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Dhyani N, Tian C, Gao L, Rudebush TL, Zucker IH. Nrf2-Keap1 in Cardiovascular Disease: Which Is the Cart and Which the Horse? Physiology (Bethesda) 2024; 39:0. [PMID: 38687468 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00015.2024] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
High levels of oxidant stress in the form of reactive oxidant species are prevalent in the circulation and tissues in various types of cardiovascular disease including heart failure, hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke. Here we review the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), an important and widespread antioxidant and anti-inflammatory transcription factor that may contribute to the pathogenesis and maintenance of cardiovascular diseases. We review studies showing that downregulation of Nrf2 exacerbates heart failure, hypertension, and autonomic function. Finally, we discuss the potential for using Nrf2 modulation as a therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases and autonomic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Dhyani
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
| | - Changhai Tian
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Lie Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
| | - Tara L Rudebush
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
| | - Irving H Zucker
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
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Liu W, Yang W, Niu R, Cong L, Jiang M, Bai G. Costunolide covalently targets and inhibits CaMKII phosphorylation to reduce ischemia-associated brain damage. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 115:154822. [PMID: 37087789 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Restoring cerebral blood flow (CBF) through vasodilatation is particularly important in the treatment of CCH. Costunolide (Cos) is a natural sesquiterpenoid compound with vasodilatory effect, but its mechanism is unclear. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the vasodilatory mechanism of Cos and provide a new therapeutic regimen for treating CCH. METHODS The therapeutic effect of Cos on CCH was assessed in a rat model of permanent common carotid artery occlusion. The direct target protein for improving CBF was identified by drug affinity responsive target stability combined with quantitative differential proteomics analysis. The molecular mechanism of Cos acting on its target protein was analyzed by multidisciplinary approaches. The signalling involved was assessed using site-directed pharmacological intervention. RESULTS Cos has a significant therapeutic effect on ischemic brain injury by restoring CBF. Multifunctional calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was identified as a direct target of the natural small molecule Cos with a therapeutic effect on CCH. Mechanistic studies revealed that the α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactone ring of Cos covalently binds to the Cys116 residue of CaMKII. It then inhibits the phosphorylation of CaMKII and reduces the calcium concentration in vascular smooth muscle cells, thus playing a role in vasodilation and increasing CBF. Notably, this covalent binding between Cos and CaMKII can exert a long-term vasodilator activity. CONCLUSION We reported for the first time that Cos reduced ischemia-associated brain damage by covalently binding to the Cys116 residue of CaMKII, inhibiting CaMKII phosphorylation, and exerting long-term vasodilatory activity. This study not only found a new covalent inhibitor against the phosphorylation of CaMKII but also suggested that pharmacologically targeting CaMKII is a promising therapeutic strategy for CCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Wei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Ruixue Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Longfei Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China.
| | - Gang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
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The Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Attenuates Oxidative Stress Injury and the Inflammatory Response of H9c2 Cells Through the Nrf2/ARE and NF-κB Pathways. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2022; 13:651-661. [PMID: 34859377 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-021-00589-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM Oxidative stress and the inflammatory response contribute to the progression of cardiovascular disease. The present study aimed to investigate whether the mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c could alleviate H2O2-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory status in H9c2 cells through activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related Factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidative response element (ARE) and inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. METHODS Rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes were obtained, and 10, 20 or 50 μM MOTS-c was pretreated for 24 h before treatment with H2O2. Then, the cell was treated with 100 μM H2O2 for 1 h to induce oxidative stress. An inhibition model of sh-Nrf2 was constructed via a lentivirus expression system, and an activation model of NF-κB was achieved using phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Cell viability was determined using a Cell Counting kit-8 assay. Relative measurement of relative protein and mRNA expression used western blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined via commercial kits. The protein expression and distribution in the cells were visualized by immunofluorescence analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. RESULTS We found that H2O2 treatment significantly decreased cell viability and the level of SOD, increased the levels of ROS and MDA, and upregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, in H9c2 cells. The expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1 were significantly downregulated in the H2O2, while the phosphorylation of NF-κBp65 was promoted by H2O2. However, pretreatment with MOTS-c significantly reversed H2O2-induced damage in H9c2 cells. Moreover, both inhibition of the Nrf2/ARE pathway and activation of the NF-κB pathway significantly decreased the effects of MOTS-c, suggesting that MOTS-c might play a role in alleviating oxidative damage via the Nrf2/ARE and NF-κB pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our investigation indicated that MOTS-c could protect against H2O2-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in H9c2 cells by inhibiting NF-κB and activating the Nrf2/ARE pathways.
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Wu W, Hendrix A, Nair S, Cui T. Nrf2-Mediated Dichotomy in the Vascular System: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Perspective. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193042. [PMID: 36231004 PMCID: PMC9563590 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor, controls the expression of more than 1000 genes that can be clustered into different categories with distinct functions ranging from redox balance and metabolism to protein quality control in the cell. The biological consequence of Nrf2 activation can be either protective or detrimental in a context-dependent manner. In the cardiovascular system, most studies have focused on the protective properties of Nrf2, mainly as a key transcription factor of antioxidant defense. However, emerging evidence revealed an unexpected role of Nrf2 in mediating cardiovascular maladaptive remodeling and dysfunction in certain disease settings. Herein we review the role of Nrf2 in cardiovascular diseases with a focus on vascular disease. We discuss the negative effect of Nrf2 on the vasculature as well as the potential underlying mechanisms. We also discuss the clinical relevance of targeting Nrf2 pathways for the treatment of cardiovascular and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wu
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Andrew Hendrix
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Sharad Nair
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
- Columbia VA Health System, Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Taixing Cui
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
- Columbia VA Health System, Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-803-216-3804
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Trajano GS, Blazevich AJ. Static Stretching Reduces Motoneuron Excitability: The Potential Role of Neuromodulation. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2021; 49:126-132. [PMID: 33720914 PMCID: PMC7967995 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged static muscle stretching transiently reduces maximal muscle force, and this force loss has a strong neural component. In this review, we discuss the evidence suggesting that stretching reduces the motoneuron's ability to amplify excitatory drive. We propose a hypothetical model in which stretching causes physiological relaxation, reducing the brainstem-derived neuromodulatory drive necessary to maximize motoneuron discharge rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel S Trajano
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
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Mechanisms of Dietary Sodium-Induced Impairments in Endothelial Function and Potential Countermeasures. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13010270. [PMID: 33477837 PMCID: PMC7832854 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of efforts to reduce sodium intake, excess dietary sodium remains commonplace, and contributes to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality independent of its effects on blood pressure. An increasing amount of research suggests that high-sodium diets lead to reduced nitric oxide-mediated endothelial function, even in the absence of a change in blood pressure. As endothelial dysfunction is an early step in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, the endothelium presents a target for interventions aimed at reducing the impact of excess dietary sodium. In this review, we briefly define endothelial function and present the literature demonstrating that excess dietary sodium results in impaired endothelial function. We then discuss the mechanisms through which sodium impairs the endothelium, including increased reactive oxygen species, decreased intrinsic antioxidant defenses, endothelial cell stiffening, and damage to the endothelial glycocalyx. Finally, we present selected research findings suggesting that aerobic exercise or increased intake of dietary potassium may counteract the deleterious vascular effects of a high-sodium diet.
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Shao Z, Pan Q, Zhang Y. Hepatocellular carcinoma cell-derived extracellular vesicles encapsulated microRNA-584-5p facilitates angiogenesis through PCK1-mediated nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 signaling pathway. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 125:105789. [PMID: 32522621 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease characterized by poor liver function with increasing morbidity and poor prognosis. Extracellular vesicles, released by different cells, have been associated with HCC development. Nevertheless, the mechanisms beyond extracellular vesicles in HCC remain uncharacterized. Therefore, the current study aimed to clarify the mechanism of pro-angiogenic microRNA-584-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma. Our results showed that miR-584-5p was highly-expressed in both cancer cells (Hep3B) and their extracellular vesicles. Hep3B and extracellular vesicles were then respectively co-cultured with human vascular endothelial cell line (Ea.hy926), and they both accelerated Ea.hy926 proliferation and migration. Ea.hy926 cells could internalize extracellular vesicles carrying microRNA-584-5p. Of note, microRNA-584-5p could bind to phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 to promote nuclear factor E2-related factor 2. Moreover, silencing microRNA-584-5p was found to decline microvessel density, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. Taken altogether, our findings demonstrated that extracellular vesicles-derived microRNA-584-5p promotes angiogenesis by inhibiting PCK1 -mediating NRF2 activation, which highlights the theoretical basis for potential treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zigong Shao
- Department of Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110000, PR China
| | - Qi Pan
- Department of Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110000, PR China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- Department of Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang 110000, PR China.
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Wang F, Li R, Tu P, Chen J, Zeng K, Jiang Y. Total Glycosides of Cistanche deserticola Promote Neurological Function Recovery by Inducing Neurovascular Regeneration via Nrf-2/Keap-1 Pathway in MCAO/R Rats. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:236. [PMID: 32256351 PMCID: PMC7089931 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The traditional Chinese medicine Cistanche deserticola has been reported to be valid for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, its active components for the protection of ischemic stroke are not clear. We aimed to explore the active components of C. deserticola against ischemic stroke as well as its potential mechanisms. Methods We investigated the brain protective effects of extracts from C. deserticola, total glycosides (TGs), polysaccharides (PSs), and oligosaccharides (OSs) in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion (MCAO/R). 2, 3, 5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to assess the cerebral infarction volume, and Evans blue assay was adopted to assess the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Then, the expressions CD31, α-SMA, PDGFRβ, SYN, PSD95, MAP-2, ZO-1, claudin-5, occludin, Keap-1, and Nrf-2 were analyzed using western blotting or immunofluorescence, and the activities MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px were analyzed using kits. Results TGs treatment remarkably decreased neurological deficit scores and infarction volumes, promoted angiogenesis and neural remodeling, and effectively maintained blood-brain-barrier integrity compared with the model group. Furthermore, TGs significantly decreased MDA levels and increased antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) in brains. Meanwhile, TGs remarkably downregulated Keap-1 expression and facilitated Nrf-2 nuclear translocation. On the contrary, no protective effects were observed for PSs and OSs groups. Conclusion TGs are the main active components of C. deserticola against MCAO/R-induced cerebral injury, and protection is mainly via the Nrf-2/Keap-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiyan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Changzhi Medical College, Shanxi, China
| | - Pengfei Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianping Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kewu Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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