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Alghamdi NJ, Burns CT, Valdes R. The urocortin peptides: biological relevance and laboratory aspects of UCN3 and its receptor. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2022; 59:573-585. [PMID: 35738909 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2022.2080175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The urocortins are polypeptides belonging to the corticotropin-releasing hormone family, known to modulate stress responses in mammals. Stress, whether induced physically or psychologically, is an underlying cause or consequence of numerous clinical syndromes. Identifying biological markers associated with the homeostatic regulation of stress could provide a clinical laboratory approach for the management of stress-related disorders. The neuropeptide, urocortin 3 (UCN3), and the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRHR2) constitute a regulatory axis known to mediate stress homeostasis. Dysregulation of this peptide/receptor axis is believed to play a role in several clinical conditions including post-traumatic stress, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems related to stress. Understanding the physiology and measurement of the UCN3/CRHR2 axis is important for establishing a viable clinical laboratory diagnostic. In this article, we focus on evidence supporting the role of UCN3 and its receptor in stress-related clinical syndromes. We also provide insight into the measurements of UCN3 in blood and urine. These potential biomarkers provide new opportunities for clinical research and applications of laboratory medicine diagnostics in stress management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah J Alghamdi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | | | - Roland Valdes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
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Jyothidasan A, Sunny S, Murugesan S, Quiles JM, Challa AK, Dalley B, Cinghu SK, Nanda V, Rajasekaran NS. Transgenic Expression of Nrf2 Induces a Pro-Reductive Stress and Adaptive Cardiac Remodeling in the Mouse. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1514. [PMID: 36140682 PMCID: PMC9498410 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (Nfe2l2 or Nrf2), is a transcription factor that protects cells by maintaining a homeostatic redox state during stress. The constitutive expression of Nrf2 (CaNrf2-TG) was previously shown to be pathological to the heart over time. We tested a hypothesis that the cardiac-specific expression of full length Nrf2 (mNrf2-TG) would moderately increase the basal antioxidant defense, triggering a pro-reductive environment leading to adaptive cardiac remodeling. Transgenic and non-transgenic (NTG) mice at 7−8 months of age were used to analyze the myocardial transcriptome, structure, and function. Next generation sequencing (NGS) for RNA profiling and qPCR-based validation of the NGS data, myocardial redox levels, and imaging (echocardiography) were performed. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that out of 14,665 identified mRNAs, 680 were differently expressed (DEG) in TG hearts. Of 680 DEGs, 429 were upregulated and 251 were downregulated significantly (FC > 2.0, p < 0.05). Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the top altered pathways were (a) Nrf2 signaling, (b) glutathione metabolism and (c) ROS scavenging. A comparative analysis of the glutathione redox state in the hearts demonstrated significant differences between pro-reductive vs. hyper-reductive conditions (233 ± 36.7 and 380 ± 68.7 vs. 139 ± 8.6 µM/mg protein in mNrf2-TG and CaNrf2-TG vs. NTG). Genes involved in fetal development, hypertrophy, cytoskeletal rearrangement, histone deacetylases (HDACs), and GATA transcription factors were moderately increased in mNrf2-TG compared to CaNrf2-TG. Non-invasive echocardiography analysis revealed an increase in systolic function (ejection fraction) in mNrf2-TG, suggesting an adaptation, as opposed to pathological remodeling in CaNrf2-TG mice experiencing a hyper-reductive stress, leading to reduced survival (40% at 60 weeks). The effects of excess Nrf2-driven antioxidant transcriptome revealed a pro-reductive condition in the myocardium leading to an adaptive cardiac remodeling. While pre-conditioning the myocardial redox with excess antioxidants (i.e., pro-reductive state) could be beneficial against oxidative stress, a chronic pro-reductive environment in the myocardium might transition the adaptation to pathological remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Jyothidasan
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Sini Sunny
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Saravanakumar Murugesan
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Justin M. Quiles
- Department of Pharmacology, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Anil Kumar Challa
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Brian Dalley
- Huntsman Cancer Center-Genomic Core Facility, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Senthil Kumar Cinghu
- Epigenetics & Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Vivek Nanda
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Namakkal-Soorappan Rajasekaran
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- Center for Free Radical Biology (CFRB), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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3
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Cardiovascular Effects of Urocortin-2: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2019; 33:599-613. [DOI: 10.1007/s10557-019-06895-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Do urocortins have a role in treating cardiovascular disease? Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:279-284. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Natural and synthetic peptides in the cardiovascular diseases: An update on diagnostic and therapeutic potentials. Arch Biochem Biophys 2018; 662:15-32. [PMID: 30481494 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several peptides play an important role in physiological and pathological conditions into the cardiovascular system. In addition to well-known vasoactive agents such as angiotensin II, endothelin, serotonin or natriuretic peptides, the vasoconstrictor Urotensin-II (Uro-II) and the vasodilators Urocortins (UCNs) and Adrenomedullin (AM) have been implicated in the control of vascular tone and blood pressure as well as in cardiovascular disease states including congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and pulmonary and systemic hypertension. Therefore these peptides, together with their receptors, become important therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Circulating levels of these agents in the blood are markedly modified in patients with specific CVDs compared with those in healthy patients, becoming also potential biomarkers for these pathologies. This review will provide an overview of current knowledge about the physiological roles of Uro-II, UCN and AM in the cardiovascular system and their implications in cardiovascular diseases. It will further focus on the structural modifications carried out on original peptide sequences in the search of analogues with improved physiochemical properties as well as in the delivery methods. Finally, we have overviewed the possible application of these peptides and/or their precursors as biomarkers of CVDs.
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Domínguez-Rodríguez A, Mayoral-Gonzalez I, Avila-Medina J, de Rojas-de Pedro ES, Calderón-Sánchez E, Díaz I, Hmadcha A, Castellano A, Rosado JA, Benitah JP, Gomez AM, Ordoñez A, Smani T. Urocortin-2 Prevents Dysregulation of Ca 2+ Homeostasis and Improves Early Cardiac Remodeling After Ischemia and Reperfusion. Front Physiol 2018; 9:813. [PMID: 30018568 PMCID: PMC6037857 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Urocortin-2 (Ucn-2) is a potent cardioprotector against Ischemia and Reperfusion (I/R) injuries. However, little is known about its role in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) under I/R. Here, we examined whether the addition of Ucn-2 in reperfusion promotes cardioprotection focusing on ([Ca2+]i handling. Methods and Results: Cardiac Wistar rat model of I/R was induced by transient ligation of the left coronary artery and experiments were conducted 1 week after surgery in tissue and adult cardiomyocytes isolated from risk and remote zones. We observed that I/R promoted significant alteration in cardiac contractility as well as an increase in hypertrophy and fibrosis in both zones. The study of confocal [Ca2+]i imaging in adult cardiomyocytes revealed that I/R decreased the amplitude of [Ca2+]i transient and cardiomyocytes contraction in risk and remote zones. Interestingly, intravenous infusion of Ucn-2 before heart’s reperfusion recovered significantly cardiac contractility and prevented fibrosis, but it didn’t affect cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, Ucn-2 recovered the amplitude of [Ca2+]i transient and modulated the expression of several proteins related to [Ca2+]i homeostasis, such as TRPC5 and Orai1 channels. Using Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myocytes (NRVM) we demonstrated that Ucn-2 blunted I/R-induced Store Operated Ca2+ Entry (SOCE), decreased the expression of TRPC5 and Orai1 as well as their interaction in reperfusion. Conclusion: Our study provides the first evidences demonstrating that Ucn-2 addition at the onset of reperfusion attenuates I/R-induced adverse cardiac remodeling, involving the [Ca2+]i handling and inhibiting the expression and interaction between TRPC5 and Orai1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Domínguez-Rodríguez
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Isabel Mayoral-Gonzalez
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Avila-Medina
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Eva S de Rojas-de Pedro
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Eva Calderón-Sánchez
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Ignacio Díaz
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Abdelkrim Hmadcha
- Department of Regeneration and Cell Therapy, Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER), Junta de Andalucia, University of Pablo de Olavide, University of Seville, CSIC, Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Castellano
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Juan A Rosado
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Jean-Pierre Benitah
- UMR-S 1180, INSERM, Universite Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Ana M Gomez
- UMR-S 1180, INSERM, Universite Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Antonio Ordoñez
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Tarik Smani
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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Rademaker MT, Richards AM. Urocortins: Actions in health and heart failure. Clin Chim Acta 2017; 474:76-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Urocortin Treatment Improves Acute Hemodynamic Instability and Reduces Myocardial Damage in Post-Cardiac Arrest Myocardial Dysfunction. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166324. [PMID: 27832152 PMCID: PMC5104489 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Hemodynamic instability occurs following cardiac arrest and is associated with high mortality during the post-cardiac period. Urocortin is a novel peptide and a member of the corticotrophin-releasing factor family. Urocortin has the potential to improve acute cardiac dysfunction, as well as to reduce the myocardial damage sustained after ischemia reperfusion injury. The effects of urocortin in post-cardiac arrest myocardial dysfunction remain unclear. Methods and Results We developed a preclinical cardiac arrest model and investigated the effects of urocortin. After cardiac arrest induced by 6.5 min asphyxia, male Wistar rats were resuscitated and randomized to either the urocortin treatment group or the control group. Urocortin (10 μg/kg) was administrated intravenously upon onset of resuscitation in the experimental group. The rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was similar between the urocortin group (76%) and the control group (72%) after resuscitation. The left ventricular systolic (dP/dt40) and diastolic (maximal negative dP/dt) functions, and cardiac output, were ameliorated within 4 h after ROSC in the urocortin-treated group compared to the control group (P<0.01). The neurological function of surviving animals was better at 6 h after ROSC in the urocortin-treated group (p = 0.023). The 72-h survival rate was greater in the urocortin-treated group compared to the control group (p = 0.044 by log-rank test). Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was lower in the urocortin-treated group (39.9±8.6 vs. 17.5±4.6% of TUNEL positive nuclei, P<0.05) with significantly increased Akt, ERK and STAT-3 activation and phosphorylation in the myocardium (P<0.05). Conclusions Urocortin treatment can improve acute hemodynamic instability as well as reducing myocardial damage in post-cardiac arrest myocardial dysfunction.
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Rademaker MT, Ellmers LJ, Charles CJ, Mark Richards A. Urocortin 2 protects heart and kidney structure and function in an ovine model of acute decompensated heart failure: Comparison with dobutamine. Int J Cardiol 2015; 197:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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10
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Chronic Urocortin 2 Administration Improves Cardiac Function and Ameliorates Cardiac Remodeling After Experimental Myocardial Infarction. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2015; 65:269-75. [DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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11
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Roustit MM, Vaughan JM, Jamieson PM, Cleasby ME. Urocortin 3 activates AMPK and AKT pathways and enhances glucose disposal in rat skeletal muscle. J Endocrinol 2014; 223:143-54. [PMID: 25122003 PMCID: PMC4191181 DOI: 10.1530/joe-14-0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Insulin resistance (IR) in skeletal muscle is an important component of both type 2 diabetes and the syndrome of sarcopaenic obesity, for which there are no effective therapies. Urocortins (UCNs) are not only well established as neuropeptides but also have their roles in metabolism in peripheral tissues. We have shown recently that global overexpression of UCN3 resulted in muscular hypertrophy and resistance to the adverse metabolic effects of a high-fat diet. Herein, we aimed to establish whether short-term local UCN3 expression could enhance glucose disposal and insulin signalling in skeletal muscle. UCN3 was found to be expressed in right tibialis cranialis and extensor digitorum longus muscles of rats by in vivo electrotransfer and the effects studied vs the contralateral muscles after 1 week. No increase in muscle mass was detected, but test muscles showed 19% larger muscle fibre diameter (P=0.030), associated with increased IGF1 and IGF1 receptor mRNA and increased SER256 phosphorylation of forkhead transcription factor. Glucose clearance into the test muscles after an intraperitoneal glucose load was increased by 23% (P=0.018) per unit mass, associated with increased GLUT1 (34% increase; P=0.026) and GLUT4 (48% increase; P=0.0009) proteins, and significantly increased phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1, AKT, AKT substrate of 160 kDa, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, AMP-activated protein kinase and its substrate acetyl coA carboxylase. Thus, UCN3 expression enhances glucose disposal and signalling in muscle by an autocrine/paracrine mechanism that is separate from its pro-hypertrophic effects, implying that such a manipulation may have promised for the treatment of IR syndromes including sarcopaenic obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon M Roustit
- Department of Comparative Biomedical SciencesRoyal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UKLaboratory of Neuronal Structure and FunctionSalk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USAQueen's Medical Research InstituteCentre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Joan M Vaughan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical SciencesRoyal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UKLaboratory of Neuronal Structure and FunctionSalk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USAQueen's Medical Research InstituteCentre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Pauline M Jamieson
- Department of Comparative Biomedical SciencesRoyal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UKLaboratory of Neuronal Structure and FunctionSalk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USAQueen's Medical Research InstituteCentre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Mark E Cleasby
- Department of Comparative Biomedical SciencesRoyal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU, UKLaboratory of Neuronal Structure and FunctionSalk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USAQueen's Medical Research InstituteCentre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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SGK1 Is Involved in Cardioprotection of Urocortin-1 Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation in Cardiomyocytes. Can J Cardiol 2014; 30:687-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2014.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Targeting urocortin signaling pathways to enhance cardioprotection: is it time to move from bench to bedside? Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2014; 27:451-63. [PMID: 23824484 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-013-6468-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite the exponential growth in medical knowledge, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) contribute to more than one-third of worldwide morbidity and mortality. A range of therapies already exist for established CVDs, although there is significant interest in further understanding their pathogenesis. The urocortins (Ucns) are peptide members of the corticotrophin-releasing factor family, a group of evolutionary conserved peptides with homologues in fish, amphibians and mammals and considered to play a pivotal role in energy homeostasis and local tissue repair. A number of preclinical studies in vitro, in-vivo and ex-vivo have defined a multifaceted effect of Ucns on the cardiovascular system. Different G-protein coupled signaling and protein-kinase pathways have been shown to be activated by Ucns, together with different transcriptional and translational effects, all of which preferentially converge on the mitochondria, where the modulation of apoptosis is considered their principal action. It has been demonstrated in experimental models, and consequentially suggested in human diseases, that Ucn-mediated inhibition of apoptosis can be exploited for the improvement of both therapeutic and preventative strategies against CVDs. Specifically, some unavoidable iatrogenic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries, e.g. during cardiac surgery or percutaneous coronary angioplasty, may greatly benefit from the anti-apoptotic effect of Ucns. However, few studies on the topic have been employed in humans to date. Therefore, this review will focus on the different intra-cellular mechanisms of action of Urocortins, and detail the different Ucn-mediated pathways identified so far. It will also highlight the limited evidence already existing in human clinical and surgical settings, as well as emphasize the potential uses of Ucns in human cardiac pathology.
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Walther S, Awad S, Lonchyna VA, Blatter LA. NFAT transcription factor regulation by urocortin II in cardiac myocytes and heart failure. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014; 306:H856-66. [PMID: 24441548 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00353.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Urocortin II (UcnII), a cardioactive peptide with beneficial effects in normal and failing hearts, is also arrhythmogenic and prohypertrophic. We demonstrated that cardiac effects are mediated by a phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt kinase (Akt)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathways. Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) transcription factors play a key role in the regulation of gene expression in cardiac development, maintenance of an adult differentiated cardiac phenotype, and remodeling processes in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (HF). We tested the hypothesis that UcnII differentially regulates NFAT activity in cardiac myocytes from both normal and failing hearts through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS/NO pathway. Isoforms NFATc1 and NFATc3 revealed different basal subcellular distribution in normal and HF rabbit ventricular myocytes with a nuclear NFATc1 and a cytosolic localization of NFATc3. However, in HF, the nuclear localization of NFATc1 was less pronounced, whereas the nuclear occupancy of NFATc3 was increased. In normal myocytes, UcnII induced nuclear export of NFATc1 and attenuated NFAT-dependent transcriptional activity but did not affect the distribution of NFATc3. In HF UcnII facilitated nuclear export of both isoforms and reduced transcriptional activity. NFAT regulation was mediated by a PI3K/Akt/eNOS/NO signaling cascade that converged on the activation of several kinases, including glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated kinase (p38), and PKG, resulting in phosphorylation, deactivation, and nuclear export of NFAT. In conclusion, while NFATc1 and NFATc3 reveal distinct subcellular distribution patterns, both are regulated by the UcnII-PI3K/Akt/eNOS/NO pathway that converges on the activation of NFAT kinases and NFAT inactivation. The data reconcile cardioprotective and prohypertrophic UcnII effects mediated by different NFAT isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Walther
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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Patel K, Rademaker MT, Kirkpatrick CMJ, Charles CJ, Fisher S, Yandle TG, Richards AM. Comparative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of urocortins 1, 2 and 3 in healthy sheep. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:1916-25. [PMID: 22339174 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01904.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The urocortin (Ucn) peptides are emerging as potential therapeutic targets for heart disease. However, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data are lacking. Therefore, we investigated the PK/PD for all three Ucns. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Seven sheep received 1 µg·kg(-1) boluses of Ucn1, Ucn2 and Ucn3. Population PK/PD models were developed to describe the time course of the haemodynamic effects. RESULTS The population estimate for Ucn1 clearance (0.486 L·h(-1)) was lower than that for Ucn2 (21.7 L·h(-1)) and Ucn3 (220 L·h(-1)), while steady-state volumes of distribution were similar for Ucn1 and Ucn2 (∼8 L) but substantially larger for Ucn3 (23.5 L). Ucn1 disposition was adequately described by a two-compartment model, with a one-compartment model required for Ucn2 and Ucn3. The half-life for Ucn1 was 2.9 h (α phase) and 8.3 h (β phase), and 15.7 and 4.4 min for Ucn2 and Ucn3 respectively. All Ucns produced significant increases in heart rate, cardiac output and left ventricular systolic and mean arterial pressures, and decreases in left atrial pressure and peripheral resistance. Delayed-effect pharmacodynamic models best described the time course of haemodynamic responses, with effects more rapid and less prolonged for Ucn2 and Ucn3 than Ucn1. Similar and physiologically plausible estimated baseline (E(0)) effects were exhibited by all Ucns, whereas EC(50) values were generally greater for Ucn1. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Relative to Ucn1, both the PK and haemodynamic responses to Ucn2 and Ucn3 occurred more rapidly. Our data provide important comparative information, useful to the rational design of future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Patel
- The School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Brisbane, Australia
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Gruson D, Ginion A, Lause P, Ketelslegers JM, Thissen JP, Bertrand L. Urotensin II and urocortin trigger the expression of myostatin, a negative regulator of cardiac growth, in cardiomyocytes. Peptides 2012; 33:351-3. [PMID: 22244812 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Revised: 12/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) and urocortin (UCN) are potent contributors to the physiopathology of heart failure. Our study investigated the effects of UII and UCN on the expression of myostatin (Mstn) in primary culture of adult cardiomyocytes. Adult rat cardiomyocytes were stimulated for 48 h with UII and UCN. Cell size and protein content were determined. Mstn gene expression was determined by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Treatment with UII and UCN stimulates hypertrophy of adult cardiomyocytes. This effect was associated with a twofold increase of Mstn gene expression. We have established for the first time that the two hypertrophic peptides UII and UCN stimulate the expression of Mstn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Gruson
- Pôle de recherche en Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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18
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Barrette PO, Schwertani AG. A closer look at the role of urotensin II in the metabolic syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:165. [PMID: 23293629 PMCID: PMC3531708 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a vasoactive peptide that was first discovered in the teleost fish, and later in mammals and humans. UII binds to the G protein coupled receptor GPR14 (now known as UT). UII mediates important physiological and pathological actions by interacting with its receptor. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is described as cluster of factors such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance (IR), further leading to development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. UII levels are upregulated in patients with the MetS. Evidence directly implicating UII in every risk factor of the MetS has been accumulated. The mechanism that links the different aspects of the MetS relies primarily on IR and inflammation. By directly modulating both of these factors, UII is thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of the MetS. Moreover, UII also plays an important role in hypertension and hyperlipidemia thereby contributing to cardiovascular complications associated with the MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adel Giaid Schwertani
- *Correspondence: Adel Giaid Schwertani, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Room C9-166, Montreal, QC, Canada H3G 1A4. e-mail:
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19
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Jin L, Zhang Q, Guo R, Wang L, Wang J, Wan R, Zhang R, Xu Y, Li S. Different effects of corticotropin-releasing factor and urocortin 2 on apoptosis of prostate cancer cells in vitro. J Mol Endocrinol 2011; 47:219-27. [PMID: 21765100 DOI: 10.1530/jme-11-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin (Ucn), a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-related neuropeptide binding both CRF type 1 receptor (CRFR1) and CRFR2, has recently been found in prostate cancer. However, no report has yet been known to elucidate the roles of Ucn in prostate cancer via the two receptors. In this study, the expression of both CRFR1 and CRFR2 in the mouse prostate cancer cell line RM-1 were detected and cellular apoptosis was monitored in the presence of CRF or Ucn2, the CRFR1- and CRFR2-selective agonist respectively. CRF promoted apoptosis while Ucn2 exerted the opposite effect. CRF reduced Bcl-2 expression, induced Bax expression, and hyperpolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential to activate caspase-9. On the contrary, Ucn2 increased Bcl-2 expression and decreased Bax expression, in which phosphorylation of Akt and cyclic AMP response element-binding (CREB) was involved. Pretreatment with phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase/Akt inhibitor (LY-294002) prior to Ucn2 led to downregulation of CREB phosphorylation and hence reduced Bcl-2 expression. These effects of CRF and Ucn2 were abolished by antalarmin (Anta) and antisauvagine-30, the CRFR1- and CRFR2-selective antagonist respectively. In LNCaP cell line, similar effects on cell apoptosis by CRF and Ucn2 were observed. In summary, our results demonstrated CRFR1 and CRFR2 expression in prostate cancer and indicated the opposite apoptotic roles of the two different CRFRs. These data may contribute to uncovering the pathophysiological function of endogenous Ucn in prostate tumorigenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Jin
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab of Cardiovascular Diseases and Molecular Intervention, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
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20
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Urocortin-induced cardiomyocytes hypertrophy is associated with regulation of the GSK-3β pathway. Heart Vessels 2011; 27:202-7. [PMID: 21505854 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-011-0141-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Urocortin-1 (UCN), a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor, is a cardioprotective peptide, and is also involved in cardiac hypertrophy. The involvement of GSK-3β, a pivotal kinase in cardiac hypertrophy, in response to UCN is not yet documented. Cardiomyocytes from adult rats were stimulated for 48 h with UCN. Cell size, protein, and DNA contents were determined. Phosphorylated and total forms GSK-3β and the total amount of β-catenin were quantified by Western immunoblots. The effects of astressin, a UCN competitive receptor antagonist, were also evaluated. UCN increased cell size and the protein-to-DNA ratio, in accordance with a hypertrophic response. This effect was associated with increased phosphorylation of GSK-3β and marked accumulation of β-catenin, a downstream element to GSK-3β. All these effects were prevented by astressin and LY294002, an inhibitor of the phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase. UCN-induced cardiomyocytes hypertrophy is associated with regulation of GSK-3β, a pivotal kinase involved in cardiac hypertrophy, in a PI3K-dependent manner. Furthermore, the pharmacological blockade of UCN receptors was able to prevent UCN-induced hypertrophy, which leads to inhibition of the Akt/GSK-3β pathway.
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21
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Markovic D, Punn A, Lehnert H, Grammatopoulos DK. Molecular determinants and feedback circuits regulating type 2 CRH receptor signal integration. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2011; 1813:896-907. [PMID: 21338628 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2011.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2011] [Revised: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In most target tissues, the adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/PKA, the extracellular signal regulated kinase and the protein kinase B/Akt are the main pathways employed by the type 2 corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor to mediate the biological actions of urocortins (Ucns) and CRH. To decipher the molecular determinants of CRH-R2 signaling, we studied the signaling pathways in HEK293 cells overexpressing recombinant human CRH-R2β receptors. Use of specific kinase inhibitors showed that the CRH-R2β cognate agonist, Ucn 2, activated extracellular signal regulated kinase in a phosphoinositide 3-kinase and cyclic adenosine monophosphate/PKA-dependent manner with contribution from Epac activation. Ucn 2 also induced PKA-dependent association between AKAP250 and CRH-R2β that appeared to be necessary for extracellular signal regulated kinase activation. PKB/Akt activation was also mediated via pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins and PI3-K activation but did not require cAMP/PKA, Epac or protein kinase C for optimal activation. Potential feedback mechanisms that target the CRH-R2β itself and modulate receptor trafficking and endocytosis were also investigated. Indeed, our results suggested that inhibition of either PKA or extracellular signal regulated kinase pathway accelerates CRH-R2β endocytosis. Furthermore, Ucn 2-activated extracellular signal regulated kinase appeared to target β-arrestin1 and modulate, through phosphorylation at Ser412, β-arrestin1 translocation to the plasma membrane and CRH-R2β internalization kinetics. Loss of this "negative feedback" mechanism through inhibition of the extracellular signal regulated kinase activity resulted in significant attenuation of Ucn 2-induced cAMP response, whereas Akt phosphorylation was not affected by altered receptor endocytosis. These findings reveal a complex interplay between the signaling molecules that allow "fine-tuning" of CRH-R2β functional responses and regulate signal integration. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 11th European Symposium on Calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Markovic
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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22
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Barry SP, Lawrence KM, McCormick J, Soond SM, Hubank M, Eaton S, Sivarajah A, Scarabelli TM, Knight RA, Thiemermann C, Latchman DS, Townsend PA, Stephanou A. New targets of urocortin-mediated cardioprotection. J Mol Endocrinol 2010; 45:69-85. [PMID: 20501665 PMCID: PMC3069736 DOI: 10.1677/jme-09-0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The urocortin (UCN) hormones UCN1 and UCN2 have been shown previously to confer significant protection against myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their action are poorly understood. To further define the transcriptional effect of UCNs that underpins their cardioprotective activity, a microarray analysis was carried out using an in vivo rat coronary occlusion model of I/R injury. Infusion of UCN1 or UCN2 before the onset of reperfusion resulted in the differential regulation of 66 and 141 genes respectively, the majority of which have not been described previously. Functional analysis demonstrated that UCN-regulated genes are involved in a wide range of biological responses, including cell death (e.g. X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein), oxidative stress (e.g. nuclear factor erythroid derived 2-related factor 1/nuclear factor erythroid derived 2-like 1) and metabolism (e.g. Prkaa2/AMPK). In addition, both UCN1 and UCN2 were found to modulate the expression of a host of genes involved in G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling including Rac2, Gnb1, Dab2ip (AIP1), Ralgds, Rnd3, Rap1a and PKA, thereby revealing previously unrecognised signalling intermediates downstream of CRH receptors. Moreover, several of these GPCR-related genes have been shown previously to be involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, suggesting a link between CRH receptors and induction of MAPKs. In addition, we have shown that both UCN1 and UCN2 significantly reduce free radical damage following myocardial infarction, and comparison of the UCN gene signatures with that of the anti-oxidant tempol revealed a significant overlap. These data uncover novel gene expression changes induced by UCNs, which will serve as a platform to further understand their mechanism of action in normal physiology and cardioprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seán P Barry
- Medical Molecular Biology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
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23
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Gruson D, Ginion A, Decroly N, Lause P, Vanoverschelde JL, Ketelslegers JM, Bertrand L, Thissen JP. Urotensin II induction of adult cardiomyocytes hypertrophy involves the Akt/GSK-3beta signaling pathway. Peptides 2010; 31:1326-33. [PMID: 20416349 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Revised: 04/14/2010] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) a potent vasoactive peptide is upregulated in the failing heart and promotes cardiomyocytes hypertrophy, in particular through mitogen-activated protein kinases. However, the regulation by UII of GSK-3beta, a recognized pivotal signaling element of cardiac hypertrophy has not yet been documented. We therefore investigated in adult cardiomyocytes, if UII phosphorylates GSK-3beta and Akt, one of its upstream regulators and stabilizes beta-catenin, a GSK-3beta dependent nuclear transcriptional co-activator. Primary cultures of adult rat cardiomyocytes were stimulated for 48h with UII. Cell size and protein/DNA contents were determined. Phosphorylated and total forms of Akt, GSK-3beta and the total amount of beta-catenin were quantified by western blot. The responses of cardiomyocytes to UII were also evaluated after pretreatment with the chemical phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002, and urantide, a competitive UII receptor antagonist. UII increased cell size and the protein/DNA ratio, consistent with a hypertrophic response. UII also increased phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream target GSK-3beta. beta-Catenin protein levels were increased. All of these effects of UII were prevented by LY294002, and urantide. The UII-induced adult cardiomyocytes hypertrophy involves the Akt/GSK-3beta signaling pathways and is accompanied by the stabilization of the beta-catenin. All these effects are abolished by competitive inhibition of the UII receptor, consistent with new therapeutic perspectives for heart failure treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gruson
- Université catholique de Louvain, Unit of Diabetes and Nutrition, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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24
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Wang J, Jin L, Chen J, Li S. Activation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 inhibits the growth of human small cell lung carcinoma cells. Cancer Invest 2010; 28:146-55. [PMID: 19968503 DOI: 10.3109/07357900903179617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we found the activation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 (CRFR2) could inhibit tumor growth via an anti-angiogenic pathway, implying CRFR2 may be a tumor therapeutic target. Here, CRFR2 expression in human neuroendocrine small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) tissues and cell lines NCI-H446 and NCI-H1688 were detected. Meanwhile, UCNs could directly inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of SCLC cells via CRFR2. It was also shown that the activation of CRFR2 could inhibit p38 and Akt phosphorylation to suppress the secretion of VEGF in SCLC cells. These observations implied CRFR2 might be a therapeutic target in human SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juejin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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25
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Snow A, Gozal D, Valdes R, Jortani SA. Urinary proteins for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Methods Mol Biol 2010; 641:223-241. [PMID: 20407950 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-711-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 2-3% of all children in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition is characterized by repeated events of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airways during sleep leading to recurring episodes of hypercapnia, hypoxemia, and arousal throughout the night as well as snoring, which afflicts 7-10% of all children. Since clinical history and physical examination are unreliable in the differentiation between children with OSA and children with primary snoring (PS) who have no apparent alteration in sleep architecture, current diagnostic approaches for OSA require an overnight sleep study (ONP). ONP is onerous, relatively unavailable, labor intensive, and inconvenient, leading to long waiting periods and unnecessary delays in diagnosis and treatment. Development of noninvasive biomarker(s) capable of reliably distinguishing children with PS from those with OSA would greatly facilitate timely screening and diagnosis of OSA in children. Therefore, we hypothesized that proteomic strategies in the urine may permit the identification of biomarker(s) that reliably screen for OSA. In this study, time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to profile proteins in the first morning void urines from children. We discovered that urocortins are increased in OSA and provide a noninvasive approach for quick and convenient diagnosis otf OSA in snoring children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet Snow
- University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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26
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Chandras C, Koutmani Y, Kokkotou E, Pothoulakis C, Karalis KP. Activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B by corticotropin-releasing factor in human monocytes. Endocrinology 2009; 150:4606-14. [PMID: 19628576 PMCID: PMC2754688 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-1810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) exerts proinflammatory effects in peripheral tissues, whereas the intracellular pathways mediating these effects have not been completely characterized yet. We have previously shown that CRF induces nuclear factor-kappaB DNA-binding activity in mouse and human leukocytes. Here we demonstrate that in the human monocytic THP-1 cells, CRF activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways. These effects of CRF are mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 (CRF2), as suggested by their abolishment after treatment with the specific CRF2 antagonist, astressin 2B. The CRF-mediated PI3K/Akt activation induces cell survival as suggested by the stimulation of the antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2. ERK1/2 activation results in up-regulation of IL-8 expression, an effect inhibited by the CRF-induced activation of PI3K/Akt. These studies demonstrate novel effects of CRF in human monocytes mediated by the activation of PI3K/Akt. Moreover, they reveal pathway-specific effects of the CRF/CRF2 system in chemokine activation and cell survival that may be of importance for the development of novel therapeutics for inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Chandras
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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27
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Davidson SM, Yellon DM. Urocortin: a protective peptide that targets both the myocardium and vasculature. Pharmacol Rep 2009; 61:172-82. [PMID: 19307705 DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(09)70019-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2008] [Revised: 01/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The urocortins are a family of endogenously produced peptide hormones that show great promise as potential drugs for the treatment of heart disease. They can increase contractility and cardiac output without causing changes in mean arterial blood pressure. As expected, the receptor for these peptides is present in cardiomyocytes, and they can bind and protect these cells from simulated ischemia and reperfusion in vitro. The receptor is present, however, in much higher density in the endothelial cells that form a continuous lining of the coronary vasculature. Functionally, the urocortin peptides have been shown to have potent local vasodilatory effects, and may affect other aspects of vascular function. In this review, we will attempt to distinguish the "cardio" from the "vascular" effects of urocortin and its homologues, including the archetypal family member, corticotrophin releasing hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Davidson
- The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London Hospital and Medical School, London, UK
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28
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Dieterle T, Meili-Butz S, Bühler K, Morandi C, John D, Buser PT, Rivier J, Vale WW, Peterson KL, Brink M. Immediate and sustained blood pressure lowering by urocortin 2: a novel approach to antihypertensive therapy? Hypertension 2009; 53:739-44. [PMID: 19204182 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.108.125211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recently, novel corticotropin-releasing factor-related peptides, named urocortin 1, 2, and 3, and a distinct cardiac and peripheral vascular receptor (corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2) were described being part of a peripheral corticotropin-releasing factor system modulating cardiovascular function in response to stress. Vasorelaxation and blood pressure lowering have been reported after acute administration of these peptides. No data are available on the acute and chronic effects of urocortin 2 on blood pressure in models of arterial hypertension. To test these effects, hypertensive salt-sensitive and normotensive salt-resistant Dahl rats were randomly assigned to twice-daily applications of urocortin 2 or vehicle for 5 weeks. Blood pressure, heart rate, and left ventricular dimension and function were recorded at baseline, after initial application, and, together with cardiac and aortic expression of urocortin 2 and its receptor, after 5 weeks of treatment. Urocortin 2 significantly reduced blood pressure in hypertensive rats without affecting heart rate. Long-term urocortin 2 treatment in hypertensive rats induced sustained blood pressure reduction and diminished the development of hypertension-induced left ventricular hypertrophy and the deterioration of left ventricular contractile function. Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 expression was preserved despite chronic stimulation by urocortin 2. In conclusion, our study shows that, in an animal model of arterial hypertension, urocortin 2 has immediate and sustained blood pressure-lowering effects. Beneficial effects on blood pressure, left ventricular dimension, and function, together with preserved receptor expression, suggest that corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 stimulation by urocortin 2 may represent a novel approach to the treatment of arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dieterle
- Division of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
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29
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Davidson SM, Rybka AE, Townsend PA. The powerful cardioprotective effects of urocortin and the corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) family. Biochem Pharmacol 2009; 77:141-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2008.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2008] [Revised: 08/23/2008] [Accepted: 08/28/2008] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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30
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Barry SP, Davidson SM, Townsend PA. Molecular regulation of cardiac hypertrophy. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2008; 40:2023-39. [PMID: 18407781 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2007] [Revised: 02/13/2008] [Accepted: 02/15/2008] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure is one of the leading causes of mortality in the western world and encompasses a wide spectrum of cardiac pathologies. When the heart experiences extended periods of elevated workload, it undergoes hypertrophic enlargement in response to the increased demand. Cardiovascular disease, such as that caused by myocardial infarction, obesity or drug abuse promotes cardiac myocyte hypertrophy and subsequent heart failure. A number of signalling modulators in the vasculature milieu are known to regulate heart mass including those that influence gene expression, apoptosis, cytokine release and growth factor signalling. Recent evidence using genetic and cellular models of cardiac hypertrophy suggests that pathological hypertrophy can be prevented or reversed and has promoted an enormous drive in drug discovery research aiming to identify novel and specific regulators of hypertrophy. In this review we describe the molecular characteristics of cardiac hypertrophy such as the aberrant re-expression of the fetal gene program. We discuss the various molecular pathways responsible for the co-ordinated control of the hypertrophic program including: natriuretic peptides, the adrenergic system, adhesion and cytoskeletal proteins, IL-6 cytokine family, MEK-ERK1/2 signalling, histone acetylation, calcium-mediated modulation and the exciting recent discovery of the role of microRNAs in controlling cardiac hypertrophy. Characterisation of the signalling pathways leading to cardiac hypertrophy has led to a wealth of knowledge about this condition both physiological and pathological. The challenge will be translating this knowledge into potential pharmacological therapies for the treatment of cardiac pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Barry
- Medical Molecular Biology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N IEH, United Kingdom.
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31
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Charles CJ, Rademaker MT, Richards AM. Urocortin 1 modulates the neurohumoral response to acute nitroprusside-induced hypotension in sheep. Clin Sci (Lond) 2007; 112:485-91. [PMID: 17206936 DOI: 10.1042/cs20060303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In addition to haemodynamic actions, Ucn1 (urocortin 1) has been reported to affect a number of hormonal systems; however, it remains unclear whether Ucn1 modulates circulating hormones under physiological conditions. Accordingly, in the present study, we have examined the effects of Ucn1 on haemodynamics, hormones and renal indices in normal conscious sheep subjected to a nitroprusside-induced hypotensive stimulus designed to alter hormonal levels within the physiological range. Ucn1 administration did not alter the haemodynamic response to nitroprusside-induced hypotension. However, compared with the rise observed on the control day, plasma ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide; P=0.043), BNP (brain natriuretic peptide; P=0.038) and endothelin-1 (P=0.011) levels were reduced following Ucn1 administration. Associated with this significant reduction in natriuretic peptides, the increase in urinary sodium output associated with rising pressures post-nitroprusside was abolished following Ucn1 administration (P=0.048). Ucn1 had no significant effect on the response of hormones of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system or the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. In conclusion, Ucn1, administered at physiologically relevant levels during nitroprusside-induced hypotension, attenuates the secretion/release of endothelin-1 and the cardiac natriuretic peptides ANP and BNP. Suppression of ANP and BNP probably led to an attenuated natriuretic response to recovery from acute hypotension. The threshold for the action of Ucn1 on the natriuretic peptides and endothelin-1 appears to be below that of other actions of Ucn1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Charles
- Christchurch Cardioendocrine Research Group, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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32
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Fekete ÉM, Zorrilla EP. Physiology, pharmacology, and therapeutic relevance of urocortins in mammals: ancient CRF paralogs. Front Neuroendocrinol 2007; 28:1-27. [PMID: 17083971 PMCID: PMC2730896 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2006.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2006] [Revised: 09/05/2006] [Accepted: 09/06/2006] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Urocortins, three paralogs of the stress-related peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) found in bony fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals, have unique phylogenies, pharmacologies, and tissue distributions. As a result and despite a structural family resemblance, the natural functions of urocortins and CRF in mammalian homeostatic responses differ substantially. Endogenous urocortins are neither simply counterpoints nor mimics of endogenous CRF action. In their own right, urocortins may be clinically relevant molecules in the pathogenesis or management of many conditions, including congestive heart failure, hypertension, gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, active gastritis, gastroparesis, and rheumatoid arthritis), atopic/allergic disorders (dermatitis, urticaria, and asthma), pregnancy and parturition (preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, onset, and maintenance of effective labor), major depression and obesity. Safety trials for intravenous urocortin treatment have already begun for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Further understanding the unique functions of urocortin 1, urocortin 2, and urocortin 3 action may uncover other therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva M. Fekete
- Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences Department, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
- Pécs University Medical School, 7602 Pécs,
Hungary
| | - Eric P. Zorrilla
- Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences Department, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
- Harold L. Dorris Neurological Research Institute, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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Tao J, Zhang Y, Soong TW, Li S. Urocortin II Inhibits the Apoptosis of Mesenteric Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells Via L-type Calcium Channels in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Cell Physiol Biochem 2006; 17:111-20. [PMID: 16543727 DOI: 10.1159/000092072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortin (UCN) II, a newly isolated corticotropinreleasing- factor (CRF) related peptide, has been found to have potent cardiovascular protective effects. To investigate the mechanisms of its vascular protective effects, we exposed mesenteric arterial smooth muscle cells (MASMC) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) to UCN II to observe the change in cell apoptosis using TUNEL assay and measured intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) using confocal laser scanning microscope. In addition, effects of UCN II on L-type calcium currents (ICa,L) were also measured using whole-cell patch clamp. Our results showed that UCN II concentration-dependently, but time-independently inhibited cell apoptosis. Astressin 2B, a special CRF 2 receptor antagonist, had no influence on this inhibition. Hypoxia or Bay K8644, the L-type calcium channel activator, induced the apoptosis of MASMC from SHR. Pretreatment of the cells with UCN II diminished the effects of hypoxia or Bay K8644. UCN II was also observed to reduce [Ca2+]i increase induced by KCl or Bay K8644. UCN II concentration-dependently inhibited ICa,L, which was not affected by astressin 2B. It did not affect the activation of ICa,L, but markedly shifted the inactivation curve to the left. In conclusion, UCN II inhibits the apoptosis of MASMC from SHR via inhibiting L-type calcium channels.
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MESH Headings
- 3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-, Methyl ester/pharmacology
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Calcium/analysis
- Calcium Channel Agonists/pharmacology
- Calcium Channel Blockers/pharmacology
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/drug effects
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/metabolism
- Cell Hypoxia
- Cell Line
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/pharmacology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Humans
- Kinetics
- Male
- Membrane Potentials/drug effects
- Membrane Potentials/physiology
- Mesentery/blood supply
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Nifedipine/pharmacology
- Nitric Oxide/analysis
- Patch-Clamp Techniques
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred SHR
- Urocortins
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Takahashi K, Totsune K, Saruta M, Fukuda T, Suzuki T, Hirose T, Imai Y, Sasano H, Murakami O. Expression of urocortin 3/stresscopin in human adrenal glands and adrenal tumors. Peptides 2006; 27:178-82. [PMID: 16095756 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2005] [Revised: 06/21/2005] [Accepted: 06/21/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin 3 (Ucn 3)/stresscopin (SCP) is a novel peptide of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family and is a specific ligand for the CRF type 2 receptor. In the present study, we studied expression of Ucn3/SCP in the normal adrenal and adrenal tumors by radioimmunoassay and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). High concentrations of immunoreactive (IR)-Ucn3 were present in the normal portions of adrenal glands (4.2+/-0.51 pmol/g wet weight, mean+/-S.E.M., n = 14), and the levels were higher than those in the brain. IR-Ucn3 was also detected in the tumor tissues of aldosterone-secreting adenomas (6.2+/-0.6 pmol/g wet weight, n = 10), cortisol-secreting adenomas (5.0+/-1.2 pmol/g wet weight, n = 4), and pheochromocytomas (1.9+/-0.4 pmol/g wet weight, n = 7). Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography showed that IR-Ucn3 in normal portions of adrenal glands and aldosterone-secreting adenomas was eluted mainly in the positions of Ucn3 and SCP with several minor peaks eluting earlier. The RT-PCR showed expression of Ucn3 mRNA in normal portions of adrenal gland (positive ratio; 4/4), aldosterone-secreting adenomas (3/4), cortisol-secreting adenomas (1/3) and pheochromocytomas (6/7). These findings indicate that Ucn3 is produced in normal adrenal and adrenal tumors (both adrenocortical tumors and pheochromocytomas), and suggest that Ucn3 acts as an autocrine or paracrine regulator in normal adrenal and adrenal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Takahashi
- Department of Analytical Medical Technology, Tohoku University School of Health Sciences, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan.
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