Dexamethasone induction of an inhibitor of plasminogen activator in HTC hepatoma cells

A Serpin With a Finger in Many PAIs: PAI-1's Central Function in Thromboinflammation and Cardiovascular Disease

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is a member of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily. PAI-1 is the principal inhibitor of the plasminogen activators, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Turbulence in the levels of PAI-1 tilts the balance of the hemostatic system resulting in bleeding or thrombotic complications. Not surprisingly, there is strong evidence that documents the role of PAI-1 in cardiovascular disease. The more recent uncovering of the coalition between the hemostatic and inflammatory pathways has exposed a distinct role for PAI-1. The storm of proinflammatory cytokines liberated during inflammation, including IL-6 and TNF-α, directly influence PAI-1 synthesis and increase circulating levels of this serpin. Consequently, elevated levels of PAI-1 are commonplace during infection and are frequently associated with a hypofibrinolytic state and thrombotic complications. Elevated PAI-1 levels are also a feature of metabolic syndrome, which is defined by a cluster of abnormalities including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and elevated triglyceride. Metabolic syndrome is in itself defined as a proinflammatory state associated with elevated levels of cytokines. In addition, insulin has a direct impact on PAI-1 synthesis bridging these pathways. This review describes the key physiological functions of PAI-1 and how these become perturbed during disease processes. We focus on the direct relationship between PAI-1 and inflammation and the repercussion in terms of an ensuing hypofibrinolytic state and thromboembolic complications. Collectively, these observations strengthen the utility of PAI-1 as a viable drug target for the treatment of various diseases.

Role of Shear Stress and tPA Concentration in the Fibrinolytic Potential of Thrombi

The resolution of arterial thrombi is critically dependent on the endogenous fibrinolytic system. Using well-established and complementary whole blood models, we investigated the endogenous fibrinolytic potential of the tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and the intra-thrombus distribution of fibrinolytic proteins, formed ex vivo under shear. tPA was present at physiologically relevant concentrations and fibrinolysis was monitored using an FITC-labelled fibrinogen tracer. Thrombi were formed from anticoagulated blood using a Chandler Loop and from non-anticoagulated blood perfused over specially-prepared porcine aorta strips under low (212 s⁻¹) and high shear (1690 s⁻¹) conditions in a Badimon Chamber. Plasminogen, tPA and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) concentrations were measured by ELISA. The tPA–PAI-1 complex was abundant in Chandler model thrombi serum. In contrast, free tPA was evident in the head of thrombi and correlated with fibrinolytic activity. Badimon thrombi formed under high shear conditions were more resistant to fibrinolysis than those formed at low shear. Plasminogen and tPA concentrations were elevated in thrombi formed at low shear, while PAI-1 concentrations were augmented at high shear rates. In conclusion, tPA primarily localises to the thrombus head in a free and active form. Thrombi formed at high shear incorporate less tPA and plasminogen and increased PAI-1, thereby enhancing resistance to degradation.

A Case of Unexplained Cerebral Sinus Thrombosis in a 22-Year-Old Obese Caucasian Woman

Herein, we present the case of a 22-year old obese Caucasian woman female with no acquired thrombophilic risk factors who was diagnosed with extensive cerebral sinus thrombosis. A detailed thrombophilia workup demonstrated persistently elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) activity levels, with an elevated PAI-1 antigen concentration and homozygosity for the PAI-1 4G allele (4G/4G genotype). The patient was treated with indefinite warfarin anticoagulation medication due to the unprovoked nature of her thrombotic event. Disturbances in the fibrinolytic system, in particular PAI-1, have been related to an increased risk of arterial and venous thrombosis. In this article, we discuss the pathophysiology of hypofibrinolysis associated with elevated PAI-1 levels and the PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism.

Effect of retinoids on rheumatoid arthritis, a proliferative and invasive non-malignant disease

In rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue proliferates and destroys articular cartilage, bone and tendons. Collagenase is a major mediator of the connective tissue degradation. This enzyme is produced in large quantities by rheumatoid tissue and its synthesis can be inhibited by retinoids. However, knowledge of mechanisms controlling retinoid inhibition of collagenase production and of factors possibly controlling synovial cell proliferation is limited. We found that transforming growth factor beta in combination with epidermal growth factor, epidermal growth factor alone and immune interferon increased proliferation of cultured human and rabbit synovial fibroblasts. Only transforming growth factor beta caused a piling up of cells into foci resembling those seen in primary cultures of human rheumatoid tissue. All the factors were antagonized by retinoids but not by glucocorticoids or indomethacin. Adding retinoids or glucocorticoids to collagenase-producing cells decreased hybridizable collagenase mRNA by 50% within 24 h. Oral administration of retinoids to rats with experimental arthritis decreased clinical disease without toxicity, and inhibited collagenase synthesis by synovial cells taken from treated animals. Retinoids are both antiproliferative and anti-invasive, and therefore may be potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Mechanisms of dexamethasone-mediated inhibition of cAMP-induced tPA expression in rat mesangial cells

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoids are efficiently used as antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive therapies of renal diseases. However, long-term treatment often is associated with net changes in the turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) components.

METHODS

We examined the impact of glucocorticoids on cAMP-triggered expression of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a protease prominently involved in glomerular ECM turnover.

RESULTS

By ELISA, the db-cAMP-mediated increase in extracellular tPA activity secreted by mesangial cells (MC) was markedly reduced in the presence of 100 nmol/L dexamethasone. The decrease of enzymatic activity was accompanied by an attenuation of tPA expression, as shown by Northern blot analysis. Furthermore, dexamethasone increased the steady-state mRNA level of the tPA-inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), thereby providing an additional mode of regulation of tPA activity. Mutational analysis revealed that the inhibition of tPA expression was localized within the proximal 2.3 kb of the 5'-flanking region of the rat tPA gene and critically depended on a cAMP response element (CRE) at position -185. EMSA demonstrated that binding to this CRE was affected by dexamethasone, since the db-cAMP-caused DNA binding of CREB and C/EBPbeta-immunopositive complexes was substantially reduced by dexamethasone. In parallel, dexamethasone decreased the nuclear abundance of db-cAMP-induced C/EBPbeta and phosphorylated CREB protein without affecting the total level of either transcription factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Suppression of cAMP-stimulated tPA expression by glucocorticoids occurs by interference with CREB and C/EBPbeta, the major transcription factors mediating cAMP responses. These observations may provide the molecular basis for the sclerotic processes within the glomerulus often complicating chronic glucocorticoid treatment.

Synergistic effect of adrenal steroids and angiotensin II on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 production

Recent data suggest an interaction between the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and fibrinolysis. Although previous work has focused on the effect of angiotensin II (Ang II) on plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) expression, the present study tests the hypothesis that aldosterone contributes to the regulation of PAI-1 expression. To test this hypothesis in vitro, luciferase reporter constructs containing the human PAI-1 promoter were transfected into rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Exposure of the cells to 100 nmol/L Ang II resulted in a 3-fold increase in luciferase activity. Neither 1 micromol/L dexamethasone nor 1 micromol/L aldosterone alone increased PAI-1 expression. However, both dexamethasone and aldosterone enhanced the effect of Ang II in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was abolished by mutation in the region of a putative glucocorticoid-responsive element. A similar interactive effect of Ang II and aldosterone was observed in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The time course of the effect of aldosterone on Ang II-induced PAI-1 expression was consistent with a classical mineralocorticoid receptor mechanism, and the effect of aldosterone on PAI-1 synthesis was attenuated by spironolactone. To determine whether aldosterone affected PAI-1 expression in vivo, we measured local venous PAI-1 antigen concentrations in six patients with primary hyperaldosteronism undergoing selective adrenal vein sampling. PAI-1 antigen, but not tissue plasminogen activator antigen, concentrations were significantly higher in adrenal venous blood than in peripheral venous blood. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that aldosterone modulates the effect of Ang II on PAI-1 expression in vitro and in vivo in humans.

Dehydroepiandrosterone reduces plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 and tissue plasminogen activator antigen in men

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may help prevent heart disease in men. To test the hypothesis that DHEA might exert its effects by enhancing endogenous fibrinolytic potential, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted that assessed the effects of DHEA administration on plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen. Eighteen men received 50 mg DHEA orally and 16 men received a placebo capsule thrice daily for 12 days. Serum DHEA-sulfate and plasma PAI-1 and tPA antigen were measured before and after treatment. In the DHEA group, serum DHEA-sulfate (from 7.5 +/- 1.2 micromol/L to 20.2 +/- 1.5 micromol/L (P < 0.0001), androstenedione (from 2.6 +/- 0.2 nmol/L to 4.0 +/- 0.4 nmol/L; P < 0.005) and estrone (from 172 +/- 21 pmol/L to 352 +/- 28 pmol/L; P < 0.005) increased, whereas plasma PAI-1 (from 55.4 +/- 3.8 ng/mL to 38.6 +/- 3.3 ng/mL; P < 0.0001) and tPA antigen (from 8.1 +/- 1.9 ng/mL to 5.4 +/- 1.3 ng/mL; P < 0.0005) decreased. In the placebo group, serum DHEA-sulfate declined slightly from 8.0 +/- 3.3 micromol/L to 7.3 +/- 3.4 micromol/L (P < 0.05), but no other measured steroid changed. Plasma PAI-1 and tPA antigen did not change in the placebo group. These findings suggest that DHEA administration reduces plasma PAI-1 and tPA antigen concentrations in men.

Role of Ito cells in the degradation of matrix in liver

Liver fibrosis is a dynamic process caused by changes in not only the synthesis of matrix proteins but also their degradation. Current evidence indicates that Ito cells, when activated to a myofibroblastic phenotype, play a very active role in regulating matrix degradation in liver. This is mediated via their ability to synthesize and release several members of the matrix metalloproteinase family, a class of enzymes which are responsible for degradation of matrix proteins in the extracellular space. Activated Ito cells have been demonstrated to release prostromelysin, progelatinase A and the pro-enzyme form of interstitial collagenase. In addition, these cells can express appropriate systems for cleaving pro-metalloproteinases to active forms (e.g. the plasminogen activator system, urokinase) as well as specific tissue inhibitors of the activated metalloproteinases (TIMP). In the early phases of liver injury, enzymes with the ability to degrade components of normal liver matrix are expressed (stromelysin and gelatinase A). In contrast, in the fibrotic phase of liver injury, during which fibrillar collagens accumulate, there is little (if any) expression of interstitial collagenase but marked expression of TIMP. These findings suggest that metalloproteinase and their inhibitors play a significant role in liver injury and fibrosis.

Induction of tissue plasminogen activator mRNA and activity by structurally altered estrogens

The effect of structure of the estrogen ligand on the accumulation of tPA mRNA and the activity of extracellular fibrinolytic enzyme has been examined in cultures of MCF-7 cells. Estradiol(E2)-stimulated fibrinolytic activity was preceded by an increase in actinomycin D sensitive tPA mRNA synthesis which peaked at 18 h. Ten A- and D-ring structural analogs of E2 affected tPA mRNA accumulation and extracellular fibrinolytic activity. Only in the case of two A-ring isomers (2- and 4-hydroxyestratrien-17 beta-ol) was the decreased effect of the ligand's structural change on tPA mRNA accumulation and fibrinolysis not explained by a comparable decline in affinity of the ligand for estrogen receptor. Both of these analogs functioned as antiestrogens. The stimulatory capacity of androstanediols on the tPA gene required that the 3-hydroxyl group be positioned in the beta-configuration. Absence of the 17 beta-hydroxy group was beneficial to the maximum accumulation of tPA mRNA. As has been reported for other estrogen responsive genes (progesterone receptor, cathepsin D and pS2), regulation by estrogens is not related directly to the affinity of the ligand for ER, but this activity may be determined by the location of the electronegative isopotential above the A-ring of estrogenic ligands.

Glucocorticoids and stress: permissive and suppressive actions

Protection against stress by glucocorticoids is discussed in relation to their permissive and suppressive actions. Evidence from the last decade is summarized regarding the physiological nature of the suppressive actions, and the hypothesis that they prevent stress-activated defense mechanisms from overshooting and damaging the organism. Support for this hypothesis has come from observations on how endogenous or administered glucocorticoids control inflammatory and immune responses, protect in endotoxic and hemorrhagic shock, regulate central nervous system responses to stimuli, and moderate many defense reactions through suppression of cytokines and other mediators. Studies showing that glucocorticoids permissively induce receptors for several mediators that they suppress have led to a model in which stimulated activity of a mediator system is increased permissively through induction of mediator receptors and decreased through suppression of mediator production.

Degradation of matrix proteins in liver fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis occurs as a consequence of net accumulation of matrix proteins (particularly collagen types I and III) in liver. Current concepts of the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis place major emphasis on the activation of hepatic lipocytes (fat-storing or Ito cells) to a myofibroblast-like phenotype with a consequent increase in their synthesis of matrix proteins. While this is an important factor, there is increasing evidence to indicate that liver fibrosis is a dynamic pathologic process in which altered matrix degradation may also play a significant role. Extracellular degradation of matrix proteins is regulated by a family of enzymes called the matrix metalloproteinases, which is subdivided into three groups; collagenases which degrade interstitial collagens (types I, II and III), type IV collagenases/gelatinases which degrade basement membrane (type IV) collagen and gelatins and stromelysins which degrade a broad range of substrates including proteoglycans, laminin, gelatins and fibronectin. The extracellular activity of these enzymes is regulated by several mechanisms which include alterations in gene transcription and proenzyme synthesis, cleavage of secreted proenzymes to active forms, and specific inhibition of activated forms by tissue inhibitor(s) of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). In liver, current evidence indicates that activated hepatic lipocytes and Kupffer cells play a central role in synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases. Under defined conditions they synthesize interstitial collagenase, 72 kDa and 95 kDa type IV collagenase/gelatinase and possibly stromelysin. Moreover, lipocytes also contribute to regulation of the extracellular activity of these enzymes by secretion of TIMP-1 and alpha 2-macroglobulin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of plasminogen activation in rat cell lines

The regulation of plasminogen activators (PA) and their inhibitors (PAI) in the rat cell lines: HTC and L2 was studied. HTC plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) production was stimulated by dexamethasone, serum factors and insulin; that of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) by cAMP raising agents. Retinoic acid, butyrate, phorbol ester and endotoxin did not affect net PA/PAI activity elaborated by HTC. L2 cells produced tPA, which production was stimulated by retinoic acid, phorbol myristate acetate, butyrate and cAMP; serum factors blunted their response, whereas in the synthetic serum substituting medium Ultraculture and with cocktail Ultroser the action of tPA stimulators was enhanced.

Characterization of a glucocorticosteroid-induced inhibitor of interferon-gamma induction of HLA-DR expression

Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) induces human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR antigen expression on a variety of cell types, and in human skin cells this induction is inhibited by trypsin inhibitors. Recently a trypsin-like protease was characterized whose activity is required for HLA-DR induction in a hybrid epidermal cell line. Glucocorticosteroids also inhibit IFN-gamma-induced HLA-DR expression, and similarities have been noted between the inhibition by trypsin inhibitors and by glucocorticosteroids. To assess the possibility that glucocorticosteroid inhibition of IFN-gamma-induced HLA-DR expression might be due to induction of an inhibitor of trypsin activity that is re-expression, we examined culture medium supernates (CM) of glucocorticosteroid-treated cells for HLA-DR- and trypsin-inhibitory activities. We report here that CM of glucocorticosteroid-treated H12 cells contain inhibitors of HLA-DR expression and of trypsin activity, but that the two inhibitors are not identical. H12 cells constitutively secrete a greater than 30,000 MW, acid- and heat-stable trypsin inhibitor, whose expression is not modulated by glucocorticosteroid or IFN-gamma, and that does not inhibit IFN-gamma-induced HLA-DR expression. The HLA-DR inhibitor, on the other hand, is present only in CM of glucocorticosteroid-treated cells, is distinct from glucocorticosteroid itself, of a MW less than 500 and does not inhibit trypsin. We conclude, therefore, that the glucocorticosteroid inhibition of IFN-gamma-induced HLA-DR expression is by a mechanism other than secretion of a trypsin inhibitor.

Down-regulation of urokinase secretion from a human lymphoma cell line RC-K8 by dexamethasone without inducing plasminogen activator inhibitors

The plasminogen activator (PA) activity in various cell lines is suppressed by glucocorticoids. These phenomena are attributed to either a suppression of PA biosynthesis, to an increase of PA inhibitor or to a combination of both. The regulation of urokinase (UK) production in a human pre-B cell lymphoma line, RC-K8, by dexamethasone (Dex) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was investigated. RC-K8 is a cell line which is consistently producing a high molecular weight UK in the conditioned medium (Kubonishi, I., et al: Jpn. J. Cancer Res. 76, 12-15, 1985). The cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 with Dex or PMA for 1-4 days. UK activity was measured using a chromogenic substrate S-2444 and the antigen by an ELISA kit. PAI-1 and PAI-2 antigens were also measured by ELISA kits and the complex between PA and PAI was examined by SDS-PAGE fibrin-zymography. The UK secretion in RC-K8 cells was inhibited by cycloheximide and actinomycin D. PMA at 0.16-1.6 uM up-regulated the UK activity approximately two-fold, parallel with the antigen, whereas Dex at 1-10 uM decreased the UK expression approximately half. These were verified by SDS-PAGE fibrin-zymography. Neither PAI-1, PAI-2 nor PA/PAI complex was detected in the conditioned medium and in the cell lysate. These data suggest that PMA up-regulates the UK secretion without inducing PAIs and the down-regulation of the UK secretion by Dex results from the inhibition of the expression of UK itself but not from the induction of PAIs.

Participation of phospholipase A2 in induction of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) production by human fibroblast, IMR-90 cells, stimulated by proteose peptone

Proteose peptone (p.peptone) had an ability to induce tissue plasminogen activator(t-PA) production by human embryonic lung fibroblast, IMR-90 cells. The induction was dependent on extracellular Ca2+ concentration. The stimulation of p.peptone caused uptake of 45Ca2+ by the cells. The presences of both p.peptone and Ca2+ in medium were necessary for the continuous induction of t-PA production. Hydrocortisone and dexamethasone inhibited t-PA production induced by p.peptone. In addition, the inhibitors of phospholipase A2, quinacrine and 4-bromophenacylbromide, respectively inhibited t-PA production as well as glucocorticoids. Conversely, melittin, an activator of phospholipase A2, induced t-PA production in a dose-dependent manner. Exogenous phospholipase A2 strongly induced t-PA production and also arachidonic acid moderately did in a dose-dependent manner. P.peptone stimulated the release of radioactive arachidonic acid from 3H-arachidonic acid-labeled IMR-90 cells under the presence of Ca2+. These results suggest that the induction of t-PA production by p.peptone is closely related to the activity of phospholipase A2, that is, the release of arachidonic acid from phospholipids in cell membrane.

Induction of HLA-DR by interferon-gamma requires a trypsin-like protease

Induction of HLA-DR antigen expression by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is inhibited by trypsin inhibitors and an anti-trypsin monoclonal antibody, but not by chymotrypsin inhibitors, suggesting a requirement for trypsin-like protease (TLP) activity in IFN-gamma-induced HLA-DR expression. Using p-nitroanilide and thioester substrates, TLP activity was demonstrated in cellular extracts of a hybrid epidermal cell line and judged to be essential for HLA-DR expression. TLP activity was inhibited by the trypsin inhibitors soybean trypsin inhibitor, ovomucoid trypsin inhibitor, and tosyl-lysyl-chloromethyl ketone and by an anti-trypsin monoclonal antibody, closely paralleling inhibition of HLA-DR expression by such agents. TLP activity was enhanced by exposure to trypsin-linked agarose, indicating that the protease normally exists in an inactive form, perhaps in an enzyme-inhibitor complex or as an activatable proenzyme. Finding glucocorticoids (GC) to also inhibit IFN-gamma-induced HLA-DR expression and to regulate serine protease, especially urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), activity raised the possibility of GC regulation of TLP activity. However, TLP activity was found to be constitutively expressed, regulated by neither GC nor IFN-gamma, nor was uPA activity involved in HLA-DR regulation. Trypsin inhibitors and GC also inhibited induction of intracellular 2',5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase by IFN-gamma. Thus, TLP activity is required for IFN-gamma induction of HLA-DR and 2-5A synthetase.

Methylprednisolone prophylaxis protects against endotoxin-induced death in rabbits

Endotoxemia in patients can lead to sepsis and shock by activation of cellular and plasmatic systems. Corticosteroids are described to have a beneficial effect on these phenomena. In this study of controlled endotoxic shock, we investigated the protective effects of prophylactic corticosteroid treatment against activation of cellular and plasmatic systems. In this respect, a low-dose methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg body wt) treatment was compared with that of a high-dose methylprednisolone (40 mg/kg body wt) treatment. Endotoxin infusion induced death of all rabbits, which was associated with leukopenia, thrombopenia, increased levels of beta-glucuronidase, and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and decreased levels of complement total hemolytic activity (CH50) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity. Both methylprednisolone regimens prevented death of the rabbits after endotoxin infusion, which correlated with a significant decrease of the granulocyte release product beta-glucuronidase (P less than 0.01). The early leukopenia and thrombopenia were not prevented; however, both cell numbers returned more rapidly to baseline values than in the placebo group (P less than 0.01, P less than 0.05). The LTB4 and CH50 concentration and t-PA activity did not differ significantly between the treated and placebo groups. These results indicate that although methylprednisolone has no inhibitory effect on the activation of the complement, arachidonic acid, and fibrinolytic systems, it protected the animals from the deleterious effects of endotoxin shock by inhibition of leukocyte activation. In this regard a low dosage of methylprednisolone is equally effective as the most often recommended high dose.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-2 is a major protein induced in human fibroblasts and SK-MEL-109 melanoma cells by tumor necrosis factor

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) induces the synthesis of two proteins of Mr 42 and 36 kDa in human fibroblasts and SK-MEL-109 melanoma cells. To identify these proteins, a lambda gt10 cDNA library was prepared from the mRNA of TNF-treated SK-MEL-109 cells. By screening this library, we found a cDNA that preferentially hybridized to TNF-induced RNA. Hybrid-selected mRNA was translated into a protein of 42 kDa; cDNA sequence analysis followed by a comparison with other known protein sequences identified this protein with plasminogen activator inhibitor, type-2 (PAI-2). After removal of TNF, PAI-2 mRNA turned over rapidly, with an apparent half-life of approximately 2.5 h. Addition of dexamethasone increased the turnover of this mRNA, suggesting that the level of PAI-2 mRNA could be regulated post-transcriptionally by glucocorticoids. PAI-2 was not secreted, but accumulated in fibroblasts continuously treated with TNF.

p52 induction by cytochalasin D in rat kidney fibroblasts: homologies between p52 and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1

Normal rat kidney (NRK) fibroblasts respond to the cell shape-modulating chemical agent cytochalasin D (CD) with augmented synthesis of the 52-kDa substrate-associated protein p52. p52 is a complex glycoprotein, existing as 12 different isoforms, which include a 43-kDa "core" protein (p43), four 50-kDa species (p50-0,1,2,3), and at least seven distinct pI variants of the mature 52-kDa protein. A threshold of 2-4 microM CD was found to be necessary to augment p52 deposition into both the secreted protein- and saponin-resistant cytomatrix (SAP) fractions of NRK cells. This concentration of CD was also necessary to initiate significant cell rounding. Augmented p52 production in CD-treated NRK (NRK/CD) cells provided a means to assess the identity of this protein. p52 was found to be identical to rat plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (rPAI-1) and to PAI-1-like proteins of other species by comparative immunoprecipitation, 2-D electrophoretic profile, V8 protease digest mapping, and subcellular fractionation criteria. Quantitation of rPAI-1 cytoplasmic mRNA abundance, using the rPAI-1 cDNA probe pSS1-3, revealed an induction of rPAI-1 mRNA in NRK/CD cells which paralleled the increased protein production. CD-augmented p52(rPAI-1) synthesis and SAP deposition was blocked by actinomycin D, implicating a need for RNA synthesis during the period of CD exposure to effect induction. Augmentation of p52 expression in NRK/CD fibroblasts, thus, appears to involve both cell shape-associated metabolic processes and concomitant RNA synthesis.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate, an anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic steroid, inhibits the plasminogen activator in bovine endothelial cells

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is an anti-cancer drug for mammary carcinomas and an angiostatic steroid. The effects of MPA on the growth and plasminogen activator (PA) activity of bovine endothelial cells were investigated to elucidate the inhibitory mechanism observed in angiogenesis. MPA did not suppress the growth of capillary endothelial cells, even at high concentrations. On the other hand, in bovine endothelial cells of 3 types (adrenal cortical capillary, aortic and pulmonary artery endothelial cells), MPA inhibited extracellular and cell-associated activity of PA, which might be a protease involved in the neovascular response. MPA also greatly inhibited the high level of PA induced by basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF). The same result was obtained when PA production was induced by 4 beta-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) in endothelial cells. These findings suggest that one of the points of inhibitory action of MPA in the process of angiogenesis may be the suppression of PA activity, and that inhibition of this protease might be useful for reduction of tumorigenic or excessive angiogenesis in vivo.

Characterization of a plasminogen activator and its inhibitor in human mesangial cells

In the course of some pathological and experimental nephropathies, intraglomerular fibrin deposits develop, possibly as a consequence of inefficient fibrinolysis. In vitro human glomeruli exhibit fibrinolytic activity due to the synthesis of plasminogen activators (PAs) such as, tissue-type PA (t-PA) and urokinase-type PA (u-PA). Immunofluorescence studies have previously shown that t-PA is localized in the capillary tufts and u-PA in the visceral epithelial cells. We have now investigated the fibrinolytic activity of cultured human mesangial cells. Inhibitory activity towards u-PA or t-PA but not plasmin was found in both conditioned medium and cellular extracts. Analysis of the conditioned medium by zymography revealed a single band of PA-activity (Mr: 110 to 120 kDa). Immunoneutralization with anti-t-PA and anti-plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) IgG but not anti-u-PA or anti-PAI-2 removed this band. Reverse fibrin autography demonstrated the presence of PAI-1 in both cellular extracts and in conditioned medium. Western Blot analysis showed that two bands (50 kD and 120 kD) were recognized by the anti-PAI-1 antibody. By ELISA t-PA and PAI-1 antigens were found to increase progressively with time in the culture medium but not in cellular extracts. Both t-PA and PAI-1, but not u-PA and PAI-2, were also detected by immunofluorescence studies. Thus human glomerular mesangial cells synthesize and secrete t-PA and PAI-1 in vitro. PAI-1 is produced in excess, therefore t-PA is only found in the form of a complex with PAI-1.

Cloning and sequencing of cDNA for the rat plasminogen activator inhibitor-1

A cDNA encoding rat plasminogen activator-inhibitor (PAI-1) has been isolated from an HTC rat hepatoma cell cDNA library constructed in phage lambda gt10. The cDNA contains 118 bp of 5'-untranslated sequence, 1206 bp encoding a 402-amino acid (aa) protein and 1747 bp of 3'-untranslated sequence. The protein-coding sequence and the derived amino acid sequence share 82% and 81% identity, respectively, with human PAI-1 cDNA and protein. The rat cDNA encodes a preprotein with a 23-aa leader peptide and a predicted N-terminal serine for the mature protein. Three of four potential N-glycosylation acceptor sites as well as the active site of rat PAI-1 are identical to the human protein. The 3'-untranslated region contains a number of unusual regions, including 80 bp of tandemly repeated GpA dinucleotides, a 115-bp stretch which shares greater than 90% sequence identity with a region within the 3'-untranslated cDNA of human PAI-1, and two 70-bp stretches of highly T-rich sequence located close to the 3'-terminus of the cDNA.

Plasminogen activators and plasminogen activator inhibitor in malignant and non-malignant ascitic fluid

Ascitic fluid from tumour patients (hepatoma, gastric cancer, gallbladder cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer) and from non-malignant diseases (liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure) were compared with respect to their content of determinants of the fibrinolytic system, tissue-type plasminogen activator antigen (t-PAag) and activity (t-PAact), urokinase-type plasminogen activator antigen (u-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor activity (PAI). Furthermore, SDS-polyacrylamide slab-gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was performed to evaluate molecular weight distribution of the detectable fibrinolytic parameters. In malignant ascites, PAI activity was three to four times higher, and increased complex formation of PAI with t-PA could be demonstrated, compared with non-malignant ascitic fluid. Tissue-type plasminogen activator antigen and activity showed a similar concentration in ascites of both study groups. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator antigen was detectable neither in ascites of malignant nor in ascites of non-malignant origin. It is concluded that t-PA is the physiological plasminogen activator in ascites and that increased PAI levels followed by increased complex formation between t-PA and PAI might reflect a reaction of the peritoneum.

Effect of various steroids on the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid in isolated hepatocytes and HTC cells

The effect of various steroids on the incorporation and desaturation of eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid in normal hepatocytes and HTC cells was investigated. After 3 hr incubation with 11-deoxycorticosterone, both kinds of cells showed an increase in the incorporation of eicosatrienoic acid. In contrast, progesterone, cortexolone, 17-beta-estradiol, testosterone, estriol, aldosterone, corticosterone, dexamethasone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 11-beta-hydroxyandrosterone, 11-ketoaetiocholanolone, epiaetiocholanolone and 5-beta-pregnane-3 alpha,20 alpha-diol, provoked no significant changes in the uptake of the exogenous acid. Of all the steroids tested, only 11-deoxycorticosterone, dexamethasone and 17-beta-estradiol evoked a significant inhibition on the arachidonate biosynthesis in both kinds of cells. Testosterone, estriol, aldosterone and corticosterone provoked a significant inhibition of delta 5-desaturase in HTC cells. In dexamethasone, this effect was dose-dependent (0 to 10(-4) M). Simultaneous incubation with 17-beta-estradiol or 11-deoxycorticosterone with dexamethasone led to an extent of inhibition on arachidonate biosynthesis that did not surpass the effect of each drug. Pretreatment of isolated hepatocytes with the antiglucocorticoid, cortexolone, prevented the dexamethasone-induced inhibition of arachidonate biosynthesis. Normal rat liver microsomes preincubated in vitro with dexamethasone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, 17-beta-estradiol, corticosterone or estriol (10(-6) or 10(-4) M concentration), showed no significant changes in the delta 5-desaturase activity. The results obtained suggest that the effect of the steroids on arachidonic acid biosynthesis in normal hepatocytes and HTC cells requires receptor occupancy and probably is mediated through a common biochemical mechanism.

The organization of the human-plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-1 gene. Implications on the evolution of the serine-protease inhibitor family

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is a member of the serine protease inhibitor super family (SERPINS) which is thought to play an integral role in the control of plasminogen activation. PAI-1 inhibits both tissue-type plasminogen activator and urokinase-type plasminogen activator and may therefore be implicated in the control of various physiological processes. We have isolated the PAI-1 gene including its 5'-flanking sequence. The gene was characterized by restriction enzyme analysis, Southern blotting and DNA sequencing of all the coding parts as well as the 5'-flanking region. The PAI-1 gene contains nine exons and eight introns distributed over approximately 12.3 kb of DNA. All exon/intron boundaries agree with the 'GT-AG' rule. To characterize the presumptive promoter region, 800 bp of the 5'-flanking region was sequenced and potential binding sites for transacting transcriptional factors were localized. The transcription initiation site was identified by S1 protection experiments and is located 25 base pairs downstream of a TATA consensus sequence. By aligning the gene structure of PAI-1 and four other SERPINS and extrapolating a general tertiary structure to these SERPINS, we find that most introns map between subdomain structures of the proteins. Evidence is presented supporting an intron loss model for the evolution of the SERPIN family.

Plasminogen activator secretion by established lines of human ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro

Ten human ovarian carcinoma cell lines (A121, A121[as], Caov-3, Caov-4, NIH:OVCAR-3, OVCA 420, OVCA 429, OVCA 432, OVCA 433, and SK-OV-3) were examined for secretion of plasminogen activators (PAs) using a chromogenic PA assay and SDS-PAGE zymography. PA activity was detected in conditioned media from all 10 cell lines. PA levels secreted by the 10 individual lines in a 24-hr period spanned a large range, with the extremes being 8 and 5244 milliPloug units (mPU)/10(6) cells for SK-OV-3 and OVCA 420 cells, respectively. Secreted PAs were identified as urokinase (UK)-like or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-like using dual criteria of comigration with UK or tPA standards on SDS-PAGE zymography and fibrin-dependence characteristics. Using both criteria, all 10 cell types produced UK-like activity, while tPA-like activity was produced by only 5 of the lines: A121[as], Caov-3, NIH:OVCAR-3, OVCA 429, and OVCA 433. Two additional cell lines produced PA activities that were tPA-like if judged by only one of the two criteria. Thus, Caov-4 cells produced a PA which comigrated with tPA, yet displayed no fibrin-dependent characteristics. Conversely, SK-OV-3 cells produced a fibrin-dependent PA, yet a band comigrating with tPA was not seen on SDS-PAGE zymography. Two lines derived from primary and ascitic sites from the same patient (A121 and A121[as], respectively) produced PAs with markedly different characteristics. Thus, PA produced by A121 cells was 100% UK-like, while that produced by A121[as] cells was greater than 90% tPA-like. Also, the total PA activity secreted by A121 cells was four times that secreted by A121[as] cells. In addition to bands comigrating with UK or tPA, all of the cell lines except Caov-3 and NIH:OVCAR-3 displayed higher molecular weight PA activities suggestive of the SDS-stable complexes between PAs and PA inhibitors reported in other cell types. While our results indicate that PA production may be a general characteristic of ovarian carcinoma cells in culture, individual patterns of UK and tPA production appear to be complex and vary from cell line to cell line. The precise characteristics of PA production in a given cell line may therefore depend on currently unidentified characteristics of the original tumor.

Modulation of growth of melanoma

Combined heparin-cortisone treatment induces regression of growth in a variety of murine tumors including melanoma. We injected 92 inbred C 57 b1/6 male mice each with 5 X 10(5) melanoma cells (B16, B16 F1, and B16 A6 lines) with different metastatic potential. Heparin (400 U/ml) and cortisone acetate (250 mg/kg SC injections) were given daily. Control experiments were performed both with the administration of no drugs and with administration of cortisone alone. Plasminogen activator activity, which is notoriously related to tumor growth, was evaluated using fibrin plate technique in 10 fragments taken before and 20 days after the combined heparin-cortisone treatment of B16 F1 and B16 A6 melanomas. The combined heparin-cortisone treatment slowed tumor growth, but no tumour regression was observed. Cutaneous fibrinolytic activity appeared increased in all specimens after the treatment.

Progestogen regulation of tissue plasminogen activator in a human melanoma cell line

The influence of progestogens, i.e. medroxyprogesterone, levonorgestrel and norethisterone, was studied in a melanoma cell line producing tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). The cell cultures were exposed to the three progestogens by addition of the steroids dissolved in a weak alcoholic solution to the culture media, in which the released t-PA was assayed by an immunoradiometric method. Ethanol (0.76% w/v) stimulated the t-PA production, while significant inhibitory effect of the present progestogens in the concentration of 1.7 x 10(-6) M was recorded. By tenfold decrease in progestogen concentration significant reduction of t-PA levels was still seen in the cultures exposed to levonorgestrel, while medroxyprogesterone and norethisterone in this dose had no effect on t-PA release. Norethisterone differed from the other two progestogens in having weak toxic effect on melanoma cells. It was concluded that the progestogens studied, in particular norethisterone and levonorgestrel, had an inhibitory effect on the production of t-PA in melanoma cell culture.

Plasminogen activation: biochemistry, physiology, and therapeutics

The mammalian serine protease zymogen, plasminogen, can be converted into the active enzyme plasmin by vertebrate plasminogen activators urokinase (uPA), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), factor XII-dependent components, or by bacterial streptokinase. The biochemical properties of the major components of the system, plasminogen/plasmin, plasminogen activators, and inhibitors of the plasminogen activators, are reviewed. The plasmin system has been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes such as fibrinolysis, tissue remodeling, cell migration, inflammation, and tumor invasion and metastasis. A defective plasminogen activator/inhibitor system also has been linked to some thromboembolic complications. Recent studies of the mechanism of fibrinolysis in human plasma suggest that tPA may be the primary initiator and that overall fibrinolytic activity is strongly regulated at the tPA level. A simple model for the initiation and regulation of plasma fibrinolysis based on these studies has been formulated. The plasminogen activators have been used for thrombolytic therapy. Three new thrombolytic agents--tPA, pro-uPA, and acylated streptokinase-plasminogen complex--have been found to possess better properties over their predecessors, urokinase and streptokinase. Further improvements of these molecules using genetic and protein engineering tactics are being pursued.

Modulation of delta 6 and delta 5 rat liver microsomal desaturase activities by dexamethasone-induced factor

This report supports evidence for the existence of a dexamethasone-induced factor that modulates fatty acid desaturase activities. Dexamethasone at a dose of 1 mg/rat produced a significant decrease in microsomal delta 6 and delta 5 desaturation activity 12 h after the injection. Both desaturase activities were depressed by a soluble factor present in the cytosolic fraction of cells, since the supernatant of microsomes separated at 110,000 X g from hormonal-treated rat liver homogenates, added to crude or washed control microsomes, was able to inhibit in vitro linoleic and homo-gamma-linolenic conversion to gamma-linolenic and arachidonic acids, respectively. The inhibitory factor was loosely bound to microsomes, since it was also present in a soluble fraction obtained after washing crude microsomes from dexamethasone-treated rats with a low-ionic-strength solution. Besides, trypsin digestion deactivates the dexamethasone-induced factor. Therefore, the depressing effect of glucocorticoids on delta 6 and delta 5 desaturation capacity depends on an unchanged protein structure present in the cytosolic fraction of the cell and whose biosynthesis is brought about by hormonal induction.

Estrogen regulation of tissue plasminogen activator in a human melanoma cell line

The influence of ethinylestradiol and the three natural estrogens, i.e. estrone, 17-beta-estradiol and estriol, was studied in a melanoma cell line producing a tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). The cell cultures were exposed to the four estrogens by addition of the steroids dissolved in a weak alcoholic solution to the culture media, in which the released t-PA was assayed by an immunoradiometric method. Ethanol (0.76% w/v) stimulated the t-PA production, while no significant effect of the estrogens in the concentration of 1.7 X 10(-7) M was seen. By tenfold increase in estrogen concentration a highly significant reduction of t-PA levels was recorded in the cultures exposed to ethinylestradiol and 17-beta-estradiol. Estriol differed from these two estrogens in having rather weak inhibitory effect; whereas estrone in this concentration had toxic effect on melanoma cells. It was concluded that the present estrogens, in particular ethinylestradiol and 17-beta-estradiol, had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the production of t-PA in melanoma cell culture.

Hormonal regulation of extracellular plasminogen activators and Mr approximately 54,000 plasminogen activator inhibitor in human neoplastic cell lines, studied with monoclonal antibodies

We have studied the regulation by glucocorticoids and dibutyryl cAMP of the amounts of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and a Mr approximately 54000 plasminogen activator inhibitor accumulated in serum-free conditioned culture fluid by a human fibrosarcoma, a human glioblastoma and a human melanoma cell line (HT-1080, UCT/gl-1 and Bowes). For the quantitation of u-PA and t-PA, we used sandwich-type ELISA with a combination of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. For an estimation of variations in the amount of the inhibitor, we used sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by Coomassie blue staining of conditioned culture fluid proteins, the inhibitor protein band being identified by its selective removal by passage of the conditioned culture fluids through a column with monoclonal antibodies against the inhibitor. The modulation of the 3 proteins by the hormonal agents varied greatly between the cell lines. The proteins were independently regulated, in the sense that the hormonal agents did not concomitantly change their levels in the direction expected either to increase or decrease total extracellular plasminogen activator activity. In conditioned culture fluids containing both t-PA and inhibitor, the two were present in the medium as a Mr approximately 120 000 complex. In contrast, no u-PA inhibitor complexes were found in conditioned culture fluid from any of the cell lines; this is likely to be due to the occurrence of u-PA in the culture fluid in the one-chain proenzyme form, which, unlike active u-PA, does not react with the inhibitor. These findings illustrate the complexity of the regulation of extracellular plasminogen activator activity, and imply that the presumed functional diversity of u-PA and t-PA may be related to their independent regulation.