Survivin mediates the anti-apoptotic effect of delta-opioid receptor stimulation in cardiomyocytes

Circular RNAs: a small piece in the heart failure puzzle

Cardiovascular disease, specifically heart failure (HF), remains a significant concern in the realm of healthcare, necessitating the development of new treatments and biomarkers. The RNA family consists of various subgroups, including microRNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRAN) and long non-coding RNAs, which have shown potential in advancing personalized healthcare for HF patients. Recent research suggests that circular RNAs, a lesser-known subgroup of RNAs, may offer a novel set of targets and biomarkers for HF. This review will discuss the biogenesis of circular RNAs, their unique characteristics relevant to HF, their role in heart function, and their potential use as biomarkers in the bloodstream. Furthermore, future research directions in this field will be outlined. The stability of exosomal circRNAs makes them suitable as biomarkers, pathogenic regulators, and potential treatments for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndrome, ischemia/reperfusion injury, HF, and peripheral artery disease. Herein, we summarized the role of circular RNAs and their exosomal forms in HF diseases.

Methadone administered to rat dams during pregnancy and lactation affects the circadian rhythms of their pups

The circadian clock is one of the most important homeostatic systems regulating the majority of physiological functions. Its proper development contributes significantly to the maintenance of health in adulthood. Methadone is recommended for the treatment of opioid use disorders during pregnancy, increasing the number of children prenatally exposed to long-acting opioids. Although early-life opioid exposure has been studied for a number of behavioral and physiological changes observed later in life, information on the relationship between the effects of methadone exposure and circadian system development is lacking. Using a rat model, we investigated the effects of prenatal and early postnatal methadone administration on the maturation of the circadian clockwork in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and liver, the rhythm of aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT) activity in the pineal gland, and gene expression in the livers of 20-day-old rats. Our data show that repeated administration of methadone to pregnant and lactating mothers has significant effect on rhythmic gene expression in the SCN and livers and on the rhythm of AA-NAT in the offspring. Similar to previous studies with morphine, the rhythm amplitudes of the clock genes in the SCN and liver were unchanged or enhanced. However, six of seven specific genes in the liver showed significant downregulation of their expression, compared to the controls in at least one experimental group. Importantly, the amplitude of the AA-NAT rhythm was significantly reduced in all methadone-treated groups. As there is a strong correlation with melatonin levels, this result could be of importance for clinical practice.

δ-Opioid Receptor as a Molecular Target for Increasing Cardiac Resistance to Reperfusion in Drug Development

An analysis of published data and the results of our own studies reveal that the activation of a peripheral δ₂-opioid receptor (δ₂-OR) increases the cardiac tolerance to reperfusion. It has been found that this δ₂-OR is localized in cardiomyocytes. Endogenous opioids are not involved in the regulation of cardiac resistance to reperfusion. The infarct-limiting effect of the δ₂-OR agonist deltorphin II depends on the activation of several protein kinases, including PKCδ, ERK1/2, PI3K, and PKG. Hypothetical end-effectors of the cardioprotective effect of deltorphin II are the sarcolemmal K_ATP channels and the MPT pore.

δ Opioid Receptor Agonism Preserves the Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cell Tight Junctions and Ameliorates the Retinopathy in Experimental Diabetes

Purpose

Outer blood retinal barrier breakdown is a neglected feature of diabetic retinopathy (DR). We demonstrated that the agonism of the δ opioid receptor (DOR) by epicatechin preserves the tight junction proteins in ARPE-19 cells under diabetic conditions. Presently, we aimed to evaluate the possible role of the DOR on the maintenance of tight junction of RPE layer and on the early markers of experimental DR.

Methods

DR markers and external retinal tight junction proteins were evaluated in CL57B diabetic mice submitted to intravitreous injection of short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-DOR (108 transducing units [TU]/mL) treated or not with DOR agonist (0.05 g/animal/d of epicatechin in drinking water) for 16 weeks. The presence of DOR in human retina from postmortem eyes from diabetic and nondiabetic donors were also performed.

Results

DOR is present in RPE layer and in neuro retina. The treatment with DOR agonist prevented the upregulation of the early markers of retinopathy (glial fibrillary acidic protein, VEGF) and the downregulation of pigment epithelium-derived factor, occludin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens-1 tight junction expressions. The silencing of DOR in retina of diabetic mice partially abolished the protective effects of epicatechin. In human retina specimens, DOR is present throughout the retina, similarly in nondiabetic and diabetic donors.

Conclusions

This set of experiments strongly indicates that the DOR agonism preserves RPE tight junctions and reduces the early markers of retinopathy in model of diabetes. These novel findings designate DOR as a potential therapeutic tool to treat DR with preservation of the RPE tight junction proteins.

BIRC5/Survivin is a novel ATG12-ATG5 conjugate interactor and an autophagy-induced DNA damage suppressor in human cancer and mouse embryonic fibroblast cells

BIRC5/Survivin is known as a dual cellular functions protein that directly regulates both apoptosis and mitosis in embryonic cells during embryogenesis and in cancer cells during tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis. However, BIRC5 has seldom been demonstrated as a direct macroautophagy/autophagy regulator in cells. ATG7 expression and ATG12-ATG5-ATG16L1 complex formation are crucial for the phagophore elongation during autophagy in mammalian cells. In this study, we observed that the protein expression levels of BIRC5 and ATG7 were inversely correlated, whereas the expression levels of BIRC5 and SQSTM1/p62 were positively correlated in normal breast tissues and tumor tissues. Mechanistically, we found that BIRC5 negatively modulates the protein stability of ATG7 and physically binds to the ATG12-ATG5 conjugate, preventing the formation of the ATG12-ATG5-ATG16L1 protein complex in human cancer (MDA-MB-231, MCF7, and A549) and mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells. We also observed a concurrent physical dissociation between BIRC5 and ATG12-ATG5 (but not CASP3/caspase-3) and upregulation of autophagy in MDA-MB-231 and A549 cells under serum-deprived conditions. Importantly, despite the fact that upregulation of autophagy is widely thought to promote DNA repair in cells under genotoxic stress, we found that BIRC5 maintains DNA integrity through autophagy negative-modulations in both human cancer and MEF cells under non-stressed conditions. In conclusion, our study reveals a novel role of BIRC5 in cancer cells as a direct regulator of autophagy. BIRC5 may act as a "bridging molecule", which regulates the interplay between mitosis, apoptosis, and autophagy in embryonic and cancer cells.

ABBREVIATIONS

ACTA1: actin; ATG: autophagy related; BIRC: baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing; BAF: bafilomycin A₁; CQ: chloroquine; CASP3: caspase 3; HSPB1/Hsp27: heat shock protein family B (small) member 1/heat shock protein 27; IAPs: inhibitors of apoptosis proteins; IP: immunoprecipitation; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; PLA: proximity ligation assay; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; siRNA: small interfering RNA.

Up-regulation of microRNA-497 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion but increases the apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells through the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway by targeting Raf-1

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer that occurs in plasma cells, which fall under the category of white blood cells that are in charge of antibody production. According to previous studies, microRNA-497 (miR-497) functions as a tumor suppressor in several types of cancer, including gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effects of miR-497 on cellular function of human MM cells through the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathway by targeting Raf-1. The differentially expressed genes and miRs in MM, and the relationship between the miR and gene were verified. It was found that Raf-1 was a target gene of miR-497. The data obtained from MM tissues showed increased Raf-1 level and decreased miR-497 level. MM cells were treated with mimic, inhibitor and siRNA in order to evaluate the role of miR-497, Raf-1 and MAPK/ERK in MM. The expression pattern of miR-497, Raf-1, ERK1/2, survivin, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and BCL2-Associated X (Bax) as well as the extent of ERK1/2 phosphorylation were determined. Retored miR-497 and si-Raf-1 resulted in increases in the Bax expression and cell apoptosis and decreases in the expressions of Raf-1, MEK-2, survivin, Bcl-2, along with the extent of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In addition, the biological function evaluations of MM cells revealed that miR-497 mimic or si-Raf-1 led to suppression in cell proliferation, invasion and migration. In conclusion, our results have demonstrated that miR-497 targets Raf-1 in order to inhibit the progression of MM by blocking the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.

MicroRNA-320 involves in the cardioprotective effect of insulin against myocardial ischemia by targeting survivin

It is generally accepted that insulin exerts an antiapoptotic effect against ischemia/reperfusion through the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. MicroRNAs involve in multiple cardiac pathophysiological processes, including ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiac injury. However, the regulation of microRNAs in the cardioprotective effect of insulin is rarely discussed. In this study, using a cell model of ischemia through culturing H9C2 cardiac myocytes in serum-free medium with hypoxia, we demonstrated that pretreatment with insulin significantly inhibited cell apoptosis and downregulated microRNA-320 (miR-320) expression. Interestingly, miR-320 mimic impaired the cardioprotective effect of insulin against myocardial ischemia injury by targeting survivin, which is a member of the family of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins. Suppression miR-320 expression by miR-320 inhibitor in H9C2 cells with myocardial ischemia mimics the cardioprotective effect of insulin by maintaining survivin expression. Taken together, miR-320-mediated survivin expression involves in cardioprotective effect of insulin against myocardial ischemia injury.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS STUDY

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains an important clinical problem with extremely deficient clinical therapies. Insulin exerts an antiapoptotic effect against I/R through the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Here, we provided evidences to show that microRNA-320 involves in the cardioprotective effect of insulin by targeting survivin, which is an inhibitor of apoptosis protein and functions as a key regulator in cell apoptosis and involves in the tumour genesis and progression. Our findings may provide a new potential therapeutic strategy for I/R injury and ischemic heart disease.

Molecular Pharmacology of δ-Opioid Receptors

Opioids are among the most effective analgesics available and are the first choice in the treatment of acute severe pain. However, partial efficacy, a tendency to produce tolerance, and a host of ill-tolerated side effects make clinically available opioids less effective in the management of chronic pain syndromes. Given that most therapeutic opioids produce their actions via µ-opioid receptors (MOPrs), other targets are constantly being explored, among which δ-opioid receptors (DOPrs) are being increasingly considered as promising alternatives. This review addresses DOPrs from the perspective of cellular and molecular determinants of their pharmacological diversity. Thus, DOPr ligands are examined in terms of structural and functional variety, DOPrs' capacity to engage a multiplicity of canonical and noncanonical G protein-dependent responses is surveyed, and evidence supporting ligand-specific signaling and regulation is analyzed. Pharmacological DOPr subtypes are examined in light of the ability of DOPr to organize into multimeric arrays and to adopt multiple active conformations as well as differences in ligand kinetics. Current knowledge on DOPr targeting to the membrane is examined as a means of understanding how these receptors are especially active in chronic pain management. Insight into cellular and molecular mechanisms of pharmacological diversity should guide the rational design of more effective, longer-lasting, and better-tolerated opioid analgesics for chronic pain management.

Insulin Protects Cardiac Myocytes from Doxorubicin Toxicity by Sp1-Mediated Transactivation of Survivin

Insulin inhibits ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Survivin is a key regulator of anti-apoptosis against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Insulin increases survivin expression in cardiac myocytes to mediate cytoprotection. However, the mechanism by which survivin mediates the protective effect of insulin against doxorubicin-associated injury remains to be determined. In this study, we demonstrated that pretreatment of H9c2 cardiac myocytes with insulin resulted in a significant decrease in doxorubicin-induced apoptotic cell death by reducing cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation. Doxorubicin-induced reduction of survivin mRNA and protein levels was also significantly perturbed by insulin pretreatment. Reducing survivin expression with survivin siRNA abrogated insulin-mediated inhibition of caspase-3 activation, suggesting that insulin signals to survivin inhibited caspase-3 activation. Interestingly, pretreatment of H9c2 cells with insulin or MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, inhibited doxorubicin-induced degradation of the transcription factor Sp1. ChIP assay showed that pretreatment with insulin inhibited doxorubicin-stimulated Sp1 dissociation from the survivin promoter. Finally using pharmacological inhibitors of the PI3K pathway, we showed that insulin-mediated activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 pathway prevented doxorubicin-induced proteasome-mediated degradation of Sp1. Taken together, insulin pretreatment confers a protective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by promoting Sp1-mediated transactivation of survivin to inhibit apoptosis. Our study is the first to define a role for survivin in cellular protection by insulin against doxorubicin-associated injury and show that Sp1 is a critical factor in the transcriptional regulation of survivin.

Hydrogen gas protects against serum and glucose deprivation‑induced myocardial injury in H9c2 cells through activation of the NF‑E2‑related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 signaling pathway

Ischemia or hypoxia‑induced myocardial injury is closely associated with oxidative stress. Scavenging free radicals and/or enhancing endogenous antioxidative defense systems may be beneficial for the impediment of myocardial ischemic injury. Hydrogen (H2) gas, as a water‑ and lipid‑soluble small molecule, is not only able to selectively eliminate hydroxyl (·OH) free radicals, but also to enhance endogenous antioxidative defense systems in rat lungs and arabidopsis plants. However, thus far, it has remained elusive whether H2 gas protects cardiomyocytes through enhancement of endogenous antioxidative defense systems. In the present study, the cardioprotective effect of H2 gas against ischemic or hypoxic injury was investigated, along with the underlying molecular mechanisms. H9c2 cardiomyoblasts (H9c2 cells) were treated in vitro with a chemical hypoxia inducer, cobalt chloride (CoCl2), to imitate hypoxia, or by serum and glucose deprivation (SGD) to imitate ischemia. Cell viability and intracellular ·OH free radicals were assessed. The role of an endogenous antioxidative defense system, the NF‑E2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO‑1) signaling pathway, was evaluated. The findings revealed that treatment with CoCl2 or SGD markedly reduced cell viability in H9c2 cells. H2 gas‑rich medium protected against cell injury induced by SGD, but not that induced by CoCl2. When the cells were exposed to SGD, levels of intracellular ·OH free radicals were markedly increased; this was mitigated by H2 gas‑rich medium. Exposure of the cells to SGD also resulted in significant increases in HO‑1 expression and nuclear Nrf2 levels, and the HO‑1 inhibitor ZnPP IX and the Nrf2 inhibitor brusatol aggravated SGD‑induced cellular injury. H2 gas‑rich medium enhanced SGD‑induced upregulation of HO‑1 and Nrf2, and the HO‑1 or Nrf2 inhibition partially suppressed H2 gas‑induced cardioprotection. Furthermore, following genetic silencing of Nrf2 by RNA interference, the effects of H2 gas on the induction of HO‑1 and cardioprotection were markedly reduced. In conclusion, H2 gas protected cardiomyocytes from ischemia‑induced myocardial injury through elimination of ·OH free radicals and also through activation of the Nrf2/HO‑1 signaling pathway.

Human BDH2, an anti-apoptosis factor, is a novel poor prognostic factor for de novo cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia

Background

The relevance of recurrent molecular abnormalities in cytogenetically normal (CN) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was recently acknowledged by the inclusion of molecular markers such as NPM1, FLT3, and CEBPA as a complement to cytogenetic information within both the World Health Organization and the European Leukemia Net classifications. Mitochondrial metabolism is different in cancer and normal cells. A novel cytosolic type 2-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, BDH2, originally named DHRS6, plays a physiological role in the cytosolic utilization of ketone bodies, which can subsequently enter mitochondria and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Moreover, BDH2 catalyzes the production of 2, 3-DHBA during enterobactin biosynthesis and participates in 24p3 (LCN2)-mediated iron transport and apoptosis.

Results

We observed that BDH2 expression is an independent poor prognostic factor for CN-AML, with an anti-apoptotic role. Patients with high BDH2 expression have relatively shorter overall survival (P = 0.007) and a low complete response rate (P = 0.032). BDH2-knockdown (BDH2-KD) in THP1 and HL60 cells increased the apoptosis rate under reactive oxygen species stimulation. Decrease inducible survivin, a member of the inhibitors of apoptosis family, but not members of the Bcl-2 family, induced apoptosis via a caspase-3-independent pathway upon BDH2-KD.

Conclusions

BDH2 is a novel independent poor prognostic marker for CN-AML, with the role of anti-apoptosis, through surviving.

Protective effects of the delta opioid peptide [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin in an ex vivo model of ischemia/reperfusion in brain slices

INTRODUCTION

The delta opioid peptide [D-Ala2, D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) plays a key role in neuronal protection against both hypoxic and ischemic conditions. However, the cellular mechanisms of action of DADLE under these conditions remain unclear.

METHODS

Ischemia was simulated with perfusing the brain slices with glucose-free artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Apoptosis was examined using an in situ cell death detection kit and expressed as the percentage of positively labeled neurons relative to total number of neurons. PCR was performed by adding cDNA, 5 pm dNTP, 1 μL Taqase, and primers. PCR products were separated with electrophoresis, stained with ethidium bromide, and visualized under ultraviolet light.

AIMS

To investigate the potential effects of DADLE in an ex vivo model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.

RESULTS

DADLE attenuated lactic dehydrogenase release and neuronal apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. The protective effects of DADLE were attenuated by representative selective delta2, but not delta1 opioid antagonists. Treatment with PD98059, a selective inhibitor of ERK kinase (MEK), also blocked the protective effect of DADLE as well as ERK phosphorylation induced by DADLE.

CONCLUSIONS

Endogenous opioid peptides could promote cell survival via delta2 opioid receptors, possibly through the downstream MEK-ERK pathway.

Phenylephrine protects cardiomyocytes from starvation-induced apoptosis by increasing glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) activity

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is known to be a "housekeeping" protein; studies in non-cardiomyocytic cells have shown that GAPDH plays pro-apoptotic role by translocating from cytoplasm to the nucleus or to the mitochondria. However, the cardiovascular roles of GAPDH are unknown. We observed that phenylephrine (PE) (100 µM) protected against serum and glucose starvation -induced apoptosis in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes as assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization. GAPDH glycolysis activity was positively correlated with the antiapoptotic action of PE. GAPDH activity inhibition blunted PE-induced protection of the mitochondrial membrane potential and cardiomyocytes. PE-induced Bcl-2 protein increase, Bax mitochondrial decrease and inhibition of cytochrome C release and Caspase 3 activation, as well as ROS production were blunted by GAPDH activity inhibition. Moreover, GAPDH overexpression provided protection against starvation-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vitro and ischemia-induced cardiac infarction in vivo. Inhibition of Akt prevented PE-induced GAPDH activity increase and cardiomyocytes protection. In conclusion, the present study provides the first direct evidence of an antiapoptotic role of GAPDH in PE-induced cardiomyocytes protection; GAPDH activity elevation mainly affects the mitochondria-induced apoptosis.

The biomechanical properties of 3d extracellular matrices and embedded cells regulate the invasiveness of cancer cells

The malignancy of tumors depends on the biomechanical properties of cancer cells and their microenvironment, which enable cancer cells to migrate through the connective tissue, transmigrate through basement membranes and endothelial monolayers and form metastases in targeted organs. The current focus of cancer research is still based on biological capabilities such as molecular genetics and gene signaling, but these approaches ignore the mechanical nature of the invasion process of cancer cells. This review will focus on how structural, biochemical and mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECMs), and adjacent cells regulate the invasiveness of cancer cells. In addition, it presents how cancer cells create their own microenvironment by restructuring of the ECM and by interaction with stromal cells, which then further contribute to the progression of cancer disease. Finally, this review will point out that mechanical properties are a critical determinant for the efficiency of cancer cell invasion and the progression of cancer which might affect the future development of new cancer treatments.

Targeting metabolism with arsenic trioxide and dichloroacetate in breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Cancer cells have a different metabolic profile compared to normal cells. The Warburg effect (increased aerobic glycolysis) and glutaminolysis (increased mitochondrial activity from glutamine catabolism) are well known hallmarks of cancer and are accompanied by increased lactate production, hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane and increased production of reactive oxygen species.

METHODS

In this study we target the Warburg effect with dichloroacetate (DCA) and the increased mitochondrial activity of glutaminolysis with arsenic trioxide (ATO) in breast cancer cells, measuring cell proliferation, cell death and mitochondrial characteristics.

RESULTS

The combination of DCA and ATO was more effective at inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell death than either drug alone. We examined the effect of these treatments on mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species production and ATP levels and have identified new molecular mechanisms within the mitochondria for both ATO and DCA: ATO reduces mitochondrial function through the inhibition of cytochrome C oxidase (complex IV of the electron transport chain) while DCA up-regulates ATP synthase β subunit expression. The potentiation of ATO cytotoxicity by DCA is correlated with strong suppression of the expression of c-Myc and HIF-1α, and decreased expression of the survival protein Bcl-2.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to demonstrate that targeting two key metabolic hallmarks of cancer is an effective anti-cancer strategy with therapeutic potential.

Normal endometrial stromal cells regulate survival and apoptosis signaling through PI3K/AKt/Survivin pathway in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells in vitro

OBJECTIVE

Stroma-tumor communication plays an important role in the genesis of neoplasia. In the current study, we investigated the effect of normal stromal cells on the survival and apoptosis signaling of endometrial cancer cells and further explored the possible mechanism implied in this communication.

METHODS

Using primarily cultured normal endometrial stromal cells and an endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line, Ishikawa cells, we established a 2D-coculture system to observe the stromal cell-tumor cell crosstalk in endometrial carcinomas. Using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assays, cell counting and colony formation assays, we analyzed the effect of stomal cells on the growth and proliferation of Ishikawa cells under different conditions. Using western blot analysis, we determined the effect of stromal cells on the activity of PI3K/AKt/Survivin signaling in Ishikawa cells under different conditions. Using immunohistochemistry analysis, we determined the expression of Survivin in normal endometria and endometrial adenocarcinomas.

RESULTS

We found that the paracrine factors from normal endometrial stromal cells grown on Matrigel repeatedly and significantly decreased hormone-stimulated activity of PI3K/AKt/Survivin signaling in Ishikawa cells, which were proved to be increased in endometrial adenocarcinoma and essential in hormone-induced cell growth in Ishikawa cells.

CONCLUSION

Paracrine factors from normal endometrial stromal cells can inhibit hormone-stimulated cell proliferation in Ishikawa cells by regulating cell survival and apoptosis through PI3K/AKt/Survivin signaling.

Adenosine A(2A)R modulates cardiovascular function by activating ERK1/2 signal in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of acute myocardial ischemic rats

AIMS

To investigate the cardiovascular regulatory mechanism of adenosine A(2A) receptor (A(2A)R) in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in acute myocardial ischemic (AMI) rats.

MAIN METHODS

The animal model of AMI was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The A(2A)R expression was examined by immunohistochemistry, western blot and real-time PCR. CGS21680 and SCH58261 (an agonist and antagonist of A(2A)R) were respectively microinjected into the RVLM. In a subgroup of rats, PD98059 (an antagonist of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2)) was microinjected prior to CGS21680 administration. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was examined by western blot.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results demonstrated that A(2A)R immunoreactive positive neurons, the expressions of protein and mRNA of A(2A)R in the RVLM of AMI group were increased compared with the sham group. Microinjection CGS21680 into the RVLM inhibited mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) in both AMI and sham groups. The inhibition was significantly greater in AMI group than in sham group. The cardiovascular effects of CGS21680 mentioned above were almost abolished by prior administration of PD98059. The increase of ERK1/2 in the RVLM with the cardiovascular responses was induced by CGS21680 in AMI rats; this effect was also blocked by SCH58261.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study reveals that the activated A(2A)R in the RVLM underlies the depressor and bradycardiac responses in AMI rats via phosphorylation of ERK1/2 increasing.

The proteasome inhibitor MG-132 induces AIF nuclear translocation through down-regulation of ERK and Akt/mTOR pathway

Anticancer activity of proteasome inhibitors has been demonstrated in various cancer cell types. However, mechanisms by which they exert anticancer action were not fully understood. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 and the underlying mechanism in glioma cells. MG-132 caused alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) nuclear translocation. MG-132 induced reduction in ERK and Akt activation. The transient transfection of constitutively active forms of MEK, an upstream of ERK, and Akt blocked the MG-132-induced cell death. Similarly to down-regulation of Akt, expression levels of mTOR were inhibited by MG-132. Addition of rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, caused stimulation of the MG-132-induced cell death. There were no significant changes in levels of XIAP, survivin, and Bax. Overexpression of constitutively active forms of MEK and Akt blocked the MG-132-induced AIF nuclear translocation. These findings indicate that MG-132 induces AIF nuclear translocation through down-regulation of ERK and Akt/mTOR pathways. These data suggest that proteasome inhibitors may serve as potential therapeutic agents for malignant human gliomas.

Developmental expression of δ-opioid receptors during maturation of the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory innervations of the neonatal heart: early targets for opioid regulation of autonomic control

Evidence is accumulating regarding the local opioid regulation of heart function. However, the exact anatomical location of δ-opioid receptors (DORs) and expression during maturation of the autonomic and sensory innervations of the neonatal heart is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to characterize target sites for opioids in neonatal rat heart intracardiac ganglia at postnatal day (P)1, P7 and adulthood (P56-P84). Rat heart atria were subjected to reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, radioligand binding, and immunofluorescence confocal analysis of DORs with the neuronal markers vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and substance P (SP). Our results demonstrated DOR mRNA, protein, and binding sites that gradually increased from P1 toward adulthood. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy showed DOR co-localized with VAChT in large-diameter principal neurons, TH-immunoreactive (IR) small intensely fluorescent (SIF) catecholaminergic cells, and CGRP- or SP-IR afferent nerve terminals arborizing within intracardiac ganglia and atrial myocardium. Co-expression of DOR with VAChT-IR neurons was observed from the first day of birth (P1). In contrast, DORs on TH-IR SIF cells or CGRP-IR fibers were not observed in intracardiac ganglia of P1, but rather in P7 rats. The density of nerve fibers in atrial myocardium co-expressing DORs with different neuronal markers increased from neonatal age toward adulthood. In summary, the enhanced DOR expression parallel to the maturation of cardiac parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory innervation of the heart suggests that the cardiac opioid system is an important regulator of neonatal and adult heart function through the autonomic nervous system.

U50,488H postconditioning reduces apoptosis after myocardial ischemia and reperfusion

AIMS

Evidence has indicated U50,488H, a selective κ-opioid receptor (κ-OR) agonist, administered before ischemia attenuates apoptosis and infarction during ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). However, it remains unclear whether U50,488H postconditioning reduces apoptosis during I/R. This study was designed, therefore, to test the hypothesis that U50,488H administered at the onset of reperfusion inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

MAIN METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to myocardial ischemia and reperfusion(MI/R) and were randomized to receive either vehicle, U50,488H, U50,488H plus Nor-BNI, a selective κ-OR antagonist, U50,488H plus wortmannin, a specific inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3'-kinase (PI3K), or U50,488H plus L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (NOS inhibitor), immediately prior to reperfusion. In vitro study was performed on cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes subjected to simulated ischemia/reperfusion.

KEY FINDINGS

Treatment with U50,488H resulted in increases in Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation with secondary NO production both in vivo and in vitro and these effect were completely blocked by wortmannin and specific Akt inhibitor(AI). L-NAME treatment had no effect on Akt and eNOS phosphorylation; but, significantly reduced NO production. Moreover, treatment with U50,488H markedly reduced myocardial apoptotic death. Treatment with wortmannin and specific Akt inhibitor abolished the anti-apoptotic effect of U50,488H. L-NAME also significantly attenuated the anti-apoptotic effect of U50,488H.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results demonstrate that U50,488H administered immediately prior to reperfusion increases Akt phosphorylation through a PI3-kinase-dependent mechanism and reduces postischemic myocardial apoptosis. Phosphorylation of eNOS with secondary NO production contribute significantly to the anti-apoptotic effect of U50,488H postconditioning.

Hydrogen sulfide protects cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis by preventing GSK-3beta-dependent opening of mPTP

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is an endogenously generated gaseous transmitter, which has recently been suggested to regulate cardiovascular functions. The present study aims to clarify the mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of H(2)S. Signaling elements were examined in cardiomyocytes cultured under hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions and in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion. In cultured cardiomyocytes, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS; 10, 30, and 50 mumol/l) showed concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation. These effects were associated with an increase in phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) (Ser9) and a decrease in Bax translocation, caspase-3 activation, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening. Transfection of a phosphorylation-resistant mutant of GSK-3beta at Ser9 attenuated the effects of NaHS in reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis, Bax translocation, caspase-3 activation, and mPTP opening. In a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion, NaHS administration reduced myocardial infarct size and increased the phosphorylation of GSK-3beta (Ser9) at a dose of 30 mumol/kg. In conclusion, the H(2)S donor prevents cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inducing phosphorylation of GSK-3beta (Ser9) and subsequent inhibition of mPTP opening.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2007

This paper is the thirtieth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2007 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.