Role of the actin cytoskeleton in angiotensin II signaling in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Functional interactions between NADPH oxidase 5 and actin

NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) is a transmembrane oxidative signaling enzyme which produces superoxide in response to intracellular calcium flux. Increasing evidence indicates that NOX5 is involved in a variety of physiological processes as well as human disease, however, details of NOX5 signaling pathways and targets of NOX5 mediated oxidative modifications remain poorly resolved. Actin dynamics have previously been shown to be modulated by oxidative modification, however, a direct connection to NOX5 expression and activity has not been fully explored. Here we show that NOX5 and actin interact in the cell, and each modulate the activity of the other. Using actin effector molecules jasplakinolide, cytochalasin D and latrunculin A, we show that changes in actin dynamics affect NOX5 superoxide production. In tandem, NOX5 oxidatively modifies actin, and shifts the ratio of filamentous to monomeric actin. Finally, we show that knockdown of NOX5 in the pancreatic cancer cell line PSN-1 impairs cell migration. Together our findings indicate an important link between actin dynamics and oxidative signaling through NOX5.

Interplay among Oxidative Stress, Methylglyoxal Pathway and S-Glutathionylation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced constantly inside the cells as a consequence of nutrient catabolism. The balance between ROS production and elimination allows to maintain cell redox homeostasis and biological functions, avoiding the occurrence of oxidative distress causing irreversible oxidative damages. A fundamental player in this fine balance is reduced glutathione (GSH), required for the scavenging of ROS as well as of the reactive 2-oxoaldehydes methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is a cytotoxic compound formed constitutively as byproduct of nutrient catabolism, and in particular of glycolysis, detoxified in a GSH-dependent manner by the glyoxalase pathway consisting in glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II reactions. A physiological increase in ROS production (oxidative eustress, OxeS) is promptly signaled by the decrease of cellular GSH/GSSG ratio which can induce the reversible S-glutathionylation of key proteins aimed at restoring the redox balance. An increase in MGO level also occurs under oxidative stress (OxS) conditions probably due to several events among which the decrease in GSH level and/or the bottleneck of glycolysis caused by the reversible S-glutathionylation and inhibition of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. In the present review, it is shown how MGO can play a role as a stress signaling molecule in response to OxeS, contributing to the coordination of cell metabolism with gene expression by the glycation of specific proteins. Moreover, it is highlighted how the products of MGO metabolism, S-D-lactoylglutathione (SLG) and D-lactate, which can be taken up and metabolized by mitochondria, could play important roles in cell response to OxS, contributing to cytosol-mitochondria crosstalk, cytosolic and mitochondrial GSH pools, energy production, and the restoration of the GSH/GSSG ratio. The role for SLG and glyoxalase II in the regulation of protein function through S-glutathionylation under OxS conditions is also discussed. Overall, the data reported here stress the need for further studies aimed at understanding what role the evolutionary-conserved MGO formation and metabolism can play in cell signaling and response to OxS conditions, the aberration of which may importantly contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases associated to elevated OxS.

The cofilin phosphatase slingshot homolog 1 restrains angiotensin II-induced vascular hypertrophy and fibrosis in vivo

The dual specificity phosphatase slingshot homolog 1 (SSH1) contributes to actin remodeling by dephosphorylating and activating the actin-severing protein cofilin. The reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton has been implicated in chronic hypertension and the subsequent mechano-adaptive rearrangement of vessel wall components. Therefore, using a novel Ssh1^-/- mouse model, we investigated the potential role of SSH1 in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension, and vascular remodeling. We found that loss of SSH1 did not produce overt phenotypic changes and that baseline blood pressures as well as heart rates were comparable between Ssh1^+/+ and Ssh1^-/- mice. Although 14 days of Ang II treatment equally increased systolic blood pressure in both genotypes, histological assessment of aortic samples indicated that medial thickening was exacerbated by the loss of SSH1. Consequently, reverse-transcription quantitative PCR analysis of the transcripts from Ang II-infused animals confirmed increased aortic expression levels of fibronectin, and osteopontin in Ssh1^-/- when compared to wild-type mice. Mechanistically, our data suggest that fibrosis in SSH1-deficient mice occurs by a process that involves aberrant responses to Ang II-induced TGFβ1. Taken together, our work indicates that Ang II-dependent fibrotic gene expression and vascular remodeling, but not the Ang II-induced pressor response, are modulated by SSH1-mediated signaling pathways and SSH1 activity is protective against Ang II-induced remodeling in the vasculature.

Binding of EBP50 to Nox organizing subunit p47phox is pivotal to cellular reactive species generation and altered vascular phenotype

Despite numerous reports implicating NADPH oxidases (Nox) in the pathogenesis of many diseases, precise regulation of this family of professional reactive oxygen species (ROS) producers remains unclear. A unique member of this family, Nox1 oxidase, functions as either a canonical or hybrid system using Nox organizing subunit 1 (NoxO1) or p47(phox), respectively, the latter of which is functional in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In this manuscript, we identify critical requirement of ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50; aka NHERF1) for Nox1 activation and downstream responses. Superoxide (O2 (•-)) production induced by angiotensin II (AngII) was absent in mouse EBP50 KO VSMC vs. WT. Moreover, ex vivo incubation of aortas with AngII showed a significant increase in O2 (•-) in WT but not EBP50 or Nox1 nulls. Similarly, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress was attenuated in femoral arteries from EBP50 KO vs. WT. In silico analyses confirmed by confocal microscopy, immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, FRET, and gain-/loss-of-function mutagenesis revealed binding of EBP50, via its PDZ domains, to a specific motif in p47(phox) Functional studies revealed AngII-induced hypertrophy was absent in EBP50 KOs, and in VSMC overexpressing EBP50, Nox1 gene silencing abolished VSMC hypertrophy. Finally, ex vivo measurement of lumen diameter in mouse resistance arteries exhibited attenuated AngII-induced vasoconstriction in EBP50 KO vs. WT. Taken together, our data identify EBP50 as a previously unidentified regulator of Nox1 and support that it promotes Nox1 activity by binding p47(phox) This interaction is pivotal for agonist-induced smooth muscle ROS, hypertrophy, and vasoconstriction and has implications for ROS-mediated physiological and pathophysiological processes.

Nox family NADPH oxidases: Molecular mechanisms of activation

NADPH oxidases of the Nox family are important enzymatic sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Numerous homologue-specific mechanisms control the activity of this enzyme family involving calcium, free fatty acids, protein-protein interactions, intracellular trafficking, and posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation, acetylation, or sumoylation. After a brief review on the classic pathways of Nox activation, this article will focus on novel mechanisms of homologue-specific activity control and on cell-specific aspects which govern Nox activity. From these findings of the recent years it must be concluded that the activity control of Nox enzymes is much more complex than anticipated. Moreover, depending on the cellular activity state, Nox enzymes are selectively activated or inactivated. The complex upstream signaling aspects of these events make the development of "intelligent" Nox inhibitors plausible, which selectively attenuate disease-related Nox-mediated ROS formation without altering physiological signaling ROS. This approach might be of relevance for Nox-mediated tissue injury in ischemia-reperfusion and inflammation and also for chronic Nox overactivation as present in cancer initiation and cardiovascular disease.

NAD(P)H oxidase isoforms as therapeutic targets for diabetic complications

The development of macro- and microvascular complications is accelerated in diabetic patients. While some therapeutic regimes have helped in delaying progression of complications, none have yet been able to halt the progression and prevent vascular disease, highlighting the need to identify new therapeutic targets. Increased oxidative stress derived from the NADPH oxidase (Nox) family has recently been identified to play an important role in the pathophysiology of vascular disease. In recent years, specific Nox isoforms have been implicated in contributing to the development of atherosclerosis of major vessels, as well as damage of the small vessels within the kidney and the eye. With the use of novel Nox inhibitors, it has been demonstrated that these complications can be attenuated, indicating that targeting Nox derived oxidative stress holds potential as a new therapeutic strategy.

Role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in diabetic cardiovascular complications

Diabetes mellitus results in severe cardiovascular complications, and heart disease and failure remain the major causes of death in patients with diabetes. Given the increasing global tide of obesity and diabetes, the clinical burden of diabetes-induced cardiovascular disease is reaching epidemic proportions. Therefore urgent actions are needed to stem the tide of diabetes which entails new prevention and treatment tools. Clinical and pharmacological studies have demonstrated that AngII (angiotensin II), the major effector peptide of the RAS (renin–angiotensin system), is a critical promoter of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. The role of RAS and AngII has been implicated in the progression of diabetic cardiovascular complications and AT1R (AngII type 1 receptor) blockers and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors have shown clinical benefits. ACE2, the recently discovered homologue of ACE, is a monocarboxypeptidase which converts AngII into Ang-(1–7) [angiotensin-(1–7)] which, by virtue of its actions on the MasR (Mas receptor), opposes the effects of AngII. In animal models of diabetes, an early increase in ACE2 expression and activity occurs, whereas ACE2 mRNA and protein levels have been found to decrease in older STZ (streptozotocin)-induced diabetic rats. Using the Akita mouse model of Type 1 diabetes, we have recently shown that loss of ACE2 disrupts the balance of the RAS in a diabetic state and leads to AngII/AT1R-dependent systolic dysfunction and impaired vascular function. In the present review, we will discuss the role of the RAS in the pathophysiology and treatment of diabetes and its complications with particular emphasis on potential benefits of the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/MasR axis activation.

A matter of life, death and diseases: mitochondria from a proteomic perspective

Mitochondria are highly ordered, integrated organelles that energize cellular activities and contribute to programmed death by initiating disciplined apoptotic cascades. This review seeks to clarify our understanding of mitochondrial structural-functional integrity beyond the resolved nuclear genome by unraveling the dynamic mitochondrial proteome and elucidating proteome/genome interplay. The roles of mechanochemical coupling between mitoskeleton and cytoskeleton and crosstalk with other organelles in orchestrating cellular outcomes are explained. The authors also review the modulation of mitochondrial-related oxidative stress on apoptosis and cancer development and the context is applied to interpret pathogenetic events in neurodegenerative disorders and cardiovascular diseases. The accumulated proteomics evidence is used to describe the integral role that mitochondria play and how they influence other intracellular organelles. Possible mitochondrial-targeted therapeutic interventions are also discussed.

Cyclophilin A is required for angiotensin II-induced p47phox translocation to caveolae in vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

Angiotensin II (AngII) signal transduction in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cyclophilin A (CyPA) is a ubiquitously expressed cytosolic protein that possesses peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase activity, scaffold function, and significantly enhances AngII-induced ROS production in VSMC. We hypothesized that CyPA regulates AngII-induced ROS generation by promoting translocation of NADPH oxidase cytosolic subunit p47phox to caveolae of the plasma membrane.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Overexpression of CyPA in CyPA-deficient VSMC (CyPA(-/-)VSMC) significantly increased AngII-stimulated ROS production. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibitors (VAS2870 or diphenylene iodonium) significantly attenuated AngII-induced ROS production in CyPA and p47phox-overexpressing CyPA(-/-)VSMC. Cell fractionation and sucrose gradient analyses showed that AngII-induced p47phox plasma membrane translocation, specifically to the caveolae, was reduced in CyPA(-/-)VSMC compared with wild-type-VSMC. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that AngII increased p47phox and CyPA colocalization and translocation to the plasma membrane. In addition, immunoprecipitation of CyPA followed by immunoblotting of p47phox and actin showed that AngII increased CyPA and p47phox interaction. AngII-induced p47phox and actin cell cytoskeleton association was attenuated in CyPA(-/-)VSMC. Mechanistically, inhibition of p47phox phosphorylation and phox homology domain deletion attenuated CyPA and p47phox interaction. Finally, cyclosporine A and CyPA-peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase mutant, R55A, inhibited AngII-stimulated CyPA and p47phox association in VSMC, suggesting that peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase activity was required for their interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide the mechanism by which CyPA is an important regulator for AngII-induced ROS generation in VSMC through interaction with p47phox and cell cytoskeleton, which enhances the translocation of p47phox to caveolae.

Loss of p47phox subunit enhances susceptibility to biomechanical stress and heart failure because of dysregulation of cortactin and actin filaments

RATIONALE

The classic phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (gp91(phox) or Nox2) is expressed in the heart. Nox2 activation requires membrane translocation of the p47(phox) subunit and is linked to heart failure. We hypothesized that loss of p47(phox) subunit will result in decreased reactive oxygen species production and resistance to heart failure.

OBJECTIVE

To define the role of p47(phox) in pressure overload-induced biomechanical stress.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eight-week-old male p47(phox) null (p47(phox) knockout [KO]), Nox2 null (Nox2KO), and wild-type mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction-induced pressure overload. Contrary to our hypothesis, p47(phox)KO mice showed markedly worsened systolic dysfunction in response to pressure overload at 5 and 9 weeks after transverse aortic constriction compared with wild-type-transverse aortic constriction mice. We found that biomechanical stress upregulated N-cadherin and β-catenin in p47(phox)KO hearts but disrupted the actin filament cytoskeleton and reduced phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase. p47(phox) interacts with cytosolic cortactin by coimmunoprecipitation and double immunofluorescence staining in murine and human hearts and translocated to the membrane on biomechanical stress where cortactin interacted with N-cadherin, resulting in adaptive cytoskeletal remodeling. However, p47(phox)KO hearts showed impaired interaction of cortactin with N-cadherin, resulting in loss of biomechanical stress-induced actin polymerization and cytoskeletal remodeling. In contrast, Nox2 does not interact with cortactin, and Nox2-deficient hearts were protected from pressure overload-induced adverse myocardial and intracellular cytoskeletal remodeling.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed a novel role of p47(phox) subunit beyond and independent of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity as a regulator of cortactin and adaptive cytoskeletal remodeling, leading to a paradoxically enhanced susceptibility to biomechanical stress and heart failure.

Beta adrenergic overstimulation impaired vascular contractility via actin-cytoskeleton disorganization in rabbit cerebral artery

Background and Purpose

Beta adrenergic overstimulation may increase the vascular damage and stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms of beta adrenergic overstimulation in cerebrovascular dysfunctions are not well known. We investigated the possible cerebrovascular dysfunction response to isoproterenol induced beta-adrenergic overstimulation (ISO) in rabbit cerebral arteries (CAs).

Methods

ISO was induced in six weeks aged male New Zealand white rabbit (0.8–1.0 kg) by 7-days isoproterenol injection (300 μg/kg/day). We investigated the alteration of protein expression in ISO treated CAs using 2DE proteomics and western blot analysis. Systemic properties of 2DE proteomics result were analyzed using bioinformatics software. ROS generation and following DNA damage were assessed to evaluate deteriorative effect of ISO on CAs. Intracellular Ca²⁺ level change and vascular contractile response to vasoactive drug, angiotensin II (Ang II), were assessed to evaluate functional alteration of ISO treated CAs. Ang II-induced ROS generation was assessed to evaluated involvement of ROS generation in CA contractility.

Results

Proteomic analysis revealed remarkably decreased expression of cytoskeleton organizing proteins (e.g. actin related protein 1A and 2, α-actin, capping protein Z beta, and vimentin) and anti-oxidative stress proteins (e.g. heat shock protein 9A and stress-induced-phosphoprotein 1) in ISO-CAs. As a cause of dysregulation of actin-cytoskeleton organization, we found decreased level of RhoA and ROCK1, which are major regulators of actin-cytoskeleton organization. As functional consequences of proteomic alteration, we found the decreased transient Ca²⁺ efflux and constriction response to angiotensin II and high K⁺ in ISO-CAs. ISO also increased basal ROS generation and induced oxidative damage in CA; however, it decreased the Ang II-induced ROS generation rate. These results indicate that ISO disrupted actin cytoskeleton proteome network through down-regulation of RhoA/ROCK1 proteins and increased oxidative damage, which consequently led to contractile dysfunction in CA.

Role of the cytoskeleton in Cd2+-induced death of mouse mesangial cells

Cadmium induces apoptotic cell death in mouse mesangial cells that is in part dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cadmium also activates multiple kinases in these cells, including the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK-II) and p38 kinase, and also leads to disruption of the filamentous actin cytoskeleton. We investigated the role of the cytoskeleton in Cd2+-induced cell death. Cell viability was decreased by Cd2+ and two types of apoptotic death, defined by flow cytometry, were increased. Disruption of actin filaments with cytochalasin D was partially protective, whereas stabilization of the cytoskeleton with jasplakinolide was without effect, indicating that cytoskeletal disruption contributes to, but is not necessary for, induction of apoptosis. Inhibition of CaMK-II and p38 kinase, mitochondrial stabilization with cyclosporine A, and the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine all protected against apoptosis and prevented disruption of the cytoskeleton. Cytochalasin D decreased Cd2+-dependent ROS production, reduced the decline in mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreased phosphorylation of p38 kinase. We conclude that Cd2+-dependent actin disruption is a downstream event facilitating apoptotic death. Cadmium-dependent cell death involves actin-dependent mitochondrial changes, ROS production, and p38 activation.

Attenuated cardiovascular hypertrophy and oxidant generation in response to angiotensin II infusion in glutaredoxin-1 knockout mice

Glutaredoxin-1 (Glrx) is a thioltransferase that regulates protein S-glutathiolation. To elucidate the role of endogenous Glrx in cardiovascular disease, Glrx knockout (KO) mice were infused with angiotensin II (Ang II) for 6days. After Ang II infusion, body weight and blood pressure were similar between WT and Glrx KO mice. However, compared to WT mice, Glrx KO mice demonstrated (1) less cardiac and aortic medial hypertrophy, (2) less oxidant generation in aorta as assessed by dihydroethidium staining and nitrotyrosine, (3) decreased phosphorylation of Akt in the heart, and (4) less expression of inducible NOS in aorta and heart. In cultured embryonic fibroblasts from Glrx KO mice, S-glutathiolation of actin was enhanced and actin depolymerization was impaired after hydrogen peroxide stimulation compared with WT cells. Furthermore, oxidant generation in phorbol ester-stimulated fibroblasts and RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells was lower with Glrx siRNA knockdown. These data indicate that Ang II-induced oxidant production and hypertrophic responses were attenuated in Glrx KO mice, which may result from impaired NADPH oxidase activation.

Redox regulation of actin by thioredoxin-1 is mediated by the interaction of the proteins via cysteine 62

Actin is a highly conserved protein in eukaryotic cells, and has been identified as one of the main redox targets by redox proteomics under oxidative stress. However, little is known about the mechanisms of regulation of the redox state of actin. In this study, we investigated how thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) affected the redox state of actin and its polymerization under oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells. Trx1 decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells, and cysteine residues at positions 32, 35, and 69 of the Trx1 protein were active sites for redox regulation. Actin could be kept in a reduced state by Trx1 under H(2)O(2) stimulation. A physical interaction was found to exist between actin and Trx1. Cysteine 62 in Trx1 was the key site that interacted with actin, and it was required to maintain cellular viability and anti-apoptotic function. Taken together, these results suggested that Trx1 could protect cells from apoptosis under oxidative stress not only by increasing the total antioxidant capability and decreasing the ROS levels, but also by stabilizing the actin cytoskeletal system, which cooperatively contributed to the enhancement of cell viability and worked against apoptosis.

Oxidative stress and adenosine A1 receptor activation differentially modulate subcellular cardiomyocyte MAPKs

The mechanism by which distinct stimuli activate the same mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) is unclear. We examined compartmentalized MAPK signaling and altered redox state as possible mechanisms. Adult rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to the adenosine A1 receptor agonist 2-chloro- N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA; 500 nM) or H2O2 (100 μM) for 15 min. Nuclear/myofilament, cytosolic, Triton-soluble membrane, and Triton-insoluble membrane fractions were generated. CCPA and H2O2 activated p38 MAPK and p44/p42 ERKs in cytosolic fractions. In Triton-soluble membrane fractions, H2O2 activated p38 MAPK and p42 ERK, whereas CCPA had no effect on MAPK activation in this fraction. The greatest difference between H2O2 and CCPA was in the Triton-insoluble membrane fraction, where H2O2 increased p38 and p42 activation and CCPA reduced MAPK activation. CCPA also increased protein phosphatase 2A activity in the Triton-insoluble membrane fraction, suggesting that the activation of this phosphatase may mediate CCPA effects in this fraction. The Triton-insoluble membrane fraction was enriched in the caveolae marker caveolin-3, and >85% of p38 MAPK and p42 ERK was bound to this scaffolding protein in these membranes, suggesting that caveolae may play a role in the divergence of MAPK signals from different stimuli. The antioxidant N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (300 μM) reduced H2O2-mediated MAPK activation but failed to attenuate CCPA-induced MAPK activation. H2O2 but not CCPA increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus the adenosine A1 receptor and oxidative stress differentially modulate subcellular MAPKs, with the main site of divergence being the Triton-insoluble membrane fraction. However, the adenosine A1 receptor-mediated MAPK activation does not involve ROS formation.

Regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways by the plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchanger, NHE1

The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK, play a major role in the regulation of pivotal cellular processes such as cell death/survival balance, cell cycle progression, and cell migration. MAPK activity is regulated by a three-tiered phosphorelay system, which is in turn regulated by a complex network of signaling events and scaffolding proteins. The ubiquitous plasma membrane Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE1 is activated by, and implicated in, the physiological/pathophysiological responses to many of the same stimuli that modulate MAPK activity. While under some conditions, NHE1 is regulated by MAPKs, a number of studies have, conversely, implicated NHE1 in the regulation of MAPK activity. Here, we discuss the current evidence indicating the involvement of NHE1 in MAPK regulation, the mechanisms by which this may occur, and the possible physiological and pathophysiological relevance of this phenomenon.

Vascular signaling through cholesterol-rich domains: implications in hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Lipid rafts are emerging as key players in the integration of cellular responses. Alterations in these highly regulated signaling cascades are important in structural, mechanical and functional abnormalities that underlie vascular pathological processes. The present review focuses on recent advances in signal transduction through caveolae/lipid rafts, implicated in hypertensive processes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Caveolae/lipid rafts function as sites of dynamic regulatory events in receptor-induced signal transduction. Mediators of vascular function, including G-protein coupled receptors, Src family tyrosine kinases, receptor tyrosine kinases, protein phosphatases and nitric oxide synthase, are concentrated within these microdomains. The assembly of functionally active nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and subsequent reactive oxygen species production are also dependent on interactions within the caveolae/lipid rafts. Recent findings have also demonstrated the importance of actin-cytoskeleton and focal adhesion sites for protein interactions with caveolae/lipid raft.

SUMMARY

Many vascular signaling processes are altered in hypertension. Whether these events involve lipid rafts/caveolae remains unclear. A better understanding of how signaling molecules compartmentalize in lipid rafts/caveolae will provide further insights into molecular mechanisms underlying vascular damage in cardiovascular disease.

Reactive oxygen species signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to function as important signaling molecules in the cardiovascular system. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contain several sources of ROS, among which the NADPH oxidases are predominant. In VSMCs, ROS mediate many pathophysiological processes, such as growth, migration, apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory cytokines, as well as physiological processes, such as differentiation, by direct and indirect effects at multiple signaling levels. Therefore, it becomes critical to understand the different roles ROS play in the physiology and pathophysiology of VSMCs.

NADPH oxidases in cardiovascular health and disease

Increased oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and ischemia-reperfusion. Although several sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be involved, a family of NADPH oxidases appears to be especially important for redox signaling and may be amenable to specific therapeutic targeting. These include the prototypic Nox2 isoform-based NADPH oxidase, which was first characterized in neutrophils, as well as other NADPH oxidases such as Nox1 and Nox4. These Nox isoforms are expressed in a cell- and tissue-specific fashion, are subject to independent activation and regulation, and may subserve distinct functions. This article reviews the potential roles of NADPH oxidases in both cardiovascular physiological processes (such as the regulation of vascular tone and oxygen sensing) and pathophysiological processes such as endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, hypertrophy, apoptosis, migration, angiogenesis, and vascular and cardiac remodeling. The complexity of regulation of NADPH oxidases in these conditions may provide the possibility of targeted therapeutic manipulation in a cell-, tissue- and/or pathway-specific manner at appropriate points in the disease process.

Potential biomarkers for ischemic heart damage identified in mitochondrial proteins by comparative proteomics

We used proteomics to detect regional differences in protein expression levels from mitochondrial fractions of control, ischemia-reperfusion (IR), and ischemic preconditioned (IPC) rabbit hearts. Using 2-DE, we identified 25 mitochondrial proteins that were differentially expressed in the IR heart compared with the control and IPC hearts. For three of the spots, the expression patterns were confirmed by Western blotting analysis. These proteins included 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, prohibitin, 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, adenosine triphosphate synthases, the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidoreductase, translation elongation factor, actin alpha, malate dehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase and the voltage-dependent anion channel. Interestingly, most of these proteins are associated with the mitochondrial respiratory chain and energy metabolism. The successful use of multiple techniques, including 2-DE, MALDI-TOF-MS and Western blotting analysis demonstrates that proteomic analysis provides appropriate means for identifying cardiac markers for detection of ischemia-induced cardiac injury.