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Lin W, Yang X, Zheng F, Yang J, Zhang Y. Smad2/3 signaling involved in urotensin II-induced phenotypic differentiation, collagen synthesis and migration of rat aortic adventitial fibroblasts. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2023; 17. [DOI: 10.4081/itjm.2023.1637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective. To investigate whether Smad2/3 signaling is involved in urotensin II (UII) induced activation of aortic adventitial fibroblasts. Materials and Methods. Growth-arrested adventitial fibroblasts were stimulated with UII in the presence or absence of urotensin II receptor (UT) antagonist SB710411 or transfected with Smad2/3 small inhibitory RNA (siRNA). UII stimulated Smad2/3 phosphorylation, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen I expression and migration of adventitial fibroblasts were evaluated by western blot analysis, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and transwell migration assay, respectively. Results. In cultured adventitial fibroblasts, UII time- and dose-dependently stimulated Smad2/3 protein phosphorylation, with maximal effect at 10-8 mol/l (increased by 147.2%, P<0.001). UII stimulated Smad2/3 upregulation and nuclear translocation. SB710411 significantly inhibited these effects. In addition, UII potently induced α-SMA and procollagen 1 protein or mRNA expression (P<0.01), which were completely blocked by Smad2 (decreased by 75.1%, 54.2% in protein, and by 73.3% and 38.2% in mRNA, respectively, P<0.01) or Smad3 siRNA (decreased by 80.3% and 47.0% in protein, and by 72.3% and 47.7% in mRNA, respectively, P<0.01). Meanwhile, Smad2 or smad3 siRNA significantly inhibited the UII-induced collagen 1 secretion and cell migration. Conclusions. UII may stimulate adventitial-fibroblast phenotype conversion, migration, and collagen I synthesis via phosphorylated-Smad2/3 signal transduction pathways.
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Dynamic Changes in Plasma Urotensin II and Its Correlation With Plaque Stability. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2021; 78:e147-e155. [PMID: 34173803 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Urotensin II (UII) is involved in the formation of atherosclerosis, but its role in the stability of atherosclerotic plaques is unknown. The purpose of this study was to observe the dynamic changes in plasma UII and analyze its relationship to the stability of atherosclerotic plaques. One hundred thirty-five consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were enrolled. The plasma UII levels were measured immediately after admission and during three-month follow-up. A vulnerable plaque model was established using local transfection of a recombinant P53 adenovirus into plaques in rabbits fed with a high-cholesterol diet and subjected to balloon arterial injury. The levels of plasma UII were measured weekly. The changes in plasma UII during the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and before and after plaque transfection were observed. The morphology of the plaques and the expression, distribution, and quantitative expression of UII in the plaques also were observed. Our results showed that the levels of plasma UII in patients with ACS at admission were lower than levels observed at the three-month follow-up. UII dynamic changes and its correlation with plaque stabilities were further verified in rabbits with atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques. The UII levels in rabbits were significantly decreased immediately after the P53 gene transfection, which led to plaque instability and rupture. These results suggested that UII expression was down-regulated in ACS, which may be related to its ability to modulate mechanisms involved in plaque stability and instability.
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Should we abandon the term 〝lone atrial fibrillation〞? Hellenic J Cardiol 2019; 60:216-223. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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Lu D, Peng F, Li J, Zhao J, Ye X, Li B, Ding W. Urotensin II promotes secretion of LTB 4 through 5-lipoxygenase via the UT-ROS-Akt pathway in RAW264.7 macrophages. Arch Med Sci 2019; 15:1065-1072. [PMID: 31360201 PMCID: PMC6657259 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.85197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Urotensin II (UII) is an important vasoactive peptide involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Monocytes/macrophages play important roles in every step of atherosclerosis. Although UII has a chemoattractant effect on monocytes, it is unclear whether UII regulates inflammatory responses in macrophages. The present study sought to explore whether UII can promote leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production by macrophages. MATERIAL AND METHODS The mRNA expression level of LTB4 and 5-lipoxygenase were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein level of LTB4 and 5-lipoxygenase expression was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot, respectively. Western blot analysis was also employed to determine the phosphorylated forms of Akt. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by the fluorescent probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and fluorescence intensity was measured with a multiwell fluorescence plate reader. RESULTS Urotensin II promoted LTB4 release and increased 5-lipoxygenase expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner in RAW264.7 cells. Leukotriene B4 production and 5-lipoxygenase expression were decreased by blocking the UII receptor (UT) with urantide, eliminating ROS with N-acetylcysteine and diphenyliodonium, and inhibiting Akt phosphorylation with LY294002. UII significantly elevated ROS production, whereas urantide, N-acetylcysteine and diphenyliodonium substantially attenuated this effect. UII also enhanced Akt phosphorylation significantly, and this effect was potently inhibited by urantide, N-acetylcysteine, diphenyliodonium and LY294002. CONCLUSIONS Urotensin II may promote 5-lipoxygenase expression and LTB4 release in RAW264.7 macrophages via UT-ROS-Akt pathways. These results indicate that UII may participate in macrophage activation and suggest a potential new mechanism underlying atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fen Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojin Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Binghan Li
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Peking University Institute of Nephrology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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Tsai YT, Sung LC, Haw WR, Chen CC, Huang SF, Liu JC, Cheng TH, Chen PY, Loh SH, Tsai CS. Cafestol, a coffee diterpene, inhibits urotensin II-induced interleukin-8 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 820:106-112. [PMID: 29246853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Liu W, Han Q, Liu Q, Liang G, Wang J, Liu C. An investigation into the expression and mechanism of action of urotensin II in chronic pressure-overloaded rat hearts. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:6626-34. [PMID: 26323194 PMCID: PMC4626172 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the role and mode of action of urotensin II (U II) in the occurrence and progression of cardiac fibrosis in a pressure-overload rat model. Coarctation of the abdominal aorta was used to establish an animal model, and postoperative echocardiography, hemodynamic detection, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess the changes in cardiac function and pathology. The expression levels of U II, G-protein-coupled receptor 14 and collagen (Col) I and Col III in the myocardial tissues were also analyzed. Neonatal rat fibroblasts were isolated, cultured and subsequently, generations 3–5 were randomly divided into different groups for the detection of Col I and Col III levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. The protein expression levels were markedly increased in the model group, and this increase correlated with an increase in myocardial fibrosis. In cultured neonatal rat fibroblast cells, 10−8 mol/l U II significantly stimulated the synthesis of Col I and Col III (P<0.01) compared with the control group. Compared with the U II group, the administration of KT5720 (1 mol/l) or SB-611812 (1 mol/l) significantly reduced the synthesis and expression levels of Col I and Col III (P<0.05). U II may exert an important role in the process of myocardial fibrosis in chronic pressure-overload rats, and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A signaling pathway may be partly involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Qinghua Han
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- Teaching and Research Department of Pathophysiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Gang Liang
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Jin Wang
- Teaching and Research Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Chengfang Liu
- Teaching and Research Department of Pathophysiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
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Wang Y, Wu JF, Tang YY, Zhang M, Li Y, Chen K, Zeng MY, Yao F, Xie W, Zheng XL, Zeng GF, Tang CK. Urotensin II increases foam cell formation by repressing ABCA1 expression through the ERK/NF-κB pathway in THP-1 macrophages. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 452:998-1003. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Lee CY, Tsai YT, Loh SH, Liu JC, Chen TH, Chao HH, Cheng TH, Chen JJ. Urotensin II induces interleukin 8 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90278. [PMID: 24587311 PMCID: PMC3931834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Urotensin II (U-II), an 11-amino acid peptide, exerts a wide range of actions in cardiovascular systems. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is secreted by endothelial cells, thereby enhancing endothelial cell survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis. However, the interrelationship between U-II and IL-8 as well as the detailed intracellular mechanism of U-II in vascular endothelial cells remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of U-II on IL-8 expression and to explore its intracellular mechanism in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Methods/Principal Findings Primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used. Expression of IL-8 was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and luciferase reporter assay. Western blot analyses and experiments with specific inhibitors were performed to reveal the downstream signaling pathways as concerned. U-II increased the mRNA/protein levels of IL-8 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The U-II effects were significantly inhibited by its receptor antagonist [Orn5]-URP. Western blot analyses and experiments with specific inhibitors indicated the involvement of phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in U-II-induced IL-8 expression. Luciferase reporter assay further revealed that U-II induces the transcriptional activity of IL-8. The site-directed mutagenesis indicated that the mutation of AP-1 and NF-kB binding sites reduced U-II-increased IL-8 promoter activities. Proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by U-II could be inhibited significantly by IL-8 RNA interference. Conclusion/Significance The results show that U-II induces IL-8 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways and IL-8 is involved in the U-II-induced proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Yi Lee
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Tin Tsai
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Hurng Loh
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ju-Chi Liu
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tso-Hsiao Chen
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hung-Hsing Chao
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tzu-Hurng Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| | - Jin-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Mohammadi A, Najar AG, Khoshi A. Effect of urotensin II on apolipoprotein B100 and apolipoprotein A-I expression in HepG2 cell line. Adv Biomed Res 2014; 3:22. [PMID: 24600602 PMCID: PMC3929015 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.124661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased apolipoprotein B100 (apo B) and decreased apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) production are important risk factors in atherosclerosis. Urotensin II (UII), as the most potent vasoconstrictor in human, is related with hypertension and probably atherosclerosis. Because of the relationship between the hypertension and lipoprotein metabolism in atherosclerosis, the aim of this study was to test the effect of urotensin II on apo B and apo A-I expression in hepatic (HepG2) cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS HepG2 cells were treated with 10, 50, 100, and 200 nmol/L of urotensin II (n = 6). Relative apo B and apo A-I messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in conditioned media, normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, were measured with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction method. In addition, apo B and apo A-I levels were also estimated and compared with the controls using the western blotting method. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and non-parametric tests. RESULTS The apo B mRNA levels were not increased significantly following the treatment with UII. However, apo B protein levels were increased significantly after the treatment with urotensin II, especially at 100 and 200 nmol/L. The apo A-I mRNA and protein levels in conditioned media also were not significantly changed. However, there was a significant decrease in apo A-I mRNA and protein levels at 200 nM UII. CONCLUSIONS UII might increase apo B at protein level probably through participating factors in its synthesis and/ or stability/degradation. In addition, UII may have decreasing effect at more than 200 nM concentrations on apo A-I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Mohammadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Physiology Research Center, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Amirhosein Khoshi
- Department of Biochemistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Hsu YH, Chen TH, Chen YC, Cheng CY, Sue YM, Chen JR, Chen CH. Urotensin II exerts antiapoptotic effect on NRK-52E cells through prostacyclin-mediated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and Akt activation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 381:168-74. [PMID: 23933501 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a cyclic vasoactive peptide which is mainly expressed in kidneys. Although elevated plasma UII levels are associated with renal impairment, the influence of UII on renal injury is unclear. In this study, we monitored the influence of UII on gentamicin-induced apoptosis in rat tubular cells (NRK-52E). We found that UII significantly reduced gentamicin-induced apoptosis and apoptotic signals. Blocking endogenous UII secretion caused cells to be more susceptible to gentamicin. In gentamicin-treated mice, UII also expressed protective effect on renal tubular cells. UII was also found to induce prostacyclin (PGI2) production, which caused peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) activation as revealed by both PGI2 synthase siRNA transfection and piroxicam treatment. Blockage of PPARα by siRNA transfection inhibited UII-induced Akt phosphorylation and the antiapoptotic effect of UII. Our results suggest that UII can protect renal tubular cells from gentamicin-induced apoptosis through PGI2-mediated PPARα and Akt activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Ho Hsu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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Plasma Urotensin II Act as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Acute Coronary Syndromes. Int J Pept Res Ther 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-013-9376-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Sharma V, Harafuji N, Belayew A, Chen YW. DUX4 differentially regulates transcriptomes of human rhabdomyosarcoma and mouse C2C12 cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64691. [PMID: 23717650 PMCID: PMC3661531 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is linked to the deletion of the D4Z4 arrays at chromosome 4q35. Recent studies suggested that aberrant expression of double homeobox 4 (DUX4) from the last D4Z4 repeat causes FSHD. The aim of this study is to determine transcriptomic responses to ectopically expressed DUX4 in human and mouse cells of muscle lineage. We expression profiled human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells and mouse C2C12 cells transfected with expression vectors of DUX4 using the Affymetrix Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Arrays and Mouse Genome 430 2.0 Arrays, respectively. A total of 2267 and 150 transcripts were identified to be differentially expressed in the RD and C2C12 cells, respectively. Amongst the transcripts differentially expressed in the RD cells, MYOD and MYOG (2 fold, p<0.05), and six MYOD downstream targets were up-regulated in RD but not C2C12 cells. Furthermore, 13 transcripts involved in germline function were dramatically induced only in the RD cells expressing DUX4. The top 3 IPA canonical pathways affected by DUX4 were different between the RD (inflammation, BMP signaling and NRF-2 mediated oxidative stress) and the C2C12 cells (p53 signaling, cell cycle regulation and cellular energy metabolism). Amongst the 40 transcripts shared by the RD and C2C12 cells, UTS2 was significantly induced by 76 fold and 224 fold in the RD and C2C12 cells, respectively. The differential expression of MYOD, MYOG and UTS2 were validated using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. We further validated the differentially expressed genes in immortalized FSHD myoblasts and showed up-regulation of MYOD, MYOG, ZSCAN4 and UTS2. The results suggest that DUX4 regulates overlapped and distinct groups of genes and pathways in human and mouse cells as evident by the selective up-regulation of genes involved in myogenesis and gametogenesis in human RD and immortalized cells as well as the different molecular pathways identified in the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishakha Sharma
- Department of Molecular Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Naoe Harafuji
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
| | | | - Yi-Wen Chen
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington DC, United States of America
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
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13
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Watson AMD, Olukman M, Koulis C, Tu Y, Samijono D, Yuen D, Lee C, Behm DJ, Cooper ME, Jandeleit-Dahm KAM, Calkin AC, Allen TJ. Urotensin II receptor antagonism confers vasoprotective effects in diabetes associated atherosclerosis: studies in humans and in a mouse model of diabetes. Diabetologia 2013; 56:1155-65. [PMID: 23344731 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-013-2837-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS The small, highly conserved vasoactive peptide urotensin II (UII) is upregulated in atherosclerosis. However, its effects in diabetes-associated atherosclerosis have not been assessed. METHODS Endothelial cells were grown in normal- and high-glucose (5 and 25 mmol/l) media with and without UII (10⁻⁸ mol/l) and/or the UII receptor antagonist, SB-657510 (10⁻⁸ mol/l). Apoe knockout (KO) mice with or without streptozotocin-induced diabetes were treated with or without SB-657510 (30 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹; n = 20 per group) and followed for 20 weeks. Carotid endarterectomy specimens from diabetic and non-diabetic humans were also evaluated. RESULTS In high (but not normal) glucose medium, UII significantly increased CCL2 (encodes macrophage chemoattractant protein 1 [MCP-1]) gene expression (human aortic endothelial cells) and increased monocyte adhesion (HUVECs). UII receptor antagonism in diabetic Apoe KO mice significantly attenuated diabetes-associated atherosclerosis and aortic staining for MCP-1, F4/80 (macrophage marker), cyclooxygenase-2, nitrotyrosine and UII. UII staining was significantly increased in carotid endarterectomies from diabetic compared with non-diabetic individuals, as was staining for MCP-1. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION This is the first report to demonstrate that UII is increased in diabetes-associated atherosclerosis in humans and rodents. Diabetes-associated plaque development was attenuated by UII receptor antagonism in the experimental setting. Thus UII may represent a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of diabetes-associated atherosclerosis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta/drug effects
- Aorta/immunology
- Aorta/metabolism
- Aorta/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/complications
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/prevention & control
- Cell Adhesion/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Crosses, Genetic
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/complications
- Diabetic Angiopathies/immunology
- Diabetic Angiopathies/metabolism
- Diabetic Angiopathies/pathology
- Diabetic Angiopathies/prevention & control
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/immunology
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/pathology
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/immunology
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Monocytes/drug effects
- Monocytes/immunology
- Pilot Projects
- Protective Agents/pharmacology
- Protective Agents/therapeutic use
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Sulfonamides/therapeutic use
- Urotensins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Urotensins/biosynthesis
- Urotensins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- A M D Watson
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, PO Box 6492 St Kilda Road Central, Melbourne, VIC 8008, Australia.
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Zhao J, Yu QX, Kong W, Gao HC, Sun B, Xie YQ, Ren LQ. The urotensin II receptor antagonist, urantide, protects against atherosclerosis in rats. Exp Ther Med 2013; 5:1765-1769. [PMID: 23837070 PMCID: PMC3702698 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2013.1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the use of urantide as an antagonist of the urotensin II (UII) receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 14 (GPR14), to protect against atherosclerosis (AS) in rats. The AS rat model was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D3 (VD3) into rats fed with a high-fat diet for four weeks. Urantide was then injected into the rats. Immunohistochemical staining, serum biochemical assay, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting were used to investigate the expression of UII and its receptor GPR14 in the AS rat model. Four weeks after induction, pathological changes typical of AS were observed in the AS rat model. In the plaques of the aortic tunica intima and tunica media, expression of UII and GPR14 was observed. The protein and gene expression levels of UII and GPR14 in the model group were significantly increased compared with those in the normal group (P<0.01). Urantide ameliorated the pathological changes of AS in the rat model and reduced the gene and protein expression levels of UII and GPR14 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). UII is associated with AS and the UII receptor GPR14-specific antagonist, urantide, demonstrates the ability to protect against AS. Thus, this study provides new insight and experimental theories for the clinical application of urantide to treat AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei 067000
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15
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Dong X, Ye X, Song N, Zhao J, Di B, Peng F, Tang C, Ding W. Urotensin II promotes the production of LTC4 in rat aortic adventitial fibroblasts through NF-κB-5-LO pathway by p38 MAPK and ERK activations. Heart Vessels 2012; 28:514-23. [PMID: 23053343 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-012-0291-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Adventitia is the outer part of the arterial wall where the inflammatory response often occurs. Urotensin II (UII) is a potent vasoconstrictive peptide that also promotes the inflammatory process in patients with cardiovascular disease. Leukotriene C4 (LTC4), a lipid mediator, was recently found to play a role in the inflammatory process in the artery. We hypothesized that the adventitia is one of the resources of LTC4 and that UII may promote LTC4 production through the 5-LO (5-lipoxygenase) pathway in adventitial fibroblasts. Rat adventitial fibroblasts were isolated and incubated in serum-free medium with either UII alone or in combination with inhibitors of p38 MAPK, ERK, and UII receptors. The expression of 5-LO was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The translocation and binding activity of nuclear factor (NF)-κB were measured using immunofluorescence and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, respectively. The production of LTC4 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results indicated that: (1) adventitial fibroblasts were a source of LTC4 production; (2) UII increased the expression of the 5-LO mRNA and the protein by NF-κB activation through p38 MAPK and ERK pathways; and (3) UII promoted the LTC4 release in fibroblasts through the 5-LO pathway by p38 MAPK and ERK activations. The 5-LO pathway mediates LTC4 production, which may be a new mechanism in the pathogenesis of the vascular adventitial inflammation caused by UII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Dong
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Xishikudajie #8, West District, Beijing, 10034, People's Republic of China
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Desrues L, Lefebvre T, Lecointre C, Schouft MT, Leprince J, Compère V, Morin F, Proust F, Gandolfo P, Tonon MC, Castel H. Down-regulation of GABA(A) receptor via promiscuity with the vasoactive peptide urotensin II receptor. Potential involvement in astrocyte plasticity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36319. [PMID: 22563490 PMCID: PMC3341351 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptor (GABAAR) expression level is inversely correlated with the proliferation rate of astrocytes after stroke or during malignancy of astrocytoma, leading to the hypothesis that GABAAR expression/activation may work as a cell proliferation repressor. A number of vasoactive peptides exhibit the potential to modulate astrocyte proliferation, and the question whether these mechanisms may imply alteration in GABAAR-mediated functions and/or plasma membrane densities is open. The peptide urotensin II (UII) activates a G protein-coupled receptor named UT, and mediates potent vasoconstriction or vasodilation in mammalian vasculature. We have previously demonstrated that UII activates a PLC/PIPs/Ca2+ transduction pathway, via both Gq and Gi/o proteins and stimulates astrocyte proliferation in culture. It was also shown that UT/Gq/IP3 coupling is regulated by the GABAAR in rat cultured astrocytes. Here we report that UT and GABAAR are co-expressed in cerebellar glial cells from rat brain slices, in human native astrocytes and in glioma cell line, and that UII inhibited the GABAergic activity in rat cultured astrocytes. In CHO cell line co-expressing human UT and combinations of GABAAR subunits, UII markedly depressed the GABA current (β3γ2>α2β3γ2>α2β1γ2). This effect, characterized by a fast short-term inhibition followed by drastic and irreversible run-down, is not relayed by G proteins. The run-down partially involves Ca2+ and phosphorylation processes, requires dynamin, and results from GABAAR internalization. Thus, activation of the vasoactive G protein-coupled receptor UT triggers functional inhibition and endocytosis of GABAAR in CHO and human astrocytes, via its receptor C-terminus. This UII-induced disappearance of the repressor activity of GABAAR, may play a key role in the initiation of astrocyte proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Desrues
- Inserm U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Communication and Differentiation, Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Normandy University PRES, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Thomas Lefebvre
- Inserm U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Communication and Differentiation, Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Normandy University PRES, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Céline Lecointre
- Inserm U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Communication and Differentiation, Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Normandy University PRES, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Schouft
- Inserm U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Communication and Differentiation, Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Normandy University PRES, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Inserm U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Communication and Differentiation, Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Normandy University PRES, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Vincent Compère
- Inserm U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Communication and Differentiation, Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Normandy University PRES, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Fabrice Morin
- Inserm U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Communication and Differentiation, Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Normandy University PRES, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - François Proust
- Inserm U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Communication and Differentiation, Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Normandy University PRES, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Pierrick Gandolfo
- Inserm U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Communication and Differentiation, Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Normandy University PRES, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Marie-Christine Tonon
- Inserm U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Communication and Differentiation, Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Normandy University PRES, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Hélène Castel
- Inserm U982, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Communication and Differentiation, Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Normandy University PRES, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- * E-mail:
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Gong H, Ma H, Liu M, Zhou B, Zhang G, Chen Z, Jiang G, Yan Y, Yang C, Kanda M, Wu J, Yuan J, Li L, Nagai T, Komuro I, Ge J, Zou Y. Urotensin II inhibits the proliferation but not the differentiation of cardiac side population cells. Peptides 2011; 32:1035-41. [PMID: 21291940 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2010] [Revised: 01/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) induces the development of cardiac remodeling and atherosclerosis by promoting hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes and mitogenesis of fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells. But its effect on cardiac side population cells (CSPs), one of somatic stem cells, is unclear. The present study examined the influences of UII on the differentiation and proliferation of CSPs. CSPs were isolated from neonatal rat hearts by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and cultured with or without the presence of UII (10(-8), 10(-7), 10(-6)mol/l). The expressions of α-cardiac myosin heavy chain (α-MHC), α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and Von Willebrand factor (vWF) mRNAs and proteins were analyzed by reverse transcriptional PCR (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence to evaluate the differentiation of CSPs into cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells, respectively. The proliferation of CSPs was assessed by Luminescent Cell Viability Assay. The influence of UII on the proliferation of CSPs in vivo was also evaluated by FACS. Our results revealed that UII did inhibit the proliferation of CSPs through up-regulation of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), although it didn't affect the differentiation of cultured CSPs. Experiments in vivo also showed that UII reduced the number of CSPs in mice compared with control group. These data indicate that UII reduces the number of CSPs by inhibiting the proliferation of CSPs possibly through increase of JNK phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Gong
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
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Iglewski M, Grant SR. Urotensin II-induced signaling involved in proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2010; 6:723-34. [PMID: 20859543 PMCID: PMC2941785 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s11129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The urotensin II receptor, bound by the ligand urotensin II, generates second messengers, ie, inositol triphosphate and diacylglycerol, which stimulate the subsequent release of calcium (Ca2+) in vascular smooth muscle cells. Ca2+ influx leads to the activation of Ca2+-dependent kinases (CaMK) via calmodulin binding, resulting in cellular proliferation. We hypothesize that urotensin II signaling in pulmonary arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (Pac1) and primary aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (PAVSMC) results in phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinases leading to cellular proliferation. Exposure of Pac1 cultures to urotensin II increased intracellular Ca2+, subsequently activating Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase (CaMKK), and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase Type I (CaMKI), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2), and protein kinase D. Treatment of Pac1 and PAVSMC with urotensin II increased proliferation as measured by 3H-thymidine uptake. The urotensin II-induced increase in 3H-thymidine incorporation was inhibited by a CaMKK inhibitor. Taken together, our results demonstrate that urotensin II stimulation of smooth muscle cells leads to a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase-mediated increase in cellular proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Iglewski
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, USA
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Kristof AS, You Z, Han YS, Giaid A. Protein expression of urotensin II, urotensin-related peptide and their receptor in the lungs of patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Peptides 2010; 31:1511-6. [PMID: 20433884 PMCID: PMC2905484 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) and urotensin-related peptide (URP) are vasoactive neuropeptides with wide ranges of action in the normal mammalian lung, including the control of smooth muscle cell proliferation. UII and URP exert their actions by binding to the G-protein coupled receptor-14 known as UT. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a disease of progressive lung destruction resulting from the excessive growth of abnormal smooth muscle-like cells that exhibit markers of neural crest origin. LAM cells also exhibit inactivation of the tumor suppressor tuberin (TSC2), excessive activity of 'mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and dysregulated cell growth and proliferation. In the present study we examined the expression and distribution of UII and UT in the lungs of patients with LAM. There was abundant expression of UII, URP and UT proteins in the interstitial nodular lesions of patients with LAM. By immunohistochemistry, UII, URP and UT were co-localized with HMB45, a diagnostic marker of LAM. Immunoreactivity for UII, URP and UT was also evident over the pulmonary epithelium, pulmonary vasculature and inflammatory cells. Western blotting revealed the presence of greater UT expression in the lungs of patients with LAM compared to normal human lungs. UT expression correlated with mTOR activity, as indicated by increased phosphorylation of S6 in LAM samples. These findings demonstrate for the first time the presence of UII, URP and their receptor in the lesions of patients with LAM, and suggest a possible role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Adel Giaid
- Address for correspondence: Dr. Adel Giaid, Cardiology, The Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Suite L3-109, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1C6, Canada, Tel: 514 934 1934 ext: 43841, Fax: 514 934 8344,
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Guidolin D, Albertin G, Ribatti D. Urotensin-II as an angiogenic factor. Peptides 2010; 31:1219-24. [PMID: 20346384 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Revised: 03/17/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the process through which new blood vessels arise from pre-existing ones, is regulated by numerous "classic" factors and other "nonclassic" regulators of angiogenesis. Among these latter urotensin-II is a cyclic 11-amino acid (human) or 15-amino acid (rodent) peptide, originally isolated from the fish urophysis, which exerts a potent systemic vasoconstrictor and hypertensive effect. This review article summarizes the literature data concerning the involvement of urotensin-II in angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Guidolin
- Department of Human, Anatomy and Physiology (Section of Anatomy), University of Padova Medical School, Via Gabelli, 65, I-35121 Padova, Italy.
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The vasoactive peptides urotensin II and urotensin II-related peptide regulate astrocyte activity through common and distinct mechanisms: involvement in cell proliferation. Biochem J 2010; 428:113-24. [DOI: 10.1042/bj20090867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
UII (urotensin II) and its paralogue URP (UII-related peptide) are two vasoactive neuropeptides whose respective central actions are currently unknown. In the present study, we have compared the mechanism of action of URP and UII on cultured astrocytes. Competition experiments performed with [125I]UII showed the presence of very-high- and high-affinity binding sites for UII, and a single high-affinity site for URP. Both UII and URP provoked a membrane depolarization accompanied by a decrease in input resistance, stimulated the release of endozepines, neuropeptides specifically produced by astroglial cells, and generated an increase in [Ca2+]c (cytosolic Ca2+ concentration). The UII/URP-induced [Ca2+]c elevation was PTX (pertussis toxin)-insensitive, and was blocked by the PLC (phospholipase C) inhibitor U73122 or the InsP3 channel blocker 2-APB (2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane). The addition of the Ca2+ chelator EGTA reduced the peak and abolished the plateau phase, whereas the T-type Ca2+ channel blocker mibefradil totally inhibited the Ca2+ response evoked by both peptides. However, URP and UII induced a mono- and bi-phasic dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]c and provoked short- and long-lasting Ca2+ mobilization respectively. Similar mono- and bi-phasic dose-dependent increases in [3H]inositol incorporation into polyphosphoinositides in astrocytes was obtained, but the effect of UII was significantly reduced by PTX, although BRET (bioluminescence resonance energy transfer) experiments revealed that both UII and URP recruited Gαo-protein. Finally, UII, but not URP, exerted a dose-dependent mitogenic activity on astrocytes. Therefore we described that URP and UII exert not only similar, but also divergent actions on astrocyte activity, with UII exhibiting a broader range of activities at physiological peptide concentrations.
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Zhang LF, Ding WH, Shi LB, Li K, Haom YJ, Ke YN, Tang ZS. Effects of exogenous urotensin II on vascular remodelling after balloon injury. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2010; 37:477-81. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2009.05336.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Guidolin D, Albertin G, Oselladore B, Sorato E, Rebuffat P, Mascarin A, Ribatti D. The pro-angiogenic activity of urotensin-II on human vascular endothelial cells involves ERK1/2 and PI3K signaling pathways. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 162:26-32. [PMID: 20171992 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2010.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 02/11/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human vascular endothelial cells express the urotensin-II (U-II) receptor and exhibit a strong in vitro angiogenic response to the peptide. Thus, in the present study an in vitro model, based on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured on Matrigel, was used to characterize more in detail the signaling pathways that control the pro-angiogenic action of U-II. The activation of the U-II receptor (UT) was associated with an increase of intracellular calcium concentration. Both calcium rise and pro-angiogenic effect of the peptide can be blocked by U73122, a selective inhibitor of phospholipase-C, indicating that the signal transduction from UT mainly involves the phospholipase-C/IP(3) pathway. As far as the downstream signaling pathways are concerned, western blot analyses and experiments with specific inhibitors indicated that the U-II-induced self-organization of the cells into capillary-like structures was PKC dependent and involved the activation of the ERK1/2, but not p38-MAPK, transduction pathway. Interestingly, the pharmacological inhibition of PI3K (obtained with LY294002), hindered the capacity of U-II to induce a proangiogenic effect on HUVEC, suggesting that PI3K-dependent pathways also play a role in regulating the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Guidolin
- Departments of Human Anatomy and Physiology (Section of Anatomy), University of Padova Medical School, Padova, Italy.
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Zhang L, Ding R, Zhen Y, Wu ZG. Relation of urotensin II levels to lone atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol 2009; 104:1704-7. [PMID: 19962480 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2009.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2009] [Revised: 07/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human urotensin II (U-II) is an 11-amino acid peptide that plays an important role in hypertension and coronary artery disease. However, because there is no information on the role of U-II in the development of lone atrial fibrillation (AF), the goal of this study was to clarify the role of U-II in the development of lone AF. The study enrolled 42 patients (42.1 +/- 4.0 years old) with paroxysmal lone AF and 30 healthy gender- and age-matched control subjects. The following factors were measured in blood collected after an overnight fast: glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), U-II, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). U-II levels were significantly higher in the lone AF than in the control group (4.09 +/- 1.28 vs 2.85 +/- 0.63 ng/ml, p <0.001). VCAM-1 levels were also higher in the lone AF than in the control group (337 +/- 250 vs 218 +/- 117 ng/ml, p = 0.018). In addition, hs-CRP levels were higher in the lone AF than in the control group (0.88 +/- 0.29 mg/dl vs 0.67 +/- 0.31 mg/dl, p = 0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis that included U-II, VCAM-1, hs-CP, and conventional AF risk factors showed that only U-II and hs-CRP were independently associated with lone AF. In conclusion, the results indicate that increased levels of U-II are associated with the development of lone AF. Additional studies will be necessary to determine whether the elevation of U-II is the cause or the result of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Department of Cardiovasology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Kemp W, Kompa A, Phrommintikul A, Herath C, Zhiyuan J, Angus P, McLean C, Roberts S, Krum H. Urotensin II modulates hepatic fibrosis and portal hemodynamic alterations in rats. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2009; 297:G762-7. [PMID: 19797237 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00127.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The influence of circulating urotensin II (UII) on liver disease and portal hypertension is unknown. We aimed to evaluate whether UII executes a pathogenetic role in the development of hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension. UII was administered by continuous infusion over 4 wk in 20 healthy rats divided into three treatment groups, controls (saline, n = 7), low dose (UII, 1 nmol x kg(-1) x h(-1), n = 8), and high dose (UII, 3 nmol x kg(-1) x h(-1), n = 5). Hemodynamic parameters and morphometric quantification of fibrosis were assessed, and profibrotic cytokines and fibrosis markers were assayed in hepatic tissue. UII induced a significant dose-dependent increase in portal venous pressure (5.8 +/- 0.4, 6.4 +/- 0.3, and 7.6 +/- 0.7, respectively, P = 0.03). High-dose UII infusion was associated with an increase in hepatic transcript for transforming growth factor-beta (P < 0.05) and platelet-derived growth factor-beta (P = 0.06). Liver tissue hydroxyproline was elevated in the high-dose group (P < 0.05). No systemic hemodynamic alterations were noted. We concluded that UII infusion elevates portal pressure and induces hepatic fibrosis in normal rats. This response may be mediated via induction of fibrogenic cytokines. These findings have pathophysiological implications in human liver disease where increased plasma UII levels have been observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Kemp
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Prahran, Victoria, Australia.
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Increased plasma urotensin-II levels are associated with diabetic retinopathy and carotid atherosclerosis in Type 2 diabetes. Clin Sci (Lond) 2008; 115:327-34. [PMID: 18338983 DOI: 10.1042/cs20080014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human U-II (urotensin-II), the most potent vasoconstrictor peptide identified to date, is associated with cardiovascular disease. A single nucleotide polymorphism (S89N) in the gene encoding U-II (UTS2) is associated with the onset of Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance in the Japanese population. In the present study, we have demonstrated a relationship between plasma U-II levels and the progression of diabetic retinopathy and vascular complications in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Eye fundus, IMT (intima-media thickness) and plaque score in the carotid artery, BP (blood pressure), FPG (fasting plasma glucose), HbA(1c) (glycated haemoglobin), U-II, angiogenesis-stimulating factors, such as VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and heregulin-beta(1), and lipid profiles were determined in 64 patients with Type 2 diabetes and 24 non-diabetic controls. FPG, HbA(1c) and VEGF levels were significantly higher in patients with Type 2 diabetes than in non-diabetic controls. Diabetes duration, insufficient glycaemic and BP control, plasma U-II levels, IMT, plaque score and nephropathy grade increased significantly across the subjects as follows: non-diabetic controls, patients with Type 2 diabetes without retinopathy (group N), patients with Type 2 diabetes with simple (background) retinopathy (group A) and patients with Type 2 diabetes with pre-proliferative and proliferative retinopathy (group B). The prevalence of obesity and smoking, age, low-density lipoprotein, triacylglycerols (triglycerides) and heregulin-beta(1) were not significantly different among the four groups. In all subjects, U-II levels were significantly positively correlated with IMT, FPG, and systolic and diastolic BP. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that, of the above parameters, U-II levels alone had a significantly independent association with diabetic retinopathy. In conclusion, the results of the present study provide the first evidence that increased plasma U-II levels may be associated with the progression of diabetic retinopathy and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
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Chronic urotensin II infusion enhances macrophage foam cell formation and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice. J Hypertens 2008; 26:1955-65. [DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e32830b61d8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Pakala R. Role of urotensin II in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. CARDIOVASCULAR REVASCULARIZATION MEDICINE 2008; 9:166-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carrev.2008.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2007] [Revised: 01/24/2008] [Accepted: 02/05/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Abstract
Urotensin II was first identified over 30 years ago as a potent vasoconstrictor, and the identification of its receptor in the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain have made it a potential target for human pharmacotherapy. Current research would suggest that urotensin II plays a major role in the pathophysiology of various cardiovascular disease entities. This article discusses the biologic effects of urotensin under normal and pathophysiologic conditions, and reviews the research experiences with synthetic urotensin blockers in the treatment of various cardiovascular illnesses.
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Zhang YG, Li J, Li YG, Wei RH. Urotensin II induces phenotypic differentiation, migration, and collagen synthesis of adventitial fibroblasts from rat aorta. J Hypertens 2008; 26:1119-26. [PMID: 18475149 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e3282fa1412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urotensin II is a new potent vasoconstrictor. Nevertheless, little is known about its effects on the activation of adventitial fibroblasts. OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of urotensin II on phenotypic differentiation, migration, and collagen I synthesis of rat aortic adventitial fibroblasts. METHODS Growth-arrested adventitial fibroblasts were incubated in serum-free medium with urotensin II and some inhibitors of signal transduction pathways. The alpha-smooth muscle-actin expression, collagen I synthesis and migration of adventitial fibroblasts induced by urotensin II were evaluated by western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay, and the transwell technique, respectively. RESULTS Urotensin II induced the [alpha]-smooth muscle-actin expression in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, with maximal effect at a concentration of 10(-8) mol/l at 24 h (79.9%); it also caused a dose-dependent increase in collagen I synthesis, with maximal effect at a concentration of 10(-7) mol/l (42.6%). The Ca2+ channel blocker nicardipine (10(-5) mol/l), protein kinase C inhibitor H7 (10(-5) mol/l), Rho protein kinase inhibitor Y-27632 (10(-5) mol/l), calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A (10(-5) mol/l), and mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor PD98059 (10(-5) mol/l) inhibited urotensin II-induced increases in [alpha]-smooth muscle-actin expression and collagen synthesis. Meanwhile, urotensin II stimulated the migration of adventitial fibroblasts dose dependently, with maximal effect at a concentration of 10(-8) mol/l, which was 5.7-fold greater than that of the control. This effect could also be inhibited by PD98059, H7, cyclosporine A, and Y-27632 but not nicardipine. CONCLUSION Urotensin II may stimulate adventitial fibroblasts phenotypic conversion, migration, and collagen I synthesis through the protein kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinase, calcineurin, Rho kinase, and/or Ca2+ signal transduction pathways, contributing to the development of vascular remodeling through adventitial fibroblasts activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Gang Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
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31
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Harris GS, Lust RM, DeAntonio JH, Katwa LC. PPAR-gamma expression in animals subjected to volume overload and chronic Urotensin II administration. Peptides 2008; 29:795-800. [PMID: 18423937 PMCID: PMC3876796 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2007] [Revised: 02/13/2008] [Accepted: 03/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Activation of PPAR-gamma through the administration of glitazones has shown promise in preserving function following cardiac injury, although recent evidence has suggested their use may be contraindicated in the case of severe heart failure. This study tested the hypothesis that PPAR-gamma expression increases in a time dependent manner in response to chronic volume overload (VO) induced heart failure. Additionally, we attempted to determine what effect 4 week administration of Urotensin II (UTII) may have on PPAR-gamma expression. VO induced heart failure was produced in Sprague-Dawley rats (n=32) by aorta-caval fistula. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 4, and 14 weeks following shunt creation. In a separate set of experiments, animals were administered 300 pmol/kg/h of UTII for 4 weeks, subjected to 4 weeks of volume overload, or given UTII+VO. Densitometric analysis of left ventricular (LV) protein demonstrated PPAR-gamma expression was significantly ((*)p<0.05) upregulated at 4 and 14 weeks (31.5% and 37%, respectively) post-fistula formation compared to control values. PPAR-gamma activation was decreased in the 4 and 14 week (39.16% and 42.4%, respectively), but not in the 1-week animals, and these changes did not correlate with NF-kappaB activity. Animals given UTII either with or without VO demonstrated increased expression of PPAR-gamma as did animals subjected to 4 week VO alone. Animals given UTII either with or without VO had decreased activity vs. control. These data suggest PPAR-gamma may play a role in the progression of heart failure, however, the exact nature has yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laxmansa C. Katwa
- Corresponding author at: Department of physiology, Rm. 6E-73C Brody Building, The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, 600 Moye Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834, USA. Tel.: +1 252 744 1906; fax: +1 252 744 3460. (L.C. Katwa)
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32
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Loirand G, Rolli-Derkinderen M, Pacaud P. Urotensin II and atherosclerosis. Peptides 2008; 29:778-82. [PMID: 17933432 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2007] [Revised: 08/22/2007] [Accepted: 08/27/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II, through its interaction with its UT receptor, is a potent vasoactive peptide in humans and in several animal models. Recent studies have demonstrated elevated plasma U-II levels in patients with atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. U-II is expressed in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and infiltrating macrophages of atherosclerotic human coronary arteries. UT receptor expression is up-regulated by inflammatory stimuli. Activation of UT receptor by U-II stimulates endothelial and smooth muscle cell proliferation and monocytes chemotaxis. Therefore, in addition to its primary vasoactive effect, these observations suggest a role of U-II and UT receptor in the initiation and/or progression of atherosclerosis.
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33
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Nakayama T, Hirose T, Totsune K, Mori N, Maruyama Y, Maejima T, Minagawa K, Morimoto R, Asayama K, Kikuya M, Ohkubo T, Hashimoto J, Kohzuki M, Takahashi K, Imai Y. Increased gene expression of urotensin II-related peptide in the hearts of rats with congestive heart failure. Peptides 2008; 29:801-8. [PMID: 18314225 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2007] [Revised: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 12/17/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II-related peptide (URP) is a novel endogenous ligand for urotensin II receptor (UT-R). To investigate the pathophysiological role of URP in heart failure, we examined URP, UII and UT-R expression in hearts and kidneys of rats with congestive heart failure due to coronary ligation by quantitative RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Significantly increased expression levels of URP mRNA were found in the atrium, the right ventricle and the infarcted part of left ventricle of heart failure rats, when compared with sham-operated rats (about 2.2-fold, 2.7-fold and 3.9-fold, respectively). Expression levels of UII mRNA in the heart were about 10% of URP mRNA, and were slightly increased only in the infarcted part of left ventricle of heart failure rats, when compared with sham-operated rats. The expression levels of UT-R mRNA were increased in the atrium of heart failure rats. There was no significant change of URP, UII and UT-R mRNA expression levels in the kidney between heart failure and sham-operated rats. The myocardium was diffusely immunostained with URP in both rats. The blood vessels in the heart were positively immunostained with URP in heart failure rats, but not in sham-operated rats, whereas they were positively immunostained with UT-R in both rats. These findings suggest that the expression of URP, UII and UT-R is enhanced in failing heart, and the UII/URP/UT-R system has important pathophysiological roles in the progression of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nakayama
- Department of Planning for Drug Development and Clinical Evaluation, Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicine, 6-3 Aramaki-aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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34
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Papadopoulos P, Bousette N, Giaid A. Urotensin-II and cardiovascular remodeling. Peptides 2008; 29:764-9. [PMID: 17988761 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2007] [Revised: 09/14/2007] [Accepted: 09/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin-II (U-II), a cyclic undecapeptide, and its receptor, UT, have been linked to vascular and cardiac remodeling. In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), it has been shown that U-II plasma levels are significantly greater than in normal patients and the severity of the disease is increased proportionally to the U-II plasma levels. We showed that U-II protein and mRNA levels were significantly elevated in the arteries of patients with coronary atherosclerosis in comparison to healthy arteries. We observed U-II expression in endothelial cells, foam cells, and myointimal and medial vSMCs of atherosclerotic human coronary arteries. Recent studies have demonstrated that U-II acts in synergy with mildly oxidized LDL inducing vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) proliferation. Additionally, U-II has been shown to induce cardiac fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy leading to cardiac remodeling. When using a selective U-II antagonist, SB-611812, we demonstrated a decrease in cardiac dysfunction including a reduction in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. These findings suggest that U-II is undoubtedly a potential therapeutic target in treating cardiovascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayiota Papadopoulos
- Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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35
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Tölle M, van der Giet M. Cardiorenovascular effects of urotensin II and the relevance of the UT receptor. Peptides 2008; 29:743-63. [PMID: 17935830 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2007] [Revised: 07/16/2007] [Accepted: 08/27/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (U-II) is a vasoactive peptide with many potent effects in the cardiorenovascular system. U-II activates a G-protein-coupled receptor termed UT. UT and U-II are highly expressed in the cardiovascular and renal system. Patients with various cardiovascular diseases show high U-II plasma levels. It was demonstrated that elevated U-II plasma levels and increased UT expression seem to play a role in heart failure, end-stage renal disease and atherosclerosis. U-II induces potent changes in vascular tone regulation. In addition, U-II stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Currently several pharmaceutical companies are developing compounds to control the U-II/UT system. There are preclinical and some clinical studies showing potential benefits of inhibiting U-II function in renal disease, heart failure, and diabetes. This article will review both pre- and clinical data concerning cardiorenovascular effects of U-II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Tölle
- Med. Klinik IV-Nephrology, Charite-Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany.
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36
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Ong KL, Wong LYF, Cheung BMY. The role of urotensin II in the metabolic syndrome. Peptides 2008; 29:859-67. [PMID: 17610998 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2007] [Revised: 05/27/2007] [Accepted: 06/01/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictive peptide that mediates both endothelium-independent vasoconstriction and endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Its plasma level correlates positively with body weight and is raised in diabetes, renal failure, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases including congestive heart failure and carotid atherosclerosis. It can inhibit glucose-induced insulin secretion, and genetic variants in urotensin II gene are associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Urotensin II also affects lipid metabolism in fish and food intake in mice. Recent studies have also demonstrated a role of urotensin II in inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. These findings suggest a close relationship between urotensin II and at least some components of the metabolic syndrome, including hypertension, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwok Leung Ong
- Department of Medicine & Research Centre of Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
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37
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Zhang YG, Li YG, Liu BG, Wei RH, Wang DM, Tan XR, Bu DF, Pang YZ, Tang CS. Urotensin II accelerates cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy of rats induced by isoproterenol. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2007; 28:36-43. [PMID: 17184580 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7254.2007.00485.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To study whether urotensin II (UII), a potent vasoconstrictive peptide, is involved in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrogenesis of rats induced by isoproterenol (ISO). METHODS Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was the healthy control group, group 2 was the ISO group, and group 3 was the ISO+UII group. In groups 2 and 3, ISO (5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) was given (sc) once daily for 7 d. Group 3 was also given UII in the first day [3 nmol/kg (5 microg/kg), iv], followed by sc (1.5 microg/kg) twice daily. Group 1 received 0.9% saline. UII receptor (UT) mRNA expression was determined by RT-PCR. The contents of UII and angiotensin II (Ang II) were determined by radioimmunoassay. In vitro, the effects of UII on DNA/collagen synthesis of cardiac fibroblasts were determined by [3H]thymidine/[3H]proline incorporation. RESULTS The ratio of heart weight/body weight, plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity, myocardial malondialdehyde and hydroxyproline concentration increased significantly in the ISO group, as well as UT mRNA expression, plasma and cardiac UII and ventricular Ang II, compared with the control group (P< 0.01). ISO induced significant myocardial fibrogenesis. Moreover, UII+ISO co-treatment significantly increased the changes of biochemical markers of injury and the degree of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. In vitro, 5 x 10(-9 )-5 x 10(-7 ) mol/L UII stimulated [3H]thymidine/[3H] proline incorporation into cardiac fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner (P< 0.01). CONCLUSION These results suggest that UII was involved in the development of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy by synergistic effects with ISO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Gang Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China.
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38
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Watanabe T, Kanome T, Miyazaki A, Katagiri T. Human urotensin II as a link between hypertension and coronary artery disease. Hypertens Res 2006; 29:375-87. [PMID: 16940699 DOI: 10.1291/hypres.29.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis, but the molecular mechanisms that link elevated blood pressure to the progression of atherosclerosis remain unclear. Human urotensin II (U-II), the most potent endogenous vasoconstrictor peptide identified to date, and its receptor (UT receptor) are involved in the etiology of essential hypertension. In patients with essential hypertension, U-II infused into the forearm brachial artery has been shown to induce vasoconstriction. Recent studies have demonstrated elevated plasma U-II concentrations in patients with essential hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease. U-II is expressed in endothelial cells, macrophages, macrophage-derived foam cells, and myointimal and medial vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of atherosclerotic human coronary arteries. UT receptors are present in VSMCs of human coronary arteries, the thoracic aorta and cardiac myocytes. Lymphocytes are the most active producers of U-II, whereas monocytes and macrophages are the major cell types expressing UT receptors, with relatively little receptor expression in foam cells, lymphocytes, and platelets. U-II accelerates foam cell formation by up-regulation of acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 in human monocyte-derived macrophages. In human endothelial cells, U-II promotes cell proliferation and up-regulates type 1 collagen expression. U-II also activates nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in human VSMCs, and stimulates VSMC proliferation with synergistic effects observed when combined with oxidized low-density lipoprotein, lysophosphatidylcholine, reactive oxygen species or serotonin. These findings suggest that U-II plays key roles in accelerating the development of atherosclerosis, thereby leading to coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Watanabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Watanabe T, Takahashi K, Kanome T, Hongo S, Miyazaki A, Koba S, Katagiri T, Pakara R, Benedict CR. Human Urotensin-II Potentiates the Mitogenic Effect of Mildly Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Comparison with Other Vasoactive Agents and Hydrogen Peroxide. Hypertens Res 2006; 29:821-31. [PMID: 17283870 DOI: 10.1291/hypres.29.821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Human urotensin-II (U-II) is the most potent vasoactive peptide identified to date, and may be involved in hypertension and atherosclerosis. We investigated the effects of the interactions between U-II or other vasoactive agents and mildly oxidized low-density lipoprotein (mox-LDL) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the induction of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Growth-arrested rabbit VSMCs were incubated with vasoactive agents (U-II, endothelin-1, angiotensin-II, serotonin, or thromboxane-A2) in the presence or absence of mox-LDL or H2O2. [3H]Thymidine incorporation into DNA was measured as an index of VSMC proliferation. On interaction with mox-LDL or H2O2, U-II induced the greatest increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation among these vasoactive agents. A low concentration of U-II (10 nmol/l) enhanced the potential mitogenic effect of low concentrations of mox-LDL (120 to 337%) and H2O2 (177 to 226%). U-II at 50 nmol/l showed the maximal mitogenic effect (161%), which was abolished by G protein inactivator (GDP-beta-S), c-Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor (radicicol), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (Ro31-8220), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase inhibitor (PD98059), or Rho kinase inhibitor (Y27632). Mox-LDL at 5 microg/ml showed the maximal mitogenic effect (211%), which was inhibited by free radical scavenger (catalase), intracellular and extracellular antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine and probucol), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor (diphenylene iodonium), or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125). These results suggested that U-II acts in synergy with mox-LDL in inducing VSMC DNA synthesis at the highest rate among these vasoactive agents. Activation of the G protein/c-Src/PKC/ERK and Rho kinase pathways by U-II together with the redox-sensitive JNK pathway by mox-LDL may explain the synergistic interaction between these agents.
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MESH Headings
- Aldehydes/pharmacology
- Angiotensin II/pharmacology
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/cytology
- Cells, Cultured
- DNA/biosynthesis
- Drug Synergism
- Endothelin-1/pharmacology
- Humans
- Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology
- Lipoproteins, LDL/antagonists & inhibitors
- Lipoproteins, LDL/pharmacology
- Lysophosphatidylcholines/metabolism
- Lysophosphatidylcholines/pharmacology
- Male
- Mitogens/pharmacology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Oxidants/pharmacology
- Rabbits
- Serotonin/pharmacology
- Serotonin Agents/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Thromboxane A2/pharmacology
- Urotensins/pharmacology
- Vasoconstrictor Agents/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Watanabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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40
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Zhu YC, Zhu YZ, Moore PK. Magnifying endoscopic observation of the gastric mucosa, particularly in patients with atrophic gastritis. Br J Pharmacol 1978; 148:884-901. [PMID: 16783414 PMCID: PMC1751922 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0706800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastric mucosal surface was observed using the magnifying fibergastroscope (FGS-ML), and the fine gastric mucosal patterns, which were even smaller than one unit of gastric area, were examined at a magnification of about 30. For simplicification, we classified these patterns by magnifying endoscopy in the following ways; FP, FIP, FSP, SP and MP, modifying Yoshii's classification under the dissecting microscope. The FIP, which was found to have round and long elliptical gastric pits, is a new addition to our endoscopic classification. The relationship between the FIP and the intermediate zone was evaluated by superficial and histological studies of surgical and biopsy specimens. The width of the band of FIP seems to be related to the severity of atrophic gastritis. Also, the transformation of FP to FIP was assessed by comparing specimens taken from the resected and residual parts of the stomach, respectively. Moreover, it appears that severe gastritis occurs in the gastric mucosa which shows a FIP. Therefore, we consider that the FIP indicates the position of the atrophic border.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chun Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.
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41
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Sakaki N, Iida Y, Okazaki Y, Kawamura S, Takemoto T. Magnifying endoscopic observation of the gastric mucosa, particularly in patients with atrophic gastritis. Endoscopy 1978; 37:921-9. [PMID: 738222 DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2012.688181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The gastric mucosal surface was observed using the magnifying fibergastroscope (FGS-ML), and the fine gastric mucosal patterns, which were even smaller than one unit of gastric area, were examined at a magnification of about 30. For simplicification, we classified these patterns by magnifying endoscopy in the following ways; FP, FIP, FSP, SP and MP, modifying Yoshii's classification under the dissecting microscope. The FIP, which was found to have round and long elliptical gastric pits, is a new addition to our endoscopic classification. The relationship between the FIP and the intermediate zone was evaluated by superficial and histological studies of surgical and biopsy specimens. The width of the band of FIP seems to be related to the severity of atrophic gastritis. Also, the transformation of FP to FIP was assessed by comparing specimens taken from the resected and residual parts of the stomach, respectively. Moreover, it appears that severe gastritis occurs in the gastric mucosa which shows a FIP. Therefore, we consider that the FIP indicates the position of the atrophic border.
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