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Luxen M, van Meurs M, Molema G. Unlocking the Untapped Potential of Endothelial Kinase and Phosphatase Involvement in Sepsis for Drug Treatment Design. Front Immunol 2022; 13:867625. [PMID: 35634305 PMCID: PMC9136877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.867625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a devastating clinical condition that can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Despite advancements in our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying sepsis and sepsis-associated multiple organ failure, no effective therapeutic treatment to directly counteract it has yet been established. The endothelium is considered to play an important role in sepsis. This review highlights a number of signal transduction pathways involved in endothelial inflammatory activation and dysregulated endothelial barrier function in response to sepsis conditions. Within these pathways – NF-κB, Rac1/RhoA GTPases, AP-1, APC/S1P, Angpt/Tie2, and VEGF/VEGFR2 – we focus on the role of kinases and phosphatases as potential druggable targets for therapeutic intervention. Animal studies and clinical trials that have been conducted for this purpose are discussed, highlighting reasons why they might not have resulted in the expected outcomes, and which lessons can be learned from this. Lastly, opportunities and challenges that sepsis and sepsis-associated multiple organ failure research are currently facing are presented, including recommendations on improved experimental design to increase the translational power of preclinical research to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs Luxen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Medical Biology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Critical Care, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Matthijs Luxen,
| | - Matijs van Meurs
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Medical Biology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Critical Care, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Grietje Molema
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Medical Biology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Bryniarski P, Nazimek K, Marcinkiewicz J. Immunomodulatory properties of antihypertensive drugs and digitalis glycosides. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2022; 20:111-121. [PMID: 35130796 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2022.2039627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of chronic inflammatory process in the pathogenesis or exacerbation of hypertension has been already acknowledged. AREAS COVERED Therefore, one can speculate that hypotensive drugs may exert some of their therapeutic effects due to immunomodulatory properties. So far, this assumption has been tested in different studies, and the resulting knowledge is summarized in the current review article that is dedicated to different groups of antihypertensives, namely calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, as well as other less commonly used medications, such as hydralazine, agonists of alfa-2 receptor, diazoxide, doxazosin, aliskiren, and sodium nitroprusside. Articles were found in the Pubmed database by entering the name of a specific drug (or group of drugs) together with the words: immunology, cellular response, humoral response, inflammation, interleukin. The 2000-2021 range was used to search for all drugs except propranolol (1980-2021) and calcium blockers (1990-2021). EXPERT OPINION Observed decrease in serum/plasma concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, and CRP along with lower expression of adhesion molecules on immune cells strongly suggest that these drugs possess immunomodulatory properties, which seems to be crucial in the medical practice, especially in the therapy of hypertensive patients with other accompanying inflammatory-based diseases, such as type II diabetes, developed metabolic syndrome, allergies or autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Bryniarski
- Department of Immunology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków Medical College Ringgold standard institution, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Nazimek
- Department of Immunology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków Medical College Ringgold standard institution, Krakow, Poland
| | - Janusz Marcinkiewicz
- Department of Immunology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków Medical College Ringgold standard institution, Krakow, Poland
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Banka AL, Eniola-Adefeso O. Method article: an in vitro blood flow model to advance the study of platelet adhesion utilizing a damaged endothelium. Platelets 2021; 33:692-699. [PMID: 34927530 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2021.1988550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In vitro flow assays utilizing microfluidic devices are often used to study human platelets as an alternative to the costly animal models of hemostasis and thrombosis that may not accurately represent human platelet behavior in vivo. Here, we present a tunable in vitro model to study platelet behavior in human whole blood flow that includes both an inflamed, damaged endothelium and exposed extracellular matrix. We demonstrate that the model is adaptable across various anticoagulants, shear rates, and proteins for endothelial cell culture without the need for a complicated, custom-designed device. Furthermore, we verified the ability of this 'damaged endothelium' model as a screening method for potential anti-platelet or anti-thrombotic compounds using a P2Y12 receptor antagonist (ticagrelor), a pan-selectin inhibitor (Bimosiamose), and a histamine receptor antagonist (Cimetidine). These compounds significantly decreased platelet adhesion to the damaged endothelium, highlighting that this model can successfully screen anti-platelet compounds that target platelets directly or the endothelium indirectly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Leigh Banka
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Omolola Eniola-Adefeso
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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Effect of a Low Dose of Carvedilol on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Urinary Toxicity in Rats—A Comparison with Mesna. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121237. [PMID: 34959638 PMCID: PMC8708009 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the major side effects of cyclophosphamide (CPX)—an alkylating anticancer drug that is still clinically used—is urotoxicity with hemorrhagic cystitis. The present study was designed to evaluate the ability of carvedilol to protect rats from cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity. Rats were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with CPX (200 mg/kg) and administered carvedilol (2 mg/kg) intragastrically a day before, at the day and a day after a single i.p. injection of CPX, with or without mesna (40, 80, and 80 mg/kg i.p. 20 min before, 4 h and 8 h after CPX administration, respectively). Pretreatment with carvedilol partly prevented the CPX-induced increase in urinary bladder and kidney index, and completely protects from CPX-evoked alterations in serum potassium and creatinine level, but did not prevent histological alterations in the urinary bladder and hematuria. However, carvedilol administration resulted in significant restoration of kidney glutathione (GSH) level and a decrease in kidney interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations. Not only did mesna improve kidney function, but it also completely reversed histological abnormalities in bladders and prevented hematuria. In most cases, no significant interaction of carvedilol with mesna was observed, although the effect of both drugs together was better than mesna given alone regarding plasma ADMA level and kidney IL-1β concentration. In conclusion, carvedilol did not counteract the injury caused in the urinary bladders but restored kidney function, presumably via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Wang M, Hao H, Leeper NJ, Zhu L. Thrombotic Regulation From the Endothelial Cell Perspectives. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2019; 38:e90-e95. [PMID: 29793992 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.118.310367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Wang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease (M.W., H.H., L.Z.) .,Clinical Pharmacology Center (M.W.), Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing
| | - Huifeng Hao
- From the State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease (M.W., H.H., L.Z.)
| | | | - Liyuan Zhu
- From the State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease (M.W., H.H., L.Z.)
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6
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Wong WT, Li LH, Rao YK, Yang SP, Cheng SM, Lin WY, Cheng CC, Chen A, Hua KF. Repositioning of the β-Blocker Carvedilol as a Novel Autophagy Inducer That Inhibits the NLRP3 Inflammasome. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1920. [PMID: 30186288 PMCID: PMC6113403 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that plays a key role in the innate immune system, and aberrant activation of this complex is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. Carvedilol (CVL) is an α-, β-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure; however, some benefits beyond decreased blood pressure were observed clinically, suggesting the potential anti-inflammatory activity of CVL. In this report, the inhibitory potential of CVL toward the NLRP3 inflammasome and the possible underlying molecular mechanisms were studied. Our results showed that CVL attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in mouse macrophages, without affecting activation of the AIM2, NLRC4 and non-canonical inflammasomes. Mechanistic analysis revealed that CVL prevented lysosomal and mitochondrial damage and reduced ASC oligomerization. Additionally, CVL caused autophagic induction through a Sirt1-dependent pathway, which inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome. In the in vivo mouse model of NLRP3-associated peritonitis, oral administration of CVL reduced (1) peritoneal recruitment of neutrophils; (2) the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, active caspase-1, ASC, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, and CXCL1 in the lavage fluids; and (3) the levels of NLRP3 and HO-1 in the peritoneal cells. Our results indicated that CVL is a novel autophagy inducer that inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome and can be repositioned for ameliorating NLRP3-associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ting Wong
- National Defense Medical Center, Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lan-Hui Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Linsen, Chinese Medicine and Kunming Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yerra Koteswara Rao
- Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, National Ilan University, Yilan City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ping Yang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Meng Cheng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yu Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chung Cheng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ann Chen
- Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Feng Hua
- Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, National Ilan University, Yilan City, Taiwan.,Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Deng HF, Wang S, Li L, Zhou Q, Guo WB, Wang XL, Liu MD, Liu K, Xiao XZ. Puerarin prevents vascular endothelial injury through suppression of NF-κB activation in LPS-challenged human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 104:261-267. [PMID: 29775893 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the present study, we aimed to explore the effects of puerarin on vascular endothelial cell injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS The cell viability and morphological changes were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and 4´,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, respectively. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), monocyte/macrophage chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), IL-8, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), thrombomodulin (TM) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in cell culture supernatant were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The neutrophils adhesion to endothelial cells were examined by myeloperoxidase activity assay. The nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) was assessed by immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS Compared with the control group, LPS challenge significantly injured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and increased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, IL-8, ICAM-1, TM and PAI-1 in the cell culture supernatants. The neutrophils adhesion to endothelial cells were significantly increased in LPS-challenged HUVECs. Moreover, LPS challenge increased the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. However, puerarin pre-treatment attenuated the vascular endothelial injury and reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, IL-8, ICAM-1, TM and PAI-1 in cell supernatants of LPS-challenged HUVECs. In addition, the neutrophils adhesion to HUVECs induced by LPS were also decreased by puerarin pre-treatment. Furthermore, puerarin pre-treatment reduced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 elicited by LPS. CONCLUSIONS Puerarin prevented LPS-induced vascular endothelial injury, the mechanism of which might be related to the suppression of NF-κB activation and subsequently altered levels of inflammatory factors and coagulation-related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Fei Deng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, PR China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China.
| | - Sha Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, PR China
| | - Lian Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, PR China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, PR China
| | - Wan-Bei Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, PR China
| | - Xiao-Li Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China
| | - Mei-Dong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China
| | - Xian-Zhong Xiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, PR China.
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The neuropeptide galanin promotes an anti-thrombotic phenotype on endocardial endothelial cells from heart failure patients. Auton Neurosci 2017; 206:35-42. [PMID: 28720509 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Thromboembolic complications are a significant cause of mortality and re-hospitalization in heart failure (HF) patients. One source of thrombi is the ventricular endocardial surface that becomes increasingly pro-thrombotic as HF progresses. Anticoagulation comes with bleeding risks so identifying therapeutic agents for improving cardiac endothelial health are of critical clinical importance. Endocardial endothelial cells are closely apposed to cardiac sympathetic nerves. In HF, cardiac sympathetic nerves are dysregulated and promote disease progression. Whether endocardial endothelial health and function is impacted by sympathetic dysregulation in HF is unknown. Also unexplored is the impact of neuropeptides, such as galanin and neuropeptide Y (NPY), co-released from sympathetic nerve terminals, on endothelial health. In this study we examined the effect of sympathetic nerve-released neurotransmitters and neuropeptides on the procoagulant phenotype of cultured human endocardial endothelial cells from HF patients. As a functional readout of procoagulant state we examined thrombin-mediated von Willebrand factor (vWF) extrusion and multimer expression. We demonstrate that vWF extrusion and multimer expression is promoted by thrombin, that isoproterenol (a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist) augments this effect, whereas co-treatment with the beta-blockers propranolol and carvedilol blocks this effect. We also show that vWF extrusion and multimer expression is attenuated by treatment with the neuropeptide galanin, but not with NPY. Our results are consistent with a protective role of beta-blockers and galanin on endocardial endothelial health in heart failure. Improving endothelial health through galanin therapy is a future clinical application of this study.
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Potential Role of Carvedilol in the Cardiac Immune Response Induced by Experimental Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:9205062. [PMID: 28377930 PMCID: PMC5362721 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9205062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi causes a cardiac infection characterized by an inflammatory imbalance that could become the inciting factor of the illness. To this end, we evaluated the role of carvedilol, a beta-blocker with potential immunomodulatory properties, on the immune response in C57BL/6 mice infected with VL-10 strain of T. cruzi in the acute phase. Animals (n = 40) were grouped: (i) not infected, (ii) infected, (iii) infected + carvedilol, and (iv) not infected + carvedilol. We analyzed parameters related to parasitemia, plasma levels of TNF, IL-10, and CCL2, and cardiac histopathology after the administration of carvedilol for 30 days. We did not observe differences in the maximum peaks of parasitemia in the day of their detection among the groups. The plasma TNF was elevated at 60 days of infection in mice treated or not with carvedilol. However, we observed a decreased CCL2 level and increased IL-10 levels in those infected animals treated with carvedilol, which impacted the reduction of the inflammatory infiltration in cardiac tissue. For this experimental model, carvedilol therapy was not able to alter the levels of circulating parasites but modulates the pattern of CCL2 and IL-10 mediators when the VL10 strain of T. cruzi was used in C57BL6 mice.
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10
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Eid AH, Abdelkader NF, Abd El-Raouf OM, Fawzy HM, El-Denshary EEDS. Carvedilol alleviates testicular and spermatological damage induced by cisplatin in rats via modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Arch Pharm Res 2016; 39:1693-1702. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-016-0833-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Kim SD, Baker P, DeLay J, Wood RD. Thrombomodulin Expression in Tissues From Dogs With Systemic Inflammatory Disease. Vet Pathol 2016; 53:797-802. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985815626571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Thrombomodulin (TM) is a membrane glycoprotein expressed on endothelial cells, which plays a major role in the protein C anticoagulation pathway. In people with inflammation, TM expression can be down-regulated on endothelial cells and a soluble form released into circulation, resulting in increased risk of thrombosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. TM is present in dogs; however, there has been minimal investigation of its expression in canine tissues, and the effects of inflammation on TM expression in canine tissues have not been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate endothelial TM expression in tissues from dogs with systemic inflammatory diseases. A retrospective evaluation of tissue samples of lung, spleen, and liver from dogs with and without systemic inflammatory diseases was performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and a modified manual IHC scoring system. TM expression was significantly reduced in all examined tissues in dogs diagnosed with septic peritonitis or acute pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. D. Kim
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - P. Baker
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - J. DeLay
- Animal Health Laboratory, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - R. D. Wood
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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12
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Martin FA, McLoughlin A, Rochfort KD, Davenport C, Murphy RP, Cummins PM. Regulation of thrombomodulin expression and release in human aortic endothelial cells by cyclic strain. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108254. [PMID: 25238231 PMCID: PMC4169621 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Thrombomodulin (TM), an integral membrane glycoprotein expressed on the lumenal surface of vascular endothelial cells, promotes anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory properties. Release of functional TM from the endothelium surface into plasma has also been reported. Much is still unknown however about how endothelial TM is regulated by physiologic hemodynamic forces (and particularly cyclic strain) intrinsic to endothelial-mediated vascular homeostasis. Methods This study employed human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) to investigate the effects of equibiaxial cyclic strain (7.5%, 60 cycles/min, 24 hrs), and to a lesser extent, laminar shear stress (10 dynes/cm2, 24 hrs), on TM expression and release. Time-, dose- and frequency-dependency studies were performed. Results Our initial studies demonstrated that cyclic strain strongly downregulated TM expression in a p38- and receptor tyrosine kinase-dependent manner. This was in contrast to the upregulatory effect of shear stress. Moreover, both forces significantly upregulated TM release over a 48 hr period. With continuing focus on the cyclic strain-induced TM release, we noted both dose (0–7.5%) and frequency (0.5–2.0 Hz) dependency, with no attenuation of strain-induced TM release observed following inhibition of MAP kinases (p38, ERK-1/2), receptor tyrosine kinase, or eNOS. The concerted impact of cyclic strain and inflammatory mediators on TM release from HAECs was also investigated. In this respect, both TNFα (100 ng/ml) and ox-LDL (10–50 µg/ml) appeared to potentiate strain-induced TM release. Finally, inhibition of neither MMPs (GM6001) nor rhomboids (3,4-dichloroisocoumarin) had any effect on strain-induced TM release. However, significantly elevated levels (2.1 fold) of TM were observed in isolated microparticle fractions following 7.5% strain for 24 hrs. Conclusions A preliminary in vitro investigation into the effects of cyclic strain on TM in HAECs is presented. Physiologic cyclic strain was observed to downregulate TM expression, whilst upregulating in a time-, dose- and frequency-dependent manner the release of TM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona A. Martin
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alisha McLoughlin
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Keith D. Rochfort
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colin Davenport
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ronan P. Murphy
- School of Health & Human Performance, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philip M. Cummins
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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13
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Martin FA, Murphy RP, Cummins PM. Thrombomodulin and the vascular endothelium: insights into functional, regulatory, and therapeutic aspects. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2013; 304:H1585-97. [PMID: 23604713 PMCID: PMC7212260 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00096.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Thrombomodulin (TM) is a 557-amino acid protein with a broad cell and tissue distribution consistent with its wide-ranging physiological roles. When expressed on the lumenal surface of vascular endothelial cells in both large vessels and capillaries, its primary function is to mediate endothelial thromboresistance. The complete integral membrane-bound protein form displays five distinct functional domains, although shorter soluble (functional) variants comprising the extracellular domains have also been reported in fluids such as serum and urine. TM-mediated binding of thrombin is known to enhance the specificity of the latter serine protease toward both protein C and thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), increasing their proteolytic activation rate by almost three orders of magnitude with concomitant anticoagulant, antifibrinolytic, and anti-inflammatory benefits to the vascular wall. Recent years have seen an abundance of research into the cellular mechanisms governing endothelial TM production, processing, and regulation (including flow-mediated mechanoregulation)--from transcriptional and posttranscriptional (miRNA) regulation of TM gene expression, to posttranslational processing and release of the expressed protein--facilitating greater exploitation of its therapeutic potential. The goal of the present paper is to comprehensively review the endothelial/TM system from these regulatory perspectives and draw some fresh conclusions. This paper will conclude with a timely examination of the current status of TM's growing therapeutic appeal, from novel strategies to improve the clinical efficacy of recombinant TM analogs for resolution of vascular disorders such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), to an examination of the complex pleiotropic relationship between statin treatment and TM expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona A Martin
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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14
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Brosnahan AJ, Vulchanova L, Witta SR, Dai Y, Jones BJ, Brown DR. Norepinephrine potentiates proinflammatory responses of human vaginal epithelial cells. J Neuroimmunol 2013; 259:8-16. [PMID: 23571017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The vaginal epithelium provides a barrier to pathogens and recruits immune defenses through the secretion of cytokines and chemokines. Several studies have shown that mucosal sites are innervated by norepinephrine-containing nerve fibers. Here we report that norepinephrine potentiates the proinflammatory response of human vaginal epithelial cells to products produced by Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen that causes menstrual toxic shock syndrome. The cells exhibit immunoreactivity for catecholamine synthesis enzymes and the norepinephrine transporter. Moreover, the cells secrete norepinephrine and dopamine at low concentrations. These results indicate that norepinephrine may serve as an autocrine modulator of proinflammatory responses in the vaginal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Brosnahan
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, 75 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine, 1988 Fitch Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55108, United States
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Arab HH, El-Sawalhi MM. Carvedilol alleviates adjuvant-induced arthritis and subcutaneous air pouch edema: modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 268:241-8. [PMID: 23360886 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease with cardiovascular complications as the leading cause of morbidity. Carvedilol is an adrenergic antagonist which has been safely used in treatment of several cardiovascular disorders. Given that carvedilol has powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties, we aimed to investigate its protective potential against arthritis that may add further benefits for its clinical usefulness especially in RA patients with concomitant cardiovascular disorders. Two models were studied in the same rat; adjuvant arthritis and subcutaneous air pouch edema. Carvedilol (10mg/kg/day p.o. for 21days) effectively suppressed inflammation in both models with comparable efficacy to the standard anti-inflammatory diclofenac (5mg/kg/day p.o.). Notably, carvedilol inhibited paw edema and abrogated the leukocyte invasion to air pouch exudates. The latter observation was confirmed by the histopathological assessment of the pouch lining that revealed mitigation of immuno-inflammatory cell influx. Carvedilol reduced/normalized oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxides, nitric oxide and protein thiols) and lowered the release of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α & IL-6), and eicosanoids (PGE2 & LTB4) in sera and exudates of arthritic rats. Interestingly, carvedilol, per se, didn't present any effect on assessed biochemical parameters in normal rats. Together, the current study highlights evidences for the promising anti-arthritic effects of carvedilol that could be mediated through attenuation of leukocyte migration, alleviation of oxidative stress and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany H Arab
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
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Hamdy N, El-Demerdash E. New therapeutic aspect for carvedilol: antifibrotic effects of carvedilol in chronic carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2012; 261:292-9. [PMID: 22543095 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2012.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Portal hypertension is a common complication of chronic liver diseases associated with liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. At present, beta-blockers such as carvedilol remain the medical treatment of choice for protection against variceal bleeding and other complications. Since carvedilol has powerful antioxidant properties we assessed the potential antifibrotic effects of carvedilol and the underlying mechanisms that may add further benefits for its clinical usefulness using a chronic model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Two weeks after CCl4 induction of chronic hepatotoxicity, rats were co-treated with carvedilol (10mg/kg, orally) daily for 6weeks. It was found that treatment of animals with carvedilol significantly counteracted the changes in liver function and histopathological lesions induced by CCl4. Also, carvedilol significantly counteracted lipid peroxidation, GSH depletion, and reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities; glutathione-S-transferase and catalase that was induced by CCl4. In addition, carvedilol ameliorated the inflammation induced by CCl4 as indicated by reducing the serum level of acute phase protein marker; alpha-2-macroglobulin and the liver expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Finally, carvedilol significantly reduced liver fibrosis markers including hydroxyproline, collagen accumulation, and the expression of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation marker; alpha smooth muscle actin. In conclusion, the present study provides evidences for the promising antifibrotic effects of carvedilol that can be explained by amelioration of oxidative stress through mainly, replenishment of GSH, restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities and reduction of lipid peroxides as well as amelioration of inflammation and fibrosis by decreasing collagen accumulation, acute phase protein level, NF-κB expression and finally HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Hamdy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Sari FR, Arozal W, Watanabe K, Harima M, Veeravedu PT, Thandavarayan RA, Suzuki K, Arumugam S, Soetikno V, Kodama M. Carvedilol Attenuates Inflammatory-Mediated Cardiotoxicity in Daunorubicin-Induced Rats. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2011. [PMCID: PMC4053802 DOI: 10.3390/ph4030551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiotoxicity, which results from intense cardiac oxidative stress and inflammation, is the main limiting factor of the anthracyclines. Carvedilol, a beta blocker that is used as a multifunctional neurohormonal antagonist, has been shown to act not only as an anti-oxidant, but also as an anti-inflammatory drug. This study was designed to evaluate whether carvedilol exerts a protective role against inflammation-mediated cardiotoxicity in the daunorubicin (DNR)-induced rats. Carvedilol was administered orally to the rats every day for 6 weeks at a cumulative dose of 9 mg/kg body weight DNR. DNR significantly induced cardiac damage and worsened cardiac function as well as increased cardiac mast cell density, elevating the myocardial protein and mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1, nuclear factor kappa-B, cyclooxygenase-2, monocyte chemotactic protein -1 and interleukin -6 compared to that in the control group. Cotreatment with carvedilol significantly attenuated the myocardial protein and mRNA expression levels of these inflammatory markers, decreased cardiac mast cell density, improved histological cardiac damage and cardiac functions. In conclusion, inflammation plays a significant role in DNR-induced cardiotoxicity, and carvedilol contributes to cardioprotection against inflammation-mediated cardiotoxicity in DNR-induced rats through its anti-inflammatory mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flori R. Sari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata City 956-8603, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, State Islamic University, South Jakarta 15412, Indonesia
| | - Wawaimuli Arozal
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata City 956-8603, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Kenichi Watanabe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata City 956-8603, Japan
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-mail address: ; Tel.: +81 250 25 5267; Fax: +81 250 25 5021
| | - Meilei Harima
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata City 956-8603, Japan
| | - Punniyakoti T. Veeravedu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata City 956-8603, Japan
| | - Rajarajan A. Thandavarayan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata City 956-8603, Japan
| | - Kenji Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Somasundaram Arumugam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata City 956-8603, Japan
| | - Vivian Soetikno
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata City 956-8603, Japan
| | - Makoto Kodama
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
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