scholarly journals The Endothelial Glycocalyx: Physiology and Pathology in Neonates, Infants and Children

Author(s):  
Alexandra Puchwein-Schwepcke ◽  
Orsolya Genzel-Boroviczény ◽  
Claudia Nussbaum

The endothelial glycocalyx (EG) as part of the endothelial surface layer (ESL) is an important regulator of vascular function and homeostasis, including permeability, vascular tone, leukocyte recruitment and coagulation. Located at the interface between the endothelium and the blood stream, this highly fragile structure is prone to many disruptive factors such as inflammation and oxidative stress. Shedding of the EG has been described in various acute and chronic diseases characterized by endothelial dysfunction and angiopathy, such as sepsis, trauma, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Circulating EG components including syndecan-1, hyaluronan and heparan sulfate are being evaluated in animal and clinical studies as diagnostic and prognostic markers in several pathologies, and advances in microscopic techniques have enabled in vivo assessment of the EG. While research regarding the EG in adult physiology and pathology has greatly advanced throughout the last decades, our knowledge of the development of the glycocalyx and its involvement in pathological conditions in the pediatric population is limited. Current evidence suggests that the EG is present early during fetal development and plays a critical role in vessel formation and maturation. Like in adults, EG shedding has been demonstrated in acute inflammatory conditions in infants and children and chronic diseases with childhood-onset. However, the underlying mechanisms and their contribution to disease manifestation and progression still need to be established. In the future, the glycocalyx might serve as a marker to identify pediatric patients at risk for vascular sequelae and as a potential target for early interventions.

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1405
Author(s):  
Zhichao Zhou ◽  
Yuanzheng Yang ◽  
Fei Wang ◽  
Eugenie S. Kleinerman

Survival rates for Ewing sarcoma (ES) patients with metastatic disease have not improved in over 20 years. Tumor growth and metastasis are dependent on tumor vasculature expansion; therefore, identifying the regulators that control this process in ES may provide new therapeutic opportunities. ES expresses high levels of repressor element 1 silencing transcription factor (REST), which is regulated by the EWS-FLI-1 fusion gene. However, the role of REST in ES growth and the regulation of the tumor vasculature have not been elucidated. To study this role, we established REST-knockout human TC71 ES cell lines through CRISPR/Cas9 recombination. While knockout of REST did not alter tumor cell proliferation in vitro, REST knockout reduced tumor growth and metastasis to the lung in vivo and altered tumor vascular morphology and function. Tumor vessels in the REST-knockout tumors had a punctate appearance with significantly decreased tumor vascular pericytes, decreased perfusion, and increased permeability. REST-knockout tumors also showed increased apoptosis and hypoxia. These results indicate that REST plays a critical role in ES vascular function, which in turn impacts the ability of ES tumors to grow and metastasize. These findings therefore provide a basis for the targeting of REST as a novel therapeutic approach in ES.


2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (03) ◽  
pp. 274-282
Author(s):  
Kaori Oshima ◽  
Samantha I. King ◽  
Sarah A. McMurtry ◽  
Eric P. Schmidt

AbstractThere is increasing recognition of the importance of the endothelial glycocalyx and its in vivo manifestation, the endothelial surface layer, in vascular homeostasis. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are a major structural constituent of the endothelial glycocalyx and serve to regulate vascular permeability, microcirculatory tone, leukocyte and platelet adhesion, and hemostasis. During sepsis, endothelial HSPGs are shed through the induction of “sheddases” such as heparanase and matrix metalloproteinases, leading to loss of glycocalyx integrity and consequent vascular dysfunction. Less well recognized is that glycocalyx degradation releases HSPG fragments into the circulation, which can shape the systemic consequences of sepsis. In this review, we will discuss (1) the normal, homeostatic functions of HSPGs within the endothelial glycocalyx, (2) the pathological changes in HSPGs during sepsis and their consequences on the local vascular bed, and (3) the systemic consequences of HSPG degradation. In doing so, we will identify potential therapeutic targets to improve vascular function during sepsis as well as highlight key areas of uncertainty that require further mechanistic investigation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 244 (3) ◽  
pp. 445-458
Author(s):  
Hui-Fang Wang ◽  
Qing-Qing Yu ◽  
Rui-Fang Zheng ◽  
Ming Xu

Cardiovascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are associated with vascular remodeling in the arteries. Perivascular sympathetic neurons release an abundance of trophic factors to regulate vascular function via a paracrine signaling. Netrin-1, a diffusible protein that can be secreted outside the cell, is one of common signals of ‘conversation’ between nerve and vessel. The present study investigated whether netrin-1 is a novel modulator of sympathetic neurons paracrine signaling and played a critical role in vascular adventitial remodeling under T2DM. Vascular adventitial remodeling was observed in adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) responding to netrin-1 deficiency in the supernatant from primary rat superior cervical ganglia (SCG) neurons, shown as AFs proliferation, migration, and collagen deposition. Conditioned medium from the high glucose (HG)-treated SCG neurons contributed to AFs remodeling, which was effectively alleviated by exogenous netrin-1 supplementation. Further, it was found that uncoordinated-5-B (Unc5b) was mainly expressed in AFs among netrin-1 specific receptors. Treatment of netrin-1 inhibited H2O2 production derived from NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) through the UNC5b/CAMP/PKA signal pathway in AFs remodeling. In vivo, aorta adventitial remodeling was accompanied with the downregulation of netrin-1 in the perivascular sympathetic nerve in T2DM rats. Such abnormalities were restored by netrin-1 intervention, which was associated with the inhibition of NOX4 expression in the aorta adventitia. In conclusion, netrin-1 is a novel modulator of sympathetic neurons paracrine signaling to maintain AFs function. Vascular adventitial remodeling was aggravated by sympathetic neurons paracrine signaling under hyperglycemia, which was ameliorated by netrin-1 treatment through the UNC5b/CAMP/PKA/NOX4 pathway.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (15) ◽  
pp. 3152-3162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huanhuan He ◽  
Jingying Xu ◽  
Carmen M. Warren ◽  
Dan Duan ◽  
Xinmin Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Endothelial cells and macrophages are known to engage in tight and specific interactions that contribute to the modulation of vascular function. Here we show that adult endothelial cells provide critical signals for the selective growth and differentiation of macrophages from several hematopoietic progenitors. The process features the formation of well-organized colonies that exhibit progressive differentiation from the center to the periphery and toward an M2-like phenotype, characterized by enhanced expression of Tie2 and CD206/Mrc1. These colonies are long-lived depending on the contact with the endothelium; removal of the endothelial monolayer results in rapid colony dissolution. We further found that Csf1 produced by the endothelium is critical for the expansion of the macrophage colonies and that blockade of Csf1 receptor impairs colony growth. Functional analyses indicate that these macrophages are capable of accelerating angiogenesis, promoting tumor growth, and effectively engaging in tight associations with endothelial cells in vivo. These findings uncover a critical role of endothelial cells in the induction of macrophage differentiation and their ability to promote further polarization toward a proangiogenic phenotype. This work also highlights some of the molecules underlying the M2-like differentiation, a process that is relevant to the progression of both developmental and pathologic angiogenesis.


Author(s):  
Margaret A. Bush ◽  
Nicholas M. Anstey ◽  
Tsin W. Yeo ◽  
Salvatore M. Florence ◽  
Donald L. Granger ◽  
...  

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum results in over 400,000 deaths annually, predominantly affecting African children. In addition, non-falciparum species including vivax and knowlesi cause significant morbidity and mortality. Vascular dysfunction is a key feature in malaria pathogenesis leading to impaired blood perfusion, vascular obstruction, and tissue hypoxia. Contributing factors include adhesion of infected RBC to endothelium, endothelial activation, and reduced nitric oxide formation. Endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) protects the vasculature by maintaining vessel integrity and regulating cellular adhesion and nitric oxide signaling pathways. Breakdown of eGC is known to occur in infectious diseases such as bacterial sepsis and dengue and is associated with adverse outcomes. Emerging studies using biochemical markers and in vivo imaging suggest that eGC breakdown occurs during Plasmodium infection and is associated with markers of malaria disease severity, endothelial activation, and vascular function. In this review, we describe characteristics of eGC breakdown in malaria and discuss how these relate to vascular dysfunction and adverse outcomes. Further understanding of this process may lead to adjunctive therapy to preserve or restore damaged eGC and reduce microvascular dysfunction and the morbidity/mortality of malaria.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (22) ◽  
pp. 2610-2619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarique Hussain ◽  
Ghulam Murtaza ◽  
Huansheng Yang ◽  
Muhammad S. Kalhoro ◽  
Dildar H. Kalhoro

Background: Inflammation is a complex response of the host defense system to different internal and external stimuli. It is believed that persistent inflammation may lead to chronic inflammatory diseases such as, inflammatory bowel disease, neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress is the main factor responsible for the augmentation of inflammation via various molecular pathways. Therefore, alleviating oxidative stress is effective a therapeutic option against chronic inflammatory diseases. Methods: This review article extends the knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of flavonoids targeting inflammatory pathways in chronic diseases, which would be the best approach for the development of suitable therapeutic agents against chronic diseases. Results: Since the inflammatory response is initiated by numerous signaling molecules like NF-κB, MAPK, and Arachidonic acid pathways, their encountering function can be evaluated with the activation of Nrf2 pathway, a promising approach to inhibit/prevent chronic inflammatory diseases by flavonoids. Over the last few decades, flavonoids drew much attention as a potent alternative therapeutic agent. Recent clinical evidence has shown significant impacts of flavonoids on chronic diseases in different in-vivo and in-vitro models. Conclusion: Flavonoid compounds can interact with chronic inflammatory diseases at the cellular level and modulate the response of protein pathways. A promising approach is needed to overlook suitable alternative compounds providing more therapeutic efficacy and exerting fewer side effects than commercially available antiinflammatory drugs.


Author(s):  
Hongtao Li ◽  
Peng Chen ◽  
Lei Chen ◽  
Xinning Wang

Background: Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is usually activated in Wilms tumor (WT) cells and plays a critical role in WT development. Objective: The study purpose was to screen a NF-κB inhibitor from natural product library and explore its effects on WT development. Methods: Luciferase assay was employed to assess the effects of natural chemical son NF-κB activity. CCK-8 assay was conducted to assess cell growth in response to naringenin. WT xenograft model was established to analyze the effect of naringenin in vivo. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were performed to examine the mRNA and protein levels of relative genes, respectively. Results: Naringenin displayed significant inhibitory effect on NF-κB activation in SK-NEP-1 cells. In SK-NEP-1 and G-401 cells, naringenin inhibited p65 phosphorylation. Moreover, naringenin suppressed TNF-α-induced p65 phosphorylation in WT cells. Naringenin inhibited TLR4 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in WT cells. CCK-8 staining showed that naringenin inhibited cell growth of the two above WT cells in dose-and time-dependent manner, whereas Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) over expression partially reversed the above phenomena. Besides, naringenin suppressed WT tumor growth in dose-and time-dependent manner in vivo. Western blot found that naringenin inhibited TLR4 expression and p65 phosphorylation in WT xenograft tumors. Conclusion: Naringenin inhibits WT development viasuppressing TLR4/NF-κB signaling


Oncogene ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiuna Zhang ◽  
Xiaoyu Jiang ◽  
Jie Yin ◽  
Shiying Dou ◽  
Xiaoli Xie ◽  
...  

AbstractRING finger proteins (RNFs) play a critical role in cancer initiation and progression. RNF141 is a member of RNFs family; however, its clinical significance, roles, and mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain poorly understood. Here, we examined the expression of RNF141 in 64 pairs of CRC and adjacent normal tissues by real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. We found that there was more expression of RNF141 in CRC tissue compared with its adjacent normal tissue and high RNF141 expression associated with T stage. In vivo and in vitro functional experiments were conducted and revealed the oncogenic role of RNF141 in CRC. RNF141 knockdown suppressed proliferation, arrested the cell cycle in the G1 phase, inhibited migration, invasion and HUVEC tube formation but promoted apoptosis, whereas RNF141 overexpression exerted the opposite effects in CRC cells. The subcutaneous xenograft models showed that RNF141 knockdown reduced tumor growth, but its overexpression promoted tumor growth. Mechanistically, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry indicated RNF141 interacted with KRAS, which was confirmed by Co-immunoprecipitation, Immunofluorescence assay. Further analysis with bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) pull-down assays showed that RNF141 could directly bind to KRAS. Importantly, the upregulation of RNF141 increased GTP-bound KRAS, but its knockdown resulted in a reduction accordingly. Next, we demonstrated that RNF141 induced KRAS activation via increasing its enrichment on the plasma membrane not altering total KRAS expression, which was facilitated by the interaction with LYPLA1. Moreover, KRAS silencing partially abolished the effect of RNF141 on cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, our findings presented that RNF141 functioned as an oncogene by upregulating KRAS activity in a manner of promoting KRAS enrichment on the plasma membrane in CRC.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 668
Author(s):  
Concetta Altamura ◽  
Maria Raffaella Greco ◽  
Maria Rosaria Carratù ◽  
Rosa Angela Cardone ◽  
Jean-François Desaphy

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, due to late diagnosis, development of platinum resistance, and inadequate alternative therapy. It has been demonstrated that membrane ion channels play important roles in cancer processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, motility, and invasion. Here, we review the contribution of ion channels in the development and progression of OC, evaluating their potential in clinical management. Increased expression of voltage-gated and epithelial sodium channels has been detected in OC cells and tissues and shown to be involved in cancer proliferation and invasion. Potassium and calcium channels have been found to play a critical role in the control of cell cycle and in the resistance to apoptosis, promoting tumor growth and recurrence. Overexpression of chloride and transient receptor potential channels was found both in vitro and in vivo, supporting their contribution to OC. Furthermore, ion channels have been shown to influence the sensitivity of OC cells to neoplastic drugs, suggesting a critical role in chemotherapy resistance. The study of ion channels expression and function in OC can improve our understanding of pathophysiology and pave the way for identifying ion channels as potential targets for tumor diagnosis and treatment.


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