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Lubomirov LT, Schroeter MM, Hasse V, Frohn M, Metzler D, Bust M, Pryymachuk G, Hescheler J, Grisk O, Chalovich JM, Smyth NR, Pfitzer G, Papadopoulos S. Dual thick and thin filament linked regulation of stretch- and L-NAME-induced tone in young and senescent murine basilar artery. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1099278. [PMID: 37057180 PMCID: PMC10088910 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1099278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Stretch-induced vascular tone is an important element of autoregulatory adaptation of cerebral vasculature to maintain cerebral flow constant despite changes in perfusion pressure. Little is known as to the regulation of tone in senescent basilar arteries. We tested the hypothesis, that thin filament mechanisms in addition to smooth muscle myosin-II regulatory-light-chain-(MLC20)-phosphorylation and non-muscle-myosin-II, contribute to regulation of stretch-induced tone. In young BAs (y-BAs) mechanical stretch does not lead to spontaneous tone generation. Stretch-induced tone in y-BAs appeared only after inhibition of NO-release by L-NAME and was fully prevented by treatment with 3 μmol/L RhoA-kinase (ROK) inhibitor Y27632. L-NAME-induced tone was reduced in y-BAs from heterozygous mice carrying a point mutation of the targeting-subunit of the myosin phosphatase, MYPT1 at threonine696 (MYPT1-T696A/+). In y-BAs, MYPT1-T696A-mutation also blunted the ability of L-NAME to increase MLC20-phosphorylation. In contrast, senescent BAs (s-BAs; >24 months) developed stable spontaneous stretch-induced tone and pharmacological inhibition of NO-release by L-NAME led to an additive effect. In s-BAs the MYPT1-T696A mutation also blunted MLC20-phosphorylation, but did not prevent development of stretch-induced tone. In s-BAs from both lines, Y27632 completely abolished stretch- and L-NAME-induced tone. In s-BAs phosphorylation of non-muscle-myosin-S1943 and PAK1-T423, shown to be down-stream effectors of ROK was also reduced by Y27632 treatment. Stretch- and L-NAME tone were inhibited by inhibition of non-muscle myosin (NM-myosin) by blebbistatin. We also tested whether the substrate of PAK1 the thin-filament associated protein, caldesmon is involved in the regulation of stretch-induced tone in advanced age. BAs obtained from heterozygotes Cald1+/− mice generated stretch-induced tone already at an age of 20–21 months old BAs (o-BA). The magnitude of stretch-induced tone in Cald1+/− o-BAs was similar to that in s-BA. In addition, truncation of caldesmon myosin binding Exon2 (CaD-▵Ex2−/−) did not accelerate stretch-induced tone. Our study indicates that in senescent cerebral vessels, mechanisms distinct from MLC20 phosphorylation contribute to regulation of tone in the absence of a contractile agonist. While in y-and o-BA the canonical pathways, i.e., inhibition of MLCP by ROK and increase in pMLC20, predominate, tone regulation in senescence involves ROK regulated mechanisms, involving non-muscle-myosin and thin filament linked mechanisms involving caldesmon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubomir T. Lubomirov
- Center of Physiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Physiology, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
- Research Cluster, Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Diseases, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Lubomir T. Lubomirov,
| | - Mechthild M. Schroeter
- Center of Physiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center of Physiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Veronika Hasse
- Center of Physiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marina Frohn
- Center of Physiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Doris Metzler
- Center of Physiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maria Bust
- Center of Physiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Galyna Pryymachuk
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hescheler
- Center of Physiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Olaf Grisk
- Institute of Physiology, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
- Research Cluster, Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Diseases, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Joseph M. Chalovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Neil R. Smyth
- Biological Sciences, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriele Pfitzer
- Center of Physiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Symeon Papadopoulos
- Center of Physiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Déglise S, Bechelli C, Allagnat F. Vascular smooth muscle cells in intimal hyperplasia, an update. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1081881. [PMID: 36685215 PMCID: PMC9845604 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1081881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Arterial occlusive disease is the leading cause of death in Western countries. Core contemporary therapies for this disease include angioplasties, stents, endarterectomies and bypass surgery. However, these treatments suffer from high failure rates due to re-occlusive vascular wall adaptations and restenosis. Restenosis following vascular surgery is largely due to intimal hyperplasia. Intimal hyperplasia develops in response to vessel injury, leading to inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cells dedifferentiation, migration, proliferation and secretion of extra-cellular matrix into the vessel's innermost layer or intima. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge on the origin and mechanisms underlying the dysregulated proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in intimal hyperplasia, and we present the new avenues of research targeting VSMC phenotype and proliferation.
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Tolomeu HV, Fraga CAM. The Outcomes of Small-Molecule Kinase Inhibitors and the Role of ROCK2 as a Molecular Target for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2022; 21:188-205. [PMID: 34414875 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210820092220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is rapidly becoming a major threat to public health, with an increasing number of individuals affected as the world's population ages. In this sense, studies have been carried out aiming at the identification of new small-molecule kinase inhibitors useful for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we investigated the compounds developed as inhibitors of different protein kinases associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS The applied methodology was the use of the Clarivate Analytics Integrity and ClinicalTrials. com databases. Moreover, we highlight ROCK2 as a promising target despite being little studied for this purpose. A careful structure-activity relationship analysis of the ROCK2 inhibitors was performed to identify important structural features and fragments for the interaction with the kinase active site, aiming to rationally design novel potent and selective inhibitors. RESULTS We were able to notice some structural characteristics that could serve as the basis to better guide the rational design of new ROCK2 inhibitors as well as some more in-depth characteristics regarding the topology of the active site of both isoforms of these enzymes, thereby identifying differences that could lead to planning more selective compounds. CONCLUSION We hope that this work can be useful to update researchers working in this area, enabling the emergence of new ideas and a greater direction of efforts for designing new ROCK2 inhibitors to identify new therapeutic alternatives for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heber Victor Tolomeu
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas (LASSBio), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil | Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941- 902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Manssour Fraga
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Síntese de Substâncias Bioativas (LASSBio), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil | Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941- 902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Gómez-Hernández A, de las Heras N, López-Pastor AR, García-Gómez G, Infante-Menéndez J, González-López P, González-Illanes T, Lahera V, Benito M, Escribano Ó. Severe Hepatic Insulin Resistance Induces Vascular Dysfunction: Improvement by Liver-Specific Insulin Receptor Isoform A Gene Therapy in a Murine Diabetic Model. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082035. [PMID: 34440804 PMCID: PMC8392327 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular dysfunction is linked to insulin-resistant states. In this paper, we analyzed whether the severe hepatic insulin resistance of an inducible liver-specific insulin receptor knockout (iLIRKO) might generate vascular insulin resistance and dysfunction, and whether insulin receptor (IR) isoforms gene therapy might revert it. METHODS We studied in vivo insulin signaling in aorta artery and heart from iLIRKO. Vascular reactivity and the mRNA levels of genes involved in vascular dysfunction were analyzed in thoracic aorta rings by qRT-PCR. Finally, iLIRKO mice were treated with hepatic-specific gene therapy to analyze vascular dysfunction improvement. RESULTS Our results suggest that severe hepatic insulin resistance was expanded to cardiovascular tissues. This vascular insulin resistance observed in aorta artery from iLIRKO mice correlated with a reduction in both PI3K/AKT/eNOS and p42/44 MAPK pathways, and it might be implicated in their vascular alterations characterized by endothelial dysfunction, hypercontractility and eNOS/iNOS levels' imbalance. Finally, regarding long-term hepatic expression of IR isoforms, IRA was more efficient than IRB in the improvement of vascular dysfunction observed in iLIRKO mice. CONCLUSION Severe hepatic insulin resistance is sufficient to produce cardiovascular insulin resistance and dysfunction. Long-term hepatic expression of IRA restored the vascular damage observed in iLIRKO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almudena Gómez-Hernández
- Laboratory of Hepatic and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.L.-P.); (J.I.-M.); (P.G.-L.); (T.G.-I.)
- Correspondence: (A.G.-H.); (Ó.E.)
| | - Natalia de las Heras
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.d.l.H.); (V.L.)
| | - Andrea R. López-Pastor
- Laboratory of Hepatic and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.L.-P.); (J.I.-M.); (P.G.-L.); (T.G.-I.)
| | - Gema García-Gómez
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Obesity, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (G.G.-G.); (M.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance (MOIR2), General Direction of Universities and Investigation (CCMM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Infante-Menéndez
- Laboratory of Hepatic and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.L.-P.); (J.I.-M.); (P.G.-L.); (T.G.-I.)
| | - Paula González-López
- Laboratory of Hepatic and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.L.-P.); (J.I.-M.); (P.G.-L.); (T.G.-I.)
| | - Tamara González-Illanes
- Laboratory of Hepatic and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.L.-P.); (J.I.-M.); (P.G.-L.); (T.G.-I.)
| | - Vicente Lahera
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.d.l.H.); (V.L.)
| | - Manuel Benito
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Obesity, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (G.G.-G.); (M.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance (MOIR2), General Direction of Universities and Investigation (CCMM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar Escribano
- Laboratory of Hepatic and Cardiovascular Diseases, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.L.-P.); (J.I.-M.); (P.G.-L.); (T.G.-I.)
- Correspondence: (A.G.-H.); (Ó.E.)
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FRZB as a key molecule in abdominal aortic aneurysm progression affecting vascular integrity. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:227068. [PMID: 33245093 PMCID: PMC7789806 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20203204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), when ruptured, results in high mortality. The identification of molecular pathways involved in AAA progression is required to improve AAA prognosis. The aim of the present study was to assess the key genes for the progression of AAA and their functional role. Genomic and clinical data of three independent cohorts were downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (GSE57691, GSE7084, and GSE98278). To develop AAA diagnosis and progression-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we used a significance analysis of microarray (SAM). Spearman correlation test and gene set analysis were performed to identify potential enriched pathways for DEGs. Only the Frizzled-related protein (FRZB) gene and chromosome 1 open reading frame 24 (C1orf24) exhibited significant down-regulation in all analyses. With FRZB, the pathways were associated with RHO GTPase and elastin fiber formation. With C1orf24, the pathways were elastic fiber formation, extracellular matrix organization, and cell–cell communication. Since only FRZB was evolutionally conserved in the vertebrates, function of FRZB was validated using zebrafish embryos. Knockdown of frzb remarkably reduced vascular integrity in zebrafish embryos. We believe that FRZB is a key gene involved in AAA initiation and progression affecting vascular integrity.
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Eplerenone improves endothelial function and arterial stiffness and inhibits Rho-associated kinase activity in patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism: a pilot study. J Hypertens 2020; 37:1083-1095. [PMID: 30418321 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000001989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primary aldosteronism is one of the most common cause of secondary hypertension. It is well known that the incidence of cardiovascular events is higher in patients with primary aldosteronism than in patients with essential hypertension. In a previous study, we showed that aldosterone-producing adenoma is associated with vascular function and structure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of eplerenone on vascular function in the macrovasculature and microvasculature, arterial stiffness and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) activity in patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA). METHODS Vascular function, including reactive hyperemia index (RHI), flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation (NID), arterial stiffness including brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and brachial intima-media thickness (IMT) and ROCK activity in peripheral leukocytes were measured before and after 12 weeks of treatment with eplerenone in 50 patients with IHA. RESULTS After 12 weeks, eplerenone decreased the aldosterone renin ratio but did not alter SBP and DBP. Eplerenone treatment increased log RHI from 0.56 ± 0.25 to 0.69 ± 0.25 (P < 0.01) and NID from 12.8 ± 5.8 to 14.9 ± 6.9% (P = 0.02) and it decreased baPWV from 1540 ± 263 to 1505 ± 281 (P = 0.04) and ROCK activity from 1.20 ± 0.54 to 0.89 ± 0.42 (P < 0.01), whereas there was no significant change in FMD (increase from 4.6 ± 3.4 to 4.6 ± 3.6%, P = 0.99) or brachial IMT (decrease from 0.28 ± 0.07 to 0.28 ± 0.04 mm, P = 0.14). CONCLUSION Eplerenone improves microvascular endothelial function, vascular smooth muscle function, arterial stiffness and ROCK activity in patients with IHA. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION URL for Clinical Trial: http://UMIN; Registration Number for Clinical Trial: UMIN000003409.
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Sharma P, Roy K. ROCK-2-selective targeting and its therapeutic outcomes. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:446-455. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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RhoA inhibitor-eluting stent attenuates restenosis by inhibiting YAP signaling. J Vasc Surg 2019; 69:1581-1589.e1. [PMID: 31010523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2018.04.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current drug-eluting stent (DES) treatment is promising, but it still has the drawback of in-stent restenosis, which remains a clinically relevant problem. Efforts should be made to discover new signaling molecules and novel potential targets for the prevention of arterial restenosis. In this study, we fabricated a novel DES targeting the RhoA pathway and further examined this promising strategy in vitro and in a rabbit carotid model. METHODS Active RhoA expression is correlated with the synthetic smooth muscle phenotype, and the RhoA inhibitor rhosin suppresses this phenotypic modulation at both transcriptional and translational levels. We further demonstrated that the RhoA inhibitor rhosin might act through the YAP pathway in smooth muscle cell phenotype modulation by a gain-of-function assay. Moreover, we fabricated a RhoA inhibitor-eluting stent and tested it in a rabbit carotid model. RESULTS Compared with a bare-metal stent, the RhoA inhibitor-eluting stent significantly attenuated neointimal formation at 6 months. However, overexpression of YAP by lentivirus blocked the antirestenosis effect of the RhoA inhibitor-eluting stent and repressed smooth muscle-specific genes. CONCLUSIONS RhoA inhibitor-eluting stents attenuate neointimal formation through inhibition of the YAP signaling pathway. This novel DES may represent a potential strategy for the treatment of in-stent restenosis.
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Paddillaya N, Mishra A, Kondaiah P, Pullarkat P, Menon GI, Gundiah N. Biophysics of Cell-Substrate Interactions Under Shear. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:251. [PMID: 31781558 PMCID: PMC6857480 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells adhere to substrates through mechanosensitive focal adhesion complexes. Measurements that probe how cells detach from substrates when they experience an applied force connect molecular-scale aspects of cell adhesion with the biophysical properties of adherent cells. Such forces can be applied through shear devices that flow fluid in a controlled manner across cells. The signaling pathways associated with focal adhesions, in particular those that involve integrins and receptor tyrosine kinases, are complex, receiving mechano-chemical feedback from the sensing of substrate stiffness as well as of external forces. This article reviews the signaling processes involved in mechanosensing and mechanotransduction during cell-substrate interactions, describing the role such signaling plays in cancer metastasis. We examine some recent progress in quantifying the strength of these interactions, describing a novel fluid shear device that allows for the visualization of the cell and its sub-cellular structures under a shear flow. We also summarize related results from a biophysical model for cellular de-adhesion induced by applied forces. Quantifying cell-substrate adhesions under shear should aid in the development of mechano-diagnostic techniques for diseases in which cell-adhesion is mis-regulated, such as cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Paddillaya
- Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Ashish Mishra
- Soft Condensed Matter Group, Raman Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - Paturu Kondaiah
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Pramod Pullarkat
- Soft Condensed Matter Group, Raman Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - Gautam I Menon
- The Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India.,Department of Physics, Ashoka University, Sonepat, India
| | - Namrata Gundiah
- Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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Zhang J, McIntosh BE, Wang B, Brown ME, Probasco MD, Webster S, Duffin B, Zhou Y, Guo LW, Burlingham WJ, Kent C, Ferris M, Thomson JA. A Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Screen for Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation and Maturation Identifies Inhibitors of Intimal Hyperplasia. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 12:1269-1281. [PMID: 31080110 PMCID: PMC6565755 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Contractile to synthetic phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contributes to stenosis in vascular disease and vascular transplants. To generate more contractile SMCs, we performed a high-throughput differentiation screen using a MYH11-NLuc-tdTomato human embryonic stem cell reporter cell line. We identified RepSox as a factor that promotes differentiation of MYH11-positive cells by promoting NOTCH signaling. RepSox induces SMCs to exhibit a more contractile phenotype than SMCs generated using PDGF-BB and TGF-β1, two factors previously used for SMC differentiation but which also cause intimal hyperplasia. In addition, RepSox inhibited intimal hyperplasia caused by contractile to synthetic phenotypic switching of SMCs in a rat balloon injury model. Thus, in addition to providing more contractile SMCs that could prove useful for constructing artificial blood vessels, this study suggests a strategy for identifying drugs for inhibiting intimal hyperplasia that act by driving contractile differentiation rather than inhibiting proliferation non-specifically. Fully defined differentiation of contractile (95% MYH11+) smooth muscle cells (SMCs) RepSox-NOTCH signal promotes SMC differentiation and inhibits intimal hyperplasia RepSox-SMCs could reduce the risk of intimal hyperplasia compared with PDGF/TGF-SMCs Applying SMC differentiation for high-throughput screening of anti-restenosis drugs
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Zhang
- Regenerative Biology, Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 North Orchard Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
| | - Brian E McIntosh
- Regenerative Biology, Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 North Orchard Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Bowen Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA; College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Matthew E Brown
- Regenerative Biology, Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 North Orchard Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Mitchell D Probasco
- Regenerative Biology, Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 North Orchard Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Sarah Webster
- Regenerative Biology, Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 North Orchard Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Bret Duffin
- Regenerative Biology, Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 North Orchard Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Lian-Wang Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA; College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | - Craig Kent
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA; College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Michael Ferris
- College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Computer Sciences, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Optimization, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - James A Thomson
- Regenerative Biology, Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 North Orchard Street, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Cell & Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, USA.
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Sladojevic N, Oh GT, Kim HH, Beaulieu LM, Falet H, Kaminski K, Freedman JE, Liao JK. Decreased thromboembolic stroke but not atherosclerosis or vascular remodelling in mice with ROCK2-deficient platelets. Cardiovasc Res 2018; 113:1307-1317. [PMID: 28430966 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase (ROCK)-2 is an important mediator of the actin cytoskeleton. Because changes in the actin cytoskeleton are critical for platelet function, we hypothesized that ROCK2 in platelets will play important role in thrombosis and can be potentially a target for therapeutic intervention in thromboembolic stroke. Methods and results We generated platelet-specific ROCK2-deficient mice (ROCK2Plt-/-) from conditional ROCK2fl°x/fl°x and platelet factor (PF)-4-Cre transgenic mice. Platelets from ROCK2Plt-/- mice were less responsive to thrombin stimulation in terms of pseudopodia formation, collagen adhesion, and in the formation of homotypic and heterotypic aggregates. This corresponded to prolonged bleeding time and delayed vascular occlusion following vessel injury. To determine whether these changes in platelet function could affect thrombotic disease, we utilized a clot-embolic model of ischaemic stroke. When pre-formed clots from ROCK2Plt-/- mice were injected into the middle cerebral artery of control mice, cerebral blood flow recovery occurred more rapidly, leading to decreased cerebral injury and neurological deficits, compared to pre-formed clots from control mice. Interestingly, pre-formed clots from control mice produced similar degree of cerebral injury when injected into control or ROCK2Plt-/- mice, suggesting that platelet ROCK2 deficiency affects clot formation but not propagation. Indeed, in a non-thrombotic intra-filament MCA occlusion model of stroke, platelet ROCK2 deletion was not protective. Furthermore, ROCK2Plt-/- mice exhibit similar atherosclerosis severity and vascular remodeling as control mice. Conclusion These findings indicate that platelet ROCK2 plays important role in platelet function and thrombosis, but does not contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and vascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Sladojevic
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Goo Taeg Oh
- Department of Medicine, Vascular Medicine Research Unit, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Life Science, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Daehyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung-Hwan Kim
- Department of Medicine, Vascular Medicine Research Unit, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lea M Beaulieu
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 N. Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Hervé Falet
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karol Kaminski
- Department of Medicine, Vascular Medicine Research Unit, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Population Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Jana Kilinskiego 1, 15-089, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Jane E Freedman
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 N. Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - James K Liao
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.,Department of Medicine, Vascular Medicine Research Unit, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 65 Landsdowne Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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12
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Yang S, Zhao Y, Tian Y, Chen Y, Zhao X, Li Y, Zhao H, Chen X, Zhu L, Fang Z, Yao Y, Hu Z, Shen C. Common variants of ROCKs and the risk of hypertension, and stroke: Two case-control studies and a follow-up study in Chinese Han population. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1864:778-783. [PMID: 29246448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Rho kinases (ROCKs) are recognized as a critical regulator of vascular functions in cardiovascular disorders. It is crucial to illustrate the association of ROCKs genetic variation and hypertension and/or stroke events. Herein we aimed at investigating the association of ROCK1 and ROCK2 with hypertension and stroke in Chinese Han population. Seven tagSNPs at ROCK1 and ROCK2 were genotyped in a community-based case-control study consisting of 2012 hypertension cases and 2210 normotensive controls and 4128 subjects were further followed up. In stroke case-control study, 1471 ischemic stroke (IS) inpatients and 607 hemorrhagic stroke (HS) inpatients were collected, and 2443 age-matched controls were selected from the follow-up population. Risks were estimated as odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) by logistic and Cox regression. The community-based case-control study didn't identify any significant tagSNPs associated with hypertension even after adjustment for covariates. The follow-up analysis showed that rs1481280 of ROCK1 significantly associated with incident hypertension (HR=1.130, P=0.048) after adjusting for covariates. rs7589629 and rs978906 of ROCK2 were significantly associated with incident IS (HR=1.373, P=0.004; HR=1.284, P=0.026) respectively. In stroke case-control study, rs288980, rs1481280 and rs7237677 were significantly associated with IS and the adjusted ORs (P values) of additive model were 0.879 (0.010), 0.895 (0.036) and 0.857 (0.002) respectively. Furthermore, rs288980, rs7237677 and rs978906 were significantly associated with HS and the adjusted ORs (P values) of additive model were 0.857 (0.025), 0.848 (0.018) and 0.856 (0.027) respectively. Our findings suggest that ROCK1 and ROCK2 contribute to the genetic susceptibility of hypertension and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Yixing People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, People's Hospital of Yixing City, Yixing 214200, China
| | - Yanping Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Yixing People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, People's Hospital of Yixing City, Yixing 214200, China
| | - Yuanrui Tian
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yanchun Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Yixing People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, People's Hospital of Yixing City, Yixing 214200, China
| | - Xianghai Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Yixing People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, People's Hospital of Yixing City, Yixing 214200, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hailong Zhao
- Experimental Center, Affiliated Yixing People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, People's Hospital of Yixing City, Yixing 214200, China
| | - Xiaotian Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Lijun Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China
| | - Zhengmei Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China
| | - YingShui Yao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China
| | - Zhibing Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chong Shen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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13
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Alencar AKN, Montes GC, Barreiro EJ, Sudo RT, Zapata-Sudo G. Adenosine Receptors As Drug Targets for Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:858. [PMID: 29255415 PMCID: PMC5722832 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a clinical condition characterized by pulmonary arterial remodeling and vasoconstriction, which promote chronic vessel obstruction and elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance. Long-term right ventricular (RV) overload leads to RV dysfunction and failure, which are the main determinants of life expectancy in PAH subjects. Therapeutic options for PAH remain limited, despite the introduction of prostacyclin analogs, endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, and soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulators within the last 15 years. Through addressing the pulmonary endothelial and smooth muscle cell dysfunctions associated with PAH, these interventions delay disease progression but do not offer a cure. Emerging approaches to improve treatment efficacy have focused on beneficial actions to both the pulmonary vasculature and myocardium, and several new targets have been investigated and validated in experimental PAH models. Herein, we review the effects of adenosine and adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3) on the cardiovascular system, focusing on the A2A receptor as a pharmacological target. This receptor induces pulmonary vascular and heart protection in experimental models, specifically models of PAH. Targeting the A2A receptor could potentially serve as a novel and efficient approach for treating PAH and concomitant RV failure. A2A receptor activation induces pulmonary endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, smooth muscle cell hyperpolarization, and vasodilation, with important antiproliferative activities through the inhibition of collagen deposition and vessel wall remodeling in the pulmonary arterioles. The pleiotropic potential of A2A receptor activation is highlighted by its additional expression in the heart tissue, where it participates in the regulation of intracellular calcium handling and maintenance of heart chamber structure and function. In this way, the activation of A2A receptor could prevent the production of a hypertrophic and dysfunctional phenotype in animal models of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan K N Alencar
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guilherme C Montes
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliezer J Barreiro
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Roberto T Sudo
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gisele Zapata-Sudo
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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14
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Wu F, Yao W, Yang J, Zhang M, Xu Y, Hao Y, Yan L, Niu Y, Sun T, Yu J, Zhou R. Protective effects of aloperin on monocroline-induced pulmonary hypertension via regulation of Rho A/Rho kinsase pathway in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:1161-1168. [PMID: 28926926 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is fatal disease which closely involves Rho A/ Rho kinsase (ROCK) pathway. Aloperine is a main active alkaloid extracted from Sophora alopecuroides, which is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been used widely. However, the effects of this alkaloid on pulmonary hypertension and its mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate whether aloperine has protective effects on PH induced by monocrotaline, whether these effects may be related to regulation of RhoA/ROCK pathway in rats. Pulmonary hypertension was induced by monocrotaline (60mg/kg), and subsequently oral administration of aloperine (25, 50, 100mg/kg/day) for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, rats were underwent hemodynamic and morphologic assessments. At same time, the expression of Rho A, ROCK1, ROCK2, as well as activities of ROCK in the lung of rat has been detected. Afterwards, the expression of p27kip1, Bax, Bcl-2, which was the downstream proliferation and apoptosis factors of ROCK, were tested. The result indicted that aloperine treatment showed significantly improvement in hemodynamic and pathomorphologic data. Moreover, the reduction in expression of Rho A, ROCK1, ROCK2, and suppression in activities of ROCK were found in rat lungs after aloperine treatment. Furthermore, aloperine also alleviated the MCT-induced changes of p27kip1, Bax and Bcl-2. In summary, this study indicates that aloperine have protective effects on monocrotaline-induced PH. And these effects may be partially related to RhoA/ROCK pathway. Thus, aloperine could be considered a possible therapeutic strategy for PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Wanxia Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Jiamei Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Yanping Xu
- Echocardiogram Room, Heart Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Yinju Hao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Lin Yan
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Yang Niu
- Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Tao Sun
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Diseases of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China
| | - Jianqiang Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China; Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China.
| | - Ru Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China; Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China; Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, PR China.
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15
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Filep JG. Context-dependent signalling in platelets in vascular diseases: ROCK2 around thrombosis. Cardiovasc Res 2017; 113:1267-1269. [PMID: 28859303 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- János G Filep
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of Montreal, and Research Center, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, 5415 boulevard de l'Assomption, Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
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16
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Satoh T, Kurita M, Suga H, Eto H, Ozaki M, Takushima A, Harii K. Efficient isolation and culture of endothelial cells from venous malformation using the Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor Y27632. J Plast Surg Hand Surg 2017; 52:60-66. [PMID: 28554252 DOI: 10.1080/2000656x.2017.1330754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The investigation of primary cells from a pathological lesion can elucidate the pathogenesis of diseases, but, for vascular malformations in humans, such basic research is still stagnant, because the isolation and culture of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) is very difficult. To obtain a sufficient amount of ECs from venous malformation (VM) this study took advantage of a Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor, Y27632, which had been used for the efficient procurement of primary keratinocytes. METHODS ECs were isolated and cultured from VM lesions, combining enzymatic digestion, cell sorting, and Y27632. The proliferative effect of Y27632 on ECs was examined by proliferation assay. The characteristics of the ECs cultured with Y27632 by EC marker expression and tube formation assay were also examined. RESULTS Y27632 enhanced the proliferation of ECs and elongated the senescence of the cells. The expression of specific markers of ECs such as von Willebrand factor, endothelin-1, and VE-cadherin, was confirmed in the cells cultured with Y27632. In a tube formation assay, the cells cultured with Y27632 showed higher tube formation ability compared to the cells cultured without Y27632, indicating that Y27632 promoted the angiogenic capability of ECs. CONCLUSIONS The protocol using Y27632 offers a new EC culture methodology and provides a new option for the biological investigation of vascular malformations. This new method will contribute to other types of vascular biology research as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Satoh
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Kyorin University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Masakazu Kurita
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Kyorin University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Hirotaka Suga
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Kyorin University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Hitomi Eto
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Kyorin University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Mine Ozaki
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Kyorin University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Akihiko Takushima
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Kyorin University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Kiyonori Harii
- a Department of Plastic Surgery , Kyorin University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
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17
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Abstract
In past decades, growing evidence from basic and clinical researches reveal that small guanosine triphosphate binding protein ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA) and its main effector Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) play central and complex roles in cardiovascular systems, and increasing RhoA and ROCK activity is associated with a broad range of cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Favorable outcomes have been observed with ROCK inhibitors treatment. In this review, we briefly summarize the pathophysiological roles of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway on cardiovascular system, displaying the potential benefits in the cardiovascular system with controlling RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.
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18
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Abstract
Twenty years ago, Rho-kinase was identified as an important downstream effector of the small GTP-binding protein, RhoA. Thereafter, a series of studies demonstrated the important roles of Rho-kinase in the cardiovascular system. The RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway is now widely known to play important roles in many cellular functions, including contraction, motility, proliferation, and apoptosis, and its excessive activity induces oxidative stress and promotes the development of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the important role of Rho-kinase has been demonstrated in the pathogenesis of vasospasm, arteriosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure. Cyclophilin A is secreted by vascular smooth muscle cells and inflammatory cells and activated platelets in a Rho-kinase-dependent manner, playing important roles in a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway plays crucial roles under both physiological and pathological conditions and is an important therapeutic target in cardiovascular medicine. Recently, functional differences between ROCK1 and ROCK2 have been reported in vitro. ROCK1 is specifically cleaved by caspase-3, whereas granzyme B cleaves ROCK2. However, limited information is available on the functional differences and interactions between ROCK1 and ROCK2 in the cardiovascular system in vivo. Herein, we will review the recent advances about the importance of RhoA/Rho-kinase in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Shimokawa
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Shinichiro Sunamura
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kimio Satoh
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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19
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Pleiotropic effects of statins: new therapeutic targets in drug design. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2016; 389:695-712. [PMID: 27146293 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-016-1252-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The HMG Co-enzyme inhibitors and new lipid-modifying agents expand their new therapeutic target options in the field of medical profession. Statins have been described as the most effective class of drugs to reduce serum cholesterol levels. Since the discovery of the first statin nearly 30 years ago, these drugs have become the main therapeutic approach to lower cholesterol levels. The present scientific research demonstrates numerous non-lipid modifiable effects of statins termed as pleiotropic effects of statins, which could be beneficial for the treatment of various devastating disorders. The most important positive effects of statins are anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, anti-diabetes, and antithrombotic, improving endothelial dysfunction and attenuating vascular remodeling besides many others which are discussed under the scope of this review. In particular, inhibition of Rho and its downstream target, Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK), and their agonistic action on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) can be viewed as the principle mechanisms underlying the pleiotropic effects of statins. With gradually increasing knowledge of new therapeutic targets of statins, their use has also been advocated in chronic inflammatory disorders for example rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the scope of review, we highlight statins and their pleiotropic effects with reference to their harmful and beneficial effects as a novel approach for their use in the treatment of devastating disorders. Graphical abstract Pleiotropic effect of statins.
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20
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Loirand G. Rho Kinases in Health and Disease: From Basic Science to Translational Research. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 67:1074-95. [PMID: 26419448 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases ROCK1 and ROCK2 are key regulators of actin cytoskeleton dynamics downstream of Rho GTPases that participate in the control of important physiologic functions, S including cell contraction, migration, proliferation, adhesion, and inflammation. Several excellent review articles dealing with ROCK function and regulation have been published over the past few years. Although a brief overview of general molecular, biochemical, and functional properties of ROCKs is included, an effort has been made to produce an original work by collecting and synthesizing recent studies aimed at translating basic discoveries from cell and experimental models into knowledge of human physiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and medical therapeutics. This review points out the specificity and distinct roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 isoforms highlighted in the last few years. Results obtained from genetically modified mice and genetic analysis in humans are discussed. This review also addresses the involvement of ROCKs in human diseases and the potential use of ROCK activity as a biomarker or a pharmacological target for specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervaise Loirand
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR1087, Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, l'institut du thorax, Nantes, France
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21
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Light and Dark of Reactive Oxygen Species for Vascular Function: 2014 ASVB (Asian Society of Vascular Biology). J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2016; 65:412-8. [PMID: 25162437 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Vascular-derived hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) serves as an important signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system and contributes to vascular homeostasis. H2O2 is a second messenger, transducing the oxidative signal into biological responses through posttranslational protein modification. The balance between oxidant and antioxidant systems regulates intracellular redox status, and their imbalance causes oxidative or reductive stress, leading to cellular damage in cardiovascular systems. Excessive H2O2 deteriorates vascular functions and promotes vascular disease through multiple pathways. The RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway plays an important role in various fundamental cellular functions, including production of excessive reactive oxygen species, leading to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Rho-kinase (ROCK1 and ROCK2) belongs to the family of serine/threonine kinases and is an important downstream effector of the small GTP-binding protein RhoA. Rho-kinase plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of vasospasm, arteriosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, stroke, and heart failure. Thus, Rho-kinase inhibitors may be useful for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in humans. In this review, we will briefly discuss the roles of vascular-derived H2O2 and review the recent progress in the translational research on the therapeutic importance of the Rho-kinase pathway in cardiovascular medicine.
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22
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Hemodynamic and biologic determinates of arteriovenous fistula outcomes in renal failure patients. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:171674. [PMID: 26495286 PMCID: PMC4606083 DOI: 10.1155/2015/171674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The outcome of patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis depends on a functioning vascular access. Although a variety of access options are available, the arteriovenous fistula remains the best vascular access. Unfortunately the success rate of mature fistula use remains poor. The creation of an arteriovenous fistula is followed by altered hemodynamic and biological changes that may result in neointimal hyperplasia and eventual venous stenosis. This review provides an overview of these changes and the needed research to provide a long lasting vascular access and hence improve outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease.
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23
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Kajikawa M, Noma K, Nakashima A, Maruhashi T, Iwamoto Y, Matsumoto T, Iwamoto A, Oda N, Hidaka T, Kihara Y, Aibara Y, Chayama K, Sasaki S, Kato M, Dote K, Goto C, Liao JK, Higashi Y. Rho-associated kinase activity is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndrome. Hypertension 2015; 66:892-9. [PMID: 26283039 PMCID: PMC4989242 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.115.05587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases play an important role in a variety of cellular functions. Although Rho-associated kinase activity has been shown to be an independent predictor for future cardiovascular events in a general population, there is no information on Rho-associated kinase activity in patients with acute coronary syndrome. We evaluated leukocyte Rho-associated kinase activity by Western blot analysis in 73 patients with acute coronary syndrome and 73 age- and gender-matched control subjects. Rho-associated kinase activity within 2 hours of acute coronary syndrome onset was higher in patients with acute coronary syndrome than in the control subjects (0.95±0.55 versus 0.69±0.31; P<0.001). Rho-associated kinase activity promptly increased from 0.95±0.55 to 1.11±0.81 after 3 hours and reached a peak of 1.21±0.76 after 1 day (P=0.03 and P=0.03, respectively) and then gradually decreased to 0.83±0.52 after 7 days, 0.78±0.42 after 14 days, and 0.72±0.30 after 6 months (P=0.22, P=0.29, and P=0.12, respectively). During a median follow-up period of 50.8 months, 31 first major cardiovascular events (death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and coronary revascularization) occurred. After adjustment for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and concomitant treatment with statins, increased Rho-associated kinase activity was associated with increasing risk of first major cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 4.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.98–11.34; P<0.001). These findings suggest that Rho-associated kinase activity is dramatically changed after acute coronary syndrome and that Rho-associated kinase activity could be a useful biomarker to predict cardiovascular events in Japanese patients with acute coronary syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Kajikawa
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Kensuke Noma
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Ayumu Nakashima
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Tatsuya Maruhashi
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Yumiko Iwamoto
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Takeshi Matsumoto
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Akimichi Iwamoto
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Nozomu Oda
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Takayuki Hidaka
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Yasuki Kihara
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Yoshiki Aibara
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Shota Sasaki
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Masaya Kato
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Keigo Dote
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Chikara Goto
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - James K Liao
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.)
| | - Yukihito Higashi
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.K., T. Maruhashi, Y.I., T. Matsumoto, A. I., N.O., T.H., Y.K.), Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (K.N., Y.H.), and Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences (K.C.), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Division of Regeneration and Medicine, Medical Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (K.N., A.N., Y.H.); Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima City Asa Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan (S.S., M.K., K.D.); Department of Physical Therapy, Hirohsima International University, Hiroshima, Japan (C.G.); and Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, IL (J.K.L.).
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Molina-Sánchez P, Chèvre R, Rius C, Fuster J, Andrés V. Loss of p27 phosphorylation at Ser10 accelerates early atherogenesis by promoting leukocyte recruitment via RhoA/ROCK. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 84:84-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- Anping Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China (A.C., Y.Z., L.L.)
| | - Yingling Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China (A.C., Y.Z., L.L.)
| | - Liwen Li
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China (A.C., Y.Z., L.L.)
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Williams LJ, Mukherjee D, Fisher M, Reyes-Aldasoro CC, Akerman S, Kanthou C, Tozer GM. An in vivo role for Rho kinase activation in the tumour vascular disrupting activity of combretastatin A-4 3-O-phosphate. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:4902-13. [PMID: 24930520 PMCID: PMC4294113 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Combretastatin A-4 3-O-phosphate (CA4P) is in clinical trial as a tumour vascular disrupting agent (VDA) but the cause of blood flow disruption is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that activation of Rho/Rho kinase (ROCK) is fundamental to the effects of this drug in vivo. Experimental Approach Mouse models of human colorectal carcinoma (SW1222 and LS174T) were used. Effects of the ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, alone or in combination with CA4P, on ROCK activity, vascular function, necrosis and immune cell infiltration in solid tumours were determined. Mean arterial BP (MABP) was measured to monitor systemic interactions and the vasodilator, hydralazine, was used to control for the hypotensive effects of Y27632. Key Results Y27632 caused a rapid drop in blood flow in SW1222 tumours, with recovery by around 3 h, which was paralleled by MABP changes. Y27632 pretreatment reduced CA4P-induced ROCK activation and partially blocked CA4P-induced tumour vascular effects, in both tumour types. Y27632 also partially inhibited CA4P-induced tumour necrosis and was associated with reduced immune cell infiltration in SW1222 tumours. Hydralazine caused a similar hypotensive effect as Y27632 but had no protective effect against CA4P treatment. Conclusions and Implications These results demonstrate that ROCK activity is critical for full manifestation of the vascular activity of CA4P in vivo, providing the evidence for pharmacological intervention to enhance the anti-tumour efficacy of CA4P and related VDAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Williams
- Tumour Microcirculation Group, Sheffield Cancer Research Centre, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Effects of rosuvastatin combined with fasudil therapy on rabbits with dyslipidemia. Lipids Health Dis 2015; 14:52. [PMID: 26018523 PMCID: PMC4464623 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-015-0050-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Present study was conducted to investigate the effects of rosuvastatin combined with fasudil on rabbits with dyslipidemia. METHODS Dyslipidemia model of rabbits were produced by prescribing atherogenic diet for 2 weeks. Thereafter, 40 rabbits with dyslipidemia were randomly and evenly divided into four groups as follow: untreated group (orally prescribed 3 ml of normal saline), rosuvastatin group (orally prescribed 3 mg/kg body weight daily, dissolved in 3 ml of normal saline), fasudil group (intravenously prescribed 0.5 mg/kg body weight daily, dissolved in 3 ml of normal saline), and combined group (the same doses of rosuvastatin and fasudil as aforementioned). At baseline, 2 weeks of dyslipidemia establishment and 2 weeks of medical therapy, fasting venous blood was drawn for laboratory examination. RESULTS After 2 weeks' atherogenic diet treatment, lipid disorders and impaired fasting glucose were observed. Systemic inflammation and oxidation were also promoted as revealed by increased serum levels of high sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Notably, endothelial function has been impaired significantly as reflected by decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and increased serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level. RhoA associated kinase (ROCK) activity was also profoundly enhanced (P < 0.05). Inter-group comparisons showed that when compared to untreated group, modest improvements of endothelial function, inflammation and oxidation were observed in rosuvastatin and fasudil groups (P > 0.05). These benefits were improved more prominently in combined group (P < 0.05). Intra-group comparisons also showed that when compared to 2 weeks of dyslipidemia, slight improvement of endothelial function, inflammation and oxidation in rosuvastatin and fasudil groups were observed (P > 0.05). The improvements were more prominent in the combined groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Rosuvastatin combined with fasudil conferred synergistic effects on endothelium-protection and inflammation- and oxidation-amelioration in the setting of early stage of dyslipidemia.
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Exogenous nitric oxide inhibits Rho-associated kinase activity in patients with angina pectoris: a randomized controlled trial. Hypertens Res 2015; 38:485-90. [PMID: 25740292 DOI: 10.1038/hr.2015.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) pathway has a key physiological role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Increased ROCK activity is associated with cardiovascular diseases. Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) has an anti-atherosclerotic effect, whereas the exogenous NO-mediated cardiovascular effect still remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous NO on ROCK activity in patients with angina pectoris. This is a prospective, open-label, randomized, controlled study. A total of 30 patients with angina pectoris were randomly assigned to receive 40 mg day(-1) of isosorbide mononitrate (n=15, 12 men and 3 women, mean age of 63±12 years, isosorbide mononitrate group) or conventional treatment (n=15, 13 men and 2 women, mean age of 64±13 years, control group) for 12 weeks. ROCK activity in peripheral leukocytes was measured by western blot analysis. ROCK activities at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment were decreased in the isosorbide mononitrate group (0.82±0.33 at 0 week, 0.62±0.20 at 4 weeks, 0.61±0.19 at 12 weeks, n=15 in each group, P<0.05, respectively) but not altered in the control group. ROCK1 and ROCK2 expression levels were similar in all treatment periods in the two groups. These findings suggest that the administration of exogenous NO can inhibit ROCK activity, indicating that the usage of exogenous NO could have a protective effect in patients with angina pectoris.
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Cheng CI, Chen PH, Lin YC, Kao YH. High glucose activates Raw264.7 macrophages through RhoA kinase-mediated signaling pathway. Cell Signal 2015; 27:283-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Critical role of exogenous nitric oxide in ROCK activity in vascular smooth muscle cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109017. [PMID: 25280018 PMCID: PMC4184841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway has been shown to mediate various cellular functions including cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, apoptosis, and contraction, all of which may be involved in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is well known to have an anti-atherosclerotic effect, whereas the exogenous NO-mediated cardiovascular effect still remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous NO on ROCK activity in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro and in vivo. Methods VSMCs migration was evaluated using a modified Boyden chamber assay. ROCK activities were measured by Western blot analysis in murine and human VSMCs and aorta of mice treated with or without angiotensin II (Ang II) and/or sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor. Results Co-treatment with SNP inhibited the Ang II-induced cell migration and increases in ROCK activity in murine and human VSMCs. Similarly, the increased ROCK activity 2 weeks after Ang II infusion in the mouse aorta was substantially inhibited by subcutaneous injection of SNP. Conclusions These findings suggest that administration of exogenous NO can inhibit ROCK activity in VSMCs in vitro and in vivo.
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Tetraspanin CD9 regulates cell contraction and actin arrangement via RhoA in human vascular smooth muscle cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106999. [PMID: 25184334 PMCID: PMC4153684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The most prevalent cardiovascular diseases arise from alterations in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) morphology and function. Tetraspanin CD9 has been previously implicated in regulating vascular pathologies; however, insight into how CD9 may regulate adverse VSMC phenotypes has not been provided. We utilized a human model of aortic smooth muscle cells to understand the consequences of CD9 deficiency on VSMC phenotypes. Upon knocking down CD9, the cells developed an abnormally small and rounded morphology. We determined that this morphological change was due to a lack of typical parallel actin arrangement. We also found similar total RhoA but decreased GTP-bound (active) RhoA levels in CD9 deficient cells. As a result, cells lacking a full complement of CD9 were less contractile than their control treated counterparts. Upon restoration of RhoA activity in the CD9 deficient cells, the phenotype was reversed and cell contraction was restored. Conversely, inhibition of RhoA activity in the control cells mimicked the CD9-deficient cell phenotype. Thus, alteration in CD9 expression was sufficient to profoundly disrupt cellular actin arrangement and endogenous cell contraction by interfering with RhoA signaling. This study provides insight into how CD9 may regulate previously described vascular smooth muscle cell pathophysiology.
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Gadang V, Konaniah E, Hui DY, Jaeschke A. Mixed-lineage kinase 3 deficiency promotes neointima formation through increased activation of the RhoA pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2014; 34:1429-36. [PMID: 24790140 PMCID: PMC4084683 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.114.303439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways play an important role in neointima formation secondary to vascular injury, in part by promoting proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Mixed-lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) is a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase that activates multiple mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways and has been implicated in regulating proliferation in several cell types. However, the role of MLK3 in VSMC proliferation and neointima formation is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the function of MLK3 in the development of neointimal hyperplasia and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. APPROACH AND RESULTS Neointima formation was analyzed after endothelial denudation of carotid arteries from wild-type and MLK3-deficient mice. MLK3 deficiency promoted injury-induced neointima formation and increased proliferation of primary VSMC derived from aortas isolated from MLK3-deficient mice compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, MLK3 deficiency increased the activation of p63Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor, RhoA, and Rho kinase in VSMC, a pathway known to promote neointimal hyperplasia, and reconstitution of MLK3 expression attenuated Rho kinase activation. Furthermore, cJun NH2-terminal kinase activation was decreased in MLK3-deficient VSMC, and proliferation of wild-type but not MLK3 knockout cells treated with a cJun NH2-terminal kinase inhibitor was attenuated. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that MLK3 limits RhoA activation and injury-induced neointima formation by binding to and inhibiting the activation of p63Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor, a RhoA activator. In MLK3-deficient cells, activation of p63Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor proceeds in an unchecked manner, leading to a net increase in RhoA pathway activation. Reconstitution of MLK3 expression restores MLK3/p63Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor interaction, which is attenuated by feedback from activated cJun NH2-terminal kinase.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carotid Arteries/enzymology
- Carotid Arteries/pathology
- Carotid Artery Injuries/enzymology
- Carotid Artery Injuries/genetics
- Carotid Artery Injuries/pathology
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Hyperplasia
- JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
- MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases/deficiency
- MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases/genetics
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/enzymology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/enzymology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Neointima
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Time Factors
- rho GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- rho-Associated Kinases/metabolism
- rhoA GTP-Binding Protein
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase 11
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Gadang
- From the Department of Pathology, Metabolic Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, OH
| | - Eddy Konaniah
- From the Department of Pathology, Metabolic Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, OH
| | - David Y Hui
- From the Department of Pathology, Metabolic Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, OH
| | - Anja Jaeschke
- From the Department of Pathology, Metabolic Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, OH.
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Sawada N, Liao JK. Rho/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase pathway as therapeutic targets for statins in atherosclerosis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2014; 20:1251-67. [PMID: 23919640 PMCID: PMC3934442 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2013.5524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The 3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors or statins are important therapeutic agents for lowering serum cholesterol levels. However, recent studies suggest that statins may exert atheroprotective effects beyond cholesterol lowering. These so-called "pleiotropic effects" include effects of statins on vascular and inflammatory cells. Thus, it is important to understand whether other signaling pathways that are involved in atherosclerosis could be targets of statins, and if so, whether individuals with "overactivity" of these pathways could benefit from statin therapy, regardless of serum cholesterol level. RECENT ADVANCES Statins inhibit the synthesis of isoprenoids, which are important for the function of the Rho/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase (ROCK) pathway. Indeed, recent studies suggest that inhibition of the Rho/ROCK pathway by statins could lead to improved endothelial function and decreased vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Thus, the Rho/ROCK pathway has emerged as an important target of statin therapy for reducing atherosclerosis and possibly cardiovascular disease. CRITICAL ISSUES Because atherosclerosis is both a lipid and an inflammatory disease, it is important to understand how inhibition of Rho/ROCK pathway could contribute to statins' antiatherosclerotic effects. FUTURE DIRECTIONS The role of ROCKs (ROCK1 and ROCK2) in endothelial, smooth muscle, and inflammatory cells needs to be determined in the context of atherogenesis. This could lead to the development of specific ROCK1 or ROCK2 inhibitors, which could have greater therapeutic benefits with less toxicity. Also, clinical trials will need to be performed to determine whether inhibition of ROCKs, with and without statins, could lead to further reduction in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Sawada
- 1 GCOE Program and Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan
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Kajikawa M, Noma K, Maruhashi T, Mikami S, Iwamoto Y, Iwamoto A, Matsumoto T, Hidaka T, Kihara Y, Chayama K, Nakashima A, Goto C, Liao JK, Higashi Y. Rho-associated kinase activity is a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. Hypertension 2013; 63:856-64. [PMID: 24379190 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.113.02296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are associated with chronic activation of Rho-associated kinase. Rho-associated kinase activity is significantly correlated with endothelial function and Framingham risk score. However, there is no information on the prognostic value of Rho-associated kinase activity. We evaluated Rho-associated kinase activity in peripheral leukocytes by Western blot analysis in 633 subjects who underwent health-screening examination at Hiroshima University Hospital. We assessed the associations between Rho-associated kinase activity and first major cardiovascular events (death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, and stroke), death from cardiovascular causes, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting), and hospitalization for heart failure. During a median period of 42.0 months (interquartile range, 24.4-56.6 months) of follow-up, 29 subjects died (10 from cardiovascular causes), 2 myocardial infarction, 20 revascularization, 15 stroke, and 17 hospitalization for heart failure. After adjustment for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and other relevant variables, Rho-associated kinase activity remained a strong independent indicator of first major cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 2.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-3.70; P=0.002), death from cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio, 2.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-6.60; P=0.002), stroke (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-3.86; P=0.006), and revascularization (hazard ratio, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-4.66; P<0.001). Leukocyte Rho-associated kinase activity may be a new biomarker of cardiovascular events. These findings suggest that inhibition of Rho-associated kinase activity may be a therapeutic target for prevention of cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Kajikawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Regeneration and Medicine, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan.
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Loirand G, Sauzeau V, Pacaud P. Small G Proteins in the Cardiovascular System: Physiological and Pathological Aspects. Physiol Rev 2013; 93:1659-720. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Small G proteins exist in eukaryotes from yeast to human and constitute the Ras superfamily comprising more than 100 members. This superfamily is structurally classified into five families: the Ras, Rho, Rab, Arf, and Ran families that control a wide variety of cell and biological functions through highly coordinated regulation processes. Increasing evidence has accumulated to identify small G proteins and their regulators as key players of the cardiovascular physiology that control a large panel of cardiac (heart rhythm, contraction, hypertrophy) and vascular functions (angiogenesis, vascular permeability, vasoconstriction). Indeed, basal Ras protein activity is required for homeostatic functions in physiological conditions, but sustained overactivation of Ras proteins or spatiotemporal dysregulation of Ras signaling pathways has pathological consequences in the cardiovascular system. The primary object of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current progress in our understanding of the role of small G proteins and their regulators in cardiovascular physiology and pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervaise Loirand
- INSERM, UMR S1087; University of Nantes; and CHU Nantes, l'Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France
| | - Vincent Sauzeau
- INSERM, UMR S1087; University of Nantes; and CHU Nantes, l'Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France
| | - Pierre Pacaud
- INSERM, UMR S1087; University of Nantes; and CHU Nantes, l'Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France
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Abstract
The rising epidemic of T2DM (Type 2 diabetes mellitus) worldwide is of significant concern. The inherently silent nature of the disease in its early stages precludes early detection; hence cardiovascular disease is often established by the time diabetes is diagnosed. This increased cardiovascular risk leads to significant morbidity and mortality in these individuals. Progressive development of complications as a result of previous exposure to metabolic disturbances appears to leave a long-lasting impression on cells of the vasculature that is not easily reversed and is termed 'metabolic memory'. SMCs (smooth muscle cells) of blood vessel walls, through their inherent ability to switch between a contractile quiescent phenotype and an active secretory state, maintain vascular homoeostasis in health and development. This plasticity also confers SMCs with the essential capacity to adapt and remodel in pathological states. Emerging clinical and experimental studies propose that SMCs in diabetes may be functionally impaired and thus contribute to the increased incidence of macrovascular complications. Although this idea has general support, the underlying molecular mechanisms are currently unknown and hence are the subject of intense research. The aim of the present review is to explore and evaluate the current literature relating to the problem of vascular disease in T2DM and to discuss the critical role of SMCs in vascular remodelling. Possibilities for therapeutic strategies specifically at the level of T2DM SMCs, including recent novel advances in the areas of microRNAs and epigenetics, will be evaluated. Since restoring glucose control in diabetic patients has limited effect in ameliorating their cardiovascular risk, discovering alternative strategies that restrict or reverse disease progression is vital. Current research in this area will be discussed.
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Apolipoprotein(a) acts as a chemorepellent to human vascular smooth muscle cells via integrin αVβ3 and RhoA/ROCK-mediated mechanisms. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2013; 45:1776-83. [PMID: 23726972 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2013.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) motility and plasticity, functions that are influenced by environmental cues, are vital to adaptation and remodelling in vascular physiology and pathophysiology. Lp(a) is reportedly damaging to SMC function via unknown molecular mechanisms. Apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)), a unique glycoprotein moiety of Lp(a), has been demonstrated as its active component. The aims of this study were to determine functional effects of recombinant apo(a) on human vascular SMC motility and explore the underlying mechanism(s). Exposure of SMC to apo(a) in migration assays induced a potent, concentration-dependent chemorepulsion that was RhoA and integrin αVβ3-dependent, but transforming growth factor β-independent. SMC manipulation through RhoA gene silencing, Rho kinase inhibition, statin pre-treatment, αVβ3 neutralising antibody and tyrosine kinase inhibition all markedly inhibited apo(a)-mediated SMC migration. Our data reveal unique and potent activities of apo(a) that may negatively influence SMC remodelling in cardiovascular disease. Circulating levels of Lp(a) are resistant to lipid-lowering strategies and hence a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying its functional effects on SMC may provide alternative therapeutic targets.
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Role of Rho-kinase and its inhibitors in pulmonary hypertension. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 137:352-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Yanamoto H, Kataoka H, Nakajo Y, Iihara K. The Role of the Host Defense System in the Development of Cerebral Vasospasm: Analogies between Atherosclerosis and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Eur Neurol 2012; 68:329-43. [DOI: 10.1159/000341336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Fallouh N, Chopra V. Statin withdrawal after major noncardiac surgery: risks, consequences, and preventative strategies. J Hosp Med 2012; 7:573-9. [PMID: 22744758 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.1945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Revised: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of research suggests that statins improve perioperative cardiac outcomes by attenuating inflammation. Conversely, some studies suggest that withdrawal of statins after surgery results in an upsurge of inflammation and adverse cardiac outcomes. METHODS We performed a literature search using multiple medical databases to examine the basic, clinical, and experimental evidence supporting the existence of a statin withdrawal state. Studies examining outcomes associated with statin withdrawal were narratively synthesized. RESULTS Published evidence suggests that statin withdrawal is associated with worse cardiac outcomes in a variety of scenarios, including acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, and surgery. Although certain reasons for postoperative statin cessation are difficult to avoid (eg, ileus after surgery), we posit that many perioperative clinicians may be unaware of the importance of statin resumption in a timely fashion. This lack of awareness translates into preventable harm and an opportunity for outcome improvement. We introduce innovative practices through which perioperative practitioners may prevent statin discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS Ensuring the resumption of statins after surgery should become routine practice for perioperative providers. We highlight knowledge gaps and identify a research agenda aimed at better understanding this practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Fallouh
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinases (ROCKs), the downstream target proteins of RhoA, are ubiquitously expressed serine-threonine protein kinases. ROCKs have diverse cellular functions, e.g. smooth muscle contraction, actin cytoskeleton organization, cell adhesion, and gene expression. Accumulating evidence has revealed that ROCKs are substantially involved in cardiovascular disorders such as angina, cerebral ischemia, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac hypertrophy. So far, the significant relationship of ROCKs with endothelial function has been reported. ROCKs inhibition by statins or other selective inhibitors leads to the upregulation and activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, resulting in the reduction of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Meanwhile, it has been also demonstrated that endogenous nitric oxide could inhibit RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Taken together, there might be critical crosstalk of ROCKs with endothelial function. In addition, we further focus on leukocyte ROCK activity as a surrogate marker in patients with atherosclerosis-related diseases. Indeed, leukocyte ROCK activity has been shown to be increased in atherosclerotic patients, indicating the possible usage of leukocyte ROCK activity as a surrogate marker similar to endothelial function evaluated by flow-mediated dilation. Here, we review concerning ROCK signaling pathway, especially focusing on the crosstalk of ROCKs with endothelial function.
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Acetylsalicylic acid regulates overexpressed small GTPase RhoA in vascular smooth muscle cells through prevention of new synthesis and enhancement of protein degradation. Biosci Rep 2012; 32:153-60. [PMID: 21756248 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20110050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RhoA has been shown to play a major role in vascular processes and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is known to exert a cytoprotective effect via multiple mechanisms. In the present study, we aimed at investigating the effect of aspirin on RhoA expression under a stress state in rat VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells) and the underlying mechanisms. The expression of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and iNOS activity as well as NO concentration was significantly promoted by LPS (lipopolysaccharide) accompanying the elevation of RhoA expression, which was blocked by the addition of the iNOS inhibitor L-NIL [L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine dihydrochloride]. Aspirin (30 μM) significantly attenuated the elevation of RhoA, while indomethacin and salicylate had no similar effect. The sGC (soluble guanylate cyclase) inhibitor ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one) showed the same effect as aspirin in down-regulating RhoA but was reversed by the addition of the cGMP analogue 8-Br-PET-cGMP (β-phenyl-1,N2-ethano-8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate). 8-Br-PET-cGMP solely enhanced the RhoA expression that was abrogated by preincubation with aspirin. Degradation analysis indicated that aspirin enhanced the protein degradation rate of RhoA and GDP-bound RhoA seemed to be more susceptible to aspirin-enhanced degradation compared with the GTP-bound form. Our results indicate that aspirin attenuates the LPS-induced overexpression of RhoA both by inhibiting new synthesis and accelerating protein degradation, which may help elucidate the multiple beneficial effects of aspirin.
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Suzuki H, Yamamoto T, Fujigaki Y, Eguchi S, Hishida A. Comparison of ROCK and EGFR activation pathways in the progression of glomerular injuries in AngII-infused rats. Ren Fail 2012; 33:1005-12. [PMID: 22013934 DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2011.618923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The roles of rho-kinase (ROCK) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were studied using an angiotensin II (AngII)-dependent hypertension rat model. METHOD Male Wistar rats were infused with AngII at a rate of 400 ng/kg body weight (BW)/min for 14 days. Effects of ROCK inhibitor, fasudil (20 mg/kg BW), and EGFR inhibitor, gefitinib (3 mg/kg BW), were studied. RESULTS AngII infusion increased blood pressure (BP; 220 ± 19 mmHg) as well as the number of proliferating cells in glomeruli judged by Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunostaining and urinary protein excretion (118 ± 19 mg/day). AngII also decreased p27 expression and increased cyclin D1 expression in glomeruli, as well as induced dissociation of the nephrin- and podocin-immunostaining patterns in podocytes. Treatment with fasudil or gefitinib completely inhibited glomerular cell proliferation without changing the BP. Although the decreased p27 expression was reversed by both treatments, cyclin D1 induction was abolished only by gefitinib. Fasudil significantly reduced proteinuria (57.2 ± 17.5 mg/day), but not gefitinib (133.3 ± 30.9 mg/day). The dissociation of podocin and nephrin was ameliorated by fasudil, but not by gefitinib. CONCLUSION ROCK and EGFR have distinct roles in proteinuria and glomerular cell proliferation in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Suzuki
- First Department of Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan.
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Ma Z, Zhang J, Ji E, Cao G, Li G, Chu L. Rho kinase inhibition by fasudil exerts antioxidant effects in hypercholesterolemic rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2012; 38:688-94. [PMID: 21711379 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2011.05561.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
1. The inhibition of Rho kinase (ROCK) ameliorates many cardiovascular dysfunctions, but the role of ROCK in oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic rats has not been explored. The aim of the current study was to investigate the antioxidant effects and the potential related mechanisms of fasudil, a selective ROCK inhibitor, in high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced hypercholesterolemic rats. 2. Hypercholesterolemia was induced in rats by feeding with a HCD for 4 weeks. Starting from day 15, physiological saline (1 mL/100 g) or ROCK inhibitor, fasudil (10 or 30 mg/kg), was injected intraperitoneally for another 14 days. 3. The results showed that fasudil significantly suppressed ROCK activity, potently elevated the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, as well as the concentration of nitric oxide in the serum and cardiac tissue. In addition, fasudil notably suppressed the extent of lipid peroxidation and attenuated the histopathological changes in the heart and liver of hypercholesterolemic rats. 4. These antioxidant effects of fasudil suggest that ROCK activation is involved in oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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45
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Mack CP. Signaling mechanisms that regulate smooth muscle cell differentiation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2011; 31:1495-505. [PMID: 21677292 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.110.221135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Extensive studies over the last 30 years have demonstrated that vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation and phenotypic modulation is controlled by a dynamic array of environmental cues. The identification of the signaling mechanisms by which these environmental cues regulate SMC phenotype has been more difficult because of our incomplete knowledge of the transcription mechanisms that regulate SMC-specific gene expression. However, recent advances in this area have provided significant insight, and the goal of this review is to summarize the signaling mechanisms by which extrinsic cues control SMC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Mack
- Department of Pathology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7525, USA.
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Satoh K, Fukumoto Y, Shimokawa H. Rho-kinase: important new therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2011; 301:H287-96. [PMID: 21622831 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00327.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Rho-kinase (ROCKs) belongs to the family of serine/threonine kinases and is an important downstream effector of the small GTP-binding protein RhoA. There are two isoforms of Rho-kinase, ROCK1 and ROCK2, and they have different functions with ROCK1 for circulating inflammatory cells and ROCK2 for vascular smooth muscle cells. It has been demonstrated that the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway plays an important role in various fundamental cellular functions, including contraction, motility, proliferation, and apoptosis, leading to the development of cardiovascular disease. The important role of Rho-kinase in vivo has been demonstrated in the pathogenesis of vasospasm, arteriosclerosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, stroke, and heart failure. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of fasudil, a selective Rho-kinase inhibitor, have been demonstrated for the treatment of several cardiovascular diseases in humans. Thus the Rho-kinase pathway is an important new therapeutic target in cardiovascular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimio Satoh
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Kirabo A, Kearns PN, Jarajapu YP, Sasser JM, Oh SP, Grant MB, Kasahara H, Cardounel AJ, Baylis C, Wagner KU, Sayeski PP. Vascular smooth muscle Jak2 mediates angiotensin II-induced hypertension via increased levels of reactive oxygen species. Cardiovasc Res 2011; 91:171-9. [PMID: 21354995 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvr059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Angiotensin II (Ang II) type AT(1) receptors expressed on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) couple to the Jak2 signalling pathway. However, the importance of this tissue-specific coupling is poorly understood. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the importance of VSMC-derived Jak2 in angiotensin II-mediated hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS The Cre-loxP system was used to conditionally eliminate Jak2 tyrosine kinase expression within the smooth muscle cells of mice. Following chronic Ang II infusion, the resulting increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly attenuated in the Jak2 null mice when compared with littermate controls. The VSMC Jak2 null mice were also protected from the Ang II-induced vascular remodelling. Aortic rings from the VSMC Jak2 null mice exhibited reduced Ang II-induced contraction and enhanced endothelial-dependent relaxation via increased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. When compared with controls, the VSMC Jak2 nulls also had lower levels of hydrogen peroxide, Rho kinase activity, and intracellular Ca(2+) in response to Ang II. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate that VSMC Jak2 expression is involved in the pathogenesis of Ang II-dependent hypertension due to the increased presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As such, VSMC-derived Jak2 tyrosine kinase modulates overall vascular tone via multiple, non-redundant mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annet Kirabo
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Yotova I, Quan P, Leditznig N, Beer U, Wenzl R, Tschugguel W. Abnormal activation of Ras/Raf/MAPK and RhoA/ROCKII signalling pathways in eutopic endometrial stromal cells of patients with endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:885-97. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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Gu X, Masters KS. Role of the Rho pathway in regulating valvular interstitial cell phenotype and nodule formation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2010; 300:H448-58. [PMID: 21131478 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01178.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The differentiation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) to a myofibroblastic or osteoblast-like phenotype is commonly found in calcific valvular stenosis, although the molecular-level mechanisms of this process remain poorly understood. Due to the role of the Rho pathway in various vascular diseases and in the expression of a myofibroblast phenotype, the present study was inspired by the hypothesis that Rho activation is involved in regulating cellular processes related to valve calcification. It was found that increased RhoA and Rho kinase (ROCK) activity was associated with increased nodule formation in VIC cultures in vitro, and intentional induction of RhoA activity led to a further increase in nodules and expression of α-smooth muscle actin. VICs treated with ROCK inhibitors were also examined for nodule formation, proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of myofibroblastic or osteoblastic markers. ROCK inhibition dramatically reduced myofibroblast-regulated nodule formation in VIC cultures, as evidenced by a decrease in nodule number, total nodule area, α-smooth muscle actin-positive stress fibers, apoptosis, and gene expression of myofibroblast-related phenotypic markers. Meanwhile, ROCK inhibition was less effective at reducing nodule formation associated with osteogenic activity. In fact, ROCK inhibition increased the expression of alkaline phosphatase and effected only a modest decrease in nodule number when applied to VIC cultures with higher osteogenic activity. Thus, the Rho pathway possesses a complex role in regulating the VIC phenotype and nodule formation, and it is hoped that further elucidation of these molecular-level events will lead to an improved understanding of valvular disease and identification of potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Gu
- Materials Science Program, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Engineering Dr., no. 2152, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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50
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Hata T, Goto C, Soga J, Hidaka T, Fujii Y, Idei N, Fujimura N, Maruhashi T, Mikami S, Kihara Y, Chayama K, Noma K, Liao JK, Higashi Y. Measurement of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) activity in humans: validity of leukocyte p-MBS/t-MBS in comparison with vascular response to fasudil. Atherosclerosis 2010; 214:117-21. [PMID: 21035804 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Revised: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/04/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. It is clinically important to estimate the degree of ROCK activity in humans. The purpose of this study was to confirm the validity of a leukocyte ROCK parameter as an index of ROCK activity in comparison with vascular response to a ROCK inhibitor. METHODS AND RESULTS We evaluated the ratio of phospho myosin-binding subunit (p-MBS) on myosin light-chain phosphatase to total MBS in peripheral leukocytes by Western blot analysis and forearm blood flow (FBF) response to the ROCK inhibitor fasudil using strain-gauge plethysmography in 36 healthy subjects and 39 patients with cardiovascular diseases. Fasudil (3, 10, 30μg/min) was infused intra-arterially for 5min at each dose. Leukocyte p-MBS/total-MBS was higher in cardiovascular diseases than in healthy subjects (0.97±0.37 vs. 0.51±0.14; P=0.002). Fasudil increased FBF from 4.9±1.2 to 14.5±5.7mL/min/100mL tissue (P<0.0001) in patients with cardiovascular diseases, while fasudil did not alter FBF in healthy subjects. There was a significant relationship between leukocyte p-MBS/total-MBS and maximal FBF response to fasudil in all subjects (r=0.72, P<0.0001). There was also a significant correlation between p-MBS/total-MBS and maximal FBF response to fasudil in patients with cardiovascular diseases (r=0.59, P<0.0001). In healthy subjects, there was no significant correlation between the two parameters. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that assessment of leukocyte ROCK activity is minimally invasive and does not require pharmacologic intervention using ROCK inhibitors. Leukocyte p-MBS/total-MBS may be useful for evaluating ROCK activity in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaki Hata
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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