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Morales-Cano D, Barreira B, Callejo M, Olivencia MA, Ferruelo A, Milara J, Lorente JÁ, Moreno L, Cogolludo Á, Perez-Vizcaino F. Comparative analysis of antiproliferative and vasodilator effects of drugs for pulmonary hypertension: Extensive in vitro study in rats and human. Vascul Pharmacol 2024; 155:107371. [PMID: 38599357 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2024.107371] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
An effective pulmonary hypertension (PH) treatment should combine antiproliferative and vasodilator effects. We characterized a wide-range of drugs comparing their anti-proliferative vs vasodilator effects in human and rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). Key findings: 1) Approved PH drugs (PDE5 inhibitors, sGC stimulators and PGI2 agonists) are preferential vasodilators. 2) cGMP stimulators were more effective in cells derived from hypertensive rats. 3) Nifedipine acted equally as vasodilator and antiproliferative. 4) quercetin and imatinib were potent dual vasodilator/antiproliferative drugs. 5) Tacrolimus and levosimendan lacked antiproliferative effects. 6) Forskolin, pinacidil and hydroxyfasudil were more effective as antiproliferative in human cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Pulmonary Artery/drug effects
- Pulmonary Artery/physiopathology
- Pulmonary Artery/metabolism
- Vasodilator Agents/pharmacology
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/drug therapy
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/physiopathology
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Cells, Cultured
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiopathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Male
- Rats
- Antihypertensive Agents/pharmacology
- Vasodilation/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Morales-Cano
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bianca Barreira
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Callejo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Olivencia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Ferruelo
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Critical Care, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, 28905 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Milara
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; Pharmacy Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - José Ángel Lorente
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Critical Care, Hospital Universitario de Getafe, 28905 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Moreno
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Cogolludo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Perez-Vizcaino
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28009 Madrid, Spain.
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New Drugs and Therapies in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065850. [PMID: 36982922 PMCID: PMC10058689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a chronic, progressive disorder of the pulmonary vasculature with associated pulmonary and cardiac remodeling. PAH was a uniformly fatal disease until the late 1970s, but with the advent of targeted therapies, the life expectancy of patients with PAH has now considerably improved. Despite these advances, PAH inevitably remains a progressive disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Thus, there is still an unmet need for the development of new drugs and other interventional therapies for the treatment of PAH. One shortcoming of currently approved vasodilator therapies is that they do not target or reverse the underlying pathogenesis of the disease process itself. A large body of evidence has evolved in the past two decades clarifying the role of genetics, dysregulation of growth factors, inflammatory pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, sex hormones, neurohormonal pathways, and iron deficiency in the pathogenesis of PAH. This review focuses on newer targets and drugs that modify these pathways as well as novel interventional therapies in PAH.
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Abedi F, Omidkhoda N, Arasteh O, Ghavami V, Hosseinzadeh H. The Therapeutic Role of Rho Kinase Inhibitor, Fasudil, on Pulmonary Hypertension; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Drug Res (Stuttg) 2023; 73:5-16. [PMID: 36216340 DOI: 10.1055/a-1879-3111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathophysiological disorder, which involves multiple clinical conditions such as the upregulation of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway. On the other hand, fasudil as a Rho kinase inhibitor has been investigated in the treatment of PH in some clinical studies. OBJECTIVES The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the human clinical trials regarding the efficacy of fasudil in the management of PH. METHODS Databases were searched with pre-defined search terms, up to December 2021. Efficacy measures were such as mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), systolic PAP (sPAP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), systolic vascular resistance (SVR) and cardiac index (CI). RESULTS A total of 12 studies involving 575 PH patients were included in our research. Eight short-term trials and four mid-term trials were found (no clinical trials on the long-term effects). Short-term trials had a before-after study design and measuring pulmonary hemodynamic parameters' intervention revealed a statistically significant improvement of mPAP, sPAP, PVR, SVR, and CI in the meta-analysis of five eligible studies. Three mid-term trials also revealed improvement in some pulmonary hemodynamic parameters with fasudil and in another mid-term trial, fasudil significantly decreased rehospitalization and mortality in PH patients. No serious adverse effects with fasudil were reported in these trials. CONCLUSION Fasudil therapy is efficacious and probably safe in the improvement of some hemodynamics in PH patients along short and mid-term periods. However, long-term randomized controlled trials comparing fasudil with placebo and other treatments are warranted for confirmation of these benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farshad Abedi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Navid Omidkhoda
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Omid Arasteh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vahid Ghavami
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Molecular Pathways in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710001. [PMID: 36077398 PMCID: PMC9456336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a multifactorial, chronic disease process that leads to pulmonary arterial endothelial dysfunction and smooth muscular hypertrophy, resulting in impaired pliability and hemodynamics of the pulmonary vascular system, and consequent right ventricular dysfunction. Existing treatments target limited pathways with only modest improvement in disease morbidity, and little or no improvement in mortality. Ongoing research has focused on the molecular basis of pulmonary arterial hypertension and is going to be important in the discovery of new treatments and genetic pathways involved. This review focuses on the molecular pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Li C, Zhu H, Zhang S, Meng F, Li S, Li G, Zha J, Wu S, Zhu L, Dai A. Astragaloside IV ameliorates pulmonary vascular remodeling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension by restraining the T follicular helper cell response and expanding T follicular regulatory cell response. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 102:154171. [PMID: 35636165 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disorder lacking a validated and effective therapy which characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, vascular remodeling and eventual death. FDA approved sildenafil is being used as a first-line drug for PH, however, neither survival rates nor quality of life have been improved because of side effects and patient noncompliance. Thus, the exploration of novel therapeutic drugs is urgently needed. Astragaloside IV (ASIV) exhibits a protective effect on HPH, but its mechanisms of action is unclear. HYPOTHESIS CD4+T cell subsets, Tfh and Tfr cells, may contribute to the development of chronic hypoxia-induced PH (HPH). We hypothesized that ASIV could effectively ameliorates pulmonary vascular remodeling of HPH by restraining the Tfh cell response and expanding Tfr cell response. METHODS AND RESULTS HPH mice model was established by exposure to chronic hypoxia for 21 days. Mice were randomly assigned to six groups: NaCl group, model group, SN group (100 mg/kg of sildenafil), low-dose group (20 mg/kg of ASIV), medium-dose group (40 mg/kg of ASIV) and high-dose group (80 mg/kg of ASIV). Primary culture and identification of distal pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in mice were established. Here, we demonstrated that ASIV treatment could significantly ameliorate the increase of mean PAP, RV/ (LV+S) ratio and PAMT in HPH mice. ASIV inhibited Tfh cell differentiation and IL-21 production, but promoted Tfr cell differentiation and TGF-β, IL-10 production. Chronic hypoxia promoted germinal center B cell responses, which inhibited by ASIV. ASIV regulated Tfh and Tfr cell differentiation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of mTOR signaling pathway, and the effect of ASIV-H was better than that observed in the SN group. ASIV inhibited the proliferation, migration and adhesion of PASMCs in vitro. Moreover, ASIV significantly downregulated the protein level of RhoA and upregulated the protein level of p27 in PASMCs under hypoxic condition. CONCLUSION Collectively, ASIV may regulate Tfh and Tfr cell responses to subsequently repress pulmonary vascular remodeling and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of HunanNormal University, Changsha, Hunan 410016, PR China
| | - Hao Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of HunanNormal University, Changsha, Hunan 410016, PR China
| | - Shaoze Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of HunanNormal University, Changsha, Hunan 410016, PR China
| | - Fang Meng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of HunanNormal University, Changsha, Hunan 410016, PR China
| | - San Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of HunanNormal University, Changsha, Hunan 410016, PR China
| | - Guang Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of HunanNormal University, Changsha, Hunan 410016, PR China
| | - Jun Zha
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Medical School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, PR China
| | - Shangjie Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Liming Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of HunanNormal University, Changsha, Hunan 410016, PR China.
| | - Aiguo Dai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of HunanNormal University, Changsha, Hunan 410016, PR China; Department of Respiratory Diseases, Medical School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, PR China.
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Yang Q, Hori M. Characterization of Contractile Machinery of Vascular Smooth Muscles in Hypertension. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11070702. [PMID: 34357074 PMCID: PMC8304034 DOI: 10.3390/life11070702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease and it is a growing public health problem worldwide. The pathophysiological mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) contraction contribute to the development of hypertension. Calcium (Ca2+)-dependent and -independent signaling mechanisms regulate the balance of the myosin light chain kinase and myosin light chain phosphatase to induce myosin phosphorylation, which activates VSM contraction to control blood pressure (BP). Here, we discuss the mechanism of the contractile machinery in VSM, especially RhoA/Rho kinase and PKC/CPI-17 of Ca2+ sensitization pathway in hypertension. The two signaling pathways affect BP in physiological and pathophysiological conditions and are highlighted in pulmonary, pregnancy, and salt-sensitive hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunhui Yang
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-5841-7940; Fax: +81-3-5841-8183
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Oxygen-sensitivity and Pulmonary Selectivity of Vasodilators as Potential Drugs for Pulmonary Hypertension. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020155. [PMID: 33494520 PMCID: PMC7911835 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Current approved therapies for pulmonary hypertension (PH) aim to restore the balance between endothelial mediators in the pulmonary circulation. These drugs may exert vasodilator effects on poorly oxygenated vessels. This may lead to the derivation of blood perfusion towards low ventilated alveoli, i.e., producing ventilation-perfusion mismatch, with detrimental effects on gas exchange. The aim of this study is to analyze the oxygen-sensitivity in vitro of 25 drugs currently used or potentially useful for PH. Additionally, the study analyses the effectiveness of these vasodilators in the pulmonary vs. the systemic vessels. Vasodilator responses were recorded in pulmonary arteries (PA) and mesenteric arteries (MA) from rats and in human PA in a wire myograph under different oxygen concentrations. None of the studied drugs showed oxygen selectivity, being equally or more effective as vasodilators under conditions of low oxygen as compared to high oxygen levels. The drugs studied showed low pulmonary selectivity, being equally or more effective as vasodilators in systemic than in PA. A similar behavior was observed for the members within each drug family. In conclusion, none of the drugs showed optimal vasodilator profile, which may limit their therapeutic efficacy in PH.
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Camargo LDN, Dos Santos TM, de Andrade FCP, Fukuzaki S, Dos Santos Lopes FDTQ, de Arruda Martins M, Prado CM, Leick EA, Righetti RF, Tibério IDFLC. Bronchial Vascular Remodeling Is Attenuated by Anti-IL-17 in Asthmatic Responses Exacerbated by LPS. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1269. [PMID: 33013361 PMCID: PMC7500412 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although the major alterations associated with asthma are related to the airways, there is also evidence of the importance of peribronchial vascular inflammation and remodeling in its pathophysiology. Objectives To determine the effects of anti-IL-17 therapy on peribronchial vessels of an asthma model exacerbated by lipopolysaccharide. Methods We evaluated several factors, including lung function, inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular remodeling, and signaling pathways present in the peribronchial vessels of 66 male BALB/c mice exposed to ovalbumin and treated (or not) treated with anti-IL-17. Twenty-four hours before the end of the experimental protocol, groups of sensitized animals (OVA–LPS and OVA–LPS anti-IL-17) also received LPS. Results The OVA–LPS-anti-IL-17 group presented a decrease in several factors [airway resistance and elastance, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts, inflammatory response, eosinophils, TSLP, IL-33, TARC, TNF-α, CD4+, CD8+, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and VEGF positive cells/104μm2, peribronchovascular edema, and angiogenesis], including remodeling (MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1 and TGF-β positive cells and volume fraction of collagen fibers I, collagen fibers III, collagen fibers V, decorin, lumican, actin, biglycan, fibronectin, and integrin), oxidative stress (iNOS positive cells and volume fraction of PGF2α), and signaling pathways (FoxP3), as well as dendritic cells, NF-kB, ROCK-1, ROCK-2, STAT-1, and phosphor-STAT1-positive cells compared to OVA–LPS (p < 0.05). Conclusions In this model of LPS-induced asthma exacerbation, IL-17 inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy, indicating the potential of bronchial vascular control of Th2 and Th17 responses and the activation of the remodeling and oxidative stress pathways, associated with the control of signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro do Nascimento Camargo
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Serviço de Reabilitação, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tabata Maruyama Dos Santos
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Serviço de Reabilitação, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Silvia Fukuzaki
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carla Máximo Prado
- Department of Bioscience, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | | | - Renato Fraga Righetti
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Serviço de Reabilitação, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
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Wang Y, Duo D, Yan Y, He R, Wu X. Magnesium lithospermate B ameliorates hypobaric hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension by inhibiting endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and its potential targets. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110560. [PMID: 34321157 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterized by vascular remodeling leading to elevation of pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, and death. Currently, there are no cure exists for PAH. Magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) is the major component of Salvia przewalskii water extracts with treating angina and cardiovascular damage, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis. However, the effects of MLB on PAH still unclear. This study we investigated the efficacy of MLB in the hypobaric hypoxia-induced rat model of PAH. The results showed that MLB relieved mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI). Meanwhile, MLB significantly reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling. Additionally, MLB inhibited hypobaric hypoxia-induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, cell apoptosis, and α-SMA and von Willebrand factor (vWF) co-expression in lung, suggesting that MLB could inhibit hypobaric hypoxia-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Furthermore, after treatment with MLB, the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), CyclinD1, RhoA, rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and ROCK2 was decreased. Further, CHK1, PIM1, STK6, LKHA4, PDE5A, BRAF1, PLK1, AKT1, PAK6, PAK7 and ELNE may be the potential targets of MLB. Taken together, our findings suggest that MLB ameliorates hypobaric hypoxia-induced PAH by inhibiting EndMT in rats, and has potential value in the preventment and treatment of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafeng Wang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital,Xining 810007,China.
| | - Delong Duo
- Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital,Xining 810007,China
| | - Yingjun Yan
- Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital,Xining 810007,China
| | - Rongyue He
- Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital,Xining 810007,China
| | - Xinan Wu
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Hyperglycemia-induced transcriptional regulation of ROCK1 and TGM2 expression is involved in small artery remodeling in obese diabetic Göttingen Minipigs. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 133:2499-2516. [PMID: 31830262 DOI: 10.1042/cs20191066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and diabetes in humans are associated with hypertrophic remodeling and increased media:lumen ratio of small resistance arteries, which is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. In order to minimize increases in media:lumen ratio, hypertrophic remodeling should be accompanied by outward remodeling. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms of structural remodeling in small pial arteries (PAs) and terminal mesenteric arteries (TMAs) from obese Göttingen Minipigs with or without diabetes. Göttingen Minipigs received either control diet (lean control (LC)), high fat/high fructose/high cholesterol diet (FFC), or FFC diet with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes (FFC/STZ) for 13 months. At the end of the study (20 months), we assessed body weight, fasting plasma biochemistry, passive vessel dimensions, mRNA expression (matrix metallopeptidases 2/9 (MMP2, MMP9), tissue inhibitor of metallopeptidase 1 (TIMP1), transglutaminase 2 (TGM2), Rho-kinase 1 (ROCK1), TGFβ-receptor 2 (TGFBR2), and IGF1-receptor (IGFR1) genes), and immunofluorescence in PAs and TMAs. We performed multiple linear correlation analyses using plasma values, structural data, and gene expression data. We detected outward hypertrophic remodeling in TMAs and hypertrophic remodeling in PAs from FFC/STZ animals. ROCK1 and TGM2 genes were up-regulated in PAs and TMAs from the FFC/STZ group. Passive lumen diameter (PLD) of TMAs was correlated with plasma values of glucose (GLU), fructosamine (FRA), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TGs). ROCK1 and TGM2 expressions in TMAs were correlated with PLD, plasma GLU, fructosamine, and TC. ROCK1 and TGM2 proteins were immunolocalized in the media of PAs and TMAs, and their fluorescence levels were increased in the FFC/STZ group. Hyperglycemia/hyperlipidemia is involved in regulation of ROCK1 and TGM2 expression leading to outward remodeling of small resistance arteries in obese diabetic Göttingen Minipigs.
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11
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Sun D, Zhang F, Ma T, Zhang Y, Liang Z. Atorvastatin alleviates left ventricular remodeling in isoproterenol-induced chronic heart failure in rats by regulating the RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathway. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:903-911. [PMID: 32144744 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by left ventricular dysfunction and altered autonomic control of cardiac function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of atorvastatin on left ventricular remodeling (LVR) and cardiac function in rats with isoproterenol-induced CHF and the possible mechanism. METHODS An isoproterenol-induced CHF model was established in rata, which were subsequently treated with atorvastatin. Echocardiography, hemodynamic, and left ventricular mass indexes were assessed. The mRNA expression of RhoA, Rho kinase, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was determined by RT-qPCR. The protein expression of myosin-binding subunit (MBS), MBS-P, eNOS, phosphorylated-eNOS, RhoA, and Rho kinase was measured by Western blot analysis. The relative activity of NADPH oxidase, ROS, and NO was assessed by ELISA. RESULTS Isoproterenol-induced CHF rats treated with atorvastatin exhibited decreased left ventricular end-systolic dimension, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, left ventricular mass index, maximum fall rate of change in left ventricular pressure, heart rate (p < 0.001), expression of RhoA, Rho kinase, MBS and MBS-P (p < 0.01), and relative activity of NADPH oxidase, ROS and NO (p < 0.05) and increased left ventricular short axis fractional shortening, left ventricular end-systolic pressure, maximum rise rate of change in left ventricular pressure (p < 0.001) and expression of eNOS, and phosphorylated-eNOS ser1177 (all p < 0.05) compared with those of rats with isoproterenol-induced CHF. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that atorvastatin inhibits LVR and improves cardiac function in rats with isoproterenol-induced CHF through inhibition of the RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingjun Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital (Haikou People's Hospital), Haikou, 570208, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuwei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital (Haikou People's Hospital), Haikou, 570208, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyi Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital (Haikou People's Hospital), Haikou, 570208, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixue Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital (Haikou People's Hospital), Haikou, 570208, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongshu Liang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, No. 138, Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Ulker P, Özen N, Abduleyeva G, Köksoy S, Yaraş N, Basralı F. Rho-kinase is a negative regulator of red blood cell eNOS under basal conditions. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2019; 72:407-419. [PMID: 30909198 DOI: 10.3233/ch-190578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rho-kinase, an effector of the small GTPase RhoA, is known to be a novel inhibitory regulator of eNOS in endothelial cells under basal conditions and disease states. However, although RBC possesses active RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway, Rho-kinase mediated eNOS regulation has not been investigated in RBC, so far. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to investigate whether eNOS activity is regulated by Rho-kinase under basal conditions and to evaluate whether inhibition of this enzyme causes eNOS activation and intracellular NO production in RBC. METHODS RBC packeds were isolated from healthy volunteers and resuspended in Hepes solution at a hematocrit of 0.01 l/l. Intracellular NO and Ca+2 levels and eNOS activation measured by flow cytometry in response to Rho-kinase inhibitors, fasudil and Y-27632, in the absence and presence of NOS, and PI3K inhibitors. RESULTS Rho-kinase inhibitors fasudil and Y-27632 found to increase intracellular NO concentrations. These inhibitors also cause enhancement of intracellular Ca+2 and serine 1177 phosphorylated eNOS levels. Besides, although these responses have shown to be suppressed by NOS enzyme, PI3K inhibition had no effect on this mechanism. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study demonstrated that RBC eNOS enzyme activity is regulated by inhibitory Rho-kinase pathway under basal conditions and inhibition of this pathway enhances the activity of eNOS in RBC. This activation is mediated by both intracellular Ca+2 and Serine 1177 phosphorylated eNOS increment, with no contribution of AKT activation, in RBC. The mechanism we described here gives first evidences about Rho-kinase mediated eNOS regulation in RBC under basal conditions. This pathway could also be more important under disease states.
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13
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Zhang M, Chang Z, Zhang P, Jing Z, Yan L, Feng J, Hu Z, Xu Q, Zhou W, Ma P, Hao Y, Zhou R. Protective effects of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid on pulmonary arterial hypertension via regulation of Rho A/Rho kinsase pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 311:108749. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Wang Y, Huang X, Leng D, Li J, Wang L, Liang Y, Wang J, Miao R, Jiang T. DNA methylation signatures of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Physiol Genomics 2018; 50:313-322. [PMID: 29473816 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00069.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a life-threatening disease, which is often underpinned by vascular remodeling. Pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) are the main participants in vascular remodeling. However, their biological role in CTEPH is not entirely clear. In the present study, we analyzed the whole epigenome-wide DNA methylation profile of cultured PASMCs from CTEPH and control cell lines with the Illumina Human Methylation 450K BeadChip. A total of 6,829 significantly differentially methylated probes (DMPs) were detected between these two groups. Among these, 4,246 DMPs were hypermethylated, while 2,583 DMPs were hypomethylated. The functional enrichment analysis of 1,743 DMPs in the promoter regions and corresponding genes indicated that DNA hypermethylation and hypomethylation might be involved in the regulation of genes that have multifarious biological roles, including roles in cancer-related diseases, the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and pattern specification processes. The observed methylations were categorized into the most important functions, including those involved in cell proliferation, immunity, and migration. We speculate that these methylations were most likely involved in the possible pathophysiology of CTEPH. Gene interaction analysis pertaining to signal networks confirmed that PIK3CA and PIK3R1 were important mediators in these whole networks. The mRNA levels of PIK3CA, HIC1, and SSH1 were verified by qPCR and corresponded with DNA methylation differences. Understanding epigenetic features associated with CTEPH may provide new insights into the mechanism that underlie this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Institute of Respiratory Medicine , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Institute of Respiratory Medicine , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Leng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Institute of Respiratory Medicine , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Jifeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Institute of Respiratory Medicine , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Institute of Respiratory Medicine , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology, Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Miao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Institute of Respiratory Medicine , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China
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15
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Karoor V, Fini MA, Loomis Z, Sullivan T, Hersh LB, Gerasimovskaya E, Irwin D, Dempsey EC. Sustained Activation of Rho GTPases Promotes a Synthetic Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype in Neprilysin Null Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2018; 38:154-163. [PMID: 29191928 PMCID: PMC5746466 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.310207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) from neprilysin (NEP) null mice exhibit a synthetic phenotype and increased activation of Rho GTPases compared with their wild-type counterparts. Although Rho GTPases are known to promote a contractile SMC phenotype, we hypothesize that their sustained activity decreases SM-protein expression in these cells. APPROACH AND RESULTS PASMCs isolated from wild-type and NEP-/- mice were used to assess levels of SM-proteins (SM-actin, SM-myosin, SM22, and calponin) by Western blotting, and were lower in NEP-/- PASMCs compared with wild-type. Rac and Rho (ras homology family member) levels and activity were higher in NEP-/- PASMCs, and ShRNA to Rac and Rho restored SM-protein, and attenuated the enhanced migration and proliferation of NEP-/- PASMCs. SM-gene repressors, p-Elk-1, and Klf4 (Kruppel lung factor 4), were higher in NEP-/- PASMCs and decreased by shRNA to Rac and Rho. Costimulation of wild-type PASMCs with PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) and the NEP substrate, ET-1 (endothelin-1), increased Rac and Rho activity, and decreased SM-protein levels mimicking the NEP knock-out phenotype. Activation of Rac and Rho and downstream effectors was observed in lung tissue from NEP-/- mice and humans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CONCLUSIONS Sustained Rho activation in NEP-/- PASMCs is associated with a decrease in SM-protein levels and increased migration and proliferation. Inactivation of RhoGDI (Rho guanine dissociation inhibitor) and RhoGAP (Rho GTPase activating protein) by phosphorylation may contribute to prolonged activation of Rho in NEP-/- PASMCs. Rho GTPases may thus have a role in integration of signals between vasopeptides and growth factor receptors and could influence pathways that suppress SM-proteins to promote a synthetic phenotype.
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MESH Headings
- Actins/biosynthesis
- Animals
- Becaplermin/pharmacology
- Calcium-Binding Proteins/biosynthesis
- Cell Movement
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- Endothelin-1/pharmacology
- Enzyme Activation
- Genotype
- Humans
- Kruppel-Like Factor 4
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/genetics
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Microfilament Proteins/biosynthesis
- Muscle Proteins/biosynthesis
- 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
- Neprilysin/deficiency
- Neprilysin/genetics
- Phenotype
- Pulmonary Artery/drug effects
- Pulmonary Artery/enzymology
- Pulmonary Artery/pathology
- Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/enzymology
- Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/pathology
- Signal Transduction
- Smooth Muscle Myosins/biosynthesis
- ets-Domain Protein Elk-1/genetics
- ets-Domain Protein Elk-1/metabolism
- rho GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics
- rho GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Calponins
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Karoor
- From the Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory (V.K., M.A.F., Z.L., T.S., E.G., D.I., E.C.D.) and Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine (V.K., M.A.F., E.C.D.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington (L.B.H.); and Pulmonary and Critical Care, Denver VA Medical Center, CO (E.C.D.).
| | - Mehdi A Fini
- From the Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory (V.K., M.A.F., Z.L., T.S., E.G., D.I., E.C.D.) and Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine (V.K., M.A.F., E.C.D.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington (L.B.H.); and Pulmonary and Critical Care, Denver VA Medical Center, CO (E.C.D.)
| | - Zoe Loomis
- From the Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory (V.K., M.A.F., Z.L., T.S., E.G., D.I., E.C.D.) and Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine (V.K., M.A.F., E.C.D.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington (L.B.H.); and Pulmonary and Critical Care, Denver VA Medical Center, CO (E.C.D.)
| | - Timothy Sullivan
- From the Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory (V.K., M.A.F., Z.L., T.S., E.G., D.I., E.C.D.) and Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine (V.K., M.A.F., E.C.D.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington (L.B.H.); and Pulmonary and Critical Care, Denver VA Medical Center, CO (E.C.D.)
| | - Louis B Hersh
- From the Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory (V.K., M.A.F., Z.L., T.S., E.G., D.I., E.C.D.) and Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine (V.K., M.A.F., E.C.D.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington (L.B.H.); and Pulmonary and Critical Care, Denver VA Medical Center, CO (E.C.D.)
| | - Evgenia Gerasimovskaya
- From the Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory (V.K., M.A.F., Z.L., T.S., E.G., D.I., E.C.D.) and Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine (V.K., M.A.F., E.C.D.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington (L.B.H.); and Pulmonary and Critical Care, Denver VA Medical Center, CO (E.C.D.)
| | - David Irwin
- From the Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory (V.K., M.A.F., Z.L., T.S., E.G., D.I., E.C.D.) and Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine (V.K., M.A.F., E.C.D.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington (L.B.H.); and Pulmonary and Critical Care, Denver VA Medical Center, CO (E.C.D.)
| | - Edward C Dempsey
- From the Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratory (V.K., M.A.F., Z.L., T.S., E.G., D.I., E.C.D.) and Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine (V.K., M.A.F., E.C.D.), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington (L.B.H.); and Pulmonary and Critical Care, Denver VA Medical Center, CO (E.C.D.)
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16
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Alencar AKN, Montes GC, Barreiro EJ, Sudo RT, Zapata-Sudo G. Adenosine Receptors As Drug Targets for Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:858. [PMID: 29255415 PMCID: PMC5722832 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a clinical condition characterized by pulmonary arterial remodeling and vasoconstriction, which promote chronic vessel obstruction and elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance. Long-term right ventricular (RV) overload leads to RV dysfunction and failure, which are the main determinants of life expectancy in PAH subjects. Therapeutic options for PAH remain limited, despite the introduction of prostacyclin analogs, endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, and soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulators within the last 15 years. Through addressing the pulmonary endothelial and smooth muscle cell dysfunctions associated with PAH, these interventions delay disease progression but do not offer a cure. Emerging approaches to improve treatment efficacy have focused on beneficial actions to both the pulmonary vasculature and myocardium, and several new targets have been investigated and validated in experimental PAH models. Herein, we review the effects of adenosine and adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3) on the cardiovascular system, focusing on the A2A receptor as a pharmacological target. This receptor induces pulmonary vascular and heart protection in experimental models, specifically models of PAH. Targeting the A2A receptor could potentially serve as a novel and efficient approach for treating PAH and concomitant RV failure. A2A receptor activation induces pulmonary endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, smooth muscle cell hyperpolarization, and vasodilation, with important antiproliferative activities through the inhibition of collagen deposition and vessel wall remodeling in the pulmonary arterioles. The pleiotropic potential of A2A receptor activation is highlighted by its additional expression in the heart tissue, where it participates in the regulation of intracellular calcium handling and maintenance of heart chamber structure and function. In this way, the activation of A2A receptor could prevent the production of a hypertrophic and dysfunctional phenotype in animal models of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan K N Alencar
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guilherme C Montes
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliezer J Barreiro
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Roberto T Sudo
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gisele Zapata-Sudo
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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17
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Yan J, Lai CH, Lung SCC, Chen C, Wang WC, Huang PI, Lin CH. Industrial PM 2.5 cause pulmonary adverse effect through RhoA/ROCK pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 599-600:1658-1666. [PMID: 28535594 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
According to the Chinese Ministry of Health, industrial pollution-induced health impacts have been the leading cause of death in China. While industrial fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with adverse health effects, the major action mechanisms of different compositions of PM2.5 are currently unclear. In this study, we treated normal human lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells with industrial organic and water-soluble PM2.5 extracts under daily alveolar deposition dose to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying adverse pulmonary effects induced by PM2.5, including oxidative damage, inflammatory response, lung epithelial barrier dysfunction, and the recruitment of macrophages. We found that water-soluble PM2.5 extracts caused more severe cytotoxic effects on BEAS-2B cells compared with that of organic extracts. Both organic and water-soluble PM2.5 extracts induced activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway. Inflammatory response, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and the activation of NF-кB caused by both PM2.5 extracts were attenuated by ROCK inhibitor Y-27632. This indicated that both PM2.5 extracts could cause damage to epithelial cells through RhoA/ROCK-dependent NF-кB activation. Furthermore, the upregulation of macrophage adhesion induced by both PM2.5 extracts was also attenuated by Y-27632 in a co-culture model of macrophages and the epithelial cells. Therefore, our results support that industrial PM2.5 extracts-induced activation of the RhoA/ROCK-dependent NF-кB pathway induces pulmonary adverse effect. Thus, pharmacological inhibition of ROCK activation might have therapeutic potential in preventing lung disease associated with PM2.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Yan
- Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Chia-Hsiang Lai
- Department of Safety Health and Environmental Engineering, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung 40601, Taiwan
| | | | - Chongjun Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Wen-Cheng Wang
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Pin-I Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa University, Yunlin 63208, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Lin
- Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa University, Yunlin 63208, Taiwan.
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18
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Wu F, Yao W, Yang J, Zhang M, Xu Y, Hao Y, Yan L, Niu Y, Sun T, Yu J, Zhou R. Protective effects of aloperin on monocroline-induced pulmonary hypertension via regulation of Rho A/Rho kinsase pathway in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:1161-1168. [PMID: 28926926 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is fatal disease which closely involves Rho A/ Rho kinsase (ROCK) pathway. Aloperine is a main active alkaloid extracted from Sophora alopecuroides, which is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been used widely. However, the effects of this alkaloid on pulmonary hypertension and its mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate whether aloperine has protective effects on PH induced by monocrotaline, whether these effects may be related to regulation of RhoA/ROCK pathway in rats. Pulmonary hypertension was induced by monocrotaline (60mg/kg), and subsequently oral administration of aloperine (25, 50, 100mg/kg/day) for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, rats were underwent hemodynamic and morphologic assessments. At same time, the expression of Rho A, ROCK1, ROCK2, as well as activities of ROCK in the lung of rat has been detected. Afterwards, the expression of p27kip1, Bax, Bcl-2, which was the downstream proliferation and apoptosis factors of ROCK, were tested. The result indicted that aloperine treatment showed significantly improvement in hemodynamic and pathomorphologic data. Moreover, the reduction in expression of Rho A, ROCK1, ROCK2, and suppression in activities of ROCK were found in rat lungs after aloperine treatment. Furthermore, aloperine also alleviated the MCT-induced changes of p27kip1, Bax and Bcl-2. In summary, this study indicates that aloperine have protective effects on monocrotaline-induced PH. And these effects may be partially related to RhoA/ROCK pathway. Thus, aloperine could be considered a possible therapeutic strategy for PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Wanxia Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Jiamei Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Yanping Xu
- Echocardiogram Room, Heart Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Yinju Hao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Lin Yan
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Yang Niu
- Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Tao Sun
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Diseases of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Jianqiang Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China; Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China.
| | - Ru Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China; Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China; Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China.
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19
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Rothschild PR, Salah S, Berdugo M, Gélizé E, Delaunay K, Naud MC, Klein C, Moulin A, Savoldelli M, Bergin C, Jeanny JC, Jonet L, Arsenijevic Y, Behar-Cohen F, Crisanti P. ROCK-1 mediates diabetes-induced retinal pigment epithelial and endothelial cell blebbing: Contribution to diabetic retinopathy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8834. [PMID: 28821742 PMCID: PMC5562711 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07329-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In diabetic retinopathy, the exact mechanisms leading to retinal capillary closure and to retinal barriers breakdown remain imperfectly understood. Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), an effector of the small GTPase Rho, involved in cytoskeleton dynamic regulation and cell polarity is activated by hyperglycemia. In one year-old Goto Kakizaki (GK) type 2 diabetic rats retina, ROCK-1 activation was assessed by its cellular distribution and by phosphorylation of its substrates, MYPT1 and MLC. In both GK rat and in human type 2 diabetic retinas, ROCK-1 is activated and associated with non-apoptotic membrane blebbing in retinal vessels and in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that respectively form the inner and the outer barriers. Activation of ROCK-1 induces focal vascular constrictions, endoluminal blebbing and subsequent retinal hypoxia. In RPE cells, actin cytoskeleton remodeling and membrane blebs in RPE cells contributes to outer barrier breakdown. Intraocular injection of fasudil, significantly reduces both retinal hypoxia and RPE barrier breakdown. Diabetes-induced cell blebbing may contribute to ischemic maculopathy and represent an intervention target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Raphaël Rothschild
- Inserm UMR_S 1138, Team 17: From physiopathology of retinal diseases to clinical advances, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Sawsen Salah
- Inserm UMR_S 1138, Team 17: From physiopathology of retinal diseases to clinical advances, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Marianne Berdugo
- Inserm UMR_S 1138, Team 17: From physiopathology of retinal diseases to clinical advances, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Gélizé
- Inserm UMR_S 1138, Team 17: From physiopathology of retinal diseases to clinical advances, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Kimberley Delaunay
- Inserm UMR_S 1138, Team 17: From physiopathology of retinal diseases to clinical advances, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Christine Naud
- Inserm UMR_S 1138, Team 17: From physiopathology of retinal diseases to clinical advances, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Klein
- Inserm UMR_S 1138, Team 17: From physiopathology of retinal diseases to clinical advances, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Moulin
- Department of Ophthalmology of University of Lausanne 1000 Lausanne, Jules Gonin Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michèle Savoldelli
- Inserm UMR_S 1138, Team 17: From physiopathology of retinal diseases to clinical advances, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Ciara Bergin
- Department of Ophthalmology of University of Lausanne 1000 Lausanne, Jules Gonin Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Claude Jeanny
- Inserm UMR_S 1138, Team 17: From physiopathology of retinal diseases to clinical advances, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Jonet
- Inserm UMR_S 1138, Team 17: From physiopathology of retinal diseases to clinical advances, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
| | - Yvan Arsenijevic
- Department of Ophthalmology of University of Lausanne 1000 Lausanne, Jules Gonin Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Francine Behar-Cohen
- Inserm UMR_S 1138, Team 17: From physiopathology of retinal diseases to clinical advances, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France. .,Sorbonne University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France. .,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Hôtel-Dieu de Paris Hospital, 75004, Paris, France. .,INSERM U1138 Team 17, Le Centre de Recherches des Cordeliers (CRC), 75006, Paris, France. .,University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Patricia Crisanti
- Inserm UMR_S 1138, Team 17: From physiopathology of retinal diseases to clinical advances, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR_S 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
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20
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Zhang Y, Wu S. Effects of fasudil on pulmonary hypertension in clinical practice. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2017; 46:54-63. [PMID: 28782712 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathophysiologic disorder that may involve multiple clinical conditions and can complicate the majority of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The presence of PH is associated with worse outcomes, but the efficacy of current therapy is still unsatisfactory. Because Rho-kinase (ROCK) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PH, the ROCK inhibitor fasudil is expected to contribute to PH treatment. In animal models of PH, fasudil reduced pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and improved survival. Furthermore, the short-term efficacy and safety of fasudil in the treatment of PH are demonstrated in clinical trials. Both PAP and pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with PH are significantly decreased by intravenous or inhaled fasudil without apparent side effect. However, no clinical trial has assessed the long-term efficacy of fasudil in the treatment of PH. Limited data suggest that the mid-term use of fasudil could improve exercise capacity and reduce in-hospital mortality. We also discuss the combined use of fasudil and other drugs for PH treatment. However, these combinations have not yet been evaluated in a clinical trial. According to animal studies, the combination of fasudil with beraprost or sildenafil shows synergistic effects, whereas the combination of fasudil with bosentan has no additional ameliorating effects on PH development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
| | - Shangjie Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
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21
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The Role of Serotonin Transporter in Human Lung Development and in Neonatal Lung Disorders. Can Respir J 2017; 2017:9064046. [PMID: 28316463 PMCID: PMC5337869 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9064046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Failure of the vascular pulmonary remodeling at birth often manifests as pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and is associated with a variety of neonatal lung disorders including a uniformly fatal developmental disorder known as alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACD/MPV). Serum serotonin regulation has been linked to pulmonary vascular function and disease, and serotonin transporter (SERT) is thought to be one of the key regulators in these processes. We sought to find evidence of a role that SERT plays in the neonatal respiratory adaptation process and in the pathomechanism of ACD/MPV. Methods. We used histology and immunohistochemistry to determine the timetable of SERT protein expression in normal human fetal and postnatal lungs and in cases of newborn and childhood PHT of varied etiology. In addition, we tested for a SERT gene promoter defect in ACD/MPV patients. Results. We found that SERT protein expression begins at 30 weeks of gestation, increases to term, and stays high postnatally. ACD/MPV patients had diminished SERT expression without SERT promoter alteration. Conclusion. We concluded that SERT/serotonin pathway is crucial in the process of pulmonary vascular remodeling/adaptation at birth and plays a key role in the pathobiology of ACD/MPV.
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22
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Absence of the Adenosine A2A Receptor Confers Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Through RhoA/ROCK Signaling Pathway in Mice. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2016; 66:569-75. [PMID: 26647014 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Numerous evidence suggests that RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but little is known about its effects on the development of PAH in mice with absence of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR). Eight A2AR knockout (KO) and 8 wild-type mice were used. Morphometric analysis of pulmonary arterioles included right ventricle/left ventricle plus ventricular septum (Fulton index), vessel wall thickness/total vascular diameter (WT%), and vessel wall area/total vascular area (WA%). The expression of RhoA and ROCK1 mRNA was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of RhoA, ROCK1, and phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 proteins in pulmonary tissue was tested by Western blot. The position of ROCK1 protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Compared with wild-type mice, A2AR KO mice displayed (1) increased Fulton index, WT%, and WA% (P < 0.01); (2) increased mRNA expression of RhoA and ROCK1 (each P < 0.05); (3) increased protein expression of RhoA, ROCK1, and phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (each P < 0.01); (4) increased location of ROCK1 protein in endothelial and smooth muscle cells of pulmonary artery, bronchial, and alveolar epithelial cells. Activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway may cause pulmonary vascular constriction, pulmonary artery remodeling, and PAH in adenosine A2A receptor KO mice.
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23
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Why drugs fail in clinical trials in pulmonary arterial hypertension, and strategies to succeed in the future. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 164:195-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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24
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Brozovich FV, Nicholson CJ, Degen CV, Gao YZ, Aggarwal M, Morgan KG. Mechanisms of Vascular Smooth Muscle Contraction and the Basis for Pharmacologic Treatment of Smooth Muscle Disorders. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 68:476-532. [PMID: 27037223 PMCID: PMC4819215 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The smooth muscle cell directly drives the contraction of the vascular wall and hence regulates the size of the blood vessel lumen. We review here the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which agonists, therapeutics, and diseases regulate contractility of the vascular smooth muscle cell and we place this within the context of whole body function. We also discuss the implications for personalized medicine and highlight specific potential target molecules that may provide opportunities for the future development of new therapeutics to regulate vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- F V Brozovich
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - C J Nicholson
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - C V Degen
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - Yuan Z Gao
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - M Aggarwal
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
| | - K G Morgan
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.J.N., Y.Z.G., M.A., K.G.M.); Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (F.V.B.); and Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria (C.V.D.)
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25
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Zhu Z, Fang Z, Hu X, Zhou S. MicroRNAs and mesenchymal stem cells: hope for pulmonary hypertension. Braz J Cardiovasc Surg 2016; 30:380-5. [PMID: 26313730 PMCID: PMC4541786 DOI: 10.5935/1678-9741.20150033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension is a devastating and refractory disease and there is no cure
for this disease. Recently, microRNAs and mesenchymal stem cells emerged as novel
methods to treat pulmonary hypertension. More than 20 kinds of microRNAs may
participate in the process of pulmonary hypertension. It seems microRNAs or
mesenchymal stem cells can ameliorate some symptoms of pulmonary hypertension in
animals and even improve heart and lung function during pulmonary hypertension.
Nevertheless, the relationship between mesenchymal stem cells, microRNAs and
pulmonary hypertension is not clear. And the mechanisms underlying their function
still need to be investigated. In this study we review the recent findings in
mesenchymal stem cells - and microRNAs-based pulmonary hypertension treatment,
focusing on the potential role of microRNAs regulated mesenchymal stem cells in
pulmonary hypertension and the role of exosomes between mesenchymal stem cells and
pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Zhu
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Huan Province, CN
| | - Zhenfei Fang
- Department of Cardiology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Huan Province, CN
| | - Xinqun Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Huan Province, CN
| | - Shenghua Zhou
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Huan Province, CN
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26
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Signal Mechanisms of Vascular Remodeling in the Development of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2016; 67:182-90. [DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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27
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Byrne TJ. A "cure" for preeclampsia: Improving neonatal outcomes by overcoming excess fetal placental vascular resistance. Med Hypotheses 2015; 85:311-9. [PMID: 26105573 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
From a broad perspective there are only three arterial systems that respond to relative hypoxia with vasoconstriction. They are the placental, the pulmonic and the renal vascular beds. The renal system's adaptation to hypoxia is markedly different from the other two circulatory beds and will not be further considered here. Regional vasoconstriction is adaptive in the placenta and lung because it redirects red blood cells from areas of relative hypoxia to more oxygenated areas thereby maximizing oxygen uptake for a given cardiac output. The fetal placental and pulmonary vascular systems are unique because their smooth muscle cells have a unique and possibly identical potassium channel that responds to hypoxia by closing, thereby depolarizing the cell membrane allowing calcium ion influx and muscle contraction. It may be that a variety of initial causes of temporary or local placental hypoxia initiate a cascade of first fetal placental then maternal vasoconstriction and endothelial activation leading to the clinical syndrome we call preeclampsia. The response cascades seen in preeclampsia, which for purposes of this article I will abbreviate as (PECL), after development of widespread vasoconstriction, will also be seen to be identical or at least parallel in pulmonary hypertension (PAH). This means that some or all of the pharmacotherapies presently used, tested or considered in early PAH may also have a therapeutic effect in PECL by reducing fetal placental arterial resistance thereby increasing fetal placental flow. This would allow increased oxygen and other nutrient uptake and possibly increased fetal cardiac output in the face of reduced fetal cardiac work. This may allow a delay in delivery in which fetuses grow and are better oxygenated in preterm PECL, improving neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Byrne
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, Harlem Hospital, 506 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10037, USA.
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28
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Huan T, Meng Q, Saleh MA, Norlander AE, Joehanes R, Zhu J, Chen BH, Zhang B, Johnson AD, Ying S, Courchesne P, Raghavachari N, Wang R, Liu P, O'Donnell CJ, Vasan R, Munson PJ, Madhur MS, Harrison DG, Yang X, Levy D. Integrative network analysis reveals molecular mechanisms of blood pressure regulation. Mol Syst Biol 2015; 11:799. [PMID: 25882670 PMCID: PMC4422556 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20145399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous loci associated with blood pressure (BP). The molecular mechanisms underlying BP regulation, however, remain unclear. We investigated BP‐associated molecular mechanisms by integrating BP GWAS with whole blood mRNA expression profiles in 3,679 individuals, using network approaches. BP transcriptomic signatures at the single‐gene and the coexpression network module levels were identified. Four coexpression modules were identified as potentially causal based on genetic inference because expression‐related SNPs for their corresponding genes demonstrated enrichment for BP GWAS signals. Genes from the four modules were further projected onto predefined molecular interaction networks, revealing key drivers. Gene subnetworks entailing molecular interactions between key drivers and BP‐related genes were uncovered. As proof‐of‐concept, we validated SH2B3, one of the top key drivers, using Sh2b3−/− mice. We found that a significant number of genes predicted to be regulated by SH2B3 in gene networks are perturbed in Sh2b3−/− mice, which demonstrate an exaggerated pressor response to angiotensin II infusion. Our findings may help to identify novel targets for the prevention or treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxiao Huan
- The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, USA The Population Sciences Branch and the Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Qingying Meng
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mohamed A Saleh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Allison E Norlander
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Roby Joehanes
- The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, USA The Population Sciences Branch and the Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA Mathematical and Statistical Computing Laboratory, Center for Information Technology National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jun Zhu
- Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, New York, NY, USA Graduate School of Biological Sciences Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brian H Chen
- The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, USA The Population Sciences Branch and the Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, New York, NY, USA Graduate School of Biological Sciences Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew D Johnson
- The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, USA Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Human Genomics Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Saixia Ying
- Mathematical and Statistical Computing Laboratory, Center for Information Technology National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul Courchesne
- The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, USA The Population Sciences Branch and the Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nalini Raghavachari
- Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Richard Wang
- Genomics Core facility Genetics & Developmental Biology Center, The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Poching Liu
- Genomics Core facility Genetics & Developmental Biology Center, The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Christopher J O'Donnell
- The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, USA Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Human Genomics Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ramachandran Vasan
- The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, USA
| | - Peter J Munson
- Mathematical and Statistical Computing Laboratory, Center for Information Technology National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Meena S Madhur
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David G Harrison
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Levy
- The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, USA The Population Sciences Branch and the Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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29
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Orlandi A, Calzetta L, Doldo E, Tarquini C, Matera MG, Passeri D. Brain natriuretic peptide modulates calcium homeostasis and epidermal growth factor receptor gene signalling in asthmatic airways smooth muscle cells. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2015; 31:51-4. [PMID: 25722070 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The airway epithelium acts as a barrier and provides a critical interface between the body and the external environment. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) plays an important role in several bronchial functions, including relaxation. BNP relaxes airways by binding and activating natriuretic peptide receptor-A expressed from the airway epithelium. Although relaxation effect has been extensively investigated, less is known about BNP-regulated intracellular biomolecular pathways leading to bronchial relaxation. To this aim, we investigated BNP effects on gene signalling of airway smooth muscle cells (ASM) obtained from donors with asthma by using a RT(2) profiler™ PCR array. When compared with control, treatment for 2 h with supernatant from BNP-treated (1 μM) bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) induced in asthmatic ASM cells a rapid reduction of transcription of EGFR and genes involving in actin and calcium homeostasis, as those of Protein kinase C (PKC) and RhoA-ROCK gene pathways. Immunofluorescence and western blotting did not shown any difference comparing control and ASM cells treated with conditioned medium from BNP-treated BEAS-2B. This study provides evidence that the effect of BNP on relaxing bronchial in ASM cells is mediated from epithelium and associates to rapid changes of EGFR and calcium homeostasis-associated gene levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Orlandi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Institute of Anatomic Pathology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Tor Vergata University Policlinic of Rome, Italy
| | - Luigino Calzetta
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Doldo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Institute of Anatomic Pathology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Tarquini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Institute of Anatomic Pathology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Passeri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Institute of Anatomic Pathology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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30
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Johar D, Siragam V, Mahood TH, Keijzer R. New insights into lung development and diseases: the role of microRNAs. Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 93:139-48. [PMID: 25563747 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2014-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous noncoding RNA molecules (∼ 22 nucleotides) that can regulate gene expression at the post-transcription level. Research interest in the role of miRNAs in lung biology is emerging. MiRNAs have been implicated in a range of processes such as development, homeostasis, and inflammatory diseases in lung tissues and are capable of inducing differentiation, morphogenesis, and apoptosis. In recent years, several studies have reported that miRNAs are differentially regulated in lung development and lung diseases in response to epigenetic changes, providing new insights for their versatile role in various physiological and pathological processes in the lung. In this review, we discuss the contribution of miRNAs to lung development and diseases and possible future implications in the field of lung biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Johar
- Departments of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatrics & Child Health and Physiology (adjunct), University of Manitoba and Biology of Breathing Theme, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P4, Canada
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31
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miR-21/DDAH1 pathway regulates pulmonary vascular responses to hypoxia. Biochem J 2014; 462:103-12. [PMID: 24895913 DOI: 10.1042/bj20140486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The NOS (nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine) contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. Reduced levels of the enzymes metabolizing ADMA, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases (DDAH1 and DDAH2) and increased levels of miR-21 are linked to disease pathology, but the mechanisms are not understood. In the present study we assessed the potential role of miR-21 in the regulation of hypoxia-induced changes in ADMA metabolism in vitro and in vivo. Hypoxia inhibited DDAH1 and DDAH2 expression and increased ADMA levels in cultured human pulmonary endothelial cells. In contrast, in human pulmonary smooth muscle cells, only DDAH2 was reduced whereas ADMA levels remained unchanged. Endothelium-specific down-regulation of DDAH1 by miR-21 in hypoxia induced endothelial dysfunction and was prevented by overexpression of DDAH1 and miR-21 blockade. DDAH1, but not DDAH2, mRNA levels were reduced, whereas miR-21 levels were elevated in lung tissues from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and mice with pulmonary hypertension exposed to 2 weeks of hypoxia. Hypoxic mice treated with miR-21 inhibitors and DDAH1 transgenic mice showed elevated lung DDAH1, increased cGMP levels and attenuated pulmonary hypertension. Regulation of DDAH1 by miR-21 plays a role in the development of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and may be of broader significance in pulmonary hypertension.
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32
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Das D, Zalewski JK, Mohan S, Plageman TF, VanDemark AP, Hildebrand JD. The interaction between Shroom3 and Rho-kinase is required for neural tube morphogenesis in mice. Biol Open 2014; 3:850-60. [PMID: 25171888 PMCID: PMC4163662 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20147450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Shroom3 is an actin-associated regulator of cell morphology that is required for neural tube closure, formation of the lens placode, and gut morphogenesis in mice and has been linked to chronic kidney disease and directional heart looping in humans. Numerous studies have shown that Shroom3 likely regulates these developmental processes by directly binding to Rho-kinase and facilitating the assembly of apically positioned contractile actomyosin networks. We have characterized the molecular basis for the neural tube defects caused by an ENU-induced mutation that results in an arginine-to-cysteine amino acid substitution at position 1838 of mouse Shroom3. We show that this substitution has no effect on Shroom3 expression or localization but ablates Rock binding and renders Shroom3 non-functional for the ability to regulate cell morphology. Our results indicate that Rock is the major downstream effector of Shroom3 in the process of neural tube morphogenesis. Based on sequence conservation and biochemical analysis, we predict that the Shroom-Rock interaction is highly conserved across animal evolution and represents a signaling module that is utilized in a variety of biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debamitra Das
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Jenna K Zalewski
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Swarna Mohan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Timothy F Plageman
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andrew P VanDemark
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Hildebrand
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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33
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White K, Dempsie Y, Caruso P, Wallace E, McDonald RA, Stevens H, Hatley ME, Van Rooij E, Morrell NW, MacLean MR, Baker AH. Endothelial Apoptosis in Pulmonary Hypertension Is Controlled by a microRNA/Programmed Cell Death 4/Caspase-3 Axis. Hypertension 2014; 64:185-94. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.113.03037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin White
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (K.W., Y.D., P.C., E.W., R.A.M., H.S., M.R.M., A.H.B.); Solid Tumor Division, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (M.E.H.); MiRagen Therapeutics, Boulder, CO (E.V.R.); and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
| | - Yvonne Dempsie
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (K.W., Y.D., P.C., E.W., R.A.M., H.S., M.R.M., A.H.B.); Solid Tumor Division, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (M.E.H.); MiRagen Therapeutics, Boulder, CO (E.V.R.); and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
| | - Paola Caruso
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (K.W., Y.D., P.C., E.W., R.A.M., H.S., M.R.M., A.H.B.); Solid Tumor Division, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (M.E.H.); MiRagen Therapeutics, Boulder, CO (E.V.R.); and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
| | - Emma Wallace
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (K.W., Y.D., P.C., E.W., R.A.M., H.S., M.R.M., A.H.B.); Solid Tumor Division, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (M.E.H.); MiRagen Therapeutics, Boulder, CO (E.V.R.); and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
| | - Robert A. McDonald
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (K.W., Y.D., P.C., E.W., R.A.M., H.S., M.R.M., A.H.B.); Solid Tumor Division, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (M.E.H.); MiRagen Therapeutics, Boulder, CO (E.V.R.); and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
| | - Hannah Stevens
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (K.W., Y.D., P.C., E.W., R.A.M., H.S., M.R.M., A.H.B.); Solid Tumor Division, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (M.E.H.); MiRagen Therapeutics, Boulder, CO (E.V.R.); and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
| | - Mark E. Hatley
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (K.W., Y.D., P.C., E.W., R.A.M., H.S., M.R.M., A.H.B.); Solid Tumor Division, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (M.E.H.); MiRagen Therapeutics, Boulder, CO (E.V.R.); and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
| | - Eva Van Rooij
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (K.W., Y.D., P.C., E.W., R.A.M., H.S., M.R.M., A.H.B.); Solid Tumor Division, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (M.E.H.); MiRagen Therapeutics, Boulder, CO (E.V.R.); and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
| | - Nicholas W. Morrell
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (K.W., Y.D., P.C., E.W., R.A.M., H.S., M.R.M., A.H.B.); Solid Tumor Division, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (M.E.H.); MiRagen Therapeutics, Boulder, CO (E.V.R.); and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
| | - Margaret R. MacLean
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (K.W., Y.D., P.C., E.W., R.A.M., H.S., M.R.M., A.H.B.); Solid Tumor Division, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (M.E.H.); MiRagen Therapeutics, Boulder, CO (E.V.R.); and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
| | - Andrew H. Baker
- From the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom (K.W., Y.D., P.C., E.W., R.A.M., H.S., M.R.M., A.H.B.); Solid Tumor Division, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (M.E.H.); MiRagen Therapeutics, Boulder, CO (E.V.R.); and Division of Respiratory Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom (N.W.M.)
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34
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNA which exert post-transcriptional gene regulation activity by targeting messenger RNAs. miRNAs have been found to be involved in various fundamental biological processes and deregulation of miRNAs is known to result in pathological conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of recent discoveries on the role played by this class of molecules in lung development and in pulmonary diseases, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary artery hypertension. Considering the relevant role of these miRNAs under physiological and pathological conditions, they represent new clinical targets as well as diagnostic and prognostic tools. Therefore, this review pays special attention to recent advances and possible future directions for the use of miRNAs for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sessa
- Cardiovascular research institute, University of California San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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35
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Abstract
Rho kinase (ROCK) is a major downstream effector of the small GTPase RhoA. ROCK family, consisting of ROCK1 and ROCK2, plays central roles in the organization of actin cytoskeleton and is involved in a wide range of fundamental cellular functions, such as contraction, adhesion, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. Due to the discovery of effective inhibitors, such as fasudil and Y27632, the biological roles of ROCK have been extensively explored with particular attention on the cardiovascular system. In many preclinical models of cardiovascular diseases, including vasospasm, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, stroke, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and heart failure, ROCK inhibitors have shown a remarkable efficacy in reducing vascular smooth muscle cell hypercontraction, endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory cell recruitment, vascular remodeling, and cardiac remodeling. Moreover, fasudil has been used in the clinical trials of several cardiovascular diseases. The continuing utilization of available pharmacological inhibitors and the development of more potent or isoform-selective inhibitors in ROCK signaling research and in treating human diseases are escalating. In this review, we discuss the recent molecular, cellular, animal, and clinical studies with a focus on the current understanding of ROCK signaling in cardiovascular physiology and diseases. We particularly note that emerging evidence suggests that selective targeting ROCK isoform based on the disease pathophysiology may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the disease treatment including cardiovascular diseases.
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36
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Lei W, Chen P, Yue Y, He Y, Shui X, Li G, Zhang L, Huang S, Chen C. Subcellular distribution patterns and elevated expression of GNA11 and GNA14 proteins in the lungs of humans with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Cell Biol Int 2014; 38:1041-9. [PMID: 24797109 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a progressive and devastating disease, is characterized by abnormal proliferation of pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells. GTP-binding protein subunits, GNA11 and GNA14, transmembrane and intracellular signaling molecules, participate in the regulating endothelial function and vascular development. We followed the expression of GNA11 and GNA14 in human lungs in control and PAH patients using immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses. Both GNA11 and GNA14 were expressed in lung tissue, primarily in artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Expression was more pronounced in PAH lung tissues compared with controls. Using immunocytochemistry and laser scanning confocal microscopy, the subcellular distribution of GNA11 and GNA14 in human pulmonary arterial endothelial (HPAECs) and smooth muscle (HPASMCs) cells in culture was investigated. GNA11 was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of HPASMCs, but it was only found in the cytoplasm of HPAECs. On the other hand, GNA14 immunolocalized to the nucleus and cytoplasm of both HPAECs and HPASMCs. Based on bioinformatic analyses, nuclear localization signal and transmembrane topology confirm the different subcellular distributions of GNA11 and GNA14. The data suggest that GNA11 and GNA14 are related to PAH pathogenesis, and help further functional studies of these proteins in this severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lei
- Cardiovascular Disease Laboratory, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, 524000, China
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37
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Amado-Azevedo J, Valent ET, Van Nieuw Amerongen GP. Regulation of the endothelial barrier function: a filum granum of cellular forces, Rho-GTPase signaling and microenvironment. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 355:557-76. [PMID: 24633925 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1828-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the endothelium is an extremely thin single-cell layer, it performs exceedingly well in preventing blood fluids from leaking into the surrounding tissues. However, specific pathological conditions can affect this cell layer, compromising the integrity of the barrier. Vascular leakage is a hallmark of many cardiovascular diseases and despite its medical importance, no specialized therapies are available to prevent it or reduce it. Small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) of the Rho family are known to be key regulators of various aspects of cell behavior and studies have shown that they can exert both positive and negative effects on endothelial barrier integrity. Moreover, extracellular matrix stiffness has now been implicated in the regulation of Rho-GTPase signaling, which has a direct impact on the integrity of endothelial junctions. However, knowledge about both the precise mechanism of this regulation and the individual contribution of the specific regulatory proteins remains fragmentary. In this review, we discuss recent findings concerning the balanced activities of Rho-GTPases and, in particular, aspects of the regulation of the endothelial barrier. We highlight the role of Rho-GTPases in the intimate relationships between biomechanical forces, microenvironmental influences and endothelial intercellular junctions, which are all interwoven in a beautiful filigree-like fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Amado-Azevedo
- Laboratory for Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Van den Boechorststraat 7, 1081BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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38
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Duluc L, Wojciak-Stothard B. Rho GTPases in the regulation of pulmonary vascular barrier function. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 355:675-85. [PMID: 24599334 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1805-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary endothelial permeability is an important determinant of vascular adaptation to changes in oxygen tension, blood pressure, levels of growth factors or inflammatory cytokines. The Ras homologous (Rho) family of guanosine triphosphate phosphatases (Rho GTPases), key regulators of the actin cytoskeleton, regulate endothelial barrier function in response to a variety of environmental factors and signalling agents via the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, changes in receptor trafficking or the phosphorylation of junctional proteins. This review provides a brief summary of recent knowledge on Rho-GTPase-mediated effects on pulmonary endothelial barrier function and focuses in particular on their role in pulmonary vascular disorders, including pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Duluc
- Centre for Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Imperial College London, London, UK
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39
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Schreiber BE, Connolly MJ, Coghlan JG. Pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2014; 27:425-34. [PMID: 24238697 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with several forms of pulmonary hypertension. It can cause pulmonary hypertension through pulmonary thromboembolic disease, left heart disease and lung disease as well as causing an isolated pulmonary vasculopathy called pulmonary arterial hypertension. The true prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with lupus is not known but probably is no more than 1%. Currently, treatment for lupus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension is with pulmonary vasodilators including phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists and prostacyclin analogues, as it is for other causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Case series suggest there may be a special role for immunosuppression in this rare group of patients. We present two brief case histories and summarise our experience over 15 years. Prognosis is better in lupus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension than in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension, but unfortunately it remains a fatal condition in most patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin E Schreiber
- National Pulmonary Hypertension Service, Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
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40
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Abstract
Sulfhydryl-dependent formation of interprotein disulfide bonds in response to physiological oxidative stimuli is emerging as an important mechanism in the regulation of various biological activities. Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG) are key enzymes for actions caused by cGMP-elevating agents, including nitric oxide (NO). Both sGC and PKG are dimers. The dimerization of sGC is obligatory for its activity, whereas the dimerization of PKG improving its signaling efficacy. sGC dimerization is decreased by endogenous and exogenous thiol reductants, associated with reduced cGMP elevation and attenuated vasodilatation to NO. The dimerization of PKG Iα is increased by oxidative stress, coincident with improved PKG signaling and augmented vasodilatation to NO. In coronary arteries, the dimerizations and activities of sGC and PKG are increased by hypoxia, accompanied by enhanced relaxation induced by NO. In contrast, the dimerizations and activities of these enzymes and NO-induced relaxation of pulmonary arteries are reduced by hypoxia. These opposite effects may result from divergent changes in the redox status of cytoplasmic reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate between coronary and pulmonary arteries in response to hypoxia.
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41
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Storck EM, Wojciak-Stothard B. Rho GTPases in pulmonary vascular dysfunction. Vascul Pharmacol 2013; 58:202-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2012.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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42
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Firth AL, Won JY, Park WS. Regulation of ca(2+) signaling in pulmonary hypertension. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2013; 17:1-8. [PMID: 23439762 PMCID: PMC3579099 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2013.17.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains imperative if we are to successfully improve the quality of life and life span of patients with the disease. A whole plethora of mechanisms are associated with the development and progression of PH. Such complexity makes it difficult to isolate one particular pathway to target clinically. Changes in intracellular free calcium concentration, the most common intracellular second messenger, can have significant impact in defining the pathogenic mechanisms leading to its development and persistence. Signaling pathways leading to the elevation of [Ca(2+)](cyt) contribute to pulmonary vasoconstriction, excessive proliferation of smooth muscle cells and ultimately pulmonary vascular remodeling. This current review serves to summarize the some of the most recent advances in the regulation of calcium during pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Firth
- Laboratory of Genetics, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
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43
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Freund-Michel V, Guibert C, Dubois M, Courtois A, Marthan R, Savineau JP, Muller B. Reactive oxygen species as therapeutic targets in pulmonary hypertension. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2013; 7:175-200. [PMID: 23328248 DOI: 10.1177/1753465812472940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by a progressive elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure due to alterations of both pulmonary vascular structure and function. This disease is rare but life-threatening, leading to the development of right heart failure. Current PH treatments, designed to target altered pulmonary vascular reactivity, include vasodilating prostanoids, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and endothelin-1 receptor antagonists. Although managing to slow the progression of the disease, these molecules still do not cure PH. More effective treatments need to be developed, and novel therapeutic strategies, targeting in particular vascular remodelling, are currently under investigation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important physiological messengers in vascular cells. In addition to atherosclerosis and other systemic vascular diseases, emerging evidence also support a role of ROS in PH pathogenesis. ROS production is increased in animal models of PH, associated with NADPH oxidases increased expression, in particular of several Nox enzymes thought to be the major source of ROS in the pulmonary vasculature. These increases have also been observed in vitro and in vivo in humans. Moreover, several studies have shown either the deleterious effect of agents promoting ROS generation on pulmonary vasculature or, conversely, the beneficial effect of antioxidant agents in animal models of PH. In these studies, ROS production has been directly linked to pulmonary vascular remodelling, endothelial dysfunction, altered vasoconstrictive responses, inflammation and modifications of the extracellular matrix, all important features of PH pathophysiology. Altogether, these findings indicate that ROS are interesting therapeutic targets in PH. Blockade of ROS-dependent signalling pathways, or disruption of sources of ROS in the pulmonary vasculature, targeting in particular Nox enzymes, represent promising new therapeutic strategies in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Freund-Michel
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-INSERM U1045, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université Bordeaux Segalen, Case 83, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France.
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44
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Wojciak-Stothard B, Zhao L, Oliver E, Dubois O, Wu Y, Kardassis D, Vasilaki E, Huang M, Mitchell JA, Harrington LS, Louise H, Prendergast GC, Wilkins MR. Role of RhoB in the regulation of pulmonary endothelial and smooth muscle cell responses to hypoxia. Circ Res 2012; 110:1423-34. [PMID: 22539766 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.112.264473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE RhoA and Rho kinase contribute to pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension. RhoB, a protein homologous to RhoA and activated by hypoxia, regulates neoplastic growth and vasoconstriction but its role in the regulation of pulmonary vascular function is not known. OBJECTIVE To determine the role of RhoB in pulmonary endothelial and smooth muscle cell responses to hypoxia and in pulmonary vascular remodeling in chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS Hypoxia increased expression and activity of RhoB in human pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells, coincidental with activation of RhoA. Hypoxia or adenoviral overexpression of constitutively activated RhoB increased actomyosin contractility, induced endothelial permeability, and promoted cell growth; dominant negative RhoB or manumycin, a farnesyltransferase inhibitor that targets the vascular function of RhoB, inhibited the effects of hypoxia. Coordinated activation of RhoA and RhoB maximized the hypoxia-induced stress fiber formation caused by RhoB/mammalian homolog of Drosophila diaphanous-induced actin polymerization and RhoA/Rho kinase-induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain on Ser19. Notably, RhoB was specifically required for hypoxia-induced factor-1α stabilization and for hypoxia- and platelet-derived growth factor-induced cell proliferation and migration. RhoB deficiency in mice markedly attenuated development of chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, despite compensatory expression of RhoA in the lung. CONCLUSIONS RhoB mediates adaptational changes to acute hypoxia in the vasculature, but its continual activation by chronic hypoxia can accentuate vascular remodeling to promote development of pulmonary hypertension. RhoB is a potential target for novel approaches (eg, farnesyltransferase inhibitors) aimed at regulating pulmonary vascular tone and structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Wojciak-Stothard
- Centre for Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Mohan S, Rizaldy R, Das D, Bauer RJ, Heroux A, Trakselis MA, Hildebrand JD, VanDemark AP. Structure of Shroom domain 2 reveals a three-segmented coiled-coil required for dimerization, Rock binding, and apical constriction. Mol Biol Cell 2012; 23:2131-42. [PMID: 22493320 PMCID: PMC3364177 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e11-11-0937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Shroom (Shrm) proteins are essential regulators of cell shape and tissue morpho-logy during animal development that function by interacting directly with the coiled-coil region of Rho kinase (Rock). The Shrm-Rock interaction is sufficient to direct Rock subcellular localization and the subsequent assembly of contractile actomyosin networks in defined subcellular locales. However, it is unclear how the Shrm-Rock interaction is regulated at the molecular level. To begin investigating this issue, we present the structure of Shrm domain 2 (SD2), which mediates the interaction with Rock and is required for Shrm function. SD2 is a unique three-segmented dimer with internal symmetry, and we identify conserved residues on the surface and within the dimerization interface that are required for the Rock-Shrm interaction and Shrm activity in vivo. We further show that these residues are critical in both vertebrate and invertebrate Shroom proteins, indicating that the Shrm-Rock signaling module has been functionally and molecularly conserved. The structure and biochemical analysis of Shrm SD2 indicate that it is distinct from other Rock activators such as RhoA and establishes a new paradigm for the Rock-mediated assembly of contractile actomyosin networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarna Mohan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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46
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Parikh VN, Jin RC, Rabello S, Gulbahce N, White K, Hale A, Cottrill KA, Shaik RS, Waxman AB, Zhang YY, Maron BA, Hartner JC, Fujiwara Y, Orkin SH, Haley KJ, Barabási AL, Loscalzo J, Chan SY. MicroRNA-21 integrates pathogenic signaling to control pulmonary hypertension: results of a network bioinformatics approach. Circulation 2012; 125:1520-32. [PMID: 22371328 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.111.060269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is driven by diverse pathogenic etiologies. Owing to their pleiotropic actions, microRNA molecules are potential candidates for coordinated regulation of these disease stimuli. METHODS AND RESULTS Using a network biology approach, we identify microRNA associated with multiple pathogenic pathways central to PH. Specifically, microRNA-21 (miR-21) is predicted as a PH-modifying microRNA, regulating targets integral to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Rho/Rho-kinase signaling as well as functional pathways associated with hypoxia, inflammation, and genetic haploinsufficiency of BMP receptor type 2. To validate these predictions, we have found that hypoxia and BMP receptor type 2 signaling independently upregulate miR-21 in cultured pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. In a reciprocal feedback loop, miR-21 downregulates BMP receptor type 2 expression. Furthermore, miR-21 directly represses RhoB expression and Rho-kinase activity, inducing molecular changes consistent with decreased angiogenesis and vasodilation. In vivo, miR-21 is upregulated in pulmonary tissue from several rodent models of PH and in humans with PH. On induction of disease in miR-21-null mice, RhoB expression and Rho-kinase activity are increased, accompanied by exaggerated manifestations of PH. CONCLUSIONS A network-based bioinformatic approach coupled with confirmatory in vivo data delineates a central regulatory role for miR-21 in PH. Furthermore, this study highlights the unique utility of network biology for identifying disease-modifying microRNA in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria N Parikh
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, New Research Building, 77 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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47
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Christou H, Reslan OM, Mam V, Tanbe AF, Vitali SH, Touma M, Arons E, Mitsialis SA, Kourembanas S, Khalil RA. Improved pulmonary vascular reactivity and decreased hypertrophic remodeling during nonhypercapnic acidosis in experimental pulmonary hypertension. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2012; 302:L875-90. [PMID: 22287610 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00293.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by pulmonary arteriolar remodeling with excessive pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. This results in decreased responsiveness of pulmonary circulation to vasodilator therapies. We have shown that extracellular acidosis inhibits VSMC proliferation and migration in vitro. Here we tested whether induction of nonhypercapnic acidosis in vivo ameliorates PH and the underlying pulmonary vascular remodeling and dysfunction. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to hypoxia (8.5% O(2)) for 2 wk, or injected subcutaneously with monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg) to develop PH. Acidosis was induced with NH(4)Cl (1.5%) in the drinking water 5 days prior to and during the 2 wk of hypoxic exposure (prevention protocol), or after MCT injection from day 21 to 28 (reversal protocol). Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and Fulton's index were measured, and pulmonary arteriolar remodeling was analyzed. Pulmonary and mesenteric artery contraction to phenylephrine (Phe) and high KCl, and relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were examined ex vivo. Hypoxic and MCT-treated rats demonstrated increased RVSP, Fulton's index, and pulmonary arteriolar thickening. In pulmonary arteries of hypoxic and MCT rats there was reduced contraction to Phe and KCl and reduced vasodilation to ACh and SNP. Acidosis prevented hypoxia-induced PH, reversed MCT-induced PH, and resulted in reduction in all indexes of PH including RVSP, Fulton's index, and pulmonary arteriolar remodeling. Pulmonary artery contraction to Phe and KCl was preserved or improved, and relaxation to ACh and SNP was enhanced in NH(4)Cl-treated PH animals. Acidosis alone did not affect the hemodynamics or pulmonary vascular function. Phe and KCl contraction and ACh and SNP relaxation were not different in mesenteric arteries of all groups. Thus nonhypercapnic acidosis ameliorates experimental PH, attenuates pulmonary arteriolar thickening, and enhances pulmonary vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator stimuli. Together with our finding that acidosis decreases VSMC proliferation, the results are consistent with the possibility that nonhypercapnic acidosis promotes differentiation of pulmonary VSMCs to a more contractile phenotype, which may enhance the effectiveness of vasodilator therapies in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Christou
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Vascular Surgery, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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48
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Surma M, Wei L, Shi J. Rho kinase as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease. Future Cardiol 2012; 7:657-71. [PMID: 21929346 DOI: 10.2217/fca.11.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho kinase (ROCK) belongs to the AGC (PKA/PKG/PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases and is a major downstream effector of the small GTPase RhoA. ROCK plays central roles in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton and is involved in a wide range of fundamental cellular functions such as contraction, adhesion, migration, proliferation and gene expression. Two ROCK isoforms, ROCK1 and ROCK2, are assumed to be functionally redundant, based largely on the major common activators, the high degree of homology within the kinase domain and studies from overexpression with kinase constructs and chemical inhibitors (e.g., Y27632 and fasudil), which inhibit both ROCK1 and ROCK2. Extensive experimental and clinical studies support a critical role for the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the vascular bed in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, in which increased ROCK activity mediates vascular smooth muscle cell hypercontraction, endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory cell recruitment and vascular remodeling. Recent experimental studies, using ROCK inhibitors or genetic mouse models, indicate that the RhoA/ROCK pathway in myocardium contributes to cardiac remodeling induced by ischemic injury or persistent hypertrophic stress, thereby leading to cardiac decompensation and heart failure. This article, based on recent molecular, cellular and animal studies, focuses on the current understanding of ROCK signaling in cardiovascular diseases and in the pathogenesis of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Surma
- Riley Heart Research Centre, Wells Centre for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Thuet KM, Bowles EA, Ellsworth ML, Sprague RS, Stephenson AH. The Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 increases erythrocyte deformability and low oxygen tension-induced ATP release. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2011; 301:H1891-6. [PMID: 21890695 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00603.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Low oxygen (O(2)) tension and mechanical deformation are stimuli for ATP release from erythrocytes. It has been shown previously that rabbit erythrocytes made less deformable with diamide, a thiol cross-linking agent, release less ATP in response to low O(2) tension, suggesting a link between these two stimuli. In nonerythroid cells, activation of the Rho/Rho kinase signaling pathway has been reported to decrease cell deformability by altering Rho kinase-dependent cytoskeleton-protein interactions. We investigated the hypothesis that the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 would increase erythrocyte deformability and thereby increase low O(2) tension-induced ATP release from erythrocytes. Here we show that Y-27632 (1 μM) increases erythrocyte deformability (5%) and increases low O(2) tension-induced ATP release (203%) from healthy human erythrocytes. In addition, we found that, when erythrocytes were made less deformable by incubation with diamide (100 μM), Y-27632 restored both deformability and low O(2) tension-induced ATP release to levels similar to those measured in the absence of diamide. These findings suggest that the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 is able to reverse the diamide-induced decrease in erythrocyte deformability and rescue low O(2) tension-induced ATP release. These results further support a link between erythrocyte deformability and ATP release in response to low O(2) tension.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Thuet
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
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Yike I, Dearborn D. Guest editorial--novel insights into the pathology of Stachybotrys chartarum. Mycopathologia 2011; 172:1-3. [PMID: 21505872 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-011-9426-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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