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Abstract
The plasma concentration of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, is the resultant of many processes at cellular and organ levels. Post-translational methylation of arginine residues of pro teins plays a crucial role in the regulation of their functions, which include processes such as transcription, translation and RNA splicing. Because protein methylation is irreversible, the methylation signal can be turned off only by proteolysis of the entire protein. Consequently, most methylated proteins have high turnover rates. Free ADMA, which is formed during proteolysis, is actively degraded by the intracellular enzyme dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH). Some ADMA escapes degradation and leaves the cell via cationic amino acid transporters. These trans porters also mediate uptake of ADMA by neighboring cells or distant organs, thereby facilitating active interorgan transport. Clearance of ADMA from the plasma occurs in small part by urinary excretion, but the bulk of ADMA is degraded by intracellular DDAH, after uptake from the circulation. This review discusses the various processes involved in ADMA metabolism: protein methylation, proteolysis of methylated proteins, metabolism by DDAH, and interorgan transport. In addition, the role of the kidney and the liver in the clearance of ADMA is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Teerlink
- 1Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical
Center, Amsterdam, The Netherland
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Mury WV, Brunini TMC, Abrantes DC, Mendes IKS, Campos MBGB, Mendes-Ribeiro AC, Matsuura C. Hyperaggregability and impaired nitric oxide production in platelets from postmenopausal women. Maturitas 2014; 80:75-81. [PMID: 25456263 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cardiovascular mortality increases after menopause in women. Nitric oxide is essential for proper platelet function inhibiting its aggregation and maintaining vascular haemostasis. Here, we investigated whether platelet function and intraplatelet l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway are impaired in postmenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Blood was collected from 16 premenopausal and 12 postmenopausal women without any additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Platelet reactivity was measured by light transmission aggregometry. l-Arginine-nitric oxide pathway was assessed measuring transmembrane l-[(3)H]-arginine transport, nitric oxide synthase activity by the citrulline assay, and arginase activity by the conversion of l-[(14)C]arginine to l-[(14)C]-urea. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was measured by spectrophotometric assays. Protein expression was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS Platelet aggregation was increased in postmenopausal compared to premenopausal women. Postmenopausal women demonstrated reduced plasma levels of l-arginine, a lower nitric oxide synthase activity, similar endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and a compensatory increase in l-arginine transmembrane transport. Arginase expression and activity did not differ between groups. In regard to oxidative stress, no differences between groups were observed NAPDH oxidase subunits expression and protein carbonylation. However, the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and catalase protein levels in platelets were higher in postmenopausal women. CONCLUSION Postmenopausal women present increased platelet reactivity, which may be due to a reduction in intraplatelet nitric oxide synthesis. Platelet hyperaggregability is known to be associated with arterial and venous thromboembolic event; therefore, it may contribute to the heightened risk of cardiovascular adverse events in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda V Mury
- Departament of Pharmacolgy and Psychobiology, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Tatiana M C Brunini
- Departament of Pharmacolgy and Psychobiology, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Daniele C Abrantes
- Departament of Pharmacolgy and Psychobiology, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Iara K S Mendes
- Departament of Pharmacolgy and Psychobiology, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Maria B G B Campos
- Departament of Gynaecology, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Antônio C Mendes-Ribeiro
- Departament of Pharmacolgy and Psychobiology, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Departament of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Cristiane Matsuura
- Departament of Pharmacolgy and Psychobiology, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Mendes-Ribeiro AC, Mann GE, de Meirelles LR, Moss MB, Matsuura C, Brunini TMC. The role of exercise on L-arginine nitric oxide pathway in chronic heart failure. Open Biochem J 2009; 3:55-65. [PMID: 19911071 PMCID: PMC2775128 DOI: 10.2174/1874091x00903010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Revised: 07/24/2009] [Accepted: 08/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a pathological state with high morbidity and mortality and the full understanding of its genesis remain to be elucidated. In this syndrome, a cascade of neurohormonal and hemodynamic mechanisms, as well as inflammatory mediators, are activated to improve the impaired cardiac function. Clinical and experimental observations have shown that CHF is associated with a generalized disturbance in endothelium-dependent vasodilation, which may contribute to the progression of ventricular and vascular remodelling in this syndrome. There is also accumulating evidence that disturbances in nitric oxide (NO) availability is involved in the development of heart failure at the systemic and cardiac levels. NO is a ubiquitous signalling molecule which causes potent vasodilation, inhibits platelet activation and regulates the contractile properties of cardiac myocytes. It is generated from the amino acid L-arginine via constitutive and inducible isoforms of the enzyme NO synthase (NOS). There is evidence that exercise, a nonpharmacological tool, improves symptoms, fitness (VO2peak), quality of life and NO bioavailability in CHF population. This review examines different aspects of the L-arginine-NO pathway and inflammation in the physiopathology of CHF and highlights the important beneficial effects of exercise in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Mendes-Ribeiro
- Departamento de Farmacologia e Psicobiologia, Instituto de Biologia, Av. 28 de Setembro 87 CEP 20551-030, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Mendes-Ribeiro AC, Moss MB, Siqueira MA, Moraes TL, Ellory JC, Mann GE, Brunini TM. Dengue fever activates the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway: an explanation for reduced aggregation of human platelets. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2008; 35:1143-6. [PMID: 18505438 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2008.04970.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In patients with Dengue fever, a viral inflammatory syndrome, haemorrhage is a significant pathological feature, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of platelet function, inhibiting aggregation, recruitment and adhesion to the vascular endothelium. We have investigated whether changes in the activity of the L-arginine-NO pathway in human platelets may account for increased bleeding in patients with Dengue fever. A total of 16 patients with Dengue fever and 18 age-matched healthy volunteers participated in the study. Collagen induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner in both Dengue patients and controls, but the degree of platelet aggregation was significantly reduced in the patient group. Elevated rates of L-arginine transport in Dengue fever patients were associated with enhanced NO synthase activity and elevated plasma fibrinogen levels. The present study provides the first evidence that Dengue fever is associated with increased L-arginine transport and NO generation and reduced platelet aggregation.
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Abstract
The overall production of nitric oxide (NO) is decreased in chronic kidney disease (CKD) which contributes to cardiovascular events and further progression of kidney damage. There are many likely causes of NO deficiency in CKD and the areas surveyed in this review are: 1. Limitations on substrate (l-Arginine) availability, probably due to impaired renal l-Arginine biosynthesis, decreased transport of l-Arginine into endothelial cells and possible competition between NOS and competing metabolic pathways, such as arginase. 2. Increased circulating levels of endogenous NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors, in particular asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Increased methylation of proteins and their subsequent breakdown to release free ADMA may contribute but the major culprit is probably reduced ADMA catabolism by the enzymes dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases. 3. Reduced renal cortex abundance of the neuronal NOS (nNOS)α protein correlates with injury while increasing nNOSβ abundance may provide a compensatory, protective response. Interventions that can restore NO production by targeting these various pathways are likely to reduce the cardiovascular complications of CKD as well as slowing the rate of progression.
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Alves de Sá Siqueira M, Martins MA, Rodrigues Pereira N, Bandeira Moss M, Santos SF, Mann GE, Mendes-Ribeiro AC, Brunini TM. Modulation of the Cationic Amino Acid Transport System y +L by Surface Potential, Ouabain and Thrombin in Human Platelets: Effects of Uremia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 107:e132-8. [DOI: 10.1159/000111040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2007] [Accepted: 07/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Baylis C. Arginine, arginine analogs and nitric oxide production in chronic kidney disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 2:209-20. [PMID: 16932427 PMCID: PMC2756810 DOI: 10.1038/ncpneph0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2005] [Accepted: 01/27/2006] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) production is reduced in renal disease, partially due to decreased endothelial NO production. Evidence indicates that NO deficiency contributes to cardiovascular events and progression of kidney damage. Two possible causes of NO deficiency are substrate (L-arginine) limitation and increased levels of circulating endogenous inhibitors of NO synthase (particularly asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA]). Decreased L-arginine availability in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is due to perturbed renal biosynthesis of this amino acid. In addition, inhibition of transport of L-arginine into endothelial cells and shunting of L-arginine into other metabolic pathways (e.g. those involving arginase) might also decrease availability. Elevated plasma and tissue levels of ADMA in CKD are functions of both reduced renal excretion and reduced catabolism by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH). The latter might be associated with loss-of-function polymorphisms of a DDAH gene, functional inhibition of the enzyme by oxidative stress in CKD and end-stage renal disease, or both. These findings provide the rationale for novel therapies, including supplementation of dietary L-arginine or its precursor L-citrulline, inhibition of non-NO-producing pathways of L-arginine utilization, or both. Because an increase in ADMA has emerged as a major independent risk factor in end-stage renal disease (and probably also in CKD), lowering ADMA concentration is a major therapeutic goal; interventions that enhance the activity of the ADMA-hydrolyzing enzyme DDAH are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Baylis
- University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32667, USA.
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Abstract
The plasma concentration of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, is the resultant of many processes at cellular and organ levels. Post-translational methylation of arginine residues of proteins plays a crucial role in the regulation of their functions, which include processes such as transcription, translation and RNA splicing. Because protein methylation is irreversible, the methylation signal can be turned off only by proteolysis of the entire protein. Consequently, most methylated proteins have high turnover rates. Free ADMA, which is formed during proteolysis, is actively degraded by the intracellular enzyme dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH). Some ADMA escapes degradation and leaves the cell via cationic amino acid transporters. These transporters also mediate uptake of ADMA by neighboring cells or distant organs, thereby facilitating active interorgan transport. Clearance of ADMA from the plasma occurs in small part by urinary excretion, but the bulk of ADMA is degraded by intracellular DDAH, after uptake from the circulation. This review discusses the various processes involved in ADMA metabolism: protein methylation, proteolysis of methylated proteins, metabolism by DDAH, and interorgan transport. In addition, the role of the kidney and the liver in the clearance of ADMA is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Teerlink
- Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Moss MB, Brunini TMC, Soares De Moura R, Novaes Malagris LE, Roberts NB, Ellory JC, Mann GE, Mendes Ribeiro AC. Diminished L-arginine bioavailability in hypertension. Clin Sci (Lond) 2004; 107:391-7. [PMID: 15182236 DOI: 10.1042/cs20030412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2003] [Revised: 05/25/2004] [Accepted: 06/07/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
L-Arginine is the precursor of NO (nitric oxide), a key endogenous mediator involved in endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation and platelet function. Although the concentration of intracellular L-arginine is well above the Km for NO synthesis, in many cells and pathological conditions the transport of L-arginine is essential for NO production (L-arginine paradox). The present study was designed to investigate the modulation of L-arginine/NO pathway in systemic arterial hypertension. Transport of L-arginine into RBCs (red blood cells) and platelets, NOS (NO synthase) activity and amino acid profiles in plasma were analysed in hypertensive patients and in an animal model of hypertension. Influx of L-arginine into RBCs was mediated by the cationic amino acid transport systems y+ and y+L, whereas, in platelets, influx was mediated only via system y+L. Chromatographic analyses revealed higher plasma levels of L-arginine in hypertensive patients (175+/-19 micromol/l) compared with control subjects (137+/-8 micromol/l). L-Arginine transport via system y+L, but not y+, was significantly reduced in RBCs from hypertensive patients (60+/-7 micromol.l(-1).cells(-1).h(-1); n=16) compared with controls (90+/-17 micromol.l(-1).cells(-1).h(-1); n=18). In human platelets, the Vmax for L-arginine transport via system y+L was 86+/-17 pmol.10(9) cells(-1).min(-1) in controls compared with 36+/-9 pmol.10(9) cells(-1).min(-1) in hypertensive patients (n=10; P<0.05). Basal NOS activity was decreased in platelets from hypertensive patients (0.12+/-0.02 pmol/10(8) cells; n=8) compared with controls (0.22+/-0.01 pmol/10(8) cells; n=8; P<0.05). Studies with spontaneously hypertensive rats demonstrated that transport of L-arginine via system y+L was also inhibited in RBCs. Our findings provide the first evidence that hypertension is associated with an inhibition of L-arginine transport via system y+L in both humans and animals, with reduced availability of L-arginine limiting NO synthesis in blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique B Moss
- Laboratório de Transporte de Membrana, Departamento de Farmacologia e Psicobiologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20550-20030, Brazil
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Poli de Figueiredo CE, Pinheiro da Costa BE, Comerlato L, Micheli E, Barros E. Low dose L-arginine reduces blood pressure and endothelin-1 production in hypertensive uraemic rats. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2001; 16:2110-1. [PMID: 11572912 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/16.10.2110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Xiao S, Wagner L, Mahaney J, Baylis C. Uremic levels of urea inhibit L-arginine transport in cultured endothelial cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2001; 280:F989-95. [PMID: 11352838 PMCID: PMC2756804 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.2001.280.6.f989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may involve lack of endothelial nitric oxide (NO), as suggested by reduced total NO synthase (NOS) in dialysis patients. One reason might be due to substrate deficiency. To test the hypothesis that uremia is a state of intracellular L-arginine deficiency, uremic plasma was obtained from dialysis patients, and its effect was tested on arginine transport in cultured vascular endothelial cells. L-arginine transport (P < 0.01) was reduced in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) incubated for 6 h with 20% uremic plasma from peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients obtained immediately predialysis. Similar transport inhibition was seen with ESRD plasma in human glomerular capillary and bovine aortic endothelial cells. Hemodialysis partially reversed inhibition of L-arginine transport. HDMECs incubated for 6 h with synthetic media containing high (uremic) urea concentrations showed inhibition of L-arginine transport, but this was not competitive because acute exposure to urea had no impact on L-arginine transport. Over a 6-h period, urea-induced inhibition of L-arginine transport was not sufficient to inhibit NOS activity, but after 7 days NOS activity was reduced. These cellular findings suggest that substrate delivery may be lowered, thus reducing endothelial NOS activity and contributing to hypertension in ESRD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Xiao
- Department of Physiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-9229, USA
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