Estrogen inhibits cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro. Antagonism of calcineurin-related hypertrophy through induction of MCIP1

Extranuclear estrogen receptor's roles in physiology: lessons from mouse models

Steroid receptors exist and function in multiple compartments of cells in most organs. Although the functions and nature of some of these receptors is being defined, important aspects of receptor localization and signaling to physiology and pathophysiology have been identified. In particular, extranuclear sex steroid receptors have been found in many normal cells and in epithelial tumors, where they enact signal transduction that impacts both nongenomic and genomic functions. Here, I focus on the progress made in understanding the roles of extranuclear estrogen receptors (ER) in physiology and pathophysiology. Extranuclear ER serve as a model to selectively intervene with novel receptor reagents to prevent or limit disease progression. Recent novel mouse models and membrane ER-selective agonists also provide a better understanding of receptor pool cross-talk that results in the overall integrative actions of sex steroids.

Significant role of female sex hormones in cardiac myofilament activation in angiotensin II-mediated hypertensive rats

Ovariectomy leads to suppression of cardiac myofilament activation in healthy rats implicating the physiological essence of female sex hormones on myocardial contraction. However, the possible function of these hormones during pathologically induced myofilament adaptation is not known. In this study, sham-operated and ovariectomized female rats were chronically exposed to angiotensin II (AII), which has been shown to cause myocardial adaptation. In the shams, AII induced cardiac adaptation by increasing myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity. Interestingly, this hypersensitivity was further enhanced in AII-infused ovariectomized rats. Ovariectomy increased the phosphorylation levels of cardiac tropomyosin, which may underlie the mechanism of hypersensitivity. On the other hand, AII infusion did not alter maximal tension that was suppressed after ovariectomy. This finding coincided with a comparable increase in β-isoform of myosin heavy chains in both ovariectomized groups. Together, it is conceivable that female sex hormones serve as predominant factors that regulate cardiac myofilament activation. Furthermore, they may prevent stress-induced myofilament maladaptation.

Dissection of estrogen receptor alpha signaling pathways in osteoblasts using RNA-sequencing

The effects of 17-β-estradiol in osteoblasts are primarily mediated by the nuclear transcription factors, estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ. ERs function through three general modes of action: DNA-binding dependent through estrogen response elements (EREs; designated nuclear ERE signaling); nuclear signaling via protein-protein interactions to other transcription factors (nuclear non-ERE signaling); and extra-nuclear signaling (membrane-bound functions of ERs). Identification of the specific transcriptional signatures regulated by each of these modes of action should contribute to an enhanced understanding of estrogen signaling in osteoblasts. To achieve this goal, we utilized specific mutations of ERα that eliminate the ability of the receptor to signal through a specific mode of action. The non-classical ERα knock-in (NERKI) mutation is incapable of signaling through direct DNA binding to EREs and the nuclear only ERα (NOER) mutation eliminates all membrane-localized signaling. Comparison of the gene expression patterns elicited by these mutations with the wild-type ERα (WT) pattern provides mode-specific data concerning transcriptional regulation by ERα. We expressed these constructs in the ER-negative osteoblastic cell line hFOB (−/+ estrogen) and performed global RNA-sequencing. Using a series of pair-wise comparisons, we generated three lists of genes that were regulated either by the nuclear ERE-dependent, nuclear ERE-independent, or extra-nuclear actions of ERα. Pathway and gene ontology analyses revealed that genes regulated through the nuclear ERE and nuclear non-ERE pathways were largely involved in transcriptional regulation, whereas genes regulated through extra-nuclear mechanisms are involved in cytoplasmic signaling transduction pathways. We also intersected our data with genes linked to bone density and fractures from a recent genome-wide association study and found 25 of 72 genes (35%) regulated by estrogen. These data provide a comprehensive list of genes and pathways targeted by these specific modes of ERα action and suggest that “mode-specific” ligands could be developed to modulate specific ERα functionality in bone.

Estrogen regulation of protein expression and signaling pathways in the heart

Sex differences in cardiovascular disease and cardiac physiology have been reported in humans as well as in animal models. Premenopausal women have reduced cardiovascular disease compared to men, but the incidence of cardiovascular disease in women increases following menopause. Sex differences in cardiomyocytes likely contribute to the differences in male-female physiology and response to disease. Sex differences in the heart have been noted in electrophysiology, contractility, signaling, metabolism, and cardioprotection. These differences appear to be due, at least in part, to differences in gene and protein expression as well as in posttranslational protein modifications. This review will focus primarily on estrogen-mediated male-female differences in protein expression and signaling pathways in the heart and cardiac cells. It should be emphasized that these basic differences are not intrinsically beneficial or detrimental per se; the difference can be good or bad depending on the context and circumstances.

Mitochondrial p38β and manganese superoxide dismutase interaction mediated by estrogen in cardiomyocytes

Aims

While etiology behind the observed acceleration of ischemic heart disease in postmenopausal women is poorly understood, collective scientific data suggest cardioprotective effects of the endogenous female sex hormone, estrogen. We have previously shown that 17β-estradiol (E2) protects cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) by inhibiting p38α - p53 signaling in apoptosis and activating pro-survival p38β mitogen activated protein kinase (p38β MAPK), leading to suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) post H/R. However, little is known about the mechanism behind the antioxidant actions of E2-dependent p38β. The aim of this study is to determine whether the cytoprotection by estrogen involves regulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), a major mitochondrial ROS scavenging enzyme, via cardiac p38β.

Methods and Results

We identified mitochondrial p38β by immunocytochemistry and by immunoblotting in mitochondria isolated from neonatal cardiomyocytes of Sprague-Dawley rats. E2 facilitated the mitochondrial localization of the active form of the kinase, phosphorylated p38β (p-p38β). E2 also reduced the H/R-induced mitochondrial membrane potential decline, augmented the MnSOD activity and suppressed anion superoxide generation, while the dismutase protein expression remained unaltered. Co-immunoprecipitation studies showed physical association between MnSOD and p38β. p38β phosphorylated MnSOD in an E2-dependent manner in in-vitro kinase assays.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates for the first time a mitochondrial pool of active p38β and E2-mediated phosphorylation of MnSOD by the kinase. The results shed light on the mechanism behind the cytoprotective actions of E2 in cardiomyocytes under oxidative stress.

Calcineurin activity is required for cardiac remodelling in pregnancy

AIMS

Calcium fluctuations and cardiac hypertrophy occur during pregnancy, but the role of the well-studied calcium-activated phosphatase, calcineurin, has not been studied in this setting. The purpose of this study was to determine whether calcineurin signalling is required for cardiac remodelling during pregnancy in mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We first examined calcineurin expression in the heart of mice during pregnancy. We found both calcineurin levels and activity were significantly increased in early-pregnancy and decreased in late-pregnancy. Since progesterone levels start to rise in early-pregnancy, we investigated whether progesterone alone was sufficient to modulate calcineurin levels in vivo. After implantation of progesterone pellets in non-pregnant female mice, cardiac mass increased, whereas cardiac function was maintained. In addition, calcineurin levels increased, which is also consistent with early-pregnancy. To determine whether these effects were occurring in the cardiac myocytes, we treated neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) with pregnancy-associated sex hormones. We found that progesterone treatment, but not oestradiol, increased calcineurin levels. To obtain a functional read-out of increased calcineurin activity, we measured the activity of the transcription factor NFAT, a downstream target of calcineurin. Progesterone treatment significantly increased NFAT activity in NRVMs, and this was blocked by the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA), showing that the progesterone-mediated increase in NFAT activity requires calcineurin activity. Importantly, CsA treatment of mice completely blocked pregnancy-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that calcineurin is required for pregnancy-induced cardiac hypertrophy, and that calcineurin activity in early-pregnancy is due at least in part to increased progesterone.

ERβ selective agonist inhibits angiotensin-induced cardiovascular pathology in female mice

Cardiac hypertrophy in humans can progress to cardiac failure if the underlying impetus is poorly controlled. An important direct stimulator of hypertrophy and its progression is the angiotensin II (AngII) peptide. AngII also causes hypertension that indirectly contributes to cardiac hypertrophy. Others and we have shown that estrogens acting through the estrogen receptor (ER)-β can inhibit AngII-induced or other forms of cardiac hypertrophy in mice. However, the proliferative effects of estrogen in breast and uterus that promote the development of malignancy preclude using the steroid to prevent cardiac disease progression. We therefore tested whether an ERβ selective agonist, β-LGND2, can prevent hypertension and cardiac pathology in female mice. AngII infusion over 3 weeks significantly stimulated systolic and diastolic hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis, all significantly prevented by β-LGND2 in wild-type but not in ERβ genetically deleted mice. AngII stimulated the Akt kinase to phosphorylate and inhibit the glycogen synthase kinase-3β kinase, leading to GATA4 transcription factor activation and hypertrophic mRNA expression. As a novel mechanism, all these actions were opposed by estradiol and β-LGND2. Our findings provide additional understanding of the antihypertrophic effects of ERβ and serve as an impetus to test specific receptor agonists in humans to prevent the worsening of cardiovascular disease.

Estrogen regulates histone deacetylases to prevent cardiac hypertrophy

Angiotensin II stimulation of HDAC2 production, phosphorylation by CK2, and resulting modulation of target genes, which promote cardiac hypertrophy, are opposed by estrogen/ERβ. Angiotensin II also represses class II HDAC4 and 5 production and stimulates their phosphorylation, which expels them from the nucleus, and estrogen prevents this.

The development and progression of cardiac hypertrophy often leads to heart failure and death, and important modulators of hypertrophy include the histone deacetylase proteins (HDACs). Estrogen inhibits cardiac hypertrophy and progression in animal models and humans. We therefore investigated the influence of 17-β-estradiol on the production, localization, and functions of prohypertrophic (class I) and antihypertrophic (class II) HDACs in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. 17-β-Estradiol or estrogen receptor β agonists dipropylnitrile and β-LGND2 comparably suppressed angiotensin II–induced HDAC2 (class I) production, HDAC-activating phosphorylation, and the resulting prohypertrophic mRNA expression. In contrast, estrogenic compounds derepressed the opposite effects of angiotensin II on the same parameters for HDAC4 and 5 (class II), resulting in retention of these deacetylases in the nucleus to inhibit hypertrophic gene expression. Key aspects were confirmed in vivo from the hearts of wild-type but not estrogen receptor β (ERβ) gene–deleted mice administered angiotensin II and estrogenic compounds. Our results identify a novel dual regulation of cardiomyocyte HDACs, shown here for the antihypertrophic sex steroid acting at ERβ. This mechanism potentially supports using ERβ agonists as HDAC modulators to treat cardiac disease.

Estrogen receptor α and β in the normal immune system and in lymphoid malignancies

Estrogens regulate various normal and pathophysiological processes including cancers. Cellular signaling by estrogens is mediated by estrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ), respectively. Binding of agonists to the ERs affects gene transcription. The main endogenous estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), binds to both ERα and ERβ with similar affinity. However, the ligand-binding pocket of ERα and ERβ are slightly different which has allowed the development of selective ER ligands. Importantly, while estrogens via ERα stimulate proliferation, signaling via ERβ inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis. In both normal and cancer cells the ERs are co-expressed with ER splice variants which may modify the transcriptional activity of the wild-type receptors. Estrogens have prominent effects on immune functions and both ERα and ERβ are expressed in immune cells and lymphoid malignancies. With regard to lymphoid malignancies, most show estrogen influence as several epidemiological studies of lymphoid cancers demonstrate gender differences in incidence and prognosis with males being more affected. In line with these findings, recent results generated by us have shown that ERβ selective agonists inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in human and murine lymphomas in vivo in xenograft experiments. This suggests that ERβ selective agonists in the future may be useful in the treatment of lymphomas.

Estrogen therapy, independent of timing, improves cardiac structure and function in oophorectomized mRen2.Lewis rats

OBJECTIVE

mRen2.Lewis rats exhibit exacerbated increases in blood pressure, left ventricular (LV) remodeling, and diastolic impairment after the loss of estrogens. In this same model, depletion of estrogens has marked effects on the cardiac biopterin profile concomitant with suppressed nitric oxide release. With respect to the establishment of overt systolic hypertension after oophorectomy (OVX), we assessed the effects of timing long-term 17β-estradiol (E2) therapy on myocardial function, myocardial structure, and the cardiac nitric oxide system.

METHODS

OVX (n = 24) or sham operation (Sham; n = 13) was performed in 4-week-old female mRen2.Lewis rats. After randomization, OVX rats received E2 immediately (OVX + E2-early; n = 7), E2 at 11 weeks of age (OVX + E2-late; n = 8), or no E2 at all (OVX; n = 9).

RESULTS

E2-early was associated with lower body weight, less hypertension-related cardiac remodeling, and decreased LV filling pressure compared with OVX rats without E2 supplementation. E2-late similarly attenuated the adverse effects of ovarian hormone loss on tissue Doppler-derived LV filling pressures and perivascular fibrosis, and significantly improved myocardial relaxation or mitral annular velocity (e'). Early and late exposures to E2 decreased dihydrobiopterin, but only E2-late yielded significant increases in cardiac nitrite concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are some similarities between E2-early and E2-late treatments in relation to preservation of diastolic function and cardiac structure after OVX, the lusitropic potential of E2 is most consistent with late supplementation. The cardioprotective effects of E2-late are independent of blood pressure and may have occurred through regulation of cardiac biopterins and nitric oxide production.

Estrogen reduces lipid content in the liver exclusively from membrane receptor signaling

Estrogen induces signal transduction through estrogen receptor α (ERα), which localizes to both the plasma membrane and nucleus. Using wild-type mice, ERα knockout (ERKO) mice, or transgenic mice expressing only the ligand-binding domain of ERα exclusively at the plasma membrane (MOER), we compared the transcriptional profiles of liver tissue extracts after mice were injected with the ERα agonist propyl-pyrazole-triol (PPT). The expression of many lipid synthesis-related genes was comparably decreased in livers from MOER or wild-type mice but was not suppressed in ERKO mice, indicating that only membrane-localized ERα was necessary for their suppression. Cholesterol, triglyceride, and fatty acid content was decreased only in livers from wild-type and MOER mice exposed to PPT, but not in the livers from the ERKO mice, validating the membrane-driven signaling pathway on a physiological level. PPT-triggered activation of ERα at the membrane induced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase to phosphorylate sterol regulatory element-binding factor 1 (Srebf1), preventing its association with and therefore its proteolytic cleavage by site-1 protease. Consequently, Srebf1 was sequestered in the cytoplasm, preventing the expression of cholesterol synthesis-associated genes. Thus, we showed that inhibition of gene expression mediated by membrane-localized ERα caused a metabolic phenotype that did not require nuclear ERα.

New frontiers in heart hypertrophy during pregnancy

During Pregnancy, heart develops physiological left ventricular hypertrophy as a result of the natural volume overload. Previously we have characterized the molecular and functional signature of heart hypertrophy during pregnancy. Cardiac hypertrophy during pregnancy is a complex process that involves many changes including in the signalling pathways, composition of extracellular matrix as well as the levels of sex hormones. This review summarises the recent advances and the new frontiers in the context of heart hypertrophy during pregnancy. In particular we focus on structural and extracellular matrix remodelling as well as signalling pathways in pregnancy-induced physiological heart hypertrophy. Emerging evidence shows that various microRNAs modulate key components of hypertrophy, therefore the role of microRNAs in the regulation of gene expression in pregnancy induced hypertrophy is also discussed. We also review the role of ubiquitin proteasome system, the major machinery for the degradation of damaged and misfolded proteins, in heart hypertrophy. The role of sex hormones in particular estrogen in cardiac remodeling during pregnancy is also discussed. We also review pregnancy-induced cardiovascular complications such as peripartum cardiomyopathy and pre-eclampsia and how the knowledge from the animal studies may help us to develop new therapeutic strategies for better treatment of cardiovascular diseases during pregnancy. Special emphasis has to be given to the guidelines on disease management in pregnancy.

Estrogen paradox in pulmonary hypertension: current controversies and future perspectives

Although the incidence of pulmonary hypertension is higher in female patients, numerous experimental studies have demonstrated better outcome in female animals, exacerbation of the disease after ovariectomy, and a strong protective effect of estrogen: a phenomenon known as the "estrogen paradox" of pulmonary hypertension. On the other hand, some clinical studies have indirectly linked estrogen to increased risk of portopulmonary hypertension, whereas others implicate increased estrogen metabolism and high levels of certain estrogen metabolites in promoting pulmonary vascular remodeling in familial pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this review we investigate the estrogen paradox through highlighting the differential receptor-mediated effects of estrogen. Although estrogen and estrogen receptor-based therapies have shown promise in rescuing preexisting pulmonary hypertension in animals, their role is yet to be defined in humans.

Fecal corticosterone levels in RCAN1 mutant mice

Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is related to the expression of human neurologic disorders such as Down syndrome, Alzheimer disease, and chromosome 21q deletion syndrome. We showed here that RCAN1-knockout mice exhibit reduced innate anxiety as indicated by the elevated-plus maze. To examine whether glucocorticoids contribute to this phenotype, we measured fecal corticosterone in male wildtype and RCAN1-knockout mice and in male and female transgenic mice with neuronal overexpression of RCAN1 (Tg-RCAN1(TG)). We found no difference in fecal corticosterone levels of RCAN1-knockout mice and their wildtype littermates. As expected, we found differences between sexes in fecal corticosterone levels. In addition, we found higher levels of excreted corticosterone in Tg-RCAN1(TG) female mice as compared with female wildtype mice. Our data indicate normal diurnal corticosterone production in RCAN1 mutant mice and do not suggest a causal role in either the cognitive or anxiety phenotypes exhibited by RCAN1-knockout mice.

Rapid estrogen receptor-mediated mechanisms determine the sexually dimorphic sensitivity of ventricular myocytes to 17β-estradiol and the environmental endocrine disruptor bisphenol A

Previously we showed that 17β-estradiol (E(2)) and/or the xenoestrogen bisphenol A (BPA) alter ventricular myocyte Ca(2+) handing, resulting in increased cardiac arrhythmias in a female-specific manner. In the present study, the roles of estrogen receptors (ER) in mediating the rapid contractile and arrhythmogenic effects of estrogens were examined. Contractility was used as an index to assess the impact of E(2) or BPA on Ca(2+) handling in rodent ventricular myocytes. The concentration-response curve for the stimulatory effects of BPA and E(2) on female myocyte was inverted-U shaped. Detectable effects for each compound were observed at 10(-12) M, and the most efficacious concentrations for each were at 10(-9) M. Sensitivity to E(2) and BPA was not observed in male myocytes and was abolished in myocytes from ovariectomized females. Analysis using protein-conjugated E(2) suggests that these rapid actions are induced by membrane-associated receptors. Analysis using selective ER agonists and antagonists and a genetic ERβ knockout mouse model showed that ERα and ERβ have opposing actions in myocytes and that the balance between ERβ and ERα signaling is the prime regulator of the sex-specific sensitivity toward estrogens. The response of female myocytes to E(2) and BPA is dominated by the stimulatory ERβ-mediated signaling, and the absence of BPA and E(2) responsiveness in males is due to a counterbalancing-suppressive action of ERα. We conclude that the sex-specific sensitivity of myocytes to estrogens and the rapid arrhythmogenic effects of BPA and estradiol in the female heart are regulated by the balance between ERα and ERβ signaling.

Distinct cardioprotective effects of 17β-estradiol and dehydroepiandrosterone on pressure overload-induced hypertrophy in ovariectomized female rats

OBJECTIVE

We recently reported decreased σ1 receptor expression in the heart after abdominal aortic stenosis in bilateral ovariectomized rats. Here, we use ovariectomized female rats to investigate the distinct cardioprotective effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in pressure overload (PO)-induced cardiac dysfunction.

METHODS

E2 (0.1 mg/kg) and DHEA (30 mg/kg) were administered to rats subcutaneously and orally, respectively, for 14 days starting 2 weeks after aortic banding.

RESULTS

Both E2 and DHEA treatments significantly inhibited PO-induced increases both in heart weight/body weight ratio and lung weight/body weight ratios. Both E2 and DHEA also ameliorated hypertrophy-induced impairment of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, left ventricular-developed pressure, left ventricular contraction and relaxation (± dp/dt) rates, heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure. Notably, DHEA but not E2 administration rescued decreased PO-induced σ1 receptor reduction in the heart. Coadministration with N,N-Dipropyl-2-[4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy) phenyl]-ethylamine monohydrochloride, an σ1 receptor antagonist, inhibited DHEA-induced amelioration of heart dysfunction without altering E2-induced cardioprotection. Mechanistically, both E2 and DHEA treatments significantly restored PO-induced decreases in protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation and Akt-mediated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation (Ser1179). N,N-Dipropyl-2-[4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy) phenyl]-ethylamine monohydrochloride treatment totally abolished DHEA-induced Akt and eNOS phosphorylation without altering E2-induced Akt-eNOS activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results from an ovariectomized rat model of PO-induced cardiac dysfunction show that DHEA but not E2 elicits a cardioprotective action through σ1 receptor activation. DHEA-induced Akt-eNOS activation through σ1 receptors is probably associated with its cardioprotective activity.

Minireview: Recent advances in extranuclear steroid receptor actions

The participation of extranuclear steroid receptor signaling in organ physiology and the impact for pathobiology has increasingly been demonstrated. Important functions of membrane estrogen receptors in the cardiovascular system demonstrate new mechanisms of rapid steroid signaling to gene regulation, preventing cardiovascular disease and maintaining healthy arterial function. In cancer cells, kinase signaling initiated by extranuclear estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors modulates transcriptional events in the nucleus, which in turn regulate proliferation, migration, and invasion. Important mediators of cross talk between cytoplasmic and nuclear steroid receptor signaling are the proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein-1 and paxillin proteins, both of which modulate membrane and nuclear receptor pool signaling to promote a variety of cell biological functions.

Estrogen signaling and cardiovascular disease

Estrogen has pleiotropic effects on the cardiovascular system. The mechanisms by which estrogen confers these pleiotropic effects are undergoing active investigation. Until a decade ago, all estrogen signaling was thought to occur by estrogen binding to nuclear estrogen receptors (estrogen receptor-α and estrogen receptor-β), which bind to DNA and function as ligand-activated transcription factors. Estrogen binding to the receptor alters gene expression, thereby altering cell function. Estrogen also binds to nuclear estrogen receptors that are tethered to the plasma membrane, resulting in acute activation of signaling kinases such as PI3K. An orphan G-protein-coupled receptor, G-protein-coupled receptor 30, can also bind estrogen and activate acute signaling pathways. Thus, estrogen can alter cell function by binding to different estrogen receptors. This article reviews the different estrogen receptors and their signaling mechanisms, discusses mechanisms that regulate estrogen receptor levels and locations, and considers the cardiovascular effects of estrogen signaling.

Myocardial AKT: the omnipresent nexus

One of the greatest examples of integrated signal transduction is revealed by examination of effects mediated by AKT kinase in myocardial biology. Positioned at the intersection of multiple afferent and efferent signals, AKT exemplifies a molecular sensing node that coordinates dynamic responses of the cell in literally every aspect of biological responses. The balanced and nuanced nature of homeostatic signaling is particularly essential within the myocardial context, where regulation of survival, energy production, contractility, and response to pathological stress all flow through the nexus of AKT activation or repression. Equally important, the loss of regulated AKT activity is primarily the cause or consequence of pathological conditions leading to remodeling of the heart and eventual decompensation. This review presents an overview compendium of the complex world of myocardial AKT biology gleaned from more than a decade of research. Summarization of the widespread influence that AKT exerts upon myocardial responses leaves no doubt that the participation of AKT in molecular signaling will need to be reckoned with as a seemingly omnipresent regulator of myocardial molecular biological responses.

Estrogen receptors do not influence angiogenesis after myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

There is controversy on whether estrogen receptors are present and functioning in the myocardium. Aims. To explore if after myocardial infarction (MI) estrogen receptors α (ERα) and β (ERβ) are upregulated in myocardial tissue and to explore if the presence/ absence of ERα or ERβ influences angiogenesis after MI.

METHODS

MI was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending artery in knockout (KO) mice, ERαKO and ERβKO, respectively, and non-KO littermate-controls, C57Bl/6 mice. The hearts were harvested after 12 days. A part of the periinfarct tissue was collected for ERα and ERβ mRNA expression determination by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Using immunohistochemistry, ERα and ERβ protein expression and capillary and arteriolar densities were blindly determined in the periinfarct area.

RESULTS

In myocardium disrupted mRNA was upregulated in both ERαKO and ERβKO, (p < 0.005) and did not change after MI. There was no change in mRNA expression of ERα or ERβ in wild type mice after MI. Expression of ERβ in ERαKO and of ERα in ERβKO did not change. Following MI ERα or ERβ could not be demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in either wild type or ERαKO or ERβKO. The capillary and arteriolar densities after MI did not differ between the groups in the periinfarct area.

CONCLUSIONS

Although disrupted ER mRNA is upregulated in myocardium of ER knockout mice, no change in these or native receptors occurs following MI. At least in this model ER therefore seems not to have a role in myocardial arteriogenesis and angiogenesis after MI.

Role of the estrogen/estrogen-receptor-beta axis in the genomic response to pressure overload-induced hypertrophy

Cardiac hypertrophy, the adaptive response of the heart to overload, is a major risk factor for heart failure and sudden death. Estrogen (E2) and estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) offer protection against hypertrophy and in the transition to heart failure. However, the underlying pathways remain incompletely defined. We employed a publicly available microarray dataset of female wild-type (WT) and ERbeta knockout (BERKO) mice subjected to pressure overload-induced hypertrophy to perform a systematic investigation of the mechanisms involved in the protection conferred by the E2/ERbeta axis. We show that considerably more genes were modulated in response to pressure overload in BERKO mice than in WT mice. The majority of the identified candidates in BERKO mice were induced, while those in WT mice were repressed. Pathway analysis revealed a similar pattern. This study is the first to demonstrate that the lack of ERbeta led to a significant increase of inflammatory pathways. Mitochondrial bioenergetics- and oxidative stress-related pathways were also modulated. In conclusion, ERbeta acquires the role of gatekeeper of the genomic response of the heart to pressure overload-induced hypertrophy. This may offer the molecular explanation for its cardioprotective role. We consider the present study to be a useful resource and that it will contribute to downstream functional analysis and to the characterization of pathways with previously unknown role in hypertrophy.

The cholesterol metabolite 25-hydroxycholesterol activates estrogen receptor α-mediated signaling in cancer cells and in cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND

The hydroxylated derivatives of cholesterol, such as the oxysterols, play important roles in lipid metabolism. In particular, 25-hydroxycholesterol (25 HC) has been implicated in a variety of metabolic events including cholesterol homeostasis and atherosclerosis. 25 HC is detectable in human plasma after ingestion of a meal rich in oxysterols and following a dietary cholesterol challenge. In addition, the levels of oxysterols, including 25 HC, have been found to be elevated in hypercholesterolemic serum.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Here, we demonstrate that the estrogen receptor (ER) α mediates gene expression changes and growth responses induced by 25 HC in breast and ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, 25 HC exhibits the ERα-dependent ability like 17 β-estradiol (E2) to inhibit the up-regulation of HIF-1α and connective tissue growth factor by hypoxic conditions in cardiomyocytes and rat heart preparations and to prevent the hypoxia-induced apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The estrogen action exerted by 25 HC may be considered as an additional factor involved in the progression of breast and ovarian tumors. Moreover, the estrogen-like activity of 25 HC elicited in the cardiovascular system may play a role against hypoxic environments.

Minireview: Extranuclear steroid receptors: roles in modulation of cell functions

Steroid receptors existing outside the nucleus are increasingly being recognized in many organs and cell types, impacting the biology of bone, the heart and blood vessels, and the central nervous system. Some controversy exists as to the nature of the receptors at the plasma membrane. However, compelling evidence has been advanced that at least some classical steroid receptors mediate steroid ligand actions originating as signaling from the cell surface. Here I review the recent findings in this evolving field emphasizing the in vivo impact of these receptor pools with a focus on estrogen receptors.

Estrogen receptor-beta prevents cardiac fibrosis

Development of cardiac fibrosis portends the transition and deterioration from hypertrophy to dilation and heart failure. Here we examined how estrogen blocks this important development. Angiotensin II (AngII) and endothelin-1 induce cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in humans. and we find that these agents directly stimulate the transition of the cardiac fibroblast to a myofibroblast. AngII and endothelin-1 stimulated TGFβ1 synthesis in the fibroblast, an inducer of fibrosis that signaled via c-jun kinase to Sma- and Mad-related protein 3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in myofibroblasts. As a result, mesenchymal proteins fibronectin and vimentin were produced, as were collagens I and III, the major forms found in fibrotic hearts. 17β-Estradiol (E2) or dipropylnitrile, an estrogen receptor (ER)β agonist, comparably blocked all these events, reversed by estrogen receptor (ER)β small interfering RNA. E2 and dipropylnitrile signaling through cAMP and protein kinase A prevented myofibroblast formation and blocked activation of c-jun kinase and important events of fibrosis. In the hearts of ovariectomized female mice, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were induced by AngII infusion and prevented by E2 administration to wild type but not ERβ knockout rodents. Our results establish the cardiac fibroblast as an important target for hypertrophic/fibrosis-inducing peptides the actions of which were mitigated by E2/ERβ acting in these stromal cells.

Oestrogen prevents cardiomyocyte apoptosis by suppressing p38α-mediated activation of p53 and by down-regulating p53 inhibition on p38β

AIMS

we have previously shown that 17-β-estradiol (E2) protects cardiomyocytes exposed to simulated ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) by differentially regulating pro-apoptotic p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38α MAPK) and pro-survival p38β. However, little is known about how E2 modulation of these kinases alters apoptotic signalling. An attractive downstream target is p53, a well-known mediator of apoptosis and a substrate of p38α MAPK. The aim of this study was to determine whether the cytoprotective actions of oestrogen involve regulation of p53 via cardiac p38 MAPKs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

cultured rat cardiomyocytes underwent hypoxia followed by reoxygenation (H/R) to simulate I/R. We found that inhibiting p53 significantly reduced apoptosis. Phosphorylation of p53 at serine 15 [p-p53(S15)] increased after H/R in a p38α MAPK- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent manner. E2 at 10 nM effectively inhibited p-p53(S15) and mitochondrial translocation of p53. Blocking p53 led to augmented p38β activity and attenuated ROS, suggesting suppression of this antioxidant kinase by p53. The use of a specific agonist for each oestrogen receptor (ER) isoform, ERα and ERβ, demonstrated that both isoforms participate in preventing cell death by inhibiting p53 in the mitochondria-centred apoptotic processes.

CONCLUSION

our results demonstrate that during H/R stress, cardiomyocytes undergo p53-dependent apoptosis following phosphorylation of p53 by p38α MAPK, leading to p38β suppression. E2 protects cardiomyocytes by inhibiting p38α-p53 signalling in apoptosis.

Interaction between mineralocorticoid receptor and cAMP/CREB signaling

Besides regulating water and electrolyte homeostasis, the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) elicits pathophysiological effects in the renocardiovascular system. Although the MR's closest relative, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), acts as a transcription factor at the same hormone-response-element (HRE), activated glucocorticoid receptor mediates very different effects. One explanation for this discrepancy is that the MR interacts with additional signaling pathways in the cytosol. In the literature, there are several indications for an interaction between aldosterone/MR and the cAMP/CREB signaling. Here we summarize the current knowledge of the cross-talk between the two signaling pathways, including some unpublished observations of our own that indicate that MR/CREB signaling is mediated by calcineurin and has potentially pathophysiological consequences.

Characterization of an animal model of postmenopausal cardiac hypertrophy and novel mechanisms responsible for cardiac decompensation using ovariectomized pressure-overloaded rats

OBJECTIVE

The development of animal models of cardiovascular disease are critical to define pathophysiological mechanisms and to advance diagnosis and therapy. The lack of a suitable animal model represents a failure to define the mechanisms responsible for postmenopausal myocardial hypertrophy in hypertension and adverse cardiac remodeling.

METHODS

In this review, we presented a rat model of postmenopausal myocardial hypertrophy, with particular focus on the similarities between the animal model and postmenopausal women regarding myocardial function as well as molecular and subcellular mechanisms. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and remodeling in postmenopausal women, we analyzed myocardial hypertrophy as well as cardiac function and hypertrophy-related protein expression in ovariectomized (OVX) and pressure overloaded (PO) rats.

RESULTS

The model is characterized by depletion of serum estrogen and increased heart-to-body weight and lung-to-body weight ratios. Moreover, the OVX-PO rats also show increased mean arterial blood pressure, LV end-diastolic pressure, LV developed pressure, and maximal rates of LV contraction and relaxation compared with the OVX group. Importantly, Akt activity was largely attenuated, and both endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and activity were markedly reduced in the OVX-PO group. Finally, significant increased mortality was observed in the OVX-PO group after chronic isoproterenol administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that rats subject to OVX are unable to compensate for hypertrophy partly due to impaired Akt-endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling along with deteriorated heart function and demonstrated increased mortality. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms of cardiac injury, which could play a critical role in postmenopausal hypertrophy, as well as the characteristics of the OVX-PO female rats as a model to test cardioprotective drugs in postmenopausal women.

Influence of sex hormones and phytoestrogens on heart disease in men and women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in men and women worldwide. According to the WHO, by 2015, almost 20 million people will die from CVD each year. It is well established that men and women differ not only in baseline cardiac parameters, but also in the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment outcomes of CVD. Women tend to develop heart disease later in life than men. This difference has been attributed to the loss of estrogen during the menopausal transition; however, the biological explanations for the sexual dimorphism in CVD are more complex and seem unlikely to be due to estrogen alone. The current controversy that has arisen regarding the effects of HRT on CVD in women is a case in point. In this review, the sex-based differences in cardiac (patho-) physiology are discussed with emphasis on the impact of sex hormones, hormone receptors and diet on heart disease.

The unliganded long isoform of estrogen receptor beta stimulates brain ryanodine receptor single channel activity alongside with cytosolic Ca2+

Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores mediated by endoplasmic reticulum membrane ryanodine receptors (RyR) plays a key role in activating and synchronizing downstream Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms, in different cells varying from apoptosis to nuclear transcription and development of defensive responses. Recently discovered, atypical "nongenomic" effects mediated by estrogen receptors (ER) include rapid Ca(2+) release upon estrogen exposure in conditions implicitly suggesting involvement of RyRs. In the present study, we report various levels of colocalization between RyR type 2 (RyR2) and ER type beta (ER beta) in the neuronal cell line HT-22, indicating a possible functional interaction. Electrophysiological analyses revealed a significant increase in single-channel ionic currents generated by mouse brain RyRs after application of the soluble monomer of the long form ER beta (ER beta 1). The effect was due to a strong increase in open probability of RyR higher open channel sublevels at cytosolic [Ca(2+)] concentrations of 100 nM, suggesting a synergistic action of ER beta 1 and Ca(2+) in RyR activation, and a potential contribution to Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release rather than to basal intracellular Ca(2+) concentration level at rest. This RyR/ER beta interaction has potential effects on cellular physiology, including roles of shorter ER beta isoforms and modulation of the RyR/ER beta complexes by exogenous estrogens.

Signaling responses after exposure to 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone or 17 beta-estradiol in norepinephrine-induced hypertrophy of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes

Androgens appear to enhance, whereas estrogens mitigate, cardiac hypertrophy. However, signaling pathways in cells for short (3 min) and longer term (48 h) treatment with 17beta-estradiol (E2) or 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are understudied. We compared the effect of adrenergic stimulation by norepinephrine (NE; 1 microM) alone or in combination with DHT (10 nM) or E2 (10 nM) treatment in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) by cell area, protein synthesis, sarcomeric structure, gene expression, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated (ERK), and focal adhesion kinases (FAK), and phospho-FAK nuclear localization. NE alone elicited the expected hypertrophy and strong sarcomeric organization, and DHT alone gave a similar but more modest response, whereas E2 did not alter cell size. Effects of NE dominated when used with either E2 or DHT with all combinations. Both sex hormones alone rapidly activated FAK but not ERK. Long-term or brief exposure to E2 attenuated NE-induced FAK phosphorylation, whereas DHT had no effect. Neither hormone altered NE-elicited ERK activation. Longer term exposure to E2 alone reduced FAK phosphorylation and reduced nuclear phospho-FAK, whereas its elevation was seen in the presence of NE with both sex hormones. The mitigating effects of E2 on the NE-elicited increase in cell size and the hypertrophic effect of DHT in NRVMs are in accordance with results observed in whole animal models. This is the first report of rapid, nongenomic sex hormone signaling via FAK activation and altered FAK trafficking to the nucleus in heart cells.

Plasma membrane estrogen receptors

It is now firmly established that estrogen and all sex steroid receptors exist in discrete cellular pools outside the nucleus. Estrogen receptors (ER) have been localized to the plasma membrane where both ERalpha and ERbeta function in a wide variety of cells and organs. ERs have also been found in discrete cytoplasmic organelles including mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. In ligand-dependent fashion, each ER pool contributes to the overall, integrated effects of estrogens producing biological outcomes. This review highlights the recent work establishing new roles and targets of membrane ER signaling. Such actions include prevention of vascular injury or cardiac hypertrophy, sexual behavior and pain perception mediated through the central nervous system, osteoblast survival, and fluid resorption in the colon.

Therapeutic opportunities of small interfering RNA

Formation of small interfering RNA (siRNA) occurs in two steps involving binding of the RNA nucleases to a large double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) and its cleavage into fragments called siRNA. In the second step, these siRNAs join a multinuclease complex, which degrades the homologous single‐stranded mRNAs. The delivery of siRNA involves viral‐ and non‐viral‐mediated delivery systems; the approaches for chemical modifications have also been developed. It has various therapeutic applications for disorders like cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatic disorders, etc. The present review gives an overview of the applications of siRNA and their potential for treating many hitherto untreatable diseases.

Membrane oestrogen receptor alpha signalling to cell functions

Conservation of steroid hormone action outside the nucleus occurs from plants that make brassinosteroids to higher metazoans (primates). In plants, steroid hormone action occurs when the brassinosteroids bind a membrane tyrosine kinase receptor. Ligated receptors for all sex steroids exist at the plasma membrane and rapidly signal through G proteins to second messengers including calcium, cAMP and cGMP, activating proximal and more distal kinases. These signal cascades impact many functions of steroid hormones, responsible for the biological actions of these molecules. Support also exists for membrane-localized receptors of other members of the steroid superfamily, responding to glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, thyroid hormone, and vitamin D. The nature of these receptors is in some cases unclear. Steroid receptors also exist in discrete cytoplasmic organelles, most notably the mitochondria, although the functions of these receptors are poorly understood. In this review, I highlight the essential elements of the membrane oestrogen receptor alpha, noting where conserved aspects exist for other steroid receptors.

Estrogen, aging and the cardiovascular system

Estrogen is a powerful hormone with pleiotropic effects. Estrogens have potent antioxidant effects and are able to reduce inflammation, induce vasorelaxation and alter gene expression in both the vasculature and the heart. Estrogen treatment of cultured cardiac myocytes and endothelial cells rapidly activates NFkappaB, induces heat-shock protein (HSP)-72, a potent intracellular protective protein, and protects cells from simulated ischemia. In in vivo models, estrogens protect against ischemia and trauma/hemorrhage. Estrogens may decrease the expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase, which has deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system through metabolism of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Natural (endogenous) estrogens in premenopausal women appear to protect against cardiovascular disease and yet controlled clinical trials have not indicated a benefit from estrogen replacement postmenopause. Much remains to be understood in regards to the many properties of this powerful hormone and how changes in this hormone interact with aging-associated changes. The unexpected negative results of trials of estrogen replacement postmenopause probably arise from our lack of understanding of the many effects of this hormone.

Clinical factors such as B-type natriuretic peptide link to factor VII, endothelial NO synthase and estrogen receptor alpha polymorphism in elderly women

AIMS

This study evaluated the presence of genetic mutations in relation to thrombosis or atherosclerosis in elderly women.

MAIN METHODS

This is an observational study of 93 Japanese women with a mean age of 80.9 years recruited from outpatient clinics of Nagoya University and its related hospitals. Ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were studied. Each gene studied acts in or is related to either blood coagulation (factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, factor XIII Val34Leu, factor VII Arg353Gln, MTHFR C677T, beta-fibrinogen G-455A, PAI-1 4G/5G), metabolic syndrome-related pathways (PPARalpha Leu162Val), or endothelium/estrogen system (eNOS Glu298Asp, ERalpha IVS1-401). SNPs were analyzed for their relation to clinical values including lipids, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), fasting plasma glucose, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, cyclic GMP, and nitric oxide metabolites.

KEY FINDINGS

Comparisons between the distributions of different genotypes and clinical values showed three relationships. First, factor VII Arg353Gln and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) were linked to Arg/Arg carriers at higher levels (P=.049). The HDL-C to LDL-cholesterol ratio supported this link (P=.027). Second, eNOS Glu298Asp and triglycerides were linked to Glu/Glu carriers at higher levels (P=.031). Third, ERalpha IVS1-401 and BNP were related to CC genotype at lower levels (P=.031). Additionally, the last two relations showed that genotype does not influence the demarcation line of biomarkers, but the plasma/serum levels of biomarkers instead.

SIGNIFICANCE

Correlations of factor VII Arg353Gln with HDL-C and eNOS Glu298Asp with triglycerides are new findings. Polymorphisms in the endothelium/estrogen system and the heart failure marker BNP are also correlated, with ERalpha IVS1-401 being the first identified marker. SNPs may be helpful for understanding the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic diseases in elderly women.

Androgen-androgen receptor system protects against angiotensin II-induced vascular remodeling

Age-related andropause promotes cardiovascular disease in males. Although we had previously reported that the androgen-androgen receptor (AR) system plays important roles in cardiac growth and remodeling, the system's involvement in vascular remodeling remains unclear. To clarify this role, 25-wk-old male AR knockout (ARKO) mice and littermate male wild-type (WT) mice were divided into two groups with and without angiotensin II (Ang II) administration (2.0 mg/kg . d) for 14 d, respectively. No morphological differences in the coronary artery and thoracic aorta were observed between the groups without Ang II. Ang II stimulation markedly increased medial thickness and perivascular fibrosis in ARKO mice, with enhanced TGF-beta1, collagen type I, and collagen type III gene expression in the aorta. Ang II stimulation also prominently increased superoxide production, lipid peroxidation, and gene expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase components in ARKO mice compared with WT mice. In addition, phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and phosphorylated (Smad2/3) was remarkably enhanced in Ang II-treated ARKO mice compared with Ang II-treated WT mice. Notably, daily urinary nitric oxide (NO) metabolites excretion as a marker of NO bioavailability, aortic endothelial NO synthase expression and phosphorylation, and Akt phosphorylation were significantly reduced in ARKO mice compared with WT mice, regardless of Ang II stimulation. In conclusion, the androgen-AR system is required for the preservation of NO bioavailability through Akt-endothelial NO synthase system activation and exerts protective effects against Ang II-induced vascular remodeling by regulating oxidative stress, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, and the TGF-beta-phosphorylated Smad pathway.

Production of arrays of cardiac and skeletal muscle myofibers by micropatterning techniques on a soft substrate

Micropatterning and microfabrication techniques have been widely used to pattern cells on surfaces and to have a deeper insight into many processes in cell biology such as cell adhesion and interactions with the surrounding environment. The aim of this study was the development of an easy and versatile technique for the in vitro production of arrays of functional cardiac and skeletal muscle myofibers using micropatterning techniques on soft substrates. Cardiomyocytes were used for the production of oriented cardiac myofibers whereas mouse muscle satellite cells for that of differentiated parallel myotubes. We performed micro-contact printing of extracellular matrix proteins on soft polyacrylamide-based hydrogels photopolymerized onto functionalized glass slides. Our methods proved to be simple, repeatable and effective in obtaining an extremely selective adhesion of both cardiomyocytes and satellite cells onto patterned soft hydrogel surfaces. Cardiomyocytes resulted in aligned cardiac myofibers able to exhibit a synchronous contractile activity after 2 days of culture. We demonstrated for the first time that murine satellite cells, cultured on a soft hydrogel substrate, fuse and form aligned myotubes after 7 days of culture. Immunofluorescence analyses confirmed correct expression of cell phenotype, differentiation markers and sarcomeric organization. These results were obtained in myotubes derived from satellite cells from both wild type and MDX mice which are research models for the study of muscle dystrophy. These arrays of both cardiac and skeletal muscle myofibers could be used as in vitro models for pharmacological screening tests or biological studies at the single fiber level.

Dietary fish oil is antihypertrophic but does not enhance postischemic myocardial function in female mice

Clinically and experimentally, a case for omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) cardioprotection in females has not been clearly established. The goal of this study was to investigate whether dietary omega-3 PUFA supplementation could provide ischemic protection in female mice with an underlying genetic predisposition to cardiac hypertrophy. Mature female transgenic mice (TG) with cardiac-specific overexpression of angiotensinogen that develop normotensive cardiac hypertrophy and littermate wild-type (WT) mice were fed a fish oil-derived diet (FO) or PUFA-matched control diet (CTR) for 4 wk. Myocardial membrane lipids, ex vivo cardiac performance (intraventricular balloon) after global no-flow ischemia and reperfusion (15/30 min), and reperfusion arrhythmia incidence were assessed. FO diet suppressed cardiac growth by 5% and 10% in WT and TG, respectively ( P < 0.001). The extent of mechanical recovery [rate-pressure product (RPP) = beats/min × mmHg] of FO-fed WT and TG hearts was similar (50 ± 7% vs. 45 ± 12%, 30 min reperfusion), and this was not significantly different from CTR-fed WT or TG. To evaluate whether systemic estrogen was masking a protective effect of the FO diet, the responses of ovariectomized (OVX) WT and TG mice to FO dietary intervention were assessed. The extent of mechanical recovery of FO-fed OVX WT and TG (RPP, 50 ± 4% vs. 64 ± 8%) was not enhanced compared with CTR-fed mice (RPP, 60 ± 11% vs. 80 ± 8%, P = 0.335). Dietary FO did not suppress the incidence of reperfusion arrhythmias in WT or TG hearts (ovary-intact mice or OVX). Our findings indicate a lack of cardioprotective effect of dietary FO in females, determined by assessment of mechanical and arrhythmic activity postischemia in a murine ex vivo heart model.

17 beta-estradiol modulates expression of low-voltage-activated Ca(V)3.2 T-type calcium channel via extracellularly regulated kinase pathway in cardiomyocytes

T-type Ca(2+) channel current (I(Ca,T)) plays an important role for spontaneous pacemaker activity and is involved in the progression of structural heart diseases. Estrogens are of importance for the regulation of growth and differentiation and function in a wide array of target tissues, including those in the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to elucidate the short-term and long-term effects of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) on I(Ca,T) in cardiomyocytes. We employed in vivo and in vitro techniques to clarify E(2)-mediated modulation of heart rate (HR) in ovariectomized rats and I(Ca,T) in cardiomyocytes. Ovariectomy increased HR and E(2) supplement reduced HR in ovariectomized rats. Slowing of E(2)-induced HR was consistent with the deceleration of automaticity in E(2)-treated neonatal cardiomyocytes. Short-term application of E(2) did not have significant effects on I(Ca,T), whereas in cardiomyocytes treated with 10 nm E(2) for 24 h, estrogen receptor-independent down-regulation of peak I(Ca,T) and declination of Ca(V)3.2 mRNA were observed. Expression of a cardiac-specific transcription factor Csx/Nkx2.5 was also suppressed by E(2) treatment for 24 h. On the other hand, expression of Ca(V)3.1 mRNA was unaltered by E(2) treatment in this study. An ERK-1/2, 5 inhibitor, PD-98059, abolished the effects of E(2) on I(Ca,T) and Ca(V)3.2 mRNA as well as Csx/Nkx2.5 mRNA. These findings indicate that E(2) decreases Ca(V)3.2 I(Ca,T) through activation of ERK-1/2, 5, which is mediated by the suppression of Csx/Nkx2.5-dependent transcription, suggesting a genomic effect of E(2) as a negative chronotropic factor in the heart.

Estradiol increases angiotensin II type 1 receptor in hearts of ovariectomized rats

We tested the hypothesis that 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) has dual effects on the heart, increasing levels of proteins thought to have beneficial cardiovascular effects (e.g. endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS)) as well as those thought to have detrimental cardiovascular effects (e.g. type 1 angiotensin II (AngII) receptor (AT(1)R)). Ovariectomized Wistar rats consuming a high-sodium diet received one of four treatments (n=7 per group): group 1, placebo pellets; group 2, E(2) (0 x 5 mg/pellet, 21-day release); group 3, NOS inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME; 40 mg/kg per day for 14 days) plus Ang II (0 x 225 mg/kg per day on days 11-14); group 4, E(2) plus L-NAME/Ang II. E(2) increased cardiac levels of estrogen receptors ESR1 and ESR2, an ESR-associated membrane protein caveolin-3, eNOS, and phosphorylated (p)eNOS, thus, exerting potentially beneficial cardiovascular effects on NO. However, E(2) also increased cardiac levels of proteins associated with cardiovascular injury and inflammation including, AT(1)R, protein kinase C delta (PRKCD), phosphorylated PRKC, and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (pMAPK)3/1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), osteopontin and ED-1, a monocyte/macrophage-specific protein. E(2) treatment led to similar protein changes in the hearts of L-NAME/Ang II-treated rats except that the increase in peNOS was prevented, and L-NAME/Ang II and E(2) had additive effects in increasing cardiac PRKCD and PAI-1. Thus, the highest levels of cardiac PAI-1 and PRKCD occurred in L-NAME/Ang II-treated rats receiving E(2). In summary, E(2) treatment increased cardiac expression of AT(1)R as well as the expression of pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic factors.

Estrogen attenuates left ventricular and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by an estrogen receptor-dependent pathway that increases calcineurin degradation

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy commonly develops in response to chronic hypertension and is a significant risk factor for heart failure and death. The serine-threonine phosphatase calcineurin (Cn)A plays a critical role in the development of pathological hypertrophy. Previous experimental studies in murine models show that estrogen limits pressure overload-induced hypertrophy; our purpose was to explore further the mechanisms underlying this estrogen effect. Wild-type, ovariectomized female mice were treated with placebo or 17beta-estradiol (E2), followed by transverse aortic constriction (TAC), to induce pressure overload. At 2 weeks, mice underwent physiological evaluation, immediate tissue harvest, or dispersion of cardiomyocytes. E2 replacement limited TAC-induced LV and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy while attenuating deterioration in LV systolic function and contractility. These E2 effects were associated with reduced abundance of CnA. The primary downstream targets of CnA are the nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFAT) family of transcription factors. In transgenic mice expressing a NFAT-activated promoter/luciferase reporter gene, E2 limited TAC-induced activation of NFAT. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of E2 on LV hypertrophy were absent in CnA knockout mice, supporting the notion that CnA is an important target of E2-mediated inhibition. In cultured rat cardiac myocytes, E2 inhibited agonist-induced hypertrophy while also decreasing CnA abundance and NFAT activation. Agonist stimulation also reduced CnA ubiquitination and degradation that was prevented by E2; all in vitro effects of estrogen were reversed by an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist. These data support that E2 reduces pressure overload induced hypertrophy by an ER-dependent mechanism that increases CnA degradation, unveiling a novel mechanism by which E2 and ERs regulate pathological LV and cardiomyocyte growth.

Rapid signaling by steroid receptors

Steroid receptors transcribe genes that lead to important biological processes, including normal organ development and function, tissue differentiation, and promotion of oncogenic transformation. These actions mainly result from nuclear steroid receptor action. However, for 50 years, it has been known that rapid effects of steroid hormones occur and could result from rapid signal transduction. Examples of these effects include stress responses to secreted glucocorticoids, rapid actions of thyroid hormones in the heart, and acute uterine/vaginal responses to injected estrogen. These types of responses have increasingly been attributed to rapid signaling by steroid hormones, upon engaging binding proteins most often at the cell surface of target organs. It is clear that rapid signal transduction serves an integrated role to modify existing proteins, altering their structure and activity, and to modulate gene transcription, often through collaboration with the nuclear pool of steroid receptors. The biological outcomes of steroid hormone actions thus reflect input from various cellular pools, cocoordinating the necessary events that are restrained in temporal and kinetic fashion. Here I describe the current understanding of rapid steroid signaling that is now appreciated to extend to virtually all members of this family of hormones and their receptors.

Estrogen inhibits cardiac hypertrophy: role of estrogen receptor-beta to inhibit calcineurin

Estrogen has been reported to prevent development of cardiac hypertrophy in female rodent models and in humans. However, the mechanisms of sex steroid action are incompletely understood. We determined the cellular effects by which 17beta-estradiol (E2) inhibits angiotensin II (AngII)-induced cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. Two weeks of angiotensin infusion in female mice resulted in marked hypertrophy of the left ventricle, exacerbated by the loss of ovarian steroid hormones from oophorectomy. Hypertrophy was 51% reversed by the administration of E2 (insertion of 0.1 mg/21-d-release tablets). The effects of E2 were mainly mediated by the estrogen receptor (ER) beta-isoform, because E2 had little effect in ERbeta-null mice but comparably inhibited AngII-induced hypertrophy in wild-type or ERalpha-null mice. AngII induced a switch of myosin heavy chain production from alpha to beta, but this was inhibited by E2 via ERbeta. AngII-induced ERK activation was also inhibited by E2 through the beta-receptor. E2 stimulated brain natriuretic peptide protein expression and substantially prevented ventricular interstitial cardiac fibrosis (collagen deposition) as induced by AngII. Importantly, E2 inhibited calcineurin activity that was stimulated by AngII, related to E2 stimulating the modulatory calcineurin-interacting protein (MCIP) 1 gene and protein expression. E2 acting mainly through ERbeta mitigates the important signaling by AngII that produces cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in female mice.

Dose-dependent cardiac effect of oestrogen replacement in mice post-myocardial infarction

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) has recently been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular events in women. However, it is not clear whether the adverse effect of HRT is related to dosage and/or the presence of progestin. Using a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI), we studied the dose-effect of oestrogen replacement on mortality and cardiac remodelling and dysfunction post-MI in the absence of progestin. Six-week-old females were subjected to ovariectomy (OVX). A pellet containing a low, moderate or high dose of 17beta-oestradiol (E(2); 0.42, 4.2 or 18.8 microg day(-1)) or placebo was implanted subcutaneously on the day of OVX. Myocardial infarction was induced 8 weeks later, and cardiac morphology and function were evaluated 8 weeks after MI. We found that E(2) at moderate and high doses adversely affected mortality. A low dose of E(2) that restored plasma oestrogen close to physiological levels had no significant effect on mortality but tended to improve cardiac function and remodelling, associated with reduced fibrosis and increased capillary density. At the moderate dose, E(2) exacerbated cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy, dysfunction and dilatation, associated with liver and kidney enlargement and ascites. Protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated kinase were increased by MI but were not affected by E(2). In summary, E(2) at a low dose tended to be cardioprotective. At increased doses that raised plasma oestrogen far beyond the physiological level, E(2) was detrimental to the heart. Our data suggest that dosage should be an important consideration when studying the effect of oestrogen replacement on the heart.