)-epsilon activity, as determined by both pharmacological and genetic inhibition of PKCepsilon.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that ischemic PC causes Ser phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 and that this event is governed by PKCepsilon via a PKCepsilon-Raf1-MEK1/2-p44/42 MAPK pathway. Furthermore, this is the first report that COX-2 expression in the heart is controlled by PKCepsilon. Together with our previous findings, the present study implies that STAT-dependent transcription of the genes responsible for ischemic PC is modulated by a dual signaling mechanism that involves both JAK1/2 (Tyr phosphorylation) and PKCepsilon (Ser phosphorylation).

Gene therapy with iNOS provides long-term protection against myocardial infarction without adverse functional consequences

Previous studies have shown that gene therapy with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protects against myocardial infarction at 3 days after gene transfer. However, the long-term effects of iNOS gene therapy on myocardial ischemic injury and cardiac function are unknown. To address this issue, we used a recombinant adenovirus 5 (Ad5) vector (Av3) with deletions of the E1, E2a, and E3 regions, which enables long-lasting recombinant gene expression for at least 2 mo due to lack of inflammation. Mice received intramyocardial injections in the left ventricular (LV) anterior wall of Av3/LacZ (LacZ group) or Av3/iNOS (iNOS group); 1 or 2 mo later, they were subjected to myocardial infarction (30-min coronary occlusion followed by 4 h of reperfusion). Cardiac iNOS gene expression was confirmed by immunoblotting and activity assays at 1 and 2 mo after gene transfer. In the iNOS group, infarct size (percentage of risk region) was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) both at 1 mo (24.2 +/- 3.4%, n = 6, vs. 48.0 +/- 3.6%, n = 8, in the LacZ group) and at 2 mo (23.4 +/- 3.1%, n = 8, vs. 36.6 +/- 2.4%, n = 7). The infarct-sparing effects of iNOS gene therapy were as powerful as those observed 24 h after ischemic preconditioning (23.1 +/- 3.4%, n = 10). iNOS gene transfer had no effect on LV function or dimensions up to 8 wk later (echocardiography). These data demonstrate that iNOS gene therapy mediated by the Av3 vector affords long-term (2 mo) cardioprotection without inflammation or adverse functional consequences, a finding that provides a rationale for further preclinical testing of this therapy.

Cyclooxygenase-1 Mediates the Final Stage of Morphine-Induced Delayed Cardioprotection in Concert With Cyclooxygenase-2

OBJECTIVES

We sought to investigate the time course of morphine-induced delayed cardioprotection and examine the role of cyclooxygenase (COX) in this cardioprotective effect.

BACKGROUND

Cyclooxygenase-2 has been shown to be essential for the delayed cardioprotection induced by ischemic preconditioning and delta-opioid agonists.

METHODS

Male mice were subjected to 45 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Expressions of COX-2 and COX-1 were assessed by Western blotting, and the myocardial prostaglandin (PG)E2 and 6-keto-PGF(1-alpha) contents were measured using enzyme immunoassays.

RESULTS

A powerful infarct-sparing effect appeared 24 and 48 h after morphine preconditioning and faded after 72 h. After 24 h, the anti-infarct effect was associated with enhanced myocardial levels of COX-2, PGE2, and 6-keto-PGF(1-alpha), and no changes in COX-1 protein levels were found. Cardioprotection and increases in PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF(1-alpha) were completely abolished by the COX-2-selective inhibitor NS-398 and the non-selective COX inhibitor indomethacin, whereas the COX-1-selective inhibitor SC-560 had no effect. After 48 h, up-regulation of myocardial PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF(1-alpha) was also observed, and COX-1 expression was enhanced markedly, but only a slight increase in COX-2 expression was apparent. Cardioprotection and the increases in PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF(1-alpha) 48 h after morphine administration were abrogated only by indomethacin, and not by SC-560 or NS-398.

CONCLUSIONS

Morphine confers delayed cardioprotection via a COX-dependent pathway; COX-2 is essential for the cardioprotection observed in the initial stage (24 h), whereas, in the final stage (48 h), cardioprotection is mediated by COX-1 in concert with COX-2.

Down regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 is involved in delayed neuroprotection by ischemic preconditioning in rats

AIM

To examine whether the prostaglandins (PGs) pathway is involved in triggering delayed neuroprotection by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and evaluate the effects of IPC on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression following focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats.

METHODS

IPC was induced by 10 min of saline infusion into the left internal carotid artery with the right common carotid artery clamped at the same time. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion model was produced using intraluminal filament method.

RESULTS

IPC 48 h prior to MCAO significantly reduced infarct area as compared with MCAO alone. A nonselective inhibitor of COX indomethacin (3 mg/kg, ip) applied 1 h prior to or 1 h after IPC failed to affect its protective effects. IPC had no direct effect on the cortex COX-2 mRNA and protein expression 72 h later, but decreased the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein following ischemia and reperfusion insult.

CONCLUSION

PGs pathways was not involved in triggering delayed neuroprotection by IPC, and IPC induced down-regulation of COX-2 following focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats in vivo.

IL-6 plays an obligatory role in late preconditioning via JAK-STAT signaling and upregulation of iNOS and COX-2

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether interleukin (IL)-6 modulates myocardial infarction or the late phase of preconditioning (PC).

METHODS

Wild-type and IL-6(-/-) mice underwent a 30-min coronary occlusion followed by 24 h of reperfusion with or without six cycles of coronary occlusion/reperfusion 24 h earlier. Myocardial IL-6 protein expression, activation of Janus kinase (JAK) 1 and JAK2, and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 1 and STAT3 after ischemic PC protocol were examined. The expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 was determined 24 h after the PC ischemia.

RESULTS

In preconditioned wild-type mice, infarct size was reduced from 60.5+/-2.6% of the risk region to 33.5+/-3.6%, indicating a late PC effect. In nonpreconditioned IL-6(-/-) mice, infarct size was similar to that observed in wild-type mice (59.9+/-3.8%), indicating that the deletion of IL-6 has no effect on infarct size. However, in preconditioned IL-6(-/-) mice, infarct size was not reduced (65.1+/-3.1%), indicating that the infarct-sparing effect was completely abrogated. Ischemic PC increased the expression of IL-6 in the cytoplasm of cardiomyocytes in the ischemic/reperfused zone. In IL-6(-/-) mice, the ischemic PC-induced activation of JAK1 and JAK2 and STAT1 and STAT3 was significantly reduced, and the increase in iNOS and COX-2 protein expression 24 h after the PC ischemia was markedly attenuated.

CONCLUSION

IL-6 does not modulate myocardial infarct size in naïve myocardium. However, following a PC stimulus, IL-6 is obligatorily required for the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway, the ensuing upregulation of iNOS and COX-2 (co-mediators of late PC), and the development of a cardioprotective phenotype.

Delayed adaptation of the heart to stress: late preconditioning

The early phase of preconditioning (PC) lasts 2 to 3 hours and protects against myocardial infarction, but not against stunning. In contrast, the late phase of PC lasts for 3 to 4 days and protects against both myocardial stunning and infarction, making this phenomenon more clinically relevant. Late PC is a genetic reprogramming of the heart that involves the activation of several stress-responsive genes, which ultimately results in the development of a cardioprotective phenotype. Sublethal ischemic insults release chemical signals (nitric oxide [NO], adenosine, and reactive oxygen species) that trigger a series of signaling events (eg, activation of protein kinase C, Src protein tyrosine kinases, Janus kinases 1/2, and nuclear factor-kappaB) and culminates in increased synthesis of inducible NO synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, heme oxygenase-1, aldose reductase, Mn superoxide dismutase, and probably other cardioprotective proteins. In addition to ischemia, heat stress, exercise, and cytokines can also induce a similar series of events. Perhaps most importantly, many pharmacologic agents (eg, NO donors, adenosine receptor agonists, endotoxin derivatives, or opioid receptor agonists) can mimic the effects of ischemia in inducing the late phase of PC, suggesting that this phenomenon might be exploited therapeutically. The purpose of this review is to summarize the mechanisms that underlie the late phase of ischemic PC.

Preconditioning in intact and previously diseased myocardium: laboratory or clinical dilemma?

We studied the effects of various cycles of preconditioning (PC) (one cycle, 1 x PC; two cycles, 2 x PC; three cycles, 3 x PC; and four cycles, 4 x PC) on cardiac function, infarct size, and the incidence of reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in isolated hearts obtained from rabbits with hypercholesterolemia. After 8 weeks of hypercholesterolemia, hearts were subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Various cycles of PC resulted in a "cycle-dependent" reduction in infarct size in the age-matched nonhypercholesterolemic group. In the 8-week hypercholesterolemic group, increasing cycles of PC resulted in a significant increase in infarct size from their nonpreconditioned ischemic/reperfused control value of 44 +/- 5% to 45 +/- 6%, 49 +/- 5%, 59 +/- 6% (p < 0.05), and 58 +/- 5% (p < 0.05), respectively. PC increased the vulnerability of the myocardium to reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in hypercholesterolemics indicating that PC may be an "intact heart" phenomenon. The effects of PC appear currently to be a dilemma in laboratories and clinics. The solution to the problem of PC in intact and diseased myocardium requires further data from two different sources: (a) previously "diseased" animals, and (b) diseased human myocardium from clinics. Once these data are available, then the effects under which PC will be beneficial rather than harmful could be established and the dilemma solved.

Ca2+ antagonist-insensitive coronary smooth muscle contraction involves activation of ϵ-protein kinase C-dependent pathway

Certain angina and coronary artery disease forms do not respond to Ca2+ channel blockers, and a role for vasoactive eicosanoids such as PGF2α in Ca2+ antagonist-insensitive coronary vasospasm is suggested; however, the signaling mechanisms are unclear. We investigated whether PGF2α-induced coronary smooth muscle contraction is Ca2+ antagonist insensitive and involves activation of a PKC-dependent pathway. We measured contraction in single porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells and intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in fura 2-loaded cells and examined cytosolic and particulate fractions for PKC activity and reactivity with isoform-specific PKC antibodies. In Hanks' solution (1 mM Ca2+), PGF2α (10-5 M) caused transient [Ca2+]i increase followed by maintained [Ca2+]i increase and 34% cell contraction. Ca2+ channel blockers verapamil and diltiazem (10-6 M) abolished maintained PGF2α-induced [Ca2+]i increase but only partially inhibited PGF2α-induced cell contraction to 17%. Verapamil-insensitive PGF2α contraction was inhibited by PKC inhibitors GF-109203X, calphostin C, and ϵ-PKC V1-2. PGF2α caused Ca2+-dependent α-PKC and Ca2+-independent ϵ-PKC translocation from cytosolic to particulate fractions that was inhibited by calphostin C. Verapamil abolished PGF2α-induced α-but not ϵ-PKC translocation. PMA (10-6 M), a direct activator of PKC, caused 21% contraction with no significant [Ca2+]i increase and ϵ-PKC translocation that were inhibited by calphostin C but not verapamil. Membrane depolarization by 51 mM KCl, which stimulates Ca2+ influx, caused 36% cell contraction and [Ca2+]i increase that were inhibited by verapamil but not GF-109203X or calphostin C and did not cause α- or ϵ-PKC translocation. Thus a significant component of PGF2α-induced contraction of coronary smooth muscle is Ca2+ antagonist insensitive, involves Ca2+-independent ϵ-PKC activation and translocation, and may represent a signaling mechanism of Ca2+ antagonist-resistant coronary vasospasm.