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Suhail H, Peng H, Matrougui K, Rhaleb NE. Ac-SDKP attenuates ER stress-stimulated collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts by inhibiting CHOP-mediated NF-κB expression. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1352222. [PMID: 38495093 PMCID: PMC10940518 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1352222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and cardiac fibrosis are prevalent pathophysiologic conditions associated with hypertension, cardiac remodeling, and heart failure. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggers the cells to activate unfolded protein responses (UPRs) and upregulate the ER stress chaperon, enzymes, and downstream transcription factors to restore normal ER function. The mechanisms that link ER stress-induced UPRs upregulation and NF-κB activation that results in cardiac inflammation and collagen production remain elusive. N-Acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP), a natural tetrapeptide that negatively regulates inflammation and fibrosis, has been reported. Whether it can inhibit ER stress-induced collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts remains unclear. Thus, we hypothesized that Ac-SDKP attenuates ER stress-stimulated collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts by inhibiting CHOP-mediated NF-κB expression. We aimed to study whether Ac-SDKP inhibits tunicamycin (TM)-induced ER stress signaling, NF-κB signaling, the release of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6, and collagen production in human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs). HCFs were pre-treated with Ac-SDKP (10 nM) and then stimulated with TM (0.25 μg/mL). We found that Ac-SDKP inhibits TM-induced collagen production by attenuating ER stress-induced UPRs upregulation and CHOP/NF-κB transcriptional signaling pathways. CHOP deletion by specific shRNA maintains the inhibitory effect of Ac-SDKP on NF-κB and type-1 collagen (Col-1) expression at both protein and mRNA levels. Attenuating ER stress-induced UPR sensor signaling by Ac-SDKP seems a promising therapeutic strategy to combat detrimental cardiac inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Suhail
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Hongmei Peng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Khalid Matrougui
- Department of Physiology Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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2
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Suhail H, Peng H, Xu J, Sabbah HN, Matrougui K, Liao TD, Ortiz PA, Bernstein KE, Rhaleb NE. Knockout of ACE-N facilitates improved cardiac function after myocardial infarction. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR CARDIOLOGY PLUS 2023; 3:100024. [PMID: 36778784 PMCID: PMC9910327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmccpl.2022.100024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) hydrolyzes N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) into inactive fragments through its N-terminal site (ACE-N). We previously showed that Ac-SDKP mediates ACE inhibitors' cardiac effects. Whether increased bioavailability of endogenous Ac-SDKP caused by knocking out ACE-N also improves cardiac function in myocardial infarction (MI)-induced heart failure (HF) is unknown. Wild-type (WT) and ACE-N knockout (ACE-NKO) mice were subjected to MI by ligating the left anterior descending artery and treated with vehicle or Ac-SDKP (1.6 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for 5 weeks, after which echocardiography was performed and left ventricles (LV) were harvested for histology and molecular biology studies. ACE-NKO mice showed increased plasma Ac-SDKP concentrations in both sham and MI group compared to WT. Exogenous Ac-SDKP further increased its circulating concentrations in WT and ACE-NKO. Shortening (SF) and ejection (EF) fractions were significantly decreased in both WT and ACE-NKO mice post-MI, but ACE-NKO mice exhibited significantly lesser decrease. Exogenous Ac-SDKP ameliorated cardiac function post-MI only in WT but failed to show any additive improvement in ACE-NKO mice. Sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase (SERCA2), a marker of cardiac function and calcium homeostasis, was significantly decreased in WT post-MI but rescued with Ac-SDKP, whereas ACE-NKO mice displayed less loss of SERCA2 expression. Our study demonstrates that gene deletion of ACE-N resulted in improved LV cardiac function in mice post-MI, which is likely mediated by increased circulating Ac-SDKP and minimally reduced expression of SERCA2. Thus, future development of specific and selective inhibitors for ACE-N could represent a novel approach to increase endogenous Ac-SDKP toward protecting the heart from post-MI remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Suhail
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular
Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Hongmei Peng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular
Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Jiang Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular
Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of
Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Hani N. Sabbah
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of
Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Khalid Matrougui
- Department of Physiology Sciences, Eastern Virginia
Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23501, USA
| | - Tang-Dong Liao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular
Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Pablo A. Ortiz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular
Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit,
MI 48201, USA
| | - Kenneth E. Bernstein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical
Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hypertension and Vascular
Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit,
MI 48201, USA
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3
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Prepared for special issue on thymosins Thymosin β4 and the anti-fibrotic switch. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109628. [PMID: 36580759 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Wound healing involves a rapid response to the injury by circulating cells, followed by inflammation with an influx of inflammatory cells that release various factors. Soon after, cellular proliferation begins to replace the damaged cells and extracellular matrix, and then tissue remodeling restores normal tissue function. Various factors can lead to pathological wound healing when excessive and irreversible connective tissue/extracellular matrix deposition occurs, resulting in fibrosis. The process is initiated when immune cells, such as macrophages, release soluble factors that stimulate fibroblasts. TGFβ is the most well-characterized macrophage derived pro-fibrotic mediator. Other soluble mediators of fibrosis include connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) has shown therapeutic benefit in preventing fibrosis/scarring in various animal models of fibrosis/scarring. The mechanism of action of Tβ4 appears related, in part, to a reduction in the inflammatory response, including a reduction in macrophage infiltration, decreased levels of TGFβ and IL-10, and reduced CTGF activation, resulting in both prevention of fibroblast conversion to myofibroblasts and production of normally aligned collagen fibers. The amino N-terminal end of Tβ4, SDKP (serine-aspartate-lysine-proline), appears to contain the majority of anti-fibrotic activity and has shown excellent efficacy in many animal models of fibrosis, including liver, lung, heart, and kidney fibrosis. Ac-SDKP not only prevents fibrosis but can reverse fibrosis. Unanswered questions and future directions will be presented with regard to therapeutic uses alone and in combination with already approved drugs for fibrosis.
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4
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Cozier GE, Newby EC, Schwager SLU, Isaac RE, Sturrock ED, Acharya KR. Structural basis for the inhibition of human angiotensin-1 converting enzyme by fosinoprilat. FEBS J 2022; 289:6659-6671. [PMID: 35653492 PMCID: PMC9796954 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Human angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) has two isoforms, somatic ACE (sACE) and testis ACE (tACE). The functions of sACE are widespread, with its involvement in blood pressure regulation most extensively studied. sACE is composed of an N-domain (nACE) and a C-domain (cACE), both catalytically active but have significant structural differences, resulting in different substrate specificities. Even though ACE inhibitors are used clinically, they need much improvement because of serious side effects seen in patients (~ 25-30%) with long-term treatment due to nonselective inhibition of nACE and cACE. Investigation into the distinguishing structural features of each domain is therefore of vital importance for the development of domain-specific inhibitors with minimal side effects. Here, we report kinetic data and high-resolution crystal structures of both nACE (1.75 Å) and cACE (1.85 Å) in complex with fosinoprilat, a clinically used inhibitor. These structures allowed detailed analysis of the molecular features conferring domain selectivity by fosinoprilat. Particularly, altered hydrophobic interactions were observed to be a contributing factor. These experimental data contribute to improved understanding of the structural features that dictate ACE inhibitor domain selectivity, allowing further progress towards designing novel 2nd-generation domain-specific potent ACE inhibitors suitable for clinical administration, with a variety of potential future therapeutic benefits. DATABASE: The atomic coordinates and structure factors for nACE-fosinoprilat and cACE-fosinoprilat structures have been deposited with codes 7Z6Z and 7Z70, respectively, in the RCSB Protein Data Bank, www.pdb.org.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma C. Newby
- Department of Biology and BiochemistryUniversity of BathUK
| | - Sylva L. U. Schwager
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Cape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Edward D. Sturrock
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Cape TownSouth Africa
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5
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Wang W, Jia W, Zhang C. The Role of Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP Axis in Organ Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13282. [PMID: 36362069 PMCID: PMC9655242 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process in which parenchymal cells are necrotic and excess extracellular matrix (ECM) is accumulated due to dysregulation of tissue injury repair. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a 43 amino acid multifunctional polypeptide that is involved in wound healing. Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) is the main enzyme that hydrolyzes Tβ4 to produce its derivative N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) which is found to play a role in the regulation of fibrosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis widely exists in various tissues and organs including the liver, kidney, heart, and lung, and participates in the process of fibrogenesis. Herein, we aim to elucidate the role of Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis in hepatic fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Based on this, we attempted to provide novel therapeutic strategies for the regulation of tissue damage repair and anti-fibrosis therapy. The Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis exerts protective effects against organ fibrosis. It is promising that appropriate dosing regimens that rely on this axis could serve as a new therapeutic strategy for alleviating organ fibrosis in the early and late stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wenning Jia
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Chunping Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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6
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Kenneth Ho HM, Sembi S, Abukhamees S, Day RM, Craig DQM. An analytical quality by design approach towards a simple and novel HPLC-UV method for quantification of the antifibrotic peptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline. Anal Biochem 2022; 654:114793. [PMID: 35750251 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl proline (Ac-SDKP) is a tetrapeptide possessing anti-fibrotic, angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and immunomodulatory properties. Currently, the main method to quantify the peptide is liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), both of which are labour intensive and require expensive equipment and consumables. Furthermore, these techniques are generally utilised to detect very low or trace concentrations, such as in biological samples. The use of high concentrations of analyte might overload the extraction column or the separation column in LC-MS/MS or the ELISA plates, so the response could be a non-linear relationship at high analyte concentrations. Thus, they are not ideal for formulation development where detection of dose-equivalent concentrations is typically required. Therefore, a cost-effective, simple, and accurate quantification method for the peptide at a higher concentration needs to be developed. In this study, a simple and novel HPLC-UV method is proposed and validated using an Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) approach. The method is first screened and optimised using chromatographic responses including capacity factor, resolution, tailing factor, and theoretical plate counts, fulfilling the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Q2 (R1) guidelines. The resultant optimised chromatography conditions utilised 10 mM phosphate buffer at pH 2.5 and acetonitrile as mobile phases, starting at 3% (v/v) acetonitrile and 97% (v/v) buffer and increasing to 9.7% (v/v) acetonitrile and 90.3% (v/v) buffer over 15 minutes at a flow rate of 1 mL/min at the column temperature of 25 °C. The injection volume is set at 10 μL and the VWD detector wavelength is 220 nm. The method established is suitable for detecting the peptide at a relatively high concentration, with a quantifiable range from 7.8 μg/mL to 2.0 mg/mL. In addition, the use of a relatively simple HPLC-UV approach could significantly reduce costs and allow easier access to quantify the peptide concentration. A limitation of this method is lower sensitivity compared with using LC-MS/MS and ELISA methods but running costs are lower and the methodology is simpler. The method is capable to quantify the peptide in various tested matrix solutions, with successful quantitation of the peptide in samples obtained from in vitro drug release study in PBS and from a chitosan-TPP nanogels formulation. Therefore, the method developed here offers a complementary approach to the existing quantification methods, quantifying this peptide at increased concentrations in simple to intermediately complex matrix solutions, such as HBSS, DMEM and FluoroBrite cell culture media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hei Ming Kenneth Ho
- University College London School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK; Centre for Precision Healthcare, UCL Division of Medicine, University College London, 5 University Street, WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Satinder Sembi
- University College London School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Shorooq Abukhamees
- University College London School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Richard M Day
- Centre for Precision Healthcare, UCL Division of Medicine, University College London, 5 University Street, WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Duncan Q M Craig
- University College London School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
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7
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A Romero C, Mathew S, Wasinski B, Reed B, Brody A, Dawood R, Twiner MJ, McNaughton CD, Fridman R, Flack JM, Carretero OA, Levy PD. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors increase anti-fibrotic biomarkers in African Americans with left ventricular hypertrophy. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2021; 23:1008-1016. [PMID: 33694311 PMCID: PMC8678784 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) are part of the indicated treatment in hypertensive African Americans. ACEi have blood pressure‐independent effects that may make them preferred for certain patients. We aimed to evaluate the impact of ACEi on anti‐fibrotic biomarkers in African American hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). We conducted a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial in which hypertensive African American patients with LVH and vitamin D deficiency were randomized to receive intensive antihypertensive therapy plus vitamin D supplementation or placebo. We selected patients who had detectable lisinopril (lisinopril group) in plasma using liquid‐chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis and compared them to subjects who did not (comparison group) at the one‐year follow‐up. The pro‐fibrotic marker type 1 procollagen C‐terminal propeptide (PICP) and the anti‐fibrotic markers matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP‐1), telopeptide of collagen type I (CITP), and N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline (Ac‐SDKP) peptide were measured. Sixty‐six patients were included, and the mean age was 46.2 ± 8 years. No difference was observed in the number and intensity of antihypertensive medications prescribed in each group. Patients with detectable lisinopril had lower blood pressure than those in the comparison group. The anti‐fibrotic markers Ac‐SDKP, MMP‐1, and MMP‐1/TIMP‐1 ratio were higher in patients with detectable ACEi (all p < .05). In a model adjusted for systolic blood pressure, MMP‐1/TIMP‐1 (p = .02) and Ac‐SDKP (p < .001) levels were associated with lisinopril. We conclude that ACEi increase anti‐fibrotic biomarkers in hypertensive African Americans with LVH, suggesting that they may offer added benefit over other agents in such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar A Romero
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Internal Medicine Department, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Shobi Mathew
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Benjamin Wasinski
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Brian Reed
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Aaron Brody
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Rachelle Dawood
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Michael J Twiner
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Candace D McNaughton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center VA Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rafael Fridman
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - John M Flack
- School of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Oscar A Carretero
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Internal Medicine Department, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Phillip D Levy
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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8
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Garvin AM, Khokhar BS, Czubryt MP, Hale TM. RAS inhibition in resident fibroblast biology. Cell Signal 2020; 80:109903. [PMID: 33370581 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a primary mediator of profibrotic signaling in the heart and more specifically, the cardiac fibroblast. Ang II-mediated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in combination with cardiac fibroblast proliferation, activation, and extracellular matrix production compromise cardiac function and increase mortality in humans. Profibrotic actions of Ang II are mediated by increasing production of fibrogenic mediators (e.g. transforming growth factor beta, scleraxis, osteopontin, and periostin), recruitment of immune cells, and via increased reactive oxygen species generation. Drugs that inhibit Ang II production or action, collectively referred to as renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, are first line therapeutics for heart failure. Moreover, transient RAS inhibition has been found to persistently alter hypertensive cardiac fibroblast responses to injury providing a useful tool to identify novel therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the profibrotic actions of Ang II and the known impact of RAS inhibition on cardiac fibroblast phenotype and cardiac remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Garvin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Bilal S Khokhar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Taben M Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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9
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Cozier GE, Lubbe L, Sturrock ED, Acharya KR. Angiotensin-converting enzyme open for business: structural insights into the subdomain dynamics. FEBS J 2020; 288:2238-2256. [PMID: 33067882 PMCID: PMC8048788 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin‐1‐converting enzyme (ACE) is a key enzyme in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone and kinin systems where it cleaves angiotensin I and bradykinin peptides, respectively. However, ACE also participates in numerous other physiological functions, can hydrolyse many peptide substrates and has various exo‐ and endopeptidase activities. ACE achieves this complexity by containing two homologous catalytic domains (N‐ and C‐domains), which exhibit different substrate specificities. Here, we present the first open conformation structures of ACE N‐domain and a unique closed C‐domain structure (2.0 Å) where the C terminus of a symmetry‐related molecule is observed inserted into the active‐site cavity and binding to the zinc ion. The open native N‐domain structure (1.85 Å) enables comparison with ACE2, a homologue previously observed in open and closed states. An open S2_S′‐mutant N‐domain structure (2.80 Å) includes mutated residues in the S2 and S′ subsites that effect ligand binding, but are distal to the binding site. Analysis of these structures provides important insights into how structural features of the ACE domains are able to accommodate the wide variety of substrates and allow different peptidase activities. Database The atomic coordinates and structure factors for Open nACE, Open S2_S′‐nACE and Native G13‐cACE structures have been deposited with codes 6ZPQ, 6ZPT and 6ZPU, respectively, in the RCSB Protein Data Bank, www.pdb.org
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyles E Cozier
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Lizelle Lubbe
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward D Sturrock
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - K Ravi Acharya
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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10
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ACE-domain selectivity extends beyond direct interacting residues at the active site. Biochem J 2020; 477:1241-1259. [PMID: 32195541 PMCID: PMC7148434 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is best known for its formation of the vasopressor angiotensin II that controls blood pressure but is also involved in other physiological functions through the hydrolysis of a variety of peptide substrates. The enzyme contains two catalytic domains (nACE and cACE) that have different affinities for ACE substrates and inhibitors. We investigated whether nACE inhibitor backbones contain a unique property which allows them to take advantage of the hinging of nACE. Kinetic analysis showed that mutation of unique nACE residues, in both the S2 pocket and around the prime subsites (S′) to their C-domain counterparts, each resulted in a decrease in the affinity of nACE specific inhibitors (SG6, 33RE and ketoACE-13) but it required the combined S2_S′ mutant to abrogate nACE-selectivity. However, this was not observed with the non-domain-selective inhibitors enalaprilat and omapatrilat. High-resolution structures were determined for the minimally glycosylated nACE with the combined S2_S′ mutations in complex with the ACE inhibitors 33RE (1.8 Å), omapatrilat (1.8 Å) and SG6 (1.7 Å). These confirmed that the affinities of the nACE-selective SG6, 33RE and ketoACE-13 are not only affected by direct interactions with the immediate environment of the binding site, but also by more distal residues. This study provides evidence for a more general mechanism of ACE inhibition involving synergistic effects of not only the S2, S1′ and S2′ subsites, but also residues involved in the sub-domain interface that effect the unique ways in which the two domains stabilize active site loops to favour inhibitor binding.
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11
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Angiotensin Inhibition, TGF-β and EMT in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102785. [PMID: 32998363 PMCID: PMC7601465 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin inhibitors are standard drugs in cardiovascular and renal diseases that have antihypertensive and antifibrotic properties. These drugs also exert their antifibrotic effects in cancer by reducing collagen and hyaluronan deposition in the tumor stroma, thus enhancing drug delivery. Angiotensin II signaling interferes with the secretion of the cytokine TGF-β-a known driver of malignancy. TGF-β stimulates matrix production in cancer-associated fibroblasts, and thus drives desmoplasia. The effect of TGF-β on cancer cells itself is stage-dependent and changes during malignant progression from inhibitory to stimulatory. The intracellular signaling for the TGF-β family can be divided into an SMAD-dependent canonical pathway and an SMAD-independent noncanonical pathway. These capabilities have made TGF-β an interesting target for numerous drug developments. TGF-β is also an inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a highly complex spatiotemporal-limited process controlled by a plethora of factors. EMT is a hallmark of metastatic cancer, and with its reversal, an important step in the metastatic cascade is characterized by a loss of epithelial characteristics and/or the gain of mesenchymal traits.
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12
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Ivanova EA, Zolotov NN, Voronina TA. [Comparative effect of the prolyl endopeptidase inhibitors, benzyloxycarbonyl-prolyl-prolinal and benzyloxycarbonyl-methionyl-cyanopyrrolidine, on the acute exudative inflammation and visceral pain in mice]. BIOMEDITSINSKAIA KHIMIIA 2020; 66:423-426. [PMID: 33140738 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20206605423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A selective prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-prolyl-prolinal (IC50 = 1,61±0,12 nmol/l) and a nonselective PEP inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-methionyl-cyanopyrrolidine (IC50 = 2,01±0,14 nmol/l) exhibit a comparable antiexudative effect at single doses of 2 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg (intraperitoneally) in outbred mice with peritonitis induced by 1% acetic acid. However, only benzyloxycarbonyl-methionyl-cyanopyrrolidine at a dose of 5 mg/kg reduces acetic acid induced pain in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Ivanova
- Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
| | - N N Zolotov
- Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
| | - T A Voronina
- Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
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Howlett P, Du Bruyn E, Morrison H, Godsent IC, Wilkinson KA, Ntsekhe M, Wilkinson RJ. The immunopathogenesis of tuberculous pericarditis. Microbes Infect 2020; 22:172-181. [PMID: 32092538 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculous pericarditis is a severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and is the commonest cause of pericardial effusion in high incidence settings. Mortality ranges between 8 and 34%, and it is the leading cause of pericardial constriction in Africa and Asia. Current understanding of the disease is based on models derived from studies performed in the 1940-50s. This review summarises recent advances in the histology, microbiology and immunology of tuberculous pericarditis, with special focus on the effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the determinants of constriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Howlett
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Guy Scadding Building, Cale Street, London, SW3 6LY, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa.
| | - Elsa Du Bruyn
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Hazel Morrison
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Build, Roosevelt Dr, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Isiguzo C Godsent
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Guy Scadding Building, Cale Street, London, SW3 6LY, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Katalin A Wilkinson
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Mpiko Ntsekhe
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
| | - Robert J Wilkinson
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa; Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
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14
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Peng H, Xu J, Yang XP, Kassem KM, Rhaleb IA, Peterson E, Rhaleb NE. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline treatment protects heart against excessive myocardial injury and heart failure in mice. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 97:753-765. [PMID: 30998852 PMCID: PMC6824427 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2019-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) in mice results in cardiac rupture at 4-7 days after MI, whereas cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction occur later. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) has anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and pro-angiogenic properties. We hypothesized that Ac-SDKP reduces cardiac rupture and adverse cardiac remodeling, and improves function by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting detrimental reactive fibrosis and inflammation after MI. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to MI and treated with Ac-SDKP (1.6 mg/kg per day) for 1 or 5 weeks. We analyzed (1) intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression; (2) inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis; (3) gelatinolytic activity; (4) incidence of cardiac rupture; (5) p53, the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homology protein (CHOP), and cardiomyocyte apoptosis; (6) sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2) expression; (7) interstitial collagen fraction and capillary density; and (8) cardiac remodeling and function. Acutely, Ac-SDKP reduced cardiac rupture, decreased ICAM-1 expression and the number of infiltrating macrophages, decreased gelatinolytic activity, p53 expression, and myocyte apoptosis, but increased capillary density in the infarction border. Chronically, Ac-SDKP improved cardiac structures and function, reduced CHOP expression and interstitial collagen fraction, and preserved myocardium SERCA2 expression. Thus, Ac-SDKP decreased cardiac rupture, ameliorated adverse cardiac remodeling, and improved cardiac function after MI, likely through preserved SERCA2 expression and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Peng
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Jiang Xu
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Xiao-Ping Yang
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Kamal M Kassem
- b Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Imane A Rhaleb
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Ed Peterson
- c Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- d Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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15
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Chen AY, Adamek RN, Dick BL, Credille CV, Morrison CN, Cohen SM. Targeting Metalloenzymes for Therapeutic Intervention. Chem Rev 2019; 119:1323-1455. [PMID: 30192523 PMCID: PMC6405328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metalloenzymes are central to a wide range of essential biological activities, including nucleic acid modification, protein degradation, and many others. The role of metalloenzymes in these processes also makes them central for the progression of many diseases and, as such, makes metalloenzymes attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Increasing awareness of the role metalloenzymes play in disease and their importance as a class of targets has amplified interest in the development of new strategies to develop inhibitors and ultimately useful drugs. In this Review, we provide a broad overview of several drug discovery efforts focused on metalloenzymes and attempt to map out the current landscape of high-value metalloenzyme targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allie Y Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
| | - Rebecca N Adamek
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
| | - Benjamin L Dick
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
| | - Cy V Credille
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
| | - Christine N Morrison
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
| | - Seth M Cohen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
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16
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Romero CA, Kumar N, Nakagawa P, Worou ME, Liao TD, Peterson EL, Carretero OA. Renal release of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline is part of an antifibrotic peptidergic system in the kidney. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2018; 316:F195-F203. [PMID: 30403163 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00270.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The antifibrotic peptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is released from thymosin-β4 (Tβ4) by the meprin-α and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) enzymes and is hydrolyzed by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Ac-SDKP is present in urine; however, it is not clear whether de novo tubular release occurs or if glomerular filtration is the main source. We hypothesized that Ac-SDKP is released into the lumen of the nephrons and that it exerts an antifibrotic effect. We determined the presence of Tβ4, meprin-α, and POP in the kidneys of Sprague-Dawley rats. The stop-flow technique was used to evaluate Ac-SDKP formation in different nephron segments. Finally, we decreased Ac-SDKP formation by inhibiting the POP enzyme and evaluated the long-term effect in renal fibrosis. The Tβ4 precursor and the releasing enzymes meprin-α and POP were expressed in the kidneys. POP enzyme activity was almost double that in the renal medulla compared with the renal cortex. With the use of the stop-flow technique, we detected the highest Ac-SDKP concentrations in the distal nephron. The infusion of a POP inhibitor into the kidney decreased the amount of Ac-SDKP in distal nephron segments and in the proximal nephron to a minor extent. An ACE inhibitor increased the Ac-SDKP content in all nephron segments, but the increase was highest in the distal portion. The chronic infusion of a POP inhibitor increased kidney medullary fibrosis, which was prevented by Ac-SDKP. We conclude that Ac-SDKP is released by the nephron and is part of an important antifibrotic system in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar A Romero
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Nitin Kumar
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Pablo Nakagawa
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Morel E Worou
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Tang-Dong Liao
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Edward L Peterson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital , Detroit, Michigan
| | - Oscar A Carretero
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital , Detroit, Michigan
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17
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O'Reilly PJ, Ding Q, Akthar S, Cai G, Genschmer KR, Patel DF, Jackson PL, Viera L, Roda M, Locy ML, Bernstein EA, Lloyd CM, Bernstein KE, Snelgrove RJ, Blalock JE. Angiotensin-converting enzyme defines matrikine-regulated inflammation and fibrosis. JCI Insight 2017; 2:91923. [PMID: 29202450 PMCID: PMC5752376 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.91923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neutrophil chemoattractant proline-glycine-proline (PGP) is generated from collagen by matrix metalloproteinase-8/9 (MMP-8/9) and prolyl endopeptidase (PE), and it is concomitantly degraded by extracellular leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) to limit neutrophilia. Components of cigarette smoke can acetylate PGP, yielding a species (AcPGP) that is resistant to LTA4H-mediated degradation and can, thus, support a sustained neutrophilia. In this study, we sought to elucidate if an antiinflammatory system existed to degrade AcPGP that is analogous to the PGP-LTA4H axis. We demonstrate that AcPGP is degraded through a previously unidentified action of the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Pulmonary ACE is elevated during episodes of acute inflammation, as a consequence of enhanced vascular permeability, to ensure the efficient degradation of AcPGP. Conversely, we suggest that this pathway is aberrant in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) enabling the accumulation of AcPGP. Consequently, we identify a potentially novel protective role for AcPGP in limiting pulmonary fibrosis and suggest the pathogenic function attributed to ACE in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) to be a consequence of overzealous AcPGP degradation. Thus, AcPGP seemingly has very divergent roles: it is pathogenic in its capacity to drive neutrophilic inflammation and matrix degradation in the context of COPD, but it is protective in its capacity to limit fibrosis in IPF. ACE degrades the collagen-derived matrikine, acetylate proline–glycine–proline, to limit pulmonary inflammation and promote repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J O'Reilly
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Qiang Ding
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Samia Akthar
- Inflammation Repair and Development, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Guoqiang Cai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kristopher R Genschmer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Dhiren F Patel
- Inflammation Repair and Development, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia L Jackson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Birmingham V.A. Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Liliana Viera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mojtaba Roda
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Morgan L Locy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ellen A Bernstein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Clare M Lloyd
- Inflammation Repair and Development, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth E Bernstein
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robert J Snelgrove
- Inflammation Repair and Development, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - J Edwin Blalock
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Abstract
Aims Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which metabolizes many peptides and plays a key role in blood pressure regulation and vascular remodeling, is expressed as a type-1 membrane glycoprotein on the surface of different cells, including endothelial cells of the heart. We hypothesized that the local conformation and, therefore, the properties of heart ACE could differ from lung ACE due to different microenvironment in these organs. Methods and results We performed ACE phenotyping (ACE levels, conformation and kinetic characteristics) in the human heart and compared it with that in the lung. ACE activity in heart tissues was 10–15 lower than that in lung. Various ACE effectors, LMW endogenous ACE inhibitors and HMW ACE-binding partners, were shown to be present in both heart and lung tissues. “Conformational fingerprint” of heart ACE (i.e., the pattern of 17 mAbs binding to different epitopes on the ACE surface) significantly differed from that of lung ACE, which reflects differences in the local conformations of these ACEs, likely controlled by different ACE glycosylation in these organs. Substrate specificity and pH-optima of the heart and lung ACEs also differed. Moreover, even within heart the apparent ACE activities, the local ACE conformations, and the content of ACE inhibitors differ in atria and ventricles. Conclusions Significant differences in the local conformations and kinetic properties of heart and lung ACEs demonstrate tissue specificity of ACE and provide a structural base for the development of mAbs able to distinguish heart and lung ACEs as a potential blood test for predicting atrial fibrillation risk.
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Dai H, Zhang X, Yang Z, Li J, Zheng J. Effects of Baicalin on Blood Pressure and Left Ventricular Remodeling in Rats with Renovascular Hypertension. Med Sci Monit 2017. [PMID: 28622281 PMCID: PMC5484556 DOI: 10.12659/msm.902536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to explore the effect of baicalin, which is a kind of bioactive flavonoid, on blood pressure and left ventricular remodeling in rats with renovascular hypertension. Material/Methods A total of 40 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into sham-operation (n=10) and renal hypertension model groups (2-kidney-1 clip; 2K-1C, n=30). The rats in the renal hypertension model group were randomly subdivided into 2K-1C (n=13) and 2K-1C/Baicalin groups (n=14). The cardiac function indexes were determined after 4 weeks. The morphological changes in the myocardial tissue were observed using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. The myocardial apoptosis was detected using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling method, and the expression of C/EBP homologous protein and caspase-3 was monitored by Western blot. The expression of GRP78 and GRP94 in myocardial cells of rats was detected by qPCR and Western blot technology. Results No significant change in blood pressure was observed in the 2K-1C/Baicalin group compared with the 2K-1C group, but the indexes of left ventricular remodeling significantly improved. Pathological myocardial fibrosis and expression of fibrosis-related factors significantly decreased in the 2K-1C/Baicalin group compared with the 2K-1C group. The expression of glucose-regulated protein (GRP)78, GRP94, CHOP, and caspase-3, and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes also decreased in the 2K-1C/Baicalin group. Conclusions Baicalin has no significant antihypertensive effect, but reduced pathological changes in the myocardium, alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress, and reduced myocardial apoptosis, reverting left ventricular remodeling in rats with renovascular hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualei Dai
- Department of Cardiology, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
| | - Xinjin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
| | - Zhigang Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
| | - Jianmei Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
| | - Jialin Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
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20
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Abstract
Treatment with thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) reduces infarct volume and preserves cardiac function in preclinical models of cardiac ischemic injury. These effects stem in part from decreased infarct size, but additional benefits are likely due to specific antifibrotic and proangiogenic activities. Injected or transgenic Tβ4 increase blood vessel growth in large and small animal models, consistent with Tβ4 converting hibernating myocardium to an actively contractile state following ischemia. Tβ4 and its degradation products have antifibrotic effects in in vitro assays and in animal models of fibrosis not related to cardiac injury. This large number of pleiotropic effects results from Tβ4's many interactions with cellular signaling pathways, particularly indirect regulation of cellular motility and movement via the SRF-MRTF-G-actin transcriptional pathway. Variation in effects and effect sizes in animal models may potentially be due to variable distribution of Tβ4. Preclinical studies of PK/PD relationships and a reliable pharmacodynamic biomarker would facilitate clinical development of Tβ4.
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Affiliation(s)
- G T Pipes
- Cardiovascular Drug Discovery, Discovery Biology Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pennington, NJ, United States.
| | - J Yang
- Cardiovascular Drug Discovery, Discovery Biology Research & Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pennington, NJ, United States
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21
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Esipov RS, Makarov DA, Stepanenko VN, Miroshnikov AI. Development of the intein-mediated method for production of recombinant thymosin β4 from the acetylated in vivo fusion protein. J Biotechnol 2016; 228:73-81. [PMID: 27015974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 is a 43 amino acid long peptide with an acetylated N-terminal serin that has a high potential as a remedy for healing ulcers, wounds and burns. Although protein biosynthesis offers attractive opportunities in terms of a large-scale production, currently thymosin β4 is mainly produced by chemical synthesis. The problems that hinder the successful commercialization of the biotechnological approach are associated with the small peptides expression and N-terminal acetylation. This work presents an innovative biotechnological method for thymosin β4 production that employs the peptide acetylation in vivo. A genetically engineered construct was created, where the Tβ4 coding sequence fused with the intein Mxe GyrA sequence and chitin-binding domain was combined with the acetyltransferase coding sequence to form a polycistronic construct under a stringent control of T7 promoter. This plasmid construct provided for the expression of the Tβ4-intein fusion protein. In the process of the post-translational modification in vivo formyl methionine was completely removed from the target peptide N-terminus and followed by the Tβ4 precursor N-terminal acetylation. The use of the intein-mediated expression system made it possible to extract thymosin β4 in only 2 chromatographic runs. The method is straightforward to implement and scale up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman S Esipov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Dmitry A Makarov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Vasily N Stepanenko
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Anatoly I Miroshnikov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, GSP-7, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russian Federation.
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Zhu L, Yang XP, Janic B, Rhaleb NE, Harding P, Nakagawa P, Peterson EL, Carretero OA. Ac-SDKP suppresses TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells via inhibition of IκB kinase and NF-κB activation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 310:H1176-83. [PMID: 26945075 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00252.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a naturally occurring tetrapeptide that prevents inflammation and fibrosis in hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. We previously showed that, in angiotensin II-induced hypertension, Ac-SDKP decreased the activation of nuclear transcription factor NF-κB, whereas, in experimental autoimmune myocarditis and hypertension animal models, it also reduced the expression of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule ICAM-1. However, the mechanisms by which Ac-SDKP downregulated ICAM-1 expression are still unclear. TNF-α is a proinflammatory cytokine that induces ICAM-1 expression in various cell types via TNF receptor 1 and activation of the classical NF-κB pathway. We hypothesized that in endothelial cells Ac-SDKP suppresses TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression by decreasing IKK phosphorylation that as a consequence leads to a decrease of IκB phosphorylation and NF-κB activation. To test this hypothesis, human coronary artery endothelial cells were treated with Ac-SDKP and then stimulated with TNF-α. We found that TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression was significantly decreased by Ac-SDKP in a dose-dependent manner. Ac-SDKP also decreased TNF-α-induced NF-κB translocation from cytosol to nucleus, as assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, which correlated with a decrease in IκB phosphorylation. In addition, we found that Ac-SDKP decreased TNF-α-induced IKK phosphorylation and IKK-β expression. However, Ac-SDKP had no effect on TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase or ERK. Thus we conclude that Ac-SDKP inhibition of TNF-α activation of canonical, i.e., IKK-β-dependent, NF-κB pathway and subsequent decrease in ICAM-1 expression is achieved via inhibition of IKK-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zhu
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Xiao-Ping Yang
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Branislava Janic
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Pamela Harding
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Pablo Nakagawa
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Edward L Peterson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Oscar A Carretero
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan;
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23
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Deng H, Xu H, Zhang X, Sun Y, Wang R, Brann D, Yang F. Protective effect of Ac-SDKP on alveolar epithelial cells through inhibition of EMT via TGF-β1/ROCK1 pathway in silicosis in rat. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2016; 294:1-10. [PMID: 26785300 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical stage during the development of silicosis fibrosis. In the current study, we hypothesized that the anti-fibrotic tetrapeptide, N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) may exert its anti-fibrotic effects via activation of the TGF-β1/ROCK1 pathway, leading to inhibition of EMT. To address this hypothesis, we first examined the effect of Ac-SDKP upon EMT using an in vivo rat silicosis model, as well as in an in vitro model of TGF-β1-induced EMT. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to examine colocalization of surfactant protein A (SP-A), fibroblast specific protein-1 (FSP-1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in vivo. Western blot analysis was used to examine for changes in the protein levels of E-cadherin (E-cad) and SP-A (epithelial cell markers), vimentin (mesenchymal cell marker), α-SMA (active myofibroblast marker), and collagen I and III in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Secondly, we utilized Western blot analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy to examine the protein expression of TGF-β1 and ROCK1 in in vivo and in vitro studies. The results revealed that Ac-SDKP treatment prevented increases in the expression of mesenchymal markers as well as TGF-β1, ROCK1, collagen I and III. Furthermore, Ac-SDKP treatment prevented decreases in the expression of epithelial cell markers in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Based on the results, we conclude that Ac-SDKP inhibits the transition of epithelial cell-myofibroblast in silicosis via activation of the TGF-β1/ROCK1 signaling pathway, which may serve as a novel mechanism by which it exerts its anti-fibrosis properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Deng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xianghong Zhang
- Pathology Department, Hebei Medical University, Shi Jiazhuang, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Ruimin Wang
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Darrell Brann
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Fang Yang
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China.
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Iwaz JA, Lee E, Aramin H, Romero D, Iqbal N, Kawahara M, Khusro F, Knight B, Patel MV, Sharma S, Maisel AS. New Targets in the Drug Treatment of Heart Failure. Drugs 2015; 76:187-201. [DOI: 10.1007/s40265-015-0498-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Mnguni AT, Engel ME, Borkum MS, Mayosi BM. The Effects of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE-I) on Human N-Acetyl-Seryl-Aspartyl-Lysyl-Proline (Ac-SDKP) Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143338. [PMID: 26656271 PMCID: PMC4686106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculous pericardial effusion is a pro-fibrotic condition that is complicated by constrictive pericarditis in 4% to 8% of cases. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a ubiquitous tetrapeptide with anti-fibrotic properties that is low in tuberculous pericardial effusion, thus providing a potential mechanism for the heightened fibrotic state. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I), which increase Ac-SDKP levels with anti-fibrotic effects in animal models, are candidate drugs for preventing constrictive pericarditis if they can be shown to have similar effects on Ac-SDKP and fibrosis in human tissues. Objective To systematically review the effects of ACE-Is on Ac-SDKP levels in human tissues. Methods We searched five electronic databases (1996 to 2014) and conference abstracts with no language restrictions. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed methodological quality. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Results Four studies with a total of 206 participants met the inclusion criteria. Three studies (106 participants) assessed the change in plasma levels of Ac-SDKP following ACE-I administration in healthy humans. The administration of an ACE-I was associated with an increase in Ac-SDKP levels (mean difference (MD) 5.07 pmol/ml (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.64 pmol/ml to 9.51 pmol/ml)). Two studies with 100 participants further assessed the change in Ac-SDKP level in humans with renal failure using ACE-I. The administration of an ACE-I was associated with a significant increase in Ac-SDKP levels (MD 8.94 pmol/ml; 95% CI 2.55 to 15.33; I2 = 44%). Conclusion ACE-I increased Ac-SDKP levels in human plasma. These findings provide the rationale for testing the impact of ACE-I on Ac-SDKP levels and fibrosis in tuberculous pericarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayanda Trevor Mnguni
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail: (ATM); (MEE)
| | - Mark E. Engel
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail: (ATM); (MEE)
| | - Megan S. Borkum
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bongani M. Mayosi
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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Structural basis of Ac-SDKP hydrolysis by Angiotensin-I converting enzyme. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13742. [PMID: 26403559 PMCID: PMC4585900 DOI: 10.1038/srep13742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc dipeptidylcarboxypeptidase with two active domains and plays a key role in the regulation of blood pressure and electrolyte homeostasis, making it the principal target in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. More recently, the tetrapetide N-acetyl-Ser–Asp–Lys–Pro (Ac-SDKP) has emerged as a potent antifibrotic agent and negative regulator of haematopoietic stem cell differentiation which is processed exclusively by ACE. Here we provide a detailed biochemical and structural basis for the domain preference of Ac-SDKP. The high resolution crystal structures of N-domain ACE in complex with the dipeptide products of Ac-SDKP cleavage were obtained and offered a template to model the mechanism of substrate recognition of the enzyme. A comprehensive kinetic study of Ac-SDKP and domain co-operation was performed and indicated domain interactions affecting processing of the tetrapeptide substrate. Our results further illustrate the molecular basis for N-domain selectivity and should help design novel ACE inhibitors and Ac-SDKP analogues that could be used in the treatment of fibrosis disorders.
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Liao TD, Nakagawa P, Janic B, D'Ambrosio M, Worou ME, Peterson EL, Rhaleb NE, Yang XP, Carretero OA. N-Acetyl-Seryl-Aspartyl-Lysyl-Proline: mechanisms of renal protection in mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2015; 308:F1146-54. [PMID: 25740596 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00039.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by the development of auto antibodies against a variety of self-antigens and deposition of immune complexes that lead to inflammation, fibrosis, and end-organ damage. Up to 60% of lupus patients develop nephritis and renal dysfunction leading to kidney failure. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline, i.e., Ac-SDKP, is a natural tetrapeptide that in hypertension prevents inflammation and fibrosis in heart, kidney, and vasculature. In experimental autoimmune myocarditis, Ac-SDKP prevents cardiac dysfunction by decreasing innate and adaptive immunity. It has also been reported that Ac-SDKP ameliorates lupus nephritis in mice. We hypothesize that Ac-SDKP prevents lupus nephritis in mice by decreasing complement C5-9, proinflammatory cytokines, and immune cell infiltration. Lupus mice treated with Ac-SDKP for 20 wk had significantly lower renal levels of macrophage and T cell infiltration and proinflammatory chemokine/cytokines. In addition, our data demonstrate for the first time that in lupus mouse Ac-SDKP prevented the increase in complement C5-9, RANTES, MCP-5, and ICAM-1 kidney expression and it prevented the decline of glomerular filtration rate. Ac-SDKP-treated lupus mice had a significant improvement in renal function and lower levels of glomerular damage. Ac-SDKP had no effect on the production of autoantibodies. The protective Ac-SDKP effect is most likely achieved by targeting the expression of proinflammatory chemokines/cytokines, ICAM-1, and immune cell infiltration in the kidney, either directly or via C5-9 proinflammatory arm of complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang-Dong Liao
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan; and
| | - Pablo Nakagawa
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan; and
| | - Branislava Janic
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan; and
| | - Martin D'Ambrosio
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan; and
| | - Morel E Worou
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan; and
| | - Edward L Peterson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan; and
| | - Xiao-Ping Yang
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan; and
| | - Oscar A Carretero
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan; and
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Masuyer G, Yates CJ, Sturrock ED, Acharya KR. Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE): structure, biological roles, and molecular basis for chloride ion dependence. Biol Chem 2014; 395:1135-49. [PMID: 25205727 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2014-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Somatic angiotensin-I converting enzyme (sACE) has an essential role in the regulation of blood pressure and electrolyte fluid homeostasis. It is a zinc protease that cleaves angiotensin-I (AngI), bradykinin, and a broad range of other signalling peptides. The enzyme activity is provided by two homologous domains (N- and C-), which display clear differences in substrate specificities and chloride activation. The presence of chloride ions in sACE and its unusual role in activity was identified early on in the characterisation of the enzyme. The molecular mechanisms of chloride activation have been investigated thoroughly through mutagenesis studies and shown to be substrate-dependent. Recent results from X-ray crystallography structural analysis have provided the basis for the intricate interactions between ACE, its substrate and chloride ions. Here we describe the role of chloride ions in human ACE and its physiological consequences. Insights into the chloride activation of the N- and C-domains could impact the design of improved domain-specific ACE inhibitors.
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29
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Deng H, Yang F, Xu H, Sun Y, Xue X, Du S, Wang X, Li S, Liu Y, Wang R. Ac-SDKP suppresses epithelial–mesenchymal transition in A549 cells via HSP27 signaling. Exp Mol Pathol 2014; 97:176-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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30
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Ding G, Zhang Z, Chopp M, Li L, Zhang L, Li Q, Wei M, Jiang Q. MRI evaluation of BBB disruption after adjuvant AcSDKP treatment of stroke with tPA in rat. Neuroscience 2014; 271:1-8. [PMID: 24769225 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The primary limitation of thrombolytic treatment of ischemic stroke with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the hemorrhagic risk. We tested AcSDKP (N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline), as an auxiliary therapeutic agent, to reduce blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in a combination tPA thrombolytic treatment of stroke. Wistar rats subjected to embolic stroke were randomly assigned to either the tPA monotherapy group (n=9) or combination of tPA and AcSDKP treatment group (n=9) initiated at 4 h after ischemia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements were performed before and after the treatments. Immunohistochemical staining and measurements were performed to confirm MRI findings. Longitudinal MRI permeability measurements with gadolinium-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA) demonstrated that combination treatment of acute embolic stroke with AcSDKP and tPA significantly reduced BBB leakage, compared to tPA monotherapy, at 3 and 6 days (18.3±9.8 mm3 vs. 65.0±21.0 mm3, p<0.001) after the onset of stroke, although BBB leakage was comparable between the two groups prior to the treatments (6.8±4.4 mm3 vs. 4.3±3.3 mm3, p>0.18). The substantial reduction of BBB leakage observed in the combination treatment group was closely associated with reduced ischemic lesions measured by T2 maps (113.6±24.9 mm3 vs. 188.1±60.8 mm3, p<0.04 at 6 days). Histopathological analysis of the same population of rats showed that the combination treatment significantly reduced parenchymal fibrin deposition (0.063±0.059 mm2 vs. 0.172±0.103 mm2, p<0.03) and infarct volume (146.7±35.9 mm3 vs. 199.3±60.4 mm3, p<0.05) compared to the tPA monotherapy at 6days after stroke. MRI provides biological insight into the therapeutic benefit of combination treatment of stroke with tPA and AcSDKP 4h after onset, and demonstrates significantly improved cerebrovascular integrity with neuroprotective effects compared with tPA monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ding
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Z Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - M Chopp
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - L Li
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - L Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Q Li
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - M Wei
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Q Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
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Thymosin β4-sulfoxide attenuates inflammatory cell infiltration and promotes cardiac wound healing. Nat Commun 2013; 4:2081. [PMID: 23820300 PMCID: PMC3797509 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The downstream consequences of inflammation in the adult mammalian heart are formation of a non-functional scar, pathological remodelling and heart failure. In zebrafish, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) released from a wound is the initial instructive chemotactic cue for the infiltration of inflammatory cells, however, the identity of a subsequent resolution signal(s), to attenuate chronic inflammation, remains unknown. Here we reveal that Thymosin β4-Sulfoxide inhibits interferon-γ, and increases monocyte dispersal and cell death, lies downstream of H2O2 in the wounded fish and triggers depletion of inflammatory macrophages at the injury site. This function is conserved in the mouse and observed after cardiac injury, where it promotes wound healing and reduced scarring. In human T cell/CD14+ monocyte co-cultures, Tβ4-SO inhibits IFN-γ and increases monocyte dispersal and cell death, likely by stimulating superoxide production. Thus, Tβ4-SO is a putative target for therapeutic modulation of the immune response, resolution of fibrosis and cardiac repair.
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Fragment-based design for the development of N-domain-selective angiotensin-1-converting enzyme inhibitors. Clin Sci (Lond) 2013; 126:305-13. [PMID: 24015848 PMCID: PMC3875237 DOI: 10.1042/cs20130403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
ACE (angiotensin-1-converting enzyme) is a zinc metallopeptidase that plays a prominent role in blood pressure regulation and electrolyte homeostasis. ACE consists of two homologous domains that despite similarities of sequence and topology display differences in substrate processing and inhibitor binding. The design of inhibitors that selectively inhibit the N-domain (N-selective) could be useful in treating conditions of tissue injury and fibrosis due to build-up of N-domain-specific substrate Ac-SDKP (N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro). Using a receptor-based SHOP (scaffold hopping) approach with N-selective inhibitor RXP407, a shortlist of scaffolds that consisted of modified RXP407 backbones with novel chemotypes was generated. These scaffolds were selected on the basis of enhanced predicted interaction energies with N-domain residues that differed from their C-domain counterparts. One scaffold was synthesized and inhibitory binding tested using a fluorogenic ACE assay. A molecule incorporating a tetrazole moiety in the P2 position (compound 33RE) displayed potent inhibition (K(i)=11.21±0.74 nM) and was 927-fold more selective for the N-domain than the C-domain. A crystal structure of compound 33RE in complex with the N-domain revealed its mode of binding through aromatic stacking with His388 and a direct hydrogen bond with the hydroxy group of the N-domain specific Tyr369. This work further elucidates the molecular basis for N-domain-selective inhibition and assists in the design of novel N-selective ACE inhibitors that could be employed in treatment of fibrosis disorders.
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Gonzalez-Villalobos RA, Shen XZ, Bernstein EA, Janjulia T, Taylor B, Giani JF, Blackwell WLB, Shah KH, Shi PD, Fuchs S, Bernstein KE. Rediscovering ACE: novel insights into the many roles of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. J Mol Med (Berl) 2013; 91:1143-54. [PMID: 23686164 PMCID: PMC3779503 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-013-1051-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is best known for the catalytic conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. However, the use of gene-targeting techniques has led to mouse models highlighting many other biochemical properties and actions of this enzyme. This review discusses recent studies examining the functional significance of ACE tissue-specific expression and the presence in ACE of two independent catalytic sites with distinct substrates and biological effects. It is these features which explain why ACE makes important contributions to many different physiological processes including renal development, blood pressure control, inflammation, and immunity.
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Antifibrotic peptideN-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP): Opportunities for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor design. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2013; 40:535-41. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 01/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Thymosin β4 and its degradation product, Ac-SDKP, are novel reparative factors in renal fibrosis. Kidney Int 2013; 84:1166-75. [PMID: 23739235 PMCID: PMC3830708 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2013.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Previously we found thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is up-regulated in glomerulosclerosis and required for angiotensin II-induced expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in glomerular endothelial cells. Tβ4 has beneficial effects in dermal and corneal wound healing and heart disease yet its effects in kidney disease are unknown. Here we studied renal fibrosis in wild type and PAI-1 knockout mice following unilateral ureteral obstruction to explore the impact of Tβ4 and its prolyl oligopeptidase tetrapeptide degradation product, Ac-SDKP, in renal fibrosis. Additionally, we explored interactions of Tβ4 with PAI-1. Treatment with Ac-SDKP significantly decreased fibrosis in both wild type and PAI-1 knockout mice, as observed by decreased collagen and fibronectin deposition, fewer myofibroblasts and macrophages, and suppressed pro-fibrotic factors. In contrast, Tβ4 plus a prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor significantly increased fibrosis in wild type mice. Tβ4 alone also promoted repair and reduced late fibrosis in wild type mice. Importantly, both pro-fibrotic effects of Tβ4 plus the prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor, and late reparative effects of Tβ4 alone, were absent in PAI-1 knockout mice. Thus, Tβ4 combined with prolyl oligopeptidase inhibition, is consistently pro-fibrotic, but by itself, has anti-fibrotic effects in late stage fibrosis, while Ac-SDKP has consistent anti-fibrotic effects in both early and late stages of kidney injury. These effects of Tβ4 are dependent on PAI-1.
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Rhaleb NE, Pokharel S, Sharma UC, Peng H, Peterson E, Harding P, Yang XP, Carretero OA. N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro inhibits interleukin-1β-mediated matrix metalloproteinase activation in cardiac fibroblasts. Pflugers Arch 2013; 465:1487-95. [PMID: 23652767 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-013-1262-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial matrix turnover involves a dynamic balance between collagen synthesis and degradation, which is regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP) is a small peptide that inhibits cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. However, its role in MMP regulation is not known. Thus, we hypothesized that Ac-SDKP promotes MMP activation in cardiac fibroblasts and decreases collagen deposition via this mechanism. To that end, we tested the effects of Ac-SDKP on interleukin-1β (IL-1β; 5 ng/ml)-stimulated adult rat cardiac fibroblasts. We measured total collagenase activity, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13 expressions, and activity along with their inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2. In order to examine the effects of Ac-SDKP on the signaling pathway that controls MMP transcription, we also measured nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Ac-SDKP did not alter collagenase or gelatinase activity in cardiac fibroblasts under basal conditions, but blunted the IL-1β-induced increase in total collagenase activity. Similarly, Ac-SDKP normalized the IL-1β-mediated increase in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and MMP-13 expression. Inhibition of MMPs by Ac-SDKP was associated with increased TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expressions. Collagen production was not affected by Ac-SDKP, IL-1β, or a combination of both agents. Ac-SDKP blocked IL-1β-induced p42/44 phosphorylation and NFκB activation in cardiac fibroblasts. We concluded that the Ac-SDKP-inhibited collagenase expression and activation was associated with increased expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. These pharmacological effects of Ac-SDKP may be linked to the inhibition of MAPK and NFκB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, E&R 7121, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA,
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Castoldi G, di Gioia CRT, Bombardi C, Preziuso C, Leopizzi M, Maestroni S, Corradi B, Zerbini G, Stella A. Renal antifibrotic effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline in diabetic rats. Am J Nephrol 2013; 37:65-73. [PMID: 23327833 DOI: 10.1159/000346116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Diabetic nephropathy is the main cause of end-stage renal disease. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), a physiological tetrapeptide hydrolyzed by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), has antifibrotic effects in the cardiovascular system and in the kidney in experimental models of hypertension, heart failure and renal disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Ac-SDKP in diabetic nephropathy and the potential additive effect of Ac-SDKP, when compared to ACE inhibitors alone, on the development of renal fibrosis. METHOD Diabetes was induced in 28 Sprague-Dawley rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Control rats (n = 10) received only buffer solution. An ACE inhibitor (ramipril, 3 mg/kg/day) was administered to 11 diabetic rats. After 2 months, Ac-SDKP (1 mg/kg/day) was administered by osmotic minipumps for 8 weeks to 7 diabetic rats and to 6 diabetic rats treated with ramipril. Osmotic minipumps delivered saline solution in the corresponding sham-treated rats (diabetic rats, n = 10, and ramipril-treated diabetic rats, n = 5). RESULTS Diabetic rats showed a significant increase in blood glucose level, urinary albumin excretion and renal fibrosis, and a reduction of glomerular nephrin expression with respect to control rats. Ac-SDKP administration significantly reduced renal fibrosis in diabetic rats, without significantly reducing urinary albumin excretion. Ramipril treatment caused a significant decrease in albuminuria and renal fibrosis and restored glomerular nephrin expression. Administration of Ac-SDKP, in addition to ramipril, further reduced renal fibrosis with respect to ramipril alone, while it did not improve the antiproteinuric effect of ramipril. CONCLUSION Ac-SDKP administration reduces renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. Addition of Ac-SDKP to ACE inhibition therapy improves the reduction of renal fibrosis with respect to ACE inhibition alone, suggesting a beneficial effect of this pharmacological association in diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Castoldi
- Clinica Nefrologica, Az. Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.
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Zachman AL, Crowder SW, Ortiz O, Zienkiewicz KJ, Bronikowski CM, Yu SS, Giorgio TD, Guelcher SA, Kohn J, Sung HJ. Pro-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory regulation by functional peptides loaded in polymeric implants for soft tissue regeneration. Tissue Eng Part A 2012; 19:437-47. [PMID: 22953721 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2012.0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and angiogenesis are inevitable in vivo responses to biomaterial implants. Continuous progress has been made in biomaterial design to improve tissue interactions with an implant by either reducing inflammation or promoting angiogenesis. However, it has become increasingly clear that the physiological processes of inflammation and angiogenesis are interconnected through various molecular mechanisms. Hence, there is an unmet need for engineering functional tissues by simultaneous activation of pro-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory responses to biomaterial implants. In this work, the modulus and fibrinogen adsorption of porous scaffolds were tuned to meet the requirements (i.e., ~100 kPa and ~10 nm, respectively), for soft tissue regeneration by employing tyrosine-derived combinatorial polymers with polyethylene glycol crosslinkers. Two types of functional peptides (i.e., pro-angiogenic laminin-derived C16 and anti-inflammatory thymosin β4-derived Ac-SDKP) were loaded in porous scaffolds through collagen gel embedding so that peptides were released in a controlled fashion, mimicking degradation of the extracellular matrix. The results from (1) in vitro coculture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human blood-derived macrophages and (2) in vivo subcutaneous implantation revealed the directly proportional relationship between angiogenic activities (i.e., tubulogenesis and perfusion capacity) and inflammatory activities (i.e., phagocytosis and F4/80 expression) upon treatment with either type of peptide. Interestingly, cotreatment with both types of peptides upregulated the angiogenic responses, while downregulating the inflammatory responses. Also, anti-inflammatory Ac-SDKP peptides reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) even when treated in combination with pro-angiogenic C16 peptides. In addition to independent regulation of angiogenesis and inflammation, this study suggests a promising approach to improve soft tissue regeneration (e.g., blood vessel and heart muscle) when inflammatory diseases (e.g., ischemic tissue fibrosis and atherosclerosis) limit the regeneration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Zachman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, USA
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Zhang L, Xu LM, Chen YW, Ni QW, Zhou M, Qu CY, Zhang Y. Antifibrotic effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline on bile duct ligation induced liver fibrosis in rats. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:5283-8. [PMID: 23066324 PMCID: PMC3468862 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i37.5283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the preventive effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) on bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis in rats.
METHODS: Liver fibrosis in rats was induced by BDL and AcSDKP was infused subcutaneously for 2 wk via a osmotic minipump (Alzet 2ML4) immediately after BDL operation. After scarifying, serum and liver specimens were collected. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Sirius red staining, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot or real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to determinate liver functions, histological alterations, collagen deposition, mRNA expression of markers for fibroblasts, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7).
RESULTS: When compared to model rats, chronic exogenous AcSDKP infusion suppressed profibrogenic TGF-β1 signaling, α-smooth muscle actin positivity (α-SMA), fibroblast specific protein-1 (FSP-1) staining and collagen gene expression. Col I, Col III, matrix metalloproteinase-2, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 mRNA expressions were all significantly downregulated by AcSDKP infusion (2.02 ± 1.10 vs 14.16 ± 6.50, 2.02 ± 0.45 vs 10.00 ± 3.35, 2.91 ± 0.30 vs 7.83 ± 1.10, 4.64 ± 1.25 vs 18.52 ± 7.61, 0.46 ± 0.16 vs 0.34 ± 0.12, respectively, P < 0.05). Chronic exogenous AcSDKP infusion attenuated BDL-induced liver injury, inflammation and fibrosis. BDL caused a remarkable increase in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, and prothrombin time, all of which were reduced by AcSDKP infusion. Mast cells, collagen accumulation, α-SMA, TGF-β1, FSP-1 and BMP-7 increased. The histological appearance of liver specimens was also improved.
CONCLUSION: Infusion of exogenous AcSDKP attenuated BDL-induced fibrosis in the rat liver. Preservation of AcSDKP may be a useful therapeutic approach in the management of liver fibrosis.
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Renal protective effects of N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive mice. J Hypertens 2011; 29:330-8. [PMID: 21052020 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e32834103ee] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension-induced renal injury is characterized by inflammation, fibrosis and proteinuria. Previous studies have demonstrated that N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP) inhibits renal damage following diabetes mellitus and antiglomerular basement membrane nephritis. However, its effects on low-renin hypertensive nephropathy are not known. Thus, we hypothesized that Ac-SDKP has renal protective effects on deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive mice, decreasing inflammatory cell infiltration, matrix deposition and albuminuria. METHOD We uninephrectomized 16-week-old C57BL/6J mice and treated them with either placebo, DCOA (10 mg/10 g body weight subcutaneous) and 1% sodium chloride with 0.2% potassium chloride in drinking water (DOCA-salt) or DOCA-salt with Ac-SDKP (800 μg/kg per day) for 12 weeks. We measured blood pressure, urine albumin, glomerular matrix, renal collagen content, monocyte/macrophage infiltration and glomerular nephrin expression. RESULTS Treatment with DOCA-salt significantly increased blood pressure (P < 0.01), which remained unaltered by Ac-SDKP. Ac-SDKP decreased DOCA-salt-induced renal collagen deposition, glomerular matrix expansion and monocyte/macrophage infiltration. Moreover, DOCA-salt-induced increase in albuminuria was normalized by Ac-SDKP (controls, 10.8 ± 1.7; DOCA-salt, 41 ± 5; DOCA-salt + Ac-SDKP, 13 ± 3 μg/10 g body weight per 24 h; P < 0.001, DOCA-salt vs. DOCA-salt + Ac-SDKP). Loss of nephrin reportedly causes excess urinary protein excretion; therefore, we determined whether Ac-SDKP inhibits proteinuria by restoring nephrin expression in the glomerulus of hypertensive mice. DOCA-salt significantly downregulated glomerular nephrin expression (controls, 37 ± 8; DOCA-salt, 10 ± 1.5% of glomerular area; P < 0.01), which was partially reversed by Ac-SDKP (23 ± 4.0% of glomerular area; P = 0.065, DOCA-salt vs. DOCA-salt + Ac-SDKP). CONCLUSION We concluded that Ac-SDKP prevents hypertension-induced inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, nephrin downregulation and albuminuria, which could lead to renoprotection in hypertensive mice.
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Rupp H, Rupp TP, Alter P, Jung N, Pankuweit S, Maisch B. Intrapericardial procedures for cardiac regeneration by stem cells: need for minimal invasive access (AttachLifter) to the normal pericardial cavity. Herz 2011; 35:458-65. [PMID: 20941468 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-010-3382-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In view of the only modest functional and anatomical improvements achieved by bone marrow-derived cell transplantation in patients with heart disease, the question was addressed whether the intracoronary, transcoronary-venous, and intramyocardial delivery routes are adequate. It is hypothesized that an intrapericardial delivery of stem cells or activators of resident cardiac stem cells increases therapeutic benefits. From such an intrapericardial depot, cells or modulating factors, such as thymosin β4 or Ac-SDKP, are expected to reach the myocardium with sustained kinetics. Novel tools which provide access to the pericardial space even in the absence of pericardial effusion are, therefore, described. When the pericardium becomes attached to the suction head (monitored by an increase in negative pressure), the pericardium is lifted from the epicardium ("AttachLifter"). The opening of the suction head ("Attacher") is narrowed by flexible clamps which grab the tissue and improve the vacuum seal in the case of uneven tissue. A ridge, i.e.,"needle guidance", on the suction head excludes injury to the epicardium, whereby the pericardium is punctured by a needle which resides outside the suction head. A fiberscope can be used to inspect the pericardium prior to puncture. Based on these procedures, the role of the pericardial space and the presence of pericardial effusion in cardiac regeneration can be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Rupp
- Department of Internal Medicine - Cardiology, Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland.
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Chen YW, Liu BW, Zhang YJ, Chen YW, Dong GF, Ding XD, Xu LM, Pat B, Fan JG, Li DG. Preservation of basal AcSDKP attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced fibrosis in the rat liver. J Hepatol 2010; 53:528-36. [PMID: 20646773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2009] [Revised: 03/15/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is an endogenous tetrapeptide which has antifibrogenic effects at physiological concentrations in various tissues. AcSDKP is produced locally in the liver, however, little is known about its biological effect in this organ. We hypothesize that basal levels of endogenous AcSDKP decrease during the development of liver fibrosis and preservation of basal AcSDKP attenuates liver fibrosis. METHODS Endogenous levels of AcSDKP in the liver were measured by enzyme immunoassay after 2, 6, and 10 weeks of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Subcutaneous osmotic pump infusion of vehicle or AcSDKP (800 microg/kg/day) was administered to CCl(4)-treated rats for 8 weeks to study the effect of exogenous AcSDKP on liver fibrosis. The effect of AcSDKP on profibrogenic properties of hepatic stellate cells was studied in vitro. RESULTS Endogenous AcSDKP was significantly decreased in the liver of CCl(4)-treated rats. Chronic AcSDKP infusion preserved basal levels of AcSDKP and reduced liver injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and profibrogenic transforming growth factor-beta signaling. This was demonstrated by decreased aminotransferase serum levels, CD45 positive cells, collagen accumulation, alpha-smooth muscle actin positivity, transforming growth factor-beta1, phosphorylated Smad2/3 protein, increased bone morphogenetic protein-7, and phosphorylated Smad1/5/8. Further, AcSDKP exerts antifibrogenic effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by downregulation of HSC activation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Maintaining physiological levels of AcSDKP is critical in negatively regulating the development of fibrosis in chronic liver injury. Preservation of AcSDKP may be a useful therapeutic approach in the management of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Wen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Li P, Xiao HD, Xu J, Ong FS, Kwon M, Roman J, Gal A, Bernstein KE, Fuchs S. Angiotensin-converting enzyme N-terminal inactivation alleviates bleomycin-induced lung injury. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 177:1113-21. [PMID: 20651228 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.081127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Bleomycin has potent anti-oncogenic properties for several neoplasms, but drug administration is limited by bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system has been suggested to decrease bleomycin toxicity, but the efficacy of such strategies remains uncertain and somewhat contradictory. Our hypothesis is that, besides angiotensin II, other substrates of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), such as the tetrapeptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP), play a significant role in controlling fibrosis. We studied bleomycin-induced lung injury in normotensive mice, termed N-KO and C-KO, which have point mutations inactivating either the N- or C-terminal catalytic sites of ACE, respectively. N-KO, but not C-KO mice, have a marked resistance to bleomycin lung injury as assessed by lung histology and hydroxyproline content. To determine the importance of the ACE N-terminal peptide substrate AcSDKP in the resistance to bleomycin injury, N-KO mice were treated with S-17092, a prolyl-oligopeptidase inhibitor that inhibits the formation of AcSDKP. In response to bleomycin injection, S-17092-treated N-KO mice developed lung fibrosis similar to wild-type mice. In contrast, the administration of AcSDKP to wild-type mice reduced lung fibrosis due to bleomycin administration. This study shows that the inactivation of the N-terminal catalytic site of ACE significantly reduced bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and implicates AcSDKP in the mechanism of protection. These data suggest a possible means to increase tolerance to bleomycin and to treat fibrosing lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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Peng H, Carretero OA, Peterson EL, Rhaleb NE. Ac-SDKP inhibits transforming growth factor-beta1-induced differentiation of human cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2010; 298:H1357-64. [PMID: 20154264 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00464.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) inhibits collagen production and cell proliferation in cultured rat cardiac fibroblasts, but its effect on differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is not known. High amounts of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) have been found in fibrotic cardiac tissue. TGF-beta1 converts fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, which produce more extracellular matrix proteins than fibroblasts. We hypothesized that 1) Ac-SDKP inhibits TGF-beta1-induced differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts; and 2) this effect is mediated in part by blocking phosphorylation of small-mothers-against-decapentaplegic (Smad) 2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. For this study, we used human fetal cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs), which do not spontaneously become myofibroblasts when cultured at low passages. We investigated the effect of Ac-SDKP on TGF-beta1-induced HCF transformation into myofibroblasts, Smad2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, Smad7 expression, cell proliferation, and collagen production. We also investigated TGF-beta1 production by HCFs stimulated with endothelin-1 (ET-1). As expected, HCFs treated with TGF-beta1 transformed into myofibroblasts as indicated by increased expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and a higher proportion of the embryonic isoform of smooth muscle myosin compared with untreated cells. TGF-beta1 also increased Smad2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation but did not affect Smad7 expression. In addition, TGF-beta1 stimulated HCF proliferation as indicated by an increase in mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity and collagen production (hydroxyproline assay). Ac-SDKP significantly inhibited all of the effects of TGF-beta1. It also inhibited ET-1-stimulated TGF-beta1 production. We concluded that Ac-SDKP markedly suppresses differentiation of human cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, probably by inhibiting the TGF-beta/Smad/ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and thus mediating its anti-fibrotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Peng
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Nesselmann C, Li W, Ma N, Steinhoff G. Stem cell-mediated neovascularization in heart repair. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis 2009; 4:27-42. [PMID: 20042449 DOI: 10.1177/1753944709353338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating clinical and experimental evidence indicates that stem cells from various sources are promising in the treatment of cardiac dysfunction. They may be incorporated into neovascular foci and thus contribute to postnatal physiological and pathological vasculogenesis and/or produce a variety of growth factors for angiogenesis and cytokines that home other stem cells from other organs for cardiac regeneration. This review focuses on the neovascularization of stem cells from different sources in cardiac repair, with emphasis on adult stem cells.
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Prevention of myocardial fibrosis by N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline in diabetic rats. Clin Sci (Lond) 2009; 118:211-20. [PMID: 20310083 DOI: 10.1042/cs20090234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ac-SDKP (N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline) is a physiological tetrapeptide hydrolysed by ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme). In experimental models of hypertension, Ac-SDKP has antifibrotic effects in the heart; however, the role of Ac-SDKP in diabetic cardiomyopathy is currently unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ac-SDKP on cardiac systolic and diastolic function, and interstitial and perivascular fibrosis in the heart of diabetic rats.Diabetes was induced in 55 Sprague-Dawley rats by streptozotocin injection. Control rats (n=18)underwent only buffer injection.Out of the 55 diabetic rats, 19 were chronically treated with insulin and 13 with the ACEI (ACE inhibitor) ramipril (3 mg x kg(-1 )of body weight x day(-1)). At 2 months after the onset of diabetes, Ac-SDKP (1 mg x kg(-1) of body weight x day(-1)) was administered by osmotic minipumps for 8 weeks to eight control rats, 13 diabetic rats, seven diabetic rats treated with ramipril and nine insulin-treated diabetic rats. Diabetic rats had a significant increase in blood glucose levels. Left ventricular interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, and TGF-beta1 (transforming growth factor-beta1) protein levels were increased in diabetic rats, but not in insulin-treated diabetic rats and ramipril-treated diabetic rats, compared with control rats. Ac-SDKP administration significantly reduced left ventricular interstitial and perivascular fibrosis in diabetic rats and in diabetic rats treated with ramipril. This was accompanied by a significant reduction in active TGF-beta1 and phospho-Smad2/3 protein levels in myocardial tissue of diabetic rats. Echocardiography showed that diabetes was associated with increased end-systolic diameters, and depressed global systolic function and diastolic dysfunction, as assessed by transmitral Doppler velocity profile. These changes were completely reversed by insulin or ramipril treatment. Ac-SDKP treatment partially restored diastolic function in diabetic rats. In conclusion, Ac-SDKP administration in diabetic rats reduces left ventricular interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, active TGF-beta1 and phospho-Smad2/3levels, and improves diastolic function. Taken together, these findings suggest that, by inhibiting theTGF-beta/Smad pathway, Ac-SDKP protects against the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy
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Liu X, Bellamy COC, Bailey MA, Mullins LJ, Dunbar DR, Kenyon CJ, Brooker G, Kantachuvesiri S, Maratou K, Ashek A, Clark AF, Fleming S, Mullins JJ. Angiotensin-converting enzyme is a modifier of hypertensive end organ damage. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:15564-72. [PMID: 19307186 PMCID: PMC2708853 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m806584200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Revised: 03/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe forms of hypertension are characterized by high blood pressure combined with end organ damage. Through the development and refinement of a transgenic rat model of malignant hypertension incorporating the mouse renin gene, we previously identified a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 10, which affects malignant hypertension severity and morbidity. We next generated an inducible malignant hypertensive model where the timing, severity, and duration of hypertension was placed under the control of the researcher, allowing development of and recovery from end organ damage to be investigated. We have now generated novel consomic Lewis and Fischer rat strains with inducible hypertension and additional strains that are reciprocally congenic for the refined chromosome 10 quantitative trait locus. We have captured a modifier of end organ damage within the congenic region and, using a range of bioinformatic, biochemical and molecular biological techniques, have identified angiotensin-converting enzyme as the modifier of hypertension-induced tissue microvascular injury. Reciprocal differences between angiotensin-converting enzyme and the anti-inflammatory tetrapeptide, N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro in the kidney, a tissue susceptible to end organ damage, suggest a mechanism for the amelioration of hypertension-dependent damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Liu
- From the Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Matthew A. Bailey
- From the Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Linda J. Mullins
- From the Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Donald R. Dunbar
- From the Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. Kenyon
- From the Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Brooker
- From the Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Klio Maratou
- the Medical Research Council Clinical Sciences Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 ONN, United Kingdom, and
| | - Ali Ashek
- From the Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Allan F. Clark
- From the Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | | | - John J. Mullins
- From the Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
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Intensified inhibition of renin-angiotensin system: A way to improve renal protection? Curr Hypertens Rep 2009; 11:118-24. [DOI: 10.1007/s11906-009-0022-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
Substantial evidence demonstrates a link of increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and glomerulosclerosis and kidney fibrosis, providing a novel therapeutic option for prevention and treatment of chronic kidney diseases. Several mechanisms contributing to increased PAI-1 will be addressed, including classic key profibrotic factors such as the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b???and novel molecules identified by proteomic analysis, such as thymosin- b4. The fibrotic sequelae caused by increased PAI-1 in kidney depend not only on its classic inhibition of tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators (tPA and uPA), but also its influence on cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Ma
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Liu YH, D'Ambrosio M, Liao TD, Peng H, Rhaleb NE, Sharma U, André S, Gabius HJ, Carretero OA. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline prevents cardiac remodeling and dysfunction induced by galectin-3, a mammalian adhesion/growth-regulatory lectin. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2008; 296:H404-12. [PMID: 19098114 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00747.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is secreted by activated macrophages. In hypertension, Gal-3 is a marker for hypertrophic hearts prone to develop heart failure. Gal-3 infused in pericardial sac leads to cardiac inflammation, remodeling, and dysfunction. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), a naturally occurring tetrapeptide, prevents and reverses inflammation and collagen deposition in the heart in hypertension and heart failure postmyocardial infarction. In the present study, we hypothesize that Ac-SDKP prevents Gal-3-induced cardiac inflammation, remodeling, and dysfunction, and these effects are mediated by the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta/Smad3 signaling pathway. Adult male rats were divided into four groups and received the following intrapericardial infusion for 4 wk: 1) vehicle (saline, n = 8); 2) Ac-SDKP (800 microg x kg(-1) x day(-1), n = 8); 3) Gal-3 (12 microg/day, n = 7); and 4) Ac-SDKP + Gal-3 (n = 7). Left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac output, and transmitral velocity were measured by echocardiography; inflammatory cell infiltration, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and collagen deposition in the heart by histological and immunohistochemical staining; and TGF-beta expression and Smad3 phosphorylation by Western blot. We found that, in the left ventricle, Gal-3 1) enhanced macrophage and mast cell infiltration, increased cardiac interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, and causes cardiac hypertrophy; 2) increased TGF-beta expression and Smad3 phosphorylation; and 3) decreased negative change in pressure over time response to isoproterenol challenge, ratio of early left ventricular filling phase to atrial contraction phase, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Ac-SDKP partially or completely prevented these effects. We conclude that Ac-SDKP prevents Gal-3-induced cardiac inflammation, fibrosis, hypertrophy, and dysfunction, possibly via inhibition of the TGF-beta/Smad3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-He Liu
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
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