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Dakroub A, Dbouk A, Asfour A, Nasser SA, El-Yazbi AF, Sahebkar A, Eid AA, Iratni R, Eid AH. C-peptide in diabetes: A player in a dual hormone disorder? J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31212. [PMID: 38308646 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31212] [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] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
C-peptide, a byproduct of insulin synthesis believed to be biologically inert, is emerging as a multifunctional molecule. C-peptide serves an anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic role in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and early T2DM. C-peptide protects endothelial cells by activating AMP-activated protein kinase α, thus suppressing the activity of NAD(P)H oxidase activity and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. It also prevents apoptosis by regulating hyperglycemia-induced p53 upregulation and mitochondrial adaptor p66shc overactivation, as well as reducing caspase-3 activity and promoting expression of B-cell lymphoma-2. Additionally, C-peptide suppresses platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-beta receptor and p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) proliferation. It also diminishes leukocyte adhesion by virtue of its capacity to abolish nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) signaling, a major pro-inflammatory cascade. Consequently, it is envisaged that supplementation of C-peptide in T1DM might ameliorate or even prevent end-organ damage. In marked contrast, C-peptide increases monocyte recruitment and migration through phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3 kinase)-mediated pathways, induces lipid accumulation via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ upregulation, and stimulates VSMC proliferation and CD4+ lymphocyte migration through Src-kinase and PI-3K dependent pathways. Thus, it promotes atherosclerosis and microvascular damage in late T2DM. Indeed, C-peptide is now contemplated as a potential biomarker for insulin resistance in T2DM and linked to increased coronary artery disease risk. This shift in the understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetes from being a single hormone deficiency to a dual hormone disorder warrants a careful consideration of the role of C-peptide as a unique molecule with promising diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Dakroub
- St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center, Roslyn, New York, USA
| | - Ali Dbouk
- Department of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University Medical School, Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aref Asfour
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ahmed F El-Yazbi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Alamein International University (AIU), Alamein City, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Assaad A Eid
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rabah Iratni
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Vejrazkova D, Vankova M, Lukasova P, Vcelak J, Bendlova B. Insights into the physiology of C-peptide. Physiol Res 2021; 69:S237-S243. [PMID: 33094622 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Current knowledge suggests a complex role of C-peptide in human physiology, but its mechanism of action is only partially understood. The effects of C-peptide appear to be variable depending on the target tissue, physiological environment, its combination with other bioactive molecules such as insulin, or depending on its concentration. It is apparent that C-peptide has therapeutic potential for the treatment of vascular and nervous damage caused by type 1 or late type 2 diabetes mellitus. The question remains whether the effect is mediated by the receptor, the existence of which is still uncertain, or whether an alternative non-receptor-mediated mechanism is responsible. The Institute of Endocrinology in Prague has been paying much attention to the issue of C-peptide and its metabolic effect since the 1980s. The RIA methodology of human C-peptide determination was introduced here and transferred to commercial production. By long-term monitoring of C-peptide oGTT-derived indices, the Institute has contributed to elucidating the pathophysiology of glucose tolerance disorders. This review summarizes the current knowledge of C-peptide physiology and highlights the contributions of the Institute of Endocrinology to this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Vejrazkova
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Abdel-Hamid HA, Abdel-Hakeem EA, Zenhom NM, Toni NDM. C-peptide corrects hepatocellular dysfunction in a rat model of type 1 diabetes. J Physiol Biochem 2020; 76:417-425. [PMID: 32529526 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-020-00748-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
C-peptide is gaining much interest recently due to its well-documented beneficial effects on multiple organ dysfunction induced by diabetes. Our study was designed to investigate the effect of C-peptide on hepatocellular dysfunction in diabetic rats. Wistar male rats were separated into four groups: control, diabetic, diabetic + insulin, and diabetic + C-peptide. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, and liver biomarkers were assessed. Liver sections were collected for histopathological examination and immuno-histochemical assessment of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Oxidative stress markers and gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) were also measured in liver tissues. C-peptide administration prevented hepatic dysfunction induced by diabetes to a similar extent as that of insulin which was confirmed microscopically. We concluded that C-peptide could be used as an alternative therapy to insulin to correct hepatocellular dysfunction associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba A Abdel-Hamid
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
| | | | - Nagwa M Zenhom
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Nisreen D M Toni
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
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Li Y, Zhong Y, Gong W, Gao X, Qi H, Liu K, Qi J. C-peptide prevents SMAD3 binding to alpha promoters to inhibit collagen type IV synthesis. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 61:47-56. [PMID: 29844093 DOI: 10.1530/jme-18-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Activation of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFB1)/SMAD3 signaling may lead to additional synthesis of collagen type IV (COL4), which is a major contributor to extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in diabetic nephropathy (DN). C-peptide can attenuate fibrosis to have unique beneficial effects in DN. However, whether and how C-peptide affects TGFB1/SMAD3-activated COL4 synthesis is unclear. In this study, pathological changes, expression of COL4 a1-a5 chains (Col4a1-a5), COL4 distribution and protein and TGFB1 and SMAD3 protein were first assessed in a rat model of diabetes. Then, rat mesangial cells were treated with high glucose (HG) and/or C-peptide to investigate the underlying mechanism. Col4a1-a5 expression, COL4 protein and secretion, TGFB1 protein, SMAD3 nuclear translocation and binding of SMAD3 to its cognate sites in the promoters of Col4a1a2, Col4a3a4 and Col4a5 were measured. It was found that C-peptide attenuated glomerular pathological changes and suppressed renal Col4a1-a5 mRNA expression, COL4 protein content and TGFB1 protein content. C-peptide had a dose-dependent effect to inhibit Col4a1-a5 mRNA expression, COL4 protein content and secretion, in HG-stimulated mesangial cells. In addition, the HG-induced increase in TGFB1 protein content was significantly reduced by C-peptide. Although not apparently affecting SMAD3 nuclear translocation, C-peptide prevented SMAD3 from binding to its sites in the Col4a1a2, Col4a3a4 and Col4a5 promoters in HG-stimulated mesangial cells. In conclusion, C-peptide could prevent SMAD3 from binding to its sites in the Col4a1a2, Col4a3a4 and Col4a5 promoters, to inhibit COL4 generation. These results may provide a mechanism for the alleviation of fibrosis in DN by C-peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanning Li
- Department of Molecular BiologyHebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yan Zhong
- Department of BiochemistryHebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenjian Gong
- Department of Molecular BiologyHebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xuehan Gao
- Department of Molecular BiologyHebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huanli Qi
- Department of BiochemistryHebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of BiochemistryHebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jinsheng Qi
- Department of BiochemistryHebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Li Y, Li X, He K, Li B, Liu K, Qi J, Wang H, Wang Y, Luo W. C-peptide prevents NF-κB from recruiting p300 and binding to the inos promoter in diabetic nephropathy. FASEB J 2018; 32:2269-2279. [PMID: 29229684 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700891r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
C-peptide (CP) has demonstrated unique beneficial effects in diabetic nephropathy (DN), but whether and how CP regulates NF-κB and its coactivator, p300, to suppress inducible iNOS and antagonize DN are unknown. iNOS expression, NF-κB nuclear translocation, colocalization and binding of NF-κB to p300, binding of NF-κB to the inos promoter, and the bound NF-κB, p300, and histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) at binding sites were measured in high glucose-stimulated mesangial cells. We evaluated pathologic changes, iNOS expression, NF-κB, and p300 contents in diabetic rats. We found that CP inhibited iNOS expression and notably prevented colocalization and binding of NF-κB and p300. CP prevented NF-κB from binding to the inos promoter, especially at the distal site, and reduced bound NF-κB, p300, and H3K9ac. N-terminal plus middle fragment could mostly mimic the antagonizing effects of CP against the pathologic changes of DN and equally suppresses renal iNOS expression as CP. In conclusion, CP prevented NF-κB from recruiting p300 and binding to the inos promoter, and decreased H3K9ac at the binding sites to suppress iNOS expression and antagonize DN, with the effect region identified as N-terminal plus middle fragment.-Li, Y., Li, X., He, K., Li, B., Liu, K., Qi, J., Wang, H., Wang, Y., Luo, W. C-peptide prevents NF-κB from recruiting p300 and binding to the inos promoter in diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanning Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Kunyu He
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jinsheng Qi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Weigang Luo
- Department of Biochemistry, Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Abdelkader NF, Saad MA, Abdelsalam RM. Neuroprotective effect of nebivolol against cisplatin-associated depressive-like behavior in rats. J Neurochem 2017; 141:449-460. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noha F. Abdelkader
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Faculty of Pharmacy; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
| | - Muhammed A. Saad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Faculty of Pharmacy; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
| | - Rania M. Abdelsalam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Faculty of Pharmacy; Cairo University; Cairo Egypt
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Liu K, Wang XJ, Li YN, Li B, Qi JS, Zhang J, Wang Y. Tongxinluo Reverses the Hypoxia-suppressed Claudin-9 in Cardiac Microvascular Endothelial Cells. Chin Med J (Engl) 2017; 129:442-7. [PMID: 26879018 PMCID: PMC4800845 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.176076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Claudin-5, claudin-9, and claudin-11 are expressed in endothelial cells to constitute tight junctions, and their deficiency may lead to hyperpermeability, which is the initiating process and pathological basis of cardiovascular disease. Although tongxinluo (TXL) has satisfactory antianginal effects, whether and how it modulates claudin-5, claudin-9, and claudin-11 in hypoxia-stimulated human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) have not been reported. Methods: In this study, HCMECs were stimulated with CoCl2 to mimic hypoxia and treated with TXL. First, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of claudin-5, claudin-9, and claudin-11 was confirmed. Then, the protein content and distribution of claudin-9, as well as cell morphological changes were evaluated after TXL treatment. Furthermore, the distribution and content histone H3K9 acetylation (H3K9ac) in the claudin-9 gene promoter, which guarantees transcriptional activation, were examined to explore the underlying mechanism, by which TXL up-regulates claudin-9 in hypoxia-stimulated HCMECs. Results: We found that hypoxia-suppressed claudin-9 gene expression in HCMECs (F = 7.244; P = 0.011) and the hypoxia-suppressed claudin-9 could be reversed by TXL (F = 61.911; P = 0.000), which was verified by its protein content changes (F = 29.142; P = 0.000). Moreover, high-dose TXL promoted the cytomembrane localization of claudin-9 in hypoxia-stimulated HCMECs, with attenuation of cell injury. Furthermore, high-dose TXL elevated the hypoxia-inhibited H3K9ac in the claudin-9 gene promoter (F = 37.766; P = 0.000), activating claudin-9 transcription. Conclusions: The results manifested that TXL reversed the hypoxia-suppressed claudin-9 by elevating H3K9ac in its gene promoter, playing protective roles in HCMECs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jin-Sheng Qi
- Department of Biochemistry, Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
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Li B, Li Y, Liu K, Wang X, Qi J, Wang B, Wang Y. High glucose decreases claudins-5 and -11 in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells: Antagonistic effects of tongxinluo. Endocr Res 2017; 42:15-21. [PMID: 27111519 DOI: 10.3109/07435800.2016.1163723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Purpose/aim of the study: Claudins-5, -9, and -11 are tight-junction proteins that are mainly expressed in endothelial cells. Their deficiency may lead to cell barrier dysfunction, which is considered as the initiating process and pathological basis of cardiovascular disease in diabetes. We investigated whether high glucose (HG) affects claudins-5, -9, and -11 in human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs), and examined the effects of the traditional Chinese medication tongxinluo (TXL) on these tight junction proteins. MATERIALS AND METHODS HCMECs were exposed to HG with and without TXL treatment, and then mRNA and protein levels of claudins-5, -9, and -11 were examined. The distribution of claudins-5 and -11 was also investigated. Histone H3K9 acetylation (H3K9ac) in claudin-5 and claudin-11 gene promoters, which functions in transactivation, was measured. RESULTS We found that HG suppressed claudins-5 and -11 gene expression in HCMECs, and TXL reversed the HG-mediated inhibition of claudins-5 and -11 mRNA and protein expressions. Treatment with high-dose of TXL promoted cell membrane localization of claudins-5 and -11 in HG-stimulated HCMECs. Furthermore, high-dose of TXL blocked the inhibition of H3K9ac in claudin-5 and claudin-11 gene promoters caused by exposure to HG, thus activating gene transcription. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that HG suppressed claudins-5 and -11 in HCMECs, and TXL could reverse the HG-induced suppression of claudins-5 and -11 by increasing H3K9ac in their respective gene promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- a Department of Biochemistry , Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology , Shijiazhuang , PR China
| | - Yanning Li
- b Department of Molecular Biology , Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal, Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , PR China
| | - Kun Liu
- a Department of Biochemistry , Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology , Shijiazhuang , PR China
| | - Xiujuan Wang
- a Department of Biochemistry , Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology , Shijiazhuang , PR China
| | - Jinsheng Qi
- a Department of Biochemistry , Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology , Shijiazhuang , PR China
| | - Boya Wang
- a Department of Biochemistry , Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology , Shijiazhuang , PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- b Department of Molecular Biology , Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal, Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , PR China
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Abstract
Kidney disease is a serious development in diabetes mellitus and poses an increasing clinical problem. Despite increasing incidence and prevalence of diabetic kidney disease, there have been no new therapies for this condition in the last 20 years. Mounting evidence supports a biological role for C-peptide, and findings from multiple studies now suggest that C-peptide may beneficially affect the disturbed metabolic and pathophysiological pathways leading to the development of diabetic nephropathy. Studies of C-peptide in animal models and in humans with type 1 diabetes all suggest a renoprotective effect for this peptide. In diabetic rodents, C-peptide reduces glomerular hyperfiltration and albuminuria. Cohort studies of diabetic patients with combined islet and kidney transplants suggest that maintained C-peptide secretion is protective of renal graft function. Further, in short-term studies of patients with type 1 diabetes, administration of C-peptide is also associated with a lowered hyperfiltration rate and reduced microalbuminuria. Thus, the available information suggests that type 1 diabetes should be regarded as a dual hormone deficiency disease and that clinical trials of C-peptide in diabetic nephropathy are both justified and urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Brunskill
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Wang J, Li Y, Xu M, Li D, Wang Y, Qi J, He K. C-peptide exhibits a late induction effect on matrix metallopeptidase-9 in high glucose-stimulated rat mesangial cells. Exp Ther Med 2016; 12:4142-4146. [PMID: 28101192 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insufficient matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2 is considered to be a contributor of extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in diabetic nephropathy (DN). C-peptide can reverse fibrosis, thus exerting a beneficial effect on DN. Whether C-peptide induces MMP-9 and MMP-2 to reverse ECM accumulation is not clear. In the present study, in order to determine ECM metabolism, rat mesangial cells were treated with high glucose (HG) and C-peptide intervention, then the early and late effects of C-peptide on HG-affected MMP-9 and MMP-2 were evaluated. Firstly, it was confirmed that HG mainly suppressed MMP-9 expression levels. Furthermore, C-peptide treatment induced MMP-9 expression at 6 h and suppressed it at 24 h, revealing the early dual effects of C-peptide on MMP-9 expression. Subsequently, significant increase in MMP-9 expression at 72, 96 and 120 h C-peptide treatment was observed. These changes in MMP-9 protein content confirmed its expression changes following late C-peptide treatment. Furthermore, at 96 and 120 h C-peptide treatment reversed the HG-inhibited MMP-9 secretion, further indicating the late induction effect of C-peptide on MMP-9. The present results demonstrated that C-peptide exerted a late induction effect on MMP-9 in HG-stimulated rat mesangial cells, which may be associated with the underlying mechanism of C-peptide's reversal effects on DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxia Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| | - Yanning Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| | - Mingzhi Xu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| | - Jinsheng Qi
- Department of Biochemistry, Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| | - Kunyu He
- Department of Biochemistry, Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
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Wang X, Liu K, Li B, Li Y, Ye K, Qi J, Wang Y. Macrophages Aggravate Hypoxia-Induced Cardiac Microvascular Endothelial Cell Injury via Peroxynitrite: Protection by Tongxinluo. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 22:39-47. [PMID: 27001368 DOI: 10.3109/15419061.2016.1155565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Activated macrophages contribute to endothelial dysfunction; however, it is unclear how peroxynitrite contributes to macrophage-mediated human cardiac microvascular endothelial cell (HCMEC) injury in hypoxia. In macrophage-HCMEC co-cultures subjected to hypoxia, there was an increase in hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, HIF-2α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE)-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and concomitant decrease in prostacyclin synthase (PGIS). This was mimicked by a peroxynitrite donor and attenuated by its decomposition catalyst. Tongxinluo (TXL) could decrease HIF-2α, iNOS, ECE-1 and COX-2 and increase PGIS in a dose-dependent manner, with increase of vascular endothelial growth factor. The protein alterations verified the remarkably affected mRNAs, indicating that the effects of TXL were similar to but better than that of peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst. Furthermore, TXL inhibited macrophage-mediated nitrotyrosine accumulation and attenuated HCMEC injury. The results suggest that peroxynitrite contributes to macrophage-mediated HCMEC injury in hypoxia, and TXL attenuates HCMEC injury mainly by inhibiting peroxynitrite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Wang
- a Department of Biochemistry, Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology , Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
| | - Kun Liu
- a Department of Biochemistry, Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology , Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
| | - Bin Li
- a Department of Biochemistry, Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology , Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
| | - Yanning Li
- b Department of Molecular Biology Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal , Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
| | - Kaiwei Ye
- a Department of Biochemistry, Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology , Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
| | - Jinsheng Qi
- a Department of Biochemistry, Hebei Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology , Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- b Department of Molecular Biology Hebei Key Lab of Laboratory Animal , Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang , P.R. China
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Li YN, Wang XJ, Li B, Liu K, Qi JS, Liu BH, Tian Y. Tongxinluo inhibits cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, hypoxia-inducible factor-2α/vascular endothelial growth factor to antagonize injury in hypoxia-stimulated cardiac microvascular endothelial cells. Chin Med J (Engl) 2015; 128:1114-20. [PMID: 25881609 PMCID: PMC4832955 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.155119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Endothelial dysfunction is considered as the initiating process and pathological basis of cardiovascular disease. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostacyclin synthase (PGIS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) are key enzymes with opposing actions in inflammation and oxidative stress, which are believed to be the major driver of endothelial dysfunction. And in hypoxia (Hx), Hx-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α are predominantly induced to activate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), resulting in abnormal proliferation. Whether and how Tongxinluo (TXL) modulates COX-2, PGIS, iNOS, eNOS, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF in Hx-stimulated human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) have not been clarified. Methods: HCMEC were treated with CoCl2 to mimic Hx and the mRNA expressions of COX-2, PGIS, iNOS, eNOS, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and VEGF were first confirmed, and then their mRNA expression and protein content as well as the cell pathological alterations were evaluated for TXL treatment with different concentrations. In addition, the effector molecular of inflammation prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the oxidative marker nitrotyrosine (NT) was adopted to reflect HCMEC injury. Results: Hx could induce time-dependent increase of COX-2, iNOS, HIF-2α, and VEGF in HCMEC. Based on the Hx-induced increase, TXL could mainly decrease COX-2, iNOS, HIF-2α, and VEGF in a concentration-dependent manner, with limited effect on the increase of PGIS and eNOS. Their protein contents verified the mRNA expression changes, which was consistent with the cell morphological alterations. Furthermore, high dose TXL could inhibit the Hx-induced increase of PGE2 and NT contents, attenuating the inflammatory and oxidative injury. Conclusions: TXL could inhibit inflammation-related COX-2, oxidative stress-related iNOS, and HIF-2α/VEGF to antagonize Hx-induced HCMEC injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jin-Sheng Qi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animal, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
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Yosten GLC, Kolar GR. The Physiology of Proinsulin C-Peptide: Unanswered Questions and a Proposed Model. Physiology (Bethesda) 2015; 30:327-32. [DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00008.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
C-peptide is produced, processed, and secreted with insulin, and appears to exert separate but intimately related effects. In this review, we address the existence of the C-peptide receptor, the interaction between C-peptide and insulin, and the potential physiological significance of proinsulin C-peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina L. C. Yosten
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and
| | - Grant R. Kolar
- Department of Pathology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Wan Q, Xu Y, Dong E. Diabetic nephropathy research in China: Data analysis and review from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. J Diabetes 2015; 7:307-14. [PMID: 25565189 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.12265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
As the largest funding agency of natural science of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) has made great efforts in promoting the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) research in recent years. The aim of the current study is to summarize the diabetic nephropathy research in China by analyzing NSFC-funded projects. Data on all projects in the DN field funded by NSFC from 1986 to 2013 were collected. The funding tendency, funding areas, and hotspots in the DN field, and major research institutions, were analyzed. As one output of this support, outstanding research groups in China, and their representative studies, are also highlighted. From 1986 to 2013, the NSFC has funded a total of 248 projects in the DN field, with a total funding amount of 91.5 million RMB (US$14.9 million). A rapid increase could be seen in the past 5 years, with an average annual 30% increase in projects numbers and a 52% increase in funding amount. All fields in DN research have been covered by the NSFC, including etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Along with increased funding of the DN research, there has been a growth in the papers published in Science Citation Index journals by Chinese scholars. In the past decade, the funding scale and funding budget have increased dramatically. Benefiting from this, DN research in China has also made considerable progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wan
- Department of Health Sciences, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing, China; Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Wang JY, Liu S, Qin N, Yang QQ, Guo H, Zhang F, Yin XX. Jak2/Stat1 pathway mediated tetrahydrobiopterin up-regulation contributes to nitric oxide overproduction in high-glucose cultured rat mesangial cells. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 93:81-9. [PMID: 25478902 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2014-0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is crucial for the progression of early diabetic nephropathy (DN). It is important to clarify the mechanism for the production of NO in mesangial cells (MCs). In this study, the amounts/activities of related factors such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), NO, 3 isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH I), Jak2, and Stat1 were determined using high-glucose cultured rat MCs. The results showed that the production of BH4 under oxidative stress was strongly stimulated by its rate-limiting enzyme GTP cyclohydrolase, which increased the expression and activity of inducible NOS to facilitate NO synthesis. Furthermore, the relative quantities of activated-Jak2 and activated-Stat1 were increased. Therefore, Jak2/Stat1 pathway mediated BH4 up-regulation can contribute to excessive NO in high-glucose cultured MCs. Our results will be helpful for screening new targets to improve the therapy for early DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Yun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical College, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
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Yosten GLC, Maric-Bilkan C, Luppi P, Wahren J. Physiological effects and therapeutic potential of proinsulin C-peptide. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2014; 307:E955-68. [PMID: 25249503 PMCID: PMC4254984 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00130.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Connecting Peptide, or C-peptide, is a product of the insulin prohormone, and is released with and in amounts equimolar to those of insulin. While it was once thought that C-peptide was biologically inert and had little biological significance beyond its role in the proper folding of insulin, it is now known that C-peptide binds specifically to the cell membranes of a variety of tissues and initiates specific intracellular signaling cascades that are pertussis toxin sensitive. Although it is now clear that C-peptide is a biologically active molecule, controversy still remains as to the physiological significance of the peptide. Interestingly, C-peptide appears to reverse the deleterious effects of high glucose in some tissues, including the kidney, the peripheral nerves, and the vasculature. C-peptide is thus a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of diabetes-associated long-term complications. This review addresses the possible physiologically relevant roles of C-peptide in both normal and disease states and discusses the effects of the peptide on sensory nerve, renal, and vascular function. Furthermore, we highlight the intracellular effects of the peptide and present novel strategies for the determination of the C-peptide receptor(s). Finally, a hypothesis is offered concerning the relationship between C-peptide and the development of microvascular complications of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina L C Yosten
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri;
| | - Christine Maric-Bilkan
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Vascular Biology and Hypertension Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Patrizia Luppi
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John Wahren
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and Cebix Inc., Karolinska Institutet Science Park, Solna, Sweden
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