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Nikitiuk BE, Rydzewska-Rosołowska A, Kakareko K, Głowińska I, Hryszko T. On Whether Ca-125 Is the Answer for Diagnosing Overhydration, Particularly in End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2192. [PMID: 38396869 PMCID: PMC10889175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Overhydration (OH) is a prevalent medical problem that occurs in patients with kidney failure, but a specific marker has still not been found. Patients requiring kidney replacement therapy suffer from a water imbalance, which is correlated with mortality rates in this population. Currently, clinicians employ techniques such as bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and ultrasound (USG) markers of overhydration or markers of heart and kidney function, namely NT-pro-BNP, GFR, or creatinine levels. New serum markers, including but not limited to Ca-125, galectin-3 (Gal-3), adrenomedullin (AMD), and urocortin-2 (UCN-2), are presently under research and have displayed promising results. Ca-125, which is a protein mainly used in ovarian cancer diagnoses, holds great potential to become an OH marker. It is currently being investigated by cardiologists as it corresponds to the volume status in heart failure (HF) and ventricular hypertrophy, which are also associated with OH. The need to ascertain a more precise marker of overhydration is urgent mainly because physical examinations are exceptionally inaccurate. The signs and symptoms of overhydration, such as edema or a gradual increase in body mass, are not always present, notably in patients with chronic kidney disease. Metabolic disruptions and cachexia can give a false picture of the hydration status. This review paper summarizes the existing knowledge on the assessment of a patient's hydration status, focusing specifically on kidney diseases and the role of Ca-125.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alicja Rydzewska-Rosołowska
- 2nd Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Internal Medicine with Dialysis Unit, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland; (B.E.N.); (K.K.); (I.G.); (T.H.)
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2
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Gao MH, Giamouridis D, Lai NC, Guo T, Xia B, Kim YC, Huu VAN, Skowronska-Krawczyk D, Lantier L, Bhargava R, Hammond HK. Urocortin 2 Gene Transfer Improves Glycemic Control and Reduces Retinopathy and Mortality in Murine Insulin Deficiency. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 17:220-233. [PMID: 31970200 PMCID: PMC6965520 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes affects 20 million patients worldwide. Insulin is the primary and commonly the sole therapy for type 1 diabetes. However, only a minority of patients attain the targeted glucose control and reduced adverse events. We tested urocortin 2 gene transfer as single-agent therapy for insulin deficiency using two mouse models. Urocortin 2 gene transfer reduced blood glucose for months after a single intravenous injection, through increased skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity, increased insulin release in response to glucose stimulation, and increased plasma insulin levels before and during euglycemic clamp. The combined increases in both insulin availability and sensitivity resulted in improved glycemic indices-events that were not anticipated in these insulin-deficient models. In addition, urocortin 2 gene transfer reduced ocular manifestations of long-standing insulin deficiency such as vascular leak and improved retinal function. Finally, mortality was reduced by urocortin 2 gene transfer. The mechanisms for these beneficial effects included increased activities of AMP-activated protein kinase and Akt (protein kinase B) in skeletal muscle, increased skeletal muscle glucose uptake, and increased insulin release. These data suggest that urocortin 2 gene transfer may be a viable therapy for new onset type 1 diabetes and might reduce insulin needs in later stage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hua Gao
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - N. Chin Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Tracy Guo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Bing Xia
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Young Chul Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Viet Anh Nguyen Huu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
| | | | - Louise Lantier
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Nashville, TN 37232-0615, USA
| | - Raag Bhargava
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - H. Kirk Hammond
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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3
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Giamouridis D, Gao MH, Lai NC, Guo T, Miyanohara A, Blankesteijn WM, Biessen EAL, Hammond HK. Urocortin 2 Gene Transfer Improves Heart Function in Aged Mice. Mol Ther 2020; 28:180-188. [PMID: 31676153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction increases with aging. We previously reported that urocortin 2 (Ucn2) gene transfer increases heart function in mice with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Here, we test the hypotheses that (1) Ucn2 gene transfer will increase LV function in aged mice and that (2) Ucn2 gene transfer given in early life will prevent age-related LV dysfunction. Nineteen-month-old (treatment study) and 3-month-old (prevention study) mice received Ucn2 gene transfer or saline. LV function was examined 3-4 months (treatment study) or 20 months (prevention study) after Ucn2 gene transfer or saline injection. In both the treatment and prevention strategies, Ucn2 gene transfer increased ejection fraction, reduced LV volume, increased LV peak -dP/dt and peak +dP/dt, and reduced global longitudinal strain. Ucn2 gene transfer-in both treatment and prevention strategies-was associated with higher levels of LV SERCA2a protein, reduced phosphorylation of LV CaMKIIa, and reduced LV α-skeletal actin mRNA expression (reflecting reduced cardiac stress). In conclusion, Ucn2 gene transfer restores normal cardiac function in mice with age-related LV dysfunction and prevents development of LV dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Mei Hua Gao
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - N Chin Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tracy Guo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Atsushi Miyanohara
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - W Matthijs Blankesteijn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Erik A L Biessen
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Maastricht University, the Netherlands; Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - H Kirk Hammond
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Cardiovascular Effects of Urocortin-2: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2019; 33:599-613. [DOI: 10.1007/s10557-019-06895-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Kim YC, Giamouridis D, Lai NC, Guo T, Xia B, Fu Z, Gao MH, Hammond HK. Urocortin 2 Gene Transfer Reduces the Adverse Effects of a Western Diet on Cardiac Function in Mice. Hum Gene Ther 2019; 30:693-701. [PMID: 30648430 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk of heart failure. It has been previously demonstrated in mice that a single injection of adeno-associated virus 8 encoding urocortin 2 (AAV8.UCn2) increases glucose disposal in models of insulin resistance and improves the function of the failing heart. The present study tested the hypothesis that UCn2 gene transfer would reduce diabetes-related left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Eight-week-old C57BL6 male mice were fed a Western diet (WD; 45% fat, 35% carbohydrate) for 40 weeks. At week 30, they received saline or AAV8.UCn2 (2 × 1013 genome copies/kg) via intravenous injection. Ten weeks after gene transfer, fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance, and cardiac function were measured via echocardiography and in vivo measurement of LV contractile function, and the results were compared to those of mice fed normal chow (NC; 10% fat; 70% carbohydrate). The contents of key LV signaling proteins were also measured to probe mechanisms. WD increased 12 h fasting glucose (WD: 190 ± 11 mg/dL, n = 8; NC: 105 ± 12 mg/dL, n = 7; p = 0.0004). WD tended to reduce LV peak +dP/dt (p = 0.08) and LV peak -dP/dt (p = 0.05). LV ejection fraction was unchanged. Among WD-fed mice, UCn2 gene transfer reduced 12 h fasting glucose (WD-UCn2: 149 ± 6 mg/dL, n = 8; WD-Saline: 190 ± 11 mg/dL, n = 8; p = 0.012), increased LV peak +dP/dt (p < 0.001) and LV peak -dP/dt (p = 0.013), and reduced Tau (p < 0.02), indicating beneficial effects on systolic and diastolic LV function. In addition, among WD-fed mice, UCn2 gene transfer increased LV ejection fraction (p < 0.005) and the velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (p = 0.0005). Finally, a reduction was seen in fatty infiltration of the liver in WD-fed mice that had received UCn2 gene transfer. LV samples from WD-UCn2 mice showed increased phosphorylation of the protein kinase A catalytic domain (p = 0.03). In conclusion, UCn2 gene transfer increased LV systolic and diastolic function and reduced blood glucose in mice with diabetes-related LV dysfunction, indicating that UCn2 gene transfer may be of potential therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Chul Kim
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - N Chin Lai
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Tracy Guo
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Bing Xia
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Zhenxing Fu
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Mei Hua Gao
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - H Kirk Hammond
- 1 Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
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Domínguez-Rodríguez A, Mayoral-Gonzalez I, Avila-Medina J, de Rojas-de Pedro ES, Calderón-Sánchez E, Díaz I, Hmadcha A, Castellano A, Rosado JA, Benitah JP, Gomez AM, Ordoñez A, Smani T. Urocortin-2 Prevents Dysregulation of Ca 2+ Homeostasis and Improves Early Cardiac Remodeling After Ischemia and Reperfusion. Front Physiol 2018; 9:813. [PMID: 30018568 PMCID: PMC6037857 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Urocortin-2 (Ucn-2) is a potent cardioprotector against Ischemia and Reperfusion (I/R) injuries. However, little is known about its role in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) under I/R. Here, we examined whether the addition of Ucn-2 in reperfusion promotes cardioprotection focusing on ([Ca2+]i handling. Methods and Results: Cardiac Wistar rat model of I/R was induced by transient ligation of the left coronary artery and experiments were conducted 1 week after surgery in tissue and adult cardiomyocytes isolated from risk and remote zones. We observed that I/R promoted significant alteration in cardiac contractility as well as an increase in hypertrophy and fibrosis in both zones. The study of confocal [Ca2+]i imaging in adult cardiomyocytes revealed that I/R decreased the amplitude of [Ca2+]i transient and cardiomyocytes contraction in risk and remote zones. Interestingly, intravenous infusion of Ucn-2 before heart’s reperfusion recovered significantly cardiac contractility and prevented fibrosis, but it didn’t affect cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, Ucn-2 recovered the amplitude of [Ca2+]i transient and modulated the expression of several proteins related to [Ca2+]i homeostasis, such as TRPC5 and Orai1 channels. Using Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myocytes (NRVM) we demonstrated that Ucn-2 blunted I/R-induced Store Operated Ca2+ Entry (SOCE), decreased the expression of TRPC5 and Orai1 as well as their interaction in reperfusion. Conclusion: Our study provides the first evidences demonstrating that Ucn-2 addition at the onset of reperfusion attenuates I/R-induced adverse cardiac remodeling, involving the [Ca2+]i handling and inhibiting the expression and interaction between TRPC5 and Orai1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Domínguez-Rodríguez
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Isabel Mayoral-Gonzalez
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Avila-Medina
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Eva S de Rojas-de Pedro
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Eva Calderón-Sánchez
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Ignacio Díaz
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Abdelkrim Hmadcha
- Department of Regeneration and Cell Therapy, Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER), Junta de Andalucia, University of Pablo de Olavide, University of Seville, CSIC, Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Castellano
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Juan A Rosado
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Jean-Pierre Benitah
- UMR-S 1180, INSERM, Universite Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Ana M Gomez
- UMR-S 1180, INSERM, Universite Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Antonio Ordoñez
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Tarik Smani
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, University Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, CIBERCV, CSIC, Seville, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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7
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Teneggi V, Sivakumar N, Chen D, Matter A. Drugs’ development in acute heart failure: what went wrong? Heart Fail Rev 2018; 23:667-691. [DOI: 10.1007/s10741-018-9707-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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8
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Giamouridis D, Gao MH, Lai NC, Tan Z, Kim YC, Guo T, Miyanohara A, Blankesteijn WM, Biessen E, Hammond HK. Effects of Urocortin 2 Versus Urocortin 3 Gene Transfer on Left Ventricular Function and Glucose Disposal. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2018; 3:249-264. [PMID: 30062211 PMCID: PMC6059348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
UCn2 and UCn3 peptides have recently been infused to treat patients with heart failure (HF) but are limited by their short half-lives. A 1-time intravenous injection of virus vectors encoding UCn2 or UCn3 provided sustained increases in plasma concentrations of the peptides. This was associated with increases in both systolic and diastolic left ventricular (LV) function, mediated by increased LV SERCA2a expression and Ca2+ handling. UCn2, but not UCn3, gene transfer reduced fasting glucose and increased glucose disposal. These findings support UCn2 and UCn3 gene transfer as potential treatments for HF and indicate that UCn2 may be an optimal selection in patients with diabetes and HF.
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Key Words
- AAV, adeno-associated virus
- CO, cardiac output
- CRF, corticotropin-releasing factor
- CRHR, corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor
- CaMKII, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II
- EDD, end-diastolic diameter
- EF, ejection fraction
- ESD, end-systolic diameter
- ESPVR, end-systolic pressure-volume relationship
- HF, heart failure
- IP, intraperitoneal
- IV, intravenous
- LV, left ventricle/ventricular
- PKA, protein kinase A
- RYR2, ryanodine receptor 2
- SERCA2a, sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase
- Tau, time constant of left ventricular pressure decline
- UCn2, urocortin 2
- UCn3, urocortin 3
- VCFc, velocity of circumferential fiber shortening corrected for heart rate
- adeno-associated virus
- cAMP, 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate
- contractile function
- diastolic function
- gc, genome copies
- gene therapy
- insulin sensitivity
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mei Hua Gao
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - N. Chin Lai
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Zhen Tan
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Young Chul Kim
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Tracy Guo
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Atsushi Miyanohara
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - W. Matthijs Blankesteijn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Biessen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - H. Kirk Hammond
- Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
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9
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Adão R, Mendes-Ferreira P, Santos-Ribeiro D, Maia-Rocha C, Pimentel LD, Monteiro-Pinto C, Mulvaney EP, Reid HM, Kinsella BT, Potus F, Breuils-Bonnet S, Rademaker MT, Provencher S, Bonnet S, Leite-Moreira AF, Brás-Silva C. Urocortin-2 improves right ventricular function and attenuates pulmonary arterial hypertension. Cardiovasc Res 2018; 114:1165-1177. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aims
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease and treatment options are limited. Urocortin-2 (Ucn-2) has shown promising therapeutic effects in experimental and clinical left ventricular heart failure (HF). Our aim was to analyse the expression of Ucn-2 in human and experimental PAH, and to investigate the effects of human Ucn-2 (hUcn-2) administration in rats with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH).
Methods and results
Tissue samples were collected from patients with and without PAH and from rats with MCT-induced PH. hUcn-2 (5 μg/kg, bi-daily, i.p., for 10 days) or vehicle was administered to male wistar rats subjected to MCT injection or to pulmonary artery banding (PAB) to induce right ventricular (RV) overload without PAH. Expression of Ucn-2 and its receptor was increased in the RV of patients and rats with PAH. hUcn-2 treatment reduced PAH in MCT rats, resulting in decreased morbidity, improved exercise capacity and attenuated pulmonary arterial and RV remodelling and dysfunction. Additionally, RV gene expression of hypertrophy and failure signalling pathways were attenuated. hUcn-2 treatment also attenuated PAB-induced RV hypertrophy.
Conclusions
Ucn-2 levels are altered in human and experimental PAH. hUcn-2 treatment attenuates PAH and RV dysfunction in MCT-induced PH, has direct anti-remodelling effects on the pressure-overloaded RV, and improves pulmonary vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Adão
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research and Development Center - UnIC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Mendes-Ferreira
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research and Development Center - UnIC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Santos-Ribeiro
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research and Development Center - UnIC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carolina Maia-Rocha
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research and Development Center - UnIC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís D Pimentel
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research and Development Center - UnIC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Monteiro-Pinto
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research and Development Center - UnIC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eamon P Mulvaney
- UCD Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin,Ireland
| | - Helen M Reid
- UCD Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin,Ireland
| | - B Therese Kinsella
- UCD Conway Institute for Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin,Ireland
| | - François Potus
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Sandra Breuils-Bonnet
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Miriam T Rademaker
- Department of Medicine, Christchurch Heart Institute, University of Otago-Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Steeve Provencher
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Sébastien Bonnet
- Pulmonary Hypertension Research Group, Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Adelino F Leite-Moreira
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research and Development Center - UnIC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Brás-Silva
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research and Development Center - UnIC, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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10
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Rademaker MT, Richards AM. Urocortins: Actions in health and heart failure. Clin Chim Acta 2017; 474:76-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Gao MH, Giamouridis D, Lai NC, Walenta E, Paschoal VA, Kim YC, Miyanohara A, Guo T, Liao M, Liu L, Tan Z, Ciaraldi TP, Schenk S, Bhargava A, Oh DY, Hammond HK. One-time injection of AAV8 encoding urocortin 2 provides long-term resolution of insulin resistance. JCI Insight 2016; 1:e88322. [PMID: 27699250 PMCID: PMC5033760 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.88322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Using mice rendered insulin resistant with high fat diets (HFD), we examined blood glucose levels and insulin resistance after i.v. delivery of an adeno-associated virus type 8 encoding murine urocortin 2 (AAV8.UCn2). A single i.v. injection of AAV8.UCn2-normalized blood glucose and glucose disposal within weeks, an effect that lasted for months. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps showed reduced plasma insulin, increased glucose disposal rates, and increased insulin sensitivity following UCn2 gene transfer. Mice with corticotropin-releasing hormone type 2-receptor deletion that were rendered insulin resistant by HFD showed no improvement in glucose disposal after UCn2 gene transfer, indicating that the effect requires UCn2's cognate receptor. We also demonstrated increased glucose disposal after UCn2 gene transfer in db/db mice, a second model of insulin resistance. UCn2 gene transfer reduced fatty infiltration of the liver in both models of insulin resistance. UCn2 increases Glut4 translocation to the plasma membrane in skeletal myotubes in a manner quantitatively similar to insulin, indicating a mechanism through which UCn2 operates to increase insulin sensitivity. UCn2 gene transfer, in a dose-dependent manner, is insulin sensitizing and effective for months after a single injection. These findings suggest a potential long-term therapy for clinical type-2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hua Gao
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - N. Chin Lai
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Evelyn Walenta
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Young Chul Kim
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Tracy Guo
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Min Liao
- Department of Ob-Gyn and The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Ob-Gyn and The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhen Tan
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Theodore P. Ciaraldi
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Simon Schenk
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Aditi Bhargava
- Department of Ob-Gyn and The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Da Young Oh
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - H. Kirk Hammond
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
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Liu X, Liu C, Li J, Zhang X, Song F, Xu J. Urocortin attenuates myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats via the Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Endocr Res 2016; 41:148-57. [PMID: 26934363 DOI: 10.3109/07435800.2015.1094489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Urocortin, a novel identified corticotropin-releasing factor-related endocrinal peptide, has been shown to play an essential role in cardioprotection. Until recently, whether urocortin can protect the heart against diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) remained unclear. Herein, we evaluated the cardioprotective effect of urocortin on cardiac dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis and demonstrated the potential mechanism in a diabetic rat model. METHODS Diabetic rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: diabetic control group, urocortin, urocortin + astressin (a selective CRF receptor 2 antagonist) and urocortin + triciribine (an Akt pathway blocker). Cardiac catheterization was performed to evaluate cardiac function. The levels of creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF) and left ventricular mass index (LVWI) were measured. Inflammatory factors (transforming growth factor beta 1, TGF-β1; connective tissue growth factor, CTGF) and activation of signaling proteins (Akt, GSK-3β) were also detected using western blot. RESULTS DCM was successfully induced by the injection of streptozotocin (STZ) as evidenced by abnormal heart mass and cardiac function as well as the imbalance of extracellular matrix homeostasis. Rats in the DCM group showed increased mRNA and protein levels of LVWI, BNP, CK-MB, CVF, TGF-β1 and CTGF compared to the control group, which were accompanied with diminished phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β. Interestingly, myocardial dysfunction, cardiac fibrosis, and inflammation were suppressed by urocortin in the heart of diabetic rats. Moreover, inhibition of phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β was also reversed by urocortin. These effects of urocortin were suppressed by astressin. In addition, triciribine partially reduced the effects of urocortin on myocardial dysfunction, inflammation, and cardiac fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that urocortin exhibits a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of DCM by attenuating fibrosis and inflammation. Furthermore, inhibition of the Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway may be partially responsible for these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Liu
- a The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University , Jinzhou , China
- b Department of Endocrinology , Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Chunna Liu
- c Department of Pharmacology , Liaoning Medical University , Jinzhou , China
| | - Jian Li
- a The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University , Jinzhou , China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- a The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University , Jinzhou , China
| | - Feiran Song
- a The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University , Jinzhou , China
| | - Jin Xu
- b Department of Endocrinology , Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan , China
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Wong LL, Wang J, Liew OW, Richards AM, Chen YT. MicroRNA and Heart Failure. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:502. [PMID: 27058529 PMCID: PMC4848958 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) imposes significant economic and public health burdens upon modern society. It is known that disturbances in neurohormonal status play an important role in the pathogenesis of HF. Therapeutics that antagonize selected neurohormonal pathways, specifically the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems, have significantly improved patient outcomes in HF. Nevertheless, mortality remains high with about 50% of HF patients dying within five years of diagnosis thus mandating ongoing efforts to improve HF management. The discovery of short noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) and our increasing understanding of their functions, has presented potential therapeutic applications in complex diseases, including HF. Results from several genome-wide miRNA studies have identified miRNAs differentially expressed in HF cohorts suggesting their possible involvement in the pathogenesis of HF and their potential as both biomarkers and as therapeutic targets. Unravelling the functional relevance of miRNAs within pathogenic pathways is a major challenge in cardiovascular research. In this article, we provide an overview of the role of miRNAs in the cardiovascular system. We highlight several HF-related miRNAs reported from selected cohorts and review their putative roles in neurohormonal signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Lee Wong
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, #08-01, MD6 Centre for Translational Medicine, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
| | - Juan Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, #08-01, MD6 Centre for Translational Medicine, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
| | - Oi Wah Liew
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, #08-01, MD6 Centre for Translational Medicine, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
| | - Arthur Mark Richards
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, #08-01, MD6 Centre for Translational Medicine, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
- Cardiac Department, National University Health System, Tower Block Level 9, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228, Singapore.
- Christchurch Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 4345, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand.
| | - Yei-Tsung Chen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, #08-01, MD6 Centre for Translational Medicine, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
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Calderón-Sánchez E, Díaz I, Ordóñez A, Smani T. Urocortin-1 Mediated Cardioprotection Involves XIAP and CD40-Ligand Recovery: Role of EPAC2 and ERK1/2. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147375. [PMID: 26840743 PMCID: PMC4739601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Urocortin-1 (Ucn-1) is an endogenous peptide that protects heart from ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injuries. Ucn-1 is known to prevent cardiac cell death, but its role in the transcription of specific genes related to survival signaling pathway has not been fully defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular signaling implicated in the improvement of cardiac myocytes survival induced by Ucn-1. Methods and Results Ucn-1 administration before ischemia and at the onset of reperfusion, in rat hearts perfused in Langendorff system, fully recovered heart contractility and other hemodynamic parameters. Ucn-1 enhanced cell viability and decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in adult cardiac myocytes subjected to simulated I/R. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining indicated that Ucn-1 promoted cell survival and decreased cell necrosis through Epac2 (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP) and ERK1/2 (extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1/2) activation. We determined that Ucn-1 shifted cell death from necrosis to apoptosis and activated caspases 9 and 3/7. Furthermore, mini-array, RT-qPCR and protein analyses of apoptotic genes showed that Ucn-1 upregulated the expression of CD40lg, Xiap and BAD in cells undergoing I/R, involving Epac2 and ERK1/2 activation. Conclusions Our data indicate that Ucn-1 efficiently protected hearts from I/R damage by increasing the cell survival and stimulated apoptotic genes, CD40lg, Xiap and BAD, overexpression through the activation of Epac2 and ERK1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Calderón-Sánchez
- Grupo de Fisiopatología Cardiovascular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-IBiS, HUVR/Universidad de Sevilla/CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Ignacio Díaz
- Grupo de Fisiopatología Cardiovascular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-IBiS, HUVR/Universidad de Sevilla/CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Ordóñez
- Grupo de Fisiopatología Cardiovascular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-IBiS, HUVR/Universidad de Sevilla/CSIC, Seville, Spain
- * E-mail: (TS); (AO)
| | - Tarik Smani
- Grupo de Fisiopatología Cardiovascular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-IBiS, HUVR/Universidad de Sevilla/CSIC, Seville, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- * E-mail: (TS); (AO)
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15
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Rademaker MT, Ellmers LJ, Charles CJ, Mark Richards A. Urocortin 2 protects heart and kidney structure and function in an ovine model of acute decompensated heart failure: Comparison with dobutamine. Int J Cardiol 2015; 197:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Makarewich CA, Troupes CD, Schumacher SM, Gross P, Koch WJ, Crandall DL, Houser SR. Comparative effects of urocortins and stresscopin on cardiac myocyte contractility. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 86:179-86. [PMID: 26231084 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE There is a current need for the development of new therapies for patients with heart failure. OBJECTIVE We test the effects of members of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family of peptides on myocyte contractility to validate them as potential heart failure therapeutics. METHODS AND RESULTS Adult feline left ventricular myocytes (AFMs) were isolated and contractility was assessed in the presence and absence of CRF peptides Urocortin 2 (UCN2), Urocortin 3 (UCN3), Stresscopin (SCP), and the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (Iso). An increase in fractional shortening and peak Ca(2+) transient amplitude was seen in the presence of all CRF peptides. A decrease in Ca(2+) decay rate (Tau) was also observed at all concentrations tested. cAMP generation was measured by ELISA in isolated AFMs in response to the CRF peptides and Iso and significant production was seen at all concentrations and time points tested. CONCLUSIONS The CRF family of peptides effectively increases cardiac contractility and should be evaluated as potential novel therapeutics for heart failure patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Makarewich
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Constantine D Troupes
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Sarah M Schumacher
- Center for Translational Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Polina Gross
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Walter J Koch
- Center for Translational Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - David L Crandall
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA 19044, USA
| | - Steven R Houser
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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17
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Yang LZ, Zhu YC. Urocortin2 prolongs action potential duration and modulates potassium currents in guinea pig myocytes and HEK293 cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 758:97-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.03.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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18
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Lai NC, Gao MH, Giamouridis D, Suarez J, Miyanohara A, Parikh J, Hightower S, Guo T, Dillmann W, Kim YC, Diaz-Juarez J, Hammond HK. Intravenous AAV8 Encoding Urocortin-2 Increases Function of the Failing Heart in Mice. Hum Gene Ther 2015; 26:347-56. [PMID: 25760560 PMCID: PMC4492611 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Urocortin-2 (UCn2) peptide infusion increases cardiac function in patients with heart failure, but chronic peptide infusion is cumbersome, is costly, and provides only short-term benefits. Gene transfer would circumvent these shortcomings. We previously showed that a single intravenous (IV) injection of AAV8.UCn2 increases plasma UCn2 and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function for at least 7 months in normal mice. Here we test the hypothesis that IV delivery of AAV8.UCn2 increases function of the failing heart. Myocardial infarction (MI, by coronary ligation) was used to induce heart failure, which was assessed by echocardiography 3 weeks after MI. Mice with LV ejection fraction (EF) <25% received IV delivery of AAV8.UCn2 (5×1011 gc) or saline, and 5 weeks later echocardiography showed increased LV EF in mice that received UCn2 gene transfer (p=0.01). In vivo physiological studies showed a 2-fold increase in peak rate of LV pressure development (LV +dP/dt; p<0.0001) and a 1.6-fold increase in peak rate of LV pressure decay (LV −dP/dt; p=0.0007), indicating increased LV systolic and diastolic function in treated mice. UCn2 gene transfer was associated with increased peak systolic Ca2+ transient amplitude and rate of Ca2+ decline and increased SERCA2a expression. In addition, UCn2 gene transfer reduced Thr286 phosphorylation of Cam kinase II, and increased expression of cardiac myosin light chain kinase, findings that would be anticipated to increase function of the failing heart. We conclude that a single IV injection of AAV8.UCn2 increases function of the failing heart. The simplicity of IV injection of a vector encoding a gene with beneficial paracrine effects to increase cardiac function is an attractive potential clinical strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Chin Lai
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego, CA 92161.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Mei Hua Gao
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego, CA 92161.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego, CA 92161.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Jorge Suarez
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Atsushi Miyanohara
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Jay Parikh
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego, CA 92161.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Stephen Hightower
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego, CA 92161.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Tracy Guo
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Wolfgang Dillmann
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Young-Chul Kim
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - Julieta Diaz-Juarez
- 2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
| | - H Kirk Hammond
- 1 VA San Diego Healthcare System , San Diego, CA 92161.,2 Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego , San Diego, CA 92161
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19
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Liu C, Liu X, Yang J, Duan Y, Yao H, Li F, Zhang X. The effects of vasoactive peptide urocortin 2 on hemodynamics in spontaneous hypertensive rat and the role of L-type calcium channel and CRFR2. Pharmacol Rep 2015; 67:394-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2014.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Adão R, Santos-Ribeiro D, Rademaker MT, Leite-Moreira AF, Brás-Silva C. Urocortin 2 in cardiovascular health and disease. Drug Discov Today 2015; 20:906-14. [PMID: 25748088 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Urocortin (Ucn)-2 - corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 signaling has favorable effects in the cardiovascular system, including coronary vasodilatation, with increased coronary blood flow and conductance and augmented cardiac contractility and output, as well as protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Indeed, several animal studies have confirmed the salutary therapeutic effects of Ucn-2 in chronic heart failure, with improvements in cardiac performance and animal survival. In addition, recent clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of Ucn-2 in patients with stable chronic heart failure on optimal medical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Adão
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal
| | - Diana Santos-Ribeiro
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal
| | - Miriam T Rademaker
- Christchurch Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Adelino F Leite-Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal
| | - Carmen Brás-Silva
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal; Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Chronic Urocortin 2 Administration Improves Cardiac Function and Ameliorates Cardiac Remodeling After Experimental Myocardial Infarction. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2015; 65:269-75. [DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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22
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Liu X, Liu C, Zhang X, Zhao J, Xu J. Urocortin ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats via the Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Exp Ther Med 2015; 9:667-674. [PMID: 25667611 PMCID: PMC4316969 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortin has been shown to exert powerful protective effects on various cardiovascular disease models. However, the role and mechanism of urocortin in protecting against diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) has not yet been elucidated. In the present study, the effects of urocortin on cardiac dysfunction, fibrosis, inflammation and the interrelated signaling pathways were investigated in a diabetic rat model. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in the rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups: Diabetic control, urocortin, urocortin + astressin treatment and urocortin + triciribine treatment groups. All the experiments were conducted at 16 weeks following the induction of DM. The levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), as well as the myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF) and left ventricular mass index (LVWI), were measured. In addition, levels of inflammatory factors, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and interrelated proteins, such as Akt and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, were detected by biochemical analyses. In the diabetic group, the levels of BNP and CK-MB, as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF, and the LVWI and CVF, were higher compared with the rats in the control group (P<0.05). This was accompanied by decreased Akt and GSK-3β phosphorylation (P<0.05). Notably, urocortin attenuated myocardial dysfunction, cardiac fibrosis and inflammation in the hearts of the diabetic rats. However, urocortin exhibited no effect on the level of HbA1c. In addition, the inhibited phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β was restored with urocortin administration. However, all the effects of urocortin were eliminated with treatment of the corticotropin releasing factor receptor 2 antagonist, astressin. Triciribine, an Akt inhibitor, partially eliminated the effects of urocortin on myocardial dysfunction, inflammation and cardiac fibrosis in the hearts of the diabetic rats. These results indicated that urocortin may exhibit great therapeutic potential in the treatment of DCM by attenuating fibrosis and inflammation. Furthermore, the Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway may be partially involved in mediating these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China ; Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Chunna Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Jiajun Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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Gao MH, Lai NC, Miyanohara A, Schilling JM, Suarez J, Tang T, Guo T, Tang R, Parikh J, Giamouridis D, Dillmann WH, Patel HH, Roth DM, Dalton ND, Hammond HK. Intravenous adeno-associated virus serotype 8 encoding urocortin-2 provides sustained augmentation of left ventricular function in mice. Hum Gene Ther 2014; 24:777-85. [PMID: 23931341 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2013.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortin-2 (UCn2) peptide infusion increases cardiac function in patients with heart failure, but chronic peptide infusion is cumbersome, costly, and provides only short-term benefits. Gene transfer would circumvent these shortcomings. Here we ask whether a single intravenous injection of adeno-associated virus type 8 encoding murine urocortin-2 (AAV8.UCn2) could provide long-term elevation in plasma UCn2 levels and increased left ventricular (LV) function. Normal mice received AAV8.UCn2 (5×10¹¹ genome copies, intravenous). Plasma UCn2 increased 15-fold 6 weeks and >11-fold 7 months after delivery. AAV8 DNA and UCn2 mRNA expression was persistent in LV and liver up to 7 months after a single intravenous injection of AAV8.UCn2. Physiological studies conducted both in situ and ex vivo showed increases in LV +dP/dt and in LV -dP/dt, findings that endured unchanged for 7 months. SERCA2a mRNA and protein expression was increased in LV samples and Ca²⁺ transient studies showed an increased rate of Ca²⁺ decline in cardiac myocytes from mice that had received UCn2 gene transfer. We conclude that a single intravenous injection of AAV8.UCn2 increases plasma UCn2 and increases LV systolic and diastolic function for at least 7 months. The simplicity of intravenous injection of a long-term expression vector encoding a gene with paracrine activity to increase cardiac function is a potentially attractive strategy in clinical settings. Future studies will determine the usefulness of this approach in the treatment of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hua Gao
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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Violin JD, Soergel DG, Boerrigter G, Burnett JC, Lark MW. GPCR biased ligands as novel heart failure therapeutics. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2013; 23:242-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Chan WYW, Frampton CM, Crozier IG, Troughton RW, Richards AM. Urocortin-2 infusion in acute decompensated heart failure: findings from the UNICORN study (urocortin-2 in the treatment of acute heart failure as an adjunct over conventional therapy). JACC-HEART FAILURE 2013; 1:433-41. [PMID: 24621976 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchf.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of urocortin-2 as adjunct therapy in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). BACKGROUND Urocortin-2 produced favorable integrated effects in experimental heart failure but there are no equivalent human data. We describe the first therapeutic study of urocortin-2 infusion in ADHF. METHODS Fifty-three patients with ADHF were randomly assigned to 5 ng/kg/min of urocortin-2 or placebo infusion for 4 h as an adjunct therapy. Changes in vital signs, plasma neurohormonal and renal indices during treatment were compared using repeated-measures analysis of covariance. Ten patients in each arm underwent more detailed invasive hemodynamic evaluation. RESULTS Urocortin-2 produced greater falls in systolic blood pressure compared to placebo (16 ± 5.8 mm Hg, p < 0.001) with nonsignificant increases in heart rate (5.7 ± 3.8 beats/min, p = 0.07) and increased cardiac output (2.1 ± 0.4 l/min vs. -0.1 ± 0.4 l/min, p < 0.001) associated with a 47% reduction in calculated total peripheral resistance (p = 0.015). Falls in pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures did not differ significantly between groups. Urocortin-2 reduced urine volume and creatinine clearance during infusion but these returned to above baseline level in the 8 h after infusion. Plasma renin activity rose briefly with urocortin-2 coinciding with reductions in blood pressure (p < 0.001). B-type natriuretic peptide levels fell significantly over 24 h with urocortin-2 (p < 0.01) but not with placebo. CONCLUSIONS Urocortin-2 infusion in ADHF markedly augmented cardiac output without significant reflex tachycardia. Renal indices fell transiently concurrent with urocortin-2-induced reductions in blood pressure. Further investigations are required to uncover the full potential of urocortin-2 in treating ADHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Y Wandy Chan
- Christchurch Heart Institute, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; Cardiology Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | | | - Ian G Crozier
- Cardiology Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Richard W Troughton
- Christchurch Heart Institute, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; Cardiology Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - A Mark Richards
- Christchurch Heart Institute, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
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Rademaker MT, Charles CJ, Nicholls MG, Richards AM. Interactions of Enhanced Urocortin 2 and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism in Experimental Heart Failure. Circ Heart Fail 2013; 6:825-32. [DOI: 10.1161/circheartfailure.112.000205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background—
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have become established therapy in heart failure (HF). Urocortin 2 (Ucn2) is a novel peptide with potential in the treatment of this disease. The present study investigated the interactions of acute administration of Ucn2 and an MRA in experimental HF.
Methods and Results—
Ucn2 and an MRA (canrenoic acid [CA]) were infused for 4 hours, both singly and together, in 8 sheeps with pacing-induced HF. Ucn2, when administered as an adjunct to CA, further improved hemodynamic indices relative to that achieved by CA alone, producing additional increases in cardiac output and decreases in left atrial pressure and peripheral resistance but without eliciting a supplementary reduction in arterial pressure. Ucn2 cotreatment reversed CA-induced rises in circulating aldosterone levels, and also significantly reduced plasma renin activity, angiotensin II, and vasopressin concentrations. Although both CA and Ucn2 infusion produced a diuresis and natriuresis, responses with Ucn2 and Ucn+CA were 2- to 3-fold greater than that elicited by separate CA. Ucn2 cotherapy additionally increased urine potassium and creatinine excretion. In contrast to the rise in plasma potassium induced by CA, Ucn2 cotreatment reduced potassium concentrations.
Conclusions—
Ucn2 cotreatment with an MRA in HF further improved hemodynamics relative to that achieved by CA alone, while also reducing plasma renin activity, angiotensin II, aldosterone and vasopressin levels, and enhancing renal function. Importantly, Ucn2 prevented CA-induced rises in plasma potassium. These data demonstrate a favorable profile of effects with short-term adjunct Ucn2 therapy and an MRA in HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam T. Rademaker
- From the Christchurch Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Otago-Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Christopher J. Charles
- From the Christchurch Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Otago-Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - M. Gary Nicholls
- From the Christchurch Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Otago-Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - A. Mark Richards
- From the Christchurch Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Otago-Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Vaughan JM, Donaldson CJ, Fischer WH, Perrin MH, Rivier JE, Sawchenko PE, Vale WW. Posttranslational processing of human and mouse urocortin 2: characterization and bioactivity of gene products. Endocrinology 2013; 154:1553-64. [PMID: 23493376 PMCID: PMC3602626 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mouse (m) and human (h) urocortin 2 (Ucn 2) were identified by molecular cloning strategies and the primary sequence of their mature forms postulated by analogy to closely related members of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neuropeptide family. Because of the paucity of Ucn 2 proteins in native tissues, skin, muscle, and pancreatic cell lines were transduced with lentiviral constructs and secretion media were used to isolate and characterize Ucn 2 products and study processing. Primary structures were assigned using a combination of Edman degradation sequencing and mass spectrometry. For mUcn 2, transduced cells secreted a 39 amino acid peptide and the glycosylated prohormone lacking signal peptide; both forms were C-terminally amidated and highly potent to activate the type 2 CRF receptor. Chromatographic profiles of murine tissue extracts were consistent with cleavage of mUcn 2 prohormone to a peptidic form. By contrast to mUcn 2, mammalian cell lines transduced with hUcn 2 constructs secreted significant amounts of an 88 amino acid glycosylated hUcn 2 prohormone but were unable to further process this molecule. Similarly, WM-266-4 melanoma cells that express endogenous hUcn 2 secreted only the glycosylated prohormone lacking the signal peptide and unmodified at the C terminus. Although not amidated, hUcn 2 prohormone purified from overexpressing lines activated CRF receptor 2. Hypoxia and glycosylation, paradigms that might influence secretion or processing of gene products, did not significantly impact hUcn 2 prohormone cleavage. Our findings identify probable Ucn 2 processing products and should expedite the characterization of these proteins in mammalian tissues.
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Abstract
Inhibition of the RAAS (renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system) plays a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy and a spectrum of other proteinuric kidney diseases. Despite documented beneficial effects of RAAS inhibitors in diabetic patients with nephropathy, reversal of the progressive course of this disorder or at least long-term stabilization of renal function are often difficult to achieve, and many patients still progress to end-stage renal disease. Incomplete inhibition of the RAAS has been postulated as one of reasons for unsatisfactory therapeutic responses to RAAS inhibition in some patients. Inhibition of renin, a rate-limiting step in the RAAS activation cascade, could overcome at least some of the abovementioned problems associated with the treatment with traditional RAAS inhibitors. The present review focuses on experimental and clinical studies evaluating the two principal approaches to renin inhibition, namely direct renin inhibition with aliskiren and inhibition of the (pro)renin receptor. Moreover, the possibilities of renin inhibition and nephroprotection by interventions primarily aiming at non-RAAS targets, such as vitamin D, urocortins or inhibition of the succinate receptor GPR91 and cyclo-oxygenase-2, are also discussed.
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Devetzis V, Zarogoulidis P, Kakolyris S, Vargemezis V, Chatzaki E. The corticotropin releasing factor system in the kidney: perspectives for novel therapeutic intervention in nephrology. Med Res Rev 2012; 33:847-72. [PMID: 22622997 DOI: 10.1002/med.21268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The adaptation to endogenous and exogenous stress stimuli is crucial for survival but also for the onset of various diseases in humans. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system is the major regulator of stress response and homeostasis. The members of this family of peptides extend their actions also outside CNS to the periphery where they may affect various body systems independently, acting via vagal and/or autocrine/paracrine pathways. In search for peripheral targets, kidney has rarely been studied separately, regarding expression and action of CRF and CRF-related peptides. We reviewed the existing literature concerning expression and action of the CRF system in normal and pathological renal tissue and explored possible clinical implications in nephrology. CRF system components are expressed in the kidney of experimental animals and in humans. The intrarenal distribution is reported to be equally extensive, suggesting a physiological or pathophysiological role in renal function and in the occurrence of renal disease. Urocortins have given multiple interesting observations in experimental models of renal disease and clinical studies, showing robust effects in renal regulation mechanisms. We summarize the relevant data and put them in context, proposing applications with clinical significance in the field of hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, cardiorenal syndrome, and peritoneal dialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis Devetzis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Takahashi K. Distribution of urocortins and corticotropin-releasing factor receptors in the cardiovascular system. Int J Endocrinol 2012; 2012:395284. [PMID: 22675352 PMCID: PMC3362921 DOI: 10.1155/2012/395284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2011] [Revised: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortins are human homologues of urotensin I, a fish corticotropin-releasing-factor- (CRF-) like peptide secreted from the urophysis. There are three urocortins: urocortin 1, urocortin 2, and urocortin 3 in mammals. We have shown that urocortin 1 and urocortin 3 are endogenously synthesized in the myocardial cells of human heart and may act on CRF type 2 receptor (CRFR2) expressed in the heart. Expression levels of urocortin 1 in the heart and plasma urocortin 1 levels are elevated in patients with heart failure. Recent studies have shown that urocortins have various biological actions in the cardiovascular system, such as a vasodilator action, a positive inotropic action, a cardioprotective action against ischemia/reperfusion injury, and suppressive actions against the renin angiotensin system and the sympathetic nervous system. Urocortins and CRFR2 may therefore be a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, and myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Takahashi
- Departments of Endocrinology and Applied Medical Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan.
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Kageyama K, Teui K, Tamasawa N, Suda T. Regulation and roles of urocortins in the vascular system. Int J Endocrinol 2012; 2012:873723. [PMID: 22654906 PMCID: PMC3359671 DOI: 10.1155/2012/873723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortins (Ucns) are members of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family of peptides. Ucns would have potent effects on the cardiovascular system via the CRF receptor type 2 (CRF(2) receptor). Regulation and roles of each Ucn have been determined in the vascular system. Ucns have more potent vasodilatory effects than CRF. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) express Ucns1-3 mRNAs, and the receptor, CRF(2a) receptor mRNA. Ucns1-3 mRNA levels are differentially regulated in HUVECs. Differential regulation of Ucns may suggest differential roles of those in HUVECs. Ucn1 and Ucn2 have strong effects on interleukin (IL)-6 gene expression and secretion in rat aortic smooth muscle A7r5 cells. The increase that we observed in IL-6 levels following Ucn treatment of A7r5 cells suggests that smooth muscle cells may be a source of IL-6 secretion under physiological stress conditions. Ucns are important and unique modulators of vascular smooth muscle cells and act directly or indirectly as autocrine and paracrine factors in the vascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunori Kageyama
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
- *Kazunori Kageyama:
| | - Ken Teui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Naoki Tamasawa
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Suda
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan
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