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Oh SB, Cho S, Kim HJ, Kim SJ. Differential expression of the enzymes regulating myosin light chain phosphorylation are responsible for the slower relaxation of pulmonary artery than mesenteric artery in rats. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol 2024; 28:49-57. [PMID: 38154964 PMCID: PMC10762492 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2024.28.1.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
While arterial tone is generally determined by the phosphorylation of Ser19 in myosin light chain (p-MLC2), Thr18/Ser19 diphosphorylation of MLC2 (pp-MLC2) has been suggested to hinder the relaxation of smooth muscle. In a dual-wire myography of rodent pulmonary artery (PA) and mesenteric artery (MA), we noticed significantly slower relaxation in PA than in MA after 80 mM KCl-induced condition (80K-contraction). Thus, we investigated the MLC2 phosphorylation and the expression levels of its regulatory enzymes; soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), Rho-A dependent kinase (ROCK) and myosin light chain phosphatase target regulatory subunit (MYPT1). Immunoblotting showed higher sGC-α and ROCK2 in PA than MA, while sGC-β and MYPT1 levels were higher in MA than in PA. Interestingly, the level of pp-MLC2 was higher in PA than in MA without stimulation. In the 80K-contraction state, the levels of p-MLC2 and pp-MLC2 were commonly increased. Treatment with the ROCK inhibitor (Y27632, 10 μM) reversed the higher pp-MLC2 in PA. In the myography study, pharmacological inhibition of sGC (ODQ, 10 μM) slowed relaxation during washout, which was more pronounced in PA than in MA. The simultaneous treatment of Y27632 and ODQ reversed the impaired relaxation in PA and MA. Although treatment of PA with Y27632 alone could increase the rate of relaxation, it was still slower than that of MA without Y27632 treatment. Taken together, we suggest that the higher ROCK and lower MYPT in PA would have induced the higher level of MLC2 phosphorylation, which is responsible for the characteristic slow relaxation in PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Beom Oh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Suhan Cho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Hyun Jong Kim
- Department of Physiology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Korea
- Channelopathy Research Center (CRC), Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang 10326, Korea
| | - Sung Joon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Wang Q, Song LJ, Ding ZB, Chai Z, Yu JZ, Xiao BG, Ma CG. Advantages of Rho-associated kinases and their inhibitor fasudil for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:2623-2631. [PMID: 35662192 PMCID: PMC9165373 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.335827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras homolog (Rho)-associated kinases (ROCKs) belong to the serine-threonine kinase family, which plays a pivotal role in regulating the damage, survival, axon guidance, and regeneration of neurons. ROCKs are also involved in the biological effects of immune cells and glial cells, as well as the development of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Previous studies by us and others confirmed that ROCKs inhibitors attenuated the symptoms and progression of experimental models of the abovementioned neurodegenerative diseases by inhibiting neuroinflammation, regulating immune imbalance, repairing the blood-brain barrier, and promoting nerve repair and myelin regeneration. Fasudil, the first ROCKs inhibitor to be used clinically, has a good therapeutic effect on neurodegenerative diseases. Fasudil increases the activity of neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, thus optimizing cell therapy. This review will systematically describe, for the first time, the effects of abnormal activation of ROCKs on T cells, B cells, microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and pericytes in neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system, summarize the therapeutic potential of fasudil in several experimental models of neurodegenerative diseases, and clarify the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of ROCKs inhibition. This review also proposes that fasudil is a novel potential treatment, especially in combination with cell-based therapy. Findings from this review add support for further investigation of ROCKs and its inhibitor fasudil for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- Research Center of Neurobiology, The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Li-Juan Song
- Research Center of Neurobiology, The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong; Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Ding
- Research Center of Neurobiology, The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Zhi Chai
- Research Center of Neurobiology, The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jie-Zhong Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University; Department of Neurology, Datong Fifth People's Hospital, Datong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Bao-Guo Xiao
- Research Center of Neurobiology, The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province; Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- Research Center of Neurobiology, The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong; Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, Shanxi Province, China
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Xiao G, Yunhao Y, Dongmei L, Fang P, Zhixue Y, Zhengwei Z, Ao L, Chenglin T. Effect of manipulation on cartilage in rats with knee osteoarthritis based on the Rho-associated protein kinase/LIM kinase 1/Cofilin signaling pathways. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2022; 42:194-199. [PMID: 35473339 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20220311.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of manipulation treatment on knee osteoarthritis rats and the effect on Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK)/LIM-kinase1 (LIMK1)/Cofilin signaling pathway. METHOD Fifty Specific pathogen Free Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups ( = 8 each): blank group, model group, manipulation group, celecoxib group, and manipulation combined with celecoxib group (MC group). The osteoarthritis model was established by injecting 0.2 mL 4% papain into the articular disc of the rats. After successfully establishing the model, we treated the manipulation group with pushing manipulation using one-finger-meditation to the Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Waixiyan (EX-LE5), Xuehai (SP10), Liangqiu (ST34), and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints for 10 min each time. Also, the celecoxib group was gavaged with 24 mg•kg•d celecoxib, while the MC group was treated using both of these two methods. After four weeks, the cartilage of the right femur was removed for hematoxylin-eosin staining of the cartilage tissue. The expressions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum were observed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Besides, we detected the expressions of ROCK, LIMK1, Phospho-LIM-kinase1 (Phospho-LIMK1), Cofilin, and Phospho-Cofilin by Western blot. RESULTS Compared to the model group, the manipulation group, celecoxib group, and MC group all exhibited superior results concerning pathological morphologic changes of cartilage, as observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and calculated using the Mankin score. Besides, in contrast to the blank group, the model group exhibited elevated serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α ( 0.01), while the expression of ROCK, LIMK1, Phospho-LIMK1, Cofilin, and Phospho-Cofilin in cartilage were all higher ( 0.01). Also, the serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in each treatment group were lower (0.01) than in the model group. Moreover, there were lower expressions of ROCK, LIMK1, Phospho-LIMK1, Cofilin, and Phospho-Cofilin in cartilage in the manipulation group and the MC group (< 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of ROCK, LIMK1, Phospho-LIMK1, Cofilin, and Phospho-Cofilin in cartilage in the celecoxib group were not statistically different ( > 0.05). CONCLUSION In this study, we established that manipulation has a better curative effect than celecoxib. Manipulation inhibits the development of cytoskeleton damage in cartilage and slows articular degeneration by regulating the expression of related proteins in the cytoskeletal signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Xiao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010
- China Beibei Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Yang Yunhao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010
- China Beibei Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Liao Dongmei
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010
- China Beibei Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Pang Fang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010
- China Beibei Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Yang Zhixue
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010
- China Beibei Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Zhu Zhengwei
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010
- China Beibei Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Luo Ao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010
- China Beibei Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Tang Chenglin
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010
- China Beibei Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400700, China
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Saha BC, Kumari R, Kushumesh R, Ambasta A, Sinha BP. Status of Rho kinase inhibitors in glaucoma therapeutics-an overview. Int Ophthalmol 2021; 42:281-294. [PMID: 34453229 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-02002-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Medical management remains the cornerstone of glaucoma management despite advances in the surgical or laser procedures. After a leap of almost two decades of the advent of prostaglandin analogues, recently a new class of drug, Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors, has come to limelight because of their varied therapeutic potential in different clinical conditions of eye, especially glaucoma. Their efficacy of lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) by virtue of an entirely different mechanism of decreasing outflow resistance has ignited a series of clinical trials evaluating their potential as monotherapy or as adjunct to existing antiglaucoma medications, and three of them ripasudil, netarsudil and roclatan have even been approved for clinical use in the recent past. There are evidences suggesting their beneficial effects in glaucoma patients even via non-IOP-dependent mechanisms like neuroprotection by improving blood flow to the optic nerve and increasing ganglion cell survival. They can even act as antifibrotic agents and reduce bleb scarring after glaucoma surgery. Hence, their effective role in glaucomatous optic neuropathy is multifaceted primary being improved drainage through the conventional pathway. On the other hand, certain local adverse effects like conjunctival hyperaemia have been reported in substantial proportion of patients, while some others like blepharitis, subconjunctival haemorrhages and cornea verticillata constitute less common side effects. The purpose of this review is to summarize the discovery, evolution and recent update of clinical trials on Rho kinase inhibitors as antiglaucoma medicine and to delineate their role in existing management protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anita Ambasta
- Community Ophthalmology, Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, IGIMS, Patna, India
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Kim HI, Lee JS, Kwak BK, Hwang WM, Kim MJ, Kim YB, Chung SS, Park KS. Metformin Ameliorates Lipotoxic β-Cell Dysfunction through a Concentration-Dependent Dual Mechanism of Action. Diabetes Metab J 2019; 43:854-866. [PMID: 31339010 PMCID: PMC6943256 DOI: 10.4093/dmj.2018.0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic exposure to elevated levels of free fatty acids contributes to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Although it is well known that metformin induces cellular energy depletion and a concomitant activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) through inhibition of the respiratory chain, previous studies have shown inconsistent results with regard to the action of metformin on pancreatic β-cells. We therefore examined the effects of metformin on pancreatic β-cells under lipotoxic stress. METHODS NIT-1 cells and mouse islets were exposed to palmitate and treated with 0.05 and 0.5 mM metformin. Cell viability, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, cellular adenosine triphosphate, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and Rho kinase (ROCK) activities were measured. The phosphorylation of AMPK was evaluated by Western blot analysis and mRNA levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers and NADPH oxidase (NOX) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS We found that metformin has protective effects on palmitate-induced β-cell dysfunction. Metformin at a concentration of 0.05 mM inhibits NOX and suppresses the palmitate-induced elevation of ER stress markers and ROS levels in a AMPK-independent manner, whereas 0.5 mM metformin inhibits ROCK activity and activates AMPK. CONCLUSION This study suggests that the action of metformin on β-cell lipotoxicity was implemented by different molecular pathways depending on its concentration. Metformin at a usual therapeutic dose is supposed to alleviate lipotoxic β-cell dysfunction through inhibition of oxidative stress and ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Il Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, and College of Medicine or College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Seon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Kook Kwak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Min Hwang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Joo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Bum Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, and College of Medicine or College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sung Soo Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyong Soo Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, and College of Medicine or College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Zhang W, Li X, Zhang Y. Rho-kinase inhibitor attenuates airway mucus hypersecretion and inflammation partly by downregulation of IL-13 and the JNK1/2-AP1 signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 516:571-577. [PMID: 31235256 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.06.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We measured the effect of Rho-kinase on inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in the airways of mouse models of asthma. Additionally, we aimed to determine if these effects were the result of JNK 1/2-AP1 pathway inhibition.We sensitized and challenged female C57BL/6 mice using house dust mites (HDM) followed by treatment with an inhibitor of Rho-kinase. Lung tissue was harvested to evaluate inflammation and mucus secretion in the airways of asthma mice. Cytokine expression in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was established by ELISA and airway responsiveness, and was determined by the invasive lung function test. JNK1/2, p-JNK1/2, AP-1, and p-AP-1 protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. Asthma model mice that were treated with Rho-kinase inhibitor showed a significantly decrease in inflammation score, inflammatory cells, and airway responsiveness. Additionally, we found that IL-13 expressions in BALF and mucus secretion were decreased in HDM-challenged mice treated with Rho-kinase inhibitor. Furthermore, Rho-kinase inhibitor treatment decreased the expression of JNK1/2 and AP-1 phosphorylation. Our findings indicated that the Rho-kinase inhibitor decreased HDM-induced mucus secretion as well as airway inflammation in asthma mice through regulation of the JNK1/2-AP-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqin Zhang
- Department of geriatric medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300073, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of geriatric medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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Yan J, Pan Y, Zheng X, Zhu C, Zhang Y, Shi G, Yao L, Chen Y, Xu N. Comparative Study of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in Hippocampal Spine Formation and Synaptic Function. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:649-660. [PMID: 30826947 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00351-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) are serine-threonine protein kinases that act downstream of small Rho GTPases to regulate the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. Two ROCK isoforms (ROCK1 and ROCK2) are expressed in the mammalian central nervous system. Although ROCK activity has been implicated in synapse formation, whether the distinct ROCK isoforms have different roles in synapse formation and function in vivo is not clear. Here, we used a genetic approach to address this long-standing question. Both Rock1+/- and Rock2+/- mice had impaired glutamatergic transmission, reduced spine density, and fewer excitatory synapses in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. In addition, both Rock1+/- and Rock2+/- mice showed deficits in long-term potentiation at hippocampal CA1 synapses and were impaired in spatial learning and memory based on the water maze and contextual fear conditioning tests. However, the spine morphology of CA1 pyramidal neurons was altered only in Rock2+/- but not Rock1+/- mice. In this study we compared the roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in synapse formation and function in vivo for the first time. Our results provide a better understanding of the functions of distinct ROCK isoforms in synapse formation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglan Yan
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Youcan Pan
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.,Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chuanan Zhu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guoqi Shi
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lin Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China. .,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Nenggui Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Xu W, Liu P, Mu YP. Research progress on signaling pathways in cirrhotic portal hypertension. World J Clin Cases 2018; 6:335-343. [PMID: 30283796 PMCID: PMC6163134 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v6.i10.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PHT) is an important consequence of liver cirrhosis, which can lead to complications that adversely affect a patient’s quality of life and survival, such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, and portosystemic encephalopathy. In recent years, advances in molecular biology have led to major discoveries in the pathological processes of PHT, including the signaling pathways that may be involved: PI3K-AKT-mTOR, RhoA/Rho-kinase, JAK2/STAT3, and farnesoid X receptor. However, the pathogenesis of PHT is complex and there are numerous pathways involved. Therefore, the targeting of signaling pathways for medical management is lagging. This article summarizes the progress that has been made in understanding the signaling pathways in PHT, and provides ideas for treatment of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Xu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 201203, China
- Clinical key laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 201203, China
- Clinical key laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yong-Ping Mu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 201203, China
- Clinical key laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, Shanghai 201203, China
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Que CX, Yu YJ, Chen H, Shi C, Xue AM. [Research Progress and Forensic Application on the Pathogenesis of Coronary Artery Spasm]. Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi 2018; 34:60-66. [PMID: 29577707 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is a hyper-contraction of segmental coronary artery in response to multiple stimuli. At present, it's still in lack of specific diagnostic indicators of sudden cardiac death caused by CAS. This review summarizes current researches on the mechanisms of CAS and describes the roles of vascular endothelial dysfunction and vascular smooth muscle hypersensitivity in the course of CAS. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of the endogenous NO and endothelin-1 cause vascular endothelial dysfunction, and the phosphorylation of MLC2, Rho kinase and endoplasmic reticulum stress related to vascular smooth muscle hypersensitivity are discussed. Meanwhile, the possibility of forensic application for the related molecules on the diagnosis of sudden cardiac death caused by CAS are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- C X Que
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Y J Yu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - H Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - C Shi
- Criminal Science and Technology Institute, Public Security of Hongkou District, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - A M Xue
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Shanghai Key laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Shanghai 200083, China
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Pellegrino PR, Schiller AM, Haack KKV, Zucker IH. Central Angiotensin-II Increases Blood Pressure and Sympathetic Outflow via Rho Kinase Activation in Conscious Rabbits. Hypertension 2016; 68:1271-1280. [PMID: 27672026 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.116.07792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Elevated sympathetic tone and activation of the renin-angiotensin system are pathophysiologic hallmarks of hypertension, and the interactions between these systems are particularly deleterious. The importance of Rho kinase as a mediator of the effects of angiotensin-II (AngII) in the periphery is clear, but the role of Rho kinase in sympathoexcitation caused by central AngII is not well established. We hypothesized that AngII mediates its effects in the brain by the activation of the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway. Chronically instrumented, conscious rabbits received the following intracerebroventricular infusion treatments for 2 weeks via osmotic minipump: AngII, Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil, AngII plus Fasudil, or a vehicle control. AngII increased mean arterial pressure over the course of the infusion, and this effect was prevented by the coadministration of Fasudil. AngII increased cardiac and vascular sympathetic outflow as quantified by the heart rate response to metoprolol and the depressor effect of hexamethonium; coadministration of Fasudil abolished both of these effects. AngII increased baseline renal sympathetic nerve activity in conscious animals and impaired baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve activity; again Fasudil coinfusion prevented these effects. Each of these end points showed a statistically significant interaction between AngII and Fasudil. Quantitative immunofluorescence of brain slices confirmed that Rho kinase activity was increased by AngII and decreased by Fasudil. Taken together, these data indicate that hypertension, elevated sympathetic outflow, and baroreflex dysfunction caused by central AngII are mediated by Rho kinase activation and suggest that Rho kinase inhibition may be an important therapeutic target in sympathoexcitatory cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter R Pellegrino
- From the Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha (P.R.P., A.M.S., I.H.Z.); U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX (A.M.S.); and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (K.K.V.H.)
| | - Alicia M Schiller
- From the Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha (P.R.P., A.M.S., I.H.Z.); U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX (A.M.S.); and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (K.K.V.H.)
| | - Karla K V Haack
- From the Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha (P.R.P., A.M.S., I.H.Z.); U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX (A.M.S.); and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (K.K.V.H.)
| | - Irving H Zucker
- From the Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha (P.R.P., A.M.S., I.H.Z.); U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX (A.M.S.); and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA (K.K.V.H.).
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Alves-Lopes R, Neves KB, Montezano AC, Harvey A, Carneiro FS, Touyz RM, Tostes RC. Internal Pudental Artery Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus Is Mediated by NOX1-Derived ROS-, Nrf2-, and Rho Kinase-Dependent Mechanisms. Hypertension 2016; 68:1056-64. [PMID: 27528061 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.116.07518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Oxidative stress plays an important role in diabetes mellitus (DM)-associated vascular injury. DM is an important risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Functional and structural changes in internal pudendal arteries (IPA) can lead to erectile dysfunction. We hypothesized that downregulation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), consequent to increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 (NOX1)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS), impairs IPA function in DM. IPA and vascular smooth muscle cells from C57BL/6 (control) and NOX1 knockout mice were used. DM was induced by streptozotocin in C57BL/6 mice. Functional properties of IPA were assessed using a myograph, protein expression and peroxiredoxin oxidation by Western blot, RNA expression by polymerase chain reaction, carbonylation by oxyblot assay, ROS generation by lucigenin, nitrotyrosine, and amplex red, and Rho kinase activity and nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 by ELISA. IPA from diabetic mice displayed increased contractions to phenylephrine (control 138.5±9.5 versus DM 191.8±15.5). ROS scavenger, Nrf2 activator, NOX1 and Rho kinase inhibitors normalized vascular function. High glucose increased ROS generation in IPA vascular smooth muscle cell. This effect was abrogated by Nrf2 activation and not observed in NOX1 knockout vascular smooth muscle cell. High glucose also increased levels of nitrotyrosine, protein oxidation/carbonylation, and Rho kinase activity, but reduced Nrf2 activity and expression of Nrf2-regulated genes (catalase [25.6±0.05%], heme oxygenase-1 [21±0.1%], and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 [22±0.1%]) and hydrogen peroxide levels. These effects were not observed in vascular smooth muscle cell from NOX1 knockout mice. In these cells, high glucose increased hydrogen peroxide levels. In conclusion, Rho kinase activation, via NOX1-derived ROS and downregulation of Nrf2 system, impairs IPA function in DM. These data suggest that Nrf2 is vasoprotective in DM-associated erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhéure Alves-Lopes
- From the Ribeirao Preto Medical School (R.A.-L., K.B.N., F.S.C., R.C.T.) and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto (K.B.N.), University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.C.M., A.H., R.M.T.).
| | - Karla B Neves
- From the Ribeirao Preto Medical School (R.A.-L., K.B.N., F.S.C., R.C.T.) and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto (K.B.N.), University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.C.M., A.H., R.M.T.)
| | - Augusto C Montezano
- From the Ribeirao Preto Medical School (R.A.-L., K.B.N., F.S.C., R.C.T.) and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto (K.B.N.), University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.C.M., A.H., R.M.T.)
| | - Adam Harvey
- From the Ribeirao Preto Medical School (R.A.-L., K.B.N., F.S.C., R.C.T.) and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto (K.B.N.), University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.C.M., A.H., R.M.T.)
| | - Fernando S Carneiro
- From the Ribeirao Preto Medical School (R.A.-L., K.B.N., F.S.C., R.C.T.) and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto (K.B.N.), University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.C.M., A.H., R.M.T.)
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- From the Ribeirao Preto Medical School (R.A.-L., K.B.N., F.S.C., R.C.T.) and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto (K.B.N.), University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.C.M., A.H., R.M.T.)
| | - Rita C Tostes
- From the Ribeirao Preto Medical School (R.A.-L., K.B.N., F.S.C., R.C.T.) and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto (K.B.N.), University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom (A.C.M., A.H., R.M.T.)
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Matsumoto T, Oki K, Kajikawa M, Nakashima A, Maruhashi T, Iwamoto Y, Iwamoto A, Oda N, Hidaka T, Kihara Y, Kohno N, Chayama K, Goto C, Aibara Y, Noma K, Liao JK, Higashi Y. Effect of aldosterone-producing adenoma on endothelial function and Rho-associated kinase activity in patients with primary aldosteronism. Hypertension 2015; 65:841-8. [PMID: 25624340 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.114.05001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate vascular function and activity of Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) in patients with primary aldosteronism. Vascular function, including flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation, and ROCK activity in peripheral leukocytes were evaluated in 21 patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), 23 patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA), and 40 age-, sex-, and blood pressure-matched patients with essential hypertension (EHT). FMD was significantly lower in the APA group than in the IHA and EHT groups (3.2±2.0% versus 4.6±2.3% and 4.4±2.2%; P<0.05, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference in FMD between the IHA and EHT groups. There was no significant difference in nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation in the 3 groups. ROCK activity was higher in the APA group than in the IHA and EHT groups (1.29±0.57 versus 1.00±0.46 and 0.81±0.36l; P<0.05, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference in ROCK activity between the IHA and EHT groups. FMD correlated with age (r=-0.31; P<0.01), plasma aldosterone concentration (r=-0.35; P<0.01), and aldosterone:renin ratio (r=-0.34; P<0.01). ROCK activity correlated with age (r=-0.24; P=0.04), plasma aldosterone concentration (r=0.33; P<0.01), and aldosterone:renin ratio (r=0.46; P<0.01). After adrenalectomy, FMD and ROCK activity were restored in patients with APA. APA was associated with both endothelial dysfunction and increased ROCK activity compared with those in IHA and EHT. APA may have a higher risk of future cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Matsumoto
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Kenji Oki
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Masato Kajikawa
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Ayumu Nakashima
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Tatsuya Maruhashi
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Yumiko Iwamoto
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Akimichi Iwamoto
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Nozomu Oda
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Takayuki Hidaka
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Yasuki Kihara
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Nobuoki Kohno
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Chikara Goto
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Yoshiki Aibara
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Kensuke Noma
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - James K Liao
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Yukihito Higashi
- From the Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine (T. Matsumoto, M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., A.I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.) and Molecular and Internal Medicine (K.O., N.K.), Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), and Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (Y.A., K.N., Y.H.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (A.N., Y.H.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.).
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13
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Tajonar A, Maehr R, Hu G, Sneddon JB, Rivera-Feliciano J, Cohen DE, Elledge SJ, Melton DA. Brief report: VGLL4 is a novel regulator of survival in human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells 2015; 31:2833-41. [PMID: 23765749 PMCID: PMC4617635 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are maintained in a self-renewing state by an interconnected network of mechanisms that sustain pluripotency, promote proliferation and survival, and prevent differentiation. We sought to find novel genes that could contribute to one or more of these processes using a gain-of-function screen of a large collection of human open reading frames. We identified Vestigial-like 4 (VGLL4), a cotranscriptional regulator with no previously described function in hESCs, as a positive regulator of survival in hESCs. Specifically, VGLL4 overexpression in hESCs significantly decreases cell death in response to dissociation stress. Additionally, VGLL4 overexpression enhances hESC colony formation from single cells. These effects may be attributable, in part, to a decreased activity of initiator and effector caspases observed in the context of VGLL4 overexpression. Additionally, we show an interaction between VGLL4 and the Rho/Rock pathway, previously implicated in hESC survival. This study introduces a novel gain-of-function approach for studying hESC maintenance and presents VGLL4 as a previously undescribed regulator of this process. Stem Cells 2013;31:2833-2841.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Tajonar
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Faraco G, Moraga A, Moore J, Anrather J, Pickel VM, Iadecola C. Circulating endothelin-1 alters critical mechanisms regulating cerebral microcirculation. Hypertension 2013; 62:759-66. [PMID: 23959559 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.113.01761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide implicated in the cerebrovascular alterations occurring in stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and brain trauma. Brain or circulating levels of ET1 are elevated in these conditions and in risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases. Most studies on the cerebrovascular effects of ET1 have focused on vascular smooth muscle constriction, and little is known about the effect of the peptide on cerebrovascular regulation. We tested the hypothesis that ET1 increases cerebrovascular risk by disrupting critical mechanisms regulating cerebral blood flow. Male C57Bl6/J mice equipped with a cranial window were infused intravenously with vehicle or ET1, and somatosensory cortex blood flow was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry. ET1 infusion increased mean arterial pressure and attenuated the blood flow increase produced by neural activity (whisker stimulation) or neocortical application of the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine but not A23187. The cerebrovascular effects of ET1 were abrogated by the ET(A) receptor antagonist BQ123 and were not related to vascular oxidative stress. Rather, the dysfunction was dependent on Rho-associated protein kinase activity. Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrated that ET1 suppresses endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production, assessed by its metabolite nitrite, an effect associated with Rho-associated protein kinase-dependent changes in the phosphorylation state of endothelial NO synthase. Collectively, these novel observations demonstrate that increased ET1 plasma levels alter key regulatory mechanisms of the cerebral circulation by modulating endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation and NO production through Rho-associated protein kinase. The ET1-induced cerebrovascular dysfunction may increase cerebrovascular risk by lowering cerebrovascular reserves and increasing the vulnerability of the brain to cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Faraco
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, 407 E 61st St, Room 303, New York, NY 10065.
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