Loss of expression of the beta subunit of soluble guanylyl cyclase prevents nitric oxide-mediated inhibition of DNA synthesis in smooth muscle cells of old rats

Arterial myogenic response and aging

The arterial myogenic response is an inherent property of resistance arteries. Myogenic tone is crucial for maintaining a relatively constant blood flow in response to changes in intraluminal pressure and protects delicate organs from excessive blood flow. Although this fundamental physiological phenomenon has been extensively studied, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Recent studies identified a crucial role of mechano-activated angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) in this process. The development of myogenic response is affected by aging. In this review, we summarize recent progress made to understand the role of AT1R and other mechanosensors in the control of arterial myogenic response. We discuss age-related alterations in myogenic response and possible underlying mechanisms and implications for healthy aging.

Spirulina extract improves age-induced vascular dysfunction

CONTEXT

Vascular dysfunction is considered a hallmark of ageing that has been associated with altered vasomotor responses, in which nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species participate. The consumption of Spirulina extracts, with antioxidant properties, increased recently.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the effect of Spirulina aqueous extract (SAE) on the vascular function of the aorta from aged rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aortic segments from aged male Sprague-Dawley rats (20-22 months old) were exposed to SAE (0.1% w/v, for 3 h) to analyse: (i) the vasodilator response induced by acetylcholine (ACh), by the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), by the carbon monoxide releasing molecule (CORM) and by the K_ATP channel opener, cromakalim (CK); (ii) the vasoconstrictor response induced by KCl and noradrenaline (NA); (iii) the production of NO and superoxide anion, and (iv) the expression of the p-eNOS and HO-1 proteins.

RESULTS

Incubation with SAE increased the expression of p-eNOS (1.6-fold) and HO-1 (2.0-fold), enhanced NO release (1.4-fold in basal and 1.9-fold in ACh-stimulated conditions) while decreased the production of superoxide (0.7-fold). SAE also increased the sensitivity (measured as pEC₅₀) to ACh (control: -7.06 ± 0.11; SAE: -8.16 ± 0.21), SNP (control: -7.96 ± 0.16; SAE: -9.11 ± 0.14) and CK (control: -7.05 ± 0.39; SAE: -8.29 ± 0.53), and potentiated the response to KCl (1.3-fold) and to NA (1.7-fold).

CONCLUSION

The antioxidant properties of SAE improved the vasomotor responses of aorta from aged rats. These results may support the use of Spirulina as a protection against vascular dysfunction.

Caloric restriction enhances vascular tone of cerebral and mesenteric resistance arteries in aged rats

Vascular changes of tone and biomechanical properties induced by ageing increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown to protect against cardiovascular diseases and improve endothelial dysfunction in cerebral resistance arteries. We hypothesise that CR will enhance vascular tone and structural properties of cerebral resistance arteries and exert comparable beneficial effects on the systemic vasculature of aged rat model. Eighteen-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were feed either ad libitum or restricted to 60 % of calorie consumption up to 24 months of age, when body weight (BW) measurements were taken and functional and structural properties of resistance arteries were assessed using a pressure myograph. In cerebral arteries, CR increased myogenic tone (p < 0.001) and distensibility (p < 0.01) in response to intraluminal pressure and concentration-dependent constriction to KCl (p < 0.001). In mesenteric arteries constriction in response to KCl was increased (p < 0.0001) and wall thickness reduced (p < 0.01) in CR rats. BW was reduced (p < 0.0001) in FR rats. Our findings demonstrate that CR improves vascular tone of resistance arteries regardless the type of stimulus and independently of the vascular bed. CR may be a beneficial dietary approach to prevent age-related vascular diseases.

Chronological Change of Vascular Reactivity to cGMP Generators in the Balloon-Injured Rat Carotid Artery

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) exists as reduced, oxidized, and heme-free forms. Currently, it is unclear whether endovascular mechanical stenosis has an impact on vascular tone control by drugs targeting sGC, namely cGMP generators.

METHODS

Pharmacological responses to acidified sodium nitrite (reduced sGC stimulant) and BAY 60-2770 (oxidized/heme-free sGC stimulant) were studied in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries at several time points. In addition, sGC expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

At 1 day after injury, acidified sodium nitrite-induced relaxation was attenuated in the injured artery, whereas BAY 60-2770-induced relaxation was augmented. Similar attenuation of response to acidified sodium nitrite was seen at 7 and 14 days after injury. On the other hand, the augmentation of response to BAY 60-2770 disappeared at 7 and 14 days after injury. At 1 day after injury, the immunohistochemical expression pattern of sGC in the smooth muscle layer of the injured artery was not different from that of the uninjured artery. However, in the injured artery, the intensity of sGC staining was weak at 7 and 14 days after injury.

CONCLUSION

Balloon injury alters vascular responsiveness to cGMP generators, which seems to be associated with the form and/or expression of sGC.

Endothelial Regenerative Capacity and Aging: Influence of Diet, Exercise and Obesity

Background:

The endothelium plays an important role in cardiovascular regulation, from blood flow to platelet aggregation, immune cell infiltration and demargination. A dysfunctional endo-thelium leads to the onset and progression of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). The aging endothelium displays significant alterations in function, such as reduced vasomotor functions and reduced angio-genic capabilities. This could be partly due to elevated levels of oxidative stress and reduced endothe-lial cell turnover. Circulating angiogenic cells, such as Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) play a significant role in maintaining endothelial health and function, by supporting endothelial cell prolifera-tion, or via incorporation into the vasculature and differentiation into mature endothelial cells. Howev-er, these cells are reduced in number and function with age, which may contribute to the elevated CVD risk in this population. However, lifestyle factors, such as exercise, physical activity obesity, and dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, nitrates, and antioxidants, significantly af-fect the number and function of these circulating angiogenic cells.

Conclusion:

This review will discuss the effects of advancing age on endothelial health and vascular regenerative capacity, as well as the influence of diet, exercise, and obesity on these cells, the mecha-nistic links and the subsequent impact on cardiovascular health

Soluble guanylyl cyclase-activated cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase inhibits arterial smooth muscle cell migration independent of VASP-serine 239 phosphorylation

Coronary artery disease (CAD) accounts for over half of all cardiovascular disease-related deaths. Uncontrolled arterial smooth muscle (ASM) cell migration is a major component of CAD pathogenesis and efforts aimed at attenuating its progression are clinically essential. Cyclic nucleotide signaling has long been studied for its growth-mitigating properties in the setting of CAD and other vascular disorders. Heme-containing soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) synthesizes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and maintains vascular homeostasis predominantly through cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) signaling. Considering that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can interfere with appropriate sGC signaling by oxidizing the cyclase heme moiety and so are associated with several CVD pathologies, the current study was designed to test the hypothesis that heme-independent sGC activation by BAY 60-2770 (BAY60) maintains cGMP levels despite heme oxidation and inhibits ASM cell migration through phosphorylation of the PKG target and actin-binding vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). First, using the heme oxidant ODQ, cGMP content was potentiated in the presence of BAY60. Using a rat model of arterial growth, BAY60 significantly reduced neointima formation and luminal narrowing compared to vehicle (VEH)-treated controls. In rat ASM cells BAY60 significantly attenuated cell migration, reduced G:F actin, and increased PKG activity and VASP Ser239 phosphorylation (pVASP·S239) compared to VEH controls. Site-directed mutagenesis was then used to generate overexpressing full-length wild type VASP (FL-VASP/WT), VASP Ser239 phosphorylation-mimetic (FL-VASP/239D) and VASP Ser239 phosphorylation-resistant (FL-VASP/239A) ASM cell mutants. Surprisingly, FL-VASP/239D negated the inhibitory effects of FL-VASP/WT and FL-VASP/239A cells on migration. Furthermore, when FL-VASP mutants were treated with BAY60, only the FL-VASP/239D group showed reduced migration compared to its VEH controls. Intriguingly, FL-VASP/239D abrogated the stimulatory effects of FL-VASP/WT and FL-VASP/239A cells on PKG activity. In turn, pharmacologic blockade of PKG in the presence of BAY60 reversed the inhibitory effect of BAY60 on naïve ASM cell migration. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that BAY60 inhibits ASM cell migration through cGMP/PKG/VASP signaling yet through mechanisms independent of pVASP·S239 and that FL-VASP overexpression regulates PKG activity in rat ASM cells. These findings implicate BAY60 as a potential pharmacotherapeutic agent against aberrant ASM growth disorders such as CAD and also establish a unique mechanism through which VASP controls PKG activity.

The impact of age on vascular smooth muscle function in humans

AIM

Advanced age is associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction, characterized by reductions in the endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the conduit and resistance arteries, in part, from decreased nitric oxide bioavailability. Although vascular smooth muscle function (SMF), assessed by responsiveness to an exogenous nitric oxide donor, is typically reported to be intact, many of these studies are limited by a small sample size. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematically review and determine whether vascular SMF is different between older versus young healthy individuals.

DESIGN

We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane and Scopus, since their inceptions until January 2014, for articles evaluating SMF in the brachial artery and/or resistance arteries (BASMF and RASMF, respectively), as assessed by the endothelium-independent vasodilator response to exogenous nitric oxide donors in older (≥60 years) and young (<30 years) groups of healthy individuals. Meta-analyses were performed to compare the mean difference in BASMF and the standardized mean difference in RASMF between older and young groups. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies assessing BASMF and 20 studies assessing RASMF were included, comprising 550 older and 516 young healthy individuals. After data pooling, BASMF and RASMF were lower in older compared with the young groups (mean difference = -1.89%, P = 0.04; standardized mean difference = -0.46, P = 0.0008, respectively). Significant heterogeneity was observed in the BASMF (I2 = 74%, P < 0.00001) and the RASMF (I2 = 57%, P = 0.0008) meta-analyses. Subgroup analyses revealed that studies with (predominantly) men showed similar SMF responses between the older and the young groups.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of the current published studies, vascular SMF is reduced in conduit and resistance arteries of otherwise healthy older individuals, particularly in women.

Arterial structure and function in vascular ageing: are you as old as your arteries?

Advancing age may be the most potent independent predictor of future cardiovascular events, a relationship that is not fully explained by time-related changes in traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Since some arteries exhibit differential susceptibility to atherosclerosis, generalisations regarding the impact of ageing in humans may be overly simplistic, whereas in vivo assessment of arterial function and health provide direct insight. Coronary and peripheral (conduit, resistance and skin) arteries demonstrate a gradual, age-related impairment in vascular function that is likely to be related to a reduction in endothelium-derived nitric oxide bioavailability and/or increased production of vasoconstrictors (e.g. endothelin-1). Increased exposure and impaired ability for defence mechanisms to resist oxidative stress and inflammation, but also cellular senescence processes, may contribute to age-related changes in vascular function and health. Arteries also undergo structural changes as they age. Gradual thickening of the arterial wall, changes in wall content (i.e. less elastin, advanced glycation end-products) and increase in conduit artery diameter are observed with older age and occur similarly in central and peripheral arteries. These changes in structure have important interactive effects on artery function, with increases in small and large arterial stiffness representing a characteristic change with older age. Importantly, direct measures of arterial function and structure predict future cardiovascular events, independent of age or other cardiovascular risk factors. Taken together, and given the differential susceptibility of arteries to atherosclerosis in humans, direct measurement of arterial function and health may help to distinguish between biological and chronological age-related change in arterial health in humans.

Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial DNA Damage and Their Role in Age-Related Vascular Dysfunction

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is significantly increased in the older population. Risk factors and predictors of future cardiovascular events such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, or diabetes are observed with higher frequency in elderly individuals. A major determinant of vascular aging is endothelial dysfunction, characterized by impaired endothelium-dependent signaling processes. Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to oxidative stress, loss of nitric oxide (^•NO) signaling, loss of endothelial barrier function and infiltration of leukocytes to the vascular wall, explaining the low-grade inflammation characteristic for the aged vasculature. We here discuss the importance of different sources of ROS for vascular aging and their contribution to the increased cardiovascular risk in the elderly population with special emphasis on mitochondrial ROS formation and oxidative damage of mitochondrial DNA. Also the interaction (crosstalk) of mitochondria with nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases is highlighted. Current concepts of vascular aging, consequences for the development of cardiovascular events and the particular role of ROS are evaluated on the basis of cell culture experiments, animal studies and clinical trials. Present data point to a more important role of oxidative stress for the maximal healthspan (healthy aging) than for the maximal lifespan.

Nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase is differentially regulated by nuclear and non-nuclear estrogen pathways in anterior pituitary gland

17β-estradiol (E2) regulates hormonal release as well as proliferation and cell death in the pituitary. The main nitric oxide receptor, nitric oxide sensitive- or soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), is a heterodimer composed of two subunits, α and β, that catalyses cGMP formation. α1β1 is the most abundant and widely expressed heterodimer, showing the greater activity. Previously we have shown that E2 decreased sGC activity but exerts opposite effects on sGC subunits increasing α1 and decreasing β1 mRNA and protein levels. In the present work we investigate the mechanisms by which E2 differentially regulates sGC subunits' expression on rat anterior pituitary gland. Experiments were performed on primary cultures of anterior pituitary cells from adult female Wistar rats at random stages of estrous cycle. After 6 h of E2 treatment, α1 mRNA and protein expression is increased while β1 levels are down-regulated. E2 effects on sGC expression are partially dependent on de novo transcription while de novo translation is fully required. E2 treatment decreased HuR mRNA stabilization factor and increased AUF1 p37 mRNA destabilization factor. E2-elicited β1 mRNA decrease correlates with a mRNA destabilization environment in the anterior pituitary gland. On the other hand, after 6 h of treatment, E2-BSA (1 nM) and E2-dendrimer conjugate (EDC, 1 nM) were unable to modify α1 or β1 mRNA levels, showing that nuclear receptor is involved in E2 actions. However, at earlier times (3 h), 1 nM EDC causes a transient decrease of α1 in a PI3k-dependent fashion. Our results show for the first time that E2 is able to exert opposite actions in the anterior pituitary gland, depending on the activation of classical or non-classical pathways. Thus, E2 can also modify sGC expression through membrane-initiated signals bringing to light a new point of regulation in NO/sGC pathway.

Aging blunts the dynamics of vasodilation in isolated skeletal muscle resistance vessels

Aging is associated with an altered ability to match oxygen delivery (QO2) to consumption ((.)VO2) in skeletal muscle and differences in the temporal profile of vasodilation may provide a mechanistic basis for the QO2-to-(.)VO2 mismatching during the rest-to-exercise transition. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the speed of vasodilation will be blunted in skeletal muscle first-order arterioles from old vs. young rats. Arterioles from the soleus and the red portion of the gastrocnemius (Gast(Red)) muscles were isolated from young (Y, 6 mo; n = 9) and old (O, 24 mo; n = 9) Fischer 344 rats and studied in vitro. Vessels were exposed to acetylcholine (ACh; 10(-6) M), sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 10(-4) M), and increased intraluminal flow, and the subsequent vasodilation was recorded at 30 frames/s. The data were fit to a monoexponential model and the dynamics of vasodilation [i.e., time delay, time constant (tau), and rate of change (delta/tau)] were calculated. With old age, the rate of vasodilation was significantly blunted in resistance vessels from the soleus to ACh (Y, 27.9 +/- 3.6; O, 8.8 +/- 2.6 microm/s) and flow (Y, 12.8 +/- 2.1; O, 3.1 +/- 0.9 microm/s). In the Gast(Red) the old age-associated impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilator dynamics was even greater than that of the soleus. With SNP neither the magnitude nor time constant of vasodilation was affected by age in either muscle. The results indicate that aging impairs the dynamics of vasodilation in resistance vessels from the soleus and Gast(Red) muscles mediated, in part, through the endothelium. Thus the old age-associated slower rate and magnitude of vasodilation could inhibit the delivery of O2 during the critical transition from rest to exercise in moderate to highly oxidative skeletal muscle.

Abnormal nitric oxide production in aged rat mesenteric arteries is mediated by NAD(P)H oxidase-derived peroxide

Previous work in our laboratory showed increased basal periarterial nitric oxide (NO) and H2O2 concentrations in the spontaneously hypertensive rat, characterized by oxidant stress, as well as impaired flow-mediated NO production that was corrected by a reduction of periarterial H2O2. Aging is also associated with an increase in vascular reactive oxygen species and results in abnormal vascular function. The current study was designed to assess the role of H2O2 in regulating NO production during vascular aging. In vivo, real-time NO and H2O2 concentrations were measured by microelectrodes in mesenteric arteries of retired breeder (aged; 8-12 mo) and young (2 to 3 mo) Wistar-Kyoto rats under conditions of altered flow. The results in aged rats revealed elevated basal NO (1,611+/-286 vs. 793+/-112 nM, P<0.05) and H2O2 concentrations (16+/-2 vs. 9+/-1 microM, P<0.05) and a flow-mediated increase in H2O2 but not NO production. Pretreatment of aged rats with the antioxidant apocynin lowered both basal H2O2 (8+/-1 microM) and NO (760+/-102 nM) to young levels and restored flow-mediated NO production. Similar results were obtained with the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor gp91ds-tat. In addition, acute incubation with topical polyethylene-glycolated catalase lowered the baseline NO concentration and restored flow-mediated NO production. Taken together, the data indicate that elevated baseline and suppressed flow-mediated NO production in aged Wistar-Kyoto rats are mediated by NAD(P)H oxidase-derived H2O2.

Nitric oxide sensitive-guanylyl cyclase subunit expression changes during estrous cycle in anterior pituitary glands

17beta-estradiol (E2) exerts inhibitory actions on the nitric oxide pathway in rat adult pituitary glands. Previously, we reported that in vivo E2 acute treatment had opposite effects on soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) subunits, increasing alpha1- and decreasing beta1-subunit protein and mRNA expression and decreasing sGC activity in immature rats. Here we studied the E2 effect on sGC protein and mRNA expression in anterior pituitary gland from adult female rats to address whether the maturation of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis influences its effects and to corroborate whether these effects occur in physiological conditions such as during estrous cycle. E2 administration causes the same effect on sGC as seen in immature rats, and these effects are estrogen receptor dependent. These results suggest that E2 is the main effector of these changes. Since the sGC alpha-subunit increases while the sGC activity decreases, we studied if other less active isoforms of the sGC alpha-subunit are expressed. Here we show for the first time that sGCalpha2 and sGCalpha2 inhibitory (alpha2i) isoforms are expressed in this gland, but only sGCalpha2i mRNA increased after E2 acute treatment. Finally, to test whether E2 effects take place under a physiological condition, sGC subunit expression was monitored over estrous cycle. sGCalpha1, -beta1, and -alpha2i fluctuate along estrous cycle, and these changes are directly related with E2 level fluctuations rather than to NO level variations. These findings show that E2 physiologically regulates sGC expression and highlight a novel mechanism by which E2 downregulates sGC activity in rat anterior pituitary gland.

Role of aging versus the loss of estrogens in the reduction in vascular function in female rats

Although aging is known to lead to increased vascular stiffness, the role of estrogens in the prevention of age-related changes in the vasculature remains to be elucidated. To address this, we measured vascular function in the thoracic aorta in adult and old ovariectomized (ovx) rats with and without immediate 17beta-estradiol (E2) replacement. In addition, aortic mRNA and protein were analyzed for proteins known to be involved in vasorelaxation. Aging in combination with the loss of estrogens led to decreased vasorelaxation in response to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, indicating either smooth muscle dysfunction and/or increased fibrosis. Loss of estrogens led to increased vascular tension in response to phenylephrine, which could be partially restored by E2 replacement. Levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase did not differ among the groups, nor did total nitrite plus nitrate levels. Old ovx exhibited decreased expression of both the alpha and beta-subunits of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and had impaired nitric oxide signaling in the vascular smooth muscle. Immediate E2 replacement in the aged ovx prevented both the impairment in vasorelaxation, and the decreased sGC receptor expression and abnormal sGC signaling within the vascular smooth muscle.

Effect of oral organic nitrates on expression and activity of vascular soluble guanylyl cyclase

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The regulation of vascular soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) expression by nitric oxide (NO) is still under discussion. In vitro, NO has been shown to downregulate the expression of sGC but it is unclear if this mechanism is operative in vivo and occurs during nitrate treatment.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We investigated whether high dose isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) or pentaerythrityl tetranitrate (PETN) treatment changes vascular sGC expression and activity in vivo. New Zealand White rabbits received a standard diet, 2 or 200 mg ISMN kg(-1) d(-1) for 16 weeks, and C57BL/6 mice received a standard diet, 6, 60 or 300 mg PETN kg(-1) d(-1) for four weeks. Absorption was checked by measuring the plasma levels of the drug/metabolite.

KEY RESULTS

Western blots of rabbit aortic rings showed similar protein levels of sGC alpha1- (P=0.2790) and beta1-subunits (P=0.6900) in all groups. Likewise, ANOVA showed that there was no difference in the expression of sGC in lungs of PETN-treated mice (P=0.0961 for alpha1 and P=0.3709 for beta1). The activities of isolated sGC in response to SNAP (1 microM-1 mM) were identical in aortae of ISMN-treated rabbits (P=0.0775) and lungs of PETN-treated mice (P=0.6348). The aortic relaxation response to SNAP slightly decreased at high ISMN but not at high PETN.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These data refute the hypothesis that therapeutic treatment with long acting NO donors has a significant impact on the regulation of vascular sGC expression and activity in vivo.

Characterization of the human alpha1 beta1 soluble guanylyl cyclase promoter: key role for NF-kappaB(p50) and CCAAT-binding factors in regulating expression of the nitric oxide receptor

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is the principal receptor for NO and plays a ubiquitous role in regulating cellular function. This is exemplified in the cardiovascular system where sGC governs smooth muscle tone and growth, vascular permeability, leukocyte flux, and platelet aggregation. As a consequence, aberrant NO-sGC signaling has been linked to diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Despite these key (patho)physiological roles, little is known about the expressional regulation of sGC. To address this deficit, we have characterized the promoter activity of human α₁ and β₁ sGC genes in a cell type relevant to cardiovascular (patho)physiology, primary human aortic smooth muscle cells. Luciferase reporter constructs revealed that the 0.3- and 0.5-kb regions upstream of the transcription start sites were optimal for α₁ and β₁ sGC promoter activity, respectively. Deletion of consensus sites for c-Myb, GAGA, NFAT, NF-κB(p50), and CCAAT-binding factor(s) (CCAAT-BF) revealed that these are the principal transcription factors regulating basal sGC expression. In addition, under pro-inflammatory conditions, the effects of the strongest α₁ and β₁ sGC repressors were enhanced, and enzyme expression and activity were reduced; in particular, NF-κB(p50) is pivotal in regulating enzyme expression under such conditions. NO itself also elicited a cGMP-independent negative feedback effect on sGC promoter activity that is mediated, in part, via CCAAT-BF activity. In sum, these data provide a systematic characterization of the promoter activity of human sGC α₁ and β₁ subunits and identify key transcription factors that govern subunit expression under basal and pro-inflammatory (i.e. atherogenic) conditions and in the presence of ligand NO.

A20, a modulator of smooth muscle cell proliferation and apoptosis, prevents and induces regression of neointimal hyperplasia

A20 is a NF-kappaB-dependent gene that has dual anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic functions in endothelial cells (EC). The function of A20 in smooth muscle cells (SMC) is unknown. We demonstrate that A20 is induced in SMC in response to inflammatory stimuli and serves an anti-inflammatory function via blockade of NF-kappaB and NF-kappaB-dependent proteins ICAM-1 and MCP-1. A20 inhibits SMC proliferation via increased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21waf1 and p27kip1. Surprisingly, A20 sensitizes SMC to cytokine- and Fas-mediated apoptosis through a novel NO-dependent mechanism. In vivo, adenoviral delivery of A20 to medial rat carotid artery SMC after balloon angioplasty prevents neointimal hyperplasia by blocking SMC proliferation and accelerating re-endothelialization, without causing apoptosis. However, expression of A20 in established neointimal lesions leads to their regression through increased apoptosis. This is the first demonstration that A20 exerts two levels of control of vascular remodeling and healing. A20 prevents neointimal hyperplasia through combined anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative functions in medial SMC. If SMC evade this first barrier and neointima is formed, A20 has a therapeutic potential by uniquely sensitizing neointimal SMC to apoptosis. A20-based therapies hold promise for the prevention and treatment of neointimal disease.

Ageing affects nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase and oxidative stress enzymes expression differently in mesenteric resistance arteries

1 Our aim was to study the role of nitric oxide (NO) and arachidonic acid pathways in the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction in mesenteric resistance arteries from 3--4 and 22 to 23-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats. 2 The expression of NO synthase (NOS), cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms, soluble guanylate cyclase, superoxide dismutase and the NAD(P)H oxidase subunits p22(phox) and p 47(phox) were determined. 3 The N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, a non-selective NOS inhibitor, shifted to the left but indomethacin and NS 398, non-selective and selective COX-2 inhibitors, shifted to the right the concentration-response curve for the vasoconstriction by phenylephrine in both age groups. 4 Ageing up-regulated endothelial NOS and p22(phox) expression but did not modify COX, soluble guanylate cyclase, superoxide dismutase and p 47(phox) expression. 5 These data suggest that the observed enhancement of eNOS protein expression could constitute a compensatory mechanism to counter-regulate a chronic loss of NO possibly through increased superoxide anion production from NAD(P)H oxidase induced by age.

Modulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration: role of smooth muscle cell heterogeneity

Proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the media towards the intima are key events in atherosclerosis and restenosis. During these processes, SMC undergo phenotypic modulations leading to SMC dedifferentiation. The identification and characterization of factors controlling these phenotypic changes are crucial in order to prevent the formation of intimal thickening. One of the questions which presently remains open, is to know whether any SMCs of the media are capable of accumulating into the intima or whether only a predisposed medial SMC subpopulation is involved in this process. The latter hypothesis implies that arterial SMCs are phenotypically heterogenous. In this chapter, we will describe the distinct SMC phenotypes identified in arteries of various species, including humans. Their role in the formation of intimal thickening will be discussed.

AGAP1, a novel binding partner of nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase

Nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is the major cytosolic receptor for NO, catalyzing the conversion of GTP to cGMP. In a search for proteins specifically interacting with human sGC, we have identified the multidomain protein AGAP1, the prototype of an ArfGAP protein with a GTPase-like domain, Ankyrin repeats, and a pleckstrin homology domain. AGAP1 binds through its carboxyl terminal portion to both the alpha1 and beta1 subunits of sGC. We demonstrate that AGAP1 mRNA and protein are co-expressed with sGC in human, murine, and rat cells and tissues and that the two proteins interact in vitro and in vivo. We also show that AGAP1 is prone to tyrosine phosphorylation by Src-like kinases and that tyrosine phosphorylation potently increases the interaction between AGAP1 and sGC, indicating that complex formation is modulated by reversible phosphorylation. Our findings may hint to a potential role of AGAP1 in integrating signals from Arf, NO/cGMP, and tyrosine kinase signaling pathways.

Regulation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase expression by soluble guanylyl cyclase in vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) undergo many phenotypic changes when placed in culture. Several studies have shown that the levels of expression of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) or cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) are altered in cultured VSMC. In this study the mechanisms involved in the coordinated expression of sGC and PKG were examined. Pro-inflammatory cytokines that increase the expression of type II NO synthase (inducible NO synthase, or iNOS) decreased PKG expression in freshly isolated, non-passaged bovine aortic SMC. However, in several passaged VSMC lines (i.e. bovine aortic SMC, human aortic SMC, and A7r5 cells), PKG protein expression was not suppressed by cytokines or NO. sGC was highly expressed in non-passaged bovine aortic SMC but not in passaged cell lines. Restoration of expression of sGC to passaged bovine SMC using adenovirus encoding the alpha1 and beta1 subunits of sGC restored the capacity of the cells to increase cGMP in response to NO. Furthermore, treatment of these sGC-transduced cells with NO donors for 48 h resulted in decreased PKG protein expression. In contrast, passaged rat aortic SMC expressed high levels of NO-responsive sGC but demonstrated reduced expression of PKG. Adenovirus-mediated expression of the PKG catalytically active domain in rat aortic SMC caused a reduction in the expression of sGC in these cells. These results suggest that there is a mechanism for the coordinated expression of sGC and PKG in VSMC and that prolonged activation of sGC down-regulates PKG expression. Likewise, the loss of PKG expression appears to increase sGC expression. These effects may be an adaptive mechanism allowing growth and survival of VSMC in vitro.

The expression pattern of nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase in the rat heart changes during postnatal development

Nitric oxide (NO)-releasing drugs such as glyceryl trinitrate have been used in the treatment of ischemic heart disease for more than a century. Nevertheless, a detailed analysis of the expression of the NO target enzyme soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) in the heart is missing. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the expression, cell distribution, and activity of sGC in the rat heart during postnatal development. Using a novel antibody raised against a C-terminal peptide of the rat beta(1)-subunit of sGC, the enzyme was demonstrated in early postnatal and adult hearts by Western blotting analyses, showing maximal expression in 10-day-old animals. Measurements of basal, NO-, and NO/YC-1-stimulated sGC activity revealed an increase of sGC activity in hearts from neonatal to 10-day-old rats, followed by a subsequent decrease in adult animals. As shown by immunohistochemical analysis, sGC expression was present in vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells in neonatal heart but expression shifted to endothelial cells in adult animals. In isolated cardiomyocytes, sGC activity was not detectable under basal conditions but significant sGC activity could be detected in the presence of NO. An increase in expression during the perinatal period and changes in the cell types expressing sGC at different phases of development suggest dynamic regulation rather than constitutive expression of the NO receptor in the heart.

Contribution of the renin-angiotensin system to subsensitivity of soluble guanylyl cyclase in TGR(mREN2)27 rats

Soluble guanylyl cyclase activity and its stimulation by diethylamineNONOate was measured in aortae from hypertensive TGR(mREN2)27 rats (TGR) and Sprague-Dawley controls. Superoxide dismutase was added in vitro to evaluate the contribution of oxidative breakdown of nitric oxide (NO) by superoxide anions. Expression of soluble guanylyl cyclase was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Basal and stimulated soluble guanylyl cyclase activity was significantly reduced in TGR rats, addition of superoxide dismutase had no effect. Expression of soluble guanylyl cyclase subunits was not different between strains. The independent contribution of hypertension and the overactive renin-angiotensin system to soluble guanylyl cyclase subsensitivity was assessed after normalization of TGR's blood pressure by the Ca(2+)-channel blocker amlodipine or the angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitor enalapril. Soluble guanylyl cyclase activity in TGR was slightly increased by amlodipine and almost completely restored by enalapril. In conclusion, TGR showed desensitized vascular soluble guanylyl cyclase, depending on their overactive renin-angiotensin system.

Suppression of proliferation of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells by the nitric oxide donor, S-nitrosoglutathione, is cGMP-independent

Nitric oxide (NO), delivered by a single addition of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO, IC(50) = 60-75 microM), causes the prolonged, multi-day suppression of proliferation of asynchronous, logarithmically growing human (hCASMC, two cell strains), and porcine (porCASMC) coronary artery smooth muscle cells. The inhibition is not cytotoxic, but cytostatic and reversible. Transient exposure (>4-12 h) to GSNO is sufficient to elicit prolonged suppression, but a less than 4 h exposure produces little or no inhibition. Unlike porCASMC and rat and rabbit aortic SMC, hCASMC synthesize little cGMP in response to GSNO stimulation, suggesting loss of NO responsive guanylate cyclase in vitro. The guanylate cyclase inhibitor, ODQ, blocks the slight cGMP synthesis induced by GSNO in hCASMC, but does not prevent GSNO suppression of proliferation. These data support a cGMP independent mechanism for NO induced suppression of hCASMC proliferation which may be significant in the treatment of proliferative coronary artery diseases.

Molecular aspects of soluble guanylyl cyclase regulation

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is a heterodimeric enzyme (comprised of alpha and beta subunits) that generates the intracellular second messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) from guanosine triphosphate (GTP). cGMP is subsequently important for the regulation of protein kinases, ion channels, and phosphodiesterases. Since recent evidence has demonstrated that heterodimerization of the alpha/beta subunits is essential for basal and stimulated enzymatic activity, the existence of several types of isoforms for each of the two subunits, along with their varying degrees of expression in different tissues, implies that multiple regulatory mechanisms exist for sGC. Yet, progress in studying and clarifying the regulatory processes that can alter sGC expression and activity has only slowly started being elucidated. In the following paper, we elaborate on sGC structure, function, and distribution along with recently described signaling pathways that modulate sGC gene expression.