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Suominen A, Saldo Rubio G, Ruohonen S, Szabó Z, Pohjolainen L, Ghimire B, Ruohonen ST, Saukkonen K, Ijas J, Skarp S, Kaikkonen L, Cai M, Wardlaw SL, Ruskoaho H, Talman V, Savontaus E, Kerkelä R, Rinne P. α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone alleviates pathological cardiac remodeling via melanocortin 5 receptor. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1987-2014. [PMID: 38454158 PMCID: PMC11014855 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00109-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) regulates diverse physiological functions by activating melanocortin receptors (MC-R). However, the role of α-MSH and its possible target receptors in the heart remain completely unknown. Here we investigate whether α-MSH could be involved in pathological cardiac remodeling. We found that α-MSH was highly expressed in the mouse heart with reduced ventricular levels after transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Administration of a stable α-MSH analog protected mice against TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction. In vitro experiments revealed that MC5-R in cardiomyocytes mediates the anti-hypertrophic signaling of α-MSH. Silencing of MC5-R in cardiomyocytes induced hypertrophy and fibrosis markers in vitro and aggravated TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in vivo. Conversely, pharmacological activation of MC5-R improved systolic function and reduced cardiac fibrosis in TAC-operated mice. In conclusion, α-MSH is expressed in the heart and protects against pathological cardiac remodeling by activating MC5-R in cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that analogs of naturally occurring α-MSH, that have been recently approved for clinical use and have agonistic activity at MC5-R, may be of benefit in treating heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Suominen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Drug Research Doctoral Programme (DRDP), University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Guillem Saldo Rubio
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Saku Ruohonen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Zoltán Szabó
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Lotta Pohjolainen
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bishwa Ghimire
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Suvi T Ruohonen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Karla Saukkonen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jani Ijas
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sini Skarp
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Leena Kaikkonen
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Minying Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sharon L Wardlaw
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eriika Savontaus
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Risto Kerkelä
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Petteri Rinne
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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2
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Stanislaus V, Kam A, Murphy L, Wolgen P, Walker G, Bilbao P, Cloud GC. A feasibility and safety study of afamelanotide in acute stroke patients - an open label, proof of concept, phase iia clinical trial. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:281. [PMID: 37496004 PMCID: PMC10373257 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03338-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroprotective agents have the potential to improve the outcomes of revascularisation therapies in acute ischemic stroke patients (AIS) and in those unable to receive revascularisation. Afamelanotide, a synthetic α-melanocyte stimulating hormone analogue, is a potential novel neuroprotective agent. We set out to assess the feasibility and safety of afamelanotide for the first time in AIS patients. METHODS AIS patients within 24 h of onset, with perfusion abnormality on imaging (Tmax) and otherwise ineligible for revascularisation therapies were enrolled. Afamelanotide 16 mg implants were administered subcutaneously on Day 0 (D0, day of recruitment), D1 and repeated on D7 and D8, if not well recovered. Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and neurological assessments were recorded regularly up to D42. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with FLAIR sequences were also performed on D3 and D9. RESULTS Six patients (5 women, median age 81, median NIHSS 6) were recruited. Two patients received 4 doses and four patients received 2. One patient (who received 2 doses), suffered a fatal recurrent stroke on D9 due to a known complete acute internal carotid artery occlusion, assessed as unrelated to the study drug. There were no other local or major systemic TEAEs recorded. In all surviving patients, the median NIHSS improved from 6 to 2 on D7. The median Tmax volume on D0 was 23 mL which was reduced to a FLAIR volume of 10 mL on D3 and 4 mL on D9. CONCLUSIONS Afamelanotide was well tolerated and safe in our small sample of AIS patients. It also appears to be associated with good recovery and radiological improvement of salvageable tissue which needs to be tested in randomized studies. CLINICALTRIALS GOV IDENTIFIER NCT04962503, First posted 15/07/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimal Stanislaus
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Gill Walker
- CLINUVEL Pharmaceuticals, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Geoffrey C Cloud
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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Lonati C, Battistin M, Dondossola DE, Bassani GA, Brambilla D, Merighi R, Leonardi P, Carlin A, Meroni M, Zanella A, Catania A, Gatti S. NDP-MSH treatment recovers marginal lungs during ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). Peptides 2021; 141:170552. [PMID: 33865932 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The increasing use of marginal lungs for transplantation encourages novel approaches to improve graft quality. Melanocortins and their receptors (MCRs) exert multiple beneficial effects in pulmonary inflammation. We tested the idea that treatment with the synthetic α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogue [Nle4,D-Phe7]-α-MSH (NDP-MSH) during ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) could exert positive influences in lungs exposed to different injuries. Rats were assigned to one of the following protocols (N = 10 each): 1) ischemia/reperfusion (IR) or 2) cardiac death (CD) followed by ex vivo perfusion. NDP-MSH treatment was performed in five rats of each protocol before lung procurement and during EVLP. Pulmonary function and perfusate concentration of gases, electrolytes, metabolites, nitric-oxide, mediators, and cells were assessed throughout EVLP. ATP content and specific MCR expression were investigated in perfused lungs and in biopsies collected from rats in resting conditions (Native, N = 5). NDP-MSH reduced the release of inflammatory mediators in perfusates of both the IR and the CD groups. Treatment was likewise associated with a lesser amount of leukocytes (IR: p = 0.034; CD: p = 0.002) and reduced lactate production (IR: p = 0.010; CD: p = 0.008). In lungs exposed to IR injury, the NDP-MSH group showed increased ATP content (p = 0.040) compared to controls. In CD lungs, a significant improvement of vascular (p = 0.002) and airway (Ppeak: p < 0.001, compliance: p < 0.050, pO2: p < 0.001) parameters was observed. Finally, the expression of MC1R and MC5R was detected in both native and ex vivo-perfused lungs. The results indicate that NDP-MSH administration preserves lung function through broad positive effects on multiple pathways and suggest that exploitation of the melanocortin system during EVLP could improve reconditioning of marginal lungs before transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Lonati
- Center for Preclinical Research, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace 9, 20100, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michele Battistin
- Center for Preclinical Research, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace 9, 20100, Milan, Italy; Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20100, Italy
| | - Daniele E Dondossola
- Center for Preclinical Research, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace 9, 20100, Milan, Italy; General and Liver Transplant Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia A Bassani
- Center for Preclinical Research, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace 9, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Brambilla
- Center for Preclinical Research, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace 9, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Merighi
- Center for Preclinical Research, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace 9, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Leonardi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Carlin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Marica Meroni
- General Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Alberto Zanella
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy; Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Francesco Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Catania
- Center for Preclinical Research, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace 9, 20100, Milan, Italy; Emeritus, Italy
| | - Stefano Gatti
- Center for Preclinical Research, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace 9, 20100, Milan, Italy
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4
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Lonati C, Gatti S, Catania A. Activation of Melanocortin Receptors as a Potential Strategy to Reduce Local and Systemic Reactions Induced by Respiratory Viruses. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:569241. [PMID: 33362713 PMCID: PMC7758465 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.569241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical hallmarks of infections caused by critical respiratory viruses consist of pneumonia, which can progress to acute lung injury (ALI), and systemic manifestations including hypercoagulopathy, vascular dysfunction, and endotheliitis. The disease outcome largely depends on the immune response produced by the host. The bio-molecular mechanisms underlying certain dire consequences of the infection partly arise from an aberrant production of inflammatory molecules, an event denoted as "cytokine storm". Therefore, in addition to antiviral therapies, molecules able to prevent the injury caused by cytokine excess are under investigation. In this perspective, taking advantage of melanocortin peptides and their receptors, components of an endogenous modulatory system that exerts marked anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory influences, could be an effective therapeutic strategy to control disease evolution. Exploiting the melanocortin system using natural or synthetic ligands can form a realistic basis to counteract certain deleterious effects of respiratory virus infections. The central and peripheral protective actions exerted following melanocortin receptor activation could allow dampening the harmful events that trigger the cytokine storm and endothelial dysfunction while sustaining the beneficial signals required to elicit repair mechanisms. The long standing evidence for melanocortin safety encourages this approach.
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5
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Oatmen KE, Zile MR, Burnett JC, Spinale FG. Bioactive Signaling in Next-Generation Pharmacotherapies for Heart Failure: A Review. JAMA Cardiol 2019; 3:1232-1243. [PMID: 30484834 DOI: 10.1001/jamacardio.2018.3789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Importance The standard pharmacotherapy for heart failure (HF), particularly HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), is primarily through the use of receptor antagonists, notably inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system by either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition or angiotensin II receptor blockade (ARB). However, the completed Prospective Comparison of ARNI With an ACE-Inhibitor to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure (PARADIGM-HF) trial identified that the use of a single molecule (sacubitril/valsartan), which is an ARB and the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor (NEPi) neprilysin, yielded improved clinical outcomes in HFrEF compared with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition alone. Observations This review examined specific bioactive signaling pathways that would be potentiated by NEPi and how these would affect key cardiovascular processes relevant to HFrEF. It also addressed potential additive/synergistic effects of ARB. A number of biological signaling pathways that may be potentiated by sacubitril/valsartan were identified, including some novel candidate molecules, which will act in a synergistic manner to favorably alter the natural history of HFrEF. Conclusions and Relevance This review identified that activation rather than inhibition of specific receptor pathways provided favorable cardiovascular effects that cannot be achieved by renin-angiotensin system inhibition alone. Thus, an entirely new avenue of translational and clinical research lies ahead in which HF pharmacotherapies will move beyond receptor antagonist strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsie E Oatmen
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia
| | - Michael R Zile
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.,Ralph H. Johnson Department of VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - John C Burnett
- Cardiorenal Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Francis G Spinale
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia.,William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, South Carolina
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6
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α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Attenuates Neovascularization by Inducing Nitric Oxide Deficiency via MC-Rs/PKA/NF-κB Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123823. [PMID: 30513637 PMCID: PMC6321109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) has been characterized as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor. The homeostasis of nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in neovascularization. However, it remains unclear whether α-MSH mitigates angiogenesis through modulation of NO and its signaling pathway. The present study elucidated the function and mechanism of NO signaling in α-MSH-induced angiogenesis inhibition using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), rat aorta rings, and transgenic zebrafish. By Griess reagent assay, it was found α-MSH dose-dependently reduced the NO release in HUVECs. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analysis revealed α-MSH potently suppressed endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase (eNOS/iNOS) expression, which was accompanied with inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activities. Excessive supply of NO donor l-arginine reversed the α-MSH-induced angiogenesis inhibition in vitro and in vivo. By using antibody neutralization and RNA interference, it was delineated that melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1-R) and melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2-R) participated in α-MSH-induced inhibition of NO production and NF-κB/eNOS/iNOS signaling. This was supported by pharmaceutical inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA), the downstream effector of MC-Rs signaling, using H89 abolished the α-MSH-mediated suppression of NO release and eNOS/iNOS protein level. Therefore, α-MSH exerts anti-angiogenic function by perturbing NO bioavailability and eNOS/iNOS expression in endothelial cells.
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7
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Rinne P, Lyytikäinen LP, Raitoharju E, Kadiri JJ, Kholova I, Kähönen M, Lehtimäki T, Oksala N. Pro-opiomelanocortin and its Processing Enzymes Associate with Plaque Stability in Human Atherosclerosis - Tampere Vascular Study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15078. [PMID: 30305673 PMCID: PMC6180013 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33523-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is processed from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and mediates anti-inflammatory actions in leukocytes. α-MSH also promotes macrophage reverse cholesterol transport by inducing ATP-binding cassette transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1. Here we investigated the regulation of POMC and α-MSH expression in atherosclerosis. First, transcript levels of POMC and its processing enzymes were analyzed in human arterial plaques (n = 68) and non-atherosclerotic controls (n = 24) as well as in whole blood samples from coronary artery disease patients (n = 55) and controls (n = 45) by microarray. POMC expression was increased in femoral plaques compared to control samples as well as in unstable advanced plaques. α-MSH-producing enzyme, carboxypeptidase E, was down-regulated, whereas prolylcarboxypeptidase, an enzyme inactivating α-MSH, was up-regulated in unstable plaques compared to stable plaques, suggesting a possible reduction in intraplaque α-MSH levels. Second, immunohistochemical analyses revealed the presence of α-MSH in atherosclerotic plaques and its localization in macrophages and other cell types. Lastly, supporting the role of α-MSH in reverse cholesterol transport, POMC expression correlated with ABCA1 and ABCG1 in human plaque and whole blood samples. In conclusion, α-MSH is expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and its processing enzymes associate with plaque stability, suggesting that measures to enhance the local bioavailability of α-MSH might protect against atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petteri Rinne
- Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Leo-Pekka Lyytikäinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Emma Raitoharju
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - James J Kadiri
- Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ivana Kholova
- Department of Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mika Kähönen
- Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Terho Lehtimäki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Niku Oksala
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland. .,Department of Surgery, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
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8
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Nuutinen S, Ailanen L, Savontaus E, Rinne P. Melanocortin overexpression limits diet-induced inflammation and atherosclerosis in LDLR -/- mice. J Endocrinol 2018; 236:111-123. [PMID: 29317531 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries. The disease is initiated by endothelial dysfunction that allows the transport of leukocytes and low-density lipoprotein into the vessel wall forming atherosclerotic plaques. The melanocortin system is an endogenous peptide system that regulates, for example, energy homeostasis and cardiovascular function. Melanocortin treatment with endogenous or synthetic melanocortin peptides reduces body weight, protects the endothelium and alleviates vascular inflammation, but the long-term effects of melanocortin system activation on atheroprogression remain largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effects of transgenic melanocortin overexpression in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice overexpressing alpha- and gamma3-MSH (MSH-OE) and their wild-type littermates were fed either a regular chow or Western-style diet for 16 weeks. During this time, their metabolic parameters were monitored. The aortae were collected for functional analysis, and the plaques in the aortic root and arch were characterised by histological and immunohistochemical stainings. The aortic expression of inflammatory mediators was determined by quantitative PCR. We found that transgenic MSH-OE improved glucose tolerance and limited atherosclerotic plaque formation particularly in Western diet-fed mice. In terms of aortic vasoreactivity, MSH-OE blunted alpha1-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction and enhanced relaxation response to acetylcholine, indicating improved endothelial function. In addition, MSH-OE markedly attenuated Western diet-induced upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines (Ccl2, Ccl5 and Il6) that contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. These results show that the activation of the melanocortin system improves glucose homeostasis and limits diet-induced vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salla Nuutinen
- Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacologyand Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Ailanen
- Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacologyand Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eriika Savontaus
- Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacologyand Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Unit of Clinical PharmacologyTurku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Petteri Rinne
- Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacologyand Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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9
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Kansal RG, McCravy MS, Basham JH, Earl JA, McMurray SL, Starner CJ, Whitt MA, Albritton LM. Inhibition of melanocortin 1 receptor slows melanoma growth, reduces tumor heterogeneity and increases survival. Oncotarget 2018; 7:26331-45. [PMID: 27028866 PMCID: PMC5041983 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma risk is increased in patients with mutations of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) yet the basis for the increased risk remains unknown. Here we report in vivo evidence supporting a critical role for MC1R in regulating melanoma tumor growth and determining overall survival time. Inhibition of MC1R by its physiologically relevant competitive inhibitor, agouti signaling protein (ASIP), reduced melanin synthesis and morphological heterogeneity in murine B16-F10 melanoma cells. In the lungs of syngeneic C57BL/6 mice, mCherry-marked, ASIP-secreting lung tumors inhibited MC1R on neighboring tumors lacking ASIP in a dose dependent manner as evidenced by a proportional loss of pigment in tumors from mice injected with 1:1, 3:1 and 4:1 mixtures of parental B16-F10 to ASIP-expressing tumor cells. ASIP-expressing B16-F10 cells formed poorly pigmented tumors in vivo that correlated with a 20% longer median survival than those bearing parental B16-F10 tumors (p=0.0005). Mice injected with 1:1 mixtures also showed survival benefit (p=0.0054), whereas injection of a 4:1 mixture showed no significant difference in survival. The longer survival time of mice bearing ASIP-expressing tumors correlated with a significantly slower growth rate than parental B16-F10 tumors as judged by quantification of numbers of tumors and total tumor load (p=0.0325), as well as a more homogeneous size and morphology of ASIP-expressing lung tumors. We conclude that MC1R plays an important role in regulating melanoma growth and morphology. Persistent inhibition of MC1R provided a significant survival advantage resulting in part from slower tumor growth, establishing MC1R as a compelling new molecular target for metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita G Kansal
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Matthew S McCravy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jacob H Basham
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Joshua A Earl
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Stacy L McMurray
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Chelsey J Starner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Michael A Whitt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Lorraine M Albritton
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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Alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating Hormone Induces Vasodilation and Exerts Cardioprotection Through the Heme-Oxygenase Pathway in Rat Hearts. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2018; 69:286-297. [PMID: 28195947 PMCID: PMC5426697 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Alpha–melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a protein with known capacity for protection against cardiovascular ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. This investigation evaluates the capacity of α-MSH to mitigate I/R effects in an isolated working rat heart model and determine the dependency of these alterations on the activity of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1, hsp-32), a heat shock protein that functions as a major antioxidant defense molecule. Healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were used for all experiments. After treatment with selected doses of α-MSH, echocardiographic examinations were performed on live, anesthetized animals. Hearts were harvested from anesthetized rats pretreated with α-MSH and/or the HO-1 inhibitor SnPP, followed by cardiac function assessment on isolated working hearts, which were prepared using the Langendorff protocol. Induction of global ischemia was performed, followed by during reperfusion assessment of cardiac functions. Determination of incidence of cardiac arrhythmias was made by electrocardiogram. Major outcomes include echocardiographic data, suggesting that α-MSH has mild effects on systolic parameters, along with potent antiarrhythmic effects. Of particular significance was the specificity of dilatative effects on coronary vasculature, and similar outcomes of aortic ring experiments, which potentially allow different doses of the compound to be used to selectively target various portions of the vasculature for dilation.
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11
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Mykicki N, Herrmann AM, Schwab N, Deenen R, Sparwasser T, Limmer A, Wachsmuth L, Klotz L, Köhrer K, Faber C, Wiendl H, Luger TA, Meuth SG, Loser K. Melanocortin-1 receptor activation is neuroprotective in mouse models of neuroinflammatory disease. Sci Transl Med 2017; 8:362ra146. [PMID: 27797962 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaf8732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In inflammation-associated progressive neuroinflammatory disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory infiltrates containing T helper 1 (TH1) and TH17 cells cause demyelination and neuronal degeneration. Regulatory T cells (Treg) control the activation and infiltration of autoreactive T cells into the central nervous system (CNS). In MS and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice, Treg function is impaired. We show that a recently approved drug, Nle4-d-Phe7-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-MSH), induced functional Treg, resulting in amelioration of EAE progression in mice. NDP-MSH also prevented immune cell infiltration into the CNS by restoring the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. NDP-MSH exerted long-lasting neuroprotective effects in mice with EAE and prevented excitotoxic death and reestablished action potential firing in mouse and human neurons in vitro. Neuroprotection by NDP-MSH was mediated via signaling through the melanocortin-1 and orphan nuclear 4 receptors in mouse and human neurons. NDP-MSH may be of benefit in treating neuroinflammatory diseases such as relapsing-remitting MS and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Mykicki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Cells in Motion-Cluster of Excellence, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander M Herrmann
- Cells in Motion-Cluster of Excellence, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Nicholas Schwab
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - René Deenen
- Biological and Medical Research Center, University of Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tim Sparwasser
- Institute of Infection Immunology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Limmer
- Clinic for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, University Clinic of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Lydia Wachsmuth
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Luisa Klotz
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Biological and Medical Research Center, University of Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Cornelius Faber
- Cells in Motion-Cluster of Excellence, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,CRC1009 Breaking Barriers and CRC-TR 128 Multiple Sclerosis, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Cells in Motion-Cluster of Excellence, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,CRC1009 Breaking Barriers and CRC-TR 128 Multiple Sclerosis, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas A Luger
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Cells in Motion-Cluster of Excellence, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Cells in Motion-Cluster of Excellence, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,CRC1009 Breaking Barriers and CRC-TR 128 Multiple Sclerosis, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Karin Loser
- Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany. .,Cells in Motion-Cluster of Excellence, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,CRC1009 Breaking Barriers and CRC-TR 128 Multiple Sclerosis, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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12
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Vanhoutte PM, Shimokawa H, Feletou M, Tang EHC. Endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease - a 30th anniversary update. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2017; 219:22-96. [PMID: 26706498 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 549] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The endothelium can evoke relaxations of the underlying vascular smooth muscle, by releasing vasodilator substances. The best-characterized endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) is nitric oxide (NO) which activates soluble guanylyl cyclase in the vascular smooth muscle cells, with the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) initiating relaxation. The endothelial cells also evoke hyperpolarization of the cell membrane of vascular smooth muscle (endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations, EDH-mediated responses). As regards the latter, hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) now appears to play a dominant role. Endothelium-dependent relaxations involve both pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi (e.g. responses to α2 -adrenergic agonists, serotonin, and thrombin) and pertussis toxin-insensitive Gq (e.g. adenosine diphosphate and bradykinin) coupling proteins. New stimulators (e.g. insulin, adiponectin) of the release of EDRFs have emerged. In recent years, evidence has also accumulated, confirming that the release of NO by the endothelial cell can chronically be upregulated (e.g. by oestrogens, exercise and dietary factors) and downregulated (e.g. oxidative stress, smoking, pollution and oxidized low-density lipoproteins) and that it is reduced with ageing and in the course of vascular disease (e.g. diabetes and hypertension). Arteries covered with regenerated endothelium (e.g. following angioplasty) selectively lose the pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway for NO release which favours vasospasm, thrombosis, penetration of macrophages, cellular growth and the inflammatory reaction leading to atherosclerosis. In addition to the release of NO (and EDH, in particular those due to H2 O2 ), endothelial cells also can evoke contraction of the underlying vascular smooth muscle cells by releasing endothelium-derived contracting factors. Recent evidence confirms that most endothelium-dependent acute increases in contractile force are due to the formation of vasoconstrictor prostanoids (endoperoxides and prostacyclin) which activate TP receptors of the vascular smooth muscle cells and that prostacyclin plays a key role in such responses. Endothelium-dependent contractions are exacerbated when the production of nitric oxide is impaired (e.g. by oxidative stress, ageing, spontaneous hypertension and diabetes). They contribute to the blunting of endothelium-dependent vasodilatations in aged subjects and essential hypertensive and diabetic patients. In addition, recent data confirm that the release of endothelin-1 can contribute to endothelial dysfunction and that the peptide appears to be an important contributor to vascular dysfunction. Finally, it has become clear that nitric oxide itself, under certain conditions (e.g. hypoxia), can cause biased activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase leading to the production of cyclic inosine monophosphate (cIMP) rather than cGMP and hence causes contraction rather than relaxation of the underlying vascular smooth muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. M. Vanhoutte
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy; Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong City Hong Kong
| | - H. Shimokawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine; Tohoku University; Sendai Japan
| | - M. Feletou
- Department of Cardiovascular Research; Institut de Recherches Servier; Suresnes France
| | - E. H. C. Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy; Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong City Hong Kong
- School of Biomedical Sciences; Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong City Hong Kong
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13
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Jia G, Habibi J, Aroor AR, Martinez-Lemus LA, DeMarco VG, Ramirez-Perez FI, Sun Z, Hayden MR, Meininger GA, Mueller KB, Jaffe IZ, Sowers JR. Endothelial Mineralocorticoid Receptor Mediates Diet-Induced Aortic Stiffness in Females. Circ Res 2016; 118:935-943. [PMID: 26879229 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.115.308269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Enhanced activation of the mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) in cardiovascular tissues increases oxidative stress, maladaptive immune responses, and inflammation with associated functional vascular abnormalities. We previously demonstrated that consumption of a Western diet (WD) for 16 weeks results in aortic stiffening, and that these abnormalities were prevented by systemic MR blockade in female mice. However, the cell-specific role of endothelial cell MR (ECMR) in these maladaptive vascular effects has not been explored. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that specific deletion of the ECMR would prevent WD-induced increases in endothelial sodium channel activation, reductions in bioavailable nitric oxide, increased vascular remodeling, and associated increases in vascular stiffness in females. METHODS AND RESULTS Four-week-old female ECMR knockout and wild-type mice were fed either mouse chow or WD for 16 weeks. WD feeding resulted in aortic stiffness and endothelial dysfunction as determined in vivo by pulse wave velocity and ex vivo by atomic force microscopy, and wire and pressure myography. The WD-induced aortic stiffness was associated with enhanced endothelial sodium channel activation, attenuated endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation, increased oxidative stress, a proinflammatory immune response and fibrosis. Conversely, cell-specific ECMR deficiency prevented WD-induced aortic fibrosis and stiffness in conjunction with reductions in endothelial sodium channel activation, oxidative stress and macrophage proinflammatory polarization, restoration of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation. CONCLUSIONS Increased ECMR signaling associated with consumption of a WD plays a key role in endothelial sodium channel activation, reduced nitric oxide production, oxidative stress, and inflammation that lead to aortic remodeling and stiffness in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghong Jia
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.,Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Research Service, 800 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Javad Habibi
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.,Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Research Service, 800 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Annayya R Aroor
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.,Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Research Service, 800 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Luis A Martinez-Lemus
- Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Research Service, 800 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Vincent G DeMarco
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.,Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Research Service, 800 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | | | - Zhe Sun
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Melvin R Hayden
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.,Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Research Service, 800 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Gerald A Meininger
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | | | - Iris Z Jaffe
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - James R Sowers
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.,Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Research Service, 800 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
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14
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Loram LC, Culp ME, Connolly-Strong EC, Sturgill-Koszycki S. Melanocortin peptides: potential targets in systemic lupus erythematosus. Inflammation 2015; 38:260-71. [PMID: 25323206 PMCID: PMC4312383 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-014-0029-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease resulting in loss of self-tolerance with multiple organs, such as the kidney, skin, joints, and the central nervous system (CNS), being targeted. Numerous immunosuppressant therapies are currently being used for the treatment of SLE, but their clinical utility is somewhat variable because of the clinical heterogeneity. Melanocortins are a family of peptides derived from the common precursor protein pro-opiomelanocortin. These multifunctional peptides activate five subtypes of melanocortin receptors expressed on immune, skin, muscle, bone, and kidney cells and cells within the CNS. Melanocortin peptides have demonstrated a variety of biologic actions including immunomodulation, melanogenesis, and renoprotection. This review aims to introduce the melanocortin system and explore the mechanisms by which they may be beneficial in diseases such as SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Carole Loram
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals (formerly Questcor), 26118 Research Road, Hayward, CA, 94545, USA
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15
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Rinne P, Ahola-Olli A, Nuutinen S, Koskinen E, Kaipio K, Eerola K, Juonala M, Kähönen M, Lehtimäki T, Raitakari OT, Savontaus E. Deficiency in Melanocortin 1 Receptor Signaling Predisposes to Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction and Increased Arterial Stiffness in Mice and Humans. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2015; 35:1678-86. [DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.114.305064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective—
The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1-R) is expressed by vascular endothelial cells and shown to enhance nitric oxide (NO) availability and vasodilator function on pharmacological stimulation. However, the physiological role of MC1-R in the endothelium and its contribution to vascular homeostasis remain unresolved. We investigated whether a lack of functional MC1-R signaling carries a phenotype with predisposition to vascular abnormalities.
Approach and Results—
Recessive yellow mice (MC1R
e/e
), deficient in MC1-R signaling, and their wild-type littermates were studied for morphology and functional characteristics of the aorta. MC1R
e/e
mice showed increased collagen deposition and arterial stiffness accompanied by an elevation in pulse pressure. Contractile capacity and NO-dependent vasodilatation were impaired in the aorta of MC1R
e/e
mice supported by findings of decreased NO availability. These mice also displayed elevated levels of systemic and local cytokines. Exposing the mice to high-sodium diet or acute endotoxemia revealed increased susceptibility to inflammation-driven vascular dysfunction. Finally, we investigated whether a similar phenotype can be found in healthy human subjects carrying variant
MC1-R
alleles known to attenuate receptor function. In a longitudinal analysis of 2001 subjects with genotype and ultrasound data (The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study), weak MC1-R function was associated with lower flow-mediated dilatation response of the brachial artery and increased carotid artery stiffness.
Conclusions—
The present study demonstrates that deficiency in MC1-R signaling is associated with increased arterial stiffness and impairment in endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, suggesting a physiological role for MC1-R in the regulation of arterial tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petteri Rinne
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Pharmaceutics (P.R., S.N., E.K., K.E.,E.S.), the Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine (A.A-O., O.T.R.), and Department of Pathology (K.K), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Division of Medicine (M.J.), Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.R), and the Unit of Clinical Pharmacology (E.S.), Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere
| | - Ari Ahola-Olli
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Pharmaceutics (P.R., S.N., E.K., K.E.,E.S.), the Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine (A.A-O., O.T.R.), and Department of Pathology (K.K), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Division of Medicine (M.J.), Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.R), and the Unit of Clinical Pharmacology (E.S.), Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere
| | - Salla Nuutinen
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Pharmaceutics (P.R., S.N., E.K., K.E.,E.S.), the Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine (A.A-O., O.T.R.), and Department of Pathology (K.K), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Division of Medicine (M.J.), Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.R), and the Unit of Clinical Pharmacology (E.S.), Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere
| | - Emilia Koskinen
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Pharmaceutics (P.R., S.N., E.K., K.E.,E.S.), the Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine (A.A-O., O.T.R.), and Department of Pathology (K.K), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Division of Medicine (M.J.), Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.R), and the Unit of Clinical Pharmacology (E.S.), Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere
| | - Katja Kaipio
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Pharmaceutics (P.R., S.N., E.K., K.E.,E.S.), the Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine (A.A-O., O.T.R.), and Department of Pathology (K.K), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Division of Medicine (M.J.), Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.R), and the Unit of Clinical Pharmacology (E.S.), Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere
| | - Kim Eerola
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Pharmaceutics (P.R., S.N., E.K., K.E.,E.S.), the Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine (A.A-O., O.T.R.), and Department of Pathology (K.K), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Division of Medicine (M.J.), Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.R), and the Unit of Clinical Pharmacology (E.S.), Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere
| | - Markus Juonala
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Pharmaceutics (P.R., S.N., E.K., K.E.,E.S.), the Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine (A.A-O., O.T.R.), and Department of Pathology (K.K), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Division of Medicine (M.J.), Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.R), and the Unit of Clinical Pharmacology (E.S.), Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere
| | - Mika Kähönen
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Pharmaceutics (P.R., S.N., E.K., K.E.,E.S.), the Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine (A.A-O., O.T.R.), and Department of Pathology (K.K), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Division of Medicine (M.J.), Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.R), and the Unit of Clinical Pharmacology (E.S.), Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere
| | - Terho Lehtimäki
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Pharmaceutics (P.R., S.N., E.K., K.E.,E.S.), the Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine (A.A-O., O.T.R.), and Department of Pathology (K.K), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Division of Medicine (M.J.), Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.R), and the Unit of Clinical Pharmacology (E.S.), Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere
| | - Olli T. Raitakari
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Pharmaceutics (P.R., S.N., E.K., K.E.,E.S.), the Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine (A.A-O., O.T.R.), and Department of Pathology (K.K), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Division of Medicine (M.J.), Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.R), and the Unit of Clinical Pharmacology (E.S.), Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere
| | - Eriika Savontaus
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Pharmaceutics (P.R., S.N., E.K., K.E.,E.S.), the Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine (A.A-O., O.T.R.), and Department of Pathology (K.K), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Division of Medicine (M.J.), Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.R), and the Unit of Clinical Pharmacology (E.S.), Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere
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16
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Heinonen I, Rinne P, Ruohonen ST, Ruohonen S, Ahotupa M, Savontaus E. The effects of equal caloric high fat and western diet on metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress and vascular endothelial function in mice. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2014; 211:515-27. [PMID: 24621461 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM Nutrition contributes to increased adiposity, but it remains to be determined whether high fat rather than Western diet exacerbates the development of obesity and other characteristics of metabolic syndrome and vascular function. METHODS We studied the effects of high fat (45% kcal) diet (HFD) and equal caloric Western diet (WD) high in fat, sucrose and cholesterol for 8 weeks in male C57B1/6N mice. RESULTS Mice fed with HFD and WD showed substantially higher body adiposity (body fat %) compared with control mice receiving low fat (10%) diet (LFD). However, total body weight was higher only in HFD mice compared with other groups. The amount of liver triglycerides, cholesterol and oxidative damage was higher in WD mice compared with mice on LFD. There were no significant differences in fasting blood glucose or serum insulin, serum or muscle triglycerides, glucose tolerance or systolic blood pressure between the groups, but serum free fatty acids were increased in HFD mice compared with LFD. Increased levels of tissue and serum diene conjugation as a marker of oxidative stress were evident especially in WD mice. The endothelium-dependent relaxations were significantly impaired in the small mesenteric arteries of HFD mice, but not in the aorta. Maximal relaxations correlated negatively with body adiposity in WD but not in HFD mice. CONCLUSIONS The major finding in the present study is that without changing body weight, Western diet induces marked whole-body oxidative stress and elevates body adiposity, which associates with the endothelial function of resistance arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Heinonen
- Department of Pharmacology; Drug Development and Therapeutics and Turku Center for Disease Modeling; University of Turku; Turku Finland
- Turku PET Centre; University of Turku and Turku University Hospital; Turku Finland
- Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine; University of Turku and Turku University Hospital; Turku Finland
| | - P. Rinne
- Department of Pharmacology; Drug Development and Therapeutics and Turku Center for Disease Modeling; University of Turku; Turku Finland
| | - S. T. Ruohonen
- Department of Pharmacology; Drug Development and Therapeutics and Turku Center for Disease Modeling; University of Turku; Turku Finland
| | - S. Ruohonen
- Department of Pharmacology; Drug Development and Therapeutics and Turku Center for Disease Modeling; University of Turku; Turku Finland
- Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine; University of Turku and Turku University Hospital; Turku Finland
| | - M. Ahotupa
- MCA Research Laboratory; Department of Physiology; University of Turku and Turku University Hospital; Turku Finland
| | - E. Savontaus
- Department of Pharmacology; Drug Development and Therapeutics and Turku Center for Disease Modeling; University of Turku; Turku Finland
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology; Turku University Hospital; Turku Finland
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17
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Body pigmentation as a risk factor for the formation of intracranial aneurysms. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:301631. [PMID: 24967348 PMCID: PMC4054613 DOI: 10.1155/2014/301631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrated pigmented cells both in the murine heart, in pulmonary veins, and in brain arteries. Moreover, a role for melanocytes in the downregulation of inflammatory processes was suggested. As there is increasing evidence that inflammation is contributing significantly to the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms, melanocyte-like cells may be relevant in preventing age-related impairment of vessels. As pigmentation of the heart reflects that of coat color, aspects of body pigmentation might be associated with the incidence of intracranial aneurysms. We performed a case-control study to evaluate associations between the pigmentation of hair and eyes and the formation of aneurysms. In addition to hair and eye color, constitutive and facultative skin pigmentation were assessed in a replication study as well as individual handedness which can be seen as a neurophysiological correlate of developmental pigmentation processes. Hair pigmentation was highly associated with intracranial aneurysms in both samples, whereas eye pigmentation was not. In the replication cohort, facultative but not constitutive skin pigmentation proved significant. The strongest association was observed for individual handedness. Results indicate a significant association of intracranial aneurysms with particular aspects of body pigmentation as well as handedness, and imply clinical usefulness for screening of aneurysms and possible interventions.
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18
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Rinne P, Silvola JMU, Hellberg S, Stahle M, Liljenback H, Salomaki H, Koskinen E, Nuutinen S, Saukko P, Knuuti J, Saraste A, Roivainen A, Savontaus E. Pharmacological Activation of the Melanocortin System Limits Plaque Inflammation and Ameliorates Vascular Dysfunction in Atherosclerotic Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2014; 34:1346-54. [DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.113.302963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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van Rijt WG, Secher N, Keller AK, Møldrup U, Chynau Y, Ploeg RJ, van Goor H, Nørregaard R, Birn H, Frøkiaer J, Nielsen S, Leuvenink HGD, Jespersen B. α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone treatment in pigs does not improve early graft function in kidney transplants from brain dead donors. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94609. [PMID: 24728087 PMCID: PMC3984270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Delayed graft function and primary non-function are serious complications following transplantation of kidneys derived from deceased brain dead (DBD) donors. α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a pleiotropic neuropeptide and its renoprotective effects have been demonstrated in models of acute kidney injury. We hypothesized that α-MSH treatment of the recipient improves early graft function and reduces inflammation following DBD kidney transplantation. Eight Danish landrace pigs served as DBD donors. After four hours of brain death both kidneys were removed and stored for 18 hours at 4°C in Custodiol preservation solution. Sixteen recipients were randomized in a paired design into two treatment groups, transplanted simultaneously. α-MSH or a vehicle was administered at start of surgery, during reperfusion and two hours post-reperfusion. The recipients were observed for ten hours following reperfusion. Blood, urine and kidney tissue samples were collected during and at the end of follow-up. α-MSH treatment reduced urine flow and impaired recovery of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) compared to controls. After each dose of α-MSH, a trend towards reduced mean arterial blood pressure and increased heart rate was observed. α-MSH did not affect expression of inflammatory markers. Surprisingly, α-MSH impaired recovery of renal function in the first ten hours following DBD kidney transplantation possibly due to hemodynamic changes. Thus, in a porcine experimental model α-MSH did not reduce renal inflammation and did not improve short-term graft function following DBD kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem G. van Rijt
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Niels Secher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anna K. Keller
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ulla Møldrup
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Yahor Chynau
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rutger J. Ploeg
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rikke Nørregaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Birn
- Department of Renal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Water and Salt Research Center, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Frøkiaer
- The Water and Salt Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Søren Nielsen
- The Water and Salt Research Center, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henri G. D. Leuvenink
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bente Jespersen
- Department of Renal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Rinne P, Penttinen AM, Nordlund W, Ahotupa M, Savontaus E. α-MSH analogue attenuates blood pressure elevation in DOCA-salt hypertensive mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72857. [PMID: 23977363 PMCID: PMC3745458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanocyte-stimulating hormones, α-, β- and γ-MSH, regulate important physiological functions including energy homeostasis, inflammation and sodium metabolism. Previous studies have shown that α-MSH increases sodium excretion and promotes vascular function in rodents, but it is unexplored whether these characteristics of α-MSH could translate into therapeutic benefits in the treatment of hypertension. Therefore, we first assessed the diuretic and natriuretic properties of the stable α-MSH analogue [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]-α-MSH (NDP-α-MSH) and investigated whether it has protective effects in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive mice. Adult male C57Bl/6N mice were subjected to DOCA-salt treatment and randomized to receive intraperitoneal injections of either saline as vehicle or NDP-α-MSH (0.3 mg/kg/day for 14 days) starting 7 days after the DOCA-salt treatment. Systemic hemodynamics, serum and urine electrolytes, and oxidative stress markers were assessed in control sham-operated and DOCA-salt mice. NDP-α-MSH elicited marked diuretic and natriuretic responses that were reversible with the MC3/4 receptor antagonist SHU9119. Chronic NDP-α-MSH treatment attenuated blood pressure elevation in DOCA-salt mice without affecting the blood pressure of normotensive control animals. Owing to the enhanced sodium excretion, NDP-α-MSH-treated mice were protected from DOCA-salt-induced hypernatremia. DOCA-salt treatment mildly increased oxidative stress at the tissue level, but NDP-α-MSH had no significant effects on the oxidative stress markers. In conclusion, treatment with NDP-α-MSH increases urinary sodium excretion and protects against DOCA-salt-induced hypertension. These findings point to the potential future use of α-MSH analogues in the treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petteri Rinne
- Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Therapeutics, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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