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Zhuang W, Mitrou NGA, Kulak S, Cupples WA, Braam B. Modulation of the expression of connexins 37, 40, and 43 in endothelial cells in a culture. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 4:1199198. [PMID: 38558785 PMCID: PMC10978589 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2024.1199198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Connexin (Cx) 37, 40, and 43 are implicated in vascular function, specifically in the electrical coupling of endothelial cells and vascular smooth-muscle cells. In the present study, we investigated whether factors implicated in vascular dysfunction can modulate the gene expression of Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 and whether this is associated with changes in endothelial layer barrier function in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). First, HMEC-1 were subjected to stimuli for 4 and 8 h. We tested their responses to DETA-NONOate, H2O2, high glucose, and angiotensin II, none of which relevantly affected the transcription of the connexin genes. Next, we tested inflammatory factors IL-6, interferon gamma (IFNγ), and TNFα. IFNγ (10 ng/mL) consistently induced Cx40 expression at 4 and 8 h to 10-20-fold when corrected for the control. TNFα and IL-6 resulted in small but significant depressions of Cx37 expression at 4 h. Two JAK inhibitors, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) (100-250 μM) and AG490 (100-250 μM), dose-dependently inhibited the induction of Cx40 expression by IFNγ. Subsequently, HMEC-1 were subjected to 10 ng/mL IFNγ for 60 h, and intercellular and transcellular impedance was monitored by electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS). In response to IFNγ, junctional-barrier impedance increased more than cellular-barrier impedance; this was prevented by AG490 (5 μM). In conclusion, IFNγ can strongly induce Cx40 expression and modify the barrier properties of the endothelial cell membrane through the JAK/STAT pathway. Moreover, the Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 expression in endothelial cells is stable and, apart from IFNγ, not affected by a number of factors implicated in endothelial dysfunction and vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Zhuang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Steve Kulak
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Branko Braam
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Geng F, Zhao N, Chen X, Liu X, Zhu M, Jiang Y, Ren Q. Transcriptome analysis identifies the role of Class I histone deacetylase in Alzheimer's disease. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18008. [PMID: 37449137 PMCID: PMC10336799 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics modification is a process that does not change the sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in disease progression but can alter the genetic expression of the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we deployed the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to explore the role of Class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) in AD, which included HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3, and HDAC8. The aim of the study was to find how Class I HDACs affected AD pathology by analyzing the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray datasets GSE33000. We found that HDAC1 and HDAC8 were more highly expressed in the cortex of AD patients than in Controls, while HDAC2 and HDAC3 were lower expressed. By WGCNA analysis, we found the blue module was associated with HDAC1 and HDAC8, and the turquoise module was related to HDAC2 and HDAC3. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the Wnt signaling pathway and synaptic plasticity played an important role in the modification of HDAC1 and HDAC8 while gap junction and cell-cell junction were involved in the regulation of HDAC2 and HDAC3 in the disease progression of AD. By Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis, we concluded that HDAC1 might be the most probable diagnostic biomarker of Class I HDACs for AD. Our study provided a comprehensive understanding of Class I HDACs and provided new insight into the function of HDAC1 in AD disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Geng
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Na Zhao
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiu Chen
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - XueTing Liu
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - MengMeng Zhu
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The 962nd Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Harbin 150080, China
| | - QingGuo Ren
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
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Qian J, Zhong J, Liu S, Yan M, Cheng P, Hao C, Gu Y, Lai L. α-Klotho, Plasma Asymmetric Dimethylarginine, and Kidney Disease Progression. Kidney Med 2021; 3:984-991.e1. [PMID: 34939007 PMCID: PMC8664695 DOI: 10.1016/j.xkme.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale & Objective We aimed to explore the associated factors of endothelial injury in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and CKD prognosis. Study Design A prospective observational cohort study. Setting & Participants 77 adults with CKD stages 1-5 were enrolled January 2010 to December 2010 and followed up until December 2015. Exposure Serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) level at baseline, α-klotho, sodium-phosphorus synergistic transporter, and dimethylarginine-dimethylamine hydrolase expression in kidney biopsy samples. Outcome Initiation of kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Analytical Approach Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for evaluation of the incidence rate of KRT. All tests were 2 tailed, and statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Results Mean serum ADMA level of 77 patients was 64.3 ± 34.6 ng/mL. ADMA level increased with CKD stages (P = 0.06) and declining kidney function (r = −0.267; P = 0.02). The expression of α-klotho in kidney biopsy specimens also decreased. Median follow-up time was 56 (interquartile range, 50.5-62) months. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that during a total follow-up of 6 years, the incidence of KRT initiation in the high-ADMA group was significantly higher than that in the low group (35.9% vs 13.2%; P = 0.03). ADMA level was negatively correlated with α-klotho (r = −0.233; P = 0.04) and positively correlated with phosphorus level (r = 0.243; P = 0.04). The expression of sodium-phosphorus synergistic transporter in kidney tubules, which promoted phosphorus reabsorption, and the expression of dimethylarginine-dimethylamine hydrolase isoform 1, which regulated ADMA, were decreased. Correlation analysis also showed that ADMA level decreased while age increased at baseline (r = −0.292; P = 0.01). Limitations Small sample size with limited longer-term follow-up. Conclusions Serum ADMA levels increased as kidney function declined, and high serum ADMA level was associated with incident kidney failure. Low tissue α-klotho and high levels of plasma phosphorus or tissue expression of type II sodium/phosphate cotransporter in the kidney are associated with higher circulating ADMA levels, suggesting that they may be involved in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in patients with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qian
- Department of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianyong Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaojun Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minhua Yan
- Department of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Cheng
- Department of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanming Hao
- Department of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Gu
- Department of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyun Lai
- Department of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Kumar G, Dey SK, Kundu S. Functional implications of vascular endothelium in regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthesis to control blood pressure and cardiac functions. Life Sci 2020; 259:118377. [PMID: 32898526 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The endothelium is the innermost vascular lining performing significant roles all over the human body while maintaining the blood pressure at physiological levels. Malfunction of endothelium is thus recognized as a biomarker linked with many vascular diseases including but not limited to atherosclerosis, hypertension and thrombosis. Alternatively, prevention of endothelial malfunctioning or regulating the functions of its associated physiological partners like endothelial nitric oxide synthase can prevent the associated vascular disorders which account for the highest death toll worldwide. While many anti-hypertensive drugs are available commercially, a comprehensive description of the key physiological roles of the endothelium and its regulation by endothelial nitric oxide synthase or vice versa is the need of the hour to understand its contribution in vascular homeostasis. This, in turn, will help in designing new therapeutics targeting endothelial nitric oxide synthase or its interacting partners present in the cellular pool. This review describes the central role of vascular endothelium in the regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase while outlining the emerging drug targets present in the vasculature with potential to treat vascular disorders including hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi, South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Dey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi, South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India; Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Suman Kundu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi, South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India.
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Price GW, Potter JA, Williams BM, Cliff CL, Squires PE, Hills CE. Connexin-mediated cell communication in the kidney: A potential therapeutic target for future intervention of diabetic kidney disease?: Joan Mott Prize Lecture. Exp Physiol 2020; 105:219-229. [PMID: 31785013 DOI: 10.1113/ep087770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The ability of cells to communicate and synchronise their activity is essential for the maintenance of tissue structure, integrity and function. A family of membrane-bound proteins called connexins are largely responsible for mediating the local transfer of information between cells. Assembled in the cell membrane as a hexameric connexon, they either function as a conduit for paracrine signalling, forming a transmembrane hemi-channel, or, if aligned with connexons on neighbouring cells, form a continuous aqueous pore or gap junction, which allows for the direct transmission of metabolic and electrical signals. Regulation of connexin synthesis and activity is critical to cellular function, and a number of diseases are attributed to changes in the expression and/or function of these important proteins. A link between hyperglycaemia, connexin expression, altered nucleotide concentrations and impaired function highlights a potential role for connexin-mediated cell communication in complications of diabetes. In the diabetic kidney, glycaemic injury is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure, reflecting multiple aetiologies including glomerular hyperfiltration, albuminuria, increased deposition of extracellular matrix and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Loss of connexin-mediated cell-to-cell communication in diabetic nephropathy may represent an early sign of disease progression, but our understanding of the process remains severely limited. This review focuses on recent evidence demonstrating that glucose-evoked changes in connexin-mediated cell communication and associated purinergic signalling may contribute to the pathogenesis of kidney disease in diabetes, highlighting the tantalising potential of targeting these proteins as a novel therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth W Price
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Joe A Potter
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Bethany M Williams
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Chelsy L Cliff
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Paul E Squires
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Claire E Hills
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
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Alaaeddine R, Elkhatib MAW, Mroueh A, Fouad H, Saad EI, El-Sabban ME, Plane F, El-Yazbi AF. Impaired Endothelium-Dependent Hyperpolarization Underlies Endothelial Dysfunction during Early Metabolic Challenge: Increased ROS Generation and Possible Interference with NO Function. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 371:567-582. [PMID: 31511364 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.262048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of diabetic vasculopathies. Although hyperglycemia is believed to be the culprit causing endothelial damage, the mechanism underlying early endothelial insult in prediabetes remains obscure. We used a nonobese high-calorie (HC)-fed rat model with hyperinsulinemia, hypercholesterolemia, and delayed development of hyperglycemia to unravel this mechanism. Compared with aortic rings from control rats, HC-fed rat rings displayed attenuated acetylcholine-mediated relaxation. While sensitive to nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition, aortic relaxation in HC-rat tissues was not affected by blocking the inward-rectifier potassium (Kir) channels using BaCl2 Although Kir channel expression was reduced in HC-rat aorta, Kir expression, endothelium-dependent relaxation, and the BaCl2-sensitive component improved in HC rats treated with atorvastatin to reduce serum cholesterol. Remarkably, HC tissues demonstrated increased reactive species (ROS) in smooth muscle cells, which was reversed in rats receiving atorvastatin. In vitro ROS reduction, with superoxide dismutase, improved endothelium-dependent relaxation in HC-rat tissues. Significantly, connexin-43 expression increased in HC aortic tissues, possibly allowing ROS movement into the endothelium and reduction of eNOS activity. In this context, gap junction blockade with 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid reduced vascular tone in HC rat tissues but not in controls. This reduction was sensitive to NOS inhibition and SOD treatment, possibly as an outcome of reduced ROS influence, and emerged in BaCl2-treated control tissues. In conclusion, our results suggest that early metabolic challenge leads to reduced Kir-mediated endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization, increased vascular ROS potentially impairing NO synthesis and highlight these channels as a possible target for early intervention with vascular dysfunction in metabolic disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The present study examines early endothelial dysfunction in metabolic disease. Our results suggest that reduced inward-rectifier potassium channel function underlies a defective endothelium-mediated relaxation possibly through alteration of nitric oxide synthase activity. This study provides a possible mechanism for the augmentation of relatively small changes in one endothelium-mediated relaxation pathway to affect overall endothelial response and highlights the potential role of inward-rectifier potassium channel function as a therapeutic target to treat vascular dysfunction early in the course of metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Alaaeddine
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Mohammed A W Elkhatib
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Ali Mroueh
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Hosny Fouad
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Evan I Saad
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Marwan E El-Sabban
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Frances Plane
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Ahmed F El-Yazbi
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
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Alaaeddine RA, Mroueh A, Gust S, Eid AH, Plane F, El-Yazbi AF. Impaired cross-talk between NO and hyperpolarization in myoendothelial feedback: a novel therapeutic target in early endothelial dysfunction of metabolic disease. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2019; 45:33-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Ni X, Li XZ, Fan ZR, Wang A, Zhang HC, Zhang L, LI L, Si JQ, Ma KT. Increased expression and functionality of the gap junction in peripheral blood lymphocytes is associated with hypertension-mediated inflammation in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2018; 23:40. [PMID: 30151015 PMCID: PMC6102908 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-018-0106-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imbalances in circulating T lymphocytes play critical roles in the pathogenesis of hypertension-mediated inflammation. Connexins (Cxs) in immune cells are involved in the maintenance of homeostasis of T lymphocytes. However, the association between Cxs in peripheral blood T lymphocytes and hypertension-mediated inflammation remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of Cxs in T lymphocytes in hypertension-mediated inflammation in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS The systolic blood pressure (SBP) in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHRs was monitored using the tail-cuff method. The serum cytokine level was determined using ELISA. The proportions of different T-lymphocyte subtypes in the peripheral blood, the expressions of Cx40/Cx43 in the T-cell subtypes, and the gap junctional intracellular communication (GJIC) of peripheral blood lymphocytes were measured using flow cytometry (FC). The accumulations of Cx40/Cx43 at the plasma membrane and/or in the cytoplasm were determined using immunofluorescence staining. The in vitro mRNA levels of cytokines and GJIC in the peripheral blood lymphocytes were respectively examined using real-time PCR and FC after treatment with Gap27 and/or concanavalin A (Con A). RESULTS The percentage of CD4+ T cells and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio were high, and the accumulation or expressions of Cx40/Cx43 in the peripheral blood lymphocytes in SHRs were higher than in those of WKY rats. The percentage of CD8+ and CD4+CD25+ T cells was lower in SHRs. The serum levels of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6 from SHRs were higher than those from WKY rats, and the serum levels of IL-2 and IL-6 positively correlated with the expression of Cx40/Cx43 in the peripheral blood T lymphocytes from SHRs. The peripheral blood lymphocytes of SHRs exhibited enhanced GJIC. Cx43-based channel inhibition, which was mediated by Gap27, remarkably reduced GJIC in lymphocytes, and suppressed IL-2 and IL-6 mRNA expressions in Con A stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that Cxs may be involved in the regulation of T-lymphocyte homeostasis and the production of cytokines. A clear association was found between alterations in Cxs expression or in Cx43-based GJIC and hypertension-mediated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ni
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2nd Road, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Xingjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang China
| | - Xin-zhi Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang China
| | - Zhi-ru Fan
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2nd Road, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Xingjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang China
| | - Ai Wang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2nd Road, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Xingjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang China
| | - Hai-chao Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2nd Road, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Xingjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2nd Road, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Xingjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang China
| | - Li LI
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2nd Road, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Xingjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang China
| | - Jun-qiang Si
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2nd Road, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Xingjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang China
| | - Ke-tao Ma
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, 59 North 2nd Road, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002 People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Xingjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang China
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Al-Ghadban S, Kaissi S, Homaidan FR, Naim HY, El-Sabban ME. Cross-talk between intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells in inflammatory bowel disease. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29783. [PMID: 27417573 PMCID: PMC4945922 DOI: 10.1038/srep29783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves functional impairment of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), concomitant with the infiltration of the lamina propria by inflammatory cells. We explored the reciprocal paracrine and direct interaction between human IECs and macrophages (MΦ) in a co-culture system that mimics some aspects of IBD. We investigated the expression of intercellular junctional proteins in cultured IECs under inflammatory conditions and in tissues from IBD patients. IECs establish functional gap junctions with IECs and MΦ, respectively. Connexin (Cx26) and Cx43 expression in cultured IECs is augmented under inflammatory conditions; while, Cx43-associated junctional complexes partners, E-cadherin, ZO-1, and β-catenin expression is decreased. The expression of Cx26 and Cx43 in IBD tissues is redistributed to the basal membrane of IEC, which is associated with decrease in junctional complex proteins' expression, collagen type IV expression and infiltration of MΦ. These data support the notion that the combination of paracrine and hetero-cellular communication between IECs and MΦs may regulate epithelial cell function through the establishment of junctional complexes between inflammatory cells and IECs, which ultimately contribute to the dys-regulation of intestinal epithelial barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Al-Ghadban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American university of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samira Kaissi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American university of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fadia R Homaidan
- Inflammation group-Nature Conservation Center (NCC) for Sustainable Futures, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Y Naim
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marwan E El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American university of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Willebrords J, Crespo Yanguas S, Maes M, Decrock E, Wang N, Leybaert L, Kwak BR, Green CR, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Connexins and their channels in inflammation. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 51:413-439. [PMID: 27387655 PMCID: PMC5584657 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2016.1204980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation may be caused by a variety of factors and is a hallmark of a plethora of acute and chronic diseases. The purpose of inflammation is to eliminate the initial cell injury trigger, to clear out dead cells from damaged tissue and to initiate tissue regeneration. Despite the wealth of knowledge regarding the involvement of cellular communication in inflammation, studies on the role of connexin-based channels in this process have only begun to emerge in the last few years. In this paper, a state-of-the-art overview of the effects of inflammation on connexin signaling is provided. Vice versa, the involvement of connexins and their channels in inflammation will be discussed by relying on studies that use a variety of experimental tools, such as genetically modified animals, small interfering RNA and connexin-based channel blockers. A better understanding of the importance of connexin signaling in inflammation may open up towards clinical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and
Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels,
Belgium; Joost Willebrords: + Tel: 32 2 477 45 87, Michaël Maes: Tel: +32 2
477 45 87, Sara Crespo Yanguas: Tel: +32 2 477 45 87
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and
Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels,
Belgium; Joost Willebrords: + Tel: 32 2 477 45 87, Michaël Maes: Tel: +32 2
477 45 87, Sara Crespo Yanguas: Tel: +32 2 477 45 87
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and
Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels,
Belgium; Joost Willebrords: + Tel: 32 2 477 45 87, Michaël Maes: Tel: +32 2
477 45 87, Sara Crespo Yanguas: Tel: +32 2 477 45 87
| | - Elke Decrock
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent
University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Elke Decrock: Tel: +32 9 332 39
73, Nan Wang: Tel: +32 9 332 39 38, Luc Leybaert: Tel: +32 9 332 33 66
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent
University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Elke Decrock: Tel: +32 9 332 39
73, Nan Wang: Tel: +32 9 332 39 38, Luc Leybaert: Tel: +32 9 332 33 66
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent
University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Elke Decrock: Tel: +32 9 332 39
73, Nan Wang: Tel: +32 9 332 39 38, Luc Leybaert: Tel: +32 9 332 33 66
| | - Brenda R. Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology and Division of Cardiology,
University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Brenda R.
Kwak: Tel: +41 22 379 57 37
| | - Colin R. Green
- Department of Ophthalmology and New Zealand National Eye Centre,
University of Auckland, New Zealand; Colin R. Green: Tel: +64 9 923 61 35
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal
Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87,
05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil; Bruno Cogliati: Tel: +55 11 30 91 12 00
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and
Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels,
Belgium; Joost Willebrords: + Tel: 32 2 477 45 87, Michaël Maes: Tel: +32 2
477 45 87, Sara Crespo Yanguas: Tel: +32 2 477 45 87
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11
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Sala G, Badalamenti S, Ponticelli C. The Renal Connexome and Possible Roles of Connexins in Kidney Diseases. Am J Kidney Dis 2015; 67:677-87. [PMID: 26613807 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2015.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Connexins are membrane-spanning proteins that allow for the formation of cell-to-cell channels and cell-to-extracellular space hemichannels. Many connexin subtypes are expressed in kidney cells. Some mutations in connexin genes have been linked to various human pathologies, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, lung, and skin diseases, but the exact role of connexins in kidney disease remains unclear. Some hypotheses about a connection between genetic mutations, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in kidney pathology have been explored. The potential relationship of kidney disease to abnormal production of connexin proteins, mutations in their genes together with ER stress, or the UPR is still a matter of debate. In this scenario, it is tantalizing to speculate about a possible role of connexins in the setting of kidney pathologies that are thought to be caused by a deregulated podocyte protein expression, the so-called podocytopathies. In this article, we give examples of the roles of connexins in kidney (patho)physiology and propose avenues for further research concerning connexins, ER stress, and UPR in podocytopathies that may ultimately help refine drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Sala
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Humanitas Clinical Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy.
| | - Salvatore Badalamenti
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Humanitas Clinical Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy
| | - Claudio Ponticelli
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Humanitas Clinical Research Center, Rozzano (Milano), Italy
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12
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Abed AB, Kavvadas P, Chadjichristos CE. Functional roles of connexins and pannexins in the kidney. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2869-77. [PMID: 26082183 PMCID: PMC11113829 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1964-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Kidneys are highly complex organs, playing a crucial role in human physiopathology, as they are implicated in vital processes, such as fluid filtration and vasomotor tone regulation. There is growing evidence that gap junctions are major determinants of renal physiopathology. It has been demonstrated that their expression or channel activity may vary depending on physiological and pathological situations within distinct renal compartments. While some studies have focused on the role of connexins in renal physiology, our knowledge regarding the functional relevance of pannexins is still very limited. In this paper, we provide an overview of the involvement of connexins, pannexins and their channels in various physiological processes related to different renal compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed B. Abed
- INSERM UMR-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universite´s, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Panagiotis Kavvadas
- INSERM UMR-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France
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