scholarly journals Upregulation of CFTR Protects against Palmitate-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction by Enhancing Autophagic Flux

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Hongqi Chen ◽  
Wenliang Chen ◽  
Yinlian Yao ◽  
Naobei Ye ◽  
Ning Hou ◽  
...  

Saturated free fatty acids (FFAs) elevate in metabolic symptom leading to endothelial dysfunction. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) functionally expresses in endothelial cells. The role of CFTR in FFA-induced endothelial dysfunction remains unclear. This study is aimed at exploring the effects of CFTR on palmitate- (PA-) induced endothelial dysfunction and its underlying mechanisms. We found that PA-induced endothelial dysfunction is characterized by a decrease of cell viability, reduction of NO generation and mitochondrial membrane potential, impairment of the tube formation, but an increase of ROS generation and cell apoptosis. Simultaneously, PA decreased CFTR protein expression. CFTR agonist Forskolin upregulated CFTR protein expression and protected against PA-induced endothelial dysfunction, while CFTR knockdown exacerbated endothelial dysfunction induced by PA and blunted the protective effects of Forskolin. In addition, PA impaired autophagic flux, and autophagic flux inhibitors aggravated PA-induced endothelial apoptosis. CFTR upregulation significantly restored autophagic flux in PA-insulted endothelial cells, which was involved in increasing the protein expression of Atg16L, Atg12-Atg5 complex, cathepsin B, and cathepsin D. In contrast, CFTR knockdown significantly inhibited the effects of Forskolin on autophagic flux and the expression of the autophagy-regulated proteins. Our findings illustrate that CFTR upregulation protects against PA-induced endothelial dysfunction by improving autophagic flux and underlying mechanisms are involved in enhancing autophagic signaling mediated by the Atg16L-Atg12-Atg5 complex, cathepsin B, and cathepsin D. CFTR might serve as a novel drug target for endothelial protection in cardiovascular diseases with a characteristic of elevation of FFAs.

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 918-927 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Pang ◽  
Ping Deng ◽  
Yi-dan Liang ◽  
Jing-yu Qian ◽  
Li-Chuan Wu ◽  
...  

Abstract Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide in the agricultural field. The lack of an effective antidote is the significant cause of high mortality in PQ poisoning. Here, we investigate the antagonistic effects of alpha lipoic acid (α-LA), a naturally existing antioxidant, on PQ toxicity in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). All the doses of 250, 500 and 1000 μM α-LA significantly inhibited 1000 μM PQ-induced cytotoxicity in HMEC-1 cells. α-LA pretreatment remarkably diminished the damage to cell migration ability, recovered the declined levels of the vasodilator factor nitric oxide (NO), elevated the expression level of endothelial nitric oxide synthases (eNOS), and inhibited the upregulated expression of vasoconstrictor factor endothelin-1 (ET-1). Moreover, α-LA pretreatment inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, suppressed the damage to the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and mitigated the inhibition of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in HMEC-1 cells. These results suggested that α-LA could alleviate PQ-induced endothelial dysfunction by suppressing oxidative stress. In summary, our present study provides novel insight into the protective effects and pharmacological potential of α-LA against PQ toxicity in microvascular endothelial cells.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanlin Zhang ◽  
Xueqin Cao ◽  
Wawa Zhu ◽  
Zhihua Liu ◽  
Huihui Liu ◽  
...  

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein- (Ox-LDL-) induced autophagy dysfunction in human vascular endothelial cells contributes to the development of atherosclerosis (AS). Resveratrol (RSV) protects against Ox-LDL-induced endothelium injury. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanisms underlying Ox-LDL-induced autophagy dysfunction and RSV-mediated protection in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The results showed that Ox-LDL suppressed the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and increased LC3-II and sequestosome 1 (p62) protein levels without altering p62 mRNA levels in HUVECs. Pretreatment with bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) to inhibit lysosomal degradation abrogated the Ox-LDL-induced increase in LC3-II protein level. Ox-LDL increased colocalization of GFP and RFP puncta in mRFP-GFP-tandem fluorescent LC3- (tf-LC3-) transfected cells. Moreover, Ox-LDL decreased the expression of mature cathepsin D and attenuated cathepsin D activity. Pretreatment with RSV increased the expression of SIRT1 and LC3-II and increased p62 protein degradation. RSV induced RFP-LC3 aggregation more than GFP-LC3 aggregation. RSV restored lysosomal function and promoted Ox-LDL degradation in HUVECs. All the protective effects of RSV were blocked after SIRT1 was knocked down. These findings demonstrated that RSV upregulated the expression of SIRT1, restored lysosomal function, enhanced Ox-LDL-induced impaired autophagic flux, and promoted Ox-LDL degradation through the autophagy-lysosome degradation pathway in HUVECs.


Hypertension ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Wang ◽  
Christopher S Wilcox

Introduction and hypothesis: Following bodily entry, the SARS-CoV-2 virus undergoes pulmonary replication with release of circulating viral spike protein 1 (SP1) into the bloodstream. Uptake of SP1 by endothelial cells might provoke vascular dysfunction and thrombosis. We hypothesized that spironolactone could prevent microvascular complications from circulating SP1 in COVID-19. Methods: male C57Bl/6 mice received spironolactone (100 mg · kg -1 · d -1 PO x 3d) or vehicle and intravenous injections of recombinant full-length human SP1 (10 μg per mouse) or vehicle. They were euthanized after 3 days. Mesenteric resistant arterioles (n=4 per group) were dissected and mounted on isometric myographs. Acetylcholine-induced EDRF responses and L-NAME-inhibitable NO generation (DAF-FM fluorescence) were studied in pre-constricted vessels and contraction to endothelin 1 (ET1) or thromboxane (U-46, 619) and ET1-induced ROS (PEG-SOD inhibitable ethidium: dihydroethidium fluorescence) were studied by fluorescence microscopy in other vessels. Results: SP1 reduced acetylcholine-induced EDRF (17 ± 3 vs 27 ± 5 % mean ± sem; P < 0.05) and NO generation (0.21 ± 0.03 vs 0.36 ± 0.04, F 1 /F 0 ; P < 0.05) while increasing contraction to ET1 (10 -7 mol·l -1 : 124 ± 13 vs 89 ± 4 %; P < 0.05) and U-46, 619 (10 -6 mol·l -1 :114± 5 vs 87± 6 %; P < 0.05) and ET1-induced ROS generation(0.30± 0.08 vs 0.09± 0.03; P < 0.05). Spironolactone did not modify any of these responses in vessels from normal mice but prevented all the effects of SP1. Conclusion: these preliminary studies provide a novel model to study COVID-19 vasculopathy. They indicate that spironolactone can provide protection from microvascular oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and enhanced contractility and might thereby moderate COVID-19 complications.


2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (04) ◽  
pp. 713-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Dang ◽  
J. Paul Seale ◽  
Xianqin Qu

Increased endothelin-1 (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and activation of protein kinase C (PKC) are co-contributors to endothelial hyperpermeability in diabetes. Several lines of evidence have suggested a hypothesis that activation of specific PKC isoforms are the causative factor in ET-1 and VEGF mediated endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we tested this hypothesis with hypocrellin A, a naturally occurring PKC inhibitor from a Chinese plant. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with 20 mM glucose in both the presence and absence of hypocrellin A, after which, the protein expression and release of VEGF and mRNA expression and release of ET-1 were measured. VEGF and ET-1 were released into the medium and expressions of VEGF protein and ET-1 mRNA were significantly increased in HUVECs incubated with 20 mM glucose. Hypocrellin A (150 nM) significantly decreased VEGF release (117 ± 3 vs. 180 ± 11 pg/mg, p < 0.05) and VEGF protein expression (from 130 ± 14% to 88 ± 18.5%, p < 0.05). ET-1 release was also reduced in hypocrellin A treated HUVECs (63.3 ± 9.9 vs. 75.2 ± 12.6 ng/mg). Hypocrellin A significantly reversed the effect of high glucose on ET-1 mRNA expression ( p < 0.05). The results revealed that PKC activation plays a pivotal role in VEGF and ET-1 mediated endothelial permeability. The naturally occurring compound hypocrellin A may be a potentially novel treatment for endothelial dysfunction in diabetes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Longlong Li ◽  
Yao Yao ◽  
Zhihao Jiang ◽  
Jinlong Zhao ◽  
Ji Cao ◽  
...  

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a popular dietary supplement that has well-known benefits in animals and humans, but there is not enough information about the mechanisms underlying its effects. The present study aimed at investigating these mechanisms through in vitro experiments on the effects of DHEA on rat liver BRL-3A cells exposed to oxidative stress through H2O2. The findings showed that DHEA increased the antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased ROS generation, and inhibited apoptosis in H2O2-treated cells. These effects of DHEA were not observed when the cells were pretreated with known antagonists of sex hormones (Trilostane, Flutamide, or Fulvestrant). Furthermore, treatment with estradiol and testosterone did not have the same protective effects as DHEA. Thus, the beneficial effects of DHEA were associated with mechanisms that were independent of steroid hormone pathways. With regard to the mechanism underlying the antiapoptotic effect of DHEA, pretreatment with DHEA was found to induce a significant decrease in the protein expression of Bax and caspase-3 and a significant increase in the protein expression of PI3K and p-Akt in H2O2-treated BRL-3A cells. These effects of DHEA were abolished when the cells were pretreated with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. No changes were observed on the p-ERK1/2, p-p38, and p-JNK protein levels in H2O2-induced BRL-3A cells pretreated with DHEA. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that DHEA protects BRL-3A cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis through mechanisms that do not involve its biotransformation into steroid hormones or the activation of sex hormone receptors. Importantly, the protective effect of DHEA on BRL-3A cells was mainly associated with PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, rather than MAPK signaling pathways.


2010 ◽  
Vol 108 (6) ◽  
pp. 1745-1756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiu-Chung Ou ◽  
Tuzz-Ying Song ◽  
Yueh-Chiao Yeh ◽  
Chih-Yang Huang ◽  
Shun-Fa Yang ◽  
...  

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), originally identified as the major receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in endothelial cells, plays a major role in the pathology of vascular diseases. Green tea consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality in some epidemiological studies. In the present study, we hypothesized that the most abundant polyphenolic compound in tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), can downregulate parameters of endothelial dysfunction by modulating LOX-1-regulated cell signaling. In cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), exposure to oxLDL (130 μg/ml), which led to an increase in LOX-1 expression at the RNA and protein levels, was abrogated by addition of EGCG or DPI, a well-known inhibitor of flavoproteins, suggesting the involvement of NADPH oxidase. Furthermore, oxLDL rapidly activated the membrane translocation of Rac-1 and p47phox and the subsequent induction of ROS generation, which was suppressed markedly by pretreatment with EGCG or anti-LOX-1 monoclonal antibody. OxLDL also increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation and decreased phosphorylation of the amino-terminal region of Akt, with maximal induction at about 30 min, and NF-κB phosphorylation within 1 h, resulting in redox-sensitive signaling. In addition, oxLDL diminished the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), enhanced the expression of endothelin-1 and adhesion molecules (ICAM, E-selectin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), and increased the adherence of monocytic THP-1 cells to HUVECs. Pretreatment with EGCG, however, exerted significant cytoprotective effects in all events. These data suggest that EGCG inhibits the oxLDL-induced LOX-1-mediated signaling pathway, at least in part, by inhibiting NADPH oxidase and consequent ROS-enhanced LOX-1 expression, which contributes to further ROS generation and the subsequent activation of NF-κB via the p38 MAPK pathway. Results from this study may provide insight into a possible molecular mechanism by which EGCG suppresses oxLDL-mediated vascular endothelial dysfunction.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 4639-4639
Author(s):  
Meifang Wu ◽  
Suman Kundu ◽  
Keith R. McCrae

Abstract Introduction: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombosis and/or recurrent fetal loss in the presence of persistently elevated antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA). The majority of pathologic APLA are directed against β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI). APLA cause endothelial dysfunction, though the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly delineated. Methods: Endothelial cells (EC) were incubated with β2GPI and either control antibodies or anti-β2GPI antibodies affinity-purified from sera of patients with APS, in the absence or presence of diapocynin, an NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor, or siRNA against NOX1, NOX2, or NOX4. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in EC and conditioned medium were measured using fluorescent dyes (CM-H2DCFDA and CellROX Deep Red) or chemiluminescent substrate. NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, 3-nitrotyrosine, and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) expression were analyzed by western blot. eNOS monomer and dimer were detected using cold (4°C) SDS-PAGE and immunoblot. Immunoprecipitation of TrxR1 was performed using protein A/G agarose. EC activation was assessed by measuring expression of E-selectin. Results: Incubation of EC with β2GPI and anti-β2GPI antibodies stimulated ROS generation in EC, as well as the release of ROS into conditioned medium. Expression of NOX2, but not NOX1 or NOX4, was significantly increased in EC exposed to anti-β2GPI antibodies, but not control IgG. Preteatment of endothelial cells with diapocynin, a NOX inhibitor, or siRNA against NOX2 and NOX4, but not NOX1, inhibited endothelial cell activation by anti-β2GPI antibodies. Furthermore, anti-β2GPI antibody-treated EC generated more peroxynitrite, as determined by 3-nitrotyrosine expression. Treatment of EC with anti-β2GPI antibodies increased eNOS monomer/dimer ratio, suggesting eNOS uncoupling. Compared to control human IgG, the TrxR1 immunoprecipitate from EC treated with β2GPI and anti-β2GPI antibodies contained more 3-nitrotyrosine level, suggesting TrxR1 tyrosine residue modification by nitration and possible loss of function. Conclusions: β2GPI and anti-β2GPI antibodies stimulate ROS generation in EC, with release into the conditioned medium. The impairment of EC activation by diapocynin, NOX2 siRNA, or NOX4 siRNA suggests that NOX mediate EC activation by anti-β2GPI antibodies. Anti-β2GPI antibodies induce nitrative stress in EC, which might be explained by eNOS uncoupling induced by these antibodies. The nitration of TrxR1, an enzyme that prevents eNOS uncoupling, may result in the inactivation of TrxR1 and contribute to eNOS uncoupling. Taken together, these studies provide preliminary evidence of the contribution of NOX activation and eNOS uncoupling in mediating oxidative and nitrative stress and induction of EC dysfunction by APLA. Disclosures McCrae: Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Syntimmune: Consultancy; Momenta: Consultancy; Halozyme: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiqiang He ◽  
Xuanhong He ◽  
Menghan Liu ◽  
Lingyue Hua ◽  
Tian Wang ◽  
...  

Atherosclerosis is the pathological basis of cardiovascular disease, whilst endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays a primary role in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. Simvastatin has been shown to possess significant anti-atherosclerosis activity. In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of simvastatin on endothelial cells under oxidative stress and elucidated its underlying mechanisms. Simvastatin was found to attenuate H2O2-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) dysfunction and inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway; however, when this pathway was activated by lithium chloride, endothelial dysfunction was clearly enhanced. Further investigation revealed that simvastatin did not alter the expression or phosphorylation of LRP6, but reduced intracellular cholesterol deposition and inhibited endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Inducing ER stress with tunicamycin activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, whereas reducing ER stress with 4-phenylbutyric acid inhibited it. We hypothesize that simvastatin does not affect transmembrane signal transduction in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, but inhibits ER stress by reducing intracellular cholesterol accumulation, which blocks intracellular signal transduction in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and ameliorates endothelial dysfunction.


2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Palomo ◽  
Susana Martin-Rodriguez ◽  
Manel Vera ◽  
Josep Maria Cruzado ◽  
Jose Rivera ◽  
...  

Accelerated atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is preceded by the development of endothelial dysfunction (ED), with development of a proinflammatory and prothrombotic phenotype and enhanced oxidative stress. The effect of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant strategies on the endothelium has been evaluated in an in vitro model of ED in uremia. Endothelial cells (ECs) were pretreated with the antioxidant enzyme mimetics ebselen, EUK-134 and EUK-118; the flavonoids apigenin, genistein and quercetin, with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential; and two commercially available compounds: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and defibrotide (DF). There is increasing evidence demonstrating that both NAC and DF exhibit both properties. ECs were exposed to medium containing serum from patients on dialysis (n=10) or from healthy donors (n=15). Changes in the expression of the adhesion receptor ICAM-1 and the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed. Activation of inflammation-related proteins p38 MAPK and NFkappaB (NFκB) were also evaluated. Exposure of ECs to uremic media resulted in a significantly increased expression of ICAM-1, overproduction of ROS and activation of p38MAPK and NFκB compared to control ECs (p<0.05). Ebselen, EUK 134, and EUK118 inhibited ICAM-1 expression and ROS generation in the uremic condition (p<0.01). Regarding flavonoids, only quercetin showed a moderated but significant inhibitory effect on both parameters (p<0.05). NAC and DF exhibited a protective effect on ECs exposed to the uremic insult (p<0.05 for ICAM-1 expression and ROS generation). All the compounds reduced p38MAPK activation (p<0.05). The antioxidant-enzyme mimetics and NAC were able to inhibit the activation of NFκB induced by the uremic media (p<0.05). Endothelial dysfunction associated with CKD is considered to be the first step in the progression of atherosclerosis. Our results indicate that the antioxidant enzyme mimetics, NAC and DF exhibit not only antioxidant but also anti-inflammatory effects on the endothelium. Therefore, further research on the protective effects of these compounds may provide new strategies for the prevention of the cardiovascular complications in uremia.


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