scholarly journals Myeloperoxidase and Septic Conditions Disrupt Sphingolipid Homeostasis in Murine Brain Capillaries In Vivo and Immortalized Human Brain Endothelial Cells In Vitro

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 1143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeleine Goeritzer ◽  
Eva Bernhart ◽  
Ioanna Plastira ◽  
Helga Reicher ◽  
Christina Leopold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Sickness Behavior ◽  
Brain Endothelial Cells ◽  
Brain Capillaries ◽  
Barrier Dysfunction ◽  
Pharmacological Inhibition ◽  
Regulated Gene Expression ◽  
The Impact

During inflammation, activated leukocytes release cytotoxic mediators that compromise blood–brain barrier (BBB) function. Under inflammatory conditions, myeloperoxidase (MPO) is critically involved in inflicting BBB damage. We used genetic and pharmacological approaches to investigate whether MPO induces aberrant lipid homeostasis at the BBB in a murine endotoxemia model. To corroborate findings in a human system we studied the impact of sera from sepsis and non-sepsis patients on brain endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3). In response to endotoxin, the fatty acid, ceramide, and sphingomyelin content of isolated mouse brain capillaries dropped and barrier dysfunction occurred. In mice, genetic deficiency or pharmacological inhibition of MPO abolished these alterations. Studies in metabolic cages revealed increased physical activity and less pronounced sickness behavior of MPO−/− compared to wild-type mice in response to sepsis. In hCMEC/D3 cells, exogenous tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) potently regulated gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a set of genes involved in sphingolipid (SL) homeostasis. Notably, treatment of hCMEC/D3 cells with sera from septic patients reduced cellular ceramide concentrations and induced barrier and mitochondrial dysfunction. In summary, our in vivo and in vitro data revealed that inflammatory mediators including MPO, TNFα induce dysfunctional SL homeostasis in brain endothelial cells. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of MPO attenuated endotoxin-induced alterations in SL homeostasis in vivo, highlighting the potential role of MPO as drug target to treat inflammation-induced brain dysfunction.

scholarly journals Epigenetic upregulation by valproic acid of transferrin receptor 1, and not glucose transporter 1 or CD98hc, at the blood-brain barrier

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steinunn Sara Helgudóttir ◽  
Kasper Bendix Johnsen ◽  
Lisa Juul Routhe ◽  
Charlotte L.M. Rasmussen ◽  
Azra Karamehmedovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Valproic Acid ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Transferrin Receptor ◽  
Glucose Transporter ◽  
Brain Capillaries ◽  
Glucose Transporter 1 ◽  
Transferrin Receptor 1

Abstract BackgroundThe objectives of the present study were to investigate whether the expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), glucose transporter 1 (Glut1), or Cluster of Differentiation 98 Heavy Chain (CD98hc) is epigenetically regulated in brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) denoting the blood-brain barrier (BBB).MethodsThe expression of these targets was investigated both in vitro and in vivo following treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) valproic acid (VPA). Mice were injected intraperitoneally with VPA followed by analysis of isolated brain capillaries, and the capillary depleted brain samples. Brain tissue, isolated brain capillaries, and cultured primary endothelial cells were analyzed by RT-qPCR, immunolabeling and ELISA for expression of TfR1, Glut1 and CD98hc. We also studied the vascular targeting in VPA-treated mice injected with monoclonal anti-transferrin receptor (Ri7) conjugated with 1.4 nm gold nanoparticles. ResultsValidating the effects of VPA on gene transcription in BCECs, transcriptomic analysis identified 24,371 expressed genes, of which 305 were differentially expressed with 192 upregulated and 113 downregulated genes. In vitro using BCECs co-cultured with glial cells, the mRNA expression of Tfrc was significantly higher after VPA treatment for 6 h with its expression returning to baseline after 24 h. Conversely, the mRNA expression of Glut1 and Cd98hc was unaffected by VPA treatment. In vivo, the TfR1 protein expression in brain capillaries increased significantly after treatment with both 100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg VPA. Conversely, VPA treatment did not increase GLUT1 or CD98hc. Using ICP-MS-based quantification, the brain uptake of nanogold conjugated anti-TfR1 antibodies was non-significant in spite of increased expression of TfR1. ConclusionsWe report that VPA treatment upregulates TfR1 at the BBB both in vivo and in vitro in isolated primary endothelial cells. In contrast, VPA treatment does not influence the expression of GLUT1 and CD98hc. The increase in the overall TfR1 protein expression however does not increase transport of TfR-targeted monoclonal antibody and indicates that targeted delivery using the transferrin receptor should aim for increased mobilization of already available transferrin receptor molecules to improve trafficking through the BBB.

scholarly journals Sitagliptin and the Blood-Retina Barrier: Effects on Retinal Endothelial Cells Manifested Only after Prolonged Exposure

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Anja Jäckle ◽  
Focke Ziemssen ◽  
Eva-Maria Kuhn ◽  
Jürgen Kampmeier ◽  
Gerhard K. Lang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Barrier Dysfunction ◽  
Fibronectin Receptor ◽  
Retinal Endothelial Cells ◽  
Junction Protein

Inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) are widely used to treat diabetes mellitus, but data concerning their effects on the barrier stability of retinal endothelial cells (REC) in vivo and in vitro are inconsistent. Therefore, we studied whether the barrier properties of immortalized endothelial cells of the bovine retina (iBREC) were affected by the inhibitors of DPP-4 sitagliptin (10-1000 nM) and diprotin A (1-25 μM). Their effects were also investigated in the presence of VEGF-A165 because diabetic patients often develop macular edema caused by VEGF-A-induced permeability of REC. To detect even transient or subtle changes of paracellular and transcellular flow as well as adhesion of the cells to the extracellular matrix, we continuously monitored the cell index (CI) of confluent iBREC grown on gold electrodes. Initially, the CI remained stable but started to decline significantly and persistently at 40 h or 55 h after addition of sitagliptin or diprotin A, respectively. Both inhibitors did not modulate, prevent, or revert the persistent VEGF-A165-induced reduction of the CI. Interestingly, sitagliptin and diprotin A increased the expression of the tight-junction protein claudin-1 which is an important component of a functional barrier formed by iBREC. In contrast, expressions of CD29—a subunit of the fibronectin receptor—or of the tetraspanin CD9 were lower after extended treatment with the DPP-4 inhibitors; less of the CD9 was seen at the plasma membrane after prolonged exposure to sitagliptin. Because both associated proteins are important for adhesion of iBREC to the extracellular matrix, the observed low CI might be caused by weakened attachment of the cells. From our results, we conclude that extended inhibition of DPP-4 destabilizes the barrier formed by microvascular REC and that DPP-4 inhibitors like sitagliptin do not counteract or enhance a VEGF-A165-induced barrier dysfunction as frequently observed in DME.

scholarly journals MAP Kinase Pathways in Brain Endothelial Cells and Crosstalk with Pericytes and Astrocytes Mediate Contrast-Induced Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1272
Author(s):  
Yuki Matsunaga ◽  
Shinsuke Nakagawa ◽  
Yoichi Morofuji ◽  
Shinya Dohgu ◽  
Daisuke Watanabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Map Kinase ◽  
Conditioned Medium ◽  
Blood Brain Barrier ◽  
Brain Barrier ◽  
Brain Endothelial Cells ◽  
Barrier Dysfunction ◽  
Blood Brain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Map Kinase Pathways

Neurointervention with contrast media (CM) has rapidly increased, but the impact of CM extravasation and the related side effects remain controversial. This study investigated the effect of CM on blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity. We established in vitro BBB models using primary cultures of rat BBB-related cells. To assess the effects of CM on BBB functions, we evaluated transendothelial electrical resistance, permeability, and tight junction (TJ) protein expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting. To investigate the mechanism of iopamidol-induced barrier dysfunction, the role of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in brain endothelial cells was examined. We assessed the effect of conditioned medium derived from astrocytes and pericytes under iopamidol treatment. Short-term iopamidol exposure on the luminal side induced transient, while on the abluminal side caused persistent BBB dysfunction. IHC and immunoblotting revealed CM decreased the expression of TJ proteins. Iopamidol-induced barrier dysfunction was improved via the regulation of MAP kinase pathways. Conditioned medium from CM-exposed pericytes or astrocytes lacks the ability to enhance barrier function. CM may cause BBB dysfunction. MAP kinase pathways in brain endothelial cells and the interactions of astrocytes and pericytes mediate iopamidol-induced barrier dysfunction. CM extravasation may have negative effects on clinical outcomes in patients.

scholarly journals Establishment of murine in vitro blood-brain barrier models using immortalized cell lines: co-cultures of brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, and neurons

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fakhriedzwan Idris ◽  
Siti Hanna Muharram ◽  
Zainun Zaini ◽  
Suwarni Diah
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Blood Brain Barrier ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Brain Barrier ◽  
Brain Endothelial Cells ◽  
Immortalized Cell Lines ◽  
Culture Model ◽  
Immortalized Cell

AbstractBlood-brain barrier (BBB) is a selective barrier formed by the endothelial cells that line cerebral microvessels. It serves as a physical barrier due to the presence of complex tight junctions between adjacent endothelial cells which limits the paracellular movement of most molecules across the BBB. Many in vitro models of the BBB have been established to mimic these in vivo properties with limited success. In this study, we described the properties of a cell-based murine in vitro BBB model in five configurations constructed using immortalized cell lines in a 12-well format Transwell system: murine brain endothelial cells (bEnd.3) grown in a monoculture, or as co-culture in contact with astrocytes, or without contact with astrocytes or neurons, and triple co-culture combining the three cell lines. We found that only contact and triple co-culture model closely mimic the in vivo BBB tightness as evaluated by apparent permeability (Papp) of sucrose and albumin producing the lowest Papp values of 0.56 ± 0.16 × 10−6 cms−1 and 3.30 ± 0.51 × 10−6 cms−1, respectively, obtained in triple co-culture model. Co-culturing of bEnd.3 with astrocytes increased the expression of occludin as shown by western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry showed an increase in peripheral localization of occludin and claudin-5. In addition, we found conditioned media were able to increase in vitro BBB model tightness through the modulation of tight junction proteins localization. We conclude that the presence of astrocytes and neurons in close proximity to brain endothelial cells is essential to produce a tight in vitro BBB model.

scholarly journals A New Human Blood–Retinal Barrier Model Based on Endothelial Cells, Pericytes, and Astrocytes

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia G. Fresta ◽  
Annamaria Fidilio ◽  
Giuseppe Caruso ◽  
Filippo Caraci ◽  
Frank J. Giblin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
High Glucose ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Blood Retinal Barrier ◽  
Retinal Astrocytes ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Impact

Blood–retinal barrier (BRB) dysfunction represents one of the most significant changes occurring during diabetic retinopathy. We set up a high-reproducible human-based in vitro BRB model using retinal pericytes, retinal astrocytes, and retinal endothelial cells in order to replicate the human in vivo environment with the same numerical ratio and layer order. Our findings showed that high glucose exposure elicited BRB breakdown, enhanced permeability, and reduced the levels of junction proteins such as ZO-1 and VE-cadherin. Furthermore, an increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6) and oxidative stress-related enzymes (iNOS, Nox2) along with an increased production of reactive oxygen species were observed in our triple co-culture paradigm. Finally, we found an activation of immune response-regulating signaling pathways (Nrf2 and HO-1). In conclusion, the present model mimics the closest human in vivo milieu, providing a valuable tool to study the impact of high glucose in the retina and to develop novel molecules with potential effect on diabetic retinopathy.

scholarly journals Differential neurovirulence of Usutu virus lineages in mice and neuronal cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Clé ◽  
Orianne Constant ◽  
Jonathan Barthelemy ◽  
Caroline Desmetz ◽  
Marie France Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Brain Endothelial Cells ◽  
Usutu Virus ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Abstract Background Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging neurotropic arthropod-borne virus recently involved in massive die offs of wild birds predominantly reported in Europe. Although primarily asymptomatic or presenting mild clinical signs, humans infected by USUV can develop neuroinvasive pathologies (including encephalitis and meningoencephalitis). Similar to other flaviviruses, such as West Nile virus, USUV is capable of reaching the central nervous system. However, the neuropathogenesis of USUV is still poorly understood, and the virulence of the specific USUV lineages is currently unknown. One of the major complexities of the study of USUV pathogenesis is the presence of a great diversity of lineages circulating at the same time and in the same location. Methods The aim of this work was to determine the neurovirulence of isolates from the six main lineages circulating in Europe using mouse model and several neuronal cell lines (neurons, microglia, pericytes, brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, and in vitro Blood-Brain Barrier model). Results Our results indicate that all strains are neurotropic but have different virulence profiles. The Europe 2 strain, previously described as being involved in several clinical cases, induced the shortest survival time and highest mortality in vivo and appeared to be more virulent and persistent in microglial, astrocytes, and brain endothelial cells, while also inducing an atypical cytopathic effect. Moreover, an amino acid substitution (D3425E) was specifically identified in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain of the NS5 protein of this lineage. Conclusions Altogether, these data show a broad neurotropism for USUV in the central nervous system with lineage-dependent virulence. Our results will help to better understand the biological and epidemiological diversity of USUV infection.

PTEN expression in endothelial cells is down-regulated by uPAR to promote angiogenesis

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (08) ◽  
pp. 379-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Unseld ◽  
Anastasia Chilla ◽  
Clemens Pausz ◽  
Rula Mawas ◽  
Johannes Breuss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Soluble Form ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Drug Interference ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Novel Target ◽  
The Impact

SummaryThe tumour suppressor phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), mutated or lost in many human cancers, is a major regulator of angiogenesis. However, the cellular mechanism of PTEN regulation in endothelial cells so far remains elusive. Here, we characterise the urokinase receptor (uPAR, CD87) and its tumour-derived soluble form, suPAR, as a key molecule of regulating PTEN in endothelial cells. We observed uPAR-deficient endothelial cells to express enhanced PTEN mRNA- and protein levels. Consistently, uPAR expression in endogenous negative uPAR cells, down-regulated PTEN and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway. Additionally, we found that integrin adhesion receptors act as trans-membrane signaling partners for uPAR to repress PTEN transcription in a NF-κB-dependent manner. Functional in vitro assays with endothelial cells, derived from uPAR-deficient and PTEN heterozygous crossbred mice, demonstrated the impact of uPAR- dependent PTEN regulation on cell motility and survival. In an in vivo murine angiogenesis model uPAR-deficient PTEN heterozygous animals increased the impaired angiogenic phenotype of uPAR knockout mice and were able to reverse the high invasive potential of PTEN heterozygots. Our data provide first evidence that endogenous as well as exogenous soluble uPAR down-regulated PTEN in endothelial cells to support angiogenesis. The uPAR-induced PTEN regulation might represent a novel target for drug interference, and may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies in anti-angiogenic treatment.

scholarly journals The Providence Mutation (βK82D) in Human Hemoglobin Substantially Reduces βCysteine 93 Oxidation and Oxidative Stress in Endothelial Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 9453
Author(s):  
Sirsendu Jana ◽  
Michael Brad Strader ◽  
Abdu I. Alayash
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Cysteic Acid ◽  
Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Irreversible Oxidation ◽  
The Impact

The highly toxic oxidative transformation of hemoglobin (Hb) to the ferryl state (HbFe4+) is known to occur in both in vitro and in vivo settings. We recently constructed oxidatively stable human Hbs, based on the Hb Providence (βK82D) mutation in sickle cell Hb (βE6V/βK82D) and in a recombinant crosslinked Hb (rHb0.1/βK82D). Using High Resolution Accurate Mass (HRAM) mass spectrometry, we first quantified the degree of irreversible oxidation of βCys93 in these proteins, induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and compared it to their respective controls (HbA and HbS). Both Hbs containing the βK82D mutation showed considerably less cysteic acid formation, a byproduct of cysteine irreversible oxidation. Next, we performed a novel study aimed at exploring the impact of introducing βK82D containing Hbs on vascular endothelial redox homeostasis and energy metabolism. Incubation of the mutants carrying βK82D with endothelial cells resulted in altered bioenergetic function, by improving basal cellular glycolysis and glycolytic capacity. Treatment of cells with Hb variants containing βK82D resulted in lower heme oxygenase-1 and ferritin expressions, compared to native Hbs. We conclude that the presence of βK82D confers oxidative stability to Hb and adds significant resistance to oxidative toxicity. Therefore, we propose that βK82D is a potential gene-editing target in the treatment of sickle cell disease and in the design of safe and effective oxygen therapeutics.

scholarly journals Immune response and pathogen invasion at the choroid plexus in the onset of cerebral toxoplasmosis

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caio Andreeta Figueiredo ◽  
Johannes Steffen ◽  
Lorena Morton ◽  
Sushmitha Arumugam ◽  
Oliver Liesenfeld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Choroid Plexus ◽  
The Body ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Pathogen Invasion ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a highly successful parasite being able to cross all biological barriers of the body, finally reaching the central nervous system (CNS). Previous studies have highlighted the critical involvement of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) during T. gondii invasion and development of subsequent neuroinflammation. Still, the potential contribution of the choroid plexus (CP), the main structure forming the blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB) have not been addressed. Methods To investigate T. gondii invasion at the onset of neuroinflammation, the CP and brain microvessels (BMV) were isolated and analyzed for parasite burden. Additionally, immuno-stained brain sections and three-dimensional whole mount preparations were evaluated for parasite localization and morphological alterations. Activation of choroidal and brain endothelial cells were characterized by flow cytometry. To evaluate the impact of early immune responses on CP and BMV, expression levels of inflammatory mediators, tight junctions (TJ) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were quantified. Additionally, FITC-dextran was applied to determine infection-related changes in BCSFB permeability. Finally, the response of primary CP epithelial cells to T. gondii parasites was tested in vitro. Results Here we revealed that endothelial cells in the CP are initially infected by T. gondii, and become activated prior to BBB endothelial cells indicated by MHCII upregulation. Additionally, CP elicited early local immune response with upregulation of IFN-γ, TNF, IL-6, host-defence factors as well as swift expression of CXCL9 chemokine, when compared to the BMV. Consequently, we uncovered distinct TJ disturbances of claudins, associated with upregulation of MMP-8 and MMP-13 expression in infected CP in vivo, which was confirmed by in vitro infection of primary CP epithelial cells. Notably, we detected early barrier damage and functional loss by increased BCSFB permeability to FITC-dextran in vivo, which was extended over the infection course. Conclusions Altogether, our data reveal a close interaction between T. gondii infection at the CP and the impairment of the BCSFB function indicating that infection-related neuroinflammation is initiated in the CP.

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