Chronic intermittent hypoxia induces 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in rat heart

Osteopontin in Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathological condition with multifactorial etiology, which is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular remodeling. The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms remain poorly understood. Accumulating clinical evidence suggests that circulating osteopontin may serve as a biomarker of PH progression, severity, and prognosis, as well as an indicator of maladaptive right ventricular remodeling and dysfunction. Moreover, preclinical studies in rodent models have implicated osteopontin in PH pathogenesis. Osteopontin modulates a plethora of cellular processes within the pulmonary vasculature, including cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, extracellular matrix synthesis, and inflammation via binding to various receptors such as integrins and CD44. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of osteopontin regulation and its impact on pulmonary vascular remodeling, as well as consider research issues required for the development of therapeutics targeting osteopontin as a potential strategy for the management of PH.

Chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced BNIP3 expression mitigates contractile dysfunction and myocardial injury in animal and cell model via modulating autophagy

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is generally associated with multiple cardiovascular disorders, such as myocardial hypertrophy. Autophagy is strictly modulated to maintain cardiac homeostasis. Post-injury autophagy is closely associated with pathological cardiac hypertrophy. BCL2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and BNIP3-like protein (BNIP3L) can cause cell death and are important for hypoxia-elicited autophagy. Here, we evaluated whether BNIP3 could mitigate functional remodeling and cardiac hypertrophy through regulation of autophagy. Male WT rats or rats with BNIP3 knockout were subjected to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) for 8 h/day over 5 weeks. Echocardiography and morphology were employed to assess the cardioprotective effects. Autophagy was assessed via transmission electron microscopy and detection of LC3, p62, and Beclin-1. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio were used to monitor apoptosis. Biochemical evaluations were performed to assess oxidative stress. Additionally, BNIP3-knockdown H9c2 cells that were subjected to CIH were used to examine autophagy and apoptosis to confirm the findings of the animal study. The CIH group showed elevated heart weight/body weight and left ventricle weight/body weight proportions, along with left ventricular remodeling. CIH-exposed rats exhibited dramatically higher fractional shortening and ejection fractions than the controls. In addition, the levels of autophagy markers Beclin-1 and LC3-II/I were increased, whereas the level of p62 was reduced by CIH treatment. The oxidative marker levels and the apoptosis index in the CIH group were markedly increased. Knockout of BNIP3 significantly aggravated the impairment in cardiac function, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and hypertrophy of CIH rats, while significantly reducing autophagy. The autophagy-associated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was also deactivated by BNIP3 knockout. At the cellular level, CIH treatment significantly upregulated autophagy and apoptosis; however, BNIP3 silencing reduced autophagy and promoted apoptosis. CIH treatment-mediated upregulation of BNIP3 expression plays a crucial role in autophagy by targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, alleviating cardiac hypertrophy.

Clinical and Molecular Implications of Osteopontin in Heart Failure

The matricellular protein osteopontin modulates cell-matrix interactions during tissue injury and healing. A complex multidomain structure of osteopontin enables it not only to bind diverse cell receptors but also to interact with various partners, including other extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines, and growth factors. Numerous studies have implicated osteopontin in the development and progression of myocardial remodeling in diverse cardiac diseases. Osteopontin influences myocardial remodeling by regulating extracellular matrix production, the activity of matrix metalloproteinases and various growth factors, inflammatory cell recruitment, myofibroblast differentiation, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and myocardial vascularization. The exploitation of osteopontin loss- and gain-of-function approaches in rodent models provided an opportunity for assessment of the cell- and disease-specific contribution of osteopontin to myocardial remodeling. In this review, we summarize the recent knowledge on osteopontin regulation and its impact on various cardiac diseases, as well as delineate complex disease- and cell-specific roles of osteopontin in cardiac pathologies. We also discuss the current progress of therapeutics targeting osteopontin that may facilitate the development of a novel strategy for heart failure treatment.

SRC-3 Knockout Attenuates Myocardial Injury Induced by Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia in Mice

This study investigated the effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), a model of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), on cardiac function. SRC-3 was extremely lowly expressed in the adult mouse heart tissue, while SRC-3 was highly expressed in the adult mouse heart tissue after CIH, suggesting that SRC-3 is involved in CIH model. We further studied the role of SRC-3 in CIH-induced myocardial injury in mice. Twenty-four healthy Balb/c male mice (n = 16, wild type; n = 8, SRC-3 knockout (SRC3-KO)) were randomly divided into three groups: air control (Ctrl), CIH, and CIH+SRC3-KO. Mice were exposed to CIH for 12 weeks. qRT-PCR was used to evaluate cardiac expression of the following genes: 11HSD1, 11HSD2, GR, MR, COX-2, OPN, NOX2, HIF-1-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, TNF-α, PC-1, and TGF-β. Enzymatic levels of SOD, CAT, MDA, NOS, and NO in the mouse hearts were determined using commercially available kits. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate NF-κB expression in cardiac tissues. A transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to evaluate myocardial ultrastructure. TUNEL staining was used to assess myocardial cell apoptosis. CIH induced cardiac damage, which was ameliorated in the SRC-3 KO mice. CIH significantly increased the heart-to-body weight ratio, expression of all aforementioned genes except 11HSD1, GR, and MR, and increased the levels of MDA, NOS, NO, and NF-κB, which were attenuated in the SRC-3 KO mice. The CIH group had the lowest SOD and CAT levels, which were partially recovered in the CIH+SRC3-KO group. 11HSD2 gene expression was elevated in both the CIH and CIH+SRC3-KO groups compared to the Ctrl group. The CIH group had severe myocardial cell apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, which were alleviated in the CIH+SRC3-KO group. CIH causes cardiac damage through inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Knockout of SRC-3 ameliorates CIH-induced cardiac damage through antagonizing CIH-triggered molecular changes in cardiac tissue.

Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Reduces the Effects of Glucosteroid in Asthma via Activating the p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway

Aims

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for steroid-resistant (SR) asthma. However, the underlying mechanism is not well defined. This study aimed to investigate how chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), the main pathophysiology of OSA, influenced the effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) on asthma.

Main Methods

The effects of dexamethasone (Dex) were determined using the ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged mouse model of asthma and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β treated airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), with or without CIH. The p38 MAPK signaling pathway activity was then detected in the mouse (n = 6) and ASMCs models (n = 6), which were both treated with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB239063.

Key Findings

Under CIH, mouse pulmonary resistance value, inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and inflammation scores increased in OVA-challenged combined with CIH exposure mice compared with OVA-challenged mice (p < 0.05). These indicators were similarly raised in the OVA + CIH + Dex group compared with the OVA + Dex group (P < 0.05). CIH exposure enhanced the activation of the p38 MAPK pathway, oxidative stress injury, and the expression of NF-κB both in lung tissue and ASMCs, which were reversed by treatment with Dex and SB239063. In the in vitro study, treatment with Dex and SB239063 decreased ASMCs proliferation induced by TGF-β combined with CIH and suppressed activation of the p38 MAPK pathway, oxidative stress injury, and NF-κB nuclear transcription (p < 0.05).

Significance

These results indicated that CIH decreased GC sensitivity by activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

Selection of optimal reference genes for gene expression studies in chronically hypoxic rat heart

Adaptation to chronic hypoxia renders the heart more tolerant to ischemia/reperfusion injury. To evaluate changes in gene expression after adaptation to chronic hypoxia by RT-qPCR, it is essential to select suitable reference genes. In a chronically hypoxic rat model, no specific reference genes have been identified in the myocardium. This study aimed to select the best reference genes in the left (LV) and right (RV) ventricles of chronically hypoxic and normoxic rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were adapted to continuous normobaric hypoxia (CNH; 12% O₂ or 10% O₂) for 3 weeks. The expression levels of candidate genes were assessed by RT-qPCR. The stability of genes was evaluated by NormFinder, geNorm and BestKeeper algorithms. The best five reference genes in the LV were Top1, Nupl2, Rplp1, Ywhaz, Hprt1 for the milder CNH and Top1, Ywhaz, Sdha, Nupl2, Tomm22 for the stronger CNH. In the RV, the top five genes were Hprt1, Nupl2, Gapdh, Top1, Rplp1 for the milder CNH and Tomm22, Gapdh, Hprt1, Nupl2, Top1 for the stronger CNH. This study provides validation of reference genes in LV and RV of CNH rats and shows that suitable reference genes differ in the two ventricles and depend on experimental protocol.

The non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone prevents cardiac fibrotic remodeling

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) overactivation promotes cardiac fibrosis. We studied the ability of the non-steroidal MR antagonist finerenone to prevent fibrotic remodeling. In neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts, finerenone prevented aldosterone-induced nuclear MR translocation. Treatment with finerenone decreased the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) (74 ± 15% of control, p = 0.005) and prevented aldosterone-induced upregulation of CTGF and lysyl oxidase (LOX) completely. Finerenone attenuated the upregulation of transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), which was induced by the Rac1 GTPase activator l-buthionine sulfoximine. Transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of Rac1 (RacET) showed increased left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic (63.7 ± 8.0 vs. 93.8 ± 25.6 µl, p = 0.027) and end-systolic (28.0 ± 4.0 vs. 49.5 ± 16.7 µl, p = 0.014) volumes compared to wild-type FVBN control mice. Treatment of RacET mice with 100 ppm finerenone over 5 months prevented LV dilatation. Systolic and diastolic LV function did not differ between the three groups. RacET mice exhibited overactivation of MR and 11ß hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. Both effects were reduced by finerenone (reduction about 36%, p = 0.030, and 40%, p = 0.032, respectively). RacET mice demonstrated overexpression of TGF-ß, CTGF, LOX, osteopontin as well as collagen and myocardial fibrosis in the left ventricle. In contrast, expression of these parameters did not differ between finerenone-treated RacET and control mice. Finerenone prevented left atrial dilatation (6.4 ± 1.5 vs. 4.7 ± 1.4 mg, p = 0.004) and left atrial fibrosis (17.8 ± 3.1 vs. 12.8 ± 3.1%, p = 0.046) compared to vehicle-treated RacET mice. In summary, finerenone prevented from MR-mediated structural remodeling in cardiac fibroblasts and in RacET mice. These data demonstrate anti-fibrotic myocardial effects of finerenone.

Recombinant human glucagon-like peptide-1 protects against chronic intermittent hypoxia by improving myocardial energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a chronic disease associated with intermittent hypoxia (IH) and is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring incretin used as a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, and advanced heart failure. However, whether GLP-1 can protect against IH-induced cardiac injury is still unclear. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the effects of recombinant human GLP-1 (rhGLP-1) on cardiac health in mice.

METHODS

Mice were subjected to repetitive 5% O₂ for 30 s and 21% O₂ for 30 s, for a total of 8 h/day for 4 weeks. Subsequently, mice received subcutaneous injection of saline or rhGLP-1 (100 μg/kg, three times per day). Cardiac function, myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis, energy metabolism, and mitochondrial biogenesis were examined for evaluation of cardiac injury.

RESULTS

A reduction in diastolic function (E/A ratio) in mice exposed to IH was significantly reversed by rhGLP-1. IH induced marked cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis. Additionally, IH resulted in a shift from fatty acid to glucose metabolism in the myocardium with downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α and PPARγ. Moreover, IH caused a reduction in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and transcription, together with reduced mtDNA content and impaired mitochondrial ultrastructure. These changes were abolished by rhGLP-1 via activation of PGC-1α and Akt signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

rhGLP-1 protects against IH-induced cardiac injury by improving myocardial energy metabolism and enhancing the early adaptive changes of mitochondrial biogenesis.

Atorvastatin Attenuates Myocardial Hypertrophy Induced by Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia In Vitro Partly through miR-31/PKCε Pathway

Atorvastatin is proven to ameliorate cardiac hypertrophy induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). However, little is known about the mechanism by which atorvastatin modulates CIH-induced cardiac hypertrophy, and whether specific hypertrophyrelated microRNAs are involved in the modulation. MiR-31 plays key roles in the development of cardiac hypertrophy induced by ischemia/hypoxia. This study examined whether miR-31 was involved in the protective role of atorvastatin against CIH-induced myocardial hypertrophy. H9c2 cells were subjected to 8-h intermittent hypoxia per day in the presence or absence of atorvastatin for 5 days. The size of cardiomyocytes, and the expression of caspase 3 and miR-31 were determined by Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. MiR-31 mimic or Ro 31-8220, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε), was used to determine the role of miR-31 in the anti-hypertrophic effect of atorvastatin on cardiomyocytes. PKCε in the cardiomyocytes with miR-31 upregulation or downregulation was detected using RT-PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that CIH induced obvious enlargement of cardiomyocytes, which was paralleled with increased atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and slow/beta cardiac myosin heavy-chain (MYH7) mRNA levels. All these changes were reversed by the treatment with atorvastatin. Meanwhile, miR-31 was increased by CIH in vitro. Of note, the atorvastatin pretreatment significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of PKCe and decreased that of miR-31. Moreover, overexpression of miR-31 abolished the anti-hypertrophic effect of atorvastatin on cardiomyocytes. Upregulation and downregulation of miR-31 respectively decreased and increased the mRNA and protein expression of PKCε. These results suggest that atorvastatin provides the cardioprotective effects against CIH probably via up-regulating PKCε and down-regulating miR-31.

Getting to the heart of intracellular glucocorticoid regeneration: 11β-HSD1 in the myocardium

Corticosteroids influence the development and function of the heart and its response to injury and pressure overload via actions on glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors. Systemic corticosteroid concentration depends largely on the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, but glucocorticoid can also be regenerated from intrinsically inert metabolites by the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), selectively increasing glucocorticoid levels within cells and tissues. Extensive studies have revealed the roles for glucocorticoid regeneration by 11β-HSD1 in liver, adipose, brain and other tissues, but until recently, there has been little focus on the heart. This article reviews the evidence for glucocorticoid metabolism by 11β-HSD1 in the heart and for a role of 11β-HSD1 activity in determining the myocardial growth and physiological function. We also consider the potential of 11β-HSD1 as a therapeutic target to enhance repair after myocardial infarction and to prevent the development of cardiac remodelling and heart failure.

Tumour necrosis factor-α contributes to improved cardiac ischaemic tolerance in rats adapted to chronic continuous hypoxia

AIM

It has been demonstrated that tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) via its receptor 2 (TNFR2) plays a role in the cardioprotective effects of preconditioning. It is also well known that chronic hypoxia is associated with activation of inflammatory response. With this background, we hypothesized that TNF-α signalling may contribute to the improved ischaemic tolerance of chronically hypoxic hearts.

METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats were kept either at room air (normoxic controls) or at continuous normobaric hypoxia (CNH; inspired O2 fraction 0.1) for 3 weeks; subgroups of animals were treated with infliximab (monoclonal antibody against TNF-α; 5 mg kg(-1), i.p., once a week). Myocardial levels of oxidative stress markers and the expression of selected signalling molecules were analysed. Infarct size (tetrazolium staining) was assessed in open-chest rats subjected to acute coronary artery occlusion/reperfusion.

RESULTS

CNH increased myocardial TNF-α level and expression of TNFR2; this response was abolished by infliximab treatment. CNH reduced myocardial infarct size from 50.8 ± 4.3% of the area at risk in normoxic animals to 35.5 ± 2.4%. Infliximab abolished the protective effect of CNH (44.9 ± 2.0%). CNH increased the levels of oxidative stress markers (3-nitrotyrosine and malondialdehyde), the expression of nuclear factor κB and manganese superoxide dismutase, while these effects were absent in infliximab-treated animals. CNH-elevated levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 were not affected by infliximab.

CONCLUSION

TNF-α plays a role in the induction of ischaemia-resistant cardiac phenotype of CNH rats, possibly via the activation of protective redox signalling.

The mineralocorticoid receptor promotes fibrotic remodeling in atrial fibrillation

We studied the role of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the signaling that promotes atrial fibrosis. Left atrial myocardium of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) exhibited 4-fold increased hydroxyproline content compared with patients in sinus rhythm. Expression of MR was similar, as was 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2), which also increased. 11β-HSD2 converts cortisol to receptor-inactive metabolites allowing aldosterone occupancy of MR. 11β-HSD2 was up-regulated by arrhythmic pacing in cultured cardiomyocytes and in a mouse model of spontaneous AF (RacET). In cardiomyocytes, aldosterone induced connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the absence but not in the presence of cortisol. Hydroxyproline expression was increased in cardiac fibroblasts exposed to conditioned medium from aldosterone-treated cardiomyocytes but not from cardiomyocytes treated with both cortisol and aldosterone. Aldosterone increased connective tissue growth factor and hydroxyproline expression in cardiac fibroblasts, which were prevented by BR-4628, a dihydropyridine-derived selective MR antagonist, and by spironolactone. Aldosterone activated RhoA GTPase. Rho kinase inhibition by Y-27632 prevented CTGF and hydroxyproline, whereas the RhoA activator CN03 increased CTGF expression. Aldosterone and CTGF increased lysyl oxidase, and aldosterone enhanced miR-21 expression. MR antagonists reduced the aldosterone but not the CTGF effect. In conclusion, MR signaling promoted fibrotic remodeling. Increased expression of 11β-HSD2 during AF leads to up-regulation of collagen and pro-fibrotic mediators by aldosterone, specifically RhoA activity as well as CTGF, lysyl oxidase, and microRNA-21 expression. The MR antagonists BR-4628 and spironolactone prevent these alterations. MR inhibition may, therefore, represent a potential pharmacologic target for the prevention of fibrotic remodeling of the atrial myocardium.

The cardioprotective effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists

Despite state-of-the-art reperfusion therapy, morbidity and mortality remain significant in patients with an acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, novel strategies to limit myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury are urgently needed. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists are attractive candidates for this purpose, since several clinical trials in patients with heart failure have reported a survival benefit with MR antagonist treatment. MRs are expressed by several cells of the cardiovascular system, including cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. Experiments in animal models of myocardial infarction have demonstrated that acute administration of MR antagonists, either before ischemia or immediately at the moment of coronary reperfusion, limits infarct size. This action appears to be independent of the presence of aldosterone and cortisol, which are the endogenous ligands for the MR. The cardioprotective effect is mediated by a nongenomic intracellular signaling pathway, including adenosine receptor stimulation, and activation of several components of the Reperfusion Injury Salvage Kinase (RISK) pathway. In addition to limiting infarct size, MR antagonists can improve scar healing when administered shortly after reperfusion and can reduce cardiac remodeling post myocardial infarction. Clinical trials are currently being performed studying whether early administration of MR antagonists can indeed improve prognosis in patients with an acute myocardial infarction, independent of the presence of heart failure.

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases: intracellular gate-keepers of tissue glucocorticoid action

Glucocorticoid action on target tissues is determined by the density of "nuclear" receptors and intracellular metabolism by the two isozymes of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) which catalyze interconversion of active cortisol and corticosterone with inert cortisone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone. 11β-HSD type 1, a predominant reductase in most intact cells, catalyzes the regeneration of active glucocorticoids, thus amplifying cellular action. 11β-HSD1 is widely expressed in liver, adipose tissue, muscle, pancreatic islets, adult brain, inflammatory cells, and gonads. 11β-HSD1 is selectively elevated in adipose tissue in obesity where it contributes to metabolic complications. Similarly, 11β-HSD1 is elevated in the ageing brain where it exacerbates glucocorticoid-associated cognitive decline. Deficiency or selective inhibition of 11β-HSD1 improves multiple metabolic syndrome parameters in rodent models and human clinical trials and similarly improves cognitive function with ageing. The efficacy of inhibitors in human therapy remains unclear. 11β-HSD2 is a high-affinity dehydrogenase that inactivates glucocorticoids. In the distal nephron, 11β-HSD2 ensures that only aldosterone is an agonist at mineralocorticoid receptors (MR). 11β-HSD2 inhibition or genetic deficiency causes apparent mineralocorticoid excess and hypertension due to inappropriate glucocorticoid activation of renal MR. The placenta and fetus also highly express 11β-HSD2 which, by inactivating glucocorticoids, prevents premature maturation of fetal tissues and consequent developmental "programming." The role of 11β-HSD2 as a marker of programming is being explored. The 11β-HSDs thus illuminate the emerging biology of intracrine control, afford important insights into human pathogenesis, and offer new tissue-restricted therapeutic avenues.

Aldosterone and cardiovascular disease: the heart of the matter

Aldosterone contributes to the endocrine basis of heart failure, and studies on cardiac aldosterone signaling have reinforced its value as a therapeutic target. Recent focus has shifted to new roles of aldosterone that appear to depend on coexisting pathologic stimuli, cell type, and disease etiology. This review evaluates recent advances in mechanisms underlying aldosterone-induced cardiac disease and highlights the interplay between aldosterone and Ca(2+)/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II, whose hyperactivity during heart failure contributes to disease progression. Increasing evidence implicates aldosterone in diastolic dysfunction, and there is a need to develop more targeted therapeutics such as aldosterone synthase inhibitors and molecularly specific antioxidants. Despite accumulating knowledge, many questions still persist and will likely dictate areas of future research.

Non-genomic effect of glucocorticoids on cardiovascular system

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are essential steroid hormones for homeostasis, development, metabolism, and cognition and possess anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. Since glucocorticoid receptor II (GR) is nearly ubiquitous, chronic activation or depletion of GCs leads to dysfunction of diverse organs, including the heart and blood vessels, resulting predominantly from changes in gene expression. Most studies, therefore, have focused on the genomic effects of GC to understand its related pathophysiological manifestations. The nongenomic effects of GCs clearly differ from well-known genomic effects, with the former responding within several minutes without the need for protein synthesis. There is increasing evidence that the nongenomic actions of GCs influence various physiological functions. To develop a GC-mediated therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, understanding the genomic and nongenomic effects of GC on the cardiovascular system is needed. This article reviews our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of GCs on cardiovascular diseases and stress, as well as how nongenomic GC signaling contributes to these conditions. We suggest that manipulation of GC action based on both GC and GR metabolism, mitochondrial impact, and the action of serum- and glucocorticoid-dependent kinase 1 may provide new information with which to treat cardiovascular diseases.

Regulation of adipose tissue energy availability through blood flow control in the metabolic syndrome

Maintenance of blood flow rate is a critical factor for tissue oxygen and substrate supply. The potentially large mass of adipose tissue deeply influences the body distribution of blood flow. This is due to increased peripheral resistance in obesity and the role of this tissue as the ultimate destination of unused excess of dietary energy. However, adipose tissue cannot grow indefinitely, and the tissue must defend itself against the avalanche of nutrients provoking inordinate growth and inflammation. In the obese, large adipose tissue masses show lower blood flow, limiting the access of excess circulating substrates. Blood flow restriction is achieved by vasoconstriction, despite increased production of nitric oxide, the vasodilatation effects of which are overridden by catecholamines (and probably also by angiotensin II and endothelin). Decreased blood flow reduces the availability of oxygen, provoking massive glycolysis (hyperglycemic conditions), which results in the production of lactate, exported to the liver for processing. However, this produces local acidosis, which elicits the rapid dissociation of oxyhemoglobin, freeing bursts of oxygen in localized zones of the tissue. The excess of oxygen (and of nitric oxide) induces the production of reactive oxygen species, which deeply affect the endothelial, blood, and adipose cells, inducing oxidative and nitrosative damage and eliciting an increased immune response, which translates into inflammation. The result of the defense mechanism for adipose tissue, localized vasoconstriction, may thus help develop a more generalized pathologic response within the metabolic syndrome parameters, extending its effects to the whole body.

Tissue-specific modulation of mineralocorticoid receptor function by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases: an overview

In the last decade significant progress has been made in the understanding of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) function and its implications for physiology and disease. The knowledge on the essential role of MR in the regulation of electrolyte concentrations and blood pressure has been significantly extended, and the relevance of excessive MR activation in promoting inflammation, fibrosis and heart disease as well as its role in modulating neuronal cell viability and brain function is now widely recognized. Despite considerable progress, the mechanisms of MR function in various cell-types are still poorly understood. Key modulators of MR function include the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which may affect MR function by formation of heterodimers and by differential genomic and non-genomic responses on gene expression, and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSDs), which determine the availability of intracellular concentrations of active glucocorticoids. In this review we attempted to provide an overview of the knowledge on MR expression with regard to the presence or absence of GR, 11β-HSD2 and 11β-HSD1/hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PDH) in various tissues and cell types. The consequences of cell-specific differences in the coexpression of MR with these proteins need to be further investigated in order to understand the role of this receptor in a given tissue as well as its systemic impact.

Targeting the aldosterone pathway in cardiovascular disease

Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that aldosterone is a key player in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Multiple clinical trials have documented that intervention in the aldosterone pathway can reduce blood pressure and lower albuminuria and improve outcome in patients with heart failure or myocardial infarction. Recent studies have unraveled details about the role of aldosterone at the cellular level in CV disease. The relative importance of glucocorticoids and aldosterone in terms of mineralocorticoid receptor activation is currently being debated. Also, studies are addressing which aldosterone modulator to use, which timing of treatment to aim for, and in which population to intervene. This review provides an overview of recent developments in the understanding of the role of aldosterone in CV disease, with particular reference to mechanisms and potential targets of intervention. Finally, ongoing or desirable clinical trials in the field are highlighted. The review is partly based on discussions between basic scientists and clinical trialists at the Cardiovascular Clinical Trials Forum 2009 and subsequently updated to encompass the most recent developments.

Local metabolism of glucocorticoids in Prague hereditary hypertriglyceridemic rats--effect of hypertriglyceridemia and gender

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11HSD1) is a microsomal NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase which elevates intracellular concentrations of active glucocorticoids. Data obtained from mouse strains with genetically manipulated 11HSD1 showed that local metabolism of glucocorticoids plays an important role in the development of metabolic syndrome. Tissue specific dysregulation of 11HSD1 was also found in other models of metabolic syndrome as well as in a number of clinical studies. Here, we studied local glucocorticoid action in the liver, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and skeletal muscles of male and female Prague hereditary hypertriglyceridemic rats (HHTg) and their normotriglyceridemic counterpart, the Wistar rats. 11HSD1 bioactivity was measured as a conversion of [(3)H]11-dehydrocorticosterone to [(3)H]corticosterone or vice versa. Additionally to express level of active 11HSD1 protein, enzyme activity was measured in tissue homogenates. mRNA abundance of 11HSD1, hexoso-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PDH) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was measured by real-time PCR. In comparison with normotriglyceridemic animals, female HHTg rats showed enhanced regeneration of glucocorticoids in the liver and the absence of any changes in SAT and skeletal muscle. In contrast to females, the glucocorticoid regeneration in males of HHTg rats was unchanged in liver, but stimulated in SAT and downregulated in muscle. Furthermore, SAT and skeletal muscle exhibited not only 11-reductase but also 11-oxidase catalyzed by 11HSD1. In females of both strains, 11-oxidase activity largely exceeded 11-reductase activity. No dramatic changes were found in the mRNA expression of H6PDH and GR. Our data provide evidence that the relationship between hypertriglyceridemia and glucocorticoid action is complex and gender specific.

Upregulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 in lymphoid organs during inflammation in the rat

Glucocorticoids exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that may be regulated in part by the activities of the glucocorticoid-activating and -inactivating enzymes, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11HSD1) and type 2 (11HSD2), respectively. Previous studies have demonstrated that inflammatory bowel diseases in humans and experimental animals upregulate 11HSD1 and downregulate 11HSD2. We investigated whether proinflammatory cytokines modulate colonic 11HSDs as well as whether lymphoid organs exhibit any 11HSD response to inflammation. Colon tissue explants exposed to tumor necrosis factor α exhibited an upregulation of 11HSD1 mRNA whereas interleukin 1β downregulated 11HSD2 mRNA. Experimental colitis induced by the intracolonic administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid stimulated 11HSD1 activity not only in the colon but also in mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen. Analysis of mRNA for 11HSD1 in colon-draining lymph nodes and the spleen showed that inflammation upregulates the expression of this enzyme in mobile lymphoid cells similar to the intraepithelial and lamina propria leukocytes isolated from the colon. It is inferred that inflammation stimulates the reactivation of glucocorticoids in lymphoid organs and in gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

Common Variation at the 11-β Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Gene Is Associated With Left Ventricular Mass

Background—

Polymorphisms in 11-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1, encoded by HSD11B1 ) have been reported to be associated with obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors, such as type II diabetes and hypertension. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular death associated with these factors but has significant additional heritability, the cause of which is undetermined. The 11β-HSD1 is believed to maintain tonic inhibition of the mineralocorticoid receptor in cardiomyocytes, and mineralocorticoid receptor activation is involved in the pathophysiology of LVH. We assessed the association between polymorphisms in the HSD11B1 gene and left ventricular mass (LVM) in 248 families ascertained through a proband with hypertension.

Methods and Results—

LVM was measured by electrocardiography and echocardiography in 868 and 829 participants, respectively. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tagging common variation in the HSD11B1 gene were genotyped by mass spectrometry. The rs846910 SNP, which lies in the flanking region 5′ to exon 1B of HSD11B1 , was associated with LVM both by electrocardiography (≈5% lower LVM per copy of the rare allele, P =0.02) and by echocardiography (≈10% lower LVM per copy of the rare allele, P =0.003). Genotype explained 1% to 2% of the population variability in LVM, or approximately 5% of the heritable fraction. There were no significant associations between any HSD11B1 SNP and blood pressure or body mass index that could have confounded the association with LVM.

Conclusions—

Genotype at HSD11B1 has a small, but significant effect on LVM, apparently independently of any effect on obesity-related traits. These findings suggest a novel action of 11β-HSD1 in the human cardiomyocyte, which may be of therapeutic importance.

Local metabolism of glucocorticoids and its role in rat adjuvant arthritis

11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11HSD1) regulates local glucocorticoid activity and plays an important role in various diseases. Here, we studied whether arthritis modulates 11HSD1, what is the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in this process and whether altered local metabolism of glucocorticoids may contribute to the feedback regulation of inflammation. Adjuvant arthritis increased synovial 11HSD1 mRNA and 11-reductase activity but treatments with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) antagonists etanercept and anakinra reduced 11HSD1 upregulation. Treatment with carbenoxolone, an 11HSD inhibitor, increased expression of TNF-alpha, cyclooxygenase 2, and osteopontin mRNA without any changes in the plasma levels of corticosterone. Similar changes were observed when arthritic rats were treated with RU486, an antagonist of GR. This study suggests that arthritis upregulates synovial 11HSD1, this upregulation is controlled by TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and that the increased supply of local corticosterone might contribute to feedback regulation of inflammation.