Cicletanine stimulates eNOS phosphorylation and NO production via Akt and MAP kinase/Erk signaling in sinusoidal endothelial cells

Liquid plasma promotes angiogenesis through upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase-induced extracellular matrix metabolism: potential applications of liquid plasma for vascular injuries

BACKGROUND

Applications of nonthermal plasma have expanded beyond the biomedical field to include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. Plasma enhances epithelial cell repair; however, the potential damage to deep tissues and vascular structures remains under investigation.

RESULT

This study assessed whether liquid plasma (LP) increased nitric oxide (NO) production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by modulating endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation and potential signaling pathways. First, we developed a liquid plasma product and confirmed the angiogenic effect of LP using the Matrigel plug assay. We found that the NO content increased in plasma-treated water. NO in plasma-treated water promoted cell migration and angiogenesis in scratch and tube formation assays via vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression. In addition to endothelial cell proliferation and migration, LP influenced extracellular matrix metabolism and matrix metalloproteinase activity. These effects were abolished by treatment with NG-L-monomethyl arginine, a specific inhibitor of NO synthase. Furthermore, we investigated the signaling pathways mediating the phosphorylation and activation of eNOS in LP-treated cells and the role of LKB1-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase in signaling. Downregulation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase by siRNA partially inhibited LP-induced eNOS phosphorylation, angiogenesis, and migration.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that LP treatment may be a novel strategy for promoting angiogenesis in vascular damage. Video Abstract.

Midkine mediates dysfunction of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells through integrin α4 and α6

Midkine (MK)² is an important regulatory molecule that promotes pathological angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although some studies have shown that its expression is increased in chronic liver disease, its effect on sinusoidal vasculopathy are still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that MK was mainly secreted by liver sinus endothelial cells (LSECs) during the stage of precancerous lesions. Increased expression of its receptor integrin was an important mechanism by which MK participated in sinusoidal vasculopathy through autocrine and positive feedback effects. LSECs with high expression of integrin α6 (Itgα6⁺) and integrin α4 (Itgα4⁺) were used to study the mechanism of MK, and it was found that the effect of MK on LSECs was closely related to the integrin subtypes. The activation of MK /integrin α6/Src/Shc signaling pathway promoted the expression of ET-1, TXA2 and reduced the production of NO, and then induced the capillary vascularization of liver sinusoids, while the activation of MK/integrin α4/NF-κB pathway mainly induced angiogenesis by promoting the production of VEGF and Ang2. In the three-dimensional co-culture system of hepatocytes (BRL-3A) and LSECs, MK significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the co-culture system of highly expressed integrin LSECs and decreased the expression of tumor suppressor gene P53 in hepatocytes. These results suggested that MK /integrin signaling pathway, especially MK /integrin α6, was an important mechanism leaded to persistent sinusoidal hepatic vasculopathy in chronic liver disease and induced HCC，while MK/integrin α 4 activation was more involved in pathological angiogenesis.

β-PIX cooperates with GIT1 to regulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase in sinusoidal endothelial cells

Previous studies have demonstrated that G protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting-1 protein (GIT1) associates with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to regulate nitric oxide production in sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs). Here, we hypothesized that GIT1's tightly associated binding partner, β-PIX (p21-activated kinase-interacting exchange factor β, ARHGEF7) is specifically important in the regulation of eNOS activity. We examined β-PIX expression in normal rat liver by immunohistochemistry and explored β-PIX protein-protein interactions using immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. The role of β-PIX in regulating eNOS enzymatic activity was studied in GIT1-deficient SECs. Finally, structural analysis of interaction sites in GIT1 and β-PIX required to regulate eNOS activity were mapped. β-PIX was expressed primarily in SECs in normal liver and was either absent or expressed at extremely low levels in other liver cells (stellate cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatocytes). β-PIX interacted with GIT1 and eNOS to form a trimolecular signaling module in normal SECs and was important in stimulating eNOS activity. Of note, GIT1-β-PIX interaction led to synergistic enhancement of eNOS activity, and β-PIX-driven increase in eNOS activity was GIT1 dependent. Disruption of β-PIX or GIT1 in normal SECs using β-PIX siRNA or GIT1-deficient SECs led to reduced eNOS activity. Finally, specific GIT1 domains [Spa2 homology domain (SHD) and synaptic localization domain (SLD), aa 331-596] and the β-PIX COOH terminal (aa 496-555) appeared to be critical in the regulation eNOS activity. The data indicate that β-PIX regulates eNOS phosphorylation and function in normal SECs and highlight the importance of the GIT1/β-PIX/eNOS trimolecular complex in normal liver SEC function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY β-PIX is a multidomain protein known to be a GIT1 binding partner. We report here that in the normal liver, the distribution and cellular localization of β-PIX are restricted largely to sinusoidal endothelial cells. Furthermore, β-PIX interacts with eNOS and GIT1 promotes eNOS activity and NO production and therefore exerts a novel posttranslational regulatory function on eNOS activity in sinusoidal endothelial cells. We also have identified specific molecular domains important in GIT1 and β-PIX's interaction with eNOS, which may represent novel therapeutic targets in the control of sinusoidal blood flow and intrahepatic resistance.

Role of TLR-4/IL-6/TNF-α, COX-II and eNOS/iNOS pathways in the impact of carvedilol against hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury

AIM

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a syndrome involved in allograft dysfunction. This work aimed to elucidate carvedilol (CAR) role in hepatic I/R injury.

METHODS

Male rats were allocated to Sham group, CAR group, I/R group and CAR plus I/R group. Rats subjected to hepatic ischemia for 30 minutes then reperfused for 60 minutes. Oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide synthases were measured in hepatic tissues.

RESULTS

Hepatocyte injury following I/R was confirmed by a marked increase in liver enzymes. Also, hepatic I/R increased the contents of malondialdehyde however decreased glutathione contents and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, hepatic I/R caused elevation of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) expression and inflammatory mediators levels such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and cyclooxygenase-II. Hepatic I/R caused down-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions. CAR treatment before hepatic I/R resulted in the restoration of liver enzymes. Administration of CAR caused a significant correction of oxidative stress and inflammation markers as well as modulates the expression of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase.

CONCLUSIONS

CAR protects liver from I/R injury through reduction of the oxidative stress and inflammation, and modulates endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions.

Pretreatment with a Phosphodiesterase-3 Inhibitor, Milrinone, Reduces Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury, Minimizing Pericentral Zone-Based Liver and Small Intestinal Injury in Rats

BACKGROUND Severe pericentral zone (zone 3)-based liver injury (LI) may become intractable, with allograft dysfunction after liver transplantation. The phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor, milrinone, has been reported to attenuate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). This study clarified how hepatic IRI involved zone 3-based LI, in which zone milrinone was effective, and whether milrinone could improve small intestinal injury (SII) with hepatic IRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS Rats were divided into sham, ischemia-reperfusion (IR), or IR+milrinone groups (n=13 per group). Milrinone was administered intraportally via intrasplenic injection, and whole hepatic ischemia was induced for 30 min. Five hours after reperfusion, serum chemistry and histopathological findings were compared. Expression of CD34 for the detection of altered sinusoidal endothelium as sinusoidal capillarization and cleaved caspase-3 as an apoptosis marker were analyzed via immunohistochemistry. Survival rates were examined after 45 min of whole hepatic ischemia. RESULTS Serum aspartate aminotransferase and direct bilirubin levels were significantly decreased in the IR+milrinone group compared with those of the IR group. The degree of LI, sinusoidal capillarization and apoptosis at zone 3 in the IR group was significantly increased compared with those at the periportal zone (zone 1). These findings at zone 3 in the IR group were improved in the IR+milrinone group. SII with villus congestion and apoptosis in the IR group was significantly attenuated in the IR+milrinone group. The 7-day survival rate was significantly elevated in the IR+milrinone group as compared with that of the IR group. CONCLUSIONS A hepatic IRI model caused zone 3-based LI and SII, which were attenuated by intraportal administration of milrinone.

ERK-containing microparticles from a diabetic mouse induce endothelial dysfunction

Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of diabetic vascular complications. Microparticles (MPs) are small vesicles shed from the surface of blood and vascular cells that act as stimuli and during apoptosis. Circulating MPs of diabetic rats have been shown to induce endothelial dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms require further study. In this study, we investigated how MPs from diabetic mice affect endothelial function. MPs were collected from streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice as controls. The levels of MPs were assessed and characterized by flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and dot blotting. Normal mice aortas were incubated with MPs and expressions of enzymes and vascular relaxation were analyzed. We found that (1) circulating MPs level increased in diabetic mice; (2) MPs impaired endothelial-dependent relaxation in mice aorta, but diabetic mice-derived MPs (diabetes mellitus (DM) MPs) were easier to attach to the endothelial cells than were control MPs; (3) DM MPs had more extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 than did control mice-derived MPs, and they induced ERK1/2 activation in mice aortas; (4) DM MPs decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in mice aortas, and eNOS was emitted from endothelial cells to blood in the shape of endothelial MPs. DM MPs significantly altered endothelial function by activation of ERK1/2, which might provide a therapeutic target for diabetic vascular complications.

Anti-inflammatory properties of ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide in endotoxin-mediated inflammatory liver injury

AIM

Endotoxin-mediated liver inflammation is a key component of many acute and chronic liver diseases contributing to liver damage, fibrosis and eventually organ failure. Here, we investigated ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide (UDCA-LPE), a synthetic bile acid-phospholipid conjugate regarding its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic properties.

METHODS

Anti-inflammatory properties of UDCA-LPE were evaluated in a mouse model of D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS)-induced acute liver injury, LPS treated RAW264.7 macrophages and murine primary Kupffer cells. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of UDCA-LPE were studied on primary hepatic stellate cells (HSC) incubated with supernatant from LPS±UDCA-LPE treated RAW264.7 cells.

RESULTS

UDCA-LPE ameliorated LPS-induced increase of IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, NOX-2 in the GalN/LPS model by up to 80.2% for IL-6. Similarly, UDCA-LPE markedly decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β as well as the chemokines MCP1 and RANTES in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Anti-inflammatory effects were also observed in primary murine Kupffer cells. Mechanistic evaluation revealed a reversion of LPS-activated pro-inflammatory TLR4 pathway by UDCA-LPE. Moreover, UDCA-LPE inhibited iNOS and NOX-2 expression while activating eNOS via phosphorylation of AKT and pERK1/2 in RAW264.7 cells. HSC treated with conditioned medium from LPS±UDCA-LPE RAW264.7 cells showed lower fibrogenic activation due to less SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, reduced expression of profibrogenic CTGF and reduced pro-inflammatory chemokine expression.

CONCLUSION

In the setting of endotoxin-mediated liver inflammation, UDCA-LPE exerts profound anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effect implying a promising potential for the drug candidate as an experimental approach for the treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases.

Distinctive expression patterns of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and endothelial nitric oxide synthase following hypergravity exposure

This study was designed to examine the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and the level and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the hearts and livers of mice exposed to hypergravity. Hypergravity-induced hypoxia and the subsequent post-exposure reoxygenation significantly increased cardiac HIF-1α levels. Furthermore, the levels and activity of cardiac eNOS also showed significant increase immediately following hypergravity exposure and during the reoxygenation period. In contrast, the expression of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) showed significant elevation only during the reoxygenation period. These data raise the possibility that the increase in cardiac HIF-1α expression induced by reoxygenation involves a cascade of signaling events, including activation of the Akt and ERK pathways. In the liver, HIF-1α expression was significantly increased immediately after hypergravity exposure, indicating that hypergravity exposure to causes hepatocellular hypoxia. The hypergravity-exposed livers showed significantly higher eNOS immunoreactivity than did those of control mice. Consistent with these results, significant increases in eNOS activity and nitrate/nitrite levels were also observed. These findings suggest that hypergravity-induced hypoxia plays a significant role in the upregulation of hepatic eNOS.

Sinusoidal protection by sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 agonist in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Functional and structural damages in sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) have a crucial role during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). In regulating endothelial function, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1), which is a G protein-coupled receptor, has an important role. The present study aimed to clarify whether SEW2871, a selective S1PR1 agonist, can attenuate hepatic damage caused by hepatic IRI, focusing on SEC functions.

METHODS

In vivo, using a 60-min partial-warm IRI model, mice were treated with SEW2871 or without it (with vehicle). In vitro, isolated SECs pretreated with SEW2871 or without it (with vehicle) were incubated with hydrogen peroxide.

RESULTS

Compared with the IRI + vehicle group, SEW2871 administration significantly improved serum transaminase levels and liver damage, attenuated infiltration of Ly-6G and mouse macrophage antigen-1-positive cells, suppressed the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and proinflammatory cytokines in the liver, and enhanced the expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin in the liver (eNOS/β-actin [median]: 0.24 versus 0.53, P = 0.008; VE-cadherin/β-actin [median]: 0.21 versus 0.94, P = 0.008). In vitro, compared with the vehicle group, pretreatment of SECs with SEW2871 significantly increased the expressions of eNOS and VE-cadherin (eNOS/β-actin [median]: 0.22 versus 0.29, P = 0.008; VE-cadherin/β-actin [median]: 0.38 versus 0.67, P = 0.008). As results of investigation of prosurvival signals, SEW2871 significantly increased Akt phosphorylation in SECs and decreased lactate dehydrogenase levels in supernatants of SECs.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that S1PR1 agonist induces attenuation of hepatic IRI, which might be provided by preventing SEC damage. S1PR1 may be a therapeutic target for the prevention of early sinusoidal injury after hepatic IRI.

Protective effects of 6-Gingerol on vascular endothelial cell injury induced by high glucose via activation of PI3K-AKT-eNOS pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

6-Gingerol (6-Gin), an active constituent of Zingiber officinale, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-cancerous etc. bioactivities. However, little is known about its endothelial protective effects and the underlying mechanisms. In this study, our purpose was to investigate the protective effects of 6-Gin and its underlying mechanisms. HUVECs were exposed to high glucose (HG, 33mM glucose) for 48h, followed by 50μM 6-Gin with or without LY294002 (10μM), AKT inhibitor IV (0.5μM) or L-NAME (5mM) for another 24h. Cell viability, levels of NO, LDH and ROS were detected. In addition, the expression levels of IKK, IRS-1, PI3K, AKT, eNOS and their phosphorylated proteins were measured by western blots. Compared with the control, HUVECs were significantly impaired by HG, characterized by decreased levels of the cell viability, NO, pY458-PI3K, pS473-AKT and pS1177-eNOS while increased levels of LDH, pS176-IKK, and p-S312-IRS-1. Conversely, 6-Gin remarkably protected HUVECs against HG-induced injury in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. However, the protective effects of 6-Gin were abolished by co-treatment with LY294002, AKT inhibitor IV or L-NAME at the HG state. Collectively, 6-Gin attenuated the injury of HUVECs induced by HG through the activation of PI3K-AKT-eNOS signal pathway. The findings provide a novel potential for 6-Gin to prevent and treat the angiopathy resulting from diabetes mellitus.

Thalidomide ameliorates portal hypertension via nitric oxide synthase independent reduced systolic blood pressure

AIM: Portal hypertension is a common complication of liver cirrhosis and significantly increases mortality and morbidity. Previous reports have suggested that the compound thalidomide attenuates portal hypertension (PHT). However, the mechanism for this action is not fully elucidated. One hypothesis is that thalidomide destabilizes tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) mRNA and therefore diminishes TNFα induction of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and the production of nitric oxide (NO). To examine this hypothesis, we utilized the murine partial portal vein ligation (PVL) PHT model in combination with endothelial or inducible NOS isoform gene knockout mice.

METHODS: Wild type, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)^-/- and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)^-/- mice received either PVL or sham surgery and were given either thalidomide or vehicle. Serum nitrate (total nitrate, NOx) was measured daily for 7 d as a surrogate of NO synthesis. Serum TNFα level was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TNFα mRNA was quantified in liver and aorta tissue by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. PHT was determined by recording splenic pulp pressure (SPP) and abdominal aortic flow after 0-7 d. Response to thalidomide was determined by measurement of SPP and mean arterial pressure (MAP).

RESULTS: SPP, abdominal aortic flow (Qao) and plasma NOx were increased in wild type and iNOS^-/- PVL mice when compared to sham operated control mice. In contrast, SPP, Qao and plasma NOx were not increased in eNOS^-/- PVL mice when compared to sham controls. Serum TNFα level in both sham and PVL mice was below the detection limit of the commercial ELISA used. Therefore, the effect of thalidomide on serum TNFα levels was undetermined in wild type, eNOS^-/- or iNOS^-/- mice. Thalidomide acutely increased plasma NOx in wild type and eNOS^-/- mice but not iNOS^-/- mice. Moreover, thalidomide temporarily (0-90 min) decreased mean arterial pressure, SPP and Qao in wild type, eNOS^-/- and iNOS^-/- PVL mice, after which time levels returned to the respective baseline.

CONCLUSION: Thalidomide does not reduce portal pressure in the murine PVL model by modulation of NO biosynthesis. Rather, thalidomide reduces PHT by decreasing MAP by an undetermined mechanism.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and PI3K/Akt Inhibition Reduce eNOS Phosphorylation and Increase Cortisol Biosynthesis in Long-Term Hypoxic Ovine Fetal Adrenal Cortical Cells

This study was designed to determine the role of the MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt pathways in cortisol production and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation (peNOS) in the ovine fetal adrenal in response to long-term hypoxia (LTH). Pregnant ewes were maintained at high altitude (3820 m) for the last 100 days of gestation (dGa). At 138 to 142 dGa, fetal adrenal cortical cells (FACs) were collected from LTH and age-matched normoxic fetuses. Cortisol production and peNOS were measured in response to pretreatment with the MEK/ERK1/2 pathway inhibitor UO126 (UO) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation. UO126 reduced ACTH-stimulated cortisol in both normoxic and LTH FACs. UO126 alone or in combination with ACTH reduced peNOS in the normoxic group, while ACTH alone or ACTH + UO inhibited peNOS in LTH FACs. Additionally, cortisol was measured in response to pretreatment with UO and treatment with 22R-hydroxycholesterol (22R-OHC) or water-soluble cholesterol (WSC) with and without ACTH stimulation. UO126 had no effect on 22R-OHC-treated cells, but reduced cortisol in cells treated with WSC and/or ACTH. Cortisol and peNOS were also measured in response to pretreatment with PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor Wortmannin (WT) and ACTH stimulation. Wortmannin further increased cortisol under ACTH-stimulated conditions and, like ACTH, reduced peNOS in LTH but not normoxic FACs. Together, these data suggest that in LTH FACs MEK/ERK1/2 does not regulate peNOS but that UO acts downstream from eNOS, possibly at cholesterol transport, to affect cortisol production in LTH FACs, while the PI3K/Akt pathway, along with ACTH, regulates peNOS and plays a role in the fetal adaptation to LTH in FACs.

Glytan decreases portal pressure via mesentery vasoconstriction in portal hypertensive rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of Glytan on splanchnic hemodynamics and its reduction of portal pressure in portal hypertensive rats.

METHODS: Glytan (Ganluotong in Chinese), is composed of salvianolic acid B and diammonium glycyrrhizinate. Portal hypertension (PHT) was induced in the rats by common bile duct ligation (BDL). Hemodynamic studies were performed using the colored microsphere method. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to determine endothelin (ET)-1 levels in the mesenteric circulation. Western blotting methods were used to investigate the effect of Glytan on ET A receptor (ETAR), ET B receptor (ETBR), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), G-protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)2, and β-arrestin 2 expression in the mesentery. The mRNA of ETAR and ETBR was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS: Treatment with Glytan reduced portal pressure (PP) and portal territory blood flow (PTBF) and increased both mean arterial pressure (MAP) and splanchnic vascular resistance (SVR). Especially at 4 wk, PP decreased by about 40%, while MAP increased by 13%, SVR increased by 12%, and PTBF decreased by about 21%. The effect of blood flow reduction was greatest in the mesentery (about 33%) at 4 wk. The mesenteric circulation ET-1 levels of BDL rats were lower and negatively correlated with PP at 4 wk. Glytan can increase mesenteric ET-1 content and inhibit ETBR, eNOS, GRK2, and β-arrestin 2 expression in the mesentery. Moreover, Glytan showed no effect on the expression of ETAR protein and mRNA.

CONCLUSION: The decreased PP and PTBF observed after Glytan treatment were related to increased mesenteric vasoconstriction and increased receptor sensitivity to vasoconstrictor.

Docosahexaenoic acid inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced cell migration via the GPR120/PP2A/ERK1/2/eNOS signaling pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Cell migration plays an important role in angiogenesis and wound repair. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell-specific mitogen that is essential for endothelial cell survival, proliferation, and migration. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, shows both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo. This study investigated the molecular mechanism by which DHA down-regulates VEGF-induced cell migration. HUVECs were used as the study model, and the MTT assay, Western blot, wound-healing assay, and phosphatase activity assay were used to explore the effects of DHA on cell migration. GPR120 is the putative receptor for DHA action. The results showed that DHA, PD98059 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor), and GW9508 (a GPR120 agonist) inhibited VEGF-induced cell migration. In contrast, pretreatment with okadaic acid (OA, a PP2A inhibitor) and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (an NO donor) reversed the inhibition of cell migration by DHA. VEGF-induced cell migration was accompanied by phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and eNOS. Treatment of HUVECs with DHA increased PP2A enzyme activity and decreased VEGF-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and eNOS. However, pretreatment with OA significantly decreased DHA-induced PP2A enzyme activity and reversed the DHA inhibition of VEGF-induced ERK1/2 and eNOS phosphorylation. These results suggest that stimulation of PP2A activity and inhibition of the VEGF-induced ERK1/2/eNOS signaling pathway may be involved in the DHA suppression of VEGF-induced cell migration. Thus, the effect of DHA on angiogenesis and wound repair is at least partly by virtue of its attenuation of cell migration.