Role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) in cardiovascular diseases: the therapeutic potential of PARP inhibitors

Dietary isoflavone daidzein synergizes centchroman action via induction of apoptosis and inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway in MCF-7/MDA MB-231 human breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Despite advancements in the prognosis and management of breast cancer, it remains a major cause of mortality in women worldwide. Centchroman (CC), an oral contraceptive has been found to exhibit anti-cancer potential against a wide range of cancer including breast cancer.

PURPOSE

The present study is intended to evaluate the ability of soy isoflavone Daidzein (DZ) in enhancing the efficacy of CC in Human Breast Cancer Cells (HBCCs).

METHODS/STUDY DESIGN

Sulforhodamine B assay was employed to determine the cytotoxicity induced by 10 µM CC & 50 µM DZ separately and together in MCF-7/MDA MB-231 HBCCs and non-tumorigenic Human Mammary Epithelial Cells (HMECs) MCF-10A as a control. Combination Index (CI) analysis was executed using CompuSyn software. Further, apoptosis was assessed using Annexin V/PI, AO/PI staining and tunel assay. Cell cycle, reactive oxygen species generation and mitochondrial membrane potential alteration was determined using flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was performed to check the expression of respective proteins.

RESULTS

The results suggest that the combination exerts elevated toxicity as compared to control and each drug per se without affecting HMECs MCF-10A. This therefore implies cancer cell specific action of CC plus DZ administered together. Additionally, combination index analysis suggests synergistic action of CC and DZ combination in HBCCs. Cell cycle analysis, Annexin V/PI staining, tunel assay and western blot analysis confirms the induction of apoptosis by combination in HBCCs. Interestingly, western blot analysis also revealed that the combination down-regulated the expression of proteins involved in cell survival i.e. PI3K, Akt and mTOR, suggesting inhibition of cell survival pathway.

CONCLUSION

The results overall demonstrate that CC plus DZ has higher anticancer efficacy as compared to either drug alone. Hence, the combination of CC plus DZ may offer a novel strategy for the management of breast cancer.

PARP-1 Involvement in Autophagy and Their Roles in Apoptosis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells under Oxidative Stress

Autophagy and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) are activated and involved in a series of cell processes under oxidative stress, which is associated with pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Research on their relationship under oxidative stress has been limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the activation, relationship, and role of autophagy and PARP-1 in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) death under oxidative stress. This study explored the signal molecule PARP-1 and autophagy in VSMCs using gene silencing and the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-stimulated oxidative stress model. We observed that H2O2 could induce autophagy in VSMCs, and the inhibition of autophagy could protect VSMCs against oxidative stress-mediated cell death. Meanwhile, PARP-1 could also be activated by H2O2. Additionally, we analysed the regulatory role of PARP-1 in oxidative stress-mediated autophagy and found that PARP-1 was a novel factor involved in the H2O2-induced autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR pathway. Finally, PARP-1 inhibition protected VSMCs against caspase-dependent apoptosis. These data suggested that PARP-1 played a critical role in H2O2-mediated autophagy and both of them were involved in apoptosis of VSMCs.

The poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of FoxO3 mediated by PARP1 participates in isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy

The Forkhead box-containing protein, O subfamily 3 (FoxO3) transcription factor negatively regulates myocardial hypertrophy, and its transcriptional activity is finely conditioned by diverse posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, methylation and glycosylation. Here, we introduce a novel modification of the FoxO3 protein in cardiomyocytes: poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) mediated by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1). This process catalyzes the NAD⁺-dependent synthesis of polymers of ADP-ribose (PAR) and their subsequent attachment to target proteins by PARPs. Primary-cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were incubated with isoproterenol (ISO) to induce hypertrophy, or were infected with recombinant adenovirus vectors harboring PARP1 cDNA (Ad-PARP1). Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with ISO to induce cardiac hypertrophy, or were injected with Ad-PARP1 into the anterior and posterior left ventricular walls. Cardiomyocyte surface area, the mRNA expression of hypertrophic biomarkers, echocardiography, morphometry of the hearts were measured. The PARP1 activity was tested by cellular PAR levels. Interactions of PARP1 and FoxO3 were investigated by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence technique. PARylation of FoxO3 mediated by PARP1 facilitated its phosphorylation at the T32, S252 and S314 sites, triggered its nucleus export and suppressed its transcriptional activity and target genes expression, ultimately inducing cardiac hypertrophy. Additionally, PARP1 silencing or specific inhibition by 3-Aminobenzamide (3AB) and veliparib (ABT-888) alleviated the inhibition of FoxO3 activity by ISO, thus suppressing ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Our data provide the first evidence that PARP1 exacerbates cardiac hypertrophy by PARylation of FoxO3.

Poly(ADP-Ribose)Polymerase-1 in Lung Inflammatory Disorders: A Review

Asthma, acute lung injury (ALI), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are lung inflammatory disorders with a common outcome, that is, difficulty in breathing. Corticosteroids, a class of potent anti-inflammatory drugs, have shown less success in the treatment/management of these disorders, particularly ALI and COPD; thus, alternative therapies are needed. Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerases (PARPs) are the post-translational modifying enzymes with a primary role in DNA repair. During the last two decades, several studies have reported the critical role played by PARPs in a good of inflammatory disorders. In the current review, the studies that address the role of PARPs in asthma, ALI, and COPD have been discussed. Among the different members of the family, PARP-1 emerges as a key player in the orchestration of lung inflammation in asthma and ALI. In addition, PARP activation seems to be associated with the progression of COPD. Furthermore, PARP-14 seems to play a crucial role in asthma. STAT-6 and GATA-3 are reported to be central players in PARP-1-mediated eosinophilic inflammation in asthma. Interestingly, oxidative stress-PARP-1-NF-κB axis appears to be tightly linked with inflammatory response in all three-lung diseases despite their distinct pathophysiologies. The present review sheds light on PARP-1-regulated factors, which may be common or differential players in asthma/ALI/COPD and put forward our prospective for future studies.

Cardiac metabolism - A promising therapeutic target for heart failure

Both heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although many established pharmacological interventions exist for HFrEF, hospitalization and death rates remain high, and for those with HFpEF (approximately half of all heart failure patients), there are no effective therapies. Recently, the role of impaired cardiac energetic status in heart failure has gained increasing recognition with the identification of reduced capacity for both fatty acid and carbohydrate oxidation, impaired function of the electron transport chain, reduced capacity to transfer ATP to the cytosol, and inefficient utilization of the energy produced. These nodes in the genesis of cardiac energetic impairment provide potential therapeutic targets, and there is promising data from recent experimental and early-phase clinical studies evaluating modulators such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 inhibitors, partial fatty acid oxidation inhibitors and mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants. Metabolic modulation may provide significant symptomatic and prognostic benefit for patients suffering from heart failure above and beyond guideline-directed therapy, but further clinical trials are needed.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide requires SIRT3 to improve cardiac function and bioenergetics in a Friedreich's ataxia cardiomyopathy model

Increasing NAD+ levels by supplementing with the precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) improves cardiac function in multiple mouse models of disease. While NMN influences several aspects of mitochondrial metabolism, the molecular mechanisms by which increased NAD+ enhances cardiac function are poorly understood. A putative mechanism of NAD+ therapeutic action exists via activation of the mitochondrial NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin 3 (SIRT3). We assessed the therapeutic efficacy of NMN and the role of SIRT3 in the Friedreich's ataxia cardiomyopathy mouse model (FXN-KO). At baseline, the FXN-KO heart has mitochondrial protein hyperacetylation, reduced Sirt3 mRNA expression, and evidence of increased NAD+ salvage. Remarkably, NMN administered to FXN-KO mice restores cardiac function to near-normal levels. To determine whether SIRT3 is required for NMN therapeutic efficacy, we generated SIRT3-KO and SIRT3-KO/FXN-KO (double KO [dKO]) models. The improvement in cardiac function upon NMN treatment in the FXN-KO is lost in the dKO model, demonstrating that the effects of NMN are dependent upon cardiac SIRT3. Coupled with cardio-protection, SIRT3 mediates NMN-induced improvements in both cardiac and extracardiac metabolic function and energy metabolism. Taken together, these results serve as important preclinical data for NMN supplementation or SIRT3 activator therapy in Friedreich's ataxia patients.

Targeting endothelial metaflammation to counteract diabesity cardiovascular risk: Current and perspective therapeutic options

The association of obesity and diabetes, termed "diabesity", defines a combination of primarily metabolic disorders with insulin resistance as the underlying common pathophysiology. Cardiovascular disorders associated with diabesity represent the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. This makes diabesity, with its rising impacts on both health and economics, one of the most challenging biomedical and social threats of present century. The emerging comprehension of the genes whose alteration confers inter-individual differences on risk factors for diabetes or obesity, together with the potential role of genetically determined variants on mechanisms controlling responsiveness, effectiveness and safety of anti-diabetic therapy underlines the need of additional knowledge on molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of diabesity. Endothelial cell dysfunction, resulting from the unbalanced production of endothelial-derived vascular mediators, is known to be present at the earliest stages of insulin resistance and obesity, and may precede the clinical diagnosis of diabetes by several years. Once considered as a mere consequence of metabolic abnormalities, it is now clear that endothelial dysfunctional activity may play a pivotal role in the progression of diabesity. In the vicious circle where vascular defects and metabolic disturbances worsen and reinforce each other, a low-grade, chronic, and 'cold' inflammation (metaflammation) has been suggested to serve as the pathophysiological link that binds endothelial and metabolic dysfunctions. In this paradigm, it is important to consider how traditional antidiabetic treatments (specifically addressing metabolic dysregulation) may directly impact on inflammatory processes or cardiovascular function. Indeed, not all drugs currently available to treat diabetes possess the same anti-inflammatory potential, or target endothelial cell function equally. Perspective strategies pointing at reducing metaflammation or directly addressing endothelial dysfunction may disclose beneficial consequences on metabolic regulation. This review focuses on existing and potential new approaches ameliorating endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation in the context of diabesity.

CD38 promotes angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy

Cardiac hypertrophy is an early hallmark during the clinical course of heart failure and regulated by various signalling pathways. Recently, we observed that mouse embryonic fibroblasts from CD38 knockout mice were significantly resistant to oxidative stress such as H₂O₂‐induced injury and hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced injury. In addition, we also found that CD38 knockout mice protected heart from ischaemia reperfusion injury through activating SIRT1/FOXOs‐mediated antioxidative stress pathway. However, the role of CD38 in cardiac hypertrophy is not explored. Here, we investigated the roles and mechanisms of CD38 in angiotensin II (Ang‐II)‐induced cardiac hypertrophy. Following 14 days of Ang‐II infusion with osmotic mini‐pumps, a comparable hypertension was generated in both of CD38 knockout and wild‐type mice. However, the cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were much more severe in wild‐type mice compared with CD38 knockout mice. Consistently, RNAi‐induced knockdown of CD38 decreased the gene expressions of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and reactive oxygen species generation in Ang‐II‐stimulated H9c2 cells. In addition, the expression of SIRT3 was elevated in CD38 knockdown H9c2 cells, in which SIRT3 may further activate the FOXO3 antioxidant pathway. The intracellular Ca²⁺ release induced by Ang‐II markedly decreased in CD38 knockdown H9c2 cells, which might be associated with the decrease of nuclear translocation of NFATc4 and inhibition of ERK/AKT phosphorylation. We concluded that CD38 plays an essential role in cardiac hypertrophy probably via inhibition of SIRT3 expression and activation of Ca²⁺‐NFAT signalling pathway. Thus, CD38 may be a novel target for treating cardiac hypertrophy.

Poly ADP-ribose polymerase-1: Beyond transcription and towards differentiation

Gene regulation mediates the processes of cellular development and differentiation leading to the origin of different cell types each having their own signature gene expression profile. However, the compact chromatin structure and the timely recruitment of molecules involved in various signaling pathways are of prime importance for temporal and spatial gene regulation that eventually contribute towards cell type and specificity. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a 116-kDa nuclear multitasking protein is involved in modulation of chromatin condensation leading to altered gene expression. In response to activation signals, it adds ADP-ribose units to various target proteins including itself, thus regulating various key cellular processes like DNA repair, cell death, transcription, mRNA splicing etc. This review provides insights into the role of PARP-1 in gene regulation, cell differentiation and multicellular morphogenesis. In addition, the review also explores involvement of PARP-1 in immune cells development and therapeutic possibilities to treat various human diseases.

Caspase-Dependent and Caspase-Independent Pathways Are Involved in Cadmium-Induced Apoptosis in Primary Rat Proximal Tubular Cell Culture

We designed this study to investigate whether cadmium induces caspase-independent apoptosis and to investigate the relationship between the caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptotic pathways. Cadmium (1.25-2.5 μM) induced oxidative stress in rat proximal tubular (rPT) cells, as seen in the reactive oxygen species levels; N-acetylcysteine prevented this. Cyclosporin A (CsA) prevented mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and apoptosis; there was mitochondrial ultrastructural disruption, mitochondrial cytochrome c (cyt c) translocation to the cytoplasm, and subsequent caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. Z-VAD-FMK prevented caspase-3 activation and apoptosis and decreased BNIP-3 (Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa interacting protein 3) expression levels and apoptosis-inducing factor/endonuclease G (AIF/Endo G) translocation. Simultaneously, cadmium induced prominent BNIP-3 expression in the mitochondria and cytoplasmic AIF/Endo G translocation to the nucleus. BNIP-3 silencing significantly prevented AIF and Endo G translocation and decreased the apoptosis rate, cyt c release, and caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. These results suggest that BNIP-3 is involved in the caspase-independent apoptotic pathway and is located upstream of AIF/Endo G; both the caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways are involved in cadmium-induced rPT cell apoptosis and act synergistically.

Inhibition of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1 Protects Chronic Alcoholic Liver Injury

Activation of Kupffer cells (KCs) by gut-derived endotoxin plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver diseases (ALD). Limiting the activation of resident KCs attenuates chronic ethanol-induced liver steatosis and injury. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 is suggested to play a role in a number of chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we found a significant increase of hepatic PARP activity in mice with short-term and long-term ethanol-induced ALD. Male mice on a long-term ethanol diet exhibited severe hepatic steatosis and apoptosis and enhanced KC activation and neutrophil infiltration. However, pharmacologic inhibition of PARP activity or genetic depletion of PARP1 significantly attenuated these detrimental effects in vivo. We found that inhibition of PARP1 effectively reduced hepatic expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and elevated hepatic expression of genes involved in lipolysis. Moreover, limited KC activation and neutrophil infiltration were observed in PARP1 knockout mice or PARP inhibitor-treated mice. Furthermore, in vitro experiments found that LPS-induced macrophage activation was limited by PARP inhibitor, and exposure of ethanol-treated hepatocytes to this conditioned medium further decreased the number of apoptotic and steatotic cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that PARP1 inhibition protects against long-term ethanol-induced liver injury, as indicated by limited hepatocytes steatosis, apoptosis, inflammation levels, and neutrophil infiltration, mainly by limiting KC activation during the initiation of ALD.

SIRT3 in Cardiac Physiology and Disease

Functional defects in mitochondrial biology causally contribute to various human diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Impairment in oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and increased opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore add to the underlying mechanisms of heart failure or myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. Recent evidence demonstrated that the mitochondrial NAD⁺-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) may regulate these mitochondrial functions by reversible protein lysine deacetylation. Loss of function studies demonstrated a role of impaired SIRT3 activity in the pathogenesis of myocardial IR injury as well as in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and the transition into heart failure. Gain of function studies and treatment approaches increasing mitochondrial NAD⁺ availability that ameliorate these cardiac pathologies have led to the proposal that activation of SIRT3 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to improve mitochondrial derangements in various cardiac pathologies. In the current review, we will present and discuss the available literature on the role of SIRT3 in cardiac physiology and disease.

1,25(OH)2 D3 improves cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, and fibrosis through PARP1/SIRT1/mTOR-related mechanisms in type 1 diabetes

SCOPE

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is one of the most important cardiac complications associated with diabetes. However, the mechanisms underlying diabetic cardiomyopathy remain unclear. The PARP1, SIRT1, and mTOR pathways have been implicated in cardiac diseases, and they are also associated with diabetes. 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ was recently recognized as a potential PARP1inhibitor in a macrophage cell line. The aim of our study was to investigate whether 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ can improve diabetic cardiomyopathy through a vitamin D receptor (VDR)-dependent mechanism associated with the PARP1/SIRT1/mTOR pathway.

METHODS AND RESULTS

1,25(OH)₂ D₃ -treated diabetic rats displayed improved left ventricular wall thickness and end-diastolic/systolic diameter, end-diastolic/systolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, fractional shortening, atrial natriuretic peptide, and brain natriuretic peptide gene expression, and interstitial fibrosis compared with untreated diabetic rats, while silencing the VDR gene in DM rats blocked the above results. 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ treatment also decreased PARP1 and increased SIRT1 expression levels and repressed the phosphorylation of mTOR. Treating neonatal cardiomyocytes with 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ and a PARP1 inhibitor decreased PARP1 and increased SIRT1 protein expression.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ treatment has the potential to improve diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats and suggests that VD-VDR signaling induces this protective effect against diabetic cardiomyopathy might partly through the PARP1/SIRT1/mTOR pathway.

Cell fate regulation by chromatin ADP-ribosylation

ADP-ribosylation is an evolutionarily conserved complex posttranslational modification that alters protein function and/or interaction. Intracellularly, it is mainly catalyzed by diphtheria toxin-like ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTDs), which attach one or several ADP-ribose residues onto target proteins. Several specific mono- and poly-ADP-ribosylation binding modules exist; hydrolases reverse the modification. The best-characterized ARTD family member, ARTD1, regulates various DNA-associated processes. Here, we focus on the role of ARTD1-mediated chromatin ADP-ribosylation in development, differentiation, and pluripotency, and the recent development of new methodologies that will enable more insight into these processes.

PARPing for balance in the homeostasis of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation

Despite more than 50 years of research, the vast majority of the biology of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) still remains a gross mystery. Originally described to be a part of the DNA repair machinery, poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) is synthesized immediately by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs, also known as ARTDs) upon DNA damage and then rapidly removed by degrading enzymes. PAR provides a delicate and spatiotemporal interaction scaffold for numerous target proteins. Thus, the multifaceted PARylation system, consisting of PAR itself and its synthesizers and erasers, plays diverse roles in the DNA damage response (DDR), in DNA repair, transcription, replication, chromatin remodelling, metabolism and cell death. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the biology of PARylation, focusing on the functionality and the activities of the PARPs' founding member PARP1/ARTD1, which is modulated by a variety of posttranslational modifications. We also discuss the homeostasis of PAR - a process which is maintained by the balance of PAR synthesizers and erasers. We aim to sensitize the scientific community to the complexity of PAR homeostasis. Finally, we provide some perspective on how future research could try to disentangle the biology of PARylation - perhaps the most sophisticated, but still intricate posttranslational modification described to date.

Toxicity of lithium on isolated heart mitochondria and cardiomyocyte: A justification for its cardiotoxic adverse effect

Mitochondria play an important role in myocardial tissue homeostasis; therefore, deterioration in mitochondrial function will eventually lead to cardiomyocyte and endothelial cell death and consequently cardiovascular dysfunction. Lithium (Li⁺ ) is an effective drug for bipolar disorder with known cardiotoxic side effects. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Li⁺ on mitochondria and cardiomyocytes isolated from the heart of Wistar rat. Results revealed that Li⁺ induced a concentration- and time-dependent rise in mitochondrial ROS formation, inhibition of respiratory complexes (II), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse, mitochondrial swelling, and cytochrome c release in rat heart mitochondria and also induced Caspase 3 activation through mitochondrial pathway, decline of ATP and lipid peroxidation in rat cardiomyocytes. These results indicate that the cardiotoxic effects of Li⁺ were initiated from mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which finally ends in cytochrome c release and cell death signaling heart cardiomyocytes.

PARP inhibition and postinfarction myocardial remodeling

Coronary artery disease accounts for the greatest proportion of cardiovascular diseases therefore it is the major cause of death worldwide. Its therapeutic importance is indicated by still high mortality of myocardial infarction, which is one of the most severe forms of CVDs. Moreover, the risk of developing heart failure is very high among survivors. Heart failure is accompanied by high morbidity and mortality rate, therefore this topic is in the focus of researchers' interest. After a myocardial infarct, at first ventricular hypertrophy develops as a compensatory mechanism to decrease wall stress but finally leads to left ventricular dilation. This phenomenon is termed as myocardial remodeling. The main characteristics of underlying mechanisms involve cardiomyocyte growth, vessel changes and increased collagen production, in all of which several mechanical stress induced neurohumoral agents, oxidative stress and signal transduction pathways are involved. The long term activation of these processes ultimately leads to left ventricular dilation and heart failure with decreased systolic function. Oxidative stress causes DNA breaks producing the activation of nuclear poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) enzyme that leads to energy depletion and unfavorable modulation of different kinase cascades (Akt-1/GSK-3β, MAPKs, various PKC isoforms) and thus it promotes the development of heart failure. Therefore inhibition of PARP enzyme could offer a promising new therapeutical approach to prevent the onset of heart failure among postinfarction patients. The purpose of this review is to give a comprehensive summary about the most significant experimental results and mechanisms in postinfarction remodeling.

Pathways of cardiac toxicity: comparison between chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin and mitoxantrone

Anthracyclines, e.g., doxorubicin (DOX), and anthracenediones, e.g., mitoxantrone (MTX), are drugs used in the chemotherapy of several cancer types, including solid and non-solid malignancies such as breast cancer, leukemia, lymphomas, and sarcomas. Although they are effective in tumor therapy, treatment with these two drugs may lead to side effects such as arrhythmia and heart failure. At the same clinically equivalent dose, MTX causes slightly reduced cardiotoxicity compared with DOX. These drugs interact with iron to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), target topoisomerase 2 (Top2), and impair mitochondria. These are some of the mechanisms through which these drugs induce late cardiomyopathy. In this review, we compare the cardiotoxicities of these two chemotherapeutic drugs, DOX and MTX. As described here, even though they share similarities in their modes of toxicant action, DOX and MTX seem to differ in a key aspect. DOX is a more redox-interfering drug, while MTX induces energy imbalance. In addition, DOX toxicity can be explained by underlying mechanisms that include targeting of Top2 beta, mitochondrial impairment, and increases in ROS generation. These modes of action have not yet been demonstrated for MTX, and this knowledge gap needs to be filled.

SIRT1 improves VSMC functions in atherosclerosis

Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the morbidity and mortality of CVDs are still rising. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease contributing to multiple CVDs. Considering the complexity and severity of atherosclerosis, it is apparent that exploring the mechanisms of atherosclerotic formation and seeking new therapies for patients with atherosclerosis are required to overcome the heavy burden of CVDs on the quality and length of life of the global population. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a dominant role in functional and structural changes of the arterial walls in response to atherogenic factors. Therefore, improvement of VSMC functions will slow down the development of atherosclerosis to a large extent. Given its protective performances on regulation of cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory responses, SIRT1 has long been known as an anti-atherosclerosis factor. In this review, we focus on the effects of SIRT1 on VSMC functions and thereby the development of atherosclerosis.

Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase 1 Represses Liver X Receptor-mediated ABCA1 Expression and Cholesterol Efflux in Macrophages

Liver X receptors (LXR) are oxysterol-activated nuclear receptors that play a central role in reverse cholesterol transport through up-regulation of ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCA1 and ABCG1) that mediate cellular cholesterol efflux. Mouse models of atherosclerosis exhibit reduced atherosclerosis and enhanced regression of established plaques upon LXR activation. However, the coregulatory factors that affect LXR-dependent gene activation in macrophages remain to be elucidated. To identify novel regulators of LXR that modulate its activity, we used affinity purification and mass spectrometry to analyze nuclear LXRα complexes and identified poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) as an LXR-associated factor. In fact, PARP-1 interacted with both LXRα and LXRβ. Both depletion of PARP-1 and inhibition of PARP-1 activity augmented LXR ligand-induced ABCA1 expression in the RAW 264.7 macrophage line and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages but did not affect LXR-dependent expression of other target genes, ABCG1 and SREBP-1c. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed PARP-1 recruitment at the LXR response element in the promoter of the ABCA1 gene. Further, we demonstrated that LXR is poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated by PARP-1, a potential mechanism by which PARP-1 influences LXR function. Importantly, the PARP inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide enhanced macrophage ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux to the lipid-poor apolipoprotein AI. These findings shed light on the important role of PARP-1 on LXR-regulated lipid homeostasis. Understanding the interplay between PARP-1 and LXR may provide insights into developing novel therapeutics for treating atherosclerosis.

Doxorubicin-induced necrosis is mediated by poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) but is independent of p53

Necrosis, unregulated cell death, is characterized by plasma membrane rupture as well as nuclear and cellular swelling. However, it has recently been reported that necrosis is a regulated form of cell death mediated by poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1). PARP1 is thought to mediate necrosis by inducing DNA damage, although this remains unconfirmed. In this study, we examined the mechanisms of PARP1-mediated necrosis following doxorubicin (DOX)-induced DNA damage in human kidney proximal tubular (HK-2) cells. DOX initiated DNA damage response (DDR) and upregulated PARP1 and p53 expression, resulting in morphological changes similar to those observed during necrosis. Additionally, DOX induced mitochondrial hyper-activation, as evidenced by increased mitochondrial respiration and cytosolic ATP (cATP) production. However, DOX affected mitochondrial mass. DOX-induced DNA damage, cytosolic reactive oxygen species (cROS) generation, and mitochondrial hyper-activation decreased in cells with inhibited PARP1 expression, while generation of nitric oxide (NO) and mitochondrial ROS (mROS) remained unaffected. Moreover, DOX-induced DNA damage, cell cycle changes, and oxidative stress were not affected by p53 inhibition. These findings suggest that DNA damage induced necrosis through a PARP1-dependent and p53-independent pathway.

Drug-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiotoxicity

Mitochondria has an essential role in myocardial tissue homeostasis; thus deterioration in mitochondrial function eventually leads to cardiomyocyte and endothelial cell death and consequent cardiovascular dysfunction. Several chemical compounds and drugs have been known to directly or indirectly modulate cardiac mitochondrial function, which can account both for the toxicological and pharmacological properties of these substances. In many cases, toxicity problems appear only in the presence of additional cardiovascular disease conditions or develop months/years following the exposure, making the diagnosis difficult. Cardiotoxic agents affecting mitochondria include several widely used anticancer drugs [anthracyclines (Doxorubicin/Adriamycin), cisplatin, trastuzumab (Herceptin), arsenic trioxide (Trisenox), mitoxantrone (Novantrone), imatinib (Gleevec), bevacizumab (Avastin), sunitinib (Sutent), and sorafenib (Nevaxar)], antiviral compound azidothymidine (AZT, Zidovudine) and several oral antidiabetics [e.g., rosiglitazone (Avandia)]. Illicit drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and synthetic cannabinoids (spice, K2) may also induce mitochondria-related cardiotoxicity. Mitochondrial toxicity develops due to various mechanisms involving interference with the mitochondrial respiratory chain (e.g., uncoupling) or inhibition of the important mitochondrial enzymes (oxidative phosphorylation, Szent-Györgyi-Krebs cycle, mitochondrial DNA replication, ADP/ATP translocator). The final phase of mitochondrial dysfunction induces loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in mitochondrial oxidative/nitrative stress, eventually culminating into cell death. This review aims to discuss the mechanisms of mitochondrion-mediated cardiotoxicity of commonly used drugs and some potential cardioprotective strategies to prevent these toxicities.

Pathophysiological Role of Peroxynitrite Induced DNA Damage in Human Diseases: A Special Focus on Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP)

Peroxynitrite is formed in biological systems when nitric oxide and superoxide rapidly interact at near equimolar ratio. Peroxynitrite, though not a free radical by chemical nature, is a powerful oxidant which reacts with proteins, DNA and lipids. These reactions trigger a wide array of cellular responses ranging from subtle modulations of cell signaling to overwhelming oxidative injury, committing cells to necrosis or apoptosis. The present review outlines the various peroxynitrite-induced DNA modifications with special mention to the formation of 8-nitroguanine and 8-oxoguanine as well as the induction of DNA single strand breakage. Low concentrations of peroxynitrite cause apoptotic death, whereas higher concentrations cause necrosis with cellular energetics (ATP and NAD(+)) serving as control between the two modes of cell death. DNA damage induced by peroxynitrite triggers the activation of DNA repair systems. A DNA nick sensing enzyme, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) becomes activated upon detecting DNA breakage and it cleaves NAD(+) into nicotinamide and ADP-ribose and polymerizes the latter on nuclear acceptor proteins. Over-activation of PARP induced by peroxynitrite consumes NAD(+) and consequently ATP decreases, culminating in cell dysfunction, apoptosis or necrosis. This mechanism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we have discussed the cytotoxic effects (apoptosis and necrosis) of peroxynitrite in the etiology of the mentioned diseases, focusing on the role of PARP in DNA repair in presence of peroxynitrite.

The master switchers in the aging of cardiovascular system, reverse senescence by microRNA signatures; as highly conserved molecules

The incidence of CVD increases with aging, because of long-term exposure to risk factors/stressors. Aging is a complex biological process resulting in progressive loss of physiological integrity, leading to impaired function and increased vulnerability to death. The main hallmarks of aging are cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intracellular communication. The major hallmarks of senescence are mitochondrial dysfunction, genomic instability, telomere attrition and epigenetic alterations, all of which contributing to cellular aging. Such events are controls by a family of small, non-coding RNAs (miRNAs) that interact with component of cellular senescence pathway; mitochondrial biogenesis/removal, DNA damage response machinery and IGF-1 signaling pathway. Here, we review recent in vivo/in vitro reports that miRNAs are key modulators of heart senescence, and act as master switchers to influence reprogramming pathway. We discuss evidence that abrupt deregulation of some mit-miRNAs governing senescence programs underlies age-associated CVD. In particular, due to the highly conserved nature and well-recognized target sites, miRNAs have been defined as master switchers in controlling heart progenitor cell biology. Modulation of mit-miRNA expression holds the great promise in switching off/on cellular senescence/reprogramming to rejuvenate stem cells to aid regenerative process.

Effect and mechanism of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 in aldosterone-induced apoptosis

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of aldosterone on vascular endothelial cells and the viability of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) in cells, and to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of aldosterone on vascular endothelial cell injury. Cultured endothelial cells were treated either with different concentrations of aldosterone for the same duration or with the same concentrations of aldosterone for different durations, and the levels of apoptosis and activity of PARP1 in the cells were detected, respectively. Aldosterone receptor antagonists or PARP1 inhibitors were added to cells during treatment with aldosterone and the levels of apoptosis and activity of PARP1 were detected. As the concentration of aldosterone increased or the treatment time increased, the number of apoptotic cells and the activity of PARP1 increased. The aldosterone receptor antagonists and PARP1 inhibitors inhibited the increase of apoptosis and PARP1 activity caused by aldosterone treatment. Aldosterone activated the activity of PARP1 via the aldosterone receptor, inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Treatment with PARP1 may be used as a target for vascular diseases caused by aldosterone at high concentrations.

The orphan receptor NOR1 participates in isoprenaline-induced cardiac hypertrophy by regulating PARP-1

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The orphan nuclear receptor NOR1 belongs to the NR4A subfamily of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, and is involved in glucose and fat metabolism. However, its potential contribution to cardiovascular diseases remains to be assessed. Here, the roles of NOR1 in cardiac hypertrophy induced by isoprenaline and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

NOR1 was expressed in cardiomyocytes treated with isoprenaline. After NOR1 overexpression or knockdown in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, cellular hypertrophy was monitored by measuring cell surface area and the mRNA of hypertrophic biomarkers. Interactions between NOR1 and PARP-1 were investigated by co-immunoprecipitation. NOR1 expression and PARP-1 activity were measured in rats with cardiac hypertrophy induced by isoprenaline.

KEY RESULTS

Treatment with isoprenaline significantly up-regulated NOR1 expression and PARP-1 activity both in vivo and in vitro. Specific gene silencing of NOR1 attenuated isoprenaline-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, whereas NOR1 overexpression exacerbated cardiac hypertrophy. We identified a physical interaction between NOR1 and PARP-1, which was enhanced by NOR1 transfection and thereby led to PARP-1 activation. Overexpression of NOR1, but not C293Y, a NOR1 mutant lacking the PARP-1 binding activity, increased cellular surface area and the mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic factor and brain natriuretic polypeptide, effects blocked by the PARP-1 inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide or siRNA for PARP-1.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

This is the first evidence that NOR1 was involved in isoprenaline-induced cardiac hypertrophy. The pro-hypertrophic effect of NOR1 can be partly attributed to its regulation of PARP-1 enzymic activity.

Low shear stress induced HMGB1 translocation and release via PECAM-1/PARP-1 pathway to induce inflammation response

Low shear stress (LSS) plays a critical role in the site predilection of atherosclerosis through activation of cellular mechanosensors, such as platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1). Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) is a nuclear enzyme that regulates the expression of various inflammatory cytokines. The nuclear enzyme high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) can induce inflammation response by binding to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of HMGB1 in LSS induced inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were stimulated by undisturbed shear stress (USS, 1 Pa) and LSS (0.4 Pa) in our experiments. Gene expression was inhibited by small interfering RNA (siRNA). ICAM-1 expression was regulated by LSS in a time dependent manner. LSS can induce HMGB1 translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm and release. Compared with the USS, LSS could increase the protein expression of PECAM-1 and PARP-1 as well as the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β. LSS induced the translocation of HMGB1 from nucleus to cytoplasm. Inhibition of HGMB1 reduced LSS-induced inflammatory response. Inhibition of PARP-1 suppressed inflammatory response through inhibiting TLR4 expression and HMGB1 translocation. PECAM-1 inhibition reduced LSS-induced ICAM-1 expression, TNF-α and IL-1β secretion, and monocytes adhesion. LSS can induce inflammatory response via PECAM-1/PARP-1/HMGB1 pathway. PARP-1 plays a fundamental role in HMGB1 translocation and TLR4 expression. Inhibition of PARP-1 may shed light on the treatment of HMGB1 involved inflammation during atherosclerosis.

Organ-protective effects on the liver and kidney by minocycline in small piglets undergoing cardiopulonary bypass

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) often is required for the operative correction of congenital heart defects in small infants. Unfortunately, CPB is associated with injury of inner organs such as the brain, kidney, lung, and liver. Renal failure and increase in liver enzymes are typical side effects observed after CPB. Here, we investigate whether organ protection of the kidney and liver can be achieved with the application of minocycline, which is known-besides its anti-infective effects-to act as a poly-ADP-ribose-polymerase inhibitor. Twenty-nine 4-week-old Angler Sattelschwein-piglets (8-15 kg) were divided into four groups: control group (n = 8), CPB group (n = 9), minocycline-control group (n = 6), and the minocycline-CPB group (n = 6). CPB groups were thoracotomized and underwent CPB for 120 min (cross-clamp, 90 min; reperfusion, 30 min) followed by a 90-min recovery time. The control groups also were thoracotomized but not connected to CPB. The minocycline group received 4 mg/kg minocycline before and 2 mg/kg after CPB. In the kidneys, CPB histologically resulted in widening of Bowman's capsule, and-mainly in tubules-formation of poly-ADP-ribose, nitrosylation of tyrosine-residues, nuclear translocation of hypoxia-induced factor HIF-1α, and of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). In addition, we found significantly less ATP in the kidney and significantly increased plasma urea and creatinine. Similar but gradually attenuated changes were found in the liver together with significantly elevated de-Ritis coefficient. These changes in the kidney and liver were significantly diminished by minocycline (except AIF in the liver which was similar in all groups). In conclusion, CPB causes damage in the kidney and-to a lower degree-in the liver, which can be attenuated by minocycline.

Expression of human poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Effect on survival, homologous recombination and identification of genes involved in intracellular localization

The poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) actively participates in a series of functions within the cell that include: mitosis, intracellular signaling, cell cycle regulation, transcription and DNA damage repair. Therefore, inhibition of PARP1 has a great potential for use in cancer therapy. As resistance to PARP inhibitors is starting to be observed in patients, thus the function of PARP-1 needs to be studied in depth in order to find new therapeutic targets. To gain more information on the PARP-1 activity, we expressed PARP-1 in yeast and investigated its effect on cell growth and UV induced homologous recombination. To identify candidate genes affecting PARP-1 activity and cellular localization, we also developed a yeast genome wide genetic screen. We found that PARP-1 strongly inhibited yeast growth, but when yeast was exposed to the PARP-1 inhibitor 6(5-H) phenantridinone (PHE), it recovered from the growth suppression. Moreover, we showed that PARP-1 produced PAR products in yeast and we demonstrated that PARP-1 reduced UV-induced homologous recombination. By genome wide screening, we identified 99 mutants that suppressed PARP-1 growth inhibition. Orthologues of human genes were found for 41 of these yeast genes. We determined whether the PARP-1 protein level was altered in strains which are deleted for the transcription regulator GAL3, the histone H1 gene HHO1, the HUL4 gene, the deubiquitination enzyme gene OTU1, the nuclear pore protein POM152 and the SNT1 that encodes for the Set3C subunit of the histone deacetylase complex. In these strains the PARP-1 level was roughly the same as in the wild type. PARP-1 localized in the nucleus more in the snt1Δ than in the wild type strain; after UV radiation, PARP-1 localized in the nucleus more in hho1 and pom152 deletion strains than in the wild type indicating that these functions may have a role on regulating PARP-1 level and activity in the nucleus.

PARP inhibitors

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases, abbreviated as PARPs, are a group of familiar proteins that play a central role in DNA repair employing the base excision repair (BER) pathway. There about 17 proteins in this family out of which the primary nuclear PARPs are PARP-1, PARP-2, PARP-3, and tankyrases 1 and 2 (PARP-5a and -5b) .The PARP family members are known to engage in a wide range of cellular activities, for example, DNA repair, transcription, cellular signaling, cell cycle regulation and mitosis amongst others. The chief functional units of PARP-1 are an amino terminal DNA binding domain (DBD), a central auto modification domain (AMD), and a carboxyl-terminal catalytic domain (CD). PARP inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical trials as targeted treatment modalities of breast, uterine, colorectal and ovarian cancer. This review summarizes current insights into the mechanism of action of PARP inhibitors, its recent clinical trials, and potential next steps in the evaluation of this promising class of anti-cancer drugs.

Mechanisms of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury and the cytoprotective role of minocycline: scope and limitations

ABSTRACT 

Deep insight into the complex mechanisms of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury has been attained in the past years. Minocycline is a second-generation tetracycline with US FDA approval for clinical use in various infections. Lately, several noninfectious cytoprotective activities of minocycline have been discovered as well. There now exists encouraging evidence of its protective role in cardiovascular pathology and its activity against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. In this article, an overview of the major mechanisms involved in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury is presented. This is followed by an analysis of the mechanisms by which minocycline exerts its cytoprotective role and of studies that have been conducted in order to analyze minocycline, along with a review of the scope and limitations of its role as a cytoprotective agent.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1: an emerging target in right ventricle dysfunction associated with pulmonary hypertension

Recently, inhibition of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) was shown to be protective in experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH) and prevented right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) associated with it. However, molecular mechanism behind cardioprotection by PARP1 inhibition in PH still needs detailed exploration. Therefore, effect of inhibition of PARP1 on the right ventricle (RV) dysfunction was studied in monocrotaline (MCT) induced PH model. Following a single dose administration of MCT (60 mg/kg, s.c.), male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with PARP1 inhibitor 1,5-Isoquinolinediol (ISO, 3 mg/kg, i.p.) for 35 days for preventive study and from day 21-35 for curative study. RV pressure (RVP) and RVH were measured after 35 days. Histophathological studies, PARP1 activity, mRNA and protein expression were studied in isolated RV. Oxidative and nitosative stress, inflammation and Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)/Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) were also assessed. Mitochondrial dysfunction was studied by mitochondrial membrane permeability and estimation of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Apoptosis in RV was assessed by Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), caspase 3 activity and cleaved PARP1 expression. PARP1 inhibition significantly reversed the increase in RVP and RVH in both preventive and curative treatment in the MCT-injected rats. ISO lowered oxidative and nitrosative stress and inflammation and restored the balance of MMPs/TIMP2 expression. PARP1 inhibition prevented mitochondrial dysfunction and the release of cell death factors from mitochondria. ISO also decreased apoptosis by decreasing number of TUNEL positive cells, caspase 3 activity and PARP1 cleavage in RV. Thus, PARP1 inhibition ameliorated PH induced RV hypertrophy and may emerge as a new therapeutic target for PH.

Inhibition of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and inducible nitric oxide synthase protects against ischemic myocardial damage by reduction of apoptosis

Myocardial infarction (MI) is defined as the deprivation of the myocardial tissue of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in the induction of inflammation and apoptosis of the cardiomyocytes. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a nuclear enzyme closely associated with MI, that can be activated by DNA damage. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a critical enzyme among the inflammatory cytokines. The present study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of the protective effects of PARP1 and iNOS inhibitor against MI, in rats. A total of 40 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The rats were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/kg), and the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded by ligation, using a 6-0 polypropylene monofilament suture, at the left atrial apex, in order to induce MI. The rats from each group received an abdominal injection of either dimethylsulfoxide (100 μl, for MI group); PARP-1 inhibitor, 3,4-dihydro-5-[4-(1-piperidinyl)butoxy]-1(2H)-isoquinolinone (DPQ; 10 mg/kg); or iNOS inhibitor, N-(1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine dihydrochloride (1400W; 10 mg/kg). The hearts were harvested from the rats after four weeks. Inhibition of PARP and iNOS activity improved heart function, as determined by serial echocardiography. The rate of apoptosis, as determined by a terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay, was reduced by 39.71 and 39.00% in the DPQ and 1400W groups, respectively, and this was accompanied by the downregulated expression of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP1. Effective inhibition of PARP and iNOS, by DPQ and 1400W, was detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence, and was shown to repress O₂⁻ and nitrotyrosine levels, following MI. The present study confirmed that inhibition of PARP1 and iNOS was able to protect against ischemic myocardial damage, by reducing the levels of apoptosis.

The biochemical pathways of central nervous system neural degeneration in niacin deficiency

Neural degeneration is a very complicated process. In spite of all the advancements in the molecular chemistry, there are many unknown aspects of the phenomena of neurodegeneration which need to be put together. It is a common sequela of the conditions of niacin deficiency. Neural degeneration in Pellagra manifests as chromatolysis mainly in pyramidal followed by other neurons and glial cells. However, there is a gross lack of understanding of biochemical mechanisms of neurodegeneration in niacin deficiency states. Because of the necessity of niacin or its amide derivative NAD in a number of biochemical pathways, it is understandable that several of these pathways may be involved in the common outcome of neural degeneration. Here, we highlight five pathways that could be involved in the neuraldegeneration for which evidence has accumulated through several studies. These pathways are: 1) the tryptophan-kyneurenic acid pathway, 2) the mitochondrial ATP generation related pathways, 3) the poly (ADP-ibose) polymerase (PARP) pathway, 4) the BDNF-TRKB Axis abnormalities, 5) the genetic influences of niacin deficiency.

The role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 inhibitor in carrageenan-induced lung inflammation in mice

Increasing indication is unveiling a role for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 in the regulation of inflammatory/immune responses. The aim of the present study was to determine the potential anti-inflammatory effects of PARP-1 inhibitor 5-aminoisoquinolinone (5-AIQ) to explore the role of PARP-1 inhibitor in a mouse model of carrageenan-induced lung inflammation. A single dose of 5-AIQ (1.5mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) 1h before λ-carrageenan (Cg) administration. We assessed the effects of 5-AIQ treatment on CD25(+), GITR(+), CD25(+)GITR(+), IL-17(+) and Foxp3(+) cells which were investigated using flowcytometry in pleural exudates and heparinized blood. We also evaluated mRNA expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, CD11a, l-selectin (CD62L), ICAM-1, MCP-1, iNOS and COX-2 in the lung tissue. We further examined the effects of 5-AIQ on the key mediators of inflammation, namely COX-2, STAT-3, NF-kB p65, PARP-1, IkB-α and IL-4 protein expression in the lung tissue using western blotting. The results illustrated that the numbers of T cell subsets, IL-17(+) cytokine levels were markedly increased and Foxp3(+) production decreased in the Cg group. Furthermore, Cg-induced up-regulation of adhesion molecules, pro-inflammatory mediators and chemokine expressions. Western blot analysis revealed an increased protein expressions of COX-2, STAT-3 NF-kB p65 and PARP-1 and decreased IkB-α and IL-4 in the Cg group. PARP-1 inhibitor via 5-AIQ treatment reverses the action significantly of all the previously mentioned effects. Moreover, histological examinations revealed anti-inflammatory effects of 5-AIQ, whereas Cg-group aggravated Cg-induced inflammation. Present findings demonstrate the potent anti-inflammatory action of the PARP-1 inhibitor in acute lung injury induced by carrageenan.

Antagonistic crosstalk between SIRT1, PARP-1, and -2 in the regulation of chronic inflammation associated with aging and metabolic diseases

Current studies have indicated the association of chronic sterile inflammation (inflammation in the absence of pathogens) with the pathogenesis of age-related and metabolic diseases. The inflammation is under the control of transcription factor NF-κB through an antagonistic crosstalk between SIRT1, PARP-1, and -2 signaling pathways. The transcriptional activity of NF-κB is increased in various tissues with aging and metabolic abnormalities and is related with various aging and metabolic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Furthermore, NF-κB activation with chronic inflammation is connected with many known life span and metabolic regulators including DNA damage, obesity, SIRT, and PARP. Thus, the crossroads between PARP and SIRT signaling pathways represent efficient therapeutic targets for extending health span without metabolic diseases.

Essential versus accessory aspects of cell death: recommendations of the NCCD 2015

Cells exposed to extreme physicochemical or mechanical stimuli die in an uncontrollable manner, as a result of their immediate structural breakdown. Such an unavoidable variant of cellular demise is generally referred to as ‘accidental cell death' (ACD). In most settings, however, cell death is initiated by a genetically encoded apparatus, correlating with the fact that its course can be altered by pharmacologic or genetic interventions. ‘Regulated cell death' (RCD) can occur as part of physiologic programs or can be activated once adaptive responses to perturbations of the extracellular or intracellular microenvironment fail. The biochemical phenomena that accompany RCD may be harnessed to classify it into a few subtypes, which often (but not always) exhibit stereotyped morphologic features. Nonetheless, efficiently inhibiting the processes that are commonly thought to cause RCD, such as the activation of executioner caspases in the course of apoptosis, does not exert true cytoprotective effects in the mammalian system, but simply alters the kinetics of cellular demise as it shifts its morphologic and biochemical correlates. Conversely, bona fide cytoprotection can be achieved by inhibiting the transduction of lethal signals in the early phases of the process, when adaptive responses are still operational. Thus, the mechanisms that truly execute RCD may be less understood, less inhibitable and perhaps more homogeneous than previously thought. Here, the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death formulates a set of recommendations to help scientists and researchers to discriminate between essential and accessory aspects of cell death.

Metabolic dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is defined as cardiac disease independent of vascular complications during diabetes. The number of new cases of DCM is rising at epidemic rates in proportion to newly diagnosed cases of diabetes mellitus (DM) throughout the world. DCM is a heart failure syndrome found in diabetic patients that is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and reduced diastolic function, with or without concurrent systolic dysfunction, occurring in the absence of hypertension and coronary artery disease. DCM and other diabetic complications are caused in part by elevations in blood glucose and lipids, characteristic of DM. Although there are pathological consequences to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, the combination of the two metabolic abnormalities potentiates the severity of diabetic complications. A natural competition exists between glucose and fatty acid metabolism in the heart that is regulated by allosteric and feedback control and transcriptional modulation of key limiting enzymes. Inhibition of these glycolytic enzymes not only controls flux of substrate through the glycolytic pathway, but also leads to the diversion of glycolytic intermediate substrate through pathological pathways, which mediate the onset of diabetic complications. The present review describes the limiting steps involved in the development of these pathological pathways and the factors involved in the regulation of these limiting steps. Additionally, therapeutic options with demonstrated or postulated effects on DCM are described.

A deficiency of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) in Harlequin mouse heart mitochondria paradoxically reduces ROS generation during ischemia-reperfusion

Background and Aims: AIF (apoptosis inducing factor) is a flavin and NADH containing protein located within mitochondria required for optimal function of the respiratory chain. AIF may function as an antioxidant within mitochondria, yet when released from mitochondria it activates caspase-independent cell death. The Harlequin (Hq) mouse has a markedly reduced content of AIF, providing an experimental model to query if the main role of AIF in the exacerbation of cell death is enhanced mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or the activation of cell death programs. We asked if the ROS generation is altered in Hq heart mitochondria at baseline or following ischemia-reperfusion (IR).

Methods: Buffer perfused mouse hearts underwent 30 min ischemia and 30 min reperfusion. Mitochondrial function including oxidative phosphorylation and H₂O₂ generation was measured. Immunoblotting was used to determine the contents of AIF and PAR [poly(ADP-ribose)] in cell fractions.

Results: There were no differences in the release of H₂O₂ between wild type (WT) and Hq heart mitochondria at baseline. IR increased H₂O₂ generation from WT but not from Hq mitochondria compared to corresponding time controls. The complex I activity was decreased in WT but not in Hq mice following IR. The relocation of AIF from mitochondria to nucleus was increased in WT but not in Hq mice. IR activated PARP-1 only in WT mice. Cell injury was decreased in the Hq mouse heart following in vitro IR.

Conclusion: A deficiency of AIF within mitochondria does not increase ROS production during IR, indicating that AIF functions less as an antioxidant within mitochondria. The decreased cardiac injury in Hq mouse heart accompanied by less AIF translocation to the nucleus suggests that AIF relocation, rather than the AIF content within mitochondria, contributes to cardiac injury during IR.

PARP-inhibitor treatment prevents hypertension induced cardiac remodeling by favorable modulation of heat shock proteins, Akt-1/GSK-3β and several PKC isoforms

Spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is a suitable model for studies of the complications of hypertension. It is known that activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase enzyme (PARP) plays an important role in the development of postinfarction as well as long-term hypertension induced heart failure. In this study, we examined whether PARP-inhibitor (L-2286) treatment could prevent the development of hypertensive cardiopathy in SHRs. 6-week-old SHR animals were treated with L-2286 (SHR-L group) or placebo (SHR-C group) for 24 weeks. Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as aged-matched, normotensive controls (WKY group). Echocardiography was performed, brain-derived natriuretic peptide (BNP) activity and blood pressure were determined at the end of the study. We detected the extent of fibrotic areas. The amount of heat-shock proteins (Hsps) and the phosphorylation state of Akt-1(Ser473), glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β(Ser9), forkhead transcription factor (FKHR)(Ser256), mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes were monitored. The elevated blood pressure in SHRs was not influenced by PARP-inhibitor treatment. Systolic left ventricular function and BNP activity did not differ among the three groups. L-2286 treatment decreased the marked left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy which was developed in SHRs. Interstitial collagen deposition was also decreased by L-2286 treatment. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2(Thr183-Tyr185), Akt-1(Ser473), GSK-3β(Ser9), FKHR(Ser256), and PKC ε(Ser729) and the level of Hsp90 were increased, while the activity of PKC α/βII(Thr638/641), ζ/λ(410/403) were mitigated by L-2286 administration. We could detect signs of LV hypertrophy without congestive heart failure in SHR groups. This alteration was prevented by PARP inhibition. Our results suggest that PARP-inhibitor treatment has protective effect already in the early stage of hypertensive myocardial remodeling.

AG-690/11026014, a novel PARP-1 inhibitor, protects cardiomyocytes from AngII-induced hypertrophy

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) enzyme, as a sensor of DNA damage, could convert nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) into long poly(ADP-ribose) chains and regulate many cellular processes, including DNA repair, gene transcription, cell survival and chromatin remodeling. However, excessive activation of PARP-1 depletes its substrate NAD and leads to cell death. Mounting evidences have shown that PARP-1 overactivation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. In present study, a novel PARP-1 inhibitor AG-690/11026014 (6014) was identified based on virtual screening and validated by bioassay. Our results further showed that 6014 prevented the cardiomyocytes from AngII-induced hypertrophy, accompanying attenuation of the mRNA and protein expressions of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and reduce in the cell surface area. Additionally, 6014 reversed the depletion ofcellular NAD and SIRT6 deacetylase activity induced by AngII in cardiomyocytes. These observations suggest that anti-hypertrophic effect of 6014 might be partially attributed to the rescue of NAD depletion and subsequent restoring of SIRT6 activity by inhibition of PARP-1. Moreover, 6014 attenuated the generation of oxidative stress via suppression of NADPH oxidase 2 and 4, which might probably contribute to the inhibition of PARP-1.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 inhibitor modulates T regulatory and IL-17 cells in the prevention of adjuvant induced arthritis in mice model

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the major autoimmune diseases of global prevalence. Irrespective of much research in RA disease, no drugs with capable safety profiles are yet available. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) synthesizes and transfers ADP ribose polymers to target proteins, and regulates DNA repair and genomic integrity maintenance. PARP-1 also plays a crucial role in the progression of the inflammatory response, and its inhibition confers protection in several models of inflammatory disorders. We investigated the possible anti-arthritic effects of the PARP-1 inhibitor 5-aminoisoquinolinone (5-AIQ) in a mouse model of adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA). In this study, we examined the effects of 5-AIQ on the key mediators of arthritic inflammation, namely, edema and arthritic score, T cell subsets, regulatory T (Treg) cells, IL-17A, GITR expressing cells, NF-kB p65, IkB-α and pro and anti-inflammatory mediators mRNA expression levels. PARP-1 inhibition 5-AIQ treatment significantly attenuated the severity of AIA, reduced the arthritis scores, a substantial reduction in the levels of T cell subsets, IL-17A, NF-kB p65, GITR expressing cells, and as well as the pro-inflammatory mediators. However, 5-AIQ significantly up-regulated the number of Tregs cells, IkB-α levels and mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory mediators. Our results suggest that treatment with 5-AIQ attenuated AIA in mice might offer a promising alternative/adjunct treatment for RA.

Structure and function of the ARH family of ADP-ribosyl-acceptor hydrolases

ADP-ribosylation is a post-translational protein modification, in which ADP-ribose is transferred from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) to specific acceptors, thereby altering their activities. The ADP-ribose transfer reactions are divided into mono- and poly-(ADP-ribosyl)ation. Cellular ADP-ribosylation levels are tightly regulated by enzymes that transfer ADP-ribose to acceptor proteins (e.g., ADP-ribosyltransferases, poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP)) and those that cleave the linkage between ADP-ribose and acceptor (e.g., ADP-ribosyl-acceptor hydrolases (ARH), poly-(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolases (PARG)), thereby constituting an ADP-ribosylation cycle. This review summarizes current findings related to the ARH family of proteins. This family comprises three members (ARH1-3) with similar size (39kDa) and amino acid sequence. ARH1 catalyzes the hydrolysis of the N-glycosidic bond of mono-(ADP-ribosyl)ated arginine. ARH3 hydrolyzes poly-(ADP-ribose) (PAR) and O-acetyl-ADP-ribose. The different substrate specificities of ARH1 and ARH3 contribute to their unique roles in the cell. Based on a phenotype analysis of ARH1(-/-) and ARH3(-/-) mice, ARH1 is involved in the action by bacterial toxins as well as in tumorigenesis. ARH3 participates in the degradation of PAR that is synthesized by PARP1 in response to oxidative stress-induced DNA damage; this hydrolytic reaction suppresses PAR-mediated cell death, a pathway termed parthanatos.

Parthanatos: mitochondrial-linked mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Cells die by a variety of mechanisms. Terminally differentiated cells such as neurones die in a variety of disorders, in part, via parthanatos, a process dependent on the activity of poly (ADP-ribose)-polymerase (PARP). Parthanatos does not require the mediation of caspases for its execution, but is clearly mechanistically dependent on the nuclear translocation of the mitochondrial-associated apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). The nuclear translocation of this otherwise beneficial mitochondrial protein, occasioned by poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) produced through PARP overactivation, causes large-scale DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation, leading to cell death. This review describes the multistep course of parthanatos and its dependence on PAR signalling and nuclear AIF translocation. The review also discusses potential targets in the parthanatos cascade as promising avenues for the development of novel, disease-modifying, therapeutic agents.