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Aro J, Tokola H, Ronkainen VP, Koivisto E, Tenhunen O, Ilves M, Szokodi I, Ruskoaho H, Rysä J. Regulation of cardiac melusin gene expression by hypertrophic stimuli in the rat. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2013. [PMID: 23198998 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM Melusin is an integrin β1-interacting protein proposed to act as a biomechanical sensor in the heart. We characterized mechanisms and signalling pathways regulating cardiac melusin expression. METHODS Infusion of arginine(8) -vasopressin (AVP) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and double transgenic rats (dTGR) harbouring both human angiotensinogen and renin genes as well as infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II) in SD rats were used. The effect of direct left ventricular (LV) wall stretch was analysed by using isolated perfused rat heart preparation. For the cell culture studies, mouse atrial HL-1 cell line and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) were used. RESULTS Left atrial melusin mRNA levels increased already after 30 min of AVP infusion. Ang II caused significant upregulation of left atrial melusin mRNA (2.1-fold at 6 h, P < 0.05) and protein (1.9-fold at 72 h, P < 0.05) levels. In contrast, LV melusin mRNA levels remained unchanged in response to both infusions, as well as to aortic banding-induced pressure overload. Direct LV wall stress or late-stage hypertensive heart disease did not modify LV melusin gene expression either. Interestingly, in atrial HL-1 cells, cyclic stretching increased melusin mRNA levels. Stretching and treatments with hypertrophic agonists increased melusin mRNA and protein levels in NRVMs, endothelin-1 being the most potent. PD98059, an extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 inhibitor, markedly attenuated the endothelin-1-induced upregulation of melusin gene expression in NRVMs. CONCLUSION Multiple hypertrophic stimuli regulate melusin expression predominately in the atria, which may represent a necessary initial step in early adaptive remodelling processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Aro
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Institute of Biomedicine; University of Oulu; Oulu; Finland
| | - H. Tokola
- Department of Pathology; Institute of Diagnostics; University of Oulu; Oulu; Finland
| | - V-P. Ronkainen
- Department of Physiology; Institute of Biomedicine; University of Oulu; Oulu; Finland
| | - E. Koivisto
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Institute of Biomedicine; University of Oulu; Oulu; Finland
| | - O. Tenhunen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Institute of Biomedicine; University of Oulu; Oulu; Finland
| | - M. Ilves
- Department of Physiology; Institute of Biomedicine; University of Oulu; Oulu; Finland
| | - I. Szokodi
- The Heart Institute; University of Pécs; Pécs; Hungary
| | - H. Ruskoaho
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Institute of Biomedicine; University of Oulu; Oulu; Finland
| | - J. Rysä
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Institute of Biomedicine; University of Oulu; Oulu; Finland
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Frankshun AL, Chen J, Barron LA, Ho TY, Miller DJ, Rahman KM, Bartol FF, Bagnell CA. Nursing during the first two days of life is essential for the expression of proteins important for growth and remodeling of the neonatal porcine cervix. Endocrinology 2012; 153:4511-21. [PMID: 22778228 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The neonatal porcine cervix is sensitive to hormones, including relaxin (RLX), from birth. Whether nursing is required to establish the cervical developmental program or to determine cervical developmental trajectory is unknown. The objective of study 1 was to determine effects of age and nursing on expression of molecular markers and mediators of porcine cervical growth and remodeling from birth to postnatal day (PND) 2 and to document effects of RLX treatment during this period on expression of targeted gene products in nursed vs. replacer-fed gilts. Study 2 was conducted to determine effects of age at first nursing and duration of nursing from birth on expression of targeted transcripts or proteins at PND 14. Nursing supported cervical estrogen receptor-α, vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9, and antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma-2 protein expression on PND 2. These proteins were undetectable in replacer-fed gilts. Returning replacer-fed gilts to nursing after PND 2 did not restore cervical expression of these proteins by PND 14. RLX increased (P < 0.05) cervical estrogen receptor-α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and B-cell lymphoma-2 protein in nursed gilts, MMP2 protein in nursed and replacer-fed gilts, and decreased (P < 0.05) pro-MMP9 protein in nursed gilts, and RXFP1 mRNA levels in nursed and replacer-fed gilts at PND 2. Replacer feeding for 2 wk from birth increased (P < 0.05) RXFP1 mRNA levels on PND 14. Results support the lactocrine hypothesis for maternal programming of neonatal tissues. Nursing from birth is required to establish the neonatal cervical developmental program and to maintain cervical developmental trajectory to PND 14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy-Lynn Frankshun
- Department of Animal Sciences, Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 84 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA
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Chow BSM, Chew EGY, Zhao C, Bathgate RAD, Hewitson TD, Samuel CS. Relaxin signals through a RXFP1-pERK-nNOS-NO-cGMP-dependent pathway to up-regulate matrix metalloproteinases: the additional involvement of iNOS. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42714. [PMID: 22936987 PMCID: PMC3425563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hormone, relaxin, inhibits aberrant myofibroblast differentiation and collagen deposition by disrupting the TGF-β1/Smad2 axis, via its cognate receptor, Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 1 (RXFP1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation (pERK) and a neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase (nNOS)-NO-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent pathway. However, the signalling pathways involved in its additional ability to increase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and activity remain unknown. This study investigated the extent to which the NO pathway was involved in human gene-2 (H2) relaxin's ability to positively regulate MMP-1 and its rodent orthologue, MMP-13, MMP-2 and MMP-9 (the main collagen-degrading MMPs) in TGF-β1-stimulated human dermal fibroblasts and primary renal myofibroblasts isolated from injured rats; by gelatin zymography (media) and Western blotting (cell layer). H2 relaxin (10-100 ng/ml) significantly increased MMP-1 (by ~50%), MMP-2 (by ~80%) and MMP-9 (by ~80%) in TGF-β1-stimulated human dermal fibroblasts; and MMP-13 (by ~90%), MMP-2 (by ~130%) and MMP-9 (by ~115%) in rat renal myofibroblasts (all p<0.01 vs untreated cells) over 72 hours. The relaxin-induced up-regulation of these MMPs, however, was significantly blocked by a non-selective NOS inhibitor (L-nitroarginine methyl ester (hydrochloride); L-NAME; 75-100 µM), and specific inhibitors to nNOS (N-propyl-L-arginine; NPLA; 0.2-2 µM), iNOS (1400W; 0.5-1 µM) and guanylyl cyclase (ODQ; 5 µM) (all p<0.05 vs H2 relaxin alone), but not eNOS (L-N-(1-iminoethyl)ornithine dihydrochloride; L-NIO; 0.5-5 µM). However, neither of these inhibitors affected basal MMP expression at the concentrations used. Furthermore, of the NOS isoforms expressed in renal myofibroblasts (nNOS and iNOS), H2 relaxin only stimulated nNOS expression, which in turn, was blocked by the ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059; 1 µM). These findings demonstrated that H2 relaxin signals through a RXFP1-pERK-nNOS-NO-cGMP-dependent pathway to mediate its anti-fibrotic actions, and additionally signals through iNOS to up-regulate MMPs; the latter being suppressed by TGF-β1 in myofibroblasts, but released upon H2 relaxin-induced inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryna Suet Man Chow
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elaine Guo Yan Chew
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chongxin Zhao
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ross A. D. Bathgate
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim D. Hewitson
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chrishan S. Samuel
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Neuregulin-1 suppresses cardiomyocyte apoptosis by activating PI3K/Akt and inhibiting mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Mol Cell Biochem 2012; 370:35-43. [PMID: 22886427 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-012-1395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) has been shown to attenuate cardiomyocyte apoptosis but the underlying signaling mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we focused on mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and PI3K/Akt pathway to investigate the effects of NRG-1 on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocyte. Human cardiac myocytes and neonatal rat cardiac myocytes were exposed to hydrogen peroxide with or without pre-treatment with recombinant human neuregulin-1 (rhNRG-1). Cell apoptosis and mPTP opening were assayed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The activation of Akt was detected by western blot analysis. The results showed that H(2)O(2) induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and activated mPTP. rhNRG-1 inhibited mPTP and activated Akt in the presence of H(2)O(2) and further protected the cells from H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis. However, rhNRG-1 failed to inhibit mPTP opening and cell apoptosis in the presence of PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Taken together, these findings suggest that NRG-1 activates PI3K/Akt signaling and inhibits mPTP opening, and downstream apoptotic events in cardiac myocytes subjected to oxidative stress.
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Gu HP, Lin S, Xu M, Yu HY, Du XJ, Zhang YY, Yuan G, Gao W. Up-regulating relaxin expression by G-quadruplex interactive ligand to achieve antifibrotic action. Endocrinology 2012; 153:3692-700. [PMID: 22673230 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis is a key pathological change in a variety of heart diseases contributing to the development of heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden death. Recent studies have shown that relaxin prevents and reverses cardiac fibrosis. Endogenous expression of relaxin was elevated in the setting of heart disease; the extent of such up-regulation, however, is insufficient to exert compensatory actions, and the mechanism regulating relaxin expression is poorly defined. In the rat relaxin-1 (RLN1, Chr1) gene promoter region we found presence of repeated guanine (G)-rich sequences, which allowed formation and stabilization of G-quadruplexes with the addition of a G-quadruplex interactive ligand berberine. The G-rich sequences and the G-quadruplexes were localized adjacent to the binding motif of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3, which negatively regulates relaxin expression. Thus, we hypothesized that the formation and stabilization of G-quadruplexes by berberine could influence relaxin expression. We found that berberine-induced formation of G-quadruplexes did increase relaxin gene expression measured at mRNA and protein levels. Formation of G-quadruplexes significantly reduced STAT3 binding to the promoter of relaxin gene. This was associated with consequent increase in the binding of RNA polymerase II and STAT5a to relaxin gene promoter. In cardiac fibroblasts and rats treated with angiotensin II, berberine was found to suppress fibroblast activation, collagen synthesis, and extent of cardiac fibrosis through up-regulating relaxin. The antifibrotic action of berberine in vitro and in vivo was similar to that by exogenous relaxin. Our findings document a novel therapeutic strategy for fibrosis through up-regulating expression of endogenous relaxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ping Gu
- Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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Nascimento AR, Pimenta MT, Lucas TFG, Royer C, Porto CS, Lazari MFM. Intracellular signaling pathways involved in the relaxin-induced proliferation of rat Sertoli cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2012; 691:283-91. [PMID: 22819701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Revised: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of Sertoli cell number is a key event to determine normal spermatogenesis. We have previously shown that relaxin and its G-protein coupled receptor RXFP1 are expressed in rat Sertoli cells, and that relaxin stimulates Sertoli cell proliferation. This study examined the mechanisms underlying the mitogenic effect of relaxin in a primary culture of Sertoli cells removed from testes of immature rats. Stimulation with exogenous relaxin increased Sertoli cell number and the expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), but did not affect the mRNA level of the differentiation markers cadherins 1 and 2. Relaxin-induced Sertoli cell proliferation was blocked by inhibition of MEK/ERK1/2 or PI3K/AKT pathways, but not by inhibition of PKC or EGFR activity. Relaxin induced a rapid and transient activation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which was MEK and SRC-dependent, and involved upstream activation of G(i). AKT activation could be detected 5 min after relaxin stimulation, and was still detected after 24h of stimulation with relaxin. Relaxin-induced AKT phosphorylation was G(i)- but not PKA-dependent, and it was blocked by both PI3K and MEK inhibitors. In conclusion, the mitogenic effect of relaxin in Sertoli cell involves coupling to G(i) and activation of both MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Rosa Nascimento
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Hirata A, Maeda N, Nakatsuji H, Hiuge-Shimizu A, Okada T, Funahashi T, Shimomura I. Contribution of glucocorticoid–mineralocorticoid receptor pathway on the obesity-related adipocyte dysfunction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 419:182-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.01.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Samuel CS, Cendrawan S, Gao XM, Ming Z, Zhao C, Kiriazis H, Xu Q, Tregear GW, Bathgate RAD, Du XJ. Relaxin remodels fibrotic healing following myocardial infarction. J Transl Med 2011; 91:675-90. [PMID: 21221074 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2010.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In the setting of myocardial infarction (MI), implanted stem cell viability is low and scar formation limits stem cell homing, viability, and integration. Thus, interventions that favorably remodel fibrotic healing may benefit stem cell therapies. However, it remains unclear whether it is feasible and safe to remodel fibrotic healing post-MI without compromising ventricular remodeling and dysfunction. This study, therefore, determined the anti-fibrotic and other effects of the hormone, relaxin in a mouse model of MI. Adult male mice underwent left coronary artery ligation-induced MI and were immediately treated with recombinant human relaxin (MI+RLX) or vehicle (MI+VEH) over 7 or 30 days, representing time points of early and mature fibrotic healing. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and catheterization, while comprehensive immunohistochemistry, morphometry, and western blotting were performed to explore the relaxin-induced mechanisms of action post-MI. RLX significantly inhibited the MI-induced progression of cardiac fibrosis over 7 and 30 days, which was associated with a reduction in TGF-β1 expression, myofibroblast differentiation, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in addition to a promotion of matrix metalloproteinase-13 levels and de novo blood vessel growth (all P<0.05 vs respective measurements from MI+VEH mice). Despite the evident fibrotic healing post-MI, relaxin did not adversely affect the incidence of ventricular free-wall rupture or the extent of LV remodeling and dysfunction. These combined findings demonstrate that RLX favorably remodels the process of fibrotic healing post-infarction by lowering the density of mature scar tissue in the infarcted myocardium, border zone, and non-infarcted myocardium, and may, therefore, facilitate cell-based therapies in the setting of ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrishan S Samuel
- Howard Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Kawaguchi N, Smith AJ, Waring CD, Hasan MK, Miyamoto S, Matsuoka R, Ellison GM. c-kitpos GATA-4 high rat cardiac stem cells foster adult cardiomyocyte survival through IGF-1 paracrine signalling. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14297. [PMID: 21179204 PMCID: PMC3001457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resident c-kit positive (c-kitpos) cardiac stem cells (CSCs) could be considered the most appropriate cell type for myocardial regeneration therapies. However, much is still unknown regarding their biological properties and potential. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We produced clones of high and low expressing GATA-4 CSCs from long-term bulk-cultured c-kitpos CSCs isolated from adult rat hearts. When c-kitpos GATA-4 high expressing clonal CSCs (cCSCs) were co-cultured with adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes, we observed increased survival and contractility of the cardiomyocytes, compared to cardiomyocytes cultured alone, co-cultured with fibroblasts or c-kitpos GATA-4 low expressing cCSCs. When analysed by ELISA, the concentration of IGF-1 was significantly increased in the c-kitpos GATA-4 high cCSC/cardiomyocyte co-cultures and there was a significant correlation between IGF-1 concentration and cardiomyocyte survival. We showed the activation of the IGF-1 receptor and its downstream molecular targets in cardiomyocytes co-cultured with c-kitpos GATA-4 high cCSCs but not in cardiomyocytes that were cultured alone, co-cultured with fibroblasts or c-kitpos GATA-4 low cCSCs. Addition of a blocking antibody specific to the IGF-1 receptor inhibited the survival of cardiomyocytes and prevented the activation of its signalling in cardiomyocytes in the c-kitpos GATA-4 high cCSC/cardiomyocyte co-culture system. IGF-1 supplementation or IGF-1 high conditioned medium taken from the co-culture of c-kitpos GATA-4 high cCSCs plus cardiomyocytes did extend the survival and contractility of cardiomyocytes cultured alone and cardiomyocytes co-cultured with c-kitpos GATA-4 low cCSCs. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE c-kitpos GATA-4 high cCSCs exert a paracrine survival effect on cardiomyocytes through induction of the IGF-1R and signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanako Kawaguchi
- International Research and Educational Institute for Integrated Medical Sciences (IREIIMS), Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Andrew J. Smith
- Stem Cell and Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Cheryl D. Waring
- Stem Cell and Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Md Kamrul Hasan
- International Research and Educational Institute for Integrated Medical Sciences (IREIIMS), Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinka Miyamoto
- International Research and Educational Institute for Integrated Medical Sciences (IREIIMS), Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Institute of Japan, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rumiko Matsuoka
- International Research and Educational Institute for Integrated Medical Sciences (IREIIMS), Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Georgina M. Ellison
- Stem Cell and Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Hombach-Klonisch S, Bialek J, Radestock Y, Truong A, Agoulnik AI, Fiebig B, Willing C, Weber E, Hoang-Vu C, Klonisch T. INSL3 has tumor-promoting activity in thyroid cancer. Int J Cancer 2010; 127:521-31. [PMID: 19950223 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The functional role of INSL3 and its receptor RXFP2 in carcinogenesis is largely unknown. We have previously demonstrated (pro-)cathepsin-L as a target of INSL3 in human thyroid cancer cells facilitating penetration of tumor cells through elastin matrices. We demonstrate the expression of RXFP2 in human thyroid tissues and in mouse follicular thyroid epithelial cells using Cre-recombinase transgene driven by Rxfp2 promoter. Recombinant and secreted INSL3 increased the motility of thyroid carcinoma (TC) cells in an autocrine/paracrine manner. This effect required the presence of RXFP2. We identified S100A4 as a novel INSL3 target molecule and showed that S100A4 facilitated INSL3-induced enhanced motility. Stable transfectants of the human follicular TC cell line FTC-133 expressing and secreting bioactive human INSL3 displayed enhanced anchorage-independent growth in soft agar assays. Xenotransplant experiments in nude mice showed that INSL3, but not EGFP-mock transfectants, developed fast-growing and highly vascularized xenografts. We used human umbilical vein endothelial cells in capillary tube formation assays to demonstrate increased 2-dimensional tube formations induced by recombinant human INSL3 and human S100A4 comparable to the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor used as positive control. We conclude that INSL3 is a powerful and multifunctional promoter of tumor growth and angiogenesis in human thyroid cancer cell xenografts. INSL3 actions involve RXFP2 activation and the secretion of S100A4 and (pro-)cathepsin-L.
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Kong RCK, Shilling PJ, Lobb DK, Gooley PR, Bathgate RAD. Membrane receptors: structure and function of the relaxin family peptide receptors. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 320:1-15. [PMID: 20138959 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2009] [Revised: 12/14/2009] [Accepted: 02/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The receptors for members of the relaxin peptide family have only recently been discovered and are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Relaxin and insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) interact with the leucine-rich-repeat-containing GPCRs (LGRs) LGR7 and LGR8, respectively. These receptors show closest similarity to the glycoprotein hormone receptors and contain large ectodomains with 10 leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) but are unique members of the LGR family (class C) as they have an LDL class A (LDLa) module at their N-terminus. In contrast, relaxin-3 and INSL5 interact with another class of type I GPCRs which lack a large ectodomain, the peptide receptors GPCR135 and GPCR142, respectively. These receptors are now classified as relaxin family peptide (RXFP) receptors, RXFP1 (LGR7), RXFP2 (LGR8), RXFP3 (GPCR135) and RXFP4 (GPCR142). This review outlines the identification of the peptides and receptors, their expression profiles and physiological roles and the functional interactions of the peptides with their unique receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy C K Kong
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Dong DL, Chen C, Huo R, Wang N, Li Z, Tu YJ, Hu JT, Chu X, Huang W, Yang BF. Reciprocal repression between microRNA-133 and calcineurin regulates cardiac hypertrophy: a novel mechanism for progressive cardiac hypertrophy. Hypertension 2010; 55:946-52. [PMID: 20177001 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.109.139519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy involves a remodeling process of the heart in response to diverse pathological stimuli. Both calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells pathway and microRNA-133 (miR-133) have been shown to play a critical role in cardiac hypertrophy. It has been recognized that the expression and activity of calcineurin increases and miR-133 expression decreases in the hypertrophic heart, and inhibition of calcineurin or increase of miR-133 expression protects against cardiac hypertrophy. Here we tested the interaction between miR-133 and calcineurin in cardiac hypertrophy. Cardiac hypertrophy in vivo and in vitro was induced by transverse aortic constriction and phenylephrine treatment. mRNA levels were measured by using real-time PCR methods. Luciferase assays showed that transfection of miR-133 in HEK293 cells downregulated calcineurin expression, which was reversed by cotransfection with the miR-133-specific 2'-O-methyl antisense inhibitory oligoribonucleotides. These results were confirmed in cultured primary cardiomyocytes. miR-133 expression was downregulated, and calcineurin activity was enhanced in both in vivo and in vitro cardiac hypertrophy models. Treatment of cells and animals with cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of calcineurin, prevented miR-133 downregulation. Moreover, the antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against the catalytic subunits of calcineurin Abeta and the decoy oligodeoxynucleotides targeting nuclear factor of activated T cells transcription factor, a calcineurin downstream effector, increased miR-133 expression in cultured primary cardiomyocytes. Our data show that reciprocal repression between miR-133 and calcineurin regulates cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Li Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University, Baojian Rd 157, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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Hirata A, Maeda N, Hiuge A, Hibuse T, Fujita K, Okada T, Kihara S, Funahashi T, Shimomura I. Blockade of mineralocorticoid receptor reverses adipocyte dysfunction and insulin resistance in obese mice. Cardiovasc Res 2009; 84:164-72. [PMID: 19505930 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvp191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS In obesity, chronic low-grade inflammation and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in fat contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. Suppression of inflammation and ROS production in fat may attenuate the metabolic syndrome. Activation of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) promotes inflammation in heart, kidney, and vasculature via ROS generation. However, the significance of MR in fat remains elusive. Here we investigated whether MR blockade attenuates obesity-related insulin resistance and improves adipocyte dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS Obese ob/ob and db/db mice were treated with eplerenone, a MR antagonist, for 3 weeks. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with aldosterone or H2O2, with and without eplerenone or MR-siRNA. High levels of MR mRNA were detected in adipose tissue of obese ob/ob and db/db mice. Eplerenone treatment significantly reduced insulin resistance, suppressed macrophage infiltration and ROS production in adipose tissues, and corrected the mRNA levels of obesity-related genes in obese mice. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, aldosterone and H2O2 increased intracellular ROS levels and MR blockade inhibited such increases. H2O2 and aldosterone resulted in dysregulation of mRNAs of various genes related to ROS and cytokines, whereas MR blockade corrected such changes. CONCLUSION MR blockade attenuates obesity-related insulin resistance partly through reduction of fat ROS production, inflammatory process, and induction of cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumu Hirata
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2-B5 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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Du XJ, Xu Q, Lekgabe E, Gao XM, Kiriazis H, Moore XL, Dart AM, Tregear GW, Bathgate RAD, Samuel CS. Reversal of cardiac fibrosis and related dysfunction by relaxin. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1160:278-84. [PMID: 19416203 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03780.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
As a hallmark of heart disease, cardiac fibrosis contributes to the development of heart failure and arrhythmias and forms a key therapeutic target. There is a major unmet need for selective, potent, and safe antifibrotic drugs. Earlier studies revealed a cardiac fibrosis phenotype in relaxin-1-deficient mice. Recent studies in several rodent models of cardiac fibrosis have documented reversal of fibrosis by treatment with relaxin peptide or virally mediated relaxin gene delivery. In mice with surgically induced transmural myocardial infarction, relaxin therapy inhibited scar density. In these studies, however, functional benefits achieved by relaxin therapy were limited or less explored. Collectively, there is good experimental evidence that relaxin is able to reverse cardiac fibrosis due to distinct mechanisms. Future research needs to explore functional improvement following fibrosis reversal by relaxin and the usefulness of relaxin in antiarrhythmic or stem cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Du
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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66
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Ho TY, Dilts MA, Bartol FF, Bagnell CA. Relaxin promotes matrix metalloproteinase-2 and decreases Wnt/beta-catenin expression in the neonatal porcine heart. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1160:287-8. [PMID: 19416205 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03810.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Relaxin (RLX), reported to play an important role in cardiovascular remodeling, is linked to activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Interruption of the cardiac Wnt/beta-catenin signaling system is reported to have antihypertrophic effects. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of RLX on the myocardial Wnt/beta-catenin signaling system and MMP expression in the postnatal day 2 (PND 2) porcine heart. Results showed that myocardial Wnt7a and Wnt4 gene expression at PND 2 decreased following treatment with RLX in vivo from birth, while there was no effect on Wnt5a expression. Immunoreactive myocardial beta-catenin protein was reduced in RLX-treated animals. Zymographic analysis of medium from RLX-treated heart explants showed an increase in pro-MMP-2 but not pro-MMP-9 activity. Western blot analysis indicated that RLX increased myocardial MMP-2 protein compared to controls. Data suggest that the RLX-induced decline in Wnt/beta-catenin expression at PND 2, together with increased MMP-2 activity, may be important for neonatal porcine cardiac remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teh-Yuan Ho
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, USA
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Bagnell CA, Steinetz BG, Bartol FF. Milk-Borne Relaxin and the Lactocrine Hypothesis for Maternal Programming of Neonatal Tissues. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1160:152-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.03834.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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68
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Simon C, Einspanier A. The hormonal induction of cervical remodeling in the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus). Reproduction 2009; 137:517-25. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Controversy still exists regarding the involvement of relaxin (RLX) in cervical reorganization throughout parturition in the human, despite its well-known role in facilitating extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in diverse organs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the influence of RLX and estrogen (E2) on the cervical tissue of the common marmoset monkey. Two experimental designs were used: 1)in vivoanalysis of the intracervical diameter under locally applied RLX and 2) ovariectomized (ov) marmosets were treated systemically with either recombinant human (rh) RLX, E2 or rhRLX+E2 to examine their action on the cervix.In vivo-locally applied rhRLX induced a distinct and significant widening of the cervix (before: 4.8±1.1 mm versus after: 5.7±0.9 mm in diameter;P<0.030, MV±s.e.m.). This widening effect was most pronounced in animals without previous pregnancies.In vitroinvestigation of cervical tissue showed significantly increased wet weights after all three hormone treatments (E2: 0.27±0.07 g, RLX: 0.25±0.04 g, E2+RLX: 0.30±0.11 g; allP<0.05; MV±s.e.m.) versus controls (0.10±0.04 g). Furthermore, morphological changes such as loosening of the connective tissue structure and decline in collagen content, an increase in the number of eosinophils, increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP1) and MMP2, as well as gene and protein expression of the RLX receptor RXFP1 could be detected in the cervical tissue after all hormone treatments, compared with controls. In summary, RLX has a potent widening effect on the cervix of the common marmoset monkey. Although E2 is not required for this RLX effect, a combined application of E2 and RLX induced the most prominent cervical ripening.
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69
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Bonacchi M, Nistri S, Nanni C, Gelsomino S, Pini A, Cinci L, Maiani M, Zecchi-Orlandini S, Lorusso R, Fanti S, Silvertown J, Bani D. Functional and histopathological improvement of the post-infarcted rat heart upon myoblast cell grafting and relaxin therapy. J Cell Mol Med 2008; 13:3437-48. [PMID: 18798866 PMCID: PMC4516499 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00503.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the myocardium contains progenitor cells potentially capable of regenerating tissue upon lethal ischaemic injury, their actual role in post-infarction heart healing is negligible. Therefore, transplantation of extra-cardiac stem cells is a promising therapeutic approach for post-infarction heart dysfunction. Paracrine cardiotropic factors released by the grafted cells, such as the cardiotropic hormone relaxin (RLX), may beneficially influence remodelling of recipient hearts. The current study was designed to address whether grafting of mouse C2C12 myoblasts, genetically engineered to express green fluorescent protein (C2C12/GFP) or GFP and RLX (C2C12/RLX), are capable of improving long-term heart remodelling in a rat model of surgically induced chronic myocardial infarction. One month after myocardial infarction, rats were treated with either culture medium (controls), or C2C12/GFP cells, or C2C12/RLX cells plus exogenous RLX, or exogenous RLX alone. The therapeutic effects were monitored for 2 further months. Cell transplantation and exogenous RLX improved the main echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function, increased myocardial viability (assessed by positron emission tomography), decreased cardiac sclerosis and myocardial cell apoptosis and increased microvascular density in the post-infarction scar tissue. These effects were maximal upon treatment with C2C12/RLX plus exogenous RLX. These functional and histopathological findings provide further experimental evidence that myoblast cell grafting can improve myocardial performance and survival during post-infarction heart remodelling and dysfunction. Further, this study provides a proof-of-principle to the novel concept that genetically engineered grafted cells can be effectively employed as cell-based vehicles for the local delivery of therapeutic cardiotropic substances, such as RLX, capable of improving adverse heart remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Bonacchi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Area, Cardiac Surgery Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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van der Westhuizen ET, Halls ML, Samuel CS, Bathgate RA, Unemori EN, Sutton SW, Summers RJ. Relaxin family peptide receptors – from orphans to therapeutic targets. Drug Discov Today 2008; 13:640-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2008.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Revised: 03/04/2008] [Accepted: 04/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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71
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Xu Q, Lekgabe ED, Gao XM, Ming Z, Tregear GW, Dart AM, Bathgate RAD, Samuel CS, Du XJ. Endogenous relaxin does not affect chronic pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Endocrinology 2008; 149:476-82. [PMID: 17991721 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The effect of endogenous relaxin on the development of cardiac hypertrophy, dysfunction, and fibrosis remains completely unknown. We addressed this question by subjecting relaxin-1 deficient (Rln1-/-) and littermate control (Rln1+/+) mice of both genders to chronic transverse aortic constriction (TAC). The extent of left ventricular (LV) remodeling and dysfunction were studied by serial echocardiography over an 8-wk period and by micromanometry. The degree of hypertrophy was estimated by LV weight, cardiomyocyte size, and expression of relevant genes. Cardiac fibrosis was determined by hydroxyproline assay and quantitative histology. Expression of endogenous relaxin during the course of TAC was also examined. In response to an 8-wk period of pressure overload, TAC mice of both genotypes developed significant LV hypertrophy, fibrosis, hypertrophy related gene profile, and signs indicating congestive heart failure when compared with respective sham controls. The severity of these alterations was not statistically different between the two genotypes of either gender. Relaxin mRNA expression was up-regulated, whereas that of its receptor was unchanged in the hypertrophic myocardium of wild-type mice. Collectively, the extent of pressure overload-induced LV hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction were comparable between Rln1+/+ and Rln1-/- mice. Thus, although up-regulated in its expression, endogenous relaxin had no significant effect on the progression of cardiac maladaptation and dysfunction in the setting of chronic pressure overload.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blood Pressure/physiology
- Cardiomegaly/etiology
- Cardiomegaly/metabolism
- Cardiomegaly/pathology
- Chronic Disease
- Collagen/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Fibrosis
- Gene Expression/physiology
- Hypertension/complications
- Hypertension/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Myocardium/metabolism
- Myocardium/pathology
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Peptide/metabolism
- Relaxin/genetics
- Relaxin/metabolism
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/etiology
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/metabolism
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xu
- Baker Heart Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Du XJ. Re-modelling 'hostile' milieu of diseased myocardium via paracrine function of transplanted cells or relaxin. J Cell Mol Med 2008; 11:1101-4. [PMID: 17979885 PMCID: PMC4401275 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2007.00115.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
While the approaches of regenerating cardiac muscle remain undetermined, recent evidence indicates that paracrine function of transplanted cells contributes significantly to the beneficial effects of cell therapy. Combination of such paracrine function of grafted cells with extracellular matrix remodelling by relaxin represents a promising complement to cell-based therapy for cardiac repair and muscle regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Du
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Baker Heart Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
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Schöndorf T, Lübben G, Hoopmann M, Borchert M, Forst T, Hohberg C, Löbig M, Armbruster FP, Roth W, Grabellus M, Pfützner A. Relaxin expression correlates significantly with serum fibrinogen variation in response to antidiabetic treatment in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Gynecol Endocrinol 2007; 23:356-60. [PMID: 17616862 DOI: 10.1080/09513590701447998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Diabetes is associated with aberrant coagulation. Relaxin, an insulin-like peptide hormone, is a candidate to be involved in the underlying molecular mechanisms. Therefore, the present study investigated the correlation of relaxin expression with fibrinogen levels in diabetes patients undergoing oral antidiabetic treatment. METHOD In total, 192 type 2 diabetes patients were enrolled into the study. The patients were randomized to receive either pioglitazone or glimepiride for 26 weeks. Blood was drawn at baseline and at the end of the study to measure the concentrations of relaxin and fibrinogen with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a turbimetric method, respectively. In addition, platelets were counted at both time points. RESULTS Total datasets were available from 161 patients (age 62.5 +/- 8.1 years, mean +/- standard deviation; 58 women, 103 men). The median initial parameter concentrations were: relaxin, 27.4 pg/ml (range 0.4 - 380 pg/ml); fibrinogen, 3.0 g/l (range 1.1 - 7.9 g/l); platelets, 217,000/microl (range 51,000 - 547 000/microl). The data were analyzed according to the increase or decrease of each parameter after therapy compared with baseline. There was a significant correlation of relaxin variation with fibrinogen variation, seen particularly in the female subgroup (p < 0.05). The correlation was independent of the antidiabetic medication. CONCLUSION The data suggest that there is a correlation between fibrinogen levels and relaxin expression. Relaxin may exert its cardioprotective properties after pathologic fibrinogen increase. This regulation may be affected by diabetes. As a consequence, cardiovascular risk may increase in women with aberrant relaxin functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schöndorf
- Institute for Clinical Research and Development, Mainz, Germany.
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