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Correnti S, Preianò M, Gamboni F, Stephenson D, Pelaia C, Pelaia G, Savino R, D'Alessandro A, Terracciano R. An integrated metabo-lipidomics profile of induced sputum for the identification of novel biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of asthma and COPD. J Transl Med 2024; 22:301. [PMID: 38521955 PMCID: PMC10960495 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05100-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to their complexity and to the presence of common clinical features, differentiation between asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be a challenging task, complicated in such cases also by asthma-COPD overlap syndrome. The distinct immune/inflammatory and structural substrates of COPD and asthma are responsible for significant differences in the responses to standard pharmacologic treatments. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is of central relevance to assure the appropriate therapeutic intervention in order to achieve safe and effective patient care. Induced sputum (IS) accurately mirrors inflammation in the airways, providing a more direct picture of lung cell metabolism in comparison to those specimen that reflect analytes in the systemic circulation. METHODS An integrated untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics analysis was performed in IS of asthmatic (n = 15) and COPD (n = 22) patients based on Ultra-High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) and UHPLC-tandem MS (UHPLC-MS/MS). Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to resulting dataset. The analysis of main enriched metabolic pathways and the association of the preliminary metabolites/lipids pattern identified to clinical parameters of asthma/COPD differentiation were explored. Multivariate ROC analysis was performed in order to determine the discriminatory power and the reliability of the putative biomarkers for diagnosis between COPD and asthma. RESULTS PLS-DA indicated a clear separation between COPD and asthmatic patients. Among the 15 selected candidate biomarkers based on Variable Importance in Projection scores, putrescine showed the highest score. A differential IS bio-signature of 22 metabolites and lipids was found, which showed statistically significant variations between asthma and COPD. Of these 22 compounds, 18 were decreased and 4 increased in COPD compared to asthmatic patients. The IS levels of Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (34:1), Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) (18:1;18:2) and spermine were significantly higher in asthmatic subjects compared to COPD. CONCLUSIONS This is the first pilot study to analyse the IS metabolomics/lipidomics signatures relevant in discriminating asthma vs COPD. The role of polyamines, of 6-Hydroxykynurenic acid and of D-rhamnose as well as of other important players related to the alteration of glycerophospholipid, aminoacid/biotin and energy metabolism provided the construction of a diagnostic model that, if validated on a larger prospective cohort, might be used to rapidly and accurately discriminate asthma from COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Correnti
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Græcia University, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | | | - Fabia Gamboni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Daniel Stephenson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Græcia University, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rocco Savino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
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Scott JA, Maarsingh H, Holguin F, Grasemann H. Arginine Therapy for Lung Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:627503. [PMID: 33833679 PMCID: PMC8022134 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.627503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by a family of isoenzymes, nitric oxide synthases (NOSs), which all utilize L-arginine as substrate. The production of NO in the lung and airways can play a number of roles during lung development, regulates airway and vascular smooth muscle tone, and is involved in inflammatory processes and host defense. Altered L-arginine/NO homeostasis, due to the accumulation of endogenous NOS inhibitors and competition for substrate with the arginase enzymes, has been found to play a role in various conditions affecting the lung and in pulmonary diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), pulmonary hypertension, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Different therapeutic strategies to increase L-arginine levels or bioavailability are currently being explored in pre-clinical and clinical studies. These include supplementation of L-arginine or L-citrulline and inhibition of arginase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A Scott
- Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Harm Maarsingh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL, United States
| | - Fernando Holguin
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Hartmut Grasemann
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Translational Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Pincus AB, Fryer AD, Jacoby DB. Mini review: Neural mechanisms underlying airway hyperresponsiveness. Neurosci Lett 2021; 751:135795. [PMID: 33667601 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neural changes underly hyperresponsiveness in asthma and other airway diseases. Afferent sensory nerves, nerves within the brainstem, and efferent parasympathetic nerves all contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness. Inflammation plays a critical role in these nerve changes. Chronic inflammation and pre-natal exposures lead to increased airway innervation and structural changes. Acute inflammation leads to shifts in neurotransmitter expression of afferent nerves and dysfunction of M2 muscarinic receptors on efferent nerve endings. Eosinophils and macrophages drive these changes through release of inflammatory mediators. Novel tools, including optogenetics, two photon microscopy, and optical clearing and whole mount microscopy, allow for improved studies of the structure and function of airway nerves and airway hyperresponsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra B Pincus
- Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, BRB 440, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Allison D Fryer
- Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, BRB 440, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - David B Jacoby
- Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, BRB 440, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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Shi HY, Pan C, Ma TT, Chen YL, Yan WJ, Liu JG, Cao MD, Huang HD, Wang DY, Wang XY, Wei JF. Clinical Efficacy Evaluation of 1-Year Subcutaneous Immunotherapy for Artemisia sieversiana Pollen Allergic Rhinitis by Serum Metabolomics. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:305. [PMID: 32256368 PMCID: PMC7093654 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Subcutaneous immunotherapy is the only treatment that improves the natural progression of allergic rhinitis and maintains long-term outcomes after discontinuation of the drug. Metabolomics is increasingly applied in the study of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis. However, little is known about the discovery of metabolites that can evaluate clinical efficacy and possible mechanisms of Artemisia sieversiana pollen subcutaneous immunotherapy. Thirty-three patients with Artemisia sieversiana pollen allergic rhinitis significantly improved after 1-year subcutaneous immunotherapy treatment, while ten patients were ineffective. Pre- and post-treatment serum samples from these patients were analyzed by metabolomics based on the combined detection of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. As a result, L-Tyrosine can be a potential biomarker because of its opposite trend in effective patients and ineffective patients. And mechanism of immunotherapy may be closely related to NO and nitric oxide synthase. The discovery of potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways has contributed to the in-depth study of mechanisms of subcutaneous immunotherapy treatment of Artemisia sieversiana pollen allergic rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yun Shi
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Pan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting-Ting Ma
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Lei Chen
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Jun Yan
- Duolun People’s Hospital, Inner Mongolia, China
| | | | - Meng-Da Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Dong Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Faculty of Kidney Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - De-Yun Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xue-Yan Wang
- Department of Allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Fu Wei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Winnica D, Que LG, Baffi C, Grasemann H, Fiedler K, Yang Z, Etling E, Wasil K, Wenzel SE, Freeman B, Holguin F. l-citrulline prevents asymmetric dimethylarginine-mediated reductions in nitric oxide and nitrosative stress in primary human airway epithelial cells. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 47:190-199. [PMID: 27562295 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is associated with reduced systemic levels of l-arginine and increased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). This imbalance leads to nitric oxide synthase (NOS) uncoupling with reduced nitric oxide (NO) formation and greater oxidative and nitrosative stress. Whether this imbalance also occurs in bronchial epitheliumof asthmatics is unknown. OBJECTIVES We used primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) from asthmatics and healthy controls to evaluate: (i) ADMA-mediated NOS uncoupling reduces epithelial production of NO and increases oxygen and nitrogen reactive species, and (ii) l-citrulline can reverse this mechanism by recoupling NOS, restoring NO production and reducing oxidative and nitrosative stress. RESULTS In HBECsIL-13 and INFγ stimulated NOS2 and increased NOx levels. The addition of ADMA reduced NOx and increased H2 O2 levels (p<0.001). Treatment with l-citrulline (800, 1600 μm) rescued NOx when the l-arginine media concentration was 25 μm but failed to do so with higher concentrations (100 μm). Under reduced l-arginine media conditions, HBECs treated with l-citrulline increased the levels of argininosuccinate, an enzyme that metabolizes l-citrulline to l-arginine. l-citrulline prevented the ADMA-mediated increase in nitrotyrosine in HBECs in cells from asthmatics and controls. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Increasing ADMA reduces NO formation and increases oxidative and nitrosative stress in airway epithelial cells. l-citrulline supplementation restores NO formation, while preventing nitrosative stress. These results, suggest that l-citrulline supplementation may indeed be a powerful approach to restore airway NO production and may have a therapeutic potential in diseases in which there is a defective production of NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Winnica
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - L G Que
- Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - C Baffi
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - H Grasemann
- Respiratory Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - K Fiedler
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Z Yang
- Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - E Etling
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - K Wasil
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - S E Wenzel
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - B Freeman
- Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - F Holguin
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Metabolomic profiling of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A pilot study differentiating diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 136:571-580.e3. [PMID: 26152317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differentiating asthma from other causes of chronic airflow limitation, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can be difficult in a typical outpatient setting. The inflammation of asthma typically is different than that of COPD, and the degree of inflammation and cellular damage varies with asthma severity. Metabolomics is the study of molecules created by cellular metabolic pathways. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that the metabolic activity of adults with asthma would differ from that of adults with COPD. Furthermore, we hypothesized that nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) would measure such differences in urine samples. METHODS Clinical and urine-based NMR data were collected on adults meeting the criteria of asthma and COPD before and after an exacerbation (n = 133 and 38, respectively) and from patients with stable asthma or COPD (n = 54 and 23, respectively). Partial least-squares discriminant analysis was performed on the NMR data to create models of separation (86 metabolites were measured per urine sample). Some subjects' metabolomic data were withheld from modeling to be run blindly to determine diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS Partial least-squares discriminant analysis of the urine NMR data found unique differences in select metabolites between patients with asthma and those with COPD seen in the emergency department and even in follow-up after exacerbation. By using these select metabolomic profiles, the model could correctly diagnose blinded asthma and COPD with greater than 90% accuracy. CONCLUSION This is the first report showing that metabolomic analysis of human urine samples could become a useful clinical tool to differentiate asthma from COPD.
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Bratt JM, Zeki AA, Last JA, Kenyon NJ. Competitive metabolism of L-arginine: arginase as a therapeutic target in asthma. J Biomed Res 2013; 25:299-308. [PMID: 23554705 PMCID: PMC3596726 DOI: 10.1016/s1674-8301(11)60041-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Revised: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Exhaled breath nitric oxide (NO) is an accepted asthma biomarker. Lung concentrations of NO and its amino acid precursor, L-arginine, are regulated by the relative expressions of the NO synthase (NOS) and arginase isoforms. Increased expression of arginase I and NOS2 occurs in murine models of allergic asthma and in biopsies of asthmatic airways. Although clinical trials involving the inhibition of NO-producing enzymes have shown mixed results, small molecule arginase inhibitors have shown potential as a therapeutic intervention in animal and cell culture models. Their transition to clinical trials is hampered by concerns regarding their safety and potential toxicity. In this review, we discuss the paradigm of arginase and NOS competition for their substrate L-arginine in the asthmatic airway. We address the functional role of L-arginine in inflammation and the potential role of arginase inhibitors as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Bratt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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8
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Parlak A, Yildirim S, Bagcivan I, Durmus N. Role of new agents affecting NO/cGMP pathway on ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pig trachea. Exp Lung Res 2013; 38:420-6. [PMID: 23030645 DOI: 10.3109/01902148.2012.719281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in which cell components play important roles. We aimed to evaluate the effects of NO/cGMP cleavage at trachea preparations isolated from ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs in vitro. Trachea rings were exposed to 3-ethyl-3-(ethylaminoethyl)-1-hydroxy-2-oxo-1-triazene (NOC-12), (±)-(E)-4-ethyl-2-[(Z)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-3-hexen-1-yl-nicotinamide (NOR-4), 2-(2-methylpyridin-4-yl)methyl-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-8-(pyrimidin-2-yl) methoxy-1,2-dihydro-1-oxo-2,7-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester hydrochloride (T-0156), and electrical field stimulation (EFS). cGMP levels in trachea tissues were also measured. The relaxation responses of NOC-12, NOR-4, T-0156, and EFS were significantly decreased at ovalbumin-sensitized group. Nitric oxide (NO) donors significantly decreased the relaxation responses in the presence of 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). L-Nitro-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) significantly decreased the EFS relaxation responses in both groups (experimental group and control group), but this effect was reversed by L-Arginine addition. In the experimental group, cGMP levels after EFS, carbachol, NOC-12, NOR-4, and T-0156 exposure were significantly lower than control group. In both groups, cGMP levels after NO donors' exposure were significantly lower in the presence of ODQ and the cGMP levels after EFS + L-NAME were significantly lower than EFS alone. These results may show the increased formation of NO because of the increased iNOS activity in airway sensitization leading to the inhibition of cNOS resulting in the decrease of endogen NO and decrease of activation of guanylyl cyclase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Parlak
- Department of Pharmacy, Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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9
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Sopi RB, Zaidi SIA, Mladenov M, Sahiti H, Istrefi Z, Gjorgoski I, Lajçi A, Jakupaj M. L-citrulline supplementation reverses the impaired airway relaxation in neonatal rats exposed to hyperoxia. Respir Res 2012; 13:68. [PMID: 22870905 PMCID: PMC3487946 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-13-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hyperoxia is shown to impair airway relaxation via limiting L-arginine bioavailability to nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and reducing NO production as a consequence. L-arginine can also be synthesized by L-citrulline recycling. The role of L-citrulline supplementation was investigated in the reversing of hyperoxia-induced impaired relaxation of rat tracheal smooth muscle (TSM). Methods Electrical field stimulation (EFS, 2–20 V)-induced relaxation was measured under in vitro conditions in preconstricted tracheal preparations obtained from 12 day old rat pups exposed to room air or hyperoxia (>95% oxygen) for 7 days supplemented with L-citrulline or saline (in vitro or in vivo). The role of the L-citrulline/L-arginine cycle under basal conditions was studied by incubation of preparations in the presence of argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) inhibitor [α-methyl-D, L-aspartate, 1 mM] or argininosuccinate lyase inhibitor (ASL) succinate (1 mM) and/or NOS inhibitor [Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester; 100 μM] with respect to the presence or absence of L-citrulline (2 mM). Results Hyperoxia impaired the EFS-induced relaxation of TSM as compared to room air control (p < 0.001; 0.5 ± 0.1% at 2 V to 50.6 ± 5.7% at 20 V in hyperoxic group: 0.7 ± 0.2 at 2 V to 80.0 ± 5.6% at 20 V in room air group). Inhibition of ASS or ASL, and L-citrulline supplementation did not affect relaxation responses under basal conditions. However, inhibition of NOS significantly reduced relaxation responses (p < 0.001), which were restored to control level by L-citrulline. L-citrulline supplementation in vivo and in vitro also reversed the hyperoxia-impaired relaxation. The differences were significant (p <0.001; 0.8 ± 0.3% at 2 V to 47.1 ± 4.1% at 20 V without L-citrulline; 0.9 ± 0.3% at 2 V to 68.2 ± 4.8% at 20 V with L-citrulline). Inhibition of ASS or ASL prevented this effect of L-citrulline. Conclusion The results indicate the presence of an L-citrulline/L-arginine cycle in the airways of rat pups. L-citrulline recycling does not play a major role under basal conditions in airways, but it has an important role under conditions of substrate limitations to NOS as a source of L-arginine, and L-citrulline supplementation reverses the impaired relaxation of airways under hyperoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramadan B Sopi
- Department of Pharmacy-Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, St, Martyrs' Boulevard n,n,, Prishtina, 10000, Kosovo, Macedonia.
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Ghasemi M, Farrokhi-Khajeh-Pasha Y, Ostovaneh MR, Dehpour AR. Lithium decreased endothelium-mediated, but not nonadrenergic noncholinergic, relaxation of guinea pig corpus cavernosum in vitro: a role for nitrergic system. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2011; 25:191-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.2010.00825.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Oledzka E, Sokolowski K, Sobczak M, Kolodziejski W. α-Amino acids as initiators of ε-caprolactone and L
,L
-lactide polymerization. POLYM INT 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/pi.3016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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12
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Yang X, Sun Q, Asim MBR, Jiang X, Zhong B, Shahzad M, Zhang F, Han Y, Lu S. Nitric oxide in both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum is associated with pathogenesis and severity of antigen-induced pulmonary inflammation in rats. J Asthma 2010; 47:135-44. [PMID: 20170319 DOI: 10.3109/02770900903483808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) is considered as a hallmark for allergic airway inflammation in asthmatics and animal models. But the correlation between NO and antigen-induced pulmonary inflammation (AIPI), a rat model for asthma, in varying genetic background population has not been completely understood. OBJECTIVE The objective in this study is to observe the different responsiveness to AIPI in two commonly used inbred rat strains and verify the correlation between NO from different sources and pathological parameters of AIPI by using Dark Agouti (DA), E3, F1 (E3 x DA), and F2 rat populations. METHODS AIPI was induced by systemically immunizing and intranasally challenging E3, DA, F1 (DA x E3), and F2 rats with ovalbumin (OVA). Pathological changes and mucus secretion in lungs were observed after hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining, whereas eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted after Giemsa staining. Delayed-type hyperresponsiveness was determined by subcutaneous injection of OVA in ear. Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and OVA-specific IgG1 were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). NO concentration was measured by the Griess method. RESULTS DA rats were unresponsive to OVA treatment, whereas E3 rats were susceptible to AIPI. F1 rats manifested the same responsiveness to OVA treatment as DA rats, and individual F2 rats showed the variable severity of AIPI. NO concentration in BALF and serum was significantly elevated in E3 rats but not in DA and F1 rats after OVA treatment. In F2 rats, NO concentration in serum was positively correlated with eosinophils in BALF, total IgE, and pathological scores, whereas NO concentration in BALF correlated only with eosinophils in BALF and total IgE. CONCLUSION DA and F1 rats are resistant, whereas E3 rats are sensitive, to AIPI. NO in serum can represent the severity of allergic inflammation and pathological changes in lungs in F2 population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Yang
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xir'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
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Di Costanzo L, Ilies M, Thorn KJ, Christianson DW. Inhibition of human arginase I by substrate and product analogues. Arch Biochem Biophys 2010; 496:101-8. [PMID: 20153713 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2010.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2009] [Revised: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human arginase I is a binuclear manganese metalloenzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of L-arginine to generate L-ornithine and urea. We demonstrate that N-hydroxy-L-arginine (NOHA) binds to this enzyme with K(d)=3.6 microM, and nor-N-hydroxy-L-arginine (nor-NOHA) binds with K(d)=517 nM (surface plasmon resonance) or K(d) approximately 50 nM (isothermal titration calorimetry). Crystals of human arginase I complexed with NOHA and nor-NOHA afford 2.04 and 1.55 A resolution structures, respectively, which are significantly improved in comparison with previously-determined structures of the corresponding complexes with rat arginase I. Higher resolution structures clarify the binding interactions of the inhibitors. Finally, the crystal structure of the complex with L-lysine (K(d)=13 microM) is reported at 1.90 A resolution. This structure confirms the importance of hydrogen bond interactions with inhibitor alpha-carboxylate and alpha-amino groups as key specificity determinants of amino acid recognition in the arginase active site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Di Costanzo
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6323, USA
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Maarsingh H, Zaagsma J, Meurs H. Arginine homeostasis in allergic asthma. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 585:375-84. [PMID: 18410920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.02.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2008] [Revised: 02/15/2008] [Accepted: 02/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Allergic asthma is a chronic disease characterized by early and late asthmatic reactions, airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation and airway remodelling. Changes in l-arginine homeostasis may contribute to all these features of asthma by decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and increased formation of peroxynitrite, polyamines and l-proline. Intracellular l-arginine levels are regulated by at least three distinct mechanisms: (i) cellular uptake by cationic amino acid (CAT) transporters, (ii) metabolism by NO-synthase (NOS) and arginase, and (iii) recycling from l-citrulline. Ex vivo studies using animal models of allergic asthma have indicated that attenuated l-arginine bioavailability to NOS causes deficiency of bronchodilating NO and increased production of procontractile peroxynitrite, which importantly contribute to allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness after the early and late asthmatic reaction, respectively. Decreased cellular uptake of l-arginine, due to (eosinophil-derived) polycations inhibiting CATs, as well as increased consumption by increased arginase activity are major causes of substrate limitation to NOS. Increasing substrate availability to NOS by administration of l-arginine, l-citrulline, the polycation scavenger heparin, or an arginase inhibitor alleviates allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness by restoring the production of bronchodilating NO. In addition, reduced l-arginine levels may contribute to the airway inflammation associated with the development of airway hyperresponsiveness, which similarly may involve decreased NO synthesis and increased peroxynitrite formation. Increased arginase activity could also contribute to airway remodelling and persistent airway hyperresponsiveness in chronic asthma via increased synthesis of l-ornithine, the precursor of polyamines and l-proline. Drugs that increase the bioavailability of l-arginine in the airways - particularly arginase inhibitors - may have therapeutic potential in allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harm Maarsingh
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University Centre for Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Pharmacology of airway smooth muscle proliferation. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 585:385-97. [PMID: 18417114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2007] [Revised: 01/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/24/2008] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle thickening is a pathological feature that contributes significantly to airflow limitation and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. Ongoing research efforts aimed at identifying the mechanisms responsible for the increased airway smooth muscle mass have indicated that hyperplasia of airway smooth muscle, due in part to airway myocyte proliferation, is likely a major factor. Airway smooth muscle proliferation has been studied extensively in culture and in animal models of asthma, and these studies have revealed that a variety of receptors and mediators contributes to this response. This review aims to provide an overview of the receptors and mediators that control airway smooth muscle cell proliferation, with emphasis on the intracellular signalling mechanisms involved.
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Kemeny ME, Rosenwasser LJ, Panettieri RA, Rose RM, Berg-Smith SM, Kline JN. Placebo response in asthma: a robust and objective phenomenon. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007; 119:1375-81. [PMID: 17451796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2007.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2007] [Revised: 03/06/2007] [Accepted: 03/08/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placebos are hypothesized to exert positive effects on medical conditions by enhancing patient expectancies. Recent reviews suggest that placebo benefits are restricted to subjective responses, like pain, but might be ineffective for objective physiologic outcomes. Nevertheless, mind-body links and placebo responsivity in asthma are widely believed to exist. OBJECTIVE We carried out a randomized, double-blind investigation to (1) determine whether placebo can suppress airway hyperreactivity in asthmatic subjects, (2) quantify the placebo effect, (3) identify predictors of the placebo response, and (4) determine whether physician interventions modify the placebo response. METHODS In a double-blind, crossover design investigation, 55 subjects with mild intermittent and persistent asthma with stable airway hyperreactivity were randomized to placebo or salmeterol before serial methacholine challenges. Subjects were additionally randomized to physician interactions that communicated either positive or neutral expectancies regarding drug effect. RESULTS Placebo bronchodilator administration significantly reduced bronchial hyperreactivity compared with baseline (the calculated concentration of methacholine required to induce a 20% decrease in FEV(1) nearly doubled); 18% of subjects were placebo responders by using conservative definitions. Experimental manipulation of physician behavior altered perceptions of the physician but not the magnitude or frequency of the placebo response. CONCLUSIONS Objective placebo effects exist in asthma. These responses are of significant magnitude and likely to be meaningful clinically. The placebo response was not modulated by alterations in physician behavior in this study. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The placebo response in patients with asthma is important in understanding the limitations of clinical research studies and in maximizing safe and effective therapies. This article confirms the existence of a strong placebo response in an objective and clinically relevant measure of disease activity.
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Romero MJ, Platt DH, Caldwell RB, Caldwell RW. Therapeutic use of citrulline in cardiovascular disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 24:275-90. [PMID: 17214603 DOI: 10.1111/j.1527-3466.2006.00275.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
L-citrulline is the natural precursor of L-arginine, substrate for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the production of NO. Supplemental administration L-arginine has been shown to be effective in improving NO production and cardiovascular function in cardiovascular diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction, such as hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis, diabetic vascular disease and ischemia-reperfusion injury, but the beneficial actions do not endure with chronic therapy. Substantial intestinal and hepatic metabolism of L-arginine to ornithine and urea by arginase makes oral delivery very ineffective. Additionally, all of these disease states as well as supplemental L-arginine enhance arginase expression and activity, thus reducing the effectiveness of L-arginine therapy. In contrast, L-citrulline is not metabolized in the intestine or liver and does not induce tissue arginase, but rather inhibits its activity. L-citrulline entering the kidney, vascular endothelium and other tissues can be readily converted to L-arginine, thus raising plasma and tissue levels of L-arginine and enhancing NO production. Supplemental L-citrulline has promise as a therapeutic adjunct in disease states associated with L-arginine deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritza J Romero
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta GA, USA
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