Intracellular calcium mobilization suppresses the TNF-alpha-stimulated synthesis of PAI-1 in human endothelial cells. Indications that calcium acts at a translational level

NDRG1 Signaling Is Essential for Endothelial Inflammation and Vascular Remodeling

BACKGROUND

NDRG-1 (N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1) is a member of NDRG family that plays essential roles in cell differentiation, proliferation, and stress responses. Although the expression of NDRG1 is regulated by fluid shear stress, its roles in vascular biology remain poorly understood. The purpose of the study is to determine the functional significance of NDRG1 in vascular inflammation and remodeling.

METHODS AND RESULTS

By using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that the expression of NDRG1 is markedly increased in cytokine-stimulated endothelial cells and in human and mouse atherosclerotic lesions. To determine the role of NDRG1 in endothelial activation, we performed loss-of-function studies using NDRG1 short hairpin RNA. Our results demonstrate that NDRG1 knockdown by lentivirus bearing NDRG1 short hairpin RNA substantially attenuates both IL-1β (interleukin-1β) and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α)-induced expression of cytokines/chemokines and adhesion molecules. Intriguingly, inhibition of NDRG1 also significantly attenuates the expression of procoagulant molecules, such as PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1) and TF (tissue factor), and increases the expression of TM (thrombomodulin) and t-PA (tissue-type plasminogen activator), thus exerting potent antithrombotic effects in endothelial cells. Mechanistically, we showed that NDRG1 interacts with orphan Nur77 (nuclear receptor) and functionally inhibits the transcriptional activity of Nur77 and NF-κB (nuclear factor Kappa B) in endothelial cells. Moreover, in NDRG1 knockdown cells, both cytokine-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, c-Jun phosphorylation, and AP-1 (activator protein 1) transcriptional activity are substantially inhibited. Neointima and atherosclerosis formation induced by carotid artery ligation and arterial thrombosis were markedly attenuated in endothelial cell-specific NDRG1 knockout mice compared with their wild-type littermates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results for the first time identify NDRG1 as a critical mediator implicated in regulating endothelial inflammation, thrombotic responses, and vascular remodeling, and suggest that inhibition of NDRG1 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for inflammatory vascular diseases, such as atherothrombosis and restenosis.

Factor XII plays a pathogenic role in organ failure and death in baboons challenged with Staphylococcus aureus

Activation of coagulation factor (F) XI promotes multiorgan failure in rodent models of sepsis and in a baboon model of lethal systemic inflammation induced by infusion of heat-inactivated Staphylococcus aureus. Here we used the anticoagulant FXII-neutralizing antibody 5C12 to verify the mechanistic role of FXII in this baboon model. Compared with untreated control animals, repeated 5C12 administration before and at 8 and 24 hours after bacterial challenge prevented the dramatic increase in circulating complexes of contact system enzymes FXIIa, FXIa, and kallikrein with antithrombin or C1 inhibitor, and prevented cleavage and consumption of high-molecular-weight kininogen. Activation of several coagulation factors and fibrinolytic enzymes was also prevented. D-dimer levels exhibited a profound increase in the untreated animals but not in the treated animals. The antibody also blocked the increase in plasma biomarkers of inflammation and cell damage, including tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, nucleosomes, and myeloperoxidase. Based on clinical presentation and circulating biomarkers, inhibition of FXII prevented fever, terminal hypotension, respiratory distress, and multiorgan failure. All animals receiving 5C12 had milder and transient clinical symptoms and were asymptomatic at day 7, whereas untreated control animals suffered irreversible multiorgan failure and had to be euthanized within 2 days after the bacterial challenge. This study confirms and extends our previous finding that at least 2 enzymes of the contact activation complex, FXIa and FXIIa, play critical roles in the development of an acute and terminal inflammatory response in baboons challenged with heat-inactivated S aureus.

CD14 inhibition improves survival and attenuates thrombo-inflammation and cardiopulmonary dysfunction in a baboon model of Escherichia coli sepsis

BACKGROUND

During sepsis, gram-negative bacteria induce robust inflammation primarily via lipopolysacharride (LPS) signaling through TLR4, a process that involves the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored receptor CD14 transferring LPS to the Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (TLR4/MD-2) complex. Sepsis also triggers the onset of disseminated intravascular coagulation and consumptive coagulopathy.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the effect of CD14 blockade on sepsis-induced coagulopathy, inflammation, organ dysfunction, and mortality.

METHODS

We used a baboon model of lethal Escherichia (E) coli sepsis to study two experimental groups (n = 5): (a) E coli challenge; (b) E coli challenge plus anti-CD14 (23G4) inhibitory antibody administered as an intravenous bolus 30 minutes before the E coli.

RESULTS

Following anti-CD14 treatment, two animals reached the 7-day end-point survivor criteria, while three animals had a significantly prolonged survival as compared to the non-treated animals that developed multiple organ failure and died within 30 hours. Anti-CD14 reduced the activation of coagulation through inhibition of tissue factor-dependent pathway, especially in the survivors, and enhanced the fibrinolysis due to strong inhibition of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1. The treatment prevented the robust complement activation induced by E coli, as shown by significantly decreased C3b, C5a, and sC5b-9. Vital signs, organ function biomarkers, bacteria clearance, and leukocyte and fibrinogen consumption were all improved at varying levels. Anti-CD14 reduced neutrophil activation, cell death, LPS levels, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-8, interferon gamma, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), more significantly in the survivors than non-surviving animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the crosstalk between coagulation/fibrinolysis, inflammation, and complement systems and suggest a protective role of anti-CD14 treatment in E coli sepsis.

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type-1 as a Regulator of Fibrosis

Fibrosis is known as a frequent and irreversible pathological condition which is associated with organ failure. Tissue fibrosis is a central process in a variety of chronic progressive diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and persistent inflammation. This state could contribute to chronic injury and the initiation of tissue repair. Fibrotic disorders represent abnormal wound healing with defective matrix turnover and clearance that lead to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components. A variety of identified growth factors, cytokines, and persistently activated myofibroblasts have critical roles in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Irrespective of etiology, the transforming growth factor-β pathway is the major driver of fibrotic response. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a crucial downstream target of this pathway. Transforming growth factor-β positively regulates PAI-1 gene expression via two main pathways including Smad-mediated canonical and non-canonical pathways. Overexpression of PAI-1 reduces extracellular matrix degradation via perturbing the plasminogen activation system. Indeed, elevated PAI-1 levels inhibit proteolytic activity of tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase plasminogen activator which could contribute to a variety of inflammatory elements in the injury site and to excessive matrix deposition. This review summarizes the current knowledge of critical pathways that regulate PAI-1 gene expression and suggests effective approaches for the treatment of fibrotic disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 17-27, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Regulation of PKC mediated signaling by calcium during visceral leishmaniasis

Calcium is an ubiquitous cellular signaling molecule that controls a variety of cellular processes and is strictly maintained in the cellular compartments by the coordination of various Ca²⁺ pumps and channels. Two such fundamental calcium pumps are plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA) and Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) which play a pivotal role in maintaining intracellular calcium homeostasis. This intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis is often disturbed by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani, the causative organism of visceral leishmaniasis. In the present study we have dileneated the involvement of PMCA4 and SERCA3 during leishmaniasis. We have observed that during leishmaniasis, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration was up-regulated and was further controlled by both PMCA4 and SERCA3. Inhibition of these two Ca²⁺-ATPases resulted in decreased parasite burden within the host macrophages due to enhanced intracellular Ca²⁺. Contrastingly, on the other hand, activation of PMCA4 was found to enhance the parasite burden. Our findings also highlighted the importance of Ca²⁺ in the modulation of cytokine balance during leishmaniasis. These results thus cumulatively suggests that these two Ca²⁺-ATPases play prominent roles during visceral leishmaniasis.

Synergistic and multidimensional regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 expression by transforming growth factor type β and epidermal growth factor

The major physiological inhibitor of plasminogen activator, type I plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), controls blood clotting and tissue remodeling events that involve cell migration. Transforming growth factor type β (TGFβ) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) interact synergistically to increase PAI-1 mRNA and protein levels in human HepG2 and mink Mv1Lu cells. Other growth factors that activate tyrosine kinase receptors can substitute for EGF. EGF and TGFβ regulate PAI-1 by synergistically activating transcription, which is further amplified by a decrease in the rate of mRNA degradation, the latter being regulated only by EGF. The combined effect of transcriptional activation and mRNA stabilization results in a rapid 2-order of magnitude increase in the level of PAI-1. TGFβ also increases the sensitivity of the cells to EGF, thereby recruiting the cooperation of EGF at lower than normally effective concentrations. The contribution of EGF to the regulation of PAI-1 involves the MAPK pathway, and the synergistic interface with the TGFβ pathway is downstream of MEK1/2 and involves phosphorylation of neither ERK1/2 nor Smad2/3. Synergism requires the presence of both Smad and AP-1 recognition sites in the promoter. This work demonstrates the existence of a multidimensional cellular mechanism by which EGF and TGFβ are able to promote large and rapid changes in PAI-1 expression.

Different mechanisms preserve translation of programmed cell death 8 and JunB in virus-infected endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

Translation initiation of eukaryotic mRNAs typically occurs by cap-dependent ribosome scanning mechanism. However, certain mRNAs are translated by ribosome assembly at internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs). Whether IRES-mediated translation occurs in stressed primary human endothelial cells (ECs) is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed microarray analysis of polyribosomal mRNA from ECs to identify IRES-containing mRNAs. Cap-dependent translation was disabled by poliovirus (PV) infection and confirmed by loss of polysome peaks, detection of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G cleavage, and decreased protein synthesis. We found that 87.4% of mRNAs were dissociated from polysomes in virus-infected ECs. Twelve percent of mRNAs remained associated with polysomes, and 0.6% were enriched ≥2-fold in polysome fractions from infected ECs. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction confirmed the microarray findings for 31 selected mRNAs. We found that enriched polysome associations of programmed cell death 8 (PDCD8) and JunB mRNA resulted in increased protein expression in PV-infected ECs. The presence of IRESs in the 5' untranslated region of PDCD8 mRNA, but not of JunB mRNA, was confirmed by dicistronic analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that microarray profiling of polyribosomal mRNA transcripts from PV-infected ECs successfully identifies mRNAs whose translation is preserved in the face of stress-induced, near complete cessation of cap-dependent initiation. Nevertheless, internal ribosome entry is not the only mechanism responsible for this privileged translation.

The mechanism of agonist induced Ca2+ signalling in intact endothelial cells studied confocally in in situ arteries

In endothelial cells there remain uncertainties in the details of how Ca²⁺ signals are generated and maintained, especially in intact preparations. In particular the role of the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA), in contributing to the components of agonist-induced signals is unclear.

The aim of this work was to increase understanding of the detailed mechanism of Ca²⁺ signalling in endothelial cells using real time confocal imaging of Fluo-4 loaded intact rat tail arteries in response to muscarinic stimulation. In particular we have focused on the role of SERCA, and its interplay with capacitative Ca²⁺ entry (CCE) and ER Ca²⁺ release and uptake. We have determined its contribution to the Ca²⁺ signal and how it varies with different physiological stimuli, including single and repeated carbachol applications and brief and prolonged exposures.

In agreement with previous work, carbachol stimulated a rise in intracellular Ca²⁺ in the endothelial cells, consisting of a rapid initial phase, then a plateau upon which oscillations of Ca²⁺ were superimposed, followed by a decline to basal Ca²⁺ levels upon carbachol removal. Our data support the following conclusions: (i) the size (amplitude and duration) of the Ca²⁺ spike and early oscillations are limited by SERCA activity, thus both are increased if SERCA is inhibited. (ii) SERCA activity is such that brief applications of carbachol do not trigger CCE, presumably because the fall in luminal Ca²⁺ is not sufficient to trigger it. However, longer applications sufficient to deplete the ER or even partial SERCA inhibition stimulate CCE. (iii) Ca²⁺ entry occurs via STIM-mediated CCE and SERCA contributes to the cessation of CCE. In conclusion our data show how SERCA function is crucial to shaping endothelial cell Ca signals and its dynamic interplay with both CCE and ER Ca releases.

HDLs activate ADAM17-dependent shedding

The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) converting enzyme (ADAM17) is a metalloprotease that cleaves several transmembrane proteins, including TNF and its receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2). We recently showed that the shedding activity of ADAM17 is sequestered in lipid rafts and that cholesterol depletion increased the shedding of ADAM17 substrates. These data suggested that ADAM17 activity could be regulated by cholesterol movements in the cell membrane. We investigated if the membrane cholesterol efflux induced by high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) was able to modify the shedding of ADAM17 substrates. HDLs added to different cell types, increased the ectodomain shedding of TNFR2, TNFR1, and TNF, an effect reduced by inhibitors active on ADAM17. The HDLs-stimulated TNF release occurred also on cell-free isolated plasma membranes. Purified apoA1 increased the shedding of TNF in an ABCA1-dependent manner, suggesting a role for the cholesterol efflux in this phenomenon. HDLs reduced the cholesterol and proteins (including ADAM17) content of lipid rafts and triggered the ADAM17-dependent cleavage of TNF in the non-raft region of the membrane. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that HDLs alter the lipid raft structure, which in turn activates the ADAM17-dependent processing of transmembrane substrates.

Microparticles of human atherosclerotic plaques enhance the shedding of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme/ADAM17 substrates, tumor necrosis factor and tumor necrosis factor receptor-1

Human atherosclerotic plaques express the metalloprotease tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM-17), which cleaves several transmembrane proteins including TNF and its receptors (TNFR-1 and TNFR-2). Plaques also harbor submicron vesicles (microparticles, MPs) released from plasma membranes after cell activation or apoptosis. We sought to examine whether TACE/ADAM17 is present on human plaque MPs and whether these MPs would affect TNF and TNFR-1 cellular shedding. Flow cytometry analysis detected 12,867 +/- 2007 TACE/ADAM17(+) MPs/mg of plaques isolated from 25 patients undergoing endarterectomy but none in healthy human internal mammary arteries. Plaque MPs harbored mainly mature active TACE/ADAM17 and dose dependently cleaved a pro-TNF mimetic peptide, whereas a preferential TACE/ADAM17 inhibitor (TMI-2) and recombinant TIMP-3 prevented this cleavage. Plaque MPs increased TNF shedding from the human cell line ECV-304 overexpressing TNF (ECV-304(TNF)), as well as TNFR-1 shedding from activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells or ECV-304(TNF) cells, without affecting TNF or TNFR-1 synthesis. MPs also activated the shedding of the endothelial protein C receptor from human umbilical vein endothelial cells. All these effects were inhibited by TMI-2. The present study shows that human plaque MPs carry catalytically active TACE/ADAM17 and significantly enhance the cell surface processing of the TACE/ADAM17 substrates TNF, TNFR-1, and endothelial protein C receptor, suggesting that TACE/ADAM17(+) MPs could regulate the inflammatory balance in the culprit lesion.

Induction of plasminogen activator inhibitor I gene expression by intracellular calcium via hypoxia-inducible factor-1

The plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression can be enhanced by hypoxia and other stimuli leading to the mobilization of intracellular calcium. Thus, it was the aim of the present study to investigate the role of calcium in the hypoxia-dependent PAI-1 expression. It was shown that the Ca2+-ionophore A23187 and the cell permeable Ca2+-chelator BAPTA-am (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester) induced PAI-1 mRNA and protein expression under normoxia and hypoxia in HepG2 cells. Transfection experiments with wild-type and hypoxia response element (HRE)-mutated PAI promoter constructs revealed that the HRE binding hypoxiainducible factor-1 (HIF-1) mediated the response to A23187 and BAPTA-am. Although A23187 induced a striking and stable induction of HIF-1α, BAPTA-am only mediated a fast and transient increase. By using actinomycin D and cycloheximide we showed that A23187 induced HIF-1α mRNA expression, whereas BAPTA-am acted after transcription. Although A23187 activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), as well as protein kinase B, it appeared that the enhancement of HIF-1α by A23187 was only mediated via the ERK pathway. By contrast, BAPTA-am exerted its effects via inhibition of HIF-prolyl hydroxylase activity and von Hippel-Lindau tumor repressor protein (VHL) interaction. Thus, calcium appeared to have a critical role in the regulation of the HIF system and subsequent activation of the PAI-1 gene expression. (Blood. 2004;104:3993-4001)

Tumour necrosis factor alpha inhibits purinergic calcium signalling in blood-brain barrier endothelial cells

The breaching of the blood-brain barrier is an essential aspect in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases, in which tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) as well as endothelial calcium ions play a key role. We investigated whether TNF-alpha could influence the communication of calcium signals between brain endothelial cells (GP8 and RBE4). Intercellular calcium waves triggered by mechanical stimulation or photoliberation of InsP3 in single cells were significantly reduced in size after TNF-alpha exposure (1000 U/mL, 2 and 24 h). Calcium signals are communicated between cells by means of gap junctional and paracrine purinergic signalling. TNF-alpha significantly inhibited gap junctional coupling, stimulated the basal release of ATP, and dose-dependently blocked the triggered component of ATP release. The cytokine displayed similar effects on the uptake of a fluorescent reporter dye into the cells. Previous work with connexin mimetic peptides demonstrated that the triggered ATP release in these cells is connexin-related; these peptides did, however, not influence the elevated basal ATP release caused by TNF-alpha. We conclude that TNF-alpha depresses calcium signal communication in blood-brain barrier endothelial cells, by reducing gap junctional coupling and by inhibiting triggered ATP release. The cytokine thus inhibits connexin-related communication pathways like gap junctions and connexin hemichannels.

Direct binding of Nur77/NAK-1 to the plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) promoter regulates TNF alpha -induced PAI-1 expression

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is the main fibrinolysis inhibitor, and high plasma levels are associated with an increased risk for vascular diseases. Inflammatory cytokines regulate PAI-1 through a hitherto unclear mechanism. Using reporter gene analysis, we could identify a region in the PAI-1 promoter that contributes to basal expression as well as to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) induction of PAI-1 in endothelial cells. Using this region as bait in a genetic screen, we could identify Nur77 (NAK-1, TR3, NR4A1) as an inducible DNA-binding protein that binds specifically to the PAI-1 promoter. Nur77 drives transcription of PAI-1 through direct binding to an NGFI-B responsive element (NBRE), indicating monomeric binding and a ligand-independent mechanism. Nur77, itself, is transcriptionally up-regulated by TNFalpha. High expression levels of Nur77 and its colocalization with PAI-1 in atherosclerotic tissues indicate that the described mechanism for PAI-1 regulation may also be operative in vivo.

Ion channels and their functional role in vascular endothelium

Endothelial cells (EC) form a unique signal-transducing surface in the vascular system. The abundance of ion channels in the plasma membrane of these nonexcitable cells has raised questions about their functional role. This review presents evidence for the involvement of ion channels in endothelial cell functions controlled by intracellular Ca(2+) signals, such as the production and release of many vasoactive factors, e.g., nitric oxide and PGI(2). In addition, ion channels may be involved in the regulation of the traffic of macromolecules by endocytosis, transcytosis, the biosynthetic-secretory pathway, and exocytosis, e.g., tissue factor pathway inhibitor, von Willebrand factor, and tissue plasminogen activator. Ion channels are also involved in controlling intercellular permeability, EC proliferation, and angiogenesis. These functions are supported or triggered via ion channels, which either provide Ca(2+)-entry pathways or stabilize the driving force for Ca(2+) influx through these pathways. These Ca(2+)-entry pathways comprise agonist-activated nonselective Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels, cyclic nucleotide-activated nonselective cation channels, and store-operated Ca(2+) channels or capacitative Ca(2+) entry. At least some of these channels appear to be expressed by genes of the trp family. The driving force for Ca(2+) entry is mainly controlled by large-conductance Ca(2+)-dependent BK(Ca) channels (slo), inwardly rectifying K(+) channels (Kir2.1), and at least two types of Cl( -) channels, i.e., the Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel and the housekeeping, volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC). In addition to their essential function in Ca(2+) signaling, VRAC channels are multifunctional, operate as a transport pathway for amino acids and organic osmolytes, and are possibly involved in endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Finally, we have also highlighted the role of ion channels as mechanosensors in EC. Plasmalemmal ion channels may signal rapid changes in hemodynamic forces, such as shear stress and biaxial tensile stress, but also changes in cell shape and cell volume to the cytoskeleton and the intracellular machinery for metabolite traffic and gene expression.

Inhibition of p70(S6) kinase during transforming growth factor-beta 1/vitamin D(3)-induced monocyte differentiation of HL-60 cells allows tumor necrosis factor-alpha to stimulate plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 synthesis

We investigated intracellular mechanisms involved in the up-regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor I (PAI-1) synthesis by human recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) during monocyte differentiation of HL-60 cells triggered by the transforming growth factor-beta1/vitamin D(3) (TGF/D3) mixture. TGF/D3-treated cells expressed surface monocytic markers and produced noticeable amounts of PAI-1 but stopped to proliferate. A reduced p70 S6 kinase (p70(S6K)) phosphorylation was also observed and, in this situation, TNF dramatically enhanced PAI-1 synthesis. Similarly, TNF significantly up-regulated PAI-1 synthesis when p70(S6K) phosphorylation was inhibited by rapamycin. This phenomenon was not due to a general decrease in protein synthesis but involved the activation of gene transcription rather than PAI-1 mRNA stabilization. The level of the transcriptional regulator factor E2F1, a repressor of PAI-1 gene expression, was shown to be down-modulated in TGF/D3- as well as in rapamycin-treated cells. Furthermore, the apoptotic effect of TNF in HL-60 cells appeared to be prevented by the addition of either TGF/D3 or rapamycin. In conclusion, these results indicate that inhibition of p70(S6K) phosphorylation during TGF/D3-induced monocyte differentiation of HL-60 cells is a determinant factor that allows TNF to exert its up-regulating effect on PAI-1 synthesis while protecting cells from apoptosis.

DNA microarray reveals changes in gene expression of shear stressed human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Using DNA microarray screening (GeneFilter 211, Research Genetics, Huntsville, AL) of mRNA from primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), we identified 52 genes with significantly altered expression under shear stress [25 dynes/cm(2) for 6 or 24 h (1 dyne = 10 microN), compared with matched stationary controls]; including several genes not heretofore recognized to be shear stress responsive. We examined mRNA expression of nine genes by Northern blot analysis, which confirmed the results obtained on DNA microarrays. Thirty-two genes were up-regulated (by more than 2-fold), the most enhanced being cytochromes P450 1A1 and 1B1, zinc finger protein EZF/GKLF, glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper protein, argininosuccinate synthase, and human prostaglandin transporter. Most dramatically decreased (by more than 2-fold) were connective tissue growth factor, endothelin-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase. The changes observed suggest several potential mechanisms for increased NO production under shear stress in endothelial cells.

Midkine inhibits bradykinin-stimulated Ca(2+) signaling and nitric oxide production in endothelial cells

Effects of the heparin-binding growth factor midkine (MK) were investigated on endothelial Ca(2+) signaling and nitric oxide (NO) production. Bradykinin (10 nM) and thapsigargin (1 microM) provoked large Ca(2+) influxes under fura-2/AM fluoroscopy. Pretreatment with human MK dose-dependently (1-500 ng/ml) inhibited the Ca(2+) response to bradykinin but not that to thapsigargin. Anti-MK antibody prevented this effect. In Ca(2+)-free medium, MK greatly inhibited intracellular Ca(2+) store release by bradykinin and not that by thapsigargin, which effect was prevented by the antibody. Bradykinin increased NO production by 6.7-fold, which was inhibited 6, 44, 79, and 90% by MK at 1, 10, 100, and 500 ng/ml, respectively. MK did not affect thapsigargin-induced NO production. Our data clearly indicate that MK inhibits bradykinin-induced Ca(2+) response and NO production from endothelial cells.

Thiazolidinediones down-regulate plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 expression in human vascular endothelial cells: A possible role for PPARgamma in endothelial function

The effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma activators, thiazolidinediones, on plasminogen activator type 1 (PAI-1) was examined in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) enhanced PAI-1 secretion and mRNA expression by approximately 2-fold. The thiazolidinediones, troglitazone and pioglitazone, decreased basal and TNF-alpha-stimulated PAI-1 secretion and mRNA expression in HUVEC in a dose-dependent fashion. PPARgamma mRNA in HUVEC could be detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. These results suggest that PPARgamma may regulate PAI-1 expression in HUVEC and that thiazolidinediones have a therapeutic potential for improving endothelial dysfunction observed in insulin resistance.