Arginase inhibition reduces infarct size via nitric oxide, protein kinase C epsilon and mitochondrial ATP-dependent K+ channels

Sodium valproate treatment reverses endothelial dysfunction in aorta from rabbits with acute myocardial infarction

Sodium valproate (VPA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, could be a promising candidate to treat acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this study, AMI was induced in New Zealand White rabbits by occluding the left circumflex coronary artery for 1 h, followed by reperfusion. The animals were distributed into three experimental groups: the sham-operated group (SHAM), the AMI group and the AMI + VPA group (AMI treated with VPA 500 mg/kg/day). After 5 weeks, abdominal aorta was removed and used for isometric recording of tension in organ baths or protein expression by Western blot, and plasma for the determination of nitrate/nitrite (NOx) levels by colorimetric assay. Our results indicated that AMI induced a reduction of the endothelium-dependent response to acetylcholine without modifying the endothelium-independent response to sodium nitroprusside, leading to endothelial dysfunction. VPA treatment reversed AMI-induced endothelial dysfunction and even increased NO sensitivity in vascular smooth muscle. This response was consistent with an antioxidant effect of VPA, as it was able to reverse the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD 1) down-regulation induced by AMI. Our experiments also ruled out that the VPA mechanism was related to eNOS, iNOS, sGC and arginase expression or changes in NOx plasma levels. Therefore, we conclude that VPA improves vasodilation by increasing NO bioavailability, likely due to its antioxidant effect. Since endothelial dysfunction was closely related to AMI, VPA treatment could increase aortic blood flow, making it a potential agent in reperfusion therapy that can prevent the vascular damage.

Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Unraveling Pathophysiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Emerging Prevention Strategies

Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) remains a challenge in the context of reperfusion procedures for myocardial infarction (MI). While early revascularization stands as the gold standard for mitigating myocardial injury, recent insights have illuminated the paradoxical role of reperfusion, giving rise to the phenomenon known as ischemia-reperfusion injury. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate pathophysiological pathways involved in MIRI, placing a particular focus on the pivotal role of endothelium. Beyond elucidating the molecular intricacies, we explore the diverse clinical manifestations associated with MIRI, underscoring its potential to contribute substantially to the final infarct size, up to 50%. We further navigate through current preventive approaches and highlight promising emerging strategies designed to counteract the devastating effects of the phenomenon. By synthesizing current knowledge and offering a perspective on evolving preventive interventions, this review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers engaged in the dynamic field of MIRI.

Arginase 1 is upregulated at admission in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms underlying rupture of a coronary atherosclerotic plaque and development of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remain unresolved. Increased arginase 1 activity leads to reduced nitric oxide (NO) production and increased formation of reactive oxygen species due to uncoupling of the NO-producing enzyme endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). This contributes to endothelial dysfunction, plaque instability and increased susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion injury in acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that arginase gene and protein expression are upregulated in patients with STEMI.

METHODS

Two cohorts of patients with STEMI were included. In the first cohort (n = 51), expression of arginase and NO-synthases as well as arginase 1 protein levels were determined and compared to a healthy control group (n = 45). In a second cohort (n = 68), plasma arginase 1 levels and infarct size were determined using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

Expression of the gene encoding arginase 1 was significantly elevated at admission and 24-48 h after STEMI but not 3 months post STEMI, in comparison with the control group. Expression of the genes encoding arginase 2 and endothelial NO synthase (NOS3) were unaltered. Arginase 1 protein levels were elevated at admission, 24 h post STEMI and remained elevated for up to 6 months. No significant correlation between plasma arginase 1 protein levels and infarct size was observed.

CONCLUSION

The markedly increased gene and protein expression of arginase 1 already at admission indicates a role of arginase 1 in the development of STEMI.

The roles of PKC-δ and PKC-ε in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) cause a reduction in arterial blood supply to tissues, followed by the restoration of perfusion and consequent reoxygenation. The reestablishment of blood flow triggers further damage to ischemic tissue through reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, interference with cellular ion homeostasis, opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTPs) and promotion of cell death (apoptosis or necrosis). PKC-δ and PKC-ε, belonging to a family of serine/threonine kinases, have been demonstrated to play important roles during I/R injury in cardiovascular diseases. However, the cardioprotective mechanisms of PKC-δ and PKC-ε in I/R injury have not been elaborated until now. This article discusses the roles of PKC-δ and PKC-ε during myocardial I/R in redox regulation (redox signaling and oxidative stress), cell death (apoptosis and necrosis), Ca²⁺ overload, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Nitric Oxide Nano-Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapeutics: Advances and Challenges

Nitric oxide (NO) plays important roles in various physiological and pathological functions and processes in the human body. Therapeutic application of NO molecules has been investigated in various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infections. However, the extremely short half-life of NO, which limits its clinical use considerably, along with non-specific distribution, has resulted in a low therapeutic index and undesired adverse effects. To overcome the drawbacks of using this gaseous signaling molecule, researchers in the last several decades have focused on innovative medical technologies, specifically nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (DDSs), because these systems alter the biodistribution of the therapeutic agent through controlled release at the target tissues, resulting in a significant therapeutic drug effect. Thus, the application of nano-systems for NO delivery in the field of biomedicine, particularly in the development of new drugs for cancer treatment, has been increasing worldwide. In this review, we discuss NO delivery nanoparticle systems, with the aim of improving drug delivery development for conventional chemotherapies and controlling multidrug resistance in cancer treatments.

Effect of dietary inclusion of almond fruit on sexual behavior, arginase activity, pro-inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in diabetic male rats

This study was designed to examine the effect of almond-included diets on sexual behavior, arginase activity, and pro-inflammatory markers in diabetic male rats. Forty-two male rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6). Diabetes was triggered via a single dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). Diabetes was confirmed 72 hr after STZ induction, and animals with blood glucose ≥ 250 mg/dl were considered diabetic and used for the experiment. The effects of almond-supplemented diets on glucose level, sexual function, NF-κB and TNF-α levels, arginase and purinergic enzyme activities, and levels of oxidative stress markers were assessed. A significant decrease in sexual activities with a simultaneous increase in pro-inflammatory markers, arginase and purinergic enzyme activities as well as TBARS and ROS levels was observed in diabetic rats. Interestingly, treatment with supplemented diets ameliorated the effects. Conclusively, intake of almonds could prevent the risk of erectile dysfunction in diabetic subjects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Intake of diets rich in fruits, nuts, and vegetables has been reported to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Here, we investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of almond fruit on sexual behavior, arginase activity, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory markers in diabetic male rats. Interestingly, data generated from this work reveal that the supplemented diets enhanced sexual activities, and reduced oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers in diabetic male rats. Thus, consumption of almond (drupe and seed) could prevent/reduce the erectile dysfunction in individual with diabetes.

Reperfusion injury as a target for diminishing infarct size

Therapies for preventing reperfusion injury (RI) have been widely studied. However, the attempts to transfer cardioprotective therapies for reducing RI from experiments into clinical practice have been so far unsuccessful. Pathophysiological mechanisms of RI are complicated and compose of many pathways e.g. hypercontracture-mediated sarcolemma rupture, mitochondrial permeability transition pore persistent opening, reactive oxygen species formation, inflammation and no-reflow phenomenon. Based on research, it cannot be determined which mechanism dominates, probably they cooperate with a domination of one or another in different clinical circumstances. Our hypothesis is, that only intervention that at the same time interferes with different (all?) pathways of RI may turn out to be effective in decreasing the final area of infarction.

Improvement in endothelial function in cardiovascular disease - Is arginase the target?

Endothelial dysfunction represents an early change in the vascular wall in areas prone to atherosclerotic plaque formation and is present in association with several risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The underlying mechanisms behind endothelial dysfunction are multifactorial and complex. Arginase has emerged as a key player in the regulation of endothelial integrity by the ability of reciprocally inhibits nitric oxide formation and promoting oxidative stress. A chain of evidence suggest that arginase is implicated in the pathogenesis underlying endothelial dysfunction induced by several cardiovascular risk factors and established cardiovascular disease including diabetes, hypercholesteremia, ischemia/reperfusion, atherosclerosis, obesity, ageing and hypertension. Recent data has unveiled a key role of arginase as one of the key mechanisms underlying endothelial dysfunction in diabetes and may serve as a potential therapeutic target in previously overlooked compartments including red blood cells. The current review is devoted to discuss arginase as a key mediator in endothelial dysfunction and the potential for therapeutic possibilities to target this enzyme in various diseases, especially type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and ischemia/reperfusion with focus on translational and clinical aspects. Moreover, approaches of how and in which patient group(s) arginase may be targeted in future clinical trials are discussed.

Vagal nerve stimulation reduces infarct size via a mechanism involving the alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and downregulation of cardiac and vascular arginase

AIMS

Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) protects from myocardial and vascular injury following myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion (IR) via a mechanism involving activation of alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) and reduced inflammation. Arginase is involved in development of myocardial IR injury driven by inflammatory mediators. The aim of the study was to clarify whether VNS downregulates myocardial and vascular arginase via a mechanism involving activation of α7 nAChR following myocardial IR.

METHODS

Anaesthetized rats were randomized to (i) sham-operated, (ii) control IR (30-min ischaemia and 2-h reperfusion, (iii) VNS throughout IR, (iv) the arginase inhibitor nor-NOHA+IR, (v) nor-NOHA+VNS+IR, (vi) selective α7 nAChR blockade by methyllycaconitine (MLA) followed by VNS throughout IR and (vii) MLA+IR.

RESULTS

Infarct size was reduced by VNS compared to control IR (41 ± 3% vs. 67 ± 2% of the myocardium at risk, P < 0.001). Myocardial IR increased myocardial and aortic arginase activity 1.7- and 3.1-fold respectively (P < 0.05). VNS attenuated the increase in arginase activity compared to control IR both in the myocardium and aorta (P < 0.05). MLA partially abolished the cardioprotective effect of VNS and completely abrogated the effect of VNS on arginase activity. Arginase inhibition combined with VNS did not further reduce infarct size.

CONCLUSION

Vagal nerve stimulation reduced infarct size and reversed the upregulation of arginase induced by IR both in the myocardium and aorta via a mechanism depending on α7 nAChR activation. The data suggest that the cardioprotective effect of VNS is mediated via reduction in arginase activity.

Inhibition of Rho kinase protects from ischaemia-reperfusion injury via regulation of arginase activity and nitric oxide synthase in type 1 diabetes

AIM

RhoA/Rho-associated kinase and arginase are implicated in vascular complications in diabetes. This study investigated whether RhoA/Rho-associated kinase and arginase inhibition protect from myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury in type 1 diabetes and the mechanisms behind these effects.

METHODS

Rats with streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes and non-diabetic rats were subjected to 30 min myocardial ischaemia and 2 h reperfusion after being randomized to treatment with (1) saline, (2) RhoA/Rho-associated kinase inhibitor hydroxyfasudil, (3) nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N^G-monomethyl-l-arginine monoacetate followed by hydroxyfasudil, (4) arginase inhibitor N-omega-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine, (5) N^G-monomethyl-l-arginine monoacetate followed by N-omega-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine or (6) N^G-monomethyl-l-arginine monoacetate given intravenous before ischaemia.

RESULTS

Myocardial arginase activity, arginase 2 expression and RhoA/Rho-associated kinase activity were increased in type 1 diabetes ( p < 0.05). RhoA/Rho-associated kinase inhibition and arginase inhibition significantly reduced infarct size in diabetic and non-diabetic rats ( p < 0.001). The cardioprotective effects of hydroxyfasudil and N-omega-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine in diabetes were abolished by nitric oxide synthase inhibition. RhoA/Rho-associated kinase inhibition attenuated myocardial arginase activity in diabetic rats via a nitric oxide synthase-dependent mechanism.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of either RhoA/Rho-associated kinase or arginase protects from ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats with type 1 diabetes via a nitric oxide synthase-dependent pathway. These results suggest that inhibition of RhoA/Rho-associated kinase and arginase constitutes a potential therapeutic strategy to protect the diabetic heart against ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

A new flavonoid glycoside (APG) isolated from Clematis tangutica attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via activating PKCε signaling

Clematis tangutica has been shown to be beneficial for the heart; however, the mechanism of this effectremains unknown. Apigenin-7-O-β-D-(-6″-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside (APG) is a new flavonoid glycoside isolated from Clematis tangutica. This study investigates the effects of APG on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury (IRI). An IRI model of primary myocardial cells and mice was used in this study. Compared with the IR group, APG preconditioning is protective against IRI in primary myocardial cells and in mice hearts in a dose-dependent manner. The cardioprotective mechanisms of APG may involve a significant PKCε translocation into the mitochondria and an activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which respectively suppressesmitochondrial oxidative stress and inhibits apoptosis. In addition, PKCε-targeted siRNA and a PKCε specialized inhibitor (ε-V1-2) were used to inhibit PKCε expression and activity. The inhibition of PKCε reversed the cardioprotective effect of APG, with an inhibition of Nrf2/HO-1 activation and increased mitochondrial oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In conclusion, PKCε activation plays an important role in the cardioprotective effects of APG. PKCε activation induced by APG preconditioning reduces mitochondrial oxidative stress and promotes Nrf2/HO-1-mediated anti-apoptosis signaling.

Arginase 2 promotes neurovascular degeneration during ischemia/reperfusion injury

Retinal ischemia is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness and is involved in various disorders including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, optic neuropathies and retinopathy of prematurity. Neurovascular degeneration is a common feature of these pathologies. Our lab has previously reported that the ureahydrolase arginase 2 (A2) is involved in ischemic retinopathies. Here, we are introducing A2 as a therapeutic target to prevent neurovascular injury after retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) insult. Studies were performed with mice lacking both copies of A2 (A2^−/−) and wild-type (WT) controls (C57BL6J). I/R insult was conducted on the right eye and the left eye was used as control. Retinas were collected for analysis at different times (3 h–4 week after injury). Neuronal and microvascular degeneration were evaluated using NeuN staining and vascular digests, respectively. Glial activation was evaluated by glial fibrillary acidic protein expression. Necrotic cell death was studied by propidium iodide labeling and western blot for RIP-3. Arginase expression was determined by western blot and quantitative RT-PCR. Retinal function was determined by electroretinography (ERG). A2 mRNA and protein levels were increased in WT I/R. A2 deletion significantly reduced ganglion cell loss and microvascular degeneration and preserved retinal morphology after I/R. Glial activation, reactive oxygen species formation and cell death by necroptosis were significantly reduced by A2 deletion. ERG showed improved positive scotopic threshold response with A2 deletion. This study shows for the first time that neurovascular injury after retinal I/R is mediated through increased expression of A2. Deletion of A2 was found to be beneficial in reducing neurovascular degeneration after I/R.

Sevoflurane Preconditioning Reduces Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Role of Protein Kinase C and Mitochondrial ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has been considered to be a potential therapy to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) since the 1980s. Our previous study indicated that sevoflurane preconditioning (SPC) also reduced intestinal IRI in rats. However, whether the protective effect of SPC is similar to IPC and the mechanisms of SPC are unclear. Thus, we compared the efficacy of SPC and IPC against intestinal IRI and the role of protein kinase C (PKC) and mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mK_ATP) in SPC. A rat model of intestinal IRI was used in this study. The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was clamped for 60 min followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Rats with IPC underwent three cycles of SMA occlusion for 5 min and reperfusion for 5 min before intestinal ischemia. Rats with SPC inhaled sevoflurane at 0.5 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) for 30 min before the intestinal ischemic insult. Additionally, the PKC inhibitor Chelerythrine (CHE) or mK_ATP inhibitor 5-Hydroxydecanoic (5-HD) was injected intraperitoneally before sevoflurane inhalation. Both SPC and IPC ameliorated intestinal IRI-induced histopathological changes, decreased Chiu’s scores, reduced terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells in the epithelium, and inhibited the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). These protective effects of SPC were similar to those of IPC. Pretreatment with PKC or mK_ATP inhibitor abolished SPC—induced protective effects by increasing Chiu’s scores, down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and activated caspase-3. Our results suggest that pretreatment with 0.5 MAC sevoflurane is as effective as IPC against intestinal IRI. The activation of PKC and mK_ATP may be involved in the protective mechanisms of SPC.

Strategies to increase nitric oxide signalling in cardiovascular disease

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key signalling molecule in the cardiovascular, immune and central nervous systems, and crucial steps in the regulation of NO bioavailability in health and disease are well characterized. Although early approaches to therapeutically modulate NO bioavailability failed in clinical trials, an enhanced understanding of fundamental subcellular signalling has enabled a range of novel therapeutic approaches to be identified. These include the identification of: new pathways for enhancing NO synthase activity; ways to amplify the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway; novel classes of NO-donating drugs; drugs that limit NO metabolism through effects on reactive oxygen species; and ways to modulate downstream phosphodiesterases and soluble guanylyl cyclases. In this Review, we discuss these latest developments, with a focus on cardiovascular disease.

Arginase induction and activation during ischemia and reperfusion and functional consequences for the heart

Induction and activation of arginase is among the fastest responses of the heart to ischemic events. Induction of arginase expression and enzyme activation under ischemic conditions shifts arginine consumption from nitric oxide formation (NO) to the formation of ornithine and urea. In the heart such a switch in substrate utilization reduces the impact of the NO/cGMP-pathway on cardiac function that requires intact electromechanical coupling but at the same time it induces ornithine-dependent pathways such as the polyamine metabolism. Both effects significantly reduce the recovery of heart function during reperfusion and thereby limits the success of reperfusion strategies. In this context, changes in arginine consumption trigger cardiac remodeling in an unfavorable way and increases the risk of arrhythmia, specifically in the initial post-ischemic period in which arginase activity is dominating. However, during the entire ischemic period arginase activation might be a meaningful adaptation that is specifically relevant for reperfusion following prolonged ischemic periods. Therefore, a precise understanding about the underlying mechanism that leads to arginase induction as well as of it's mechanistic impact on post-ischemic hearts is required for optimizing reperfusion strategies. In this review we will summarize our current understanding of these processes and give an outlook about possible treatment options for the future.

Effect of astragaloside IV against rat myocardial cell apoptosis induced by oxidative stress via mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels

Astragaloside is one of the most common traditional Chinese medicines and is derived from Astragalus membranaceus. Astragaloside IV (AsIV) is a monomer located in an extract of astragaloside. The current study investigated the protective effects of AsIV against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced injury in cardiocytes and elucidated the mechanisms responsible for this protective effect. Cultured neonatal rat cardiocytes were divided into five experimental groups as follows: i) Dimethyl sulfoxide; ii) H2O2; iii) AsIV+H2O2; iv) AsIV+H2O2+5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD); and v) nicorandil+H2O2. Cardiocyte survival was analyzed using an MTT assay. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was also assessed to evaluate the viability of the cells. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining. The apoptotic rate was measured by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and intracellular calcium were observed using a laser confocal microscopy system. The results indicated that AsIV promoted the survival of cardiocytes (P<0.05), attenuated LDH release (P<0.05), ROS production (P<0.01) and apoptosis (P<0.01), stabilized the ΔΨm and reduced intracellular calcium overload (P<0.01) compared with the H2O2 group. The mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel (mitoKATP) inhibitor 5-HD was observed to partially reverse the protective effect of AsIV. Following treatment with 5-HD, the survival of cardiocytes was reduced (P<0.05), LDH release (P<0.01) and ROS production (P<0.05) were stimulated, ΔΨm and intracellular calcium change were increased (P<0.01) and apoptosis was increased (P<0.01) compared with the AsIV+H2O2 group. Thus, AsIV has potential for use in the suppression of apoptosis resulting from H2O2 exposure, and mitoKATP activation may underlie this protective mechanism.

Ischemic conditioning: the challenge of protecting the diabetic heart

The successful clinical translation of novel therapeutic strategies to attenuate lethal myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and limit infarct size has been identified as a major unmet need, and is of particular importance in patients with type-2 diabetes. There is a wealth of preclinical evidence that ischemic conditioning (encompassing the three paradigms of preconditioning, postconditioning and remote conditioning) is profoundly cardioprotective and, via up-regulation of endogenous signaling cascades, renders the heart resistant to infarction. However, current phase II trials aimed at exploiting ischemic conditioning for the clinical treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury have yielded mixed results, possibly reflecting the emerging concern that the efficacy of conditioning-induced cardioprotection may be compromised in the diabetic heart. Our goal in this review is to provide a summary of our present understanding of the effect of type-2 diabetes on the infarct-sparing effect of ischemic conditioning, and the challenges of limiting ischemia-reperfusion injury in the diabetic heart.

The role of arginase and rho kinase in cardioprotection from remote ischemic perconditioning in non-diabetic and diabetic rat in vivo

Background

Pharmacological inhibition of arginase and remote ischemic perconditioning (RIPerc) are known to protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate whether (1) peroxynitrite-mediated RhoA/Rho associated kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway contributes to arginase upregulation following myocardial IR; (2) the inhibition of this pathway is involved as a cardioprotective mechanism of remote ischemic perconditioning and (3) the influence of diabetes on these mechanisms.

Methods

Anesthetized rats were subjected to 30 min left coronary artery ligation followed by 2 h reperfusion and included in two protocols. In protocol 1 rats were randomized to 1) control IR, 2) RIPerc induced by bilateral femoral artery occlusion for 15 min during myocardial ischemia, 3) RIPerc and administration of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N^G-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), 4) administration of the ROCK inhibitor hydroxyfasudil or 5) the peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst FeTPPS. In protocol 2 non-diabetic and type 1 diabetic rats were randomosed to IR or RIPerc as described above.

Results

Infarct size was significantly reduced in rats treated with FeTPPS, hydroxyfasudil and RIPerc compared to controls (P<0.001). FeTPPS attenuated both ROCK and arginase activity (P<0.001 vs. control). Similarly, RIPerc reduced arginase and ROCK activity, peroxynitrite formation and enhanced phospho-eNOS expression (P<0.05 vs. control). The cardioprotective effect of RIPerc was abolished by L-NMMA. The protective effect of RIPerc and its associated changes in arginase and ROCK activity were abolished in diabetes.

Conclusion

Arginase is activated by peroxynitrite/ROCK signaling cascade in myocardial IR. RIPerc protects against IR injury via a mechanism involving inhibition of this pathway and enhanced eNOS activation. The beneficial effect and associated molecular changes of RIPerc is abolished in type 1 diabetes.

Adalimumab ameliorates abdominal aorta cross clamping which induced liver injury in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of adalimumab (ADA) on cell damage in rat liver tissue during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of infrarenal abdominal aorta. Thirty male Wistar-albino rats were divided into three groups: control, I/R, and I/R+ADA, each group containing 10 animals. Laparotomy without I/R injury was performed in the control group animals. Laparotomy in the I/R group was followed by two hours of infrarenal abdominal aortic cross ligation and then two hours of reperfusion. ADA (50 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally as a single dose, to the I/R+ADA group, five days before I/R. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (pg/mg protein) and nitric oxide (NO) (µmol/g protein) levels in the I/R group (430.8 ± 70.1, 8.0 ± 1.1, resp.) were significantly higher than those in the I/R+ADA group (338.0 ± 71.6, P = 0.006; 6.3 ± 1.2, P = 0.008) and the control group (345.5 ± 53.3, P = 0.008; 6.5 ± 1.5, P = 0.010, resp.). I/R causes severe histopathological injury to the liver tissue, but ADA leads to much less histopathological changes. ADA treatment significantly decreased the severity of liver I/R injury. ADA pretreatment may have protective effects on experimental liver injury.

Hypobaric hypoxia induced arginase expression limits nitric oxide availability and signaling in rodent heart

BACKGROUND

This study was aimed to evaluate regulation of cardiac arginase expression during hypobaric hypoxia and subsequent effect on nitric oxide availability and signaling.

METHODS

Rats were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia (282mmHg for 3h) and ARG1 expression was monitored. The expression levels of eNOS and eNOS(Ser1177) were determined by Western blotting, cGMP levels were measured by ELISA and amino acid concentrations were measured by HPLC analysis. Transcription regulation of arginase was monitored by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay with anti-c-Jun antibody for AP-1 consensus binding site on ARG1 promoter. Arginase activity was inhibited by intra-venous dose of N-(ω)-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine (nor-NOHA) prior to hypoxia exposure and subsequent effect on NO availability and oxidative stress were evaluated.

RESULTS

Hypobaric hypoxia induced cardiac arginase expression by recruiting c-Jun to AP-1 binding site on ARG1 promoter. This increased expression redirected l-arginine towards arginase and resulted in limited endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, nitric oxide (NO) availability and cGMP mediated signaling. Inhibition of arginase restored the eNOS activity, promoted cardiac NO availability and ameliorated peroxynitrite formation during hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoxic induced arginase under transcription control of AP-1 reciprocally regulates eNOS activity and NO availability in the heart. This also results in cardiac oxidative stress.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides understanding of hypoxia-mediated transcriptional regulation of arginase expression in the heart and its subsequent effect on eNOS activity, NO availability and signaling as well as cardiac oxidative stress. This information will support the use of arginase inhibitors as therapeutics for pathological hypoxia.

Arginase as a target for treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Two distinct enzymes of arginase (1 and 2) are critically regulating nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability by competing with NO synthase for their common substrate l-arginine. Increased expression and activity of arginase is observed in atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Several studies have demonstrated a key pathophysiological role of increased activity of arginase during I/R. Pharmacological inhibition of arginase results in restoration of NO availability and salvage of myocardium during I/R. Arginase inhibition might be a promising therapeutic strategy for the limitation of myocardial injury in acute myocardial infarction. Current understanding of the role of arginase and efficacy of arginase inhibition during myocardial I/R is reviewed in the present article.

Urea transporter UT-B deletion induces DNA damage and apoptosis in mouse bladder urothelium

BACKGROUND

Previous studies found that urea transporter UT-B is abundantly expressed in bladder urothelium. However, the dynamic role of UT-B in bladder urothelial cells remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physiological roles of UT-B in bladder urothelium using UT-B knockout mouse model and T24 cell line.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Urea and NO measurement, mRNA expression micro-array analysis, light and transmission electron microscopy, apoptosis assays, DNA damage and repair determination, and intracellular signaling examination were performed in UT-B null bladders vs wild-type bladders and in vitro T24 epithelial cells. UT-B was highly expressed in mouse bladder urothelium. The genes, Dcaf11, MCM2-4, Uch-L1, Bnip3 and 45 S pre rRNA, related to DNA damage and apoptosis were significantly regulated in UT-B null urothelium. DNA damage and apoptosis highly occurred in UT-B null urothelium. Urea and NO levels were significantly higher in UT-B null urothelium than that in wild-type, which may affect L-arginine metabolism and the intracellular signals related to DNA damage and apoptosis. These findings were consistent with the in vitro study in T24 cells that, after urea loading, exhibited cell cycle delay and apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

UT-B may play an important role in protecting bladder urothelium by balancing intracellular urea concentration. Disruption of UT-B function induces DNA damage and apoptosis in bladder, which can result in bladder disorders.

Lipoxin a4 preconditioning and postconditioning protect myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

This study aims to investigate the pre- and postconditioning effects of lipoxin A₄ (LXA₄) on myocardial damage caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Seventy-two rats were divided into 6 groups: sham groups (C₁ and C₂), I/R groups (I/R₁ and I/R₂), and I/R plus LXA₄ preconditioning and postconditioning groups (LX₁ and LX₂). The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were measured. The content and the activity of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase as well as the superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined. Along with the examination of myocardium ultrastructure and ventricular arrhythmia scores (VAS), connexin 43 (Cx43) expression were also detected. Lower levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, cTnI, MDA content, and VAS and higher levels of IL-10, SOD activity, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase content and activity, and Cx43 expression appeared in LX groups than I/R groups. Besides, H&E staining, TEM examination as well as analysis of gene, and protein confirmed that LXA₄ preconditioning was more effective than postconditioning in preventing arrhythmogenesis via the upregulation of Cx43. That is, LXA₄ postconditioning had better protective effect on Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and myocardial ultrastructure.