Increased plasma serotonin in primary pulmonary hypertension

Platelet hyperresponsiveness and increased platelet-neutrophil aggregates in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease and pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is caused by increased pulmonary venous pressure. Thrombosis, vascular remodeling, and vasoconstriction mediated by platelets could exacerbate PH.

HYPOTHESIS

Dogs with PH will exhibit a hypercoagulable state, characterized by increased platelet activation, platelet-leukocyte, and platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation.

ANIMALS

Eleven dogs (≥3.5 kg) diagnosed with MMVD and PH and 10 dogs with MMVD lacking PH.

METHODS

Prospective cohort ex vivo study. All dogs underwent echocardiographic examination, CBC, 3-view thoracic radiographs, and heartworm antigen testing. Severity of PH and MMVD were assessed by echocardiography. Viscoelastic monitoring of coagulation was assessed using thromboelastography (TEG). Platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte/platelet-neutrophil interactions were assessed using flow cytometry. Plasma serotonin concentrations were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Unstimulated platelets from dogs with MMVD and PH expressed more surface P-selectin than MMVD controls (P = .03). Platelets from dogs with MMVD and PH had persistent activation in response to agonists. The number of platelet-leukocyte aggregates was higher in dogs with MMVD and PH compared with MMVD controls (P = .01). Ex vivo stimulation of whole blood resulted in higher numbers of platelet-neutrophil aggregates in dogs with MMVD and PH (P = .01). Assessment of hypercoagulability based on TEG or plasma serotonin concentrations did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Platelet hyperresponsiveness and increased platelet-neutrophil interaction occur in dogs with MMVD and PH, suggesting that platelets play a role of in the pathogenesis of PH. Clinical benefits of antiplatelet drugs in dogs with MMVD and PH require further investigation.

Comparative analysis of antiproliferative and vasodilator effects of drugs for pulmonary hypertension: Extensive in vitro study in rats and human

An effective pulmonary hypertension (PH) treatment should combine antiproliferative and vasodilator effects. We characterized a wide-range of drugs comparing their anti-proliferative vs vasodilator effects in human and rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). Key findings: 1) Approved PH drugs (PDE5 inhibitors, sGC stimulators and PGI2 agonists) are preferential vasodilators. 2) cGMP stimulators were more effective in cells derived from hypertensive rats. 3) Nifedipine acted equally as vasodilator and antiproliferative. 4) quercetin and imatinib were potent dual vasodilator/antiproliferative drugs. 5) Tacrolimus and levosimendan lacked antiproliferative effects. 6) Forskolin, pinacidil and hydroxyfasudil were more effective as antiproliferative in human cells.

A novel preliminary metabolomic panel for IHD diagnostics and pathogenesis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents one of the main causes of mortality worldwide and nearly a half of it is related to ischemic heart disease (IHD). The article represents a comprehensive study on the diagnostics of IHD through the targeted metabolomic profiling and machine learning techniques. A total of 112 subjects were enrolled in the study, consisting of 76 IHD patients and 36 non-CVD subjects. Metabolomic profiling was conducted, involving the quantitative analysis of 87 endogenous metabolites in plasma. A novel regression method of age-adjustment correction of metabolomics data was developed. We identified 36 significantly changed metabolites which included increased cystathionine and dimethylglycine and the decreased ADMA and arginine. Tryptophan catabolism pathways showed significant alterations with increased levels of serotonin, intermediates of the kynurenine pathway and decreased intermediates of indole pathway. Amino acid profiles indicated elevated branched-chain amino acids and increased amino acid ratios. Short-chain acylcarnitines were reduced, while long-chain acylcarnitines were elevated. Based on these metabolites data, machine learning algorithms: logistic regression, support vector machine, decision trees, random forest, and gradient boosting, were used for IHD diagnostic models. Random forest demonstrated the highest accuracy with an AUC of 0.98. The metabolites Norepinephrine; Xanthurenic acid; Anthranilic acid; Serotonin; C6-DC; C14-OH; C16; C16-OH; GSG; Phenylalanine and Methionine were found to be significant and may serve as a novel preliminary panel for IHD diagnostics. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Cardiovascular safety of psychedelic medicine: current status and future directions

Psychedelics are powerful psychoactive substances that alter perception and mood processes. Their effectiveness in the treatment of psychiatric diseases was known before their prohibition. An increasing number of recent studies, due to the indisputable resurgence of serotonergic hallucinogens, have shown their efficacy in alleviating depression, anxiety, substance abuse therapies, and existential distress treatment in patients facing life-threatening illness. Psychedelics are generally considered to be physiologically safe with low toxicity and low addictive potential. However, their agonism at serotonergic receptors should be considered in the context of possible serotonin-related cardiotoxicity (5-HT2A/2B and 5-HT4 receptors), influence on platelet aggregation (5-HT2A receptor), and their proarrhythmic potential. The use of psychedelics has also been associated with significant sympathomimetic effects in both experimental and clinical studies. Therefore, the present review aims to provide a critical discussion of the cardiovascular safety of psilocybin, d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), N,N-dimethyltryptamine, ayahuasca, and mescaline, based on the results of experimental research and clinical trials in humans. Experimental studies provide inconsistent information on the potential cardiovascular effects and toxicity of psychedelics. Data from clinical trials point to the relative cardiovascular safety of psychedelic-assisted therapies in the population of "healthy" volunteers. However, there is insufficient evidence from therapies carried out with microdoses of psychedelics, and there is still a lack of data on the safety of psychedelics in the population of patients with cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the exact determination of the cardiovascular safety of psychedelic therapies (especially long-term therapies) requires further research.

A Review of Serotonin in the Developing Lung and Neonatal Pulmonary Hypertension

Serotonin (5-HT) is a bioamine that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The lung serves as an important site of 5-HT synthesis, uptake, and metabolism with signaling primarily regulated by tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), the 5-HT transporter (SERT), and numerous unique 5-HT receptors. The 5-HT hypothesis of PH was first proposed in the 1960s and, since that time, preclinical and clinical studies have worked to elucidate the role of 5-HT in adult PH. Over the past several decades, accumulating evidence from both clinical and preclinical studies has suggested that the 5-HT signaling pathway may play an important role in neonatal cardiopulmonary transition and the development of PH in newborns. The expression of TPH, SERT, and the 5-HT receptors is developmentally regulated, with alterations resulting in pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary vascular remodeling. However, much remains unknown about the role of 5-HT in the developing and newborn lung. The purpose of this review is to discuss the implications of 5-HT on fetal and neonatal pulmonary circulation and summarize the existing preclinical and clinical literature on 5-HT in neonatal PH.

Association between systemic immune-inflammatory markers and the risk of moyamoya disease: a case-control study

Background:Systemic immune-inflammatory markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) are associated with the prognosis of many cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases. Moyamoya disease (MMD) is associated with inflammation, but the relationship between systemic immune-inflammatory markers between MMD is unclear. The aim of our study was to analyse the association between systemic immune-inflammatory markers and the risk of MMD and its subtypes.Methods:We consecutively recruited 360 patients with MMD and 89 healthy control subjects in a case-control study to calculate and analyse the association of systemic immune-inflammatory markers with the risk of MMD and its subtypes.Results:The risk of MMD increased with higher levels of NLR (OR 1.237, 95% CI [1.008, 1.520], p = .042). When NLR and SII were assessed as quartile-spaced subgroups, the third quartile grouping of NLR and SII had a higher risk of MMD than the first quartile grouping (NLR: OR 3.206, 95% CI [1.271, 8.088], p = .014; SII: OR 3.074,95% CI [1.232,7.672], p = .016). When NLR was combined with SII, the highest subgroup had a higher risk of MMD than the lowest subgroup (OR2.643, 95% CI [1.340, 5.212], p = .005). The risk of subtypes also increased with higher levels of NLR and SII. The association between the levels of NLR and SII with the staging of the Suzuki stage follows an inverted U-shape. The highest levels of NLR and SII were found in patients with MMD at Suzuki stages 3-4.Conclusion:The risk of MMD increases with elevated systemic immune-inflammatory markers. This study analysed the association of systemic immune-inflammatory markers with the risk of developing MMD and its subtypes, and identified novel inflammatory markers for MMD.

When Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension may be Associated with Portal Hypertension: A Case Report of Two Different Hepatic Disorders in One Patient with Pulmonary Hypertension

BACKGROUND

pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare complication of hepatic diseases with portal hypertension that, however, has a significant influence on prognosis. We present a mini-review of how to diagnose and treat it based on a clinical case.

CASE PRESENTATION

in early childhood, a patient had portal hypertension associated with cavernous transformation of the portal vein. It was successfully treated by reno-splenic surgery. At the age of 20 years, this patient experienced increased dyspnea at minimal physical activity after the hepatic biopsy due to a hepatocellular adenoma. The examination in the specialized unit showed PAH, which was evaluated as associated with portal hypertension (PAH-PoH). The specific two-drug combination therapy was started with prominent improvement in patient's state. Successful surgical tumor treatment was provided some months later. The practical and clinical approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of PAH-PoH are discussed. It was emphasized that not all patients with portal hypertension have pulmonary hypertension, which needs to be treated. A lot of evidence gaps exist in management of these patients.

CONCLUSION

all patients, even with past history of portal hypertension, should be monitored closely and screened for PAH earlier, for better results of treatment.

Vascular pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, is a morbid and lethal disease. PH is classified into several groups based on etiology, but pathological remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature is a common feature. Endothelial cell dysfunction and excess smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration are central to the vascular pathogenesis. In addition, other cell types, including fibroblasts, pericytes, inflammatory cells and platelets contribute as well. Herein, we briefly note most of the main cell types active in PH and for each cell type, highlight select signaling pathway(s) highly implicated in that cell type in this disease. Among others, the role of hypoxia-inducible factors, growth factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-β and bone morphogenetic protein), vasoactive molecules, NOTCH3, Kruppel-like factor 4 and forkhead box proteins are discussed. Additionally, deregulated processes of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix remodeling and intercellular crosstalk are noted. This brief review touches upon select critical facets of PH pathobiology and aims to incite further investigation that will result in discoveries with much-needed clinical impact for this devastating disease.

Pulmonary hypertension associated with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is frequently associated with cardiovascular surgery and is a common complication that has been observed after surgery utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The purpose of this review is to explain the characteristics of PH, the mechanisms of PH induced by cardiac surgery and CPB, treatments for postoperative PH, and future directions in treating PH induced by cardiac surgery and CPB using up-to-date findings.

METHODS

The PubMed database was utilized to find published articles.

RESULTS

There are many mechanisms that contribute to PH after cardiac surgery and CPB which involve pulmonary vasomotor dysfunction, cyclooxygenase, the thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin pathway, the nitric oxide pathway, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, there are several effective treatments for postoperative PH within different types of cardiac surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

By possessing a deep understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to PH after cardiac surgery and CPB, researchers can develop treatments for clinicians to use which target the mechanisms of PH and ultimately reduce and/or eliminate postoperative PH. Additionally, learning about the most up-to-date studies regarding treatments can allow clinicians to choose the best treatments for patients who are undergoing cardiac surgery and CPB.

Recent Advances in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease in which stenosis or obstruction of the pulmonary arteries (PAs) causes an increase in PA pressure, leading to right-sided heart failure and death. Basic research has revealed a decrease in the levels of endogenous vasodilators, such as prostacyclin, and an increase in the levels of endogenous vasoconstrictors, such as endothelin, in patients with PAH, leading to the development of therapeutic agents. Currently, therapeutic agents for PAH target three pathways that are selective for PAs: the prostacyclin, endothelin, and nitric oxide pathways. These treatments improve the prognosis of PAH patients. In this review, we introduce new drug therapies and provide an overview of the current therapeutic agents.

Serotonin-deficient neonatal mice are not protected against the development of experimental bronchopulmonary dysplasia or pulmonary hypertension

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a potent pulmonary vasoconstrictor and contributes to high pulmonary vascular resistance in the developing ovine lung. In experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH), pulmonary expression of tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH1), the rate limiting enzyme in 5-HT synthesis, and plasma 5-HT are increased. 5-HT blockade increases pulmonary blood flow and prevents pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH in neonatal models of PH with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We hypothesized that neonatal tph1 knock-out (KO) mice would be protected from hypoxia-induced alveolar simplification, decreased vessel density, and PH. Newborn wild-type (WT) and tph1 KO mice were exposed to normoxia or hypoxia for 2 weeks. Normoxic WT and KO mice exhibited similar alveolar development, pulmonary vascular density, right ventricular systolic pressures (RVSPs), and right heart size. Circulating (plasma and platelet) 5-HT decreased in both hypoxia-exposed WT and KO mice. Tph1 KO mice were not protected from hypoxia-induced alveolar simplification, decreased pulmonary vascular density, or right ventricular hypertrophy, but displayed attenuation to hypoxia-induced RVSP elevation compared with WT mice. Tph1 KO neonatal mice are not protected against hypoxia-induced alveolar simplification, reduction in pulmonary vessel density, or RVH. While genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of tph1 has protective effects in adult models of PH, our results suggest that tph1 inhibition would not be beneficial in neonates with PH associated with BPD.

Methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Methamphetamine use is increasing in popularity globally, and chronic users suffer from various drug toxicities, including the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Although it was previously thought to be a possible cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension, as of the sixth World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension, methamphetamine use is now recognized as a definite cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension. This review will discuss the history of methamphetamine use, the link between methamphetamine use and pulmonary arterial hypertension, and the clinical characteristics of patients with pulmonary hypertension from methamphetamine use.

RECENT FINDINGS

The mechanism by which methamphetamine abuse leads to pulmonary hypertension is unclear. However, recent studies have suggested that reduced expression of carboxylesterase 1 may be implicated due to maladaptation to the environmental injury of methamphetamine abuse. Based on the report of two recent cohort studies, patients with methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension have a worse functional class, less favorable hemodynamics, impaired health-related quality of life, increased health-care utilization, and attenuated survival, as compared to those with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

SUMMARY

Future studies are needed to better understand the mechanism by which methamphetamine use leads to pulmonary arterial hypertension. Methamphetamine-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension likely represents a more advanced disease state than idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, however, it is treated less aggressively in clinical practice.

Serotonin and Pulmonary Hypertension; Sex and Drugs and ROCK and Rho

Serotonin is often referred to as a "happy hormone" as it maintains good mood, well-being, and happiness. It is involved in communication between nerve cells and plays a role in sleeping and digestion. However, too much serotonin can have pathogenic effects and serotonin synthesis is elevated in pulmonary artery endothelial cells from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is characterized by elevated pulmonary pressures, right ventricular failure, inflammation, and pulmonary vascular remodeling; serotonin has been shown to be associated with these pathologies. The rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of serotonin in the periphery of the body is tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1). TPH1 expression and serotonin synthesis are elevated in pulmonary artery endothelial cells in patients with PAH. The serotonin synthesized in the pulmonary arterial endothelium can act on the adjacent pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), adventitial macrophages, and fibroblasts, in a paracrine fashion. In humans, serotonin enters PASMCs cells via the serotonin transporter (SERT) and it can cooperate with the 5-HT1B receptor on the plasma membrane; this activates both contractile and proliferative signaling pathways. The "serotonin hypothesis of pulmonary hypertension" arose when serotonin was associated with PAH induced by diet pills such as fenfluramine, aminorex, and chlorphentermine; these act as indirect serotonergic agonists causing the release of serotonin from platelets and cells through the SERT. Here the role of serotonin in PAH is reviewed. Targeting serotonin synthesis or signaling is a promising novel alternative approach which may lead to novel therapies for PAH. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12: 1-16, 2022.

An Overview of Circulating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Biomarkers

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), also known as Group 1 Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), is a PH subset characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling and pulmonary arterial obstruction. PAH has an estimated incidence of 15-50 people per million in the United States and Europe, and is associated with high mortality and morbidity, with patients' survival time after diagnosis being only 2.8 years. According to current guidelines, right heart catheterization is the gold standard for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of PAH patients. However, this technique is highly invasive, so it is not used in routine clinical practice or patient follow-up. Thereby, it is essential to find new non-invasive strategies for evaluating disease progression. Biomarkers can be an effective solution for determining PAH patient prognosis and response to therapy, and aiding in diagnostic efforts, so long as their detection is non-invasive, easy, and objective. This review aims to clarify and describe some of the potential new candidates as circulating biomarkers of PAH.

Comprehensive Review on Novel Targets and Emerging Therapeutic Modalities for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is the progressive increase in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (≥ 20 mmHg at rest). Current treatment strategies include the drugs targeting at nitric oxide pathway, endothelin receptors, prostaglandin receptors, thromboxane receptors and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, which provides the symptomatic relief. Despite of these treatments, the mortality amongst the PAH patients remains high due to non-reversal of the condition. This review primarily covers the introduction of PAH and the current treatments of the disease. This is followed by the newer disease targets expressed in the pathobiology of the disease like Rho Kinase Pathway, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Pathway, Receptor Tyrosine Kinases, Serotonin signalling pathway, Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel pathway. Newer formulation strategies for targeting at these specific receptors were covered and includes nano formulations like liposomes, Micelles, Polymeric Nanoparticles, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN), Bioresorbable stents, NONOates, Cell-Based Therapies, miRNA therapy for PAH. Novel targets were identified for their role in the pathogenesis of the PAH and needs to be targeted with new molecules or existing molecules effectively. Nanosystems have shown their potential as alternative carriers on the virtue of their better performance than traditional drug delivery systems.

Nets, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and thrombo-inflammation

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and fatal vascular disease in which high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery and remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature ensues. This disorder is characterized by the presence of thrombotic lesions, resulting from chronic platelet, coagulation factors, and endothelium activation, which translate into platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction, and medial thickening. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a network of chromatin and cytoplasmatic enzymes (myeloperoxidase and neutrophil elastase) forming after neutrophil programmed cell death, were described in multiple cardiovascular diseases as thrombotic mediators, by creating a scaffold or by surface receptor interaction. In this review, we analyze the possible involvement of NETs in PAH, to enlighten future studies to explore this hypothesis. NETs may have a determining role in pulmonary hypertension through activation of platelets and endothelial cells. Simultaneously, NETosis may be induced by endothelial signaling and/or cell-cell interaction between platelets and primed neutrophils, creating a positive feedback loop. Confirming its role in the pathophysiology and prognosis of PAH may represent a new opportunity to explore new therapeutic options. KEY MESSAGES: Thrombosis and innate immunity are relevant axes in PAH. Patients with PAH display elevated levels of NETs. NETs could activate platelets/endothelium with proliferative and thrombotic effects. Activated platelets and endothelium could contribute to NETosis. NETs could open new therapy research avenues.

A literature review on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)

Background:

PAH was first of all reported from German Doctor E. Romberg in 1891, It's usually found throughout the globe, but it is a burden in India and other developing countries. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by a rise in pulmonary arterial pressure and the development of progressive symptoms like reduction in functional ability, shortness of breath and fatigue. The pulmonary arteries move blood from the right side of the heart over the lungs.

Introduction:

Increase pressure in pulmonary arteries known as pulmonary arterial pressure (PAH). The treatment of is require because without it, the right heart to work much harder due to high blood pressure in the lungs, and over time it became reason of heart failure. In this article, we have tried to provide brief information about the prevalence, pathology, classification and different therapies of PAH. Combining medicines from different categories is currently given as quality care and has been revealed to boost outcomes. A small part of the new treatment options has been included.

Novel Experimental Therapies for Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and devastating disease characterized by pulmonary artery vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling leading to vascular rarefaction with elevation of pulmonary arterial pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance. Often PAH will cause death from right heart failure. Current PAH-targeted therapies improve functional capacity, pulmonary hemodynamics and reduce hospitalization. Nevertheless, today PAH still remains incurable and is often refractory to medical therapy, underscoring the need for further research. Over the last three decades, PAH has evolved from a disease of unknown pathogenesis devoid of effective therapy to a condition whose cellular, genetic and molecular underpinnings are unfolding. This article provides an update on current knowledge and summarizes the progression in recent advances in pharmacological therapy in PAH.

Platelets, extracellular vesicles and coagulation in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease of the pulmonary vasculature, characterised pathologically by proliferation, remodelling and thrombosis in situ. Unfortunately, existing therapeutic interventions do not reverse these findings and the disease continues to result in significant morbidity and premature mortality. A number of haematological derangements have been described in pulmonary arterial hypertension which may provide insights into the pathobiology of the disease and opportunities to explore new therapeutic pathways. These include quantitative and qualitative platelet abnormalities, such as thrombocytopaenia, increased mean platelet volume and altered platelet bioenergetics. Furthermore, a hypercoagulable state and aberrant negative regulatory pathways can be observed, which could contribute to thrombosis in situ in distal pulmonary arteries and arterioles. Finally, there is increasing interest in the role of extracellular vesicle autocrine and paracrine signalling in pulmonary arterial hypertension, and their potential utility as biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets. This review focuses on the potential role of platelets, extracellular vesicles and coagulation pathways in the pathobiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension. We highlight important unanswered clinical questions and the implications of these observations for future research and pulmonary arterial hypertension-directed therapies.

Assessment of Platelet and Plasma Serotonin in Canine Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD), the most common cardiovascular disease in dogs. Serotonin has been suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis of PH, so this study aimed to investigate the differences in platelet and plasma serotonin between normal, DMVD and DMVD with PH (DMVD+PH) dogs. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two small-breed dogs were enrolled to the study and divided into the normal (n = 22), DMVD (n = 20), and DMVD+PH (n = 20) groups. The platelet and plasma serotonin concentrations were measured by the competitive ELISA. Results: The Kruskal-Wallis revealed the difference among the four groups of normal (179.73 [102.37-352.24] ng/10⁹ platelets), DMVD (325.99 [96.84-407.66] ng/10⁹ platelets), DMVD with intermediate probability of PH (291.11 [106.69-400.84] ng/10⁹ platelets) and DMVD with high probability of PH (35.82 [2.69-126.35] ng/10⁹ platelets) (p = 0.014). The Dunn's post-hoc test showed a decrease in the platelet serotonin concentration of the DMVD dogs with high probability of PH compared to the DMVD group (p = 0.008). The plasma serotonin concentration was not different between normal, DMVD, and DMVD+PH dogs. Conclusion: In conclusion, a decrease in platelet serotonin concentration, which is associated with a degree of PH probability was found in DMVD dogs with PH. Further studies investigating roles of platelet serotonin in PH secondary to DMVD should be performed.

Increased MAO-A Activity Promotes Progression of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs), a class of enzymes bound to the outer mitochondrial membrane, are important sources of reactive oxygen species. Increased MAO-A activity in endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes contributes to vascular dysfunction and progression of left heart failure. We hypothesized that inhibition of MAO-A can be used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and right ventricular (RV) failure. MAO-A levels in lung and RV samples from patients with PAH were compared with levels in samples from donors without PAH. Experimental PAH was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by using Sugen 5416 and hypoxia (SuHx), and RV failure was induced in male Wistar rats by using pulmonary trunk banding (PTB). Animals were randomized to receive either saline or the MAO-A inhibitor clorgyline at 10 mg/kg. Echocardiography and RV catheterization were performed, and heart and lung tissues were collected for further analysis. We found increased MAO-A expression in the pulmonary vasculature of patients with PAH and in experimental experimental PAH induced by SuHx. Cardiac MAO-A expression and activity was increased in SuHx- and PTB-induced RV failure. Clorgyline treatment reduced RV afterload and pulmonary vascular remodeling in SuHx rats through reduced pulmonary vascular proliferation and oxidative stress. Moreover, clorgyline improved RV stiffness and relaxation and reversed RV hypertrophy in SuHx rats. In PTB rats, clorgyline had no direct clorgyline had no direct effect on the right ventricle effect. Our study reveals the role of MAO-A in the progression of PAH. Collectively, these findings indicated that MAO-A may be involved in pulmonary vascular remodeling and consecutive RV failure.

Potassium (K+) channels in the pulmonary vasculature: Implications in pulmonary hypertension Physiological, pathophysiological and pharmacological regulation

The large K⁺ channel functional diversity in the pulmonary vasculature results from the multitude of genes expressed encoding K⁺ channels, alternative RNA splicing, the post-transcriptional modifications, the presence of homomeric or heteromeric assemblies of the pore-forming α-subunits and the existence of accessory β-subunits modulating the functional properties of the channel. K⁺ channels can also be regulated at multiple levels by different factors controlling channel activity, trafficking, recycling and degradation. The activity of these channels is the primary determinant of membrane potential (Em) in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC), providing an essential regulatory mechanism to dilate or contract pulmonary arteries (PA). K⁺ channels are also expressed in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) where they control resting Em, Ca²⁺ entry and the production of different vasoactive factors. The activity of K⁺ channels is also important in regulating the population and phenotype of PASMC in the pulmonary vasculature, since they are involved in cell apoptosis, survival and proliferation. Notably, K⁺ channels play a major role in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Impaired K⁺ channel activity in PH results from: 1) loss of function mutations, 2) downregulation of its expression, which involves transcription factors and microRNAs, or 3) decreased channel current as a result of increased vasoactive factors (e.g., hypoxia, 5-HT, endothelin-1 or thromboxane), exposure to drugs with channel-blocking properties, or by a reduction in factors that positively regulate K⁺ channel activity (e.g., NO and prostacyclin). Restoring K⁺ channel expression, its intracellular trafficking and the channel activity is an attractive therapeutic strategy in PH.

A strange case of severe but fleeting hypoxemia in patient with COVID-19 infection: maybe virus-induced pulmonary Raynaud's phenomenon?

This case-report describes severe acute respiratory failure in a patient with a COVID-19 positive nasopharyngeal swab that spontaneously resolved within a few hours. It is speculated that the virus may have caused a fleeting pulmonary vasospasm.

Oxygen-sensitivity and Pulmonary Selectivity of Vasodilators as Potential Drugs for Pulmonary Hypertension

Current approved therapies for pulmonary hypertension (PH) aim to restore the balance between endothelial mediators in the pulmonary circulation. These drugs may exert vasodilator effects on poorly oxygenated vessels. This may lead to the derivation of blood perfusion towards low ventilated alveoli, i.e., producing ventilation-perfusion mismatch, with detrimental effects on gas exchange. The aim of this study is to analyze the oxygen-sensitivity in vitro of 25 drugs currently used or potentially useful for PH. Additionally, the study analyses the effectiveness of these vasodilators in the pulmonary vs. the systemic vessels. Vasodilator responses were recorded in pulmonary arteries (PA) and mesenteric arteries (MA) from rats and in human PA in a wire myograph under different oxygen concentrations. None of the studied drugs showed oxygen selectivity, being equally or more effective as vasodilators under conditions of low oxygen as compared to high oxygen levels. The drugs studied showed low pulmonary selectivity, being equally or more effective as vasodilators in systemic than in PA. A similar behavior was observed for the members within each drug family. In conclusion, none of the drugs showed optimal vasodilator profile, which may limit their therapeutic efficacy in PH.

Metabolism of vascular smooth muscle cells in vascular diseases

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the fundamental component of the medial layer of arteries and are essential for arterial physiology and pathology. It is becoming increasingly clear that VSMCs can alter their metabolism to fulfill the bioenergetic and biosynthetic requirements. During vascular injury, VSMCs switch from a quiescent "contractile" phenotype to a highly migratory and proliferative "synthetic" phenotype. Recent studies have found that the phenotype switching of VSMCs is driven by a metabolic switch. Metabolic pathways, including aerobic glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and amino acid metabolism, have distinct, indispensable roles in normal and dysfunctional vasculature. VSMCs metabolism is also related to the metabolism of endothelial cells. In the present review, we present a brief overview of VSMCs metabolism and how it regulates the progression of several vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, systemic hypertension, diabetes, pulmonary hypertension, vascular calcification, and aneurysms, and the effect of the risk factors for vascular disease (aging, cigarette smoking, and excessive alcohol drinking) on VSMC metabolism to clarify the role of VSMCs metabolism in the key pathological process.

Integrative analyses of gene expression profile reveal potential crucial roles of mitotic cell cycle and microtubule cytoskeleton in pulmonary artery hypertension

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening condition. The aim of this study was to explore potential crucial genes and pathways associated with PAH based on integrative analyses of gene expression and to shed light on the identification of biomarker for PAH.

METHODS

Gene expression profile of pulmonary tissues from 27 PAH patients and 22 normal controls were downloaded from public database (GSE53408 and GSE113439). After the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), hub pathways and genes were identified based on the comprehensive evaluation of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, modular analysis and cytohubba's analysis, and further validated in another PAH transcriptomic dataset (GSE33463). Potentially associated micro-RNAs (miRNAs) were also predicted.

RESULTS

A total of 521 DEGs were found between PAH and normal controls, including 432 up-regulated DEGs and 89 down-regulated DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in mitotic cell cycle process, mitotic cell cycle and microtubule cytoskeleton organization. Moreover, five key genes (CDK1, SMC2, SMC4, KIF23, and CENPE) were identified and then further validated in another transcriptomic dataset associated with special phenotypes of PAH. Furthermore, these hub genes were mainly enriched in promoting mitotic cell cycle process, which may be closely associated with the pathogenesis of PAH. We also found that the predicted miRNAs targeting these hub genes were found to be enriched in TGF-β and Hippo signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

These findings are expected to gain a further insight into the development of PAH and provide a promising index for the detection of PAH.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension specific therapy: The old and the new

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a vascular disorder associated with high morbidity and mortality rate and is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling and increased pulmonary vascular resistance, ultimately resulting in right ventricular failure and death. Over the past few decades, significant advances in the understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension have occured. This has led to the development of disease specific treatment including prostanoids, endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators. These therapies significantly improve exercise capacity, quality of life, pulmonary hemodynamics, but none of the current treatments are actually curative and long-term prognosis remains poor. Thus, there is a clear need to develop new therapies. Several potential pharmacologic agents for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension are under clinical development and some promising results with these treatments have been reported. These agents include tyrosine protein kinase inhibitors, rho-kinase inhibitors, synthetically produced vasoactive intestinal peptide, antagonists of the 5-HT2 receptors, and others. This article will review several of these promising new therapies and will discuss the current evidence regarding their potential benefit in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Serotonin receptors 5-HTR2A and 5-HTR2B are involved in cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion and airway remodeling in mice

BACKGROUND

Cigarette smoke plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recently, elevated serotonin (5-HT) levels were found in the plasma of COPD patients. The role of 5-HT and its receptors in airway inflammation and remodeling induced by cigarette smoke is unclear.

METHODS

BALB/c mice received the 5-HTR2A inhibitor ketanserin, the 5-HTR2B inhibitor RS-127445 or the natural 5-HTR2A/2B inhibitor quercetin intraperitoneally, then were exposed to cigarette smoke for 6 or 12 weeks. Control mice received placebo and were exposed to room air or cigarette smoke. Mice were sacrificed and bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue samples were collected.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry and western blot confirmed an increase in both 5-HTR2A and 5-HTR2B expression in mouse lungs after exposure to cigarette smoke for 6 and 12 weeks. Cigarette smoke induced accumulation of macrophages and neutrophils and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and TNF-ɑ, in BALF and lung tissue; these effects were inhibited by ketanserin, RS-127445 and quercetin. Pretreatment with 5-HT receptor antagonists suppressed the goblet cell hyperplasia induced by 6- or 12-week exposure to cigarette smoke, based on Alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff staining. After 12 weeks of cigarette smoke exposure, Masson's staining showed fibrosis surrounding the mouse airways, and inhibitor pretreatment significantly attenuated the thickening and collagen deposition around the small airways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation and small airway remodeling are partially mediated by 5-HTR2A and 5-HTR2B, which could be a new therapeutic target for airway remodeling in COPD.

Platelet activation in experimental murine neonatal pulmonary hypertension

Serotonin (5-HT) contributes to the pathogenesis of experimental neonatal pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Platelets are the primary source of circulating 5-HT and is released upon platelet activation. Platelet transfusions are associated with neonatal mortality and increased rates of BPD. As BPD is often complicated by PH, we tested the hypothesis that circulating platelets are activated and also increased in the lungs of neonatal mice with bleomycin-induced PH associated with BPD. Newborn wild-type mice received intraperitoneal bleomycin (3 units/kg) three times weekly for 3 weeks. Platelets from mice with experimental PH exhibited increased adhesion to collagen under flow (at 300 s-1 and 1,500 s-1 ) and increased expression of the αIIbβ3 integrin and phosphatidylserine, markers of platelet activation. Platelet-derived factors 5-HT and platelet factor 4 were increased in plasma from mice with experimental PH. Pharmacologic blockade of the 5-HT 2A receptor (5-HT 2A R) prevents bleomycin-induced PH and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Here, platelets from mice with bleomycin-induced PH demonstrate increased 5-HT 2A R expression providing further evidence of both platelet activation and increased 5-HT signaling in this model. In addition, bleomycin treatment increased lung platelet accumulation. In summary, platelets are activated, granule factors are released, and are increased in numbers in the lungs of mice with experimental neonatal PH. These results suggest platelet activation and release of platelet-derived factors may increase vascular tone, promote aberrant angiogenesis, and contribute to the development of neonatal PH.

Cytochrome P450 Epoxygenase-Dependent Activation of TRPV4 Channel Participates in Enhanced Serotonin-Induced Pulmonary Vasoconstriction in Chronic Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a multi-functional non-selective channel expressed in pulmonary vasculatures. TRPV4 contributes to serotonin- (5-HT-) induced pulmonary vasoconstriction and is responsible in part for the enhanced 5-HT response in pulmonary arteries (PAs) of chronic hypoxia mice. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) is an endogenous agonist of TRPV4 and is known to regulate vasoreactivity. The levels of EETs, the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase for EET production, and epoxide hydrolase for EET degradation are altered by chronic hypoxia. Here, we examined the role of EET-dependent TRPV4 activation in the 5-HT-mediated PA contraction. In PAs of normoxic mice, inhibition of TRPV4 with a specific inhibitor HC-067047 caused a decrease in the sensitivity of 5-HT-induced PA contraction without affecting the maximal contractile response. Application of the cytochrome P450 epoxygenase inhibitor MS-PPOH had no effect on the vasoreactivity to 5-HT. In contrast, inhibition of CYP epoxygenase or TRPV4 both attenuated the 5-HT-elicited maximal contraction to a comparable level in PAs of chronic hypoxic mice. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of MS-PPOH on the 5-HT-induced contraction was obliterated in PAs of chronic hypoxic trpv4^−/− mice. These results suggest that TRPV4 contributes to the enhanced 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction in chronic hypoxic PAs, in part via the CYP-EET-TRPV4 pathway. Our results further support the notion that manipulation of TRPV4 function may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hypoxia-related pulmonary hypertension.

5-HT2A and 5-HT3 receptors contribute to the exacerbation of targeted and non-targeted effects of ionizing radiation-induced cell death in human colon carcinoma cells

Purpose: Serotonin (5-HT) is implicated in the underlying mechanisms which mediate cell death following ionizing radiation exposure, however, effects appear to be cell type-dependent. We sought to further characterize the role of 5-HT and 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs) in the exacerbation of cell death following ionizing radiation exposure in human colon carcinoma cells.Materials and methods: We examined the clonogenic survival of colon carcinoma HCT116 cells treated with 5-HT and the selective 5-HTR antagonists ketanserin (5-HT_2A) and ondansetron (5-HT₃), following exposure to direct ionizing radiation and irradiated cell-conditioned medium (ICCM). The relative expression of these target receptors was measured using western blotting.Results: Western blotting results revealed that relative protein levels of the 5-HT_2A and 5-HT₃ receptors were similar. 5-HT concentration-dependent increases in cell death that occurred following direct ionizing radiation exposure were abolished by both 5-HTR antagonists. Death of nonirradiated cells recipient of ICCM was increased in a concentration-dependent manner by 5-HT when present during donor cell irradiation. Both 5-HTR antagonists completely abolished the increases in bystander-induced cell death generated by 5-HT. Finally, we show that exposure of cells to 5-HT prior to receipt of ICCM can also dictate the degree of bystander-induced cell death.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate a definitive role for 5-HT in the exacerbation of cell death following ionizing radiation exposure in colon carcinoma cells and highlight 5-HTRs as potential markers for predicting cellular radiosensitivity.

Peripheral microvascular serotoninergic signaling is dysregulated in young adults with major depressive disorder

Dysfunction of the brain serotonergic system is implicated in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Serotonin is also a vasoactive signaling molecule, the effects of which are modulated by both nitric oxide (NO) and the serotonin transporter [the primary target of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)]. Despite its role in the neurobiology of depression, serotoninergic signaling mechanisms in the microvasculature of adults with MDD are unknown. We hypothesized that 1) cutaneous microvascular responsiveness to serotonin would be attenuated in MDD and mediated by reductions in both 2) NO-dependent and 3) serotonin reuptake-dependent mechanisms. In 12 adults with MDD (nonmedicated) and 12 nondepressed adults, red cell flux (laser-Doppler flowmetry) was measured during graded intradermal microdialysis perfusion of 1) serotonin (10^-10 to 10^-1 mol/L) alone and in combination with a nonselective NO synthase inhibitor N^G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 15 mmol/L) and the SSRI paroxetine (10 μmol/L); and 2) paroxetine (n = 6; 10^-9 to 10^-2 M) alone and in combination with l-NAME. Serotonin-induced vasodilation was preserved in MDD. The NO-dependent component of serotonin-induced vasodilation was not different between groups. Paroxetine augmented vasodilatory responsiveness to serotonin via NO-dependent mechanisms in both groups; however, the magnitude was blunted in MDD. The NO contribution to direct paroxetine-induced vasodilation was also reduced in adults with MDD. Collectively, these preliminary data suggest that cutaneous microvascular serotoninergic signaling is dysregulated in adults with MDD and mediated by NO-dependent and serotonin reuptake-dependent mechanisms, providing initial mechanistic insight to the purported vasculoprotective effect of chronic SSRI treatment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cutaneous microvascular vasodilatory responsiveness to serotonin was preserved in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the contribution of serotonin reuptake-dependent mechanisms to serotonin-induced dilation was reduced in MDD. Direct perfusion of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine elicited vasodilation that is partially mediated by nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanisms, but these responses were blunted in MDD, reflective of a diminished contribution of NO to the direct effects of a SSRI on the cutaneous microvasculature.

Serotonin and 5-HT3 receptors sensitize human skin cells to direct irradiation cell death but not to soluble radiation-induced bystander signals

Ionizing radiation (IR) is an environmental carcinogen and the biological damages it elicits are mechanistically distinct between high and low doses. Non-targeted effects occurring in nonirradiated cells such as the radiation-induced bystander effect predominate at low doses of IR. However, the role of non-targeted effects in environmental radiation protection is often overlooked because the governing mechanisms are complex and multifactorial. An improved understanding of the signaling molecules and their capacity to sensitize specific cell types are essential in establishing environmental IR risks. In particular, serotonin (5-HT) has been identified to exacerbate both direct irradiation and bystander-induced cell death (CD) in certain cell types, although not all cell types are responsive to 5-HT in this respect. In this study, we further characterize the role of 5-HT and 5-HT receptors (5-HTR) in the amplification of CD following IR exposure in human keratinocytes. We examined the survival of HaCaT cells treated with 5-HT and the 5-HTR antagonists ketanserin (5-HT_2A) and ondansetron (5-HT₃) following exposure to direct IR and irradiated cell condition medium (ICCM). Nonirradiated cell survival was consistent with the vehicle control among 5-HT concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 100 μM. Significant 5-HT concentration-dependent increases in CD occurred following direct IR exposure. Nonirradiated ICCM-recipient CD was not altered by 5-HT (0.001-100 μM) when present during donor cell irradiation among all IR doses. Increases in direct irradiation CD evoked by 5-HT were significantly attenuated by ondansetron, blocking the effect of 5-HT, whereas ketanserin did not alter CD. Western blotting of these target 5-HTRs revealed protein expression of the 5-HT₃ receptor, while the 5-HT_2A receptor was not detected. We have demonstrated a definitive role for 5-HT in the exacerbation of CD following direct IR exposure and identified the 5-HT₃ receptor as a potential target for ameliorating radiation damage in keratinocytes.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension: the case for a bioelectronic treatment

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease of unknown etiology that progresses to right ventricular failure. It has a complex pathophysiology, which involves an imbalance between vasoconstrictive and vasodilative processes in the pulmonary circulation, pulmonary vasoconstriction, vascular and right ventricular remodeling, systemic inflammation, and autonomic imbalance, with a reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic tone. Current pharmacological treatments for PAH include several classes of drugs that target signaling pathways in vascular biology and cardiovascular physiology, but they can have severe unwanted effects and they do not typically stop the progression of the disease. Pulmonary artery denervation has been tested clinically as a method to suppress sympathetic overactivation, however it is a nonspecific and irreversible intervention. Bioelectronic medicine, in particular vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), has been used in cardiovascular disorders like arrhythmias, heart failure and arterial hypertension and could, in principle, be tested as a treatment in PAH. VNS can produce pulmonary vasodilation and renormalize right ventricular function, via activation of pulmonary and cardiac vagal fibers. It can suppress systemic inflammation, via activation of fibers that innervate the spleen. Finally, VNS can gradually restore the balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic tone by regulating autonomic reflexes. Preclinical studies support the feasibility of using VNS in PAH. However, there are challenges with such an approach, arising from the need to affect a relatively small number of relevant vagal fibers, and the potential for unwanted cardiac and noncardiac effects of VNS in this sensitive patient population.

Blockade of multiple monoamines receptors reduce insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells

Clinical use of olanzapine frequently causes severe hyperglycemia as an adverse effect. In this study, we elucidated mechanisms by which olanzapine reduced insulin secretion using the hamster pancreatic β-cell line HIT-T15. Reverse transcriptional-PCR analysis revealed expression of dopamine (D₂, D₃ and D₄), serotonin (5-HT_2A, 5-HT_2B, 5-HT_2C, and 5-HT₆), and histamine (H₁ and H₂) receptors in HIT-T15 cells. Olanzapine decreased insulin secretion from HIT-T15 cells at clinically relevant concentrations (64–160 nM). A dopamine D₂ agonist, D₃ antagonist, and D₄ antagonist suppressed insulin secretion, whereas a D₂ antagonist and D₃ agonist increased it. A serotonin 5-HT_2B agonist slightly increased insulin secretion, while a 5-HT_2C antagonist slightly decreased it. Other agonists and antagonists for serotonin receptors did not affect insulin secretion. A histamine H₁ agonist increased insulin secretion, whereas an H₁ antagonist and H₂ agonist suppressed it. Our results suggest that dopamine (D₂, D₃ and D₄), serotonin (5-HT_2B and 5-HT_2C), and histamine (H₁ and H₂) receptors, which are expressed on pancreatic β-cells, directly modulate insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Thus, olanzapine may induce hyperglycemia in clinical settings by suppressing insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells through inhibition of dopamine D₃, serotonin 5-HT_2B and 5-HT_2C, and histamine H₁ receptors.

TRPV4 channel mediates adventitial fibroblast activation and adventitial remodeling in pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary arterial adventitial fibroblasts (PAF), the most abundant cellular constituent of adventitia, act as a key regulator of pulmonary vascular wall structure and function from the outside-in. Previous studies indicate that transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel plays an important role in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH), but no attention has been given so far to its role in adventitial remodeling. In this study, we thus investigated TRPV4 implication in PAF activation occurring in PH. First, we isolated and cultured PAF from rat adventitial intrapulmonary artery. RT-PCR, Western blot, immunostaining, and calcium imaging (fluo-4/AM) showed that PAF express functional TRPV4 channels. In extension of these results, using pharmacological and siRNA approaches, we demonstrated TRPV4 involvement in PAF proliferation (BrdU incorporation) and migration (wound-healing assay). Then, Western blot experiments revealed that TRPV4 activation upregulates the expression of extracellular matrix protein synthesis (collagen type I and fibronectin). Finally, we explored the role of TRPV4 in the adventitial remodeling occurring in PH. By means of Western blot, we determined that TRPV4 protein expression was upregulated in adventitia from chronically hypoxic and monocrotaline rats, two animal models of PH. Furthermore, morphometric analysis indicated that adventitial remodeling is attenuated in PH-induced trpv4^-/- mice. These data support the concept that PAF play an essential role in hypertensive pulmonary vascular remodeling and point out the participation of TRPV4 channel activity in PAF activation leading to excessive adventitial remodeling.

Inhibition of serotonin synthesis: A novel therapeutic paradigm

The rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin synthesis is tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH). There are two independent serotonin systems in the body characterized by two isoforms of TPH, TPH1 and TPH2. While TPH2 synthesizes serotonin in the brain, TPH1 is expressed in the gut and in other peripheral tissues and supplies platelets in the circulation with serotonin. This duality of the serotonin system is enforced by the blood-brain barrier which is impermeable for serotonin. In the brain serotonin acts as neurotransmitter and is a main target for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In the periphery it is released by platelets at the site of activation and elicits numerous physiological effects. TPH1 deficient mice were shown to be protected from diverse diseases including hemostatic, inflammatory, fibrotic, gastrointestinal, and metabolic disorders and therefore serotonin synthesis inhibition emerged as a reasonable therapeutic paradigm. Recently the first TPH inhibitor, telotristat ethyl, came on the market for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome. This review summarizes the state of development and the therapeutic opportunities of such compounds.

The Search for Disease-Modifying Therapies in Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and its severe subtype pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) encompass a set of multifactorial diseases defined by sustained elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance leading to right ventricular failure and subsequent death. Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by vascular remodeling in association with smooth muscle cell proliferation of the arterioles, medial thickening, and plexiform lesion formation. Despite our recent advances in understanding its pathogenesis and related therapeutic discoveries, PH still remains a progressive disease without a cure. Nevertheless, development of drugs that specifically target molecular pathways involved in disease pathogenesis has led to improvement in life quality and clinical outcomes in patients with PAH. There are presently more than 12 Food and Drug Administration-approved vasodilator drugs in the United States for the treatment of PAH; however, mortality with contemporary therapies remains high. More recently, there have been exuberant efforts to develop new pharmacologic therapies that target the fundamental origins of PH and thus could represent disease-modifying opportunities. This review aims to summarize recent developments on key signaling pathways and molecular targets that drive PH disease progression, with emphasis on new therapeutic options under development.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Therapeutic Interventions

Pulmonary hypertension is an uncommon disease that carries a significant morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a subtype of pulmonary hypertension that describes a group of disease entities that lead to an elevation in precapillary pulmonary artery pressure. Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, it remains a difficult disease to recognize and manage. In this review article, we will discuss the definition and diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Additionally, we will discuss the ever-expanding management options, their mechanisms and strategies, including combination therapy and the most recent advances and future directions.

The Role of Sex in the Pathophysiology of Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterised by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary artery remodelling as result of increased vascular tone and vascular cell proliferation, respectively. Eventually, this leads to right heart failure. Heritable PAH is caused by a mutation in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor-II (BMPR-II). Female susceptibility to PAH has been known for some time, and most recent figures show a female-to-male ratio of 4:1. Variations in the female sex hormone estrogen and estrogen metabolism modify FPAH risk, and penetrance of the disease in BMPR-II mutation carriers is increased in females. Several lines of evidence point towards estrogen being pathogenic in the pulmonary circulation, and thus increasing the risk of females developing PAH. Recent studies have also suggested that estrogen metabolism may be crucial in the development and progression of PAH with studies indicating that downstream metabolites such as 16α-hydroxyestrone are upregulated in several forms of experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH) and can cause pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation and subsequent vascular remodelling. Conversely, other estrogen metabolites such as 2-methoxyestradiol have been shown to be protective in the context of PAH. Estrogen may also upregulate the signalling pathways of other key mediators of PAH such as serotonin.

Exploiting the Therapeutic Potential of Endogenous Immunomodulatory Systems in Multiple Sclerosis-Special Focus on the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) and the Kynurenines

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by autoimmune central nervous system (CNS) demyelination attributable to a disturbed balance between encephalitic T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 17 (Th17) and immunomodulatory regulatory T cell (Treg) and T helper 2 (Th2) cells, and an alternatively activated macrophage (M2) excess. Endogenous molecular systems regulating these inflammatory processes have recently been investigated to identify molecules that can potentially influence the course of the disease. These include the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), PPARγ coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α), and kynurenine pathway metabolites. Although all PPARs ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), recent evidence suggests that PPARα, PPARβ/δ agonists have less pronounced immunomodulatory effects and, along with PGC-1α, are not biomarkers of neuroinflammation in contrast to PPARγ. Small clinical trials with PPARγ agonists have been published with positive results. Proposed as immunomodulatory and neuroprotective, the therapeutic use of PGC-1α activation needs to be assessed in EAE/MS. The activation of indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the rate-limiting step of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism, plays crucial immunomodulatory roles. Indeed, Trp metabolites have therapeutic relevance in EAE and drugs with structural analogy to kynurenines, such as teriflunomide, are already approved for MS. Further studies are required to gain deeper knowledge of such endogenous immunomodulatory pathways with potential therapeutic implications in MS.

The Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in the Right Ventricle in Pulmonary Hypertension

Pressure overload of the right ventricle (RV) in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) leads to RV remodeling and failure, an important determinant of outcome in patients with PAH. Several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are differentially regulated in the RV myocardium, contributing to the pathogenesis of RV adverse remodeling and dysfunction. Many pharmacological agents that target GPCRs have been demonstrated to result in beneficial effects on left ventricular (LV) failure, such as beta-adrenergic receptor and angiotensin receptor antagonists. However, the role of such drugs on RV remodeling and performance is not known at this time. Moreover, many of these same receptors are also expressed in the pulmonary vasculature, which could result in complex effects in PAH. This manuscript reviews the role of GPCRs in the RV remodeling and dysfunction and discusses activating and blocking GPCR signaling to potentially attenuate remodeling while promoting improvements of RV function in PAH.

The role of platelets in the development and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a multifactorial disease characterized by vasoconstriction, vascular remodeling, inflammation and thrombosis. Although an increasing number of research confirmed that pulmonary artery endothelial cells, pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells as well as platelets have a role in the pulmonary arterial hypertension pathogenesis, it is still unclear what integrates these factors. In this paper, we review the evidence that platelets through releasing a large variety of chemokines could actively impact the pulmonary arterial hypertension pathogenesis and development. A recent publication revealed that not only an excess of platelet derived cytokines, but also a deficiency may be associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension development and progression. Hence, a simple platelet blockade may not be a correct action to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. Our review aims to analyse the interactions between the platelets and different types of cells involved in pulmonary arterial hypertension pathogenesis. This knowledge could help to find novel therapeutic options and improve prognosis in this devastating disease.

GPCRs in pulmonary arterial hypertension: tipping the balance

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, fatal disease characterised by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and excessive proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). GPCRs, which are attractive pharmacological targets, are important regulators of pulmonary vascular tone and PASMC phenotype. PAH is associated with the altered expression and function of a number of GPCRs in the pulmonary circulation, which leads to the vasoconstriction and proliferation of PASMC and thereby contributes to the imbalance of pulmonary vascular tone associated with PAH; drugs targeting GPCRs are currently used clinically to treat PAH and extensive preclinical work supports the utility of a number of additional GPCRs. Here we review how GPCR expression and function changes with PAH and discuss why GPCRs continue to be relevant drug targets for the disease.

Plasma miR-451 with echocardiography serves as a diagnostic reference for pulmonary hypertension

Due to the lack of typical clinical symptoms, the average delay time for diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is longer than 2 years. It is urgent to find biomarkers for PH diagnosis. In this study we investigated whether plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as biomarkers for PH diagnosis. We used microarray to identify dynamic miRNAs between PH and non-PH patients. The candidate miRNAs were verified using qRT-PCR in a mouse model of PH, which was induced by monocrotaline (MCT) injection. We observed that miR-21, miR-126, miR-145, miR-191 and miR-150 had no differences between control mice and MCT-treated mice; but plasma miR-451 was significantly decreased in the 2wk-MCT group, with no further decrease in the 4wk-MCT group. Plasma miR-451 was also markedly decreased in PH patients, whereas miR-21, miR-126, miR-150 and miR-320 did not show differences between 53 PH patients and 54 non-PH patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were constructed from the patient data to assess the clinical diagnostic values of circulating miR-451 and Doppler echocardiography (D-ECHO). The areas under the curve (AUCs) of ROCs for miR-451 and D-ECHO were 0.710 and 0.766, respectively. Combination of miR-451 and D-ECHO with AUC of 0.825 was superior to the use of either miR-451 or D-ECHO alone for PH diagnosis. In conclusion, plasma miR-451 has a moderate diagnostic value in PH comparable to that of D-ECHO, and the combination of miR-451 with D-ECHO has better diagnostic value than either method alone, which may have implications for PH diagnosis.

Comprehensive review of cardiovascular toxicity of drugs and related agents

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in most developed countries of the world. Pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and toxins can significantly contribute to the overall cardiovascular burden and thus deserve attention. The present article is a systematic overview of drugs that may induce distinct cardiovascular toxicity. The compounds are classified into agents that have significant effects on the heart, blood vessels, or both. The mechanism(s) of toxic action are discussed and treatment modalities are briefly mentioned in relevant cases. Due to the large number of clinically relevant compounds discussed, this article could be of interest to a broad audience including pharmacologists and toxicologists, pharmacists, physicians, and medicinal chemists. Particular emphasis is given to clinically relevant topics including the cardiovascular toxicity of illicit sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines, cathinones), drugs that prolong the QT interval, antidysrhythmic drugs, digoxin and other cardioactive steroids, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, female hormones, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, and anticancer compounds encompassing anthracyclines and novel targeted therapy interfering with the HER2 or the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway.