Adhesion of flowing monocytes to hypoxia-reoxygenation-exposed endothelial cells: role of Rac1, ROS, and VCAM-1

Monocytes promote pyroptosis of endothelial cells during lung ischemia-reperfusion via IL-1R/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling

In our previous study, we observed that donor pulmonary intravascular nonclassical monocytes play a major role in early PGF, but the specific mechanism remained unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanistic role of monocytes in inducing pyroptosis of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) during IRI. A murine hilar ligation model of IRI was utilized whereby left lungs underwent 1 h of ischemia and 23 h of reperfusion. Monocyte depletion by intraperitoneal clodronate-liposome treatment on pulmonary edema and pyroptosis activation were determined. In vitro experiments, we performed the co-culture experiments under hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) conditions to mimic the IRI environment. We monitored the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-1β in co-cultures of monocytes (U937 cells) and HPMECs under H/R conditions. NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-1R siRNA knockdown, caspase-1 and NF-κB pathway inhibitors were employed to elucidate the mechanism modulating HPMEC pyroptosis during H/R. Treatment of mice with clodronate-liposome attenuated IR-induced pulmonary edema, cytokine production and pyroptosis activation. In vitro, NLRP3 knockdown in monocytes reduced caspase-1 and IL-1β secretion in co-cultures of monocytes and HPMECs. Reduced HPMEC pyroptosis was also observed either containing HPMECs with genetically engineered IL-1R knockdown or in co-culture treated with a Triplotide inhibitor that disrupts NF-κB signaling. Monocytes play a vital role in the development of transplant-associated ischemia-reperfusion injury. A potential role is that monocytes secrete IL-1β to induce HPMEC pyroptosis via the IL-1R/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

Acute hypoxia-reoxygenation and vascular oxygen sensing in the chicken embryo

Fetal/perinatal hypoxia is one of the most common causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality and is frequently accompannied by vascular dysfunction. However, the mechanisms involved have not been fully delineated. We hypothesized that exposure to acute hypoxia‐reoxygenation induces alterations in vascular O₂ sensing/signaling as well as in endothelial function in the chicken embryo pulmonary artery (PA), mesenteric artery (MA), femoral artery (FA), and ductus arteriosus (DA). Noninternally pipped 19‐day embryos were exposed to 10% O₂ for 30 min followed by reoxygenation with 21% O₂ or 80% O₂. Another group was constantly maintained at 21% O₂ or at 21% O₂ for 30 min and then exposed to 80% O₂. Following treatment, responses of isolated blood vessels to hypoxia as well as endothelium‐dependent (acetylcholine) and ‐independent (sodium nitroprusside and forskolin) relaxation were investigated in a wire myograph. Hypoxia increased venous blood lactate from 2.03 ± 0.18 to 15.98 ± 0.73 mmol/L (P < 0.001) and reduced hatchability to 0%. However, ex vivo hypoxic contraction of PA and MA, hypoxic relaxation of FA, and normoxic contraction of DA were not significantly different in any of the experimental groups. Relaxations induced by acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, and forskolin in PA, MA, FA, and DA rings were also similar in the four groups. In conclusion, exposure to acute hypoxia‐reoxygenation did not affect vascular oxygen sensing or reactivity in the chicken embryo. This suggests that direct effects of acute hypoxia‐reoxygenation on vascular function does not play a role in the pathophysiology of hypoxic cardiovascular injury in the perinatal period.

Perfluorocarbon-Encapsulated PLGA-PEG Emulsions as Enhancement Agents for Highly Efficient Reoxygenation to Cell and Organism

Perfluorocarbon (PFC), a kind of oxygen carrier, is encapsulated in PLGA-PEG to prepare a PLGA-PEG/PFC emulsion for highly efficient reoxygenation to cell and organism. HCT 116 cells are used as a model cell, whose viability has a significant enhancement after reoxygenation with PLGA-PEG/PFC emulsion because of the sufficient and timely oxygen supply. Meanwhile, hypoxia-reoxygenation injury will happen along with cell hypoxia-reoxygenation treatment, which is reflected by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. However, the integration of intracellular ROS and cell viability implies that the degree of hypoxia-reoxygenation injury is sublethal to HCT116 cells when the concentration of PLGA-PEG/PFC emulsion is lower than 0.2 mg/mL. Furthermore, the change of the expression level of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is similar to that of cell viability during reoxygenation, which suggests that HIF-1α or its downstream proteins may make a significant contribution to cell viability. In vivo oxygen supply is assessed in rats through pulmonary delivery, which shows that PLGA-PEG/PFC emulsion can supply oxygen to rats and improve rats' lung ventilation.

The Ins and Outs of Small GTPase Rac1 in the Vasculature

The Rho family of small GTPases forms a 20-member family within the Ras superfamily of GTP-dependent enzymes that are activated by a variety of extracellular signals. The most well known Rho family members are RhoA (Ras homolog gene family, member A), Cdc42 (cell division control protein 42), and Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1), which affect intracellular signaling pathways that regulate a plethora of critical cellular functions, such as oxidative stress, cellular contacts, migration, and proliferation. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on the role of GTPase Rac1 in the vasculature. Whereas most recent reviews focus on the role of vascular Rac1 in endothelial cells, in the present review we also highlight the functional involvement of Rac1 in other vascular cells types, namely, smooth muscle cells present in the media and fibroblasts located in the adventitia of the vessel wall. Collectively, this overview shows that Rac1 activity is involved in various functions within one cell type at distinct locations within the cell, and that there are overlapping but also cell type-specific functions in the vasculature. Chronically enhanced Rac1 activity seems to contribute to vascular pathology; however, Rac1 is essential to vascular homeostasis, which makes Rac1 inhibition as a therapeutic option a delicate balancing act.

Association between the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase p22phox gene -A930G polymorphism and intracerebral hemorrhage

The present study aimed to evaluate whether the ‑A930G polymorphism of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] oxidase p22phox gene is involved in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the Chinese Han population. In the present case‑control investigation, the subjects included 118 patients with ICH and 147 healthy controls. The ‑A930G polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Furthermore, the correlation between the ‑A930G gene polymorphism and ICH was evaluated using statistical analyses. The distribution of p22phox ‑A930G genotypes differed significantly between the two groups (P=0.003), with the AA, AG and GG genotype frequencies being 61.9, 29.3 and 8.8% in the control group and 40.7, 45.8 and 13.6% in the ICH group, respectively. The G allele frequency was significantly higher in patients with ICH compared with healthy controls (36.4 vs. 23.5%; P<0.05), however, the opposite was observed in the frequency of the A allele (63.6 vs. 76.5%; P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that genetic mutations of the p22phox ‑A930G gene were independent risk factors of ICH (odds ratio, 2.196; 95% confidence interval, 1.003‑4.586; P=0.009). In addition, certain conventional factors were associated with increased risk of ICH, including elevated blood pressure, increased levels of glucose and triglycerides in the blood, a history of hypertension and smoking. The ‑A930G polymorphism of the p22phox gene may affect the susceptibility to ICH and certain haplotypes of the gene may be associated with a higher susceptibility to ICH.

A new stent with streamlined cross-section can suppress monocyte cell adhesion in the flow disturbance zones of the endovascular stent

We proposed a new stent with streamlined cross-sectional wires, which is different from the clinical coronary stents with square or round cross-sections. We believe the new stent might have better hemodynamic performance than the clinical metal stents. To test the hypothesis, we designed an experimental study to compare the performance of the new stent with the clinical stents in terms of monocyte (U-937 cells) adhesion. The results showed that when compared with the clinical stents, the adhesion of U-937 cells were much less in the new stent. The results also showed that, when Reynolds number increased from 180 (the rest condition for the coronary arteries) to 360 (the strenuous exercise condition for the coronary arteries), the flow disturbance zones in the clinical stents became larger, while they became smaller with the new stent. The present experimental study therefore suggests that the optimization of the cross-sectional shape of stent wires ought to be taken into consideration in the design of endovascular stents.

Fluid Mechanical Forces and Endothelial Mitochondria: A Bioengineering Perspective

Endothelial cell dysfunction is the hallmark of every cardiovascular disease/condition, including atherosclerosis and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Fluid shear stress acting on the vascular endothelium is known to regulate cell homeostasis. Altered hemodynamics is thought to play a causative role in endothelial dysfunction. The dysfunction is associated with/preceded by mitochondrial oxidative stress. Studies by our group and others have shown that the form and/or function of the mitochondrial network are affected when endothelial cells are exposed to shear stress in the absence or presence of additional physicochemical stimuli. The present review will summarize the current knowledge on the interconnections among intracellular Ca²⁺ - nitric oxide - mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial fusion/fission, autophagy/mitophagy, and cell apoptosis vs. survival. More specifically, it will list the evidence on potential regulation of the above intracellular species and processes by the fluid shear stress acting on the endothelium under either physiological flow conditions or during reperfusion (following a period of ischemia). Understanding how the local hemodynamics affects mitochondrial physiology and the cell redox state may lead to development of novel therapeutic strategies for prevention or treatment of the endothelial dysfunction and, hence, of cardiovascular disease.

SWIRLING FLOW CAN SUPPRESS MONOCYTES ADHESION IN END-TO-END ARTERIAL ANASTOMOSIS

To test the hypothesis that the monocytes adhesion would be suppressed by intentionally inducing swirling flow in end-to-end arterial anastomosis to inhibit the flow disturbance, the comparing experimental and numerical investigation under both normal flow condition and swirling flow condition were executed, in which the sudden expanded tube and U-937 cells were used. The numerical results reveal that, comparing to normal flow, the swirling flow could reduce the size of flow disturbed zones and enhance the wall shear stress (WSS) in the closed downstream of sudden expanded tube. The experimental results show that there are disturbed flow zones in the sudden expanded tube, where the adhesion number of U-937 cells is larger than other zones. More importantly, comparing to the normal flow, the swirling flow could reduce the adhesion of U-937 cells, in which the adhesion number become smaller with the increasing of the swirling intensity. Therefore, the present study suggests that intentionally introducing swirling flow in end-to-end arterial anastomosis may be a solution to solve the problem of intimal hyperplasia (IH) by suppressing the flow disturbance and restraining the adhesion of monocytes to keep the favorably unimpeded flow.

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule targeted oxidant-resistant mutant thrombomodulin fusion protein with enhanced potency in vitro and in vivo

Thrombomodulin (TM) is a glycoprotein normally present in the membrane of endothelial cells that binds thrombin and changes its substrate specificity to produce activated protein C (APC) that has antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory features. To compensate for loss of endogenous TM in pathology, we have fused recombinant TM with single chain variable fragment (scFv) of an antibody to mouse platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM). This fusion, anti-PECAM scFv/TM, anchors on the endothelium, stimulates APC production, and provides therapeutic benefits superior to sTM in animal models of acute thrombosis and inflammation. However, in conditions of oxidative stress typical of vascular inflammation, TM is inactivated via oxidation of the methionine 388 (M388) residue. Capitalizing on the reports that M388L mutation renders TM resistant to oxidative inactivation, in this study we designed a mutant anti-PECAM scFv/TM M388L. This mutant has the same APC-producing capacity and binding to target cells, yet, in contrast to wild-type fusion, it retains APC-producing activity in an oxidizing environment in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, oxidant resistant mutant anti-PECAM scFv/TM M388L is a preferable targeted biotherapeutic to compensate for loss of antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory TM functions in the context of vascular oxidative stress.

Activation of Rac1-PI3K/Akt is required for epidermal growth factor-induced PAK1 activation and cell migration in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) may increase cell motility, an event implicated in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. However, the underlying mechanisms for EGF-induced cell motility remain elusive. In this study, we found that EGF treatment could activate Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1), PI3K/Akt and p21-actived kinase (PAK1) along with cell migration. Ectopic expression of PAK1 K299R, a dominant negative PAK1 mutant, could largely abolish EGF-induced cell migration. Blocking PI3K/Akt signalling with LY294002 or Akt siRNA remarkably inhibited both EGF-induced PAK1 activation and cell migration. Furthermore, expression of dominant-negative Rac1 (T17N) could largely block EGF-induced PI3K/Akt-PAK1 activation and cell migration. Interestingly, EGF could induce a significant production of ROS, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a scavenger of ROS which abolished the EGF-induced ROS generation, cell migration, as well as activation of PI3K/Akt and PAK, but not Rac1. Our study demonstrated that EGF-induced cell migration involves a cascade of signalling events, including activation of Rac1, generation of ROS and subsequent activation of PI3K/Akt and PAK1.

Hypoxia-reoxygenation increase invasiveness of PANC-1 cells through Rac1/MMP-2

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy with proclivity to early metastasis. High expression and activation of the collagenase matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) have been found in human pancreatic cancer tissues, being these increased levels of active MMP-2 correlated to tumor invasion and metastasis. Hypoxia and reoxygenation (H-R) are critical pathophysiological conditions during ischemia-reperfusion injury, which has been shown to enhance both invasion and metastasis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of H-R on MMP-2 levels and the invasiveness properties of human pancreatic cancer cells PANC-1. Using specific inhibitors, we found that H-R treatment of these tumor cells induced secretion and activation of MMP-2, which was required for H-R-stimulated basement membrane degradation and cell invasion. Our results also indicate that signaling events involved in H-R-enhanced PANC-1 invasiveness comprehend PI3K-dependent activation of Rac1, which mediated the formation of NADPH-generated reactive oxygen species responsible for MMP-2 secretion and activation.

The A20 gene protects kidneys from ischaemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing pro-inflammatory activation

Ischaemia followed by reperfusion (I/R) can induce inflammation and injury and is a risk factor for delayed graft function and rejection of transplanted kidneys. Inflammation is regulated by NF-kappaB transcription factors which induce pro-inflammatory molecules in endothelial cells (EC). We examined whether A20, a negative regulator of NF-kappaB, can protect kidneys from I/R injury. To mimic the fluctuations in endothelial oxygenation that occur during I/R we exposed cultured human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) to hypoxia (1% O(2) for 4 h) followed by re-oxygenation (21% O(2) for 1 h-24 h). We observed transient expression of pro-inflammatory molecules (E-selectin, VCAM-1 and IL-8) and sustained expression of A20 in HUVEC exposed to hypoxia/re-oxygenation. The effect of A20 on endothelial responses to hypoxia/re-oxygenation was assessed. We observed that pre-treatment of HUVEC with an adenovirus containing A20 (Ad-A20) suppressed activation of NF-kappaB and induction of pro-inflammatory molecules by hypoxia/re-oxygenation, whereas a control adenovirus had little or no effect. Thus the induction of A20 may form a negative feedback loop in pro-inflammatory signalling in cells exposed to hypoxia/re-oxygenation. To validate our cell culture experiments we examined the role of A20 in renal responses to I/R. We observed that A20 was induced in rat kidneys exposed to I/R. Moreover, pre-treatment of animals with Ad-A20 significantly reduced acute tubular necrosis, renal expression of VCAM-1 and NF-kappaB activation in response to I/R, whereas pre-treatment with control adenovirus did not. Our observations suggest that A20 maintains physiological homeostasis in kidneys exposed to I/R by protecting them from inflammation and injury.

Endothelial cell respiration is affected by the oxygen tension during shear exposure: role of mitochondrial peroxynitrite

Cultured vascular endothelial cell (EC) exposure to steady laminar shear stress results in peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) formation intramitochondrially and inactivation of the electron transport chain. We examined whether the "hyperoxic state" of 21% O(2), compared with more physiological O(2) tensions (Po(2)), increases the shear-induced nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and mitochondrial superoxide (O(2)(*-)) generation leading to ONOO(-) formation and suppression of respiration. Electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry was used to measure O(2) consumption rates of bovine aortic ECs sheared (10 dyn/cm(2), 30 min) at 5%, 10%, or 21% O(2) or left static at 5% or 21% O(2). Respiration was inhibited to a greater extent when ECs were sheared at 21% O(2) than at lower Po(2) or left static at different Po(2). Flow in the presence of an endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) inhibitor or a ONOO(-) scavenger abolished the inhibitory effect. EC transfection with an adenovirus that expresses manganese superoxide dismutase in mitochondria, and not a control virus, blocked the inhibitory effect. Intracellular and mitochondrial O(2)(*-) production was higher in ECs sheared at 21% than at 5% O(2), as determined by dihydroethidium and MitoSOX red fluorescence, respectively, and the latter was, at least in part, NO-dependent. Accumulation of NO metabolites in media of ECs sheared at 21% O(2) was modestly increased compared with ECs sheared at lower Po(2), suggesting that eNOS activity may be higher at 21% O(2). Hence, the hyperoxia of in vitro EC flow studies, via increased NO and mitochondrial O(2)(*-) production, leads to enhanced ONOO(-) formation intramitochondrially and suppression of respiration.

Enoxaparin reduces H2O2-induced activation of human endothelial cells by a mechanism involving cell adhesion molecules and nuclear transcription factors

There are data that document the anti-inflammatory effect of enoxaparin (EP) and its possible antioxidant potential. This study was designed to search for the antioxidant mechanism(s) of EP directly on endothelial cells exposed to an oxidant stimulus. For this purpose cultured human endothelial cells were exposed to nontoxic concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in the presence or absence of EP, and the adhesion of monocytes, the expression of cell adhesion molecules and transcription factors possibly involved in the process were tested. Adhesion assays, ELISA and Western blot analysis revealed that EP reduced monocyte adhesion, ICAM-1 and P-selectin expression, decreased the nuclear levels of c-Jun and p65 proteins, and diminished the phosphorylation of c-Jun protein, MAPK p38 and JNK. Together, the data demonstrate the antioxidant effect of EP and the involvement of ICAM-1, P-selectin, MAPK p38, JNK and the transcription factors NF-kappaB and AP-1 in the mechanism of action of this drug.

Long-term inhibition of myocardial infarction by postconditioning during reperfusion

Cardioprotection with postconditioning has been well demonstrated after a short period of reperfusion. This study tested the hypothesis that postconditioning reduces infarct size, vascular dysfunction, and neutrophil accumulation after a long-term reperfusion. Canines undergoing 60 min left anterior descending artery (LAD) occlusion were divided into two control groups of either 3 h or 24 h of full reperfusion and two postconditioning groups with three 30 s cycles of reperfusion and re-occlusion applied at the onset of either 3 h or 24 h of reperfusion. Size of the area at risk (AAR) and collateral blood flow during ischemia were similar among groups. In controls, infarct size as percentage of the AAR (30 +/- 3 vs. 39 +/- 2* %) by TTC staining, superoxide anion generation from the post-ischemic coronary arteries by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence [(89 +/- 5 vs. 236 +/- 27* relative light units (RLU/mg)], and neutrophil (PMN) accumulation by immunohistochemical staining in the AAR (52 +/- 11 vs. 84 +/- 14* cells/mm(2) myocardium) significantly increased between 3 and 24 h of reperfusion. Postconditioning reduced infarct size (15 +/- 4 and 27 +/- 3.6 %), superoxide anion generation (24 +/- 4 and 43 +/- 11 RLU/mg), and PMN accumulation (19 +/- 6 and 45 +/- 8 cells/mm(2) myocardium) in the 3 and 24 h reperfusion groups relative to time-matched controls. These data suggest that myocardial injury increases with duration of reperfusion; reduction in infarct size and attenuation in inflammatory responses with postconditioning persist after a prolonged reperfusion. * p < 0.05 24 vs. 3 h control; p < 0.05 postconditioning vs. time-matched control.

From cardiac cation channels to the molecular dissection of the transient receptor potential channel TRPM4

In 2006, we celebrate not only the milestone paper on the patch-clamp technique but also the publication of the first single-channel measurements in cardiac cells revealing a Ca(2+)-activated, nonselective cation channel. Considerable effort has been undertaken since this time to identify molecular candidates for this class of cation channels that can be found in a variety of tissues. Recent work has shown that this channel is very likely TRPM4, a member of the TRPM ion channel family. The current review links the epochal Colquhoun et al. paper to the detailed molecular knowledge and structure function aspects of this TRP channel. It will be shown that TRPM4 is a Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated channel, which is dramatically modulated by the phospholipid phosphatidyl inositol bisphosphate (PIP(2)) and belongs to the heat-activated thermoTRPs. A functional hallmark of TRPM4, as for several TRP channels, is a dramatic shift of its voltage dependence towards negative, physiologically meaningful potentials.

Ex vivo adenoviral gene transfer of constitutively activated STAT3 reduces post-transplant liver injury and promotes regeneration in a 20% rat partial liver transplant model

Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) is one of the most important transcription factors for liver regeneration. This study was designed to examine the effects of constitutively activated STAT3 (STAT3-C) on post-transplant liver injury and regeneration in a rat 20% partial liver transplant (PLTx) model by ex vivo adenoviral gene transfer. Adenovirus encoding the STAT3-C gene was introduced intraportally into liver grafts and clamped for 30 min during cold preservation. After orthotopic PLTx, liver graft/body weights and serum biochemistry were monitored, and both a histological study and DNA binding assay were performed. STAT3-C protein expression and its binding to DNA in the liver graft were confirmed by Western blotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), respectively. This treatment modality promoted post-Tx liver regeneration effectively and rapidly. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase (AST/ALT) and bilirubin decreased in rats with STAT3-C. However, albumin (a marker of liver function) did not. Ex vivo gene transfer of STAT3-C to liver grafts reduced post-Tx injury and promoted liver regeneration. Thus, the activation of STAT3 in the liver graft may be a potentially effective clinical strategy for improving the outcome of small-for-size liver transplantation.

Rho GTPases and Leukocyte Adhesion Receptor Expression and Function in Endothelial Cells

Rho family GTPases are key signal transducers that regulate cell adhesion and migration and a variety of other cellular responses, including changes in gene expression. In this review, we discuss how Rho GTPases regulate signaling by endothelial cell receptors involved in leukocyte extravasation. First, Rho GTPases affect the expression of some leukocyte adhesion molecules on endothelial cells, such as intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin, that can be induced by proinflammatory mediators, hypoxia, or shear stress. Second, Rho GTPases are activated by engagement of several leukocyte adhesion receptors and contribute to both early morphological changes and subsequent alterations in gene expression. Rho GTPases are therefore candidate targets for inhibiting leukocyte transendothelial migration in heart disease and chronic inflammatory disorders.

Oxidative stress and adhesion molecules in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a possible link

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether oxidative stress parameters were correlated with adhesion molecules derived from endothelial/platelet activation in a group of juveniles with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Indicative parameters of patient oxidant/antioxidant capacity were measured and associated with P-selectin and tetranectin (TN), markers of endothelial/platelet activation, in the plasma of 45 diabetic children and adolescents and 20 healthy age-matched subjects (HS).

RESULTS

Significantly, higher nitrate/nitrite (NOx) and lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) levels (p=0.049 and p=0.0011, respectively), lower glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx; p=0.038), and elevated TN and P-selectin plasma levels (p=0.0046 and p=0.042, respectively) were found in T1DM children compared with HS. Well-controlled T1DM children (HbA1c <or= 7%) showed significantly lower GPx (p=0.0259), higher NOx and LPO (p=0.01093 and p=0.0092, respectively) compared with HS, while poorly controlled patients (HbA1c >7%) showed significantly higher TN, sP-selectin and LPO (p=0.0064, p=0.0234 and p=0.0121, respectively), a tendency to higher NOx (p=0.063) compared with HS and only TN higher (p=0.0123) compared with well-controlled patients. Patients with shorter diabetes duration (<or=3 yr) showed significantly higher LPO and TN (p=0.034 and 0.017, respectively), a tendency to higher NOx and lower GPx and higher P-selectin, while those with longer duration (>3 yr) differed significantly in all the examined parameters (TN, p=0.0015; GPx, p=0.0420; NOx, p=0.0196; LPO, p=0.0054; sP-selectin, p=0.0187) compared with HS.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased antioxidative protection from simultaneous LPO and NOx overproduction is evident in T1DM juveniles with a parallel endothelial/platelet activation even in the first years of the disease, being more pronounced later in diabetes progression, contributing to the vascular complications of the disease.

Rac1 inhibition protects against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced lipid peroxidation in human vascular endothelial cells

Both in vivo models of ischemia/reperfusion and in vitro models of hypoxia (H)/reoxygenation (R) have demonstrated the crucial role of the Rac1-regulated NADPH oxidase in the production of injurious reactive oxygen species (ROS) by vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Since membrane lipid peroxidation has been established as one of the mechanisms leading to cell death, we examined lipid peroxidation in H/R-exposed cultured human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) and the role of Rac1 in this process. H (24 h at 1% O2)/R (5 min) caused an increase in intracellular ROS production compared to a normoxic control, as measured by dichlorofluorescin fluorescence. Nutrient deprivation (ND; 24 h), a component of H, was sufficient to induce a similar increase in ROS under normoxia. Either H(24 h)/R (2 h) or ND (24 h) induced increases in lipid peroxidation of similar magnitude as measured by flow cytometry of diphenyl-1-pyrenylphosphine-loaded HUVECs and Western blotting analysis of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified proteins in cell lysates. In cells infected with a control adenovirus, H (24 h)/R (2 h) and ND (24 h) resulted in increases in NADPH-dependent superoxide production by 5- and 9-fold, respectively, as measured by lucigenin chemiluminescence. Infection of HUVECs with an adenovirus that encodes the dominant-negative allele of Rac1 (Rac1N17) abolished these increases. Rac1N17 expression also suppressed the H/R- and ND-induced increases in lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, ROS generated via the Rac1-dependent pathway are major contributors to the H/R-induced lipid peroxidation in HUVECs, and ND is able to induce Rac1-dependent ROS production and lipid peroxidation of at least the same magnitude as H/R.

Endothelial oxidative stress induced by serum from patients with severe trauma hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Shock induces oxidative stress by ischemia-reperfusion phenomenon. Endothelial cells are involved in the inflammatory response and oxidative stress responsible for microcirculation impairment and organ failure. We examined the potential of serum from patients to induce in vitro reactive oxygen species production by cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

PATIENTS

Three groups were compared: hemorrhagic shock trauma patients, isolated brain injured patients, and healthy volunteers.

METHODS

In the hemorrhagic shock group we sought a correlation between reactive oxygen species production and severity of shock. Serum was separated and perfused in an in vitro model of perfused HUVECs. Ex vivo reactive oxygen species production was assessed by fluorescence microscopy using dichlorodihydrofluorescein, an intracellular dye oxidized by H2O2. Results are expressed in proportional change from baseline and normalized by protidemia to control for variation related to hemodilution.

RESULTS

Reactive oxygen species production by endothelial cells exposed to serum from hemorrhagic shock patients (46.2+/-24.9%) was significantly greater than in those with brain injury (3.9+/-35.1%) and in healthy volunteers (-6.8+/-5.8%). In the hemorrhagic shock group dichlorodihydrofluorescein fluorescence was strongly correlated positively to Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and lactatemia and negatively to [HCO3-].

CONCLUSIONS

Serum from trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock induces reactive oxygen species formation in naive endothelial cells which is correlated to shock severity.

Hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced mitochondrial damage and apoptosis in human endothelial cells are inhibited by vitamin C

Hypoxia and hypoxia-reperfusion (H-R) play important roles in human pathophysiology because they occur in clinical conditions such as circulatory shock, myocardial ischemia, stroke, and organ transplantation. Reintroduction of oxygen to hypoxic cells during reperfusion causes an increase in generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can alter cell signaling, and cause damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA leading to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Since vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and quenches ROS, we investigated the role of intracellular ascorbic acid (iAA) in endothelial cells undergoing hypoxia-reperfusion. Intracellular AA protected human endothelial cells from H-R-induced apoptosis. Intracellular AA also prevents loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and the release of cytochrome C and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 during H-R. Additionally, inhibition of caspase-9 activation prevented H-R-induced apoptosis, suggesting a mitochondrial site of initiation of apoptosis. We found that H-R induced an increase in ROS in endothelial cells that was abrogated in the presence of iAA. Our results indicate that vitamin C prevents hypoxia and H-R-induced damage to human endothelium.

Clearance of complement by human vascular endothelial cells: effects of hypoxia/reoxygenation and IL-1beta activation

Antibody-mediated rejection is characterized by deposits of complement (C) C4 and C3 split products on endothelial cells (ECs). C3 split products are critical mechanistically and diagnostically because they are deposited in amplified quantities, bind covalently to ECs and act as ligands for leukocytes. This study was designed to determine whether cultured vascular human ECs could clear covalently bound C3 split products from their surface. An immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody against beta(2)-microglobulin of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens was used to activate C in human serum. Some cells were exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation and/or interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) prior to incubation with antibody. C3b/iC3b and C3d deposition on the cell surface was measured by flow cytometry. Incubation with antibody followed by human serum caused a dose-dependent deposition of C3b/iC3b and C3d. Over half of deposited C3b/iC3b and one-third of C3d were cleared from the cell surface during a 3-7-h incubation period with human serum. Neither hypoxia/reoxygenation nor IL-1beta further increased the deposition of C3b/iC3b and C3d, and only slightly modulated their rates of clearance. In summary, human ECs rapidly clear iC3b and C3d from their surface. This finding may have important diagnostic and mechanistic implications to transplantation because C3d is used as a marker of antibody-mediated rejection.

Selenocarbamates are effective superoxide anion scavengers in vitro

We investigated the superoxide anion-scavenging effects of six selenocarbamates and four thiocarbamates, using a highly sensitive quantitative chemiluminescence method. At 333 nM, six selenocarbamates and four thiocarbamates scavenged in the range of 2.9-68.7% of O(2)*-. Se-methyl N-phenylselenocarbamate and Se-methyl N-(4-methylphenyl)selenocarbamate exhibited the strongest superoxide anion-scavenging activity among the Se-selenocarbamates. In contrast, the corresponding S-thiocarbamates had moderate inhibitory effect. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)) of Se-methyl-N-phenylselenocarbamate and Se-methyl-N-(4-methylphenyl)selenocarbamate were determined to be 140 nM and 162 nM, respectively. Thus, these compounds acted in vitro as effective and potentially useful O(2)*- scavengers.

Hypoxic postconditioning reduces cardiomyocyte loss by inhibiting ROS generation and intracellular Ca2+ overload

We have shown that intermittent interruption of immediate reflow at reperfusion (i.e., postconditioning) reduces infarct size in in vivo models after ischemia. Cardioprotection of postconditioning has been associated with attenuation of neutrophil-related events. However, it is unknown whether postconditioning before reoxygenation after hypoxia in cultured cardiomyocytes in the absence of neutrophils confers protection. This study tested the hypothesis that prevention of cardiomyocyte damage by hypoxic postconditioning (Postcon) is associated with a reduction in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular Ca(2+) overload. Primary cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to 3 h of hypoxia followed by 6 h of reoxygenation. Cardiomyocytes were postconditioned after the 3-h index hypoxia by three cycles of 5 min of reoxygenation and 5 min of rehypoxia applied before 6 h of reoxygenation. Relative to sham control and hypoxia alone, the generation of ROS (increased lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence, SOD-inhibitable cytochrome c reduction, and generation of hydrogen peroxide) was significantly augmented after immediate reoxygenation as was the production of malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation. Concomitant with these changes, intracellular and mitochondrial Ca(2+) concentrations, which were detected by fluorescent fluo-4 AM and X-rhod-1 AM staining, respectively, were elevated. Cell viability assessed by propidium iodide staining was decreased consistent with increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase after reoxygenation. Postcon treatment at the onset of reoxygenation reduced ROS generation and malondialdehyde concentration in media and attenuated cardiomyocyte death assessed by propidium iodide and lactate dehydrogenase. Postcon treatment was associated with a decrease in intracellular and mitochondrial Ca(2+) concentrations. These data suggest that Postcon treatment reduces reoxygenation-induced injury in cardiomyocytes and is potentially mediated by attenuation of ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, and intracellular and mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload.

Hypoxia/re-oxygenation-induced, redox-dependent activation of STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) confers resistance to apoptotic cell death via hsp70 induction

STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) is potentially involved in cell survival, as well as cell death, in different types of cells. The present study was designed to examine the effects of STAT1 on hypoxia/re-oxygenation (H/R)-induced cell death and/or survival, and the underlying mechanisms of any such effects. H/R was shown to induce apoptotic cell death of rat hepatocytes. The addition of a STAT1-specific inhibitor, fludarabine, significantly increased the fraction of apoptotic cells after H/R. Following H/R, STAT1 was activated and sequential phosphorylation of Tyr701 and Ser727 was observed, which could be inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Tyrosine and serine phosphorylation of STAT1 was mediated by Janus kinase 2 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt kinase respectively in a redox-dependent manner following H/R. STAT1-induced HSP70 (heat-shock protein 70) expression and the suppression of apoptosis occurred concomitantly. In conclusion, STAT1 activation, in a redox-dependent manner, following H/R may play crucial roles in cell survival, at least partly via HSP70 induction.

Improved hepatic regeneration with reduced injury by redox factor-1 in a rat small-sized liver transplant model

Redox factor-1 (Ref-1) has been shown to function in a redox-dependent manner in the cell. This study was designed to examine the effects of Ref-1 on liver regeneration as well as protection against postischemic injury in a rat model of 20% partial liver transplantation. Adenovirus carrying the full length of Ref-1 gene was introduced into liver grafts by ex vivo perfusion via the portal vein during preservation. Liver graft weights were assessed, as well as graft histology, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/bilirubin, DNA binding activities of AP-1 and Stat3. Redox factor-1 successfully expressed in the liver graft, improved regeneration by promoting cell proliferation. Overexpression of Ref-1 protein also reduced post-transplant injury and inflammatory reactions in the grafts. The increased serum levels of ALT and bilirubin observed after transplantation were significantly reduced by Ref-1 overexpression. Furthermore, adenovirally overexpressed Ref-1 in mouse liver successfully promoted liver regeneration after simple partial hepatectomy. Interestingly, Ref-1 significantly increased DNA binding of Stat3, but not AP-1. Overexpressed Ref-1 effectively promoted graft regeneration and reduced postischemic injury in a small-sized liver transplantation model. The results of the present study may open a new avenue to clinical transplantation of disproportionately sized grafts in living-related liver transplantation.

Activation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 and Its Downstream Signaling Promote Cell Survival under Oxidative Stress

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediate cell damage and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases that involve endothelial injury. Cells possess antioxidant systems, including intracellular antioxidants and ROS scavenging enzymes, that control the redox state and prevent cell damage. In addition to intracellular antioxidants, certain growth factor receptors can be activated under oxidative stress and trigger downstream cell survival signaling cascades. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) is a primary modulator of lymphatic endothelial proliferation and survival. Here, we provide evidence that activation of VEGFR-3 signaling in response to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) promotes endothelial cell survival. Treatment with H(2)O(2) induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGFR-3 and its association with the signaling adaptor proteins Shc, growth factor receptor binding protein 2, Sos, p85, SHP-2, and phospholipase C-gamma. Of note, a hereditary lymphoedema-linked mutant of VEGFR-3 was not phosphorylated by H(2)O(2) treatment. Isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC), alpha and delta, were also tyrosine-phosphorylated after H(2)O(2) stimulation. However, only the delta isoform of PKC was required for H(2)O(2)-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-3. The tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGFR-3 or isoforms of PKC was completely inhibited by treatment with 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine, a specific inhibitor for Src family kinases, indicating that Src family kinases are upstream of PKC and VEGFR-3. Furthermore, expression of the wild-type but not the lymphoedema-linked mutant form of VEGFR-3 in porcine artery endothelial cells significantly enhanced the activation of Akt after H(2)O(2) stimulation. Consistent with these biochemical changes, we observed that expression and activation of the wild-type but not the mutant form of VEGFR-3 inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis. These studies suggest that VEGFR-3 protects against oxidative damage in endothelial cells, and that patients with hereditary lymphoedema may be susceptible to ROS-induced cell damage.

C5a causes limited, polymorphonuclear cell-independent, mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury

C5 is critical in the development of local mucosal damage and inflammation as well as in the development of remote organ injury after mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (IR). To define the role of C5a in tissue injury, we treated wild-type mice with a cyclic hexapeptide C5a receptor antagonist (C5aRa) and administered recombinant C5a to C5 deficient (C5(-/-)) mice subjected to mesenteric IR. We demonstrate that at 2-h postreperfusion, C5a administered to C5-/- mice during IR induces limited intestinal mucosal injury but failed to cause remote lung injury despite the fact that it upregulated adhesion molecule expression. C5aRa treatment of C5+/+ mice undergoing IR limited local injury and prevented distant organ injury. We conclude that although C5a can trigger certain components of the IR induced injury, other mediators such as C5b-9 and local factors are needed for the complete expression of IR tissue damage.

VCAM-1-mediated Rac signaling controls endothelial cell-cell contacts and leukocyte transmigration

Leukocyte adhesion is mediated totally and transendothelial migration partially by heterotypic interactions between the beta1- and beta2-integrins on the leukocytes and their ligands, Ig-like cell adhesion molecules (Ig-CAM), VCAM-1, and ICAM-1, on the endothelium. Both integrins and Ig-CAMs are known to have signaling capacities. In this study we analyzed the role of VCAM-1-mediated signaling in the control of endothelial cell-cell adhesion and leukocyte transendothelial migration. Antibody-mediated cross-linking of VCAM-1 on IL-1beta-activated primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (pHUVEC) induced actin stress fiber formation, contractility, and intercellular gaps. The effects induced by VCAM-1 cross-linking were inhibited by C3 toxin, indicating that the small GTPase p21Rho is involved. In addition, the effects of VCAM-1 were accompanied by activation of Rac, which we recently showed induce intercellular gaps in pHUVEC in a Rho-dependent fashion. With the use of a cell-permeable peptide inhibitor, it was shown that Rac signaling is required for VCAM-1-mediated loss of cell-cell adhesion. Furthermore, VCAM-1-mediated signaling toward cell-cell junctions was accompanied by, and dependent on, Rac-mediated production of reactive oxygen species and activation of p38 MAPK. In addition, it was found that inhibition of Rac-mediated signaling blocks transendothelial migration of monocytic U937 cells. Together, these data indicate that VCAM-1-induced, Rac-dependent signaling plays a key role in the modulation of vascular-endothelial cadherin-mediated endothelial cell-cell adhesion and leukocyte extravasation.

Inhibition of THP-1 cell adhesion to endothelial cells by alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocotrienol is dependent on intracellular concentration of the antioxidants

Vitamin E analogs such as alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocotrienol have been shown to reduce endothelial expression of adhesion molecules. The reactivity of alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocotrienol in inhibiting lipid peroxidation in vitro was essentially identical but the inhibition of adhesion of THP-1 cells, a monocytic-"like" cell line, to endothelial cells differs substantially. To determine the mechanism underlying this response, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were assessed for their ability to accumulate vitamin E analogs. alpha-Tocotrienol accumulated in HUVECs to levels approximately 10-fold greater than that of alpha-tocopherol. The decrease in expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and the adhesion of THP-1 cells to HUVECs by alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocotrienol was also determined. Both alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocotrienol suppressed VCAM-1 expression and adhesion of THP-1 cells to HUVECs in a concentration-dependent manner. The efficacy of tocotrienol for reduction of VCAM-1 expression and adhesion of THP-1 cells to HUVECs was also 10-fold higher than that of tocopherol. The inhibitory effects of vitamin E analogs on the adhesiveness of endothelial cells clearly correlated with their intracellular concentrations. The data demonstrated that, in assessing the biological responses of antioxidants, intracellular accumulation and metabolism were additional important factors that must be considered.

A hypertonicity-activated nonselective conductance in single proximal tubule cells isolated from mouse kidney

The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to examine nonselective conductances in single proximal tubule cells isolated from mouse kidney. Single cells were isolated in either the presence or absence of a cocktail designed to stimulate cAMP. Patches were obtained with Na+ Ringer in the bath and Cs+ Ringer in the pipette. On initially achieving the whole-cell configuration, whole-cell currents were small. In cAMP-stimulated cells, with 5 mM ATP in the pipette solution, whole-cell currents increased with time. The activated current was linear, slightly cation-selective, did not discriminate between Na+ and K+ and was inhibited by 100 microM gadolinium. These properties are consistent with the activation of a nonselective conductance, designated G(NS). Activation of G(NS) was abolished with pipette AMP-PNP, ATP plus alkaline phosphatase or in the absence of ATP. In unstimulated cells G(NS) was activated by pipette ATP together with PKA. These data support the hypothesis that G(NS) is activated by a PKA-mediated phosphorylation event. G(NS) was also activated by a hypertonic shock. However, G(NS) does not appear to be involved in regulatory volume increase (RVI), as RVI was unaffected in the presence of the G(NS) blocker gadolinium. Instead, the ATP sensitivity of G(NS) suggests that it may be regulated by the metabolic state of the renal proximal tubule cell.