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Gao X, Wang J, Shi J, Sun Q, Jia N, Li H. The Efficacy Mechanism of Epigallocatechin Gallate against Pre-Eclampsia based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:1859-1873. [PMID: 35211881 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00894-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE), a pregnancy complication, affects 3-5% of all pregnancies worldwide and is the main cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity. However, there is no drug which can clearly slow this disease progression. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural compound extracted from green tea, has been found to enhance the treatment efficacy of oral nifedipine against pregnancy-induced severe PE. This study aims to clarify the potential targets and pharmacological mechanisms of EGCG in treatment of PE. We used Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database and Gene Cards database to obtain 179 putative target proteins of EGCG, 550 PE-related hub genes and 39 intersecting targets between EGCG and PE. By using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses, we got the gene entries and enrichment pathways closely related to the intersecting targets. The top 10 enrichment pathways were pathway in cancer, proteoglycans in cancer, HIF-1 signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF signaling pathway, bladder cancer, hepatitis B, IL-17 signaling pathway, toxoplasmosis, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, compound-target-pathway (CTP) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were employed to explore the interaction of the top twelve targets for EGCG in treating PE. Molecular docking analysis showed combinations between these targets and EGCG, and the interaction between EGCG and the targets IL-6 and EGFR was confirmed by using molecular dynamic simulation. In conclusion, these findings hint the underlying mechanism of EGCG in the treatment of PE and point out directions in further studies on PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Gao
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.,Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- Health Science Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiamiao Shi
- Health Science Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinru Sun
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Jia
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China.
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Whigham CA, Hastie R, Hannan NJ, Brownfoot F, Pritchard N, Cannon P, Nguyen TV, Kandel M, Masci J, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ. Placental growth factor is negatively regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Placenta 2021; 114:22-28. [PMID: 34418751 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preeclampsia is associated with reduced pro-angiogenic Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) and increased levels of anti-angiogenic soluble FMS like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1). We have previously shown that sFlt-1 secretion is positively regulated via the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and mitochondrial respiration pathways. We assessed whether these pathways also regulate endothelial and placental secretion of PlGF. METHODS Primary cytotrophoblast cells and primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with EGFR inhibitor gefitinib, or small molecules that inhibit down-stream pathways of the receptor: U0126, PD98059 (ERK/MEK pathway inhibitors), ZM336372 (JAK/STAT inhibitor) or AG490 (JAK inhibitor). We inhibited mitochondrial respiration in primary cytotrophoblasts using mitochondrial complex inhibitors rotenone (complex I), antimycin (complex III) or oligomycin (complex IV). We then measured PlGF secretion in the condition media. RESULTS Three inhibitors of the EGFR pathway significantly increased PlGF secretion: gefitinib (p = 0.03), AG490 (p < 0.0001) and U0126 (p = 0.03) in primary cytotrophoblasts, while PD98059 reduced PlGF secretion (p = 0.002). In the same cells, neither gefitinib or UO126 altered PlGF mRNA expression, but AG490 significantly increased its expression (p = 0.02). Primary endothelial cell PlGF secretion was significantly reduced when treated with PD98059 and U0126 while ZM336372 had no effect. Rotenone significantly reduced cytotrophoblast PlGF secretion (p = 0.0005). Neither antimycin (p = 0.9) or oligomycin (p = 0.9) had an effect. DISCUSSION We have shown that PlGF secretion from primary cytotrophoblast and HUVECs is altered by inhibiting EGFR signaling and potentially mitochondrial respiration, coincident with reduced sFlt-1 secretion. This suggests that common pathways are regulating both pro and anti-angiogenic molecules that are changed in association with preeclampsia and provides insight into the pathogenesis of this serious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole-Anne Whigham
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Roxanne Hastie
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona Brownfoot
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha Pritchard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong Vi Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Manju Kandel
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joshua Masci
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
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Li S, Wang F, Sun D. The renal microcirculation in chronic kidney disease: novel diagnostic methods and therapeutic perspectives. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:90. [PMID: 34001267 PMCID: PMC8130426 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00606-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 8–16% of the population worldwide and is characterized by fibrotic processes. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning renal fibrosis is critical to the development of new therapeutics. Microvascular injury is considered an important contributor to renal progressive diseases. Vascular endothelium plays a significant role in responding to physical and chemical signals by generating factors that help maintain normal vascular tone, inhibit leukocyte adhesion and platelet aggregation, and suppress smooth muscle cell proliferation. Loss of the rich capillary network results in endothelial dysfunction, hypoxia, and inflammatory and oxidative effects and further leads to the imbalance of pro- and antiangiogenic factors, endothelial cell apoptosis and endothelial-mesenchymal transition. New techniques, including both invasive and noninvasive techniques, offer multiple methods to observe and monitor renal microcirculation and guide targeted therapeutic strategies. A better understanding of the role of endothelium in CKD will help in the development of effective interventions for renal microcirculation improvement. This review focuses on the role of microvascular injury in CKD, the methods to detect microvessels and the novel treatments to ameliorate renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Li
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huai-hai Road, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huai-hai Road, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dong Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huai-hai Road, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Internal Medicine and Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
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Wang Y, Ruan Y, Wu S. ET-1 regulates the human umbilical vein endothelial cell cycle by adjusting the ERβ/FOXN1 signaling pathway. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1499. [PMID: 33313244 PMCID: PMC7729364 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-6560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic and progressive disease primarily induced by inflammation of the arterial blood vessel wall. Investigating the function and molecular regulation mechanisms of ET-1, ERβ, and FOXN1 in disease models will provide new targets and means for clinical treatment. Methods The effects of ET-1 on oxidative stress in HUVEC were verified through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot, flow cytometry, as well as dual luciferase reporter gene and biochemical assays. Results Compared with the ET-1+ negative control (NC) group, the ERβ messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression level was significantly reduced, and the FOXN1 mRNA expression level increased markedly in the ET-1 + ERβ small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) group. Meanwhile, the FOXN1 mRNA expression level was significantly reduced in the ET-1 + FOXN1 siRNA group. FOXN1 promoter luciferase reporter gene activity was notably enhanced in the ERβ siRNA group compared with the siRNA control group. Compared with the ET-1 + NC group, the levels of reaction oxygen species (ROS) in the ET-1 + ERβ siRNA group increased considerably, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) level was significantly reduced, and the G0/G1 phase cell ratio was reduced. In addition, the protein expression of ERβ and cyclin B1 (CCNB1) was markedly reduced, whereas the protein expression of cyclin A2 (CCNA2), cyclin D1 (CCND1), and cyclin E1 (CCNE1) increased substantially. The opposite result was observed in the ET-1 + FOXN1 siRNA group. Conclusions ET-1 can contribute to the expression of ERβ and FOXN1. ERβ can inhibit the expression of FOXN1 by regulating promoter activity. The ET-1/ERβ/FOXN1 signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of oxidative stress and cycle progression in HUVEC. This study provides a new mechanism for the regulation of umbilical vein endothelial cells. The ET-1/ERβ/FOXN1 signaling pathway may provide novel therapeutic targets and strategies for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyan Wang
- Department of Gerontology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunjun Ruan
- Department of Gerontology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Saizhu Wu
- Department of Gerontology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Li XK, Dai K, Yang ZD, Yuan C, Cui N, Zhang SF, Hu YY, Wang ZB, Miao D, Zhang PH, Li H, Zhang XA, Huang YQ, Chen WW, Zhang JS, Lu QB, Liu W. Correlation between thrombocytopenia and host response in severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008801. [PMID: 33119592 PMCID: PMC7595704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease caused by a novel bunyavirus, SFTS virus (SFTSV), with fatal outcome developed in approximately 17% of the cases. Thrombocytopenia is a hallmark feature of SFTS, and associated with a higher risk of fatal outcome, however, the pathophysiological involvement of platelet in the clinical outcome of SFTS remained under-investigated. In the current study, by retrospectively analyzing 1538 confirmed SFTS patients, we observed that thrombocytopenia was associated with enhanced activation of the cytokine network and the vascular endothelium, also with a disturbed coagulation response. The platelet phenotypes were also extensively altered in the process of thrombocytopenia development of SFTS patients. More importantly, all these disturbed host responses were related to the severity of thrombocytopenia, thus were considered to play in a synergistic way to influence the disease outcome. Moreover, the clinical effect of platelet transfusion was assessed by comparing two groups of patients with or without receiving this therapy. As a result, we observed no therapy effect in altering frequencies of fatal outcome, clinical bleeding development, or dynamic change of platelet count during the hospitalization. It’s suggested that platelet supplementation alone acted a minor role in improving disease outcome, therefore new therapeutic intervention to regulate host response should be proposed. The current results revealed some evidence of interrelationship between platelet count and clinical outcome of SFTS disease from the perspective of activation of the cytokine network, the vascular endothelium, and the coagulation/fibrinolysis system. These evaluations might help to attain a better understanding of the pathogenesis and therapy choice in SFTS. Thrombocytopenia in SFTSV is a multifactor-process involving a combination of platelet size or morphology alterations, fibrinolysis activation and coagulation abnormalities, increased inflammatory response and endothelial injury. Platelet supplementation alone shows minor role in improving disease, therefore new therapeutic intervention to regulate host response should be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Kun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Ke Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhen-Dong Yang
- The 990 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, Shihe District, Xinyang, P. R. China
| | - Chun Yuan
- The 990 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, Shihe District, Xinyang, P. R. China
| | - Ning Cui
- The 990 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force, Shihe District, Xinyang, P. R. China
| | - Shao-Fei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Dong Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Pan-He Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Qin Huang
- The Shangcheng Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shangcheng County, Xinyang, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Wei Chen
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Fengtai District, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jiu-Song Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Bin Lu
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (Q-BL); , (WL)
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Vector Borne and Natural Focus Infectious Diseases, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (Q-BL); , (WL)
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Ding J, Yu M, Jiang J, Luo Y, Zhang Q, Wang S, Yang F, Wang A, Wang L, Zhuang M, Wu S, Zhang Q, Xia Y, Lu D. Angiotensin II Decreases Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Phosphorylation via AT 1R Nox/ROS/PP2A Pathway. Front Physiol 2020; 11:566410. [PMID: 33162896 PMCID: PMC7580705 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.566410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidences suggest that angiotensin (Ang) II participates in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction (ED) through multiple signaling pathways, including angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) mediated NADPH oxidase (Nox)/reactive oxygen species (ROS) signal transduction. However, the detailed mechanism is not completely understood. In this study, we reported that AngII/AT1R-mediated activated protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) downregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation via Nox/ROS pathway. AngII treatment reduced the levels of phosphorylation of eNOS Ser1177 and nitric oxide (NO) content along with phosphorylation of PP2Ac (PP2A catalytic subunit) Tyr307, meanwhile increased the PP2A activity and ROS production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). These changes could be impeded by AT1R antagonist candesartan (CAN). The pretreatment of 10−8 M PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid (OA) reversed the levels of eNOS Ser1177 and NO content. Similar effects of AngII on PP2A and eNOS were also observed in the mesenteric arteries of Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to AngII infusion via osmotic minipumps for 2 weeks. We found that the PP2A activity was increased, but the levels of PP2Ac Tyr307 and eNOS Ser1177 as well as NO content were decreased in the mesenteric arteries. The pretreatments of antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and apocynin (APO) abolished the drop of the levels of PP2Ac Tyr307 and eNOS Ser1177 induced by AngII in HUVECs. The knockdown of p22phox by small interfering RNA (siRNA) gave rise to decrement of ROS production and increment of the levels of PP2Ac Tyr307 and eNOS Ser1177. These results indicated that AngII/AT1R pathway activated PP2A by downregulating its catalytic subunit Tyr307 phosphorylation, which relies on the Nox activation and ROS production. In summary, our findings indicate that AngII downregulates PP2A catalytic subunit Tyr307 phosphorylation to activate PP2A via AT1R-mediated Nox/ROS signaling pathway. The activated PP2A further decreases levels of eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation and NO content leading to endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ding
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Juncai Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yanbei Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Clinical Medical School of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Yakeshi, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Provincial People's Hospital of Gansu, Lanzhou, China
| | - Alei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lingxiao Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Mei Zhuang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shan Wu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Qifang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Deqin Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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7
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Hicks LD, Minnick MF. Human vascular endothelial cells express epithelial growth factor in response to infection by Bartonella bacilliformis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008236. [PMID: 32302357 PMCID: PMC7190185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella are Gram-negative bacterial pathogens that trigger pathological angiogenesis during infection of humans. Bartonella bacilliformis (Bb) is a neglected tropical agent endemic to South America, where it causes Carrión’s disease. Little is known about Bb’s virulence determinants or how the pathogen elicits hyperproliferation of the vasculature, culminating in Peruvian warts (verruga peruana) of the skin. In this study, we determined that active infection of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by live Bb induced host cell secretion of epidermal growth factor (EGF) using ELISA. Killed bacteria or lysates of various Bb strains did not cause EGF production, suggesting that an active infection was necessary for the response. Bb also caused hyperproliferation of infected HUVECs, and the mitogenic response could be inhibited by the EGF-receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, AG1478. Bb strains engineered to overexpress recombinant GroEL, evoked greater EGF production and hyperproliferation of HUVECs compared to control strains. Conditioned (spent) media from cultured HUVECs that had been previously infected by Bb were found to be mitogenic for naïve HUVECs, and the response could be inhibited by EGFR blocking with AG1478. Bb cells and cell lysates stimulated HUVEC migration and capillary-like tube formation in transmigration and Matrigel assays, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of EGF production by Bb-infected endothelial cells; an association that could contribute to hyperproliferation of the vascular bed during bartonellosis. Bartonella are bacteria that infect the circulatory system and, unlike other bacteria, cause blood vessels to grow uncontrollably in the skin, spleen and liver of humans. In many respects, the process resembles the aberrant blood vessel formation that occurs during tumor formation. This study found that when Bartonella bacilliformis (Bb) infects vascular endothelial cells (VECs) that line the circulatory system, it causes them to overproduce a protein called epidermal growth factor (EGF) which, in turn, causes the cells to multiply more rapidly than usual. We also found that VECs migrate towards the bacterium and form capillary-like tubes; processes that occur during an actual infection. This cause-effect has not been previously reported, and it may help to explain the pathology observed in humans infected by Bb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda D. Hicks
- Program in Cellular, Molecular & Microbial Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - Michael F. Minnick
- Program in Cellular, Molecular & Microbial Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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8
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Luo Y, Zhang Q, Ding J, Yu M, Jiang J, Yang F, Wang S, Wang A, Wang L, Wu S, Xia Y, Lu D. Roles of I 2PP2A in the downregulation of eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation by angiotensin II-activated PP2A. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 516:613-618. [PMID: 31239152 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The chronic elevation of angiotensin II (Ang II) is an important cause of endothelial dysfunction (ED). The Ang II/type 1 receptor (AT1R) signaling pathway can cause endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/nitric oxide (NO) dysfunction through various mechanisms leading to ED. The modulation of eNOS phosphorylated at Ser1177 is an important mechanism upregulating eNOS activity. Protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) has been reported to dephosphorylate eNOS at Ser1177. The PP2A inhibitor 2 protein (I2PP2A) is a specific endogenous inhibitor that binds the catalytic subunit of PP2A and directly inhibits PP2A activity. Therefore, we hypothesized that Ang II might attenuate I2PP2A expression to activate PP2A, which downregulates eNOS Ser 1177 phosphorylation, leading to eNOS dysfunction. In our study, we used Ang II-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and, found that the eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation levels were downregulated, the activity of PP2A was increased, and I2PP2A expression was decreased. Furthermore, these effects were blocked by candesartan (CAN). The phosphorylation levels of eNOS Ser1177 were decreased after I2PP2A was knocked down by specific siRNA but increased after I2PP2A overexpression. We also found that the Ang II treatment decreased the association of I2PP2A with PP2A but increased the association between PP2A and eNOS. Taken together, our results suggest that Ang II activates PP2A by downregulating the I2PP2A expression through the AT1R signaling pathway leading to the loss of eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation and ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbei Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jing Ding
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Juncai Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Provincial People's Hospital of Gansu, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Clinical Medical School of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Yakeshi, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Alei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Lingxiao Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shan Wu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Deqin Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis & Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
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9
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Hastie R, Ye L, Hannan NJ, Brownfoot FC, Cannon P, Nguyen V, Tong S, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ. Disulfiram inhibits placental soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 and soluble endoglin secretion independent of the proteasome. Pregnancy Hypertens 2018; 14:125-130. [PMID: 30527099 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is associated with intermittent placental hypoxia, inflammation and the release of antiangiogenic factors, namely sFLT-1 and sEng. These factors cause maternal endothelial dysfunction and the manifestation of clinical disease. Disulfiram is a dehydrogenase inhibitor used to treat alcoholism and has been suggested as a proteasome inhibitor. Inhibiting the proteasome has been previously shown to reduce FLT-1 gene expression. Thus, we aim to investigate whether disulfiram alters the secretion of sFLT-1 and sEng and reduces endothelial dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed the effects of disulfiram on primary cytotrophoblast and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Disulfiram significantly reduced mRNA expression of membrane bound FLT-1 and sFLT-1 variants in primary cytotrophoblasts, which translated into a significant reduction in the protein secretion of sFLT-1. Additionally, sFLT-1 was reduced in primary HUVECs treated with disulfiram, whilst sEng was only reduced in primary cytotrophoblasts. Next, we investigated the effect of disulfiram on endothelial dysfunction using primary HUVECs treated with 5% preeclamptic serum ± disulfiram. Serum from preeclamptic women induced endothelial dysfunction evidenced by increased mRNA expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to HUVECs. The addition of disulfiram reduced VCAM-1 mRNA expression, however did not affect the adhesion of PBMCs to endothelial cells. Lastly, we assessed the effects of disulfiram on the 20S subunit of the proteasome and found disulfiram did not inhibit this subunit in either primary cytotrophoblast or HUVECs. CONCLUSIONS: Disulfiram quenches sFLT-1 and sEng via mechanisms independent of the 20S subunit of the proteasome. Understanding of the mechanisms by which disulfiram inhibits antiangiogenic secretion may reveal insights into the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Hastie
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Louie Ye
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brownfoot
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vi Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Hannan NJ, Binder NK, Beard S, Nguyen TV, Kaitu’u-Lino TJ, Tong S. Melatonin enhances antioxidant molecules in the placenta, reduces secretion of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT) from primary trophoblast but does not rescue endothelial dysfunction: An evaluation of its potential to treat preeclampsia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0187082. [PMID: 29641523 PMCID: PMC5894956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is one of the most serious complications of pregnancy. Currently there are no medical treatments. Given placental oxidative stress may be an early trigger in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, therapies that enhance antioxidant pathways have been proposed as treatments. Melatonin is a direct free-radical scavenger and indirect antioxidant. We performed in vitro assays to assess whether melatonin 1) enhances the antioxidant response element genes (heme-oxygenase 1, (HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCLC), NAD(P)H:quinone acceptor oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), thioredoxin (TXN)) or 2) alters secretion of the anti-angiogenic factors soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT) or soluble endoglin (sENG) from human primary trophoblasts, placental explants and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and 3) can rescue TNF-α induced endothelial dysfunction. In primary trophoblast melatonin treatment increased expression of the antioxidant enzyme TXN. Expression of TXN, GCLC and NQO1 was upregulated in placental tissue with melatonin treatment. HUVECs treated with melatonin showed an increase in both TXN and GCLC. Melatonin did not increase HO-1 expression in any of the tissues examined. Melatonin reduced sFLT secretion from primary trophoblasts, but had no effect on sFLT or sENG secretion from placental explants or HUVECs. Melatonin did not rescue TNF-α induced VCAM-1 and ET-1 expression in endothelial cells. Our findings suggest that melatonin induces antioxidant pathways in placenta and endothelial cells. Furthermore, it may have effects in reducing sFLT secretion from trophoblast, but does not reduce endothelial dysfunction. Given it is likely to be safe in pregnancy, it may have potential as a therapeutic agent to treat or prevent preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J. Hannan
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Perinatal, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Natalie K. Binder
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Perinatal, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Perinatal, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Perinatal, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu’uhevaha J. Kaitu’u-Lino
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Perinatal, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- Translational Obstetrics Group, Mercy Perinatal, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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