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Zhou W, Jiang J, Jiang R. A low androgenic state inhibits erectile function by suppressing endothelial glycosides in the penile cavernous tissue of rats. Sex Med 2024; 12:qfae039. [PMID: 38883807 PMCID: PMC11179729 DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfae039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The endothelial glycocalyx is an important barrier that protects the structure and function of endothelial cells. Androgen deficiency is a common factor that causes structural and functional impairment of endothelial cells. Aim To investigate changes in the endothelial glycocalyx in the penile corpus cavernosum of the rat with low androgen status and its relationship with erection function. Methods Eighteen 10-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6 each): sham operation, castration, and castration + testosterone replacement. The maximum intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure of the penis was measured after modeling for 4 weeks. The expression levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phospho-eNOS, syndecan 1, heparanase, and nitric oxide in penile cavernous tissue and the serum levels of heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 6 were determined. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of the endothelial glycocalyx in penile tissue. Outcomes The thickness of the endothelial glycocalyx in the penile corpus cavernosum of castrated rats was significantly lower than that of the control group. Results In the castrated rats, the endothelial glycocalyx thickness, syndecan 1 level, ratio of phospho-eNOS to eNOS, nitric oxide level, and maximum intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (3 V, 5 V) were significantly lower than those in the sham group (P < .05). The expression of heparanase and the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 were significantly higher in the castrated group than in the sham group (P < .05). Clinical Translation Upregulating the expression of the endothelial glycocalyx in the penile corpus cavernosum may be a new method for treating erectile dysfunction caused by low androgen levels. Strengths and Limitations This study confirms that low androgen status promotes the breakdown of the endothelial glycocalyx. However, further research is needed to determine whether androgens are related to the synthesis of the endothelial glycocalyx. Conclusion Low androgen status may suppress the level of nitric oxide in the cavernous tissue of the penis via impairment of the endothelial glycocalyx, resulting in inhibited erection function in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Department of Urology, Hejiang County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
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Nukala SB, Jousma J, Yan G, Han Z, Kwon Y, Cho Y, Liu C, Gagnon K, Pinho S, Rehman J, Shao NY, Ong SB, Lee WH, Ong SG. Modulation of lncRNA links endothelial glycocalyx to vascular dysfunction of tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:1997-2013. [PMID: 37267414 PMCID: PMC10439712 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Novel cancer therapies leading to increased survivorship of cancer patients have been negated by a concomitant rise in cancer therapies-related cardiovascular toxicities. Sunitinib, a first line multi-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been reported to cause vascular dysfunction although the initiating mechanisms contributing to this side effect remain unknown. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging regulators of biological processes in endothelial cells (ECs); however, their roles in cancer therapies-related vascular toxicities remain underexplored. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed lncRNA expression profiling to identify potential lncRNAs that are dysregulated in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ECs (iPSC-ECs) treated with sunitinib. We show that the lncRNA hyaluronan synthase 2 antisense 1 (HAS2-AS1) is significantly diminished in sunitinib-treated iPSC-ECs. Sunitinib was found to down-regulate HAS2-AS1 by an epigenetic mechanism involving hypermethylation. Depletion of HAS2-AS1 recapitulated sunitinib-induced detrimental effects on iPSC-ECs, whereas CRISPR-mediated activation of HAS2-AS1 reversed sunitinib-induced dysfunction. We confirmed that HAS2-AS1 stabilizes the expression of its sense gene HAS2 via an RNA/mRNA heteroduplex formation. Knockdown of HAS2-AS1 led to reduced synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA) and up-regulation of ADAMTS5, an enzyme involved in extracellular matrix degradation, resulting in disruption of the endothelial glycocalyx which is critical for ECs. In vivo, sunitinib-treated mice showed reduced coronary flow reserve, accompanied by a reduction in Has2os and degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx. Finally, we identified that treatment with high molecular-weight HA can prevent the deleterious effects of sunitinib both in vitro and in vivo by preserving the endothelial glycocalyx. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of lncRNA-mediated regulation of the endothelial glycocalyx as an important determinant of sunitinib-induced vascular toxicity and reveal potential novel therapeutic avenues to attenuate sunitinib-induced vascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarath Babu Nukala
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Jordan Jousma
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Gege Yan
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Zhenbo Han
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Youjeong Kwon
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Yoonje Cho
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Chuyu Liu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Keith Gagnon
- Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, 1245 Lincoln Drive Carbondale, IL 62901-4413, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University, 1245 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale IL 62901, USA
| | - Sandra Pinho
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Jalees Rehman
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, 840 S Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ning-Yi Shao
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Sang-Bing Ong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), 9/F, Lui Che Woo Clinical Sciences Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Medicine (CCGM), Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, 10/F, Lui Che Woo Clinical Sciences Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence (HK HOPE), Hong Kong Children's Hospital (HKCH), 8/F, Tower A,1 Shing Cheong Road, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Kunming Institute of Zoology - The Chinese University of Hong Kong (KIZ-CUHK) Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research of Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Won Hee Lee
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 425 North 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Sang-Ging Ong
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, 909 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), 9/F, Lui Che Woo Clinical Sciences Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
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Li Z, Zhang Q, Sun YY, Wu N. Effects of different dehydration methods on the preservation of aortic and renal glycocalyx structures in mice. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15197. [PMID: 37095921 PMCID: PMC10121396 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycocalyx is located outside the vascular endothelial cells playing an important role in vascular homeostasis. However, lacking efficient detection methods is one of the biggest obstacles to study the glycocalyx. In this study, three dehydration methods were used to compare the preservation of HUVEC, aorta and kidney glycocalyx by transmission electron microscope. The chemical pre-fixation was performed by lanthanum nitrate staining, and the mice aorta and renal glycocalyx were prepared by different dehydration methods such as ethanol gradient, acetone gradient and low temperature dehydration. HUVEC glycocalyx was prepared by acetone gradient and low temperature dehydration. Low temperature dehydration method preserves HUVEC and mice aortic glycocalyx completely, which had a certain thickness and presented a needle-like structure. But for mice kidney, the acetone gradient dehydration preparation method could better preserve the glycocalyx integrity than other two methods. In conclusion, low temperature dehydration method is suitable for HUVEC and aortic glycocalyx preservation, acetone gradient dehydration method is more suitable for kidney glycocalyx preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Li
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Department of Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Quanbin Zhang
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Department of Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuan-yuan Sun
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Ning Wu
- CAS and Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Department of Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
- Nantong Zhongke Marine Science and Technology Research and Development Center, Nantong, China
- Corresponding author. Institute of Oceanology Chinese Academy of Sciences, China,
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Kang H, Yang J, Zhang W, Lu J, Ma X, Sun A, Deng X. Effect of endothelial glycocalyx on water and LDL transport through the rat abdominal aorta. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1724-H1737. [PMID: 33710913 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00861.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The surface of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) is covered by a protective negatively charged layer known as the endothelial glycocalyx. Herein, we hypothesized its transport barrier and mechanosensory role in transmural water flux and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) transport in an isolated rat abdominal aorta perfused under 85 mmHg and 20 dyn/cm2 ex vivo. The endothelial glycocalyx was digested by hyaluronidase (HAase) from bovine tests. Water infiltration velocity (Vw) was measured by a graduated pipette. LDL coverage and mean maximum infiltration distance (MMID) in the vessel wall were quantified by confocal laser scanning microscopy. EC apoptosis was determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique, and leaky junction rates were evaluated by electron microscopy. The results showed that a 42% degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx by HAase treatment increased Vw, LDL coverage, and MMID. Shear stress increased Vw, which cannot be inhibited by HAase treatment. Four hour-shear application increased about fourfolds of LDL coverage, whereas exerted no significant effects on its MMID, EC apoptosis, and the leaky junctions. On the contrary, 24-h shear exposure has no significant effects on LDL coverage, whereas increased 2.74-folds of MMID and about 53% of EC apoptotic rates that could be inhibited by HAase treatment. These results suggest endothelial glycocalyx acts as a transport barrier by decreasing water and LDL transport, as well as a mechanosensor of shear to regulate EC apoptosis, thus affecting leaky junctions and regulating LDL transport into the vessel wall.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A 42% degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx by hyaluronidase of the isolated rat abdominal aorta facilitated water and LDL transport across the vessel wall, suggesting endothelial glycocalyx as a transport barrier. A 24-h shear exposure increased LDL mean maximum infiltration distance, and enhanced EC apoptosis, which could be both inhibited by hyaluronidase treatment, suggesting endothelial glycocalyx may also act as a mechanosensor of shear to regulate EC apoptosis, thus affecting leaky junctions and regulating LDL transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Kang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiali Yang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Weichen Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinyan Lu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuejiao Ma
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Anqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Deng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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Lee SMC, Ribeiro LC, Martin DS, Zwart SR, Feiveson AH, Laurie SS, Macias BR, Crucian BE, Krieger S, Weber D, Grune T, Platts SH, Smith SM, Stenger MB. Arterial structure and function during and after long-duration spaceflight. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 129:108-123. [PMID: 32525433 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00550.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight missions expose astronauts to increased risk of oxidative stress and inflammatory damage that might accelerate the development of asymptomatic cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether long-duration spaceflight (>4 mo) results in structural and functional changes in the carotid and brachial arteries. Common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (cIMT), CCA distensibility and stiffness, and brachial artery endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation were measured in 13 astronauts (10 men, 3 women) ~180 and 60 days before launch, during the mission on ~15, 60, and 160 days of spaceflight, and within 1 wk after landing. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were measured at corresponding times in fasting blood samples and urine samples from 24- or 48-h pools. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation increased during spaceflight, but most returned to preflight levels within 1 wk of landing. Mean cIMT, CCA stiffness, and distensibility were not significantly different from preflight at any time. As a group, neither mean endothelium-dependent nor -independent vasodilation changed from preflight to postflight, but changes within individuals in endothelial function related to some biomarkers of oxidative stress. Whereas biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation are elevated during spaceflight, CCA and brachial artery structure and function were not changed by spaceflight. It is unclear whether future exploration missions, with an extended duration in altered gravity fields and higher radiation exposure, may be problematic.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Carotid artery structure and stiffness did not change on average in astronauts during long-duration spaceflight (<12 mo), despite increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Most oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers returned to preflight levels soon after landing. Brachial artery structure and function also were unchanged by spaceflight. In this group of healthy middle-aged male and female astronauts, spaceflight in low Earth orbit does not appear to increase long-term cardiovascular health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniela Weber
- Department of Molecular Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Tilman Grune
- Department of Molecular Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Nuthetal, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
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Kang H, Wu C, Qu Y, Gao M, Zhang W, Sun A, Deng X. Adaptation of glycocalyx, nitric oxide synthase expression and vascular cell apoptosis in conduit arteries of tail‐suspended rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 46:1013-1021. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Kang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China
| | - Chenglin Wu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China
| | - Yuxin Qu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China
| | - Menghan Gao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China
| | - Weichen Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China
| | - Anqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China
| | - Xiaoyan Deng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering Beihang University Beijing China
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Platelet microparticles contribute to aortic vascular endothelial injury in diabetes via the mTORC1 pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:468-476. [PMID: 30446735 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0186-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet microparticles (PMPs) are closely associated with diabetic macrovascular complications. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of PMPs in diabetes on aortic vascular endothelial injury and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Peritoneal injection of streptozotocin was used to generate a diabetic rat model in vivo, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with PMPs were used in vitro. PMP levels in the circulation and aorta tissues were time-dependently increased in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (P < 0.05). Aspirin significantly inhibited the PMP levels at each time point (P < 0.05). In diabetic rats, the endothelial nitric oxide levels were decreased significantly combined with increased endothelial permeability. PMPs were internalized by HUVECs and primarily accumulated around the nuclei. PMPs inhibited endothelial nitric oxide levels to about 50% and caused approximately twofold increase in reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, PMPs significantly decreased the endothelial glycocalyx area and expression levels of glypican-1 and occludin (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the PMP-induced endothelial injuries were prevented by raptor siRNA and rapamycin. In conclusion, increased PMPs levels contribute to aortic vascular endothelial injuries in diabetes through activating the mTORC1 pathway.
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Liu J, Kang H, Ma X, Sun A, Luan H, Deng X, Fan Y. Vascular Cell Glycocalyx-Mediated Vascular Remodeling Induced by Hemodynamic Environmental Alteration. Hypertension 2018; 71:1201-1209. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.117.10678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vascular remodeling induced by hemodynamic stimuli contributes to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. The importance of vascular cells (endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells) glycocalyx in the mechanotransduction of flow-induced shear stress at the cellular and molecular levels has been demonstrated over the past decade. However, its potential mechanotransduction role in vascular remodeling has triggered little attention. In the present study, a home-made apparatus was used to expose the rat abdominal aorta to sterile, flow or no flow, normal-pressure or high-pressure conditions for 4 days. The histomophometric, cellular, and molecular analysis of vessels were performed. The results showed that after exposing the vessels in the flow and high-pressure condition, the apoptotic rate, the cell number, and the RNA level of contractile marker gene smooth muscle 22 of smooth muscle cells were significantly increased, whereas the expression of nitric oxide synthase, α-smooth muscle actin, smoothelin, and calponion showed no significant differences compared with the flow and normal-pressure groups. Moreover, the histomophometric analysis of vascular walls suggested a remodeling induced by flow and high-pressure loading consistent with the classic hypertensive aortic phenotype, which is characterized by a thicker and more rigid vascular wall as well as increased aortic diameter. However, those phenomena were totally abolished after compromising the integrity of glycocalyx by the treatment of vessels with hyaluronidase, which provided evidence of the important mechanotransduction role of the vascular cells glycocalyx in vascular remodeling induced by hemodynamic stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Liu
- From the Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China (J.L., H.K., X.M., A.S., X.D., Y.F.)
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, China (J.L., H.K., X.M., A.S., X.D., Y.F.)
| | - Hongyan Kang
- From the Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China (J.L., H.K., X.M., A.S., X.D., Y.F.)
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, China (J.L., H.K., X.M., A.S., X.D., Y.F.)
| | - Xuejiao Ma
- From the Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China (J.L., H.K., X.M., A.S., X.D., Y.F.)
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, China (J.L., H.K., X.M., A.S., X.D., Y.F.)
| | - Anqiang Sun
- From the Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China (J.L., H.K., X.M., A.S., X.D., Y.F.)
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, China (J.L., H.K., X.M., A.S., X.D., Y.F.)
| | - Huiqin Luan
- National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China (H.L., Y.F.)
| | - Xiaoyan Deng
- From the Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China (J.L., H.K., X.M., A.S., X.D., Y.F.)
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, China (J.L., H.K., X.M., A.S., X.D., Y.F.)
| | - Yubo Fan
- From the Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China (J.L., H.K., X.M., A.S., X.D., Y.F.)
- National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China (H.L., Y.F.)
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, China (J.L., H.K., X.M., A.S., X.D., Y.F.)
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9
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Kang H, Fan Y, Zhao P, Ren C, Wang Z, Deng X. Regional specific modulation of the glycocalyx and smooth muscle cell contractile apparatus in conduit arteries of tail-suspended rats. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 120:537-45. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00245.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The glycocalyx is a key mechanosensor on the surfaces of vascular cells (endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells), and recently, we reported that the redistribution of the hemodynamic factors in tail-suspended (TS) hindlimb-unloaded rats induces the dimensional adaptation of the endothelial glycocalyx in a regional-dependent manner. In the present study, we investigated the coverage and gene expression of the glycocalyx and its possible relationship with smooth muscle contractility in the conduit arteries from the TS rats. The coverage of the glycocalyx, determined by the area analysis of the fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled wheat germ agglutinin (WGA-FITC) staining to the cryosections of rat vessels, showed a 27.2% increase in the common carotid artery, a 13.3 and 8.0% decrease in the corresponding abdominal aorta and the femoral artery after 3 wk of tail suspension. The relative mRNA levels of syndecan-2, 3, 4, glypican-1, smooth muscle protein 22 (SM22), smoothelin (SMTN), and calponin were enhanced to 1.40, 1.53, 1.70, 1.90, 2.93, 2.30, and 5.23-fold, respectively, in the common carotid artery of the TS rat. However, both glycocalyx-related genes and smooth muscle contractile apparatus were totally or partially downregulated in the abdominal aorta and femoral artery of the TS rat. A linear positive correlation between the normalized coverage of glycocalyx and normalized mRNA levels of SM22, SMTN, and calponin exists. These results suggest the regional-dependent adaptation of the glycocalyx in simulated microgravity condition, which may affect its mechanotransduction of shear stress to regulate the contractility of the smooth muscle, finally contributing to postspaceflight orthostatic intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Kang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Changhui Ren
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenze Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Deng
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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