Role of cyclooxygenase isoforms in prostacyclin biosynthesis and murine prehepatic portal hypertension

Iron oxide-promoted photochemical oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a valuable green oxidant with a wide range of applications. Furthermore, it is recognized as a possible future energy carrier achieving safe operation, storage and transportation. The photochemical production of H2O2 serves as a promising alternative to the waste- and energy-intensive anthraquinone process. Following the 12 principles of Green Chemistry, we demonstrate a facile and general approach to sustainable catalyst development utilizing earth-abundant iron and biobased sources only. We developed several iron oxide (FeOx) nanoparticles (NPs) for successful photochemical oxygen reduction to H2O2 under visible light illumination (445 nm). Achieving a selectivity for H2O2 of >99%, the catalyst material could be recycled for up to four consecutive rounds. An apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 0.11% was achieved for the photochemical oxygen reduction to H2O2 with visible light (445 nm) at ambient temperatures and pressures (9.4-14.8 mmol g-1 L-1). Reaching productivities of H2O2 of at least 1.7 ± 0.3 mmol g-1 L-1 h-1, production of H2O2 was further possible via sunlight irradiation and in seawater. Finally, a detailed mechanism has been proposed on the basis of experimental investigation of the catalyst's properties and computational results.

Metabolomic Characterization of Human Model of Liver Rejection Identifies Aberrancies Linked to Cyclooxygenase (COX) and Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS)

BACKGROUND Acute liver rejection (ALR), a significant complication of liver transplantation, burdens patients, healthcare payers, and the healthcare providers due to an increase in morbidity, cost, and resources. Despite clinical resolution, ALR is associated with an increased risk of graft loss. A unique protocol of delayed immunosuppression used in our institute provided a model to characterize metabolomic profiles in human ALR. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty liver allograft biopsies obtained 48 hours after liver transplantation in the absence of immunosuppression were studied. Hepatic metabolites were quantitated in these biopsies by liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy (LC/MS). Metabolite profiles were compared among: 1) biopsies with reperfusion injury but no histological evidence of rejection (n=7), 2) biopsies with histological evidence of moderate or severe rejection (n=5), and 3) biopsies with histological evidence of mild rejection (n=8). RESULTS There were 133 metabolites consistently detected by LC/MS and these were prioritized using variable importance to projection (VIP) analysis, comparing moderate or severe rejection vs. no rejection or mild rejection using partial least squares discriminant statistical analysis (PLS-DA). Twenty metabolites were identified as progressively different. Further PLS-DA using these metabolites identified 3 metabolites (linoleic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and citrulline) which are associated with either cyclooxygenase or nitric oxide synthase functionality. CONCLUSIONS Hepatic metabolic aberrancies associated with cyclooxygenase and nitric oxide synthase function occur contemporaneous with ALR. Additional studies are required to better characterize the role of these metabolic pathways to enhance utility of the metabolomics approach in diagnosis and outcomes of ALR.

Murine study of portal hypertension associated endothelin-1 hypo-response

AIM: To investigate endothelin-1 hypo-responsive associated with portal hypertension in order to improve patient treatment outcomes.

METHODS: Wild type, eNOS^-/- and iNOS^-/- mice received partial portal vein ligation surgery to induce portal hypertension or sham surgery. Development of portal hypertension was determined by measuring the splenic pulp pressure, abdominal aortic flow and portal systemic shunting. To measure splenic pulp pressure, a microtip pressure transducer was inserted into the spleen pulp. Abdominal aortic flow was measured by placing an ultrasonic Doppler flow probe around the abdominal aorta between the diaphragm and celiac artery. Portal systemic shunting was calculated by injection of fluorescent microspheres in to the splenic vein and determining the percentage accumulation of spheres in liver and pulmonary beds. Endothelin-1 hypo-response was evaluated by measuring the change in abdominal aortic flow in response to endothelin-1 intravenous administration. In addition, thoracic aorta endothelin-1 contraction was measured in 5 mm isolated thoracic aorta rings ex-vivo using an ADI small vessel myograph.

RESULTS: In wild type and iNOS^-/- mice splenic pulp pressure increased from 7.5 ± 1.1 mmHg and 7.2 ± 1 mmHg to 25.4 ± 3.1 mmHg and 22 ± 4 mmHg respectively. In eNOS^-/- mice splenic pulp pressure was increased after 1 d (P = NS), after which it decreased and by 7 d was not significantly elevated when compared to 7 d sham operated controls (6.9 ± 0.6 mmHg and 7.3 ± 0.8 mmHg respectively, P = 0.3). Abdominal aortic flow was increased by 80% and 73% in 7 d portal vein ligated wild type and iNOS when compared to shams, whereas there was no significant difference in 7 d portal vein ligated eNOS^-/- mice when compared to shams. Endothelin-1 induced a rapid reduction in abdominal aortic blood flow in wild type, eNOS^-/- and iNOS^-/- sham mice (50% ± 8%, 73% ± 9% and 47% ± 9% respectively). Following portal vein ligation endothelin-1 reduction in blood flow was significantly diminished in each mouse group. Abdominal aortic flow was reduced by 19% ± 9%, 32% ± 10% and 9% ± 9% in wild type, eNOS^-/- and iNOS^-/- mice respectively.

CONCLUSION: Aberrant endothelin-1 response in murine portal hypertension is NOS isoform independent. Moreover, portal hypertension in the portal vein ligation model is independent of ET-1 function.

Gut-liver axis improves with meloxicam treatment after cirrhotic liver resection

AIM: To investigate the effect of meloxicam on the gut-liver axis after cirrhotic liver resection.

METHODS: Forty-four male Wistar rats were assigned to three groups: (1) control group (CG); (2) bile duct ligation with meloxicam treatment (BDL + M); and (3) bile duct ligation without meloxicam treatment (BDL). Secondary biliary liver cirrhosis was induced via ligature of the bile duct in the BDL + M and BDL groups. After 2 wk, the animals underwent a 50% hepatectomy. In the BDL + M group 15 min prior to the hepatectomy, one single dose of meloxicam was administered. Parameters measured included: microcirculation of the liver and small bowel; portal venous flow (PVF); gastrointestinal (GI) transit; alanine aminotransferase (ALT); malondialdehyde; interleukin 6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) levels; mRNA expression of cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), IL-6 and TGF-β1; liver and small bowel histology; immunohistochemical evaluation of hepatocyte and enterocyte proliferation with Ki-67 and COX-2 liver expression.

RESULTS: Proliferative activity of hepatocytes after liver resection, liver flow and PVF were significantly higher in CG vs BDL + M and CG vs BDL group (P < 0.05), whereas one single dose of meloxicam ameliorated liver flow and proliferative activity of hepatocytes in BDL + M vs BDL group. COX-2 liver expression at 24 h observation time (OT), IL-6 concentration and mRNA IL-6 expression in the liver especially at 3 h OT, were significantly higher in BDL group when compared with the BDL + M and CG groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively). Liver and small bowel histology, according to a semi quantitative scoring system, showed better integrity in BDL + M and CG as compared to BDL group. ALT release and HIF-1α levels at 1 h OT were significantly higher in BDL + M compared to CG and BDL group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Moreover, ALT release levels at 3 and 24 h OT were significantly higher in BDL group compared to CG, P < 0.01. GI transit, enterocyte proliferative activity and number of goblet cells were in favor of meloxicam treatment vs BDL group (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively). Additionally, villus length were higher in BDL + M as compared to BDL group.

CONCLUSION: One single dose of meloxicam administered after cirrhotic liver resection was able to cause better function and integrity of the remaining liver and small bowel.

Aspirin discontinuation syndromes: clinical implications of basic research studies

Abrupt discontinuation of many drugs used in medicine causes withdrawal syndromes, some of which can be fatal. Discontinuation of a number of cardiovascular drugs can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Whereas aspirin administration is known to decrease the risk of vascular ischemic problems, aspirin withdrawal may temporarily increase the risk of thrombotic events. Indeed, aspirin withdrawal has been associated with an increased risk of thrombosis both in clinical and fundamental research studies. Such complications occur within the first month after interrupting aspirin therapy and their mechanism remains unexplained. We have previously demonstrated that aspirin, when injected as a single high dose (100 mg/kg), induces a prothrombotic state in the rat, similar to that described above, 8 and 10 days after administration. This effect in the rat may be reproduced 1 hour after a single injection of ultra-low-dose aspirin. Caution is therefore required regarding the possibility of drug discontinuation effects within the framework of drug safety evaluation.

Paradoxical effect of aspirin

Low-dose aspirin is an important therapeutic option in the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke, basedon its unique cost-effectiveness and widespread availability. In addition, based on the results of a number of large studies, aspirin is also widely used in the primary prevention of MI. This paper provides an update of the available data to offer greater clarity regarding the risks of aspirin with respect to hemorrhagic stroke. In the secondary prevention of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and ischemic events, the evidence supports that the benefits of aspirin treatment significantly outweigh the risk of a major hemorrhage. When considering whether aspirin is appropriate, the absolute therapeutic cardiovascular benefits of aspirin must be balanced with the possible risks associated with its use, being hemorrhagic stroke. Regarding these clinical facts, normal, COX 1 -/-, and COX 2 -/- mice were treated with a wide range of doses of aspirin and studied by induced hemorrhagic time. The results outlined three major conclusions: high doses of aspirin induce hemorrhage, while low doses of aspirin do not. In the absence of COX 1, ultra low doses of aspirin produce an antihemorrhagic effect not observed with intermediate doses. The absence of COX 2 induced a hemorrhagic effect that needs further research, probably originated in compensatory phenomena.

Histone deacetylase 3 antagonizes aspirin-stimulated endothelial nitric oxide production by reversing aspirin-induced lysine acetylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

RATIONALE

Low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is widely used in the treatment and prevention of vascular atherothrombosis. Cardiovascular doses of aspirin also reduce systemic blood pressure and improve endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in patients with atherosclerosis or risk factors for atherosclerosis. Aspirin can acetylate proteins, other than its pharmacological target cyclooxygenase, at lysine residues. The role of lysine acetylation in mediating the effects of low-dose aspirin on the endothelium is not known.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of lysine acetylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the regulation of endothelial NO production by low-dose aspirin and to examine whether the lysine deacetylase histone deacetylase (HDAC)3 antagonizes the effect of low-dose aspirin on endothelial NO production by reversing acetylation of functionally critical eNOS lysine residues.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Low concentrations of aspirin induce lysine acetylation of eNOS, stimulating eNOS enzymatic activity and endothelial NO production in a cyclooxygenase-1-independent fashion. Low-dose aspirin in vivo also increases bioavailable vascular NO in an eNOS-dependent and cyclooxygenase-1-independent manner. Low-dose aspirin promotes the binding of eNOS to calmodulin. Lysine 609 in the calmodulin autoinhibitory domain of bovine eNOS mediates aspirin-stimulated binding of eNOS to calmodulin and eNOS-derived NO production. HDAC3 inhibits aspirin-stimulated (1) lysine acetylation of eNOS, (2) eNOS enzymatic activity, (3) eNOS-derived NO, and (4) binding of eNOS to calmodulin. Conversely, downregulation of HDAC3 promotes lysine acetylation of eNOS and endothelial NO generation.

CONCLUSIONS

Lysine acetylation of eNOS is a posttranslational protein modification supporting low-dose aspirin-induced vasoprotection. HDAC3, by deacetylating aspirin-acetylated eNOS, antagonizes aspirin-stimulated endothelial production of NO.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha signaling in the development of experimental murine pre-hepatic portal hypertension

The cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) has previously been identified in the development of portal hypertension (PHT) by facilitating portal venous and systemic hyperemia. TNFa is reported to contribute to hyperemia via endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) induction and nitric oxide (NO) production. This study examines this hypothesis by utilizing TNFa receptor knockout mice and a murine model of pre-hepatic PHT. Plasma TNFa and NOx and tissue TNFa mRNA levels were determined in wild-type mice 0-7d post induction of pre-hepatic PHT by partial portal vein ligation (PVL). TNFa receptor knockout mice also received PVL or sham surgery and splenic pulp pressure, abdominal aortic flow and portal-systemic shunting were recorded 7d following. Portal pressure and systemic hyperemia developed rapidly following PVL. Plasma NOx was increased temporarily 2-3 days following PVL and returned to baseline by day 7. Circulating TNFa was below detectable limits of the ELISA used, as such no increase was observed. Hepatic and vascular TNFa mRNA levels were transiently changed after PVL otherwise there was no significant change. TNFa receptor targeted gene deletion did not ameliorate plasma NOx following PVL and had no effect on the development of PHT. TNFa receptor signaling plays no detectable role in the development of systemic hyperemia in the murine model of pre-hepatic PHT. Consequently, increased TNFa observed in intra-hepatic inflammatory models (CCl(4)) and in patients is probably related to inflammation associated with intra-hepatic pathology. Alternatively, TNFa may be signaling via a TNFa receptor independent mechanism.

Correlation of D-xylose absorption rate with portal pressure in rats with portal hypertension

AIM: To evaluate the dynamic changes in D-xylose absorption rate during the progression of portal hypertension to find a noninvasive and practical method to evaluate portal pressure.

METHODS: Eighty male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 180-220 g, were randomly divided into two groups: normal control group (n = 5) and model group (n = 75). Fifty-five model rats were randomly divided into 11 subgroups (n = 5). The normal control group was given normal drinking water, while the model group was given 0.03% thioacetamide (TAA) for 5 weeks and 0.04% TAA for another 5 weeks. The pathological changes in the liver and portal pressure were monitored until 6 weeks after withdrawal of TAA. The D-xylose content of the urine and portal pressure were determined at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, respectively. The correlation between D-xylose absorption rate and portal pressure was analyzed.

RESULTS: At week 8, apparent fibrous septum hyperplasia, disorganized hepatic lobule architecture, and even pseudolobules were observed. Meanwhile, portal vein pressure and D-xylose absorption rate began to show significant changes. The D-xylose absorption rate is inversely correlated with portal vein pressure (P < 0.01). The correlation coefficient is -0.697, and the linear equation is: y = -0.01x + 0.2791.

CONCLUSION: D-xylose absorption rate can reflect the changes in hepatic portal pressure and can be used to predict portal hypertension pressure and evaluate therapeutic effects in clinical practice.

Downregulation of cyclooxygenase-1 is involved in gastric mucosal apoptosis via death signaling in portal hypertensive rats

Portal hypertension (PHT) gastropathy is a frequent complication of liver cirrhosis and one of the leading causes of death from cirrhosis. Apoptosis is widely considered to be an active energy-dependent mode of cell death and a distinct entity from necrotic cell death. It is unclear whether gastric mucosal apoptosis is involved in PHT gastropathy. Prostaglandins (PGs) produced through cyclooxygenase (COX) are thought to play a key role in protection of the gastrointestinal mucosa from injury and apoptosis. However, the role of COX in PHT gastropathy is still not clearly understood. The aims of this study were to investigate whether (1) gastric mucosal apoptosis is involved in PHT gastropathy and (2) downregulation of COX contributes to this apoptosis. In this study, we show that gastric mucosal apoptosis was remarkably increased while mucosal proliferation was inhibited in PHT rats. Gastric mucosal COX-1 was significantly suppressed at both the mRNA and protein levels, and PGE(2) was reduced in PHT rats. Further, PGE(2) treatment suppressed gastric mucosal apoptosis in PHT rats. However, gastric mucosal COX-2 levels did not differ between sham-operated rats and PHT rats. Gastric mucosal levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Fas ligand, but not TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, were increased, and activated caspase-8 and caspase-3 levels were upregulated in PHT rats. The release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol was not observed in PHT rats. Our data indicate that downregulation of COX-1 is involved in gastric mucosal apoptosis via death signaling-mediated type-I cell death in PHT rats.