Cytokines and insulin induce cationic amino acid transporter (CAT) expression in cardiac myocytes. Regulation of L-arginine transport and no production by CAT-1, CAT-2A, and CAT-2B

Advances in the molecular mechanisms of statins in regulating endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability: Interlocking biology between eNOS activity and L-arginine metabolism

Statins, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A, are widely used to treat hypercholesterolemia. In addition, statins have been suggested to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events owing to their pleiotropic effects on the vascular system, including vasodilation, anti-inflammation, anti-coagulation, anti-oxidation, and inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. The major beneficial effect of statins in maintaining vascular homeostasis is the induction of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability by activating endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in endothelial cells. The mechanisms underlying the increased NO bioavailability and eNOS activation by statins have been well-established in various fields, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, kinase-dependent phosphorylation and protein-protein interactions. However, the mechanism by which statins affect the metabolism of L-arginine, a precursor of NO biosynthesis, has rarely been discussed. Autophagy, which is crucial for energy homeostasis, regulates endothelial functions, including NO production and angiogenesis, and is a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. In this review, in addition to summarizing the molecular mechanisms underlying increased NO bioavailability and eNOS activation by statins, we also discuss the effects of statins on the metabolism of L-arginine.

Effects of low-protein diet and feed restriction on mRNA expression of cationic amino acid transporters in porcine skeletal muscles

We investigated the effects of a low-protein diet and feed restriction on the mRNA expression of cationic amino acid transporters (CATs) in the longissimus dorsi (LD), rhomboideus (RH), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles of pigs. Eighteen piglets were divided into three groups: a control (CP21%), low-protein diet (LP, CP16%), and feed-restricted diet (FR, CP21%, 76% feed intake of control pigs) groups. The expression levels of CAT-1 in the LD and BF muscles of LP pigs were higher than that of control pigs, whereas that of FR pigs showed no difference. The CAT-2A expression levels in the RH muscle of FR pigs were higher than that of control pigs. The free lysine concentrations in all muscles of LP and FR pigs were lower than that of control pigs. To examine the factors that affect CATs mRNA expression, we evaluated the effects of lysine, arginine, insulin-like growth factor-I, and dexamethasone on the expression of CATs in C2C12 myotubes. CAT-1 expression levels increased in lysine and/or arginine deprivation. We show that CAT-1 and CAT-2A expression levels in skeletal muscles differ in response to dietary treatments and CAT-1 expression in skeletal muscles appears to increase in response to low free lysine concentrations.

Cationic amino acid transporters and their modulation by nitric oxide in cardiac muscle cells

Cationic amino acid transporters (CATs) play a central role in the supply of the substrate L-arginine to intracellular nitric oxide synthases (NOS), the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). In heart, NO produced by cardiac myocytes has diverse and even opposite effects on myocardial contractility depending on the subcellular location of its production. Approximately a decade ago, using a combination of biophysical and biochemical approaches, we discovered and characterized high- and low-affinity CATs that function simultaneously in the cardiac myocyte plasma membrane. Later on, we reported a negative feedback regulation of NO on the activity of cardiac CATs. In this way, NO was found to modulate its own biosynthesis by regulating the amount of L-arginine that becomes available as NOS substrate. We have recently solved the molecular determinants for this NO regulation on the low-affinity high-capacity CAT-2A. This review highlights some biophysical and biochemical features of L-arginine transporters and their potential relation to cardiac muscle physiology and pathology.

Flagellin From Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Stimulates ATB0,+ Transporter for Arginine and Neutral Amino Acids in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

At present, the central role played by arginine in the modulation of the inflammatory cellular responses is well-recognized, and many pro-inflammatory stimuli are known to modulate the expression and activity of its transmembrane transporters. In this regard, we have addressed the effects of bacterial flagellin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (FLA-PA) on the uptake of the amino acid in human epithelial respiratory cells. Among the arginine transporters, only ATB^0,+, y⁺L, and y⁺ were operative in bronchial epithelial Calu-3 cells under control conditions; however, only the expression and activity of ATB^0,+ were stimulated upon incubation with flagellin, whereas those of systems y⁺L and y⁺ were not stimulated. As a result, this induction, in turn, led to an increase in the intracellular content of arginine without making any change to its metabolic pathway. In addition, flagellin upregulated the amount of other amino acids substrates of ATB^0,+, in particular, all the essential amino acids, such as valine, isoleucine, and leucine, along with the non-essential glutamine. At the molecular level, these effects were directly referable to the stimulation of a toll-like receptor-5 (TLR5) signaling pathway and to the induction of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factor. An induction of ATB^0,+ expression has been observed also in EpiAirway™, a model of primary human normal tracheal-bronchial epithelial cells that mimics the in vitro pseudostratified columnar epithelium of the airways. In this tissue model, the incubation with flagellin is associated with the upregulation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for the chemokine IL-8 and for the cytokines IL-6 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β); as for the latter, a marked secretion in the extracellular medium was also observed due to the concomitant activation of caspase-1. The overall findings indicate that, in human respiratory epithelium, flagellin promotes cellular responses associating the increase of intracellular amino acids through ATB^0,+ with the activation of the inflammasome. Given the role of the ATB^0,+ transporter as a delivery system for bronchodilators in human airway epithelial cells, its induction under inflammatory conditions gains particular relevance in the field of respiratory pharmacology.

Pivotal role of membrane substrate transporters on the metabolic alterations in the pressure-overloaded heart

Cardiac pressure overload (PO), such as caused by aortic stenosis and systemic hypertension, commonly results in cardiac hypertrophy and may lead to the development of heart failure. PO-induced heart failure is among the leading causes of death worldwide, but its pathological origin remains poorly understood. Metabolic alterations are proposed to be an important contributor to PO-induced cardiac hypertrophy and failure. While the healthy adult heart mainly uses long-chain fatty acids (FAs) and glucose as substrates for energy metabolism and to a lesser extent alternative substrates, i.e. lactate, ketone bodies, and amino acids (AAs), the pressure-overloaded heart is characterized by a shift in energy metabolism towards a greater reliance on glycolysis and alternative substrates. A key-governing kinetic step of both FA and glucose fluxes is at the level of their substrate-specific membrane transporters. The relative presence of these transporters in the sarcolemma determines the cardiac substrate preference. Whether the cardiac utilization of alternative substrates is also governed by membrane transporters is not yet known. In this review, we discuss current insight into the role of membrane substrate transporters in the metabolic alterations occurring in the pressure-overloaded heart. Given the increasing evidence of a role for alternative substrates in these metabolic alterations, there is an urgent need to disclose the key-governing kinetic steps in their utilization as well. Taken together, membrane substrate transporters emerge as novel targets for metabolic interventions to prevent or treat PO-induced heart failure.

Animal Models and Renal Biomarkers of Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the first cause of end stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). Animal models of the disease can shed light on the pathogenesis of the diabetic nephropathy (DN) and novel and earlier biomarkers of the condition may help to improve diagnosis and prognosis. This review summarizes the most important features of animal models used in the study of DN and updates the most recent progress in biomarker research.

Profound Decrease in Glomerular Arginine Transport by CAT (Cationic Amino Acid Transporter)-1 Contributes to the FLT-1 (FMS-Like Tyrosine Kinase 1) Induced Preeclampsia in the Pregnant Mice

Endothelial dysfunction because of nitric oxide inactivation has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. During pregnancy, L-arginine transport by CAT-1 (cationic amino acid transporter 1), the only transporter for eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) is inhibited. We hypothesize that maternal arginine deficiency contributes to the development of preeclampsia. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1) in virgin and pregnant mice resulted in glomerular endotheliosis, hypertension, and albuminuria. L-arginine prevented the increase in blood pressure and albuminuria in Flt-1 pregnant but not in Flt-1 virgin mice. Flt-1 augmented arginine transport in pregnant but not in virgin dames. Ex vivo inhibition of CAT-2 leaving exclusively CAT-1 activity, decreased arginine transport velocities in Flt-1 animals more prominently in pregnant dames. Phosphorylated CAT-1/CAT-1 increased in pregnant, sFlt-1-pregnant, and sFlt-1 virgin mice. CAT-2 increased in Flt-1-pregnant and Flt-1-virgin dames. L-arginine augmented arginine transport in pregnant and Flt-pregnant mice and prevented the increase in pCAT-1 and CAT-2 expression. Glomerular cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) generation as a measure of eNOS activity was decreased in all Flt-1 treated animals. L-arginine abolished the decrease in cGMP levels only in Flt-1-pregnant mice. In conclusion, glomerular endothelial NO generation is compromised in Flt-1-pregnant mice because of CAT-1 inhibition induced by a combined effect of pregnancy and preeclampsia which involves: phosphorylation of CAT-1 and induction of CAT-2. These processes contribute to the clinical syndrome of preeclampsia in mice and are prevented by L-arginine.

In vivo and in vitro protective effect of arginine against intestinal inflammatory response induced by Clostridium perfringens in broiler chickens

Background

Necrotic enteritis is a widespread disease in poultry caused by Clostridium perfringens. We previously reported that dietary arginine supplementation protected the intestinal mucosa of broiler chickens with necrotic enteritis, but the related protective mechanisms remain unclear. The in vivo trial was designed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to evaluated the effects of arginine supplementation on inflammatory responses, arginine transporters, arginine catabolism and JAK-STAT signalling pathway in broiler chickens challenged with C. perfringens or without C. perfringens. Furthermore, we validated the in vivo results using intestinal epithelial cells of chicken embryos.

Results

C. perfringens infection markedly increased gut gross pathological and histopathological lesion scores, promoted liver C. perfringens invasion, reduced serum arginine levels, and elevated jejunal mucosal lysozyme activities (P < 0.05), but these effects were significantly reversed by arginine supplementation in vivo (P < 0.05). The challenge significantly increased serum procalcitonin levels, jejunal mucosal iNOS activities and jejunal IL-6, TGF-β3, cationic amino acid transporter (CAT)-1, and CAT-3 mRNA expression (P < 0.05), whereas arginine supplementation significantly reduced jejunal IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β3, and CAT-3 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Arginine supplementation significantly attenuated the C. perfringens challenge-induced increases in jejunal iNOS, arginase 2, arginine decarboxylase, arginine:glycine amidinotransferase, JAK1, JAK3, STAT1, and STAT6 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). The in vitro experiment showed that C. perfringens challenge markedly increased cellular cytotoxicity and the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, CAT-1 and CAT-3 (P < 0.05), which were significantly reversed by 50 μmol/L and/or 400 μmol/L arginine pre-treatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Arginine prevented C. perfringens challenge-induced circulated arginine deficiency, normalized intestinal arginine transport and catabolism, down-regulated JAK-STAT signalling pathway and attenuated the inflammatory response, which exerted protective effects on the intestine of broiler chickens.

Poly(I:C) alters placental and fetal brain amino acid transport in a rat model of maternal immune activation

PROBLEM

Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy is associated with increased chances of neurodevelopmental disorders including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the exact mechanism through which MIA contributes to altered neurodevelopment is unknown. Due to the important role that amino acids play in neurodevelopment, altered amino acid transport could play a role in neurodevelopmental disorders. Indeed, altered plasma concentrations of multiple amino acids have been reported in individuals with ASD or schizophrenia. Therefore, our objective was to determine whether virally mediated MIA induces changes in amino acid transporters in the placenta and fetal brain.

METHOD OF STUDY

Pregnant rats were administered poly(I:C) on gestational day 14, and placental and fetal tissues were collected 6, 24, and 48 hours later. Amino acid transporter expression was measured in the placenta and fetal brain using qPCR, Western blotting, and Simple Western. Free amino acid concentrations in the fetal brain were quantified using HPLC.

RESULTS

Poly(I:C) increased mRNA expression of several amino acid transporters in the placenta and fetal brain over these timepoints. Conversely, poly(I:C) imposed significant decreases in the protein expression of ASCT1 and EAAT2 in placenta and expression of SNAT5, EAAT1, and GLYT1 in fetal brain. Functional consequences of altered transporter expression were demonstrated through widespread changes in the concentrations of free amino acids in the fetal brains.

CONCLUSION

Together, these results represent novel findings with the poly(I:C) MIA model and contribute to the understanding of how MIA during pregnancy potentially leads to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Exogenous IL-19 attenuates acute ischaemic injury and improves survival in male mice with myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death in China and often results in the development of heart failure. In this work, we tested the therapeutic role of Interleukin-19 (IL-19) in mice with MI and investigated the underlying molecular mechanism.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Mice were subjected to MI by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and treated with IL-19 (10ng g^-1 ; i.p.).

KEY RESULTS

Protein expression of IL-19 and its receptor in myocardium were upregulated 24 hrs post-MI in male mice. IL-19 treatment decreased infarct and apoptosis in myocardium, accompanied by enhanced haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activities and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. Pretreatment with IL-19 upregulated HO-1 expression in cultured neonatal mouse ventricular myocytes and attenuated oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced injuries in vitro. Furthermore, IL-19 preserved cardiac function and improved survival of mice with MI. IL-19 reduced inflammatory infiltrates and suppressed formation of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. More importantly, IL-19 inhibited polarization toward proinflammatory M1 macrophages and stimulated M2 macrophage polarization in myocardium of mice with MI. IL-19 enhanced protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and promoted angiogenesis in myocardium of mice with MI. In addition, IL-19 treatment increased DNA-binding of the transcription factor STAT3 in myocardium of mice with MI.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Treatment with exogenous IL-19 attenuated acute ischemic injury and improved survival of mice with MI. The mechanisms underlying these effects involved induction of HO-1, M2 macrophage polarization, angiogenesis, and STAT3 activation.

Thyroid hormones stimulate L-arginine transport in human endothelial cells

Thyroid hormone activity is associated with L-arginine metabolism and nitric oxide (NO) production, which participate in the cardiovascular manifestations of thyroid disorders. L-arginine transporters play an important role in activating L-arginine uptake and NO production. However, the effects of thyroid hormones on L-arginine transporters in endothelial cells have not yet been evaluated. The following methods were used. We measured L-arginine uptake, mRNA expression of L-arginine transporters, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA and NO generation after the administration of T3, T4 and the T3 analog, 3,3′,5-triiodothyroacetic acid TRIAC in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We also analyzed the role of αvβ3 integrin and of phosphatidyl-inositol-3 kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs: ERK1/2, p38 and SAPK-JNK) and intracellular calcium signaling pathways as underlying mechanisms. To this end, αvβ3 integrin was pharmacologically inhibited by tetraiodothyroacetic acid (TETRAC) or genetically blocked by silencing αv mRNA and PI3K, MAPKs and intracellular calcium by selective inhibitors. The following results were obtained. Thyroid hormones and the T3 analog TRIAC increased L-arginine uptake in HUVECs, the sodium-independent y+/CAT isoforms, except CAT2b, sodium-dependent y+L system and sodium-independent system b0,+L-arginine transporters, eNOS mRNA and NO production. These effects were suppressed by αvβ3 integrin inhibition with TETRAC or αv integrin downregulation or by PI3K, MAPK or intracellular Ca2+ signaling inhibitors. In conclusion, we report for the first time that activation of L-arginine uptake by thyroid hormones is related to an upregulation of L-arginine transporters. This effect seems to be mediated by activation of αvβ3 integrin receptor and subsequent PI3K, MAPK and intracellular Ca2+ signaling pathways.

Metabolic relevance for N-hydroxy L-arginine reduction in estrogen-negative breast cancer cells

We had shown N^w-hydroxy-L-arginine (NOHA) as a promising blood-based biomarker for estrogen-receptor-negative (ER^-) breast cancer (BC) that differentiates ER^- BC based on grade and molecular phenotype. In this in vitro study, we assessed the metabolic relevance for ER^- BC-specific NOHA modulation and correlated them with NOHA regulatory responses. This study aids future NOHA clinical utility in ER^- BC diagnosis and therapy management and would prove useful for potential drug discovery and development process.

Impact of l-Arginine Metabolism on Immune Response and Anticancer Immunotherapy

The progression from neoplastic initiation to malignancy happens in part because of the failure of immune surveillance. Cancer cells successfully escape immune recognition and elimination and create an immune-suppressive microenvironment. A suppressive metabolic microenvironment may also contribute to ineffective T-cell function. Tumor progression is characterized by a complex network of interactions among different cell types that cooperatively exploit metabolic reprogramming. As we start to recognize that cancer cells use different metabolism processes than normal cells do, a better understanding of the functional mechanisms of the regulation and reprogramming of the metabolic landscape in cancer cells is crucial to successful immunotherapy strategies. However, the exact role of metabolism in T cells and in the tumor microenvironment is not known. One pathway that plays an important role in the regulation of immune cell reactivity is arginine metabolism, which has complex cellular functions. l-arginine and its downstream metabolites (e.g., ornithine and citrulline) could be essential to T-cell activation and thus modulate innate and adaptive immunity to further promote tumor survival and growth. Identifying metabolic targets that mediate immunosuppression and are fundamental to sustaining tumor growth is key to increasing the efficacy of immunotherapies.

IL-1β augments H2S-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ through polysulfides generated from H2S/NO interaction

H₂S has excitatory and inhibitory effects on Ca²⁺ signals via transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels, respectively. H₂S converts intracellularly to polysulfides, which are more potent agonists for TRPA1 than H₂S. Under inflammatory conditions, changes in the expression and activity of these H₂S target channels and/or the conversion of H₂S to polysulfides may modulate H₂S effects. Effects of proinflammatory cytokines on H₂S-induced Ca²⁺ signals and polysulfide production in RIN14B cells were examined using fluorescence imaging with fura-2 and SSP4, respectively. Na₂S, a H₂S donor, induced 1) the inhibition of spontaneous Ca²⁺ signals, 2) inhibition followed by [Ca²⁺]_i increase, and 3) rapid [Ca²⁺]_i increase without inhibition in 50% (23/46), 22% (10/46), and 17% (8/46) of cells tested, respectively. IL-1β augmented H₂S-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increases, which were inhibited by TRPA1 and voltage-dependent L-type Ca²⁺ channel blockers. However, IL-1β treatment did not affect [Ca²⁺]_i increases evoked by a TRPA1 agonist or high concentration of KCl. Na₂S increased intracellular polysulfide levels, which were enhanced by IL-1β treatment. A NOS inhibitor suppressed the increased polysulfide production and [Ca²⁺]_i increase in IL-1β-treated cells. These results suggest that IL-1β augments H₂S-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increases via the conversion of H₂S to polysulfides through NO synthesis, but not via changes in the activity and expression of target channels. Polysulfides may play an important role in the effects of H₂S during inflammation.

Markers of atherosclerosis in patients with Cushing's syndrome: a meta-analysis of literature studies

BACKGROUND

Several studies reported an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk in Cushing's syndrome (CS). We performed a meta-analysis on the impact of CS on major markers of atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Studies on intima-media thickness (IMT), carotid plaques prevalence, and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in CS patients and controls were searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. Differences between cases and controls were expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for continuous variables, and as Odds Ratio (OR) with 95%CI for dichotomous variables.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies (332 CS, 462 controls) were included. Compared with controls, CS patients showed higher IMT (MD: 0.20 mm; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.28; p < .001), increased prevalence of carotid plaques (OR: 8.85, 95%CI: 4.09, 19.14; p < .001), and lower FMD (MD: -2.65%; 95% CI: -3.65, -1.65; p < .001). Difference in IMT and in the prevalence of carotid plaques was confirmed also in patients with CS remission (MD: 0.24 mm; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.40; p = .005 and OR: 9.88, 95%CI: 2.69, 36.3; p < 0.001, respectively). Regression models showed that age, diabetes, obesity, ACTH-dependent CS, serum and urinary cortisol levels impacted on the observed difference in IMT.

CONCLUSIONS

CS is significantly associated with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and CV risk. These findings could help establish more specific CV prevention strategies in this clinical setting. Key messages A series of studies reported an increased cardiovascular risk in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS). In the present meta-analysis we demonstrated that CS is associated with an increased intima-media thickness, higher prevalence of carotid plaques, and lower flow-mediated dilation as compared with controls. These data consistently suggest the need for a strict monitoring of early signs of subclinical atherosclerosis in CS patients.

Expression Profile of Cationic Amino Acid Transporters in Rats with Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis

Purpose. The transcellular arginine transportation via cationic amino acid transporter (CAT) is the rate-limiting step in nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, which is crucial in intraocular inflammation. In this study, CAT isoforms and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression was investigated in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU). Methods. EIU was induced in Lewis rats by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. In the treatment group, the rats were injected intraperitoneally with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib before EIU induction. After 24 hours, leukocyte quantification, NO measurement of the aqueous humor, and histopathological examination were evaluated. The expression of CAT isoforms and iNOS was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) binding activity was evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 was used to validate the in vivo findings. Results. LPS significantly stimulated iNOS, CAT-2A, and CAT-2B mRNA and protein expression but did not affect CAT-1 in EIU rats and RAW 264.7 cells. Bortezomib attenuated inflammation and inhibited iNOS, CAT-2A, and CAT-2B expression through NF-κB inhibition. Conclusions. CAT-2 and iNOS, but not CAT-1, are specifically involved in EIU. NF-κB is essential in the induction of CAT-2 and iNOS in EIU.

Insulin requires A1 adenosine receptors expression to reverse gestational diabetes-increased L-arginine transport in human umbilical vein endothelium

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) associates with increased L-arginine transport and extracellular concentration of adenosine in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In this study we aim to determine whether insulin reverses GDM-increased L-arginine transport requiring adenosine receptors expression in HUVECs. Primary cultured HUVECs from full-term normal (n = 38) and diet-treated GDM (n = 38) pregnancies were used. Insulin effect was assayed on human cationic amino acid transporter 1 (hCAT1) expression (protein, mRNA, SLC7A1 promoter activity) and activity (initial rates of L-arginine transport) in the absence or presence of adenosine receptors agonists or antagonists. A1 adenosine receptors (A1AR) and A2AAR expression (Western blot, quantitative PCR) was determined. Experiments were done in cells expressing or siRNA-suppressed expression of A1AR or A2AAR. HUVECs from GDM exhibit higher maximal transport capacity (maximal velocity (V max)/apparent Michaelis Menten constant (K m), V max/K m), which is blocked by insulin by reducing the V max to values in cells from normal pregnancies. Insulin also reversed the GDM-associated increase in hCAT-1 protein abundance and mRNA expression, and SLC7A1 promoter activity for the fragment -606 bp from the transcription start point. Insulin effects required A1AR, but not A2AAR expression and activity in this cell type. In the absence of insulin, GDM-increased hCAT-1 expression and activity required A2AAR expression and activity. HUVECs from GDM pregnancies exhibit a differential requirement of A1AR or A2AAR depending on the level of insulin, a phenomenon that represent a condition where adenosine or analogues of this nucleoside could be acting as helpers of insulin biological effects in GDM.

Low-concentration of perifosine surprisingly protects cardiomyocytes from oxygen glucose deprivation

Here we found that low-concentration of perifosine, an Akt inhibitor, surprisingly protected cardiomyocytes from oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)/re-oxygenation. In H9c2 cardiomyocytes, non-cytotoxic perifosine (0.1-0.5 μM) suppressed OGD/re-oxygenation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, p53 mitochondrial translocation and cyclophilin D complexation, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) reduction. Molecularly, perifosine activated AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) signaling to increase intracellular NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) content in H9c2 cells. On the other hand, AMPK inhibition by AMPKα1 shRNA-knockdown in H9c2 cells significantly reduced perifosine-induced NADPH production, and alleviated perifosine-mediated anti-oxidant and cytoprotective activities against OGD/re-oxygenation. In primary murine cardiomyocytes, perifosine similarly activated AMPK signaling, and offered significant protection against OGD/re-oxygenation, which was largely attenuated with siRNA knockdown of AMPKα1. We demonstrate an unexpected function of perifosine (low-concentration) in protecting cardiomyocytes from OGD/re-oxygenation.

Activation of SphK1 by K6PC-5 Inhibits Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation-Induced Myocardial Cell Death

In the current study, we evaluated the potential effect of a novel sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) activator, K6PC-5, on oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)/reoxygenation-induced damages to myocardial cells. We demonstrated that K6PC-5 increased intracellular sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) content and remarkably inhibited OGD/reoxygenation-induced death of myocardial cells (H9c2/HL-1 lines and primary murine myocardiocytes). SphK1 inhibitors, B-5354c and SKI-II, or SphK1-siRNA knockdown not only aggregated OGD/reoxygenation-induced cytotoxicity but also nullified the cytoprotection by K6PC-5. On the other hand, overexpression of SphK1 alleviated H9c2 cell death by OGD/reoxygenation, and K6PC-5-mediated cytoprotection was also enhanced in SphK1 overexpressed cells. Molecularly, OGD/reoxygenation activated the mitochondrial death pathway, evidenced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential reduction, and p53-cyclophilin D (Cyp-D) association, which were all alleviated by K6PC-5 or overexpression of SphK1, but exacerbated by SphK1 knockdown. Furthermore, OGD/reoxygenation induced prodeath ceramide production in myocardial cells, which was largely suppressed by K6PC-5. In the meantime, adding a cell-permeable short-chain ceramide (C6) mimicked OGD/reoxygenation actions and induced ROS production and the mitochondrial death pathway in myocardial cells. Together, we conclude that K6PC-5 inhibits OGD/reoxygenation-induced myocardial cell death probably through activating SphK1. The results of the study indicate a potential benefit of K6PC-5 on ischemic heart disease.

Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) serum levels in rheumatoid arthritis: correlations with insulin resistance and disease activity scores

Vascular abnormalities predisposing to atherosclerosis are present in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and associate with excess cardiovascular risk. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity, has been recognised as novel risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to compare SDMA levels in RA patients and controls and to investigate whether they are influenced by demographic, inflammatory or metabolic factors. Serum SDMA levels were measured in 197 RA individuals [median age: 67 years (quartiles: 59-3), 153 (78 %) females] and 82 controls [median age: 44 years [quartiles: 33-55, 50 (61 %) females]. Routine biochemistry tests, lipid profile, glycemic profile [glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)], as well as inflammatory markers were measured in all patients. Paired analysis was employed for the comparison of SDMA in two groups and multivariable regression models were performed to identify predictors of SDMA in the RA cohort. SDMA was significantly lower in RA than control patients in both unpaired and paired analyses (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively), with the magnitude of the difference being similar in both models. QUICKI (P = 0.005) and disease activity score-28 (P = 0.007) were positively related to SDMA in the RA cohort, whilst a negative correlation with renal function (eGFR) was detected (P = 0.005). The molecular explanation of lower serum SDMA is unclear, but the established relationships with indices of disease activity and insulin resistance, may underline the pathogenetic role of the L-arginine/NO pathway dysregulation in the development of atherosclerosis in RA. The biological and clinical importance of SDMA in RA remains to be evaluated in clinical and experimental studies.

Pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy response requires janus kinase 2-histone deacetylase 2 signaling

Pressure overload induces cardiac hypertrophy through activation of Janus kinase 2 (Jak2), however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In the current study, we tested whether histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) was involved in the process. We found that angiotensin II (Ang-II)-induced re-expression of fetal genes (Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)) in cultured cardiomyocytes was prevented by the Jak2 inhibitor AG-490 and HDAC2 inhibitor Trichostatin-A (TSA), or by Jak2/HDAC2 siRNA knockdown. On the other hand, myocardial cells with Jak2 or HDAC2 over-expression were hyper-sensitive to Ang-II. In vivo, pressure overload by transverse aorta binding (AB) induced a significant cardiac hypertrophic response as well as re-expression of ANP and BNP in mice heart, which were markedly reduced by AG-490 and TSA. Significantly, AG-490, the Jak2 inhibitor, largely suppressed pressure overload-/Ang-II-induced HDAC2 nuclear exportation in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, TSA or HDAC2 siRNA knockdown reduced Ang-II-induced ANP/BNP expression in Jak2 over-expressed H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Together, these results suggest that HDAC2 might be a downstream effector of Jak2 to mediate cardiac hypertrophic response by pressure overload or Ang-II.

L-arginine stimulates CAT-1-mediated arginine uptake and regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase for the growth of chick intestinal epithelial cells

L-arginine (L-Arg) uptake is mediated by members of cationic amino acid transporter (CAT) family and may coincide with the induction of nitric oxide synthases (NOS). The present study was conducted to investigate the extracellular concentrations of L-Arg regulating the CAT-1, CAT-4 and inducible NOS (iNOS) in chick intestinal epithelial cells. The cells were cultured for 4 days in Arg-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 10, 100, 200, 400, or 600 μM L-Arg. Cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) concentrations, uptake and metabolism of L-[3H]-Arg as well as expression of CAT-1, CAT-4, and iNOS were determined. Our results showed that L-Arg enhances cell growth with a maximal response at 10-400 μM. Addition of 100, 200, or 400 μM L-Arg increased the L-[3H]-Arg uptake, which was associated with greater conversion of L-[3H]-citrulline and NO production in comparison with 10 μM L-Arg group. Increasing extracellular concentrations of L-Arg from 10 to 400 μM dose dependently increased the levels of CAT-1 mRNA and protein, while no effect on CAT-4 mRNA abundance was found. Furthermore, supplementation of 100, 200, or 400 μM L-Arg upregulated the expression of iNOS mRNA, and the relative protein levels for iNOS in 200 and 400 μM L-Arg groups were higher than those in 10 and 100 μM L-Arg groups. Collectively, we conclude that the CAT-1 isoform plays a role in L-Arg uptake, and L-Arg-mediated elevation of NO via iNOS promotes the growth of chick intestinal epithelial cells.

Insulin increases mRNA abundance of the amino acid transporter SLC7A5/LAT1 via an mTORC1-dependent mechanism in skeletal muscle cells

Abstract Amino acid transporters (AATs) provide a link between amino acid availability and mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activation although the direct relationship remains unclear. Previous studies in various cell types have used high insulin concentrations to determine the role of insulin on mTORC1 signaling and AAT mRNA abundance. However, this approach may limit applicability to human physiology. Therefore, we sought to determine the effect of insulin on mTORC1 signaling and whether lower insulin concentrations stimulate AAT mRNA abundance in muscle cells. We hypothesized that lower insulin concentrations would increase mRNA abundance of select AAT via an mTORC1-dependent mechanism in C2C12 myotubes. Insulin (0.5 nmol/L) significantly increased phosphorylation of the mTORC1 downstream effectors p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and ribosomal protein S6 (S6). A low rapamycin dose (2.5 nmol/L) significantly reduced the insulin-(0.5 nmol/L) stimulated S6K1 and S6 phosphorylation. A high rapamycin dose (50 nmol/L) further reduced the insulin-(0.5 nmol/L) stimulated phosphorylation of S6K1 and S6. Insulin (0.5 nmol/L) increased mRNA abundance of SLC38A2/SNAT2 (P ≤ 0.043) and SLC7A5/LAT1 (P ≤ 0.021) at 240 min and SLC36A1/PAT1 (P = 0.039) at 30 min. High rapamycin prevented an increase in SLC38A2/SNAT2 (P = 0.075) and SLC36A1/PAT1 (P ≥ 0.06) mRNA abundance whereas both rapamycin doses prevented an increase in SLC7A5/LAT1 (P ≥ 0.902) mRNA abundance. We conclude that a low insulin concentration increases SLC7A5/LAT1 mRNA abundance in an mTORC1-dependent manner in skeletal muscle cells.

Modulation of arginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine concentrations in liver and plasma by exogenous hydrogen sulfide in LPS-induced endotoxemia

Plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are known to be elevated under pathological conditions, but reports on intracellular ADMA levels are scarce. In this study, we investigated whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia alters the intra- and extra-cellular partition of l-arginine and ADMA. The effect of H2S pretreatment was also researched. Wistar rats were given sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS, 1 mg·(kg body mass)(-1)) one hour before the LPS injections (20 mg·kg(-1)). Six hours after the LPS treatment, the animals were sacrificed. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) activities and levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α were measured in the liver. ADMA and arginine levels were determined using HPLC. LPS injection caused liver injury, as evidenced by the activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and arginase. LPS increased l-arginine content and decreased DDAH activity in the rat liver. MPO activity and HIF-1α levels indicated inflammation and hypoxia. Despite the accumulation of ADMA in the plasma, the level remained unchanged in the liver. NaHS pretreatment restored both the DDAH activity and intracellular l-arginine levels. It is concluded that increased H2S generation has a potency to restore hepatic l-arginine levels and ADMA handling in endotoxemia. Extra- and intra-cellular partitions of ADMA seem to depend on transport proteins as well as the DDAH activity.

No effect of acute L-arginine supplementation on O₂ cost or exercise tolerance

The extent to which dietary supplementation with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) substrate, L-arginine (ARG), impacts on NO production and NO-mediated physiological responses is controversial. This randomised, double blinded, cross-over study investigated the effects of acute ARG supplementation on NO biomarkers, O₂ cost of exercise and exercise tolerance in humans. In one experiment, 15 subjects completed moderate- and severe-intensity running bouts after acute supplementation with 6 g ARG or placebo (PLA). In another experiment, eight subjects completed moderate- and severe-intensity cycling bouts after acute supplementation with 6 g ARG plus 25 g of carbohydrate (ARG + CHO) or an energy-matched dose of carbohydrate alone (CHO). The plasma nitrite concentration was not different after ARG (Pre: 204 ± 79; Post: 241 ± 114 nM; P > 0.05) or ARG + CHO consumption (Pre: 304 ± 57; Post: 335 ± 116 nM; P > 0.05). During moderate-intensity exercise, the steady-state pulmonary VO₂ was not different, relative to the respective placebo conditions, after ARG (PLA: 2,407 ± 318, ARG: 2,422 ± 333 mL min(-1)) or ARG + CHO (CHO: 1,695 ± 304, ARG + CHO: 1,712 ± 312 mL min(-1)) ingestion (P > 0.05). The tolerable duration of severe exercise was also not significantly different (P > 0.05) after ingesting ARG (PLA: 551 ± 140, ARG: 552 ± 150 s) or ARG + CHO (CHO: 457 ± 182, ARG + CHO: 441 ± 221 s). In conclusion, acute dietary supplementation with ARG or ARG + CHO did not alter biomarkers of NO synthesis, O₂ cost of exercise or exercise tolerance in healthy subjects.

Transsulfuration pathway thiols and methylated arginines: the Hunter Community Study

Background

Serum homocysteine, when studied singly, has been reported to be positively associated both with the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA, via inhibition of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) activity] and with symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA). We investigated combined associations between transsulfuration pathway thiols, including homocysteine, and serum ADMA and SDMA concentrations at population level.

Methods

Data on clinical and demographic characteristics, medication exposure, C-reactive protein, serum ADMA and SDMA (LC-MS/MS), and thiols (homocysteine, cysteine, taurine, glutamylcysteine, total glutathione, and cysteinylglycine; capillary electrophoresis) were collected from a sample of the Hunter Community Study on human ageing [n = 498, median age (IQR) = 64 (60–70) years].

Results

Regression analysis showed that: a) age (P = 0.001), gender (P = 0.03), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, P = 0.08), body mass index (P = 0.008), treatment with beta-blockers (P = 0.03), homocysteine (P = 0.02), and glutamylcysteine (P = 0.003) were independently associated with higher ADMA concentrations; and b) age (P = 0.001), absence of diabetes (P = 0.001), lower body mass index (P = 0.01), lower eGFR (P<0.001), cysteine (P = 0.007), and glutamylcysteine (P<0.001) were independently associated with higher SDMA concentrations. No significant associations were observed between methylated arginines and either glutathione or taurine concentrations.

Conclusions

After adjusting for clinical, demographic, biochemical, and pharmacological confounders the combined assessment of transsulfuration pathway thiols shows that glutamylcysteine has the strongest and positive independent associations with ADMA and SDMA. Whether this reflects a direct effect of glutamylcysteine on DDAH activity (for ADMA) and/or cationic amino acid transport requires further investigations.

Cardiovascular risk in autoimmune disorders: role of asymmetric dimethylarginine

Mounting evidence indicates that cardiovascular events are a main cause of excessive mortality of autoimmune disorders like type I diabetes mellitus and rheumatic diseases. Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, independent predictors to cardiovascular disease, are hallmarks of autoimmunity. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, can cause or contribute to the inflammatory syndrome and endothelial dysfunction. Recently, elevated ADMA levels have been demonstrated in many autoimmune diseases, suggesting that ADMA might play an important role for the associated manifestations of cardiovascular disease. In the review, we discuss the role of ADMA in the excessive cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with autoimmune diseases.

Evidence that renal arginine transport is impaired in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Low renal nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability contributes to the development and maintenance of chronic hypertension. We investigated whether impaired l-arginine transport contributes to low renal NO bioavailability in hypertension. Responses of renal medullary perfusion and NO concentration to renal arterial infusions of the l-arginine transport inhibitor l-lysine (10 μmol·kg−1·min−1; 30 min) and subsequent superimposition of l-arginine (100 μmol·kg−1·min−1; 30 min), the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine (2.4 mg/kg; iv bolus), and the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (0.24 μg·kg−1·min−1) were examined in Sprague-Dawley rats (SD) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Renal medullary perfusion and NO concentration were measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry and polarographically, respectively, 5.5 mm below the kidney surface. Renal medullary NO concentration was less in SHR (53 ± 3 nM) compared with SD rats (108 ± 12 nM; P = 0.004). l-Lysine tended to reduce medullary perfusion (−15 ± 7%; P = 0.07) and reduced medullary NO concentration (−9 ± 3%; P = 0.03) while subsequent superimposition of l-arginine reversed these effects of l-lysine in SD rats. In SHR, l-lysine and subsequent superimposition of l-arginine did not significantly alter medullary perfusion or NO concentration. Collectively, these data suggest that renal l-arginine transport is impaired in SHR. Renal l-[3H]arginine transport was less in SHR compared with SD rats ( P = 0.01). Accordingly, we conclude that impaired arginine transport contributes to low renal NO bioavailability observed in the SHR kidney.

Glucocorticoid-induced hypertension and the nitric oxide system

Glucocorticoid hormones, both naturally occurring and synthetic, have long been recognized as a major cause of hypertension. There are well-described experimental models of glucocorticoid-induced hypertension, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone- and dexamethasone-induced hypertension in rats, although the exact mechanism of glucocorticoid-induced hypertension remains unclear. It was initially considered to be due to mineralocorticoid receptor activation but more recent studies have not supported this notion. Current evidence demonstrates the importance of the nitric oxide (NO) system and interactions between NO and reactive oxygen species in the development of glucocorticoid-induced hypertension. This review highlights the pathways contributing to NO deficiency, which encompass the availability of l-arginine, endothelial NO synthase function and the extent of NO inactivation during oxidative stress.

CAT-1-mediated arginine uptake and regulation of nitric oxide synthases for the survival of human breast cancer cell lines

Growth of the human MCF-7 breast cancer cell line is highly dependent on L-arginine. We have reported that L-arginine, released from extracellular substrates by prolactin (PRL)- and 17β-estradiol (E2)-induced carboxypeptidase-D in the cell membrane, promotes nitric oxide (NO) production for MCF-7 cell survival. Arginine uptake is mediated by members of the cationic amino acid transporter (CAT) family and may coincide with induction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) for the production of NO. The present study investigated the CAT isoforms and PRL/E2 regulation of CAT and NOS in breast cancer cell lines. Using RT-PCR analysis, CAT-1, CAT-2A, and CAT-2B transcripts were detected in MCF-7, T47D, and MDA-MB-231 cells. The CAT-4 transcript was detected in MDA-MB-231 only. CAT-3 was not detected in any of these cells. PRL and E2 did not significantly alter levels of CAT-1 mRNA and protein, nor CAT-2A and CAT-2B mRNAs in MCF-7 and T47D cells. PRL and E2 also had no effect on the overall uptake of L-[2,3,4,5-H(3)] arginine into these cells. However, confocal immunofluorescent microscopy showed that PRL and E2 upregulated eNOS and iNOS proteins, which distributed in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus of MCF-7 cells. Knockdown of CAT-1 gene expression using small interfering RNA significantly decreased L-[2,3,4,5-H(3)]-arginine uptake, decreased viability and increased apoptosis of MCF-7 and T47D cells. In summary, several CAT isoforms are expressed in breast cancer cells. The CAT-1 isoform plays a role in arginine uptake and, together with PRL/E2-induced NOS, contribute to NO production for the survival of MCF-7 and T47D cells.

Cationic amino acid transporters and Salmonella Typhimurium ArgT collectively regulate arginine availability towards intracellular Salmonella growth

Cationic amino acid transporters (mCAT1 and mCAT2B) regulate the arginine availability in macrophages. How in the infected cell a pathogen can alter the arginine metabolism of the host remains to be understood. We reveal here a novel mechanism by which Salmonella exploit mCAT1 and mCAT2B to acquire host arginine towards its own intracellular growth within antigen presenting cells. We demonstrate that Salmonella infected bone marrow derived macrophages and dendritic cells show enhanced arginine uptake and increased expression of mCAT1 and mCAT2B. We show that the mCAT1 transporter is in close proximity to Salmonella containing vacuole (SCV) specifically by live intracellular Salmonella in order to access the macrophage cytosolic arginine pool. Further, Lysosome associated membrane protein 1, a marker of SCV, also was found to colocalize with mCAT1 in the Salmonella infected cell. The intra vacuolar Salmonella then acquire the host arginine via its own arginine transporter, ArgT for growth. The argT knockout strain was unable to acquire host arginine and was attenuated in growth in both macrophages and in mice model of infection. Together, these data reveal survival strategies by which virulent Salmonella adapt to the harsh conditions prevailing in the infected host cells.

Nitric oxide can acutely modulate its biosynthesis through a negative feedback mechanism on L-arginine transport in cardiac myocytes

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a central role as a cellular signaling molecule in health and disease. In the heart, NO decreases the rate of spontaneous beating and the velocity and extent of shortening and accelerates the velocity of relengthening. Since the cationic amino acid l-arginine (l-Arg) is the substrate for NO production by NO synthases (NOS), we tested whether the transporters that mediate l-Arg import in cardiac muscle cells represent an intervention point in the regulation of NO synthesis. Electrical currents activated by l-Arg with low apparent affinity in whole cell voltage-clamped rat cardiomyocytes were found to be rapidly and reversibly inhibited by NO donors. Radiotracer uptake studies performed on cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles revealed the presence of high-affinity/low-capacity and low-affinity/high-capacity components of cationic amino acid transport that were inhibited by the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-dl-penicillamine. NO inhibited uptake in a noncompetitive manner with K(i) values of 275 and 827 nM for the high- and low-affinity component, respectively. Fluorescence spectroscopy experiments showed that millimolar concentrations of l-Arg initially promoted and then inhibited the release of endogenous NO in cardiomyocytes. Likewise, l-Arg currents measured in cardiac myocytes voltage clamped in the presence of 460 nM free intracellular Ca(2+), a condition in which a Ca-CaM complex should activate endogenous NO production, showed fast activation followed by inhibition of l-Arg transport. The NOS inhibitor N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, but not blockers of downstream reactions, specifically removed this inhibitory component. These results demonstrate that NO acutely regulates its own biosynthesis by modulating the availability of l-Arg via cationic amino acid transporters.

L-lysine uptake in giant vesicles from cardiac ventricular sarcolemma: two components of cationic amino acid transport

Cationic L-amino acids enter cardiac-muscle cells through carrier-mediated transport. To study this process in detail, L-[(14)C]lysine uptake experiments were conducted within a 10(3)-fold range of L-lysine concentrations in giant sarcolemmal vesicles prepared from rat cardiac ventricles. Vesicles had a surface-to-volume ratio comparable with that of an epithelial cell, thus representing a suitable system for initial uptake rate studies. Two Na(+)-independent, N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive uptake components were found, one with high apparent affinity (K(m)=222+/-71 microM) and low transport capacity (V(max)=121+/-36 pmol/min per mg of vesicle protein) and the other with low apparent affinity (K(m)=16+/-4 mM) and high capacity (V(max)=4.0+/-0.4 nmol/min per mg of vesicle protein). L-Lysine uptake mediated by both components was stimulated by the presence of intravesicular L-lysine as well as by valinomycin-induced membrane hyperpolarization. Altogether, this behaviour is consistent with the functional properties of the CAT-1 and CAT-2A members of the system y(+) family of cationic amino acid transporters. Furthermore, mRNA transcripts for these two carrier proteins were identified in freshly isolated rat cardiac myocytes, the amount of CAT-1 mRNA, relative to beta-actin, being 33-fold larger than that of CAT-2A. These two transporters appear to function simultaneously as a homoeostatic device that supplies cardiac-muscle cells with cationic amino acids under a variety of metabolic conditions. Analysis of two carriers acting in parallel with such an array of kinetic parameters shows significant activity of the low-affinity component even at amino acid plasma levels far below its K(m).

Cellular ADMA: regulation and action

Asymmetric (N(G),N(G)) dimethylarginine (ADMA) is present in plasma and cells. It can inhibit nitric oxide synthase (NOS) that generates nitric oxide (NO) and cationic amino acid transporters (CATs) that supply intracellular NOS with its substrate, l-arginine, from the plasma. Therefore, ADMA and its transport mechanisms are strategically placed to regulate endothelial function. This could have considerable clinical impact since endothelial dysfunction has been detected at the origin of hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in human subjects and may be a harbinger of large vessel disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Indeed, plasma levels of ADMA are increased in many studies of patients at risk for, or with overt CKD or CVD. However, the levels of ADMA measured in plasma of about 0.5micromol.l(-1) may be below those required to inhibit NOS whose substrate, l-arginine, is present in concentrations many fold above the Km for NOS. However, NOS activity may be partially inhibited by cellular ADMA. Therefore, the cellular production of ADMA by protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) and protein hydrolysis, its degradation by N(G),N(G)-dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) and its transmembrane transport by CAT that determines intracellular levels of ADMA may also determine the state of activation of NOS. This is the focus of the review. It is concluded that cellular levels of ADMA can be 5- to 20-fold above those in plasma and in a range that could tonically inhibit NOS. The relative importance of PRMT, DDAH and CAT for determining the intracellular NOS substrate:inhibitor ratio (l-arginine:ADMA) may vary according to the pathophysiologic circumstance. An understanding of this important balance requires knowledge of these three processes that regulate the intracellular levels of ADMA and arginine.

Dimethylarginines in complicated type 1 diabetes: roles of insulin, glucose, and oxidative stress

To investigate the roles of insulin, glucose, and oxidative stress on plasma asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, SDMA) levels in complicated diabetes, we studied patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D; n = 20), T1D + end-stage renal disease under hemodialysis (T1D + ESRD; n = 12), T1D + ESRD who received kidney transplant (KD; n = 16), and T1D + ESRD who received kidney-pancreas transplant (KP; n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 50). Levels of ADMA, SDMA, and free and total malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased in all patients, with the highest rises for SDMA and free MDA in T1D+ESRD. In KP, the normalized glycemia contributes to the recovery of ADMA, SDMA, and MDA levels toward normal values. From the covariance analyses, both glucose and insulin relate significantly to ADMA in T1D + ESRD (beta = +0.004, beta = -0.038, respectively) and in KP (beta = +0.032, beta = +0.032, respectively). Creatinine clearance and insulin relate to SDMA in all patient groups (beta = -0.006). Our results provide evidence for the effect of kidney-pancreas transplant on the recovery of ADMA, SDMA, and indexes of oxidative stress toward normal values. Only free MDA allows one to discriminate the magnitude of the oxidative status, as increased total MDA could also be attributable to a reduced renal function.

The role of nitric oxide in osteoarthritis

Elevated levels of markers of nitric oxide (NO) production are found in osteoarthritic joints suggesting that NO is involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). In OA, NO mediates many of the destructive effects of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the cartilage, and inhibitors of NO synthesis have demonstrated retardation of clinical and histological signs and symptoms in experimentally induced OA and other forms of arthritis. As an important factor in cartilage, the regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and activity, and the effects of NO are reviewed, especially in relation to the pathogenesis of OA.

Characteristics and function of cardiac mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase

We used laser scanning confocal microscopy in combination with the nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive fluorescent dye DAF-2 and the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive dyes CM-H(2)DCF and MitoSOX Red to characterize NO and ROS production by mitochondrial NO synthase (mtNOS) in permeabilized cat ventricular myocytes. Stimulation of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake by exposure to different cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i) = 1, 2 and 5 microm) resulted in a dose-dependent increase of NO production by mitochondria when L-arginine, a substrate for mtNOS, was present. Collapsing the mitochondrial membrane potential with the protonophore FCCP or blocking the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter with Ru360 as well as blocking the respiratory chain with rotenone or antimycin A in combination with oligomycin inhibited mitochondrial NO production. In the absence of L-arginine, mitochondrial NO production during stimulation of Ca(2+) uptake was significantly decreased, but accompanied by increase in mitochondrial ROS production. Inhibition of mitochondrial arginase to limit L-arginine availability resulted in 50% inhibition of Ca(2+)-induced ROS production. Both mitochondrial NO and ROS production were blocked by the nNOS inhibitor (4S)-N-(4-amino-5[aminoethyl]aminopentyl)-N'-nitroguanidine and the calmodulin antagonist W-7, while the eNOS inhibitor L-N(5)-(1-iminoethyl)ornithine (L-NIO) or iNOS inhibitor N-(3-aminomethyl)benzylacetamidine, 2HCl (1400W) had no effect. The superoxide dismutase mimetic and peroxynitrite scavenger MnTBAP abolished Ca(2+)-induced ROS generation and increased NO production threefold, suggesting that in the absence of MnTBAP either formation of superoxide radicals suppressed NO production or part of the formed NO was transformed quickly to peroxynitrite. In the absence of L-arginine, mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake induced opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), which was blocked by the PTP inhibitor cyclosporin A and MnTBAP, and reversed by L-arginine supplementation. In the presence of the mtNOS cofactor (6R)-5,6,7,8,-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4); 100 microm) mitochondrial ROS generation and PTP opening decreased while mitochondrial NO generation slightly increased. These data demonstrate that mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake activates mtNOS and leads to NO-mediated protection against opening of the mitochondrial PTP, provided sufficient availability of l-arginine and BH(4). In conclusion, our data show the importance of L-arginine and BH(4) for cardioprotection via regulation of mitochondrial oxidative stress and modulation of PTP opening by mtNOS.

Deficient BH4 production via de novo and salvage pathways regulates NO responses to cytokines in adult cardiac myocytes

Adult rat cardiac myocytes typically display a phenotypic response to cytokines manifested by low or no increases in nitric oxide (NO) production via inducible NO synthase (iNOS) that distinguishes them from other cell types. To better characterize this response, we examined the expression of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)-synthesizing and arginine-utilizing genes in cytokine-stimulated adult cardiac myocytes. Intracellular BH4 and 7,8-dihydrobiopterin (BH2) and NO production were quantified. Cytokines induced GTP cyclohydrolase and its feedback regulatory protein but with deficient levels of BH4 synthesis. Despite the induction of iNOS protein, cytokine-stimulated adult cardiac myocytes produced little or no increase in NO versus unstimulated cells. Western blot analysis under nonreducing conditions revealed the presence of iNOS monomers. Supplementation with sepiapterin (a precursor of BH4) increased BH4 as well as BH2, but this did not enhance NO levels or eliminate iNOS monomers. Similar findings were confirmed in vivo after treatment of rat cardiac allograft recipients with sepiapterin. It was found that expression of dihydrofolate reductase, required for full activity of the salvage pathway, was not detected in adult cardiac myocytes. Thus, adult cardiac myocytes have a limited capacity to synthesize BH4 after cytokine stimulation. The mechanisms involve posttranslational factors impairing de novo and salvage pathways. These conditions are unable to support active iNOS protein dimers necessary for NO production. These findings raise significant new questions about the prevailing understanding of how cytokines, via iNOS, cause cardiac dysfunction and injury in vivo during cardiac inflammatory disease states since cardiac myocytes are not a major source of high NO production.

Binding specificity of the L-arginine transport systems in mouse macrophages and human cells overexpressing the cationic amino acid transporter hCAT-1

The uptake of L-arginine into mouse peritoneal macrophages can be inhibited by numerous amino acids and derivatives. Kinetic studies showed an almost entirely competitive inhibition for both cationic and neutral amino acids and derivatives suggesting that the comparison of their binding specificity by using a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) study is reasonable. The properties of the most efficient inhibitors were the following: the length of the aliphatic side chain, a general structural similarity to L-arginine (>0.79), cationic character, L-configuration, the presence of an alpha-amino group (with a mean pK(a) of 9.41), the van der Waals volume (mean 225 A(3)) and a low logP value (mean: -2.99). The significance of four other descriptors (neutral character, presence and the pK(a) of an alpha-carboxyl group, and the presence of a modified guanidino group) is much lower. Similar results were obtained for the hCAT-1 cell line, but the significance of the descriptors was slightly different. The L-configuration, van der Waals volume, the low logP value and the length of aliphatic side chain were the most significant, while the pK(a) value of the side chain (mean pK(a)=11.6) was found to be more important than that of the alpha-amino group. In addition, the general similarity to L-arginine, the presence of an amino group in the terminal position of the side chain (Orn, Lys) and the basic character were significant descriptors, while the significance of the acidity is negligibly low. As a final conclusion, the following descriptors were found to be important generally for the cationic transporters: the van der Waals volume, hydrophobicity (log P); L-configuration; the size of the side chain; the general similarity to L-arginine; the presence of an alpha-amino group; the general basicity of the molecule; the pK(a) values of the alpha-amino group (in macrophages) or that of the side chain (in CAT-1 cells). These descriptors can be regarded as the general structurally important binding characteristics of the cationic amino transporters.

Dimethylarginines at the crossroad of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis

We tested if asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) contributes to the simultaneous evolution of atherosclerosis and insulin resistance. We investigated the significant predictors of insulin resistance in the context of atherosclerosis, focusing on the role ADMA, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and l-arginine play in a cohort of young atherosclerotic patients and their age-matched controls. In a case-control study, 60 patients younger than 55 years having at least 30% stenosis of the internal carotid artery and 30 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited at a community-based neurosonologic laboratory. We found a strong positive association between the homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function and insulin resistance and the ADMA/SDMA ratio that remained statistically significant even after adjusting for all significant and a priori identified determinants (beta = 6.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.13-11.39; P = .005). Interestingly, this relationship was even more pronounced in the atherosclerotic stratum (beta = 8.29; 95% CI, 1.43-15.15; P = .019), whereas, on multiple linear regression, lack of association was seen in subjects free of carotid atherosclerosis (beta = 1.39; 95% CI, -5.46 to 8.26; P = .671). We conclude that ADMA/SDMA ratio is a significant determinant of insulin resistance and may be a better parameter to monitor than ADMA alone. By accounting for the competition at the y+ transporters, ADMA/SDMA ratio could be an indicator of intracellular ADMA level.

Rapamycin stimulates arginine influx through CAT2 transporters in human endothelial cells

In endothelial cells Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFalpha) stimulates arginine transport through the increased expression of SLC7A2/CAT2 transcripts. Here we show that also rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR kinase, stimulates system y(+)-mediated arginine uptake in human endothelial cells derived from either saphenous (HSVECs) or umbilical veins (HUVECs). When used together with TNFalpha, rapamycin produces an additive stimulation of arginine transport in both cell models. These effects are observed also upon incubation with AICAR, a stimulator of Adenosine-Monophosphate-dependent-Protein Kinase (AMPK) that produces a rapamycin-independent inhibition of the mTOR pathway. Rapamycin increases the V(max) of high affinity arginine transport and causes the appearance of a low affinity component that is particularly evident if the treatment is carried out in the presence of TNFalpha. RT-qPCR studies have demonstrated that these kinetic changes correspond to the induction of both the high affinity transporter CAT2B and the low affinity isoform CAT2A. Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses indicate that, consistently, the expression of CAT2 proteins is also stimulated under the same conditions. These changes are associated with an increase of the intracellular arginine concentration but with a decrease of NO production. Thus, our data suggest that mTOR activity is associated with the repression of CAT2 expression at mRNA and protein level.

L-Arginine currents in rat cardiac ventricular myocytes

L-Arginine (L-Arg) is a basic amino acid that plays a central role in the biosynthesis of nitric oxide, creatine, agmantine, polyamines, proline and glutamate. Most tissues, including myocardium, must import L-Arg from the circulation to ensure adequate intracellular levels of this amino acid. This study reports novel L-Arg-activated inward currents in whole-cell voltage-clamped rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. Ion-substitution experiments identified extracellular L-Arg as the charge-carrying cationic species responsible for these currents, which, thus, represent L-Arg import into cardiac myocytes. This result was independently confirmed by an increase in myocyte nitric oxide production upon extracellular application of L-Arg. The inward movement of Arg molecules was found to be passive and independent of Na(2+), K(2+), Ca(2+) and Mg(2+). The process displayed saturation and membrane potential (V(m))-dependent kinetics, with a K(0.5) for l-Arg that increased from 5 mm at hyperpolarizing V(m) to 20 mm at +40 mV. L-Lysine and L-ornithine but not D-Arg produced currents with characteristics similar to that activated by L-Arg indicating that the transport process is stereospecific for cationic L-amino acids. L-Arg current was fully blocked after brief incubation with 0.2 mm N-ethylmaleimide. These features suggest that the activity of the low-affinity, high-capacity CAT-2A member of the y(2+) family of transporters is responsible for L-Arg currents in acutely isolated cardiomyocytes. Regardless of the mechanism, we hypothesize that a low-affinity arginine transport process in heart, by ensuring substrate availability for sustained NO production, might play a cardio-protective role during catabolic states known to increase Arg plasma levels severalfold.

The cationic amino acid transporters CAT1 and CAT3 mediate NMDA receptor activation-dependent changes in elaboration of neuronal processes via the mammalian target of rapamycin mTOR pathway

Neuronal activity influences protein synthesis and neuronal growth. Availability of nutrients, especially leucine and arginine, regulates the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway that controls cell growth. We show that NMDA receptor activation markedly reduces arginine transport by decreasing surface expression of the cationic amino acid transporters (CAT) 1 and 3. Depletion of CAT1 and CAT3 by RNA interference blocks influences of NMDA receptor activation on the mTOR pathway and neuronal process formation. Thus, the CATs mediate influences of NMDA receptor activation on the mTOR pathway that regulates neuronal processes.

Arginine and Urea Metabolism in the Liver Graft: A Study Using Microdialysis in Human Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Arginine is an amino acid having a central role in the metabolism of urea and nitric oxide in the liver. We present our findings of the behavior of these metabolites during the process of transplantation of the liver.

METHODS

Urea, arginine, ornithine, citrulline, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, and glutamine levels in 15 livers were studied during the process of retrieval, following storage during the backtable procedure, and for 48 hours postreperfusion using microdialysis. Arginase levels in donor and recipient serum were also analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific for type I human arginase. Data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, with post-hoc comparison to the value at two hours using Dunnett's test (P < 0.05 significant).

RESULTS

Levels of metabolites measured in the donor liver were seen to decline significantly in the stored liver. Immediately postreperfusion, there was a significant rise in arginase I levels in the recipient serum with low arginine levels recorded in the liver. The high arginase I levels significantly reduced six hours postreperfusion with a corresponding rise in extracellular arginine levels. Urea levels in the graft increased significantly immediately postreperfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Arginine levels were found to be low with correspondingly high serum arginase I levels in the early postreperfusion phase. High serum arginase I levels in early postreperfusion may influence nitric oxide production in this phase since considering Vmax and Km values, arginase I could compete with inducible nitric oxide synthase for arginine. Urea metabolism in the liver recommences immediately postreperfusion.