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Barabutis N. NEK-mediated barrier regulation. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2024; 86:102313. [PMID: 38909830 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2024.102313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction has been associated with devastating outcomes which can eventually lead to permanent disability and death. Elucidation of the meticulously devised network orchestrating endothelial responses, provides information to develop new therapies towards endothelial-related disorders. NEK kinases - which have been involved in the development of human disease - promote vascular leak; suggesting the possibility that their inhibition may ameliorate medical conditions related to barrier derangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA.
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Fakir S, Kubra KT, Akhter MS, Uddin MA, Barabutis N. Protective effects of growth hormone - releasing hormone antagonists in the lungs of septic mice. Cell Signal 2024; 121:111260. [PMID: 38871041 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists (GHRHAnt) have been associated with antitumor and antioxidative activities. The present study investigates for the first time the effects of those compounds towards pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in a murine model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) - induced sepsis. The results indicate that GHRHAnt JV-1-36 significantly suppressed IL-1α, IL-6, and pSTAT3 activation in septic lungs. Moreover, GHRHAnt treatment reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein concentration, suggesting a protective effect of that compound in sepsis-induced lung edema. Based on those findings, it is suggested that GHRHAnt may represent an exciting new therapeutic possibility in sepsis-induced endotoxemia and lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Fakir
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Khadeja-Tul Kubra
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Mohammad Shohel Akhter
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Mohammad Afaz Uddin
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
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Fakir S, Barabutis N. Protective Activities of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Antagonists against Toxin-Induced Endothelial Injury. ENDOCRINES 2024; 5:116-123. [PMID: 38895505 PMCID: PMC11185841 DOI: 10.3390/endocrines5010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
GHRH regulates the secretion of GH from the anterior pituitary gland, previously associated with cancer progression and inflammation. An emerging body of evidence suggests that GHRHAnt support endothelial barrier function, but the mechanisms mediating these events are not completely understood. In the present study, it is demonstrated that the GHRHAnt JV-1-36 counteracts barrier dysfunction due to LPS or LTA treatment in HUVECs, utilizing the Dextran-FITC assay. Moreover, it is shown in BPAECs that these bacterial toxins increase ROS generation, and that this effect is counteracted by JV-1-36, which reinstates the redox balance. The possible involvement of NEK2 in the beneficial activities of GHRHAnt in IFN-γ- and LPS-triggered hyperpermeability was also assessed, since that kinase is involved in inflammatory responses. NEK2 was increased in the inflamed cells, and JV-1-36 counteracted those endothelial events. Our data support the beneficial effects of GHRHAnt in toxin-induced endothelial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Fakir
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
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Barabutis N, Akhter MS. Involvement of NEK2 and NEK9 in LPS - induced endothelial barrier dysfunction. Microvasc Res 2024; 152:104651. [PMID: 38176677 PMCID: PMC10872235 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial hyperpermeability is the hallmark of severe lung injury, including acute respiratory distress syndrome. Despite the fact that Never In Mitosis A (NIMA)-related kinase 2 (NEK2) and NEK9 mediate fundamental cellular processes, our knowledge on their role in barrier function is limited. Herein we show that NEK2 and NEK9 inhibition suppresses LPS-induced paracellular hyperpermeability and myosin light chain 2 activation in endothelial cells. Moreover, the expression levels of both kinases were elevated in inflamed mouse lungs. Based on those findings, we raise the possibility that NEK2 and NEK9 may serve as novel therapeutic targets in lung inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | - Mohammad S Akhter
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
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Barabutis N, Fakir S. Growth hormone-releasing hormone beyond cancer. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2024; 51:40-41. [PMID: 37750473 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Saikat Fakir
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
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Barabutis N, Siejka A, Akhter MS. Growth hormone-releasing hormone antagonists counteract hydrogen peroxide - induced paracellular hyperpermeability in endothelial cells. Growth Horm IGF Res 2023; 69-70:101534. [PMID: 37210756 PMCID: PMC10247445 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2023.101534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) is a hypothalamic peptide which regulates the release of Growth Hormone from the anterior pituitary gland, and has been involved in inflammatory processes. On the other hand, GHRH antagonists (GHRHAnt) were developed to counteract those effects. Herein we demonstrate for the first time that GHRHAnt can suppress hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) - induced paracellular hyperpermeability in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and barrier dysfunction have been associated with the development of potentially lethal disorders, including sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Our study supports the protective actions of GHRHAnt in the impaired endothelium, and suggests that those compounds represent an exciting therapeutic possibility towards lung inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | - Agnieszka Siejka
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Mohammad S Akhter
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
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Akhter MS, Kubra KT, Barabutis N. Protective effects of GHRH antagonists against hydrogen peroxide-induced lung endothelial barrier disruption. Endocrine 2023; 79:587-592. [PMID: 36261700 PMCID: PMC9581763 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03226-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a hypothalamic hormone, which regulates growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary gland. GHRH antagonists (GHRHAnt) are anticancer agents, which also exert robust anti-inflammatory activities in malignancies. GHRHAnt exhibit anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in vascular endothelial cells, indicating their potential use against disorders related to barrier dysfunction (e.g. sepsis). Herein, we aim to investigate the effects of GHRHAnt against lung endothelial hyperpermeability. METHODS The in vitro effects of GHRHAnt in H2O2-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction were investigated in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAEC). Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) was utilized to measure transendothelial resistance, an indicator of barrier function. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that GHRHAnt protect against H2O2-induced endothelial barrier disruption via P53 and cofilin modulation. Both proteins are crucial modulators of vascular integrity. Moreover, GHRHAnt prevent H2O2 - induced decrease in transendothelial resistance. CONCLUSIONS GHRHAnt represent a promising therapeutic intervention towards diseases related to lung endothelial hyperpermeability, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome - related or not to COVID-19 - and sepsis. Targeted medicine for those potentially lethal disorders does not exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S Akhter
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
| | - Khadeja-Tul Kubra
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA
| | - Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, 71201, USA.
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Kubra KT, Akhter MS, Apperley K, Barabutis N. Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Antagonist JV-1-36 Suppresses Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in A549 Lung Cancer Cells. ENDOCRINES 2022; 3:813-820. [PMID: 36540765 PMCID: PMC9762825 DOI: 10.3390/endocrines3040067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and its receptors are expressed in a variety of human cancers, and have been involved in malignancies. GHRH antagonists (GHRHAnt) were developed to suppress tumor progression and metastasis. Previous studies demonstrate the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer progression. Herein, we investigate the effect of a commercially available GHRH antagonist, namely JV-1-36, in the redox status of the A549 human cancer cell line. Our results suggest that this peptide significantly reduces ROS production in those cells in a time-dependent manner and counteracts H2O2-induced ROS. Our study supports the anti-oxidative effects of JV-1-36 and contributes in our knowledge towards the in vitro effects of GHRHAnt in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadeja-Tul Kubra
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Mohammad S. Akhter
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Apperley
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
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Stamoula E, Sarantidi E, Dimakopoulos V, Ainatzoglou A, Dardalas I, Papazisis G, Kontopoulou K, Anagnostopoulos AK. Serum Proteome Signatures of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinated Healthcare Workers in Greece Associated with Their Prior Infection Status. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710153. [PMID: 36077551 PMCID: PMC9456361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the course of the pandemic, proteomics, being in the frontline of anti-COVID-19 research, has massively contributed to the investigation of molecular pathogenic properties of the virus. However, data on the proteome on anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated individuals remain scarce. This study aimed to identify the serum proteome characteristics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated individuals who had previously contracted the virus and comparatively assess them against those of virus-naïve vaccine recipients. Blood samples of n = 252 individuals, out of whom n = 35 had been previously infected, were collected in the "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, from 4 January 2021 to 31 August 2021. All participants received the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech). A label-free quantitative proteomics LC-MS/MS approach was undertaken, and the identified proteins were analyzed using the GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes) databases as well as processed by bioinformatics tools. Titers of total RBD-specific IgGs against SARS-CoV-2 were also determined using the SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant assay. A total of 47 proteins were significantly differentially expressed, the majority of which were down-regulated in sera of previously infected patients compared to virus-naïve controls. Several pathways were affected supporting the crucial role of the humoral immune response in the protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection provided by COVID-19 vaccination. Overall, our comprehensive proteome profiling analysis contributes novel knowledge of the mechanisms of immune response induced by anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and identified protein signatures reflecting the immune status of vaccine recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Stamoula
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleana Sarantidi
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilis Dimakopoulos
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Ainatzoglou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Dardalas
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Papazisis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Clinical Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Athanasios K. Anagnostopoulos
- Department of Biotechnology, Centre of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Endothelial barrier dysfunction is associated with sepsis and lung injury, both direct and indirect. We discuss the involvement of unfolded protein response in the protective effects of heat shock protein 90 inhibitors and growth hormone releasing hormone antagonists in the vascular barrier, to reveal new possibilities in acute respiratory distress syndrome treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA, USA
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Kubra KT, Uddin MA, Akhter MS, Leo AJ, Siejka A, Barabutis N. P53 mediates the protective effects of metformin in inflamed lung endothelial cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108367. [PMID: 34794886 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The endothelial barrier regulates interstitial fluid homeostasis by transcellular and paracellular means. Dysregulation of this semipermeable barrier may lead to vascular leakage, edema, and accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducing microvascular hyperpermeability. Investigating the molecular pathways involved in those events will most probably provide novel therapeutic possibilities in pathologies related to endothelial barrier dysfunction. Metformin (MET) is an anti-diabetic drug, opposes malignancies, inhibits cellular transformation, and promotes cardiovascular protection. In the current study, we assess the protective effects of MET in LPS-induced lung endothelial barrier dysfunction and evaluate the role of P53 in mediating the beneficial effects of MET in the vasculature. We revealed that this biguanide (MET) opposes the LPS-induced dysregulation of the lung microvasculature, since it suppressed the formation of filamentous actin stress fibers, and deactivated cofilin. To investigate whether P53 is involved in those phenomena, we employed the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) - dextran permeability assay, to measure paracellular permeability. Our observations suggest that P53 inhibition increases paracellular permeability, and MET prevents those effects. Our results contribute towards the understanding of the lung endothelium and reveal the significant role of P53 in the MET-induced barrier enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadeja-Tul Kubra
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Mohammad A Uddin
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Mohammad S Akhter
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Antoinette J Leo
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Agnieszka Siejka
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
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