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Miyahara S, Jenke A, Yazdanyar M, Kistner J, Immohr MB, Sugimura Y, Aubin H, Kamiya H, Okita Y, Lichtenberg A, Akhyari P. The combination approach with Rho-kinase inhibition and mechanical circulatory support in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury: Rho-kinase inhibition and ventricular unloading. Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann 2022; 30:894-905. [PMID: 35837687 PMCID: PMC9513506 DOI: 10.1177/02184923221114457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background It remains unclear whether the Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibition in combination
with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) had a synergic protective effect
on myocardial ischemia (MI)/reperfusion injury in therapeutic strategies for
acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We report the results of an approach
using a rat model consisting of a miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)
and AMI. Methods A total of 25 male Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups: (1) Sham: a
suture was passed under the left anterior descending artery (LAD) creating
no MI. A vehicle solution (0.9% saline) was injected intraperitoneally. (2)
Myocardial ischemia (MI) + vehicle (MI + V): LAD was ligated for 30 min and
reperfused for 120 min, followed by administration of vehicle solution. (3)
MI + fasudil (MI + F): the work sequence of group 2, but the selective ROCK
inhibitor fasudil (10 mg/kg) was administered instead. (4) MI + V + CPB: CPB
was initiated 15 min after the ligation of the LAD to the end of the
reperfusion, in addition to the work sequence in group 2. (5) In the
MI + F + CPB group, the work sequence of group 4, but with fasudil
administration (10 mg/kg). Results Measurements of cardiac function through conductance catheter indicated that
the drop of + dP/dt after reperfusion was moderately limited in MI + F + CPB
(vs. MI + V, dP/dt p = 0.22). The preload recruitable
stroke work was moderately improved in the MI + F + CPB
(p = 0.23) compared with the corresponding control animals
(MI + V). Phosphorylated protein kinase B expression in the MI + V + CPB and
MI + F + CPB was higher than that in MI + V (p = 0.33). Conclusion Therefore, fasudil administration with MCS resulted in a moderately better
left ventricular performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Miyahara
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, 9170Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Jenke
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, 9170Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mariam Yazdanyar
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, 9170Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Kistner
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, 9170Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Moritz Benjamin Immohr
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, 9170Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Yukiharu Sugimura
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, 9170Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hug Aubin
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, 9170Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hiroyuki Kamiya
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, 38051Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Yutaka Okita
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, 38303Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Artur Lichtenberg
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, 9170Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Payam Akhyari
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, 9170Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Nalkurthi C, Schroder WA, Melino M, Irvine KM, Nyuydzefe M, Chen W, Liu J, Teng MWL, Hill GR, Bertolino P, Blazar BR, Miller GC, Clouston AD, Zanin-Zhorov A, MacDonald KPA. ROCK2 inhibition attenuates profibrogenic immune cell function to reverse thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis. JHEP REPORTS : INNOVATION IN HEPATOLOGY 2021; 4:100386. [PMID: 34917911 PMCID: PMC8645924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background & Aims Fibrosis, the primary cause of morbidity in chronic liver disease, is induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines, immune cell infiltrates, and tissue resident cells that drive excessive myofibroblast activation, collagen production, and tissue scarring. Rho-associated kinase 2 (ROCK2) regulates key pro-fibrotic pathways involved in both inflammatory reactions and altered extracellular matrix remodelling, implicating this pathway as a potential therapeutic target. Methods We used the thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis model to examine the efficacy of administration of the selective ROCK2 inhibitor KD025 to prevent or treat liver fibrosis and its impact on immune composition and function. Results Prophylactic and therapeutic administration of KD025 effectively attenuated thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis and promoted fibrotic regression. KD025 treatment inhibited liver macrophage tumour necrosis factor production and disrupted the macrophage niche within fibrotic septae. ROCK2 targeting in vitro directly regulated macrophage function through disruption of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/cofilin signalling pathways leading to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and macrophage migration. In vivo, KDO25 administration significantly reduced STAT3 phosphorylation and cofilin levels in the liver. Additionally, livers exhibited robust downregulation of immune cell infiltrates and diminished levels of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγt) and B-cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6) transcription factors that correlated with a significant reduction in liver IL-17, splenic germinal centre numbers and serum IgG. Conclusions As IL-17 and IgG–Fc binding promote pathogenic macrophage differentiation, together our data demonstrate that ROCK2 inhibition prevents and reverses liver fibrosis through direct and indirect effects on macrophage function and highlight the therapeutic potential of ROCK2 inhibition in liver fibrosis. Lay summary By using a clinic-ready small-molecule inhibitor, we demonstrate that selective ROCK2 inhibition prevents and reverses hepatic fibrosis through its pleiotropic effects on pro-inflammatory immune cell function. We show that ROCK2 mediates increased IL-17 production, antibody production, and macrophage dysregulation, which together drive fibrogenesis in a model of chemical-induced liver fibrosis. Therefore, in this study, we not only highlight the therapeutic potential of ROCK2 targeting in chronic liver disease but also provide previously undocumented insights into our understanding of cellular and molecular pathways driving the liver fibrosis pathology. ROCK2 inhibition with the small-molecule inhibitor KD025 prevents and reverses hepatoxin-induced liver fibrosis. ROCK2 inhibition attenuates profibrogenic immune function. KD025 exerts direct effects on liver macrophages resulting in decreased TNF secretion and impeded migration. KD025 administration attenuates T cell IL-17 production and B-cell IgG production, which indirectly contributes to downregulation of profibrogenic macrophage function.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- B cells
- BMDM, bone marrow-derived macrophages
- Bcl6, B-cell lymphoma 6
- CLD, chronic liver disease
- Col1a2, collagen type α1
- DR, ductular reaction
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- GC, germinal centre
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HSC, hepatic stellate cell
- IHC, immunohistochemical
- IL-17
- Inflammation
- LPS, lipopolysaccharide
- Liver fibrosis
- MMP, matrix metalloproteinase
- Macrophages
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- RAR, retinoic acid receptor
- ROCK, Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinases
- ROCK2
- ROCK2, Rho-associated kinase 2
- RORγt, RAR-related orphan receptor gamma
- SR, Sirius red
- STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
- TAA, thioacetamide
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor-beta
- TNF, tumour necrosis factor
- Tfh, T follicular helper
- Th17, T helper 17
- Therapy
- cGVHD, chronic graft-vs-host disease
- pCofilin, phosphorylated cofilin
- pMac, peritoneal macrophages
- pSTAT3, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription
- qRT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR
- α-SMA, alpha smooth muscle actin
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Nalkurthi
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Michelle Melino
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Mater Research, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Wei Chen
- Kadmon Corporation LLC, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Geoffrey R Hill
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Bruce R Blazar
- Masonic Cancer Center and Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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3
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ROCK Inhibition as Potential Target for Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071648. [PMID: 34209333 PMCID: PMC8303917 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a cardiovascular disease caused by extensive vascular remodeling in the lungs, which ultimately leads to death in consequence of right ventricle (RV) failure. While current drugs for PH therapy address the sustained vasoconstriction, no agent effectively targets vascular cell proliferation and tissue inflammation. Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs) emerged in the last few decades as promising targets for PH therapy, since ROCK inhibitors demonstrated significant anti-remodeling and anti-inflammatory effects. In this review, current aspects of ROCK inhibition therapy are discussed in relation to the treatment of PH and RV dysfunction, from cell biology to preclinical and clinical studies.
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4
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Ocaranza MP, Jalil JE, Altamirano R, de León A, Moya J, Lonis A, Gabrielli L, Nab PM, Córdova S, Paredes A, Vergara I, Bittner A, Sabat K, Pastorini K. Reverse Remodeling in Human Heart Failure after Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Is Associated With Reduced RHO-Kinase Activation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:565724. [PMID: 33967744 PMCID: PMC8104930 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.565724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Reverse remodeling is a clinically relevant endpoint in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Rho-kinase (ROCK) signaling cascade activation correlates with cardiac remodeling and left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in HFrEF patients. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is effective in HFrEF, especially when there is a left bundle block, as this treatment may stimulate reverse remodeling, thereby improving quality of life and prolonging survival for patients with this severe condition. Here, we evaluate the hypothesis that ROCK activation is reduced after effective CRT in HFrEF. Methods: ROCK activation in circulating leukocytes was evaluated in 28 HFrHF patients, using Western blot (myosin light chain phosphatase subunit 1 phosphorylation, MYPT1p/t), before and three months after initiation of CRT. LV systolic function and remodeling were assessed by echocardiography. Results: Three months after CRT, LV ejection fraction increased an average of 14.5% (p < 0.001) in 13 patients (responders), while no change was observed in 15 patients (non-responders). End-systolic diameter decreased 16% (p < 0.001) in responders, with no change in non-responders. ROCK activation in PBMCs decreased 66% in responders (p < 0.05) but increased 10% in non-responders (NS). LV end-diastolic diameter was also 5.2 mm larger in non-responders vs. responders (p = 0.058). LV ejection fraction, systolic diameter, and ROCK activation levels were similar in both groups at baseline. Conclusion: In HFrEF patients, 3 months of effective CRT induced reverse myocardial remodeling, and ROCK activation was significantly decreased in circulating leukocytes. Thus, decreased ROCK activation in circulating leukocytes may reflect reverse cardiac remodeling in patients with heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paz Ocaranza
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Santiago, Chile.,Center for New Drugs for Hypertension (CENDHY), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Medicine, Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge E Jalil
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Santiago, Chile.,Center for New Drugs for Hypertension (CENDHY), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Ana de León
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jackeline Moya
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Lonis
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luigi Gabrielli
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paul Mac Nab
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Santiago, Chile
| | - Samuel Córdova
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Paredes
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ismael Vergara
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alex Bittner
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karime Sabat
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karla Pastorini
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile
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5
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Haploinsufficient Rock1+/- and Rock2+/- Mice Are Not Protected from Cardiac Inflammation and Postinflammatory Fibrosis in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030700. [PMID: 32178482 PMCID: PMC7140701 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive cardiac fibrosis is a common cause of heart failure. Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinases (ROCKs) have been shown to enhance fibrotic processes in the heart and in other organs. In this study, using wild-type, Rock1+/− and Rock2+/− haploinsufficient mice and mouse model of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) we addressed the role of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in development of myocarditis and postinflammatory fibrosis. We found that myocarditis severity was comparable in wild-type, Rock1+/− and Rock2+/− mice at day 21 of EAM. During the acute stage of the disease, hearts of Rock1+/− mice showed unaffected numbers of CD11b+CD36+ macrophages, CD11b+CD36–Ly6GhiLy6chi neutrophils, CD11b+CD36–Ly6G–Ly6chi inflammatory monocytes, CD11b+CD36–Ly6G–Ly6c– monocytes, CD11b+SiglecF+ eosinophils, CD11b+CD11c+ inflammatory dendritic cells and type I collagen-producing fibroblasts. Isolated Rock1+/− cardiac fibroblasts treated with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) showed attenuated Smad2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) phosphorylations that were associated with impaired upregulation of smooth muscle actin alpha (αSMA) protein. In contrast to cardiac fibroblasts, expanded Rock1+/− heart inflammatory myeloid cells showed unaffected Smad2 activation but enhanced Erk phosphorylation following TGF-β treatment. Rock1+/− inflammatory cells responded to TGF-β by a reduced transcriptional profibrotic response and failed to upregulate αSMA and fibronectin at the protein levels. Unexpectedly, in the EAM model wild-type, Rock1+/− and Rock2+/− mice developed a similar extent of cardiac fibrosis at day 40. In addition, hearts of the wild-type and Rock1+/− mice showed comparable levels of cardiac vimentin, periostin and αSMA. In conclusion, despite the fact that ROCK1 regulates TGF-β-dependent profibrotic response, neither ROCK1 nor ROCK2 is critically involved in the development of postinflammatory fibrosis in the EAM model.
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6
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Ocaranza MP, Moya J, Jalil JE, Lavandero S, Kalergis AM, Molina C, Gabrielli L, Godoy I, Córdova S, Castro P, Mac Nab P, Rossel V, García L, González J, Mancilla C, Fierro C, Farías L. Rho-kinase pathway activation and apoptosis in circulating leucocytes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:1413-1427. [PMID: 31778027 PMCID: PMC6991691 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Increased Rho‐kinase activity in circulating leucocytes is observed in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, there is little information in HFrEF regarding other Rho‐kinase pathway components an on the relationship between Rho‐kinase and apoptosis. Here, Rho‐kinase activation levels and phosphorylation of major downstream molecules and apoptosis levels were measured for the first time both in HFrEF patients and healthy individuals. Methods Cross‐sectional study comparing HFrEF patients (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 19). Rho‐kinase activity in circulating leucocytes (peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMCs) was determined by myosin light chain phosphatase 1 (MYPT1) and ezrin‐radixin‐moesin (ERM) phosphorylation. Rho‐kinase cascade proteins phosphorylation p38‐MAPK, myosin light chain‐2, JAK and JNK were also analysed along with apoptosis. Results MYPT1 and ERM phosphorylation were significantly elevated in HFrEF patients, (3.9‐ and 4.8‐fold higher than in controls, respectively). JAK phosphorylation was significantly increased by 300% over controls. Phosphorylation of downstream molecules p38‐MAPK and myosin light chain‐2 was significantly higher by 360% and 490%, respectively, while JNK phosphorylation was reduced by 60%. Catecholamine and angiotensin II levels were significantly higher in HFrEF patients, while angiotensin‐(1‐9) levels were lower. Apoptosis in circulating leucocytes was significantly increased in HFrEF patients by 2.8‐fold compared with controls and significantly correlated with Rho‐kinase activation. Conclusion Rho‐kinase pathway is activated in PMBCs from HFrEF patients despite optimal treatment, and it is closely associated with neurohormonal activation and with apoptosis. ROCK cascade inhibition might induce clinical benefits in HFrEF patients, and its assessment in PMBCs could be useful to evaluate reverse remodelling and disease regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paz Ocaranza
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jackeline Moya
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge E Jalil
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sergio Lavandero
- Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Alexis M Kalergis
- Departament of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristián Molina
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luigi Gabrielli
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Iván Godoy
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Samuel Córdova
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Castro
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paul Mac Nab
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Victor Rossel
- Department of Medicine, Hospital del Salvador, Medical School, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lorena García
- Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javier González
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristián Mancilla
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camila Fierro
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Farías
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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7
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Gómez-Mendoza DP, Marques FD, Melo-Braga MN, Sprenger RR, Sinisterra RD, Kjeldsen F, Santos RA, Verano-Braga T. Angiotensin-(1-7) oral treatment after experimental myocardial infarction leads to downregulation of CXCR4. J Proteomics 2019; 208:103486. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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8
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Santos GL, Hartmann S, Zimmermann WH, Ridley A, Lutz S. Inhibition of Rho-associated kinases suppresses cardiac myofibroblast function in engineered connective and heart muscle tissues. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2019; 134:13-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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9
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Robertson‐Gray OJ, Walsh SK, Ryberg E, Jönsson‐Rylander A, Lipina C, Wainwright CL. l-α-Lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) aggravates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via a GPR55/ROCK-dependent pathway. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2019; 7:e00487. [PMID: 31149342 PMCID: PMC6533556 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The phospholipid l-α-lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), an endogenous ligand for GPR55, is elevated in patients with acute coronary syndrome, and a GPR55 antagonist cannabidiol (CBD) reduces experimental ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. While LPI activates multiple signaling pathways, little is known about which ones are important in cardiomyocytes. In this study we explored whether activation of the Rho kinase/ROCK/p38 MAPK pathway is responsible for LPI-induced extension of I/R injury. Using a high-throughput screening method (dynamic mass redistribution; DMR), mouse- and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) cardiomyocytes exposed to LPI were shown to exhibit a rapid, sustained, and concentration-dependent (1 nmol L-1-30 μmol L-1) cellular response. Y-27632 (ROCK inhibitor; 10 & 50 μmol L-1) and CBD (1 μmol L-1) both abolished the DMR response to LPI (10 μmol L-1). In murine iPSC cardiomyocytes, LPI-induced ROCK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, both of which were prevented by Y-27632 and CBD, but did not induce JNK activation or cleavage of caspase-3. In hearts isolated from wild type (WT) mice subjected to 30 minutes global I/R, LPI (10 μmol L-1) administered via the coronary circulation increased infarct size when applied prior to ischemia onset, but not when given at the time of reperfusion. The exacerbation of tissue injury by LPI was not seen in hearts from GPR55-/- mice or in the presence of Y-27632, confirming that injury is mediated via the GPR55/ROCK/p38 MAPK pathway. These findings suggest that raised levels of LPI in the vicinity of a developing infarct may worsen the outcome of AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J. Robertson‐Gray
- Cardiometabolic Health ResearchSchool of Pharmacy & Life SciencesRobert Gordon UniversityAberdeenScotlandUK
- Present address:
Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical SciencesCollege of MedicalVeterinary and Life SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowScotlandUK
| | - Sarah K. Walsh
- Cardiometabolic Health ResearchSchool of Pharmacy & Life SciencesRobert Gordon UniversityAberdeenScotlandUK
| | - Erik Ryberg
- Cardiovascular& Metabolic Disease IMEDAstraZeneca R&DMölndalSweden
| | | | - Christopher Lipina
- Division of Cell Signalling & ImmunologySchool of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDundeeScotlandUK
| | - Cherry L. Wainwright
- Cardiometabolic Health ResearchSchool of Pharmacy & Life SciencesRobert Gordon UniversityAberdeenScotlandUK
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10
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Zhao M, Fan C, Ernst PJ, Tang Y, Zhu H, Mattapally S, Oduk Y, Borovjagin AV, Zhou L, Zhang J, Zhu W. Y-27632 preconditioning enhances transplantation of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in myocardial infarction mice. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 115:343-356. [PMID: 30107391 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The effectiveness of cell-based treatments for regenerative myocardial therapy is limited by low rates of cell engraftment. Y-27632 inhibits Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), which regulates the cytoskeletal changes associated with cell adhesion, and has been used to protect cultured cells during their passaging. Here, we investigated whether preconditioning of cardiomyocytes, derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CM), with Y-27632 improves their survival and engraftment in a murine model of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Methods and results After MI induction, mice were subjected to intramyocardial injections of phosphate-buffered saline, hiPSC-CM cultured under standard conditions (hiPSC-CM-RI), or Y-27632-preconditioned hiPSC-CM (hiPSC-CM+RI). The resulting engraftment rate calculated 4 weeks after implantation was significantly higher and the abundance of apoptotic transplanted cells was significantly lower in hiPSC-CM+RI recipients than in hiPSC-CM-RI animals. In cultured hiPSC-CM, Y-27632-preconditioning reversibly reduced contractile activity and the expression of troponin genes, while increasing their attachment to an underlying mouse cardiomyocyte (HL1) monolayer. Y-27632 preconditioning also increased the expression of N-cadherin and integrin ß1, the two cell junction proteins. hiPSC-CM+RI were also larger in cell area with greater cytoskeletal alignment and a more rod-like shape than hiPSC-CM-RI, both after transplantation (in vivo) and in culture. The effects of Y-27632 preconditioning on contractile activity and morphology of hiPSC-CMs in culture, as well as on their engraftment rate and apoptotic death in MI mouse grafts, could be recapitulated by hiPSC-CM treatment with the L-type calcium-channel blocker verapamil. Conclusion Preconditioning with the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 increased the engraftment of transplanted hiPSC-CM in a murine MI model, while reversibly impairing hiPSC-CM contractility and promoting adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, VH G094E, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Chengming Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, VH G094E, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; and
| | - Patrick J Ernst
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, VH G094E, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yawen Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, VH G094E, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Hanxi Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, VH G094E, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Saidulu Mattapally
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, VH G094E, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yasin Oduk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, VH G094E, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Anton V Borovjagin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, VH G094E, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lufang Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, VH G094E, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jianyi Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, VH G094E, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Wuqiang Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, VH G094E, Birmingham, AL, USA
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11
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Rho kinase activation in circulating leukocytes is related to hypertensive myocardial remodeling. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:1837-1853. [PMID: 30065083 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rho-kinase has relevant functions in blood pressure modulation and cardiovascular remodeling. Rho-kinase activity is determined in circulating leukocytes measuring phosphorylation of its target myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1), but its relationship with Rho-kinase activity in the myocardium and in vasculature in hypertension has not been evaluated.The aim was to determine the degree of association between Rho-kinase cascade activation in circulating leukocytes with cardiac and aortic Rho-kinase pathway activation in a model of hypertension and to analyze it with a cause-effect perspective.Hypertensive deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-salt rats received the Rho-kinase antagonist fasudil (DOCA-Fas, 100 mg/kg/day, 3 weeks). Results were compared with an untreated DOCA-salt and a sham group.Rho-kinase inhibition reduced significantly blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial collagen and macrophage infiltration, but not aortic wall hypertrophy. Fasudil decreased significantly Rho-kinase activity in peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMC), myocardium and aortic wall to similar levels as in the sham group. A significant correlation was found between PBMC Rho-kinase activity and cardiac remodeling, specifically with hypertrophy (r = 0.51, P≤0.01), myocardial collagen (r = 0.40, P≤0.05) and ED1 immunostaining (r = 0.48, P≤0.01). In the untreated hypertensive group, increased levels (P<0.05) of the proinflammatory molecules p65 NF-κB, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and interleukin-6 antibody in the myocardium, aortic wall and PBMC were observed and were reduced with fasudil (P<0.05).In conclusion, in this hypertension model, Rho-kinase and its pathway activation determined in circulating leukocytes reflect the activation of this pathway in the myocardium and in the aortic wall and are significantly related to myocardial remodeling (hypertrophy, fibrosis and inflammation).
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12
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Abstract
Rho kinases (ROCKs) are the first discovered RhoA effectors that are now widely known for their effects on actin organization. Recent studies have shown that ROCKs play important roles in cardiac physiology. Abnormal activation of ROCKs participate in multiple cardiovascular pathological processes, including cardiac hypertrophy, apoptosis, fibrosis, systemic hypertension, and pulmonary hypertension. ROCK inhibitors, fasudil and statins, have shown beneficial cardiovascular effects in many animal studies, clinical trials, and applications. Here, we mainly discuss the current understanding of the physiological roles of Rho kinase signaling in the heart, and briefly summarize the roles of ROCKs in cardiac-related vascular dysfunctions. We will also discuss the clinical application of ROCK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Dai
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Weijia Luo
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jiang Chang
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
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13
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Luo S, Hieu TB, Ma F, Yu Y, Cao Z, Wang M, Wu W, Mao Y, Rose P, Law BYK, Zhu YZ. ZYZ-168 alleviates cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction through inhibition of ERK1/2-dependent ROCK1 activation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43242. [PMID: 28266583 PMCID: PMC5339863 DOI: 10.1038/srep43242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective treatments for myocardial infarction (MI) induced cardiac fibrosis are lacking. In this study, we focus on the therapeutic potential of a synthetic cardio-protective agent named ZYZ-168 towards MI-induced cardiac fibrosis and try to reveal the underlying mechanism. ZYZ-168 was administered to rats with coronary artery ligation over a period of six weeks. Ecocardiography and Masson staining showed that ZYZ-168 substantially improved cardiac function and reduced interstitial fibrosis. The expression of α–smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen I were reduced as was the activity of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). These were related with decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and expression of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1). In cardiac fibroblasts stimulated with TGF-β1, phenotypic switches of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts were observed. Inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation or knockdown of ROCK1 expectedly reduced TGF-β1 induced fibrotic responses. ZYZ-168 appeared to inhibit the fibrotic responses in a concentration dependent manner, in part via a decrease in ROCK 1 expression through inhibition of the phosphorylation status of ERK1/2. For inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation with a specific inhibitor reduced the activation of ROCK1. Considering its anti-apoptosis activity in MI, ZYZ-168 may be a potential drug candidate for treatment of MI-induced cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Luo
- Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tran Ba Hieu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenfen Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Cardiology, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhonglian Cao
- Instrumental Analysis Center, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minjun Wang
- Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijun Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yicheng Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peter Rose
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, Leics LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Betty Yuen-Kwan Law
- Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Fierro C, Novoa U, González V, Ocaranza MP, Jalil JE. Simultaneous Rho kinase inhibition in circulating leukocytes and in cardiovascular tissue in rats with high angiotensin converting enzyme levels. Int J Cardiol 2016; 215:309-17. [PMID: 27128553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The small guanosine triphosphatase RhoA and its direct target Rho kinase (ROCK) play important roles in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Activated ROCK phosphorylates intracellular proteins with detrimental effects on cardiovascular remodeling. Increased ROCK activity in circulating leukocytes is observed in hypertension and in heart failure, but its relationship with ROCK activation in the myocardium and vessels is unknown. We hypothesized that ROCK activation and phosphorylation/activation of some of its key downstream molecules in the heart and arterial wall are reflected in circulating leukocytes. METHODS Phosphorylation of MYPT1, ERM and p38-MAPK and levels of p65-NF-κB were determined in the left ventricle (LV), aortic wall and circulating leukocytes in rats with high (Brown Norway, BN) and low (Lewis) angiotensin converting enzyme. A group of BN rats received the ROCK inhibitor fasudil (7days). RESULTS Compared to Lewis rats, in the BN group phosphorylated levels of MYPT1, ERM and p38-MAPK and levels of p65-NF-κB were increased (P<0.05) in the LV (67%, 92%, 52% and 98%, respectively); in the aortic wall (57%, 51%, 68% and 66%, respectively) and in circulating leukocytes (61%, 72%, 49% and 105%, respectively). Fasudil reduced all these levels to those observed in Lewis rats. Phosphorylated MYPT1, ERM, and p38-MAPK and levels of p65-NF-κB in circulating leukocytes were significantly correlated with their respective LV and aortic wall levels (excepting p65-NF-κB in aorta). CONCLUSION ROCK activity in circulating leukocytes reflects activation of this signaling pathway in the myocardium and aortic wall in this model, and supports its value as a potential cardiovascular remodeling marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Fierro
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Ulises Novoa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Talca, Chile
| | - Veronica González
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - María Paz Ocaranza
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile; Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDis), Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Jorge E Jalil
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile.
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