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Andrews SG, Koehle AM, Paudel D, Neuberger T, Ross AC, Singh V, Bottiglieri T, Castro R. Diet-Induced Severe Hyperhomocysteinemia Promotes Atherosclerosis Progression and Dysregulates the Plasma Metabolome in Apolipoprotein-E-Deficient Mice. Nutrients 2024; 16:330. [PMID: 38337615 PMCID: PMC10856797 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis and resulting cardiovascular disease are the leading causes of death in the US. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), or the accumulation of the intermediate amino acid homocysteine, is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, but the intricate biological processes mediating this effect remain elusive. Several factors regulate homocysteine levels, including the activity of several enzymes and adequate levels of their coenzymes, including pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6), folate (vitamin B9), and methylcobalamin (vitamin B12). To better understand the biological influence of HHcy on the development and progression of atherosclerosis, apolipoprotein-E-deficient (apoE-/- mice), a model for human atherosclerosis, were fed a hyperhomocysteinemic diet (low in methyl donors and B vitamins) (HHD) or a control diet (CD). After eight weeks, the plasma, aorta, and liver were collected to quantify methylation metabolites, while plasma was also used for a broad targeted metabolomic analysis. Aortic plaque burden in the brachiocephalic artery (BCA) was quantified via 14T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A severe accumulation of plasma and hepatic homocysteine and an increased BCA plaque burden were observed, thus confirming the atherogenic effect of the HHD. Moreover, a decreased methylation capacity in the plasma and aorta, indirectly assessed by the ratio of S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAM:SAH) was detected in HHD mice together with a 172-fold increase in aortic cystathionine levels, indicating increased flux through the transsulfuration pathway. Betaine and its metabolic precursor, choline, were significantly decreased in the livers of HHD mice versus CD mice. Widespread changes in the plasma metabolome of HHD mice versus CD animals were detected, including alterations in acylcarnitines, amino acids, bile acids, ceramides, sphingomyelins, triacylglycerol levels, and several indicators of dysfunctional lipid metabolism. This study confirms the relevance of severe HHcy in the progression of vascular plaque and suggests novel metabolic pathways implicated in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G. Andrews
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (S.G.A.); (A.M.K.); (D.P.); (A.C.R.); (V.S.)
| | - Anthony M. Koehle
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (S.G.A.); (A.M.K.); (D.P.); (A.C.R.); (V.S.)
| | - Devendra Paudel
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (S.G.A.); (A.M.K.); (D.P.); (A.C.R.); (V.S.)
| | - Thomas Neuberger
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - A. Catharine Ross
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (S.G.A.); (A.M.K.); (D.P.); (A.C.R.); (V.S.)
| | - Vishal Singh
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (S.G.A.); (A.M.K.); (D.P.); (A.C.R.); (V.S.)
| | - Teodoro Bottiglieri
- Center of Metabolomics, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, TX 75204, USA;
| | - Rita Castro
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (S.G.A.); (A.M.K.); (D.P.); (A.C.R.); (V.S.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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Castro R, Whalen CA, Gullette S, Mattie FJ, Florindo C, Heil SG, Huang NK, Neuberger T, Ross AC. A Hypomethylating Ketogenic Diet in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice: A Pilot Study on Vascular Effects and Specific Epigenetic Changes. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13103576. [PMID: 34684577 PMCID: PMC8537671 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteneinemia (HHcy) is common in the general population and is a risk factor for atherosclerosis by mechanisms that are still elusive. A hypomethylated status of epigenetically relevant targets may contribute to the vascular toxicity associated with HHcy. Ketogenic diets (KD) are diets with a severely restricted amount of carbohydrates that are being widely used, mainly for weight-loss purposes. However, studies associating nutritional ketosis and HHcy are lacking. This pilot study investigates the effects of mild HHcy induced by nutritional manipulation of the methionine metabolism in the absence of dietary carbohydrates on disease progression and specific epigenetic changes in the apolipoprotein-E deficient (apoE-/-) mouse model. ApoE-/- mice were either fed a KD, a diet with the same macronutrient composition but low in methyl donors (low methyl KD, LMKD), or control diet. After 4, 8 or 12 weeks plasma was collected for the quantification of: (1) nutritional ketosis, (i.e., the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate using a colorimetric assay); (2) homocysteine by HPLC; (3) the methylating potential S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio (AdoHcy/AdoMet) by LC-MS/MS; and (4) the inflammatory cytokine monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) by ELISA. After 12 weeks, aortas were collected to assess: (1) the vascular AdoHcy/AdoMet ratio; (2) the volume of atherosclerotic lesions by high-field magnetic resonance imaging (14T-MRI); and (3) the content of specific epigenetic tags (H3K27me3 and H3K27ac) by immunofluorescence. The results confirmed the presence of nutritional ketosis in KD and LMKD mice but not in the control mice. As expected, mild HHcy was only detected in the LMKD-fed mice. Significantly decreased MCP1 plasma levels and plaque burden were observed in control mice versus the other two groups, together with an increased content of one of the investigated epigenetic tags (H3K27me3) but not of the other (H3K27ac). Moreover, we are unable to detect any significant differences at the p < 0.05 level for MCP1 plasma levels, vascular AdoMet:AdoHcy ratio levels, plaque burden, and specific epigenetic content between the latter two groups. Nevertheless, the systemic methylating index was significantly decreased in LMKD mice versus the other two groups, reinforcing the possibility that the levels of accumulated homocysteine were insufficient to affect vascular transmethylation reactions. Further studies addressing nutritional ketosis in the presence of mild HHcy should use a higher number of animals and are warranted to confirm these preliminary observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Castro
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (C.A.W.); (F.J.M.); (N.K.H.); (A.C.R.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-814-865-2938
| | - Courtney A. Whalen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (C.A.W.); (F.J.M.); (N.K.H.); (A.C.R.)
| | - Sean Gullette
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (S.G.); (T.N.)
| | - Floyd J. Mattie
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (C.A.W.); (F.J.M.); (N.K.H.); (A.C.R.)
| | - Cristina Florindo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Sandra G. Heil
- Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus MC University, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Neil K. Huang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (C.A.W.); (F.J.M.); (N.K.H.); (A.C.R.)
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Thomas Neuberger
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (S.G.); (T.N.)
- Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - A. Catharine Ross
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (C.A.W.); (F.J.M.); (N.K.H.); (A.C.R.)
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Bekdash RA. Early Life Nutrition and Mental Health: The Role of DNA Methylation. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13093111. [PMID: 34578987 PMCID: PMC8469584 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Does the quality of our diet during early life impact our long-term mental health? Accumulating evidence suggests that nutrition interacts with our genes and that there is a strong association between the quality of diet and mental health throughout life. Environmental influences such as maternal diet during pregnancy or offspring diet have been shown to cause epigenetic changes during critical periods of development, such as chemical modifications of DNA or histones by methylation for the regulation of gene expression. One-carbon metabolism, which consists of the folate and methionine cycles, is influenced by the diet and generates S-Adenosylmethinoine (SAM), the main methyl donor for methylation reactions such as DNA and histone methylation. This review provides current knowledge on how the levels of one-carbon metabolism associated micronutrients such as choline, betaine, folate, methionine and B vitamins that play a role in brain function can impact our well-being and mental health across the lifespan. Micronutrients that act as methyl donors for SAM formation could affect global or gene methylation, altering gene expression and phenotype. Strategies should then be adopted to better understand how these nutrients work and their impact at different stages of development to provide individualized dietary recommendations for better mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rola A Bekdash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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No Effect of Diet-Induced Mild Hyperhomocysteinemia on Vascular Methylating Capacity, Atherosclerosis Progression, and Specific Histone Methylation. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12082182. [PMID: 32717800 PMCID: PMC7468910 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is a risk factor for atherosclerosis through mechanisms which are still incompletely defined. One possible mechanism involves the hypomethylation of the nuclear histone proteins to favor the progression of atherosclerosis. In previous cell studies, hypomethylating stress decreased a specific epigenetic tag (the trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3, H3K27me3) to promote endothelial dysfunction and activation, i.e., an atherogenic phenotype. Here, we conducted a pilot study to investigate the impact of mild HHcy on vascular methylating index, atherosclerosis progression and H3K27me3 aortic content in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE -/-) mice. In two different sets of experiments, male mice were fed high-fat, low in methyl donors (HFLM), or control (HF) diets for 16 (Study A) or 12 (Study B) weeks. At multiple time points, plasma was collected for (1) quantification of total homocysteine (tHcy) by high-performance liquid chromatography; or (2) the methylation index of S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAM:SAH ratio) by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry; or (3) a panel of inflammatory cytokines previously implicated in atherosclerosis by a multiplex assay. At the end point, aortas were collected and used to assess (1) the methylating index (SAM:SAH ratio); (2) the volume of aortic atherosclerotic plaque assessed by high field magnetic resonance imaging; and (3) the vascular content of H3K27me3 by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that, in both studies, HFLM-fed mice, but not those mice fed control diets, accumulated mildly elevated tHcy plasmatic concentrations. However, the pattern of changes in the inflammatory cytokines did not support a major difference in systemic inflammation between these groups. Accordingly, in both studies, no significant differences were detected for the aortic methylating index, plaque burden, and H3K27me3 vascular content between HF and HFLM-fed mice. Surprisingly however, a decreased plasma SAM: SAH was also observed, suggesting that the plasma compartment does not always reflect the vascular concentrations of these two metabolites, at least in this model. Mild HHcy in vivo was not be sufficient to induce vascular hypomethylating stress or the progression of atherosclerosis, suggesting that only higher accumulations of plasma tHcy will exhibit vascular toxicity and promote specific epigenetic dysregulation.
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de Queiroz KB, Cavalcante-Silva V, Lopes FL, Rocha GA, D'Almeida V, Coimbra RS. Vitamin B 12 is neuroprotective in experimental pneumococcal meningitis through modulation of hippocampal DNA methylation. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:96. [PMID: 32238192 PMCID: PMC7115084 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial meningitis (BM) causes apoptotic damage to the hippocampus and homocysteine (Hcy) accumulation to neurotoxic levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of children. The Hcy pathway controls bioavailability of methyl, and its homeostasis can be modulated by vitamin B12, a cofactor of the methionine synthase enzyme. Herein, the neuroprotective potential and the underlying mode of action of vitamin B12 adjuvant therapy were assessed in an infant rat model of BM. Methods Eleven-day old rats were intracysternally infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3, or saline, treated with B12 or placebo, and, 24 h after infection, their hippocampi were analyzed for apoptosis in the dentate gyrus, sulfur amino acids content, global DNA methylation, transcription, and proximal promoter methylation of candidate genes. Differences between groups were compared using 2-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. Correlations were tested with Spearman’s test. Results B12 attenuated BM-induced hippocampal apoptosis in a Hcy-dependent manner (r = 0.80, P < 0.05). BM caused global DNA hypomethylation; however, B12 restored this parameter. Accordingly, B12 increased the methylation capacity of hippocampal cells from infected animals, as inferred from the ratio S-adenosylmethionine (SAM):S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) in infected animals. BM upregulated selected pro-inflammatory genes, and this effect was counteracted by B12, which also increased methylation of CpGs at the promoter of Ccl3 of infected animals. Conclusion Hcy is likely to play a central role in hippocampal damage in the infant rat model of BM, and B12 shows an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective action through methyl-dependent epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Barbosa de Queiroz
- Neurogenômica/Imunopatologia, Instituto René Rachou (IRR), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Cavalcante-Silva
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP-EPM), Rua Botucatu, 740, São Paulo, SP, CEP 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Flávia Lombardi Lopes
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), R. Clóvis Pestana, 793, Araçatuba, SP, CEP 16050-680, Brazil
| | - Gifone Aguiar Rocha
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Bacteriologia, Departamento de Propedêutica Complementar, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Vânia D'Almeida
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP-EPM), Rua Botucatu, 740, São Paulo, SP, CEP 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Roney Santos Coimbra
- Neurogenômica/Imunopatologia, Instituto René Rachou (IRR), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Av. Augusto de Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 30190-002, Brazil.
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Abstract
The vasculature not only transports oxygenated blood, metabolites, and waste products but also serves as a conduit for hormonal communication between distant tissues. Therefore, it is important to maintain homeostasis within the vasculature. Recent studies have greatly expanded our understanding of the regulation of vasculature development and vascular-related diseases at the epigenetic level, including by protein posttranslational modifications, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs. Integrating epigenetic mechanisms into the pathophysiologic conceptualization of complex and multifactorial vascular-related diseases may provide promising therapeutic approaches. Several reviews have presented detailed discussions of epigenetic mechanisms not including histone methylation in vascular biology. In this review, we primarily discuss histone methylation in vascular development and maturity, and in vascular diseases.
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Serefidou M, Venkatasubramani AV, Imhof A. The Impact of One Carbon Metabolism on Histone Methylation. Front Genet 2019; 10:764. [PMID: 31555321 PMCID: PMC6722216 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of one carbon metabolism on DNA methylation has been well described, bridging nutrition, metabolism, and epigenetics. This modification is mediated by the metabolite S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), which is also the methyl-donating substrate of histone methyltransferases. Therefore, SAM levels that are influenced by several nutrients, enzymes, and metabolic cofactors also have a potential impact on histone methylation. Although this modification plays a major role in chromatin accessibility and subsequently in gene expression in healthy or diseased states, its role in translating nutritional changes in chromatin structure has not been extensively studied. Here, we aim to review the literature of known mechanistic links between histone methylation and the central one carbon metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalini Serefidou
- Biomedical Center Munich, Department of Molecular Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Axel Imhof
- Biomedical Center Munich, Department of Molecular Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Stamatovic SM, Phillips CM, Martinez-Revollar G, Keep RF, Andjelkovic AV. Involvement of Epigenetic Mechanisms and Non-coding RNAs in Blood-Brain Barrier and Neurovascular Unit Injury and Recovery After Stroke. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:864. [PMID: 31543756 PMCID: PMC6732937 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cessation of blood flow leads to a complex cascade of pathophysiological events at the blood-vascular-parenchymal interface which evolves over time and space, and results in damage to neural cells and edema formation. Cerebral ischemic injury evokes a profound and deleterious upregulation in inflammation and triggers multiple cell death pathways, but it also induces a series of the events associated with regenerative responses, including vascular remodeling, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic reprograming could play a pivotal role in ongoing post-stroke neurovascular unit (NVU) changes and recovery. This review summarizes current knowledge about post-stroke recovery processes at the NVU, as well as epigenetic mechanisms and modifiers (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modifying enzymes and microRNAs) associated with stroke injury, and NVU repair. It also discusses novel drug targets and therapeutic strategies for enhancing post-stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana M Stamatovic
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Chelsea M Phillips
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Molecular Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Anuska V Andjelkovic
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Huang XY, Li M, Luo R, Zhao FJ, Salt DE. Epigenetic regulation of sulfur homeostasis in plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2019; 70:4171-4182. [PMID: 31087073 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms for adaptation to fluctuating availability of nutrients in soil. Such mechanisms are of importance for plants to maintain homeostasis of nutrient elements for their development and growth. The molecular mechanisms controlling the homeostasis of nutrient elements at the genetic level have been gradually revealed, including the identification of regulatory factors and transporters responding to nutrient stresses. Recent studies have suggested that such responses are controlled not only by genetic regulation but also by epigenetic regulation. In this review, we present recent studies on the involvement of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA-mediated gene silencing in the regulation of sulfur homeostasis and the response to sulfur deficiency. We also discuss the potential effect of sulfur-containing metabolites such as S-adenosylmethionine on the maintenance of DNA and histone methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongjian Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang-Jie Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - David E Salt
- Future Food Beacon of Excellence and the School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
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Dysregulation of Epigenetic Mechanisms of Gene Expression in the Pathologies of Hyperhomocysteinemia. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133140. [PMID: 31252610 PMCID: PMC6651274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) exerts a wide range of biological effects and is associated with a number of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, neural tube defects, and cancer. Although mechanisms of HHcy toxicity are not fully uncovered, there has been a significant progress in their understanding. The picture emerging from the studies of homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism and pathophysiology is a complex one, as Hcy and its metabolites affect biomolecules and processes in a tissue- and sex-specific manner. Because of their connection to one carbon metabolism and editing mechanisms in protein biosynthesis, Hcy and its metabolites impair epigenetic control of gene expression mediated by DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA, which underlies the pathology of human disease. In this review we summarize the recent evidence showing that epigenetic dysregulation of gene expression, mediated by changes in DNA methylation and histone N-homocysteinylation, is a pathogenic consequence of HHcy in many human diseases. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of human disease induced by Hcy and its metabolites, and suggest therapeutic targets for the prevention and/or treatment.
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Esse R, Barroso M, Tavares de Almeida I, Castro R. The Contribution of Homocysteine Metabolism Disruption to Endothelial Dysfunction: State-of-the-Art. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E867. [PMID: 30781581 PMCID: PMC6412520 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Homocysteine (Hcy) is a sulfur-containing non-proteinogenic amino acid formed during the metabolism of the essential amino acid methionine. Hcy is considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the molecular basis of these associations remains elusive. The impairment of endothelial function, a key initial event in the setting of atherosclerosis and CVD, is recurrently observed in hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). Various observations may explain the vascular toxicity associated with HHcy. For instance, Hcy interferes with the production of nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous master regulator of endothelial homeostasis. Moreover, Hcy deregulates the signaling pathways associated with another essential endothelial gasotransmitter: hydrogen sulfide. Hcy also mediates the loss of critical endothelial antioxidant systems and increases the intracellular concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) yielding oxidative stress. ROS disturb lipoprotein metabolism, contributing to the growth of atherosclerotic vascular lesions. Moreover, excess Hcy maybe be indirectly incorporated into proteins, a process referred to as protein N-homocysteinylation, inducing vascular damage. Lastly, cellular hypomethylation caused by build-up of S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) also contributes to the molecular basis of Hcy-induced vascular toxicity, a mechanism that has merited our attention in particular. AdoHcy is the metabolic precursor of Hcy, which accumulates in the setting of HHcy and is a negative regulator of most cell methyltransferases. In this review, we examine the biosynthesis and catabolism of Hcy and critically revise recent findings linking disruption of this metabolism and endothelial dysfunction, emphasizing the impact of HHcy on endothelial cell methylation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Esse
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Madalena Barroso
- University Children's Research@Kinder-UKE, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Isabel Tavares de Almeida
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Genetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Rita Castro
- Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal.
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal.
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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12
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Ng GYQ, Yun-An L, Sobey CG, Dheen T, Fann DYW, Arumugam TV. Epigenetic regulation of inflammation in stroke. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2018; 11:1756286418771815. [PMID: 29774056 PMCID: PMC5949939 DOI: 10.1177/1756286418771815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research, treatments for clinical stroke are still limited only to the administration of tissue plasminogen activator and the recent introduction of mechanical thrombectomy, which can be used in only a limited proportion of patients due to time constraints. A plethora of inflammatory events occur during stroke, arising in part due to the body's immune response to brain injury. Neuroinflammation contributes significantly to neuronal cell death and the development of functional impairment and death in stroke patients. Therefore, elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying inflammatory damage following stroke injury will be essential for the development of useful therapies. Research findings increasingly point to the likelihood that epigenetic mechanisms play a role in the pathophysiology of stroke. Epigenetics involves the differential regulation of gene expression, including those involved in brain inflammation and remodelling after stroke. Hence, it is conceivable that epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to differential interindividual vulnerability and injury responses to cerebral ischaemia. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the emerging role of epigenetics in the regulation of neuroinflammation in stroke. We also discuss potential epigenetic targets that may be assessed for the development of stroke therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Yong-Quan Ng
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lim Yun-An
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christopher G. Sobey
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Thameem Dheen
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Yang-Wei Fann
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thiruma V. Arumugam
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School Medicine, National University of Singapore, Medical Drive, MD9, Singapore School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea Neurobiology/Ageing Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Folinic Acid Increases Protein Arginine Methylation in Human Endothelial Cells. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10040404. [PMID: 29587354 PMCID: PMC5946189 DOI: 10.3390/nu10040404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but the mechanisms underlying this association are not completely understood. Cellular hypomethylation has been suggested to be a key pathophysiologic mechanism, since S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy), the Hcy metabolic precursor and a potent inhibitor of methyltransferase activity, accumulates in the setting of hyperhomocysteinemia. In this study, the impact of folate and methionine on intracellular AdoHcy levels and protein arginine methylation status was studied. Human endothelial cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of folinic acid (FnA), a stable precursor of folate, with or without methionine restriction. The levels of intracellular AdoHcy and AdoMet, tHcy in the cell culture medium, and protein-incorporated methylarginines were evaluated by suitable liquid chromatography techniques. FnA supplementation, with or without methionine restriction, reduced the level of tHcy and did not affect intracellular AdoMet levels. Interestingly, FnA supplementation reduced intracellular AdoHcy levels only in cells grown under methionine restriction. Furthermore, these cells also displayed increased protein arginine methylation status. These observations suggest that folic acid supplementation may enhance cellular methylation capacity under a low methionine status. Our results lead us to hypothesize that the putative benefits of folic acid supplementation in restoring endothelial homeostasis, thus preventing atherothrombotic events, should be reevaluated in subjects under a methionine restriction diet.
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14
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Novel detection of post-translational modifications in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells after chronic alcohol exposure: Role of inflammation regulator H4K12ac. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11236. [PMID: 28894190 PMCID: PMC5593989 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11172-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous reports on epigenetic mechanisms involved in alcohol abuse have focus on hepatic and neuronal regions, leaving the immune system and specifically monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) understudied. Our lab has previously shown histone deacetylases are modulated in cells derived from alcohol users and after in vitro acute alcohol treatment of human MDDCs. In the current study, we developed a novel screening tool using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-FT-ICR MS) and single cell imaging flow cytometry to detect post-translational modifications (PTMs) in human MDDCs due to chronic alcohol exposure. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, in vitro chronic alcohol exposure of MDDCs modulates H3 and H4 and induces a significant increase in acetylation at H4K12 (H4K12ac). Moreover, the Tip60/HAT inhibitor, NU9056, was able to block EtOH-induced H4K12ac, enhancing the effect of EtOH on IL-15, RANTES, TGF-β1, and TNF-α cytokines while restoring MCP-2 levels, suggesting that H4K12ac may be playing a major role during inflammation and may serve as an inflammation regulator or a cellular stress response mechanism under chronic alcohol conditions.
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15
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Majumder A, Behera J, Jeremic N, Tyagi SC. Hypermethylation: Causes and Consequences in Skeletal Muscle Myopathy. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:2108-2117. [PMID: 27982479 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A detrimental consequence of hypermethylation is hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), that causes oxidative stress, inflammation, and matrix degradation, which leads to multi-pathology in different organs. Although, it is well known that hypermethylation leads to overall gene silencing and hypomethylation leads to overall gene activation, the role of such process in skeletal muscle dysfunction during HHcy condition is unclear. In this study, we emphasized the multiple mechanisms including epigenetic alteration by which HHcy causes skeletal muscle myopathy. This review also highlights possible role of methylation, histone modification, and RNA interference in skeletal muscle dysfunction during HHcy condition and potential therapeutic molecules, putative challenges, and methodologies to deal with HHcy mediated skeletal muscle dysfunction. We also highlighted that B vitamins (mainly B12 and B6), with folic acid supplementation, could be useful as an adjuvant therapy to reverse these consequences associated with this HHcy conditions in skeletal muscle. However, we would recommend to further study involving long-term trials could help to assess efficacy of the use of these therapeutic agents. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2108-2117, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
| | - Jyotirmaya Behera
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
| | - Nevena Jeremic
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
| | - Suresh C Tyagi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202
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16
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Barroso M, Handy DE, Castro R. The Link Between Hyperhomocysteinemia and Hypomethylation. JOURNAL OF INBORN ERRORS OF METABOLISM AND SCREENING 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/2326409817698994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Madalena Barroso
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diane E. Handy
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rita Castro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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17
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Zhang Z, Zhu LL, Jiang HS, Chen H, Chen Y, Dai YT. Demethylation treatment restores erectile function in a rat model of hyperhomocysteinemia. Asian J Androl 2017; 18:763-8. [PMID: 26585696 PMCID: PMC5000801 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.163271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylation modification is an important cellular mechanism of gene expression regulation. Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-2 (DDAH-2) protein is a pivotal molecular for endothelium function. To explore the effects of 5-aza-deoxycytidine (5-aza), a demethylation agent, in hyperhomocysteinemia (hhcy)-related erectile dysfunction (ED) rats, 5-aza (1 mg kg−1) was administrated to Sprague-Dawley hhcy-rats induced by supplemented methionine chow diet. Erectile function, nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) levels, expression of DDAH-2 protein and promoter methylation status of DDAH-2 were studied in the corpora cavernosa. We found that supplemented methionine diet induced a high homocysteine level after 6 weeks of treatment. DDAH-2 protein was down-regulated in the corpora cavernosa while the administration of 5-aza up-regulated DDAH-2 expression and restored erectile function. The methionine-fed rats showed high methylation levels of DDAH-2 promoter region while the group treated with 5-aza demonstrated lower-methylation levels when compared to the methionine-fed group. Besides, the administration of 5-aza improved NO and cGMP levels in methionine-fed rats. Therefore, the methylation mechanism involves in ED pathogenesis, and demethylation offers a potential new strategy for ED treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei-Lei Zhu
- Department of Andrology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - He-Song Jiang
- Department of Andrology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai Chen
- Department of Andrology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Andrology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Tian Dai
- Department of Andrology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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18
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Xiaoling Y, Li Z, ShuQiang L, Shengchao M, Anning Y, Ning D, Nan L, Yuexia J, Xiaoming Y, Guizhong L, Yideng J. Hyperhomocysteinemia in ApoE-/- Mice Leads to Overexpression of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 via miR-92a Regulation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167744. [PMID: 27936205 PMCID: PMC5147974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. HHcy promotes atherogenesis by modifying the histone methylation patterns and miRNA regulation. In this study, we investigated the effects of homocysteine (Hcy) on the expression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), and tested our hypothesis that Hcy-induced atherosclerosis is mediated by increased EZH2 expression, which is regulated by miR-92a. The levels of EZH2 and H3K27me3 were increased in the aorta of ApoE-/- mice fed a high-methionine diet for 16 weeks, whereas miR-92a expression was decreased. Over-expression of EZH2 increased H3K27me3 level and the accumulation of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the foam cells. Furthermore, upregulation of miR-92a reduced EZH2 expression in the foam cells. These data suggested that EZH2 plays a key role in Hcy-mediated lipid metabolism disorders, and that miR-92a may be a novel therapeutic target in Hcy-related atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xiaoling
- Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebro-Vascular Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- Institution of Medical Science of Ningxia, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Zhao Li
- Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebro-Vascular Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Li ShuQiang
- Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebro-Vascular Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Ma Shengchao
- Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebro-Vascular Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yang Anning
- Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebro-Vascular Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Ding Ning
- Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebro-Vascular Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Li Nan
- Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebro-Vascular Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Jia Yuexia
- Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebro-Vascular Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yang Xiaoming
- Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebro-Vascular Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Li Guizhong
- Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebro-Vascular Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Jiang Yideng
- Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebro-Vascular Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- * E-mail:
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19
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Bonaldi T, Noberini R. Recent advances in mass spectrometry analysis of histone post-translational modifications: potential clinical impact of the PAT-H-MS approach. Expert Rev Proteomics 2016; 13:245-50. [DOI: 10.1586/14789450.2016.1147960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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20
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Barroso M, Kao D, Blom HJ, Tavares de Almeida I, Castro R, Loscalzo J, Handy DE. S-adenosylhomocysteine induces inflammation through NFkB: A possible role for EZH2 in endothelial cell activation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2016; 1862:82-92. [PMID: 26506125 PMCID: PMC4674364 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) can induce endothelial dysfunction and activation, contributing to atherogenesis; however, its role in the activation of the inflammatory mediator NFkB has not been explored. Our aim was to determine the role of NFkB in SAH-induced activation of endothelial cells. Furthermore, we examined whether SAH, as a potent inhibitor of S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases, suppresses the function of EZH2 methyltransferase to contribute to SAH-induced endothelial cell activation. We found that excess SAH increases the expression of adhesion molecules and cytokines in human coronary artery endothelial cells. Importantly, this up-regulation was suppressed in cells expressing a dominant negative form of the NFkB inhibitor, IkB. Moreover, SAH accumulation triggers the activation of both the canonical and non-canonical NFkB pathways, decreases EZH2, and reduces histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation. EZH2 knockdown recapitulated the effects of excess SAH on endothelial activation, i.e., it induced NFkB activation and the subsequent up-regulation of adhesion molecules and cytokines. Our findings suggest that suppression of the epigenetic regulator EZH2 by excess SAH may contribute to NFkB activation and the consequent vascular inflammatory response. These studies unveil new targets of SAH regulation, demonstrating that EZH2 suppression and NFkB activation mediated by SAH accumulation may contribute to its adverse effects in the vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalena Barroso
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Derrick Kao
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henk J Blom
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Isabel Tavares de Almeida
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Castro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joseph Loscalzo
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diane E Handy
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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21
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Severe Hyperhomocysteinemia Decreases Respiratory Enzyme and Na(+)-K(+) ATPase Activities, and Leads to Mitochondrial Alterations in Rat Amygdala. Neurotox Res 2015; 29:408-18. [PMID: 26694914 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9587-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Severe hyperhomocysteinemia is caused by increased plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy), a methionine derivative, and is associated with cerebral disorders. Creatine supplementation has emerged as an adjuvant to protect against neurodegenerative diseases, due to its potential antioxidant role. Here, we examined the effects of severe hyperhomocysteinemia on brain metabolism, and evaluated a possible neuroprotective role of creatine in hyperhomocysteinemia, by concomitant treatment with Hcy and creatine (50 mg/Kg body weight). Hyperhomocysteinemia was induced in young rats (6-day-old) by treatment with homocysteine (0.3-0.6 µmol/g body weight) for 23 days, and then the following parameters of rat amygdala were evaluated: (1) the activity of the respiratory chain complexes succinate dehydrogenase, complex II and cytochrome c oxidase; (2) mitochondrial mass and membrane potential; (3) the levels of necrosis and apoptosis; and (4) the activity and immunocontent of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase. Hcy treatment decreased the activities of succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase, but did not alter complex II activity. Hcy treatment also increased the number of cells with high mitochondrial mass, high mitochondrial membrane potential, and in late apoptosis. Importantly, creatine administration prevented some of the key effects of Hcy administration on the amygdala. We also observed a decrease in the activity and immunocontent of the α1 subunit of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase in amygdala after Hcy- treatment. Our findings support the notion that Hcy modulates mitochondrial function and bioenergetics in the brain, as well as Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity, and suggest that creatine might represent an effective adjuvant to protect against the effects of high Hcy plasma levels.
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22
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Zhou S, Zhang Z, Xu G. Notable epigenetic role of hyperhomocysteinemia in atherogenesis. Lipids Health Dis 2014; 13:134. [PMID: 25142226 PMCID: PMC4156629 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-13-134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is associated with multiple genetic and modifiable risk factors. There is an increasing body of evidences to indicate that epigenetic mechanisms also play an essential role in atherogenesis by influencing gene expression. Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid formed during methionine metabolism. Elevated plasma level of homocysteine is generally termed as hyperhomocysteinemia. As a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, hyperhomocysteinemia may initiate or motivate atherogenesis by modification of DNA methylation. The underlying epigenetic mechanism is still unclear with controversial findings. This review focuses on epigenetic involvement and mechanisms of hyperhomocysteinemia in atherogenesis. Considering the potential beneficial effects of anti-homocysteinemia treatments in preventing atherosclerosis, further studies on the role of hyperhomocysteinemia in atherogenesis are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Zhizhong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Gelin Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210002 Jiangsu Province China
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23
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Barroso M, Florindo C, Kalwa H, Silva Z, Turanov AA, Carlson BA, de Almeida IT, Blom HJ, Gladyshev VN, Hatfield DL, Michel T, Castro R, Loscalzo J, Handy DE. Inhibition of cellular methyltransferases promotes endothelial cell activation by suppressing glutathione peroxidase 1 protein expression. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:15350-62. [PMID: 24719327 PMCID: PMC4140892 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.549782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is a negative regulator of most methyltransferases and the precursor for the cardiovascular risk factor homocysteine. We have previously identified a link between the homocysteine-induced suppression of the selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1) and endothelial dysfunction. Here we demonstrate a specific mechanism by which hypomethylation, promoted by the accumulation of the homocysteine precursor SAH, suppresses GPx-1 expression and leads to inflammatory activation of endothelial cells. The expression of GPx-1 and a subset of other selenoproteins is dependent on the methylation of the tRNA(Sec) to the Um34 form. The formation of methylated tRNA(Sec) facilitates translational incorporation of selenocysteine at a UGA codon. Our findings demonstrate that SAH accumulation in endothelial cells suppresses the expression of GPx-1 to promote oxidative stress. Hypomethylation stress, caused by SAH accumulation, inhibits the formation of the methylated isoform of the tRNA(Sec) and reduces GPx-1 expression. In contrast, under these conditions, the expression and activity of thioredoxin reductase 1, another selenoprotein, is increased. Furthermore, SAH-induced oxidative stress creates a proinflammatory activation of endothelial cells characterized by up-regulation of adhesion molecules and an augmented capacity to bind leukocytes. Taken together, these data suggest that SAH accumulation in endothelial cells can induce tRNA(Sec) hypomethylation, which alters the expression of selenoproteins such as GPx-1 to contribute to a proatherogenic endothelial phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalena Barroso
- From the Cardiovascular and ,the Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL) and
| | - Cristina Florindo
- the Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL) and
| | | | - Zélia Silva
- the Chronic Diseases Research Center, Departamento de Imunologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anton A. Turanov
- Genetics Divisions, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Bradley A. Carlson
- the Molecular Biology of Selenium Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, and
| | - Isabel Tavares de Almeida
- the Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL) and ,Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Henk J. Blom
- the Department of General Pediatrics, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vadim N. Gladyshev
- Genetics Divisions, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Dolph L. Hatfield
- the Molecular Biology of Selenium Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, and
| | | | - Rita Castro
- the Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL) and ,Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Diane E. Handy
- From the Cardiovascular and , To whom correspondence should be addressed: Cardiovascular Div., Dept. of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 77 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115. Tel.: 617-525-4845; Fax: 617-525-4830; E-mail:
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24
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Esse R, Imbard A, Florindo C, Gupta S, Quinlivan EP, Davids M, Teerlink T, Tavares de Almeida I, Kruger WD, Blom HJ, Castro R. Protein arginine hypomethylation in a mouse model of cystathionine β-synthase deficiency. FASEB J 2014; 28:2686-95. [PMID: 24532665 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-246579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of the homocysteine (Hcy) precursor S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) may cause cellular hypomethylation in the setting of hyperhomocysteinemia because of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) deficiency, an inborn error of metabolism. To test this hypothesis, DNA and protein arginine methylation status were assessed in liver, brain, heart, and kidney obtained from a previously described mouse model of CBS deficiency. Metabolite levels in tissues and serum were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography or liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Global DNA and protein arginine methylation status were evaluated as the contents of 5-methyldeoxycytidine in DNA and of methylarginines in proteins, respectively. In addition, histone arginine methylation was assessed by Western blotting. CBS-deficient mice exhibited increased (>6-fold) Hcy and AdoHcy levels in all tissues examined compared with control levels. In addition, global DNA methylation status was not affected, but global protein arginine methylation status was decreased (10-35%) in liver and brain. Moreover, asymmetric dimethylation of arginine 3 on histone H4 (H4R3me2a) content was markedly decreased in liver, and no differences were observed for the other histone arginine methylation marks examined. Our results show that CBS-deficient mice present severe accumulation of tissue Hcy and AdoHcy, protein arginine hypomethylation in liver and brain, and decreased H4R3me2a content in liver. Therefore, protein arginine hypomethylation arises as a potential player in the pathophysiology of CBS deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Esse
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL) and
| | - Apolline Imbard
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Service de Biochimie-Hormonologie, Hôpital Robert Debré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | | | - Sapna Gupta
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eoin P Quinlivan
- Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA; and
| | - Mariska Davids
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Teerlink
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Isabel Tavares de Almeida
- Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Warren D Kruger
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Henk J Blom
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Metabolic Unit, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Laboratory for Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism, Department of General Pediatrics, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rita Castro
- Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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25
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Chaturvedi P, Kalani A, Givvimani S, Kamat PK, Familtseva A, Tyagi SC. Differential regulation of DNA methylation versus histone acetylation in cardiomyocytes during HHcy in vitro and in vivo: an epigenetic mechanism. Physiol Genomics 2014; 46:245-55. [PMID: 24495916 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00168.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of homocysteine-mediated cardiac threats are poorly understood. Homocysteine, being the precursor to S-adenosyl methionine (a methyl donor) through methionine, is indirectly involved in methylation phenomena for DNA, RNA, and protein. We reported previously that cardiac-specific deletion of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-1 (NMDAR1) ameliorates homocysteine-posed cardiac threats, and in this study, we aim to explore the role of NMDAR1 in epigenetic mechanisms of heart failure, using cardiomyocytes during hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). High homocysteine levels activate NMDAR1, which consequently leads to abnormal DNA methylation vs. histone acetylation through modulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), HDAC1, miRNAs, and MMP9 in cardiomyocytes. HL-1 cardiomyocytes cultured in Claycomb media were treated with 100 μM homocysteine in a dose-dependent manner. NMDAR1 antagonist (MK801) was added in the absence and presence of homocysteine at 10 μM in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of DNMT1, histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), NMDAR1, microRNA (miR)-133a, and miR-499 was assessed by real-time PCR as well as Western blotting. Methylation and acetylation levels were determined by checking 5'-methylcytosine DNA methylation and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Hyperhomocysteinemic mouse models (CBS+/-) were used to confirm the results in vivo. In HHcy, the expression of NMDAR1, DNMT1, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 increased with increase in H3K9 acetylation, while HDAC1, miR-133a, and miR-499 decreased in cardiomyocytes. Similar results were obtained in heart tissue of CBS+/- mouse. High homocysteine levels instigate cardiovascular remodeling through NMDAR1, miR-133a, miR-499, and DNMT1. A decrease in HDAC1 and an increase in H3K9 acetylation and DNA methylation are suggestive of chromatin remodeling in HHcy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Chaturvedi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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