E-selectin is associated with stable angina and myocardial infarction in a sample of Kurdish population

Endothelial dysfunction is the main factor that causes the onset of CAD. Leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium of the active blood artery wall has been demonstrated to be one of the early indicators of arteriosclerosis. This process is regulated by selectins. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the relationship between the polymorphisms in the E-selectin gene that have been linked to ischemic heart disease. We looked at the functional impact of the E-selectin gene polymorphism 7170G>C in Iraqi patients with IHD. This study was conducted on 200 participants who were admitted to the surgical specialty hospital-cardiac center in Erbil City, Iraq between October 2021 and May 2022. Based on the outcomes of the clinical examination, laboratory tests, coronary angiography (COA), acute myocardial infarction (MI) type ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), stable angina pectoris (SAP), and healthy control groups were tested. Each sample was subjected to Sanger sequencing. The polymorphism was significantly linked to stable angina and myocardial infarction Genotype CC was higher in SAP when compared with MI and control groups which was statistically significant with (p-value<0.05). A higher proportion of C allele was observed in SAP patients (15.7%) which was significantly higher than MI (14.58%) and control (10.8%). The statistical chi-square analysis for allele G frequency showed insignificant differences (p-value>0.05) between patients and the control group. Genetic variation in E-selectin such as polymorphism in nucleotide 7170 G>C at exon 4 region can significantly affect the outcome of cardiovascular diseases.

Harnessing upregulated E-selectin while enhancing SDF-1α sensing redirects infused NK cells to the AML-perturbed bone marrow

Increased bone marrow (BM) homing of NK cells is associated with positive outcome in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated within adoptive NK cell transfer trials. While most efforts to further improve the efficacy focus on augmenting NK cell persistence and cytotoxicity, few address their ability to home to the tumor. Here, we decipher how AML growth alters the BM niche to impair NK cell infiltration and how insights can be utilized to resolve this issue. We show that AML development gradually impairs the BM homing capacity of infused NK cells, which was tightly linked to loss of SDF-1α in this environment. AML development also triggered up-regulation of E-selectin on BM endothelial cells. Given the poor E-selectin-binding capacity of NK cells, introduction of fucosyltransferase-7 (FUT7) to the NK cells per mRNA transfection resulted in potent E-selectin binding and stronger adhesion to E-selectin+ endothelial cells. Co-introduction of FUT7 and gain-of-function CXCR4 (CXCR4R334X) redirected NK cell homing to the BM of AML-bearing mice nearly to the levels in AML-free mice. This work shows how impaired NK cell homing caused by AML-induced microenvironmental changes can be overcome by genetic engineering. We speculate our insights can help further advance future NK cell immunotherapies.

Oxidative Stress Induces E-Selectin Expression through Repression of Endothelial Transcription Factor ERG

Oxidative stress induces a prothrombotic state through enhancement of adhesion properties of the endothelium. E-selectin, an endothelial cell adhesion molecule, becomes a therapeutic target for venous thrombosis, whereas the regulatory mechanisms of its expression have not been fully understood. In the present study, we report that H2O2 treatment increases expression of E-selectin but decreases expression of the endothelial transcription factor ETS-related gene (ERG) in HUVECs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In BALB/c mice treated with hypochlorous acid, E-selectin expression is increased and ERG expression is decreased in endothelial cells of the brain and lung. RNA interference of ERG upregulates E-selectin expression, whereas transfection of ERG-expressing plasmid downregulates E-selectin expression in HUVECs. Knockdown or overexpression of ERG comprises H2O2-induced E-selectin expression in HUVECs. Deletion of the Erg gene in mice results in embryonic lethality at embryonic days 10.5-12.5, and E-selectin expression is increased in the Erg-/- embryos. No chromatin loop was found on the E-selectin gene or its promoter region by capture high-throughput chromosome conformation capture. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay determined that the -127 ERG binding motif mediates ERG-repressed E-selectin promoter activity. In addition, ERG decreases H2O2-induced monocyte adhesion. Together, ERG represses the E-selectin gene transcription and inhibits oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell adhesion.

Expression of ICAM-1 and E-selectin in different metabolic obesity phenotypes: discrepancy for endothelial dysfunction

OBJECTIVES

Endothelial dysfunction, the earliest vascular alteration, is a consequence of metabolic disorders associated with obesity. However, it is still unclear whether a proportion of obese individuals without metabolic alterations associated with obesity, defined as "metabolically healthy obesity (MHO)", exhibit better endothelial function. We therefore aimed to investigate the association of different metabolic obesity phenotypes with endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS

The obese participants without clinical cardiovascular disease from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) were allocated to the different metabolic obesity phenotypes based on their metabolic status, including MHO and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO). Associations of metabolic obesity phenotypes with the biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, including soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), were evaluated using multiple linear regression models.

RESULTS

Plasma levels of sICAM-1 and sE-selectin were respectively measured in 2371 and 968 participants. Compared to the non-obese participants, those with MUO were associated with higher concentrations of sICAM-1 (β 22.04, 95% CI 14.33-29.75, P < 0.001) and sE-selectin (β 9.87, 95% CI 6.00-13.75, P < 0.001) after adjusting for confounders. However, no differences were found for the concentrations of sICAM-1 (β 0.70, 95% CI - 8.91 to 10.32, P = 0.886) and sE-selectin (β 3.69, 95% CI - 1.13 to 8.51, P = 0.133) in the participants with MHO compared to the non-obese participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with MUO were associated with elevated biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, but the association with endothelial dysfunction was not found in those with MHO, indicating that the individuals with MHO might exhibit better endothelial function.

Dienogest does not augment the gene expression of adhesion molecules, MCP-1, and monocyte adherence in human endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) may increase the risk of atherosclerosis during hormone replacement therapy (HRT); therefore, the effect of progestogens other than MPA on atherosclerotic lesions requires evaluation. Adhesion of monocytes to vascular endothelial cells is an important early step in atherosclerosis progression. MCP-1 is a key chemokine that promotes monocyte migration and adhesion to vascular endothelial cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of dienogest (DNG), an alternative progestogen, on monocyte adhesion and cytokine expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

STUDY DESIGN

HUVECs were treated with DNG, natural progesterone, or MPA, followed by interleukin (IL)-1β stimulation. The mRNA expression of adhesion molecules (E-selectin and ICAM-1) and cytokines (MCP-1 and IL-6) was examined using real-time PCR. A flow chamber system was used to examine the effect of DNG on the adhesion of U937 monocytic cells to monolayer HUVECs.

RESULTS

Unlike MPA, DNG did not alter the mRNA expression of E-selectin, ICAM-1, MCP-1, and IL-6 in HUVECs. Moreover, it did not increase the number of monocytes adhering to HUVECs in the flow chamber system. However, MPA treatment significantly enhanced monocyte adhesion to HUVECs (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

DNG had no effect on the mRNA expression of adhesion molecules and cytokines in HUVECs, as well as the monocyte adhesion to HUVECs, suggesting that DNG can be explored as an alternative to MPA for HRT.

Glycolipid-enriched fraction of Osmanthus fragrans inhibits LPS-induced expression of inflammatory genes, COX-2, E-selectin, and Interleukin-8

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Osmanthus fragrans Lour. is a small ornamental tree native to the Southeastern parts of China. It is mainly cultivated because of its characteristic fragrance, and used in the food and perfume industry. Besides, its flowers are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of diseases including those related to inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study was to investigate in more detail the anti-inflammatory properties of O. fragrans flowers, and to characterize their active principles and mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

O. fragrans flowers were successively extracted with n-hexane, dichloromethane and methanol. The extracts were further fractionated by chromatographic separation. COX-2 mRNA expression in PMA-differentiated, LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells was used as lead assay for activity-guided fractionation. The most potent fraction was chemically analyzed by LC-HRMS. The pharmacological activity was also evaluated in other inflammation-related in-vitro models, such as analysis of IL-8 secretion and E-selectin expression in HUVECtert cells and selective inhibition of COX-isoenzymes.

RESULTS

n-Hexane and dichloromethane extracts of O. fragrans flowers significantly inhibited COX-2 (PTGS2) mRNA expression. Additionally, both extracts inhibited COX-2 enzyme activity, whereas COX-1 enzyme activity was affected to a significantly lower extent. Fractionation of the extracts led to a highly active, glycolipid-containing fraction. In total, 10 glycolipids were tentatively annotated by LC-HRMS. This fraction also inhibited LPS-induced COX-2 mRNA expression, IL-8 secretion and E-selectin expression. The effects were limited to LPS-induced inflammation and not observed when inflammatory genes were induced by TNF-α, IL-1β or FSL-1. Since all these inducers of inflammation act via different receptors, it is likely that the fraction interferes with the binding of LPS to the TLR4-receptor, which mediates pro-inflammatory effects of LPS.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory potential of O. fragrans flower extracts in general, and of the glycolipid-enriched fraction in particular. The effects of glycolipid-enriched fraction are potentially mediated via the inhibition of the TLR4 receptor complex.

Association of E-Selectin gene polymorphisms and serum E-Selectin level with risk of coronary artery disease in lur population of Iran

BACKGROUND

Adhesion molecules like E-selectin have important role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. C1901T and G98T polymorphisms of E-selectin gene and E-selectin serum level may affect the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

A total of 145 normal individuals and 154 patients diagnosed with CAD from the Lur population of Iran undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled. Genetic polymorphisms of E-selectin were determined using PCR-RFLP. Serum level of soluble E-selectin was measured using Elisa.

RESULTS

T allele in C1901T polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (P = 0.018). No significant association was observed for G98T polymorphism. The mean serum level of soluble E-selectin in the patient group was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Allele type in C1901T polymorphism plays a role in increasing the risk of developing CAD. Furthermore, since serum E-selectin level is associated with systemic inflammation, it contributes to the increased risk of the disease.

Co-Expression and Functional Interactions of Death Receptor 3 and E-Selectin in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Similar to the behavior of inflamed tubular epithelial cells, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells express death receptor 3 (DR3 or TNFSFR25) in situ, and expression increases with tumor grade. Surprisingly, E-selectin, which can be induced in endothelial cells by DR3 signaling, is also expressed by ccRCC cells and increases with tumor grade. In ccRCC organ cultures, addition of tumor necrosis factor-like 1A (TL1A or TNFSF15), the ligand for DR3, activates NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases, induces both DR3 and E-selectin expression in an NF-κB-dependent manner, and promotes cell cycle entry. DR3 immunoprecipitated from ccRCC tissue contains sialyl Lewis X moieties (the ligand recognized by E-selectin), proximity ligation assays reveal DR3, and E-selectin interacts on ccRCC cells. Similar to that with the addition of TL1A, the addition of soluble E-selectin to ccRCC organ cultures activates NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases in ccRCC cells and increases both DR3 and E-selectin expression and cell-cycle entry. In contrast, normal renal tubular epithelium, which poorly expresses DR3, is minimally responsive to either of these ligands. These data suggest a functional role for autocrine/paracrine DR3/E-selectin interactions in ccRCC and its progression, revealing a potential new target for therapeutic intervention.

The levels of sICAM-1, sELAM-1, TNFα and sTNFR1 proteins in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma in tumor and corresponding normal mucosa

Colorectal cancer is a common malign disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The cancer survival rate depends on the stage of the disease at detection time. It is well known that several molecular mechanisms are involved in cancer and some molecules might affect or modulate cancerogenesis. The aim of the study was to assess the levels of sICAM-1, sELAM-1, TNFα and sTNFR1 protein in tumor and corresponding normal mucosa in a group of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma and also associations of these parameters with demographic and clinical profiles of the patients. Tissue specimens were obtained during resection of neoplastic lesions. Protein levels were assayed in tissue homogenates by ELISA. The protein level of sICAM-1 in tumor was significantly increased in comparison to the corresponding normal mucosa (80.06 ng/mg vs 69.53 ng/mg, p=0.02). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between sICAM-1 and sTNFR1 proteins levels in tumor (rs=0.58, p<0.001) and in corresponding normal mucosa (rs=0.48, p<0.001) was found. Also, significant correlations in corresponding normal mucosa were found between sELAM-1 and sICAM-1 (rs=0.58, p<0.001) and between sTNFR1 and sELAM-1 (rs=0.57, p<0.001). Significantly higher level of sTNFR1 in corresponding normal mucosa samples of patients with distant metastases was observed (p=0.04). Obtained results suggest that sICAM-1 protein could be considered as colorectal cancer marker. Furthermore, sTNFR1 also has the potential to become a good prognostic marker used during monitoring of the patients. Nevertheless, a further study in this area to confirm this correlation is required.

Dietary γ-Glutamyl Valine Ameliorates TNF-α-Induced Vascular Inflammation via Endothelial Calcium-Sensing Receptors

γ-Glutamyl valine (γ-EV), commonly found in edible beans, was shown to reduce gastrointestinal inflammation via activation of calcium-sensing receptors (CaSRs). The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of γ-EV in modulating the tumor necrosis factor-α-induced inflammatory responses in endothelial cells (ECs) via CaSR-mediated pathways. Human aortic ECs (HAoECs) were pretreated (2 h) with γ-EV (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM). 1 mM pretreatment of γ-EV significantly reduced the upregulation of inflammatory adhesion molecules, VCAM-1 and E-selectin, by 44.56 and 57.41%, respectively. The production of cytokines IL-8 and IL-6 was significantly reduced by 40 and 51%, respectively, with 1 mM pretreatment of γ-EV. Similarly, there was a significant reduction in chemokine MCP-1 from a positive control of 9.70 ± 0.52 to 6.6 ± 0.43 ng/mL, after γ-EV treatment. The anti-inflammatory effect of γ-EV was attenuated by the treatment of the CaSR-specific inhibitor, NPS-2143, suggesting the involvement of CaSR-mediated pathways. Further studies identified the critical role of key modulators, such as β-arrestin2 and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein, in mediating the CaSR-dependent anti-inflammatory effect of γ-EV. Finally, the transport efficiency of γ-EV was evaluated through a monolayer of intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2), and the apparent permeability (Papp) of the peptide was found to be 1.56 × 10-6 cm/s.

Role of growth hormone signaling pathways in the development of atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The direct actions of growth hormone (GH) in the development of atherosclerosis are unclear. The goal of this study was to characterize GH-induced changes in expression of signaling pathway elements and other proteins that may be related to atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and THP-1, a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line, were stimulated by exposure to 10^-9 M or 10^-8 M human GH with or without pretreatment with a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1 inhibitor. Levels of transcripts encoding vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) -1, E-selectin, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1), interleukin (IL) -6, and IL-8 were investigated by reverse transcription (RT) -PCR. For the quantitative adhesion assay, THP-1 cells or human primary monocytes were fluorescently labeled with 3'-O-acetyl-2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl) -4 diacetoxymethyl ester (BCECF/AM). HUVEC treated with human GH were co-incubated with BCECF-labeled THP-1 cells. One hour later, the number of BCECF-labeled THP-1 cells was assessed. An equivalent experiment was performed using BCECF-labeled primary monocytes, and the number of monocytes adhering to HUVEC was counted.

RESULTS

Treatment with hGH increased the levels of E-selectin- and VCAM-1-encoding mRNAs in HUVEC. This effect was attenuated by pretreatment with a MEK1 inhibitor. Furthermore, hGH treatment increased adhesion of BCECF-labeled THP-1 cells or primary monocytes to HUVEC, and this effect was attenuated by pretreatment with a MEK1 inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression was stimulated by GH via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, resulting in augmented adhesion of THP-1 cells and monocytes to HUVEC. These data suggested that GH directly stimulates the development of atherosclerosis.

Platelet disturbances correlate with endothelial cell activation in uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria

Platelets drive endothelial cell activation in many diseases. However, if this occurs in Plasmodium vivax malaria is unclear. As platelets have been reported to be activated and to play a role in inflammatory response during malaria, we hypothesized that this would correlate with endothelial alterations during acute illness. We performed platelet flow cytometry of PAC-1 and P-selectin. We measured platelet markers (CXCL4, CD40L, P-selectin, Thrombopoietin, IL-11) and endothelial activation markers (ICAM-1, von Willebrand Factor and E-selectin) in plasma with a multiplex-based assay. The values of each mediator were used to generate heatmaps, K-means clustering and Principal Component analysis. In addition, we determined pair-wise Pearson’s correlation coefficients to generate correlation networks. Platelet counts were reduced, and mean platelet volume increased in malaria patients. The activation of circulating platelets in flow cytometry did not differ between patients and controls. CD40L levels (Median [IQ]: 517 [406–651] vs. 1029 [732–1267] pg/mL, P = 0.0001) were significantly higher in patients, while P-selectin and CXCL4 showed a nonsignificant trend towards higher levels in patients. The network correlation approach demonstrated the correlation between markers of platelet and endothelial activation, and the heatmaps revealed a distinct pattern of activation in two subsets of P. vivax patients when compared to controls. Although absolute platelet activation was not strong in uncomplicated vivax malaria, markers of platelet activity and production were correlated with higher endothelial cell activation, especially in a specific subset of patients.

Endothelial cell activation is a key process in the pathogenesis of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Platelets are classically involved in endothelial cell activation in several diseases, but their role in the context of vivax malaria remains unclear. Thrombocytopenia is the most common hematological disturbance in P. vivax-infected patients, and platelets have been implicated in parasitemia control. In this work, we studied the activation of platelets in association with endothelial cell activation in vivax malaria. Platelets retrieved from infected peripheral blood were non-activated when analyzed by flow cytometry; however, they displayed higher mean volume and significantly reduced counts. We also found higher levels of circulating factors associated with platelet activation (especially soluble CD40L), thrombopoiesis and endothelial cell activation in infected patients. Further, through pair-wise correlation and clustering analysis, we found a subgroup of patients showing significant associations between markers of platelet and endothelial activation in a pattern different from that of endemic controls. Collectively, our findings indicate a role of platelets in endothelial cell activation in vivax malaria and indicate a heterogeneous host response in the setting of uncomplicated disease, a finding to be further explored in future studies.

Agonism of GPR120 prevents ox-LDL-induced attachment of monocytes to endothelial cells

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced endothelial inflammation plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are gaining traction as potential treatment targets due to their roles in mediating a wide range of physiological processes. GPR120 is a recently identified omega-3 fatty acid receptor. We hypothesized that agonism of GPR120 might attenuate ox-LDL-induced endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we tested the effects of two GPR120 agonists-GW9508 and TUG-891-in mitigating endothelial insult induced by ox-LDL in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Real-time PCR, western blot, and ELISA analyses were used in our experiments. Our findings demonstrate that GPR120 is downregulated by exposure to ox-LDL, suggesting a role for GPR120 in mediating ox-LDL insult. Furthermore, we found that agonism of GPR120 could suppress oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Importantly, we show that agonism of GPR120 prevents the attachment of monocytes to endothelial cells by suppressing the expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin. Finally, we show that agonism of GPR120 exerts a remarkable atheroprotective effect by elevating the expression level of Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). Together, our results demonstrate a potential role for specific agonism of GPR120 in the prevention of endothelial damages induced by ox-LDL.

Selectin-Binding Assay by Flow Cytometry

Cell-cell interactions mediated by selectins and their ligand glycans play pivotal roles in a variety of biological processes represented by leukocyte recruitment to inflammatory sites, lymphocyte homing, and extravasation of cancer cells. The interactions are enhanced at least partly through the upregulation of the selectin-ligand glycan expression, which is observed, for instance, during the activation of leukocytes or epithelial-mesenchymal transition of cancer cells. Selectin-binding assays such as cell adhesion assay or rolling assay have long been used to directly evaluate the activity of these cells in the selectin-mediated processes. In this chapter, we introduce a highly quantitative assay by flow cytometry using recombinant selectin-Ig(Fc) chimera proteins, showing our procedure and tips for E-selectin-binding assay of colon cancer cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Endothelial Mineralocorticoid Receptors Contribute to Vascular Inflammation in Atherosclerosis in a Sex-Specific Manner

OBJECTIVE

MR (mineralocorticoid receptor) activation is associated with cardiovascular ischemia in humans. This study explores the role of the MR in atherosclerotic mice of both sexes and identifies a sex-specific role for endothelial cell (EC)-MR in vascular inflammation. Approach and Results: In the AAV-PCSK9 (adeno-associated virus-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) mouse atherosclerosis model, MR inhibition attenuated vascular inflammation in males but not females. Further studies comparing male and female littermates with intact MR or EC-MR deletion revealed that although EC-MR deletion did not affect plaque size in either sex, it reduced aortic arch inflammation specifically in male mice as measured by flow cytometry. Moreover, MR-intact females had larger plaques but were protected from vascular inflammation compared with males. Intravital microscopy of the mesenteric vasculature demonstrated that EC-MR deletion attenuated TNFα (tumor necrosis factor α)-induced leukocyte slow rolling and adhesion in males, while females exhibited fewer leukocyte-endothelial interactions with no additional effect of EC-MR deletion. These effects corresponded with decreased TNFα-induced expression of the endothelial adhesion molecules ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and E-selectin in males with EC-MR deletion compared with MR-intact males and females of both genotypes. These observations were also consistent with MR and estrogen regulation of ICAM-1 transcription and E-selectin expression in primary cultured mouse ECs and human umbilical vein ECs.

CONCLUSIONS

In male mice, EC-MR deletion attenuates leukocyte-endothelial interactions, plaque inflammation, and expression of E-selectin and ICAM-1, providing a potential mechanism by which the MR promotes vascular inflammation. In females, plaque inflammation and leukocyte-endothelial interactions are decreased relative to males and EC-MR deletion is not protective.

Minimal dosing of leukocyte targeting TRAIL decreases triple-negative breast cancer metastasis following tumor resection

Surgical removal of the primary tumor is a common practice in breast cancer treatment. However, postsurgical metastasis poses an immense setback in cancer therapy. Considering that 90% of cancer-related deaths are due to metastasis, antimetastatic therapeutic strategies that can target disseminating tumor cells in the circulation before they can form secondary tumors hold preclinical and clinical potential for cancer patients. Our current work uses a liposomal formulation functionalized with the adhesion receptor E-selectin and the apoptosis-inducing ligand TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) to reduce metastasis following tumor resection in an aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) mouse model. We demonstrate that minimal administration of E-selectin-TRAIL liposomes can target metastasis in a TNBC model, with primary tumor resection to mimic clinical settings. Our study indicates that TRAIL liposomes, alone or in combination with existing clinically approved therapies, may neutralize distant metastasis of a broad range of tumor types systemically.

A protein-mRNA feedback exists in miR-21-associated E-selectin expression

PURPOSE

To study whether miR-21, an oncogene associated with lung tumorigenesis, affects immune response.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cancer immune-related 786 mRNA expression was compared in lung tissue from wild-type and miR-21 knock-in mice using NanoString technology. The significantly changed genes were verified using real-time PCR. E-Selectin (Sele) was subsequently identified for further examination using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot in the same lung tissue. The mouse Sele 3'untranslated region (3'-UTR) was searched to identify a miR-21 matching sequence. The Sele level in miR-21 mimic transfected mouse lung bronchial epithelial (LBE) cells was examined.

RESULTS

We unexpectedly found that the Sele mRNA level significantly increased but the protein level significantly decreased in the lung tissue of miR-21 knock-in mice compared to the mRNA/protein levels in the lung tissue of wild-type mice. The mouse Sele 3'-UTR contains the key sequence that can be targeted by miR-21. The Sele levels decreased in mouse LBE cells after miR-21 mimic transfection.

CONCLUSION

Sele is a potential miR-21 target. The opposing Sele levels at mRNA and protein suggest a feedback-regulation from protein to mRNA. The feedback-regulation in miR-21-suppressed gene expression indicates that we should carefully evaluate any data from mRNA array since they may not reflect real protein expression status.

Label-Free Multi Parameter Optical Interrogation of Endothelial Activation in Single Cells using a Lab on a Disc Platform

Cellular activation and inflammation leading to endothelial dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated whether a single cell label-free multi parameter optical interrogation system can detect endothelial cell and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) activation in vitro and ex vivo, respectively. Cultured human endothelial cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) before endothelial activation was validated using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of inflammatory marker expression (PECAM-1, E-selectin and ICAM-1). A centrifugal microfluidic system and V-cup array was used to capture individual cells before optical measurement of light scattering, immunocytofluorescence, auto-fluorescence (AF) and cell morphology was determined. In vitro, TNF-α promoted specific changes to the refractive index and cell morphology of individual cells concomitant with enhanced photon activity of fluorescently labelled inflammatory markers and increased auto-fluorescence (AF) intensity at three different wavelengths, an effect blocked by inhibition of downstream signalling with Iκβ. Ex vivo, there was a significant increase in EPC number and AF intensity of individual EPCs from CVD patients concomitant with enhanced PECAM-1 expression when compared to normal controls. This novel label-free 'lab on a disc' (LoaD) platform can successfully detect endothelial activation in response to inflammatory stimuli in vitro and ex vivo.

RF/6A Chorioretinal Cells Do Not Display Key Endothelial Phenotypes

Purpose

The misuse of inauthentic cell lines is widely recognized as a major threat to the integrity of biomedical science. Whereas the majority of efforts to address this have focused on DNA profiling, we sought to anatomically, transcriptionally, and functionally authenticate the RF/6A chorioretinal cell line, which is widely used as an endothelial cell line to model retinal and choroidal angiogenesis.

Methods

Multiple vials of RF/6A cells obtained from different commercial distributors were studied to validate their genetic, transcriptomic, anatomic, and functional fidelity to bona fide endothelial cells.

Results

Transcriptomic profiles of RF/6A cells obtained either de novo or from a public data repository did not correspond to endothelial gene expression signatures. Expression of established endothelial markers were very low or undetectable in RF/6A compared to primary human endothelial cells. Importantly, RF/6A cells also did not display functional characteristics of endothelial cells such as uptake of acetylated LDL, expression of E-selectin in response to TNF-α exposure, alignment in the direction of shear stress, and AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation following VEGFA stimulation.

Conclusions

Multiple independent sources of RF/6A do not exhibit key endothelial cell phenotypes. Therefore, these cells appear unsuitable as surrogates for choroidal or retinal endothelial cells. Further, cell line authentication methods should extend beyond genomic profiling to include anatomic, transcriptional, and functional assessments.

Phosphorylation-Mediated IFN-γR2 Membrane Translocation Is Required to Activate Macrophage Innate Response

As a critical step during innate response, the cytoplasmic β subunit (IFN-γR2) of interferon-γ receptor (IFN-γR) is induced and translocates to plasma membrane to join α subunit to form functional IFN-γR to mediate IFN-γ signaling. However, the mechanism driving membrane translocation and its significance remain largely unknown. We found, unexpectedly, that mice deficient in E-selectin, an endothelial cell-specific adhesion molecule, displayed impaired innate activation of macrophages upon Listeria monocytogenes infection yet had increased circulating IFN-γ. Inflammatory macrophages from E-selectin-deficient mice had less surface IFN-γR2 and impaired IFN-γ signaling. BTK elicited by extrinsic E-selectin engagement phosphorylates cytoplasmic IFN-γR2, facilitating EFhd2 binding and promoting IFN-γR2 trafficking from Golgi to cell membrane. Our findings demonstrate that membrane translocation of cytoplasmic IFN-γR2 is required to activate macrophage innate response against intracellular bacterial infection, identifying the assembly of functional cytokine receptors on cell membrane as an important layer in innate activation and cytokine signaling.

Bai Hu Tang, Si Ni Tang, and Xue Bi Tang amplify pro-inflammatory activities and reduce apoptosis in endothelial cells in a cell culture model of sepsis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response of the body to a severe infection or massive tissue injury. Despite intensive research, sepsis continues to have a high mortality rate and successful treatment options are strongly needed. Bai Hu Tang (BHT), Si Ni Tang (SNT), and Xue Bi Tang (XBT) are ancient traditional Chinese formulas derived from Chinese herbs that are used to treat Sepsis, but their mechanisms of activity are largely unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to examine dose-dependent effects of BHT, SNT, and XBT in a cell culture model of Sepsis, with special focus on endothelial cell apoptosis and the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)6, IL8, the surface adhesion molecule intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We stimulated THP1 monocytic cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, Escherichia coli (E. coli)) for 4 h and used the resulting culture medium to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were also simultaneously treated with hydrophilic concentrates of BHT, SNT or XBT. We evaluated the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL6, IL8, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and ELAM-1 and the activity of caspase 3/7, a marker of cell apoptosis, after stimulation and treatment. In addition, we stimulated cannulated veins from human umbilical cords for 24 h and treated them with BHT, SNT or XBT. Immunohistochemistry visualized expression of ICAM-1 and ELAM-1.

RESULTS

The mRNA and protein levels of IL6, IL8, ICAM-1, and ELAM-1 were higher in stimulated HUVECs than in controls. Treating stimulated HUVECs with BHT, SNT or XBT induced an additional increase in IL6 (13- to 132-fold) and IL8 (17- to 32-fold) mRNA levels but did not influence their protein levels. In addition, BHT induced an additional increase in ICAM-1 mRNA (9-fold) expression, whereas XBT increased the mRNA and protein levels of ELAM-1 by 42-fold and 10-fold, respectively. Finally, caspase 3/7 levels, and therefore apoptosis, were up to 100% lower in cells treated with BHT than in the stimulated control (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that BHT, SNT, and XBT interfere in inflammatory pathways during septic processes by reducing the apoptotic effects of LPS and modifying the endothelial expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and surface adhesion molecules.

Inflammatory cytokine oncostatin M induces endothelial activation in macro- and microvascular endothelial cells and in APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice

AIMS

Endothelial activation is involved in many chronic inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis, and is often initiated by cytokines. Oncostatin M (OSM) is a relatively unknown cytokine that has been suggested to play a role in both endothelial activation and atherosclerosis. We comprehensively investigated the effect of OSM on endothelial cell activation from different vascular beds and in APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells, human aortic endothelial cells and human microvascular endothelial cells cultured in the presence of OSM express elevated MCP-1, IL-6 and ICAM-1 mRNA levels. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human aortic endothelial cells additionally expressed increased VCAM-1 and E-selectin mRNA levels. Moreover, ICAM-1 membrane expression is increased as well as MCP-1, IL-6 and E-selectin protein release. A marked increase was observed in STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation indicating that the JAK/STAT pathway is involved in OSM signaling. OSM signals through the LIF receptor alfa (LIFR) and the OSM receptor (OSMR). siRNA knockdown of the LIFR and the OSMR revealed that simultaneous knockdown is necessary to significantly reduce MCP-1 and IL-6 secretion, VCAM-1 and E-selectin shedding and STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation after OSM stimulation. Moreover, OSM administration to APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice enhances plasma E-selectin levels and increases ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesion in the aortic root area. Furthermore, Il-6 mRNA expression was elevated in the aorta of OSM treated mice.

CONCLUSION

OSM induces endothelial activation in vitro in endothelial cells from different vascular beds through activation of the JAK/STAT cascade and in vivo in APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice. Since endothelial activation is an initial step in atherosclerosis development, OSM may play a role in the initiation of atherosclerotic lesion formation.

Inhibition of fucosylation in human invasive ductal carcinoma reduces E-selectin ligand expression, cell proliferation, and ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation

Breast cancer tissue overexpresses fucosylated glycans, such as sialyl-Lewis X/A (sLeX/A ), and α-1,3/4-fucosyltransferases (FUTs) in relation to increased disease progression and metastasis. These glycans in tumor circulating cells mediate binding to vascular E-selectin, initiating tumor extravasation. However, their role in breast carcinogenesis is still unknown. Here, we aimed to define the contribution of the fucosylated structures, including sLeX/A , to cell adhesion, cell signaling, and cell proliferation in invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC), the most frequent type of breast cancer. We first analyzed expression of E-selectin ligands in IDC tissue and established primary cell cultures from the tissue. We observed strong reactivity with E-selectin and anti-sLeX/A antibodies in both IDC tissue and cell lines, and expression of α-1,3/4 FUTs FUT4, FUT5, FUT6, FUT10, and FUT11. To further assess the role of fucosylation in IDC biology, we immortalized a primary IDC cell line with human telomerase reverse transcriptase to create the 'CF1_T cell line'. Treatment with 2-fluorofucose (2-FF), a fucosylation inhibitor, completely abrogated its sLeX/A expression and dramatically reduced adherence of CF1_T cells to E-selectin under hemodynamic flow conditions. In addition, 2-FF-treated CF1_T cells showed a reduced migratory ability, as well as decreased cell proliferation rate. Notably, 2-FF treatment lowered the growth factor expression of CF1_T cells, prominently for FGF2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta, and negatively affected activation of signal-regulating protein kinases 1 and 2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. These data indicate that fucosylation licenses several malignant features of IDC, such as cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and growth factor expression, contributing to tumor progression.

Linkage of Metabolic Defects to Activated PIK3CA Alleles in Endothelial Cells Derived from Lymphatic Malformation

BACKGROUND

Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) derived from lymphatic malformations (LMs) bear activated PIK3CA alleles yet display an inflammatory gene expression profile. A basis for the inflammatory phenotype was sought by screening for coexisting somatic mutations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fourteen independent LEC populations bearing activated PIK3CA alleles were isolated from LM. These were characterized by the expression of growth and inflammatory genes (VEGFC, IL-6, COX-2, IL-8, HO-1, E-SEL) by qRT-PCR. Most commonly upregulated gene products were VEGFC, COX2, HO-1, and ANGPTL4. The specific inhibition of PI3K reduced VEGFC expression without resolving inflammation. Whole exome sequencing of six LM-LEC populations identified five novel somatically acquired alleles coexisting with activated PIK3CA alleles. Two affected genes regulate lipid droplet metabolism (FITM2 and ATG2A), two are gene regulators (MTA1 and TAF1L), and the fifth is an isoform of ANK3 (an endosomal/lysosomal protein). Inhibition of AMPK implicated its involvement in regulating COX-2 and HO-1 overexpression. ANGPTL4 expression was independent of AMPK and PI3K activity and reflected lipid stress demonstrated in normal LECs. AMPK activation with AICAR had a selective growth-limiting effect in a subset of LM-LEC isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory stress displayed by LM-LECs is consistent with errors in lipid metabolism that may be linked to acquired mutations. The acquisition of PIK3CA alleles may be a permissive event that antagonizes inflammation and metabolic defect.

[ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION AND MICROSCIRCULATION FEATURES IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH RISK OF DEVELOPMENT OF REPERFUSION SYNDROME IN CONDITIONS OF RECONSTRUCTION ARTERIAL OPERATIONS]

Aim - to study the state of the microcirculatory bed and the endothelial system in patients at risk of developing reperfusion syndrome and suggest methods for their correction. The work included 29 patients with obliterating diseases of the abdominal aorta and lower limb arteries with a high risk of developing reperfusion complications. Two groups of patients were identified. Group I - 8 patients, preoperative preparation include the generally accepted approaches. Group II - 21 patients whose preoperative preparation included, in addition to preparations for improving rheological blood conditions, prolonged epidural anesthesia, intravenous injection of hydroxyethylstarches, korvetin and alprostadil. In patients of both groups, a study was made of the state of the level of endothelial dysfunction, changes in capillary blood flow and arterio-venular blood shunting. Revascularization of the lower limbs in patients with a high risk of developing reperfusion complications leads to a deepening of endothelial dysfunction. The latter is characterized by a 2.3-fold increase (p<0.001) in the early postoperative period of circulating endothelial cells in the blood, by 2.5 times (p <0.001) endothelin-1, while a 1.3-fold decrease (p<0,05) P-selectin and in 1,7 times (p<0,05) E-selectin. The depth of the lesion of the endothelial system is indicated by a decrease of 29.9 % (p<0.001) in the level of NO. Deepening of endothelial dysfunction after reconstructive-reconstructive surgery is reflected in violations of the function of the microcirculatory bed. It is characterized by a 1.9-fold decrease (p<0.001) of skin perfusion, 2.0 times (p<0.001) in the erythrocyte concentration index and a 14% decrease (p<0.05) in capillary blood flow. This is facilitated by an increase of 14% (p<0.05) in skin perfusion pressure and an increase of 16% (p<0.05) in the resistance index of the microcirculatory bed, which leads to a decrease in tissue oxygenation to a level 3.38±0.14 mm.hg.

E-Selectin and restenosis after femoropopliteal angioplasty: prognostic impact of the Ser128Arg genotype and plasma levels

Perivascular inflammation plays a key role in the development of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).The adherence of leucocytes to the activated endothelium, an essential feature in the restenotic process, is mediated by the cellular adhesion molecule E-Selectin. A DNA polymorphism in the regulator region of E-Selectin at codon 561 (Ser128Arg) is suggested to modulate the molecule’s physiological effects. Therefore, we investigated the association between the E-Selectin Ser128Arg genotype, E-Selectin plasma levels and restenosis after femoropopliteal PTA. We prospectively studied 175 consecutive patients with peripheral artery disease and intermittent claudication (n=126) or critical limb ischemia (n=49) who underwent primary successful femoropopliteal balloon angioplasty. E-Selectin Ser128Arg genotype and baseline E-Selectin plasma levels were determined and patients were followed up for median 12 months (IQR 11 to 14, total range 6 to 24) for the occurrence of postangioplasty restenosis (≥50%). E-Selectin plasma levels in homozygous Arg128Arg and heterozygous Ser128Arg patients were significantly higher compared to wildtype Ser128Ser patients (p=0.041). Patency rates for wildtype Ser128Ser, heterozygous Ser128Arg and homozygous Ser128Ser patients were 57%, 44% and 50% at 6 months, and 46%, 40% and 17%, at 12 months, respectively (Log Rank p=0.31). Patency rates for increasing tertiles of E-Selectin were 61%, 58% and 37% at 6 months, and 54%, 45% and 30% at 12 months, respectively (Log Rank p=0.020). Patients with an E-Selectin plasma level above 44.9 mg/dL (third tertile) had an 1.9-fold increased adjusted risk for restenosis (95% CI 1.09 to 3.30). E-Selectin plasma levels are modulated by the E-Selectin Ser128Arg genotype, and predict the risk for restenosis after PTA in patients with PAD. A direct association of the Ser128Arg polymorphism with late postangioplasty failure could not be demonstrated.

CD15s/CD62E Interaction Mediates the Adhesion of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells on Brain Endothelial Cells: Implications for Cerebral Metastasis

Expression of the cell adhesion molecule (CAM), Sialyl Lewis X (CD15s) correlates with cancer metastasis, while expression of E-selectin (CD62E) is stimulated by TNF-α. CD15s/CD62E interaction plays a key role in the homing process of circulating leukocytes. We investigated the heterophilic interaction of CD15s and CD62E in brain metastasis-related cancer cell adhesion. CD15s and CD62E were characterised in human brain endothelium (hCMEC/D3), primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (COR-L105 and A549) and metastatic NSCLC (SEBTA-001 and NCI-H1299) using immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry in human brain tissue sections. TNF-α (25 pg/mL) stimulated extracellular expression of CD62E while adhesion assays, under both static and physiological flow live-cell conditions, explored the effect of CD15s-mAb immunoblocking on adhesion of cancer cell–brain endothelium. CD15s was faintly expressed on hCMEC/D3, while high levels were observed on primary NSCLC cells with expression highest on metastatic NSCLC cells (p < 0.001). CD62E was highly expressed on hCMEC/D3 cells activated with TNF-α, with lower levels on primary and metastatic NSCLC cells. CD15s and CD62E were expressed on lung metastatic brain biopsies. CD15s/CD62E interaction was localised at adhesion sites of cancer cell–brain endothelium. CD15s immunoblocking significantly decreased cancer cell adhesion to brain endothelium under static and shear stress conditions (p < 0.001), highlighting the role of CD15s–CD62E interaction in brain metastasis.

Increased levels of soluble forms of E-selectin and ICAM-1 adhesion molecules during human leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a multisystemic zoonotic disease with infiltration of visceral organs by Leptospira. The capacity of the vascular endothelium to grant immune cell recruitment and activation in target organs during the disease course remains poorly characterized. We ascertained the levels of expression of several soluble cell adhesion molecules (CAM) notably expressed by endothelial cells in human leptospirosis. We prospectively enrolled 20 hospitalized patients and compared them to 10 healthy controls. Disease severity was defined by one or more organ failures, or death. Plasmatic concentrations of soluble CAM were assessed by multiplex bead assay at the time of patient presentation (M0) and 1 month after hospital discharge. The levels of soluble E-selectin (sCD62E) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1, sCD53) were significantly increased in patients compared to controls (p<0.0001) and at 1 month (p<0.0001) with median values at 978 ng/ml (interquartile ranges 787–1164; sCD62E) and 1021 ng/ml (690–1428; sCD53). At M0, Soluble P-selectin level (sCD62P) was found to be decreased with levels at 60 ng/ml (0–631) versus 711 ng/ml (343–1113) for healthy controls (p<0.05). Levels of sICAM-3 (sCD50), sVCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule, sCD106) and sPECAM-1 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, sCD31) were not different from healthy subjects at M0. This study shows that two adhesion molecules, shed as soluble forms, are elevated during the acute phase of leptospirosis: E-selectin and s-ICAM1. These molecules may interfere with the process of immune cell recruitment to clear Leptospira at tissue levels.

Sirtuin 2 Regulates Microvascular Inflammation during Sepsis

Objective. Sepsis and septic shock, the leading causes of death in noncoronary intensive care units, kill more than 200,000/year in the US alone. Circulating cell-endothelial cell interactions are the rate determining factor in sepsis inflammation. Sirtuin, a seven-member family of proteins (SIRT1-7), epigenetically controls inflammation. We have studied the roles of SIRTs 1, 3, and 6 in sepsis previously. In this project, we studied the role of SIRT2 on sepsis-related inflammation. Methods. Sepsis was induced in C57Bl/6 (WT), SIRT2 knockout (SIRT2KO), and SIRT2 overexpressing (SIRT2KI) mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). We studied leukocyte/platelet adhesion using intravital microscopy and E-selectin/ICAM-1 adhesion molecule expression in the small intestine with immunohistochemistry (IHC) six hours post-CLP/sham surgery. We also studied 7-day survival rates in WT, SIRT2KO, and SIRT2KI sepsis mice. Results. Compared to WT mice, SIRT2KO mice show exaggeration while SIRT2KI mice show attenuation of cellular adhesion with sepsis in the small intestine. We also show that the small intestinal E-selectin and ICAM-1 expressions increased in SIRT2KO and decreased in SIRT2KI mice versus those in WT sepsis mice. We show that the 7-day survival rate is decreased in SIRT2KO and increased in SIRT2KI sepsis mice. Conclusion. SIRT2 modulates microvascular inflammation in sepsis and affects survival.

Montelukast inhibits oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL) induced vascular endothelial attachment: An implication for the treatment of atherosclerosis

Recruitment of monocytes to endothelial cells is important during early stages of atherosclerosis development, which is activated in response to a number of inflammatory stimuli, including oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Montelukast is a licensed drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and clinically used for the treatment of asthma by reducing the eosinophilic inflammation in the airway. Little information regarding the effects of Montelukast on endothelial inflammation has been reported before. In the current study, we found that Montelukast markedly reduced ox-LDL-induced monocyte adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In addition, the inhibitory mechanism of Montelukast was associated with suppression of adhesion molecule expression, including VCAM-1 and E-selectin. Mechanistically, ERK5 mediated expression of the transcriptional factor KLF2 was found to be involved in the anti-inflammation effects of Montelukast against ox-LDL induced endothelial inflammation. Results indicate that Montelukast plays a protective role in the early stages of atherosclerosis.

Inhibition of Low-Grade Inflammation by Anthocyanins after Microbial Fermentation in Vitro

The anti-inflammatory effects of anthocyanins (ACNs) on vascular functions are discussed controversially because of their low bioavailability. This study was performed to determine whether microorganism (MO)-fermented ACNs influence vascular inflammation in vitro. Therefore, MO growth media were supplemented with an ACN-rich grape/berry extract and growth responses of Escherichia coli, E. faecalis and H. alvei, as well as ACN fermentation were observed. MO supernatants were used for measuring the anti-inflammatory effect of MO-fermented ACNs in an epithelial-endothelial co-culture transwell system. After basolateral enrichment (240 min), endothelial cells were stimulated immediately or after 20 h with TNF-α. Afterwards, leukocyte adhesion, expression of adhesion molecules and cytokine release were measured. Results indicate that E. coli, E. faecalis and H. alvei utilized ACNs differentially concomitant with different anti-inflammatory effects. Whereas E. coli utilized ACNs completely, no anti-inflammatory effects of fermented ACNs were observed on activated endothelial cells. In contrast, ACN metabolites generated by E. faecalis and H. alvei significantly attenuated low-grade stimulated leukocyte adhesion, the expression of adhesion molecules E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 and cytokine secretion (IL-8 and IL-6), as well as NF-κB mRNA expression with a more pronounced effect of E. faecalis than H. alvei. Thus, MO-fermented ACNs have the potential to reduce inflammation.

ABO blood group associations with markers of endothelial dysfunction in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

ABO blood type is associated with cardiovascular disease, although the underlying mechanisms are presumed to be complex. While the relationship between non-O blood types and von Willebrand Factor (vWF) is well-established, associations with cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) across diverse populations are understudied.

METHODS

We genetically inferred ABO alleles for N = 6202 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations between major ABO allele dosages and log-transformed measurements of vWF (N = 924), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin, N = 925), soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin, N = 2392), and soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1, N = 2236) by race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

For the selectins, the A1 allele was associated with significantly lower levels for all races/ethnicities, with each additional allele resulting in a 28-39% decrease in sE-selectin and 10-18% decrease in sP-selectin relative to Type O subjects. However, the A2 allele demonstrated effect heterogeneity across race/ethnicity for sE-selectin, with lower levels for non-Hispanic whites (p = 0.0011) but higher levels for Hispanics (p = 0.0021). We also identified elevated sP-selectin levels for B-allele carriers solely in Hispanic participants (p = 1.0E-04). ABO-by-race/ethnicity interactions were significant for both selectins (p < 0.0125). More modest associations were observed between A1 allele dosage and levels of sICAM-1, with ABO alleles explaining 0.8-1.1% of the total phenotypic variation within race/ethnicity. ABO associations with vWF activity were consistent across race/ethnicity, with B allele carriers corresponding to the highest vWF activity levels.

CONCLUSIONS

ABO blood type demonstrates complex associations with endothelial markers that are largely generalizable across diverse populations.

Relationship of SELE A561C and G98T Variants With the Susceptibility to CAD

Published genetic association studies have produced controversial results regarding the association of SELE gene polymorphisms (A516C and G98T) and CAD susceptibility. We therefore chose to perform a meta-analysis to determine the association.Twenty-seven eligible articles were identified through electronic databases, providing 5170 CAD cases and 4996 controls. Fixed-effects or random-effects summary ORs were calculated to estimate the risk of CAD in relation to A516C and G98T. Forest plots and funnel plots were constructed by Stata software 12.0.A strong association was observed between A516C and susceptibility of CAD among 4757 cases and 4272 controls. The summary OR was greatest in individuals carrying the CC genotype (OR = 1.91, 95% CI, 1.12-3.25). A significantly increased risk was indicated in both Caucasians and Asians. The analyses by disease type showed a significant increase in the risk of AP and MI. We also noted a strong association in population-based studies. In the analyses of G98T, data were available for 1422 cases and 1625 controls. We saw a markedly increased risk of CAD associated with G98T. The highest risk was indicated in individuals with the TT genotype (OR = 2.82, 95% CI, 1.15-6.89). A similar trend was seen in Asians and population-based studies.These findings provide consistent evidence that A516C and G98T polymorphisms of the SELE gene may be associated with increased susceptibility of CAD.

The E-selectin S149R polymorphisms in breast cancer in a northern Iran population

Breast cancer is a complex polygenic disorder that genetic factors play an important role in disease etiology. E-selectin mediates the adhesion of tumor cells to endothelial cells. This interaction is associated with metastatic dissemination. Expression of E-selectin on the endothelium is a hallmark of inflammation. This study was performed to evaluate the association of E-selectin S149R polymorphisms and the risk of breast cancer. A total of 100 patients with breast cancer and 120 healthy sample donors (controls) were recruited in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh blood samples and genotyping of the E-selectin genes was performed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The frequencies of the CC, AC and AA genotypes were 2%, 84%, and 14% in patients and 2%, 12%, and 86% in controls, respectively, while the A and C allelic frequency was 56%, 44% in patients and 92%, 8% in controls, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there is a significant difference between two groups (P<0.0001). It is concluded that the E-selectin S149R polymorphisms is associated with the oncogenesis of breast cancer in a population in northern Iran.

A potential role for 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X in metastasis of bladder urothelial carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

It is widely accepted that sialyl Lewis X (sLeX) and sialyl Lewis A (sLeA, also known as CA 19-9) glycans expressed on cancer cells function in E-selectin-mediated metastasis. Recently, it was reported that 6-sulfo sLeX glycans detected by the MECA-79 monoclonal antibody are expressed in roughly a quarter of gastric adenocarcinoma cases, and that these cases show a poorer prognosis than MECA-79-negative cases do. The present study was undertaken to assess expression of 6-sulfo sLeX glycans in bladder urothelial carcinoma and evaluate potential clinical implications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed 78 specimens representing bladder urothelial carcinoma, as well as 4 bladder urothelial carcinoma cell lines, by immunostaining with a battery of anticarbohydrate antibodies. We also undertook an E-selectin·IgM chimera binding assay to assess E-selectin binding to 6-sulfo sLeX expressed on bladder urothelial carcinoma cells and performed reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and complementary DNA transfection to determine which N-acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfotransferases function in 6-sulfo sLeX biosynthesis in those cells. Finally, we performed double-immunofluorescence staining for MECA-79 and either CD3 or CD8 to evaluate potential association between high endothelial venule (HEV)-like vessels and tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes.

RESULTS

6-Sulfo sLeX glycans were expressed in ~20% of bladder urothelial carcinoma cases, particularly in plasmacytoid and micropapillary variants. Positive cells were also bound by E-selectin·IgM chimeras in a calcium-dependent manner. Transcripts encoding N-acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfotransferase-2 were detected preferentially in HT-1197 bladder urothelial carcinoma cells expressing 6-sulfo sLeX, and transfection of the enzyme complementary DNA into HT-1376 cells, which do not express 6-sulfo sLeX glycans, resulted in cell surface expression of 6-sulfo sLeX. Furthermore, 6-sulfo sLeX glycans were expressed in HEV-like vessels induced in and around lymphocyte aggregates formed near carcinoma cell nests. These HEV-like vessel-associated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were composed primarily of CD3(+) T cells, with a fraction of CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that 6-sulfo sLeX glycans likely play 2 roles in bladder urothelial carcinoma progression: one in lymphocyte recruitment to enhance antitumor immune responses, and the other in E-selectin-mediated tumor cell adhesion to vascular endothelial cells, which is potentially associated with metastasis.

Tumor-Associated Endothelial Cells Promote Tumor Metastasis by Chaperoning Circulating Tumor Cells and Protecting Them from Anoikis

Tumor metastasis is a highly inefficient biological process as millions of tumor cells are released in circulation each day and only a few of them are able to successfully form distal metastatic nodules. This could be due to the fact that most of the epithelial origin cancer cells are anchorage-dependent and undergo rapid anoikis in harsh circulating conditions. A number of studies have shown that in addition to tumor cells, activated endothelial cells are also released into the blood circulation from the primary tumors. However, the precise role of these activated circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in tumor metastasis process is not known. Therefore, we performed a series of experiments to examine if CECs promoted tumor metastasis by chaperoning the tumor cells to distal sites. Our results demonstrate that blood samples from head and neck cancer patients contain significantly higher Bcl-2-positive CECs as compared to healthy volunteers. Technically, it is challenging to know the origin of CECs in patient blood samples, therefore we used an orthotopic SCID mouse model and co-implanted GFP-labeled endothelial cells along with tumor cells. Our results suggest that activated CECs (Bcl-2-positive) were released from primary tumors and they co-migrated with tumor cells to distal sites. Bcl-2 overexpression in endothelial cells (EC-Bcl-2) significantly enhanced adhesion molecule expression and tumor cell binding that was predominantly mediated by E-selectin. In addition, tumor cells bound to EC-Bcl-2 showed a significantly higher anoikis resistance via the activation of Src-FAK pathway. In our in vivo experiments, we observed significantly higher lung metastasis when tumor cells were co-injected with EC-Bcl-2 as compared to EC-VC. E-selectin knockdown in EC-Bcl-2 cells or FAK/FUT3 knockdown in tumor cells significantly reversed EC-Bcl-2-mediated tumor metastasis. Taken together, our results suggest a novel role for CECs in protecting the tumor cells in circulation and chaperoning them to distal sites.

Identification and Expression Analysis of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) E-Selectin during Embryonic Development

In this study, we cloned the full-length cDNA of E-selectin of zebrafish (Danio rerio), analyzed its expression pattern and preliminarily explored its biological function. Zebrafish E-selectin cDNA is 3146 bp and encodes a putative 871 amino acid protein. All structural domains involved in E-selectin function are conserved in the putative protein. Whole-mount in situ hybridization of zebrafish at 24 and 48 h post-fertilization (hpf) revealed E-selectin expression mainly in vascular/endothelial progenitor cells in the posterior trunk and blood cells in the intermediate cell mass and posterior cardinal vein regions. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis detected E-selectin expression at 0.2, 24 and 48 hpf and significantly decreased from 48 to 72 hpf. The expression of E-selectin, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β was significantly upregulated at 22 to 72 h after induction with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Thus, the structure of E-selectin protein is highly conserved among species, and E-selectin may be involved in embryonic development and essential for hematopoiesis and angiogenesis during embryonic development in zebrafish. Furthermore, we provide the first evidence of inflammatory mediators inducing E-selectin expression in non-mammalian vertebrates, which suggests that zebrafish E-selectin may be involved in inflammation and probably has similar biological function to mammalian E-selectin.

[Endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide-II: properties, functions, and pathogenetic significance]

Endothelial dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes and atherosclerosis. Endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide-II (EMAP-II) is a multifunctional polypeptide with proinflammatory and antiangiogenic activity. EMAP-II induces procoagulant activity on the surface of endothelial cells, increases expression of E- and P-selectins and tumor necrosis factor-1, directs migration of monocytes and neutrophils, induces apoptosis in endothelial cells. The mechanisms of effects on endothelial cells, inflammatory action, anti-tumor properties, pathogenic role in diseases of the central nervous system involved in the development of the lungs during embryogenesis and pathogenic role in diseases of the lungs, in the development of cardiovascular disease.

Blocking the adhesion cascade at the premetastatic niche for prevention of breast cancer metastasis

Shear-resistant adhesion and extravasation of disseminated cancer cells at the target organ is a crucial step in hematogenous metastasis. We found that the vascular adhesion molecule E-selectin preferentially promoted the shear-resistant adhesion and transendothelial migration of the estrogen receptor (ER)(-)/CD44(+) hormone-independent breast cancer cells, but not of the ER(+)/CD44(-/low) hormone-dependent breast cancer cells. Coincidentally, CD44(+) breast cancer cells were abundant in metastatic lung and brain lesions in ER(-) breast cancer, suggesting that E-selectin supports hematogenous metastasis of ER(-)/CD44(+) breast cancer. In an attempt to prevent hematogenous metastasis through the inhibition of a shear-resistant adhesion of CD44(+) cancer cells to E-selectin-expressing blood vessels on the premetastatic niche, an E-selectin targeted aptamer (ESTA) was developed. We demonstrated that a single intravenous injection of ESTA reduced metastases to a baseline level in both syngeneic and xenogeneic forced breast cancer metastasis models without relocating the site of metastasis. The effect of ESTA was absent in E-selectin knockout mice, suggesting that E-selectin is a molecular target of ESTA. Our data highlight the potential application of an E-selectin antagonist for the prevention of hematogenous metastasis of ER(-)/CD44(+) breast cancer.

Associations of Endothelial System Genes With Blood Pressure Changes and Hypertension Incidence: The GenSalt Study

BACKGROUND

We used single-marker and novel gene-based methods to examine the associations of endothelial system genes with blood pressure (BP) changes and hypertension in a longitudinal family study.

METHODS

The Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt Sensitivity follow-up study was conducted among 1,768 Chinese participants from 633 families. Nine BP measurements were obtained at baseline and at 2 follow-up visits using a random-zero sphygmomanometer. Mixed-effect models were used to assess the additive associations of 206 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 15 endothelial system genes with longitudinal BP changes and hypertension incidence. Gene-based analyses were conducted using the truncated product method. The Bonferroni method was used to adjust for multiple testing in all analyses.

RESULTS

Among those free from hypertension at baseline, 512 (32.1%) developed hypertension during the average 7.2 years of follow-up. In single-marker analyses, each copy of the minor alleles of correlated SELE markers rs4656704, rs6427212, and rs5368 were associated with increased risk of developing hypertension (P for trend = 1.48 × 10(-4), 6.69 × 10(-5), and 7.64 × 10(-5), respectively). In addition, the minor allele of SELE marker rs3917436 was associated with smaller diastolic BP (DBP) increases over time. Results of gene-based analyses confirmed associations of the SELE gene with the longitudinal BP phenotypes (P values < 1.00 × 10(-6) for DBP change and hypertension incidence). Furthermore, the DDAH1 and COL18A1 genes were associated with systolic BP change (P < 1.00 × 10(-6) and P = 4.00 × 10(-6), respectively), while EDNRA was associated with hypertension incidence (P = 2.39 × 10(-4)).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study provides strong evidence of a role of endothelial system genes in BP progression and hypertension incidence.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelium inflammatory injury

OBJECTIVE

This study observed attenuating effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), an effective ingredient of aqueous extract of Carthamus tinctorius L, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelium inflammatory injury.

METHODS

Eahy926 human endothelium cell (EC) line was used; thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was assayed to observe the viability of EC; Luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to measure nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit nuclear binding activity in EC; Western blot technology was used to monitor mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and NF-κB activation. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was applied to observe intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin mRNA level; EC surface ICAM-1 expression was measured with flow cytometry and leukocyte adhesion to EC was assayed with Rose Bengal spectrophotometry technology.

RESULTS

HSYA protected EC viability against LPS-induced injury (P <0.05). LPS-induced NF-κB p65 subunit DNA binding (P <0.01) and nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor α (IκBα) phosphorylation was inhibited by HSYA. HSYA attenuated LPS triggered ICAM-1 and E-selectin mRNA levels elevation and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK or c-Jun N-terminal kinase MAPK. HSYA also inhibited LPS-induced cell surface ICAM-1 protein expression P <0.01) and leukocyte adhesion to EC (P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

HSYA is effective to protect LPS-induced high expression of endothelium adhesive molecule and inflammatory signal transduction.

Association between genetic polymorphisms of inflammatory response genes and the risk of ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Inflammation plays an important role in promoting ovarian tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the relationship between polymorphisms in inflammatory response genes and risk of ovarian cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the association of PPARG Pro12Ala, IL6-174G/C, E-selectin S128R, NFKB1-94 ins/del, NFKBIA-826C/T, and ICAM-1 K469E polymorphisms with ovarian cancer risk in a Chinese population.

METHODS

Genotyping of the polymorphisms was performed on 687 cases and 687 controls employing the PCR-RFLP technique, and the logistic regression model was used to measure the risk association.

RESULTS

A significantly increased risk association was observed for the heterozygous genotypes of PPARG [odds ratio (OR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-2.29] and E-selectin (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.07-2.93) polymorphisms, as well as the homozygous ins/ins genotype of NFKB1 polymorphism (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.00-1.92). By contrast, ICAM-1 KE genotype was associated with a decreased ovarian cancer risk (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.60-0.98). In addition, the NFKB1 del/del + NFKBIA TT combination was also found to be associated with a decreased ovarian cancer risk, with OR = 0.12 (95% CI = 0.01-0.95). The associations of the NFKB1 and ICAM-1 polymorphisms replicated the findings of previous reports, assuring the reliability of the results obtained.

CONCLUSION

NFKB1 and ICAM-1 polymorphisms could serve as useful ovarian cancer risk prediction biomarkers for the Chinese population, while the utility of PPARG and E-selectin polymorphisms as biomarkers requires further confirmation in independent ovarian cancer cohorts.

Associations SELE gene haplotype variant and hypertension in Mongolian and Han populations

Genetic variation is thought to contribute to the etiology of hypertension, and E-selectin is a candidate essential hypertension-associated gene.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we attempted to test the hypothesis that subtle haplotype variants of SELE genes may be sources of essential hypertension in Mongolian and Han populations.

MATERIALS

A total of 429 unrelated Mongolian herdsmen and 416 Han farmers were enrolled, including 212 Mongolian essential hypertension (EH) patients, 217 Mongolian normotensives (controls), 200 Han EH patients and 216 Han normotensives (controls).

METHODS

All nine tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the SELE gene were retrieved from HapMap and the genotyping was performed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/ligase detection reaction assay. Results The distributions of the A-allele frequency of rs3917458 and the C-allele frequency of rs2179172 differed significantly between the hypertensive subjects and controls in the Han population. The frequency of haplotype GGC was significantly higher in the EH group than in the controls in the Mongolian population. In the Han population, a significant difference was observed in the haplotype frequency of TCC between the patients and controls, whereas haplotype ACA was detected significantly less often in the EH subjects than in the controls.

CONCLUSION

Meanwhile, the haplotype TCC in the Han hypertensive patients and the haplotype GGC in the Mongolian patients had independent effects in increasing the risk for EH and maybe used as risk factors for predicting high blood pressure. However, the haplotype ACA had an independent effect in decreasing the risk of hypertension and may be protective in normotensive subjects in the Han population. Therefore, multiple SNPs in combination in SELE may confer a risk of hypertension.

The "sneaking-ligand" approach: cell-type specific inhibition of the classical NF-κB pathway

The intracellular delivery of molecules across the plasma membrane represents a major obstacle. The conjugation of cell-permeable peptides (CPPs) to proteins promotes the uptake and internalization. However, uptake of CPPs is receptor independent and not cell-type specific. Recently, we established the "sneaking-ligand" approach which is based on multimodular recombinant fusion proteins that consist of three modules connected with serine-glycine linkers. Module one is responsible for receptor-mediated endocytosis; module two supports translocation into the cytoplasm so that the effector module three can interact with its binding partner in the cytoplasm. For NF-κB inhibition, we described an NF-κB inhibitor that targets selectively the activated endothelium via an oligopeptide motif. Upon E-selectin-mediated endocytosis, the Pseudomonas exotoxin A domain II (ETAII) translocates the NEMO-binding peptide to the cytoplasm interfering with IκB kinase complex assembly. Inflammatory autoimmune diseases are triggered, but also resolved by a variety of cell types. Therefore, the inhibition of NF-κB should be restricted to those cells that are crucially involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. A general blockade of NF-κB may result in severe immunosuppression and possibly in organ dysfunction or damage. The "sneaking-ligand" approach could minimize the risks of therapeutic interventions and identify disease-relevant cell types. Here we describe the recombinant expression and purification of the E-selectin-specific "sneaking-ligand construct" (SLC1) and its ability to inhibit cytokine-induced NF-κB activation in vitro.

Recombinant Treponema pallidum protein Tp0965 activates endothelial cells and increases the permeability of endothelial cell monolayer

The recombinant Treponema pallidum protein Tp0965 (rTp0965), one of the many proteins derived from the genome of T. pallidum subsp. pallidum, shows strong immunogenicity and immunoreactivity. In this study, we investigated the effects of rTp0965 on the endothelial barrier. Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with rTp0965 resulted in increased levels of ICAM-1, E-selectin, and MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression. These increases contributed to the adhesion and chemataxis of monocytes (THP-1 cells) to HUVECs preincubated with rTp0965. In addition, rTp0965 induced reorganization of F-actin and decreased expression of claudin-1 in HUVECs. Interestingly, inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK signal pathway protected against rTp0965-induced higher endothelial permeability as well as transendothelial migration of monocytes. These data indicate that Tp0965 protein may play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of syphilis.

Hibernation induces immune changes in the lung of 13-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus)

During hibernation, significant changes occur in the systemic and intestinal immune populations. We found that the lungs of hibernating 13-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) also undergo shifts in immune phenotype. Within the population of mononuclear cells, the percentage of T cells increases and the percentage of CD11b/c(+) cells decreases in hibernators. E-selectin, which promotes endothelial attachment, increases during arousal from torpor. Levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 in the lung are lower during hibernation while levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α remain constant. Expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins is also decreased in torpid hibernators. Our data point to a unique immune phenotype in the lung of hibernating ground squirrels in which certain immunosuppressive proteins are downregulated while some potentially inflammatory proteins are maintained or amplified. This indicates that the lung houses an immune population that can potentially respond to antigenic challenge during hibernation.

Emodin ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury, involving the inactivation of NF-κB in mice

Acute lung injury (ALI) and its severe manifestation of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are well-known illnesses. Uncontrolled and self-amplified pulmonary inflammation lies at the center of the pathology of this disease. Emodin, the bio-active coxund of herb Radix rhizoma Rhei, shows potent anti-inflammatory properties through inactivation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of emodin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice, and its potential bio-mechanism. In our study, BALB/c mice were stimulated with LPS to induce ALI. After 72 h of LPS stimulation, pulmonary pathological changes, lung injury scores, pulmonary edema, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, total cells, neutrophils, macrophages, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and MCP-1 and E-selectin expression were notably attenuated by emodin in mice. Meanwhile, our data also revealed that emodin significantly inhibited the LPS-enhanced the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and NF-κB p65 DNA binding activity in lung. Our data indicates that emodin potently inhibits LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary edema and MCP-1 and E-selectin expression, and that these effects were very likely mediated by inactivation of NF-κB in mice. These results suggest a therapeutic potential of emodin as an anti-inflammatory agent for ALI/ARDS treatment.

Family with sequence similarity 5, member C (FAM5C) increases leukocyte adhesion molecules in vascular endothelial cells: implication in vascular inflammation

Identification of the regulators of vascular inflammation is important if we are to understand the molecular mechanisms leading to atherosclerosis and consequent ischemic heart disease, including acute myocardial infarction. Gene polymorphisms in family with sequence similarity 5, member C (FAM5C) are associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction, but little is known about the function of this gene product in blood vessels. Here, we report that the regulation of the expression and function of FAM5C in endothelial cells. We show here that FAM5C is expressed in endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Immunofluorescence microcopy showed localization of FAM5C in the Golgi in cultured human endothelial cells. Immunohistochemistry on serial sections of human coronary artery showed that FAM5C-positive endothelium expressed intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) or vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). In cultured human endothelial cells, the overexpression of FAM5C increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity and the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin mRNAs, resulting in enhanced monocyte adhesion. FAM5C was upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli, such as TNF-α, in an NF-κB- and JNK-dependent manner. Knockdown of FAM5C by small interfering RNA inhibited the increase in the TNF-α-induced production of ROS, NF-κB activity and expression of these leukocyte adhesion molecule mRNAs, resulting in reduced monocyte adhesion. These results suggest that in endothelial cells, when FAM5C is upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli, it increases the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules by increasing ROS production and NF-κB activity.

Age-dependent modifications in vascular adhesion molecules and apoptosis after 48-h reperfusion in a rat global cerebral ischemia model

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability in the elderly. However, most of the experimental studies on stroke are based on young animals, and we hypothesised that age can substantially affect the stroke response. The two-vessel occlusion model of global ischemia by occluding the common carotid arteries for 15 min at 40 mmHg of blood pressure was carried out in 3- and 18-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. The adhesion molecules E- and P-selectin, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), both intercellular (ICAM-1) and vascular (VCAM-1), as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and cleaved caspase-3 were measured at 48 h after ischemia in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus using Western blot, qPCR and immunofluorescence techniques. Diametric expression of GFAP and a different morphological pattern of caspase-3 labelling, although no changes in the cell number, were observed in the neurons of young and old animals. Expression of E-selectin and CAMs was also modified in an age- and ischemia/reperfusion-dependent manner. The hippocampus and cerebral cortex had similar response patterns for most of the markers studied. Our data suggest that old and young animals present different time-courses of neuroinflammation and apoptosis after ischemic damage. On the other hand, these results suggest that neuroinflammation is dependent on age rather than on the different vulnerability described for the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. These differences should be taken into account in searching for therapeutic targets.

Peptidylprolyl cis/trans isomerase, NIMA-interacting 1 (PIN1) regulates pulmonary effects of endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor-α in mice

Peptidylprolyl cis/trans isomerase, NIMA-interacting 1 (PIN1) modulates phospho-signaling by catalyzing rotation of the bond between a phosphorylated serine or threonine before proline in proteins. As depletion of PIN1 increased inflammatory protein expression in cultured endothelial cells treated with bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and interferon-γ, we hypothesized that PIN1 knockout would increase sensitivity to LPS-induced lung inflammation in mice. Mortality due to a high dose of LPS (30mg/kg) was greater in knockout than wildtype mice. Lung myeloperoxidase activity, reflecting neutrophils, was increased to a 35% higher level in PIN1 knockout mouse lung, as compared with wildtype, after treatment with a sublethal dose of 3mgLPS/kg, ip. Unexpectedly, plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) was approximately 50% less than in wildtype mice. Knockout mice, however, were more sensitive than wildtype to TNF-induced neutrophil accumulation. The neutrophil adhesion molecule, E-selectin, was also elevated in lungs of knockout mice treated with TNF, suggesting that PIN1 depletion increases endothelial sensitivity to TNF. Indeed, TNF induced more reactive oxygen species in cultured endothelial cells depleted of PIN1 with short hairpin RNA than in control cells. Collectively, the results indicate that while PIN1 normally facilitates TNF production in LPS-treated mice, it suppresses pulmonary and endothelial reactions to the cytokine. Tissue or cell-specific effects of PIN1 may affect the overall inflammatory response to LPS and other stimuli.