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Wang X, Yin Y, Wang J, Yu H, Tang Q, Chen Z, Fu G, Ren K, Ji J, Yu L. UV-Triggered Hydrogel Coating of the Double Network Polyelectrolytes for Enhanced Endothelialization. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401301. [PMID: 38544484 PMCID: PMC11187865 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder is an important medical device for closing the LAA and preventing stroke. The device-related thrombus (DRT) prevents the implantation of the occluder in exerting the desired therapeutic effect, which is primarily caused by the delayed endothelialization of the occluder. Functional coatings are an effective strategy for accelerating the endothelialization of occluders. However, the occluder surface area is particularly large and structurally complex, and the device is subjected to a large shear friction in the sheath during implantation, which poses a significant challenge to the coating. Herein, a hydrogel coating by the in situ UV-triggered polymerization of double-network polyelectrolytes is reported. The findings reveal that the double network and electrostatic interactions between the networks resulted in excellent mechanical properties of the hydrogel coating. The sulfonate and Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) groups in the coating promoted hemocompatibility and endothelial growth of the occluder, respectively. The coating significantly accelerated the endothelialization of the LAA occluder in a canine model is further demonstrated. This study has potential clinical benefits in reducing both the incidence of DRT and the postoperative anticoagulant course for LAA closure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing‐wang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310016China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Yi‐jing Yin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Jing Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Hong‐mei Yu
- Department of Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310016China
| | - Qian Tang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310016China
- Engineering Research Center for Cardiovascular Innovative Devices of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou310016China
| | - Zhao‐yang Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Guo‐sheng Fu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310016China
- Engineering Research Center for Cardiovascular Innovative Devices of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou310016China
| | - Ke‐feng Ren
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310016China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- Engineering Research Center for Cardiovascular Innovative Devices of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou310016China
| | - Jian Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Lu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310016China
- Engineering Research Center for Cardiovascular Innovative Devices of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou310016China
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Fu Q, Wang Y, Yan C, Xiang YK. Phosphodiesterase in heart and vessels: from physiology to diseases. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:765-834. [PMID: 37971403 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00015.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are a superfamily of enzymes that hydrolyze cyclic nucleotides, including cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Both cyclic nucleotides are critical secondary messengers in the neurohormonal regulation in the cardiovascular system. PDEs precisely control spatiotemporal subcellular distribution of cyclic nucleotides in a cell- and tissue-specific manner, playing critical roles in physiological responses to hormone stimulation in the heart and vessels. Dysregulation of PDEs has been linked to the development of several cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, aneurysm, atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Targeting these enzymes has been proven effective in treating cardiovascular diseases and is an attractive and promising strategy for the development of new drugs. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the complex regulation of PDE isoforms in cardiovascular function, highlighting the divergent and even opposing roles of PDE isoforms in different pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen Yan
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Yang K Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs Northern California Healthcare System, Mather, California, United States
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van Kraaij SJW, Borghans L, Klaassen ES, Gal P, van der Grond J, Tripp K, Winrow C, Glasser C, Groeneveld GJ. Randomized placebo-controlled crossover study to assess tolerability and pharmacodynamics of zagociguat, a soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator, in healthy elderly. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:3606-3617. [PMID: 37488930 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Dysfunction of nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling is implicated in the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment. Zagociguat is a central nervous system (CNS) penetrant sGC stimulator designed to amplify nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling in the CNS. This article describes a phase 1b study evaluating the safety and pharmacodynamic effects of zagociguat. METHODS In this randomized crossover study, 24 healthy participants aged ≥65 years were planned to receive 15 mg zagociguat or placebo once daily for 2 15-day periods separated by a 27-day washout. Adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiograms and laboratory tests were conducted to assess safety. Pharmacokinetics of zagociguat were evaluated in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Pharmacodynamic assessments included evaluation of cerebral blood flow, CNS tests, pharmaco-electroencephalography, passive leg movement and biomarkers in blood, CSF and brain. RESULTS Twenty-four participants were enrolled; 12 participants completed both treatment periods, while the other 12 participants completed only 1 treatment period. Zagociguat was well-tolerated and penetrated the blood-brain barrier, with a CSF/free plasma concentration ratio of 0.45 (standard deviation 0.092) measured 5 h after the last dose of zagociguat on Day 15. Zagociguat induced modest decreases in blood pressure. No consistent effects of zagociguat on other pharmacodynamic parameters were detected. CONCLUSION Zagociguat was well-tolerated and induced modest blood pressure reductions consistent with other sGC stimulators. No clear pharmacodynamic effects of zagociguat were detected. Studies in participants with proven reduced cerebral blood flow or CNS function may be an avenue for further evaluation of the compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiaan J W van Kraaij
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Pim Gal
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van der Grond
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ken Tripp
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Chad Glasser
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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4
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Nelissen E, Schepers M, Ponsaerts L, Foulquier S, Bronckaers A, Vanmierlo T, Sandner P, Prickaerts J. Soluble guanylyl cyclase: A novel target for the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment? Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106970. [PMID: 37884069 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) describes neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a vascular component. Pathologically, it involves decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF), white matter lesions, endothelial dysfunction, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairments. Molecularly, oxidative stress and inflammation are two of the major underlying mechanisms. Nitric oxide (NO) physiologically stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) to induce cGMP production. However, under pathological conditions, NO seems to be at the basis of oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to a decrease in sGC activity and expression. The native form of sGC needs a ferrous heme group bound in order to be sensitive to NO (Fe(II)sGC). Oxidation of sGC leads to the conversion of ferrous to ferric heme (Fe(III)sGC) and even heme-loss (apo-sGC). Both Fe(III)sGC and apo-sGC are insensitive to NO, and the enzyme is therefore inactive. sGC activity can be enhanced either by targeting the NO-sensitive native sGC (Fe(II)sGC), or the inactive, oxidized sGC (Fe(III)sGC) and the heme-free apo-sGC. For this purpose, sGC stimulators acting on Fe(II)sGC and sGC activators acting on Fe(III)sGC/apo-sGC have been developed. These sGC agonists have shown their efficacy in cardiovascular diseases by restoring the physiological and protective functions of the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway, including the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and improvement of vascular functioning. Yet, only very little research has been performed within the cerebrovascular system and VCI pathology when focusing on sGC modulation and its potential protective mechanisms on vascular and neural function. Therefore, within this review, the potential of sGC as a target for treating VCI is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Nelissen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Laura Ponsaerts
- Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; Department of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Foulquier
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Engelbrecht E, Kooistra T, Knipe RS. The Vasculature in Pulmonary Fibrosis. CURRENT TISSUE MICROENVIRONMENT REPORTS 2022; 3:83-97. [PMID: 36712832 PMCID: PMC9881604 DOI: 10.1007/s43152-022-00040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The current paradigm of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) pathogenesis involves recurrent injury to a sensitive alveolar epithelium followed by impaired repair responses marked by fibroblast activation and deposition of extracellular matrix. Multiple cell types are involved in this response with potential roles suggested by advances in single-cell RNA sequencing and lung developmental biology. Notably, recent work has better characterized the cell types present in the pulmonary endothelium and identified vascular changes in patients with IPF. Recent Findings Lung tissue from patients with IPF has been examined at single-cell resolution, revealing reductions in lung capillary cells and expansion of a population of vascular cells expressing markers associated with bronchial endothelium. In addition, pre-clinical models have demonstrated a fundamental role for aging and vascular permeability in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Summary Mounting evidence suggests that the endothelium undergoes changes in the context of fibrosis, and these changes may contribute to the development and/or progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Additional studies will be needed to further define the functional role of these vascular changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tristan Kooistra
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Rachel S. Knipe
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Ainscough AJ, Smith TJ, Haensel M, Rhodes CJ, Fellows A, Whitwell HJ, Vasilaki E, Gray K, Freeman A, Howard LS, Wharton J, Dunmore B, Upton PD, Wilkins MR, Edel JB, Wojciak-Stothard B. An organ-on-chip model of pulmonary arterial hypertension identifies a BMPR2-SOX17-prostacyclin signalling axis. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1192. [PMID: 36344664 PMCID: PMC9640600 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04169-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an unmet clinical need. The lack of models of human disease is a key obstacle to drug development. We present a biomimetic model of pulmonary arterial endothelial-smooth muscle cell interactions in PAH, combining natural and induced bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) dysfunction with hypoxia to induce smooth muscle activation and proliferation, which is responsive to drug treatment. BMPR2- and oxygenation-specific changes in endothelial and smooth muscle gene expression, consistent with observations made in genomic and biochemical studies of PAH, enable insights into underlying disease pathways and mechanisms of drug response. The model captures key changes in the pulmonary endothelial phenotype that are essential for the induction of SMC remodelling, including a BMPR2-SOX17-prostacyclin signalling axis and offers an easily accessible approach for researchers to study pulmonary vascular remodelling and advance drug development in PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Ainscough
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy J Smith
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maike Haensel
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Adam Fellows
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Harry J Whitwell
- National Phenome Centre and Imperial Clinical Phenotyping Centre, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Section of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Eleni Vasilaki
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kelly Gray
- Emerging Innovations Unit, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adrian Freeman
- Emerging Innovations Unit, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Luke S Howard
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - John Wharton
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin Dunmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's and Royal Papworth Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul D Upton
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Addenbrooke's and Royal Papworth Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin R Wilkins
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Joshua B Edel
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Lau M, Sealy B, Combes V, Morsch M, Garcia-Bennett AE. Enhanced Antioxidant Effects of the Anti-Inflammatory Compound Probucol when Released from Mesoporous Silica Particles. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030502. [PMID: 35335878 PMCID: PMC8953917 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain endothelial cells mediate the function and integrity of the blood brain barrier (BBB) by restricting its permeability and exposure to potential toxins. However, these cells are highly susceptible to cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Consequent disruption to the integrity of the BBB can lead to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Drug compounds with antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory properties therefore have the potential to preserve the structure and function of the BBB. In this work, we demonstrate the enhanced antioxidative effects of the compound probucol when loaded within mesoporous silica particles (MSP) in vitro and in vivo zebrafish models. The dissolution kinetics were significantly enhanced when released from MSPs. An increased reduction in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme activity and prostaglandin E2 production was measured in human brain endothelial cells treated with probucol-loaded MSPs. Furthermore, the LPS-induced permeability across an endothelial cell monolayer by paracellular and transcytotic mechanisms was also reduced at lower concentrations compared to the antioxidant ascorbic acid. Zebrafish pre-treated with probucol-loaded MSPs reduced hydrogen peroxide-induced ROS to control levels after 24-h incubation, at significantly lower concentrations than ascorbic acid. We provide compelling evidence that the encapsulation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds within MSPs can enhance their release, enhance their antioxidant effects properties, and open new avenues for the accelerated suppression of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lau
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
| | - Benjamin Sealy
- Malaria and Microvesicles Research Group, School of Life Science, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (B.S.); (V.C.)
| | - Valery Combes
- Malaria and Microvesicles Research Group, School of Life Science, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (B.S.); (V.C.)
| | - Marco Morsch
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
| | - Alfonso E. Garcia-Bennett
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
- Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia’s Bioactives (FAAB), Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Nelissen E, Argyrousi EK, Van Goethem NP, Zhao F, Hines CDG, Swaminath G, Gerisch M, Hueser J, Sandner P, Prickaerts J. Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator Vericiguat Enhances Long-Term Memory in Rats without Altering Cerebral Blood Volume. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1047. [PMID: 34440254 PMCID: PMC8393324 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is characterized by impairments in cerebral blood flow (CBF), endothelial function and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. These processes are all physiologically regulated by the nitric oxide (NO)-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cGMP signaling pathway. Additionally, cGMP signaling plays an important role in long-term potentiation (LTP) underlying memory formation. Therefore, targeting the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway may be a therapeutic strategy for treating VCI. Hence, in this study we investigated whether sGC stimulator vericiguat has potential as a cognitive enhancer. The effects of vericiguat on long-term memory were measured in rats using an object location task. Due to the low brain-penetrance of vericiguat found in this study, it was investigated whether in the absence of BBB limitations, vericiguat enhanced hippocampal plasticity using an ex vivo memory acquisition-like chemical LTP model. Finally, peripheral effects were measured by means of blood pressure and cerebral blood volume. Vericiguat successfully enhanced long-term memory and increased hippocampal plasticity via enhanced translocation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors to the cell membrane, while blood pressure and cerebral blood volume were unaltered. Although the memory enhancing effects in this study are likely due to peripheral effects on the cerebral microvasculature, sGC stimulation may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating VCI, especially when BBB integrity is reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Nelissen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.N.); (E.K.A.); (N.P.V.G.)
| | - Elentina K. Argyrousi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.N.); (E.K.A.); (N.P.V.G.)
| | - Nick P. Van Goethem
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.N.); (E.K.A.); (N.P.V.G.)
| | - Fuqiang Zhao
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (F.Z.); (C.D.G.H.)
| | | | | | - Michael Gerisch
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; (M.G.); (J.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Joerg Hueser
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; (M.G.); (J.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; (M.G.); (J.H.); (P.S.)
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Pharmacology, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.N.); (E.K.A.); (N.P.V.G.)
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Never Change a Flowing System? The Effects of Retrograde Flow on Isolated Perfused Lungs and Vessels. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051210. [PMID: 34063473 PMCID: PMC8156646 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrograde perfusion may occur during disease, surgery or extracorporeal circulation. While it is clear that endothelial cells sense and respond to changes in blood flow, the consequences of retrograde perfusion are only poorly defined. Similar to shear stress or disturbed flow, retrograde perfusion might result in vasomotor responses, edema formation or inflammation in and around vessels. In this study we investigated in rats the effects of retrograde perfusion in isolated systemic vessels (IPV) and in pulmonary vessels of isolated perfused lungs (IPL). Anterograde and retrograde perfusion was performed for 480 min in IPV and for 180 min in the IPL. Perfusion pressure, cytokine levels in perfusate and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), edema formation and mRNA expression were studied. In IPV, an increased perfusion pressure and initially also increased cytokine levels were observed during retrograde perfusion. In the IPL, increased edema formation occurred, while cytokine levels were not increased, though dilution of cytokines in BALF due to pulmonary edema cannot be excluded. In conclusion, effects of flow reversal were visible immediately after initiation of retrograde perfusion. Pulmonary edema formation was the only effect of the 3 h retrograde perfusion. Therefore, further research should focus on identification of possible long-term complications of flow reversal.
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Qian S, Ma T, Zhang N, Liu X, Zhao P, Li X, Chen D, Hu L, Chang L, Xu L, Deng X, Fan Y. Spatiotemporal transfer of nitric oxide in patient-specific atherosclerotic carotid artery bifurcations with MRI and computational fluid dynamics modeling. Comput Biol Med 2020; 125:104015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2020.104015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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11
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Dao VTV, Elbatreek MH, Deile M, Nedvetsky PI, Güldner A, Ibarra-Alvarado C, Gödecke A, Schmidt HHHW. Non-canonical chemical feedback self-limits nitric oxide-cyclic GMP signaling in health and disease. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10012. [PMID: 32561822 PMCID: PMC7305106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66639-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic GMP (cGMP) signaling is a vasoprotective pathway therapeutically targeted, for example, in pulmonary hypertension. Its dysregulation in disease is incompletely understood. Here we show in pulmonary artery endothelial cells that feedback inhibition by NO of the NO receptor, the cGMP forming soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), may contribute to this. Both endogenous NO from endothelial NO synthase and exogenous NO from NO donor compounds decreased sGC protein and activity. This effect was not mediated by cGMP as the NO-independent sGC stimulator, or direct activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase did not mimic it. Thiol-sensitive mechanisms were also not involved as the thiol-reducing agent N-acetyl-L-cysteine did not prevent this feedback. Instead, both in-vitro and in-vivo and in health and acute respiratory lung disease, chronically elevated NO led to the inactivation and degradation of sGC while leaving the heme-free isoform, apo-sGC, intact or even increasing its levels. Thus, NO regulates sGC in a bimodal manner, acutely stimulating and chronically inhibiting, as part of self-limiting direct feedback that is cGMP independent. In high NO disease conditions, this is aggravated but can be functionally recovered in a mechanism-based manner by apo-sGC activators that re-establish cGMP formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Thao-Vi Dao
- Department of Pharmacology and Personalised Medicine, MeHNS, FHML, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mahmoud H Elbatreek
- Department of Pharmacology and Personalised Medicine, MeHNS, FHML, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Martin Deile
- Primary Care Center, Altenberger Str. 27, 01277, Dresden, Germany
| | - Pavel I Nedvetsky
- Universitätsklinikum Münster, Medical Clinic D, Medical Cell Biology, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Güldner
- Residency Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany
| | - César Ibarra-Alvarado
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Axel Gödecke
- Institut für Herz- und Kreislaufphysiologie Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Harald H H W Schmidt
- Department of Pharmacology and Personalised Medicine, MeHNS, FHML, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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12
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Smeda M, Kij A, Proniewski B, Matyjaszczyk-Gwarda K, Przyborowski K, Jasztal A, Derszniak K, Berkowicz P, Kieronska-Rudek A, Stojak M, Sternak M, Chlopicki S. Unexpected effects of long-term treatment with acetylsalicylic acid on late phase of pulmonary metastasis in murine model of orthotopic breast cancer. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230520. [PMID: 32251451 PMCID: PMC7135281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term administration of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was effective in prevention of colorectal cancer, whereas the efficacy of this compound in other cancer types, including breast cancer, has been less convincingly documented. Indeed, the antimetastatic effect of low-dose ASA was observed only in the early intravascular phase of metastasis of breast cancer. In the present work, we characterized the effects of long-term treatment with ASA on the late phase of pulmonary metastasis in a mouse orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer model. Mice were treated with ASA at a dose of 12 mg·kg-1 of body weight daily starting one week prior to inoculation of 4T1 breast cancer cells, and the treatment was continued throughout progression of the disease. ASA administration decreased platelet TXB2 production in ex vivo assays but did not change thrombin-induced platelet reactivity. Although the number of metastases in the lungs remained unchanged in ASA-treated mice, infiltration of inflammatory cells was increased concomitantly with higher G-CSF and serotonin concentrations in the lungs. Pulmonary NO production was compromised compared to control 4T1 mice. ASA treatment also evoked an increase in platelet and granulocyte counts and decreased systemic NO bioavailability along with increased markers of systemic oxidant stress such as higher GSSG/lower GSH concentrations in RBC. Analysis of eicosanoids in stirred blood demonstrated that administration of ASA at a dose of 12 mg·kg-1 to cancer-bearing mice had an effect beyond inhibition of platelet COX-1, suggesting long-term treatment with low-dose aspirin is not a selective murine platelet COX-1/TXA2 pathway inhibitor in cancer-bearing mice. In summary, quite surprisingly, long-term treatment with low-dose ASA administered until the advanced phase of breast cancer in a murine orthotopic model of 4T1 breast cancer negatively affected the phenotype of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Smeda
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kij
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bartosz Proniewski
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Kamil Przyborowski
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jasztal
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Derszniak
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Piotr Berkowicz
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Kieronska-Rudek
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marta Stojak
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sternak
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Stefan Chlopicki
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- * E-mail:
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13
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The endothelial barrier and cancer metastasis: Does the protective facet of platelet function matter? Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 176:113886. [PMID: 32113813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Overwhelming evidence suggests that platelets have a detrimental role in promoting cancer spread via platelet-cancer cell interactions linked to thrombotic mechanisms. On the other hand, a beneficial role of platelets in the preservation of the endothelial barrier in inflammatory conditions has been recently described, a phenomenon that could also operate in cancer-related inflammation. It is tempting to speculate that some antiplatelet strategies to combat cancer metastasis may impair the endogenous platelet-dependent mechanisms preserving endothelial barrier function. If the protective function of platelets is impaired, it may lead to increased endothelial permeability and more efficient cancer cell intravasation in the primary tumor and cancer cell extravasation at metastatic sites. In this commentary, we discuss current evidence that could support this hypothesis.
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14
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Jeong H, Park S, Park K, Kim M, Hong J. Sustained Nitric Oxide-Providing Small Molecule and Precise Release Behavior Study for Glaucoma Treatment. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:656-665. [PMID: 31913044 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b01137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Incidence ofglaucoma, a severe disease leading to irreversible loss of vision, is increasing with global aging populations. Lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only proven treatment method for glaucoma. Nitric oxide (NO) is an emerging material targeting the conventional outflow pathway by relaxing the trabecular meshwork (TM). However, there is little understanding on the NO level effective in IOP lowering without toxicity. Here, we report a novel long-term NO-releasing polydiazeniumdiolate (NOP) that enables lowering IOP via the conventional outflow pathway. NOP is composed of carbon-bound polydiazeniumdiolate, a stable NO donor moiety. NO release was monitored with accurate parameters by real-time detection of gas and analysis of the accumulated release profile. Based on the NO release information, the selected safe level of NOP exhibited effective TM relaxation and a potential IOP lowering effect in vivo without side effects. This work provides new insights into nitric oxide release behavior that should be considered for glaucoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejoong Jeong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , Yonsei University , Seoul 03722 , Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Park
- Department of Ophthalmology , Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital , Goyang 10326 , Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungtae Park
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , Yonsei University , Seoul 03722 , Republic of Korea
| | - Martha Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology , Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital , Goyang 10326 , Republic of Korea
| | - Jinkee Hong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , Yonsei University , Seoul 03722 , Republic of Korea
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15
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Yasmeen S, Akram BH, Hainsworth AH, Kruuse C. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and endothelial function in ischaemic stroke. A review. Cell Signal 2019; 61:108-119. [PMID: 31132399 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of cerebrovascular disease, including ischemic stroke. Modulating endothelial signalling by cyclic nucleotides, cAMP and cGMP, is a potential therapeutic target in stroke. Inhibitors of the cyclic nucleotide degrading phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes may restore cerebral endothelial function. Current knowledge on PDE distribution and function in cerebral endothelial cells is sparse. This review explores data on PDE distribution and effects of PDEi in cerebral endothelial cells and identifies which PDEs are potential treatment targets in stroke. METHOD We performed a systematic search of electronic databases (Medline and Embase). Our search terms were cerebral ischaemia, cerebral endothelial cells, cyclic nucleotide, phosphodiesterase and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. RESULTS We found 23 publications which described effects of selective inhibitors of only three PDE families on endothelial function in ischemic stroke. PDE3 inhibitors (PDE3i) (11 publications) and PDE4 inhibitors (PDE4i) (3 publications) showed anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic or pro-angiogenic effects. PDE3i also reduced leucocyte infiltration and MMP-9 expression. Both PDE3i and PDE4i increased expression of tight junction proteins and protected the blood-brain barrier. PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i) (6 publications) reduced inflammation and apoptosis. In preclinical models, PDE5i enhanced cGMP/NO signalling associated with microvascular angiogenesis, increased cerebral blood flow and improved functional recovery. Non-specific PDEi (3 publications) had mainly anti-inflammatory effects. CONCLUSION This review demonstrates that non-selective and selective PDEi of PDE3, PDE4 and PDE5 modulated endothelial function in cerebral ischemic stroke by regulating processes involved in vascular repair and neuroprotection and thus reduced cell death and inflammation. Of note, they promoted angiogenesis, microcirculation and improved functional recovery; all are important in stroke prevention and recovery, and effects should be further evaluated in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiqa Yasmeen
- Stroke Unit and Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Herlev Gentofte Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, Herlev, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bilal Hussain Akram
- Stroke Unit and Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Herlev Gentofte Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, Herlev, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Atticus H Hainsworth
- Clinical Neuroscience, Molecular & Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Christina Kruuse
- Stroke Unit and Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Herlev Gentofte Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, Herlev, Denmark; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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16
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Ma YHV, Xu L, Mei X, Middleton K, You L. Mechanically stimulated osteocytes reduce the bone-metastatic potential of breast cancer cells in vitro by signaling through endothelial cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:7590-7601. [PMID: 30417549 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Bone metastases occur in 65% to 75% of patients with advanced breast cancer and significantly worsen their survival and quality of life. We previously showed that conditioned medium (CM) from osteocytes stimulated with oscillatory fluid flow, mimicking bone mechanical loading during routine physical activities, reduced the transendothelial migration of breast cancer cells. Endothelial cells are situated at an ideal location to mediate signals between osteocytes in the bone matrix and metastasizing cancer cells in the blood vessels. In this study, we investigated the specific effects of flow-stimulated osteocytes on the interaction between endothelial cells and breast cancer cells in vitro. We observed that CM from flow-stimulated osteocytes reduced endothelial permeability by 15% and breast cancer cell adhesion onto endothelial monolayers by 18%. The difference in adhesion was abolished with anti-intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, CM from endothelial cells conditioned in CM from flow-stimulated osteocytes significantly altered the gene expression in bone-metastatic breast cancer cells, as shown by RNA sequencing. Specifically, breast cancer cell expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) was downregulated by 62%, and frizzled-4 (FZD4) by 61%, when the osteocytes were stimulated with flow. The invasion of these breast cancer cells across Matrigel was also reduced by 47%, and this difference was abolished by MMP-9 inhibitors. In conclusion, we demonstrated that flow-stimulated osteocytes downregulate the bone-metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by signaling through endothelial cells. This provides insights into the capability of bone mechanical regulation in preventing bone metastases; and may assist in prescribing exercise or bone-loading regimens to patients with breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Heng Vivian Ma
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liangcheng Xu
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xueting Mei
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Middleton
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lidan You
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Krabbe J, Ruske N, Kanzler S, Reiss LK, Ludwig A, Uhlig S, Martin C. Retrograde perfusion in isolated perfused mouse lungs-Feasibility and effects on cytokine levels and pulmonary oedema formation. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2019; 125:279-288. [PMID: 30925204 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Retrograde lung vascular perfusion can appear in high-risk surgeries. The present report is the first to study long-term retrograde perfusion of isolated perfused mouse lungs (IPLs) and to use the tyrosine kinase ephB4 and its ligand ephrinB2 as potential markers for acute lung injury. Mouse lungs were subjected to anterograde or retrograde perfusion with normal-pressure ventilation (NV) or high-pressure ventilation (=overventilation, OV) for 4 hours. Outcome parameters were cytokine, ephrinB2 and ephB4 levels in perfusate samples and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and the wet-to-dry ratio. Anterograde perfusion was feasible for 4 hours, while lungs receiving retrograde perfusion presented considerable collapse rates. Retrograde perfusion resulted in an increased wet-to-dry ratio when combined with high-pressure ventilation; other physiological parameters were not affected. Cytokine levels in BAL and perfusate, as well as levels of soluble ephB4 in BAL were increased in OV, while soluble ephrinB2 BAL levels were increased in retrograde perfusion. BAL levels of ephrinB2 and ephB4 were also determined in vivo, including mice ventilated for 7 hours with normal-volume ventilation (NVV) or high-volume ventilation (HVV) with increased levels of ephB4 in HVV BAL compared to NVV. Retrograde perfusion in IPL is limited as a routine method to investigate effects due to collapse for yet unclear reasons. If successful, retrograde perfusion has an influence on pulmonary oedema formation. In BAL, ephrinB2 seems to be up-regulated by flow reversal, while ephB4 is a marker for acute lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Krabbe
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nadine Ruske
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Kanzler
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lucy Kathleen Reiss
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Uhlig
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Martin
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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18
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TMPRSS2-ERG activates NO-cGMP signaling in prostate cancer cells. Oncogene 2019; 38:4397-4411. [PMID: 30718921 PMCID: PMC6542710 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0730-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aberrant activation of the ERG oncogenic pathway due to the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion is the major event that contributes to prostate cancer (PCa) development. However, the critical downstream effectors that can be therapeutically targeted remain to be identified. In this study, we have found that the expression of the α1 and β1 subunits of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) was directly and specifically regulated by ERG in vitro and in vivo and was significantly associated with TMPRSS2-ERG fusion in clinical PCa cohorts. sGC is the major mediator of nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP signaling in cells that, upon NO binding, catalyzes the synthesis of cGMP and subsequently activates protein kinase G (PKG). We showed that cGMP synthesis was significantly elevated by ERG in PCa cells, leading to increased PKG activity and cell proliferation. Importantly, we also demonstrated that sGC inhibitor treatment repressed tumor growth in TMPRSS2-ERG-positive PCa xenograft models and can act in synergy with a potent AR antagonist, enzalutamide. This study strongly suggests that targeting NO-cGMP signaling pathways may be a novel therapeutic strategy to treat PCa with TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion.
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19
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Rodriguez-Miguelez P, Lee N, Tucker MA, Csányi G, McKie KT, Forseen C, Harris RA. Sildenafil improves vascular endothelial function in patients with cystic fibrosis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H1486-H1494. [PMID: 30168731 PMCID: PMC6297813 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00301.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF), characterized by defective CFTR function, is associated with multiple systemic complications, including vascular dysfunction. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, not only enhances nitric oxide (NO) metabolism but has been shown to improve CFTR functionality as well. Thus, sildenafil has been proposed as a therapy to improve vascular health in CF; however, its potential therapeutic role has yet to be determined. We sought to investigate the effect of sildenafil on endothelial function in patients with CF. Patients with CF completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with an acute dose of sildenafil (50 mg) or placebo followed by a 4-wk open-label extension with sildenafil (20 mg/day). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was used to evaluate endothelial function before and after treatments. In addition, phosphorylated endothelial NO synthase (pNOS3) and total NOS3 protein expression was determined from endothelial cells that were exposed to plasma from the patients before and after 4 wk of sildenafil treatment. No changes ( P ≥ 0.110) in endothelial function were observed after the acute dose of sildenafil. However, FMD significantly ( P = 0.029) increased after 4 wk of treatment (∆FMD: 1.5 ± 2.2%). Moreover, pNOS3 protein expression significantly ( P = 0.013) increased after 4 wk of treatment (∆pNOS3: 0.31 ± 0.39 arbitrary units) and was associated ( r = 0.593, P = 0.033) with the change in FMD. These data suggest that 4 wk of sildenafil treatment can improve vascular endothelial function in patients with CF, likely through an increase in NOS3 phosphorylation. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Findings from the present study demonstrate, for the first time, significant improvement of endothelial function in patients with cystic fibrosis treated with sildenafil that is associated with greater phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. These results support the use of sildenafil as a potential novel therapy for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nichole Lee
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Augusta University , Augusta, Georgia
| | - Matthew A Tucker
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Augusta University , Augusta, Georgia
| | - Gábor Csányi
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University , Augusta, Georgia
| | | | - Caralee Forseen
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Augusta University , Augusta, Georgia
| | - Ryan A Harris
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Augusta University , Augusta, Georgia
- Sport and Exercise Science Research Institute, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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20
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Sasaki N, Itakura Y, Toyoda M. Ganglioside GM1 contributes to extracellular/intracellular regulation of insulin resistance, impairment of insulin signaling and down-stream eNOS activation, in human aortic endothelial cells after short- or long-term exposure to TNFα. Oncotarget 2018; 9:5562-5577. [PMID: 29464018 PMCID: PMC5814158 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular insulin resistance induced by inflammatory cytokines leads to the initiation and development of vascular diseases. In humans, circulating TNFα levels are increased during aging, suggesting a correlation between vascular insulin resistance and plasma TNFα levels. Currently, the precise molecular mechanisms of vascular insulin resistance mediated by TNFα are not well characterized. We aimed at clarifying whether glycosphingolipids contribute to vascular insulin resistance after inflammatory stimulation. In this study, we examined vascular insulin resistance using human aortic endothelial cells after treatment with different concentrations of TNFα for different time intervals for mimicking in vivo acute or chronic inflammatory situations. We show that ganglioside GM1 levels on cell membranes change depending on time of exposure to TNFα and its concentration and that the GM1 expression is associated with specific extracellular/intracellular regulation of the insulin signaling cascade. Furthermore, we provide evidence that factors such as aging and senescence affect the regulation of insulin resistance. Our data suggest that GM1 is a key player in the induction of vascular insulin resistance after short- or long-term exposure to TNFα and is a good extracellular target for prevention and cure of vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norihiko Sasaki
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Vascular Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Sakaecho 35-2, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Yoko Itakura
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Vascular Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Sakaecho 35-2, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Masashi Toyoda
- Research Team for Geriatric Medicine, Vascular Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Sakaecho 35-2, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
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21
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Pauty J, Usuba R, Takahashi H, Suehiro J, Fujisawa K, Yano K, Nishizawa T, Matsunaga YT. A Vascular Permeability Assay Using an In Vitro Human Microvessel Model Mimicking the Inflammatory Condition. Nanotheranostics 2017; 1:103-113. [PMID: 29071180 PMCID: PMC5646721 DOI: 10.7150/ntno.18303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular barrier is an important function of the endothelium and its dysfunction is involved in several diseases. The barrier function of the endothelial cell monolayer is governed by cell-cell, cell-extracellular matrix (cell-ECM) contacts, and inflammatory factors such as thrombin, histamine or vascular endothelial growth factor. Several in vivo and in vitro assays that measure the vascular permeability induced by these factors have been developed. However, they suffer limitations such as being challenging for assessing details of biological processes at a cellular level or lacking the architecture of a vessel, that raise the need for new methods. In vitro 3D model-based assays have thus been developed but assays for investigating compounds that protects the barrier function are lacking. Here we describe the development of an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) vascular endothelium model in which we can manipulate the endothelial barrier function and permeability to molecules, which have a molecular weight similar to human serum albumin, allowing to assess the protective effect of compounds. A microvessel was prepared by culturing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) within a collagen gel on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip. Using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated dextran (70 kDa, FITC-dextran) and confocal fluorescence microscopy, we showed that the microvessel presented an effective barrier function. We were then able to induce the loss of this barrier function by treatment with the inflammatory factor thrombin. The loss of barrier function was quantified by the extravasation of FITC-dextran into collagen matrix. Furthermore, we were able to analyze the protective effect on the endothelial barrier function of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analog, 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP (also called 007). In an attempt to understand the effects of thrombin and 007 in our model, we analyzed the adherens junctions and cytoskeleton through immunostaining of the vascular endothelial cadherin and actin, respectively. Our assay method could be used to screen for compounds modulating the barrier function of endothelial cells, as well as investigating mechanistic aspects of barrier dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris Pauty
- Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems (CIBiS), Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan.,LIMMS/CNRS-IIS (UMI 2820), Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Ryo Usuba
- Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems (CIBiS), Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Haruko Takahashi
- Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems (CIBiS), Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Junichi Suehiro
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2, Shinkawa, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan
| | - Kanoko Fujisawa
- Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems (CIBiS), Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Kiichiro Yano
- End-Organ Disease Laboratories, R&D Division, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nishizawa
- End-Organ Disease Laboratories, R&D Division, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8710, Japan
| | - Yukiko T Matsunaga
- Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems (CIBiS), Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan.,LIMMS/CNRS-IIS (UMI 2820), Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
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22
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Barabutis N, Verin A, Catravas JD. Regulation of pulmonary endothelial barrier function by kinases. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 311:L832-L845. [PMID: 27663990 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00233.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The pulmonary endothelium is the target of continuous physiological and pathological stimuli that affect its crucial barrier function. The regulation, defense, and repair of endothelial barrier function require complex biochemical processes. This review examines the role of endothelial phosphorylating enzymes, kinases, a class with profound, interdigitating influences on endothelial permeability and lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Barabutis
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Alexander Verin
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia; and
| | - John D Catravas
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, .,School of Medical Diagnostic and Translational Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia
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Parker WH, Rhea EM, Qu ZC, Hecker MR, May JM. Intracellular ascorbate tightens the endothelial permeability barrier through Epac1 and the tubulin cytoskeleton. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2016; 311:C652-C662. [PMID: 27605450 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00076.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, both tightens the endothelial permeability barrier in basal cells and also prevents barrier leak induced by inflammatory agents. Barrier tightening by ascorbate in basal endothelial cells requires nitric oxide derived from activation of nitric oxide synthase. Although ascorbate did not affect cyclic AMP levels in our previous study, there remains a question of whether it might activate downstream cyclic AMP-dependent pathways. In this work, we found in both primary and immortalized cultured endothelial cells that ascorbate tightened the endothelial permeability barrier by ∼30%. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, this occurred at what are likely physiologic intracellular ascorbate concentrations. In so doing, ascorbate decreased measures of oxidative stress and also flattened the cells to increase cell-to-cell contact. Inhibition of downstream cyclic AMP-dependent proteins via protein kinase A did not prevent ascorbate from tightening the endothelial permeability barrier, whereas inhibition of Epac1 did block the ascorbate effect. Although Epac1 was required, its mediator Rap1 was not activated. Furthermore, ascorbate acutely stabilized microtubules during depolymerization induced by colchicine and nocodazole. Over several days in culture, ascorbate also increased the amount of stable acetylated α-tubulin. Microtubule stabilization was further suggested by the finding that ascorbate increased the amount of Epac1 bound to α-tubulin. These results suggest that physiologic ascorbate concentrations tighten the endothelial permeability barrier in unstimulated cells by stabilizing microtubules in a manner downstream of cyclic AMP that might be due both to increasing nitric oxide availability and to scavenging of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Parker
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Elizabeth Meredith Rhea
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Zhi-Chao Qu
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - Morgan R Hecker
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and
| | - James M May
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; and
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Ng CT, Fong LY, Low YY, Ban J, Hakim MN, Ahmad Z. Nitric oxide participates in IFN-gamma-induced HUVECs hyperpermeability. Physiol Res 2016; 65:1053-1058. [PMID: 27539106 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelial barrier function is tightly controlled by a broad range of signaling cascades including nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) pathway. It has been proposed that disturbances in NO and cGMP production could interfere with proper endothelial barrier function. In this study, we assessed the effect of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, on NO and cGMP levels and examined the mechanisms by which NO and cGMP regulate the IFN-gamma-mediated HUVECs hyperpermeability. The flux of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran across cell monolayers was used to study the permeability of endothelial cells. Here, we found that IFN-gamma significantly attenuated basal NO concentration and the increased NO levels supplied by a NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Besides, application of IFN-gamma also significantly attenuated both the basal cGMP concentration and the increased cGMP production donated by a cell permeable cGMP analogue, 8-bromo-cyclic GMP (8-Br-cGMP). In addition, exposure of the cell monolayer to IFN-gamma significantly increased HUVECs basal permeability. However, L-NAME pretreatment did not suppress IFN-gamma-induced HUVECs hyperpermeability. L-NAME pretreatment followed by SNP or SNP pretreatment partially reduced IFN-gamma-induced HUVECs hyperpermeability. Pretreatment with a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY83583), led to a further increase in IFN-gamma-induced HUVECs hyperpermeability. The findings suggest that the mechanism underlying IFN-gamma-induced increased HUVECs permeability is partly related to the inhibition of NO production.
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Affiliation(s)
- C T Ng
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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25
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Parker WH, Qu ZC, May JM. Intracellular Ascorbate Prevents Endothelial Barrier Permeabilization by Thrombin. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:21486-97. [PMID: 26152729 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.662098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular ascorbate (vitamin C) has previously been shown to tighten the endothelial barrier and maintain barrier integrity during acute inflammation in vitro. However, the downstream effectors of ascorbate in the regulation of endothelial permeability remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated ascorbate as a mediator of thrombin-induced barrier permeabilization in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and their immortalized hybridoma line, EA.hy926. We found that the vitamin fully prevented increased permeability to the polysaccharide inulin by thrombin in a dose-dependent manner, and it took effect both before and after subjection to thrombin. Thrombin exposure consumed intracellular ascorbate but not the endogenous antioxidant GSH. Likewise, the antioxidants dithiothreitol and tempol did not reverse permeabilization. We identified a novel role for ascorbate in preserving cAMP during thrombin stimulation, resulting in two downstream effects. First, ascorbate maintained the cortical actin cytoskeleton in a Rap1- and Rac1-dependent manner, thus preserving stable adherens junctions between adjacent cells. Second, ascorbate prevented actin polymerization and formation of stress fibers by reducing the activation of RhoA and phosphorylation of myosin light chain. Although ascorbate and thrombin both required calcium for their respective effects, ascorbate did not prevent thrombin permeabilization by obstructing calcium influx. However, preservation of cAMP by ascorbate was found to depend on both the production of nitric oxide by endothelial nitric-oxide synthase, which ascorbate is known to activate, and the subsequent generation cGMP by guanylate cyclase. Together, these data implicate ascorbate in the prevention of inflammatory endothelial barrier permeabilization and explain the underlying signaling mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Parker
- From the Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6303
| | - Zhi-chao Qu
- From the Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6303
| | - James M May
- From the Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6303
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26
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Alexander JS, Becker F. Dual signals underlying diabetic lymphatic barrier dysregulation. Cardiovasc Res 2015; 107:3-4. [PMID: 25994173 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvv158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J Steven Alexander
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Felix Becker
- Department for General and Visceral Surgery, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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27
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Monzon CM, Garvin JL. Nitric oxide decreases the permselectivity of the paracellular pathway in thick ascending limbs. Hypertension 2015; 65:1245-50. [PMID: 25895589 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.115.05356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Thick ascending limbs reabsorb 25% to 30% of the filtered NaCl. About 50% to 70% is reabsorbed via the transcellular pathway and 30% to 50% is reabsorbed through the Na-selective paracellular pathway. Nitric oxide (NO) inhibits transepithelial Na reabsorption, but its effects on the paracellular pathway are unknown. We hypothesized that NO decreases the selectivity of the paracellular pathway in thick ascending limbs via cGMP-dependent protein kinase. To assess relative Na/Cl permeability ratios (PNa/PCl), we perfused rat thick ascending limbs and measured the effect of reducing bath NaCl on transepithelial voltage, creating dilution potentials, with vehicle, NO donors, and endogenous NO. PNa/PCl was calculated using the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation. Reducing bath Na/Cl to 16/8, 32/24, and 64/56 mmol/L created dilution potentials of -13.6±2.2, -10.8±3.0, and -6.1±0.9 mV, respectively. Calculated PNa/PCls were 2.0±0.2, 2.2±0.5, and 1.9±0.2. The NO donor spermine NONOate (200 µmol/L) blunted the dilution potential caused by 32/24 mmol/L Na/Cl from -11.1±2.1 to -6.5±1.6 mV (P<0.004) and PNa/PCl from 2.2±0.4 to 1.5±0.2. Nitroglycerin (200 µmol/L), another NO donor, also reduced PNa/PCl. Controls showed no significant changes. Dibutyryl-cGMP decreased dilution potentials from -13.4±2.9 to -7.5±1.8 mV (n=6; P<0.01). cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibition with KT5823 (4 µmol/L) blocked the effect of spermine NONOate, whereas phosphodiesterase 2 inhibition did not. Endogenously produced NO mimicked the effect of the NO donors. In conclusion, NO reduces the selectivity of the paracellular pathway in thick ascending limbs via cGMP and cGMP-dependent protein kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casandra M Monzon
- From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Jeffrey L Garvin
- From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH.
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29
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Ben Ali M, Messaoudi S, Ezzine H, Mahjoub T. Contribution of eNOS variants to the genetic susceptibility of coronary artery disease in a Tunisian population. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2015; 19:203-8. [PMID: 25748584 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2014.0261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), produced by the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), has critical roles in the regulation of vascular homeostasis and prevention of atherogenesis by inhibiting leukocytes, platelet activation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation. There is strong experimental and clinical evidence that abnormalities in eNOS availability play an important role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD). Controversial results regarding the association of eNOS gene polymorphisms with CAD have been reported. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of the 894G>T (rs1799983) and 4a/4b (rs61722009) polymorphisms of the eNOS gene with the presence of CAD in the Tunisian population. A total of 332 patients with CAD and 368 controls were included in this study. The 894G>T (rs1799983) single-nucleotide polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, and 4a/4b (rs61722009) polymorphism just by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). eNOS rs1799983 was significantly associated with CAD under the additive, dominant, but not recessive, models (additive model OR: 2.81; 95% CI [2.05-3.85]; p<0.001, dominant model OR: 2.84; 95% CI [2.09-3.86]; p<0.001, and recessive models p=0.09). This remained significant after adjustment for age, gender, diabetes, smoking, and hypertension. In contrast to eNOS rs1799983, eNOS rs61722009 was not associated with CAD under any of the genetic models tested. These findings suggest that the G894T (rs1799983) polymorphism of the eNOS gene was associated with CAD in Tunisian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Ben Ali
- Laboratory of Human Genome and Multifactorial Diseases (LR12ES07), Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, University of Monastir , Monastir, Tunisia
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30
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Mohri Z, Rowland EM, Clarke LA, De Luca A, Peiffer V, Krams R, Sherwin SJ, Weinberg PD. Elevated uptake of plasma macromolecules by regions of arterial wall predisposed to plaque instability in a mouse model. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115728. [PMID: 25531765 PMCID: PMC4274101 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis may be triggered by an elevated net transport of lipid-carrying macromolecules from plasma into the arterial wall. We hypothesised that whether lesions are of the thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) type or are less fatty and more fibrous depends on the degree of elevation of transport, with greater uptake leading to the former. We further hypothesised that the degree of elevation can depend on haemodynamic wall shear stress characteristics and nitric oxide synthesis. Placing a tapered cuff around the carotid artery of apolipoprotein E -/- mice modifies patterns of shear stress and eNOS expression, and triggers lesion development at the upstream and downstream cuff margins; upstream but not downstream lesions resemble the TCFA. We measured wall uptake of a macromolecular tracer in the carotid artery of C57bl/6 mice after cuff placement. Uptake was elevated in the regions that develop lesions in hyperlipidaemic mice and was significantly more elevated where plaques of the TCFA type develop. Computational simulations and effects of reversing the cuff orientation indicated a role for solid as well as fluid mechanical stresses. Inhibiting NO synthesis abolished the difference in uptake between the upstream and downstream sites. The data support the hypothesis that excessively elevated wall uptake of plasma macromolecules initiates the development of the TCFA, suggest that such uptake can result from solid and fluid mechanical stresses, and are consistent with a role for NO synthesis. Modification of wall transport properties might form the basis of novel methods for reducing plaque rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Mohri
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ethan M. Rowland
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsey A. Clarke
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amalia De Luca
- Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Véronique Peiffer
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Krams
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Spencer J. Sherwin
- Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter D. Weinberg
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Türkanoğlu Özçelik A, Can Demirdöğen B, Demirkaya Ş, Adalı O. Importance of NOS3 Genetic Polymorphisms in the Risk of Development of Ischemic Stroke in the Turkish Population. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2014; 18:797-803. [DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2014.0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aysun Türkanoğlu Özçelik
- Joint Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
- Food Safety and Agricultural Research Center, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Birsen Can Demirdöğen
- Biomedical Engineering Department, TOBB Economics and Technology University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Şeref Demirkaya
- Department of Neurology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Orhan Adalı
- Joint Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
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32
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Chen F, Kumar S, Yu Y, Aggarwal S, Gross C, Wang Y, Chakraborty T, Verin AD, Catravas JD, Lucas R, Black SM, Fulton DJR. PKC-dependent phosphorylation of eNOS at T495 regulates eNOS coupling and endothelial barrier function in response to G+ -toxins. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99823. [PMID: 25020117 PMCID: PMC4096401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram positive (G+) infections make up ∼50% of all acute lung injury cases which are characterized by extensive permeability edema secondary to disruption of endothelial cell (EC) barrier integrity. A primary cause of increased permeability are cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) of G+-bacteria, such as pneumolysin (PLY) and listeriolysin-O (LLO) which create plasma membrane pores, promoting Ca2+-influx and activation of PKCα. In human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC), pretreatment with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, ETU reduced the ability of LLO to increase microvascular cell permeability suggesting an endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-dependent mechanism. LLO stimulated superoxide production from HLMVEC and this was prevented by silencing PKCα or NOS inhibition suggesting a link between these pathways. Both LLO and PLY stimulated eNOS T495 phosphorylation in a PKC-dependent manner. Expression of a phosphomimetic T495D eNOS (human isoform) resulted in increased superoxide and diminished nitric oxide (NO) production. Transduction of HLMVEC with an active form of PKCα resulted in the robust phosphorylation of T495 and increased peroxynitrite production, indicative of eNOS uncoupling. To determine the mechanisms underlying eNOS uncoupling, HLMVEC were stimulated with LLO and the amount of hsp90 and caveolin-1 bound to eNOS determined. LLO stimulated the dissociation of hsp90, and in particular, caveolin-1 from eNOS. Both hsp90 and caveolin-1 have been shown to influence eNOS uncoupling and a peptide mimicking the scaffolding domain of caveolin-1 blocked the ability of PKCα to stimulate eNOS-derived superoxide. Collectively, these results suggest that the G+ pore-forming toxins promote increased EC permeability via activation of PKCα, phosphorylation of eNOS-T495, loss of hsp90 and caveolin-1 binding which collectively promote eNOS uncoupling and the production of barrier disruptive superoxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Vascular Biology Center Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sanjiv Kumar
- Vascular Biology Center Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Yanfang Yu
- Vascular Biology Center Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Saurabh Aggarwal
- Vascular Biology Center Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Christine Gross
- Vascular Biology Center Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Yusi Wang
- Vascular Biology Center Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Trinad Chakraborty
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alexander D. Verin
- Vascular Biology Center Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - John D. Catravas
- Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Rudolf Lucas
- Vascular Biology Center Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stephen M. Black
- Vascular Biology Center Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David J. R. Fulton
- Vascular Biology Center Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Akhter MS, Biswas A, Rashid H, Devi L, Behari M, Saxena R. Screening of the NOS3 gene identifies the variants 894G/T, 1998C/G and 2479G/A to be associated with acute onset ischemic stroke in young Asian Indians. J Neurol Sci 2014; 344:69-75. [PMID: 24986538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 05/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nitric oxide levels and NOS3 gene variants play a pivotal role in the development of vascular diseases/stroke. We attempted to determine the role of NOS3 gene variants and plasma NO levels towards the development of ischemic stroke in young Asian-Indians. METHODS One hundred ischemic stroke patients and 200 age and sex matched control study subjects were screened for NOS3 gene variants using SSCP [single stranded confirmation polymorphism] and PCR based techniques. Plasma NO metabolites [NOx] were evaluated for the investigated population. RESULTS Significantly higher NOx levels were observed in controls [controls 56.63±25.92 μmol/L, patients 34.73±19.88 μmol/L, p<0.001]. The SNPs [single nucleotide polymorphisms] 894G/T, 1998C/G and 2479G/A were found associated with the disease phenotype with the most significant finding observed for 894G/T [χ(2)=36.68, p<0.001]. The SNPs 894G/T and 2479G/A were significantly associated with NOx levels [p=0.001]. The haplotypes TCA and TGA were overrepresented in the patient population [p<0.0001]. CONCLUSION Two NOS3 SNP [894G/T and 2479G/A] variants and NOx levels are associated with ischemic stroke in young Asian Indians. These NOS3 SNPs might represent genetic risk factors for ischemic stroke in young Asian Indians. However these observations need to be confirmed by larger replicate/cross-sectional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Suhail Akhter
- Department of Haematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Arijit Biswas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Experimental Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hina Rashid
- Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Luxmi Devi
- Department of Haematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Madhuri Behari
- Department of Neurosciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Renu Saxena
- Department of Haematology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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Werner I, Guo F, Kiessling AH, Juengel E, Relja B, Lamm P, Stock UA, Moritz A, Beiras-Fernandez A. Treatment of endothelial cell with flavonoids modulates transendothelial leukocyte migration. Phlebology 2014; 30:405-11. [DOI: 10.1177/0268355514531951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the influence of the flavonoid oxerutin (Venoruton®, Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) on endothelial cell apoptosis and transendothelial migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and to elucidate the potential mechanisms affecting these processes. Methods: Human endothelial cells were treated with Venoruton to assess the potential effect on apoptosis and on the transendothelial migration process. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in endothelial cell after Venoruton treatment as well as reactive oxygen species levels were analyzed. Results: Low-dose Venoruton shows a protective effect on endothelial cells and inhibits transendothelial migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells through an endothelial monolayer, but high-dose Venoruton inversely elevated transendothelial migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Meanwhile, a dose-dependent action of Venoruton on endothelial cell apoptosis could be observed. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression were gradually increased in endothelial cells with increasing Venoruton dosage. In addition, reactive oxygen species were significantly reduced by 0.1 mM and 0.5 mM Venoruton and elevated after high dose treatment. Conclusion: These data suggest that the increased transendothelial migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells is related to the excessive activation of the nitric oxide-axis and subsequent relaxation of the endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Werner
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Fengwei Guo
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Arndh H Kiessling
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Eva Juengel
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Borna Relja
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Lamm
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Chirurgische Klinik Dr. Rinecker, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich A Stock
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anton Moritz
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andres Beiras-Fernandez
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Meredith ME, Qu ZC, May JM. Ascorbate reverses high glucose- and RAGE-induced leak of the endothelial permeability barrier. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 445:30-5. [PMID: 24472555 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.01.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
High glucose concentrations due to diabetes increase leakage of plasma constituents across the endothelial permeability barrier. We sought to determine whether vitamin C, or ascorbic acid (ascorbate), could reverse such high glucose-induced increases in endothelial barrier permeability. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells and two brain endothelial cell lines cultured at 25 mM glucose showed increases in endothelial barrier permeability to radiolabeled inulin compared to cells cultured at 5mM glucose. Acute loading of the cells for 30-60 min with ascorbate before the permeability assay prevented the high glucose-induced increase in permeability and decreased basal permeability at 5mM glucose. High glucose-induced barrier leakage was mediated largely by activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), since it was prevented by RAGE blockade and mimicked by RAGE ligands. Intracellular ascorbate completely prevented RAGE ligand-induced increases in barrier permeability. The high glucose-induced increase in endothelial barrier permeability was also acutely decreased by several cell-penetrant antioxidants, suggesting that at least part of the ascorbate effect could be due to its ability to act as an antioxidant.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Elizabeth Meredith
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0475, United States
| | - Zhi-Chao Qu
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0475, United States
| | - James M May
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0475, United States; Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0475, United States.
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Dismuke WM, Liang J, Overby DR, Stamer WD. Concentration-related effects of nitric oxide and endothelin-1 on human trabecular meshwork cell contractility. Exp Eye Res 2013; 120:28-35. [PMID: 24374036 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The contractility status of trabecular meshwork (TM) cells influences aqueous humor outflow resistance and intraocular pressure. Using human TM cells as a model, the goal of the present study was to examine concentration-response relationships of two prototypical molecules, nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1), known to differentially influence vascular smooth muscle contractility. Efficacy of ET-1, two NO donors (DETA-NO and SNP) and a cGMP analog (8-Br-cGMP) were assessed using two complementary methods: functionally in a gel contraction assay and biochemically using a myosin light chain phosphorylation assay. The NO donors DETA-NO and SNP dose dependently relaxed cultured human TM cells (EC50 for DETA-NO = 6.0 ± 2.4 μM, SNP = 12.6 ± 8.8 μM), with maximum effects at 100 μM. Interestingly, at concentrations of NO donors above 100 μM, the relaxing effect was lost. Relaxation caused by DETA-NO (100 μM) was dose dependently blocked by the soluble guanylate cyclase specific inhibitor ODQ (IC50 = 460 ± 190 nM). In contrast to the NO donors, treatment of cells with the cGMP analog, 8-Br-cGMP produced the largest relaxation (109.4%) that persisted at high concentrations (EC50 = 110 ± 40 μM). ET-1 caused a dose-dependent contraction of human TM cells (EC50 = 1.5 ± 0.5 pM), with maximum effect at 100 pM (56.1%) and this contraction was reversed by DETA-NO (100 μM). Consistent with functional data, phosphorylation status of myosin light chain was dose dependently reduced with DETA-NO, and increased with ET-1. Together, data show that TM cells rapidly change their contractility status over a wide dynamic range, well suited for the regulation of outflow resistance and intraocular pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jin Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Darryl R Overby
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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May JM, Harrison FE. Role of vitamin C in the function of the vascular endothelium. Antioxid Redox Signal 2013; 19:2068-83. [PMID: 23581713 PMCID: PMC3869438 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2013.5205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, has long been known to participate in several important functions in the vascular bed in support of endothelial cells. These functions include increasing the synthesis and deposition of type IV collagen in the basement membrane, stimulating endothelial proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, scavenging radical species, and sparing endothelial cell-derived nitric oxide to help modulate blood flow. Although ascorbate may not be able to reverse inflammatory vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, it may well play a role in preventing the endothelial dysfunction that is the earliest sign of many such diseases. RECENT ADVANCES Beyond simply preventing scurvy, evidence is mounting that ascorbate is required for optimal function of many dioxygenase enzymes in addition to those involved in collagen synthesis. Several of these enzymes regulate the transcription of proteins involved in endothelial function, proliferation, and survival, including hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and histone and DNA demethylases. More recently, ascorbate has been found to acutely tighten the endothelial permeability barrier and, thus, may modulate access of ascorbate and other molecules into tissues and organs. CRITICAL ISSUES The issue of the optimal cellular content of ascorbate remains unresolved, but it appears that low millimolar ascorbate concentrations are normal in most animal tissues, in human leukocytes, and probably in the endothelium. Although there may be little benefit of increasing near maximal cellular ascorbate concentrations in normal people, many diseases and conditions have either systemic or localized cellular ascorbate deficiency as a cause for endothelial dysfunction, including early atherosclerosis, sepsis, smoking, and diabetes. FUTURE DIRECTIONS A key focus for future studies of ascorbate and the vascular endothelium will likely be to determine the mechanisms and clinical relevance of ascorbate effects on endothelial function, permeability, and survival in diseases that cause endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M May
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine , Nashville, Tennessee
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Abstract
Increased endothelial permeability and reduction of alveolar liquid clearance capacity are two leading pathogenic mechanisms of pulmonary edema, which is a major complication of acute lung injury, severe pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, the pathologies characterized by unacceptably high rates of morbidity and mortality. Besides the success in protective ventilation strategies, no efficient pharmacological approaches exist to treat this devastating condition. Understanding of fundamental mechanisms involved in regulation of endothelial permeability is essential for development of barrier protective therapeutic strategies. Ongoing studies characterized specific barrier protective mechanisms and identified intracellular targets directly involved in regulation of endothelial permeability. Growing evidence suggests that, although each protective agonist triggers a unique pattern of signaling pathways, selected common mechanisms contributing to endothelial barrier protection may be shared by different barrier protective agents. Therefore, understanding of basic barrier protective mechanisms in pulmonary endothelium is essential for selection of optimal treatment of pulmonary edema of different etiology. This article focuses on mechanisms of lung vascular permeability, reviews major intracellular signaling cascades involved in endothelial monolayer barrier preservation and summarizes a current knowledge regarding recently identified compounds which either reduce pulmonary endothelial barrier disruption and hyperpermeability, or reverse preexisting lung vascular barrier compromise induced by pathologic insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin G Birukov
- Lung Injury Center, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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Jia Z, Zhen W, Velayutham Anandh Babu P, Liu D. Phytoestrogen genistein protects against endothelial barrier dysfunction in vascular endothelial cells through PKA-mediated suppression of RhoA signaling. Endocrinology 2013; 154:727-37. [PMID: 23254196 PMCID: PMC3548180 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The soy-derived phytoestrogen genistein has received attention for its potential to improve vascular function, but its mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report that genistein at physiologically relevant concentrations (0.1-10 μM) significantly inhibited thrombin-induced increase in endothelial monolayer permeability. Genistein also reduced the formation of stress fibers by thrombin and suppressed thrombin-induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) on Ser(19)/Thr(18) in endothelial cells (ECs). Genistein had no effect on resting intracellular [Ca(2+)] or thrombin-induced increase in Ca(2+) mobilization. Addition of the inhibitors of endothelial nitric oxide synthase or estrogen receptor did not alter the protective effect of genistein. RhoA is a small GTPase that plays an important role in actin-myosin contraction and endothelial barrier dysfunction. RhoA inhibitor blocked the protective effect of genistein on endothelial permeability and also ablated thrombin-induced MLC-phosphorylation in ECs. Inhibition of PKA significantly attenuated the effect of genistein on thrombin-induced EC permeability, MLC phosphorylation, and RhoA membrane translocation in ECs. Furthermore, thrombin diminished cAMP production in ECs, which were prevented by treatment with genistein. These findings demonstrated that genistein improves thrombin-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction in ECs through PKA-mediated suppression of RhoA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenquan Jia
- Department of Biology, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
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Klinger JR, Tsai SW, Green S, Grinnell KL, Machan JT, Harrington EO. Atrial natriuretic peptide attenuates agonist-induced pulmonary edema in mice with targeted disruption of the gene for natriuretic peptide receptor-A. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2012. [PMID: 23195629 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01249.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) inhibits agonist-induced pulmonary edema formation, but the signaling pathway responsible is not well defined. To investigate the role of the particulate guanylate cyclase-linked receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A), we measured acute lung injury responses in intact mice and pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVEC) with normal and disrupted expression of NPR-A. NPR-A wild-type (NPR-A+/+), heterozygous (NPR-A+/-), and knockout (NPR-A-/-) mice were anesthetized and treated with thrombin receptor agonist peptide (TRAP) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Lung injury was assessed by lung wet-to-dry (W/D) weight and by protein and cell concentration of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. No difference in pulmonary edema formation was seen between NPR-A genotypes under baseline conditions. TRAP and LPS increased lung W/D weight and BAL fluid cell counts more in NPR-A-/- mice than in NPR-A+/- or NPR-A+/+ mice, but no genotype-related differences were seen in TRAP-induced increases in bloodless lung W/D weight or LPS-induced increases in BAL protein concentration. Pretreatment with ANP infusion completely blocked TRAP-induced increases in lung W/D weight and blunted LPS-induced increases in BAL cell counts and protein concentration in both NPR-A-/- and NPR-A+/+ mice. Thrombin decreased transmembrane electrical resistance in monolayers of PMVECs in vitro, and this effect was attenuated by ANP in PMVECs isolated from both genotypes. Administration of the NPR-C-specific ligand, cANF, also blocked TRAP-induced increases in lung W/D weight and LPS-induced increases in BAL cell count and protein concentration in NPR-A+/+ and NPR-A-/- mice. We conclude that ANP is capable of attenuating agonist-induced lung edema in the absence of NPR-A. The protective effect of ANP on agonist-induced lung injury and pulmonary barrier function may be mediated by NPR-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Klinger
- Vascular Research Laboratory, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA.
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Liu X, Fan Y, Xu XY, Deng X. Nitric oxide transport in an axisymmetric stenosis. J R Soc Interface 2012; 9:2468-78. [PMID: 22593099 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2012.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that disturbed flow can impede the transport of nitric oxide (NO) in the artery and hence induce atherogenesis, we used a lumen-wall model of an idealized arterial stenosis with NO produced at the blood vessel-wall interface to study the transport of NO in the stenosis. Blood flows in the lumen and through the arterial wall were simulated by Navier-Stokes equations and Darcy's Law, respectively. Meanwhile, the transport of NO in the lumen and the transport of NO within the arterial wall were modelled by advection-diffusion reaction equations. Coupling of fluid dynamics at the endothelium was achieved by the Kedem-Katchalsky equations. The results showed that both the hydraulic conductivity of the endothelium and the non-Newtonian viscous behaviour of blood had little effect on the distribution of NO. However, the blood flow rate, stenosis severity, red blood cells (RBCs), RBC-free layer and NO production rate at the blood vessel-wall interface could significantly affect the transport of NO. The theoretical study revealed that the transport of NO was significantly hindered in the disturbed flow region distal to the stenosis. The reduced NO concentration in the disturbed flow region might play an important role in the localized genesis and development of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Santovito A, Cervella P, Delpero M. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase intron 4 VNTR gene polymorphisms in European and African populations. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 39:6693-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-1492-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Hyperglycemia and endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis: lessons from type 1 diabetes. Int J Vasc Med 2012; 2012:569654. [PMID: 22489274 PMCID: PMC3303762 DOI: 10.1155/2012/569654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A clear relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease has been established for decades. Despite this, the mechanisms by which diabetes contributes to plaque formation remain in question. Some of this confusion derives from studies in type 2 diabetics where multiple components of metabolic syndrome show proatherosclerotic effects independent of underlying diabetes. However, the hyperglycemia that defines the diabetic condition independently affects atherogenesis in cell culture systems, animal models, and human patients. Endothelial cell biology plays a central role in atherosclerotic plaque formation regulating vessel permeability, inflammation, and thrombosis. The current paper highlights the mechanisms by which hyperglycemia affects endothelial cell biology to promote plaque formation.
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Han J, Shuvaev VV, Muzykantov VR. Catalase and superoxide dismutase conjugated with platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule antibody distinctly alleviate abnormal endothelial permeability caused by exogenous reactive oxygen species and vascular endothelial growth factor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2011; 338:82-91. [PMID: 21474567 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.111.180620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) superoxide anion (O(2)()) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) produced by activated leukocytes and endothelial cells in sites of inflammation or ischemia cause endothelial barrier dysfunction that may lead to tissue edema. Antioxidant enzymes (AOEs) catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) conjugated with antibodies to platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) specifically bind to endothelium, quench the corresponding ROS, and alleviate vascular oxidative stress and inflammation. In the present work, we studied the effects of anti-PECAM/catalase and anti-PECAM/SOD conjugates on the abnormal permeability manifested by transendothelial electrical resistance decline, increased fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran influx, and redistribution of vascular endothelial-cadherin in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers. Anti-PECAM/catalase protected HUVEC monolayers against H(2)O(2)-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction. Polyethylene glycol-conjugated catalase exerted orders of magnitude lower endothelial uptake and no protective effect, similarly to IgG/catalase. Anti-PECAM/catalase, but not anti-PECAM/SOD, alleviated endothelial hyperpermeability caused by exposure to hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase, implicating primarily H(2)O(2) in the disruption of the endothelial barrier in this model. Thrombin-induced endothelial permeability was not affected by treatment with anti-PECAM/AOEs or the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin or overexpression of AOEs, indicating that the endogenous ROS play no key role in thrombin-mediated endothelial barrier dysfunction. In contrast, anti-PECAM/SOD, but not anti-PECAM/catalase, inhibited a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced increase in endothelial permeability, identifying a key role of endogenous O(2)() in the VEGF-mediated regulation of endothelial barrier function. Therefore, AOEs targeted to endothelial cells provide versatile molecular tools for testing the roles of specific ROS in vascular pathology and may be translated into remedies for these ROS-induced abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyan Han
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Institute for Environmental Medicine, and Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6068, USA
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Surapisitchat J, Beavo JA. Regulation of endothelial barrier function by cyclic nucleotides: the role of phosphodiesterases. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2011:193-210. [PMID: 21695641 PMCID: PMC4062991 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-17969-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The endothelium plays an important role in maintaining normal vascular function. Endothelial barrier dysfunction leading to increased permeability and vascular leakage is associated with several pathological conditions such as edema and sepsis. Thus, the development of drugs that improve endothelial barrier function is an active area of research. In this chapter, the current knowledge concerning the signaling pathways regulating endothelial barrier function is discussed with a focus on cyclic nucleotide second messengers (cAMP and cGMP) and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Both cAMP and cGMP have been shown to have differential effects on endothelial permeability in part due to the various effector molecules, crosstalk, and compartmentalization of cyclic nucleotide signaling. PDEs, by controlling the amplitude, duration, and localization of cyclic nucleotides, have been shown to play a critical role in regulating endothelial barrier function. Thus, PDEs are attractive drug targets for the treatment of disease states involving endothelial barrier dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Surapisitchat
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 357280, Seattle, WA 98195-7280, USA and McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Room 8-601, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1L7
| | - Joseph A. Beavo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 357280, Seattle, WA 98195-7280, USA
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GTP cyclohydrolase 1 gene 3′-UTR C+243T variant predicts worsening outcome in patients with first-onset ischemic stroke. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 30:694-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-010-0642-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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May JM, Qu ZC. Nitric oxide mediates tightening of the endothelial barrier by ascorbic acid. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 404:701-5. [PMID: 21156160 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.12.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, decreases paracellular endothelial permeability in a process that requires rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. To define the proximal mechanism of this effect, we tested whether it might involve enhanced generation and/or sparing of nitric oxide (NO) by the vitamin. EA.hy926 endothelial cells cultured on semi-porous filter supports showed decreased endothelial barrier permeability to radiolabeled inulin in response to exogenous NO provided by the NO donor spermine NONOATE, as well as to activation of the downstream NO pathway by 8-bromo-cyclic GMP, a cell-penetrant cyclic GMP analog. Inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) with N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester increased endothelial permeability, indicating a role constitutive NO generation by eNOS in maintaining the permeability barrier. Inhibition of guanylate cyclase by 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one also increased endothelial permeability and blocked barrier tightening by spermine NONOATE. Loading cells with what are likely physiologic concentrations of ascorbate decreased endothelial permeability. This effect was blocked by inhibition of either eNOS or guanylate cyclase, suggesting that it involved generation of NO by eNOS and subsequent NO-dependent activation of guanylate cyclase. These results show that endothelial permeability barrier function depends on constitutive generation of NO and that ascorbate-dependent tightening of this barrier involves maintaining NO through the eNOS/guanylate cyclase pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M May
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0475, USA.
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Warboys CM, Eric Berson R, Mann GE, Pearson JD, Weinberg PD. Acute and chronic exposure to shear stress have opposite effects on endothelial permeability to macromolecules. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2010; 298:H1850-6. [PMID: 20363882 PMCID: PMC2886649 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00114.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial properties are affected by mechanical stresses. Several studies have shown that an acute application of shear stress increases the permeability of endothelial monolayers in culture. We investigated whether more prolonged application of shear has the opposite effect. Porcine aortic endothelial cells were cultured on Transwell filters to assess monolayer permeability to albumin. The medium above the cells was swirled using an orbital shaker; resultant shears were computed to lie within the physiological range. Acute application of shear increased permeability, but chronic application reduced it. The effect of chronic but not acute shear was reversed by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. The effect of chronic shear was also reversed by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3K) and soluble guanylyl cyclase. None of these interventions affected permeability under static conditions, and inhibition of cyclooxygenase was without effect. Chronic shear decreased mitosis rates by a fraction comparable to the reduction in permeability, but this effect was not reversed by inhibiting NO synthesis. We conclude that chronic application of shear stress reduces endothelial permeability to macromolecules by a PI3K-NO-cGMP-dependent mechanism. Since atherosclerosis can be triggered by excessive entry of plasma macromolecules into the arterial wall, the phenomenon may help explain the atheroprotective effects of shear and NO.
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Endotoxin-induced HIF-1α stabilisation in equine endothelial cells: synergistic action with hypoxia. Inflamm Res 2010; 59:689-98. [DOI: 10.1007/s00011-010-0180-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2009] [Revised: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/15/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Protective role of PI3-kinase/Akt/eNOS signaling in mechanical stress through inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in mouse lung. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2010; 31:175-83. [PMID: 20139900 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2009.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To test the hypothesis that PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling has a protective role in a murine model of ventilation associated lung injury (VALI) through down-regulation of p38 MAPK signaling. METHODS Male C57BL/J6 (wild-type, WT) or eNOS knockout mice (eNOS(-/-)) were exposed to mechanical ventilation (MV) with low (LV(T), 7 mL/kg) and high tidal volume (HV(T), 20 mL/kg) for 0-4 h. A subset of WT mice was administered the specific inhibitors of PI3K (100 nmol/L Wortmannin [Wort], ip) or of p38 MAPK (SB203580, 2 mg/kg, ip) 1 h before MV. Cultured type II alveolar epithelial cells C10 were exposed to 18% cyclic stretch for 2 h with or without 20 nmol/L Wort pretreatment. At the end of the experiment, the capillary leakage in vivo was assessed by extravasation of Evans blue dye (EBD), wet/dry weight ratio and lung lavage protein concentration. The lung tissue and cell lysate were also collected for protein and histological review. RESULTS MV decreased PI3K/Akt phosphorylation and eNOS expression but increased phospho-p38 MAPK expression along with a lung leakage of EBD. Inhibitions of phospho-Akt by Wort worsen the lung edema, whereas inhibition of p38 MAPK kinase restored activation of Akt together with alleviated capillary leakage. eNOS(-/-) mice showed an exacerbated lung edema and injury. The stretched C10 cells demonstrated that Wort diminished the activation of Akt, but potentiated phosphorylation of MAPK p38. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that PI-3K/Akt/eNOS pathway has significant protective effects in VALI by preventing capillary leakage, and that there is a cross-talk between PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK pathways in vascular barrier dysfunction resulting from VALI.
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