Relationship between signal transduction and PPAR alpha-regulated genes of lipid metabolism in rat hepatic-derived Fao cells

The goal of this study was to characterize phosphorylated proteins and to evaluate the changes in their phosphorylation level under the influence of a peroxisome proliferator (PP) with hypolipidemic activity of the fibrate family. The incubation of rat hepatic derived Fao cells with ciprofibrate leads to an overphosphorylation of proteins, especially one of 85 kDa, indicating that kinase (or phosphatase) activities are modified. Moreover, immunoprecipitation of 32P-labeled cell lysates shows that the nuclear receptor, PP-activated receptor, alpha isoform, can exist in a phosphorylated form, and its phosphorylation is increased by ciprofibrate. This study shows that PP acts at different steps of cell signaling. These steps can modulate gene expression of enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism and lipid homeostasis, as well as in detoxication processes.

Ciprofibrate stimulates protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation of an 85 kDa protein in rat Fao hepatic derived cells

The effect of ciprofibrate on early events of signal transduction was previously studied in Fao cells. Protein kinase C (PKC) assays performed on permeabilized cells showed a more than two-fold increase in PKC activity in cells treated for 24 h with 500 microM ciprofibrate. To show the subsequent effect of this increase on protein phosphorylation, the in vitro phosphorylation on particulate fractions obtained from Fao cells was studied. Among several modifications, the phosphorylation of protein(s) with an apparent molecular mass of 85 kDa was investigated. This modification appeared in the first 24 h of treatment with 500 microM ciprofibrate. It was shown to occur on Ser/Thr residue(s). It was calcium but not calmodulin-dependent. The phosphorylation level of this/these protein(s) was reduced with kinase inhibitors and especially with 300 nM GF-109203X, a specific inhibitor of PKC. All these results suggest that the phosphorylation of the 85 kDa protein(s) is due to a PKC or to another Ser/Thr kinase activated via a PKC pathway. A possible biochemical candidate for 85 kDa protein seems to be the beta isoform of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit.

Phosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha in rat Fao cells and stimulation by ciprofibrate

The basic mechanism(s) by which peroxisome proliferators activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) is (are) not yet fully understood. Given the diversity of peroxisome proliferators, several hypotheses of activation have been proposed. Among them is the notion that peroxisome proliferators could activate PPARs by changing their phosphorylation status. In fact, it is well known that several members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily are regulated by phosphorylation. In this report, we show that the rat Fao hepatic-derived cell line, known to respond to peroxisome proliferators, exhibited a high content of PPARalpha. Alkaline phosphatase treatment of Fao cell lysate as well as immunoprecipitation of PPARalpha from cells prelabeled with [32P] orthophosphate clearly showed that PPARalpha is indeed a phosphoprotein in vivo. Moreover, treatment of rat Fao cells with ciprofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator, increased the phosphorylation level of the PPARalpha. In addition, treatment of Fao cells with phosphatase inhibitors (okadaic acid and sodium orthovanadate) decreased the activity of ciprofibrate-induced peroxisomal acyl-coenzyme A oxidase, an enzyme encoded by a PPARalpha target gene. Our results suggest that the gene expression controlled by peroxisome proliferators could be mediated in part by a modulation of the PPARalpha effect via a modification of the phosphorylation level of this receptor.

Vitamin E mediated response of smooth muscle cell to oxidant stress

Oxidant stress is associated with diminution of antioxidant molecules, such as alpha-tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol specifically decreases, in a concentration dependent way, the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. At the same concentrations (10-50 microM) it induces inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) activity. The latter event is not due to a decrease in PKC level or to alpha-tocopherol binding to PKC, but it results from increase of protein phosphatase 2A1 activity. In vitro data, as well as at a cellular level, demonstrates that protein phosphatase 2A1 is activated, in its trimeric structure--but not as a dimer by alpha-tocopherol. This activation is followed by PKC-alpha dephosphorylation. The activation of protein phosphatase 2A1 and deactivation of PKC-alpha affect the AP1 transcription factor, resulting in a change in the composition and the binding of this factor to DNA. By transfecting smooth muscle cell with a construct containing three TRE (TPA responsive elements), the promoter thymidine kinase and the reporter gene chloramphenicol-acetyl-transferase a modulation of gene expression by alpha-tocopherol is observed. Beta-tocopherol does not cause any of the responses observed with alpha-tocopherol and R,R,R-alpha-tocopherol is twice as potent as all-rac-alpha-tocopherol. When added together, beta-tocopherol prevents the effects of alpha-tocopherol indicating that the mechanism involved is not related to the radical-scavenging properties of these two molecules, which are essentially equal. By differential display analysis it has been found that several genes of smooth muscle cells are differentially transcribed in the presence of alpha-tocopherol but not beta-tocopherol. In particular, the gene of alpha-tropomyosin shows a transient enhancement of transcription as a function of the cell cycle time. Alpha-tropomyosin translation is also increased by alpha-tocopherol and not by beta-tocopherol. Because no changes of mRNA stability can be observed in the presence of alpha-tocopherol, the data supports the conclusion of a transcriptional control exerted by alpha-tocopherol on alpha-tropomyosin. Generally, the data strongly suggests the existence of a ligand/receptor type of mechanism at the basis of alpha-tocopherol action. It is concluded that an oxidative stress-induced diminution of alpha-tocopherol in smooth muscle cell activates a reaction cascade leading to changes in gene expression and increase in cell proliferation by a non-antioxidant mechanism.

Effect of alpha-tocopherol and silibin dihemisuccinate on the proliferation of human skin fibroblasts

Cell proliferation is a complex and important event in atherosclerosis, aging and cancer, and is under the control of signalling pathways. These signalling pathways in turn are effected by the presence of a number of chemicals. For this purpose, we have checked the effect of two chemicals on the proliferation of skin fibroblasts. alpha-Tocopherol and silibin dihemisuccinate (SDH) negatively regulate proliferation of human skin fibroblasts. To check the cell-cycle time intervals, a [3H]thymidine incorporation assay was performed, showing DNA replication at around 24 h; this indicated the time required for the incubation with the chemicals. When alpha-tocopherol was added to the growth medium at a physiological concentration of 50 microM, cell proliferation was inhibited by 40% in 72 h. A similar inhibitory effect of cell proliferation was achieved when 500 microM SDH was used (39% inhibition in 72 h). From the dose-response curves obtained it was concluded that both duration of treatment and the concentration of the chemicals are important parameters. The actual mechanism of the inhibition of cell proliferation may be due to the anti-oxidative potential of these chemicals as well as another mechanism effecting signal transduction pathways.

Lycopene in association with alpha-tocopherol inhibits at physiological concentrations proliferation of prostate carcinoma cells

The effect of lycopene alone or in association with other antioxidants was studied on the growth of two different human prostate carcinoma cell lines (the androgen insensitive DU-145 and PC-3). It was found that lycopene alone was not a potent inhibitor of prostate carcinoma cell proliferation. However, the simultaneous addition of lycopene together with alpha-tocopherol, at physiological concentrations (less than 1 microM and 50 microM, respectively), resulted in a strong inhibitory effect of prostate carcinoma cell proliferation, which reached values close to 90 %. The effect of lycopene with alpha-tocopherol was synergistic and was not shared by beta-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and probucol.

alpha-Tocopherol specifically inactivates cellular protein kinase C alpha by changing its phosphorylation state

The mechanism of protein kinase C (PKC) regulation by alpha-tocopherol has been investigated in smooth-muscle cells. Treatment of rat aortic A7r5 smooth-muscle cells with alpha-tocopherol resulted in a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of PKC. The inhibition was not related to a direct interaction of alpha-tocopherol with the enzyme nor with a diminution of its expression. Western analysis demonstrated the presence of PKCalpha, beta, delta, epsilon, zeta and micro isoforms in these cells. Autophosphorylation and kinase activities of the different isoforms have shown that only PKCalpha was inhibited by alpha-tocopherol. The inhibitory effects were not mimicked by beta-tocopherol, an analogue of alpha-tocopherol with similar antioxidant properties. The inhibition of PKCalpha by alpha-tocopherol has been found to be associated with its dephosphorylation. Moreover the finding of an activation of protein phosphatase type 2A in vitro by alpha-tocopherol suggests that this enzyme might be responsible for the observed dephosphorylation and subsequent deactivation of PKCalpha. It is therefore proposed that PKCalpha inhibition by alpha-tocopherol is linked to the activation of a protein phosphatase, which in turn dephosphorylates PKCalpha and inhibits its activity.

RRR-alpha-tocopherol regulation of gene transcription in response to the cell oxidant status

RRR-alpha-Tocopherol, but not RRR-beta-tocopherol, negative regulates proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells at physiological concentrations. At the same concentrations RRR-alpha-tocopherol inhibits protein kinase C activity, whereas RRR-beta-tocopherol is ineffective. Furthermore, RRR-beta-tocopherol prevents the inhibition of cell growth and of protein kinase C activity caused by RRR-alpha-tocopherol. The negative regulation by RRR-alpha-tocopherol of protein kinase C activity appears to be the cause of smooth muscle cell growth inhibition. RRR-alpha-Tocopherol does not act by binding to protein kinase C directly but presumably by preventing protein kinase C activation. A second RRR-alpha-tocopherol effect has been found at the level of AP 1, the latter becoming activated by RRR-alpha-tocopherol under condition of protein kinase C inhibition or down regulation. AP-1 inhibition by RRR-alpha-tocopherol is seen, however, under condition of protein kinase C stimulation. Compositional changes of AP-1 have been found to be at the basis of the RRR-alpha-tocopherol effects. RRR-beta-tocopherol, provided with similar antioxidant properties, not only it does not affect AP 1 but it prevents the effects of RRR-alpha-tocopherol. Moreover, it has been observed that RRR-alpha-tocopherol is able to affect TRE regulated gene transcription. It is concluded that RRR-alpha-tocopherol acts specifically in vascular smooth muscle cells, by controlling a signal transduction pathway leading to cell proliferation by a non-antioxidant mechanism.

Molecular basis of alpha-tocopherol control of smooth muscle cell proliferation

Rat and human vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation is specifically sensitive to alpha-tocopherol, but not beta-tocopherol. The former, but not the latter, is capable of limiting proliferation and inhibiting protein kinase C activity in a dose-dependent manner. The phenomenon occurs at concentrations in the range 10-50 microM. beta-tocopherol addition together with alpha-tocopherol, prevents both cell growth and protein kinase C inhibition. alpha-tocopherol increases de novo synthesis of protein kinase C molecules. The enzyme specific activity, however, is diminished, due to a decreased phosphorylation of protein kinase C, occurring in the presence of alpha-tocopherol. Experiments with protein kinase C isoform-specific inhibitors and precipitating antibodies show that the only isoform affected by alpha-tocopherol is protein kinase C-alpha. The effect of alpha-tocopherol is prevented by okadaic acid indicating a phosphatase of the PP2A type as responsible for protein kinase C-alpha dephosphorylation produced in the presence of alpha-tocopherol. At a gene level alpha-tocopherol but not beta-tocopherol induces a transient activation of alpha-tropomyosin gene transcription and protein expression. It is proposed that, by inhibiting protein kinase C activity via an activation of a phosphatase PP2A, alpha-tocopherol controls smooth muscle cell proliferation through changes in gene expression.

Signalling functions of alpha-tocopherol in smooth muscle cells

alpha-Tocopherol but not beta-tocopherol, activates protein phosphatase 2A, decreases protein kinase C activity and attenuates smooth muscle cell proliferation at physiological concentrations. beta-Tocopherol prevents the effects of alpha-tocopherol. Inhibition of protein kinase C alpha, but not of the other isoforms, by the inhibitor Gö6976 prevents the effect of alpha-tocopherol. Protein kinase C alpha, immunoprecipitated from alpha-tocopherol treated cells, is less phosphorylated and inactive. It is proposed that the specific activation of protein phosphatase 2A by alpha-tocopherol results in dephosphorylation and inactivation of protein kinase C alpha. Finally, this cascade of events leads to smooth muscle cell proliferation inhibition.

Alpha-tocopherol as a modulator of smooth muscle cell proliferation

The effects of alpha-tocopherol and beta-tocopherol have been studied in rat and human aortic smooth muscle cells. Alpha-tocopherol, but not beta-tocopherol, inhibited smooth muscle cell proliferation and protein kinase C in a dose-dependent manner, at concentrations ranging from 10 to 50 microM. Beta-tocopherol added simultaneously with alpha-tocopherol prevented both proliferation and protein kinase C inhibition. Protein kinase C inhibition was cell cycle-dependent and it was prevented by okadaic acid, a protein phosphatase inhibitor. Protein kinase C activity measured from aortas of cholesterol-fed rabbits was also inhibited by alpha-tocopherol. By using protein kinase C (PKC) isoform-specific inhibitors and immunoprecipitation reactions it was found that PKC-alpha was selectively inhibited by alpha-tocopherol. Further, an activation of protein phosphatase 2A by alpha-tocopherol was found, which caused PKC-alpha dephosphorylation and inhibition. Ultimately, this cascade of events at the level of cell signal transduction leads to the inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation.

The effect of alpha-tocopherol on the synthesis, phosphorylation and activity of protein kinase C in smooth muscle cells after phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate down-regulation

Previous work had established that, in smooth muscle cells, alpha-tocopherol negatively regulates protein kinase C by preventing its activation [Tasinato, A., Boscoboinik, D., Bartoli, G. M., Maroni, P. & Azzi, A. (1995) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 92, 12190-12194]. In this study, the mechanism by which this event takes place has been analyzed. The regulation by alpha-tocopherol of protein kinase C expression, activity and phosphorylation has been followed during the synthesis of protein kinase C after its down-regulation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. The data show that protein kinase C isoenzyme alpha is synthesised significantly more (30% 72 h after down-regulation) in the presence of alpha-tocopherol. However, its activity is significantly less (45% diminution) and its phosphorylation state is also decreased (60% diminution). The effect of alpha-tocopherol appears not to be shared by the analogue beta-tocopherol, provided with similar radical-scavenging properties. The data are interpreted in terms of a diminution of protein kinase C phosphorylation, specifically caused by alpha-tocopherol, resulting in a decreased enzyme specific activity.

Correlation between human vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and protein kinase C alpha-expression: effect of d-alpha-tocopherol

Population doublings of four different human aortic vascular smooth muscle cell strains correlate with the amount of protein kinase C alpha present in these cells. d-alpha-Tocopherol inhibits, at different extents, protein kinase C activity in all cells studied. Furthermore, the extent of inhibition positively correlates with amount of protein kinase C alpha expression and not with that of the other isoforms. It is suggested that, in human aortic smooth muscle cells, protein kinase C alpha modulates cell proliferation and serves as a target for d-alpha-tocopherol inhibition.

The phosphorylation state of MAP-kinases modulates the cytotoxic response of smooth muscle cells to hydrogen peroxide

Micromolar concentrations of hydrogen peroxide induced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and a lethal response in growth-arrested smooth muscle cells (A7r5). The H202-induced phosphorylation of MAP-kinases was markedly lower in the presence of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors or in protein kinase C (PKC) down-regulated cells. Similarly, the toxicity of H202 was diminished by concomitant addition of either PKC or PTK inhibitors and was also lower in PKC down-regulated cells. These results are consistent with the possibility that phosphorylation of MAP-kinases is a critical event in the toxic response of cultured smooth muscle cells to H202.

The role of hydrogen peroxide and RRR-alpha-tocopherol in smooth muscle cell proliferation

Oxidants can be considered early growth signals, since they have been shown to activate a number of pathways that are also stimulated by growth factors. In particular, H(2)O(2) activates the protein kinase C signal transduction pathway in smooth muscle cells. These events certainly play a role in the activation of the DNA synthesis machinery although it is still unclear whether they can also regulate the lethal response. Evidence exists of an oxidant-mediated increase in tyrosine protein phosphorylation as an early event in the signal transduction cascade of growth factor receptors, leading to augmentation of cell proliferation. Oxidants can also induce transcription of enzymes, such as ornithine decarboxylase and the phosphatase CL-100. CL-100 is the first example of a new class of protein phosphatases responsible for modulating the activation of MAP kinase following exposure of quiescent cells to growth factors and further implicates MAP kinase activation/deactivation in the cellular response to hydrogen peroxide. Moreover H(2)O(2) activates the MAP kinase cascade by stimulating the tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C pathways. JNK1, a relative of the MAP kinase group, is activated by dual phosphorylation at Thr and Tyr during the UV response. RRR-alpha-tocopherol and RRR-beta-tocopherol have different and competing effects on smooth muscle cell proliferation, indicating that they do not act as antioxidants. The earliest event brought by RRR-alpha-tocopherol in the signal transduction cascade contolling receptor mediated cell growth is the inhibition of the transcription factor AP-1, activated by phorbol esters. RRR-beta-tocopherol alone is without effect but in combination with RRR-alpha-tocopherol prevents the AP-1-inhibiting effect of the latter. Protein kinase C is inhibited by RRR-alpha-tocopherol and not by RRR-beta-tocopherol, which also in this case prevented the effect of RRR-alpha-tocopherol. The inhibition of RRR-alpha-tocopherol of protein kinase C is not the consequence of a direct interaction but is due to a diminution, produced by RRR-alpha-tocopherol of the kinase phosphorylation. A tocopherol binding protein appears to be at the basis of the RRR-alpha-tocopherol, that discriminates between RRR-alpha-tocopherol and RRR-beta-tocopherol and initiates a cascade of events at the level of cell signal transduction leading to cell proliferation inhibition.

Vitamin E inhibits proliferation of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts in vitro

Failure of glaucoma surgery is mostly due to fibrocellular scar formation, derived from Tenon's capsule fibroblasts. In high-risk cases, postoperative Tenon's capsule fibroblast proliferation is inhibited by mitomycin C or 5-fluorouracil. Toxicity to other ocular cell types and the risk of ocular hypotony limits the use of these agents. We have found that d-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) was able to inhibit proliferation of in vitro human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts obtained from seven different donors. At 48 h, inhibition of cell proliferation was 30-78% (mean 60%) for 50 microM d-alpha-tocopherol and 46-97% (mean 77%) for 100 microM d-alpha-tocopherol. This inhibition was statistically significant. No cytotoxic effects were observed.

d-alpha-tocopherol inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation occurs at physiological concentrations, correlates with protein kinase C inhibition, and is independent of its antioxidant properties

d-alpha-Tocopherol, but not d-beta-tocopherol, negatively regulates proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells at physiological concentrations. d-alpha-Tocopherol inhibits protein kinase C (PKC) activity, whereas d-beta-tocopherol is ineffective. Furthermore d-beta-tocopherol prevents the inhibition of cell growth and of PKC activity caused by d-alpha-tocopherol. The negative regulation by d-alpha-tocopherol of PKC activity appears to be the cause and not the effect of smooth muscle cell growth inhibition. d-alpha-Tocopherol does not act by binding to PKC directly but presumably by preventing PKC activation. It is concluded that, in vascular smooth muscle cells, d-alpha-tocopherol acts specifically through a nonantioxidant mechanism and exerts a negative control on a signal transduction pathway regulating cell proliferation.

Stimulation of protein kinase C activity by compactin in vascular smooth muscle cells

The effect of compactin (a lovastatin analogue) on vascular smooth muscle cells was studied at the level of cell proliferation and protein kinase C. It was observed: a) an inhibition of cell proliferation by compactin at a micromolar range, which was prevented by simultaneous addition of mevalonate; b) a stimulation of DNA synthesis with a shift in the cell cycle kinetics, either in the presence or absence of fetal calf serum and c) an increase in protein kinase C activity in compactin-treated cells in the G1 phase of the cycle. This increase was similar to the one elicited by calyculin A, an inhibitor of protein phosphatases of type PP-1 and PP-2A. It is suggested that compactin behaves as a PP-1/PP-2A protein phosphatase inhibitor, inhibiting proliferation of smooth muscle cells by a block of the cell cycle after the S-phase.

Vitamin E: a sensor and an information transducer of the cell oxidation state

We studied the effects of RRR-alpha-tocopherol and RRR-beta-tocopherol in smooth muscle cells from rat (line A7r5) and human aortas. RRR-alpha-Tocopherol, but not RRR-beta-tocopherol, inhibited smooth muscle cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations in the range from 10 to 50 mumol/L. RRR-beta-Tocopherol added simultaneously with RRR-alpha-tocopherol prevented growth inhibition. The earliest event brought about by RRR-alpha-tocopherol in the signal transduction cascade controlling receptor-mediated cell growth was the activation of the transcription factor AP-1. RRR-beta-tocopherol alone was without effect but in combination with RRR-alpha-tocopherol prevented the AP-1 activating effect of the latter. Protein kinase C was inhibited by RRR-alpha-tocopherol and not by RRR-beta-tocopherol, which also in this case prevented the effect of RRR-alpha-tocopherol. Calyculin A, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, prevented the effect of RRR-alpha-tocopherol on protein kinase C. The data can be rationalized by a model in which a tocopherol-binding protein discriminates between RRR-alpha-tocopherol and RRR-beta-tocopherol and initiates a cascade of events at the level of cell signal transduction that leads to the inhibition of cell proliferation.

Hydrogen peroxide-and fetal bovine serum-induced DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells: positive and negative regulation by protein kinase C isoforms

Hydrogen peroxide and fetal bovine serum stimulate DNA synthesis in growth-arrested smooth muscle cells with remarkably similar kinetics and cell density dependence. However, while stimulation with fetal bovine serum results in cell proliferation, that by H2O2 is followed by cell death. Depletion of conventional and novel protein kinase C isoforms, resulting from a long treatment with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, further increases H2O2-induced DNA synthesis. On the other hand, the specific protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C abolished the increased DNA synthesis promoted by fetal bovine serum or H2O2. H2O2 increases protein kinase C activity in smooth muscle cells. This effect is markedly reduced, but not abolished, by down-regulation of the alpha, delta and epsilon protein kinase C isoforms. Thus, the zeta isoform of protein kinase C, which is not down-regulated, may be responsible for the residual H2O2 stimulation of protein kinase C. In conclusion, the results obtained show that H2O2 stimulates protein kinase C activity and DNA synthesis in growth-arrested smooth muscle cells: these events are not followed by cell proliferation but rather by cell death. This H2O2 stimulated DNA synthesis appears to be negatively controlled by alpha, delta and epsilon isoforms and positively controlled by the zeta isoform of protein kinase C.

Tocopherols and 6-hydroxy-chroman-2-carbonitrile derivatives inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by a nonantioxidant mechanism

The effects of two groups of similar compounds, a series of tocopherols and one of 6-hydroxy-chroman-2-carbonitrile, have been studied in vascular smooth muscle cells. A poor correlation has been found between antiproliferative and antioxidant properties of these molecules. D-alpha-Tocopherol inhibits cell proliferation, while D-alpha-tocopherylquinone has been found neither to inhibit nor to activate. D-beta-Tocopherol, a poor inhibitor of smooth muscle cell proliferation, has been shown to be capable of preventing and reversing the inhibition by D-alpha-tocopherol. It is concluded that the tocopherols and carbonitrile derivatives tested here appear to inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation by a nonantioxidant mechanism. The competition between D-alpha-tocopherol and D-beta-tocopherol suggests the existence of a common binding site for the two molecules.

New roles of low density lipoproteins and vitamin E in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

Accumulation of oxidized low density lipoproteins in macrophages and smooth muscle cells causes foam cell formation, an initial step in atherosclerosis. Active oxygen species are considered important in the pathogenesis of the disease. Antioxidants, such as tocopherols and tocotrienols have been considered to prevent the deleterious effects of active oxygen species. We found native low density lipoproteins can stimulate directly smooth muscle cell proliferation, it is associated with an increase of protein kinase C activity. d-alpha-Tocopherol, biologically most active form of vitamin E, inhibits both cell proliferation and protein kinase C activity. The effect of d-alpha-tocopherol is not related to its radical scavenging properties. Transforming growth factor-beta secreted by smooth muscle cells as growth inhibitor. Low density lipoproteins decrease the release of transforming growth factor-beta from smooth muscle cells thus activating growth. d-alpha-Tocopherol activates the cellular release of transforming growth factor-beta. These new aspects explain the important role of low density lipoproteins and vitamin E in increasing and decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis, respectively.

Modulation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor and protein kinase C by hydrogen peroxide and D-alpha-tocopherol in vascular smooth muscle cells

The effects of hydrogen peroxide D-alpha-tocopherol and of D-beta-tocopherol on proliferation, protein kinase C and activator protein-1 (AP-1) activation have been studied in vascular smooth muscle cells. Cell proliferation, when activated by foetal calf serum, was inhibited by D-alpha-tocopherol. Protein kinase C activity was stimulated by hydrogen peroxide in a manner similar to phorbol myristate acetate; in the latter case, but not in the former, D-alpha-tocopherol inhibited the reaction. Hydrogen peroxide prevented phorbol-myristate-acetate-stimulated AP-1 binding to DNA but stimulated it if protein kinase C was down-regulated or inhibited. D-alpha-Tocopherol promoted AP-1 activation in quiescent cells but prevented its activation by phorbol myristate acetate. None of the described effects of D-alpha-tocopherol were shared by D-beta-tocopherol, suggesting a non-antioxidant mechanism as the basis of its action. The data show that hydrogen peroxide and D-alpha-tocopherol affect more than one element in the cell signal-transduction cascade.

Vinblastine-dependent down-modulation of TNF receptors in human osteosarcoma cells is mediated by protein kinase C activity

The binding of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to a human osteogenic sarcoma cell line (Saos-2) was investigated. These cells express two types of receptors as determined by specific monoclonal antibodies. Vinblastine induced a down-modulation of these receptors weaker than the one produced by phorbol esters or okadaic acid treatment. On exposure of cells to 10 microM vinblastine for two hours an approximately 55-65% diminution of TNF binding was observed, but only 20% reduction occurred under long-term vinblastine treatment. TNF receptor down-modulation induced by vinblastine was partially prevented by protein kinase C inhibitors or protein kinase C depletion. It is suggested that the regulation of TNF binding to each one of its receptors in Saos-2 cells always occurs in a phosphorylation-dependent manner.

Vitamin E inhibits retinal pigment epithelium cell proliferation in vitro

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells migrating through the damaged retina play an important role in the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). We found that alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) inhibits proliferation of human RPE in culture without exerting cytotoxic effects. Maximal inhibition was achieved with 100 microM alpha-tocopherol. Our result could explain the observation that vitamin E supplements have an adverse effect on light-damaged retina and on the course of retinitis pigmentosa. Since it has been shown that supplemental oral administrations of vitamin E can raise the RPE concentration of alpha-tocopherol well above 100 microM and supplementation is not associated with any clinical relevant adverse effect, we believe that vitamin E could be beneficial in the treatment of PVR.

d-alpha-Tocopherol inhibits low density lipoprotein induced proliferation and protein kinase C activity in vascular smooth muscle cells

Native and malondialdehyde modified low density lipoproteins have been shown to stimulate smooth muscle cell proliferation (A7r5) in vitro. The stimulation is associated with an increase of protein kinase C activity. d-alpha-Tocopherol, at physiological concentrations, has been found to inhibit both protein kinase C activity and cell proliferation.

Purification and kinetic properties of protein kinase C from cultured smooth muscle cells

Protein kinase C has been purified from in vitro cultures of A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells. Three substrates have been employed for the kinetic analysis of the enzyme, Histone III-S, FKKSFKL-NH2 (analogous of the pseudo-substrate of the enzyme) and MBP4-14 (part of basic myelin protein) protein. The enzyme activity depends not only on the PKC-specific sequence motif, common to the three substrates, but also on additional structural motifs, which may be important also in governing the substrate selectivity of the enzyme in vivo.

d-alpha-tocopherol control of cell proliferation

Uncontrolled cell growth is at the basis of neoplastic proliferation and arteriosclerotic lesions. In vitro proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, Balb c/3T3 fibroblasts, retinal neuroepithelial cells and neuroblastoma cells is inhibited by d-alpha-tocopherol. On the contrary Chinese hamster ovary cells, osteosarcoma cells and macrophages are not sensitive. PDGF-BB activated proliferation is highly d-alpha-tocopherol sensitive while lysophosphatidic acid induced growth is poorly inhibited. d-beta-Tocopherol, an analogue of d-alpha-tocopherol, with similar antioxidant properties, does not inhibit proliferation. Protein kinase C activity is inhibited by d-alpha-tocopherol but not by d-beta-tocopherol, suggesting a central role of this enzyme in the control of cell proliferation by d-alpha-tocopherol. Activation of the transcription activation complex AP-1 (but not NFKB) is prevented by d-alpha-tocopherol and not by d-beta-tocopherol.

Regulation of the TNF-alpha receptor in human osteosarcoma cells: role of microtubules and of protein kinase C

The effect of the tumor promoter 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and of the phosphatases inhibitor okadaic acid on the binding of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) to a human osteogenic sarcoma cell line (Saos-2) was investigated. Both substances prevented almost completely TNF binding to its receptors. The effect of 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was reversed by the protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine and calphostin C or by protein kinase C depletion. Vinblastine, under conditions causing full microtubule disassembly, produced only a 50% decrease of TNF binding. Vinblastine plus PMA was additive in fully preventing TNF binding. It is suggested that the degree of binding of TNF-alpha to its receptors in Saos-2 cells is under the control of a microtubule-dependent and of a microtubule-independent regulatory pathway.

The protein kinase C family

Protein kinase C represents a structurally homologous group of proteins similar in size, structure and mechanism of activation. They can modulate the biological function of proteins in a rapid and reversible manner. Protein kinase C participates in one of the major signal transduction systems triggered by the external stimulation of cells by various ligands including hormones, neurotransmitters and growth factors. Hydrolysis of membrane inositol phospholipids by phospholipase C or of phosphatidylcholine, generates sn-1,2-diacylglycerol, considered the physiological activator of this kinase. Other agents, such as arachidonic acid, participate in the activation of some of these proteins. Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol esters and related compounds is not physiological and may be responsible, at least in part, for their tumor-promoting activity. The cellular localization of the different calcium-activated protein kinases, their substrate and activator specificity are dissimilar and thus their role in signal transduction is unlike. A better understanding of the exact cellular function of the different protein kinase C isoenzymes requires the identification and characterization of their physiological substrates.

Molecular basis of alpha-tocopherol inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro

The molecular events responsible for the inhibition of cell proliferation by alpha-tocopherol have been investigated. Smooth muscle cells in vitro have been shown to be specifically inhibited by alpha-tocopherol with a concomitant inhibition of protein kinase C activity. beta-Tocopherol was inactive, despite its similar radical scavenging activity. The point of inhibition of alpha-tocopherol relative to the cell cycle was localized in the late G1 phase. A second effect of alpha-tocopherol observed with smooth muscle cells was the stimulation of protein kinase C biosynthesis in both the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. The implications of these findings for the onset of arteriosclerosis are discussed.

Inhibition of cell proliferation by alpha-tocopherol. Role of protein kinase C

The effect of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (A7r5), human osteosarcoma cells (Saos-2), fibroblasts (Balb/3T3), and neuroblastoma cells (NB2A) has been studied. The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells was inhibited by physiologically relevant concentrations of alpha-tocopherol, neuroblastoma cells were only sensitive to higher alpha-tocopherol concentrations, and proliferation of the other cell lines was not inhibited. The inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation was specific for alpha-tocopherol. Trolox, phytol, and alpha-tocopherol esters had no effect. Proliferation of smooth muscle cells stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor or endothelin was completely sensitive to alpha-tocopherol. If smooth muscle cells were stimulated by fetal calf serum, proliferation was 50% inhibited by alpha-tocopherol. No effect of alpha-tocopherol was observed when proliferation of smooth muscle cells was stimulated by bombesin and lysophosphatidic acid. The possibility of an involvement of protein kinase C in the cell response to alpha-tocopherol was suggested by experiments with the isolated enzyme and supported by the 2- to 3-fold stimulation of phorbol ester binding induced by alpha-tocopherol in sensitive cells. Moreover, alpha-tocopherol also caused inhibition of protein kinase C translocation induced by phorbol esters and inhibition of the phosphorylation of its 80-kDa protein substrate in smooth muscle cells. A model is discussed by which alpha-tocopherol inhibits cell proliferation by interacting with the cytosolic protein kinase C, thus preventing its membrane translocation and activation.

Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) regulates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and protein kinase C activity

Alpha-Tocopherol (vitamin E) protects against free radical damage, which has been implicated in aging, cancer initiation, and atherosclerosis. We have found that physiological concentrations of alpha-tocopherol specifically inhibited aorta smooth muscle cell (VSMC, line A7r5) proliferation and protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Other water and lipid soluble antioxidants were inactive. alpha-Tocopherol inhibition of PKC and of VSMC proliferation may represent a physiological mechanism, relevant to the onset of diseased states such as atherosclerosis.

Dimerization of the P-glycoprotein in membranes

Plasma membranes from a CHO cell line, CHRC5, which exhibits multidrug resistance was studied using radiation inactivation analysis. The P-glycoprotein content of the membrane was determined by Western blots. Irradiation resulted in the loss of P-glycoprotein. The dependence of this loss on radiation dose corresponded to a target size of 250 kDa which is the molecular mass of a dimer of the P-glycoprotein. This is strong evidence to indicate that the P-glycoprotein self associates in the membrane.

Investigation of the relationship between altered intracellular pH and multidrug resistance in mammalian cells

The intracellular pH of a number of multidrug resistant cell lines was compared with that of their parental lines using the fluorescent probe bis-carboxyethylcarboxyfluorescein. In four different cases, cells having 5-fold resistance or more exhibited an intracellular pH which was 0.10-0.17 units higher than that of the parental cell line. A CHO cell line, AB1, and its 180-fold resistant counterpart, CHRC5, were further investigated with regard to the role of Na+/H+ antiport. The Na+/H+ antiport activity was greater at any intracellular pH for the CHRC5 cells than the AB1 cells. To investigate the possible role of higher intracellular pH in multidrug resistance, the effect of several agents which are either known to reverse multidrug resistance or inhibit Na+/H+ antiport activity were examined. Verapamil was found to reverse multidrug resistance but had no effect on intracellular pH while amiloride, which acidifies the cytoxol by blocking Na+/H+ antiport activity, did not cause reversal of drug resistance. In contrast to verapamil, treatment of CHRC5 cells with cyclosporin A had a parallel effect on reversal of their drug resistant phenotype and a lowering of their intracellular pH to that of the sensitive cell level. However, cyclosporin was ineffective in either lowering the intracellular pH or reversing drug resistance in DC3F/ADX cells. Therefore, except for the effect of cyclosporin A on the CHRC5 line, the effects of other agents on reversal of multidrug resistance and intracellular pH did not correlate with each other.

Suramin, an anti-cancer drug, inhibits protein kinase C and induces differentiation in neuroblastoma cell clone NB2A

Protein kinase C purified from rat brain was found to be inhibited by suramin, a substance used originally in the therapy of antitrypanosomic infections and more recently proposed as antineoplastic agent. The inhibition of suramin was competitive with one of the substrates of the enzyme, ATP with a Ki of 10 microM. At concentrations adequate to inhibit the isolated enzyme, suramin was shown to slow the rate of proliferation of neuroblastoma NB2A cells in vitro and to induce their differentiation as evidenced by typical morphological changes.

Increased cellular internalization of amphiphiles in a multidrug-resistant CHO cell line

The uptake of labeled palmitoyl carnitine and palmitoyl lysophosphatidylcholine by CHO cells was studied by measuring the extractability of these amphiphiles by bovine serum albumin. A multidrug-resistant cell line, CHRC5, showed a more rapid uptake, compared with the parental line, of these amphiphiles into a pool that was no longer susceptible to extraction with bovine serum albumin. The more rapid uptake by the drug-resistant cell line was reversed back to the rates observed with the parental cell line in the presence of verapamil, quinacrine or cyclosporin A. These latter three drugs also reverse the multidrug-resistant phenotype. These results demonstrate a relationship between the rate of amphiphile uptake and multidrug resistance.

Dolichyl-phosphate phosphatase and dolichyl-diphosphate phosphatase in rat-liver microsomes

Dolichyl-phosphate phosphatase and dolichyl-diphosphate phosphatase activities of a liver-cell microsomal preparation were solubilized by treatment with Triton X-100. The 100,000 X g supernatant was then passed through a column of Sepharose-4B--concanavalin A. Both enzyme activities were found in the percolate. This treatment eliminated inhibition by ATP and glucose 6-phosphate in both phosphatase activities. In each case the activities were inhibited by higher concentrations of enzyme preparation due to the presence of phospholipids. The inhibitory effects of either phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine were due to competition for detergent. On the other hand, the effect produced by phosphatidic acid appeared to be different, since it did not change the optimal concentration of Triton X-100 for the two enzymes. Dolichyl-phosphate phosphatase was strongly inhibited by both Pi and PPi, whereas dolichyl-diphosphate phosphatase was only slightly inhibited by Pi and not at all by PPi. Dolichyl-diphosphate phosphatase was more inhibited by divalent cations than dolichyl-phosphate phosphatase. The apparent Km of dolichyl-phosphate phosphatase for dolichyl phosphate was 0.15 mM. Dolichol also inhibited dolichyl-phosphate phosphatase, but it produced a stronger inhibition on dolichyl-diphosphate phosphatase. The inhibitory effect of dolichol was not entirely due to detergent competition.