1
|
Schumacher L, Slimani R, Zizmare L, Ehlers J, Kleine Borgmann F, Fitzgerald JC, Fallier-Becker P, Beckmann A, Grißmer A, Meier C, El-Ayoubi A, Devraj K, Mittelbronn M, Trautwein C, Naumann U. TGF-Beta Modulates the Integrity of the Blood Brain Barrier In Vitro, and Is Associated with Metabolic Alterations in Pericytes. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010214. [PMID: 36672722 PMCID: PMC9855966 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a selectively permeable boundary that separates the circulating blood from the extracellular fluid of the brain and is an essential component for brain homeostasis. In glioblastoma (GBM), the BBB of peritumoral vessels is often disrupted. Pericytes, being important to maintaining BBB integrity, can be functionally modified by GBM cells which induce proliferation and cell motility via the TGF-β-mediated induction of central epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors. We demonstrate that pericytes strengthen the integrity of the BBB in primary endothelial cell/pericyte co-cultures as an in vitro BBB model, using TEER measurement of the barrier integrity. In contrast, this effect was abrogated by TGF-β or conditioned medium from TGF-β secreting GBM cells, leading to the disruption of a so far intact and tight BBB. TGF-β notably changed the metabolic behavior of pericytes, by shutting down the TCA cycle, driving energy generation from oxidative phosphorylation towards glycolysis, and by modulating pathways that are necessary for the biosynthesis of molecules used for proliferation and cell division. Combined metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses further underscored that the observed functional and metabolic changes of TGF-β-treated pericytes are closely connected with their role as important supporting cells during angiogenic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Schumacher
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rédouane Slimani
- Department of Cancer Research (DOCR), Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), 1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Centre of Neuropathology (LCNP), 3555 Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Laimdota Zizmare
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jakob Ehlers
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Kleine Borgmann
- Department of Cancer Research (DOCR), Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), 1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Centre of Neuropathology (LCNP), 3555 Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Julia C. Fitzgerald
- Mitochondrial Biology of Parkinson’s Disease, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Petra Fallier-Becker
- Institute for Pathology and Neuropathology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anja Beckmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Grißmer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Carola Meier
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Ali El-Ayoubi
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kavi Devraj
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Edinger Institute (Neurological Institute), Goethe University Hospital, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michel Mittelbronn
- Department of Cancer Research (DOCR), Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), 1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Centre of Neuropathology (LCNP), 3555 Dudelange, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine (DLSM), University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM), University of Luxembourg, 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- National Center of Pathology (NCP), Laboratoire Nationale de Santé (LNS), 3555 Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Christoph Trautwein
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence: (C.T.); (U.N.)
| | - Ulrike Naumann
- Molecular Neurooncology, Department of Vascular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence: (C.T.); (U.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Iwaoka Y, Fukushima M, Ito H, Koga T, Kawahara N, Tai A. Synthesis of Ascorbic Acid Derivatives with Different Types of C 8 Straight Acyl Chain and Their Neurite Outgrowth-Enhancing Activities. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2022; 68:236-239. [PMID: 35768255 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.68.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that 2-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-6-O-octanoyl-L-ascorbic acid, having a C8 straight acyl chain, at a concentration of 100 μM remarkably enhanced nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells after being metabolized to L-ascorbic acid (AA) as an active form by esterase and α-glucosidase. In this study, to examine the structure-activity relationship of 6-O-substituted AA derivatives with a C8 straight acyl chain for neurite outgrowth-promoting activity, we synthesized AA derivatives 1-4 and compared their activities for promoting NGF-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. AA derivatives 1-4 showed neurite outgrowth-enhancing activity at 100 μM, while AA derivative 2 also showed the enhancing activity at 3 μM. Furthermore, AA derivative 2 as well as AA enhanced NGF-induced neurite outgrowth after being incorporated into PC12 cells via sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter as an anion transporter. The results suggested that AA derivative 2 has neurite outgrowth-enhancing activity in its intact form at a low concentration (3 μM) and that AA derivatives 1-4 showed their activities in the form of AA, a metabolite of these derivatives, at a higher concentration (100 μM).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Iwaoka
- Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University.,Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima
| | - Misaki Fukushima
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima
| | - Hideyuki Ito
- Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University
| | - Takeru Koga
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima.,Graduate School of Advanced Technology and Science, Tokushima University
| | | | - Akihiro Tai
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima.,Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Panday S, Kar S, Kavdia M. How does ascorbate improve endothelial dysfunction? - A computational analysis. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 165:111-126. [PMID: 33497797 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Low levels of ascorbate (Asc) are observed in cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases. Asc has therapeutic potential for the treatment of endothelial dysfunction, which is characterized by a reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and increased oxidative stress in the vasculature. However, the potential mechanisms remain poorly understood for the Asc mitigation of endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we developed an endothelial cell based computational model integrating endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) biochemical pathway with downstream reactions and interactions of oxidative stress, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis and biopterin ratio ([BH4]/[TBP]), Asc and glutathione (GSH). We quantitatively analyzed three Asc mediated mechanisms that are reported to improve/maintain endothelial cell function. The mechanisms include the reduction of •BH3 to BH4, direct scavenging of superoxide (O2•-) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) and increasing eNOS activity. The model predicted that Asc at 0.1-100 μM concentrations improved endothelial cell NO production, total biopterin and biopterin ratio in a dose dependent manner and the extent of cellular oxidative stress. Asc increased BH4 availability and restored eNOS coupling under oxidative stress conditions. Asc at concentrations of 1-10 mM reduced O2•- and ONOO- levels and could act as an antioxidant. We predicted that glutathione peroxidase and peroxiredoxin in combination with GSH and Asc can restore eNOS coupling and NO production under oxidative stress conditions. Asc supplementation may be used as an effective therapeutic strategy when BH4 levels are depleted. This study provides detailed understanding of the mechanism responsible and the optimal cellular Asc levels for improvement in endothelial dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Panday
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, 48202, MI, USA
| | - Saptarshi Kar
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait
| | - Mahendra Kavdia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, 48202, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The Pharmacokinetics of Vitamin C. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11102412. [PMID: 31601028 PMCID: PMC6835439 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacokinetics of vitamin C (vitC) is indeed complex. Regulated primarily by a family of saturable sodium dependent vitC transporters (SVCTs), the absorption and elimination are highly dose-dependent. Moreover, the tissue specific expression levels and subtypes of these SVCTs result in a compartmentalized distribution pattern with a diverse range of organ concentrations of vitC at homeostasis ranging from about 0.2 mM in the muscle and heart, and up to 10 mM in the brain and adrenal gland. The homeostasis of vitC is influenced by several factors, including genetic polymorphisms and environmental and lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet, as well as diseases. Going from physiological to pharmacological doses, vitC pharmacokinetics change from zero to first order, rendering the precise calculation of dosing regimens in, for example, cancer and sepsis treatment possible. Unfortunately, the complex pharmacokinetics of vitC has often been overlooked in the design of intervention studies, giving rise to misinterpretations and erroneous conclusions. The present review outlines the diverse aspects of vitC pharmacokinetics and examines how they affect vitC homeostasis under a variety of conditions.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ballaz SJ, Rebec GV. Neurobiology of vitamin C: Expanding the focus from antioxidant to endogenous neuromodulator. Pharmacol Res 2019; 146:104321. [PMID: 31229562 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA) is a water-soluble vitamin (C) found in all bodily organs. Most mammals synthesize it, humans are required to eat it, but all mammals need it for healthy functioning. AA reaches its highest concentration in the brain where both neurons and glia rely on tightly regulated uptake from blood via the glucose transport system and sodium-coupled active transport to accumulate and maintain AA at millimolar levels. As a prototype antioxidant, AA is not only neuroprotective, but also functions as a cofactor in redox-coupled reactions essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine and norepinephrine) and paracrine lipid mediators (e.g., epoxiecoisatrienoic acids) as well as the epigenetic regulation of DNA. Although redox capacity led to the promotion of AA in high doses as potential treatment for various neuropathological and psychiatric conditions, ample evidence has not supported this therapeutic strategy. Here, we focus on some long-neglected aspects of AA neurobiology, including its modulatory role in synaptic transmission as demonstrated by the long-established link between release of endogenous AA in brain extracellular fluid and the clearance of glutamate, an excitatory amino acid. Evidence that this link can be disrupted in animal models of Huntington´s disease is revealing opportunities for new research pathways and therapeutic applications (e.g., epilepsy and pain management). In fact, we suggest that improved understanding of the regulation of endogenous AA and its interaction with key brain neurotransmitter systems, rather than administration of AA in excess, should be the target of future brain-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago J Ballaz
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Yachay Tech University, Urcuqui, Ecuador.
| | - George V Rebec
- Program in Neuroscience, Department Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Role and Molecular Mechanisms of Pericytes in Regulation of Leukocyte Diapedesis in Inflamed Tissues. Mediators Inflamm 2019; 2019:4123605. [PMID: 31205449 PMCID: PMC6530229 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4123605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukocyte recruitment is a hallmark of the inflammatory response. Migrating leukocytes breach the endothelium along with the vascular basement membrane and associated pericytes. While much is known about leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions, the mechanisms and role of pericytes in extravasation are poorly understood and the classical paradigm of leukocyte recruitment in the microvasculature seldom adequately discusses the involvement of pericytes. Emerging evidence shows that pericytes are essential players in the regulation of leukocyte extravasation in addition to their functions in blood vessel formation and blood-brain barrier maintenance. Junctions between venular endothelial cells are closely aligned with extracellular matrix protein low expression regions (LERs) in the basement membrane, which in turn are aligned with gaps between pericytes. This forms preferential paths for leukocyte extravasation. Breaching of the layer formed by pericytes and the basement membrane entails remodelling of LERs, leukocyte-pericyte adhesion, crawling of leukocytes on pericyte processes, and enlargement of gaps between pericytes to form channels for migrating leukocytes. Furthermore, inflamed arteriolar and capillary pericytes induce chemotactic migration of leukocytes that exit postcapillary venules, and through direct pericyte-leukocyte contact, they induce efficient interstitial migration to enhance the immunosurveillance capacity of leukocytes. Given their role as regulators of leukocyte extravasation, proper pericyte function is imperative in inflammatory disease contexts such as diabetic retinopathy and sepsis. This review summarizes research on the molecular mechanisms by which pericytes mediate leukocyte diapedesis in inflamed tissues.
Collapse
|
7
|
Iwaoka Y, Ikeda N, Ohno A, Ito H, Tai A. Antioxidant activity and Neurite outgrowth-enhancing activity of scorbamic acid and a red pigment derived from ascorbic acid. Nat Prod Res 2018; 34:838-842. [PMID: 30422002 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2018.1499641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
L-Ascorbic acid (AA), known as vitamin C, can form browning products by a non-enzymatic process during storage and the browning products cause deterioration of agricultural products. In the browning reaction, a red pigment, 2,2´-nitrilodi-2(2´)-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid ammonium salt (NDA), is generated from AA via L-scorbamic acid (SCA) as an intermediate. However, the biological activities of SCA and NDA have not yet been clarified. In this study, we assayed the antioxidant activities of SCA and NDA using ABTS radical cation and their neurite outgrowth-enhancing activities in PC12 cells. SCA showed stronger radical-scavenging activity than that of AA, while NDA hardly showed any activity. SCA and NDA enhanced the neurite outgrowth induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP after their incorporation into cells in the same manner as that of AA. The results indicated that SCA has antioxidant activity and that SCA and NDA have neurite outgrowth-enhancing activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Iwaoka
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nao Ikeda
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Asako Ohno
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ito
- Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Soja, Okayama, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tai
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Shobara, Hiroshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wohlrab C, Phillips E, Dachs GU. Vitamin C Transporters in Cancer: Current Understanding and Gaps in Knowledge. Front Oncol 2017; 7:74. [PMID: 28484682 PMCID: PMC5402541 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sufficient uptake and whole body distribution of vitamin C (ascorbate) is essential for many biochemical processes, including some that are vital for tumor growth and spread. Uptake of ascorbate into cancer cells is modulated by availability, tumor blood flow, tissue diffusion parameters, and ascorbate transport proteins. Uptake into cells is mediated by two families of transport proteins, namely, the solute carrier gene family 23, consisting of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCTs) 1 and 2, and the SLC2 family of glucose transporters (GLUTs). GLUTs transport the oxidized form of the vitamin, dehydroascorbate (DHA), which is present at negligible to low physiological levels. SVCT1 and 2 are capable of accumulating ascorbate against a concentration gradient from micromolar concentrations outside to millimolar levels inside of cells. Investigating the expression and regulation of SVCTs in cancer has only recently started to be included in studies focused on the role of ascorbate in tumor formation, progression, and response to therapy. This review gives an overview of the current, limited knowledge of ascorbate transport across membranes, as well as tissue distribution, gene expression, and the relevance of SVCTs in cancer. As tumor ascorbate accumulation may play a role in the anticancer activity of high dose ascorbate treatment, further research into ascorbate transport in cancer tissue is vital.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Wohlrab
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Elisabeth Phillips
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Gabi U Dachs
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|