PPARγ regulates resistance vessel tone through a mechanism involving RGS5-mediated control of protein kinase C and BKCa channel activity

Intra-Amniotic Sildenafil and Rosiglitazone Late in Gestation Ameliorate the Pulmonary Hypertension Phenotype in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension remains difficult to manage in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Prenatal therapy may ameliorate postnatal pulmonary hypertension. We hypothesized that intra-amniotic (IA) injection of either sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, or rosiglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist, or both late in gestation would decrease the detrimental pulmonary vascular remodeling seen in CDH and improve peripheral pulmonary blood flow.

METHODS

Pregnant rats were gavaged with nitrogen on embryonic day (E) 9.5 to induce fetal CDH. Sildenafil and/or rosiglitazone were administered to each fetus via an intra-amniotic injection after laparotomy on the pregnant dam at E19.5, and fetuses delivered at E21.5. Efficacy measures were gross necropsy, histology, peripheral blood flow assessment using intra-cardiac injection of a vascular tracer after delivery, and protein expression analysis.

RESULTS

Intra-amniotic injections did not affect fetal survival, the incidence of CDH, or lung weight-to-body weight ratio in CDH fetuses. IA sildenafil injection decreased pulmonary vascular muscularization, and rosiglitazone produced an increase in peripheral pulmonary blood flow distribution. The combination of sildenafil and rosiglitazone decreased pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation. These intra-amniotic treatments did not show any negative effects in either CDH fetuses or control fetuses.

CONCLUSION

IA injection of sildenafil and rosiglitazone late in gestation ameliorates the pulmonary hypertensive phenotype of CDH and may have utility in clinical translation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Not applicable.

The 2023 Walter B. Cannon Award Lecture: Mechanisms Regulating Vascular Function and Blood Pressure by the PPARγ-RhoBTB1-CUL3 Pathway

Human genetic and clinical trial data suggest that peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a nuclear receptor transcription factor plays an important role in the regulation of arterial blood pressure. The examination of a series of novel animal models, coupled with transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, has revealed that PPARγ and its target genes employ diverse pathways to regulate vascular function and blood pressure. In endothelium, PPARγ target genes promote an antioxidant state, stimulating both nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and bioavailability, essential components of endothelial-smooth muscle communication. In vascular smooth muscle, PPARγ induces the expression of a number of genes that promote an antiinflammatory state and tightly control the level of cGMP, thus promoting responsiveness to endothelial-derived NO. One of the PPARγ targets in smooth muscle, Rho related BTB domain containing 1 (RhoBTB1) acts as a substrate adaptor for proteins to be ubiquitinated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cullin-3 and targeted for proteasomal degradation. One of these proteins, phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) is a target of the Cullin-3/RhoBTB1 pathway. Phosphodiesterase 5 degrades cGMP to GMP and thus regulates the smooth muscle response to NO. Moreover, expression of RhoBTB1 under condition of RhoBTB1 deficiency reverses established arterial stiffness. In conclusion, the coordinated action of PPARγ in endothelium and smooth muscle is needed to maintain NO bioavailability and activity, is an essential regulator of vasodilator/vasoconstrictor balance, and regulates blood vessel structure and stiffness.

RGS proteins and cardiovascular Angiotensin II Signaling: Novel opportunities for therapeutic targeting

Angiotensin II (AngII), as an octapeptide hormone normally ionized at physiological pH, cannot cross cell membranes and thus, relies on, two (mainly) G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) types, AT1R and AT2R, to exert its intracellular effects in various organ systems including the cardiovascular one. Although a lot remains to be elucidated about the signaling of the AT2R, AT1R signaling is known to be remarkably versatile, mobilizing a variety of G protein-dependent and independent signal transduction pathways inside cells to produce a biological outcome. Cardiac AT1R signaling leads to hypertrophy, adverse remodeling, fibrosis, while vascular AT1R signaling raises blood pressure via vasoconstriction, but also elicits hypertrophic, vascular growth/proliferation, and pathological remodeling sets of events. In addition, adrenal AT1R is the major physiological stimulus (alongside hyperkalemia) for secretion of aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid hormone that contributes to hypertension, electrolyte abnormalities, and to pathological remodeling of the failing heart. Regulator of G protein Signaling (RGS) proteins, discovered about 25 years ago as GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) for the Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins, play a central role in silencing G protein signaling from a plethora of GPCRs, including the AngII receptors. Given the importance of AngII and its receptors, but also of several RGS proteins, in cardiovascular homeostasis, the physiological and pathological significance of RGS protein-mediated modulation of cardiovascular AngII signaling comes as no surprise. In the present review, we provide an overview of the current literature on the involvement of RGS proteins in cardiovascular AngII signaling, by discussing their roles in cardiac (cardiomyocyte and cardiofibroblast), vascular (smooth muscle and endothelial cell), and adrenal (medulla and cortex) AngII signaling, separately. Along the way, we also highlight the therapeutic potential of enhancement of, or, in some cases, inhibition of each RGS protein involved in AngII signaling in each one of these cell types.

Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels and the Regulation of the Uteroplacental Circulation

Adequate uteroplacental blood supply is essential for the development and growth of the placenta and fetus during pregnancy. Aberrant uteroplacental perfusion is associated with pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and gestational diabetes. The regulation of uteroplacental blood flow is thus vital to the well-being of the mother and fetus. Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (K_Ca) channels of small, intermediate, and large conductance participate in setting and regulating the resting membrane potential of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) and play a critical role in controlling vascular tone and blood pressure. K_Ca channels are important mediators of estrogen/pregnancy-induced adaptive changes in the uteroplacental circulation. Activation of the channels hyperpolarizes uteroplacental VSMCs/ECs, leading to attenuated vascular tone, blunted vasopressor responses, and increased uteroplacental blood flow. However, the regulation of uteroplacental vascular function by K_Ca channels is compromised in pregnancy complications. This review intends to provide a comprehensive overview of roles of K_Ca channels in the regulation of the uteroplacental circulation under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

Hypertension is linked to enhanced lymphatic contractile response via RGS16/RhoA/ROCK pathway

Lymph capillary network can be expected to alter blood pressure via regulating interstitial electrolyte and volume balance. However, the pathophysiology of lymphatic vessel in hypertension is poorly understood. In this study, we examined lymph vessel function focusing on contractile response in hypertensive rats. It was found that thoracic ducts isolated from adult (10-14 wk old) spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) exhibited increased agonist-mediated contraction compared with age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, whereas lymphatic contractions in younger (4 wk old) SHRs, exhibiting normal blood pressure, were no different compared with age-matched control rats. Tight regulation of blood pressure with antihypertensive drugs (hydrochlorothiazide/hydralazine) did not prevent the augmented lymphatic contraction in adult SHRs; however, treatment of SHRs with angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 receptor blocker (losartan) for 6 wk abolished the augmentation of lymphatic contractions. In addition, ANG II infusion in Wistar rat caused augmented lymphatic contractile responses in the thoracic duct. The augmented contractions in adult SHRs were diminished by a ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632). Consistently, the thoracic ducts in SHRs showed significantly higher phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase targeting protein-1 than WKY rats. Furthermore, gene expression profiling of adult SHR lymphatics showed marked loss of regulator of G-protein signaling 16 (RGS16) mRNA, which was confirmed by the real-time PCR. Treatment with the RGS inhibitor CCG-63808 enhanced contractions in thoracic ducts from Wistar rats, which were abolished by the ROCK inhibitor. It is concluded that lymphatic contractile function was enhanced in hypertensive model rats, which could be mediated by dysregulation of the ROCK pathway possibly through RGS16.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Lymph capillary controls interstitial electrolyte and volume balance, which may blunt increased blood pressure. However, the function of lymphatic vessel in hypertension is poorly understood. Our study showed that the lymphatic smooth muscle contractility is hyperreactive in two different hypertensive models. The lymphatic dysfunction could be mediated by dysregulation of ROCK pathway possibly through RGS16. The present finding supports a new concept showing the functional relationship between lymphatic contractile activity and hypertension.

Salt-Sensitivity of Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance

Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that is seen in both hypertensive and normotensive populations. Insulin resistance (IR) strongly correlates with SSBP and affects nearly 50% of salt sensitive people. While the precise mechanism by which IR and SSBP relate remains elusive, several common pathways are involved in the genesis of both processes, including vascular dysfunction and immune activation. Vascular dysfunction associated with insulin resistance is characterized by loss of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation and heightened endothelin-1 induced vasoconstriction, as well as capillary rarefaction. It manifests with increased blood pressure (BP) in salt sensitive murine models. Another common denominator in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, hypertension, and salt sensitivity (SS) is immune activation involving pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. In the last decade, a new understanding of interstitial sodium storage in tissues such as skin and muscle has revolutionized traditional concepts of body sodium handling and pathogenesis of SS. We have shown that interstitial Na⁺ can trigger a T cell mediated inflammatory response through formation of isolevuglandin protein adducts in antigen presenting cells (APCs), and that this response is implicated in salt sensitive hypertension. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a transcription factor that modulates both insulin sensitivity and BP. PPARγ agonists increase insulin sensitivity and ameliorate salt sensitivity, whereas deficiency of PPARγ results in severe insulin resistance and hypertension. These findings suggest that PPARγ plays a role in the common pathogenesis of insulin sensitivity and salt sensitivity, perhaps via effects on the immune system and vascular function. The goal of this review is to discuss those mechanisms that may play a role in both SSBP and in insulin resistance.

RGS5-TGFβ-Smad2/3 axis switches pro- to anti-apoptotic signaling in tumor-residing pericytes, assisting tumor growth

Regulator-of-G-protein-signaling-5 (RGS5), a pro-apoptotic/anti-proliferative protein, is a signature molecule of tumor-associated pericytes, highly expressed in several cancers, and is associated with tumor growth and poor prognosis. Surprisingly, despite the negative influence of intrinsic RGS5 expression on pericyte survival, RGS5^highpericytes accumulate in progressively growing tumors. However, responsible factor(s) and altered-pathway(s) are yet to report. RGS5 binds with Gαi/q and promotes pericyte apoptosis in vitro, subsequently blocking GPCR-downstream PI3K-AKT signaling leading to Bcl2 downregulation and promotion of PUMA-p53-Bax-mediated mitochondrial damage. However, within tumor microenvironment (TME), TGFβ appeared to limit the cytocidal action of RGS5 in tumor-residing RGS5^highpericytes. We observed that in the presence of high RGS5 concentrations, TGFβ-TGFβR interactions in the tumor-associated pericytes lead to the promotion of pSmad2-RGS5 binding and nuclear trafficking of RGS5, which coordinately suppressed RGS5-Gαi/q and pSmad2/3-Smad4 pairing. The RGS5-TGFβ-pSmad2 axis thus mitigates both RGS5- and TGFβ-dependent cellular apoptosis, resulting in sustained pericyte survival/expansion within the TME by rescuing PI3K-AKT signaling and preventing mitochondrial damage and caspase activation. This study reports a novel mechanism by which TGFβ fortifies and promotes survival of tumor pericytes by switching pro- to anti-apoptotic RGS5 signaling in TME. Understanding this altered RGS5 signaling might prove beneficial in designing future cancer therapy.

Role of the Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors in Hypertension

Nuclear receptors represent a large family of ligand-activated transcription factors which sense the physiological environment and make long-term adaptations by mediating changes in gene expression. In this review, we will first discuss the fundamental mechanisms by which nuclear receptors mediate their transcriptional responses. We will focus on the PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) family of adopted orphan receptors paying special attention to PPARγ, the isoform with the most compelling evidence as an important regulator of arterial blood pressure. We will review genetic data showing that rare mutations in PPARγ cause severe hypertension and clinical trial data which show that PPARγ activators have beneficial effects on blood pressure. We will detail the tissue- and cell-specific molecular mechanisms by which PPARs in the brain, kidney, vasculature, and immune system modulate blood pressure and related phenotypes, such as endothelial function. Finally, we will discuss the role of placental PPARs in preeclampsia, a life threatening form of hypertension during pregnancy. We will close with a viewpoint on future research directions and implications for developing novel therapies.

EP3 (E-Prostanoid 3) Receptor Mediates Impaired Vasodilation in a Mouse Model of Salt-Sensitive Hypertension

[Figure: see text].

Failure to vasodilate in response to salt loading blunts renal blood flow and causes salt-sensitive hypertension

AIMS

Salt-sensitive (SS) hypertension is accompanied by impaired vasodilation in the systemic and renal circulation. However, the causal relationship between vascular dysfunction and salt-induced hypertension remains controversial. We sought to determine whether primary vascular dysfunction, characterized by a failure to vasodilate during salt loading, plays a causal role in the pathogenesis of SS hypertension.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mice selectively expressing a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ dominant-negative mutation in vascular smooth muscle (S-P467L) exhibited progressive SS hypertension during a 4 week high salt diet (HSD). This was associated with severely impaired vasodilation in systemic and renal vessels. Salt-induced impairment of vasodilation occurred as early as 3 days after HSD, which preceded the onset of SS hypertension. Notably, the overt salt-induced hypertension in S-P467L mice was not driven by higher cardiac output, implying elevations in peripheral vascular resistance. In keeping with this, HSD-fed S-P467L mice exhibited decreased smooth muscle responsiveness to nitric oxide (NO) in systemic vessels. HSD-fed S-P467L mice also exhibited elevated albuminuria and a blunted increase in urinary NO metabolites which was associated with blunted renal blood flow and increased sodium retention mediated by a lack of HSD-induced suppression of NKCC2. Blocking NKCC2 function prevented the salt-induced increase in blood pressure in S-P467L mice.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that failure to vasodilate in response to salt loading causes SS hypertension by restricting renal perfusion and reducing renal NO through a mechanism involving NKCC2 in a mouse model of vascular peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ impairment.

Cullin-3: Renal and Vascular Mechanisms Regulating Blood Pressure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this review is to evaluate recent advances in understanding the pivotal roles of Cullin-3 (CUL3) in blood pressure regulation with a focus on its actions in the kidney and blood vessels.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cul3-based ubiquitin ligase regulates renal electrolyte transport, vascular tone, and redox homeostasis by facilitating the normal turnover of (1) with-no-lysine kinases in the distal nephron, (2) RhoA and phosphodiesterase 5 in the vascular smooth muscle, and (3) nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 in antioxidant responses. CUL3 mutations identified in familial hyperkalemic hypertension (FHHt) yield a mutant protein lacking exon 9 (CUL3∆9) which displays dual gain and loss of function. CUL3∆9 acts in a dominant manner to impair CUL3-mediated substrate ubiquitylation and degradation. The consequent accumulation of substrates and overactivation of downstream signaling cause FHHt through increased sodium reabsorption, enhanced vasoconstriction, and decreased vasodilation. CUL3 ubiquitin ligase maintains normal cardiovascular and renal physiology through posttranslational modification of key substrates which regulate blood pressure. Interference with CUL3 disturbs these key downstream pathways. Further understanding the spatial and temporal specificity of how CUL3 functions in these pathways is necessary to identify novel therapeutic targets for hypertension.

PPARγ and RhoBTB1 in hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides an up-to-date understanding of how peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) exerts its cardioprotective effect in the vasculature through its activation of novel PPARγ target genes in endothelium and vascular smooth muscle.

RECENT FINDINGS

In vascular endothelial cells, PPARγ plays a protective role by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and preventing oxidative stress. RBP7 is a PPARγ target gene enriched in vascular endothelial cells, which is likely to form a positive feedback loop with PPARγ. In vascular smooth muscle cells, PPARγ antagonizes the renin-angiotensin system, maintains vascular integrity, suppresses vasoconstriction, and promotes vasodilation through distinct pathways. Rho-related BTB domain containing protein 1 (RhoBTB1) is a novel PPARγ gene target in vascular smooth muscle cells that mediates the protective effect of PPARγ by serving as a substrate adaptor between the Cullin-3 RING ubiquitin ligase and phosphodiesterase 5, thus restraining its activity through ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation.

SUMMARY

In the vasculature, PPARγ exerts its cardioprotective effect through its transcriptional activity in endothelium and vascular smooth muscle. From the understanding of PPARγ's transcription targets in those pathways, novel hypertension therapy target(s) will emerge.

Deficiency of T-type voltage-gated calcium channels results in attenuated weight gain and improved endothelium-dependent dilatation of resistance vessels induced by a high-fat diet in mice

The deletion of T-type Ca_v3.1 channels may reduce high-fat diet (HFD)-induced weight gain, which correlates positively with obesity and endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, experiments were designed to study the involvement of T-type Ca_v3.1 channels in HFD-induced endothelial dysfunction in mice. Wildtype (WT) and Ca_v3.1^-/- mice were fed either a normal diet (ND) or an HFD for 8 weeks. Body composition was assessed, and thoracic aortae and mesenteric arteries were harvested for myography to assess endothelium-dependent responses. Changes in intracellular calcium were measured by fluorescence imaging, and behavior was assessed with the open-field test. Ca_v3.1^-/- mice had attenuated HFD-induced weight gain and lower total fat mass compared with WT mice. Ca_v3.1^-/- mice on an HFD had reduced plasma cholesterol levels compared with WT mice on the same diet. Increased feeding efficiency, independent of food intake, was observed in WT mice on an HFD compared with an ND, but no difference in feeding efficiency between diets was observed for Ca_v3.1^-/- mice. Nitric oxide-dependent dilatation was increased in mesenteric arteries of Ca_v3.1^-/- mice compared with WT mice on an HFD, with no difference observed in aortae. No differences in mouse locomotor activity were observed between the experimental groups. Mice on an HFD lacking T-type channels have reduced weight gain, lower total cholesterol levels, and increased dilatation of resistance vessels compared with WT mice on an HFD, suggesting that Ca_v3.1 deletion protects against endothelial dysfunction in resistance vessels but not in large conduit vessels.

Regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins as drug targets: Progress and future potentials

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play critical roles in regulating processes such as cellular homeostasis, responses to stimuli, and cell signaling. Accordingly, GPCRs have long served as extraordinarily successful drug targets. It is therefore not surprising that the discovery in the mid-1990s of a family of proteins that regulate processes downstream of GPCRs generated great excitement in the field. This finding enhanced the understanding of these critical signaling pathways and provided potentially new targets for pharmacological intervention. These regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins were viewed by many as nodes downstream of GPCRs that could be targeted with small molecules to tune signaling processes. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the discovery of RGS proteins and of the gradual and continuing discovery of their roles in disease states, focusing particularly on cancer and neurological disorders. We also discuss high-throughput screening efforts that have led to the discovery first of peptide-based and then of small-molecule inhibitors targeting a subset of the RGS proteins. We explore the unique mechanisms of RGS inhibition these chemical tools have revealed and highlight the most up-to-date studies using these tools in animal experiments. Finally, we discuss the future opportunities in the field, as there are clearly more avenues left to be explored and potentials to be realized.

[Role of PPARγ, a transcription factor in cardiovascular disease]

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a ligand activated transcription factor known to regulate fatty acid metabolism. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), PPARγ synthetic agonists, currently used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes, have been shown to lower the blood pressure and protect against vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. In line with these findings, it has been reported that individuals with loss-of-function mutations of PPARγ developed sever early-onset hypertension in addition to metabolic abnormalities. Accumulating evidences suggest PPARγ in the vasculature has protective effects on cardiovascular disease despite unclear mechanism. Because of ubiquitous expression of PPARγ, TZDs are well-known to be associated with serious side effects such as weight gain, fluid retention, and bone fractures. Thus identification of mechanisms on tissue-specific PPARγ activity may lead to the development of targeted treatment which is characterized by no deleterious effects. This review discusses role of PPARγ in cardiovascular disease.

Pharmacological activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) protects against hypoxia-associated fetal growth restriction

The hypoxia of high-altitude (HA) residence increases the risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia 3-fold, augmenting perinatal morbidity and mortality and the risk for childhood and adult disease. Currently, no effective therapies exist to prevent these vascular disorders of pregnancy. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) is an important regulator of uteroplacental vascular development and function and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IUGR and preeclampsia. Here, we used a model of HA pregnancy in mice to determine whether hypoxia-induced fetal growth restriction reduces placental PPAR-γ protein expression and placental vascularization and, if so, to evaluate the effectiveness of the selective PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone (PIO) for preventing hypoxia-induced IUGR. Hypoxia resulted in asymmetric IUGR, placental insufficiency, and reduced placental PPAR-γ expression; PIO prevented approximately half of the fetal growth restriction and attenuated placental insufficiency. PIO did not affect fetal growth under normoxia. Although PIO was beneficial for fetal growth, PIO treatment reduced placental vascular density of the labrynthine zone in normoxic and hypoxic (Hx) conditions, and mean vascular area was reduced in the Hx group. Our results suggest that pharmacological PPAR-γ activation is a potential strategy for preventing IUGR in pregnancies complicated by hypoxia, although further studies are needed to identify its likely metabolic or vascular mechanisms.-Lane, S. L., Dodson, R. B., Doyle, A. S., Park, H., Rathi, H., Matarrazo, C. J., Moore, L. G., Lorca, R. A., Wolfson, G. H., Julian, C. G. Pharmacological activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) protects against hypoxia-associated fetal growth restriction.

Conditional deletion of smooth muscle Cullin-3 causes severe progressive hypertension

Patients with mutations in Cullin-3 (CUL3) exhibit severe early onset hypertension but the contribution of the smooth muscle remains unclear. Conditional genetic ablation of CUL3 in vascular smooth muscle (S-CUL3KO) causes progressive impairment in responsiveness to nitric oxide (NO), rapid development of severe hypertension, and increased arterial stiffness. Loss of CUL3 in primary aortic smooth muscle cells or aorta resulted in decreased expression of the NO receptor, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), causing a marked reduction in cGMP production and impaired vasodilation to cGMP analogues. Vasodilation responses to a selective large conductance Ca2+-activated K+-channel activator were normal suggesting that downstream signals which promote smooth muscle-dependent relaxation remained intact. We conclude that smooth muscle specific CUL3 ablation impairs both cGMP production and cGMP responses and that loss of CUL3 function selectively in smooth muscle is sufficient to cause severe hypertension by interfering with the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway. Our study provides compelling evidence for the sufficiency of vascular smooth muscle CUL3 as a major regulator of BP. CUL3 mutations cause severe vascular dysfunction, arterial stiffness and hypertension due to defects in vascular smooth muscle.

Angiotensin II Signal Transduction: An Update on Mechanisms of Physiology and Pathophysiology

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system plays crucial roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. However, many of the signaling mechanisms have been unclear. The angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 receptor (AT₁R) is believed to mediate most functions of ANG II in the system. AT₁R utilizes various signal transduction cascades causing hypertension, cardiovascular remodeling, and end organ damage. Moreover, functional cross-talk between AT₁R signaling pathways and other signaling pathways have been recognized. Accumulating evidence reveals the complexity of ANG II signal transduction in pathophysiology of the vasculature, heart, kidney, and brain, as well as several pathophysiological features, including inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and aging. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update of the ANG II receptor signaling events and their functional significances for potential translation into therapeutic strategies. AT₁R remains central to the system in mediating physiological and pathophysiological functions of ANG II, and participation of specific signaling pathways becomes much clearer. There are still certain limitations and many controversies, and several noteworthy new concepts require further support. However, it is expected that rigorous translational research of the ANG II signaling pathways including those in large animals and humans will contribute to establishing effective new therapies against various diseases.

Gene expression profiles of ion channels and receptors in mouse resistance arteries: Effects of cell type, vascular bed, and age

OBJECTIVE

Receptors and ion channels of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) are integral to the regulation of vessel diameter and tissue blood flow. Physiological roles of ion channels and receptors in skeletal muscle and mesenteric arteries have been identified; however, their gene expression profiles are undefined. We tested the hypothesis that expression profiles for ion channels and receptors governing vascular reactivity vary with cell type, vascular bed, and age.

METHODS

Mesenteric and superior epigastric arteries were dissected from Old (24-26 months) and Young (3-6 months) C57BL/6J mice. ECs and SMCs were collected for analysis with custom qRT-PCR arrays to determine expression profiles of 80 ion channel and receptor genes. Bioinformatics analyses were applied to gain insight into functional interactions.

RESULTS

We identified 68 differences in gene expression with respect to cell type, vessel type, and age. Heat maps illustrate differential expression, and distance matrices predict patterns of coexpression. Gene networks based upon protein-protein interaction datasets and KEGG pathways illustrate biological processes affected by specific differences in gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in gene expression profiles are most pronounced between microvascular ECs and SMCs with subtle variations between vascular beds and age groups.

The large-conductance voltage- and Ca2+ -activated K+ channel and its γ1-subunit modulate mouse uterine artery function during pregnancy

KEY POINTS

The uterine artery (UA) markedly vasodilates during pregnancy to direct blood flow to the developing fetus. Inadequate UA vasodilatation leads to intrauterine growth restriction and fetal death. The large-conductance voltage- and Ca2+ -activated K+ (BKCa ) channel promotes UA vasodilatation during pregnancy. We report that BKCa channel activation increases the UA diameter at late pregnancy stages in mice. Additionally, a BKCa channel auxiliary subunit, γ1, participates in this process by increasing channel activation and inducing UA vasodilatation at late pregnancy stages. Our results highlight the importance of the BKCa channel and its γ1-subunit for UA functional changes during pregnancy.

ABSTRACT

Insufficient vasodilatation of the uterine artery (UA) during pregnancy leads to poor utero-placental perfusion, contributing to intrauterine growth restriction and fetal loss. Activity of the large-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (BKCa ) channel increases in the UA during pregnancy, and its inhibition reduces uterine blood flow, highlighting a role of this channel in UA adaptation to pregnancy. The auxiliary γ1-subunit increases BKCa activation in vascular smooth muscle, but its role in pregnancy-associated UA remodelling is unknown. We explored whether the BKCa and its γ1-subunit contribute to UA remodelling during pregnancy. Doppler imaging revealed that, compared to UAs from wild-type (WT) mice, UAs from BKCa knockout (BKCa-/- ) mice had lower resistance at pregnancy day 14 (P14) but not at P18. Lumen diameters were twofold larger in pressurized UAs from P18 WT mice than in those from non-pregnant mice, but this difference was not seen in UAs from BKCa-/- mice. UAs from pregnant WT mice constricted 20-50% in response to the BKCa blocker iberiotoxin (IbTX), whereas UAs from non-pregnant WT mice only constricted 15%. Patch-clamp analysis of WT UA smooth muscle cells confirmed that BKCa activity increased over pregnancy, showing three distinct voltage sensitivities. The γ1-subunit transcript increased 7- to 10-fold during pregnancy. Furthermore, γ1-subunit knockdown reduced IbTX sensitivity in UAs from pregnant mice, whereas γ1-subunit overexpression increased IbTX sensitivity in UAs from non-pregnant mice. Finally, at P18, γ1-knockout (γ1-/- ) mice had smaller UA diameters than WT mice, and IbTX-mediated vasoconstriction was prevented in UAs from γ1-/- mice. Our results suggest that the γ1-subunit increases BKCa activation in UAs during pregnancy.

Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Mechanoactivation Involves RGS5 (Regulator of G Protein Signaling 5) in Skeletal Muscle Arteries: Impaired Trafficking of RGS5 in Hypertension

Studies suggest that arteriolar pressure-induced vasoconstriction can be initiated by GPCRs (G protein-coupled receptors), including the AT₁R (angiotensin II type 1 receptor). This raises the question, are such mechanisms regulated by negative feedback? The present studies examined whether RGS (regulators of G protein signaling) proteins in vascular smooth muscle cells are colocalized with the AT₁R when activated by mechanical stress or angiotensin II and whether this modulates AT₁R-mediated vasoconstriction. To determine whether activation of the AT₁R recruits RGS5, an in situ proximity ligation assay was performed in primary cultures of cremaster muscle arteriolar vascular smooth muscle cells treated with angiotensin II or hypotonic solution in the absence or presence of candesartan (an AT₁R blocker). Proximity ligation assay results revealed a concentration-dependent increase in trafficking/translocation of RGS5 toward the activated AT₁R, which was attenuated by candesartan. In intact arterioles, knockdown of RGS5 enhanced constriction to angiotensin II and augmented myogenic responses to increased intraluminal pressure. Myogenic constriction was attenuated to a higher degree by candesartan in RGS5 siRNA-transfected arterioles, consistent with RGS5 contributing to downregulation of AT₁R-mediated signaling. Further, translocation of RGS5 was impaired in vascular smooth muscle cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats. This is consistent with dysregulated (RGS5-mediated) AT₁R signaling that could contribute to excessive vasoconstriction in hypertension. In intact vessels, candesartan reduced myogenic vasoconstriction to a greater extent in spontaneously hypertensive rats compared with controls. Collectively, these findings suggest that AT₁R activation results in translocation of RGS5 toward the plasma membrane, limiting AT₁R-mediated vasoconstriction through its role in G_q/11 protein-dependent signaling.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Mediated Regulation of BK Channels

Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BK channels) belong to a family of Ca²⁺-sensitive voltage-dependent potassium channels and play a vital role in various physiological activities in the human body. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is acknowledged as being vital in the body's hormone system and plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of water and electrolyte balance and blood pressure regulation. There is growing evidence that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has profound influences on the expression and bioactivity of BK channels. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of BK channels mediated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and its potential as a target for clinical drugs.

AT1 receptor signaling pathways in the cardiovascular system

The importance of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology has been well described whereas the detailed molecular mechanisms remain elusive. The angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1 receptor) is one of the key players in the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. The AT1 receptor promotes various intracellular signaling pathways resulting in hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling and end organ damage. Accumulating evidence shows the complex picture of AT1 receptor-mediated signaling; AT1 receptor-mediated heterotrimeric G protein-dependent signaling, transactivation of growth factor receptors, NADPH oxidase and ROS signaling, G protein-independent signaling, including the β-arrestin signals and interaction with several AT1 receptor interacting proteins. In addition, there is functional cross-talk between the AT1 receptor signaling pathway and other signaling pathways. In this review, we will summarize an up to date overview of essential AT1 receptor signaling events and their functional significances in the cardiovascular system.

Hypertension-Causing Mutation in Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Impairs Nuclear Export of Nuclear Factor-κB p65 in Vascular Smooth Muscle

Selective expression of dominant negative (DN) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) results in hypertension, atherosclerosis, and increased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) target gene expression. Mesenteric SMC were cultured from mice designed to conditionally express wild-type (WT) or DN-PPARγ in response to Cre recombinase to determine how SMC PPARγ regulates expression of NF-κB target inflammatory genes. SMC-specific overexpression of WT-PPARγ or agonist-induced activation of endogenous PPARγ blunted tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-induced NF-κB target gene expression and activity of an NF-κB-responsive promoter. TNF-α-induced gene expression responses were enhanced by DN-PPARγ in SMC. Although expression of NF-κB p65 was unchanged, nuclear export of p65 was accelerated by WT-PPARγ and prevented by DN-PPARγ in SMC. Leptomycin B, a nuclear export inhibitor, blocked p65 nuclear export and inhibited the anti-inflammatory action of PPARγ. Consistent with a role in facilitating p65 nuclear export, WT-PPARγ coimmunoprecipitated with p65, and WT-PPARγ was also exported from the nucleus after TNF-α treatment. Conversely, DN-PPARγ does not bind to p65 and was retained in the nucleus after TNF-α treatment. Transgenic mice expressing WT-PPARγ or DN-PPARγ specifically in SMC (S-WT or S-DN) were bred with mice expressing luciferase controlled by an NF-κB-responsive promoter to assess effects on NF-κB activity in whole tissue. TNF-α-induced NF-κB activity was decreased in aorta and carotid artery from S-WT but was increased in vessels from S-DN mice. We conclude that SMC PPARγ blunts expression of proinflammatory genes by inhibition of NF-κB activity through a mechanism promoting nuclear export of p65, which is abolished by DN mutation in PPARγ.

Maternal Metabolism and Vascular Adaptation in Pregnancy: The PPAR Link

Current therapies for pregnancy-related hypertension and its complications remain inadequate, although an increasing role for maternal susceptibility is becoming evident. Systemic vascular dysfunction in response to imbalances in angiogenic, inflammatory, and constricting factors is implicated in the pathogenesis of gestational hypertension, and growing evidence now links these factors with maternal metabolism. In particular, the crucial role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in maternal vascular adaptation provides further insights into how obesity and gestational diabetes may be linked to pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia. This is especially important given the rapidly growing prevalence of obesity during pregnancy, and highlights a new approach to treat pregnancy-related hypertension and its complications.

Antihypertensive effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ activation

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors, which is composed of three members encoded by distinct genes: PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ. The biological actions of PPARα and PPARγ and their potential as a cardiovascular therapeutic target have been extensively reviewed, whereas the biological actions of PPARβ/δ and its effectiveness as a therapeutic target in the treatment of hypertension remain less investigated. Preclinical studies suggest that pharmacological PPARβ/δ activation induces antihypertensive effects in direct [spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), ANG II, and DOCA-salt] and indirect (dyslipemic and gestational) models of hypertension, associated with end-organ damage protection. This review summarizes mechanistic insights into the antihypertensive effects of PPARβ/δ activators, including molecular and functional mechanisms. Pharmacological PPARβ/δ activation induces genomic actions including the increase of regulators of G protein-coupled signaling (RGS), acute nongenomic vasodilator effects, as well as the ability to improve the endothelial dysfunction, reduce vascular inflammation, vasoconstrictor responses, and sympathetic outflow from central nervous system. Evidence from clinical trials is also examined. These preclinical and clinical outcomes of PPARβ/δ ligands may provide a basis for the development of therapies in combating hypertension.

Effects of combination PPARγ agonist and angiotensin receptor blocker on glomerulosclerosis

We previously observed that high-dose angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) can induce regression of existing glomerulosclerosis. We also found that proliferator-activated recepto-γ (PPARγ) agonist can attenuate glomerulosclerosis in a nondiabetic model of kidney disease, with specific protection of podocytes. We now assessed effects of combination therapy with ARB and pioglitazone on established glomerulosclerosis. Sprague-Dawley male rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) at week 0 and renal biopsy at week 8. Rats were randomized to groups with equal starting moderate glomerulosclerosis, and treated with ARB, PPARγ agonist (pioglitazone), combination or vehicle from weeks 8 to 12. Body weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and urinary protein (UP) were measured at intervals. In rats with established sclerosis, SBP, UP, and GS were equal in all groups at week 8 before treatment by study design. Untreated control rats had hypertension, decreased GFR, and progressive proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis at week 12. Only combination therapy significantly ameliorated hypertension and proteinuria. ARB alone or pioglitazone alone had only numerically lower SBP and UP than vehicle at week 12. Both pioglitazone alone and combination had significantly less decline in GFR than vehicle. Combination-induced regression of glomerulosclerosis in more rats from weeks 8 to 12 than ARB or pioglitazone alone. In parallel, combination treatment reduced plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression and macrophage infiltration, and preserved podocytes compared with vehicle. These results were linked to increased AT2 receptor and Mas1 mRNA in the combination group. PPARγ agonists in combination with ARB augment regression of glomerulosclerosis, with downregulation of injurious RAAS components vs PPARγ alone, with increased anti-fibrotic/healing RAAS components, enhanced podocyte preservation, and decreased inflammation and profibrotic mechanisms.

Effect of selective expression of dominant-negative PPARγ in pro-opiomelanocortin neurons on the control of energy balance

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), a master regulator of adipogenesis, was recently shown to affect energy homeostasis through its actions in the brain. Deletion of PPARγ in mouse brain, and specifically in the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, results in resistance to diet-induced obesity. To study the mechanisms by which PPARγ in POMC neurons controls energy balance, we constructed a Cre-recombinase-dependent conditionally activatable transgene expressing either wild-type (WT) or dominant-negative (P467L) PPARγ and the tdTomato reporter. Inducible expression of both forms of PPARγ was validated in cells in culture, in liver of mice infected with an adenovirus expressing Cre-recombinase (AdCre), and in the brain of mice expressing Cre-recombinase either in all neurons (NES(Cre)/PPARγ-P467L) or selectively in POMC neurons (POMC(Cre)/PPARγ-P467L). Whereas POMC(Cre)/PPARγ-P467L mice exhibited a normal pattern of weight gain when fed 60% high-fat diet, they exhibited increased weight gain and fat mass accumulation in response to a 10% fat isocaloric-matched control diet. POMC(Cre)/PPARγ-P467L mice were leptin sensitive on control diet but became leptin resistant when fed 60% high-fat diet. There was no difference in body weight between POMC(Cre)/PPARγ-WT mice and controls in response to 60% high-fat diet. However, POMC(Cre)/PPARγ-WT, but not POMC(Cre)/PPARγ-P467L, mice increased body weight in response to rosiglitazone, a PPARγ agonist. These observations support the concept that alterations in PPARγ-driven mechanisms in POMC neurons can play a role in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis under certain dietary conditions.

Vascular and Central Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-β Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension: Role of RGS-5

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ (PPARβ) lowers blood pressure in genetic and mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension. Regulator of G-protein-coupled receptor signaling 5 (RGS5) protein, which interferes in angiotensin II (AngII) signaling, is a target gene to PPARβ The aim of the present study was to examine whether PPARβ activation in resistance arteries and brain tissues prevents the elevated blood pressure in AngII-induced hypertension and evaluate the role of RGS5 in this effect. C57BL/6J male mice were divided into five groups (control mice, PPARβ agonist [4-[[[2-[3-Fluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-methyl-5-thiazolyl]methyl]thio]-2-methylphenoxy]acetic acid (GW0742)-treated mice AngII-infused mice, GW0742-treated AngII-infused mice, and AngII-infused mice treated with GW0742 plus PPARβ antagonist 3-[[[2-Methoxy-4-(phenylamino)phenyl]amino]sulfonyl]-2-thiophenecarboxylic acid methyl ester (GSK0660)) and were followed for 3 weeks. GW0742 prevented the increase in both arterial blood pressure and plasma noradrenaline levels and the higher reduction of blood pressure after ganglionic blockade, whereas it reduced the mesenteric arterial remodeling and the hyper-responsiveness to vasoconstrictors (AngII and endothelin-1) in AngII-infused mice. These effects were accompanied by an inhibition of NADPH oxidase expression and activity in the brain. Gene expression profiling revealed a marked loss of brainstem and vascular RGS5 in AngII-infused mice, which was restored by GW0742. GW0742-induced effects were abolished by GSK0660. Small interfering RNA targeting RGS5 caused augmented contractile response to AngII in resistance mesenteric arteries and blunted the inhibitory effect of GW0742 on this response. In conclusion, GW0742 exerted antihypertensive effects, restoring sympathetic tone and vascular structure and function in AngII-infused mice by PPARβ activation in brain and vessels inhibiting AngII signaling as a result of RGS5 upregulation.

PPARγ Regulation in Hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome

Dysregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) activity leads to significant alterations in cardiovascular and metabolic regulation. This is most keenly observed by the metabolic syndrome-like phenotypes exhibited by patients carrying mutations in PPARγ. We will summarize recent findings regarding mechanisms of PPARγ regulation in the cardiovascular and nervous systems focusing largely on PPARγ in the smooth muscle, endothelium, and brain. Canonically, PPARγ exerts its effects by regulating the expression of target genes in these cells, and we will discuss mechanisms by which PPARγ targets in the vasculature regulate cardiovascular function. We will also discuss emerging evidence that PPARγ in the brain is a mediator of appetite and obesity. Finally, we will briefly review how novel PPARγ activators control posttranslational modifications of PPARγ and their prospects to offer new therapeutic options for treatment of metabolic diseases without the adverse side effects of thiazolidinediones which strongly activate transcriptional activity of PPARγ.

Small Interfering RNA-Mediated Connexin Gene Knockdown in Vascular Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells

Global knockout of vascular connexins can result in premature/neonatal death, severe developmental complications, or compensatory up-regulation of different connexin isoforms. Thus, specific connexin gene knockdown using RNAi-mediated technologies is a technique that allows investigators to efficiently monitor silencing effects of single or multiple connexin gene products. The present chapter describes the transient knockdown of connexins in vitro and ex vivo for cells of the blood vessel wall. In detail, different transfection methods for primary endothelial cells and ex vivo thoracodorsal arteries are described. Essential controls for validating transfection efficiency as well as targeted gene knockdown are explained. These protocols provide researchers with the ability to modify connexin gene expression levels in a multitude of experimental setups.

Protective Role for Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-4, a Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Target Gene, in Smooth Muscle in Deoxycorticosterone Acetate-Salt Hypertension

Loss of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) function causes hypertension, whereas its activation lowers blood pressure. Evidence suggests that these effects may be attributable to PPARγ activity in the vasculature. However, the specific transcriptional targets of PPARγ in vessels remain largely unidentified. In this study, we examined the role of smooth muscle PPARγ during salt-sensitive hypertension and investigated its transcriptional targets and functional effect. Transgenic mice expressing dominant-negative PPARγ (S-P467L) in smooth muscle cells were more prone to deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced hypertension and mesenteric arterial dysfunction compared with nontransgenic controls. Despite similar morphometry at baseline, vascular remodeling in conduit and small arteries was enhanced in S-P467L after deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt treatment. Gene expression profiling in aorta and mesenteric arteries revealed significantly decreased expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-4 (TIMP-4) in S-P467L. Expression of TIMP-4 was increased by deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt treatment, but this increase was ablated in S-P467L. Interference with PPARγ activity either by treatment with a PPARγ inhibitor, GW9662, or by expressing P467L PPARγ markedly suppressed TIMP-4 in primary smooth muscle cells. PPARγ binds to a PPAR response element (PPRE) in chromatin close to the TIMP-4 gene in smooth muscle cells, suggesting that TIMP-4 is a novel target of PPARγ. The interference with PPARγ and decrease in TIMP-4 were accompanied by an increase in total matrix metalloproteinase activity. PPARγ-mediated loss of TIMP-4 increased, whereas overexpression of TIMP-4 decreased smooth muscle cell migration in a scratch assay. Our findings highlight a protective mechanism induced by PPARγ in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt treatment, establishing a novel mechanistic link between PPARγ and TIMP-4.

Endothelial PPAR-γ provides vascular protection from IL-1β-induced oxidative stress

Loss of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ function in the vascular endothelium enhances atherosclerosis and NF-κB target gene expression in high-fat diet-fed apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. The mechanisms by which endothelial PPAR-γ regulates inflammatory responses and protects against atherosclerosis remain unclear. To assess functional interactions between PPAR-γ and inflammation, we used a model of IL-1β-induced aortic dysfunction in transgenic mice with endothelium-specific overexpression of either wild-type (E-WT) or dominant negative PPAR-γ (E-V290M). IL-1β dose dependently decreased IκB-α, increased phospho-p65, and increased luciferase activity in the aorta of NF-κB-LUC transgenic mice. IL-1β also dose dependently reduced endothelial-dependent relaxation by ACh. The loss of ACh responsiveness was partially improved by pretreatment of the vessels with the PPAR-γ agonist rosiglitazone or in E-WT. Conversely, IL-1β-induced endothelial dysfunction was worsened in the aorta from E-V290M mice. Although IL-1β increased the expression of NF-κB target genes, NF-κB p65 inhibitor did not alleviate endothelial dysfunction induced by IL-1β. Tempol, a SOD mimetic, partially restored ACh responsiveness in the IL-1β-treated aorta. Notably, tempol only modestly improved protection in the E-WT aorta but had an increased protective effect in the E-V290M aorta compared with the aorta from nontransgenic mice, suggesting that PPAR-γ-mediated protection involves antioxidant effects. IL-1β increased ROS and decreased the phospho-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Ser(1177))-to-endothelial nitric oxide synthase ratio in the nontransgenic aorta. These effects were completely abolished in the aorta with endothelial overexpression of WT PPAR-γ but were worsened in the aorta with E-V290M even in the absence of IL-1β. We conclude that PPAR-γ protects against IL-1β-mediated endothelial dysfunction through a reduction of oxidative stress responses but not by blunting IL-1β-mediated NF-κB activity.

Interference with PPARγ in endothelium accelerates angiotensin II-induced endothelial dysfunction

The ligand activated nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the endothelium regulates vascular function and blood pressure (BP). We previously reported that transgenic mice (E-V290M) with selectively targeted endothelial-specific expression of dominant negative PPARγ exhibited endothelial dysfunction when treated with a high-fat diet, and exhibited an augmented pressor response to angiotensin II (ANG II). We hypothesize that interference with endothelial PPARγ would exacerbate ANG II-induced endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial function was examined in E-V290M mice infused with a subpressor dose of ANG II (120 ng·kg(-1)·min(-1)) or saline for 2 wk. ANG II infusion significantly impaired the responses to the endothelium-dependent agonist acetylcholine both in basilar and carotid arteries from E-V290M but not NT mice. This impairment was not due to increased BP, which was not significantly different in ANG II-infused E-V290M compared with NT mice. Superoxide levels, and expression of the pro-oxidant Nox2 gene was elevated, whereas expression of the anti-oxidant genes Catalase and SOD3 decreased in carotid arteries from ANG II-infused E-V290M mice. Increased p65 and decreased Iκ-Bα suggesting increased NF-κB activity was also observed in aorta from ANG II-infused E-V290M mice. The responses to acetylcholine were significantly improved both in basilar and carotid arteries after treatment with Tempol (1 mmol/l), a scavenger of superoxide. These findings provide evidence that interference with endothelial PPARγ accelerates ANG II-mediated endothelial dysfunction both in cerebral and conduit arteries through an oxidative stress-dependent mechanism, suggesting a role for endothelial PPARγ in protecting against ANG II-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Molecular mechanisms regulating vascular tone by peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes recent findings on the regulation of vascular tone by the nuclear receptor transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) γ. Much of the recent work utilizes genetic tools to interrogate the significance of PPARγ in endothelial and smooth muscle cells and novel PPARγ target genes have been identified.

RECENT FINDINGS

Endothelial PPARγ prevents inflammation and oxidative stress, while promoting vasodilation by controlling the regulation of NADPH oxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase gene expression. Moreover, the protective functions of endothelial PPARγ appear more prominent during disease conditions. Novel findings also suggest a role for endothelial PPARγ as a mediator of whole body metabolism. In smooth muscle cells, PPARγ regulates vascular tone by targeting genes involved with contraction and relaxation signaling cascades, some of which is via transcriptional activation, and some through novel mechanisms regulating protein turnover. Furthermore, aberrant changes in renin-angiotensin system components and exacerbated responses to angiotensin II induced vascular dysfunction are observed when PPARγ function is lost in smooth muscle cells.

SUMMARY

With these recent advances based partially on lessons from patients with PPARγ mutants, we conclude that vascular PPARγ is protective and plays an important role in the regulation of vascular tone.

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II inhibition in smooth muscle reduces angiotensin II-induced hypertension by controlling aortic remodeling and baroreceptor function

Background

Multifunctional calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is activated by angiotensin II (Ang II) in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but its function in experimental hypertension has not been explored. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of CaMKII inhibition selectively in VSMCs on Ang II hypertension.

Methods and Results

Transgenic expression of a CaMKII peptide inhibitor in VSMCs (TG SM-CaMKIIN model) reduced the blood pressure response to chronic Ang II infusion. The aortic depressor nerve activity was reset in hypertensive versus normotensive wild-type animals but not in TG SM-CaMKIIN mice, suggesting that changes in baroreceptor activity account for the blood pressure difference between genotypes. Accordingly, aortic pulse wave velocity, a measure of arterial wall stiffness and a determinant of baroreceptor activity, increased in hypertensive versus normotensive wild-type animals but did not change in TG SM-CaMKIIN mice. Moreover, examination of blood pressure and heart rate under ganglionic blockade revealed that VSMC CaMKII inhibition abolished the augmented efferent sympathetic outflow and renal and splanchnic nerve activity in Ang II hypertension. Consequently, we hypothesized that VSMC CaMKII controls baroreceptor activity by modifying arterial wall remodeling in Ang II hypertension. Gene expression analysis in aortas from normotensive and Ang II–infused mice revealed that TG SM-CaMKIIN aortas were protected from Ang II–induced upregulation of genes that control extracellular matrix production, including collagen. VSMC CaMKII inhibition also strongly altered the expression of muscle contractile genes under Ang II.

Conclusions

CaMKII in VSMCs regulates blood pressure under Ang II hypertension by controlling structural gene expression, wall stiffness, and baroreceptor activity.

Regulator of G protein signaling 5 is a determinant of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a systemic vascular disorder of pregnancy and is associated with increased sensitivity to angiotensin II (AngII) and hypertension. The cause of preeclampsia remains unknown. We identified the role of regulator of G protein (heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide–binding protein) signaling 5 (RGS5) in blood pressure regulation during pregnancy and preeclampsia. RGS5 expression in human myometrial vessels is markedly suppressed in gestational hypertension and/or preeclampsia. In pregnant RGS5-deficient mice, reduced vascular RGS5 expression causes gestational hypertension by enhancing vascular sensitivity to AngII. Further challenge by increasing AngII results in preeclampsia-like symptoms, namely, more severe hypertension, proteinuria, placental pathology, and reduced birth weight. In pregnant heterozygote null mice, treatment with peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) agonists normalizes vascular function and blood pressure through effects on RGS5. These findings highlight a key role of RGS5 at the interface between AngII and PPAR signaling. Because preeclampsia is refractory to current standard therapies, our study opens an unrecognized and urgently needed opportunity for treatment of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

RGS5 promotes arterial growth during arteriogenesis

Arteriogenesis—the growth of collateral arterioles—partially compensates for the progressive occlusion of large conductance arteries as it may occur as a consequence of coronary, cerebral or peripheral artery disease. Despite being clinically highly relevant, mechanisms driving this process remain elusive. In this context, our study revealed that abundance of regulator of G-protein signalling 5 (RGS5) is increased in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of remodelling collateral arterioles. RGS5 terminates G-protein-coupled signalling cascades which control contractile responses of SMCs. Consequently, overexpression of RGS5 blunted Gα_q/11-mediated mobilization of intracellular calcium, thereby facilitating Gα_12/13-mediated RhoA signalling which is crucial for arteriogenesis. Knockdown of RGS5 evoked opposite effects and thus strongly impaired collateral growth as evidenced by a blockade of RhoA activation, SMC proliferation and the inability of these cells to acquire an activated phenotype in RGS5-deficient mice after the onset of arteriogenesis. Collectively, these findings establish RGS5 as a novel determinant of arteriogenesis which shifts G-protein signalling from Gα_q/11-mediated calcium-dependent contraction towards Gα_12/13-mediated Rho kinase-dependent SMC activation.

Subject Categories Vascular Biology & Angiogenesis

Pregnant mice lacking indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase exhibit preeclampsia phenotypes

Preeclampsia is a cardiovascular disorder of late pregnancy that is, commonly characterized by hypertension, renal structural damage and dysfunction, and fetal growth restriction. Prevailing etiologic models of this disorder include T-cell dysfunction as an initiating cause of preeclampsia. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that mediates the conversion of tryptophan to kynurenine, has been linked to preeclampsia in humans, and is known to regulate T-cell activity and an endothelial-derived relaxing factor. To test the hypothesis that IDO is causally involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, mice deficient for IDO (IDO-KO) were generated on a C57BL/6 background. IDO-KO and wild-type C57BL/6 mice were bred, and preeclampsia phenotypes were evaluated during pregnancy. Pregnant IDO-KO mice exhibited pathognomonic renal glomerular endotheliosis, proteinuria, pregnancy-specific endothelial dysfunction, intrauterine growth restriction, and mildly elevated blood pressure compared to wild-type mice. Together these findings highlight an important role for IDO in the generation of phenotypes typical of preeclampsia. Loss of IDO function may represent a risk factor for the development of preeclampsia. By extension, increased IDO activity, reductions in IDO reactants, or increases in IDO products may represent novel therapeutic approaches for this disorder.

Genetic interference with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in smooth muscle enhances myogenic tone in the cerebrovasculature via A Rho kinase-dependent mechanism

Myogenic responses by resistance vessels are a key component of autoregulation in brain, thus playing a crucial role in regulating cerebral blood flow and protecting the blood-brain barrier against potentially detrimental elevations in blood pressure. Although cerebrovascular disease is often accompanied by alterations in myogenic responses, mechanisms that control these changes are poorly understood. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ has emerged as a regulator of vascular tone. We hypothesized that interference with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in smooth muscle would augment myogenic responses in cerebral arteries. We studied transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative mutation in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ selectively in smooth muscle (S-P467L) and nontransgenic littermates. Myogenic tone in middle cerebral arteries from S-P467L was elevated 3-fold when compared with nontransgenic littermates. Rho kinase is thought to play a major role in cerebrovascular disease. The Rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, abolished augmented myogenic tone in middle cerebral arteries from S-P467L mice. CN-03, which modifies RhoA making it constitutively active, elevated myogenic tone to ≈60% in both strains, via a Y-27632-dependent mechanism. Large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BKCa) modulate myogenic tone. Inhibitors of BKCa caused greater constriction in middle cerebral arteries from nontransgenic littermates when compared with S-P467L. Expression of RhoA or Rho kinase-I/II protein was similar in cerebral arteries from S-P467L mice. Overall, the data suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in smooth muscle normally inhibits Rho kinase and promotes BKCa function, thus influencing myogenic tone in resistance arteries in brain. These findings have implications for mechanisms that underlie large- and small-vessel disease in brain, as well as regulation of cerebral blood flow.

Role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in vascular muscle in the cerebral circulation

Although peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is thought to play a protective role in the vasculature, its cell-specific effect, particularly in resistance vessels, is poorly defined. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a major role in vascular biology in the brain. We examined the hypothesis that selective interference with PPARγ in vascular muscle would impair NO-dependent responses and augment vasoconstrictor responses in the cerebral circulation. We studied mice expressing a dominant negative mutation in human PPARγ (P467L) under the control of the smooth muscle myosin heavy chain promoter (S-P467L). In S-P467L mice, dilator responses to exogenously applied or endogenously produced NO were greatly impaired in cerebral arteries in vitro and in small cerebral arterioles in vivo. Select NO-independent responses, including vasodilation to low concentrations of potassium, were also impaired in S-P467L mice. In contrast, increased expression of wild-type PPARγ in smooth muscle had little effect on vasomotor responses. Mechanisms underlying impairment of both NO-dependent and NO-independent vasodilator responses after interference with PPARγ involved Rho kinase with no apparent contribution by oxidative stress-related mechanisms. These findings support the concept that via effects on Rho kinase-dependent signaling, PPARγ in vascular muscle is a major determinant of vascular tone in resistance vessels and, in particular, NO-mediated signaling in cerebral arteries and brain microvessels. Considering the importance of NO and Rho kinase, these findings have implications for regulation of cerebral blood flow and the pathogenesis of large and small vessel disease in brain.

Role of vascular smooth muscle PPARγ in regulating AT1 receptor signaling and angiotensin II-dependent hypertension

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has been reported to play a protective role in the vasculature; however, the underlying mechanisms involved are not entirely known. We previously showed that vascular smooth muscle-specific overexpression of a dominant negative human PPARγ mutation in mice (S-P467L) leads to enhanced myogenic tone and increased angiotensin-II-dependent vasoconstriction. S-P467L mice also exhibit increased arterial blood pressure. Here we tested the hypotheses that a) mesenteric smooth muscle cells isolated from S-P467L mice exhibit enhanced angiotensin-II AT₁ receptor signaling, and b) the increased arterial pressure of S-P467L mice is angiotensin-II AT₁ receptor dependent. Phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) was robustly increased in mesenteric artery smooth muscle cell cultures from S-P467L in response to angiotensin-II. The increase in ERK1/2 activation by angiotensin-II was blocked by losartan, a blocker of AT₁ receptors. Angiotensin-II-induced ERK1/2 activation was also blocked by Tempol, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species, and correlated with increased Nox4 protein expression. To investigate whether endogenous renin-angiotensin system activity contributes to the elevated arterial pressure in S-P467L, non-transgenic and S-P467L mice were treated with the AT₁ receptor blocker, losartan (30 mg/kg per day), for 14-days and arterial pressure was assessed by radiotelemetry. At baseline S-P467L mice showed a significant increase of systolic arterial pressure (142.0±10.2 vs 129.1±3.0 mmHg, p<0.05). Treatment with losartan lowered systolic arterial pressure in S-P467L (132.2±6.9 mmHg) to a level similar to untreated non-transgenic mice. Losartan also lowered arterial pressure in non-transgenic (113.0±3.9 mmHg) mice, such that there was no difference in the losartan-induced depressor response between groups (−13.53±1.39 in S-P467L vs −16.16±3.14 mmHg in non-transgenic). Our results suggest that interference with PPARγ in smooth muscle: a) causes enhanced angiotensin-II AT₁ receptor-mediated ERK1/2 activation in resistance vessels, b) and may elevate arterial pressure through both angiotensin-II AT₁ receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

Interference with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in vascular smooth muscle causes baroreflex impairment and autonomic dysfunction

S-P467L mice expressing dominant negative peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ selectively in vascular smooth muscle exhibit impaired vasodilation, augmented vasoconstriction, hypertension, and tachycardia. We hypothesized that tachycardia in S-P467L mice is a result of baroreflex dysfunction. S-P467L mice displayed increased sympathetic traffic to the heart and decreased baroreflex gain and effectiveness. Carotid arteries exhibited inward remodeling but no changes in distensibility or stress/strain. Aortic depressor nerve activity in response to increased arterial pressure was blunted in S-P467L mice. However, the arterial pressure and heart rate responses to aortic depressor nerve stimulation were unaltered in S-P467L mice, suggesting that the central and efferent limbs of the baroreflex arc remain intact. There was no transgene expression in nodose ganglion and no change in expression of the acid-sensing ion channel-2 or -3 in nodose ganglion. There was a trend toward decreased expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 receptor mRNA in nodose ganglion, but no difference in the immunochemical staining of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 receptor in the termination area of the left aortic depressor nerve in S-P467L mice. Although there was no difference in the maximal calcium response to capsaicin in cultured nodose neurons from S-P467L mice, there was decreased desensitization of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 receptor channels. In conclusion, S-P467L mice exhibit baroreflex dysfunction because of a defect in the afferent limb of the baroreflex arc caused by impaired vascular function, altered vascular structure, or compromised neurovascular coupling. These findings implicate vascular smooth muscle peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ as a critical determinant of neurovascular signaling.

Pleiotropic effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and δ in vascular diseases

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gamma (PPARγ) and delta (PPARδ) are nuclear receptors that have significant physiological effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. Experimental studies in animal models of metabolic disease have demonstrated their effects on improving lipid profile, insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammatory responses. PPARγ and -δ are also expressed in the vasculature and their beneficial effects have been examined in various cardiovascular disease models such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetic vascular complications, etc. using pharmacological ligands or genetic tools including viral vectors and transgenic mice. These studies suggest that PPARγ and δ are antiinflammatory, antiatherogenic, antioxidant, and antifibrotic against vascular diseases. Several signaling pathways, effector molecules, as well as coactivators/repressors have been identified as responsible for the protective effects of PPARγ and -δ in the vasculature. We discuss the pleiotropic effect of PPARγ and δ in vascular dysfunction, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, vascular remodeling, vascular injury, and diabetic vasculopathy, in various animal models, and the major underlying mechanisms. We also compare the phenotypes of several endothelial cell/vascular smooth muscle-specific PPARγ and -δ knockout and overexpressing transgenic mice in various disease models, and the implications underlying the functional importance of vascular PPARγ and δ in regulating whole-body homeostasis.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in vascular smooth muscle regulates blood pressure homeostasis through a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ-angiotensin II receptor type 1 axis

Hypertension is a major worldwide health issue for which only a small proportion of cases have a known mechanistic pathogenesis. Of the defined causes, none have been directly linked to heightened vasoconstrictor responsiveness, despite the fact that vasomotor tone in resistance vessels is a fundamental determinant of blood pressure. Here, we reported a previously undescribed role for smooth muscle hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in controlling blood pressure homeostasis. The lack of HIF-1α in smooth muscle caused hypertension in vivo and hyperresponsiveness of resistance vessels to angiotensin II stimulation ex vivo. These data correlated with an increased expression of angiotensin II receptor type I in the vasculature. Specifically, we show that HIF-1α, through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, reciprocally defined angiotensin II receptor type I levels in the vessel wall. Indeed, pharmacological blockade of angiotensin II receptor type I by telmisartan abolished the hypertensive phenotype in smooth muscle cell-HIF-1α-KO mice. These data revealed a determinant role of a smooth muscle HIF-1α/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ/angiotensin II receptor type I axis in controlling vasomotor responsiveness and highlighted an important pathway, the alterations of which may be critical in a variety of hypertensive-based clinical settings.

Inhibition of PPARγ during rat pregnancy causes intrauterine growth restriction and attenuation of uterine vasodilation

Decreased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) activity is thought to have a major role in preeclampsia through abnormal placental development. However, the role of PPARγ in adaptation of the uteroplacental vasculature that may lead to placental hypoperfusion and fetal growth restriction during pregnancy is not known. Here, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 11/group) were treated during the second half of pregnancy with the PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 (10 mg/kg/day in food) or vehicle. Pregnancy outcome and PPARγ mRNA, vasodilation and structural remodeling were determined in maternal uterine and mesenteric arteries. PPARγ was expressed in uterine vascular tissue of both non-pregnant and pregnant rats with ~2-fold greater expression in radial vs. main uterine arteries. PPARγ mRNA levels were significantly higher in uterine compared to mesenteric arteries. GW9662 treatment during pregnancy did not affect maternal physiology (body weight, glucose, blood pressure), mesenteric artery vasodilation or structural remodeling of uterine and mesenteric vessels. Inhibition of PPARγ for the last 10 days of gestation caused decreased fetal weights on both day 20 and 21 of gestation that was associated with impaired vasodilation of radial uterine arteries in response to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. These results define an essential role of PPARγ in the control of uteroplacental vasodilatory function during pregnancy, an important determinant of blood flow to the placenta and fetus. Strategies that target PPARγ activation in the uterine circulation could have important therapeutic potential in treatment of pregnancies complicated by hypertension, diabetes or preeclampsia.

Effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β activation in endothelin-dependent hypertension

AIMS

We analysed the chronic effects of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPAR-β) agonist GW0742 on the renin-independent hypertension induced by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Rats were treated for 5 weeks with: control-vehicle, control-GW0742 (5 or 20 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), DOCA-vehicle, DOCA-GW0742 (5 or 20 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), DOCA-GSK0660 (1 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), and DOCA-GSK0660-GW0742. Rats receiving DOCA-vehicle showed increased systolic blood pressure, left ventricular and kidney weight indices, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and malondialdehyde plasma levels, urinary iso-PGF2α excretion, impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine, and contraction to ET-1 when compared with controls. Aortic reactive oxygen species content, NADPH oxidase activity, and p47(phox), p22(phox), NOX-4, glutathione peroxidase 1, hemeoxygenase-1, and preproET-1 expression were increased, whereas catalase and regulators of G protein-coupled signalling proteins (RGS)5 expression were decreased in the DOCA-vehicle group. GW0742 prevented the development of hypertension in a dose-dependent manner but the reduction of renal and cardiac hypertrophy, systemic and vascular oxidative stress markers, and improvement of endothelial dysfunction were only observed after the higher dose. GW0742, at 20 mg kg(-1) day(-1), attenuated ET-1 contraction by increasing RGS5 expression and restored the intracellular redox balance by reducing NADPH-oxidase activity, and by increasing the antioxidant genes expression. The PPAR-β antagonist GSK0660 prevented all vascular changes induced by GW0742 but not its antihypertensive effects.

CONCLUSION

Vascular protective effects of GW0742 operate via PPAR-β by interference with the ET-1 signalling as a result of increased expression of RGS5 and up-regulation of antioxidant genes and via PPAR-β-independent mechanisms to decrease blood pressure.