Resveratrol inhibits glucose-induced migration of vascular smooth muscle cells mediated by focal adhesion kinase

Citropten Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration via the TRPV1 Receptor

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration play critical roles in arterial remodeling. Citropten, a natural organic compound belonging to coumarin and its derivative classes, exhibits various biological activities. However, mechanisms by which citropten protects against vascular remodeling remain unknown. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of citropten on VSMC proliferation and migration under high-glucose (HG) stimulation. Citropten abolished the proliferation and migration of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (RVSMCs) in a concentration-dependent manner. Also, citropten inhibited the expression of proliferation-related proteins, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin E1, cyclin D1, and migration-related markers such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), MMP2 and MMP9, in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, citropten inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT, as well as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression, mediated to the Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) transcription factor. Using pharmacological inhibitors of ERK, AKT, and HIF-1α also strongly blocked the expression of MMP9, PCNA, and cyclin D1, as well as migration and the proliferation rate. Finally, molecular docking suggested that citropten docked onto the binding site of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a well-known agonist of TRPV1. These data suggest that citropten inhibits VSMC proliferation and migration by activating the TRPV1 channel.

The Role of Cdc42 in the Insulin and Leptin Pathways Contributing to the Development of Age-Related Obesity

Age-related obesity significantly increases the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and certain cancers. The insulin-leptin axis is crucial in understanding metabolic disturbances associated with age-related obesity. Rho GTPase Cdc42 is a member of the Rho family of GTPases that participates in many cellular processes including, but not limited to, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, vesicle trafficking, cell polarity, morphology, proliferation, motility, and migration. Cdc42 functions as an integral part of regulating insulin secretion and aging. Some novel roles for Cdc42 have also been recently identified in maintaining glucose metabolism, where Cdc42 is involved in controlling blood glucose levels in metabolically active tissues, including skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, pancreas, etc., which puts this protein in line with other critical regulators of glucose metabolism. Importantly, Cdc42 plays a vital role in cellular processes associated with the insulin and leptin signaling pathways, which are integral elements involved in obesity development if misregulated. Additionally, a change in Cdc42 activity may affect senescence, thus contributing to disorders associated with aging. This review explores the complex relationships among age-associated obesity, the insulin-leptin axis, and the Cdc42 signaling pathway. This article sheds light on the vast molecular web that supports metabolic dysregulation in aging people. In addition, it also discusses the potential therapeutic implications of the Cdc42 pathway to mitigate obesity since some new data suggest that inhibition of Cdc42 using antidiabetic drugs or antioxidants may promote weight loss in overweight or obese patients.

Resveratrol Inhibits Insulin-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration by Activating SIRT1

Abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are essential for the development of hypertension. Insulin has been identified to promote VSMC proliferation and migration; resveratrol has been shown to have protective effects against cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol on insulin-induced VSMC proliferation and migration and its potential mechanism. VSMC proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), cell counting method, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay. Cell migration was detected by wound healing assay and transwell method. Expression of silent information regulator of transcription 1 (SIRT1) and phosphorylation levels of signaling molecules, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt), in VSMCs were detected by Western blotting. Resveratrol (25-150 μM) was found to inhibit insulin-induced VSMC proliferation. Pretreatment with 100 μM resveratrol reduced insulin (100 nM)-mediated VSMC migration. LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K, inhibited the stimulatory effect of insulin (100 nM) on the proliferation of VSMCs. Treatment with resveratrol also decreased insulin-induced stimulatory effect on PI3K and Akt phosphorylation levels. Moreover, resveratrol treatment increased SIRT1 protein expression in VSMCs. A SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527, reversed the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on insulin-induced VSMC proliferation and migration and activation of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation levels. In conclusion, our study revealed that treatment with resveratrol inhibited insulin-mediated VSMC proliferation and migration, possibly by activating SIRT1 and downregulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Oxidative stress generated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from ambient particulate matter enhance vascular smooth muscle cell migration through MMP upregulation and actin reorganization

Background

Epidemiological studies have suggested that elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM) are strongly associated with the incidence of atherosclerosis, however, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis by PM exposure and the components that are mainly responsible for this adverse effect remain to be established. In this investigation, we evaluated the effects of ambient PM on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behavior. Furthermore, the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), major components of PM, on VSMC migration and the underlying mechanisms were examined.

Results

VSMC migration was significantly increased by treatment with organic matters extracted from ambient PM. The total amount of PAHs contained in WPM was higher than that in SPM, leading to higher ROS generation and VSMC migration. The increased migration was successfully inhibited by treatment with the anti-oxidant, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). The levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 were significantly increased in ambient PM-treated VSMCs, with MMP9 levels being significantly higher in WPM-treated VSMCs than in those treated with SPM. As expected, migration was significantly increased in all tested PAHs (anthracene, ANT; benz(a)anthracene, BaA) and their oxygenated derivatives (9,10-Anthraquinone, AQ; 7,12-benz(a)anthraquinone, BAQ, respectively). The phosphorylated levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and formation of the focal adhesion complex were significantly increased in ambient PM or PAH-treated VSMCs, and these effects were blocked by administration of NAC or α-NF, an inhibitor of AhR, the receptor that allows PAH uptake. Subsequently, the levels of phosphorylated Src and NRF, the downstream targets of FAK, were altered with a pattern similar to that of p-FAK.

Conclusions

PAHs, including oxy-PAHs, in ambient PM may have dual effects that lead to an increase in VSMC migration. One is the generation of oxidative stress followed by MMP upregulation, and the other is actin reorganization that results from the activation of the focal adhesion complex.

Preventive Effect and Mechanism of Crossostephium chinense Extract on Balloon Angioplasty-Induced Neointimal Hyperplasia

Balloon angioplasty-induced neointimal hyperplasia remains a clinical problem that must be resolved. The bioactivities of the Crossostephium chinense extract (CCE) have demonstrated potential in preventing the progression of restenosis. The present study evaluated whether CCE can suppress balloon angioplasty-induced neointima formation and elucidated its possible pharmacological mechanisms. A rat model of carotid arterial balloon angioplasty was established to evaluate the inhibitory effect of CCEs on neointimal hyperplasia. Two cell lines, A10 vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and RAW264.7 macrophages, were used to investigate the potential regulatory activities and pharmacological mechanisms of CCEs in cell proliferation and migration and in inflammation. Our in vitro results indicated that CCE3, the ethanolic extract of C. chinense, exerted the strongest growth inhibitory and antimigratory effects on VSMCs. CCE3 blocked the activation of focal adhesion kinase, platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFRB), and its downstream molecules (AKT and mTOR) and reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2. In addition, our findings revealed that CCE3 significantly increased the expression of miRNA-132, an inhibitory regulator of inflammation and restenosis, and suppressed the expression of inflammation-related molecules (inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, and IL-6). Our in vivo study results indicated that balloon injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia was inhibited by CCE3. CCE3 could reduce neointima formation in balloon-injured arteries, and this effect may be partially attributed to the CCE3-induced suppression of PDGFRB-mediated downstream pathways and inflammation-related molecules.

The Paradoxical Effect of PARP Inhibitor BGP-15 on Irinotecan-Induced Cachexia and Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction

Simple Summary

Both cancer and the chemotherapy used to treat it are drivers of cachexia, a life-threatening body-wasting condition which complicates cancer treatment. Poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are currently being investigated as a treatment against cancer. Here, we present paradoxical evidence that they might also be useful for mitigating the skeletal muscle specific side-effects of anti-cancer chemotherapy or exacerbate them. BGP-15 is a small molecule PARP inhibitor which protected against irinotecan (IRI)-induced cachexia and loss of skeletal muscle mass and dysfunction in our study. However, peculiarly, BGP-15 adjuvant therapy reduced protein synthesis rates and the expression of key cytoskeletal proteins associated with the dystrophin-associated protein complex and increased matrix metalloproteinase activity, while it increased the propensity for fast-twitch muscles to tear during fatiguing contraction. Our data suggest that both IRI and BGP-15 cause structural remodeling involving proteins associated with the contractile apparatus, cytoskeleton and/or the extracellular matrix which may be only transient and ultimately beneficial or may paradoxically onset a muscular dystrophy phenotype and be detrimental if more permanent.

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced muscle wasting and dysfunction is a contributing factor to cachexia alongside cancer and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Here, we investigate the effects of the chemotherapeutic agent irinotecan (IRI) on skeletal muscle mass and function and whether BGP-15 (a poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitor and heat shock protein co-inducer) adjuvant therapy could protect against IRI-induced skeletal myopathy. Healthy 6-week-old male Balb/C mice (n = 24; 8/group) were treated with six intraperitoneal injections of either vehicle, IRI (30 mg/kg) or BGP-15 adjuvant therapy (IRI+BGP; 15 mg/kg) over two weeks. IRI reduced lean and tibialis anterior mass, which were attenuated by IRI+BGP treatment. Remarkably, IRI reduced muscle protein synthesis, while IRI+BGP reduced protein synthesis further. These changes occurred in the absence of a change in crude markers of mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) Complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and protein degradation. Interestingly, the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin was reduced in both IRI- and IRI+BGP-treated mice, while IRI+BGP treatment also decreased β-dystroglycan, suggesting significant remodeling of the cytoskeleton. IRI reduced absolute force production of the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles, while IRI+BGP rescued absolute force production of the soleus and strongly trended to rescue force output of the EDL (p = 0.06), which was associated with improvements in mass. During the fatiguing stimulation, IRI+BGP-treated EDL muscles were somewhat susceptible to rupture at the musculotendinous junction, likely due to BGP-15’s capacity to maintain the rate of force development within a weakened environment characterized by significant structural remodeling. Our paradoxical data highlight that BGP-15 has some therapeutic advantage by attenuating IRI-induced skeletal myopathy; however, its effects on the remodeling of the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix, which appear to make fast-twitch muscles more prone to tearing during contraction, could suggest the induction of muscular dystrophy and, thus, require further characterization.

MiR-93 regulates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and neointimal formation through targeting Mfn2

Background/Aims: Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) hyperplasia plays important roles in the pathogenesis of many vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. Many microRNAs (miRs) have recently been reported to regulate the proliferation and migration of VSMC. In the current study, we aimed to explore the function of miR-93 in VSMCs and its molecular mechanism. Methods: First, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence assays were performed to determine miR-93 expression in rat VSMCs following carotid artery injury in vivo and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) stimulation in vitro. Next, the biological role of miR-93 in rat VSMC proliferation and migration was examined in vivo and vitro. EdU incorporation assay and MTT assay for measuring cell proliferation, Transwell cell invasion assay and Cell scratch wound assay for measuring cell migration. Then, the targets of miR-93 were identified. Finally, the expression levels of proteins in the Raf-ERK1/2 pathway were measured by western blot. Results: MiR-93 was upregulated in rat VSMCs following carotid artery injury in vivo. Similar results were observed in ex vivo cultured VSMCs after PDGF-BB treatment. MiR-93 inhibition suppressed neointimal formation after carotid artery injury. Moreover, our results demonstrated that a miR-93 inhibitor suppressed the PDGF-BB induced proliferation and migration of in VSMC. This inhibitor also decreased the expression levels of MMP2 and cyclin D1. Mechanistically, we discovered that mitofusin 2(Mfn2) is a direct target of miR-93. Furthermore, an analysis of the signaling events revealed that miR-93-mediated VSMC proliferation and migration occurred via the Raf-ERK1/2 pathway. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that miR-93 promotes VSMCs proliferation and migration by targeting Mfn2. MiR-93 may be a new target for treating in-stent restenosis.

The Effects of Resveratrol Supplementation on Endothelial Function and Blood Pressures Among Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

INTRODUCTION

There are current trials investigating the effect of resveratrol supplementation on endothelial function and blood pressures among patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS); however, the findings are controversial.

AIM

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were carried out to summarize the effects of resveratrol supplementation on endothelial activation and blood pressures among patients with MetS and related disorders.

METHODS

We searched systematically online databases including: PubMed-Medline, Embase, ISI Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until October, 2018. Two independent authors extracted data and assessed the quality of included articles. Data were pooled using the fixed- or random-effects model and considered as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

RESULTS

Out of 831 electronic citations, 28 RCTs (with 33 findings reported) were included in the meta-analyses. The findings showed that resveratrol intervention significantly increased flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) levels (SMD 1.77; 95% CI 0.25, 3.29; P = 0.02; I²: 96.5). However, resveratrol supplements did not affect systolic blood pressure (SBP) (SMD - 0.27; 95% CI - 0.57, 0.03; P = 0.07; I²: 88.9) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (SMD - 0.21; 95% CI - 0.52, 0.11; P = 0.19; I²: 89.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Resveratrol supplementation significantly increased FMD among patients with MetS and related disorders, but did not affect SBP and DBP. Additional prospective studies are needed to investigate the effect of resveratrol supplementation on endothelial function and blood pressures, using higher-dose of resveratrol with longer durations.

Induction of the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of Human Colorectal Cancer by Human TNF-β (Lymphotoxin) and its Reversal by Resveratrol

Objective: Tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNF-β), as an inflammatory mediator that has been shown to promote tumorigenesis, induces NF-κB. Natural multi-targeted agent resveratrol in turn shows anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) allows cancer cells to turn into a motile state with invasive capacities and is associated with metastasis and development of cancer stem cells (CSC). However, TNF-β-induced EMT and the anti-invasion mechanism of resveratrol on CRC are not yet completely understood. Methods: We investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms of resveratrol on TNF-β/TNF-βR-induced EMT and migration of CRC cells (HCT116, RKO, SW480) in monolayer or 3D alginate cultures. Results: TNF-β, similar to TNF-α, induced significant cell proliferation, morphological change, from an epithelial to a spindle-like mesenchymal shape with the formation of filopodia and lamellipodia associated with the expression of EMT parameters (elevated vimentin and slug, reduced E-cadherin), increased migration/invasion, and formation of CSC in all CRC cells. Interestingly, these effects were dramatically decreased in the presence of resveratrol or anti-TNF-βR with TNF-β co-treatment, inducing biochemical changes to the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), with a planar cell surface and suppressed formation of CSC cells. This was associated with a significant increase in apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that resveratrol suppressed TNF-β-induced NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated gene biomarkers associated with growth, proliferation, and invasion. Finally, TNF-βR interacts directly with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and NF-κB. Conclusion: These results suggest that resveratrol down-regulates TNF-β/TNF-βR-induced EMT, at least in part via specific suppression of NF-κΒ and FAK in CRC cells.

Atheroprotective effects and molecular targets of bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has served the Chinese people since antiquity, and is playing an important role in today's healthcare. However, there has been controversy in the use of these traditional herbs due to unclear components and absence of scientific proof. As China plans to modernize traditional medicine, successful attempts to better understand the molecular mechanisms of TCM have been made by focusing on isolating active ingredients from these remedies. In this review, we critically examined the current evidence on atheroprotective effects of bioactive compounds from TCM using in vitro or in vivo models in the past two decades. A total of 47 active compounds were included in our review, which were introduced in the order of chemical structures, source, model, efficacy and mechanism. Notablely, this review highlighted the cellular and molecular mechanisms of these active compounds in prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Two compounds were also involved in double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs). Besides, we introduced the legislations of the People's Republic of China ensuring quality and safety of products used in TCM. In summary, studies on bioactive compounds from TCM will provide a new approach for better management of atherosclerosis.

Serum containing Buyang Huanwu decoction prevents age-associated migration and invasion of human vascular smooth muscle cells by up regulating SIRT1 expression

The migration and invasion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) caused by advanced aging play an important role in diffuse intimal thickening, facilitate adverse arterial remodeling and contribute to the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases. The inhibitory function of Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) has been found on aortic intimal hyperplasia and VSMC proliferation, but its effect on age-associated migration and invasion remains unknown. Here, we used an in vitro angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced senescence model to study the effects of serum containing BYHWD (BYHWS) on the migratory and invasive capacities, matrix metalloprotease type 2 (MMP-2) expression and modulation of sirtuin1 (SIRT1) signaling in human aorta VSMCs (HA-VAMCs). Our results showed that BYHWS was able to inhibit Ang II-induced migration and invasion, with down-regulation of MMP-2. In addition, manipulation of SIRT1 by either over-expression or siRNA knockdown ameliorated or promoted cellular migration and invasion, respectively. Moreover, BYHWS reversed senescence-mediated decrease of SIRT1 levels and SIRT1 was required for BYHWS regulation on migration and invasion of senescent HA-VAMCs. In summary, our data demonstrated that BYHWS suppressed the migration and invasion of age-associated VSMC via an increase of the SIRT1 level, which provides novel insights for the therapy of age-associated cardiovascular diseases.

Comparative profiling of analog targets: a case study on resveratrol for mouse melanoma metastasis suppression

Many plant-specialized metabolites have remedial properties and provide an endless chemical resource for drug discovery. However, most of these metabolites have promiscuous binding targets in mammalian cells and elicit a series of responses that collectively change the physiology of the cells. To explore the potential of these multi-functional and multi-targeted drugs, it is critical to understand the direct relationships between their key chemical features, the corresponding binding targets and the relevant biological effects, which is a prerequisite for future drug modification and optimization. Methods: We introduced and demonstrated a general workflow, called Comparative Profiling of Analog Targets (CPAT), to connect specific biological effects with defined chemical structures of drugs. Using resveratrol (RSV) as an example, we have synthesized and characterized a series of partial functional analogs of RSV. An analog (named RSVN) that specifically lost the inhibitory effect of RSV in cell migration was identified. The binding targets of RSVN and RSV was profiled and compared. Results: Comparative profiling of the RSV and RSVN binding targets showed that, unlike RSV, RSVN failed to target specific components involved in DNA methylation (histone deacetylase 1 [HDAC1] and DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha [DNMT3a]), suggesting that RSV suppresses cell migration through epigenetic regulation. Indeed, RSV treatment recruited HDAC1 and DNMT3a to the promoter region of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a key factor involved in cell adhesion, enhanced the promoter methylation, and thus attenuated the protein expression. The inhibitory effect of RSV in cell migration was diminished once FAK expression was restored. Thus, the mechanism of RSV in inhibiting cell migration could be largely accounted to epigenetically control of FAK expression. Conclusion: Our results showed that even though RSV exhibits promiscuous binding, its inhibitory effect on cell migration can be mechanistically understood. First, the presence of 4'-hydroxystilbene within the RSV structure is essential for this activity. Second, it inhibits cell migration through epigenetically based downregulation of FAK expression. Taken together, we propose that CPAT might also be adapted to delineate the specific function of other natural products (NPs) that exhibit binding promiscuity.

Resveratrol Improves Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function through miR-138 by Targeting Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) and Promotes Thrombus Resolution In Vivo

BACKGROUND Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were found to be a potential therapeutic choice for low extremity deep vein thrombosis. The aim of our research was to investigate the effect of resveratrol (RSV) on EPCs that may promote thrombus resolution and its potential pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS EPCs were pretreated with RSV and migration; angiogenesis were evaluated ex vivo. Expression of miR-138 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was also tested. A murine model of venous thrombosis was developed as an in vivo model. The effects of RSV treatment on mice with inferior venous thrombosis were evaluated. RESULTS We found that RSV increased EPCs migration and tube formation ex vivo. RSV significantly inhibited miR-138 expression. Moreover, we demonstrated that FAK was a target of miR-138 and revealed that FAK knockdown downregulated migration and angiogenesis of RSV-treated EPCs. In addition, RSV-induced EPCs promoted thrombus resolution in a murine model of venous thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS We found the first evidence that intravenous injection of RSV-treated EPCs enhanced thrombus resolution in vivo. RSV exerted its role by reducing miR-138 expression and therefore upregulated FAK.

Resveratrol Regulates Colorectal Cancer Cell Invasion by Modulation of Focal Adhesion Molecules

Resveratrol, a safe and multi-targeted agent, has been associated with suppression of survival, proliferation and metastasis of cancer, however, the underlying mechanisms for its anti-cancer activity, particularly on cellular signaling during cancer cell migration still remain poorly understood. We investigated the invasion response of two human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells (HCT116 and SW480) to resveratrol and studied the effect of specific pharmacological inhibitors, cytochalasin D (CytD) and focal adhesion kinase-inhibitor (FAK-I) on FAK, cell viability and migration in CRC. We found that resveratrol altered cell phenotype of both CRC cells, reduced cell viability and the results were comparable to FAK-I and CytD. These effects of resveratrol were associated with marked Sirt1 up-regulation, FAK down-regulation, inhibition of focal adhesion and potentiation of effects by combinatorial treatment of resveratrol and inhibitors. Interestingly, inhibition of FAK with FAK-I or treatment with CytD suppressed resveratrol-induced Sirt1 up-regulation and markedly down-regulated FAK expression. Resveratrol or combination treatment with inhibitors significantly activated caspase-3 and potentiated apoptosis. Moreover, resveratrol suppressed invasion and colony forming capacity, cell proliferation, β1-Integrin expression and activation of FAK of cells in alginate tumor microenvironment, similar to FAK-I or CytD. Finally, we demonstrated that resveratrol, FAK-I or CytD inhibited activation of NF-κB, suppressed NF-κB-dependent gene end-products involved in invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis; and these effects of resveratrol were potentiated by combination treatment with FAK-I or CytD. Our data illustrated that the anti-invasion effect of resveratrol by inhibition of FAK activity has a potential beneficial role in disease prevention and therapeutic management of CRC.

Pyrogallol abates VSMC migration via modulation of Caveolin-1, matrix metalloproteinase and intima hyperplasia in carotid ligation mouse

Migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to intimal hyperplasia and other vascular diseases. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) has been recognized as a proliferative inhibitor of VSMCs and is likely to be an important regulator of VSMC migration. The underlying mechanism of pyrogallol on the VSMC migration is not fully understood. This study attempted to dissect the role of Cav-1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in VSMC migration and to investigate the effect of pyrogallol on VSMC mobility during carotid artery ligation mice. The mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 was down-regulated in cultured VSMC prepared from Cav-1-deficient (Cav-1 KO) mice whereas MMP-14 expression was up-regulated. Pyrogallol effectively inhibited the migration of Cav-1 KO VSMC by promoting the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2. Pyrogallol also inhibited the migration of Cav-1 wild type (WT) VSMC, however, by increasing TIMP-1 expression and repressing MMP-2 activity. In a parallel in vivo study, intra-peritoneal (ip) of pyrogallol to carotid artery ligated mice significantly suppressed intima formation in mice carotid artery. Furthermore, the proMMP-9 activity in pyrogallol-treated mice serum significantly increased from Day 0 to Day 2 and decreased from Day 2 to Day 7 in a time-dependent manner. In addition, WT mice treated with pyrogallol had significantly reduced neointima formation, whereas no differences were observed in Cav-1 knock out (KO) mice. These results suggest that pyrogallol not only inhibited VSMC migration but also effectively diminishes the severity of neointima hyperplasia, implying that pyrogallol possesses potential anti-atherogenic effects for the treatment of vascular diseases.

Anti-atherosclerotic plants which modulate the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global death, with atherosclerosis being a major contributor to this mortality. Several mechanisms are implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease. A key element in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions is the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells. Under pathophysiologic conditions such as injury, these cells switch from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype that often possesses high proliferative and migratory capacities.

PURPOSE

Despite major advances made in the management and treatment of atherosclerosis, mortality associated with this disease remains high. This mandates that other approaches be sought. Herbal medicine, especially for the treatment of CVD, has been gaining more attention in recent years. This is in no small part due to the evidence-based values associated with the consumption of many plants as well as the relatively cheaper prices, easier access and conventional folk medicine "inherited" over generations. Sections: In this review, we provide a brief introduction about the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis then we highlight the role of vascular smooth muscle cells in this disease, especially when a phenotypic switch of these cells arises. We then thoroughly discuss the various plants that show potentially beneficial effects as anti-atherosclerotic, with prime attention given to herbs and plants that inhibit the phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells.

CONCLUSION

Accumulating evidence provides the justification for the use of botanicals in the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis. However, further studies, especially clinical ones, are warranted to better define several pharmacological parameters of these herbs, such as toxicity, tolerability, and efficacy.

Rac1 modulates mammalian lung branching morphogenesis in part through canonical Wnt signaling

Lung branching morphogenesis relies on a number of factors, including proper epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, cell polarity, and migration. Rac1, a small Rho GTPase, orchestrates a number of these cellular processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation, cellular alignment, and polarization. Furthermore, Rac1 modulates both noncanonical and canonical Wnt signaling, important pathways in lung branching morphogenesis. Culture of embryonic mouse lung explants in the presence of the Rac1 inhibitor (NSC23766) resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in branching. Increased cell death and BrdU uptake were notably seen in the mesenchyme, while no direct effect on the epithelium was observed. Moreover, vasculogenesis was impaired following Rac1 inhibition as shown by decreased Vegfa expression and impaired LacZ staining in Flk1-Lacz reporter mice. Rac1 inhibition decreased Fgf10 expression in conjunction with many of its associated factors. Moreover, using the reporter lines TOPGAL and Axin2-LacZ, there was an evident decrease in canonical Wnt signaling in the explants treated with the Rac1 inhibitor. Activation of canonical Wnt pathway using WNT3a or WNT7b only partially rescued the branching inhibition. Moreover, these results were validated on human explants, where Rac1 inhibition resulted in impaired branching and decreased AXIN2 and FGFR2b expression. We therefore conclude that Rac1 regulates lung branching morphogenesis, in part through canonical Wnt signaling. However, the exact mechanisms by which Rac1 interacts with canonical Wnt in human and mouse lung requires further investigation.

The inhibition of calpains ameliorates vascular restenosis through MMP2/TGF-β1 pathway

Restenosis limits the efficacy of vascular percutaneous intervention, in which vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and activation of inflammation are two primary causal factors. Calpains influence VSMC proliferation and collagen synthesis. However, the roles of calpastatin and calpains in vascular restenosis remain unclear. Here, restenosis was induced by ligating the left carotid artery, and VSMCs were pretreated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB. Adenovirus vector carrying MMP2 sequence and specific small interfering RNA against calpain-1/2 were introduced. Finally, restenosis enhanced the expression of calpain-1/2, but reduced calpastatin content. In calpastatin transgenic mice, lumen narrowing was attenuated gradually and peaked on days 14-21. Cell proliferation and migration as well as collagen synthesis were inhibited in transgenic mice, and expression of calpain-1/2 and MMP2/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Consistently, in VSMCs pretreated with PDGF-BB, calpastatin induction and calpains inhibition suppressed the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and collagen synthesis, and reduced expression of calpain-1/2 and MMP2/TGF-β1. Moreover, simvastatin improved restenosis indicators by suppressing the HIF-1α/calpains/MMP2/TGF-β1 pathway. However, MMP2 supplementation eliminated the vascular protection of calpastatin induction and simvastatin. Collectively, calpains inhibition plays crucial roles in vascular restenosis by preventing neointimal hyperplasia at the early stage via suppression of the MMP2/TGF-β1 pathway.

Resveratrol inhibits hyperglycemia-driven ROS-induced invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells via suppression of the ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways

Increasing evidence suggests that there is a strong relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and pancreatic cancer. Our previous study revealed that hyperglycemia could enhance the invasive and migratory activities of pancreatic cancer cells. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic phytoalexin, has many biological and pharmaceutical properties, including antioxidant and anti-tumorigenic capabilities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether resveratrol affects hyperglycemia-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as well as the invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer and its underlying mechanisms. Human pancreatic cancer Panc-1 cells were exposed to high glucose condition with or without resveratrol, N-acetylcysteine (NAC, a scavenger of free radicals), PD 98059 (an ERK inhibitor) or SB 203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor). The intracellular ROS and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were determined using 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorecein diacetate and H2O2 assay. MTT, wound healing assay and transwell matrigel invasion assay were used to detect the proliferation, migration and invasion potential of cancer cells. The expressions of uPA, E-cadherin and Glut-1 were examined using QT-PCR and western blot analysis at mRNA and protein levels. The activation of p-ERK, p-p38 and p-NF-κB were measured by western blot analysis. The results of the present study showed that resveratrol could significantly decrease high glucose-induced production of ROS and H2O2 in Panc-1 cells. Resveratrol was also able to inhibit high glucose-induced proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. High glucose-modulated expression of uPA, E-cadherin and Glut-1 were inhibited by resveratrol. In addition, high glucose-induced activation of ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways as well as the transcription factor NF-κB could also be suppressed by resveratrol. Furthermore, resveratrol was able to suppress H2O2-induced migration and invasion abilities of pancreatic cancer cells. Taken together, these data indicate that resveratrol plays an important role in suppressing hyperglycemia-driven ROS-induced pancreatic cancer progression by inhibiting the ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, providing evidence that resveratrol might be a potential candidate for chemoprevention of pancreatic cancer.

Resveratrol and Cardiovascular Diseases

The increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has stimulated research for substances that could improve cardiovascular health. Among them, resveratrol (RES), a polyphenolic compound notably present in grapes and red wine, has been involved in the “French paradox”. RES is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and for its ability to upregulate endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). RES was able to scavenge ^•OH/O₂^•− and peroxyl radicals, which can limit the lipid peroxidation processes. Moreover, in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) under glucose-induced oxidative stress, RES restored the activity of dimethylargininedimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), an enzyme that degrades an endogenous inhibitor of eNOS named asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Thus, RES could improve ^•NO availability and decrease the endothelial dysfunction observed in diabetes. Preclinical studies have made it possible to identify molecular targets (SIRT-1, AMPK, Nrf2, NFκB…); however, there are limited human clinical trials, and difficulties in the interpretation of results arise from the use of high-dose RES supplements in research studies, whereas low RES concentrations are present in red wine. The discussions on potential beneficial effects of RES in CVDs (atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure) should compare the results of preclinical studies with those of clinical trials.

Influence of Clinically Relevant Mechanical Forces on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Under Chronic High Glucose: An In Vitro Dynamic Disease Model

BACKGROUND

In this study, we subjected vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to acute and chronic high glucose conditions under physiologically relevant levels of cyclic strain and low wall shear forces to compare phenotypic modulation and thus conceptualize a dynamic-disease test model which captures cellular response more accurately in comparison with static cultures.

METHODS

P2-P6 rat aortic smooth muscle cells were seeded on type I collagen-coated silicone membranes and subjected to 0-7% cyclic strain at 1 Hz and 0.3 dynes/cm(2) shear stress from flow for 24 hr under acute (25 mM d-glucose, 84 hr) and chronic high glucose conditions (25 mM d-glucose, 3-4 weeks). Samples were analyzed for cell proliferation, percent apoptosis, cellular hypertrophy, and expression levels of smooth muscle contractile state-associated markers with 0.05 level of significance.

RESULTS

Concomitant application of cyclic strain and flow shear resulted in an overall increase in proliferation of VSMCs under both acute and chronic high glucose conditions as compared with normal glucose control (P < 0.0001). Application of both cyclic strain and cyclic strain shear resulted in a significant increase in percent apoptosis with chronic high glucose treatment in comparison with both normal glucose controls (P < 0.0001) and acute high glucose (P < 0.0001). Cellular hypertrophy as estimated by measuring cell area and aspect ratio revealed a significantly altered morphology due to concomitant loading under chronic high glucose conditions with significantly higher cell area (P < 0.0001) and lower aspect ratio (P < 0.0001) indicative of a relatively rounded morphology as compared with normal glucose controls. Western blot analysis demonstrated reduced expression of SM α-actin (P < 0.0001), calponin (P < 0.0001), and SM22α (P = 0.0008) for concomitant loading under chronic high glucose treatment as compared with normal glucose controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant application of cyclic strain and low wall shear stress resulted in greater phenotypic modulation of VSMCs due to chronic high glucose treatment as compared with normal glucose controls, thus implicating cellular-response differences which may impact progression of in-stent restenosis in diabetic patients with poorly controlled hyperglycemia. Similarity of VSMC response from our study to existing preclinical models of diabetes and reports of altered phenotype of VSMCs isolated from diabetic patients substantiate the relevance of our dynamic disease test model.