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Wang H, Martinez Yus M, Brady T, Choi R, Nandakumar K, Smith L, Jang R, Wodu BP, Almodiel JD, Stoddart L, Kim DH, Steppan J, Santhanam L. Sex differences and role of lysyl oxidase-like 2 in angiotensin II-induced hypertension in mice. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 327:H642-H659. [PMID: 39028284 PMCID: PMC11427116 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00110.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Hypertension, a disease with known sexual dimorphism, accelerates aging-associated arterial stiffening, partly because of the activation of matrix remodeling caused by increased biomechanical load. In this study, we tested the effect of biological sex and the role of the matrix remodeling enzyme lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) in hypertension-induced arterial stiffening. Hypertension was induced by angiotensin II (ANG II) infusion via osmotic minipumps in 12- to 14-wk-old male and female mice. Blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured noninvasively. Wire myography and uniaxial tensile testing were used to test aortic vasoreactivity and mechanical properties. Aortic wall composition was examined by histology and Western blotting. Uniaxial stretch of cultured cells was used to evaluate the effect of biomechanical strain. LOXL2's catalytic function was examined using knockout and inhibition. ANG II infusion-induced hypertension in both genotypes and sexes. Wild-type (WT) males exhibited arterial stiffening in vivo and ex vivo. Aortic remodeling with increased wall thickness, intralamellar distance, higher LOXL2, and collagen I and IV content was noted in WT males. Female mice did not exhibit increased PWV despite the onset of hypertension. LOXL2 depletion improved vascular reactivity and mechanics in hypertensive males. LOXL2 depletion improved aortic mechanics but worsened hypercontractility in females. Hypertensive cyclic strain contributed to LOXL2 upregulation in the cell-derived matrix in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) but not endothelial cells. LOXL2's catalytic function facilitated VSMC alignment in response to biomechanical strain. In conclusion, in males, arterial stiffening in hypertension is driven both by VSMC response and matrix remodeling. Females are protected from PWV elevation in hypertension. LOXL2 depletion is protective in males with improved mechanical and functional aortic properties. VSMCs are the primary source of LOXL2 in the aorta, and hypertension increases LOXL2 processing and shifts to collagen I accumulation. Overall, LOXL2 depletion offers protection in young hypertensive males and females.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We examined the effect of sex on the evolution of angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced hypertension and the role of lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2), an enzyme that catalyzes matrix cross linking. While ANG II led to hypertension and worsening vascular reactivity in both sexes, aortic remodeling and stiffening occurred only in males. LOXL2 depletion improved outcomes in males but not females. Thus males and females exhibit a distinct etiology of hypertension and LOXL2 is an effective target in males.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Male
- Mice
- Amino Acid Oxidoreductases/metabolism
- Amino Acid Oxidoreductases/genetics
- Angiotensin II
- Aorta/physiopathology
- Aorta/pathology
- Aorta/enzymology
- Aorta/drug effects
- Aorta/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Hypertension/chemically induced
- Hypertension/physiopathology
- Hypertension/enzymology
- Hypertension/metabolism
- Hypertension/pathology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiopathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/enzymology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/enzymology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Sex Factors
- Vascular Remodeling
- Vascular Stiffness
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Marta Martinez Yus
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Travis Brady
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Rira Choi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Kavitha Nandakumar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Logan Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Rosie Jang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Bulouere Princess Wodu
- Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Jose Diego Almodiel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Laila Stoddart
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Center for Microphysiological Systems, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Jochen Steppan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Lakshmi Santhanam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Center for Microphysiological Systems, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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Santhanam L, Wang H, Yus MM, Brady T, Choi R, Nandakumar K, Smith L, Jang R, Wodu BP, Almodiel JD, Stoddart L, Kim DH, Steppan J. Sex Differences and Role of Lysyl Oxidase Like 2 (LOXL2) in Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension in Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.13.571541. [PMID: 38168163 PMCID: PMC10760075 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension, a disease with known sexual dimorphism, accelerates aging associated arterial stiffening, in part due to the activation of matrix remodeling caused by increased biomechanical load. In this study, we tested the effect of biological sex and the role of the matrix remodeling enzyme lysyl oxidase like 2 (LOXL2) in hypertension induced arterial stiffening. METHODS Angiotensin II (Ang II) was delivered using osmotic pumps in Loxl2+/- and WT male and female mice. Blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured noninvasively to assess hypertension and aortic stiffness. Wire myography and uniaxial tensile testing were used to test aortic vasoreactivity and mechanical properties. Aortic wall composition was examined by histology and Western blotting. The effect of biomechanical strain on LOXL2 expression and secretion by vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) and endothelial cells (EC) was evaluated by uniaxial cyclic stretching of cultured cells. The role of LOXL2 catalytic function on VSMC alignment in response to mechanical loading was determined with LOXL2 inhibition and knockout. RESULTS Ang II infusion induced hypertension in WT and Loxl2+/- mice of both sexes and increased PWV in WT males but not in Loxl2+/- males, WT females, or Loxl2+/- females. LOXL2 depletion protected males from Ang II mediated potentiation of vasoconstriction but worsened in females and improved aortic mechanical properties in both sexes. Histological analysis showed increased aortic wall thickness in hypertensive WT males but not females and increased intralamellar distance in both sexes, that was ameliorated in Loxl2+/- mice. Western blotting revealed increased collagen I, decreased collagen IV, and increased LOXL2 accumulation and processing in hypertensive mice. Hypertensive cyclic strain contributed to LOXL2 upregulation in the cell-derived matrix in VSMCs but not ECs. LOXL2 catalytic function facilitated VSMC alignment in response to biomechanical strain. CONCLUSIONS In males, arterial stiffening in hypertension is driven both by VSMC response and matrix remodeling. Females exhibit a delayed onset of Ang II-induced hypertension with minimal ECM remodeling but with VSMC dysfunction. LOXL2 depletion ameliorates arterial stiffening and preserves functional contractility and aortic structure in male hypertensive mice. LOXL2 depletion improves aortic mechanics but worsens aortic contractility in hypertensive females. VSMCs are the primary source of LOXL2 in the aorta and hypertension increases LOXL2 processing and shifts to collagen I accumulation. Overall, LOXL2 depletion offers protection in young hypertensive males and females.
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Kaplan JL, Rivas VN, Connolly DJ. Advancing Treatments for Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The Role of Animal Models and Targeted Therapeutics. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023; 53:1293-1308. [PMID: 37414693 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Feline HCM is the most common cardiovascular disease in cats, leading to devastating outcomes, including congestive heart failure (CHF), arterial thromboembolism (ATE), and sudden death. Evidence demonstrating long-term survival benefit with currently available therapies is lacking. Therefore, it is imperative to explore intricate genetic and molecular pathways that drive HCM pathophysiology to inspire the development of novel therapeutics. Several clinical trials exploring new drug therapies are currently underway, including those investigating small molecule inhibitors and rapamycin. This article outlines the key work performed using cellular and animal models that has led to and continues to guide the development of new innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L Kaplan
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Victor N Rivas
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - David J Connolly
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
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Poe A, Martinez Yus M, Wang H, Santhanam L. Lysyl oxidase like-2 in fibrosis and cardiovascular disease. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C694-C707. [PMID: 37458436 PMCID: PMC10635644 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00176.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is an important and essential reparative response to injury that, if left uncontrolled, results in the excessive synthesis, deposition, remodeling, and stiffening of the extracellular matrix, which is deleterious to organ function. Thus, the sustained activation of enzymes that catalyze matrix remodeling and cross linking is a fundamental step in the pathology of fibrotic diseases. Recent studies have implicated the amine oxidase lysyl oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) in this process and established significantly elevated expression of LOXL2 as a key component of profibrotic conditions in several organ systems. Understanding the relationship between LOXL2 and fibrosis as well as the mechanisms behind these relationships can offer significant insights for developing novel therapies. Here, we summarize the key findings that demonstrate the link between LOXL2 and fibrosis and inflammation, examine current therapeutics targeting LOXL2 for the treatment of fibrosis, and discuss future directions for experiments and biomedical engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Poe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Marta Martinez Yus
- Department of Anesthesiology and CCM, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Huilei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Lakshmi Santhanam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and CCM, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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Zang X, Zhao Z, Chen K, Song W, Ma J, Fu H, Wang X, Zhao Y. SHP-1 alleviates atrial fibrosis in atrial fibrillation by modulating STAT3 activation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:979-990. [PMID: 37226737 PMCID: PMC10525403 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231165717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) has a well-established role in myocardial infarction, yet its involvement in atrial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been elucidated. As cardiac arrhythmias caused by AF are a major global health concern, we investigated whether SHP-1 modulates AF development. The degree of atrial fibrosis was examined using Masson's trichrome staining, and SHP-1 expression in the human atrium was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blotting (WB). We also examined SHP-1 expression in cardiac tissue from an AF mouse model, as well as in angiotensin II (Ang II)-treated mouse atrial myocytes and fibroblasts. We found that SHP-1 expression was reduced with the aggravation of atrial fibrosis in clinical samples of patients with AF. SHP-1 was also downregulated in the heart tissue of AF mice and Ang II-treated myocytes and fibroblasts, compared with that in the control groups. Next, we demonstrated that SHP-1 overexpression alleviated AF severity in mice by injecting a lentiviral vector into the pericardial space. In Ang II-treated myocytes and fibroblasts, we observed excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (SMAD2) pathway activation, all of which were counteracted by the overexpression of SHP-1. Our WB data showed that STAT3 activation was inversely correlated with SHP-1 expression in samples from patients with AF, AF mice, and Ang II-treated cells. Furthermore, administration of colivelin, a STAT3 agonist, in SHP-1-overexpressing, Ang II-treated myocytes and fibroblasts resulted in higher levels of ECM deposition, ROS generation, and TGF-β1/SMAD2 activation. These findings indicate that SHP-1 regulates AF fibrosis progression by modulating STAT3 activation and is thus a potential treatment target for atrial fibrosis and AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobiao Zang
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou 451460, China
| | - Zhihan Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou 451460, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou 451460, China
| | - Weifeng Song
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou 451460, China
| | - Jifang Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou 451460, China
| | - Haixia Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou 451460, China
| | - Xianqing Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou 451460, China
| | - Yonghui Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou 451460, China
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Perryman L, Gray SG. Fibrosis in Mesothelioma: Potential Role of Lysyl Oxidases. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:981. [PMID: 35205728 PMCID: PMC8870010 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies (such as checkpoint inhibitors) and standard chemotherapies (such as cisplatin) have limitations in the successful treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Fibrosis is the accumulation of collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues, making them denser than that of healthy tissues and thereby affecting drug delivery and immune cell infiltration. Moreover, fibrosis severely affects the patient's breathing and quality of life. The production of collagen and its assembly is highly regulated by various enzymes such as lysyl oxidases. Many solid tumors aberrantly express the family of lysyl oxidases (LOX/LOXL). This review examines how LOX/LOXLs were found to be dysregulated in noncancerous and cancerous settings, discusses their roles in solid tumor fibrosis and pathogenesis and explores the role of fibrosis in the development and poor clinical outcomes of patients with MPM. We examine the current preclinical status of drugs targeting LOX/LOXLs and how the incorporation of such drugs may have therapeutic benefits in the treatment and management of patients with MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Perryman
- Drug Discovery Department, Pharmaxis Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2086, Australia;
| | - Steven G. Gray
- Thoracic Oncology, Labmed Directorate, St James’s Hospital, D08 RX0X Dublin, Ireland
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