scholarly journals Extracellular inflammasomes as novel endogenous danger signals that exert pro-inflammatory signaling on vascular cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Schaeffer ◽  
L Uhlmann ◽  
A Behzadi ◽  
J.N Boeckel ◽  
P Pelegrin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Vascular Cells ◽  
Inflammatory Signaling ◽  
Coronary Smooth Muscle ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasomes

Abstract Background and aims As part of the innate immune response, NLRP3 inflammasomes are involved in the process of sterile inflammation, IL-1β release and are key mediators of inflammation-related vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Recent data showed the existence of extracellular inflammasomes released from monocytes during pyroptotic cell death. Their biological function in the vascular system is still not known. Here, we established a method to detect extracellular inflammasomes and tested the hypothesis that extracellular NLRP3 inflammasomes can be internalized by vascular cells, such as macrophages, endothelial cells and coronary smooth muscle cells and induce pro-inflammatory signaling. Methods and result Stimulation of THP1 monocytes and of isolated primary human monocytes with Lipopolysaccharide and Nigericin activated the NLRP3 inflammasome and induced pyroptosis and the release of inflammasome complexes. Extracellular inflammasomes were isolated from cell-free supernatant and identified as inflammasome complexes (oligomers) by immunoblot. For functional characterization, isolated fluorescent-labeled NLRP3 inflammasome complexes were shown to be internalized by THP1 macrophages (19.7±9.7% pos. cells), primary endothelial cells (HUVEC: 9.0±2.3% pos. cells, coronary artery endothelial cells: 11.0% ± 2.3% pos. cells) and coronary smooth muscle cells (42.8±9.9% pos.cells) using immunofluorescence staining, Z-stacks and imaging flow cytometric analysis. Extracellular NLRP3 inflammasomes (eNLRP3) induced pro-inflammatory signaling in macrophages by increasing IL1b and Tnfa gene expression (3.0- fold) as well as IL-1β release (con: 1.9 pg/ml vs. eNLRP3: 191.0 pg/ml). In coronary smooth muscle cells, treatment with extracellular inflammasomes increased endogenous Nlrp3 and IL1b gene expression as well as upregulation of Cell adhesion molecule 1 (Cadm1). Coronary artery endothelial cells showed also increased protein level of surface adhesion marker Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM1). Conclusion Upon canonical NLRP3 inflammasome activation, mononuclear cells release inflammasome complexes into the extracellular space. Macrophages, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells are able to internalize these extracellular inflammasome complexes that exert pro-inflammatory effects. These findings support the concept that cell-free NLRP3 inflammasomes act as extracellular signal molecules triggering pro-atherogenic signaling mechanisms in vascular cells. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Leipzig University, Medical Faculty

Abstract 353: Elastase-Activated Stress Response of Vascular Cells

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Grechowa ◽  
Bernhard Dorweiler ◽  
Anja Wallrath ◽  
Sven Horke
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Apoptotic Cell Death ◽  
Atherosclerotic Plaques ◽  
Vascular Cells

Introduction: Rupture of atherosclerotic plaques is the most abundant cause for stroke. The serine protease elastase plays an important role as it induces death of endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and breaks down the fibrous cap of atherosclerotic plaques. Increased elastase concentrations were found in patients with symptomatic stenosis. We previously showed that elastase activates the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling pathway unfolded protein response (UPR) in rupture-prone plaques of human carotid artery. However, signaling pathways elicited by elastase in vascular cells were largely unknown. We hypothesized that elastase induces cell-type dependent responses in ECs, SMCs and macrophages (M[[Unable to Display Character: &#1060;]]). Methods and Results: Different forms of cell death and UPR activation were analyzed in primary and immortalized endothelial cells, coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) and M[[Unable to Display Character: &#1060;]] after treatment with human neutrophil elastase. To discriminate between the involved cell death types, three independent assays were performed. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-assay by confocal microscopy (p < .01), caspase3/7 activity by chemiluminescence-assays (p < .01) and cell-cycle analysis by flow cytometry revealed that an autophagic/apoptotic cell death was induced upon elastase treatment. This appeared specific for ECs, as it was absent in M[[Unable to Display Character: &#1060;]]. Necrosis (as determined by chemiluminescent lactate dehydrogenase-release assay) and necroptosis (assessed by flow cytometry) played only minor roles. The involvement of the UPR was investigated on protein and / or gene expression level. The high levels of GRP78, phospho-PERK, phospho-eIF2α, spliced XBP1 and CHOP indicate a strongly activated UPR that may give rise to the subsequent induced autophagic/apoptotic cell death. Conclusion: Elastase plays a significant role in plaque stability and cell survival likely through activation of a UPR/autophagic type of endothelial cell death. This may explain underlying molecular links how elastase destabilizes atherosclerotic plaques.

scholarly journals Activation of αVβ3 on Vascular Cells Controls Recognition of Prothrombin

1998 ◽  
Vol 143 (7) ◽  
pp. 2081-2092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana V. Byzova ◽  
Edward F. Plow
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Blood Coagulation ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Coagulation System ◽  
General Level ◽  
Vascular Cells ◽  
Blood Coagulation System

Regulation of vascular homeostasis depends upon collaboration between cells of the vessel wall and blood coagulation system. A direct interaction between integrin αVβ3 on endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells and prothrombin, the pivotal proenzyme of the blood coagulation system, is demonstrated and activation of the integrin is required for receptor engagement. Evidence that prothrombin is a ligand for αVβ3 on these cells include: (a) prothrombin binds to purified αVβ3 via a RGD recognition specificity; (b) prothrombin supports αVβ3-mediated adhesion of stimulated endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells; and (c) endothelial cells, either in suspension and in a monolayer, recognize soluble prothrombin via αVβ3. αVβ3-mediated cell adhesion to prothrombin, but not to fibrinogen, required activation of the receptor. Thus, the functionality of the αVβ3 receptor is ligand defined, and prothrombin and fibrinogen represent activation- dependent and activation-independent ligands. Activation of αVβ3 could be induced not only by model agonists, PMA and Mn2+, but also by a physiologically relevant agonist, ADP. Inhibition of protein kinase C and calpain prevented activation of αVβ3 on vascular cells, suggesting that these molecules are involved in the inside-out signaling events that activate the integrin. The capacity of αVβ3 to interact with prothrombin may play a significant role in the maintenance of hemostasis; and, at a general level, ligand selection by αVβ3 may be controlled by the activation state of this integrin.

Migration of cultured vascular cells in response to plasma and platelet-derived factors

1982 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-82
Author(s):  
L.R. Bernstein ◽  
H. Antoniades ◽  
B.R. Zetter
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Human Platelet ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Vascular Cells ◽  
Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Aortic Smooth Muscle

Phagokinetic migration of cultured vascular cells was tested in response to human platelet-rich serum (‘serum’) and human platelet-poor plasma serum (‘plasma’). The cell types tested included bovine aortic endothelial cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, human haemangiomal capillary endothelial cells, bovine adrenal microvascular pericytes, and bovine aortic smooth muscle cells. Human serum stimulated a significant increase in the rate of migration for all five cell types. Human plasma stimulated the endothelial cells to migrate but had no effect on the migration of pericytes or smooth muscle cells. Highly purified platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated dose-dependent migration of smooth muscle cells causing a 50% increase in phagokinetic track area relative to controls. Neither pericyte nor endothelial cell migration was stimulated by PDGF. Rabbit antiserum to human PDGF completely blocked the smooth muscle cell migration induced by either 10% serum or 1 ng/ml pure PDGF. Purified platelet factor IV (PF4) stimulated migration of pericytes but not of smooth muscle cells nor endothelial cells. Sheep antiserum to human PF4 completely blocked the pericyte migration induced by either 10% serum or 1 microgram/ml pure PF4. These results indicate that PDGF is the primary factor in serum responsible for the migration of cultured aortic smooth muscle cells and that PF4 is a critical factor required to induce the migration of pericytes. Other factors present in both plasma and serum control the migration of vascular endothelial cells.

Differential Anticoagulant Effects of Protein S on Vascular Cells and Platelets.

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 2026-2026
Author(s):  
Herm Jan Brinkman ◽  
Erica Sellink ◽  
Bas de Laat ◽  
Koen Mertens
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Thrombin Generation ◽  
Anticoagulant Activity ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Peak Height ◽  
Vascular Cells ◽  
Protein S Activity

Abstract Background: Protein S is a vitamin K-dependent plasma protein and involved in down-regulation of the coagulation process. Protein S serves as a cofactor of activated protein C (APC) in the proteolytic inactivation of activated factor V and VIII. Protein S is also able to exert its anticoagulant activity independent of APC, e.g. by supporting the anticoagulant activity of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). The anticoagulant properties of protein S have been thoroughly characterized by in vitro methods. However, fewer studies focus on protein S function on vascular cells. These studies are limited to model systems employing purified coagulation factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of protein S in plasma that is in contact with natural cell membranes, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and platelets. Method: We employed thrombography to evaluate protein S function in 50 % v/v recalcified citrated plasma in the presence of washed platelets, cultured umbilical vein endothelial cells or cultured umbilical artery smooth muscle cells. Since we aimed at a comparison between different cellular membranes, micro-particle free plasma was used. As a reference, we also examined synthetic phospholipid membranes composed of phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine in a 2/6/2 molar ratio. Thrombin activity was measured employing the fluorogenic substrate z-Gly-Gly- Arg-AMC. Protein S activity was probed with CLB-PS13, an antibody directed against the protein S Gla-domain. The APC-independent activity of protein S was assayed in the presence of an inhibitory antibody against protein C. In studies employing phospholipids, thrombin generation was triggered with relipidated tissue factor (TF). Expression of TF on endothelial cells was induced during a 6-hour preincubation with PMA. Results: In the presence of CLB-PS13, the APC-independent activity of protein S became apparent as an increase in peak height in the thrombogram. Lag time, time to peak and area under the curve remained essentially unaffected. Peak height was increased two-fold when examining phospholipids at standard conditions (4 μM lipids and 1 pM TF). This increase in peak height by CLB-PS13 was concentration dependent and complete at 10 μg/ml IgG. Increasing the TF concentration from 1 to 5 pM resulted in loss of the APC-independent activity of protein S on these membranes. APC cofactor activity was assessed in the presence of APC. Addition of APC resulted in inhibition of the thrombin formation on phospholipids with an IC50 of 0.4 nM. CLB-PS13 completely abolished this decrease in thrombin generation up to 50 nM APC, irrespective whether 1 or 5 pM TF was present. Our results are compatible with the view that at high procoagulant stimuli the TFPI-cofactor activity of protein S is abolished. Furthermore, these results show that in plasma APC is completely dependent on protein S. Protein S activity on platelets was studied in the presence of 1 pM TF. As for synthetic lipid membranes and in the absence of APC, CLB-PS13 increased the peak height in the thrombogram. APC inhibited platelet mediated thrombin generation (IC50 = 19 nM), and this inhibition was completely abolished by CLB-PS13. These observations suggest that platelets support both APC-dependent and APC-independent anticoagulant activities of protein S. Thrombography on TF-expressing endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells revealed massive thrombin generation that could not be enhanced with CLB-PS13, indicating that protein S does not contribute to regulation of thrombin formation under these conditions. The APC-dependent activity of protein S became apparent as an abolished inhibition by APC in the presence of CLB-PS13. However, APC proved relatively inefficient in inhibiting thrombin generation on TF-expressing vascular cells (IC50 &gt; 50 nM). Inhibition of TF restored the APC-independent protein S activity. Conclusion: Our results indicate that, in plasma, vascular cells and platelets are able to support the APC-dependent as well as the APC-independent anticoagulant activities of protein S. The APC-independent activity on vascular cells is abolished upon increasing TF expression, while the APC-dependent activity of protein S is limited by the relatively low anticoagulant activity of APC on these cell surfaces. We conclude that protein S activity on cells require relatively high levels of APC or low expression of TF.

scholarly journals Extracellular NLRP3 inflammasome particles are internalized by human coronary artery smooth muscle cells and induce pro-atherogenic effects

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Gaul ◽  
Karen Marie Schaeffer ◽  
Lena Opitz ◽  
Christina Maeder ◽  
Alexander Kogel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Human Coronary Artery ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Atheromatous Plaques ◽  
Nlrp3 Inflammasomes

AbstractInflammation driven by intracellular activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases including vascular pathologies. Inflammasome specks are released into the extracellular compartment from disrupting pyroptotic cells. The potential uptake and function of extracellular NLRP3 inflammasomes in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC) are unknown. Fluorescently labeled NLRP3 inflammasome particles were isolated from a mutant NLRP3-YFP cell line and used to treat primary HCASMC for 4 and 24 h. Fluorescent and expressional analyses showed that extracellular NLRP3-YFP particles are internalized into HCASMC, where they remain active and stimulate intracellular caspase-1 (1.9-fold) and IL-1β (1.5-fold) activation without inducing pyroptotic cell death. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression level of pro-inflammatory adhesion molecules (ICAM1, CADM1), NLRP3 and genes involved in cytoskleleton organization. The NLRP3-YFP particle-induced gene expression was not dependent on NLRP3 and caspase-1 activation. Instead, the effects were partly abrogated by blocking NFκB activation. Genes, upregulated by extracellular NLRP3 were validated in human carotid artery atheromatous plaques. Extracellular NLRP3-YFP inflammasome particles promoted the secretion of pro-atherogenic and inflammatory cytokines such as CCL2/MCP1, CXCL1 and IL-17E, and increased HCASMC migration (1.8-fold) and extracellular matrix production, such as fibronectin (5.8-fold) which was dependent on NFκB and NLRP3 activation. Extracellular NLRP3 inflammasome particles are internalized into human coronary artery smooth muscle cells where they induce pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic effects representing a novel mechanism of cell-cell communication and perpetuation of inflammation in atherosclerosis. Therefore, extracellular NLRP3 inflammasomes may be useful to improve the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases and the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies.

Regulation of Homocysteine Transport in Vascular Cells.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3926-3926
Author(s):  
Xiaohua Jiang ◽  
Xiao-feng Yang ◽  
Eugen Brailoiu ◽  
Hieronim Jakubowski ◽  
Andrew I. Schafer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Vascular Cells ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Aortic Smooth Muscle

Abstract Increased levels of plasma homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and has cell-type distinct proatherosclerotic effects on vascular cells. In this study, we characterized L- homocysteine transport in cultured human aortic endothelial and aortic smooth muscle cells. L-homocysteine was transported into vascular cells in a time-dependent fashion. L-homocysteine transport activity was about 2-fold higher in aortic smooth muscle cells. In addition, L-homocysteine transport in both cell types was mediated by sodium-dependent and independent carrier systems. Competition studies revealed that the neutral amino acids cysteine, glycine, serine, tyrosine, alanine, leucine, and methionine, and inhibitors of the cysteine transport systems inhibited L-homocysteine uptake in both cell types, but the inhibition was greater in endothelial cells. Eadie-Hofstee plots demonstrated that L-Hcy transport in endothelial cells had a Michaelis constant (Km) of 79mM and a maximum transport velocity (Vmax) of 873 pmol/mg protein/min. In contrast, homocysteine transport in aortic smooth muscle cells had a lower affinity (Km=212mM) but a higher transport capacity (Vmax=4192 pmol/mg protein/min). Interestingly, increases in pH (pH 6.5–8.2) only inhibited L-homocysteine uptake in endothelial cells. Moreover, L-homocysteine transport in endothelial cells was partially inhibited by lysosomal inhibitors. Our studies indicate that L-homocysteine shares transporter systems with cysteine and can be inhibited for transport by multiple neutral amino acids in vascular cells, and that L-homocysteine transport involves lysosomal transport in endothelial cells. The specific lysosomic feature of L-homocystein transport in endothelial cells may contribute to cell type specific growth inhibitory effects and therefore play a role in homocysteine atherogenic potential.

Effect of Diltiazem and Verapamil on Endothelin Release by Cultured Human Coronary Smooth-Muscle Cells and Endothelial Cells

1998 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. S388-S391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cornelia Haug ◽  
Rainer Voisard ◽  
Regine Baur ◽  
Andreas Hannekum ◽  
Vinzenz Hombach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Coronary Smooth Muscle

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Expression in Human Liver and Healthy or Atherosclerotic Vessel Walls

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (01) ◽  
pp. 044-053 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Chomiki ◽  
M Henry ◽  
M C Alessi ◽  
F Anfosso ◽  
I Juhan-Vague
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Human Liver ◽  
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Vessel Walls ◽  
Activator Inhibitor ◽  
Pai 1

SummaryIndividuals with elevated levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 are at risk of developing atherosclerosis. The mechanisms leading to increased plasma PAI-1 concentrations are not well understood. The link observed between increased PAI-1 levels and insulin resistance has lead workers to investigate the effects of insulin or triglyceride rich lipoproteins on PAI-1 production by cultured hepatocytes or endothelial cells. However, little is known about the contribution of these cells to PAI-1 production in vivo. We have studied the expression of PAI-1 in human liver sections as well as in vessel walls from different territories, by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization.We have observed that normal liver endothelial cells expressed PAI-1 while parenchymal cells did not. However, this fact does not refute the role of parenchymal liver cells in pathological states.In healthy vessels, PAI-1 mRNA and protein were detected primarily at the endothelium from the lumen as well as from the vasa vasorum. In normal arteries, smooth muscle cells were able to produce PAI-1 depending on the territory tested. In deeply altered vessels, PAI-1 expression was observed in neovessels scattering the lesions, in some intimal cells and in smooth muscle cells. Local increase PAI-1 mRNA described in atherosclerotic lesions could be due to the abundant neovascularization present in the lesion as well as a raised expression in smooth muscle cells. The increased PAI-1 in atherosclerosis could lead to fibrin deposit during plaque rupture contributing further to the development and progression of the lesion.

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