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Joseph C, Berghausen EM, Behringer A, Rauch B, Ten Freyhaus H, Gnatzy-Feik LL, Krause M, Wong DWL, Boor P, Baldus S, Vantler M, Rosenkranz S. Coagulation-independent effects of thrombin and Factor Xa: role of protease-activated receptors in pulmonary hypertension. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 118:3225-3238. [PMID: 35104324 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease with limited therapeutic options. Vascular remodelling of pulmonary arteries, characterized by increased proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), is a hallmark of PAH. Here, we aimed to systematically characterize coagulation-independent effects of key coagulation proteases thrombin and Factor Xa (FXa) and their designated receptors, protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 and -2, on PASMCs in vitro and experimental PAH in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS In human and murine PASMCs, both thrombin and FXa were identified as potent mitogens, and chemoattractants. FXa mediated its responses via PAR-1 and PAR-2, whereas thrombin signalled through PAR-1. Extracellular-signal regulated kinases 1/2, protein kinase B (AKT), and sphingosine kinase 1 were identified as downstream mediators of PAR-1 and PAR-2. Inhibition of FXa or thrombin blunted cellular responses in vitro, but unexpectedly failed to protect against hypoxia-induced PAH in vivo. However, pharmacological inhibition as well as genetic deficiency of both PAR-1 and PAR-2 significantly reduced vascular muscularization of small pulmonary arteries, diminished right ventricular systolic pressure, and right ventricular hypertrophy upon chronic hypoxia compared to wild-type controls. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate a coagulation-independent pathogenic potential of thrombin and FXa for pulmonary vascular remodelling via acting through PAR-1 and PAR-2, respectively. While inhibition of single coagulation proteases was ineffective in preventing experimental PAH, our results propose a crucial role for PAR-1 and PAR-2 in its pathobiology, thus identifying PARs but not their dedicated activators FXa and thrombin as suitable targets for the treatment of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Joseph
- Klinik III für Innere Medizin, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Köln, Germany
| | - Eva Maria Berghausen
- Klinik III für Innere Medizin, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Köln, Germany
| | - Arnica Behringer
- Klinik III für Innere Medizin, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Köln, Germany
| | - Bernhard Rauch
- Institut für Pharmakologie, Universität Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 3, 17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henrik Ten Freyhaus
- Klinik III für Innere Medizin, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Köln, Germany
| | - Leoni Luisa Gnatzy-Feik
- Klinik III für Innere Medizin, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Köln, Germany.,Cologne Cardiovascular Research Center (CCRC), Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany
| | - Max Krause
- Klinik III für Innere Medizin, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Köln, Germany.,Cologne Cardiovascular Research Center (CCRC), Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany
| | - Dickson W L Wong
- Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter Boor
- Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephan Baldus
- Klinik III für Innere Medizin, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Köln, Germany.,Cologne Cardiovascular Research Center (CCRC), Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany
| | - Marius Vantler
- Klinik III für Innere Medizin, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Köln, Germany
| | - Stephan Rosenkranz
- Klinik III für Innere Medizin, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Universität zu Köln, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Köln, Germany.,Cologne Cardiovascular Research Center (CCRC), Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937 Köln, Germany
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2
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Hajtuch J, Iwicka E, Szczoczarz A, Flis D, Megiel E, Cieciórski P, Radomski MW, Santos-Martinez MJ, Inkielewicz-Stepniak I. The Pharmacological Effects of Silver Nanoparticles Functionalized with Eptifibatide on Platelets and Endothelial Cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:4383-4400. [PMID: 36164554 PMCID: PMC9507977 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s373691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In the search for new drug delivery platforms for cardiovascular diseases and coating of medical devices, we synthesized eptifibatide-functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-EPI) and examined the pharmacological activity of AgNPs-EPI on platelets and endothelial cells in vitro and ex vivo. Methods Spherical AgNPs linked to eptifibatide were synthesized and characterized. Cytotoxicity was measured in microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1), platelets and red blood cells. Platelet mitochondrial respiration was measured using the Oxygraph-2k, a high-resolution modular respirometry system. The effect of AgNPs-EPI on the aggregation of washed platelets was measured by light aggregometry and the ex vivo occlusion time was determined using a reference laboratory method. The surface amount of platelet receptors such as P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa was measured. The influence of AgNPS-EPI on blood coagulation science was assessed. Finally, the effect of AgNPs-EPI on endothelial cells was measured by the levels of 6-keto-PGF1alpha, tPa, cGMP and vWF. Results We describe the synthesis of AgNPs using eptifibatide as the stabilizing ligand. The molecules of this drug are directly bonded to the surface of the nanoparticles. The synthesized AgNPs-EPI did not affect the viability of platelets, endothelial cells and erythrocytes. Preincubation of platelets with AgNPs-EPI protected by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity. AgNPs-EPI inhibited aggregation-induced P-selectin expression and GPIIb/IIIa conformational changes in platelets. AgNPs-EPI caused prolongation of the occlusion time in the presence of collagen/ADP and collagen/adrenaline. AgNPs-EPI regulated levels of 6-keto-PGF1alpha, tPa, vWf and cGMP produced in thrombin stimulated HMEC-1 cells. Conclusion AgNPs-EPI show anti-aggregatory activity at concentrations lower than those required by the free drug acting via regulation of platelet aggregation, blood coagulation, and endothelial cell activity. Our results provide proof-of-principle evidence that AgNPs may be used as an effective delivery platform for antiplatelet drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Hajtuch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pathophysiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Eliza Iwicka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pathophysiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Szczoczarz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pathophysiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Damian Flis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pathophysiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | | | - Marek Witold Radomski
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Maria Jose Santos-Martinez
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Abstract
During sepsis, an initial prothrombotic shift takes place, in which coagulatory acute-phase proteins are increased, while anticoagulatory factors and platelet count decrease. Further on, the fibrinolytic system becomes impaired, which contributes to disease severity. At a later stage in sepsis, coagulation factors may become depleted, and sepsis patients may shift into a hypo-coagulable state with an increased bleeding risk. During the pro-coagulatory shift, critically ill patients have an increased thrombosis risk that ranges from developing micro-thromboses that impair organ function to life-threatening thromboembolic events. Here, thrombin plays a key role in coagulation as well as in inflammation. For thromboprophylaxis, low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) and unfractionated heparins (UFHs) are recommended. Nevertheless, there are conditions such as heparin resistance or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), wherein heparin becomes ineffective or even puts the patient at an increased prothrombotic risk. In these cases, argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI), might be a potential alternative anticoagulatory strategy. Yet, caution is advised with regard to dosing of argatroban especially in sepsis. Therefore, the starting dose of argatroban is recommended to be low and should be titrated to the targeted anticoagulation level and be closely monitored in the further course of treatment. The authors of this review recommend using DTIs such as argatroban as an alternative anticoagulant in critically ill patients suffering from sepsis or COVID-19 with suspected or confirmed HIT, HIT-like conditions, impaired fibrinolysis, in patients on extracorporeal circuits and patients with heparin resistance, when closely monitored.
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Vittal Rao H, Bihaqi SW, Iannucci J, Sen A, Grammas P. Thrombin Signaling Contributes to High Glucose-Induced Injury of Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 79:211-224. [PMID: 33252072 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is one of the strongest disease-related risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In diabetics, hyperglycemia-induced microvascular complications are the major cause of end-organ injury, contributing to morbidity and mortality. Microvascular pathology is also an important and early feature of AD. The cerebral microvasculature may be a point of convergence of both diseases. Several lines of evidence also implicate thrombin in AD as well as in diabetes. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to investigate the role of thrombin in glucose-induced brain microvascular endothelial injury. METHODS Cultured Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) were treated with 30 mM glucose±100 nM thrombin and±250 nM Dabigatran or inhibitors of PAR1, p38MAPK, MMP2, or MMP9. Cytotoxicity and thrombin activity assays on supernatants and western blotting for protein expression in lysates were performed. RESULTS reatment of HBMVECs with 30 mM glucose increased thrombin activity and expression of inflammatory proteins TNFα, IL-6, and MMPs 2 and 9; this elevation was reduced by the thrombin inhibitor dabigatran. Direct treatment of brain endothelial cells with thrombin upregulated p38MAPK and CREB, and induced TNFα, IL6, MMP2, and MMP9 as well as oxidative stress proteins NOX4 and iNOS. Inhibition of thrombin, thrombin receptor PAR1 or p38MAPK decrease expression of inflammatory and oxidative stress proteins, implying that thrombin may play a central role in glucose-induced endothelial injury. CONCLUSION Since preventing brain endothelial injury would preserve blood-brain barrier integrity, prevent neuroinflammation, and retain intact functioning of the neurovascular unit, inhibiting thrombin, or its downstream signaling effectors, could be a therapeutic strategy for mitigating diabetes-induced dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haripriya Vittal Rao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA.,George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Syed Waseem Bihaqi
- George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA.,Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jaclyn Iannucci
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA.,George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Abhik Sen
- George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA.,Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Paula Grammas
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA.,George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
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5
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Cullivan S, Murphy CA, Weiss L, Comer SP, Kevane B, McCullagh B, Maguire PB, Ní Ainle F, Gaine SP. Platelets, extracellular vesicles and coagulation in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulm Circ 2021; 11:20458940211021036. [PMID: 34158919 PMCID: PMC8182202 DOI: 10.1177/20458940211021036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease of the pulmonary vasculature, characterised pathologically by proliferation, remodelling and thrombosis in situ. Unfortunately, existing therapeutic interventions do not reverse these findings and the disease continues to result in significant morbidity and premature mortality. A number of haematological derangements have been described in pulmonary arterial hypertension which may provide insights into the pathobiology of the disease and opportunities to explore new therapeutic pathways. These include quantitative and qualitative platelet abnormalities, such as thrombocytopaenia, increased mean platelet volume and altered platelet bioenergetics. Furthermore, a hypercoagulable state and aberrant negative regulatory pathways can be observed, which could contribute to thrombosis in situ in distal pulmonary arteries and arterioles. Finally, there is increasing interest in the role of extracellular vesicle autocrine and paracrine signalling in pulmonary arterial hypertension, and their potential utility as biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets. This review focuses on the potential role of platelets, extracellular vesicles and coagulation pathways in the pathobiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension. We highlight important unanswered clinical questions and the implications of these observations for future research and pulmonary arterial hypertension-directed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cullivan
- National Pulmonary Hypertension Unit, Mater
Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Conway-SPHERE Research Group, Conway Institute,
University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Claire A. Murphy
- Conway-SPHERE Research Group, Conway Institute,
University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Neonatology, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin,
Ireland
| | - Luisa Weiss
- Conway-SPHERE Research Group, Conway Institute,
University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shane P. Comer
- Conway-SPHERE Research Group, Conway Institute,
University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barry Kevane
- Conway-SPHERE Research Group, Conway Institute,
University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Haematology, Mater Misericordiae
University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brian McCullagh
- National Pulmonary Hypertension Unit, Mater
Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patricia B. Maguire
- Conway-SPHERE Research Group, Conway Institute,
University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fionnuala Ní Ainle
- Conway-SPHERE Research Group, Conway Institute,
University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Haematology, Mater Misericordiae
University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean P. Gaine
- National Pulmonary Hypertension Unit, Mater
Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Kuwabara Y, Tanaka-Ishikawa M, Abe K, Hirano M, Hirooka Y, Tsutsui H, Sunagawa K, Hirano K. Proteinase-activated receptor 1 antagonism ameliorates experimental pulmonary hypertension. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 115:1357-1368. [PMID: 30423156 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by progressive increases in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Thrombotic lesions are common pathological findings. The pulmonary artery has a unique property regarding the vasoconstrictive response to thrombin, which is mediated by proteinase-activated receptor 1 (PAR1). We aim to elucidate the role of PAR1 in the development and progression of PH. METHODS AND RESULTS A rat model of monocrotaline-induced PH and a mouse model of hypoxia (Hx)-induced PH were used to investigate the effects of atopaxar (a PAR1 antagonist) and PAR1 knockout on haemodynamic parameters, right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), vascular remodelling and survival. In perfused lung preparations, the pressor response to PAR1 agonist was significantly augmented in monocrotaline-induced PH. Both the preventive and therapeutic administration of atopaxar significantly inhibited the increase in PVR and the development of RVH and prolonged survival. A real-time PCR revealed that the level of PAR1 mRNA in the pulmonary artery was significantly higher than that in any of the systemic arteries examined in control rats, and the level was significantly up-regulated in monocrotaline-induced PH. PAR1 gene knockout significantly attenuated the haemodynamic and histological findings in the mouse model of Hx-induced PH. CONCLUSION The specific expression of PAR1 in the pulmonary artery and its up-regulation were suggested to play a critical role in the development and progression of experimental PH in murine models. PAR1 is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukimitsu Kuwabara
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Research Institute of Angiocardiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Research Institute of Angiocardiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mariko Tanaka-Ishikawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Research Institute of Angiocardiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kohtaro Abe
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Research Institute of Angiocardiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mayumi Hirano
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Research Institute of Angiocardiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hirooka
- Department of Advanced Cardiovascular Regulation and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tsutsui
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Research Institute of Angiocardiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji Sunagawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Research Institute of Angiocardiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Katsuya Hirano
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, Japan
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Fan C, Wang J, Mao C, Li W, Liu K, Wang Z. The FGL2 prothrombinase contributes to the pathological process of experimental pulmonary hypertension. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2019; 127:1677-1687. [PMID: 31580221 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00396.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In situ thrombus formation is one of the major pathological features of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The mechanism of in situ thrombosis has not been clearly identified. Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) prothrombinase is an immune coagulant that can cleave prothrombin to thrombin, which then converts fibrinogen into fibrin. This mechanism triggers in situ thrombus formation directly, bypassing both the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways. FGL2 prothrombinase is mainly expressed in endothelial cells and mediates multiple pathological processes. This implies that it may also play a role in PH. In this study, we examined the expression of FGL2 in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients, and in monocrotaline-induced rat and hypoxia-induced mouse PH models. Fgl2−/− mice were used to evaluate the development of PH and explore associated pathological changes. These included in situ thrombosis, vascular remodeling, and endothelial apoptosis. Following these analyses, we examined possible signaling pathways downstream of FGL2 in PH. We show FGL2 is upregulated in pulmonary vascular endothelium in human IPAH and in two animal PH models. Genetic knockout of Fgl2 limited the development of PH, indicated by decreased in situ thrombus formation, less vascular remodeling, and reduced endothelial dysfunction. In addition, loss of FGL2 downregulated PAR1 (proteinase-activated receptor 1) expression and decreased the overactivation and consumption of platelets in hypoxia-induced PH. These results indicate FGL2 participate in the development of PH and loss of FGL2 could attenuate PH by reducing in situ thrombosis and suppressing PAR1 signaling. Thus we provide evidence that suggests FGL2 prothrombinase presents a potential therapeutic target for clinical treatment of PH. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to demonstrate that fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) participates in the pathological progression of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in human idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, a monocrotaline rat PH model, and a hypoxia mouse PH model. Genetic knockout of Fgl2 significantly limited the development of PH indicated by reduced in situ thrombosis, vascular remodeling, and endothelial dysfunction, and suppressed PAR1 (proteinase-activated receptor 1) signaling and overactivation of platelets on PH. These results suggest FGL2 presents a potential therapeutic target for clinical treatment of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fan
- Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoqin Mao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenzhu Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Zhang Y, Ding J, Xu C, Yang H, Xia P, Ma S, Chen H. rBMSCs/ITGA5B1 Promotes Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation via Enhancing Nitric Oxide Production. Int J Stem Cells 2018; 11:168-176. [PMID: 30497129 PMCID: PMC6285296 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc18079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Previous studies have shown that integrins alpha5beta1 (ITGA5B1) gene-modified rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) could prevent cell anoikis and increase the nitric oxide (NO) production. Here we examined the capability of rBMSCs/ITGA5B1 on the phenotype modulation of Human Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cell (HPASMC) in vitro. Methods and Results The synthetic (dedifferentiated) phenotype of HPASMC was induced by monocrotaline (MCT, 1μM) for 24 h and then co-cultured with rBMSCs/ITGA5B1 in a transwell culture system. The activation of NO/cGMP (nitric oxide/Guanosine-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate) signaling was investigated in HPASMC. The changes of pro-inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, vasodilator, vasoconstrictor, contractile and synthetic genes, and the morphological changes of HPASMC were investigated. The results of this study showed that the NO/cGMP signal, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression, the expression of the vasoprotective genes heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) were increased, but the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins delta (Cebpd), Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) were reduced in MCT treated HPASMC co-cultured with rBMSCs/ITGA5B1. The synthetic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) phenotype markers thrombospondin-1, epiregulin and the vasoconstrictor endothelin (ET)-1, thromboxane A2 receptor (TbxA2R) were down-regulated, whereas the contractile SMCs phenotype marker transgelin expression was up-regulated by rBMSCs/ITGA5B1. Furthermore, rBMSCs/ITGA5B1 promoted the morphological restoration from synthetic (dedifferentiation) to contractile (differentiation) phenotype in MCT treated HPASMC. Conclusions rBMSCs/ITGA5B1 could inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress related genes to promote the HPASMC cell differentiation by activation NO/cGMP signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxin Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Central Laboratory of Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Cong Xu
- Central Laboratory of Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Hongli Yang
- Central Laboratory of Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Xia
- Department of Cardiology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Shengjun Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Haiying Chen
- Central Laboratory of Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
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Bulani Y, Sharma SS. Argatroban Attenuates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Rats by Reducing Fibrosis, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Protease-Activated Receptor Expression. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2018; 31:255-267. [PMID: 28695302 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-017-6732-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic diabetes is associated with cardiovascular dysfunctions. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the serious cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes. Despite significant efforts in understanding the pathophysiology of DCM, management of DCM is not adequate due to its complex pathophysiology. Recently, involvement of protease-activated receptors (PARs) has been postulated in cardiovascular diseases. These receptors are activated by thrombin, trypsin, or other serine proteases. Expression of PAR has been shown to be increased in cardiac diseases such as myocardial infarction, viral myocarditis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, the role of PAR in DCM has not been elucidated yet. Therefore, in the present study, we have investigated the role of PAR in the condition of DCM using a pharmacological approach. We used argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor for targeting PAR. METHODS Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced by high-fat feeding along with low dose streptozotocin (STZ 35 mg/kg, i.p. single dose) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. After 16 weeks of diabetes induction, animals were treated with argatroban at 0.3 and 1 mg/kg dose daily for 4 weeks. After 20 weeks, ventricular functions were measured using ventricular catheterization. Cardiac histology, TUNEL staining, and immunoblotting were performed to evaluate cardiac fibrosis, DNA fragmentation, and expression level of different proteins, respectively. RESULTS T2DM was associated with cardiac structural and functional disturbances as evidenced from impaired cardiac functional parameters and increased fibrosis. There was a significant increase in PAR expression after 20 weeks of diabetes induction. Four weeks argatroban treatment ameliorated metabolic alterations (reduced plasma glucose and cholesterol), ventricular dysfunctions (improved systolic and diastolic functions), cardiac fibrosis (reduced percentage area of collagen in picro-sirius red staining), and apoptosis (reduced TUNEL positive nuclei). Reduced expression of PAR1 and PAR4 in the argatroban-treated group indicates a response towards inhibition of thrombin. In addition, AKT (Ser-473), GSK-3β (Ser-9), p-65 NFĸB phosphorylation, TGF-β, COX-2, and caspase-3 expression were reduced significantly along with an increase in SERCA expression in argatroban-treated diabetic rats which indicated the anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic potential of argatroban in DCM. CONCLUSION This study suggests the ameliorative effects of argatroban in diabetic cardiomyopathy by improving ventricular functions and reducing fibrosis, inflammation, apoptosis, and PAR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Bulani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector-67, SAS, Nagar (Mohali), Punjab, 160062, India
| | - Shyam Sunder Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector-67, SAS, Nagar (Mohali), Punjab, 160062, India.
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10
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Benli E, Ayyildiz SN, Cirrik S, Koktürk S, Cirakoglu A, Noyan T, Ayyildiz A, Germiyanoglu C. The effect of tadalafil therapy on kidney damage caused by sepsis in a polymicrobial septic model induced in rats: a biochemical and histopathological study. Int Braz J Urol 2017; 43:345-355. [PMID: 27622284 PMCID: PMC5433375 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2016.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sepsis is an inflammatory reaction to bacteria involving the whole body and is a significant cause of mortality and economic costs. The purpose of this research was to determine whether tadalafil exhibits a preventive effect on sepsis in a septic model induced in rats with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Materials and Methods Rats were randomly separated into groups, 10 rats in each: (i) a sham (control) group, (ii) an untreated sepsis group, (iii) a sepsis group treated with 5mg/kg tadalafil and (iv) a sepsis group treated with 10mg/kg tadalafil. A polymicrobial sepsis model was induced in rats using CLP. Rats were sacrificed after 16h, and blood and kidney tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological study. Results Levels of the inflammatory parameter IL-6 decreased significantly in the sepsis groups receiving tadalafil in comparison with the untreated sepsis group (p<0.05). In terms of histopathology, inflammation scores investigated in kidney tissues decreased significantly in the sepsis groups receiving tadalafil compared to the untreated sepsis group (p<0.05). In addition, levels of creatinine and cystatin C measured in septic rats receiving tadalafil were lower by a clear degree than in septic rats (p<0.05). Conclusion In this study, tadalafil exhibited a preventive effect for sepsis-related damage by suppressing inflammation in serum and kidney tissue of septic rats in a polymicrobial sepsis model induced with CLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdal Benli
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Sema Nur Ayyildiz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Selma Cirrik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Sibel Koktürk
- Department of Histolology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Cirakoglu
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Tevfik Noyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Ali Ayyildiz
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Cankon Germiyanoglu
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
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11
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Nickel KF, Labberton L, Long AT, Langer F, Fuchs TA, Stavrou EX, Butler LM, Renné T. The polyphosphate/factor XII pathway in cancer-associated thrombosis: novel perspectives for safe anticoagulation in patients with malignancies. Thromb Res 2017; 141 Suppl 2:S4-7. [PMID: 27207422 DOI: 10.1016/s0049-3848(16)30353-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is an established risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and VTE is the second leading cause of death in patients with cancer. The incidence of cancer-related thrombosis is rising and is associated with worse outcomes. Despite our growing understanding on tumor-driven procoagulant mechanisms including cancer-released procoagulant proteases, expression of tissue factor on cancer cells and derived microvesicles, as well as alterations in the extracellular matrix of the cancer cell milieu, anticoagulation therapy in cancer patients has remained challenging. This review comments on a newly discovered cancer-associated procoagulant pathway. Experimental VTE models in mice and studies on patient cancer material revealed that prostate cancer cells and associated exosomes display the inorganic polymer polyphosphate on their plasma membrane. Polyphosphate activates blood coagulation factor XII and initiates thrombus formation via the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. Pharmacologic inhibition of factor XII activity protects mice from VTE and reduces thrombin coagulant activity in plasma of prostate cancer patients. Factor XII inhibitors provide thrombo-protection without impairing hemostatic mechanisms and thus, unlike currently used anticoagulants, do not increase bleeding risk. Interference with the polyphosphate/factor XII pathway may provide the novel opportunity for safe anticoagulation therapy in patients with malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin F Nickel
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Clinical Chemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Labberton
- Clinical Chemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew T Long
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Langer
- Clinical Department of Hematology and Oncology, Center for Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias A Fuchs
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Evi X Stavrou
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Medicine, Louis Stokes Veterans Administration Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Lynn M Butler
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Clinical Chemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Renné
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Clinical Chemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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12
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Brailoiu E, Shipsky MM, Yan G, Abood ME, Brailoiu GC. Mechanisms of modulation of brain microvascular endothelial cells function by thrombin. Brain Res 2016; 1657:167-175. [PMID: 27998795 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Brain microvascular endothelial cells are a critical component of the blood-brain barrier. They form a tight monolayer which is essential for maintaining the brain homeostasis. Blood-derived proteases such as thrombin may enter the brain during pathological conditions like trauma, stroke, and inflammation and further disrupts the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, via incompletely characterized mechanisms. We examined the underlying mechanisms evoked by thrombin in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMVEC). Our results indicate that thrombin, acting on protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) increases cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in RBMVEC via Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and Ca2+ influx from extracellular space. Thrombin increases nitric oxide production; the effect is abolished by inhibition of the nitric oxide synthase or by antagonism of PAR1 receptors. In addition, thrombin increases mitochondrial and cytosolic reactive oxygen species production via PAR1-dependent mechanisms. Immunocytochemistry studies indicate that thrombin increases F-actin stress fibers, and disrupts the tight junctions. Thrombin increased the RBMVEC permeability assessed by a fluorescent flux assay. Taken together, our results indicate multiple mechanisms by which thrombin modulates the function of RBMVEC and may contribute to the blood-brain barrier dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugen Brailoiu
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - Megan M Shipsky
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Guang Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Mary E Abood
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States
| | - G Cristina Brailoiu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States.
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13
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Tillery LC, Epperson TA, Eguchi S, Motley ED. Featured Article: Differential regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation by protease-activated receptors in adult human endothelial cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 241:569-80. [PMID: 26729042 DOI: 10.1177/1535370215622584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Protease-activated receptors have been shown to regulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase through the phosphorylation of specific sites on the enzyme. It has been established that PAR-2 activation phosphorylates eNOS-Ser-1177 and leads to the production of the potent vasodilator nitric oxide, while PAR-1 activation phosphorylates eNOS-Thr-495 and decreases nitric oxide production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In this study, we hypothesize a differential coupling of protease-activated receptors to the signaling pathways that regulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide production in primary adult human coronary artery endothelial cells. Using Western Blot analysis, we showed that thrombin and the PAR-1 activating peptide, TFLLR, lead to the phosphorylation of eNOS-Ser-1177 in human coronary artery endothelial cells, which was blocked by SCH-79797 (SCH), a PAR-1 inhibitor. Using the nitrate/nitrite assay, we also demonstrated that the thrombin- and TFLLR-induced production of nitric oxide was inhibited by SCH and L-NAME, a NOS inhibitor. In addition, we observed that TFLLR, unlike thrombin, significantly phosphorylated eNOS-Thr-495, which may explain the observed delay in nitric oxide production in comparison to that of thrombin. Activation of PAR-2 by SLIGRL, a PAR-2 specific ligand, leads to dual phosphorylation of both catalytic sites but primarily regulated eNOS-Thr-495 phosphorylation with no change in nitric oxide production in human coronary artery endothelial cells. PAR-3, known as the non-signaling receptor, was activated by TFRGAP, a PAR-3 mimicking peptide, and significantly induced the phosphorylation of eNOS-Thr-495 with minimal phosphorylation of eNOS-Ser-1177 with no change in nitric oxide production. In addition, we confirmed that PAR-mediated eNOS-Ser-1177 phosphorylation was Ca(2+)-dependent using the Ca(2+) chelator, BAPTA, while eNOS-Thr-495 phosphorylation was mediated via Rho kinase using the ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, suggesting protease-activated receptor coupling to Gq and G12/13, respectively. These data suggest a vascular bed specific differential coupling of protease-activated receptors to the signaling pathways that regulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide production that may be responsible for endothelial dysfunction associated with cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakeisha C Tillery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Tenille A Epperson
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Satoru Eguchi
- Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Evangeline D Motley
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
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New insights into the role of soluble guanylate cyclase in blood pressure regulation. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2014; 23:135-42. [PMID: 24419369 DOI: 10.1097/01.mnh.0000441048.91041.3a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Nitric oxide (NO)-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-dependent signaling mechanisms have a profound effect on the regulation of blood pressure (BP). In this review, we will discuss recent findings in the field that support the importance of sGC in the development of hypertension. RECENT FINDINGS The importance of sGC in BP regulation was highlighted by studies using genetically modified animal models, chemical stimulators/activators and inhibitors of the NO/sGC signaling pathway, and genetic association studies in humans. Many studies further support the role of NO/sGC in vasodilation and vascular dysfunction, which is underscored by the early clinical success of synthetic sGC stimulators for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Recent work has uncovered more details about the structural basis of sGC activation, enabling the development of more potent and efficient modulators of sGC activity. Finally, the mechanisms involved in the modulation of sGC by signaling gases other than NO, as well as the influence of redox signaling on sGC, have been the subject of several interesting studies. SUMMARY sGC is fast becoming an interesting therapeutic target for the treatment of vascular dysfunction and hypertension, with novel sGC stimulating/activating compounds as promising clinical treatment options.
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15
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Antoniak S, Sparkenbaugh E, Pawlinski R. Tissue factor, protease activated receptors and pathologic heart remodelling. Thromb Haemost 2014; 112:893-900. [PMID: 25104210 DOI: 10.1160/th14-03-0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tissue factor is the primary initiator of coagulation cascade and plays an essential role in haemostasis and thrombosis. In addition, tissue factor and coagulation proteases contribute to many cellular responses via activation of protease activated receptors. The heart is an organ with high levels of constitutive tissue factor expression. This review focuses on the role of tissue factor, coagulation proteases and protease activated receptors in heart haemostasis and the pathological heart remodelling associated with myocardial infarction, viral myocarditis and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rafal Pawlinski
- Rafal Pawlinski, PhD, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, 320A Mary Ellen Jones Bldg, 98 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA, Tel: 919 843 8387, Fax: 919 843 4896, E-mail:
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16
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Patent Highlights. Pharm Pat Anal 2014. [DOI: 10.4155/ppa.14.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A snapshot of noteworthy recent developments in the patent literature of relevance to pharmaceutical and medical research and development
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