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Souza NSC, Barenco-Marins T, Ferraz AP, Barbosa RAQ, Maciel L, Ponte CG, Seara FAC, Olivares EL, Nascimento JHM. Low Thyroid Hormones Level Attenuates Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Right Ventricular Failure in Pulmonary Hypertensive Rats. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2024:10.1007/s10557-024-07618-5. [PMID: 39215901 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-024-07618-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study is to investigate the repercussions of hypothyroidism in the pathophysiological progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). METHODS While the control (CTL, n = 5) male Wistar rats received vehicle, PAH was induced with monocrotaline (MCT group, n = 15). Hypothyroidism was induced in a subset of rats by methimazole 3 weeks prior to the MCT injection (MMZ + MCT group, n = 15). Plasma thyroid hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay. Electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic analyses were performed to evaluate the progression of PAH. Gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and cardiac hypertrophy markers were assessed by qPCR. Mitochondrial respiration, ATP levels, and ROS production were measured in right ventricular (RV) samples. RESULTS Plasma T3 and T4 decreased in both MCT and MMZ + MCT groups (p < 0.05). Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) increased, and RV - dP/dt, + dP/dt, and contractility index decreased in the MCT versus the CTL group and remained within control levels in the MMZ + MCT group (p < 0.05). Relative RV weight, RV wall thickness, RV diastolic area, and relative lung weight were augmented in the MCT versus the CTL group, whereas all parameters were improved to the CTL levels in the MMZ + MCT group (p < 0.05). Only the MCT group exhibited an increased duration of QTc interval compared to the baseline period (p < 0.05). ADP-induced mitochondrial respiration and ATP levels were decreased, and ROS production was increased in MCT versus the CTL group (p < 0.05), while the MMZ + MCT group exhibited increased mitochondrial respiration versus the MCT group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Hypothyroidism attenuated the RV mitochondrial dysfunction and the pathophysiological progression of MCT-induced PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Soares Carvalho Souza
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 373 Carlos Chagas Filho Avenue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thais Barenco-Marins
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 373 Carlos Chagas Filho Avenue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Ferraz
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 373 Carlos Chagas Filho Avenue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raiana Andrade Quintanilha Barbosa
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 373 Carlos Chagas Filho Avenue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Maciel
- Campus Professor Geraldo Cidade, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Azevedo Cruz Seara
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 373 Carlos Chagas Filho Avenue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Emerson Lopes Olivares
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
- Sociedade Brasileira de Fisiologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Hamilton Matheus Nascimento
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 373 Carlos Chagas Filho Avenue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Lin KC, Yeh JN, Shao PL, Chiang JY, Sung PH, Huang CR, Chen YL, Yip HK, Guo J. Jaggeds/Notches promote endothelial-mesenchymal transition-mediated pulmonary arterial hypertension via upregulation of the expression of GATAs. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:1110-1130. [PMID: 36942326 PMCID: PMC10098301 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that Jagged2/Notches promoted the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (endMT)-mediated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (i.e. induction by monocrotaline [MCT]/63 mg/kg/subcutaneous injection) through increasing the expression of GATA-binding factors which were inhibited by propylthiouracil (PTU) (i.e. 0.1% in water for daily drinking since Day 5 after PAH induction) in rodent. As compared with the control (i.e. HUVECs), the protein expressions of GATAs (3/4/6) and endMT markers (Snail/Zeb1/N-cadherin/vimentin/fibronectin/α-SMA/p-Smad2) were significantly reduced, whereas the endothelial-phenotype markers (CD31/E-cadherin) were significantly increased in silenced JAG2 gene or in silenced GATA3 gene of HUVECs (all p < 0.001). As compared with the control, the protein expressions of intercellular signallings (GATAs [3/4/6], Jagged1/2, notch1/2 and Snail/Zeb1/N-cadherin/vimentin/fibronectin/α-SMA/p-Smad2) were significantly upregulated in TGF-ß/monocrotaline-treated HUVECs that were significantly reversed by PTU treatment (all p < 0.001). By Day 42, the results of animal study demonstrated that the right-ventricular systolic-blood-pressure (RVSBP), RV weight (RVW) and lung injury/fibrotic scores were significantly increased in MCT group than sham-control (SC) that were reversed in MCT + PTU groups, whereas arterial oxygen saturation (%) and vasorelaxation/nitric oxide production of PA exhibited an opposite pattern of RVW among the groups (all p < 0.0001). The protein expressions of hypertrophic (ß-MHC)/pressure-overload (BNP)/oxidative-stress (NOX-1/NOX-2) biomarkers in RV and the protein expressions of intercellular signalling (GATAs3/4/6, Jagged1/2, notch1/2) and endMT markers (Snail/Zeb1/N-cadherin/vimentin/fibronectin/TGF-ß/α-SMA/p-Smad2) in lung parenchyma displayed an identical pattern of RVW among the groups (all p < 0.0001). Jagged-Notch-GATAs signalling, endMT markers and RVSBP that were increased in PAH were suppressed by PTU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Chen Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ning Yeh
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei-Lin Shao
- Department of Nursing, Asia University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - John Y Chiang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Healthcare Administration and Medical Informatics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsun Sung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ruei Huang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hon-Kan Yip
- Department of Nursing, Asia University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Sykora M, Andelova K, Szeiffova Bacova B, Egan Benova T, Martiskova A, Knezl V, Tribulova N. Hypertension Induces Pro-arrhythmic Cardiac Connexome Disorders: Protective Effects of Treatment. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020330. [PMID: 36830700 PMCID: PMC9953310 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged population aging and unhealthy lifestyles contribute to the progressive prevalence of arterial hypertension. This is accompanied by low-grade inflammation and over time results in heart dysfunction and failure. Hypertension-induced myocardial structural and ion channel remodeling facilitates the development of both atrial and ventricular fibrillation, and these increase the risk of stroke and sudden death. Herein, we elucidate hypertension-induced impairment of "connexome" cardiomyocyte junctions. This complex ensures cell-to-cell adhesion and coupling for electrical and molecular signal propagation. Connexome dysfunction can be a key factor in promoting the occurrence of both cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. However, the available literature indicates that arterial hypertension treatment can hamper myocardial structural remodeling, hypertrophy and/or fibrosis, and preserve connexome function. This suggests the pleiotropic effects of antihypertensive agents, including anti-inflammatory. Therefore, further research is required to identify specific molecular targets and pathways that will protect connexomes, and it is also necessary to develop new approaches to maintain heart function in patients suffering from primary or pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Identifying Potential Mitochondrial Proteome Signatures Associated with the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in the Rat Model. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8401924. [PMID: 35237384 PMCID: PMC8885180 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8401924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and progressive disease that affects the heart and lungs and a global health concern that impacts individuals and society. Studies have reported that some proteins related to mitochondrial metabolic functions could play an essential role in the pathogenesis of PAH, and their specific expression and biological function are still unclear. We successfully constructed a monocrotaline- (MCT-) induced PAH rat model in the present research. Then, the label-free quantification proteomic technique was used to determine mitochondrial proteins between the PAH group (n = 6) and the normal group (n = 6). Besides, we identified 1346 mitochondrial differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between these two groups. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to analyze the mainly mitochondrial DEPs' biological functions and the signal pathways. Based on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and functional enrichment, we screened 19 upregulated mitochondrial genes (Psmd1, Psmc4, Psmd13, Psmc2, etc.) and 123 downregulated mitochondrial genes (Uqcrfs1, Uqcrc1, Atp5c1, Atp5a1, Uqcrc2, etc.) in rats with PAH. Furthermore, in an independent cohort dataset and experiments with rat lung tissue using qPCR, validation results consistently showed that 6 upregulated mitochondrial genes (Psmd2, Psmc4, Psmc3, Psmc5, Psmd13, and Psmc2) and 3 downregulated mitochondrial genes (Lipe, Cat, and Prkce) were significantly differentially expressed in the lung tissue of PAH rats. Using the RNAInter database, we predict potential miRNA target hub mitochondrial genes at the transcriptome level. We also identified bortezomib and carfilzomib as the potential drugs for treatment in PAH. Finally, this study provides us with a new perspective on critical biomarkers and treatment strategies in PAH.
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Han XJ, Zhang WF, Wang Q, Li M, Zhang CB, Yang ZJ, Tan RJ, Gan LJ, Zhang LL, Lan XM, Zhang FL, Hong T, Jiang LP. HIF-1α promotes the proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells via activation of Cx43. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10663-10673. [PMID: 34698450 PMCID: PMC8581339 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is an important cause of pulmonary vascular remodelling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH). However, its underlying mechanism has not been well elucidated. Connexin 43 (Cx43) plays crucial roles in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in various cardiovascular diseases. Here, the male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to hypoxia (10% O2 ) for 21 days to induce rat HPH model. PASMCs were treated with CoCl2 (200 µM) for 24 h to establish the HPH cell model. It was found that hypoxia up-regulated the expression of Cx43 and phosphorylation of Cx43 at Ser 368 in rat pulmonary arteries and PASMCs, and stimulated the proliferation and migration of PASMCs. HIF-1α inhibitor echinomycin attenuated the CoCl2 -induced Cx43 expression and phosphorylation of Cx43 at Ser 368 in PASMCs. The interaction between HIF-1α and Cx43 promotor was also identified using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Moreover, Cx43 specific blocker (37,43 Gap27) or knockdown of Cx43 efficiently alleviated the proliferation and migration of PASMCs under chemically induced hypoxia. Therefore, the results above suggest that HIF-1α, as an upstream regulator, promotes the expression of Cx43, and the HIF-1α/Cx43 axis regulates the proliferation and migration of PASMCs in HPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jian Han
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Geriatrics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei-Fang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chun-Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhang-Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ren-Jie Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li-Jun Gan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Le-Ling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xue-Mei Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fang-Lin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li-Ping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Boengler K, Rohrbach S, Weissmann N, Schulz R. Importance of Cx43 for Right Ventricular Function. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22030987. [PMID: 33498172 PMCID: PMC7863922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22030987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the heart, connexins form gap junctions, hemichannels, and are also present within mitochondria, with connexin 43 (Cx43) being the most prominent connexin in the ventricles. Whereas the role of Cx43 is well established for the healthy and diseased left ventricle, less is known about the importance of Cx43 for the development of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. The present article focusses on the importance of Cx43 for the developing heart. Furthermore, we discuss the expression and localization of Cx43 in the diseased RV, i.e., in the tetralogy of Fallot and in pulmonary hypertension, in which the RV is affected, and RV hypertrophy and failure occur. We will also introduce other Cx molecules that are expressed in RV and surrounding tissues and have been reported to be involved in RV pathophysiology. Finally, we highlight therapeutic strategies aiming to improve RV function in pulmonary hypertension that are associated with alterations of Cx43 expression and function.
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7
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Merico V, Imberti JF, Zanoni M, Boriani G, Garagna S, Imberti R. Inhibition of lysyl oxidase stimulates TGF-β signaling and metalloproteinases-2 and -9 expression and contributes to the disruption of ascending aorta in rats: protection by propylthiouracil. Heart Vessels 2021; 36:738-747. [PMID: 33462684 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-020-01750-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in lysyl oxidase (LOX) genes cause severe vascular anomalies in mice and humans. LOX activity can be irreversibly inhibited by the administration of β-aminoproprionitrile (BAPN). We investigated the mechanisms underlying the damage to the ascending thoracic aorta induced by LOX deficiency and evaluated whether 6-propylthiouracil (PTU) can afford protection in rats. BAPN administration caused disruption of the ascending aortic wall, increased the number of apoptotic cells, stimulated TGF-β signaling (increase of nuclear p-SMAD2 staining), and up-regulated the expression of metalloproteinases-2 and -9. In BAPN-treated animals, PTU reduced apoptosis, p-SMAD2 staining, MMP-2, and -9 expression, and markedly decreased the damage to the aortic wall. Our results suggest that, as in some heritable vascular diseases, enhanced TGF-β signaling and upregulation of MMP-2 and -9 can contribute to the pathogenesis of ascending aorta damage caused by LOX deficiency. We have also shown that PTU, a drug already in clinical use, protects against the effects of LOX inhibition. MMP-2 and -9 might be potential targets of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of vascular diseases caused by LOX deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Merico
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jacopo Francesco Imberti
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Zanoni
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Boriani
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Garagna
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Centre for Health Technologies (C.H.T.), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Imberti
- Phase I Clinical Trials Unit and Experimental Therapy, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
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Lin PY, Lee FY, Wallace CG, Chen KH, Kao GS, Sung PH, Chua S, Ko SF, Chen YL, Wu SC, Chang HW, Yip HK, Shao PL. The therapeutic effect of rosuvastatin and propylthiouracil on ameliorating high-cholesterol diet-induced rabbit aortic atherosclerosis and stiffness. Int J Cardiol 2016; 227:938-949. [PMID: 27932239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We tested the hypothesis that arteriosclerosis-augmented aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and -impaired vasorelaxation were attenuated by rosuvastatin (Rosu) and propylthiouracil (PTU) therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were equally divided into group 1 (sham-control), group 2 [high-cholesterol-diet (HCD) for 8weeks], group 3 [HCD-Rosu (20mg/kg/day administration after 4-week HFD for 4weeks)], and group 4 [HCD-PTU (0.1% PTU in drinking water), the treatment course as group 3]. KCl-induced vasoconstriction of carotid artery (CA) was significantly higher in group 2 than in other groups (all p<0.01), but showed no differences among groups 1, 3 and 4, whereas acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation exhibited an opposite pattern of KCl-induced vasoconstriction among the four groups (p<0.001). Basic nitric-oxide release from endothelial cells of CA was highest in group 1, lowest in group 2, but showed no difference between groups 3 and 4 (all p<0.001). PWV value was highest in group 2, lowest in group 1, and significantly higher in group 4 than in group 3 (all p<0.001). Serum levels of total-cholesterol, LDL and TG showed an identical pattern to PWV (all p<0.001), whereas the levels of free T4, sugar, and body weight did not differ among the four groups (all p>0.4). Aortic inflammatory biomarkers in cellular (CD68+/IL-1β+/CD14+) and protein (TNF-α/NF-κB/IL-1β/MMP-9/MCP-1/ICAM-1/PDGF) levels, and aortic oxidative-stress biomarkers in cellular (8-OHdG) and protein (NOX-1/NOX-2/oxidized protein) levels showed an identical pattern to PWV among the four groups (all p<0.001). CONCLUSION Rosu-PTU therapy ameliorated aortic stiffness and inflammation/oxidative-stress, and improved endothelial-cell function after HCD challenge in rabbit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pao-Yuan Lin
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fan-Yen Lee
- Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - Kuan-Hung Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Gour-Shenq Kao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsun Sung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sarah Chua
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheung-Fat Ko
- Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Lung Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Cheng Wu
- Orthopaedic Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Wen Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Hon-Kan Yip
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lin Shao
- Department of Nursing, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan.
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9
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Propylthiouracil Attenuates Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension via Suppression of Pen-2, a Key Component of Gamma-Secretase. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137426. [PMID: 26367462 PMCID: PMC4569419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma-secretase-mediated Notch3 signaling is involved in smooth muscle cell (SMC) hyper-activity and proliferation leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In addition, Propylthiouracil (PTU), beyond its anti-thyroid action, has suppressive effects on atherosclerosis and PAH. Here, we investigated the possible involvement of gamma-secretase-mediated Notch3 signaling in PTU-inhibited PAH. In rats with monocrotaline-induced PAH, PTU therapy improved pulmonary arterial hypertrophy and hemodynamics. In vitro, treatment of PASMCs from monocrotaline-treated rats with PTU inhibited their proliferation and migration. Immunocyto, histochemistry, and western blot showed that PTU treatment attenuated the activation of Notch3 signaling in PASMCs from monocrotaline-treated rats, which was mediated via inhibition of gamma-secretase expression especially its presenilin enhancer 2 (Pen-2) subunit. Furthermore, over-expression of Pen-2 in PASMCs from control rats increased the capacity of migration, whereas knockdown of Pen-2 with its respective siRNA in PASMCs from monocrotaline-treated rats had an opposite effect. Transfection of PASMCs from monocrotaline-treated rats with Pen-2 siRNA blocked the inhibitory effect of PTU on PASMC proliferation and migration, reflecting the crucial role of Pen-2 in PTU effect. We present a novel cell-signaling paradigm in which overexpression of Pen-2 is essential for experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension to promote motility and growth of smooth muscle cells. Propylthiouracil attenuates experimental PAH via suppression of the gamma-secretase-mediated Notch3 signaling especially its presenilin enhancer 2 (Pen-2) subunit. These findings provide a deep insight into the pathogenesis of PAH and a novel therapeutic strategy.
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10
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Long-term research of stem cells in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. Clin Exp Med 2013; 14:439-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s10238-013-0256-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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11
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Wang Y, Zhang XH, Wang HL. Involvement of BMPR2 in the protective effect of fluoxetine against monocrotaline-induced endothelial apoptosis in rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2011; 89:345-54. [PMID: 21619414 DOI: 10.1139/y11-024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor II (BMPR2) are associated with the apoptosis of the pulmonary artery endothelial cells and the loss of the pulmonary small vessels. The present study was designed to investigate the involvement of BMPR2 in the protective effect of fluoxetine against monocrotaline (MCT)-induced endothelial apoptosis in rats. Models of pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats were established by a single intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg). Fluoxetine (2 and 10 mg/kg) was intragastrically administered once a day. After 21 days, MCT caused pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary vascular remodeling and significantly reduced the BMPR2 expression in lungs and pulmonary arteries. Fluoxetine dose-dependently inhibited MCT-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension and effectively protected the lungs against MCT-induced endothelial apoptosis, reduction in the number of alveolar sacs, and loss of the pulmonary small vessels. Fluoxetine reversed the expression of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent kinase І, BMPR2, phospho-Smad1, β-catenin, and reduced the expression of caspase 3 in rat lungs. These findings suggest that BMPR2 is probably involved in the protective effect of fluoxetine against MCT-induced endothelial apoptosis in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, China Medical University, Heping District, Shenyang, PR China
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Jiang HK, Qiu GR, Li-Ling J, Xin N, Sun KL. Reduced ACTC1 expression might play a role in the onset of congenital heart disease by inducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Circ J 2010; 74:2410-8. [PMID: 20962418 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-10-0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Cardiac α actin 1 gene (ACTC1) has been related to familial atrial septal defects. This study was set to explore a potential role of this gene in the formation of sporadic congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS AND RESULTS Assessment of cardiac tissue samples from 33 patients with sporadic CHD (gestational age (GA) 18 weeks-49 months) with real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry has revealed a markedly decreased ACTC1 expression in the majority of samples (78.8%) compared with autopsied normal heart tissue from aged-matched subjects (GA 17 weeks-36 months). Also, as shown by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay, the proportion of apoptotic cardiomyocytes in samples featuring down-regulated ACTC1 expression (Group 1) was significantly greater than those with normal expression (Group 2) and the controls (P<0.01). The proportion of apoptotic cells strongly correlated with the expression of ACTC1 (r=-0.918, P<0.01). A study of 2 essential genes involved in apoptosis, Caspase-3 and Bcl-2, confirmed that the former has significantly increased expression, whilst the latter has decreased expression in Group 1 than in the other groups (P<0.01). Transfection of a small interfering RNA targeting, Actc1 (Actc1-siRNA), to a cardiomyocyte cell line, H9C2, also detected more apoptotic cells. CONCLUSIONS Reduced ACTC1 expression might play a role in the onset of CHD through induction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Kun Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Sildenafil limits monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats through suppression of pulmonary vascular remodeling. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2010; 55:574-84. [PMID: 20224427 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0b013e3181d9f5f4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesize that sildenafil attenuates pulmonary hypertension through suppressing pulmonary vascular remodeling. Thirty male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive saline injection (Group 1), subcutaneous monocrotaline (MCT) (60 mg/kg) (Group 2), and MCT plus oral sildenafil (30 g/kg per day) (Group 3) 5 days after MCT administration. By Day 35, Western blot showed lower connexin43 and membranous protein kinase C epsilon expressions but higher oxidative stress in right ventricle in Group 2 compared with the other groups. Additionally, pulmonary Smad1/5 was lowest, whereas connexin43 and Smad3 were highest in Group 2. Pulmonary mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, caspase-3, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and transforming growth factor-beta were higher, whereas bone morphogenetic protein Type II receptor, Bcl-2, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase were lower in Group 2 than in the other groups. Similarly, mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, caspase-3, and beta-myosin heavy chain were increased, whereas Bcl-2, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and alpha-myosin heavy chain expressions in right ventricle were reduced in Group 2 compared with the other groups. Number of lung arterioles was lowest, whereas number of arterioles with muscularization of the medial layer was highest in Group 2. Right ventricle systolic pressure and weight were elevated in Group 2 compared with the other groups. In conclusion, sildenafil effectively alleviates MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension through suppressing pulmonary vascular remodeling.
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Zhang E, Jiang B, Yokochi A, Maruyama J, Mitani Y, Ma N, Maruyama K. Effect of all-trans-retinoic acid on the development of chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Circ J 2010; 74:1696-703. [PMID: 20606328 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-10-0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An earlier study showed that all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) prevents the development of monocrotalin-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH). The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of ATRA on another model of chronic hypoxia-induced PH. METHODS AND RESULTS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given 30 mg/kg ATRA or vehicle only by gavage once daily for 14 days during hypobaric hypoxic exposure. Chronic hypoxic exposure induced PH, right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), and hypertensive pulmonary vascular changes. Quantitative morphometry of the pulmonary arteries showed that ATRA treatment significantly reduced the percentage of muscularized arteries in peripheral pulmonary arteries only with an external diameter between 15 and 50 microm. ATRA treatment also significantly reduced the medial wall thickness in small muscular arteries only with an external diameter between 50 and 100 microm. Unfortunately, these reductions did not accompany the lowering of pulmonary artery pressure nor decrease in RVH. Chronic hypoxia-induced PH rats with ATRA had a loss in body weight. Chronic hypoxia increased the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the lung on western blotting and immunohistochemistry, in which ATRA treatment had no effect. CONCLUSIONS The administration of ATRA might not have a therapeutic role in preventing the development of chronic hypoxia-induced PH, because of body weight loss and the subtle preventable effects of vascular changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erquan Zhang
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Physiology, Pediatrics, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu and Faculty of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan
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Cho YK, Eom GH, Kee HJ, Kim HS, Choi WY, Nam KI, Ma JS, Kook H. Sodium Valproate, a Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, but Not Captopril, Prevents Right Ventricular Hypertrophy in Rats. Circ J 2010; 74:760-70. [DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-09-0580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Young Kuk Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Hospital
| | - Gwang Hyeon Eom
- Department of Pharmacology and Medical Research Center for Gene Regulation, Chonnam National University Medical School
| | - Hae Jin Kee
- Department of Pharmacology and Medical Research Center for Gene Regulation, Chonnam National University Medical School
| | - Hyung-Seok Kim
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School
| | - Woo-Yeon Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Hospital
| | - Kwang-Il Nam
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School
| | - Jae Sook Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Hospital
| | - Hyun Kook
- Department of Pharmacology and Medical Research Center for Gene Regulation, Chonnam National University Medical School
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Stenmark KR, Meyrick B, Galie N, Mooi WJ, McMurtry IF. Animal models of pulmonary arterial hypertension: the hope for etiological discovery and pharmacological cure. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2009; 297:L1013-32. [DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00217.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 565] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, six groups of chronic pulmonary hypertension (PH) are described. Among these, group 1 (and 1′) comprises a group of diverse diseases termed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) that have several pathophysiological, histological, and prognostic features in common. PAH is a particularly severe and progressive form of PH that frequently leads to right heart failure and premature death. The diagnosis of PAH must include a series of defined clinical parameters, which extend beyond mere elevations in pulmonary arterial pressures and include precapillary PH, pulmonary hypertensive arteriopathy (usually with plexiform lesions), slow clinical onset (months or years), and a chronic time course (years) characterized by progressive deterioration. What appears to distinguish PAH from other forms of PH is the severity of the arteriopathy observed, the defining characteristic of which is “plexogenic arteriopathy.” The pathogenesis of this arteriopathy remains unclear despite intense investigation in a variety of animal model systems. The most commonly used animal models (“classic” models) are rodents exposed to either hypoxia or monocrotaline. Newer models, which involve modification of classic approaches, have been developed that exhibit more severe PH and vascular lesions, which include neointimal proliferation and occlusion of small vessels. In addition, genetically manipulated mice have been generated that have provided insight into the role of specific molecules in the pulmonary hypertensive process. Unfortunately, at present, there is no perfect preclinical model that completely recapitulates human PAH. All models, however, have provided and will continue to provide invaluable insight into the numerous pathways that contribute to the development and maintenance of PH. Use of both classic and newly developed animal models will allow continued rigorous testing of new hypotheses regarding pathogenesis and treatment. This review highlights progress that has been made in animal modeling of this important human condition.
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