Inhibitory effect of simvastatin on the TNF-alpha- and angiotensin II-induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells is mediated through the suppression of geranylgeranyl isoprenoid-dependent ROS generation

A ROS-Responsive Simvastatin Nano-Prodrug and its Fibronectin-Targeted Co-Delivery System for Atherosclerosis Treatment

Nanoprodrugs with responsive release properties integrate the advantages of stimuli-responsive prodrugs and nanotechnology. They would provide ultimate opportunity in fighting atherosclerosis. In this study, we synthesized a redox-responsive nanoprodrug of simvastatin (TPTS) by conjugating α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol derivative to the pharmacophore of simvastatin with a thioketal linker. TPTS formed nanoparticles and released parent simvastatin in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Moreover, by taking advantage of the self-assembly behavior of TPTS, we developed a fibronectin-targeted delivery system (TPTS/C/T) to codelivery simvastatin prodrug and ticagrelor. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that TPTS and TPTS/C/T had good stability, which could reduce off-target leakage of drugs. They greatly inhibited the M1-type polarization of macrophages; reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species level and inflammatory cytokine; and TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-1β were secreted by macrophage cells, thus providing enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects compared with free simvastatin. TPTS/C/T realized targeted drug release to plaques and synergistic therapeutic effects of simvastatin and ticagrelor on atherosclerosis treatment in an ApoE-/- mouse model, resulting in excellent atherosclerosis therapeutic efficacy and a promising biosafety profile. Therefore, this study provides a new method for manufacturing statin nanodrugs and a new design idea for related responsive drug release nanosystems for atherosclerosis.

Potent Inhibitory Effect of BJ-3105, a 6-Alkoxypyridin-3-ol Derivative, on Murine Colitis Is Mediated by Activating AMPK and Inhibiting NOX

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Biological therapeutics and orally available small molecules like tofacitinib (a JAK inhibitor) have been developed to treat IBD, but half of the patients treated with these drugs fail to achieve sustained remission. In the present study, we compared the therapeutic effects of BJ-3105 (a 6-alkoxypyridin-3-ol derivative) and tofacitinib in IBD. BJ-3105 induced activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the kinase activity measurement and recovery from cytokine-induced AMPK deactivation in HT-29 human colonic epithelial cells. Similar to tofacitinib and D942 (an AMPK activator), BJ-3105 inhibited IL-6-induced JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation and TNF-α-stimulated activation of IKK/NF-κB, and consequently, stimulus-induced upregulations of inflammatory cytokines and inflammasome components. In addition, unlike tofacitinib or D942, BJ-3105 inhibited NADPH oxidase (NOX) activation and consequent superoxide production induced by activators (mevalonate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate) of the NOX cytosolic component Rac. In mice, oral administration with BJ-3105 ameliorated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and azoxymethane/DSS-induced colitis-associated tumor formation (CAT) much more potently than that with tofacitinib. Moreover, BJ-3105 suppressed the more severe form of colitis and CAT formation in mice with AMPK knocked-out in macrophages (AMPKα^fl/fl-Lyz2-Cre mice) with much greater efficacy than tofacitinib. Taken together, our findings suggest BJ-3105, which exerted a much better anti-colitis effect than tofacitinib through AMPK activation and NOX inhibition, is a promising candidate for the treatment of IBD.

Toxic effects of the fungicide tebuconazole on the root system of fusarium-infected wheat plants

The study investigates toxic effects of the fungicide tebuconazole (TEB) on Fusarium-infected wheat (Triticum aestivum) plants based on the morphological characteristics of root apices and changes in the integrated parameters of redox homeostasis, including the contents of free proline and products of peroxidation of proteins (carbonylated proteins, CP) and lipids (malondialdehyde, MDA) in roots. In two-day-old wheat sprouts infected by Fusarium graminearum, the levels of proline, CP, and border cells of root apices are higher than in roots of uninfected sprouts by a factor of 1.4, 8.0, and 3, respectively. The triazole fungicide tebuconazole (TEB) at the concentrations of 0.01, 0.10, and 1.00 μg ml^-1 of medium causes a dose-dependent decrease in the number of border cells. The study of the effects of TEB and fusarium infection on wheat plants in a 30-day experiment shows that the effect of the fungicide TEB on redox homeostasis in wheat roots varies depending on the plant growth stage and is significantly different in ecosystems with soil and plants infected by Fusarium phytopathogens. The study of the morphology of root apices shows that the toxic effects of TEB and fusarium infection are manifested in the destructive changes in root apices and the degradation of the root tip mantle.

Dual Inhibition of NOX2 and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase by BJ-1301 Enhances Anticancer Therapy Efficacy via Suppression of Autocrine-Stimulatory Factors in Lung Cancer

NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) potentiate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling, resulting in enhanced angiogenesis and tumor growth. In this study, we report that BJ-1301, a hybrid of pyridinol and alpha-tocopherol, exerts anticancer effects by dual inhibition of NADPH oxidase and RTK activities in endothelial and lung cancer cells. BJ-1301 suppresses ROS production by blocking translocation of NADPH oxidase cytosolic subunits to the cell membrane, thereby inhibiting activation. The potency of RTK inhibition by BJ-1301 was lower than that of sunitinib (a multi-RTK inhibitor), but the inhibition of downstream signaling pathways (e.g., ROS generation) and subsequent biological changes (e.g., NOX2 induction) by BJ-1301 was superior. Consistently, BJ-1301 inhibited cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cell proliferation more than sunitinib did. In xenograft chick or mouse tumor models, BJ-1301 inhibited lung tumor growth, to an extent greater than that of sunitinib or cisplatin. Treatments with BJ-1301 induced regression of tumor growth, potentially due to downregulation of autocrine-stimulatory ligands for RTKs, such as TGFα and stem cell factor, in tumor tissues. Taken together, the current study demonstrates that BJ-1301 is a promising anticancer drug for the treatment of lung cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(10); 2144-56. ©2017 AACR.

BJ-1108, a 6-Amino-2,4,5-Trimethylpyridin-3-ol Analog, Inhibits Serotonin-Induced Angiogenesis and Tumor Growth through PI3K/NOX Pathway

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) induces proliferation of cancer cells and vascular cells. In addition to 5-HT production by several cancer cells including gastrointestinal and breast cancer, a significant level of 5-HT is released from activated platelets in the thrombotic environment of tumors, suggesting that inhibition of 5-HT signaling may constitute a new target for antiangiogenic anticancer drug discovery. In the current study we clearly demonstrate that 5-HT-induced angiogenesis was mediated through the 5-HT₁ receptor-linked Gβγ/Src/PI3K pathway, but not through the MAPK/ERK/p38 pathway. In addition, 5-HT induced production of NADPH oxidase (NOX)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). In an effort to develop new molecularly targeted anticancer agents against 5-HT action in tumor growth, we demonstrate that BJ-1108, a derivative of 6-amino-2,4,5-trimethylpyridin-3-ol, significantly inhibited 5-HT-induced angiogenesis. In addition, BJ-1108 induced a significant reduction in the size and weight of excised tumors in breast cancer cell-inoculated CAM assay, showing proportionate suppression of tumor growth along with inhibition of angiogenesis. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), BJ-1108 significantly suppressed 5-HT-induced ROS generation and phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt but not of Src. Unlike NOX inhibitors, BJ-1108, which showed better antioxidant activity than vitamin C, barely suppressed superoxide anion induced by mevalonate or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate which directly activates NOX without help from other signaling molecules in HUVECs, implying that the anti-angiogenic action of BJ-1108 was not mediated through direct action on NOX activation, or free radical scavenging activity. In conclusion, BJ-1108 inhibited 5-HT-induced angiogenesis through PI3K/NOX signaling but not through Src, ERK, or p38.

Study of the anti-inflammatory effects of low-dose radiation: The contribution of biphasic regulation of the antioxidative system in endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

We examined (a) the expression of the antioxidative factor glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the transcription factor nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) following low-dose X-irradiation in endothelial cells (ECs) and (b) the impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Nrf2 on functional properties of ECs to gain further knowledge about the anti-inflammatory mode of action of low doses of ionizing radiation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

EA.hy926 ECs and primary human dermal microvascular ECs (HMVEC) were stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, 20 ng/ml) 4 h before irradiation with single doses ranging from 0.3 to 3 Gy. The expression and activity of GPx and Nrf2 were analyzed by flow cytometry, colorimetric assays, and real-time PCR. The impact of ROS and Nrf2 on peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) adhesion was assayed in the presence of the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and Nrf2 activator AI-1.

RESULTS

Following a low-dose exposure, we observed in EA.hy926 EC and HMVECs a discontinuous expression and enzymatic activity of GPx concomitant with a lowered expression and DNA binding activity of Nrf2 that was most pronounced at a dose of 0.5 Gy. Scavenging of ROS by NAC and activation of Nrf2 by AI-1 significantly diminished a lowered adhesion of PBMC to EC at a dose of 0.5 Gy.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose irradiation resulted in a nonlinear expression and activity of major compounds of the antioxidative system that might contribute to anti-inflammatory effects in stimulated ECs.

Simvastatin inhibits the pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic effects of IL-17 and TNF-α on endothelial cells

OBJECTIVES

Statins are widely used for primary and secondary prevention of coronary atherosclerosis. Simvastatin, besides its lipid lowering properties, has various anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to assess whether simvastatin modulates the vascular effects of interleukin (IL)-17, an emerging actor in atherosclerosis.

METHODS

The effect of simvastatin was assessed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated by IL-17 alone or combined with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, with or without mevalonate, an inhibitor of simvastatin. Its effects on IL-17-induced cytokine or chemokine expression were assessed at the mRNA level using qRT-PCR or protein level by ELISA. Its effect on the IL-17-induced pro-thrombotic state and cell invasion was assessed using a lumi-aggregometer and a Matrigel assay, respectively.

RESULTS

Simvastatin decreased IL-17-induced IL-6, IL-8, CX3CL-1, RANTES mRNA and CX3CL-1 and CCL20 production. Simvastatin restored the level of IL-33 mRNA which was decreased by IL-17. It reduced the expression of IL-17-induced pro-thrombotic genes such as tissue factor. Simvastatin restored the level of platelet aggregation to normal levels. Simvastatin enhanced the expression of CD39 and thrombomodulin mRNA initially reduced by IL-17 and TNF-α combination. Simvastatin suppressed IL-17-induced endothelial cells invasion. All these effects were reversed by the addition of mevalonate. Finally, simvastatin had an additive effect with infliximab to decrease the effect of the combination of IL-17 and TNF-α on IL-6 mRNA expression. Similar conclusion was obtained with rosuvastatin.

CONCLUSIONS

Statins inhibit the pro-inflammatory, thrombotic and pro-aggregation effects of IL-17 on vessels. This provides a new understanding of the beneficial effects of statins in blood vessel inflammation.

Coenzyme Q10 levels are low and may be associated with the inflammatory cascade in septic shock

Introduction

Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with increased mortality in septic shock. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a key cofactor in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, but whether CoQ10 is depleted in septic shock remains unknown. Moreover, statin therapy may decrease CoQ10 levels, but whether this occurs acutely remains unknown. We measured CoQ10 levels in septic shock patients enrolled in a randomized trial of simvastatin versus placebo.

Methods

We conducted a post hoc analysis of a prospective, randomized trial of simvastatin versus placebo in patients with septic shock (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT00676897). Adult patients with suspected or confirmed infection and the need for vasopressor support were included in the initial trial. For the current analysis, blood specimens were analyzed for plasma CoQ10 and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. The relationship between CoQ10 levels and inflammatory and vascular endothelial biomarkers was assessed using either the Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

We analyzed 28 samples from 14 patients. CoQ10 levels were low, with a median of 0.49 (interquartile range 0.26 to 0.62) compared to levels in healthy control patients (CoQ10 = 0.95 μmol/L ± 0.29; P < 0.0001). Statin therapy had no effect on plasma CoQ10 levels over time (P = 0.13). There was a statistically significant relationship between plasma CoQ10 levels and levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) (r² = 0.2; P = 0.008), TNF-α (r² = 0.28; P = 0.004), IL-8 (r² = 0.21; P = 0.015), IL-10 (r² = 0.18; P = 0.025), E-selectin (r² = 0.17; P = -0.03), IL-1ra (r² = 0.21; P = 0.014), IL-6 (r² = 0.17; P = 0.029) and IL-2 (r² = 0.23; P = 0.009). After adjusting for LDL levels, there was a statistically significant inverse relationship between plasma CoQ10 levels and levels of VCAM (r² = 0.24; P = 0.01) (Figure 3) and IL-10 (r² = 0.24; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

CoQ10 levels are significantly lower in septic shock patients than in healthy controls. CoQ10 is negatively associated with vascular endothelial markers and inflammatory molecules, though this association diminishes after adjusting for LDL levels.

HMC05, Herbal Formula, Inhibits TNF-α-Induced Inflammatory Response in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Vascular inflammation has been implicated in the progression of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. In the present study, we found that HMC05, an extract from eight different herbal mixtures, dose-dependently inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells. Such inhibitory effect of HMC05 correlated with suppressed expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, CC chemokine receptor 2, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1. In addition, HMC05 significantly inhibited production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation by TNF-α. Those inhibitory effects of HMC05 (1–10 μg mL⁻¹) on the TNF-α-induced inflammatory event was similar to those of berberine (1–10 μM), which is a major component of HMC05 and one of herbal compounds known to have vasorelaxing and lipid-lowering activities. However, berberine significantly reduced the viability of HUVECs in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, HMC05 (1–10 μg ml⁻¹) did not affect the cell viability for up to 48 h treatment. In conclusion, we propose that HMC05 may be a safe and potent herbal formula against vascular inflammation, and its action may be attributable to the inhibition of ROS- and NF-κB-dependent expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines.

Bisphosphonate Use and Prevalence of Valvular and Vascular Calcification in Women MESA (The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis)

OBJECTIVES

the aim of this study was to determine whether nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate (NCBP) therapy is associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular calcification.

BACKGROUND

cardiovascular calcification correlates with atherosclerotic disease burden. Experimental data suggest that NCBP might limit cardiovascular calcification, which has implications for disease prevention.

METHODS

the relationship of NCBP use to the prevalence of aortic valve, aortic valve ring, mitral annulus, thoracic aorta, and coronary artery calcification (AVC, AVRC, MAC, TAC, and CAC, respectively) detected by computed tomography was assessed in 3,710 women within the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) with regression modeling.

RESULTS

Analyses were age-stratified, because of a significant interaction between age and NCBP use (interaction p values: AVC p < 0.0001; AVRC p < 0.0001; MAC p = 0.002; TAC p < 0.0001; CAC p = 0.046). After adjusting for age; body mass index; demographic data; diabetes; smoking; blood pressure; cholesterol levels; and statin, hormone replacement, and renin-angiotensin inhibitor therapy, NCBP use was associated with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular calcification in women ≥ 65 years of age (prevalence ratio: AVC 0.68 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.41 to 1.13]; AVRC 0.65 [95% CI: 0.51 to 0.84]; MAC 0.54 [95% CI: 0.33 to 0.93]; TAC 0.69 [95% CI: 0.54 to 0.88]; CAC 0.89 [95% CI: 0.78 to 1.02]), whereas calcification was more prevalent in NCBP users among the 2,181 women <65 years of age (AVC 4.00 [95% CI: 2.33 to 6.89]; AVRC 1.92 [95% CI: 1.42 to 2.61]; MAC 2.35 [95% CI: 1.12 to 4.84]; TAC 2.17 [95% CI: 1.49 to 3.15]; CAC 1.23 [95% CI: 0.97 to 1.57]).

CONCLUSIONS

among women in the diverse MESA cohort, NCBPs were associated with decreased prevalence of cardiovascular calcification in older subjects but more prevalent cardiovascular calcification in younger ones. Further study is warranted to clarify these age-dependent NCBP effects.

Regulation of different inflammatory diseases by impacting the mevalonate pathway

The 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) interfere with the mevalonate pathway. While initially developed for their lipid-lowering properties, statins have been extensively investigated with respect to their impact on autoantigen and alloantigen driven immune responses. Mechanistically it was shown that statins modify immune responses on several levels, including effects on dendritic cells, endothelial cells, macrophages, B cells and T cells. Several lines of evidence suggest that statins act in a disease-specific manner and are not effective in each immune disorder. This review discusses possible modes of action of statins in modulating immunity towards autoantigens and alloantigens.

Statins inhibit C-reactive protein-induced chemokine secretion, ICAM-1 upregulation and chemotaxis in adherent human monocytes

OBJECTIVES

We have recently shown that CRP induces chemokine secretion and adhesion molecule up-regulation in human primary monocytes cultured in adherence. Given the increasing evidence on direct immunomodulatory properties of statins, we investigated their possible anti-inflammatory role on CRP-treated human monocytes.

METHODS

Monocytes were isolated by Ficoll-Percoll gradients and cultured in adherence to polystyrene. Chemokine secretion and adhesion molecule expression were detected by ELISA and flow cytometry. Migration assays were performed in modified Boyden chambers. Intracellular kinase activation was assessed by western blot.

RESULTS

Treatment with simvastatin or atorvastatin decreased CRP-induced release of CCL2, CCL3 and CCL4. In addition, both statins reduced CRP-induced intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) up-regulation, but had no effects on CD11b and CD18. Treatments with 1 microM simvastatin or atorvastatin significantly inhibited monocyte migration in response to CRP. CD32 and CD64 (CRP receptors) expression on monocytes was not affected by statins. Statin-induced inhibition of CRP-mediated chemokine secretion, ICAM-1 up-regulation and migration occurred through the inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Treatment with L-mevalonate or farnesylpyrophosphate, but not geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate reversed the statin-induced effect on CRP-mediated functions and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, confirming that statins blocked CRP-induced ERK 1/2 phosphorylation through the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase.

CONCLUSIONS

Statins inhibited CRP-induced chemokine secretion, ICAM-1 up-regulation and migration in human adherent monocytes, through the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase-ERK 1/2 pathway. This pathway could represent a very promising target to reduce CRP-induced activities in monocyte-mediated diseases, such as atherosclerosis or RA.