International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCIX. Angiotensin Receptors: Interpreters of Pathophysiological Angiotensinergic Stimuli [corrected]

Expression and Function of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Physiology and Disease

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the prototypical member of a family of membrane-associated intrinsic tyrosine kinase receptors, the ErbB family. EGFR is activated by multiple ligands, including EGF, transforming growth factor (TGF)-α, HB-EGF, betacellulin, amphiregulin, epiregulin, and epigen. EGFR is expressed in multiple organs and plays important roles in proliferation, survival, and differentiation in both development and normal physiology, as well as in pathophysiological conditions. In addition, EGFR transactivation underlies some important biologic consequences in response to many G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists. Aberrant EGFR activation is a significant factor in development and progression of multiple cancers, which has led to development of mechanism-based therapies with specific receptor antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This review highlights the current knowledge about mechanisms and roles of EGFR in physiology and disease.

Angiotensin Receptors: Structure, Function, Signaling and Clinical Applications

Angiotensinogen - a serpin family protein predominantly produced by the liver is systematically processed by proteases of the Renin Angiotensin system (RAS) generating hormone peptides. Specific cell surface receptors for at least three distinct angiotensin peptides produce distinct cellular signals that regulate system-wide physiological response to RAS. Two well characterized receptors are angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1 receptor) and type 2 receptor (AT2 receptor). They respond to the octapeptide hormone angiotensin II. The oncogene product MAS is a putative receptor for Ang (1-7). While these are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), the in vivo angiotensin IV binding sites may be type 2 transmembrane proteins. These four receptors together regulate cardiovascular, hemodynamic, neurological, renal, and endothelial functions; as well as cell proliferation, survival, matrix-cell interactions and inflammation. Angiotensin receptors are important therapeutic targets for several diseases. Thus, researchers and pharmaceutical companies are focusing on drugs targeting AT1 receptor than AT2 receptor, MAS and AngIV binding sites. AT1 receptor blockers are the cornerstone of current treatment for hypertension, heart failure, renal failure and many types of vascular diseases including atherosclerosis, aortic aneurism and Marfan syndrome.

Molecular mechanisms in H2O2-induced increase in AT1 receptor gene expression in cardiac fibroblasts: A role for endogenously generated Angiotensin II

The AT1 receptor (AT1R) mediates the manifold actions of angiotensin II in the cardiovascular system. This study probed the molecular mechanisms that link altered redox status to AT1R expression in cardiac fibroblasts. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis showed that H2O2 enhances AT1R mRNA and protein expression via NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species induction. Activation of NF-κB and AP-1, demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, abolition of AT1R expression by their inhibitors, Bay-11-7085 and SR11302, respectively, and luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed transcriptional control of AT1R by NF-κB and AP-1 in H2O2-treated cells. Further, inhibition of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) using chemical inhibitors or by RNA interference attenuated AT1R expression. Inhibition of the MAPKs showed that while ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK suffice for NF-κB activation, all three kinases are required for AP-1 activation. H2O2 also increased collagen type I mRNA and protein expression. Interestingly, the AT1R antagonist, candesartan, attenuated H2O2-stimulated AT1R and collagen mRNA and protein expression, suggesting that H2O2 up-regulates AT1R and collagen expression via local Angiotensin II generation, which was confirmed by real-time PCR and ELISA. To conclude, oxidative stress enhances AT1R gene expression in cardiac fibroblasts by a complex mechanism involving the redox-sensitive transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1 that are activated by the co-ordinated action of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK. Importantly, by causally linking oxidative stress to Angiotensin II and AT1R up-regulation in cardiac fibroblasts, this study offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Context-dependent effects of SOCS3 in angiotensin II-induced vascular dysfunction and hypertension in mice: mechanisms and role of bone marrow-derived cells

Carotid artery disease is a major contributor to stroke and cognitive deficits. Angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes vascular dysfunction and disease through mechanisms that include the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Here, we investigated the importance of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) in models of Ang II-induced vascular dysfunction. We examined direct effects of Ang II on carotid arteries from SOCS3-deficient (SOCS3(+/-)) mice and wild-type (WT) littermates using organ culture and then tested endothelial function with acetylcholine (ACh). A low concentration of Ang II (1 nmol/l) did not affect ACh-induced vasodilation in WT but reduced that of SOCS3(+/-) mice by ∼50% (P < 0.05). In relation to mechanisms, effects of Ang II in SOCS3(+/-) mice were prevented by inhibitors of STAT3, IL-6, NF-κB, or superoxide. Systemic Ang II (1.4 mg/kg per day for 14 days) also reduced vasodilation to ACh in WT. Surprisingly, SOCS3 deficiency prevented most of the endothelial dysfunction. To examine potential underlying mechanisms, we performed bone marrow transplantation. WT mice reconstituted with SOCS3(+/-) bone marrow were protected from Ang II-induced endothelial dysfunction, whereas reconstitution of SOCS3(+/-) mice with WT bone marrow exacerbated Ang II-induced effects. The SOCS3 genotype of bone marrow-derived cells did not influence direct effects of Ang II on vascular function. These data provide new mechanistic insight into the influence of SOCS3 on the vasculature, including divergent effects depending on the source of Ang II. Bone marrow-derived cells deficient in SOCS3 protect against systemic Ang II-induced vascular dysfunction.

Microvascular Dysfunction and Cognitive Impairment

The impact of vascular risk factors on cognitive function has garnered much interest in recent years. The appropriate distribution of oxygen, glucose, and other nutrients by the cerebral vasculature is critical for proper cognitive performance. The cerebral microvasculature is a key site of vascular resistance and a preferential target for small vessel disease. While deleterious effects of vascular risk factors on microvascular function are known, the contribution of this dysfunction to cognitive deficits is less clear. In this review, we summarize current evidence for microvascular dysfunction in brain. We highlight effects of select vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, and hyperhomocysteinemia) on the pial and parenchymal circulation. Lastly, we discuss potential links between microvascular disease and cognitive function, highlighting current gaps in our understanding.

Exogenous Angiotensin I Metabolism in Aorta Isolated from Streptozotocin Treated Diabetic Rats

Purpose. Products of angiotensin (ANG) I metabolism may predispose to vascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Methods. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (75 mg/kg i.p.). Rat aorta fragments, isolated 4 weeks later, were pretreated with perindoprilat (3 μM), thiorphan (3 μM), or vehicle and incubated for 15 minutes with ANG I (1 μM). Products of ANG I metabolism through classical (ANG II, ANG III, and ANG IV) and alternative (ANG (1-9), ANG (1-7), and ANG (1-5)) pathways were measured in the buffer, using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results. Incubation with ANG I resulted in higher concentration of ANG II (P = 0.02, vehicle pretreatment) and lower of ANG (1-9) (P = 0.048, perindoprilat pretreatment) in diabetes. Preference for the classical pathway is suggested by higher ANG III/ANG (1-7) ratios in vehicle (P = 0.03), perindoprilat (P = 0.02), and thiorphan pretreated (P = 0.02) diabetic rat. Within the classical pathway, ratios of ANG IV/ANG II (P = 0.01) and of ANG IV/ANG III (P = 0.049), but not of ANG III/ANG II are lower in diabetes. Conclusions. Diabetes in rats led to preference toward deleterious (ANG II, ANG III) over protective (ANG IV, ANG (1-9), and ANG (1-7)) ANG I metabolites.