scholarly journals Novel Treatment of Hypertension by Specifically Targeting E2F for Restoration of Endothelial Dihydrofolate Reductase and eNOS Function Under Oxidative Stress

Hypertension ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Li ◽  
Qiang Li ◽  
Yixuan Zhang ◽  
Wenting Liu ◽  
Bo Gu ◽  
...  

We have shown that hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) downregulates tetrahydrobiopterin salvage enzyme DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase) to result in eNOS (endothelial NO synthase) uncoupling and elevated blood pressure. Here, we aimed to delineate molecular mechanisms underlying H 2 O 2 downregulation of endothelial DHFR by examining transcriptional pathways hypothesized to modulate DHFR expression and effects on blood pressure regulation of targeting these novel mechanisms. H 2 O 2 dose and time dependently attenuated DHFR mRNA and protein expression and enzymatic activity in endothelial cells. Deletion of E2F-binding sites, but not those of Sp1 (specificity protein 1), abolished H 2 O 2 attenuation of DHFR promoter activity. Overexpression of E2F1/2/3a activated DHFR promoter at baseline and alleviated the inhibitory effect of H 2 O 2 on DHFR promoter activity. H 2 O 2 treatment diminished mRNA and protein expression of E2F1/2/3a, whereas overexpression of E2F isoforms increased DHFR protein levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay indicated direct binding of E2F1/2/3a to the DHFR promoter, which was weakened by H 2 O 2 . E2F1 RNA interference attenuated DHFR protein levels, whereas its overexpression elevated tetrahydrobiopterin levels and tetrahydrobiopterin/dihydrobiopterin ratios in vitro and in vivo. In Ang II (angiotensin II)–infused mice, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of E2F1 markedly abrogated blood pressure to control levels, by restoring endothelial DHFR function to improve NO bioavailability and vasorelaxation. Bioinformatic analyses confirmed a positive correlation between E2F1 and DHFR in human endothelial cells and arteries, and downregulation of both by oxidized phospholipids. In summary, endothelial DHFR is downregulated by H 2 O 2 transcriptionally via an E2F-dependent mechanism, and that specifically targeting E2F1/2/3a to restore DHFR and eNOS function may serve as a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of hypertension.

2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (12) ◽  
pp. F1630-F1639 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Ásgeirsdóttir ◽  
C. van Solingen ◽  
N. F. Kurniati ◽  
P. J. Zwiers ◽  
P. Heeringa ◽  
...  

Endothelial cells in different microvascular segments of the kidney have diverse functions and exhibit differential responsiveness to disease stimuli. The responsible molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. We previously showed that during hemorrhagic shock, VCAM-1 protein was expressed primarily in extraglomerular compartments of the kidney, while E-selectin protein was highly induced in glomeruli only (van Meurs M, Wulfert FM, Knol AJ, de Haes A, Houwertjes M, Aarts LPHJ, Molema G. Shock 29: 291–299, 2008). Here, we investigated the molecular control of expression of these endothelial cell adhesion molecules in mouse models of renal inflammation. Microvascular segment-specific responses to the induction of anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM), glomerulonephritis and systemic TNF-α treatment showed that E-selectin expression was transcriptionally regulated, with high E-selectin mRNA and protein levels preferentially expressed in the glomerular compartment. In contrast, VCAM-1 mRNA expression was increased in both arterioles and glomeruli, while VCAM-1 protein expression was limited in the glomeruli. These high VCAM-1 mRNA/low VCAM-1 protein levels were accompanied by high local microRNA (miR)-126 and Egfl7 levels, as well as higher Ets1 levels compared with arteriolar expression levels. Using miR-reporter constructs, the functional activity of miR-126 in glomerular endothelial cells could be demonstrated. Moreover, in vivo knockdown of miR-126 function unleashed VCAM-1 protein expression in the glomeruli upon inflammatory challenge. These data imply that miR-126 has a major role in the segmental, heterogenic response of renal microvascular endothelial cells to systemic inflammatory stimuli.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Bin Zhang ◽  
Dong Li ◽  
Gexiu Liu ◽  
Wenfeng Tan ◽  
Jun Guo ◽  
...  

Objective. To investigate the effect of traditional Chinese antihypertensive compound Xinmaitong on blood pressure and vasoactive factors of vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) and vasodilator calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) with early stage hypertension. Methods. Twenty male SHRs were randomly divided into two groups: 10 for hypertensive control group and 10 for hypertensive treatment group. In addition, 10 Wistar rats were used as the normal control group without any intervention. SHRs of hypertensive treatment group were orally treated with Xinmaitong, while the hypertensive control group was treated with the normal saline (NS) for a total of eight weeks. The blood pressure in SHRs was examined before and after the end of the eight-week study. After treatment, the rats were killed and the blood samples were collected to measure plasma levels of ET-1 and CGRP by ELISA method, respectively. Meanwhile, the aorta rings were isolated for measuring the mRNA expression of ET-1 and CGRP by PCR. Moreover, the protein levels of ET-1 and CGRP were studied by immunohistochemical. Results. Daily oral administration of Xinmaitong resulted in significant fall in the SHRs’ blood pressure, including systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), and pulse pressure (PP). The plasma ET-1 levels were reduced and CGRP increased. In parallel, the mRNA and protein expression of ET-1 were decreased, whereas the mRNA and protein expression of CGRP were enhanced in SHRs treated with Xinmaitong. Conclusion. The present study demonstrated for the first time that Xinmaitong leads to the fall in blood pressure of SHRs and that this antihypertensive effect is, at least in part, due to improvement of arterial tone.


Author(s):  
Priyanka Singh ◽  
Sanjay Kumar Bhadada ◽  
Divya Dahiya ◽  
Uma Nahar Saikia ◽  
Ashutosh Kumar Arya ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Glial cells missing 2 (GCM2), a zinc finger-transcription factor, is essentially required for the development of parathyroid glands. We sought to identify if the epigenetic alterations in the GCM2 transcription are involved in the pathogenesis of sporadic parathyroid adenoma. In addition, we examined the association between promoter methylation and histone modifications with disease indices. Experimental design mRNA and protein expression of GCM2 were analyzed by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry in 33 adenomatous and 10 control parathyroid tissues. DNA methylation and histone methylation/acetylation of GCM2 promoter were measured by bisulfite sequencing and ChIP-qPCR. Additionally, we investigated the role of epigenetic modifications on GCM2 and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression in PTH-C1 cells by treating with 5-aza 2’deoxycytidine (DAC) and BRD4770 and assessed for GCM2 mRNA and DNMT1 protein levels. Results mRNA and protein expression of GCM2 were lower in sporadic adenomatous than in control parathyroid tissues. This reduction correlated with hypermethylation (P<0.001) and higher H3K9me3 levels in GCM2 promoter (P<0.04) in adenomas. In PTH-C1 cells, DAC treatment resulted in increased GCM2 transcription and decreased DNMT1 protein expression, while cells treated with the BRD4770 showed reduced H3K9me3 levels but a non-significant change in GCM2 transcription. Conclusion These findings suggest the concurrent association of promoter hypermethylation and higher H3K9me3 with the repression of GCM2 expression in parathyroid adenomas. Treatment with DAC restored GCM2 expression in PTH-C1 cells. Our results showed a possible epigenetic landscape in the tumorigenesis of parathyroid adenoma and also that DAC may be promising avenues of research for parathyroid adenoma therapeutics.


2000 ◽  
Vol 278 (2) ◽  
pp. F238-F245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian V. Silva ◽  
Carol J. Blaisdell ◽  
Sandra E. Guggino ◽  
William B. Guggino

Mutations in the chloride channel, ClC-5, have been described in several inherited diseases that result in the formation of kidney stones. To determine whether ClC-5 is also involved in calcium homeostasis, we investigated whether ClC-5 mRNA and protein expression are modulated in rats deficient in 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 with and without thyroparathyroidectomy. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) was replaced in some animals. Vitamin D-deficient, thyroparathyrodectomized rats had lower serum and higher urinary calcium concentrations compared with control animals as well as lower serum PTH and calcitonin concentrations. ClC-5 mRNA and protein levels in the cortex decrease in vitamin D-deficient, thyroparathyroidectomized rats compared with both control and vitamin D-deficient animals. ClC-5 mRNA and protein expression increase near to control levels in vitamin D-deficient, thyroparathyroidectomized rats injected with PTH. No significant changes in ClC-5 mRNA and protein expression in the medulla were detected in any experimental group. Our results suggest that PTH modulates the expression of ClC-5 in the kidney cortex and that neither 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 nor PTH regulates ClC-5 expression in the medulla. The pattern of expression of ClC-5 varies with urinary calcium. Animals with higher urinary calcium concentrations have lower levels of ClC-5 mRNA and protein expression, suggesting that the ClC-5 chloride channel plays a role in calcium reabsorption.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Xiangguo Duan ◽  
Yaru Lan ◽  
Xiaoyu Zhang ◽  
Shaozhang Hou ◽  
Jian Chen ◽  
...  

In previous studies, Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), a traditional Chinese medicine, can promote immature dendritic cells (DCs) to mature. However, the molecular mechanisms by which LBP works are not yet elucidated. Here, we found that LBP can induce DCs maturation, which is mainly characterized by the upregulation of MHCII and costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86), and increase the production of IL-6 and IL-4. Furthermore, we found that LBP could increase the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4, p38, Erk1/2, JNK, and Blimp1 signal molecules. More interestingly, after blocking by Toll-like receptor 4 inhibitor, Resatorvid (TAK 242), the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4, Erk1/2, and Blimp1 was significantly decreased while the expression of p38 and JNK has not changed. Then, we found that after blocking by p38 inhibitor (SB203580), Erk inhibitor (PD98059), and JNK inhibitor (SP603580) separately, Blimp1 protein expression was significantly reduced; after downregulating Blimp1 by Blimp1-siRNA, the production of IL-6 was reduced. In conclusion, our results indicate that LBP can induce maturation of DCs through the TLR4-Erk1/2-Blimp1 signal pathway instead of the JNK/p38-Blimp1 pathway. Our findings may provide a novel evidence for understanding the molecular mechanisms of LBP on activating murine DCs.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Siragusa ◽  
Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo ◽  
Pedro Felipe Malacarne ◽  
Anna Strano ◽  
Akshay Buch ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Receptor-type vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) dephosphorylates Tie-2 as well as CD31, VE-cadherin, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). The latter form a signal transduction complex that mediates the endothelial cell response to shear stress, including the activation of the endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS). As VE-PTP expression is increased in diabetes, we investigated the consequences of VE-PTP inhibition (using AKB-9778) on blood pressure in diabetic patients and the role of VE-PTP in the regulation of eNOS activity and vascular reactivity. Methods and results In diabetic patients AKB-9778 significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This could be linked to elevated NO production, as AKB increased NO generation by cultured endothelial cells and elicited the NOS inhibitor-sensitive relaxation of endothelium-intact rings of mouse aorta. At the molecular level, VE-PTP inhibition increased the phosphorylation of eNOS on Tyr81 and Ser1177 (human sequence). The PIEZO1 activator Yoda1, which was used to mimic the response to shear stress, also increased eNOS Tyr81 phosphorylation, an effect that was enhanced by VE-PTP inhibition. Two kinases, i.e. abelson-tyrosine protein kinase (ABL)1 and Src were identified as eNOS Tyr81 kinases as their inhibition and down-regulation significantly reduced the basal and Yoda1-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and activity of eNOS. VE-PTP, on the other hand, formed a complex with eNOS in endothelial cells and directly dephosphorylated eNOS Tyr81 in vitro. Finally, phosphorylation of eNOS on Tyr80 (murine sequence) was found to be reduced in diabetic mice and diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction (isolated aortic rings) was blunted by VE-PTP inhibition. Conclusions VE-PTP inhibition enhances eNOS activity to improve endothelial function and decrease blood pressure indirectly, through the activation of Tie-2 and the CD31/VE-cadherin/VEGFR2 complex, and directly by dephosphorylating eNOS Tyr81. VE-PTP inhibition, therefore, represents an attractive novel therapeutic option for diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction and hypertension.


J ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
René Huber ◽  
Bruno Stuhlmüller ◽  
Elke Kunisch ◽  
Raimund W. Kinne

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and destructive joint disease characterized by overexpression of pro-inflammatory/pro-destructive mediators, whose regulation has been the focus of our previous studies. Since the expression of these proteins commonly depends on AP-1, the expression of the AP-1-forming subunits cJun, JunB, JunD, and cFos was assessed in synovial membrane (SM) samples of RA, osteoarthritis (OA), joint trauma (JT), and normal controls (NC) using ELISA and qRT-PCR. With respect to an observed discrepancy between mRNA and protein levels, the expression of the mRNA stability-modifying factors AU-rich element RNA-binding protein (AUF)-1, tristetraprolin (TTP), and human antigen R (HuR) was measured. JunB and JunD protein expression was significantly higher in RA-SM compared to OA and/or NC. By contrast, jun/fos mRNA expression was significantly (cjun) or numerically decreased (junB, junD, cfos) in RA and OA compared to JT and/or NC. Remarkably, TTP and HuR were also affected by discrepancies between their mRNA and protein levels, since they were significantly decreased at the mRNA level in RA versus NC, but significantly or numerically increased at the protein level when compared to JT and NC. Discrepancies between the mRNA and protein expression for Jun/Fos and TTP/HuR suggest broad alterations of post-transcriptional processes in the RA-SM. In this context, increased levels of mRNA-destabilizing TTP may contribute to the low levels of jun/fos and ttp/hur mRNA, whereas abundant mRNA-stabilizing HuR may augment translation of the remaining mRNA into protein with potential consequences for the composition of the resulting AP-1 complexes and the expression of AP-1-dependent genes in RA.


2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (4) ◽  
pp. F1215-F1218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Rashid ◽  
Jacques Bernheim ◽  
Janice Green ◽  
Sydney Benchetrit

Parathyroid hormone (PTH), the major systemic calcium-regulating hormone, has been linked to uremic vascular changes. Considering the possible deleterious action of PTH on vascular structures, it seemed logical to evaluate the impact of PTH on the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) mRNA and protein expression, taking into account that such parameters might be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification, atherosclerosis, and/or arteriolosclerosis. Human umbilical vein cord endothelial cells (HUVEC) were stimulated for 24 h with 10−12–10−10 mol/l PTH. The mRNA expression of RAGE and IL-6 was established by reverse transcriptase/PCR techniques. RAGE protein levels were determined by Western blot and IL-6 secretion was measured by ELISA. The pathways by which PTH may have an effect on HUVEC functions were evaluated. PTH (10−11–10−10mol/l) significantly increased RAGE mRNA and protein expression. PTH also significantly increased IL-6 mRNA expression without changes at protein levels. The addition of protein kinase (PKC or PKA) inhibitors or nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors significantly reduced the RAGE and IL-6 mRNA expression and the RAGE protein expression. PTH stimulates the mRNA expressions of RAGE and IL-6 and the protein expression of RAGE. These stimulatory effects are probably through PKC and PKA pathways and are also NO dependent. Such data may explain the possible impact of PTH on the atherosclerotic and arteriosclerotic progression.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 2253-2253
Author(s):  
Keiko Maruyama ◽  
Eriko Morishita ◽  
Hiroki Torishima ◽  
Akiko Sekiya ◽  
Hidesaku Asakura ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2253 OBJECTIVE: 3-Hydroxyl-3-methyl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) inhibit the production of mevalonate and other isoprenoid intermediates of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, such as farnesylpyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranylpyrophosphate (GGPP). Statins can protect the vasculature from inflammation and atherosclerosis caused by cholesterol-dependent and cholesterol-independent mechanisms. The latest investigations show that statins modulate the expression of genes related to inflammation, blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in cultured endothelial cells. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) which is expressed by endothelial cells plays a crucial role in hemostasis by regulating TF-induced initiation of coagulation. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of fluvastatin, lipophilic statin, on expressions of TFPI in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS: HUVECs were incubated for 24 h in culture medium including fluvastatin (0.1, 1.0, 10.0 μM). The expression of TFPI mRNA and protein was evaluated by western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. To identify which product of statin reaction is necessary for the effect of fluvastatin, HUVECs were incubated for 24h with fluvastatin with mavalonate, FPP, or GGPP. On the other hand, it is known that fluvastatin increase nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. To determine whether fluvastatin induced NO affects TFPI mRNA and protein expression, HUVECs were incubated for 24h with fluvastatin with NG-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, hydrochloride (L-NAME: specific inhibitor of NO synthase). Additionally, to determine whether fluvastatin affects p38MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase C (PKC) pathways, HUVECs were incubated for 24h with fluvastatin with the inhibitors of p38MAPK (SB203580), JNK (SP600125), MEK (U0126), PI3K (LY294002), and PKC (GF109203). The expression of TFPI mRNA and protein was evaluated by western blot. RESULTS: Fluvastatin increased TFPI mRNA and protein expression (1μM: p<0.01, 10μM: p<0.05; Figure 1). This fluvastatin-dependent up-regulation of TFPI was prevented by mevalonate and geranylgeranylphosphate (GG-PP). In contrast, the addition of L-NAME did not alter induction of TFPI expression by fluvastatin. Similarly, Y-27632 (Rho kinase inhibitor) and NSC23766 (Rac1 inhibitor) were ineffective. Additionally, the inhibitors of p38MAPK, PI3K, and PKC prevented fluvastatin-dependent up-regulation. On the other hand, the inhibitors of JNK and MEK were ineffective. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that fluvastatin significantly increases TFPI mRNA and protein expression, and this effect of fluvastatin is accompanied by the activation of p38 MAPK, PI3K, and PKC pathways. Therefore, this effect may play an important role in preventing cardiovascular events. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephine Lok ◽  
S Pablo Sardi ◽  
Shuzhen Guo ◽  
Elaine Besancon ◽  
Duy M Ha ◽  
...  

Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) signaling has multiple functions in neurons and glia. The data in this study show that NRG1 may also possess significant signaling and cytoprotective properties in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Neuregulin-1 mRNA and protein expression are present in these cells, and NRG1 receptors erbB2 and erbB3 are phosphorylated in response to NRG1. Neuregulin-1 triggers clear biologic responses in BMECs—elevated phospho-Akt levels, increased ring formation in a Matrigel assay, and decreased cell death after oxidative injury with H2O2. These data suggest that NRG1 signaling is functional and cytoprotective in BMECs.


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