1
|
Ding W, Su Y, Mo J, Sun D, Cao C, Zhang X, Wang Y. Novel artemisinin derivative P31 inhibits VEGF-induced corneal neovascularization through AKT and ERK1/2 pathways. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29984. [PMID: 38699723 PMCID: PMC11063438 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal neovascularization (CoNV)is a major cause of blindness in many ocular diseases. Substantial evidence indicates that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of corneal neovascularization. Previous evidence showed that artemisinin may inhibit angiogenesis through down regulation of the VEGF receptors. We designed and synthesized artemisinin derivatives, and validated their inhibitory effect on neovascularization in cell and animal models, and explored the mechanisms by which they exert an inhibitory effect on CoNV. Among these derivatives, P31 demonstrated significant anti-angiogenic effects in vivo and in vitro. Besides, P31 inhibited VEGF-induced HUVECs angiogenesis and neovascularization in rabbit model via AKT and ERK pathways. Moreover, P31 alleviated angiogenic and inflammatory responses in suture rabbit cornea. In conclusion, as a novel artemisinin derivative, P31 attenuates corneal neovascularization and has a promising application in ocular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yingxue Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jianshan Mo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Danyuan Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yandong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmic Drug Creation and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu T, Jiang Y, Fu H, Yang G, Hu X, Chen Y, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Wang Y, Xie HQ, Han F, Xu L, Zhao B. Exploring the adverse effects of 1,3,6,8-tetrabromo-9H-carbazole in atherosclerotic model mice by metabolomic profiling integrated with mechanism studies in vitro. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140767. [PMID: 37992903 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Given its wide distribution in the environment and latent toxic effects, 1,3,6,8-tetrabromo-9H-carbazole (1368-BCZ) is an emerging concern that has gained increasing attention globally. 1368-BCZ exposure is reported to have potential cardiovascular toxicity. Although atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease and remains a primary cause of mortality worldwide, no evidence has been found regarding the impact of 1368-BCZ on atherosclerosis. Therefore, we aimed to explore the deleterious effects of 1368-BCZ on atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanisms. Serum samples from 1368-BCZ-treated atherosclerotic model mice were subjected to metabolomic profiling to investigate the adverse influence of the pollutant. Subsequently, the molecular mechanism associated with the metabolic pathway of atherosclerotic mice that was identified following 1368-BCZ exposure was validated in vitro. Serum metabolomics analysis revealed that 1368-BCZ significantly altered the tricarboxylic acid cycle, causing a disturbance in energy metabolism. In vitro, we further validated general markers of energy metabolism based on metabolome data: 1368-BCZ dampened adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, blocking the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) reversed the high production of ROS induced by 1368-BCZ. It is concluded that 1368-BCZ decreased the ATP synthesis by disturbing the energy metabolism, thereby stimulating the AhR-mediated ROS production and presumably causing aggravated atherosclerosis. This is the first comprehensive study on the cardiovascular toxicity and mechanism of 1368-BCZ based on rodent models of atherosclerosis and integrated with in vitro models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; PET/CT Center, Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Imaging, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116001, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Hualing Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guanglei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoxu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yangsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment Factors and Cancer, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Yilan Wang
- PET/CT Center, Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Imaging, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116001, China
| | - Heidi Qunhui Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fang Han
- PET/CT Center, Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Imaging, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116001, China.
| | - Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Bin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee AS, Kim Y, Hur HJ, Lee SH, Sung MJ. Chrysanthemum coronarium L. Extract Attenuates Homocysteine-Induced Vascular Inflammation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. J Med Food 2023; 26:869-876. [PMID: 38010869 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2023.k.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a main risk factor for phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and atherosclerosis. Phenotypic switching and proliferation of VSMCs are related to the progression of vascular inflammation. Chrysanthemum coronarium L. is a leafy vegetable with various biological functions, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects. In this study, we aimed to identify the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic and preventive effects of C. coronarium L. extract (CC) in regulating homocysteine (Hcy)-induced vascular inflammation in human aortic VSMCs. CC did not exhibit cytotoxicity and inhibited Hcy-stimulated VSMC proliferation and migration. In addition, CC promoted Hcy-induced expression of VSMC contractile phenotype proteins, including alpha-smooth muscle actin, calponin, and smooth muscle 22α. CC also decreased Hcy-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species and expression of inflammatory markers nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-4 and soluble epoxide hydrolase. These results showed that CC attenuates Hcy-induced inflammatory responses, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic or preventive target for Hcy-induced vascular inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ae Sin Lee
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Food Functionality Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yiseul Kim
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Food Functionality Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeng Jeon Hur
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Food Functionality Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hee Lee
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Food Functionality Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jeong Sung
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Food Functionality Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Posadino AM, Giordo R, Pintus G, Mohammed SA, Orhan IE, Fokou PVT, Sharopov F, Adetunji CO, Gulsunoglu-Konuskan Z, Ydyrys A, Armstrong L, Sytar O, Martorell M, Razis AFA, Modu B, Calina D, Habtemariam S, Sharifi-Rad J, Cho WC. Medicinal and mechanistic overview of artemisinin in the treatment of human diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114866. [PMID: 37182516 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) is a bioactive compound isolated from the plant Artemisia annua and has been traditionally used to treat conditions such as malaria, cancer, viral infections, bacterial infections, and some cardiovascular diseases, especially in Asia, North America, Europe and other parts of the world. This comprehensive review aims to update the biomedical potential of ART and its derivatives for treating human diseases highlighting its pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties based on the results of experimental pharmacological studies in vitro and in vivo. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of action, tested doses and toxic effects of artemisinin were also described. The analysis of data based on an up-to-date literature search showed that ART and its derivatives display anticancer effects along with a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral, antimalarial, antioxidant and cardioprotective effects. These compounds have great potential for discovering new drugs used as adjunctive therapies in cancer and various other diseases. Detailed translational and experimental studies are however needed to fully understand the pharmacological effects of these compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Posadino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Roberta Giordo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, University City Rd, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Soheb Anwar Mohammed
- Center for Ultrasound Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ilkay Erdogan Orhan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, 06330 Ankara, Turkey; Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA), Vedat Dalokay Cad., No. 112, 06670 Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Farukh Sharopov
- V.I. Nikitin Chemistry Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Ayni 299/2, 734063 Dushanbe, Tajikistan
| | - Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji
- Applied Microbiology, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Edo State University Uzairue, Iyamho, PMB 04 Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Zehra Gulsunoglu-Konuskan
- Faculty of Health Science, Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul 34295, Turkey
| | - Alibek Ydyrys
- Biomedical Research Centre, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi ave. 71, 050040 Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Lorene Armstrong
- State University of Ponta Grossa, Departament of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 84030900 Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil; Federal University of Paraná, Department of Pharmacy, 80210170 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Oksana Sytar
- Institute of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Slovak Agricultural University in Nitra, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Centre for Healthy Living, University of Concepción, 4070386 Concepción, Chile; Universidad de Concepción, Unidad de Desarrollo Tecnológico, UDT, 4070386 Concepción, Chile.
| | - Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Babagana Modu
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri, 1069 Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania.
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research & Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham-Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
| | | | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Artemisinin and Its Derivate Alleviate Pulmonary Hypertension and Vasoconstriction in Rodent Models. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:2782429. [PMID: 35757500 PMCID: PMC9232380 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2782429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex pulmonary vasculature disease characterized by progressive obliteration of small pulmonary arteries and persistent increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, resulting in right heart failure and death if left untreated. Artemisinin (ARS) and its derivatives, which are common antimalarial drugs, have been found to possess a broad range of biological effects. Here, we sought to determine the therapeutic benefit and mechanism of ARS and its derivatives treatment in experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH) models. Methods Isolated perfused/ventilated lung and isometric tension measurements in arteries were performed to test pulmonary vasoconstriction and relaxation. Monocrotaline (MCT) and hypoxia+Su5416 (SuHx) were administered to rats to induce severe PH. Evaluation methods of ARS treatment and its derivatives in animal models include echocardiography, hemodynamics measurement, and histological staining. In vitro, the effect of these drugs on proliferation, viability, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) was examined in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs). Results ARS treatment attenuated pulmonary vasoconstriction induced by high K+ solution or alveolar hypoxia, decreased pulmonary artery (PA) basal vascular tension, improved acetylcholine- (ACh-) induced endothelial-dependent relaxation, increased endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) activity and NO levels, and decreased levels of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits (NOX2 and NOX4) expression, NAD(P)H oxidase activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of pulmonary arteries (PAs) in MCT-PH rats. NOS inhibitor, L-NAME, abrogated the effects of ARS on PA constriction and relaxation. Furthermore, chronic application of both ARS and its derivative dihydroartemisinin (DHA) attenuated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), Fulton index (right ventricular hypertrophy), and vascular remodeling of PAs in the two rat PH models. In addition, DHA inhibited proliferation and migration of hypoxia-induced PASMCs. Conclusions In conclusion, these results indicate that treatment with ARS or DHA can inhibit PA vasoconstriction, PASMC proliferation and migration, and vascular remodeling, as well as improve PA endothelium-dependent relaxation, and eventually attenuate the development and progression of PH. These effects might be achieved by decreasing NAD(P)H oxidase generated ROS production and increasing eNOS activation to release NO in PAs. ARS and its derivatives might have the potential to be novel drugs for the treatment of PH.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kim SA, Lee AS, Lee HB, Hur HJ, Lee SH, Sung MJ. Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, TPPU, attenuates progression of atherosclerotic lesions and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching. Vascul Pharmacol 2022; 145:107086. [PMID: 35752378 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2022.107086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis manifests as a chronic inflammation resulting from multiple interactions between circulating factors and various cell types in blood vessel walls. Growing evidence shows that phenotypic switching and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH)/epoxyeicosatrienoic acids are mediated by vascular inflammation. N-[1-(1-oxopropyl)-4-piperidinyl]-N'-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-urea (TPPU) is an sEH inhibitor. This study investigated the therapeutic effect of TPPU on atherosclerosis in vivo and homocysteine-induced vascular inflammation in vitro and explored their molecular mechanisms. We found that TPPU decreased WD-induced atherosclerotic plaque lesions, inflammation, expression of sEH, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-4 (Nox4), and increased the expression of contractile phenotype marker of aortas in ApoE (-/-) mice. TPPU also inhibited homocysteine-stimulated VSMC proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching, and reduced Nox4 in human-aorta-VSMC regulation. We conclude that TPPU has anti-atherosclerotic effects, potentially because of the suppression of VSMC phenotype switching. Thus, TPPU could be a potential therapeutic target for phenotypic switching attenuation in atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So Ah Kim
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Food Functionality Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Jeollabuk-Do, Republic of Korea; Department of Food Biotechnology, Chonbuk National University, Jeollabuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ae Sin Lee
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Food Functionality Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Jeollabuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Bit Lee
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Food Functionality Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Jeollabuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeng Jeon Hur
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Food Functionality Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Jeollabuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hee Lee
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Food Functionality Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Jeollabuk-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jeong Sung
- Research Group of Natural Materials and Metabolism, Food Functionality Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Jeollabuk-Do, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li S, Yan D, Huang C, Yang F, Cao Y. TiO 2 nanosheets promote the transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells into foam cells in vitro and in vivo through the up-regulation of nuclear factor kappa B subunit 2. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127704. [PMID: 34799167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials have been shown to promote atherosclerosis through endothelial dysfunction. This study investigated the toxicity of TiO2 nanosheets (NSs) to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), one of the pivotal cells involved in all stages of atherosclerosis. Only a high concentration of TiO2 NSs (128 μg/mL) modestly induced cytotoxicity by decreasing thiols. RNA-sequencing data revealed that 64 μg/mL TiO2 NSs significantly down-regulated 94 genes and up-regulated 174 genes, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways related to SMC function and lipid metabolism were altered. TiO2 NSs increased nuclear factor kappa B subunit 2 (NFKB2), which led to a decrease in VSMC marker actin alpha 2, smooth muscle (ACTA2). On the other hand, macrophage marker CD36 and fatty acid synthase (FASN) proteins were increased. Additionally, TiO2 NSs induced inflammatory cytokines and lipid accumulation, and these effects were curtailed by NFKB inhibitor - triptolide. Furthermore, repeated TiO2 NS injection (5 mg/kg BW, once a day for 5 continuous days) into ICR mice led to increased NFKB2, CD36 and FASN, with a decreased ACTA2. Our results suggested that TiO2 NSs promoted the transformation of VSMCs into foam cells through the up-regulation of NFKB2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), Nanjing 210037, China; Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application of Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Biochemistry, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
| | - Dejian Yan
- Institute of Advanced Materials, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Chaobo Huang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University (NFU), Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Chemistry and Application of Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Biochemistry, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu X, Wang X, Pan Y, Zhao L, Sun S, Luo A, Bao C, Tang H, Han Y. Artemisinin Improves Acetylcholine-Induced Vasodilatation in Rats with Primary Hypertension. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:4489-4502. [PMID: 34764635 PMCID: PMC8576437 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s330721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Endothelial dysfunction and the subsequent decrease in endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation of small arteries are major features of hypertension. Artemisinin, a well-known antimalarial drug, has been shown to exert protecting roles against endothelial cell injury in cardiac and pulmonary vascular diseases. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of artemisinin on endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation and arterial blood pressure, as well as the potential signalling pathways in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Methods In this study, acetylcholine (ACh)-induced dose-dependent relaxation assays were performed to evaluate vascular endothelial function after treatment with artemisinin. Artemisinin was administered to the rats by intravenous injection or to arteries by incubation for the acute exposure experiments, and it was administered to rats by intraperitoneal injection for 28 days for the chronic experiments. Results Both acute and chronic administration of artemisinin decreased the heart rate and improved ACh-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation but negligibly affected the arterial blood pressure in SHRs. Incubation with artemisinin decreased basal vascular tension, NAD(P)H oxidase activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, but it also increased endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) activity and NO levels in the mesenteric artery, coronary artery, and pulmonary artery of SHRs. Artemisinin chronic administration to SHRs increased the protein expression of eNOS and decreased the protein expression of the NAD(P)H oxidase subunits NOX-2 and NOX-4 in the mesenteric artery. Conclusion These results indicate that treatment with artemisinin has beneficial effects on reducing the heart rate and basal vascular tension and improving endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation in hypertension, which might occur by increasing eNOS activation and NO release and inhibiting NAD(P)H oxidase derived ROS production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuanxuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention for Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Translational Medicine for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Physiology and Pathologic Physiology, Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingxing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention for Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Translational Medicine for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Pan
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention for Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Translational Medicine for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Sun
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention for Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Translational Medicine for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ang Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Changlei Bao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyang Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Han
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention for Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Translational Medicine for Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shi X, Zhang Y, Han J, Peng W, Fang Z, Qin Y, Xu X, Lin J, Xiao F, Zhao L, Lin Y. Tryptanthrin Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switching in Atherosclerosis by AMP-Activated Protein Kinase/Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase Signaling Pathway. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2021; 77:642-649. [PMID: 33951699 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the most severe cardiovascular diseases involved in the phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Tryptanthrin is a natural product with broad biological activities. However, the effect of tryptanthrin on atherosclerotic progression is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the role of tryptanthrin in AS and explore the potential mechanism. In vitro, primary VSMCs were stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF) to induce cell dedifferentiation. Treatment with tryptanthrin (5 μM or 10 μM) suppressed the proliferation and recovered the contractility of VSMCs in the presence of PDGF. The contractile proteins (α-smooth muscle actin, calponin, and SM22α) were increased, and the synthetic protein vimentin was decreased by tryptanthrin in PDGF-induced VSMCs. ApoE-/- mice fed with high-fat diet were used as an in vivo model of AS. Similarly, gavage administration of tryptanthrin (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg) attenuated VSMC phenotypic changes from a contractile to a synthetic state in aortic tissues of AS mice. The serum lipid level, atherosclerotic plaque formation, and arterial intimal hyperplasia were attenuated by tryptanthrin. Furthermore, tryptanthrin increased the expression levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) both in vitro and in vivo. Administration of compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, reversed the inhibitory effect of tryptanthrin on VSMC dedifferentiation in vitro. Thus, we demonstrate that tryptanthrin protects against AS progression through the inhibition of VSMC switching from a contractile to a pathological synthetic phenotype by the activation of AMPK/ACC pathway. It provides novel insights into AS prevention and treatment.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
- Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase/metabolism
- Animals
- Atherosclerosis/drug therapy
- Atherosclerosis/enzymology
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Becaplermin/pharmacology
- Cell Plasticity/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout, ApoE
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/enzymology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/enzymology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Neointima
- Phenotype
- Phosphorylation
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic
- Quinazolines/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction
- Mice
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jie Lin
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Atherosclerosis, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, China; and
| | - Fucheng Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Limin Zhao
- Department of Atherosclerosis, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, China; and
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang ZY, Cheng J, Liu B, Xie F, Li CL, Qiao W, Lu QH, Wang Y, Zhang MX. Protein deglycase DJ-1 deficiency induces phenotypic switching in vascular smooth muscle cells and exacerbates atherosclerotic plaque instability. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:2816-2827. [PMID: 33501750 PMCID: PMC7957272 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein deglycase DJ‐1 (DJ‐1) is a multifunctional protein involved in various biological processes. However, it is unclear whether DJ‐1 influences atherosclerosis development and plaque stability. Accordingly, we evaluated the influence of DJ‐1 deletion on the progression of atherosclerosis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We examine the expression of DJ‐1 in atherosclerotic plaques of human and mouse models which showed that DJ‐1 expression was significantly decreased in human plaques compared with that in healthy vessels. Consistent with this, the DJ‐1 levels were persistently reduced in atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE−/− mice with the increasing time fed by western diet. Furthermore, exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein down‐regulated DJ‐1 in vitro. The canonical markers of plaque stability and VSMC phenotypes were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. DJ‐1 deficiency in Apoe−/− mice promoted the progression of atherosclerosis and exaggerated plaque instability. Moreover, isolated VSMCs from Apoe−/−DJ‐1−/− mice showed lower expression of contractile markers (α‐smooth muscle actin and calponin) and higher expression of synthetic indicators (osteopontin, vimentin and tropoelastin) and Kruppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) by comparison with Apoe−/−DJ‐1+/+ mice. Furthermore, genetic inhibition of KLF4 counteracted the adverse effects of DJ‐1 deletion. Therefore, our results showed that DJ‐1 deletion caused phenotype switching of VSMCs and exacerbated atherosclerotic plaque instability in a KLF4‐dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Yang Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Xie
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chang-Ling Li
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wen Qiao
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qing-Hua Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ming-Xiang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jiang YY, Shui JC, Zhang BX, Chin JW, Yue RS. The Potential Roles of Artemisinin and Its Derivatives in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:585487. [PMID: 33381036 PMCID: PMC7768903 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.585487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease that has become a global public health problem. Studies on T2DM prevention and treatment mostly focus on discovering therapeutic drugs. Artemisinin and its derivatives were originally used as antimalarial treatments. In recent years, the roles of artemisinins in T2DM have attracted much attention. Artemisinin treatments not only attenuate insulin resistance and restore islet ß-cell function in T2DM but also have potential therapeutic effects on diabetic complications, including diabetic kidney disease, cognitive impairment, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic cardiovascular disease. Many in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed the therapeutic utility of artemisinin and its derivatives on T2DM, but no article has systematically demonstrated the specific role artemisinin plays in the treatment of T2DM. This review summarizes the potential therapeutic effects and mechanism of artemisinin and its derivatives in T2DM and associated complications, providing a reference for subsequent related research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Yi Jiang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia-Cheng Shui
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo-Xun Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital of China, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Wei Chin
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ren-Song Yue
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhou Y, Kumarapperuma H, Sichone S, Chia ZJ, Little PJ, Xu S, Kamato D. Artemisinin inhibits glycosaminoglycan chain synthesizing gene expression but not proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 532:239-243. [PMID: 32868072 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pleotropic growth factor, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β drives the modification and elongation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains on proteoglycans. Hyperelongated GAG chains bind and trap lipoproteins in the intima leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. We have identified that phosphorylation of Smad2 linker region drives GAG chain modification. The identification of an inhibitor of Smad2 linker region phosphorylation and GAG chain modification signifies a potential therapeutic for cardiovascular diseases. Artemisinin renowned for its potent anti-malarial effects possesses a broad range of biological effects. Our aim was to characterise the anti-atherogenic role of artemisinin in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We demonstrate that TGF-β mediated Smad2 linker region phosphorylation and GAG chain elongation was attenuated by artemisinin; however, we observed no effect on VSMC proliferation. Our data demonstrates the potential for artemisinin to be developed as a therapy to inhibit the development of atherosclerosis by prevention of lipid deposition in the vessel wall without affecting the proliferation of VSMCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Hirushi Kumarapperuma
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Salifya Sichone
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Zheng Jie Chia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology, Hefei, 230037, China.
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| |
Collapse
|