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Fluid shear stress regulates placental growth factor expression via heme oxygenase 1 and iron. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14912. [PMID: 34290391 PMCID: PMC8295300 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94559-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased fluid shear stress (FSS) is a key initiating stimulus for arteriogenesis, the outward remodeling of collateral arterioles in response to upstream occlusion. Placental growth factor (PLGF) is an important arteriogenic mediator. We previously showed that elevated FSS increases PLGF in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent fashion both in vitro and ex vivo. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is a cytoprotective enzyme that is upregulated by stress and has arteriogenic effects. In the current study, we used isolated murine mesentery arterioles and co-cultures of human coronary artery endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) to test the hypothesis that HO-1 mediates the effects of FSS on PLGF. HO-1 mRNA was increased by conditions of increased flow and shear stress in both co-cultures and vessels. Both inhibition of HO-1 with zinc protoporphyrin and HO-1 knockdown abolished the effect of FSS on PLGF. Conversely, induction of HO-1 activity increased PLGF. To determine which HO-1 product upregulates PLGF, co-cultures were treated with a CO donor (CORM-A1), biliverdin, ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), or iron-nitrilotriacetic acid (iron-NTA). Of these FAC and iron-NTA induced an increase PLGF expression. This study demonstrates that FSS acts through iron to induce pro-arteriogenic PLGF, suggesting iron supplementation as a novel potential treatment for revascularization.
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Gbotosho OT, Kapetanaki MG, Kato GJ. The Worst Things in Life are Free: The Role of Free Heme in Sickle Cell Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 11:561917. [PMID: 33584641 PMCID: PMC7873693 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.561917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemolysis is a pathological feature of several diseases of diverse etiology such as hereditary anemias, malaria, and sepsis. A major complication of hemolysis involves the release of large quantities of hemoglobin into the blood circulation and the subsequent generation of harmful metabolites like labile heme. Protective mechanisms like haptoglobin-hemoglobin and hemopexin-heme binding, and heme oxygenase-1 enzymatic degradation of heme limit the toxicity of the hemolysis-related molecules. The capacity of these protective systems is exceeded in hemolytic diseases, resulting in high residual levels of hemolysis products in the circulation, which pose a great oxidative and proinflammatory risk. Sickle cell disease (SCD) features a prominent hemolytic anemia which impacts the phenotypic variability and disease severity. Not only is circulating heme a potent oxidative molecule, but it can act as an erythrocytic danger-associated molecular pattern (eDAMP) molecule which contributes to a proinflammatory state, promoting sickle complications such as vaso-occlusion and acute lung injury. Exposure to extracellular heme in SCD can also augment the expression of placental growth factor (PlGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), with important consequences to enthothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion and pulmonary hypertension, and potentially the development of renal and cardiac dysfunction. This review focuses on heme-induced mechanisms that are implicated in disease pathways, mainly in SCD. A special emphasis is given to heme-induced PlGF and IL-6 related mechanisms and their role in SCD disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwabukola T. Gbotosho
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Maria G. Kapetanaki
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gregory J. Kato
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Cordier AG, Bouvier AS, Vibert F, Martinovic J, Couturier-Tarrade A, Lai-Kuen R, Curis E, Fournier T, Benachi A, Peoc'H K, Gil S. Preserved efficiency of sickle cell disease placentas despite altered morphology and function. Placenta 2020; 100:81-88. [PMID: 32871493 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnant women with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at high risk for sickle cell-related complications, obstetrical complications, and perinatal morbidity. Chronic inflammation and the proangiogenic environment associated with SCD have been associated with endothelial damage. It is unknown whether SCD complications could be associated with placental dysfunction or abnormal placental morphology. Moreover, circulating angiogenic factors in pregnant women with SCD are unexplored. METHODS Clinical records, placental and blood samples were collected at term delivery for 21 pregnant patients with SCD and 19 HbAA pregnant controls with adapted to gestational age birth weight newborns. Histological and stereological analyses and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the placenta, and PlGF and sFlt1 measurements in blood were performed. RESULTS In the SCD group, the parenchyma-forming villi of placentas were thinner than in controls, and increased fibrinoid necrosis and an overabundance of syncytial knots were seen. SEM revealed elongated intermediate villous endings with a reduction in the number of terminal villi compared to controls, indicating a significant branching defect in SCD placentas. Finally, SCD patients had an imbalance in the angiogenic ratio of sFlt1/PlGF (p = 0.008) with a drop of PlGF concentrations. DISCUSSION We evidence for the first time both abnormal placenta morphology and altered sFlt1/PlGF ratio in SCD patients, uncorrelated with maintained placental efficiency and fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Gael Cordier
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, Centre hospitalier universitaire Antoine Béclère, Université Paris-Sud, 92140, Clamart, France; Université de Paris, INSERM UMR-S1139 (3PHM), Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, F-75006, France; PremUp Foundation, Paris, F-75014, France; Centre de référence maladies rares. Syndromes drépanocytaires majeurs, thalassémies et autres pathologies rares du globule rouge et de l'érythropoïèse, Paris, France.
| | - Anne-Sophie Bouvier
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR-S1139 (3PHM), Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, F-75006, France; PremUp Foundation, Paris, F-75014, France
| | - Francoise Vibert
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR-S1139 (3PHM), Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, F-75006, France; PremUp Foundation, Paris, F-75014, France
| | - Jelena Martinovic
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Fœtopathologie, Centre hospitalier universitaire Antoine Béclère, Université Paris-Sud, Clamart, France; INSERM, UMR, 1195, Université Paris Sud, Paris Saclay, France
| | | | - René Lai-Kuen
- Plateau technique Imagerie Cellulaire et Moléculaire (ICM), UMS, 3612, CNRS, US25 INSERM, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Emmanuel Curis
- Service de biostatistiques et informatique médicale, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Paris, France; Laboratoire de biomathématiques, Faculté de pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, France
| | - Thierry Fournier
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR-S1139 (3PHM), Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, F-75006, France
| | - Alexandra Benachi
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, Centre hospitalier universitaire Antoine Béclère, Université Paris-Sud, 92140, Clamart, France; Centre de référence maladies rares. Syndromes drépanocytaires majeurs, thalassémies et autres pathologies rares du globule rouge et de l'érythropoïèse, Paris, France
| | - Katell Peoc'H
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR-S1139 (3PHM), Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, F-75006, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Laboratoire de Biochimie Clinique, HUPNVS, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy and Université de Paris, UFR de Médecine Xavier Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Gil
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR-S1139 (3PHM), Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, F-75006, France; PremUp Foundation, Paris, F-75014, France
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Kapetanaki MG, Gbotosho OT, Sharma D, Weidert F, Ofori-Acquah SF, Kato GJ. Free heme regulates placenta growth factor through NRF2-antioxidant response signaling. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 143:300-308. [PMID: 31408727 PMCID: PMC6848791 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Free heme activates erythroblasts to express and secrete Placenta Growth Factor (PlGF), an angiogenic peptide of the VEGF family. High circulating levels of PlGF have been associated in experimental animals and in patients with sickle cell disease with echocardiographic markers of pulmonary hypertension, a life-limiting complication associated with more intense hemolysis. We now show that the mechanism of heme regulation of PlGF requires the contribution of the key antioxidant response regulator NRF2. Mimicking the effect of heme, the NRF2 agonist sulforaphane stimulates the PlGF transcript level nearly 30-fold in cultured human erythroblastoid cells. Heme and sulforaphane also induce transcripts for NRF2 itself, its partners MAFF and MAFG, and its competitor BACH1. Furthermore, heme induction of the PlGF transcript is significantly diminished by the NRF2 inhibitor brusatol and by siRNA knockdown of the NRF2 and/or MAFG transcription factors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments show that heme induces NRF2 to bind directly to the PlGF promoter region. In complementary in vivo experiments, mice injected with heme show a significant increase in their plasma PlGF protein as early as 3 h after treatment. Our results reveal an important mechanism of PlGF regulation, adding to the growing literature that supports the pivotal importance of the NRF2 axis in the pathobiology of sickle cell disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Kapetanaki
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Oluwabukola T Gbotosho
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Deva Sharma
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Frances Weidert
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Solomon F Ofori-Acquah
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Translational and International Hematology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gregory J Kato
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Costa MFH, Torres LC, Matta MCD, Araújo ADS, Souza AI. Interleukin-6 in pregnancy with sickle cell disease. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2019; 41:298-302. [PMID: 31133499 PMCID: PMC6978540 DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in health care for sickle cell disease patients, as well as in the improvement in reproductive issues mainly in women with the disease, pregnancy is still a challenge, both for the mother and the child, with high rates of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Besides their chronic hemolytic status and vaso-occlusive events that confer systemic complications, pregnant women also have higher rates of pain episodes, infections, abortion, intrauterine growth retardation, pre-term births, eclampsia, stillbirth and the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome. The physiologic mechanisms of the disease in pregnancy are still unknown and chronic inflammatory responses may interfere in the adverse outcomes. The cytokine and chemokine profiles in pregnancy with sickle cell disease remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytokine profile of the inflammatory response of pregnant women with sickle cell disease. METHOD Blood samples from 20 pregnant women with sickle cell disease, 24 women with sickle cell disease in steady state, 16 healthy pregnant women and a control group with 9 women at childbearing age were assayed for interleukin-6. MAIN RESULTS Pregnant women with sickle cell disease presented high serum levels of interleukin-6, compared to healthy pregnant women (p=0.0115). CONCLUSION These data suggest that the increased production of interleukin-6 may occur during pregnancy with sickle cell disease and that the role of this cytokine in the sickle cell disease pathophysiology and pregnancy complications should be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ariani Impieri Souza
- Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando (IMIP), Recife, PE, Brazil; Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde (FPS), Recife, PE, Brazil
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Toledo SLDO, Guedes JVM, Alpoim PN, Rios DRA, Pinheiro MDB. Sickle cell disease: Hemostatic and inflammatory changes, and their interrelation. Clin Chim Acta 2019; 493:129-137. [PMID: 30825426 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease, the most common genetic blood disorder in the world, has high clinical variability, negatively impacts quality of life and contributes to early mortality. Sickled erythrocytes cause blood flow obstruction, hemolysis, and several hemostatic changes that promote coagulation. These events, in turn, induce chronic inflammation, characterized by elevated plasma levels of pro-inflammatory markers, which aggravates the already unfavorable state of the circulatory system. Empirical evidence indicates that the hemostatic and inflammatory systems continuously interact with each other and thereby further propagate the hypercoagulability and inflammatory conditions. In this review article, we discuss the pathophysiological aspects of sickle cell disease and the hemostatic and inflammatory changes that underlie its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia L de O Toledo
- Federal University of São João del-Rei (UFSJ), Dona Lindu Center-West Campus, Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho Street, 400, Chanadour, 35501-296 Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - João V M Guedes
- Federal University of São João del-Rei (UFSJ), Dona Lindu Center-West Campus, Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho Street, 400, Chanadour, 35501-296 Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Patrícia N Alpoim
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil
| | - Danyelle R A Rios
- Federal University of São João del-Rei (UFSJ), Dona Lindu Center-West Campus, Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho Street, 400, Chanadour, 35501-296 Divinópolis, MG, Brazil
| | - Melina de B Pinheiro
- Federal University of São João del-Rei (UFSJ), Dona Lindu Center-West Campus, Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho Street, 400, Chanadour, 35501-296 Divinópolis, MG, Brazil.
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7
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Abstract
The primary β-globin gene mutation that causes sickle cell disease (SCD) has significant pathophysiological consequences that result in hemolytic events and the induction of the inflammatory processes that ultimately lead to vaso-occlusion. In addition to their role in the initiation of the acute painful vaso-occlusive episodes that are characteristic of SCD, inflammatory processes are also key components of many of the complications of the disease including autosplenectomy, acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, leg ulcers, nephropathy and stroke. We, herein, discuss the events that trigger inflammation in the disease, as well as the mechanisms, inflammatory molecules and cells that propagate these inflammatory processes. Given the central role that inflammation plays in SCD pathophysiology, many of the therapeutic approaches currently under pre-clinical and clinical development for the treatment of SCD endeavor to counter aspects or specific molecules of these inflammatory processes and it is possible that, in the future, we will see anti-inflammatory drugs being used either together with, or in place of, hydroxyurea in those SCD patients for whom hematopoietic stem cell transplants and evolving gene therapies are not a viable option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Conran
- Hematology Center, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Cidade Universitária, Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - John D Belcher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Vascular Biology Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Kelaidi C, Kattamis A, Apostolakou F, Poziopoulos C, Lazaropoulou C, Delaporta P, Kanavaki I, Papassotiriou I. PlGF and sFlt-1 levels in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia: Correlations with markers of iron burden and endothelial dysfunction. Eur J Haematol 2018. [PMID: 29543340 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Levels of the angiogenic cytokines placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and the angiogenic balance, expressed by sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, are perturbed in sickle-cell disease and iron overload, but they have not been evaluated in non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). PATIENTS AND METHODS We measured levels of PlGF, sFlt-1 and vWF:antigen in patients with NTDT of beta-thalassemia genotype, and correlated them with erythrocytic indices and markers of iron overload, inflammation, and tissue hypoxia. Thirty-four NTDT patients with mean hemoglobin level of 8.4 g/dL were included in the study along with 20 apparently healthy individuals who served as controls. RESULTS Ferritin, LDH, and hs-CRP were higher in patients as compared to controls. We found significant differences between patients and controls in regard to levels of PlGF (52.2 vs 17.2 pg/mL, P < .001), sFlt-1/PlGF (2 vs 4.7, P < .001), and vWF:antigen (88 vs 77.1 IU/dL, P < .01). There was a strong correlation of ferritin with PlGF (r = .653, P < .001) and with vWF:antigen (r = .503, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS In this study, we demonstrated an association between increased PlGF and iron overload and the degree of tissue hypoxia in patients with NTDT. High vWF:antigen expressing endothelial damage may be associated with specific NTDT comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charikleia Kelaidi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Kattamis
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Filia Apostolakou
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Poziopoulos
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Polyxeni Delaporta
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ino Kanavaki
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Papassotiriou
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Gu JM, Yuan S, Sim D, Abe K, Liu P, Rosenbruch M, Bringmann P, Kauser K. Blockade of placental growth factor reduces vaso-occlusive complications in murine models of sickle cell disease. Exp Hematol 2018; 60:73-82.e3. [PMID: 29337222 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is the most common and debilitating complication of sickle cell disease (SCD); recurrent episodes cause organ damage and contribute to early mortality. Plasma placental growth factor (PlGF) levels are elevated in SCD and can further increase under hypoxic conditions in SCD mice. Treatment with a PlGF-neutralizing antibody (anti-PlGF Ab) in SCD mice reduced levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-3, eotaxin, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 significantly, and of macrophage-derived chemokine and macrophage inflammatory protein-3β moderately; this may contribute to inhibition of leukocyte recruitment, activation, and thrombosis. In subsequent experiments, anti-PlGF Ab treatment significantly reduced plasma lactate dehydrogenase levels, indicating possible reduction in cellular destruction and/or hemolysis. Histopathology studies revealed decreased incidence and severity of congestion in the lungs and spleen with repeated anti-PlGF Ab treatment. Furthermore, anti-PlGF Ab significantly reduced vaso-occlusion events under hypoxic conditions in a modified dorsal skinfold chamber model in SCD mice. Therefore, elevated PlGF levels may contribute to recruitment and activation of leukocytes. This can subsequently lead to increased pathology of affected organs in addition to mediating acute hypoxia/reoxygenation-triggered vaso-occlusion under SCD conditions. Thus, targeting PlGF may offer a therapeutic approach to reduce acute VOC and possibly alleviate long-term vascular complications in patients with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Ming Gu
- Bayer, U.S. Innovation Center, San Francisco, California.
| | - Shujun Yuan
- Bayer, U.S. Innovation Center, San Francisco, California.
| | - Derek Sim
- Bayer, U.S. Innovation Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Keith Abe
- Bayer, U.S. Innovation Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Perry Liu
- Bayer, U.S. Innovation Center, San Francisco, California
| | | | | | - Katalin Kauser
- Bayer, U.S. Innovation Center, San Francisco, California
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Shilo NR, Morris CR. Pathways to pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease: the search for prevention and early intervention. Expert Rev Hematol 2017; 10:875-890. [PMID: 28817980 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2017.1364989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulmonary hypertension (PH) develops in a significant number of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. This review focuses on PH pathophysiology, risk stratification, and new recommendations for screening and treatment for patients with SCD. Areas covered: An extensive PubMed literature search was performed. While the pathophysiology of PH in SCD is yet to be fully deciphered, it is known that the etiology is multifactorial; hemolysis, hypercoagulability, hypoxemia, ischemic-reperfusion injury, oxidative stress, and genetic susceptibility all contribute in varying degrees to endothelial dysfunction. Hemolysis, in particular, seems to play a key role by inciting an imbalance in the regulatory axis of nitric oxide and arginine metabolism. Systematic risk stratification starting in childhood based on clinical features and biomarkers that enable early detection is necessary. Multi-faceted, targeted interventions, before irreversible vasculopathy develops, will allow for improved patient outcomes and life expectancy. Expert commentary: Despite progress in our understanding of PH in SCD, clinically proven therapies remain elusive and additional controlled clinical trials are needed. Prevention of disease starts in childhood, a critical window for intervention. Given the complex and multifactorial nature of SCD, patients will ultimately benefit from combination therapies that simultaneously targets multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie R Shilo
- a Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary Medicine , University of Connecticut Heath Center , Farmington , CT , USA
| | - Claudia R Morris
- b Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Emory-Children's Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research , Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , GA , USA
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11
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Placenta growth factor mediated gene regulation in sickle cell disease. Blood Rev 2017; 32:61-70. [PMID: 28823762 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutation in the β-globin gene. Pulmonary hypertension (PH), a complication of SCA, results in severe morbidity and mortality. PH is a multifactorial disease: systemic vasculopathy, pulmonary vasoconstriction, and endothelial dysfunction and remodeling. Placenta growth factor (PlGF), an angiogenic growth factor, elaborated from erythroid cells, has been shown to contribute to inflammation, pulmonary vasoconstriction and airway hyper-responsiveness (AH) in mouse models of sickle cell disease. In this review, we summarize the cell-signaling mechanism(s) by which PlGF regulates the expression of genes involved in inflammation, PH and AH in cell culture and corroborate these findings in mouse models of SCA and in individuals with SCA. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the post-transcriptional regulation of these genes is presented and how these miRNAs located in their host genes are transcriptionally regulated. An understanding of the transcriptional regulation of these miRNAs provides a new therapeutic approach to ameliorate the clinical manifestations of SCA.
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12
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Newell LF, Holtan SG, Yates JE, Pereira L, Tyner JW, Burd I, Bagby GC. PlGF enhances TLR-dependent inflammatory responses in human mononuclear phagocytes. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017. [PMID: 28635072 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) peak during third trimester of pregnancy, a time when women are at increased risk of virus-induced morbidity. We hypothesized PlGF might contribute to an exaggerated inflammatory response to Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation. METHOD OF STUDY Primary human adult and cord blood CD14+ cells were cultured in the presence of TLR ligands and/or PlGF. RESULTS PlGF significantly enhanced the magnitude and duration of TNF messenger RNA and protein production by TLR-7/8-activated monocytes, and increased subsequent production of TNF-independent inflammatory cytokines. This PlGF/TLR effect involved multiple inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and was seen with the majority of TLR agonists. PlGF enhanced phosphorylation of IkappaB kinase (IKK) in monocytes stimulated with the TLR-7/8 agonist R848, and IKK inhibition completely suppressed the PlGF effect. CONCLUSION PlGF enhances TLR-signaling upstream of IKK and contributes to an exaggerated pathologic pro-inflammatory state in response to activation of maternal and fetal mononuclear phagocytes by specific TLR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura F Newell
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shernan G Holtan
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplant, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jane E Yates
- Northwest Veterans Affairs Cancer Research Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Leonardo Pereira
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Tyner
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA.,Department of Cell, Development, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Grover C Bagby
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, USA.,Northwest Veterans Affairs Cancer Research Center, Portland, OR, USA
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Nath KA, Katusic ZS. Endothelin-A Receptor Antagonism Retards the Progression of Murine Sickle Cell Nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 28:2253-2255. [PMID: 28442492 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017030320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karl A Nath
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and Department of Medicine and
| | - Zvonimir S Katusic
- Departments of Anesthesiology and.,Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Kato GJ, Steinberg MH, Gladwin MT. Intravascular hemolysis and the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:750-760. [PMID: 28248201 DOI: 10.1172/jci89741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 410] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemolysis is a fundamental feature of sickle cell anemia that contributes to its pathophysiology and phenotypic variability. Decompartmentalized hemoglobin, arginase 1, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and adenine nucleotides are all products of hemolysis that promote vasomotor dysfunction, proliferative vasculopathy, and a multitude of clinical complications of pulmonary and systemic vasculopathy, including pulmonary hypertension, leg ulcers, priapism, chronic kidney disease, and large-artery ischemic stroke. Nitric oxide (NO) is inactivated by cell-free hemoglobin in a dioxygenation reaction that also oxidizes hemoglobin to methemoglobin, a non-oxygen-binding form of hemoglobin that readily loses heme. Circulating hemoglobin and heme represent erythrocytic danger-associated molecular pattern (eDAMP) molecules, which activate the innate immune system and endothelium to an inflammatory, proadhesive state that promotes sickle vaso-occlusion and acute lung injury in murine models of sickle cell disease. Intravascular hemolysis can impair NO bioavailability and cause oxidative stress, altering redox balance and amplifying physiological processes that govern blood flow, hemostasis, inflammation, and angiogenesis. These pathological responses promote regional vasoconstriction and subsequent blood vessel remodeling. Thus, intravascular hemolysis represents an intrinsic mechanism for human vascular disease that manifests clinical complications in sickle cell disease and other chronic hereditary or acquired hemolytic anemias.
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Activated Transcription Factor 3 in Association with Histone Deacetylase 6 Negatively Regulates MicroRNA 199a2 Transcription by Chromatin Remodeling and Reduces Endothelin-1 Expression. Mol Cell Biol 2016; 36:2838-2854. [PMID: 27573019 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00345-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies showed that high levels of placenta growth factor (PlGF) correlated with increased plasma levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, in sickle cell disease (SCD). PlGF-mediated transcription of the ET-1 gene occurs by activation of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and posttranscriptionally by microRNA 199a2 (miR-199a2), which targets the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of HIF-1α mRNA. However, relatively less is known about how PlGF represses the expression of miR-199a2 located in the DNM3 opposite strand (DNM3os) transcription unit. Here, we show that PlGF induces the expression of activated transcription factor 3 (ATF3), which, in association with accessory proteins (c-Jun dimerization protein 2 [JDP2], ATF2, and histone deacetylase 6 [HDAC6]), as determined by proteomic analysis, binds to the DNM3os promoter. Furthermore, we show that association of HDAC6 with ATF3 at its binding site in this promoter was correlated with repression of miR-199a2 transcription, as shown by DNM3os transcription reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. Tubacin, an inhibitor of HDAC6, antagonized PlGF-mediated repression of DNM3os/pre-miR-199a2 transcription with a concomitant reduction in ET-1 levels in cultured endothelial cells. Analysis of lung tissues from Berkeley sickle (BK-SS) mice showed increased levels of ATF3 and increased expression of ET-1. Delivery of tubacin to BK-SS mice significantly attenuated plasma ET-1 and PlGF levels. Our studies demonstrated that ATF3 in conjunction with HDAC6 acts as a transcriptional repressor of the DNM3os/miR-199a2 locus.
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da Guarda CC, Santiago RP, Pitanga TN, Santana SS, Zanette DL, Borges VM, Goncalves MS. Heme changes HIF-α, eNOS and nitrite production in HUVECs after simvastatin, HU, and ascorbic acid therapies. Microvasc Res 2016; 106:128-36. [PMID: 27089822 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hemolytic genetic anemia characterized by free heme and hemoglobin release into intravascular spaces, with endothelial activation. Heme is a proinflammatory molecule able to directly activate vascular endothelium, thus, endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease are major chronic events described in SCD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nitrite and hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIF-α) in HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) activated by heme in response to simvastatin, hydroxyurea (HU), and ascorbic acid therapies. eNOS and HIF-α production were evaluated by ELISA and nitrite was measured by the Griess technique. The production of HIF-α increased when the cells were stimulated by heme (p<0.01), while treatment with HU and simvastatin reduced the production (p<0.01), and treatment with ascorbic acid increased HIF-1a production by the cells (p<0.01). Heme increased eNOS production, (p<0.01) but showed a heterogeneous pattern, and the lowest concentrations of all the treatments reduced the enzyme production (p<0.01). The nitrite production by HUVECs was enhanced by stimulation with heme (p<0.001) and was reduced by treatment with HU (p<0.001), ascorbic acid (p<0.001) and simvastatin (p<0.01). In summary, our results suggest that the hemolytic vascular microenvironment in SCD requires different therapeutic approaches to promote clinical improvement, and that a combination of therapies may be a viable strategy for treating patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marilda S Goncalves
- Centro de Pesquisa Gonçalo Moniz/FIOCRUZ, Salvador, Brazil; Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.
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17
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Gonsalves CS, Li C, Malik P, Tahara SM, Kalra VK. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α-mediated transcription of miR-301a and miR-454 and their host gene SKA2 regulates endothelin-1 and PAI-1 expression in sickle cell disease. Biosci Rep 2015; 35:e00275. [PMID: 26460070 PMCID: PMC4672349 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20150190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) play important roles in pulmonary hypertension (PH) in sickle cell disease (SCD). Our previous studies show higher levels of placenta growth factor (PlGF) in SCD correlate with increased plasma levels of ET-1, PAI-1, and other physiological markers of PH. PlGF-mediated ET-1 and PAI-1 expression occurs via activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). However, relatively little is understood regarding post-transcriptional regulation of PlGF-mediated expression of ET-1 and PAI-1. Herein, we show PlGF treatment of endothelial cells reduced levels of miR-301a and miR-454 from basal levels. In addition, both miRNAs targeted the 3'-UTRs of ET-1 and PAI-1 mRNAs. These results were corroborated in the mouse model of SCD [Berkeley sickle mice (BK-SS)] and in SCD subjects. Plasma levels of miR-454 in SCD subjects were significantly lower compared with unaffected controls, which correlated with higher plasma levels of both ET-1 and PAI-1. Moreover, lung tissues from BK-SS mice showed significantly reduced levels of pre-miR-301a and concomitantly higher levels of ET-1 and PAI-1. Furthermore, we show that miR-301a/miR-454 located in the spindle and kinetochore-associated protein-2 (SKA2) transcription unit was co-transcriptionally regulated by both HIF-1α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) as demonstrated by SKA2 promoter mutational analysis and ChIP. Finally we show that fenofibrate, a PPAR-α agonist, increased the expression of miR-301a/miR-454 and SKA2 in human microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC) cells; the former were responsible for reduced expression of ET-1 and PAI-1. Our studies provide a potential therapeutic approach whereby fenofibrate-induced miR-301a/miR-454 expression can ameliorate PH and lung fibrosis by reduction in ET-1 and PAI-1 levels in SCD.
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MESH Headings
- Anemia, Sickle Cell/complications
- Anemia, Sickle Cell/drug therapy
- Anemia, Sickle Cell/genetics
- Anemia, Sickle Cell/pathology
- Animals
- Cell Line
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/biosynthesis
- Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone/genetics
- Endothelin-1/biosynthesis
- Endothelin-1/genetics
- Fenofibrate/administration & dosage
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Humans
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/complications
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/drug therapy
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/genetics
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/pathology
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Mice
- MicroRNAs/biosynthesis
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- PPAR alpha/antagonists & inhibitors
- PPAR alpha/genetics
- PPAR alpha/metabolism
- Placenta Growth Factor
- Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1/biosynthesis
- Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1/genetics
- Pregnancy Proteins/genetics
- Pregnancy Proteins/metabolism
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Caryn S Gonsalves
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, U.S.A
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, U.S.A
| | - Punam Malik
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, U.S.A
| | - Stanley M Tahara
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, U.S.A
| | - Vijay K Kalra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, U.S.A.
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Abstract
Although production of hemoglobin S, the genetic defect that causes sickle cell disease (SCD), directly affects only red blood cells, the manifestations of SCD are pervasive, and almost every cell type and organ system in the body can be involved. Today, the vast majority of patients with SCD who receive modern health care reach adulthood thanks to vaccine prophylaxis and improvements in supportive care, including transfusion. However, once patients reach adulthood, they commonly experience recurrent painful vaso-occlusive crises and frequently have widespread end-organ damage and severely shortened life expectancies. Over the last several decades, research has elucidated many of the mechanisms whereby abnormal red blood cells produce such ubiquitous organ damage. With these discoveries have come new ways to measure disease activity. In addition, new pharmaceutical interventions are now being developed to address what has been learned about disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn J Telen
- Duke University School of Medicine, Box 2615, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
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19
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Chronic transfusion therapy improves but does not normalize systemic and pulmonary vasculopathy in sickle cell disease. Blood 2015; 126:703-10. [PMID: 26036801 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2014-12-614370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tricuspid regurgitant (TR) jet velocity and its relationship to pulmonary hypertension has been controversial in sickle cell disease (SCD). Plasma free hemoglobin is elevated in SCD patients and acutely impairs systemic vascular reactivity. We postulated that plasma free hemoglobin would be negatively associated with both systemic and pulmonary endothelial function, assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and TR jet velocity, respectively. Whole blood viscosity, plasma free hemoglobin, TR jet, and FMD were measured in chronically transfused SCD pre- and posttransfusion (N = 25), in nontransfused SCD (N = 26), and in ethnicity-matched control subjects (N = 10). We found increased TR jet velocity and decreased FMD in nontransfused SCD patients compared with the other 2 groups. TR jet velocity was inversely correlated with FMD. There was a striking nonlinear relationship between plasma free hemoglobin and both TR jet velocity and FMD. A single transfusion in the chronically transfused cohort improved FMD. In our patient sample, TR jet velocity and FMD were most strongly associated with plasma free hemoglobin and transfusion status (transfusions being protective), and thus consistent with the hypothesis that intravascular hemolysis and increased endogenous erythropoiesis damage vascular endothelia.
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Erythropoietin-mediated expression of placenta growth factor is regulated via activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and post-transcriptionally by miR-214 in sickle cell disease. Biochem J 2015; 468:409-23. [PMID: 25876995 DOI: 10.1042/bj20141138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF) plays an important role in various pathological conditions and diseases such as inflammation, cancer, atherosclerosis and sickle cell disease (SCD). Abnormally high PlGF levels in SCD patients are associated with increased inflammation and pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and reactive airway disease; however, the transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating PlGF expression are not well defined. Herein, we show that treatment of human erythroid cells and colony forming units with erythropoietin (EPO) increased PlGF expression. Our studies showed EPO-mediated activation of HIF-1α led to subsequent binding of HIF-1α to hypoxia response elements (HREs) within the PlGF promoter, as demonstrated by luciferase transcription reporter assays and ChIP analysis of the endogenous gene. Additionally, we showed miR-214 post-transcriptionally regulated the expression of PlGF as demonstrated by luciferase reporter assays using wild-type (wt) and mutant PlGF-3'-UTR constructs. Furthermore, synthesis of miR-214, located in an intron of DNM3 (dynamin 3), was transcriptionally regulated by transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). These results were corroborated in vivo wherein plasma from SCD patients and lung tissues from sickle mice showed an inverse correlation between PlGF and miR-214 levels. Finally, we observed that miR-214 expression could be induced by fenofibrate, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved PPARα agonist, thus revealing a potential therapeutic approach for reduction in PlGF levels by increasing miR-214 transcription. This strategy has potential clinical implications for several pathological conditions including SCD.
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22
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Wongtong N, Jones S, Deng Y, Cai J, Ataga KI. Monocytosis is associated with hemolysis in sickle cell disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 20:593-7. [PMID: 25875078 DOI: 10.1179/1607845415y.0000000011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical relevance of monocytosis in sickle cell disease (SCD) is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to explore the association of monocyte counts with clinical and laboratory variables in SCD. DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed using a cohort of adult patients with SCD and control subjects without SCD. Complete blood counts, markers of hemolysis, coagulation activation, endothelial injury, and other laboratory studies were obtained in patients with SCD. Clinical complications were ascertained at the time of evaluation and tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity was determined by Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-seven patients with SCD and 24 healthy, African-American, control subjects were evaluated. The absolute monocyte count was increased in SCD patients compared with healthy controls (0.6 × 10(9)/l vs. 0.4 × 10(9)/l, P = 0.0025), with higher counts in HbSS/HbSβ(0) thalassemia compared with HbSC/HbSβ(+) thalassemia. In univariate analyses, absolute monocyte count was correlated with reticulocyte count, absolute neutrophil count, indirect bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, and inversely correlated with hemoglobin in SCD patients. Furthermore, monocyte count was correlated with soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in HbSS/HbSβ(0) thalassemia patients. No significant associations were observed between absolute monocyte count and evaluated clinical complications. In multivariable analyses, reticulocyte count and absolute neutrophil count were significantly associated with absolute monocyte count. CONCLUSIONS Monocytosis is associated with hemolysis and inflammation in SCD. We suggest that hemolysis and the resultant erythropoietic response contribute to monocyte activation.
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Lopes FCM, Traina F, Almeida CB, Leonardo FC, Franco-Penteado CF, Garrido VT, Colella MP, Soares R, Olalla-Saad ST, Costa FF, Conran N. Key endothelial cell angiogenic mechanisms are stimulated by the circulating milieu in sickle cell disease and attenuated by hydroxyurea. Haematologica 2015; 100:730-9. [PMID: 25769545 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2014.119727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As hypoxia-induced inflammatory angiogenesis may contribute to the manifestations of sickle cell disease, we compared the angiogenic molecular profiles of plasma from sickle cell disease individuals and correlated these with in vitro endothelial cell-mediated angiogenesis-stimulating activity and in vivo neovascularization. Bioplex demonstrated that plasma from patients with steady-state sickle cell anemia contained elevated concentrations of pro-angiogenic factors (angiopoietin-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-D and placental growth factor) and displayed potent pro-angiogenic activity, significantly increasing endothelial cell proliferation, migration and capillary-like structure formation. In vivo neovascularization of Matrigel plugs was significantly greater in sickle cell disease mice than in non-sickle cell disease mice, consistent with an up-regulation of angiogenesis in the disease. In plasma from patients with hemoglobin SC disease without proliferative retinopathy, anti-angiogenic endostatin and thrombospondin-2 were significantly elevated. In contrast, plasma from hemoglobin SC individuals with proliferative retinopathy had a pro-angiogenic profile and more significant effects on endothelial cell proliferation and capillary formation than plasma from patients without retinopathy. Hydroxyurea therapy was associated with significant reductions in plasma angiogenic factors and inhibition of endothelial cell-mediated angiogenic mechanisms and neovascularization. Thus, individuals with sickle cell anemia or hemoglobin SC disease with retinopathy present a highly angiogenic circulating milieu, capable of stimulating key endothelial cell-mediated angiogenic mechanisms. Combination anti-angiogenic therapy to prevent the progression of unregulated neovascularization and associated manifestations in sickle cell disease, such as pulmonary hypertension, may be indicated; furthermore, the benefits and drawbacks of the potent anti-angiogenic effects of hydroxyurea should be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia C M Lopes
- INCT de Sangue, Hematology Center, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiola Traina
- INCT de Sangue, Hematology Center, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil Department of Internal Medicine, University of São Paulo at Riberão Preto Medical School, Riberão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila B Almeida
- INCT de Sangue, Hematology Center, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flavia C Leonardo
- INCT de Sangue, Hematology Center, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla F Franco-Penteado
- INCT de Sangue, Hematology Center, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa T Garrido
- INCT de Sangue, Hematology Center, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina P Colella
- INCT de Sangue, Hematology Center, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Soares
- Department of Biochemistry (I3S), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara T Olalla-Saad
- INCT de Sangue, Hematology Center, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando F Costa
- INCT de Sangue, Hematology Center, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicola Conran
- INCT de Sangue, Hematology Center, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas - UNICAMP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lopes FCM, Ferreira R, Albuquerque DM, Silveira AAA, Costa R, Soares R, Costa FF, Conran N. In vitro and in vivo anti-angiogenic effects of hydroxyurea. Microvasc Res 2014; 94:106-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2014.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Hagag AA, Elmashad G, Abd El-Lateef AE. Clinical significance of assessment of thrombospondin and placenta growth factor levels in patients with sickle cell anemia: two centers egyptian studies. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2014; 6:e2014044. [PMID: 25045452 PMCID: PMC4103513 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2014.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease has a worldwide distribution. Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is one of the most important clinical features of the disease. Thrombospondin (TSP1) and Placenta growth factor (PlGF) have been reported to be involved in sickle cell diseases (SCD). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance of Thrombospondin and Placenta growth factor profiles in patients with sickle cell disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study was carried out in sixty patients with sickle cell anemia who were attendants to Hematology units, Pediatric Departments, Tanta and Elmenofia University Hospitals in the period between December 2011 and May 2014 including thirty patients during vaso-occlusive crisis and thirty patients out of crisis. Also this study included twenty healthy children of matched age and sex as a control group. Serum TSP1 and PlGF levels were analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS In SCA patients with crisis the mean serum Thrombospondin level was 902.5±280.89 ng/mL; in SCA patients out of crisis the mean serum Thrombospondin level was 462.5 ± 190.2 ng/mL and in controls the mean value was 236.66±58.29 ng/mL. In SCA patients with crisis the mean serum Placenta growth factor level was 19.97±1.28 pg/ml; in SCA patients out of crisis the mean serum Placenta growth factor level was 13.12 ± 1.82 pg/ml and in controls the mean value was 9.89 ± 1.20 pg/ml. All paired comparisons for Thrombospondin and Placenta growth factor reached statistical significance (P< 0.001). There was significant positive correlation between serum Thrombospondin and Placenta growth factor levels in sickle cell anemia patients during crisis (r=0.848, p=<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to show TSP1and PlGF concentration changes in patients with SCD in a large cohort study from Middle East, and to show correlation between both markers; therefore TSP1and PlGF may be useful VOC markers in SCD patients. RECOMMENDATION To further assess TSP1 and PlGF as a marker of VOC in patients with SCD, further studies should be conducted to determine the exact point before VOC, when serum TSP1 and PIGF levels begin to increase. This requires monitoring of the TSP1 and PIGF levels in sickle cell patients out of crisis, showing how rapidly these levels increase just before VOC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A Hagag
- Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Ghada Elmashad
- Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Elmenofia University, Egypt
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Heme-bound iron activates placenta growth factor in erythroid cells via erythroid Krüppel-like factor. Blood 2014; 124:946-54. [PMID: 24916507 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2013-11-539718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), markers of iron burden are associated with excessive production of the angiogenic protein placenta growth factor (PlGF) and high estimated pulmonary artery pressure. Enforced PlGF expression in mice stimulates production of the potent vasoconstrictor endothelin-1, producing pulmonary hypertension. We now demonstrate heme-bound iron (hemin) induces PlGF mRNA >200-fold in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. In murine and human erythroid cells, expression of erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF) precedes PlGF, and its enforced expression in human erythroid progenitor cells induces PlGF mRNA. Hemin-induced expression of PlGF is abolished in EKLF-deficient murine erythroid cells but rescued by conditional expression of EKLF. Chromatin immunoprecipitation reveals that EKLF binds to the PlGF promoter region. SCD patients show higher level expression of both EKLF and PlGF mRNA in circulating blood cells, and markers of iron overload are associated with high PlGF and early mortality. Finally, PlGF association with iron burden generalizes to other human diseases of iron overload. Our results demonstrate a specific mechanistic pathway induced by excess iron that is linked in humans with SCD and in mice to markers of vasculopathy and pulmonary hypertension. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00007150, #NCT00023296, #NCT00081523, and #NCT00352430.
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27
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Hoppe CC. Inflammatory Mediators of Endothelial Injury in Sickle Cell Disease. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2014; 28:265-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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28
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Gonsalves CS, Crable S, Chandra S, Li W, Kalra VK, Joiner CH. Angiogenic growth factors augment K-Cl cotransporter expression in erythroid cells via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. Am J Hematol 2014; 89:273-81. [PMID: 24227191 PMCID: PMC4223994 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.23631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The potassium chloride cotransporters (KCC) family of proteins are widely expressed and are involved in the transepithelial movement of potassium and chloride ions and the regulation of cell volume. KCC activity is high in reticulocytes, and contributes to the dehydration of sickle red blood cells. Because plasma levels of both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) are elevated in sickle cell individuals, and VEGF has been shown to increase KCC expression in other cells, we hypothesized that VEGF and PlGF influence KCC expression in erythroid cells. Both VEGF and PlGF treatment of human erythroid K562 cells increased both mRNA and protein levels of KCC1, KCC3b, and KCC4. VEGF- and PlGF-mediated cellular signaling involved VEGF-R1 and downstream effectors, specifically, PI-3 kinase, p38 MAP kinase, mTOR, NADPH-oxidase, JNK kinase, and HIF-1α. VEGF and PlGF-mediated transcription of KCC3b and KCC4 involved hypoxia response element (HRE) motifs in their promoters, as demonstrated by promoter analysis, EMSA and ChiP. These results were corroborated in vivo by adenoviral-mediated overexpression of PlGF in normal mice, which led to increased expression of mKCC3 and mKCC4 in erythroid precursors. Our studies show that VEGF and PlGF regulate transcription of KCC3b and KCC4 in erythroid cells via activation of HIF-1α, independent of hypoxia. These studies provide novel therapeutic targets for regulation of cell volume in RBC precursors, and thus, amelioration of dehydration in RBCs in sickle cell disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caryn S Gonsalves
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, California
| | - Scott Crable
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnati, Ohio
| | - Sharat Chandra
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnati, Ohio
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory UniversityAtlanta, Georgia
| | - Vijay K Kalra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, California
| | - Clinton H Joiner
- Division of Hematology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory UniversityAtlanta, Georgia
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Desai PC, Deal AM, Brittain JE, Jones S, Hinderliter A, Ataga KI. Decades after the cooperative study: a re-examination of systemic blood pressure in sickle cell disease. Am J Hematol 2012; 87:E65-8. [PMID: 22718523 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.23278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Revised: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Payal C Desai
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Ballas SK, Kesen MR, Goldberg MF, Lutty GA, Dampier C, Osunkwo I, Wang WC, Hoppe C, Hagar W, Darbari DS, Malik P. Beyond the definitions of the phenotypic complications of sickle cell disease: an update on management. ScientificWorldJournal 2012; 2012:949535. [PMID: 22924029 PMCID: PMC3415156 DOI: 10.1100/2012/949535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The sickle hemoglobin is an abnormal hemoglobin due to point mutation (GAG → GTG) in exon 1 of the β globin gene resulting in the substitution of glutamic acid by valine at position 6 of the β globin polypeptide chain. Although the molecular lesion is a single-point mutation, the sickle gene is pleiotropic in nature causing multiple phenotypic expressions that constitute the various complications of sickle cell disease in general and sickle cell anemia in particular. The disease itself is chronic in nature but many of its complications are acute such as the recurrent acute painful crises (its hallmark), acute chest syndrome, and priapism. These complications vary considerably among patients, in the same patient with time, among countries and with age and sex. To date, there is no well-established consensus among providers on the management of the complications of sickle cell disease due in part to lack of evidence and in part to differences in the experience of providers. It is the aim of this paper to review available current approaches to manage the major complications of sickle cell disease. We hope that this will establish another preliminary forum among providers that may eventually lead the way to better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir K Ballas
- Cardeza Foundation and Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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Dewerchin M, Carmeliet P. PlGF: a multitasking cytokine with disease-restricted activity. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2012; 2:cshperspect.a011056. [PMID: 22908198 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a011056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family that also comprises VEGF-A (VEGF), VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D. Unlike VEGF, PlGF is dispensable for development and health but has diverse nonredundant roles in tissue ischemia, malignancy, inflammation, and multiple other diseases. Genetic and pharmacological gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies have identified molecular mechanisms of this multitasking cytokine and characterized the therapeutic potential of delivering or blocking PlGF for various disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Dewerchin
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, VIB Vesalius Research Center, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Ataga KI, Brittain JE, Desai P, May R, Jones S, Delaney J, Strayhorn D, Hinderliter A, Key NS. Association of coagulation activation with clinical complications in sickle cell disease. PLoS One 2012; 7:e29786. [PMID: 22253781 PMCID: PMC3256184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The contribution of hypercoagulability to the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD) remains poorly defined. We sought to evaluate the association of markers of coagulation and platelet activation with specific clinical complications and laboratory variables in patients with SCD. Design and Methods Plasma markers of coagulation activation (D-dimer and TAT), platelet activation (soluble CD40 ligand), microparticle-associated tissue factor (MPTF) procoagulant activity and other laboratory variables were obtained in a cohort of patients with SCD. Tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity was determined by Doppler echocardiography and the presence/history of clinical complications was ascertained at the time of evaluation, combined with a detailed review of the medical records. Results No significant differences in the levels of D-dimer, TAT, soluble CD40 ligand, and MPTF procoagulant activity were observed between patients in the SS/SD/Sβ0 thalassemia and SC/Sβ+ thalassemia groups. Both TAT and D-dimer were significantly correlated with measures of hemolysis (lactate dehydrogenase, indirect bilirubin and hemoglobin) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. In patients in the SS/SD/Sβ0 thalassemia group, D-dimer was associated with a history of stroke (p = 0.049), TAT was associated with a history of retinopathy (p = 0.0176), and CD40 ligand was associated with the frequency of pain episodes (p = 0.039). In multivariate analyses, D-dimer was associated with reticulocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase, NT-proBNP and history of stroke; soluble CD40 ligand was associated with WBC count and platelet count; and MPTF procoagulant activity was associated with hemoglobin and history of acute chest syndrome. Conclusions This study supports the association of coagulation activation with hemolysis in SCD. The association of D-dimer with a history of stroke suggests that coagulation activation may contribute to the pathophysiology of stroke in clinically severe forms of SCD. More research is needed to evaluate the contribution of coagulation and platelet activation to clinical complications in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth I Ataga
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America.
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Ataga KI, Brittain JE, Jones SK, May R, Delaney J, Strayhorn D, Desai P, Redding-Lallinger R, Key NS, Orringer EP. Association of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 with pulmonary hypertension and haemolysis in sickle cell disease. Br J Haematol 2011; 152:485-91. [PMID: 21223248 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2010.08410.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in sickle cell disease (SCD) is probably multifactorial. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) family. By adhering to and inhibiting VEGF and placenta growth factor, it induces endothelial dysfunction. We sought to evaluate the association of sFLT-1 with clinical complications of SCD. We confirmed that sFLT-1 was significantly elevated in SCD patients compared to healthy, race-matched control subjects. The level of sFLT-1 was significantly higher in patients with PHT, but no association was observed between sFLT-1 and the frequency of acute pain episodes or history of acute chest syndrome. sFLT-1 was correlated with various measures of haemolysis, erythropoietin and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. By inducing endothelial dysfunction, sFLT-1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of SCD-associated PHT, although this effect does not appear to be independent of haemolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth I Ataga
- Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program Division of Hematology/Oncology Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Department of Biostatistics Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7305, USA.
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Ataga KI, Brittain JE, Moore D, Jones SK, Hulkower B, Strayhorn D, Adam S, Redding-Lallinger R, Nachman P, Orringer EP. Urinary albumin excretion is associated with pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease: potential role of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. Eur J Haematol 2010; 85:257-63. [PMID: 20491879 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2010.01471.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is reported to be associated with measures of renal function in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the relationship between albuminuria and both clinical and laboratory variables in SCD. DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed using a cohort of adult patients with SCD and control subjects without SCD. Spot urine for microalbumin/creatinine ratio, measures of hemolysis, inflammation and other laboratory studies were obtained. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure was determined by Doppler echocardiography, and the diagnosis of PHT was defined using age-, sex- and body mass index-adjusted reference ranges. RESULTS Seventy-three patients with SCD and 21 healthy, race-matched control subjects were evaluated. In patients with SCD, normoalbuminuria was observed in 34 patients (46.6%), microalbuminuria in 24 patients (32.9%) and macroalbuminuria in 15 patients (20.5%). There was a significant correlation between urine albumin excretion and age. In patients with HbSS and Sbeta(0) thalassemia, the levels of sFLT-1, soluble VCAM and NT pro-BNP were significantly higher in those with macroalbuminuria, compared to patients with microalbuminuria and normoalbuminura, but no significant differences were observed in the levels of laboratory measures of hemolysis. Urine albumin excretion was associated with PHT and a history of stroke. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms the high prevalence of albuminuria in SCD. The association of urine albumin excretion with sFLT-1 suggests that this vascular endothelial growth factor receptor family member may contribute to the development of albuminuria in SCD. By inducing endothelial activation and endothelial dysfunction, sFLT-1 appears to be a link between glomerulopathy and PHT in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth I Ataga
- Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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High levels of placenta growth factor in sickle cell disease promote pulmonary hypertension. Blood 2010; 116:109-12. [PMID: 20335221 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-09-244830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension is associated with reduced nitric oxide bioavailability and early mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD). We previously demonstrated that placenta growth factor (PlGF), an angiogenic factor produced by erythroid cells, induces hypoxia-independent expression of the pulmonary vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 in pulmonary endothelial cells. Using a lentivirus vector, we simulated erythroid expression of PlGF in normal mice up to the levels seen in sickle mice. Consequently, endothelin-1 production increased, right ventricle pressures increased, and right ventricle hypertrophy and pulmonary changes occurred in the mice within 8 weeks. These findings were corroborated in 123 patients with SCD, in whom plasma PlGF levels were significantly associated with anemia, endothelin-1, and tricuspid regurgitant velocity; the latter is reflective of peak pulmonary artery pressure. These results illuminate a novel mechanistic pathway linking hemolysis and erythroid hyperplasia to increased PlGF, endothelin-1, and pulmonary hypertension in SCD, and suggest that strategies that block PlGF signaling may be therapeutically beneficial.
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