NAD(P)H-dependent superoxide production in platelets: The role of angiotensin II and protein kinase C

Interplay between Protein Kinase C Epsilon and Reactive Oxygen Species during Myogenic Differentiation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are currently recognized as a key driver of several physiological processes. Increasing evidence indicates that ROS levels can affect myogenic differentiation, but the molecular mechanisms still need to be elucidated. Protein kinase C (PKC) epsilon (PKCe) promotes muscle stem cell differentiation and regeneration of skeletal muscle after injury. PKCs play a tissue-specific role in redox biology, with specific isoforms being both a target of ROS and an up-stream regulator of ROS production. Therefore, we hypothesized that PKCe represents a molecular link between redox homeostasis and myogenic differentiation. We used an in vitro model of a mouse myoblast cell line (C2C12) to study the PKC-redox axis. We demonstrated that the transition from a myoblast to myotube is typified by increased PKCe protein content and decreased ROS. Intriguingly, the expression of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) is significantly higher in the late phases of myogenic differentiation, mimicking PKCe protein content. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PKCe inhibition increases ROS and reduces SOD2 protein content while SOD2 silencing did not affect PKCe protein content, suggesting that the kinase could be an up-stream regulator of SOD2. To support this hypothesis, we found that in C2C12 cells, PKCe interacts with Nrf2, whose activation induces SOD2 transcription. Overall, our results indicate that PKCe is capable of activating the antioxidant signaling preventing ROS accumulation in a myotube, eventually promoting myogenic differentiation.

Collagen-dependent platelet dysfunction and its relevance to either mitochondrial ROS or cytosolic superoxide generation: a question about the quality and functional competence of long-stored platelets

Background

Upon vascular damage, the exposed subendothelial matrix recruits circulating platelets to site of injury while inducing their firm adhesion mainly via GPVI-collagen interaction. GPVI also supports aggregatory and pro-coagulant functions in arterial shear rate even on the matrix other than collagen. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulate these stages of thrombosis; however augmented oxidant stress also disturbs platelet functions. Stored-dependent platelet lesion is associated with the increasing levels of ROS. Whether ROS accumulation is also relevant to collagen-dependent platelet dysfunction is the main interest of this study.

Methods

Fresh PRP-PCs (platelet concentrates) were either stimulated with potent ROS-inducers PMA and CCCP or stored for 5 days. Intra-platelet superoxide (O₂ ^--) or mitochondrial-ROS and GPVI expression were detected by flowcytometery. GPVI shedding, platelet aggregation and spreading/adhesion to collagen were analyzed by western blot, aggregometry and fluorescence-microscopy, respectively.

Results

Mitochondrial-ROS levels in 5 days-stored PCs were comparable to those induced by mitochondrial uncoupler, CCCP while O₂ ^-- generations were higher than those achieved by PMA. Shedding levels in 5 days-stored PCs were higher than those induced by these potent stimuli. GPVI expressions were reduced comparably in CCCP treated and 5 days-stored PCs. Platelet adhesion was also diminished during storage while demonstrating significant reverse correlation with GPVI shedding. However, only firm adhesion (indicated by platelets spreading or adhesion surface area) was relevant to GPVI expression. Platelet adhesion and aggregation also showed reverse correlations with both O2^-- and mitochondrial-ROS formations; nonetheless mitochondrial-ROS was only relevant to firm adhesion.

Conclusion

As a sensitive indicator of platelet activation, GPVI shedding was correlated with either simple adhesion or spreading to collagen, while GPVI expression was only relevant to platelet spreading. Thereby, if the aim of GPVI evaluation is to examine platelet firm adhesion, expression seems to be a more specific choice. Furthermore, the comparable levels of ROS generation in 5 days-stored PCs and CCCP treated platelets, indicated that these products are significantly affected by oxidative stress. Reverse correlation of accumulating ROS with collagen-dependent platelet dysfunction is also a striking sign of an oxidant-induced lesion that may raise serious question about the post-transfusion quality and competence of longer-stored platelet products.

Brain Renin-Angiotensin System and Microglial Polarization: Implications for Aging and Neurodegeneration

Microglia can transform into proinflammatory/classically activated (M1) or anti-inflammatory/alternatively activated (M2) phenotypes following environmental signals related to physiological conditions or brain lesions. An adequate transition from the M1 (proinflammatory) to M2 (immunoregulatory) phenotype is necessary to counteract brain damage. Several factors involved in microglial polarization have already been identified. However, the effects of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on microglial polarization are less known. It is well known that there is a “classical” circulating RAS; however, a second RAS (local or tissue RAS) has been observed in many tissues, including brain. The locally formed angiotensin is involved in local pathological changes of these tissues and modulates immune cells, which are equipped with all the components of the RAS. There are also recent data showing that brain RAS plays a major role in microglial polarization. Level of microglial NADPH-oxidase (Nox) activation is a major regulator of the shift between M1/proinflammatory and M2/immunoregulatory microglial phenotypes so that Nox activation promotes the proinflammatory and inhibits the immunoregulatory phenotype. Angiotensin II (Ang II), via its type 1 receptor (AT1), is a major activator of the NADPH-oxidase complex, leading to pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory effects. However, these effects are counteracted by a RAS opposite arm constituted by Angiotensin II/AT2 receptor signaling and Angiotensin 1–7/Mas receptor (MasR) signaling. In addition, activation of prorenin-renin receptors may contribute to activation of the proinflammatory phenotype. Aged brains showed upregulation of AT1 and downregulation of AT2 receptor expression, which may contribute to a pro-oxidative pro-inflammatory state and the increase in neuron vulnerability. Several recent studies have shown interactions between the brain RAS and different factors involved in microglial polarization, such as estrogens, Rho kinase (ROCK), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF)-α, iron, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and toll-like receptors (TLRs). Metabolic reprogramming has recently been involved in the regulation of the neuroinflammatory response. Interestingly, we have recently observed a mitochondrial RAS, which is altered in aged brains. In conclusion, dysregulation of brain RAS plays a major role in aging-related changes and neurodegeneration by exacerbation of oxidative stress (OS) and neuroinflammation, which may be attenuated by pharmacological manipulation of RAS components.

Olmesartan medoxomil reverses glomerulosclerosis in renal tissue induced by myocardial infarction without changes in renal function

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of olmesartan medoxomil (OLM) on renal injury in mice with myocardial infarction (MI). A total of 33 male C57/BL/6 mice were divided into a sham surgery group (SHAM group), MI group (MI group) and OLM treatment group (OLM group). Experimental MI models were established in the mice of the MI and OLM groups by coronary artery ligation, and the mice in the OLM group were fed a daily dose of 10 mg/kg OLM for eight weeks. The results showed that MI induced a reduction in cardiac function and an increase in systolic blood pressure. In addition, increased periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive staining, combined with increased levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) in the plasma and kidneys, and increased expression levels of renin, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and angiotensinogen (AGT) in the kidney tissues was observed compared with those in the SHAM group. OLM treatment attenuated the injury by reducing the systolic blood pressure and PAS positive staining, and decreasing the expression levels of Ang II, renin, AT1R and AGT in the kidney compared with those in the MI group. It may be concluded that MI activates the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system and leads to glomerulosclerosis, and that OLM protects the kidney by inhibiting the effects of Ang II.

Cell signaling through protein kinase C oxidation and activation

Due to the growing importance of cellular signaling mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), proteins that are reversibly modulated by these reactant molecules are of high interest. In this context, protein kinases and phosphatases, which act coordinately in the regulation of signal transduction through the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of target proteins, have been described to be key elements in ROS-mediated signaling events. The major mechanism by which these proteins may be modified by oxidation involves the presence of key redox-sensitive cysteine residues. Protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in a variety of cellular signaling pathways. These proteins have been shown to contain a unique structural feature that is susceptible to oxidative modification. A large number of scientific studies have highlighted the importance of ROS as a second messenger in numerous cellular processes, including cell proliferation, gene expression, adhesion, differentiation, senescence, and apoptosis. In this context, the goal of this review is to discuss the mechanisms by which PKCs are modulated by ROS and how these processes are involved in the cellular response.

D-α-tocopherol reduces renal damage in hypertensive rats

This study investigated the beneficial effects of D-α-tocopherol supplementation in protecting against the renal morphological and functional changes caused by hypertension. Spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive control (WKY) rats received D-α-tocopherol (80 mg/kg by gavage) or vehicle (mineral oil) every other day for 60 days, from the age of 2 months. After this treatment period, all animals were assessed for renal morphological and functional parameters. The glomerular hypertrophy, increased interlobular wall thickness and enlarged renal vascular resistance found in SHR were reduced by D-α-tocopherol treatment. Sodium and volume retention observed in SHR were also decreased by D-α-tocopherol treatment. Moreover, D-α-tocopherol supplementation significantly reduced arterial pressure in SHR but not in WKY. D-α-tocopherol also reduced the excretion of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), a marker of oxidative stress, in SHR. These results suggest that D-α-tocopherol supplementation can reduce kidney damage induced by hypertension.

NAD(P)H oxidase and eNOS play differential roles in cytomegalovirus infection-induced microvascular dysfunction

Primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection promotes oxidative stress and reduces nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in endothelial cells. These events are among the earliest vascular responses to cardiovascular risk factors. We assessed the roles of NAD(P)H oxidase and NO bioavailability in microvascular responses to persistent CMV infection alone or with hypercholesterolemia. Wild-type (WT) or gp91(phox) (NAD(P)H oxidase subunit) knockout mice received mock inoculum or 3×10(4) PFU murine CMV (mCMV) ip 5 weeks before placement on a normal or high-cholesterol diet (HC) for 4 weeks before assessment of arteriolar function and venular blood cell recruitment using intravital microscopy. Some WT groups received sepiapterin (a precursor of the nitric oxide synthase cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin) or apocynin (NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor/antioxidant). Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was impaired in mCMV vs mock WT, regardless of diet. This was not affected by sepiapterin, and pharmacological inhibition of nitric oxide synthase reduced dilation similarly in mock and mCMV mice. Apocynin or deficiency of total, but not blood cell or vascular wall only (tested using bone marrow chimeras), gp91(phox) protected against arteriolar dysfunction. Blood cell recruitment was induced by mCMV-HC. Sepiapterin, but not NAD(P)H oxidase deficiency/apocynin, reduced leukocyte accumulation, whereas platelet adhesion was reduced by sepiapterin, apocynin, or total, platelet-specific, or vascular wall gp91(phox) deficiency. These data implicate activation of both hematopoietic and vessel wall NAD(P)H oxidase in mCMV-induced arteriolar dysfunction and platelet and vascular NAD(P)H oxidase in the thrombogenic phenotype induced by mCMV-HC. In contrast, findings with sepiapterin suggest that eNOS dysfunction, perhaps uncoupling, mediates venular, but not arteriolar, responses to mCMV-HC, thus indicating that NAD(P)H oxidase and eNOS differentially regulate microvascular responses to mCMV.

The anti-platelet effects of apocynin in mice are not mediated by inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity

Apocynin, or a (myelo)peroxidase-derived product thereof, is a powerful inhibitor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. Apocynin has also been shown to prevent aggregation of platelets in response to agonists such as collagen and thrombin. The aims of this study were to establish whether NADPH oxidase activity is required for aggregation of murine platelets to collagen and other agonists and whether the anti-aggregatory effects of apocynin are due to an inhibitory action against this enzyme. Washed platelets were isolated from male C57BL6 (wild-type), Nox2-deficient (Nox2(-/y )), and p47phox-deficient (p47phox(-/-)) mice for assessment of aggregation and NADPH oxidase subunit (Nox2, p47phox) expression. Collagen and U46619 elicited aggregation of murine platelets, and these responses were inhibited by apocynin at concentrations ≥100 μM. By contrast, aggregations to a direct protein kinase C activator, phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate, were insensitive to apocynin. Immunoblotting of platelet protein homogenates from wild-type mice with anti-Nox2 or p47phox antibodies revealed strong bands at 58 and 50 kDa, respectively. While expression of these immunoreactive bands was greatly diminished in platelets from Nox2(-/y ) and p47phox(-/-) mice, collagen still elicited aggregations that were similar to those observed in platelets from wild-types. Moreover, apocynin was an equally effective inhibitor of aggregation in platelets from all three mouse strains. In conclusion, these data suggest that NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species play no role in the aggregation response of washed murine platelets to collagen. Thus, our observation that apocynin is a powerful inhibitor of platelet aggregation raises further questions about the selectivity of this drug as an NADPH oxidase inhibitor.

Statins have beneficial effects on platelet free radical activity and intracellular distribution of GTPases in hyperlipidaemia

In addition to lowering cholesterol, statins may alter endothelial release of the vasodilator NO and harmful superoxide free radicals. Statins also reduce cholesterol intermediates including isoprenoids. These are important for post-translational modification of substances including the GTPases Rho and Rac. By altering the membrane association of these molecules, statins affect intracellular positioning and hence activity of a multitude of substances. These include eNOS (endothelial NO synthase), which produces NO (inhibited by Rho), and NADPH oxidase, which produces superoxide (dependent on Rac). Statins may improve endothelial function by enhancing production of NO while decreasing superoxide production. A total of 40 hypercholesterolaemic patients were randomized to treatment with either atorvastatin or placebo; 20 normolipidaemic patients were also studied. Platelet nitrite, NO and superoxide were examined as was the cellular distribution of the GTPases Rho and Rac at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. Following atorvastatin therapy, platelet NO was increased (3.2 pmol/108 platelets) and superoxide output was attenuated [−3.4 pmol·min−1·(108 platelets)−1] when compared with placebo. The detection of both Rho and Rac was significantly reduced in the membranes of platelets, implying reduced activity. In conclusion, the results of the present study show altered NO/superoxide production following statin therapy. A potential mechanism for this is the change in the distribution of intracellular GTPases, which was considered to be secondary to decreases in isoprenoid intermediates, suggesting that the activity of the former had been affected by atorvastatin.

Platelet receptor redox regulation

Several recent findings point to an important role for redox regulation of platelet responses to collagen involving the receptor, glycoprotein (GP)VI. First, the antioxidant dietary compound, quercetin, was shown to inhibit GPVI-dependent platelet activation and signaling responses to collagen. Second, collagen increased platelet production of the oxygen radical, superoxide anion (O2-), mediated by the multi-subunit enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H) oxidase. In that case, O2- was implicated in regulating not initial aggregation, but collagen-induced thrombus stabilization involving release of ADP. Third, our laboratory showed that an unpaired thiol in the GPVI cytoplasmic tail undergoes rapid oxidation to form GPVI homodimers following ligand binding, preceding GPVI signaling and ectodomain metalloproteolysis, and indicating formation of an oxidative submembranous environment in activated platelets. This review examines receptor/redox regulation in other cells, and relevance to the pathophysiological function of GPVI and other platelet receptors initiating thrombus formation in haemostasis or thrombotic diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Superoxide anion mediates angiotensin II-induced potentiation of contractile response to sympathetic stimulation

Angiotensin II is known to potentiate vasoconstriction induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS), but the underlying mechanisms for this potentiation are not fully understood. This study was designed to investigate the role of superoxide anion in the potentiation effects of angiotensin II. Contraction of rat mesenteric arterial segments was induced by perivascular nerve stimulation with EFS, and superoxide production was measured with lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation was determined in cultured smooth muscle cells with Western blot. Angiotensin II concentration dependently potentiated the contraction of rat mesenteric arteries to EFS, which is frequency-dependent. This potentiation was blunted by an angiotensin AT(1) receptor antagonist (2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid, CV-11974), NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor (apocynin), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and its mimetic tiron, but not affected by angiotensin AT(2) receptor antagonist and inhibitors of xanthine oxidase, cytochrome P450, and cyclooxygenase. Angiotensin II increased superoxide production by mesenteric arteries, which was blunted by angiotensin AT(1) receptor antagonist CV-11974, and NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor apocynin. Superoxide generating compound pyrogallol mimicked the effects of angiotensin II. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (tyrphostin A25) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK inhibitors (1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis [2-aminophenylthio]butadiene (U 0126)) inhibited angiotensin II- and pyrogallol-induced potentiation of EFS-induced contraction, while inactive forms of these inhibitors did not show any inhibitory effects. In cultured smooth muscle cells from mesenteric arteries, angiotensin II and superoxide similarly induced ERK phosphorylation. These results showed that superoxide mediated angiotensin II-induced potentiation of contractile response to EFS and tyrosine kinase-MAPK/ERK activation was involved.

The NOX family of ROS-generating NADPH oxidases: physiology and pathophysiology

For a long time, superoxide generation by an NADPH oxidase was considered as an oddity only found in professional phagocytes. Over the last years, six homologs of the cytochrome subunit of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase were found: NOX1, NOX3, NOX4, NOX5, DUOX1, and DUOX2. Together with the phagocyte NADPH oxidase itself (NOX2/gp91(phox)), the homologs are now referred to as the NOX family of NADPH oxidases. These enzymes share the capacity to transport electrons across the plasma membrane and to generate superoxide and other downstream reactive oxygen species (ROS). Activation mechanisms and tissue distribution of the different members of the family are markedly different. The physiological functions of NOX family enzymes include host defense, posttranlational processing of proteins, cellular signaling, regulation of gene expression, and cell differentiation. NOX enzymes also contribute to a wide range of pathological processes. NOX deficiency may lead to immunosuppresion, lack of otoconogenesis, or hypothyroidism. Increased NOX activity also contributes to a large number or pathologies, in particular cardiovascular diseases and neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the functions of NOX enzymes in physiology and pathology.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptors and the intestinal microvascular dysfunction induced by ischemia and reperfusion

The acute phase of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is mediated by leukocytes and is characterized by oxidative stress and blood cell recruitment. Upregulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1-R) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of conditions associated with oxidative stress. The AT1-R-antagonist Losartan (Los) attenuates leukocyte recruitment following I/R. However, the role of AT1-R in intestinal I/R injury and the associated platelet-leukocyte interactions remains unclear. The objective of this study was to define the contribution of AT1-R to I/R-induced blood cell recruitment in intestinal venules. Leukocyte and platelet adhesion were quantified by intravital microscopy in the small bowel of C57Bl/6 [wild-type (WT)] mice exposed to sham operation or 45 min of ischemia and 4 h of reperfusion. A separate WT group received Los for 7 days before gut I/R (WT-I/R + Los). AT1-R bone marrow chimeras that express AT1-R on the vessel wall but not blood cells also underwent I/R. Platelet and leukocyte adhesion as well as AT1-R expression in the gut microvasculature were significantly elevated after I/R. All of these responses were attenuated in the WT-I/R + Los group, compared with untreated I/R mice. A comparable abrogation of I/R-induced blood cell adhesion was noted in AT1-R bone marrow chimeras. I/R-induced platelet adhesion was unaltered in mice overexpressing Cu,Zn-SOD or mice deficient in NAD(P)H oxidase. These data suggest that although gut I/R upregulates endothelial expression of AT1-R, engagement of these angiotensin II receptors on blood cells is more important in eliciting the prothrombogenic and proinflammatory state observed in postischemic gut venules, through a superoxide-independent pathway.