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Balmes A, Rodríguez JG, Seifert J, Pinto-Quintero D, Khawaja AA, Boffito M, Frye M, Friebe A, Emerson M, Seta F, Feil R, Feil S, Schäffer TE. Role of the NO-GC/cGMP signaling pathway in platelet biomechanics. Platelets 2024; 35:2313359. [PMID: 38353233 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2024.2313359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a second messenger produced by the NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC). The NO-GC/cGMP pathway in platelets has been extensively studied. However, its role in regulating the biomechanical properties of platelets has not yet been addressed and remains unknown. We therefore investigated the stiffness of living platelets after treatment with the NO-GC stimulator riociguat or the NO-GC activator cinaciguat using scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM). Stimulation of human and murine platelets with cGMP-modulating drugs decreased cellular stiffness and downregulated P-selectin, a marker for platelet activation. We also quantified changes in platelet shape using deep learning-based platelet morphometry, finding that platelets become more circular upon treatment with cGMP-modulating drugs. To test for clinical applicability of NO-GC stimulators in the context of increased thrombogenicity risk, we investigated the effect of riociguat on platelets from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients taking abacavir sulfate (ABC)-containing regimens. Our results corroborate a functional role of the NO-GC/cGMP pathway in platelet biomechanics, indicating that biomechanical properties such as stiffness or shape could be used as novel biomarkers in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Balmes
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johanna G Rodríguez
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jan Seifert
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Pinto-Quintero
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry (IFIB), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Akif A Khawaja
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marta Boffito
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
- St Stephen's Centre, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Maike Frye
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Friebe
- Physiological Institute, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Emerson
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Francesca Seta
- Vascular Biology Section, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Feil
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry (IFIB), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Feil
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry (IFIB), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tilman E Schäffer
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Kintos DP, Salagiannis K, Sgouros A, Nikolaropoulos SS, Topouzis S, Fousteris MA. Identification of new multi-substituted 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridin-7(6H)-ones as soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) stimulators with vasoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. Bioorg Chem 2024; 144:107170. [PMID: 38335755 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we describe the rational design, synthesis and in vitro functional characterization of new heme-dependent, direct soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) agonists. These new compounds bear a 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridin-7(6H)-one skeleton, modified to enable efficient sGC binding and stimulation. To gain insights into structure-activity relationships, the N6-alkylation of the skeleton was explored, while a pyrimidine ring, substituted with various C5'-polar groups, was installed at position C3. Among the newly synthesized 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridin-7(6H)-ones, derivatives 14b, 15b and 16a display characteristic features of sGC "stimulators" in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. They strongly synergize with the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in inducing cGMP generation in a manner that requires the presence of a reduced heme moiety associated with sGC, and elevate the cGMP-responsive phosphorylation of the protein VASP at Ser239. In line with their sGC stimulating capacity, docking calculations of derivatives 16a, 15(a-c) on a cryo-EM structure of human sGC (hsGC) in an ΝΟ-activated state indicated the implication of 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridin-7(6H)-one skeleton in efficient bonding interactions with the recently identified region that binds known sGC stimulators, while the presence of either a N6-H or N6-methyl group pointed to enhanced binding affinity. Moreover, the in vitro functional effects of our newly identified sGC stimulators were compatible with a beneficial role in vascular homeostasis. Specifically, derivative 14b reduced A7r5 cell proliferation, while 16a dampened the expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and P/E-Selectin in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs), as well as the subsequent adhesion of U937 leukocytes to the HUVECs, triggered by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). The fact that these compounds elevate cGMP only in the presence of NO may indicate a novel way of interaction with the enzyme and may make them less prone than other direct sGC agonists to induce characteristic hypotension in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantinos Salagiannis
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, GR-26500, Greece
| | - Antonis Sgouros
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, GR-26500, Greece
| | - Sotiris S Nikolaropoulos
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, GR-26500, Greece
| | - Stavros Topouzis
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, GR-26500, Greece.
| | - Manolis A Fousteris
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, GR-26500, Greece.
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Kraehling JR, Benardeau A, Schomber T, Popp L, Vienenkoetter J, Ellinger-Ziegelbauer H, Pavkovic M, Hartmann E, Siudak K, Freyberger A, Hagelschuer I, Mathar I, Hueser J, Hahn MG, Geiss V, Eitner F, Sandner P. The sGC Activator Runcaciguat Has Kidney Protective Effects and Prevents a Decline of Kidney Function in ZSF1 Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13226. [PMID: 37686032 PMCID: PMC10488129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is associated with persisting oxidative stress, which impairs the NO-sGC-cGMP signaling cascade through the formation of oxidized and heme-free apo-sGC that cannot be activated by NO. Runcaciguat (BAY 1101042) is a novel, potent, and selective sGC activator that binds and activates oxidized and heme-free sGC and thereby restores NO-sGC-cGMP signaling under oxidative stress. Therefore, runcaciguat might represent a very effective treatment option for CKD/DKD. The potential kidney-protective effects of runcaciguat were investigated in ZSF1 rats as a model of CKD/DKD, characterized by hypertension, hyperglycemia, obesity, and insulin resistance. ZSF1 rats were treated daily orally for up to 12 weeks with runcaciguat (1, 3, 10 mg/kg/bid) or placebo. The study endpoints were proteinuria, kidney histopathology, plasma, urinary biomarkers of kidney damage, and gene expression profiling to gain information about relevant pathways affected by runcaciguat. Furthermore, oxidative stress was compared in the ZSF1 rat kidney with kidney samples from DKD patients. Within the duration of the 12-week treatment study, kidney function was significantly decreased in obese ZSF1 rats, indicated by a 20-fold increase in proteinuria, compared to lean ZSF1 rats. Runcaciguat dose-dependently and significantly attenuated the development of proteinuria in ZSF1 rats with reduced uPCR at the end of the study by -19%, -54%, and -70% at 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/bid, respectively, compared to placebo treatment. Additionally, average blood glucose levels measured as HbA1C, triglycerides, and cholesterol were increased by five times, twenty times, and four times, respectively, in obese ZSF1 compared to lean rats. In obese ZSF1 rats, runcaciguat reduced HbA1c levels by -8%, -34%, and -76%, triglycerides by -42%, -55%, and -71%, and cholesterol by -16%, -17%, and -34%, at 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/bid, respectively, compared to placebo. Concomitantly, runcaciguat also reduced kidney weights, morphological kidney damage, and urinary and plasma biomarkers of kidney damage. Beneficial effects were accompanied by changes in gene expression that indicate reduced fibrosis and inflammation and suggest improved endothelial stabilization. In summary, the sGC activator runcaciguat significantly prevented a decline in kidney function in a DKD rat model that mimics common comorbidities and conditions of oxidative stress of CKD patients. Thus, runcaciguat represents a promising treatment option for CKD patients, which is in line with recent phase 2 clinical study data, where runcaciguat showed promising efficacy in CKD patients (NCT04507061).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan R. Kraehling
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Agnes Benardeau
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
- Novo Nordisk A/S, Global Drug Discovery, T1D-Kidney Disease, 2760 Måløv, Denmark
| | - Tibor Schomber
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
- Vincerx Pharma GmbH, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Laura Popp
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Julia Vienenkoetter
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Mira Pavkovic
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Elke Hartmann
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Krystyna Siudak
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Alexius Freyberger
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Ina Hagelschuer
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Ilka Mathar
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Joerg Hueser
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Michael G. Hahn
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Volker Geiss
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Frank Eitner
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
- Division of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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McChord J, Pereyra VM, Froebel S, Bekeredjian R, Schwab M, Ong P. Drug repurposing-a promising approach for patients with angina but non-obstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA). Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1156456. [PMID: 37396593 PMCID: PMC10313125 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1156456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In today's era of individualized precision medicine drug repurposing represents a promising approach to offer patients fast access to novel treatments. Apart from drug repurposing in cancer treatments, cardiovascular pharmacology is another attractive field for this approach. Patients with angina pectoris without obstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA) report refractory angina despite standard medications in up to 40% of cases. Drug repurposing also appears to be an auspicious option for this indication. From a pathophysiological point of view ANOCA patients frequently suffer from vasomotor disorders such as coronary spasm and/or impaired microvascular vasodilatation. Consequently, we carefully screened the literature and identified two potential therapeutic targets: the blockade of the endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor and the stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). Genetically increased endothelin expression results in elevated levels of ET-1, justifying ET-1 receptor blockers as drug candidates to treat coronary spasm. sGC stimulators may be beneficial as they stimulate the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway leading to GMP-mediated vasodilatation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna McChord
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Sarah Froebel
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Raffi Bekeredjian
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology, and Biochemistry and Pharmacy, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Ong
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany
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Dai Y, Stuehr DJ. BAY58-2667 Activates Different Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Species by Distinct Mechanisms that Indicate Its Principal Target in Cells is the Heme-Free Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase-Heat Shock Protein 90 Complex. Mol Pharmacol 2023; 103:286-296. [PMID: 36868790 PMCID: PMC10166446 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO)-unresponsive forms of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) exist naturally and in disease can disable NO-sGC-cGMP signaling. Agonists like BAY58-2667 (BAY58) target these sGC forms, but their mechanisms of action in living cells are unclear. We studied rat lung fibroblast-6 cells and human airway smooth muscle cells that naturally express sGC and HEK293 cells that we transfected to express sGC and variants. Cells were cultured to build up different forms of sGC, and we used fluorescence and FRET-based measures to monitor BAY58-driven cGMP production and any protein partner exchange or heme loss events that may occur for each sGC species. We found that: (i) BAY58 activated cGMP production by the apo-sGCβ-Hsp90 species after a 5-8 minute delay that was associated with apo-sGCβ exchanging its Hsp90 partner with an sGCα subunit. (ii) In cells containing an artificially constructed heme-free sGC heterodimer, BAY58 initiated an immediate and three times faster cGMP production. However, this behavior was not observed in cells expressing native sGC under any condition. (iii) BAY58 activated cGMP production by ferric heme sGC only after a 30-minute delay, coincident with it initiating a delayed, slow ferric heme loss from sGCβ We conclude that the kinetics favor BAY58 activation of the apo-sGCβ-Hsp90 species over the ferric heme sGC species in living cells. The protein partner exchange events driven by BAY58 account for the initial delay in cGMP production and also limit the speed of subsequent cGMP production in the cells. Our findings clarify how agonists like BAY58 may activate sGC in health and disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A class of agonists can activate cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) synthesis by forms of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) that do not respond to NO and accumulate in disease, but the mechanisms of action are unclear. This study clarifies what forms of sGC exist in living cells, which of these can be activated by the agonists, and the mechanisms and kinetics by which each form is activated. This information may help to hasten deployment of these agonists for pharmaceutical intervention and clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Dai
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Dennis J Stuehr
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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6
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Balzer MS, Pavkovic M, Frederick J, Abedini A, Freyberger A, Vienenkötter J, Mathar I, Siudak K, Eitner F, Sandner P, Grundmann M, Susztak K. Treatment effects of soluble guanylate cyclase modulation on diabetic kidney disease at single-cell resolution. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:100992. [PMID: 37023747 PMCID: PMC10140477 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.100992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of renal failure. Therapeutics development is hampered by our incomplete understanding of animal models on a cellular level. We show that ZSF1 rats recapitulate human DKD on a phenotypic and transcriptomic level. Tensor decomposition prioritizes proximal tubule (PT) and stroma as phenotype-relevant cell types exhibiting a continuous lineage relationship. As DKD features endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and nitric oxide depletion, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is a promising DKD drug target. sGC expression is specifically enriched in PT and stroma. In ZSF1 rats, pharmacological sGC activation confers considerable benefits over stimulation and is mechanistically related to improved oxidative stress regulation, resulting in enhanced downstream cGMP effects. Finally, we define sGC gene co-expression modules, which allow stratification of human kidney samples by DKD prevalence and disease-relevant measures such as kidney function, proteinuria, and fibrosis, underscoring the relevance of the sGC pathway to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Balzer
- Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Clinician Scientist Program, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mira Pavkovic
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Julia Frederick
- Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Amin Abedini
- Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexius Freyberger
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Julia Vienenkötter
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Ilka Mathar
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Krystyna Siudak
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Frank Eitner
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany; Division of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Manuel Grundmann
- Bayer AG, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Katalin Susztak
- Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Oxidative Stress and Its Relation to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. Int Neurourol J 2022; 26:261-267. [PMID: 36599334 PMCID: PMC9816449 DOI: 10.5213/inj.2244190.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to discuss how to link lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and oxidative stress (OS) and to define relevant targets for therapeutic intervention. Narrative review based on published literature. Many of the multifactorial pathophysiological mechanisms behind LUTS can initiate reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Assuming that OS is a consequence rather than a primary cause of LUTS it seems reasonable to identify both the disease mechanism initiating LUTS, and the source of ROS involved. There are many possible sources of ROS overproduction, but the NADPH oxidase (NOX) family of enzymes is the primary source; NOX activation in turn, may result in the activation of secondary ROS sources, i.e., ROS-dependent ROS production. Selective NOX inhibition therefore seems an attractive therapeutic strategy in LUTS treatment. The finding of NOX2 localization to centers in the brain associated with micturition control, opens up for further studies of NOX involvement in the central control of micturition, normally and in disease. Further information on the localization of the different isoforms of NOX in the LUT e.g., the bladder wall and its components and the prostate, is desirable. To optimize treatment, the pathophysiological mechanism initiating LUTS, and the activated isoform of NOX, should be identified. Unfortunately, in most cases of LUTS this is currently not possible. Even if selective NOX inhibitors have entered the clinical trial stage for treatment of disorders other than LUT dysfunction, their efficacy for LUTS treatment has to be demonstrated. If this can be achieved, an attractive approach would be combination of selective NOX inhibition with established drug therapies.
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Andersson KE. Emerging drugs for the treatment of bladder storage dysfunction. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2022; 27:277-287. [PMID: 35975727 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2022.2113057] [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: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current drug treatment of lower urinary tract disorders, for example, overactive bladder syndrome and lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, is moderately effective, has a low treatment persistence and some short- and long-term adverse events. Even if combination therapy with approved drugs may offer advantages in some patients, there is still a need for new agents. AREAS COVERED New b3-adrenoceptor agonists, antimuscarinics, the naked Maxi-K channel gene, a novel 5HT/NA reuptake inhibitor and soluble guanylate cyclase activators are discussed. Focus is given to P2X3 receptor antagonists, small molecule blockers of TRP channels, the roles of cannabis on incontinence in patients with multiple sclerosis, and of drugs acting directly on CB1 and CB2 receptor or indirectly via endocannabinoids by inhibition of fatty acid aminohydrolase. EXPERT OPINION New potential alternatives to currently used drugs/drug principles are emerging, but further clinical testing is required before they can be evaluated as therapeutic alternatives. It seems that for the near future individualized treatment with approved drugs and their combinations will be the prevailing therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Erik Andersson
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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9
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Jia XY, Liu YM, Wang YF, An JY, Peng KL, Wang H. Bibliometric study of soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators in cardiovascular research based on web of science from 1992 to 2021. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:963255. [PMID: 36081943 PMCID: PMC9445840 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.963255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Several studies have shown that soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators have cardiovascular (CV) benefits. However, few bibliometric analyses have examined this field systematically. Our study aimed to examine the publications to determine the trends and hotspots in CV research on sGC stimulators. Methods: Publications on sGC stimulators in CV research were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer and CiteSpace visualization software were used to analyze publication trends, countries (regions) and institutions, journals and cited journals, authors and cited references, as well as keywords. Results: A total of 1,212 literatures were obtained. From its first appearance in 1992–2021 (based on WOSCC record), the overall volume of publications has shown a gradual increasing trend. Nearly one-third were authored by American scholars, and most were published in Circulation, Circulation Research, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Bayer Agency in Germany was the leading driving force, and has a high academic reputation in this field. Stasch JP has published the most related articles and been cited most frequently. Half of the top 10 co-cited references were published in the leading highly co-cited journal Circulation and New England Journal of Medicine. “NO,” “allosteric regulation” and “free radicals” were the focus of previous research, “chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension,” “pulmonary hypertension” and “heart failure” were the main research hotspots. The key words “chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension,” “Pulmonary hypertension,” “preserved ejection fraction” and “heart failure” appeared most recently as research frontiers. Conclusion: The research in the CV field of sGC stimulators was relatively comprehensive, and there was a close relationship among countries, research institutions and authors, but it is still in the exploratory stage in the treatment of CV disease. At present, most studies focus on the results of clinical trials. sGC stimulators in the treatment of heart failure, especially heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, may be the hotpots and Frontier at present and in the future, and should be closely monitored.
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10
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Guo J, Yu X, Liu Y, Lu L, Zhu D, Zhang Y, Li L, Zhang P, Gao Q, Lu X, Sun M. Prenatal hypothyroidism diminished exogenous NO-mediated diastolic effects in fetal rat thoracic aorta smooth muscle via increased oxidative stress. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 113:52-61. [PMID: 35970333 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Maternal hypothyroidism is an important problem of modern healthcare and is reported to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the offspring later in life. However, it is unclear whether hypothyroidism during pregnancy causes vascular damage in the fetal period. We established the prenatal hypothyroidism rat model and collected the fetuses at the 21th day of gestation (GD21). Thyroid hormone concentrations in maternal and offspring blood serum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The thoracic aortas of the fetuses were isolated for microvessel functional testing and histochemical stainings. qPCR and Western blot were performed to access mRNA and protein expression. We found that the concentrations of thyroid hormones in the serum of pregnant rats and fetuses were significantly suppressed at GD21. The responses of the fetal thoracic aortas to SNP were significantly attenuated in the PTU group. However, no statistical difference was found between the two groups when treated with either inhibitor (ODQ) or activator (BAY58-2667) of sGC. The production of O2-• in the arterial wall was significantly increased in hypothyroid fetuses. Moreover, the level of NADPH oxidase (NOX) was increased, while superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) was down-regulated in the PTU group, ultimately contributing to the increased production of superoxide. Additionally, decreased SNP-mediated vasodilation found in fetal vessels was improved by either NOX inhibitor (Apocynin) or SOD mimic (Tempol). These results indicate that increased oxidative stress is probably the cause of the diminished diastolic effect of exogenous NO in the thoracic artery of prenatal hypothyroidism exposed fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Guo
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Yanping Liu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Likui Lu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Lingjun Li
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Pengjie Zhang
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Xiyuan Lu
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China.
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Fetology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu 215006, China.
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11
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Treatment with the soluble guanylate cyclase activator BAY 60–2770 normalizes bladder function in an in vivo rat model of chronic prostatitis. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 927:175052. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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12
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Tawa M, Okamura T. Factors influencing the soluble guanylate cyclase heme redox state in blood vessels. Vascul Pharmacol 2022; 145:107023. [PMID: 35718342 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2022.107023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) plays an important role in maintaining vascular homeostasis, as an acceptor for the biological messenger nitric oxide (NO). However, only reduced sGC (with a ferrous heme) can be activated by NO; oxidized (ferric heme) and apo (absent heme) sGC cannot. In addition, the proportions of reduced, oxidized, and apo sGC change under pathological conditions. Although diseased blood vessels often show decreased NO bioavailability in the vascular wall, a shift of sGC heme redox balance in favor of the oxidized/apo forms can also occur. Therefore, sGC is of growing interest as a drug target for various cardiovascular diseases. Notably, the balance between NO-sensitive reduced sGC and NO-insensitive oxidized/apo sGC in the body is regulated in a reversible manner by various biological molecules and proteins. Many studies have attempted to identify endogenous factors and determinants that influence this redox state. For example, various reactive nitrogen and oxygen species are capable of inducing the oxidation of sGC heme. Conversely, a heme reductase and some antioxidants reduce the ferric heme in sGC to the ferrous state. This review summarizes the factors and mechanisms identified by these studies that operate to regulate the sGC heme redox state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Tawa
- Department of Pathological and Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1094, Japan.
| | - Tomio Okamura
- Emeritus Professor, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
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13
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Zabbarova IV, Ikeda Y, Kozlowski MG, Tyagi P, Birder L, Chakrabarty B, Perera S, Dhir R, Straub AC, Sandner P, Andersson KE, Drake M, Fry CH, Kanai A. Benign prostatic hyperplasia/obstruction ameliorated using a soluble guanylate cyclase activator. J Pathol 2022; 256:442-454. [PMID: 34936088 PMCID: PMC8930559 DOI: 10.1002/path.5859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a feature of ageing males. Up to half demonstrate bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) with associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including bladder overactivity. Current therapies to reduce obstruction, such as α1-adrenoceptor antagonists and 5α-reductase inhibitors, are not effective in all patients. The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5I) tadalafil is also approved to treat BPH and LUTS, suggesting a role for nitric oxide (NO• ), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), and cGMP signalling pathways. However, PDE5I refractoriness can develop for reasons including nitrergic nerve damage and decreased NO• production, or inflammation-related oxidation of the sGC haem group, normally maintained in a reduced state by the cofactor cytochrome-b5-reductase 3 (CYB5R3). sGC activators, such as cinaciguat (BAY 58-2667), have been developed to enhance sGC activity in the absence of NO• or when sGC is oxidised. Accordingly, their effects on the prostate and LUT function of aged mice were evaluated. Aged mice (≥24 months) demonstrated a functional BPH/BOO phenotype, compared with adult animals (2-12 months), with low, delayed voiding responses and elevated intravesical pressures as measured by telemetric cystometry. This was consistent with outflow tract histological and molecular data that showed urethral constriction, increased prostate weight, greater collagen deposition, and cellular hyperplasia. All changes in aged animals were attenuated by daily oral treatment with cinaciguat for 2 weeks, without effect on serum testosterone levels. Cinaciguat had only transient (1 h) cardiovascular effects with oral gavage, suggesting a positive safety profile. The benefit of cinaciguat was suggested by its reversal of an overactive cystometric profile in CYB5R3 smooth muscle knockout mice that mirrors a profile of oxidative dysfunction where PDE5I may not be effective. Thus, the aged male mouse is a suitable model for BPH-induced BOO and cinaciguat has a demonstrated ability to reduce prostate-induced obstruction and consequent effects on bladder function. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V. Zabbarova
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Youko Ikeda
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mark G. Kozlowski
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Pradeep Tyagi
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Urology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lori Birder
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Basu Chakrabarty
- University of Bristol, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, UK
| | - Subashan Perera
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Geriatrics Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rajiv Dhir
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adam C. Straub
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Karl-Erik Andersson
- Lund University, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcus Drake
- University of Bristol, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, UK
| | - Christopher H. Fry
- University of Bristol, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, UK
| | - Anthony Kanai
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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14
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Ikeda Y, Zabbarova I, Tyagi P, Hitchens TK, Wolf-Johnston A, Wipf P, Kanai A. Targeting neurotrophin and nitric oxide signaling to treat spinal cord injury and associated neurogenic bladder overactivity. CONTINENCE (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 1:100014. [PMID: 37207253 PMCID: PMC10194419 DOI: 10.1016/j.cont.2022.100014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Purpose or the research Nearly 300,000 people are affected by spinal cord injury (SCI) with approximately 18,000 new cases annually, according to the National SCI Statistics Center. SCI affects physical mobility and impairs the function of multiple internal organs to cause lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunctions manifesting as detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) and neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) with detrimental consequences to the quality of life and increased morbidity. Multiple lines of evidence now support time dependent evolution of the complex SCI pathology which requires a multipronged treatment approach of immediate, specialized care after spinal cord trauma bookended by physical rehabilitation to improve the clinical outcomes. Instead of one size fits all treatment approach, we propose adaptive drug treatment to counter the time dependent evolution of SCI pathology, with three small molecule drugs with distinctive sites of action for the recovery of multiple functions. Principal results Our findings demonstrate the improvement in the recovery of hindlimb mobility and bladder function of spinal cord contused mice following administration of small molecules targeting neurotrophin receptors, LM11A-31 and LM22B-10. While LM11A-31 reduced the cell death in the spinal cord, LM22B-10 promoted cell survival and axonal growth. Moreover, the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activator, cinaciguat, enhanced the revascularization of the SCI injury site to promote vessel formation, dilation, and increased perfusion. Major conclusions Our adaptive three drug cocktail targets different stages of SCI and LUTD pathology: neuroprotective effect of LM11A-31 retards the cell death that occurs in the early stages of SCI; and LM22B-10 and cinaciguat promote neural remodeling and reperfusion at later stages to repair spinal cord scarring, DSD and NDO. LM11A-31 and cinaciguat have passed phase I and IIa clinical trials and possess significant potential for accelerated clinical testing in SCI/LUTD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youko Ikeda
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, USA
| | - Irina Zabbarova
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, USA
| | - Pradeep Tyagi
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Urology, USA
| | - T. Kevin Hitchens
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Animal Imaging Center, USA
| | - Amanda Wolf-Johnston
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, USA
| | - Peter Wipf
- University of Pittsburgh, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry, USA
| | - Anthony Kanai
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, USA
- Correspondence to: University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, A1224 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA. (A. Kanai)
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15
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de Oliveira Neto J, Marinho MM, Silveira JADM, Rocha DG, Lima NCB, Gouveia Júnior FS, Lopes LGDF, de Sousa EHS, Martins AMC, Marinho AD, Jorge RJB, Monteiro HSA. Synthesis and potential vasorelaxant effect of a novel ruthenium-based nitro complex. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 228:111666. [PMID: 34923187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the synthesis and potential vasodilator effect of a novel ruthenium complex, cis-[Ru(bpy)2(2-MIM)(NO2)]PF6 (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and 2-MIM = 2-methylimidazole) (FOR711A), containing an imidazole derivative via an in silico molecular docking model using β1 H-NOX (Heme-nitric oxide/oxygen binding) domain proteins of reduced and oxidized soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). In addition, pharmacokinetic properties in the human organism were predicted through computational simulations and the potential for acute irritation of FOR711A was also investigated in vitro using the hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM). FOR711A interacted with sites of the β1 H-NOX domain of reduced and oxidized sGC, demonstrating shorter bond distances to several residues and negative values of total energy. The predictive study revealed molar refractivity (RM): 127.65; Log Po/w = 1.29; topological polar surface area (TPSA): 86.26 Å2; molar mass (MM) = 541.55 g/mol; low solubility, high unsaturation index, high gastrointestinal absorption; toxicity class 4; failure to cross the blood-brain barrier and to react with cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. After the HET-CAM assay, the FOR711A complex was classified as non-irritant (N.I.) and its vasodilator effect was confirmed through greater evidence of blood vessels after the administration and ending of the observation period of 5 min. These results suggest that FOR711A presented a potential stimulator/activator effect of sGC via NO/sGC/cGMP. However, results indicate it needs a vehicle for oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselito de Oliveira Neto
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1127, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1000, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Márcia Machado Marinho
- State University of Ceará, Iguatu Faculty of Education, Science and Letters, Iguatu, CE, Brazil
| | - João Alison de Moraes Silveira
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1127, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1000, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | - Danilo Galvão Rocha
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1127, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1000, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Natália Cavalcante Barbosa Lima
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1127, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1000, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Alice Maria Costa Martins
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Aline Diogo Marinho
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1127, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1000, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Roberta Jeane Bezerra Jorge
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1127, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1000, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Helena Serra Azul Monteiro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1127, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1000, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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16
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Sandner P, Follmann M, Becker-Pelster E, Hahn MG, Meier C, Freitas C, Roessig L, Stasch JP. Soluble GC stimulators and activators: Past, present and future. Br J Pharmacol 2021. [PMID: 34600441 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of soluble GC (sGC) stimulators and sGC activators provided valuable tools to elucidate NO-sGC signalling and opened novel pharmacological opportunities for cardiovascular indications and beyond. The first-in-class sGC stimulator riociguat was approved for pulmonary hypertension in 2013 and vericiguat very recently for heart failure. sGC stimulators enhance sGC activity independent of NO and also act synergistically with endogenous NO. The sGC activators specifically bind to, and activate, the oxidised haem-free form of sGC. Substantial research efforts improved on the first-generation sGC activators such as cinaciguat, culminating in the discovery of runcaciguat, currently in clinical Phase II trials for chronic kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy. Here, we highlight the discovery and development of sGC stimulators and sGC activators, their unique modes of action, their preclinical characteristics and the clinical studies. In the future, we expect to see more sGC agonists in new indications, reflecting their unique therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sandner
- Pharmaceuticals Research & Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Markus Follmann
- Pharmaceuticals Research & Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Michael G Hahn
- Pharmaceuticals Research & Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Christian Meier
- Pharmaceuticals Medical Affairs and Pharmacovigilance, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cecilia Freitas
- Pharmaceuticals Research & Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Lothar Roessig
- Pharmaceuticals Research & Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Johannes-Peter Stasch
- Pharmaceuticals Research & Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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17
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Cordwin DJ, Berei TJ, Pogue KT. The Role of sGC Stimulators and Activators in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2021; 26:593-600. [PMID: 34487435 DOI: 10.1177/10742484211042706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activators and stimulators have been developed and studied to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The sGC enzyme plays an important role in the nitric oxide (NO)-sGC-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway, that has been largely untargeted by current guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) for HFrEF. Disruption of the NO-sCG-cGMP pathway can be widely observed in patients with HFrEF leading to endothelial dysfunction. The disruption is caused by an oxidized state resulting in low bioavailability of NO and cGMP. The increase in reactive oxygen species can also result in an oxidized, and subsequently heme free, sGC enzyme that NO is unable to activate, furthering the endothelial dysfunction. The novel sGC stimulators enhance the sensitivity of sGC to NO, and independently stimulate sGC, while the sGC activators target the oxidized and heme free sGC to stimulate cGMP production. This review will discuss the pathophysiologic basis for sGC stimulator and activator use in HFrEF, review the pre-clinical and clinical data, and propose a place in the HFrEF armamentarium for this novel pharmacotherapeutic class.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Cordwin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, 15514University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Theodore J Berei
- Department of Pharmacy, 5228University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kristen T Pogue
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, 15514University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Pharmacy, 15514University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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18
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Gemfibrozil derivatives as activators of soluble guanylyl cyclase - A structure-activity study. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113729. [PMID: 34365128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated that anti-hyperlipidemic drug gemfibrozil acts as NO- and heme-independent activator of NO receptor soluble guanylyl cyclase. A series of new gemfibrozil derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for sGC activation. The structure-activity relationship study identified the positions in gemfibrozil's scaffold that are detrimental for sGC activation and those that are amendable for optimizing modifications. Compared with gemfibrozil, compounds 7c and 15b were more potent activators of cGMP-forming activity of purified sGC and exhibited enhanced relaxation of preconstricted mouse thoracic aorta rings. These studies established the overall framework needed for futher improvement of sGC activators based on gemfibrozil scaffold.
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19
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Stehle D, Xu MZ, Schomber T, Hahn MG, Schweda F, Feil S, Kraehling JR, Eitner F, Patzak A, Sandner P, Feil R, Bénardeau A. Novel soluble guanylyl cyclase activators increase glomerular cGMP, induce vasodilation and improve blood flow in the murine kidney. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:2476-2489. [PMID: 34096053 PMCID: PMC9292672 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Generation of cGMP via NO-sensitive soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) has been implicated in the regulation of renal functions. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with decreased NO bioavailability, increased oxidative stress and oxidation of sGC to its haem-free form, apo-sGC. Apo-sGC cannot be activated by NO, resulting in impaired cGMP signalling that is associated with chronic kidney disease progression. We hypothesised that sGC activators, which activate apo-sGC independently of NO, increase renal cGMP production under conditions of oxidative stress, thereby improving renal blood flow (RBF) and kidney function. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Two novel sGC activators, runcaciguat and BAY-543, were tested on murine kidney. We measured cGMP levels in real time in kidney slices of cGMP sensor mice, vasodilation of pre-constricted glomerular arterioles and RBF in isolated perfused kidneys. Experiments were performed at baseline conditions, under L-NAME-induced NO deficiency, and in the presence of oxidative stress induced by ODQ. KEY RESULTS Mouse glomeruli showed NO-induced cGMP increases. Under baseline conditions, sGC activator did not alter glomerular cGMP concentration or NO-induced cGMP generation. In the presence of ODQ, NO-induced glomerular cGMP signals were markedly reduced, whereas sGC activator induced strong cGMP increases. L-NAME and ODQ pretreated isolated glomerular arterioles were strongly dilated by sGC activator. sGC activator also increased cGMP and RBF in ODQ-perfused kidneys. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION sGC activators increase glomerular cGMP, dilate glomerular arterioles and improve RBF under disease-relevant oxidative stress conditions. Therefore, sGC activators represent a promising class of drugs for chronic kidney disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stehle
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (IFIB), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Min Ze Xu
- Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tibor Schomber
- Bayer AG, Cardiovascular Research, Pharma Research Center, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Michael G Hahn
- Bayer AG, Cardiovascular Research, Pharma Research Center, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Frank Schweda
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (IFIB), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan R Kraehling
- Bayer AG, Cardiovascular Research, Pharma Research Center, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Frank Eitner
- Bayer AG, Cardiovascular Research, Pharma Research Center, Wuppertal, Germany.,Division of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Patzak
- Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Cardiovascular Research, Pharma Research Center, Wuppertal, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Robert Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie (IFIB), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Agnès Bénardeau
- Bayer AG, Cardiovascular Research, Pharma Research Center, Wuppertal, Germany.,Novo Nordisk A/S, Cardio-Renal Biology, Måløv, Denmark
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20
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Grześk G, Nowaczyk A. Current Modulation of Guanylate Cyclase Pathway Activity-Mechanism and Clinical Implications. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113418. [PMID: 34200064 PMCID: PMC8200204 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For years, guanylate cyclase seemed to be homogenic and tissue nonspecific enzyme; however, in the last few years, in light of preclinical and clinical trials, it became an interesting target for pharmacological intervention. There are several possible options leading to an increase in cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentrations. The first one is related to the uses of analogues of natriuretic peptides. The second is related to increasing levels of natriuretic peptides by the inhibition of degradation. The third leads to an increase in cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentration by the inhibition of its degradation by the inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5. The last option involves increasing the concentration of cyclic guanosine monophosphate by the additional direct activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. Treatment based on the modulation of guanylate cyclase function is one of the most promising technologies in pharmacology. Pharmacological intervention is stable, effective and safe. Especially interesting is the role of stimulators and activators of soluble guanylate cyclase, which are able to increase the enzymatic activity to generate cyclic guanosine monophosphate independently of nitric oxide. Moreover, most of these agents are effective in chronic treatment in heart failure patients and pulmonary hypertension, and have potential to be a first line option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Grześk
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 75 Ujejskiego St., 85-168 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Alicja Nowaczyk
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 2 dr. A. Jurasza St., 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-52-585-3904
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21
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Hahn MG, Lampe T, El Sheikh S, Griebenow N, Woltering E, Schlemmer KH, Dietz L, Gerisch M, Wunder F, Becker-Pelster EM, Mondritzki T, Tinel H, Knorr A, Kern A, Lang D, Hueser J, Schomber T, Benardeau A, Eitner F, Truebel H, Mittendorf J, Kumar V, van den Akker F, Schaefer M, Geiss V, Sandner P, Stasch JP. Discovery of the Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Activator Runcaciguat (BAY 1101042). J Med Chem 2021; 64:5323-5344. [PMID: 33872507 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Herein we describe the discovery, mode of action, and preclinical characterization of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activator runcaciguat. The sGC enzyme, via the formation of cyclic guanosine monophoshphate, is a key regulator of body and tissue homeostasis. sGC activators with their unique mode of action are activating the oxidized and heme-free and therefore NO-unresponsive form of sGC, which is formed under oxidative stress. The first generation of sGC activators like cinaciguat or ataciguat exhibited limitations and were discontinued. We overcame limitations of first-generation sGC activators and identified a new chemical class via high-throughput screening. The investigation of the structure-activity relationship allowed to improve potency and multiple solubility, permeability, metabolism, and drug-drug interactions parameters. This program resulted in the discovery of the oral sGC activator runcaciguat (compound 45, BAY 1101042). Runcaciguat is currently investigated in clinical phase 2 studies for the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Hahn
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Thomas Lampe
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Sherif El Sheikh
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Nils Griebenow
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Woltering
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Schlemmer
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Lisa Dietz
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Michael Gerisch
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Frank Wunder
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Mondritzki
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany.,University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany
| | - Hanna Tinel
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Andreas Knorr
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Armin Kern
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Dieter Lang
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Joerg Hueser
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Tibor Schomber
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Agnes Benardeau
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Frank Eitner
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany.,Division of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Hubert Truebel
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany.,University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany
| | - Joachim Mittendorf
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 44106 Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Focco van den Akker
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, 44106 Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Martina Schaefer
- Lead Discovery-Structural Biology, Nuvisan ICB GmbH, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker Geiss
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Peter Sandner
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Johannes-Peter Stasch
- Research and Development, Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacy, University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle, Germany
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22
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Sandner P, Zimmer DP, Milne GT, Follmann M, Hobbs A, Stasch JP. Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulators and Activators. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 264:355-394. [PMID: 30689085 DOI: 10.1007/164_2018_197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
When Furchgott, Murad, and Ignarro were honored with the Nobel prize for the identification of nitric oxide (NO) in 1998, the therapeutic implications of this discovery could not be fully anticipated. This was due to the fact that available therapeutics like NO donors did not allow a constant and long-lasting cyclic guanylyl monophosphate (cGMP) stimulation and had a narrow therapeutic window. Now, 20 years later, the stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), riociguat, is on the market and is the only drug approved for the treatment of two forms of pulmonary hypertension (PAH/CTEPH), and a variety of other sGC stimulators and sGC activators are in preclinical and clinical development for additional indications. The discovery of sGC stimulators and sGC activators is a milestone in the field of NO/sGC/cGMP pharmacology. The sGC stimulators and sGC activators bind directly to reduced, heme-containing and oxidized, heme-free sGC, respectively, which results in an increase in cGMP production. The action of sGC stimulators at the heme-containing enzyme is independent of NO but is enhanced in the presence of NO whereas the sGC activators interact with the heme-free form of sGC. These highly innovative pharmacological principles of sGC stimulation and activation seem to have a very broad therapeutic potential. Therefore, in both academia and industry, intensive research and development efforts have been undertaken to fully exploit the therapeutic benefit of these new compound classes. Here we summarize the discovery of sGC stimulators and sGC activators and the current developments in both compound classes, including the mode of action, the chemical structures, and the genesis of the terminology and nomenclature. In addition, preclinical studies exploring multiple aspects of their in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo pharmacology are reviewed, providing an overview of multiple potential applications. Finally, the clinical developments, investigating the treatment potential of these compounds in various diseases like heart failure, diabetic kidney disease, fibrotic diseases, and hypertension, are reported. In summary, sGC stimulators and sGC activators have a unique mode of action with a broad treatment potential in cardiovascular diseases and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, Wuppertal, Germany. .,Department of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | | | | | - Markus Follmann
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Adrian Hobbs
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry QMUL, London, UK
| | - Johannes-Peter Stasch
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, Wuppertal, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacy, University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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23
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Higher susceptibility to heme oxidation and lower protein stability of the rare α 1C517Yβ 1 sGC variant associated with moyamoya syndrome. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 186:114459. [PMID: 33571505 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
NO sensitive soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) plays a key role in mediating physiological functions of NO. Genetic alterations of the GUCY1A3 gene, coding for the α1 subunit of sGC, are associated with several cardiovascular dysfunctions. A rare sGC variant with Cys517 → Tyr substitution in the α1subunit, has been associated with moyamoya disease and achalasia. In this report we characterize the properties of this rare sGC variant. Purified α1C517Yβ1 sGC preserved only ~25% of its cGMP-forming activity and showed an elevated Km for GTP substrate. However, the mutant enzyme retained a high affinity for and robust activation by NO, similar to wild type sGC. Purified α1C517Yβ1 enzyme was more sensitive to specific sGC heme oxidizers and less responsive to heme reducing agents. When expressed in COS7 cells, α1C517Yβ1 sGC showed a much stronger response to cinaciguat or gemfibrozil, which targets apo-sGC or sGC with ferric heme, as compared to its NO response or the relative response of the wild type sGC. A stronger response to cinaciguat was also observed for purified α1C517Yβ1 in the absence of reducing agents. In COS7 cells, αCys517β sGC was less stable than the wild type enzyme under normal conditions and exhibited accelerated degradation upon induction of cellular oxidative stress. We conclude that diminished cGMP-forming activity of this sGC variant is aggravated by its high susceptibility to oxidative stress and diminished protein stability. The combination of these deficiencies contributes to the severity of observed moyamoya and achalasia symptoms in human carriers of this rare α1C517Yβ1 sGC variant.
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24
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Friebe A, Englert N. NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase in the lung. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 179:2328-2343. [PMID: 33332689 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the late 1960s, several labatories identified guanylyl cyclase (GC) as the cGMP-producing enzyme. Subsequently, two different types of GC were described that differed in their cellular localization. Primarily found in the cytosol, nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC) acts as receptor for the signalling molecule NO, in contrast the membrane-bound isoenzyme is activated by natriuretic peptides. The lung compared with other tissues exhibits the highest expression of NO-GC. The enzyme has been purified from lung for biochemical analysis. Although expressed in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and in pericytes, the function of NO-GC in lung, especially in pericytes, is still not fully elucidated. However, pharmacological compounds that target NO-GC are available and have been implemented for the therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension. In addition, NO-GC has been suggested as drug target for the therapy of asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Friebe
- Physiological Institute, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nils Englert
- Physiological Institute, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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25
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Kopra K, Sharina I, Martin E, Härmä H. Homogeneous single-label cGMP detection platform for the functional study of nitric oxide-sensitive (soluble) guanylyl cyclases and cGMP-specific phosphodiesterases. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17469. [PMID: 33060787 PMCID: PMC7562898 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74611-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the number one death worldwide. Nitric oxide (NO)-NO-sensitive (soluble) guanylyl cyclase (sGC)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway regulates diverse set of important physiological functions, including maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis. Resting and activated sGC enzyme converts guanosine triphosphate to an important second messenger cGMP. In addition to traditional NO generators, a number of sGC activators and stimulators are currently in clinical trials aiming to support or increase sGC activity in various pathological conditions. cGMP-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs), which degrade cGMP to guanosine monophosphate, play key role in controlling the cGMP level and the strength or length of the cGMP-dependent cellular signaling. Thus, PDE inhibitors also have clear clinical applications. Here, we introduce a homogeneous quenching resonance energy transfer (QRET) for cGMP to monitor both sGC and PDE activities using high throughput screening adoptable method. We demonstrate that using cGMP-specific antibody, sGC or PDE activity and the effect of small molecules modulating their function can be studied with sub-picomole cGMP sensitivity. The results further indicate that the method is suitable for monitoring enzyme reactions also in complex biological cellular homogenates and mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Kopra
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry of Drug Development, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500, Turku, Finland.
| | - Iraida Sharina
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical School At Houston, 1941 East Road, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Emil Martin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical School At Houston, 1941 East Road, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Harri Härmä
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry of Drug Development, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500, Turku, Finland
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26
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Targeting heme-oxidized soluble guanylate cyclase to promote osteoblast function. Drug Discov Today 2019; 25:422-429. [PMID: 31846712 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The enzyme soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) plays an essential part in the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway by binding to the prosthetic heme group; thereby catalyzing the synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinases. Impaired NO-sGC-cGMP signaling could lead to osteoblast apoptosis by mechanisms involving the oxidative-stress-induced shift of the redox state of the reduced heme to oxidized sGC, leading to diminished heme binding to the enzyme and rendering the sGC unresponsive to NO. Targeting oxidized sGC to enhance cGMP production could restore proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts into osteocytes. Here, the potential role of sGC activators of an oxidized or heme-free sGC as a target for promoting osteoblast function is reviewed and strategies for delivering drugs to bone are identified.
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27
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Makrynitsa GI, Zompra AA, Argyriou AI, Spyroulias GA, Topouzis S. Therapeutic Targeting of the Soluble Guanylate Cyclase. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:2730-2747. [PMID: 30621555 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190108095851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is the physiological sensor for nitric oxide and alterations of its function are actively implicated in a wide variety of pathophysiological conditions. Intense research efforts over the past 20 years have provided significant information on its regulation, culminating in the rational development of approved drugs or investigational lead molecules, which target and interact with sGC through novel mechanisms. However, there are numerous questions that remain unanswered. Ongoing investigations, with the critical aid of structural chemistry studies, try to further elucidate the enzyme's structural characteristics that define the association of "stimulators" or "activators" of sGC in the presence or absence of the heme moiety, respectively, as well as the precise conformational attributes that will allow the design of more innovative and effective drugs. This review relates the progress achieved, particularly in the past 10 years, in understanding the function of this enzyme, and focusses on a) the rationale and results of its therapeutic targeting in disease situations, depending on the state of enzyme (oxidized or not, heme-carrying or not) and b) the most recent structural studies, which should permit improved design of future therapeutic molecules that aim to directly upregulate the activity of sGC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aikaterini A Zompra
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rio, 26505, Greece
| | - Aikaterini I Argyriou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rio, 26505, Greece
| | - Georgios A Spyroulias
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rio, 26505, Greece
| | - Stavros Topouzis
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rio, 26505, Greece
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28
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BAY 41-2272 inhibits human neutrophil functions. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 75:105767. [PMID: 31376626 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BAY 41-2272 is a guanylyl cyclase (GC) stimulator derived from YC-1 (3-[(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole]). Previous studies by our group showed that BAY 41-2272 activates human monocytes via soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and cGMP. In this study, we investigated the effect of BAY 41-2272 on human neutrophil function and found that 30 μM BAY 41-2272 inhibits neutrophil migration (1.82-fold lower than FMLP, P < 0.05 by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test), oxidative burst (1.70-fold lower than PMA, P < 0.05 by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test), and IL-8 cytokine production (1.80-fold lower than PMA, P < 0.05 by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test). Our results suggest that these effects are independent of the sGC pathway but dependent instead on cGMP production, as the response induced by 30 μM BAY 41-2272 was 6.40-fold greater than that observed in our negative control (P < 0.05 by parametric t-test). 1H-[1, 2, 4] oxadiazolo [4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), which is an irreversible inhibitor of sGC, was unable to reverse the effects of BAY 41-2272 on human neutrophils, indicating that this drug acts independently of sGC. Our results confirm the immunomodulatory effect of BAY 41-2272 on human neutrophils.
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29
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Endothelium-independent vasodilator effects of nobiletin in rat aorta. J Pharmacol Sci 2019; 140:48-53. [PMID: 31088764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nobiletin is a one of the polymethoxyflavones contained in the peel of citrus fruits, such as Citrus depressa. In this study, the effect of nobiletin-induced relaxation on phenylephrine (PE)-induced contraction of endothelium-denuded rat aorta was investigated. Nobiletin inhibited PE- or KCl-induced contractions in a concentration-dependent manner in endothelium-intact and -denuded aortas. However, this relaxation was stronger in PE-induced contractions than in KCl-induced contractions; moreover, the nobiletin-induced relaxation was significantly increased on PE-induced contraction in endothelium-intact aorta. ODQ significantly inhibited the nobiletin-induced relaxation in endothelium-denuded aorta; however, SQ22536 did not affect the relaxation. In addition, IBMX synergistically enhanced the nobiletin-induced relaxation. Nobiletin increased cGMP levels in aorta. Also, IBMX significantly increased cGMP content in aorta, and ODQ significantly reduced cGMP levels. Nobiletin-induced relaxation was significantly inhibited by the Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel inhibitor iberiotoxin (IbTX) and the ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel inhibitor glybenclamide. Sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation was suppressed by IbTX, but not by glybenclamide. These results suggest that nobiletin inhibits PE-induced contractions of endothelium-denuded rat aorta by increasing cGMP levels via GC activation. Moreover, the present findings indicate the possibility that nobiletin opened BK channels by a cGMP-related signal, but KATP channels were opened by a cGMP-nonrelated signal in rat aorta.
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30
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Sandner P. From molecules to patients: exploring the therapeutic role of soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators. Biol Chem 2019; 399:679-690. [PMID: 29604206 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) signaling represents one of the major regulatory pathways for cardiovascular function. After the discovery of NO, awarded with the Nobel Prize in 1998, this signaling cascade was stepwise clarified. We now have a good understanding of NO production and NO downstream targets such as the soluble guanylyl cyclases (sGCs) which catalyze cGMP production. Based on the important role of NO-signaling in the cardiovascular system, intense research and development efforts are currently ongoing to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of cGMP increase. Recently, NO-independent stimulators of sGC (sGC stimulators) were discovered and characterized. This new compound class has a unique mode of action, directly binding to sGC and triggering cGMP production. The first sGC stimulator made available to patients is riociguat, which was approved in 2013 for the treatment of different forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Besides riociguat, other sGC stimulators are in clinical development, with vericiguat in phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of chronic heart failure (HF). Based on the broad impact of NO/cGMP signaling, sGC stimulators could have an even broader therapeutic potential beyond PH and HF. Within this review, the NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG/PDE-signaling cascade and the major pharmacological intervention sites are described. In addition, the discovery and mode of action of sGC stimulators and the clinical development in PH and HF is covered. Finally, the preclinical and clinical evidence and treatment approaches for sGC stimulators beyond these indications and the cardiovascular disease space, like in fibrotic diseases as in systemic sclerosis (SSc), are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Drug-Discovery, Pharma Research Center Wuppertal, Aprather Weg 18a, D-42069 Wuppertal, Germany.,Hannover Medical School, Department of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany
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31
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Kalyanaraman H, Schall N, Pilz RB. Nitric oxide and cyclic GMP functions in bone. Nitric Oxide 2018; 76:62-70. [PMID: 29550520 PMCID: PMC9990405 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide plays a central role in the regulation of skeletal homeostasis. In cells of the osteoblastic lineage, NO is generated in response to mechanical stimulation and estrogen exposure. Via activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKGs), NO enhances proliferation, differentiation, and survival of bone-forming cells in the osteoblastic lineage. NO also regulates the differentiation and activity of bone-resorbing osteoclasts; here the effects are largely inhibitory and partly cGMP-independent. We review the skeletal phenotypes of mice deficient in NO synthases and PKGs, and the effects of NO and cGMP on bone formation and resorption. We examine the roles of NO and cGMP in bone adaptation to mechanical stimulation. Finally, we discuss preclinical and clinical data showing that NO donors and NO-independent sGC activators may protect against estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss. sGC represents an attractive target for the treatment of osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hema Kalyanaraman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0652, USA
| | - Nadine Schall
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0652, USA
| | - Renate B Pilz
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0652, USA.
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32
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Abstract
The primary β-globin gene mutation that causes sickle cell disease (SCD) has significant pathophysiological consequences that result in hemolytic events and the induction of the inflammatory processes that ultimately lead to vaso-occlusion. In addition to their role in the initiation of the acute painful vaso-occlusive episodes that are characteristic of SCD, inflammatory processes are also key components of many of the complications of the disease including autosplenectomy, acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, leg ulcers, nephropathy and stroke. We, herein, discuss the events that trigger inflammation in the disease, as well as the mechanisms, inflammatory molecules and cells that propagate these inflammatory processes. Given the central role that inflammation plays in SCD pathophysiology, many of the therapeutic approaches currently under pre-clinical and clinical development for the treatment of SCD endeavor to counter aspects or specific molecules of these inflammatory processes and it is possible that, in the future, we will see anti-inflammatory drugs being used either together with, or in place of, hydroxyurea in those SCD patients for whom hematopoietic stem cell transplants and evolving gene therapies are not a viable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Conran
- Hematology Center, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Cidade Universitária, Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - John D Belcher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Vascular Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Sömmer A, Sandner P, Behrends S. BAY 60–2770 activates two isoforms of nitric oxide sensitive guanylyl cyclase: Evidence for stable insertion of activator drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 147:10-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Cortese-Krott MM, Mergia E, Kramer CM, Lückstädt W, Yang J, Wolff G, Panknin C, Bracht T, Sitek B, Pernow J, Stasch JP, Feelisch M, Koesling D, Kelm M. Identification of a soluble guanylate cyclase in RBCs: preserved activity in patients with coronary artery disease. Redox Biol 2017; 14:328-337. [PMID: 29024896 PMCID: PMC5975213 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2017.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is associated with decreased NO bioavailability and impaired activation of the NO receptor soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) in the vasculature and in platelets. Red blood cells (RBCs) are known to produce NO under hypoxic and normoxic conditions; however evidence of expression and/or activity of sGC and downstream signaling pathway including phopshodiesterase (PDE)-5 and protein kinase G (PKG) in RBCs is still controversial. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether RBCs carry a functional sGC signaling pathway and to address whether this pathway is compromised in coronary artery disease (CAD). Using two independent chromatographic procedures, we here demonstrate that human and murine RBCs carry a catalytically active α1β1-sGC (isoform 1), which converts 32P-GTP into 32P-cGMP, as well as PDE5 and PKG. Specific sGC stimulation by NO+BAY 41-2272 increases intracellular cGMP-levels up to 1000-fold with concomitant activation of the canonical PKG/VASP-signaling pathway. This response to NO is blunted in α1-sGC knockout (KO) RBCs, but fully preserved in α2-sGC KO. In patients with stable CAD and endothelial dysfunction red cell eNOS expression is decreased as compared to aged-matched controls; by contrast, red cell sGC expression/activity and responsiveness to NO are fully preserved, although sGC oxidation is increased in both groups. Collectively, our data demonstrate that an intact sGC/PDE5/PKG-dependent signaling pathway exists in RBCs, which remains fully responsive to NO and sGC stimulators/activators in patients with endothelial dysfunction. Targeting this pathway may be helpful in diseases with NO deficiency in the microcirculation like sickle cell anemia, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam M Cortese-Krott
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Pneumology and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; CARID, Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorensstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Evanthia Mergia
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian M Kramer
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Pneumology and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; CARID, Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorensstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Wiebke Lückstädt
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Pneumology and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; CARID, Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorensstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jiangning Yang
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Solna, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Georg Wolff
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Pneumology and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; CARID, Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorensstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Panknin
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Pneumology and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; CARID, Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorensstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thilo Bracht
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr- University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Barbara Sitek
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr- University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - John Pernow
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Solna, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johannes-Peter Stasch
- Bayer Pharma AG, Aprather Weg 18a, 42096 Wuppertal, Germany; Institute of Pharmacy, University Halle-Wittenberg, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Strasse 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Martin Feelisch
- Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, SO166YD Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Doris Koesling
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Malte Kelm
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Division of Cardiology, Pneumology and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; CARID, Cardiovascular Research Institute Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorensstraße 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Follmann M, Ackerstaff J, Redlich G, Wunder F, Lang D, Kern A, Fey P, Griebenow N, Kroh W, Becker-Pelster EM, Kretschmer A, Geiss V, Li V, Straub A, Mittendorf J, Jautelat R, Schirok H, Schlemmer KH, Lustig K, Gerisch M, Knorr A, Tinel H, Mondritzki T, Trübel H, Sandner P, Stasch JP. Discovery of the Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator Vericiguat (BAY 1021189) for the Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure. J Med Chem 2017; 60:5146-5161. [PMID: 28557445 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The first-in-class soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator riociguat was recently introduced as a novel treatment option for pulmonary hypertension. Despite its outstanding pharmacological profile, application of riociguat in other cardiovascular indications is limited by its short half-life, necessitating a three times daily dosing regimen. In our efforts to further optimize the compound class, we have uncovered interesting structure-activity relationships and were able to decrease oxidative metabolism significantly. These studies resulting in the discovery of once daily sGC stimulator vericiguat (compound 24, BAY 1021189), currently in phase 3 trials for chronic heart failure, are now reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Follmann
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jens Ackerstaff
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Gorden Redlich
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Frank Wunder
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Dieter Lang
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Armin Kern
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Peter Fey
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Nils Griebenow
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Walter Kroh
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Axel Kretschmer
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Volker Geiss
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Volkhart Li
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Alexander Straub
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Rolf Jautelat
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schirok
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Klemens Lustig
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Michael Gerisch
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Andreas Knorr
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Hanna Tinel
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Thomas Mondritzki
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Hubert Trübel
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Peter Sandner
- Drug Discovery, Bayer AG , Aprather Weg 18a, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
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Kraehling JR, Sessa WC. Contemporary Approaches to Modulating the Nitric Oxide-cGMP Pathway in Cardiovascular Disease. Circ Res 2017; 120:1174-1182. [PMID: 28360348 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.117.303776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells lining the vessel wall control important aspects of vascular homeostasis. In particular, the production of endothelium-derived nitric oxide and activation of soluble guanylate cyclase promotes endothelial quiescence and governs vasomotor function and proportional remodeling of blood vessels. Here, we discuss novel approaches to improve endothelial nitric oxide generation and preserve its bioavailability. We also discuss therapeutic opportunities aimed at activation of soluble guanylate cyclase for multiple cardiovascular indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan R Kraehling
- From the Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (J.R.K.) and Department of Pharmacology (W.C.S.), Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - William C Sessa
- From the Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program (J.R.K.) and Department of Pharmacology (W.C.S.), Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
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Ghosh A, Stuehr DJ. Regulation of sGC via hsp90, Cellular Heme, sGC Agonists, and NO: New Pathways and Clinical Perspectives. Antioxid Redox Signal 2017; 26:182-190. [PMID: 26983679 PMCID: PMC5278824 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2016.6690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is an intracellular enzyme that plays a primary role in sensing nitric oxide (NO) and transducing its multiple signaling effects in mammals. Recent Advances: The chaperone heat shock protein 90 (hsp90) associates with signaling proteins in cells, including sGC, where it helps to drive heme insertion into the sGC-β1 subunit. This allows sGC-β1 to associate with a partner sGC-α1 subunit and mature into an NO-responsive active form. CRITICAL ISSUES In this article, we review evidence to date regarding the mechanisms that modulate sGC activity by a pathway where binding of hsp90 or sGC agonist to heme-free sGC dictates the assembly and fate of an active sGC heterodimer, both by NO and heme-dependent or heme-independent pathways. FUTURE DIRECTIONS We discuss some therapeutic implications of the NO-sGC-hsp90 nexus and its potential as a marker of inflammatory disease. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 182-190.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Ghosh
- Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute , Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Dennis J Stuehr
- Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute , Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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Sharina IG, Martin E. The Role of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in the Expression and Splicing of Nitric Oxide Receptor. Antioxid Redox Signal 2017; 26:122-136. [PMID: 26972233 PMCID: PMC7061304 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2016.6687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Nitric oxide (NO)-dependent signaling is critical to many cellular functions and physiological processes. Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) acts as an NO receptor and mediates the majority of NO functions. The signaling between NO and sGC is strongly altered by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Recent Advances: Besides NO scavenging, sGC is affected by oxidation/loss of sGC heme, oxidation, or nitrosation of cysteine residues and phosphorylation. Apo-sGC or sGC containing oxidized heme is targeted for degradation. sGC transcription and the stability of sGC mRNA are also affected by oxidative stress. CRITICAL ISSUES Studies cited in this review suggest the existence of compensatory processes that adapt cellular processes to diminished sGC function under conditions of short-term or moderate oxidative stress. Alternative splicing of sGC transcripts is discussed as a mechanism with the potential to both enhance and reduce sGC function. The expression of α1 isoform B, a functional and stable splice variant of human α1 sGC subunit, is proposed as one of such compensatory mechanisms. The expression of dysfunctional splice isoforms is discussed as a contributor to decreased sGC function in vascular disease. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Targeting the process of sGC splicing may be an important approach to maintain the composition of sGC transcripts that are expressed in healthy tissues under normal conditions. Emerging new strategies that allow for targeted manipulations of RNA splicing offer opportunities to use this approach as a preventive measure and to control the composition of sGC splice isoforms. Rational management of expressed sGC splice forms may be a valuable complementary treatment strategy for existing sGC-directed therapies. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 122-136.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraida G Sharina
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston Medical School , Houston, Texas
| | - Emil Martin
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston Medical School , Houston, Texas.,2 School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University , Astana, Kazakhstan
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Németh BT, Mátyás C, Oláh A, Lux Á, Hidi L, Ruppert M, Kellermayer D, Kökény G, Szabó G, Merkely B, Radovits T. Cinaciguat prevents the development of pathologic hypertrophy in a rat model of left ventricular pressure overload. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37166. [PMID: 27853261 PMCID: PMC5112572 DOI: 10.1038/srep37166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathologic myocardial hypertrophy develops when the heart is chronically pressure-overloaded. Elevated intracellular cGMP-levels have been reported to prevent the development of pathologic myocardial hypertrophy, therefore we investigated the effects of chronic activation of the cGMP producing enzyme, soluble guanylate cyclase by Cinaciguat in a rat model of pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Abdominal aortic banding (AAB) was used to evoke pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy in male Wistar rats. Sham operated animals served as controls. Experimental and control groups were treated with 10 mg/kg/day Cinaciguat (Cin) or placebo (Co) p.o. for six weeks, respectively. Pathologic myocardial hypertrophy was present in the AABCo group following 6 weeks of pressure overload of the heart, evidenced by increased relative heart weight, average cardiomyocyte diameter, collagen content and apoptosis. Cinaciguat did not significantly alter blood pressure, but effectively attenuated all features of pathologic myocardial hypertrophy, and normalized functional changes, such as the increase in contractility following AAB. Our results demonstrate that chronic enhancement of cGMP signalling by pharmacological activation of sGC might be a novel therapeutic approach in the prevention of pathologic myocardial hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Tamás Németh
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Városmajor u. 68., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Mátyás
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Városmajor u. 68., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Oláh
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Városmajor u. 68., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Árpád Lux
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Városmajor u. 68., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Hidi
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Városmajor u. 68., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mihály Ruppert
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Városmajor u. 68., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dalma Kellermayer
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Városmajor u. 68., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kökény
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4., 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Szabó
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110., 69210 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Béla Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Városmajor u. 68., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Radovits
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Városmajor u. 68., 1122 Budapest, Hungary
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Baldissera L, Squebola-Cola DM, Calixto MC, Lima-Barbosa AP, Rennó AL, Anhê GF, Condino-Neto A, De Nucci G, Antunes E. The soluble guanylyl cyclase activator BAY 60-2770 inhibits murine allergic airways inflammation and human eosinophil chemotaxis. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2016; 41:86-95. [PMID: 27816773 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Activators of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) act preferentially in conditions of enzyme oxidation or haem group removal. This study was designed to investigate the effects of the sGC activator BAY 60-2770 in murine airways inflammation and human eosinophil chemotaxis. METHODS C57Bl/6 mice treated or not with BAY 60-2770 (1 mg/kg/day, 14 days) were intranasally challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). At 48 h, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was performed, and circulating blood, bone marrow and lungs were obtained. Human eosinophils purified from peripheral blood were used to evaluate the cell chemotaxis. RESULTS OVA-challenge promoted marked increases in eosinophil number in BAL, lung tissue, circulating blood and bone marrow, all of which were significantly reduced by BAY 60-2770. The IL-4 and IL-5 levels in BALF were significantly reduced by BAY 60-2770. Increased protein expression of iNOS, along with decreases of expression of sGC (α1 and β1 subunits) and cGMP levels were detected in lung tissue of OVA-challenged mice. BAY 60-2770 fully restored to baseline the iNOS and sGC subunit expressions, and cGMP levels. In human isolated eosinophils, BAY 60-2770 (1-5 μM) had no effects on the cGMP levels and eotaxin-induced chemotaxis; however, prior incubation with ODQ (10 μM) markedly elevated the BAY 60-2770-induced cyclic GMP production, further inhibiting the eosinophil chemotaxis. CONCLUSIONS BAY 60-2770 reduces airway eosinophilic inflammation and rescue the sGC levels. In human eosinophils under oxidized conditions, BAY 60-2770 elevates the cGMP levels causing cell chemotaxis inhibition. BAY 60-2770 may reveal a novel therapeutic target for asthma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lineu Baldissera
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, 13084-971, SP, Brazil
| | - Dalize M Squebola-Cola
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, 13084-971, SP, Brazil
| | - Marina C Calixto
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, 13084-971, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana P Lima-Barbosa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, 13084-971, SP, Brazil
| | - André L Rennó
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, 13084-971, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel F Anhê
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, 13084-971, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio Condino-Neto
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, 13084-971, SP, Brazil
| | - Gilberto De Nucci
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, 13084-971, SP, Brazil
| | - Edson Antunes
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Science, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, 13084-971, SP, Brazil.
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Tawa M, Shimosato T, Iwasaki H, Imamura T, Okamura T. Effects of hydrogen peroxide on relaxation through the NO/sGC/cGMP pathway in isolated rat iliac arteries. Free Radic Res 2016; 49:1479-87. [PMID: 26334090 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2015.1089987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The production of reactive oxygen species, including hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), is increased in diseased blood vessels. Although H(2)O(2) leads to impairment of the nitric oxide (NO)/soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)/cGMP signaling pathway, it is not clear whether this reactive molecule affects the redox state of sGC, a key determinant of NO bioavailability. To clarify this issue, mechanical responses of endothelium-denuded rat external iliac arteries to BAY 41-2272 (sGC stimulator), BAY 60-2770 (sGC activator), nitroglycerin (NO donor), acidified NaNO(2) (exogenous NO) and 8-Br-cGMP (cGMP analog) were studied under exposure to H(2)O(2). The relaxant response to BAY 41-2272 (pD2: 6.79 ± 0.10 and 6.62 ± 0.17), BAY 60-2770 (pD2: 9.57 ± 0.06 and 9.34 ± 0.15) or 8-Br-cGMP (pD2: 5.19 ± 0.06 and 5.24 ± 0.08) was not apparently affected by exposure to H(2)O(2). In addition, vascular cGMP production stimulated with BAY 41-2272 or BAY 60-2770 in the presence of H(2)O(2) was identical to that in its absence. On the other hand, nitroglycerin-induced relaxation was markedly attenuated by exposing the arteries to H(2)O(2) (pD2: 8.73 ± 0.05 and 8.30 ± 0.05), which was normalized in the presence of catalase (pD2: 8.59 ± 0.05). Likewise, H(2)O(2) exposure impaired the relaxant response to acidified NaNO(2) (pD2: 6.52 ± 0.17 and 6.09 ± 0.16). These findings suggest that H(2)O(2) interferes with the NO-mediated action, but the sGC redox equilibrium and the downstream target(s) of cGMP are unlikely to be affected in the vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Tawa
- a Department of Pharmacology , Shiga University of Medical Science , Otsu , Shiga , Japan
| | - Takashi Shimosato
- a Department of Pharmacology , Shiga University of Medical Science , Otsu , Shiga , Japan
| | - Hirotaka Iwasaki
- a Department of Pharmacology , Shiga University of Medical Science , Otsu , Shiga , Japan
| | - Takeshi Imamura
- a Department of Pharmacology , Shiga University of Medical Science , Otsu , Shiga , Japan
| | - Tomio Okamura
- a Department of Pharmacology , Shiga University of Medical Science , Otsu , Shiga , Japan
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42
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Ge P, Navarro ID, Kessler MM, Bernier SG, Perl NR, Sarno R, Masferrer J, Hannig G, Stamer WD. The Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator IWP-953 Increases Conventional Outflow Facility in Mouse Eyes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2016; 57:1317-26. [PMID: 26998718 PMCID: PMC4811179 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-18958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) pathway regulates aqueous humor outflow and therefore, intraocular pressure. We investigated the pharmacologic effects of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator IWP-953 on primary human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells and conventional outflow facility in mouse eyes. METHODS Cyclic GMP levels were determined in vitro in HEK-293 cells and four HTM cell strains (HTM120/HTM123: predominantly myofibroblast-like phenotype, HTM130/HTM141: predominantly endothelial-like phenotype), and in HTM cell culture supernatants. Conventional outflow facility was measured following intracameral injection of IWP-953 or DETA-NO using a computerized pressure-controlled perfusion system in enucleated mouse eyes ex vivo. RESULTS IWP-953 markedly stimulated cGMP production in HEK-293 cells in the presence and absence of DETA-NO (half maximal effective concentrations: 17 nM, 9.5 μM). Similarly, IWP-953 stimulated cGMP production in myofibroblast-like HTM120 and HTM123 cells, an effect that was greatly amplified by the presence of DETA-NO. In contrast, IWP-953 stimulation of cGMP production in endothelial-like HTM130 and HTM141 cells was observed, but was markedly less prominent than in HTM120 and HTM123 cells. Notably, cGMP was found in all HTM culture supernatants, following IWP-953/DETA-NO stimulation. In paired enucleated mouse eyes, IWP-953 at 10, 30, 60, and 100 μM concentration-dependently increased outflow facility. This effect (89.5%) was maximal at 100 μM (P = 0.002) and in magnitude comparable to DETA-NO at 100 μM (97.5% increase, P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that IWP-953, via modulation of the sGC-cGMP pathway, increases aqueous outflow facility in mouse eyes, suggesting therapeutic potential for sGC stimulators as novel ocular hypotensive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Ge
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Iris D Navarro
- Ophthalmology Department, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Marco M Kessler
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sylvie G Bernier
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Nicholas R Perl
- formerly of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Renee Sarno
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jaime Masferrer
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Gerhard Hannig
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Ophthalmology Department, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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43
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Stimulators of the soluble guanylyl cyclase: promising functional insights from rare coding atherosclerosis-related GUCY1A3 variants. Basic Res Cardiol 2016; 111:51. [PMID: 27342234 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-016-0570-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Stimulators of the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) are emerging therapeutic agents in cardiovascular diseases. Genetic alterations of the GUCY1A3 gene, which encodes the α1 subunit of the sGC, are associated with coronary artery disease. Studies investigating sGC stimulators in subjects with CAD and carrying risk-related variants in sGC are, however, lacking. Here, we functionally investigate the impact of coding GUCY1A3 variants on sGC activity and the therapeutic potential of sGC stimulators in vitro. In addition to a known loss-of-function variant, eight coding variants in GUCY1A3 were cloned and expressed in HEK 293 cells. Protein levels and dimerization capability with the β1 subunit were analysed by immunoblotting and co-immunoprecipitation, respectively. All α1 variants found in MI patients dimerized with the β1 subunit. Protein levels were reduced by 72 % in one variant (p < 0.01). Enzymatic activity was analysed using cGMP radioimmunoassay after stimulation with a nitric oxide (NO) donor. Five variants displayed decreased cGMP production upon NO stimulation (p < 0.001). The addition of the sGC stimulator BAY 41-2272 increased cGMP formation in all of these variants (p < 0.01). Except for the variant leading to decreased protein level, cGMP amounts reached the wildtype NO-induced level after addition of BAY 41-2272. In conclusion, rare coding variants in GUCY1A3 lead to reduced cGMP formation which can be rescued by a sGC stimulator in vitro. These results might therefore represent the starting point for discovery of novel treatment strategies for patients at risk with coding GUCY1A3 variants.
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de Oliveira MG, Calmasini FB, Alexandre EC, De Nucci G, Mónica FZ, Antunes E. Activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase by BAY 58-2667 improves bladder function in cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis in mice. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2016; 311:F85-93. [PMID: 27122537 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00041.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Activators of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) interact directly with its prosthetic heme group, enhancing the enzyme responsiveness in pathological conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the sGC activator BAY 58-2667 on voiding dysfunction, protein expressions of α1 and β1 sGC subunits and cGMP levels in the bladder tissues after cyclophosphamide (CYP) exposure. Female C57BL/6 mice (20-25 g) were injected with CYP (300 mg/kg ip) to induce cystitis. Mice were pretreated or not with BAY 58-2667 (1 mg/kg, gavage), given 1 h before CYP injection. The micturition patterns and in vitro bladder contractions were evaluated at 24 h. In freely moving mice, the CYP injection produced reduced the micturition volume and increased the number of urine spots. Cystometric recordings in CYP-injected mice revealed significant increases in basal pressure, voiding frequency, and nonvoiding contractions (NVCs), along with decreases in bladder capacity, intercontraction interval, and compliance. BAY 58-2667 significantly prevented the micturition alterations observed in both freely moving mice and cystometry and normalized the reduced in vitro carbachol-induced contractions in the CYP group. Reduced protein expressions of α1 and β1 sGC subunits and of cGMP levels were observed in the CYP group, all of which were prevented by BAY 58-2667. CYP exposure significantly increased reactive-oxygen species (ROS) generation in both detrusor and urothelium, and this was normalized by BAY 58-2667. The increased myeloperoxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 activities in the bladders of the CYP group remained unchanged by BAY 58-2667. Activators of sGC may constitute a novel and promising therapeutic approach for management of interstitial cystitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana G de Oliveira
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiano B Calmasini
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo C Alexandre
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gilberto De Nucci
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabíola Z Mónica
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edson Antunes
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Zou L, Xu X, Zhai Z, Yang T, Jin J, Xiao F, Wang C. Identification of downstream target genes regulated by the nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signal pathway in pulmonary hypertension. J Int Med Res 2016; 44:508-19. [PMID: 27048385 PMCID: PMC5536717 DOI: 10.1177/0300060516636751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the downstream target genes regulated by the nitric oxide–soluble guanylate cyclase–cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-sGC-cGMP) signal pathway and their possible roles in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Methods Digital gene expression tag profiling was performed to identify genes that are differentially expressed after activation of the NO-sGC-cGMP signal pathway in human pulmonary artery smooth muscles cells using 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate, BAY 41-2272 and BAY 60-2770. Results were confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Gene ontology and signal transduction network analyses were also performed. Results A number of genes were differentially expressed, including MMP1, SERPINB2, GREM1 and IL8. A total of 68 gene ontology terms and seven pathways were found to be associated with these genes. Most of these genes are involved in cell proliferation, cell migration and apoptosis, which may contribute to the pathological pulmonary vascular remodelling in PH. Conclusion These results may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Zou
- Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital & Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomao Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenguo Zhai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China
| | - Junhua Jin
- Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital & Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital & Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing, China
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Different influences of extracellular and intracellular superoxide on relaxation through the NO/sGC/cGMP pathway in isolated rat iliac arteries. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2016; 65:160-7. [PMID: 25329747 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Superoxide production is increased in diseased blood vessels, which is considered to lead to impairment of the nitric oxide (NO)/soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)/cGMP pathway. To investigate the respective influence of extracellular and intracellular superoxide on vascular function through the NO/sGC/cGMP pathway, mechanical responses of rat external iliac arteries without endothelium were studied under exposure to a superoxide-generating agent, pyrogallol, or menadione. Exposure to pyrogallol impaired the relaxation induced by acidified NaNO2 (exogenous NO) but not that by nitroglycerin (organic nitrate), BAY 41-2272 (sGC stimulator), BAY 60-2770 (sGC activator), or 8-Br-cGMP (cGMP analog). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and tempol restored the impaired relaxation by acidified NaNO2. Superoxide production in the bathing solution, but not in artery segments, was significantly increased by exposure to pyrogallol, which was abolished in the presence of SOD or tempol. However, exposure to menadione impaired the relaxant response to acidified NaNO2, nitroglycerin, or BAY 41-2272, whereas it augmented that to BAY 60-2770. Also, this exposure had no effect on the 8-Br-cGMP-induced vasorelxation. Superoxide production in artery segments was dramatically enhanced by exposure to menadione, whereas that in the bathing solution was not affected. This increase in vascular superoxide production was normalized by tempol but not by SOD. These findings suggest that extracellular superoxide reacts with NO only outside the cell, whereas intracellular superoxide not only scavenges NO inside the cell but also shifts the sGC redox equilibrium.
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Geenen IL, Kolk FF, Molin DG, Wagenaar A, Compeer MG, Tordoir JH, Schurink GW, De Mey JG, Post MJ. Nitric Oxide Resistance Reduces Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation in Chronic Kidney Disease in Rats. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146212. [PMID: 26727368 PMCID: PMC4699647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autologous arteriovenous (AV) fistulas are the first choice for vascular access but have a high risk of non-maturation due to insufficient vessel adaptation, a process dependent on nitric oxide (NO)-signaling. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with oxidative stress that can disturb NO-signaling. Here, we evaluated the influence of CKD on AV fistula maturation and NO-signaling. Methods CKD was established in rats by a 5/6th nephrectomy and after 6 weeks, an AV fistula was created between the carotid artery and jugular vein, which was followed up at 3 weeks with ultrasound and flow assessments. Vessel wall histology was assessed afterwards and vasoreactivity of carotid arteries was studied in a wire myograph. The soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activator BAY 60–2770 was administered daily to CKD animals for 3 weeks to enhance fistula maturation. Results CKD animals showed lower flow rates, smaller fistula diameters and increased oxidative stress levels in the vessel wall. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was comparable but vasorelaxation after sodium nitroprusside was diminished in CKD vessels, indicating NO resistance of the NO-receptor sGC. This was confirmed by stimulation with BAY 60–2770 resulting in increased vasorelaxation in CKD vessels. Oral administration of BAY 60–2770 to CKD animals induced larger fistula diameters, however; flow was not significantly different from vehicle-treated CKD animals. Conclusions CKD induces oxidative stress resulting in NO resistance that can hamper AV fistula maturation. sGC activators like BAY 60–2770 could offer therapeutic potential to increase AV fistula maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma L. Geenen
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of General Surgery, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Felix F. Kolk
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel G. Molin
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Allard Wagenaar
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mathijs G. Compeer
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan H. Tordoir
- Department of General Surgery, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Geert W. Schurink
- Department of General Surgery, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jo G. De Mey
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark J. Post
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Hoffmann LS, Kretschmer A, Lawrenz B, Hocher B, Stasch JP. Chronic Activation of Heme Free Guanylate Cyclase Leads to Renal Protection in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145048. [PMID: 26717150 PMCID: PMC4700984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The nitric oxide (NO)/soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)/cyclic guanosine monophasphate (cGMP)-signalling pathway is impaired under oxidative stress conditions due to oxidation and subsequent loss of the prosthetic sGC heme group as observed in particular in chronic renal failure. Thus, the pool of heme free sGC is increased under pathological conditions. sGC activators such as cinaciguat selectively activate the heme free form of sGC and target the disease associated enzyme. In this study, a therapeutic effect of long-term activation of heme free sGC by the sGC activator cinaciguat was investigated in an experimental model of salt-sensitive hypertension, a condition that is associated with increased oxidative stress, heme loss from sGC and development of chronic renal failure. For that purpose Dahl/ss rats, which develop severe hypertension upon high salt intake, were fed a high salt diet (8% NaCl) containing either placebo or cinaciguat for 21 weeks. Cinaciguat markedly improved survival and ameliorated the salt-induced increase in blood pressure upon treatment with cinaciguat compared to placebo. Renal function was significantly improved in the cinaciguat group compared to the placebo group as indicated by a significantly improved glomerular filtration rate and reduced urinary protein excretion. This was due to anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of the cinaciguat treatment. Taken together, this is the first study showing that long-term activation of heme free sGC leads to renal protection in an experimental model of hypertension and chronic kidney disease. These results underline the promising potential of cinaciguat to treat renal diseases by targeting the disease associated heme free form of sGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda S. Hoffmann
- Pharma Research Centre, Bayer HealthCare, Wuppertal, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Axel Kretschmer
- Pharma Research Centre, Bayer HealthCare, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Bettina Lawrenz
- Pharma Research Centre, Bayer HealthCare, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Berthold Hocher
- Instute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany, and IFLb Laboratoriumsmedizin Berlin GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes-Peter Stasch
- Pharma Research Centre, Bayer HealthCare, Wuppertal, Germany
- School of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University, Halle an der Saale, Germany
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Activators and stimulators of soluble guanylate cyclase counteract myofibroblast differentiation of prostatic and dermal stromal cells. Exp Cell Res 2015; 338:162-9. [PMID: 26410556 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrotic diseases encompass numerous systemic and organ-specific disorders characterized by the development and persistence of myofibroblasts. TGFβ1 is considered the key inducer of fibrosis and drives myofibroblast differentiation in cells of diverse histological origin by a pro-oxidant shift in redox homeostasis associated with decreased nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP signaling. Thus, enhancement of NO/cGMP represents a potential therapeutic strategy to target myofibroblast activation and therefore fibrosis. METHODS Myofibroblast differentiation was induced by TGFβ1 in human primary prostatic (PrSCs) and normal dermal stromal cells (NDSCs) and monitored by α smooth muscle cell actin (SMA) and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) mRNA and protein levels. The potential of enhanced cGMP production by the sGC stimulator BAY 41-2272 or the sGC activator BAY 60-2770 to inhibit and revert myofibroblast differentiation in vitro was analyzed. Moreover, potential synergisms of BAY 41-2272 or BAY 60-2770 and inhibition of cGMP degradation by the PDE5 inhibitor vardenafil were investigated. RESULTS BAY 41-2272 and BAY 60-2770 at doses of 30µM significantly inhibited induction of SMA and IGFBP3 levels in PrSCs and reduced myofibroblast marker levels in TGFβ1-predifferentiated cells. At lower concentrations (3 and 10µM) only BAY 41-2272 but not BAY 60-2770 significantly inhibited and reverted myofibroblast differentiation. In NDSCs both substances significantly inhibited differentiation at all concentrations tested. Attenuation of SMA expression was more pronounced in NDSCs whereas reduction of IGFBP3 levels by BAY 41-2272 appeared more efficient in PrSCs. Moreover, administration of BAY 41-2272 or BAY 60-2770 enhanced the efficiency of the PDE5 inhibitor vardenafil to inhibit and revert myofibroblast differentiation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Increase of cGMP by sGC stimulation/activation significantly inhibited and reverted myofibroblast differentiation. This effect was even more pronounced when a combination treatment with a PDE5 inhibitor was applied. Thus, enhancement of NO/cGMP-signaling by sGC stimulation/activation is a promising strategy for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. Whereas, in NDSCs BAY 60-2770 and BAY 41-2272 exerted similar effects on myofibroblast differentiation, higher potency of BAY 41-2272 was observed in PrSCs, indicating phenotypical differences between fibroblasts form different organs that should be taken into account in the search for antifibrotic therapies.
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Steven S, Münzel T, Daiber A. Exploiting the Pleiotropic Antioxidant Effects of Established Drugs in Cardiovascular Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:18185-223. [PMID: 26251902 PMCID: PMC4581241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160818185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and reduced quality of life worldwide. Arterial vessels are a primary target for endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, which is accompanied or even driven by increased oxidative stress. Recent research in this field identified different sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species contributing to the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction. According to lessons from the past, improvement of endothelial function and prevention of cardiovascular disease by systemic, unspecific, oral antioxidant therapy are obviously too simplistic an approach. Source- and cell organelle-specific antioxidants as well as activators of intrinsic antioxidant defense systems might be more promising. Since basic research demonstrated the contribution of different inflammatory cells to vascular oxidative stress and clinical trials identified chronic inflammatory disorders as risk factors for cardiovascular events, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease are closely associated with inflammation. Therefore, modulation of the inflammatory response is a new and promising approach in the therapy of cardiovascular disease. Classical anti-inflammatory therapeutic compounds, but also established drugs with pleiotropic immunomodulatory abilities, demonstrated protective effects in various models of cardiovascular disease. However, results from ongoing clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the value of immunomodulation for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Steven
- Medical Clinic, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz 55131, Germany.
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz 55131, Germany.
| | - Thomas Münzel
- Medical Clinic, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz 55131, Germany.
| | - Andreas Daiber
- Medical Clinic, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz 55131, Germany.
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