Novel role of NADPH oxidase in angiogenesis and stem/progenitor cell function

Protein disulfide isomerase A1 as a novel redox sensor in VEGFR2 signaling and angiogenesis

VEGFR2 signaling in endothelial cells (ECs) is regulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from NADPH oxidases (NOXs) and mitochondria, which plays an important role in postnatal angiogenesis. However, it remains unclear how highly diffusible ROS signal enhances VEGFR2 signaling and reparative angiogenesis. Protein disulfide isomerase A1 (PDIA1) functions as an oxidoreductase depending on the redox environment. We hypothesized that PDIA1 functions as a redox sensor to enhance angiogenesis. Here we showed that PDIA1 co-immunoprecipitated with VEGFR2 or colocalized with either VEGFR2 or an early endosome marker Rab5 at the perinuclear region upon stimulation of human ECs with VEGF. PDIA1 silencing significantly reduced VEGF-induced EC migration, proliferation and spheroid sprouting via inhibiting VEGFR2 signaling. Mechanistically, VEGF stimulation rapidly increased Cys-OH formation of PDIA1 via the NOX4-mitochondrial ROS axis. Overexpression of "redox-dead" mutant PDIA1 with replacement of the active four Cys residues with Ser significantly inhibited VEGF-induced PDIA1-CysOH formation and angiogenic responses via reducing VEGFR2 phosphorylation. Pdia1+/- mice showed impaired angiogenesis in developmental retina and Matrigel plug models as well as ex vivo aortic ring sprouting model. Study using hindlimb ischemia model revealed that PDIA1 expression was markedly increased in angiogenic ECs of ischemic muscles, and that ischemia-induced limb perfusion recovery and neovascularization were impaired in EC-specific Pdia1 conditional knockout mice. These results suggest that PDIA1 can sense VEGF-induced H2O2 signal via CysOH formation to promote VEGFR2 signaling and angiogenesis in ECs, thereby enhancing postnatal angiogenesis. The oxidized PDIA1 is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of ischemic vascular diseases.

Exosomal Composition, Biogenesis and Profiling Using Point-of-Care Diagnostics—Implications for Cardiovascular Disease

Arteriosclerosis is an important age-dependent disease that encompasses atherosclerosis, in-stent restenosis (ISR), pulmonary hypertension, autologous bypass grafting and transplant arteriosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction and the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC)-like cells is a critical event in the pathology of arteriosclerotic disease leading to intimal-medial thickening (IMT), lipid retention and vessel remodelling. An important aspect in guiding clinical decision-making is the detection of biomarkers of subclinical arteriosclerosis and early cardiovascular risk. Crucially, relevant biomarkers need to be good indicators of injury which change in their circulating concentrations or structure, signalling functional disturbances. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized membraneous vesicles secreted by cells that contain numerous bioactive molecules and act as a means of intercellular communication between different cell populations to maintain tissue homeostasis, gene regulation in recipient cells and the adaptive response to stress. This review will focus on the emerging field of EV research in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and discuss how key EV signatures in liquid biopsies may act as early pathological indicators of adaptive lesion formation and arteriosclerotic disease progression. EV profiling has the potential to provide important clinical information to complement current cardiovascular diagnostic platforms that indicate or predict myocardial injury. Finally, the development of fitting devices to enable rapid and/or high-throughput exosomal analysis that require adapted processing procedures will be evaluated.

Cysteine oxidation of copper transporter CTR1 drives VEGFR2 signalling and angiogenesis

VEGFR2 (KDR/Flk1) signaling in endothelial cells (ECs) is essential for developmental and reparative angiogenesis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and copper (Cu) are also involved.in these processes. However, their inter-relationship is poorly understood. The role of endothelial Cu importer CTR1 in VEGFR2 signaling and angiogenesis in vivo is hitherto unknown. Here we show that CTR1 functions as a previously unrecognized redox sensor to promote angiogenesis in ECs. CTR1-depleted ECs showed reduced VEGF-induced VEGFR2 signaling and angiogenic responses. Mechanistically, CTR1 was rapidly sulfenylated at Cys189 in cytosolic C-terminus upon VEGF stimulation, which induced CTR1-VEGFR2 disulfide bond formation and their co-internalization to early endosomes, driving sustained VEGFR2 signaling. In vivo, EC-specific Ctr1-deficient mice or CRISPR/Cas9-generated “redox-dead” Cys to Ala Ctr1 knock-in mutant mice had impaired developmental and reparative angiogenesis. Thus, oxidation of CTR1 at Cys189 promotes VEGFR2 internalization and signaling to enhance angiogenesis. Our study uncovers an important mechanism for ROS sensing through CTR1 to drive neovascularization.

MicroRNAs and exosomes: Cardiac stem cells in heart diseases

Treating cardiovascular diseases with cardiac stem cells (CSCs) is a valid treatment among various stem cell-based therapies. With supplying the physiological need for cardiovascular cells as their main function, under pathological circumstances, CSCs can also reproduce the myocardial cells. Although studies have identified many of CSCs' functions, our knowledge of molecular pathways that regulate these functions is not complete enough. Either physiological or pathological studies have shown, stem cells proliferation and differentiation could be regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). How miRNAs regulate CSC behavior is an interesting area of research that can help us study and control the function of these cells in vitro; an achievement that may be beneficial for patients with cardiovascular diseases. The secretome of stem and progenitor cells has been studied and it has been determined that exosomes are the main source of their secretion which are very small vesicles at the nanoscale and originate from endosomes, which are secreted into the extracellular space and act as key signaling organelles in intercellular communication. Mesenchymal stem cells, cardiac-derived progenitor cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes release exosomes that have been shown to have cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, and reparative effects. Herein, we summarize the regulation roles of miRNAs and exosomes in cardiac stem cells.

Combination of Antioxidant Enzyme Overexpression and N-Acetylcysteine Treatment Enhances the Survival of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Ischemic Limb in Mice With Type 2 Diabetes

Background

Therapy with mesenchymal stem cells remains a promising but challenging approach to critical limb ischemia in diabetes because of the dismal cell survival.

Methods and Results

Critical limb ischemia in type 2 diabetes mouse model was used to explore the impact of diabetic limb ischemia on the survival of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (bMSCs). Inhibition of intracellular reactive oxygen species was achieved with concomitant overexpression of superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐1 and glutathione peroxidase‐1 in the transplanted bMSCs, and extracellular reactive oxygen species was attenuated using SOD‐3 overexpression and N‐acetylcysteine treatment. In vivo optical fluorescence imaging and laser Doppler perfusion imaging were used to track cell retention and determine blood flow in diabetic ischemic limb, respectively. Survival of the transplanted bMSCs was significantly decreased in diabetic ischemic limb compared with the control. In vitro study indicated that advanced glycation end products, not high glucose, significantly decreased the proliferation of bMSCs and increased their apoptosis associated with increased reactive oxygen species production and selective reduction of SOD‐1 and SOD‐3. In vivo study demonstrated that concomitant overexpression of SOD‐1, SOD‐3, and glutathione peroxidase‐1, or host treatment with N‐acetylcysteine, significantly enhanced in vivo survival of transplanted bMSCs, and improved critical limb ischemia in diabetic mice. Combination of triple antioxidant enzyme overexpression in bMSCs with host N‐acetylcysteine treatment further improved bMSC survival with enhanced circulatory and functional recovery from diabetic critical limb ischemia.

Conclusions

Simultaneous suppression of reactive oxygen species from transplanted bMSCs and host tissue could additively enhance bMSC survival in diabetic ischemic limb with increased therapeutic efficacy in diabetes.

Bmal1 Regulates the Redox Rhythm of HSPB1, and Homooxidized HSPB1 Attenuates the Oxidative Stress Injury of Cardiomyocytes

Oxidative stress is the main cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which is related to the disorder of the regulation of Bmal1 on the redox state. HSPB1 form homologous-oxidized HSPB1 (homooxidized HSPB1) to resist oxidative damage via S-thiolated modification. However, it is still unclarified whether there is an interaction between the circadian clock and HSPB1 in myocardial injury. A total of 118 AMI patients admitted and treated in our hospital from Sep. 2019 to Sep. 2020 were selected to detect the plasma HSPB1 expression and the redox state. We divided the AMI patients into three subgroups: morning-onset AMI (5 : 00 am to 8 : 00 am; Am-subgroup, n = 38), noon-onset AMI (12 : 00 pm to 15 : 00; Pm-subgroup, n = 45), and night-onset AMI (20 : 00 pm to 23 : 00 pm; Eve-subgroup, n = 35) according to the circadian rhythm of onset. The Am-subgroup had remarkably higher cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) but lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) than the Pm-subgroup and Eve-subgroup. Patients complicated with cardiogenic shock were significantly higher in the Am-subgroup than in the other two groups. The homooxidized HSPB1 in plasma markedly decreased in the Am-subgroup. The HSPB1C141S mutant accelerated H9c2 cell apoptosis, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreased reduced-glutathione (GSH) and the ratio of reduced-GSH and GSSG during oxidative stress. Importantly, we found that the redox state of HSPB1 was consistent with the oscillatory rhythm of Bmal1 expression in normal C57B/L mice. The circadian rhythm disorder contributed to decrease Bmal1 and homooxidized HSPB1 in cardiomyocytes of C57BL/6 mice. In addition, Bmal1 and homooxidized HSPB1 decreased in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes exposed to H2O2. Knockdown of Bmal1 led to significant attenuation in homooxidized HSPB1 expression, whereas overexpression of Bmal1 increased homooxidized HSPB1 expression in response to H2O2. Our findings indicated that the homooxidized HSPB1 reduced probably the AMI patients' risk of shock and target organ damage, which was associated with Bmal1 regulating the redox state of HSPB1.

Discovery of new therapeutic redox targets for cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion injury and heart failure

Global epidemiological studies reported a shift from maternal/infectious communicable diseases to chronic non-communicable diseases and a major part is attributable to atherosclerosis and metabolic disorders. Accordingly, ischemic heart disease was identified as a leading risk factor for global mortality and morbidity with a prevalence of 128 million people. Almost 9 million premature deaths can be attributed to ischemic heart disease and subsequent acute myocardial infarction and heart failure, also representing a substantial socioeconomic burden. As evidenced by typical oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation products or oxidized DNA/RNA bases, the formation of reactive oxygen species by various sources (NADPH oxidases, xanthine oxidase and mitochondrial resperatory chain) plays a central role for the severity of ischemia/reperfusion damage. The underlying mechanisms comprise direct oxidative damage but also adverse redox-regulation of kinase and calcium signaling, inflammation and cardiac remodeling among others. These processes and the role of reactive oxygen species are discussed in the present review. We also present and discuss potential targets for redox-based therapies that are either already established in the clinics (e.g. guanylyl cyclase activators and stimulators) or at least successfully tested in preclinical models of myocardial infarction and heart failure (mitochondria-targeted antioxidants). However, reactive oxygen species have not only detrimental effects but are also involved in essential cellular signaling and may even act protective as seen by ischemic pre- and post-conditioning or eustress - which makes redox therapy quite challenging.

Sub-Regional Differences of the Human Amniotic Membrane and Their Potential Impact on Tissue Regeneration Application

For more than 100 years, the human amniotic membrane (hAM) has been used in multiple tissue regeneration applications. The hAM consists of cells with stem cell characteristics and a rich layer of extracellular matrix. Undoubtedly, the hAM with viable cells has remarkable properties such as the differentiation potential into all three germ layers, immuno-modulatory, and anti-fibrotic properties. At first sight, the hAM seems to be one structural entity. However, by integrating its anatomical location, the hAM can be divided into placental, reflected, and umbilical amniotic membrane. Recent studies show that cells of these amniotic sub-regions differ considerably in their properties such as morphology, structure, and content/release of certain bioactive factors. The aim of this review is to summarize these findings and discuss the relevance of these different properties for tissue regeneration. In summary, reflected amnion seems to be more immuno-modulatory and could have a higher reprogramming efficiency, whereas placental amnion seems to be pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, with higher proliferation and differentiation capacity (e.g., chondrogenic and osteogenic), and could be more suitable for certain graft constructions. Therefore, we suggest that the respective hAM sub-region should be selected in consideration of its desired outcome. This will help to optimize and fine-tune the clinical application of the hAM.

The homeostatic role of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion and nitric oxide in the vasculature

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are produced in a wide range of physiological reactions that, at low concentrations, play essential roles in living organisms. There is a delicate equilibrium between formation and degradation of these mediators in a healthy vascular system, which contributes to maintaining these species under non-pathological levels to preserve normal vascular functions. Antioxidants scavenge reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to prevent or reduce damage caused by excessive oxidation. However, an excessive reductive environment induced by exogenous antioxidants may disrupt redox balance and lead to vascular pathology. This review summarizes the main aspects of free radical biochemistry (formation, sources and elimination) and the crucial actions of some of the most biologically relevant and well-characterized reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion and nitric oxide) in the physiological regulation of vascular function, structure and angiogenesis. Furthermore, current preclinical and clinical evidence is discussed on how excessive removal of these crucial responses by exogenous antioxidants (vitamins and related compounds, polyphenols) may perturb vascular homeostasis. The aim of this review is to provide information of the crucial physiological roles of oxidation in the endothelium, vascular smooth muscle cells and perivascular adipose tissue for developing safer and more effective vascular interventions with antioxidants.

Cross-Talk between NADPH Oxidase and Mitochondria: Role in ROS Signaling and Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, a new vessel formation from the pre-existing ones, is essential for embryonic development, wound repair and treatment of ischemic heart and limb diseases. However, dysregulated angiogenesis contributes to various pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy, atherosclerosis and cancer. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from NADPH oxidase (NOX) as well as mitochondria play an important role in promoting the angiogenic switch from quiescent endothelial cells (ECs). However, how highly diffusible ROS produced from different sources and location can communicate with each other to regulate angiogenesis remains unclear. To detect a localized ROS signal in distinct subcellular compartments in real time in situ, compartment-specific genetically encoded redox-sensitive fluorescence biosensors have been developed. Recently, the intercellular communication, “cross-talk”, between ROS derived from NOX and mitochondria, termed “ROS-induced ROS release”, has been proposed as a mechanism for ROS amplification at distinct subcellular compartments, which are essential for activation of redox signaling. This “ROS-induced ROS release” may represent a feed-forward mechanism of localized ROS production to maintain sustained signaling, which can be targeted under pathological conditions with oxidative stress or enhanced to promote therapeutic angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the recent knowledge regarding the role of the cross-talk between NOX and mitochondria organizing the sustained ROS signaling involved in VEGF signaling, neovascularization and tissue repair.

Redox basis of exercise physiology

Redox reactions control fundamental processes of human biology. Therefore, it is safe to assume that the responses and adaptations to exercise are, at least in part, mediated by redox reactions. In this review, we are trying to show that redox reactions are the basis of exercise physiology by outlining the redox signaling pathways that regulate four characteristic acute exercise-induced responses (muscle contractile function, glucose uptake, blood flow and bioenergetics) and four chronic exercise-induced adaptations (mitochondrial biogenesis, muscle hypertrophy, angiogenesis and redox homeostasis). Based on our analysis, we argue that redox regulation should be acknowledged as central to exercise physiology.

Spotlight on ROS and β3-Adrenoreceptors Fighting in Cancer Cells

The role of ROS and RNS is a long-standing debate in cancer. Increasing the concentration of ROS reaching the toxic threshold can be an effective strategy for the reduction of tumor cell viability. On the other hand, cancer cells, by maintaining intracellular ROS concentration at an intermediate level called “mild oxidative stress,” promote the activation of signaling that favors tumor progression by increasing cell viability and dangerous tumor phenotype. Many chemotherapeutic treatments induce cell death by rising intracellular ROS concentration. The persistent drug stimulation leads tumor cells to simulate a process called hormesis by which cancer cells exhibit a biphasic response to exposure to drugs used. After a first strong response to a low dose of chemotherapeutic agent, cancer cells start to decrease the response even if high doses of drugs were used. In this framework, β3-adrenoreceptors (β3-ARs) fit with an emerging antioxidant role in cancer. β3-ARs are involved in tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune tolerance. Its inhibition, by the selective β3-ARs antagonist (SR59230A), leads cancer cells to increase ROS concentration thus inducing cell death and to decrease NO levels thus inhibiting angiogenesis. In this review, we report an overview on reactive oxygen biology in cancer cells focusing on β3-ARs as new players in the antioxidant pathway.

The Extraordinary Role of Extracellular RNA in Arteriogenesis, the Growth of Collateral Arteries

Arteriogenesis is an intricate process in which increased shear stress in pre-existing arteriolar collaterals induces blood vessel expansion, mediated via endothelial cell activation, leukocyte recruitment and subsequent endothelial and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Extracellular RNA (eRNA), released from stressed cells or damaged tissue under pathological conditions, has recently been discovered to be liberated from endothelial cells in response to increased shear stress and to promote collateral growth. Until now, eRNA has been shown to enhance coagulation and inflammation by inducing cytokine release, leukocyte recruitment, and endothelial permeability, the latter being mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. In the context of arteriogenesis, however, eRNA has emerged as a transmitter of shear stress into endothelial activation, mediating the sterile inflammatory process essential for collateral remodeling, whereby the stimulatory effects of eRNA on the VEGF signaling axis seem to be pivotal. In addition, eRNA might influence subsequent steps of the arteriogenesis cascade as well. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the beneficial effects of eRNA during arteriogenesis, laying the foundation for further exploration of the connection between the damaging and non-damaging effects of eRNA in the context of cardiovascular occlusive diseases and of sterile inflammation.

Materials Stiffness-Dependent Redox Metabolic Reprogramming of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Secretome-Based Therapeutic Angiogenesis

Cellular redox metabolism has emerged as a key tenet in stem cell biology that can profoundly influence the paracrine activity and therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Although the use of materials cues to direct the differentiation of MSCs has been widely investigated, little is known regarding the role of materials in the control of redox paracrine signaling in MSCs. Herein, using a series of mechanically tunable fibronectin-conjugated polyacrylamide (FN-PAAm) hydrogel substrates, it is shown that a mechanically compliant microenvironment with native-tissue mimicking stiffness (E = 0.15 kPa) can mechano-regulate the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in human adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs). The cells reciprocate to the ROS imbalance by co-activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha stress response signaling pathways to increase the production of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. Conditioned medium collected from ADMSCs grown on the 0.15 kPa FN-PAAm is found to significantly promote in vitro and ex ovo vascularization events. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of delineating critical materials properties that can enable the reprogramming of cellular redox signaling for advanced MSCs-based secretome regenerative medicine.

Impaired Regeneration Contributes to Poor Outcomes in Diabetic Peripheral Artery Disease

Diabetes mellitus increases the risk and accelerates the course of peripheral artery disease, making patients more susceptible to ischemic events and infections and delaying tissue healing. Current understanding of pathogenic mechanisms is mainly based on the negative influence of diabetes mellitus on atherosclerotic disease and inflammation. In recent years, the novel concept that diabetes mellitus can impinge on endogenous regenerative processes has been introduced. Diabetes mellitus affects regeneration at the local level, disturbing proper angiogenesis, collateral artery formation, and muscle repair. Recent evidence indicates that an impairment in vascular mural cells, alias pericytes, may participate in diabetic peripheral vasculopathy. Moreover, the bone marrow undergoes a global remodeling, consisting of microvessels and sensory neurons rarefaction and fat accumulation, which creates a hostile microenvironment for resident stem cells. Bone marrow remodeling is also responsible for detrimental systemic effects. In particular, the aid of reparative cells from the bone marrow is compromised: these elements are released in an improper manner and become harmful vectors of inflammatory and antiangiogenic molecules and noncoding RNAs. This new understanding of impaired regeneration is inspiring new therapeutic options for the treatment of ischemic complications in people with diabetes mellitus.

Concomitant overexpression of triple antioxidant enzymes selectively increases circulating endothelial progenitor cells in mice with limb ischaemia

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a group of heterogeneous cells in bone marrow (BM) and blood. Ischaemia increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that regulates EPC number and function. The present study was conducted to determine if ischaemia‐induced ROS differentially regulated individual EPC subpopulations using a mouse model concomitantly overexpressing superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, SOD3 and glutathione peroxidase. Limb ischaemia was induced by femoral artery ligation in male transgenic mice with their wild‐type littermate as control. BM and blood cells were collected for EPCs analysis and mononuclear cell intracellular ROS production, apoptosis and proliferation at baseline, day 3 and day 21 after ischaemia. Cells positive for c‐Kit⁺/CD31⁺ or Sca‐1⁺/Flk‐1⁺ or CD34⁺/CD133⁺ or CD34⁺/Flk‐1⁺ were identified as EPCs. ischaemia significantly increased ROS production and cell apoptosis and decreased proliferation of circulating and BM mononuclear cells and increased BM and circulating EPCs levels. Overexpression of triple antioxidant enzymes effectively prevented ischaemia‐induced ROS production with significantly decreased cell apoptosis and preserved proliferation and significantly increased circulating EPCs level without significant changes in BM EPC populations, associated with enhanced recovery of blood flow and function of the ischemic limb. These data suggested that ischaemia‐induced ROS was differentially involved in the regulation of circulating EPC population.

Tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline inhibits autophagic flux and prevents tube formation in vascular endothelial cells

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant and an inhibitor of lysosomal acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). Amitriptyline is well known for its cardiovascular side effects and toxicity in psychiatric patients. However, the mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular side effects of amitriptyline remain largely undefined. This study aimed to determine the effects of amitriptyline on angiogenic capability of vascular endothelial cells in physiological settings and identify its mechanism of action. The ex vivo aortic ring angiogenesis and in vitro-cultured endothelial cell tube formation assay were used to assess the effects of amitriptyline on endothelial angiogenic capability. It was demonstrated that amitriptyline impaired the angiogenesis of aortic rings, which was similar to that found in aortic rings with haploinsufficiency of the ASM gene. In cultured mouse microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs), amitriptyline impaired the proliferation and tube formation under basal condition, which were accompanied by attenuated angiogenic signalling pathways such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase, Akt and Erk1/2 pathways. Mechanistically, amitriptyline inhibited autophagic flux without affecting autophagosome biogenesis at basal condition. ASM gene silencing or autophagy inhibition mimics the inhibitory effects of amitriptyline on endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation. Collectively, our data suggest that amitriptyline inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis via blockade of ASM-autophagic flux axis. It is implicated that the cardiovascular side effects of amitriptyline may be associated with its inhibitory action on physiological angiogenesis.

Phorbol ester-induced angiogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells: The role of NADPH oxidase-mediated, redox-related matrix metalloproteinase pathways

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may contribute to ischemia-induced angiogenesis in atherosclerotic diseases. The protein kinase C (PKC) family is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, however the role of PKCα in EPCs during angiogenesis is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of PKCα in EPCs during angiogenesis. Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), a PKCα activator, significantly increased the activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) -2 and -9 in human (late outgrowth) EPCs in vitro. The MMPs promoted the migratory function and vascular formation of EPCs, which then contributed to neovascularization in a mouse hindlimb-ischemia model. Reactive oxygen species derived from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase enhanced the expression of MMPs to increase the bioactivity of EPCs during angiogenesis. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway was associated with the activation of NADPH oxidase. PMA extensively activated the extracellular signal–regulated kinase (Erk) signal pathway to increase the expression of MMP-9. PMA also activated the p38, Erk, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signal pathways to increase the expression of MMP-2. PMA-stimulated EPCs enhanced neovascularization in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia via nuclear factor-κB translocation to up-regulation of the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. PMA could activate PKCα and promote the angiogenesis capacity of human EPCs via NADPH oxidase-mediated, redox-related, MMP-2 and MMP-9 pathways. The PKCα-activated, NADPH oxidase-mediated, redox-related MMP pathways could contribute to the function of human EPCs for ischemia-induced neovascularization, which may provide novel insights into the potential modification of EPCs for therapeutic angiogenesis.

Modification of Cardiac Progenitor Cell-Derived Exosomes by miR-322 Provides Protection against Myocardial Infarction through Nox2-Dependent Angiogenesis

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the primary cause of cardiovascular mortality, and therapeutic strategies to prevent or mitigate the consequences of MI are a high priority. Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) have been used to treat cardiac injury post-MI, and despite poor engraftment, they have been shown to inhibit apoptosis and to promote angiogenesis through poorly understood paracrine effects. We previously reported that the direct injection of exosomes derived from CPCs (CPCexo) into mouse hearts provides protection against apoptosis in a model of acute ischemia/reperfusion injury. Moreover, we and others have reported that reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from NADPH oxidase (NOX) can enhance angiogenesis in endothelial cells (ECs). Here we examined whether bioengineered CPCexo transfected with a pro-angiogenic miR-322 (CPCexo-322) can improve therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model of MI as compared to CPCexo. Systemic administration of CPCexo-322 in mice after ischemic injury provided greater protection post-MI than control CPCexo, in part, through enhanced angiogenesis in the border zones of infarcted hearts. Mechanistically, the treatment of cultured human ECs with CPCexo-322 resulted in a greater angiogenic response, as determined by increased EC migration and capillary tube formation via increased Nox2-derived ROS. Our study reveals that the engineering of CPCexo via microRNA (miR) programing can enhance angiogenesis, and this may be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular diseases.

Stressing the (Epi)Genome: Dealing with Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer

SIGNIFICANCE

Growing evidence indicates cross-talk between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and several key epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs in normal physiology and human pathologies including cancer. This review focuses on how ROS-induced oxidative stress, metabolic intermediates, and epigenetic processes influence each other in various cancers. Recent Advances: ROS alter chromatin structure and metabolism that impact the epigenetic landscape in cancer cells. Several site-specific DNA methylation changes have been identified in different cancers and are discussed in the review. We also discuss the interplay of epigenetic enzymes and miRNAs in influencing malignant transformation in an ROS-dependent manner.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Loss of ROS-mediated signaling mostly by epigenetic regulation may promote tumorigenesis. In contrast, augmented oxidative stress because of high ROS levels may precipitate epigenetic alterations to effect various phases of carcinogenesis. We address both aspects in the review.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Several drugs targeting ROS are under various stages of clinical development. Recent analysis of human cancers has revealed pervasive deregulation of the epigenetic machinery. Thus, a better understanding of the cross-talk between ROS and epigenetic alterations in cancer could lead to the identification of new drug targets and more effective treatment modalities.

Sphingolipids Signaling in Lamellipodia Formation and Enhancement of Endothelial Barrier Function

Sphingolipids, first described in the brain in 1884, are important structural components of biological membranes of all eukaryotic cells. In recent years, several lines of evidence support the critical role of sphingolipids such as sphingosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and ceramide as anti- or pro-inflammatory bioactive lipid mediators in a variety of human pathologies including pulmonary and vascular disorders. Among the sphingolipids, S1P is a naturally occurring agonist that exhibits potent barrier enhancing property in the endothelium by signaling via G protein-coupled S1P1 receptor. S1P, S1P analogs, and other barrier enhancing agents such as HGF, oxidized phospholipids, and statins also utilize the S1P/S1P1 signaling pathway to generate membrane protrusions or lamellipodia, which have been implicated in resealing of endothelial gaps and maintenance of barrier integrity. A better understanding of sphingolipids mediated regulation of lamellipodia formation and barrier enhancement of the endothelium will be critical for the development of sphingolipid-based therapies to alleviate pulmonary disorders such as sepsis-, radiation-, and mechanical ventilation-induced acute lung injury.

Correlation between NADPH oxidase-mediated oxidative stress and dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cell in hyperlipidemic patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase (NOX)-mediated oxidative stress plays a key role in promotion of oxidative injury in the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the status of NOX in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) of hyperlipidemic patients and to assess the correlation between NOX activity and the functions EPCs.

METHODS

A total of 30 hyperlipidemic patients were enrolled for this study and 30 age-matched volunteers with normal level of plasma lipids served as controls. After the circulating EPCs were isolated, the EPC functions (migration, adhesion and tube formation) were evaluated and the status of NOX (expression and activity) was examined.

RESULTS

Compared to the controls, hyperlipidemic patients showed an increase in plasma lipids and a reduction in EPC functions including the attenuated abilities in adhesion, migration and tube formation, concomitant with an increase in NOX expression (NOX2 and NOX4), NOX activity, and reactive oxygen species production. The data analysis showed negative correlations between NOX activity and EPC functions.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a positive correlation between the NOX-mediated oxidative stress and the dysfunctions of circulating EPCs in hyperlipidemic patients, and suppression of NOX might offer a novel strategy to improve EPCs functions in hyperlipidemia.

NADPH Oxidase Deficiency: A Multisystem Approach

The immune system is a complex system able to recognize a wide variety of host agents, through different biological processes. For example, controlled changes in the redox state are able to start different pathways in immune cells and are involved in the killing of microbes. The generation and release of ROS in the form of an “oxidative burst” represent the pivotal mechanism by which phagocytic cells are able to destroy pathogens. On the other hand, impaired oxidative balance is also implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory complications, which may affect the function of many body systems. NADPH oxidase (NOX) plays a pivotal role in the production of ROS, and the defect of its different subunits leads to the development of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). The defect of the different NOX subunits in CGD affects different organs. In this context, this review will be focused on the description of the effect of NOX2 deficiency in different body systems. Moreover, we will also focus our attention on the novel insight in the pathogenesis of immunodeficiency and inflammation-related manifestations and on the protective role of NOX2 deficiency against the development of atherosclerosis.

Reactive oxygen species: key regulators in vascular health and diseases

ROS are a group of small reactive molecules that play critical roles in the regulation of various cell functions and biological processes. In the vascular system, physiological levels of ROS are essential for normal vascular functions including endothelial homeostasis and smooth muscle cell contraction. In contrast, uncontrolled overproduction of ROS resulting from an imbalance of ROS generation and elimination leads to the development of vascular diseases. Excessive ROS cause vascular cell damage, the recruitment of inflammatory cells, lipid peroxidation, activation of metalloproteinases and deposition of extracellular matrix, collectively leading to vascular remodelling. Evidence from a large number of studies has revealed that ROS and oxidative stress are involved in the initiation and progression of numerous vascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, restenosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Furthermore, considerable research has been implemented to explore antioxidants that can reduce ROS production and oxidative stress in order to ameliorate vascular diseases. In this review, we will discuss the nature and sources of ROS, their roles in vascular homeostasis and specific vascular diseases and various antioxidants as well as some of the pharmacological agents that are capable of reducing ROS and oxidative stress. The aim of this review is to provide information for developing promising clinical strategies targeting ROS to decrease cardiovascular risks.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc.

Neovascular deterioration, impaired NADPH oxidase and inflammatory cytokine expression in adipose-derived multipotent cells from subjects with metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Expansion of adipose tissue depends on the growth of its vascular network and it has been shown that adipose tissue dysfunction in obese subjects with the metabolic syndrome is associated with decreased angiogenesis. However, some subjects with a high body mass index do not develop metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity. In this study we examined the neovascular properties, expression levels of proteins involved in cellular redox balance and inflammatory cytokines in adipose-derived multipotent mesenchymal cells (ASCs) of subjects with different metabolic profiles.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We applied cell culture, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR and ELISA techniques to characterize the ASCs isolated from paired biopsies of visceral (visASCs) and subcutaneous (subASCs) adipose tissue from 39 subjects grouped into normal weight (Nw), obese without metabolic syndrome (NonMS) and with metabolic syndrome (MS).

RESULTS

VisASCs and subASCs from MS subjects showed a decrease in tubules formation capacity compared to ASCs from NonMS subjects as well as changes in the expression levels of proteins involved in cell redox balance and secretion levels of proteins linked to the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Deterioration in the neovascular properties of subASCs from the MS subjects was also evident in the decreased levels of VEGF secretion during adipogenesis and in the effects of the conditioned medium on endothelial cell tubule formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a redox imbalance status in ASCs from subjects with metabolic syndrome and decreased their neovascular function that probably contributes to the vascular insufficiency of adipose depots.

The Importance of NADPH Oxidases and Redox Signaling in Angiogenesis

Eukaryotic cells have to cope with the constant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although the excessive production of ROS might be deleterious for cell biology, there is a plethora of evidence showing that moderate levels of ROS are important for the control of cell signaling and gene expression. The family of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NADPH oxidases or Nox) has evolved to produce ROS in response to different signals; therefore, they fulfil a central role in the control of redox signaling. The role of NADPH oxidases in vascular physiology has been a field of intense study over the last two decades. In this review we will briefly analyze how ROS can regulate signaling and gene expression. We will address the implication of NADPH oxidases and redox signaling in angiogenesis, and finally, the therapeutic possibilities derived from this knowledge will be discussed.

ROS-induced ROS release orchestrated by Nox4, Nox2, and mitochondria in VEGF signaling and angiogenesis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from NADPH oxidase (NOX) and mitochondria play a critical role in growth factor-induced switch from a quiescent to an angiogenic phenotype in endothelial cells (ECs). However, how highly diffusible ROS produced from different sources can coordinate to stimulate VEGF signaling and drive the angiogenic process remains unknown. Using the cytosol- and mitochondria-targeted redox-sensitive RoGFP biosensors with real-time imaging, here we show that VEGF stimulation in human ECs rapidly increases cytosolic RoGFP oxidation within 1 min, followed by mitochondrial RoGFP oxidation within 5 min, which continues at least for 60 min. Silencing of Nox4 or Nox2 or overexpression of mitochondria-targeted catalase significantly inhibits VEGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGF receptor type 2 (VEGFR2-pY), EC migration and proliferation at the similar extent. Exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) or overexpression of Nox4, which produces H₂O₂, increases mitochondrial ROS (mtROS), which is prevented by Nox2 siRNA, suggesting that Nox2 senses Nox4-derived H₂O₂ to promote mtROS production. Mechanistically, H₂O₂ increases S36 phosphorylation of p66Shc, a key mtROS regulator, which is inhibited by siNox2, but not by siNox4. Moreover, Nox2 or Nox4 knockdown or overexpression of S36 phosphorylation-defective mutant p66Shc(S36A) inhibits VEGF-induced mtROS, VEGFR2-pY, EC migration, and proliferation. In summary, Nox4-derived H₂O₂ in part activates Nox2 to increase mtROS via pSer36-p66Shc, thereby enhancing VEGFR2 signaling and angiogenesis in ECs. This may represent a novel feed-forward mechanism of ROS-induced ROS release orchestrated by the Nox4/Nox2/pSer36-p66Shc/mtROS axis, which drives sustained activation of angiogenesis signaling program.

Role of NADPH Oxidase-4 in Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells

Introduction: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) display a unique ability to promote angiogenesis and restore endothelial function in injured blood vessels. NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4)-derived hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) serves as a signaling molecule and promotes endothelial cell proliferation and migration as well as protecting against cell death. However, the role of NOX4 in EPC function is not completely understood. Methods: EPCs were isolated from human saphenous vein and mammary artery discarded during bypass surgery. NOX4 gene and protein expression in EPCs were measured by real time-PCR and Western blot analysis respectively. NOX4 gene expression was inhibited using an adenoviral vector expressing human NOX4 shRNA (Ad-NOX4i). H₂O₂ production was measured by Amplex red assay. EPC migration was evaluated using a transwell migration assay. EPC proliferation and viability were measured using trypan blue counts. Results: Inhibition of NOX4 using Ad-NOX4i reduced Nox4 gene and protein expression as well as H₂O₂ formation in EPCs. Inhibition of NOX4-derived H₂O₂ decreased both proliferation and migration of EPCs. Interestingly, pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) decreased NOX4 expression and reduced survival of EPCs. However, the survival of EPCs was further diminished by TNF-α in NOX4-knockdown cells, suggesting that NOX4 has a protective role in EPCs. Conclusion: These findings suggest that NOX4-type NADPH oxidase is important for proliferation and migration functions of EPCs and protects against pro-inflammatory cytokine induced EPC death. These properties of NOX4 may facilitate the efficient function of EPCs which is vital for successful neovascularization.

Circulating progenitor cells in hypertensive subjects: Effectiveness of a treatment with olmesartan in improving cell number and miR profile in addition to expected pharmacological effects

CD34+ circulating progenitor cells (CD34+CPCs) are a population of multipotent cells which can delay the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in conditions of increased CV risk. MicroRNAs (miRs) 221 and 222 modulate different genes regulating angiogenesis and inflammation; moreover, miR221/22 have beenshown to participate in differentiation and proliferation of CD34+CPCs, inhibiting cell migration and homing. miR221/222 in CD34+CPCs from hypertensive subjects are also increased and associated with CD34+cell number and reactive oxygen species (ROS). We evaluated CD34+CPC number, intracellular miR221/222 and ROS levels, arterial stiffness (AS)and echocardiography indices at baseline (T0).Then, after a six-month treatment with olmesartan, 20 mg/day (T1), in 57 hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and with no additional risk factor for CVD, and in 29 healthy controls (baseline),fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose and lipid profiles were also evaluated.At T1, blood pressure values, CRP and fibrinogen levels, ROS and miR221/222 were significantly decreased (all p <0.001), as were AS indices and LV mass index (p<0.001), while cell number was increased (p<0.001). Olmesartan is effective in reducing miR and ROS levels in CD34+CPCs from hypertensive subjects, as well as in increasing CD34+CPC number, providing multilevel CV protection, in addition to its expected pharmacological effects.

Antiproliferation effect of the uremic toxin para‑cresol on endothelial progenitor cells is related to its antioxidant activity

Endothelial dysfunction and impaired endothelial regenerative capacity are key contributors to the high incidence of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Uremic toxins are associated with this pathogenesis. Previous studies have revealed that a uremic toxin, para-cresol (p-cresol), exerts an antiproliferation effect on human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), but the mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were confirmed to function as signaling molecules that regulate growth factor-dependent EPC proliferation. EPCs were treated with p-cresol for 72 h, using a concentration range typically found in CKD patients. ROS production was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, and protein expression levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, a major source of ROS, were analyzed by western blot analysis. mRNA expression levels of antioxidant genes were assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The results revealed that p-cresol partially inhibits ROS production, and this effect may be associated with a significant reduction in cytochrome b-245 alpha and beta chain expression in EPCs. An increase of glutathione peroxidase 4 mRNA expression was also detected. In conclusion, the present study revealed that the antiproliferation effect of p-cresol on EPCs might act via its antioxidant activity. The results of the present study may facilitate understanding of uremic toxin toxicity on the cardiovascular system.

Mitochondria-specific antioxidant supplementation does not influence endurance exercise training-induced adaptations in circulating angiogenic cells, skeletal muscle oxidative capacity or maximal oxygen uptake

KEY POINTS

Reducing excessive oxidative stress, through chronic exercise or antioxidants, can decrease the negative effects induced by excessive amounts of oxidative stress. Transient increases in oxidative stress produced during acute exercise facilitate beneficial vascular training adaptations, but the effects of non-specific antioxidants on exercise training-induced vascular adaptations remain elusive. Circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) are an exercise-inducible subset of white blood cells that maintain vascular integrity. We investigated whether mitochondria-specific antioxidant (MitoQ) supplementation would affect the response to 3 weeks of endurance exercise training in CACs, muscle mitochondrial capacity and maximal oxygen uptake in young healthy men. We show that endurance exercise training increases multiple CAC types, an adaptation that is not altered by MitoQ supplementation. Additionally, MitoQ does not affect skeletal muscle or whole-body aerobic adaptations to exercise training. These results indicate that MitoQ supplementation neither enhances nor attenuates endurance training adaptations in young healthy men.

ABSTRACT

Antioxidants have been shown to improve endothelial function and cardiovascular outcomes. However, the effects of antioxidants on exercise training-induced vascular adaptations remain elusive. General acting antioxidants combined with exercise have not impacted circulating angiogenic cells (CACs). We investigated whether mitochondria-specific antioxidant (MitoQ) supplementation would affect the response to 3 weeks of endurance exercise training on CD3+ , CD3+ /CD31+ , CD14+ /CD31+ , CD31+ , CD34+ /VEGFR2+ and CD62E+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), muscle mitochondrial capacity, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max ) in healthy men aged 22.1 ± 0.7 years, with a body mass index of 26.9 ± 0.9 kg m-2 , and 24.8 ± 1.3% body fat. Analysis of main effects revealed that training induced 33, 105 and 285% increases in CD14+ /CD31+ , CD62E+ and CD34+ /VEGFR2+ CACs, respectively, and reduced CD3+ /CD31- PBMCs by 14%. There was no effect of MitoQ on CAC levels. Also independent of MitoQ supplementation, exercise training significantly increased quadriceps muscle mitochondrial capacity by 24% and VO2 max by roughly 7%. In conclusion, endurance exercise training induced increases in multiple CAC types, and this adaptation is not modified by MitoQ supplementation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant does not influence skeletal muscle or whole-body aerobic adaptations to exercise training.

Nox2 and Nox4 regulate self-renewal of murine induced-pluripotent stem cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox homeostasis have a pivotal role in the maintenance of stem cell pluripotency and in stem cell self-renewal; however, the mechanisms by which ROS regulate the self-renewal of stem cells have not been thoroughly studied. Here, we evaluated the role of the ROS produced by NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) and NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) in the self-renewal and stemness of murine induced-pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs). Targeted silencing of Nox2 or Nox4 reduced both NADPH oxidase activity and intracellular ROS levels, as well as alkaline phosphatase activity, the total number of miPSCs, the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor, and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Nox2/Nox4 overexpression or low, nontoxic concentration of H₂ O₂ increased cell proliferation in miPSCs. Furthermore, expression of the stemness genes Sox2 and Oct4 was lower in Nox2/Nox4-deficient miPSCs, and higher in Nox2/Nox4-overexpressing miPSCs, than in miPSCs with normal levels of Nox2/Nox4 expression. Collectively, these results suggest that Nox2- and Nox4-derived ROS contribute to stem cell pluripotency maintenance and self-renewal. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(12):963-970, 2016.

Role of Nitric Oxide, Nitric Oxide Synthase, Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase, and cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase I in Mouse Stem Cell Cardiac Development

Introduction and Aim. Nitric oxide (NO) can trigger cardiac differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), indicating a cardiogenic function of the NO synthetizing enzyme(s) (NOS). However, the involvement of the NO/NOS downstream effectors soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and cGMP activated protein kinase I (PKG-I) is less defined. Therefore, we assess the involvement of the entire NO/NOS/sGC/PKG-I pathway during cardiac differentiation process. Methods. Mouse ESCs were differentiated toward cardiac lineages by hanging drop methodology for 21 days. NOS/sGC/PKG-I pathway was studied quantifying genes, proteins, enzymatic activities, and effects of inhibition during differentiation. Percentages of beating embryoid bodies (mEBs) were evaluated as an index of cardiogenesis. Results and Discussion. Genes and protein expression of enzymes were increased during differentiation with distinctive kinetics and proteins possessed their enzymatic functions. Exogenous administered NO accelerated whereas the blockade of PKG-I strongly slowed cardiogenesis. sGC inhibition was effective only at early stages and NOS blockade ineffective. Of NOS/sGC/PKG-I pathway, PKG-I seems to play the prominent role in cardiac maturation. Conclusion. We concluded that exogenous administered NO and other pharmacological strategies able to increase the activity of PKG-I provide new tools to investigate and promote differentiation of cardiogenic precursors.

Nox2 contributes to the arterial endothelial specification of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells by upregulating Notch signaling

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a crucial role in stem-cell differentiation; however, the mechanisms by which ROS regulate the differentiation of stem cells into endothelial cells (ECs) are unknown. Here, we determine the role of ROS produced by NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) in the endothelial-lineage specification of mouse induced-pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs). When wild-type (WT) and Nox2-knockout (Nox2^−/−) miPSCs were differentiated into ECs (miPSC-ECs), the expression of endothelial markers, arterial endothelial markers, pro-angiogenic cytokines, and Notch pathway components was suppressed in the Nox2^−/− cells but increased in both WT and Nox2^−/− miPSCs when Nox2 expression was upregulated. Higher levels of Nox2 expression increased Notch signaling and arterial EC differentiation, and this increase was abolished by the inhibition of ROS generation or by the silencing of Notch1 expression. Nox2 deficiency was associated with declines in the survival and angiogenic potency of miPSC-ECs, and capillary and arterial density were lower in the ischemic limbs of mice after treatment with Nox2^−/− miPSC-ECs than WT miPSC-EC treatment. Taken together, these observations indicate that Nox2-mediated ROS production promotes arterial EC specification in differentiating miPSCs by activating the Notch signaling pathway and contributes to the angiogenic potency of transplanted miPSC-derived ECs.

Gemcitabine treatment promotes pancreatic cancer stemness through the Nox/ROS/NF-κB/STAT3 signaling cascade

Gemcitabine, the standard chemotherapy drug for advanced pancreatic cancer, has shown limited benefits because of profound chemoresistance. However, the mechanism involved remains unclear. Cancer stem cells exhibit great tumorigenicity and are closely correlated with drug resistance and tumor relapse. In this study, we demonstrated that certain doses of gemcitabine increased the ratios of CD24⁺ and CD133⁺ cells and the expression of stemness-associated genes such as Bmi1, Nanog, and Sox2. The enhancement of stemness after gemcitabine treatment was accompanied by increased cell migration, chemoresistance, and tumorigenesis. Moreover, we found that gemcitabine promoted the binding of phosphorylated STAT3 to the promoter of Bmi1, Nanog, and Sox2 genes. Furthermore, inhibition of STAT3 partially reversed gemcitabine-induced sphere formation, migration, chemoresistance, and tumor relapse. We also demonstrated that the activation of STAT3 and gemcitabine-enhanced stemness was NADPH oxidase (Nox)-generated, ROS-dependent, and NF-κB partially mediated the process. Together, our results suggest a pivotal role of pancreatic cancer stem cells in developing chemoresistance toward gemcitabine treatment through the Nox/ROS/NF-κB/STAT3 signaling pathway. These findings will provide new insight for identifying potential targets that can be used to sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy.

Vasohibins: new transglutaminase-like cysteine proteases possessing a non-canonical Cys-His-Ser catalytic triad

Vasohibin-1 and Vasohibin-2 regulate angiogenesis, tumour growth and metastasis. Their molecular functions, however, were previously unknown, in large part owing to their perceived lack of homology to proteins of known structure and function. To identify their functional amino acids and domains, their molecular activity and their evolutionary history, we undertook an in-depth analysis of Vasohibin sequences. We find that Vasohibin proteins are previously undetected members of the transglutaminase-like cysteine protease superfamily, and all possess a non-canonical Cys-His-Ser catalytic triad. We further propose a calcium-dependent activation mechanism for Vasohibin proteins. These findings can now be used to design constructs for protein structure determination and to develop enzyme inhibitors as angiogenic regulators to treat metastasis and tumour growth.

CONTACT

luis.sanchezpulido@dpag.ox.ac.uk

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Target-Activated Modulation of Dual-Color and Two-Photon Fluorescence of Graphene Quantum Dots for in Vivo Imaging of Hydrogen Peroxide

The development of nanoprobes suitable for two-photon microscopy techniques is highly desirable for mapping biological species in living systems. However, at the current stage, the nanoprobes are restricted to single-color fluorescence changes, making it unsuitable for quantitative detection. To circumvent this problem, we report here a rational design of a dual-emission and two-photon (TP) graphene quantum dot (GQD(420)) probe for imaging of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). For specific recognition of H2O2 and lighting the fluorescence of TPGQD(420), a boronate ester-functionalized merocyanine (BMC) fluorophore was used as both target-activated trigger and the dual-emission fluorescence modulator. Upon two-photon excitation at 740 nm, TPGQD(420)-BMC displays a green-to-blue resolved emission band in response to H2O2 with an emission shift of 110 nm, and the H2O2 can be determined from 0.2 to 40 μM with a detection limit of 0.05 μM. Moreover, the fluorescence response of the TPGQD(420)-BMC toward H2O2 is rapid and extremely specific. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated by two-photon ratiometrically mapping the production of endogenous H2O2 in living cells as well as in deep tissues of murine mode at 0-600 μm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paradigm to rationally design a dual-emission and two-photon nanoprobe via fluorescence modulation of GQDs with switchable molecules, which will extend new possibility to design powerful molecular tools for in vivo bioimaging applications.

Stimulation of vasculogenesis and leukopoiesis of embryonic stem cells by extracellular transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA

OBJECTIVE

Cell injury releases nucleic acids supporting inflammation and stem cell activation. Here, the impact of extracellular ribonucleic acid, especially transfer RNA (ex-tRNA), on vasculogenesis and leukopoiesis of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells was investigated.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

ex-tRNA, whole cell RNA and ribosomal RNA (ex-rRNA) but not DNA increased CD31-positive vascular structures in embryoid bodies. Ex-tRNA and ex-rRNA increased numbers of VEGFR2(+), CD31(+) and VE-cadherin(+) vascular cells as well as CD18(+), CD45(+) and CD68(+) cells, indicating leukocyte/macrophage differentiation. This was paralleled by mRNA and protein expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor-165 (VEGF165) and neuropilin 1 (NRP1), phosphorylation of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) as well as mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). ex-tRNA was taken up by endosomes, increased expression of the pro-angiogenic semaphorin B4 receptor plexin B1 as well as the ephrin-type B receptor 4 (EphB4) and ephrinB2 ligand and enhanced cell migration, which was inhibited by the VEGFR2 antagonist SU5614 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. This likewise abolished the effects of ex-tRNA on vasculogenesis and leukopoiesis of ES cells. Ex-tRNA increased NOX1, NOX2, NOX4 and DUOX2 mRNA and boosted the generation of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide which was inhibited by radical scavengers, the NADPH oxidase inhibitors apocynin, VAS2870, ML171, and plumbagin as well as shRNA silencing of NOX1 and NOX4.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that ex-tRNA treatment induces vasculogenesis and leukopoiesis of ES cells via superoxide/hydrogen peroxide generated by NADPH oxidase and activation of VEGFR2 and PI3K.

Involvement of phosphoinositide 3-kinase class IA (PI3K 110α) and NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) in regulation of vascular differentiation induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in mouse embryonic stem cells

The impact of reactive oxygen species and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in differentiating embryonic stem (ES) cells is largely unknown. Here, we show that the silencing of the PI3K catalytic subunit p110α and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 1 (NOX1) by short hairpin RNA or pharmacological inhibition of NOX and ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) abolishes superoxide production by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in mouse ES cells and in ES-cell-derived fetal liver kinase-1(+) (Flk-1(+)) vascular progenitor cells, whereas the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone does not have an effect. Silencing p110α or inhibiting Rac1 arrests vasculogenesis at initial stages in embryoid bodies, even under VEGF treatment, as indicated by platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1)-positive areas and branching points. In the absence of p110α, tube-like structure formation on matrigel and cell migration of Flk-1(+) cells in scratch migration assays are totally impaired. Silencing NOX1 causes a reduction in PECAM-1-positive areas, branching points, cell migration and tube length upon VEGF treatment, despite the expression of vascular differentiation markers. Interestingly, silencing p110α but not NOX1 inhibits the activation of Rac1, Ras homologue gene family member A (RhoA) and Akt leading to the abrogation of VEGF-induced lamellipodia structure formation. Thus, our data demonstrate that the PI3K p110α-Akt/Rac1 and NOX1 signalling pathways play a pivotal role in VEGF-induced vascular differentiation and cell migration. Rac1, RhoA and Akt phosphorylation occur downstream of PI3K and upstream of NOX1 underscoring a role of PI3K p110α in the regulation of cell polarity and migration.

Nitrative stress, oxidative stress and plasma endothelin levels after inhalation of particulate matter and ozone

BACKGROUND

While exposure to ambient air contaminants is clearly associated with adverse health outcomes, disentangling mechanisms of pollutant interactions remains a challenge.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed at characterizing free radical pathways and the endothelinergic system in rats after inhalation of urban particulate matter, ozone, and a combination of particles plus ozone to gain insight into pollutant-specific toxicity mechanisms and any effect modification due to air pollutant mixtures.

METHODS

Fischer 344 rats were exposed for 4 h to a 3 × 3 concentration matrix of ozone (0, 0.4, 0.8 ppm) and EHC-93 particles (0, 5, 50 mg/m(3)). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), BAL cells, blood and plasma were analysed for biomarkers of effects immediately and 24 h post-exposure.

RESULTS

Inhalation of ozone increased (p < 0.05) lipid oxidation products in BAL cells immediately post-exposure, and increased (p < 0.05) total protein, neutrophils and mature macrophages in the BALF 24 h post-exposure. Ozone increased (p < 0.05) the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), assessed by m-, p-, o-tyrosines in BALF (Ozone main effects, p < 0.05), while formation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), indicated by 3-nitrotyrosine, correlated with dose of urban particles (EHC-93 main effects or EHC-93 × Ozone interactions, p < 0.05). Carboxyhemoglobin levels in blood exhibited particle exposure-related increase (p < 0.05) 24 h post recovery. Plasma 3-nitrotyrosine and o-tyrosine were increased (p < 0.05) after inhalation of particles; the effect on 3-nitrotyrosine was abrogated after exposure to ozone plus particles (EHC-93 × Ozone, p < 0.05). Big endothelin-1 (BET-1) and ET-1 were increased in plasma after inhalation of particles or ozone alone, but the effects appeared to be attenuated by co-exposure to contaminants (EHC-93 × Ozone, p < 0.05). Plasma ET levels were positively correlated (p < 0.05) with BALF m- and o-tyrosine levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Pollutant-specific changes can be amplified or abrogated following multi-pollutant exposures. Oxidative and nitrative stress in the lung compartment may contribute to secondary extra-pulmonary ROS/RNS formation. Nitrative stress and endothelinergic imbalance emerge as potential key pathways of air pollutant health effects, notably of ambient particulate matter.

Nitrative stress, oxidative stress and plasma endothelin levels after inhalation of particulate matter and ozone

Background

While exposure to ambient air contaminants is clearly associated with adverse health outcomes, disentangling mechanisms of pollutant interactions remains a challenge.

Objectives

We aimed at characterizing free radical pathways and the endothelinergic system in rats after inhalation of urban particulate matter, ozone, and a combination of particles plus ozone to gain insight into pollutant-specific toxicity mechanisms and any effect modification due to air pollutant mixtures.

Methods

Fischer 344 rats were exposed for 4 h to a 3 × 3 concentration matrix of ozone (0, 0.4, 0.8 ppm) and EHC-93 particles (0, 5, 50 mg/m³). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), BAL cells, blood and plasma were analysed for biomarkers of effects immediately and 24 h post-exposure.

Results

Inhalation of ozone increased (p < 0.05) lipid oxidation products in BAL cells immediately post-exposure, and increased (p < 0.05) total protein, neutrophils and mature macrophages in the BALF 24 h post-exposure. Ozone increased (p < 0.05) the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), assessed by m-, p-, o-tyrosines in BALF (Ozone main effects, p < 0.05), while formation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), indicated by 3-nitrotyrosine, correlated with dose of urban particles (EHC-93 main effects or EHC-93 × Ozone interactions, p < 0.05). Carboxyhemoglobin levels in blood exhibited particle exposure-related increase (p < 0.05) 24 h post recovery. Plasma 3-nitrotyrosine and o-tyrosine were increased (p < 0.05) after inhalation of particles; the effect on 3-nitrotyrosine was abrogated after exposure to ozone plus particles (EHC-93 × Ozone, p < 0.05). Big endothelin-1 (BET-1) and ET-1 were increased in plasma after inhalation of particles or ozone alone, but the effects appeared to be attenuated by co-exposure to contaminants (EHC-93 × Ozone, p < 0.05). Plasma ET levels were positively correlated (p < 0.05) with BALF m- and o-tyrosine levels.

Conclusions

Pollutant-specific changes can be amplified or abrogated following multi-pollutant exposures. Oxidative and nitrative stress in the lung compartment may contribute to secondary extra-pulmonary ROS/RNS formation. Nitrative stress and endothelinergic imbalance emerge as potential key pathways of air pollutant health effects, notably of ambient particulate matter.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12989-015-0103-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Nuclear Nox4 Role in Stemness Power of Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells

Human amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC) are an attractive source for cell therapy due to their multilineage differentiation potential and accessibility advantages. However the clinical application of human stem cells largely depends on their capacity to expand in vitro, since there is an extensive donor-to-donor heterogeneity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular oxidative stress are involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes of stem cells, including pluripotency, proliferation, differentiation, and stress resistance. The mode of action of ROS is also dependent on the localization of their target molecules. Thus, the modifications induced by ROS can be separated depending on the cellular compartments they affect. NAD(P)H oxidase family, particularly Nox4, has been known to produce ROS in the nucleus. In the present study we show that Nox4 nuclear expression (nNox4) depends on the donor and it correlates with the expression of transcription factors involved in stemness regulation, such as Oct4, SSEA-4, and Sox2. Moreover nNox4 is linked with the nuclear localization of redox sensitive transcription factors, as Nrf2 and NF-κB, and with the differentiation potential. Taken together, these results suggest that nNox4 regulation may have important effects in stem cell capability through modulation of transcription factors and DNA damage.

Dysfunctional endothelial progenitor cells in cardiovascular diseases: role of NADPH oxidase

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in maintenance of the endothelial integrity and vascular homeostasis, as well as in neovascularization. Dysfunctional EPCs are believed to contribute to the endothelial dysfunction and are closely related to the development of various cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms of EPC dysfunction are complicated and remain largely elusive. Recent studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key factors that involve in modulation of stem and progenitor cell function under various physiologic and pathologic conditions. It has been shown that NADPH oxidase (NOX)-derived ROS are the major sources of ROS in cardiovascular system. Accumulating evidence suggests that NOX-mediated oxidative stress can modulate EPC bioactivities, such as mobilization, migration, and neovascularization, and that inhibition of NOX has been shown to improve EPC functions. This review summarized recent progress in the studies on the correlation between NOX-mediated EPC dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.

DUOX-Mediated Signaling Is Not Required for LPS-Induced Neutrophilic Response in the Airways

Oxidant production from DUOX1 has been proposed to lead to neutrophil recruitment into the airways when lung homeostasis is compromised. The objective of this study was to determine whether DUOX-derived hydrogen peroxide is required for LPS-induced neutrophil recruitment, using a functional DUOX knock out mouse model. We found that LPS induced profound neutrophilic lung inflammation in both Duoxa+/+ and Duoxa-/- mice between 3h and 24h. Duoxa-/- mice had significantly higher neutrophil influx 24h after LPS instillation despite similar cytokine levels (KC, MIP-2, or TGF-α) between the two groups. These findings suggest that LPS-TLR-4-induced KC or MIP-2 cytokine induction and subsequent neutrophil recruitment in the airway does not require DUOX-derived hydrogen peroxide from airway epithelium.

Mesenchymal stem cell-based HSP70 promoter-driven VEGFA induction by resveratrol promotes angiogenesis in a mouse model

Several studies of stem cell-based gene therapy have indicated that long-lasting regeneration following vessel ischemia may be stimulated through VEGFA gene therapy and/or MSC transplantation for reduction of ischemic injury in limb ischemia and heart failure. The therapeutic potential of MSC transplantation can be further improved by genetically modifying MSCs with genes which enhance angiogenesis following ischemic injury. In the present study, we aimed to develop an approach in MSC-based therapy for repair and mitigation of ischemic injury and regeneration of damaged tissues in ischemic disease. HSP70 promoter-driven VEGFA expression was induced by resveratrol (RSV) in MSCs, and in combination with known RSV biological functions, the protective effects of our approach were investigated by using ex vivo aortic ring coculture system and a 3D scaffolds in vivo model. Results of this investigation demonstrated that HSP promoter-driven VEGFA expression in MSC increased approximately 2-fold over the background VEGFA levels upon HSP70 promoter induction by RSV. Exposure of HUVEC cells to medium containing MSC in which VEGFA had been induced by cis-RSV enhanced tube formation in the treated HUVEC cells. RSV-treated MSC cells differentiated into endothelial-like phenotypes, exhibiting markedly elevated expression of endothelial cell markers. These MSCs also induced aortic ring sprouting, characteristic of neovascular formation from pre-existing vessels, and additionally promoted neovascularization at the MSC transplantation site in a mouse model. These observations support a hypothesis that VEGFA expression induced by cis-RSV acting on the HSP70 promoter in transplanted MSC augments the angiogenic effects of stem cell gene therapy. The use of an inducible system also vastly reduces possible clinical risks associated with constitutive VEGFA expression.

Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and cancer antigen 125 are related to the prognosis of adenomyosis patients after interventional therapy

AIMS

This study is to investigate the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cancer antigen 125 (CA125) in serum of adenomyosis patients before and after interventional therapy. The role of serum levels of VEGF and CA125 for the prognosis of adenomyosis is further studied.

METHODS

A total of 80 adenomyosis patients treated with interventional therapy and 40 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect the expression levels of VEGF and CA125. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine the treatment effect on adenomyosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analysis the progression-free survival curve for prognosis of adenomyosis.

RESULTS

The expression levels of VEGF and CA125 in serum of patients with adenomyosis was increased when compared with those of healthy individuals before interventional therapy (P < 0.05). Levels of hemoglobin in adenomyosis patients after surgery was increased compared with those before surgery (P < 0.05). The blood volume of menstruation, pain intensity, and volume of uterus in adenomyosis patients after surgery was significantly decreased when compared with those before surgery (P < 0.01). The survival rate of adenomyosis patients with high VEGF and CA125 levels was decreased. Serum levels of VEGF and CA125 had a high sensitivity and specificity for the prognosis of adenomyosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum expression levels of VEGF and CA125 are related to the development of adenomyosis. VEGF and CA125 serum levels can be used for predicting the prognosis of adenomyosis.

The ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas Axis Regulates the Development of Pancreatic Endocrine Cells in Mouse Embryos

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), its product Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], and Ang-(1-7) receptor Mas, have been shown to regulate organogenesis during embryonic development in various species. However, it is not known whether a local ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis is present in the fetal pancreas. It is hypothesized that there is a local ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis in the embryonic pancreas in mice that is involved in regulating islet cell development. To address this issue, the endogenous expression profile of axis constituents in embryonic mouse pancreata was examined. Involvement of the ACE2 axis in the regulation of pancreatic development was also examined. The present experiments showed in an in vivo animal model that endogenous expression levels of ACE2 and the Mas receptor were upregulated in mouse pancreata in late embryogenesis, peaking on embryonic day E16.5, when it reached 3 folds compared to that seen at E12.5. Consistently, endogenous expression of Ang-(1-7) also peaked at E16.5. Treatment with the ACE2 inhibitor DX600 did not alter islet development. However, prenatal treatment with A779, a Mas receptor antagonist, reduced the β-cell to α-cell ratio in neonatal islets, impaired islet insulin secretory function, and impaired the pups' glucose tolerance. In ex vivo pancreas explant cultures, A779 again decreased the β-cell to α-cell ratio, apparently through its effects on β-cell proliferation (reduced proliferation shown with Ki67 staining), and also decreased Insulin and Ngn3 mRNA expression. Furthermore, treatment of explant cultures with Ang-(1-7) increased mRNA levels of Insulin and pancreatic progenitor marker Ngn3, as well as Nox4, the ROS generation enzyme; these stimulatory effects were attenuated by co-treatment with A779, suggesting that Ang-(1-7), via Mas receptor signaling, may promote differentiation of pancreatic progenitors into insulin-producing cells via modulation of reactive oxygen species. These data together suggest that a Mas receptor-mediated mechanism may stimulate pancreatic cell development.

Mechanosignaling in the vasculature: emerging concepts in sensing, transduction and physiological responses

Cells are constantly exposed to mechanical forces that play a role in modulating cellular structure and function. The cardiovascular system experiences physical forces in the form of shear stress and stretch associated with blood flow and contraction, respectively. These forces are sensed by endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes and lead to responses that control vascular and cardiac homeostasis. This was highlighted at the Pan American Physiological Society meeting at Iguassu Falls, Brazil, in a symposium titled "Mechanosignaling in the Vasculature." This symposium presented recent research that showed the existence of a vital link between mechanosensing and downstream redox sensitive signaling cascades. This link helps to transduce and transmit the physical force into an observable physiological response. The speakers showcased how mechanosensors such as ion channels, membrane receptor kinases, adhesion molecules, and other cellular components transduce the force via redox signals (such as reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide) to receptors (transcription factors, growth factors, etc.). Receptor activated pathways then lead to cellular responses including cellular proliferation, contraction, and remodeling. These responses have major relevance to the physiology and pathophysiology of various cardiovascular diseases. Thus an understanding of the complex series of events, from the initial sensing through the final response, is essential for progress in this field. Overall, this symposium addressed some important emerging concepts in the field of mechanosignaling and the eventual pathophysiological responses.