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Higashi Y. Smoking cessation and vascular endothelial function. Hypertens Res 2023; 46:2670-2678. [PMID: 37828134 PMCID: PMC10695829 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-023-01455-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Smoking is associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction. It is thought that smoking impairs vascular endothelial function through a decrease in nitric oxide bioavailability induced by activation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Endothelial dysfunction can be improved or augmented by appropriate interventions including pharmacotherapy, administration of supplements and lifestyle modifications. Although there have not been many studies, the effects of smoking cessation on endothelial function have been shown. In those studies, it was shown that smoking cessation does not always have a positive effect on vascular endothelial function. In this review, I will focus on the role of smoking in endothelial function and the effects of smoking cessation on endothelial function. Smoking impairs vascular endothelial function and leads to atherosclerosis. Smoking cessation is expected to improve vascular endothelial function. Effects of smoking cessation on endothelial function are not always consistent. Further studies are needed to determine whether smoking cessation directly improves endothelial function. NO indicates nitric oxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihito Higashi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
- Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.
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2
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Jha A, Verma A, Priya C. Effects of chewing tobacco on corneal endothelium in patients with diabetes mellitus. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:3392-3397. [PMID: 37072470 PMCID: PMC10630435 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02515-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of tobacco chewing on corneal endothelial structure in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS Corneal endothelial parameters (endothelial cell count, ECD; coefficient of variation, CV; hexagonality, Hex, and central corneal thickness, CCT) were analysed in 1234 eyes of 1234 patients using non-contact specular microscopy (EM 4000 Tomey Nishi-Ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan). The study group (with a present history of tobacco chewing) comprising of 948 subjects, with 473 having DM was compared with age and gender-matched control group comprising of 286 subjects (139 having DM) with no history of tobacco use in any form. RESULTS Tobacco chewers had a significantly reduced ECD (P = 0.024) and Hex (P = 0.009) as compared with non-chewers. Similar results were noted in ECD (P = 0.004) and Hex (P = 0.005) in patients with DM. Tobacco chewers had a significantly decreased ECD values among males, HbA1C ≤ 7.5% and duration of DM ≤ 20 years, and significantly decreased Hex among those with >50 years of age, females, and duration of DM > 20 years. The CV and CCT values were comparable between the study and the control groups. Tobacco chewers showed a significant association of ECD with age, HbA1C, and duration of DM; CV with HbA1C; Hex with age and duration of DM; and CCT with gender, age, HbA1C and duration of DM. CONCLUSIONS Tobacco chewing may negatively impact corneal health, especially confounded by additional factors like age and DM. These factors must be accounted for in the pre-operative evaluation of such patients prior to any intra-ocular surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Jha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Military Hospital Gaya, Gaya, 823005, India.
| | - Aditya Verma
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Louisville, 310 E Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, 40202, Kentucky, USA
| | - Charima Priya
- Shree Vishveshwara Netraalaya, Gaya, Gaya, 823001, Bihar, India
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Ma J, Li Y, Yang X, Liu K, Zhang X, Zuo X, Ye R, Wang Z, Shi R, Meng Q, Chen X. Signaling pathways in vascular function and hypertension: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:168. [PMID: 37080965 PMCID: PMC10119183 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01430-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a global public health issue and the leading cause of premature death in humans. Despite more than a century of research, hypertension remains difficult to cure due to its complex mechanisms involving multiple interactive factors and our limited understanding of it. Hypertension is a condition that is named after its clinical features. Vascular function is a factor that affects blood pressure directly, and it is a main strategy for clinically controlling BP to regulate constriction/relaxation function of blood vessels. Vascular elasticity, caliber, and reactivity are all characteristic indicators reflecting vascular function. Blood vessels are composed of three distinct layers, out of which the endothelial cells in intima and the smooth muscle cells in media are the main performers of vascular function. The alterations in signaling pathways in these cells are the key molecular mechanisms underlying vascular dysfunction and hypertension development. In this manuscript, we will comprehensively review the signaling pathways involved in vascular function regulation and hypertension progression, including calcium pathway, NO-NOsGC-cGMP pathway, various vascular remodeling pathways and some important upstream pathways such as renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, oxidative stress-related signaling pathway, immunity/inflammation pathway, etc. Meanwhile, we will also summarize the treatment methods of hypertension that targets vascular function regulation and discuss the possibility of these signaling pathways being applied to clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ma
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanan Li
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyu Yang
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianghao Zuo
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Runyu Ye
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqiong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Rufeng Shi
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingtao Meng
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Bashir H, Majid S, Khan MS, Bhat MH, Hamid R, Ashraf R, Faiz S. Inter-relationship of Pro- and Anti- inflammatory Biomarkers with the development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11329. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Frifelt LEW, Subhi Y, Holm LM, Singh A. Impact of tobacco use on corneal thickness and endothelial health: a systematic review with meta-analyses. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:26-34. [PMID: 34021700 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the impact of tobacco use on corneal thickness and corneal endothelial health. METHODS We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central and all affiliated databases of the Web of Science on 20 July 2020. Two authors reviewed the studies and extracted the data in an independent fashion. Studies were reviewed qualitatively in the text, and central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal endothelial characteristics (endothelial cell density, endothelial cell variability, average of endothelial cell size and endothelial cell hexagonality) were introduced for quantitative analyses. RESULTS Eighteen studies (2077 were smokers and 6429 non-smokers) were identified, of which 17 studies provided data eligible for one or more of the quantitative analyses. When compared to non-smokers, smokers had a higher CCT (+3.3 μm, 95% CI: +0.9 to +5.7 μm, p = 0.007) and a lower endothelial cell density (-140 cells/mm2 , 95% CI: -30 to -250 cells/mm2 , p = 0.01). Other corneal endothelial measures did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION Tobacco use is associated with a higher CCT and lower corneal endothelium cell density, but the clinical impact of these findings is small. Further studies are warranted on patients with a priori poor corneal health, where smoking may constitute an important risk of further progression, for example upon anterior segment surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yousif Subhi
- Department of Ophthalmology Rigshospitalet‐Glostrup Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Lars Morten Holm
- Department of Ophthalmology Rigshospitalet‐Glostrup Copenhagen Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Amardeep Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology Rigshospitalet‐Glostrup Copenhagen Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
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Li Y, Tai HC, Sladojevic N, Kim HH, Liao JK. Vascular Stiffening Mediated by Rho-Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Kinase Isoforms. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e022568. [PMID: 34612053 PMCID: PMC8751888 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.022568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background The pathogenesis of vascular stiffening and hypertension is marked by non‐compliance of vessel wall because of deposition of collagen fibers, loss of elastin fibers, and increased vascular thickening. Rho/Rho‐associated coiled‐coil containing kinases 1 and 2 (ROCK1 and ROCK2) have been shown to regulate cellular contraction and vascular remodeling. However, the role of ROCK isoforms in mediating pathogenesis of vascular stiffening and hypertension is not known. Methods and Results Hemizygous Rock mice (Rock1+/− and Rock2+/−) were used to determine the role of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in age‐related vascular dysfunction. Both ROCK activity and aortic stiffness increased to a greater extent with age in wild‐type mice compared with that of Rock1+/− and Rock2+/− mice. As a model for age‐related vascular stiffening, we administered angiotensin II (500 ng/kg per minute) combined with nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L‐Nω‐nitroarginine methyl ester (0.5 g/L) for 4 weeks to 12‐week‐old male Rock1+/− and Rock2+/− mice. Similar to advancing age, angiotensin II/L‐Nω‐nitroarginine methyl ester caused increased blood pressure, aortic stiffening, and vascular remodeling, which were attenuated in Rock2+/−, and to a lesser extent, Rock1+/− mice. The reduction of aortic stiffening in Rock2+/− mice was accompanied by decreased collagen deposition, relatively preserved elastin content, and less aortic wall hypertrophy. Indeed, the upregulation of collagen I by transforming growth factor‐β1 or angiotensin II was greatly attenuated in Rock2−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Conclusions These findings indicate that ROCK1 and ROCK2 mediate both age‐related and pharmacologically induced aortic stiffening, and suggest that inhibition of ROCK2, and to a lesser extent ROCK1, may have therapeutic benefits in preventing age‐related vascular stiffening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Li
- Division of Cell Regeneration and Transplantation Department of Functional Morphology Nihon University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Haw-Chih Tai
- Section of Cardiology Department of Medicine University of Chicago IL
| | - Nikola Sladojevic
- Section of Cardiology Department of Medicine University of Chicago IL
| | - Hyung-Hwan Kim
- Neurovascular Laboratory Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston MA
| | - James K Liao
- Section of Cardiology Department of Medicine University of Chicago IL
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Wang W, Zhao T, Geng K, Yuan G, Chen Y, Xu Y. Smoking and the Pathophysiology of Peripheral Artery Disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:704106. [PMID: 34513948 PMCID: PMC8429807 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.704106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Smoking is one of the most important preventable factors causing peripheral artery disease (PAD). The purpose of this review is to comprehensively analyze and summarize the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of smoking in PAD based on existing clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies. Extensive searches and literature reviews have shown that a large amount of data exists on the pathological process underlying the effects of cigarette smoke and its components on PAD through various mechanisms. Cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) induce endothelial cell dysfunction, smooth muscle cell remodeling and macrophage phenotypic transformation through multiple molecular mechanisms. These pathological changes are the molecular basis for the occurrence and development of peripheral vascular diseases. With few discussions on the topic, we will summarize recent insights into the effect of smoking on regulating PAD through multiple pathways and its possible pathogenic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.,Department of General Surgery (Vascular Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Kang Geng
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Gang Yuan
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Youhua Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
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8
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Hashimoto H, Maruhashi T, Yamaji T, Harada T, Han Y, Takaeko Y, Kihara Y, Chayama K, Goto C, Aibara Y, Yusoff FM, Kishimoto S, Kajikawa M, Nakashima A, Higashi Y. Smoking status and endothelial function in Japanese men. Sci Rep 2021; 11:95. [PMID: 33420173 PMCID: PMC7794366 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80012-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
It is established that smoking is a major risk factor of atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction occurs in the initial step in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between smoking status and endothelial function in detail in men. We measured flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) in 2209 Japanese men including 1181 men who had never smoked and 1028 current smokers. All of the participants were divided into five groups by smoking pack-years: never smoker group (= 0), light smoker group (> 0 to 10), moderate smoker group (> 10 to 20), heavy smoker group (> 20 to 30) and excessive smoker group (> 30). FMD significantly decreased in relation to pack-years (6.6 ± 3.4% in the never smoker group, 6.8 ± 3.0% in the light smoker group, 6.5 ± 2.9% in the moderate smoker group, 5.9 ± 2.9% in the heavy smoker group, and 4.9 ± 2.7% in the excessive smoker group; P < 0.001). After adjustment for age (≥ 65 years), body mass index, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, and year of recruitment, FMD was significantly smaller in the excessive smoker group than in the never smoker group as a reference group (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.42 to 2.67; P < 0.001). These findings suggest that FMD decreases with an increase in the number of cigarettes smoked and that excessive smoking is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Cigarette smoking is harmful to vascular function in men who are heavy smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruki Hashimoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Maruhashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takayuki Yamaji
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takahiro Harada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yiming Han
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuji Takaeko
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yasuki Kihara
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Chikara Goto
- Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Aibara
- Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (RIRBM), Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Farina Mohamad Yusoff
- Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (RIRBM), Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Shinji Kishimoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (RIRBM), Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Masato Kajikawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (RIRBM), Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Ayumu Nakashima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yukihito Higashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (RIRBM), Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan. .,Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.
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Strassheim D, Gerasimovskaya E, Irwin D, Dempsey EC, Stenmark K, Karoor V. RhoGTPase in Vascular Disease. Cells 2019; 8:E551. [PMID: 31174369 PMCID: PMC6627336 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras-homologous (Rho)A/Rho-kinase pathway plays an essential role in many cellular functions, including contraction, motility, proliferation, and apoptosis, inflammation, and its excessive activity induces oxidative stress and promotes the development of cardiovascular diseases. Given its role in many physiological and pathological functions, targeting can result in adverse effects and limit its use for therapy. In this review, we have summarized the role of RhoGTPases with an emphasis on RhoA in vascular disease and its impact on endothelial, smooth muscle, and heart and lung fibroblasts. It is clear from the various studies that understanding the regulation of RhoGTPases and their regulators in physiology and pathological conditions is required for effective targeting of Rho.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Strassheim
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Lab, Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Evgenia Gerasimovskaya
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Lab, Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - David Irwin
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Lab, Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Edward C Dempsey
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Lab, Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
- Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
- Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Kurt Stenmark
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Lab, Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Vijaya Karoor
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Lab, Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
- Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Li Z, Sun B, Gu M, Wang M, Cheng X, Lv J, Cen S, Zhang S, Dai Z, Bai Y, Li S, Wang G, Weng Z, Shi Y, Zhang Z, Liu X. A GWAS-supported variant interacting with diabetes predicts risk of atherothrombotic stroke in Han Chinese population. Int J Neurosci 2018; 129:165-170. [PMID: 30149742 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2018.1508134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A recent genome-wide association study has identified that rs4376531 variant conferred risk of atherothrombotic stroke (AS) in a Japanese population. This study was to explore the association in Han Chinese population. METHODS A total of 1036 cases and 643 healthy controls were enrolled. We genotyped rs4376531 variant with SNPscan. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of genetic variation with risk of AS. Interaction analysis was examined by SNPStats web tool. RESULTS After adjusting for gender, age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes and smoking, compared with CC genotype, we observed that GC and GG/GC genotypes were associated with a significantly decreased risk of AS (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58-0.99 and OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58-0.98, respectively). The decreased risk was more obvious among subgroups with high BMI (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.45-0.88), no hypertension (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.46-0.94), diabetes (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.17-0.64), and smoking (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.44-0.95) in the dominant model (GG/GC vs CC). Interaction analysis also revealed that compared with non-diabetic patients with CC genotype, diabetic patients with CC genotype had a 4.48-fold (OR = 4.48; 95% CI = 2.98-6.72) increased risk of AS. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that GC and GG/GC of rs4376531 contributed to a decreased risk of AS while CC genotype, interacting with diabetes, increased the stroke risk in Han Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zibao Li
- a Department of Neurology , Jinling Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China.,b Department of Neurology , Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College , Wuhu , China
| | - Bo Sun
- c Department of Neurology , Huai'an First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University , Huai'an , China
| | - Mengmeng Gu
- a Department of Neurology , Jinling Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- d Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital , Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China
| | - Xi Cheng
- a Department of Neurology , Jinling Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Jia Lv
- b Department of Neurology , Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College , Wuhu , China
| | - Si Cen
- b Department of Neurology , Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College , Wuhu , China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- a Department of Neurology , Jinling Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Zhengze Dai
- a Department of Neurology , Jinling Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Yongjie Bai
- a Department of Neurology , Jinling Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Shun Li
- d Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital , Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China
| | - Guiling Wang
- e The Outpatient Department , Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China
| | - Zhiqiang Weng
- e The Outpatient Department , Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China
| | - Yonghui Shi
- f Department of Clinical Laboratory , Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China
| | - Zhizhong Zhang
- a Department of Neurology , Jinling Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China.,d Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital , Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China
| | - Xinfeng Liu
- a Department of Neurology , Jinling Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China.,d Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital , Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China
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11
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Higashi Y. Lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hypertrophy and vascular function: Role of the nitric oxide-phosphodiesterase type 5-cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate pathway. Int J Urol 2017; 24:412-424. [PMID: 28332240 DOI: 10.1111/iju.13336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that there is an association of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hypertrophy with cardiovascular disease, suggesting that lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hypertrophy is a risk factor for cardiovascular events. Vascular function, including endothelial function and vascular smooth muscle function, is involved in the pathogenesis, maintenance and development of atherosclerosis, leading to cardiovascular events. Vascular dysfunction per se should also contribute to lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hypertrophy. Both lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hypertrophy and vascular dysfunction have cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, aging, obesity and smoking. Inactivation of the phosphodiesterase type 5-cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate-nitric oxide pathway causes lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hypertrophy through an enhancement of sympathetic nervous activity, endothelial dysfunction, increase in Rho-associated kinase activity and vasoconstriction, and decrease in blood flow of pelvic viscera. Both endogenous nitric oxide and exogenous nitric oxide act as vasodilators on vascular smooth muscle cells through an increase in the content of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate, which is inactivated by phosphodiesterase type 5. In a clinical setting, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are widely used in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hypertrophy. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors might have beneficial effects on vascular function through not only inhibition of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate degradation, but also increases in testosterone levels and nitric oxide bioavailability, increase in the number and improvement of the function of endothelial progenitor cells, and decrease in insulin resistance. In the present review, the relationships between lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hypertrophy, the phosphodiesterase type 5-nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate pathway, vascular function and cardiovascular outcomes are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihito Higashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.,Divivsion of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
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12
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Weng CH, Gupta S, Geraghty P, Foronjy R, Pernis AB. Cigarette smoke inhibits ROCK2 activation in T cells and modulates IL-22 production. Mol Immunol 2016; 71:115-122. [PMID: 26882474 PMCID: PMC4797327 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2016.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Gene-environment interactions are known to play a key role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) is one of the strongest environmental risk factors associated with RA and has been shown to mediate a range of complex immunomodulatory effects from decreased T and B cell activation to depressed phagocytic function. The effects of CS on the function of TH17 cells, one of the key TH effector subsets implicated in RA pathogenesis, are not fully understood. IRF4 is one of the crucial transcription factors involved in TH-17 differentiation and is absolutely required for the production of IL-17 and IL-21 but, interestingly, inhibits the synthesis of IL-22. The production of IL-17 and IL-21 by IRF4 can be augmented by its phosphorylation by the serine-threonine kinase ROCK2. Given that CS has been reported to increase ROCK activity in endothelial cells, here we investigated the effects of CS on the ROCK2-IRF4 axis in T cells. Surprisingly, we found that CS leads to decreased ROCK2 activation and IRF4 phosphorylation in T cells. This effect was associated with increased IL-22 production. Using a GEF pull-down assay we furthermore identify ARHGEF1 as a key upstream regulator of ROCK2 whose activity in T cells is inhibited by CS. Thus CS can inhibit the ROCK2-IRF4 axis and modulate T cell production of IL-22.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Huan Weng
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Patrick Geraghty
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Robert Foronjy
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11203, USA.
| | - Alessandra B Pernis
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA; David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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13
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Hartmann S, Ridley AJ, Lutz S. The Function of Rho-Associated Kinases ROCK1 and ROCK2 in the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Disease. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:276. [PMID: 26635606 PMCID: PMC4653301 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases ROCK1 and ROCK2 are serine/threonine kinases that are downstream targets of the small GTPases RhoA, RhoB, and RhoC. ROCKs are involved in diverse cellular activities including actin cytoskeleton organization, cell adhesion and motility, proliferation and apoptosis, remodeling of the extracellular matrix and smooth muscle cell contraction. The role of ROCK1 and ROCK2 has long been considered to be similar; however, it is now clear that they do not always have the same functions. Moreover, depending on their subcellular localization, activation, and other environmental factors, ROCK signaling can have different effects on cellular function. With respect to the heart, findings in isoform-specific knockout mice argue for a role of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy, respectively. Increased ROCK activity could play a pivotal role in processes leading to cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, angina pectoris, vasospastic angina, heart failure, and stroke, and thus ROCK activity is a potential new biomarker for heart disease. Pharmacological ROCK inhibition reduces the enhanced ROCK activity in patients, accompanied with a measurable improvement in medical condition. In this review, we focus on recent findings regarding ROCK signaling in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, with a special focus on differences between ROCK1 and ROCK2 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Hartmann
- Institute of Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Göttingen, Germany
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Anne J. Ridley
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Susanne Lutz
- Institute of Pharmacology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Göttingen, Germany
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14
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Kajikawa M, Noma K, Nakashima A, Maruhashi T, Iwamoto Y, Matsumoto T, Iwamoto A, Oda N, Hidaka T, Kihara Y, Aibara Y, Chayama K, Sasaki S, Kato M, Dote K, Goto C, Liao JK, Higashi Y. Rho-associated kinase activity is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndrome. Hypertension 2015; 66:892-9. [PMID: 26283039 PMCID: PMC4989242 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.115.05587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases play an important role in a variety of cellular functions. Although Rho-associated kinase activity has been shown to be an independent predictor for future cardiovascular events in a general population, there is no information on Rho-associated kinase activity in patients with acute coronary syndrome. We evaluated leukocyte Rho-associated kinase activity by Western blot analysis in 73 patients with acute coronary syndrome and 73 age- and gender-matched control subjects. Rho-associated kinase activity within 2 hours of acute coronary syndrome onset was higher in patients with acute coronary syndrome than in the control subjects (0.95±0.55 versus 0.69±0.31; P<0.001). Rho-associated kinase activity promptly increased from 0.95±0.55 to 1.11±0.81 after 3 hours and reached a peak of 1.21±0.76 after 1 day (P=0.03 and P=0.03, respectively) and then gradually decreased to 0.83±0.52 after 7 days, 0.78±0.42 after 14 days, and 0.72±0.30 after 6 months (P=0.22, P=0.29, and P=0.12, respectively). During a median follow-up period of 50.8 months, 31 first major cardiovascular events (death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and coronary revascularization) occurred. After adjustment for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and concomitant treatment with statins, increased Rho-associated kinase activity was associated with increasing risk of first major cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 4.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.98–11.34; P<0.001). These findings suggest that Rho-associated kinase activity is dramatically changed after acute coronary syndrome and that Rho-associated kinase activity could be a useful biomarker to predict cardiovascular events in Japanese patients with acute coronary syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Kajikawa
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Kensuke Noma
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Ayumu Nakashima
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Tatsuya Maruhashi
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Yumiko Iwamoto
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Takeshi Matsumoto
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Akimichi Iwamoto
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Nozomu Oda
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Takayuki Hidaka
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Yasuki Kihara
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Yoshiki Aibara
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Shota Sasaki
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Masaya Kato
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Keigo Dote
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Chikara Goto
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - James K Liao
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Yukihito Higashi
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.).
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15
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Exogenous nitric oxide inhibits Rho-associated kinase activity in patients with angina pectoris: a randomized controlled trial. Hypertens Res 2015; 38:485-90. [PMID: 25740292 DOI: 10.1038/hr.2015.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) pathway has a key physiological role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Increased ROCK activity is associated with cardiovascular diseases. Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) has an anti-atherosclerotic effect, whereas the exogenous NO-mediated cardiovascular effect still remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous NO on ROCK activity in patients with angina pectoris. This is a prospective, open-label, randomized, controlled study. A total of 30 patients with angina pectoris were randomly assigned to receive 40 mg day(-1) of isosorbide mononitrate (n=15, 12 men and 3 women, mean age of 63±12 years, isosorbide mononitrate group) or conventional treatment (n=15, 13 men and 2 women, mean age of 64±13 years, control group) for 12 weeks. ROCK activity in peripheral leukocytes was measured by western blot analysis. ROCK activities at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment were decreased in the isosorbide mononitrate group (0.82±0.33 at 0 week, 0.62±0.20 at 4 weeks, 0.61±0.19 at 12 weeks, n=15 in each group, P<0.05, respectively) but not altered in the control group. ROCK1 and ROCK2 expression levels were similar in all treatment periods in the two groups. These findings suggest that the administration of exogenous NO can inhibit ROCK activity, indicating that the usage of exogenous NO could have a protective effect in patients with angina pectoris.
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16
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Abstract
Small GTPases are key signal transducers from extracellular stimuli to the nucleus that regulate a variety of cellular responses, including changes in gene expression and cell adhesion and migration. Accumulating data have demonstrated that abnormal activation of these small GTPases plays a critical role in the atherosclerosis characterized by vascular abnormalities, especially endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Here, we discuss the linkage between small GTPases, inflammation, and atherogenesis. First, small GTPases affect gene expression of inflammatory cytokines through proinflammatory signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, interlukin-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Then, these molecules regulate the vascular inflammation through cell adhesion and migration. In turn, small GTPases are also regulated by extracellular stimuli, such as L-selectin, thrombin, oxidized phospholipids, and interleukins. Thus, these inflammatory cytokines generate a vicious cycle for small GTPases and inflammatory responses in the atherogenesis.
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17
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Morita S, Mizuno Y, Harada E, Nakagawa H, Morikawa Y, Saito Y, Katoh D, Kashiwagi Y, Yoshimura M, Murohara T, Yasue H. Differences and interactions between risk factors for coronary spasm and atherosclerosis--smoking, aging, inflammation, and blood pressure. Intern Med 2014; 53:2663-70. [PMID: 25447646 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.53.2705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Coronary spasm as well as atherosclerosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease. However, the relationship between coronary spasm and atherosclerosis is not well known. The purpose of the present study was to examine the differences and interactions between risk factors for coronary spasm and atherosclerosis and thereby explore the pathogenesis of coronary spasm. Methods The study subjects consisted of 938 patients with chest discomfort (522 men and 416 women, mean age 65.2±11.0) who underwent intracoronary-acetylcholine provocation tests for coronary spasm. Coronary risk factors, including age, gender, body mass index, blood pressure, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), white blood cells, glucose, lipid profiles, and other laboratory chemistries were examined. Results Four hundred and ninety-six patients (315 men and 181 women, mean age: 65.1±11.4) were diagnosed with coronary spastic angina (CSA), while the remaining 442 patients (207 men and 235 women, mean age: 65.3±10.7) were diagnosed with non-CSA. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed men, smoking, hsCRP, and low diastolic blood pressure (DBP) to be predictors (p=0.001, p=0.009, p=0.034, and p=0.041, respectively) for CSA, while age, diabetes mellitus, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, systolic blood pressure (SBP), uric acid and male gender were found to be predictors (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.002, p=0.006 and p=0.029, respectively) for atherosclerosis. Conclusion Predictors for coronary spasm were smoking, hsCRP and low DBP, whereas those for atherosclerosis were age, diabetes mellitus, high SBP, and uric acid in that order. These findings suggest that the pathogenesis of coronary spasm differs from that of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumio Morita
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kumamoto Kinoh Hospital, Kumamoto Aging Research Institute, Japan
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Kajikawa M, Noma K, Maruhashi T, Mikami S, Iwamoto Y, Iwamoto A, Matsumoto T, Hidaka T, Kihara Y, Chayama K, Nakashima A, Goto C, Liao JK, Higashi Y. Rho-associated kinase activity is a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. Hypertension 2013; 63:856-64. [PMID: 24379190 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.113.02296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are associated with chronic activation of Rho-associated kinase. Rho-associated kinase activity is significantly correlated with endothelial function and Framingham risk score. However, there is no information on the prognostic value of Rho-associated kinase activity. We evaluated Rho-associated kinase activity in peripheral leukocytes by Western blot analysis in 633 subjects who underwent health-screening examination at Hiroshima University Hospital. We assessed the associations between Rho-associated kinase activity and first major cardiovascular events (death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, and stroke), death from cardiovascular causes, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting), and hospitalization for heart failure. During a median period of 42.0 months (interquartile range, 24.4-56.6 months) of follow-up, 29 subjects died (10 from cardiovascular causes), 2 myocardial infarction, 20 revascularization, 15 stroke, and 17 hospitalization for heart failure. After adjustment for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and other relevant variables, Rho-associated kinase activity remained a strong independent indicator of first major cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 2.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-3.70; P=0.002), death from cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio, 2.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-6.60; P=0.002), stroke (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-3.86; P=0.006), and revascularization (hazard ratio, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-4.66; P<0.001). Leukocyte Rho-associated kinase activity may be a new biomarker of cardiovascular events. These findings suggest that inhibition of Rho-associated kinase activity may be a therapeutic target for prevention of cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Kajikawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan.
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Bei Y, Duong-Quy S, Hua-Huy T, Dao P, Le-Dong NN, Dinh-Xuan AT. Activation of RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway accounts for pulmonary endothelial dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Physiol Rep 2013; 1:e00105. [PMID: 24303177 PMCID: PMC3841041 DOI: 10.1002/phy2.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that activation of RhoA/Rho-kinase accounts for systemic and pulmonary endothelial dysfunction in smokers with normal lung function. However, its role in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regulation of RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway and pulmonary endothelial dysfunction in patients with COPD. Pulmonary arteries were obtained from nonsmokers (control subjects) and patients with nonhypoxemic and hypoxemic COPD (n = 6–7/group). Endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxations were evaluated by acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, respectively. Gene and protein expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were measured by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Nitrate, cGMP, and endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations, as well as Rho-kinase activity were measured by ELISA. Protein expressions of total RhoA and GTP-RhoA were measured by Western blot and pull-down assay, respectively. Endothelium-dependent relaxation, and nitrate and cGMP levels were significantly reduced in pulmonary arteries of COPD patients as compared with control subjects. Conversely, activity of RhoA/Rho-kinase was increased in pulmonary arteries of COPD patients as compared with control subjects. In patients with COPD, pulmonary endothelial dysfunction was related to the downregulation of eNOS activity and upregulation of RhoA/Rho-kinase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihua Bei
- Medical School, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Physiologie, Paris Descartes University EA 2511, Hôpital Cochin, 27 Rue du faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014, Paris, France ; Clinical and Translational Research Center, Tongji University School of Medicine and Shanghai East Hospital 150 Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
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Peebles KC, Horsman H, Tzeng YC. The influence of tobacco smoking on the relationship between pressure and flow in the middle cerebral artery in humans. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72624. [PMID: 23977332 PMCID: PMC3744580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of stroke but the mechanism is unclear. The study examined whether acute and chronic cigarette smoking alters the dynamic relationship between blood pressure and cerebral blood flow. We hypothesised that acute and chronic smoking would result in a cerebral circulation that was less capable of buffering against dynamic fluctuations in blood pressure. Further, these changes would be accompanied by a reduction in baroreflex sensitivity, which is reduced after smoking (acute smoking). Methods We recruited 17 non-smokers and 15 habitual smokers (13 ± 5 pack years). Continuous measurements of mean cerebral blood flow velocity (transcranial Doppler ultrasound), blood pressure (finger photoplethysmography) and heart rate enabled transfer function analysis of the dynamic relationship between pressure and flow (gain, normalised gain, phase and coherence) and baroreflex sensitivity during supine rest before and after smoking a single cigarette (acute smoking). Results There were no between-group differences in gain, phase or coherence before acute smoking. However, both groups showed a reduction in gain and coherence, associated with a reduction in baroreflex sensitivity, and increase in phase after acute smoking. Conclusions Contrary to our hypothesis, these findings suggest that in the face of a reduction in baroreflex sensitivity acute smoking may potentially improve the ability of the cerebral circulation to buffer against changes in blood pressure. However, chronic smoking did not alter the dynamic relationship between blood pressure and cerebral blood flow velocity. These results have implications on understanding mechanisms for attenuating stroke risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen C. Peebles
- Cardiovascular Systems Laboratory, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Helen Horsman
- Cardiovascular Systems Laboratory, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Yu-Chieh Tzeng
- Cardiovascular Systems Laboratory, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
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Venkatasubramanian S, Noh RM, Daga S, Langrish JP, Joshi NV, Mills NL, Hoffmann E, Jacobson EW, Vlasuk GP, Waterhouse BR, Lang NN, Newby DE. Cardiovascular effects of a novel SIRT1 activator, SRT2104, in otherwise healthy cigarette smokers. J Am Heart Assoc 2013; 2:e000042. [PMID: 23770971 PMCID: PMC3698759 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.113.000042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined the effect of the oral SIRT1 activator SRT2104 on cardiovascular function in otherwise healthy cigarette smokers. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-four otherwise healthy cigarette smokers participated in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial and received 28 days of oral SRT2104 (2.0 g/day) or matched placebo. Plasma SRT2104 concentrations, serum lipid profile, plasma fibrinolytic factors, and markers of platelet and monocyte activation were measured at baseline and at the end of each treatment period together with an assessment of forearm blood flow during intra-arterial bradykinin, acetylcholine, and sodium nitroprusside infusions. Three hours postdose, mean plasma SRT2104 concentration was 1328 ± 748 ng/mL after 28 days of active treatment. Compared with placebo, serum lipid profile improved during SRT2104 administration, with reductions in serum total cholesterol (-11.6 ± 20 versus 6 ± 21 mg/dL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-10 ± 17 versus 3 ± 21 mg/dL), and triglyceride (-39.8 ± 77 versus 13.3 ± 57 mg/dL) concentrations (P<0.05 for all). All vasodilators produced a dose-dependent increase in blood flow (P<0.0001) that was similar during each treatment period (P>0.05 for all). No significant differences in fibrinolytic or blood flow parameters were observed between placebo and SRT2014. CONCLUSIONS SRT2104 appears to be safe and well tolerated and associated with an improved lipid profile without demonstrable differences in vascular or platelet function in otherwise healthy cigarette smokers. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01031108.
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Dong M, Jiang X, Liao JK, Yan BP. Elevated rho-kinase activity as a marker indicating atherosclerosis and inflammation burden in polyvascular disease patients with concomitant coronary and peripheral arterial disease. Clin Cardiol 2013; 36:347-51. [PMID: 23553913 DOI: 10.1002/clc.22118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that Rho-kinase (ROCK) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and a marker of atherosclerotic burden. Polyvascular disease with concomitant peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) is common and associated with a worse prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate ROCK activity as a marker of polyvascular disease. HYPOTHESIS METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing coronary angiography at our institution between February 2009 and May 2009. Patients with only CAD (n = 40) defined by coronary artery stenosis of ≥50% by angiography, only PAD (n = 40) defined by an ankle brachial index (ABI) <0.9, and combined CAD/PAD (n = 40) were matched by age and sex to control patients (n = 40) without CAD or PAD. ROCK activity was determined by phosphorylation of the myosin binding subunit in leukocytes and then compared between each group. Multivariate analysis was used to determine independent predictors of polyvascular disease. Discriminative ability of elevated ROCK activity was assessed using receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves. RESULTS Patients (age 68 ± 12 years, 79% male) with CAD, PAD, and CAD/PAD had a mean ABI of 1.08, 0.62, and 0.65, respectively, compared to 1.08 in the control group. There was an incremental increase in ROCK activity in patients with CAD (4.61 ± 2.11), PAD (4.27 ± 1.39), and CAD/PAD (5.96 ± 1.94) compared to control (2.40 ± 0.43) (all P < 0.05). ROCK activity (odds ratio: 4.53, 95% confidence interval: 1.26-6.30) was an independent predictor of polyvascular disease. The ROCK cutoff value of 4.85 had a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of 65.7%, with an area under ROC curve of 0.71 for polyvascular disease. CONCLUSIONS Patients with concomitant peripheral and coronary arterial disease are associated with increased Rho-kinase activity. Rho-kinase activity may be a potential marker of atherosclerotic burden for patients with polyvascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Dong
- Division of blood and circulation, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Fujii N, Reinke MC, Brunt VE, Minson CT. Impaired acetylcholine-induced cutaneous vasodilation in young smokers: roles of nitric oxide and prostanoids. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2013; 304:H667-73. [PMID: 23316063 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00731.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking attenuates acetylcholine (ACh)-induced cutaneous vasodilation in humans, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that smokers have impaired nitric oxide (NO)- and cyclooxygenase (COX)-dependent cutaneous vasodilation to ACh infusion. Twelve young smokers, who have smoked more than 5.2 ± 0.7 yr with an average daily consumption of 11.4 ± 1.2 cigarettes, and 12 nonsmokers were tested. Age, body mass index, and resting mean arterial pressure were similar between the groups. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was evaluated as laser-Doppler flux divided by mean arterial pressure, normalized to maximal CVC (local heating to 43.0°C plus sodium nitroprusside administration). We evaluated the increase in CVC from baseline to peak (CVCΔpeak) and area under the curve of CVC (CVCAUC) during a bolus infusion (1 min) of 137.5 μM ACh at four intradermal microdialysis sites: 1) Ringer (control), 2) 10 mM N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; NO synthase inhibitor), 3) 10 mM ketorolac (COX inhibitor), and 4) combination of l-NAME + ketorolac. CVCΔpeak and CVCAUC at the Ringer site in nonsmokers were greater than in smokers (CVCΔpeak, 42.9 ± 5.1 vs. 22.3 ± 3.5%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 8,085 ± 1,055 vs. 3,145 ± 539%max·s, P < 0.05). In nonsmokers, CVCΔpeak and CVCAUC at the l-NAME site were lower than the Ringer site (CVCΔpeak, 29.5 ± 6.2%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 5,377 ± 1,109%max·s, P < 0.05), but in smokers, there were no differences between the Ringer and l-NAME sites (CVCΔpeak, 16.8 ± 4.3%max, P = 0.11; and CVCAUC, 2,679 ± 785%max·s, P = 0.30). CVCΔpeak and CVCAUC were reduced with ketorolac in nonsmokers (CVCΔpeak, 13.3 ± 3.6%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 1,967 ± 527%max·s, P < 0.05) and smokers (CVCΔpeak, 7.8 ± 1.8%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 1,246 ± 305%max·s, P < 0.05) and at the combination site in nonsmokers (CVCΔpeak, 15.9 ± 3.1%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 2,660 ± 512%max·s, P < 0.05) and smokers (CVCΔpeak, 11.5 ± 2.6%max, P < 0.05; and CVCAUC, 1,693 ± 409%max·s, P < 0.05), but the magnitudes were greater in nonsmokers (P < 0.05). These results suggest that impaired ACh-induced skin vasodilation in young smokers is related to diminished NO- and COX-dependent vasodilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Fujii
- The University of Oregon, Department of Human Physiology, Eugene, OR 97403-1240, USA
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Abstract
Cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor in many diseases, including various kinds of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Many studies have also reported the unfavorable effects of smoking for diabetes mellitus. Smoking increases the risk of developing diabetes, and aggravates the micro- and macro-vascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Smoking is associated with insulin resistance, inflammation and dyslipidemia, but the exact mechanisms through which smoking influences diabetes mellitus are not clear. However, smoking cessation is one of the important targets for diabetes control and the prevention diabetic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Ah Chang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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A combination of increased Rho kinase activity and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide predicts worse cardiovascular outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Int J Cardiol 2012; 167:2813-9. [PMID: 22921817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Revised: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent experimental evidence suggests that the Rho/Rho-kinase (ROCK) system may play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) but there are little clinical data. This study examined if ROCK activity is increased in patients with acute coronary syndrome and if ROCK activity predicts long-term cardiovascular event. METHOD Blood samples were collected from 188 patients within 12h after admission for ACS (53% men; aged 70 ± 13) and from 61 control subject. The main outcome measures were all cause mortality, readmission with ACS or congestive heart failure (CHF) from presentation within around 2 years (mean:14.4 ± 7.2 months; range: 0.5 to 26 months). RESULTS ROCK activity increased in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, n=90) (3.33 ± 0.93), non-STEMI (NSTEMI, n=68) (3.37 ± 1.04) and unstable angina (UA, n=30) (2.53 ± 0.59) groups when compared with disease controls (n=31) (2.06 ± 0.38, all p<0.001) and healthy controls (n=30) (1.54 ± 0.43, all p<0.001). There were 24 deaths, 34 readmissions with ACS and 15 admissions with CHF within 2 years. Patients with a high N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high ROCK activity on admission had a five-fold risk of a cardiovascular event (RR: 5.156; 95% CI: 2.180-12.191) when compared to those with low NT-proBNP and low ROCK activity. CONCLUSION ROCK activity was increased in patients with ACS, particularly in those with myocardial infarction. The combined usage of both ROCK activity and NT-proBNP might identify a subset of ACS patients at particularly high risk.
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The Rho kinase inhibitor SAR407899 potently inhibits endothelin-1-induced constriction of renal resistance arteries. J Hypertens 2012; 30:980-9. [PMID: 22388233 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e328351d459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increased renal vascular resistance contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension. The new Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor SAR407899 more potently lowers arterial pressure than the commercially available ROCK inhibitor Y27623. We tested whether ROCK inhibition more effectively reduced agonist-induced vasoconstriction in renal than in nonrenal resistance arteries and if SAR407899 more potently inhibits agonist-induced vasoconstriction than Y27632. METHODS The effects of the ROCK inhibitors on endothelin-1 (ET-1) induced vasoconstriction were investigated in isolated renal and coronary arteries from lean, normotensive Dark Agouti and obese, type 2 diabetic Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats as well as in isolated human resistance arteries from the kidney and thymus. Vascular ROCK mRNA abundance was studied by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). RESULTS ET-1-induced constriction depended more on ROCK in rat and human renal resistance arteries than in rat coronary or human thymic arteries, respectively. SAR407899 was more effective than Y27632 in reducing ET-1-induced vasoconstriction in ZDF rat renal resistance arteries. Maximum ET-1-induced vasoconstriction in SAR407899-treated and Y27632-treated human renal resistance arteries was 23 ± 5 and 48 ± 6% of control values, respectively. Transcripts of both ROCK isoforms were detected in rat and human renal resistance arteries. In human thymic arteries, only the ROCK2 transcript was found. CONCLUSION ET-1-induced vasoconstriction is more ROCK-dependent in renal than in nonrenal resistance arteries. SAR407899 causes a greater inhibition of ET-1-induced vasoconstriction in renal resistance arteries from ZDF rats and patients than Y27632. The greater efficacy in renal vessels may contribute to the higher antihypertensive potency of SAR407899 compared with Y27632.
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Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinases (ROCKs), the downstream target proteins of RhoA, are ubiquitously expressed serine-threonine protein kinases. ROCKs have diverse cellular functions, e.g. smooth muscle contraction, actin cytoskeleton organization, cell adhesion, and gene expression. Accumulating evidence has revealed that ROCKs are substantially involved in cardiovascular disorders such as angina, cerebral ischemia, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac hypertrophy. So far, the significant relationship of ROCKs with endothelial function has been reported. ROCKs inhibition by statins or other selective inhibitors leads to the upregulation and activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, resulting in the reduction of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Meanwhile, it has been also demonstrated that endogenous nitric oxide could inhibit RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Taken together, there might be critical crosstalk of ROCKs with endothelial function. In addition, we further focus on leukocyte ROCK activity as a surrogate marker in patients with atherosclerosis-related diseases. Indeed, leukocyte ROCK activity has been shown to be increased in atherosclerotic patients, indicating the possible usage of leukocyte ROCK activity as a surrogate marker similar to endothelial function evaluated by flow-mediated dilation. Here, we review concerning ROCK signaling pathway, especially focusing on the crosstalk of ROCKs with endothelial function.
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Dong M, Liao JK, Fang F, Lee APW, Yan BPY, Liu M, Yu CM. Increased Rho kinase activity in congestive heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail 2012; 14:965-73. [PMID: 22588320 DOI: 10.1093/eurjhf/hfs068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Rho kinases (ROCKs) are the best characterized effectors of the small G-protein RhoA, and play a role in enhanced vasoconstriction in animal models of congestive heart failure (CHF). This study examined if ROCK activity is increased in CHF and how it is associated with the outcome in CHF. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients admitted with CHF (n =178), disease controls (n =31), and normal subjects (n =30) were studied. Baseline ROCK activity was measured by phosphorylation of themyosin-binding subunit in peripheral leucocytes. The patients were followed up for 14.4 ± 7.2 months (range 0.5-26 months) or until the occurrence of cardiac death. The ROCK activity in CHF patients (2.93 ± 0.87) was significantly higher than that of the disease control (2.06 ± 0.38, P < 0.001) and normal control (1.57 ± 0.43, P < 0.001) groups. Similarly, protein levels of ROCK1 and ROCK2 as well as the activity of RhoA in CHF were significantly higher than in disease controls and normal controls (all P < 0.05). Dyspnoea at rest (β =0.338, P < 0.001), low left ventricular ejection fraction (β = -0.277, P < 0.001), and high creatinine (β =0.202, P =0.006) were independent predictors of the baseline ROCK activity in CHF. Forty-five patients died within 2 years follow-up (25.3%). Combining ROCK activity and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) had an incremental value (log rank χ(2) =11.62) in predicting long-term mortality when compared with only NT-proBNP (log rank χ(2) =5.16, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION ROCK activity is increased in CHF and it might be associated with the mortality in CHF. ROCK activity might be a complementary biomarker to CHF risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Dong
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
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Ragia G, Nikolaidis E, Tavridou A, Arvanitidis KI, Kanoni S, Dedoussis GV, Bougioukas G, Manolopoulos VG. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms -786T > C and 894G > T in coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients. Hum Genomics 2011; 4:375-83. [PMID: 20846926 PMCID: PMC3525225 DOI: 10.1186/1479-7364-4-6-375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene (-786T >C and 894G >T) enhance endo-thelial dysfunction and have been studied in relation to coronary artery disease (CAD). In the present study, we examined the association of the above polymorphisms with CAD, as well as with myocardial infarction (MI), hypertension, diabetes and smoking in CAD patients. Study subjects consisted of 154 consecutive coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients and 155 non-CAD controls. eNOS -786T >C and 894G >T polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The estimated frequencies of the -786C and 894T alleles did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.46 and p = 0.84, respectively). The prevalence of eNOS polymorphisms was not associated with MI, hypertension or diabetes in CABG patients; however, we found that the 894TT genotype and 894T allele were significantly more frequent in current/past smoker CABG patients (16.7 per cent and 39.6 per cent, respectively) compared with never smoker CABG patients (6.1 per cent and 24.4 per cent, respectively) (p = 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). We found no association of eNOS -786C and 894T variant alleles with CAD; however, within CABG patients, a gene-environment interaction was found between the eNOS 894T allele and smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Ragia
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Hata T, Goto C, Soga J, Hidaka T, Fujii Y, Idei N, Fujimura N, Maruhashi T, Mikami S, Kihara Y, Chayama K, Noma K, Liao JK, Higashi Y. Measurement of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) activity in humans: validity of leukocyte p-MBS/t-MBS in comparison with vascular response to fasudil. Atherosclerosis 2010; 214:117-21. [PMID: 21035804 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Revised: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/04/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. It is clinically important to estimate the degree of ROCK activity in humans. The purpose of this study was to confirm the validity of a leukocyte ROCK parameter as an index of ROCK activity in comparison with vascular response to a ROCK inhibitor. METHODS AND RESULTS We evaluated the ratio of phospho myosin-binding subunit (p-MBS) on myosin light-chain phosphatase to total MBS in peripheral leukocytes by Western blot analysis and forearm blood flow (FBF) response to the ROCK inhibitor fasudil using strain-gauge plethysmography in 36 healthy subjects and 39 patients with cardiovascular diseases. Fasudil (3, 10, 30μg/min) was infused intra-arterially for 5min at each dose. Leukocyte p-MBS/total-MBS was higher in cardiovascular diseases than in healthy subjects (0.97±0.37 vs. 0.51±0.14; P=0.002). Fasudil increased FBF from 4.9±1.2 to 14.5±5.7mL/min/100mL tissue (P<0.0001) in patients with cardiovascular diseases, while fasudil did not alter FBF in healthy subjects. There was a significant relationship between leukocyte p-MBS/total-MBS and maximal FBF response to fasudil in all subjects (r=0.72, P<0.0001). There was also a significant correlation between p-MBS/total-MBS and maximal FBF response to fasudil in patients with cardiovascular diseases (r=0.59, P<0.0001). In healthy subjects, there was no significant correlation between the two parameters. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that assessment of leukocyte ROCK activity is minimally invasive and does not require pharmacologic intervention using ROCK inhibitors. Leukocyte p-MBS/total-MBS may be useful for evaluating ROCK activity in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaki Hata
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Rodella LF, Favero G, Rossini C, Foglio E, Reiter RJ, Rezzani R. Endothelin-1 as a potential marker of melatonin's therapeutic effects in smoking-induced vasculopathy. Life Sci 2010; 87:558-64. [PMID: 20854829 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2010.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Revised: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 09/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Smoking is a significant independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Among the chemicals present in the cigarette smoke, nicotine is responsible for much of the damage; it induces marked vessel morphological dysfunction and vasoconstriction. Unfortunately, pharmacological or behavioural treatment is not useful against cigarette smoking. The purpose of this study is to test, in experimental conditions, the therapeutic ability of exogenous melatonin administered after smoking-induced vasculopathy and to evaluate the targets of its effects. MAIN METHODS Nicotine was orally administered for 28 days. Thereafter, the rats were orally treated with melatonin for another 28 days. Vessel damage, an important vasoconstrictor peptide (endothelin-1) and the oxidative stress markers were analysed. KEY FINDINGS Nicotine treatment induced marked endothelial damage and an obvious vasoconstriction in the aorta as evaluated by an increased endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression. These alterations were correlated with a reduction of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and with increases of heat shock protein (Hsp70) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activities. Melatonin not only improved the impairment of endothelial-dependent relaxation, but also induced the increase of eNOS and SOD and the reduction of iNOS and Hsp70. SIGNIFICANCE The findings indicate that nicotine is associated with an elevated synthesis of the vasoconstrictor peptide (ET-1); it also induces a reduction of nitric oxide-mediated vasodilatation (eNOS) and promotes oxidative stress in the vessel wall. We propose that melatonin should be considered as a therapeutic intervention for smokers since it reduces vasoconstriction and oxidative stress and improves endothelial physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Fabrizio Rodella
- Department of Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
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Müller-Schweinitzer E, Müller SE, Reineke DC, Kern T, Carrel TP, Eckstein FS, Grapow MTR. Reactive oxygen species mediate functional differences in human radial and internal thoracic arteries from smokers. J Vasc Surg 2009; 51:438-44. [PMID: 20036100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2009.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Revised: 09/22/2009] [Accepted: 09/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Smoking not only increases the risk that coronary heart disease will develop but also morbidity and mortality in patients with known coronary atherosclerosis and after coronary artery bypass grafting. Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated as the final common pathway for the development of endothelial dysfunction in various cardiovascular risk factors. This study assessed the influence of smoking on two different human arteries routinely used as coronary artery bypass graft conduits. METHODS Isometric tension was recorded on discarded segments of human left internal thoracic artery (ITA) and the radial artery (RA) from smokers and nonsmokers. RESULTS The contractile response to endothelin-1 was significantly stronger in arteries from smokers than in those from nonsmokers. By contrast, endothelium-dependent relaxant responses to acetylcholine were attenuated in RA rings but enhanced in ITA rings from smokers. In additional experiments, 5-(&6)-chloromethyl-2'-7'-dichlorodihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCDHF) was used to photochemically detect ROS by confocal imaging of intact ITA and RA. Enhanced production of ROS was induced by exposure of tissues to 28 degrees C. While during exposure to 28 degrees C, basal fluorescence emission was unchanged in ITA rings, it increased significantly in RA rings, indicating enhanced formation of ROS in this peripheral artery. CONCLUSIONS Data suggest that smoking induces endothelial dysfunction by increasing vascular ROS production. Different levels of endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and the degree of atherosclerotic changes might modulate physiologic and pharmacologic vasoreactivity and be responsible for decreased graft patency of RA compared with ITA conduits, especially in active smokers.
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Zhou Q, Liao JK. Rho kinase: an important mediator of atherosclerosis and vascular disease. Curr Pharm Des 2009; 15:3108-15. [PMID: 19754385 DOI: 10.2174/138161209789057986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a complex inflammatory process characterized by the cross-talk between excessive inflammation and lipid accumulation. In the past few years, compelling evidence suggests that statins can decrease vascular inflammation and attenuate the development of atherosclerosis through their so-called "pleiotropic effects". These cholesterol-independent effects are predominantly due to their ability to inhibit isoprenoid synthesis. In particular, inhibition of geranylgeranylpyrophosphate synthesis leads to inhibition of Rho and its downstream target, Rho-kinase (ROCK). Thus, one of the beneficial effects of statin therapy could be due to inhibitory effects on ROCK. ROCK is involved in mediating diverse cellular functions such as smooth muscle contraction, cell migration and proliferation. While increased ROCK activity is associated with endothelial dysfunction, cerebral ischemia, coronary vasospasms and metabolic syndrome, the inhibition of ROCK by statins or selective ROCK inhibitors leads to up-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), decreased vascular inflammation, and reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation. This review will focus on the impact of ROCK in cardiovascular disease and its contributory role to vascular inflammation and the atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhou
- Vascular Medicine Research Unit, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Richens TR, Linderman DJ, Horstmann SA, Lambert C, Xiao YQ, Keith RL, Boé DM, Morimoto K, Bowler RP, Day BJ, Janssen WJ, Henson PM, Vandivier RW. Cigarette smoke impairs clearance of apoptotic cells through oxidant-dependent activation of RhoA. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009; 179:1011-21. [PMID: 19264974 PMCID: PMC2689911 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200807-1148oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2008] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Cigarette smoke (CS) is the primary cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an effect that is, in part, due to intense oxidant stress. Clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) is a critical regulator of lung homeostasis, which is defective in smokers and in patients with COPD, suggesting a role in disease pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that CS would impair efferocytosis through oxidant-dependent activation of RhoA, a known inhibitor of this process. METHODS We investigated the effect of CS on efferocytosis in vivo and ex vivo, using acute, subacute, and long-term mouse exposure models. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Acute and subacute CS exposure suppressed efferocytosis by alveolar macrophages in a dose-dependent, reversible, and cell type-independent manner, whereas more intense CS exposure had an irreversible effect. In contrast, CS did not alter ingestion through the Fc gamma receptor. The inhibitory effect of CS on apoptotic cell clearance depended on oxidants, because the effect was blunted in oxidant-resistant ICR mice, and was prevented by either genetic or pharmacologic antioxidant strategies in vivo and ex vivo. CS inhibited efferocytosis through oxidant-dependent activation of the RhoA-Rho kinase pathway because (1) CS activated RhoA, (2) antioxidants prevented RhoA activation by CS, and (3) inhibitors of the RhoA-Rho kinase pathway reversed the suppressive effect of CS on apoptotic cell clearance in vivo and ex vivo. CONCLUSIONS These findings advance the hypothesis that impaired efferocytosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD and suggest the therapeutic potential of drugs targeting the RhoA-Rho kinase pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R Richens
- University of Colorado Denver, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Center, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Higashi Y, Goto C, Hidaka T, Soga J, Nakamura S, Fujii Y, Hata T, Idei N, Fujimura N, Chayama K, Kihara Y, Taguchi A. Oral infection-inflammatory pathway, periodontitis, is a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis 2009; 206:604-10. [PMID: 19410250 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2009] [Revised: 03/04/2009] [Accepted: 03/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several studies have shown that periodontitis is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. There is an association between inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who had periodontitis. METHODS AND RESULTS We evaluated forearm blood flow (FBF) responses to acetylcholine (ACh), an endothelium-dependent vasodilator, and to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an endothelium-independent vasodilator, in 101 CAD patients with periodontitis (37 men and 11 women, 63+/-12 yr) and without periodontitis (36 men and 17 women, 62+/-13 yr). FBF was measured by using strain-gauge plethysmography. Circulating levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were significantly higher in the periodontitis group than in the non-periodontitis group. FBF response to ACh was significantly smaller in the periodontitis group than in the non-periodontitis group. SNP-stimulated vasodilation was similar in the two groups. Periodontal therapy reduced serum concentrations of C-reactive protein from 2.7+/-1.9 to 1.8+/-0.9mg/L (P<0.05) and interleukin-6 from 2.6+/-3.4 to 1.6+/-2.6ng/L (P<0.05) and augmented ACh-induced vasodilation from 14.7+/-5.2 to 20.1+/-6.1mL/(min100mL) tissue (P<0.05) in patients with periodontitis. The SNP-stimulated vasodilation was similar before and after treatment. After administration of N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, FBF response to ACh was similar before and after treatment. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that periodontitis is associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with CAD through a decrease in nitric oxide bioavailability. Systemic inflammation may be, at least in part, a cause and predictor of progression of endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukihito Higashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan.
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Sumiyoshi K, Mokuno H, Iesaki T, Shimada K, Miyazaki T, Kume A, Kiyanagi T, Kuremoto K, Watanabe Y, Tada N, Daida H. Deletion of the Fc receptors chain preserves endothelial function affected by hypercholesterolaemia in mice fed on a high-fat diet. Cardiovasc Res 2008; 80:463-70. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvn206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Antoniades C, Tousoulis D, Stefanadis C. Smoking in Asians: it doesn't stop at vascular endothelium. Int J Cardiol 2008; 128:151-3. [PMID: 18485503 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.12.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2007] [Accepted: 12/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Smoking is a global risk factor for atherosclerosis, affecting societies all over the world. Smoking exerts its pro-atherogenic effects by triggering the generation of free radicals and by modifying vascular redox signaling. These abnormal vascular responses to cigarette smoking result into impaired endothelial function, decreased nitric oxide bioavailability, increased intima media thickness and finally atherosclerotic plaque formation in human arteries. Importantly, evidence suggests that cigarette smoking may have an effect on vascular smooth muscle cells function, leading to impaired endothelium-independent dilation in response to nitrate, in the brachial artery of healthy smokers. Taken together, it is now well established that smoking induces functional and structural abnormalities in the vascular wall, by mechanisms involving endothelial dysfunction and impairment of vascular smooth muscle cells in human arterial tree.
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de Ferranti S, Mozaffarian D. The perfect storm: obesity, adipocyte dysfunction, and metabolic consequences. Clin Chem 2008; 54:945-55. [PMID: 18436717 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2007.100156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 477] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the prevalence of adiposity soars in both developed and developing nations, appreciation of the close links between obesity and disease increases. The strong relationships between excess adipose tissue and poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, mandate elucidation of the complex cellular, hormonal, and molecular pathophysiology whereby adiposity initiates and maintains adverse health effects. CONTENT In this report we review adipocyte metabolism and function in the context of energy imbalance and postprandial nutrient excess, including adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia, adipocyte dysfunction, and other systemic consequences. We also discuss implications for laboratory evaluation and clinical care, including the role of lifestyle modifications. Chronic energy imbalance produces adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These processes lead to increased intracellular and systemic release of adipokines, free fatty acids, and inflammatory mediators that cause adipocyte dysfunction and induce adverse effects in the liver, pancreatic beta-cells, and skeletal muscle as well as the heart and vascular beds. Several specialized laboratory tests can quantify these processes and predict clinical risk, but translation to the clinical setting is premature. Current and future pharmacologic interventions may target these pathways; modest changes in diet, physical activity, weight, and smoking are likely to have the greatest impact. SUMMARY Adipocyte endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress, and associated changes in circulating adipokines, free fatty acids, and inflammatory mediators, are central to adverse health effects of adiposity. Future investigation should focus on these pathways and on reversing the adverse lifestyle behaviors that are the fundamental causes of adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah de Ferranti
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Abstract
Oxidative stress is a continuous level of oxidative damage in animal cells, which is caused by an overabundance of reactive oxygen species or a decline in antioxidant ability against them. Oxidative stress increases with individual risk factors of atherosclerosis such as obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and smoking. Thus, oxidative stress is considered to play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This review discusses the relationship between oxidative stress and atherosclerosis based on findings from our research group. We have found that atherosclerotic lesions are formed in the aorta of mice fed a high-cholesterol and high-linoleic diet, in parallel with elevated serum lipid peroxide levels. This model is useful for primary screening of antiatherosclerotic agents with antioxidative activity. One notable factor in the development of atherosclerosis is oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL). In order to examine OxLDL levels in blood, we have developed anion-exchange HPLC methods using stepwise elution. Using these methods, we have found that OxLDL markedly increases in a rat model of metabolic syndrome, in animals exposed to cigarette smoke and in smokers in parallel with other oxidative stress markers. These oxidative stress markers have been attenuated by administration of several antioxidants. In addition, we have found that smoking accelerates atherogenesis in the aorta of apoE-deficient mice and this acceleration can be ameliorated by administration of vitamin E. These observations suggest that antioxidant supplementation may be an effective therapeutic strategy for metabolic syndrome and smoking-induced diseases in which elevated oxidative stress plays a pivotal role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Kunitomo
- School of Pharmacy and Parmaceutical Sciences, Mukogawa Women's University, 11-68 Koshien kuban-cho, Nishinomiya City, 663-8179, Japan.
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Iida H, Iida M, Takenaka M, Fukuoka N, Dohi S. Rho-kinase inhibitor and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide PHosphate oxidase inhibitor prevent impairment of endothelium-dependent cerebral vasodilation by acute cigarette smoking in rats. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2008; 9:89-94. [DOI: 10.3317/jraas.2008.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. We previously reported that acute cigarette smoking can cause a dysfunction of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in cerebral vessels, and that blocking the angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT1) receptor with valsartan prevented this impairment. Our aim was to investigate the effects of a Rho-kinase inhibitor (fasudil) and a Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide PHosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibitor (apocynin) on smoking-induced endothelial dysfunction in cerebral arterioles. Method. In Sprague—Dawley rats, we used a closed cranial window preparation to measure changes in pial vessel diameters following topical acetylcholine (ACh) before smoking. After one-minute smoking, we again examined the arteriolar responses to ACh. Finally, after intravenous fasudil or apocynin pre-treatment we re-examined the vasodilator responses to topical ACh (before and after cigarette smoking). Results. Under control conditions, cerebral arterioles were dose-dependently dilated by topical ACh (10-6 M and 10-5 M). One hour after a one-minute smoking (1 mg-nicotine cigarette), 10-5 M ACh constricted cerebral arterioles. However, one hour after a one-minute smoking, 10-5 M ACh dilated cerebral pial arteries both in the fasudil pre-treatment and the apocynin pre-treatment groups, responses that were significantly different from those obtained without fasudil or apocynin pre-treatment. Conclusion. Thus, inhibition of Rho-kinase and NADPH oxidase activities may prevent the above smoking-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Iida
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu-City, Japan,
| | - Mami Iida
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology) and Anesthesiology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu-City, Japan
| | - Motoyasu Takenaka
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu-City, Japan
| | - Naokazu Fukuoka
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu-City, Japan
| | - Shuji Dohi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu-City, Japan
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Büssemaker E, Pistrosch F, Förster S, Herbrig K, Gross P, Passauer J, Brandes RP. Rho kinase contributes to basal vascular tone in humans: role of endothelium-derived nitric oxide. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2007; 293:H541-7. [PMID: 17384125 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00770.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to determine the role of the Rho-associated kinase (ROK) for the regulation of FBF (FBF) and to unmask a potential role of ROK for the regulation of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO). Moreover, the effect of fasudil on the constrictor response to endothelin-1 was recorded. Regarding background, phosphorylation of the myosin light chain (MLC) determines the calcium sensitivity of the contractile apparatus. MLC phosphorylation depends on the activity of the MLC kinase and the MLC phosphatase. The latter enzyme is inhibited through phosphorylation by ROK. ROK has been suggested to inhibit NO generation, possibly via the inhibition of the Akt pathway. In this study, the effect of intra-arterial infusion of the ROK inhibitor fasudil on FBF in 12 healthy volunteers was examined by venous occlusion plethysmography. To unmask the role of NO, fasudil was infused during NO clamp. As a result, fasudil markedly increased FBF in a dose-dependent manner from 2.34 ± 0.21 to 6.96 ± 0.93 ml/100 ml forearm volume at 80 μg/min ( P < 0.001). At 1,600 μg/min, fasudil reduced systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure while increasing heart rate. Fasudil abolished the vasoconstrictor effect of endothelin-1. The vascular response to fasudil (80 μmol/min) was blunted during NO clamp (104 ± 18% vs. 244 ± 48% for NO clamp + fasudil vs. fasudil alone; data as ratio between infused and noninfused arm with baseline = 0%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, 1) basal peripheral and systemic vascular tone depends on ROK; 2) a significant portion of fasudil-induced vasodilation is mediated by NO, suggesting that vascular bioavailable NO is negatively regulated by ROK; and 3) the constrictor response to endothelin involves the activation of ROK.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Büssemaker
- Medizinische Klinik III, Nephrologie, University of Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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Liu PY, Chen JH, Lin LJ, Liao JK. Increased Rho kinase activity in a Taiwanese population with metabolic syndrome. J Am Coll Cardiol 2007; 49:1619-1624. [PMID: 17433952 PMCID: PMC2615567 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2006.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2006] [Revised: 12/04/2006] [Accepted: 12/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to determine whether Rho kinase (ROCK) activity is increased in a Taiwanese population with metabolic syndrome (MetS). BACKGROUND Recent studies suggest that ROCK may be involved in the pathogenesis of MetS, but clinical studies linking ROCK with MetS are lacking. METHODS We studied 40 Taiwanese subjects (60% men, mean age 55.5 +/- 5.6 years) who were diagnosed with MetS with National Cholesterol Educational Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and 40 age- and gender-matched control subjects. Subject demographics were recorded, and blood samples were obtained. RESULTS Compared with control subjects, ROCK activity, as determined by phosphorylation of myosin binding subunit (MBS) in leukocytes, was greater in MetS subjects (mean phospho-MBS/MBS ratio 0.46 vs. 0.35, p = 0.002). A cutoff value for ROCK activity of 0.39 predicted the presence of MetS with specificity and sensitivity rates of 70%. Plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was greater (5.5 mg/l, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1 to 7.2 mg/l vs. 2.8 mg/l, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.9 mg/l, p = 0.01) and adiponectin was lower (4.9 microg/ml, 95% CI 3.2 to 6.1 microg/ml vs. 5.9 microg/ml, 95% CI 4.2 to 7.5 microg/ml, p = 0.01) in MetS subjects compared with control subjects, but plasma levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were not different (p > 0.05 for both). Body mass index, waist circumference, fasting glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and triglyceride levels were associated with increased levels of ROCK activity. The risk of increased ROCK activity increased with the number of MetS components (p for trend <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Rho kinase activity is increased in Taiwanese subjects with MetS and is associated with each component of MetS and markers of inflammation. These findings suggest that ROCK activity may be a novel serological marker of MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Yen Liu
- Division of Cardiology, Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Cardiovascular Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Vascular Medicine Research Unit, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jyh-Hong Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Cardiovascular Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Jen Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Cardiovascular Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - James K Liao
- Vascular Medicine Research Unit, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts..
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Suzuki M, Takamisawa I, Yoshimasa Y, Harano Y. Association between insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes and the effects of pioglitazone. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2007; 76:12-7. [PMID: 17007957 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2006.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2005] [Revised: 06/05/2006] [Accepted: 07/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is regarded as an early stage of atherosclerosis, and plays a role in the development of atherosclerotic diseases. Insulin resistance is related to the atherosclerotic process. In this study, we examined the association between endothelial function and insulin resistance in 48 subjects with type 2 diabetes. In addition, the effects of pioglitazone treatment on endothelial function and insulin resistance were investigated in a subgroup of subjects. Endothelial function of the brachial artery was non-invasively assessed using ultrasound technique. We measured flow-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation (FMD) and glyceryl trinitrate-induced endothelium-independent vasodilation (GTN). Insulin sensitivity was measured by the steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) method. High SSPG levels indicate insulin resistance. There was a significant inverse correlation (r=-0.462, p<0.001) between SSPG and FMD. Systolic blood pressure was inversely correlated with FMD (r=-0.360, p<0.013). By multiple regression analysis, insulin resistance was the sole predictor of FMD. The effects of chronic treatment with pioglitazone were assessed in 10 subjects with type 2 diabetes. The increase in FMD significantly correlated with the decrease in SSPG. There is a significant association between vascular endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. This result was supported by the effects of the insulin sensitizer, pioglitazone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Suzuki
- Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, Osaka General Medical Center, 3-1-56 Mandai-higashi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8558, Japan.
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Noma K, Goto C, Nishioka K, Jitsuiki D, Umemura T, Ueda K, Kimura M, Nakagawa K, Oshima T, Chayama K, Yoshizumi M, Liao JK, Higashi Y. Roles of rho-associated kinase and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of aortic stiffness. J Am Coll Cardiol 2007; 49:698-705. [PMID: 17291936 PMCID: PMC2615568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2006.06.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2006] [Revised: 06/16/2006] [Accepted: 06/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) activity and aortic stiffness in humans. BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies have shown that there is a relationship between aortic stiffness and cardiovascular complications. Recent evidence suggests that ROCK plays an important role in the process of atherosclerosis. METHODS We evaluated the forearm blood flow (FBF) response to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide donor, acetylcholine (ACh), an endothelium-dependent vasodilator, and fasudil, a specific ROCK inhibitor, in 51 healthy male subjects (mean age 45.6 +/- 3.0 years). The FBF was measured by using a strain-gauge plethysmography. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) was measured to assess the aortic stiffness using a pulse wave velocimeter. RESULTS Intra-arterial infusion of SNP alone, ACh alone, or fasudil alone and after co-infusion of N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), a nitric-oxide synthase inhibitor, significantly increased FBF in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that age and number of pack-years smoked were independent predictors of ROCK activity before or after co-infusion of L-NMMA (p < 0.01) and that age and ROCK activity before or after co-infusion of L-NMMA were independent predictors of cf-PWV (p < 0.01). The concentration of serum malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein, an index of oxidative stress, was significantly correlated with ROCK activity before and after co-infusion of L-NMMA and cf-PWV (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that aging and accumulating smoking habit, which might induce excessive oxidative stress, are involved in ROCK activity in the vasculature, leading to an increase in aortic stiffness in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Noma
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Chikara Goto
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenji Nishioka
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daisuke Jitsuiki
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Umemura
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Keiko Ueda
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masashi Kimura
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Keigo Nakagawa
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Oshima
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masao Yoshizumi
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - James K. Liao
- Department of Vascular Medicine Research Unit, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yukihito Higashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology and Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Zoccali C. Endothelial dysfunction in subcutaneous small resistance arteries and cardiovascular events. J Hypertens 2007; 24:1900-1; author reply 1901-2. [PMID: 16915043 DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000242418.26772.6b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Thompson-Torgerson CS, Holowatz LA, Flavahan NA, Kenney WL. Cold-induced cutaneous vasoconstriction is mediated by Rho kinase in vivo in human skin. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2006; 292:H1700-5. [PMID: 17172270 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01078.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous vasoconstriction (VC) is the initial thermoregulatory response to cold exposure and can be elicited through either whole body or localized skin cooling. However, the mechanisms governing local cold-induced VC are not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that Rho kinase participates in local cold-induced cutaneous VC. In seven men and women (20-27 yr of age), up to four ventral forearm skin sites were instrumented with intradermal microdialysis fibers for localized drug delivery during cooling. Skin blood flow was monitored at each site with laser-Doppler flowmetry while local skin temperature was decreased and maintained at 24 degrees C for 40 min. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC; laser-Doppler flowmetry/mean arterial pressure) was expressed as percent change from 34 degrees C baseline. During the first 5 min of cooling, CVC decreased at control sites (lactated Ringer solution) to -45 +/- 6% (P < 0.001), increased at adrenoceptor-antagonized sites (yohimbine + propranolol) to 15 +/- 14% (P = 0.002), and remained unchanged at both Rho kinase-inhibited (fasudil) and adrenoceptor-antagonized + Rho kinase-inhibited sites (yohimbine + propranolol + fasudil) (-9 +/- 1%, P = 0.4 and -6 +/- 2%, P = 0.4, respectively). During the last 5 min of cooling, CVC further decreased at all sites when compared with baseline values (control, -77 +/- 4%, P < 0.001; adrenoceptor antagonized, -61 +/- 3%, P < 0.001; Rho kinase inhibited, -34 +/- 7%, P < 0.001; and adrenoceptor antagonized + Rho kinase inhibited sites, -35 +/- 3%, P < 0.001). Rho kinase-inhibited and combined treatment sites were significantly attenuated when compared with both adrenoceptor-antagonized (P < 0.01) and control sites (P < 0.0001). Rho kinase mediates both early- and late-phase cold-induced VC, supporting in vitro findings and providing a putative mechanism through which both adrenergic and nonadrenergic cold-induced VC occurs in an in vivo human thermoregulatory model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin S Thompson-Torgerson
- Noll Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 21205, USA.
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Waring WS, McKnight JA, Webb DJ, Maxwell SRJ. Uric acid restores endothelial function in patients with type 1 diabetes and regular smokers. Diabetes 2006; 55:3127-32. [PMID: 17065352 DOI: 10.2337/db06-0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is a characteristic finding in both patients with type 1 diabetes and in regular smokers and is an important precursor to atherosclerosis. The urate molecule has antioxidant properties, which could influence endothelial function. The impact of acutely raising uric acid concentrations on endothelial function was studied in eight men with type 1 diabetes, eight healthy regular smokers, and eight age-matched healthy control subjects in a randomized, four-way, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects received 1,000 mg uric acid i.v. in vehicle, 1,000 mg vitamin C as a control antioxidant, vehicle alone, or 0.9% saline on separate occasions over 1 h. Forearm blood flow responses to intrabrachial acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were assessed using venous occlusion plethysmography. Responses to acetylcholine, but not sodium nitroprusside, were impaired in patients with diabetes (P < 0.001) and in smokers (P < 0.005) compared with control subjects. Administration of uric acid and vitamin C selectively improved acetylcholine responses in patients with type 1 diabetes (P < 0.01) and in regular smokers (P < 0.05). Uric acid administration improved endothelial function in the forearm vascular bed of patients with type 1 diabetes and smokers, suggesting that high uric acid concentrations in vivo might serve a protective role in these and other conditions associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Stephen Waring
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 3rd Floor East, Room E3.22, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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Kumar R, Singh VP, Baker KM. Kinase inhibitors for cardiovascular disease. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2006; 42:1-11. [PMID: 17059822 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2006.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2006] [Revised: 09/05/2006] [Accepted: 09/08/2006] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been substantial progress toward understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Elucidating cellular responses to the extracellular environment and signal transduction mechanisms have provided the opportunity to explore novel molecular therapeutic approaches for the treatment of CVDs. Neurohormonal stimulation has been implicated in these diseases; blockade of the renin-angiotensin and beta-adrenergic systems are examples of therapeutic effectiveness. There are multiple cell signaling cascades, some of which are beneficial or compensatory and others deleterious. The balance between these pathways, which in large part is dictated by the cellular environment, determines the outcome as a diseased or non-diseased state. Selective targeting of signaling pathways using protein kinase inhibitors, would have a potential advantage over receptor blockers. We review potential protein kinase targets and recent evidence supporting therapeutic interventional value in CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Kumar
- Division of Molecular Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Temple, TX 76504, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The small G protein rhoA and its downstream effector rho-kinase are both expressed in vascular cells and are involved in several cellular processes. One of these processes is the regulation of the phosphorylation state of myosin light chain in vascular muscle and thus, the development of force. Recently, considerable evidence for increased activity of this pathway in cerebral and noncerebral vessels has been reported in several cardiovascular diseases associated with increased vascular tone. SUMMARY OF REVIEW The main aim of this brief review is to summarize current evidence for the involvement of rhoA/rho-kinase signaling in dysfunction of the cerebral circulation in disease states, such as cerebral vasospasm, hypertension, diabetes, and ischemic brain injury. We will also briefly consider the novel hypothesis that augmented activity of endothelial rho-kinase decreases nitric oxide production and contributes to increased vascular tone in disease and the possibility of this action being a key therapeutic target of statins (inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase) in cerebral and noncerebral arteries. CONCLUSIONS Considerable evidence indicates that rhoA/rho-kinase activity is commonly increased in cerebral vascular disease, not only in vascular muscle, but also in the endothelium and possibly in inflammatory cells and neurons.
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Budzyn K, Marley PD, Sobey CG. Targeting Rho and Rho-kinase in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2005; 27:97-104. [PMID: 16376997 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2005.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2005] [Revised: 11/07/2005] [Accepted: 12/08/2005] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The small GTPase Rho and its downstream effector Rho-kinase contribute to agonist-induced vascular contraction via Ca2+ sensitization. Reasonably selective pharmacological inhibitors of these proteins have been developed and are now widely used experimentally to investigate the role of this signaling pathway in vascular function. Rho and Rho-kinase have attracted increasing clinical interest as a result of emerging evidence for their roles in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, coronary and cerebral vasospasm, atherosclerosis and diabetes, and are now considered important future therapeutic targets. A major challenge lies in further developing selective inhibitors of this pathway beyond experimental use. Consideration should perhaps also be given to widening the application of existing clinical drugs now known to also interfere with Rho-Rho-kinase signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Budzyn
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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