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Diexer S, Klee B, Gottschick C, Broda A, Purschke O, Binder M, Gekle M, Girndt M, Hoell JI, Moor I, Sedding D, Rosendahl J, Mikolajczyk R. Insights into early recovery from Long COVID-results from the German DigiHero Cohort. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8569. [PMID: 38609482 PMCID: PMC11015032 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59122-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
65 million people worldwide are estimated to suffer from long-term symptoms after their SARS-CoV-2 infection (Long COVID). However, there is still little information about the early recovery among those who initially developed Long COVID, i.e. had symptoms 4-12 weeks after infection but no symptoms after 12 weeks. We aimed to identify associated factors with this early recovery. We used data from SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals from the DigiHero study. Participants provided information about their SARS-CoV-2 infections and symptoms at the time of infection, 4-12 weeks, and more than 12 weeks post-infection. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with early recovery from Long COVID and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify groups among symptoms. 5098 participants reported symptoms at 4-12 weeks after their SARS-CoV-2 infection, of which 2441 (48%) reported no symptoms after 12 weeks. Men, younger participants, individuals with mild course of acute infection, individuals infected with the Omicron variant, and individuals who did not seek medical care in the 4-12 week period after infection had a higher chance of early recovery. In the PCA, we identified four distinct symptom groups. Our results indicate differential risk of continuing symptoms among individuals who developed Long COVID. The identified risk factors are similar to those for the development of Long COVID, so people with these characteristics are at higher risk not only for developing Long COVID, but also for longer persistence of symptoms. Those who sought medical help were also more likely to have persistent symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Diexer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anja Broda
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oliver Purschke
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Haematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jessica I Hoell
- Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Irene Moor
- Institute for Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Mid-German Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jonas Rosendahl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Schulz MC, Kopf M, Gekle M. Crosstalk with renal proximal tubule cells drives acidosis-induced inflammatory response and dedifferentiation of fibroblasts via p38-singaling. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:148. [PMID: 38395872 PMCID: PMC10893741 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01527-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tubulointerstitial kidney disease associated microenvironmental dysregulation, like acidification, inflammation and fibrosis, affects tubule cells and fibroblasts. Micromilieu homeostasis influences intracellular signaling and intercellular crosstalk. Cell-cell communication in turn modulates the interstitial microenvironment. We assessed the impact of acidosis on inflammatory and fibrotic responses in proximal tubule cells and fibroblasts as a function of cellular crosstalk. Furthermore, cellular signaling pathways involved were identified. METHODS HK-2 (human proximal tubule) and CCD-1092Sk (human fibroblasts), in mono and coculture, were exposed to acidic or control media for 3 or 48 h. Protein expression of inflammation markers (TNF, TGF-ß and COX-2), dedifferentiation markers (N-cadherin, vinculin, ß-catenin and vimentin), fibrosis markers (collagen III and fibronectin) and phospho- as well as total MAPK levels were determined by western blot. Secreted collagen III and fibronectin were measured by ELISA. The impact of MAPK activation was assessed by pharmacological intervention. In addition, necrosis, apoptosis and epithelial permeability were determined. RESULTS Independent of culture conditions, acidosis caused a decrease of COX-2, vimentin and fibronectin expression in proximal tubule cells. Only in monoculture, ß-Catenin expression decreased and collagen III expression increased in tubule cells during acidosis. By contrast, in coculture collagen III protein expression of tubule cells was reduced. In fibroblasts acidosis led to an increase of TNF, COX-2, vimentin, vinculin, N-cadherin protein expression and a decrease of TGF-ß expression exclusively in coculture. In monoculture, expression of COX-2 and fibronectin was reduced. Collagen III expression of fibroblasts was reduced by acidosis independent of culture conditions. In coculture, acidosis enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38 transiently in proximal tubule cells. In fibroblasts, acidosis enhanced phosphorylation of p38 in a sustained and very strong manner. ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 were not affected in fibroblasts. Inhibition of JNK1/2 and p38 under coculture conditions reduced acidosis-induced changes in fibroblasts significantly. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that the crosstalk between proximal tubule cells and fibroblasts is crucial for acidosis-induced dedifferentiation of fibroblasts into an inflammatory phenotype. This dedifferentiation is at least in part mediated by p38 and JNK1/2. Thus, cell-cell communication is essential for the pathophysiological impact of tubulointerstitial acidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christin Schulz
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Magdeburger Straße 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Michael Kopf
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Magdeburger Straße 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Magdeburger Straße 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Fischer C, Willscher E, Paschold L, Gottschick C, Klee B, Diexer S, Bosurgi L, Dutzmann J, Sedding D, Frese T, Girndt M, Hoell JI, Gekle M, Addo MM, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Mikolajczyk R, Binder M, Schultheiß C. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may mitigate dysregulation of IL-1/IL-18 and gastrointestinal symptoms of the post-COVID-19 condition. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:23. [PMID: 38316833 PMCID: PMC10844289 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00815-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of safe and effective vaccines helped to prevent severe disease courses after SARS-CoV-2 infection and to mitigate the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there is evidence that vaccination may reduce the risk of developing post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC), this effect may depend on the viral variant. Therapeutic effects of post-infection vaccination have been discussed but the data for individuals with PCC remains inconclusive. In addition, extremely rare side effects after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may resemble the heterogeneous PCC phenotype. Here, we analyze the plasma levels of 25 cytokines and SARS-CoV-2 directed antibodies in 540 individuals with or without PCC relative to one or two mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccinations as well as in 20 uninfected individuals one month after their initial mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination. While none of the SARS-CoV-2 naïve individuals reported any persisting sequelae or exhibited PCC-like dysregulation of plasma cytokines, we detected lower levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in patients with ongoing PCC who received one or two vaccinations at a median of six months after infection as compared to unvaccinated PCC patients. This reduction correlated with less frequent reporting of persisting gastrointestinal symptoms. These data suggest that post-infection vaccination in patients with PCC might be beneficial in a subgroup of individuals displaying gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fischer
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, Department of Biomedicine, University, and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Edith Willscher
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Lisa Paschold
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Sophie Diexer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Lidia Bosurgi
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Dutzmann
- Mid-German Heart Center, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Mid-German Heart Center, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Jessica I Hoell
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Marylyn M Addo
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Braunschweig, Germany
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Infection Research and Vaccine Development (IIRVD), Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, Department of Biomedicine, University, and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Schultheiß
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, Department of Biomedicine, University, and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Zorn P, Calvo Sánchez J, Alakhras T, Schreier B, Gekle M, Hüttelmaier S, Köhn M. Rbfox1 controls alternative splicing of focal adhesion genes in cardiac muscle cells. J Mol Cell Biol 2024:mjae003. [PMID: 38253401 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is one of the major cellular processes that determine the tissue-specific expression of protein variants. However, it remains challenging to identify physiologically relevant and tissue-selective proteins that are generated by alternative splicing. Hence, we investigated the target spectrum of the splicing factor Rbfox1 in the cardiac muscle context in more detail. By using a combination of in silico target prediction and in cell validation, we identified several focal adhesion proteins as alternative splicing targets of Rbfox1. We focused on the alternative splicing patterns of Vinculin (Metavinculin isoform) and Paxillin (extended Paxillin isoform) and identified both as potential Rbfox1 targets. Minigene analyses suggested that both isoforms are promoted by Rbfox1 due to binding in the introns. Focal adhesions play an important role in the cardiac muscle context, since they mainly influence cell shape, cytoskeletal organization, and cell-matrix association. Our data confirmed that depletion of Rbfox1 changed cardiomyoblast morphology, cytoskeletal organization, and multinuclearity after differentiation, which might be due to changes in alternative splicing of focal adhesion proteins. Hence, our results indicate that Rbfox1 promotes alternative splicing of focal adhesion genes in cardiac muscle cells, which might contribute to heart disease progression, where downregulation of Rbfox1 is frequently observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Zorn
- Junior Group 'Non-coding RNAs and RBPs in Human Diseases', Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jaime Calvo Sánchez
- Junior Group 'Non-coding RNAs and RBPs in Human Diseases', Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Tala Alakhras
- Junior Group 'Non-coding RNAs and RBPs in Human Diseases', Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marcel Köhn
- Junior Group 'Non-coding RNAs and RBPs in Human Diseases', Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Terpe P, Ruhs S, Dubourg V, Bucher M, Gekle M. The synergism of cytosolic acidosis and reduced NAD +/NADH ratio is responsible for lactic acidosis-induced vascular smooth muscle cell impairment in sepsis. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:3. [PMID: 38195466 PMCID: PMC10775599 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00992-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During sepsis, serve vascular dysfunctions lead to life-threatening multiple organ failure, due to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) impairments, resulting in vasoplegia, hypotension and hypoperfusion. In addition, septic patients have an altered cell metabolism that leads to lactic acidosis. Septic patients suffering from lactic acidosis have a high risk of mortality. In addition, septic survivors are at risk of secondary vascular disease. The underlying mechanisms of whether and how lactic acidosis leads to the changes in VSMCs is not well understood. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the effect of lactic acidosis on VSMCs and additionally compare the effects with those induced by pure acidosis and sodium lactate. METHODS Primary human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMCs) were treated for 48 h with lactic acidosis (LA_pH 6.8), hydrochloric acid (HCl_pH 6.8), sodium lactate (Na+-lactate_pH 7.4) and the respective controls (ctrl._pH 7.4; hyperosmolarity control: mannitol_pH 7.4) and comparatively analyzed for changes in (i) transcriptome, (ii) energy metabolism, and (iii) phenotype. RESULTS Both types of acidosis led to comparable and sustained intracellular acidification without affecting cell viability. RNA sequencing and detailed transcriptome analysis revealed more significant changes for lactic acidosis than for hydrochloric acidosis, with lactate being almost ineffective, suggesting qualitative and quantitative synergism of acidosis and lactate. Bioinformatic predictions in energy metabolism and phenotype were confirmed experimentally. Lactic acidosis resulted in strong inhibition of glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and altered mitochondrial respiration which reduced cellular ATP content, likely due to increased TXNIP expression and altered NAD+/NADH ratio. Hydrochloric acidosis induced significantly smaller effects without changing the NAD+/NADH ratio, with the ATP content remaining constant. These metabolic changes led to osteo-/chondrogenic/senescent transdifferentiation of VSMCs, with the effect being more pronounced in lactic acidosis than in pure acidosis. CONCLUSIONS Overall, lactic acidosis exerted a much stronger effect on energy metabolism than pure acidosis, whereas lactate had almost no effect, reflecting the qualitative and quantitative synergism of acidosis and lactate. As a consequence, lactic acidosis may lead to acute functional impairments of VSMC, sustained perturbations of the transcriptome and cellular dedifferentiation. Moreover, these effects may contribute to the acute and prolonged vascular pathomechanisms in septic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Terpe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care, University Hospital Halle (Saale), 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stefanie Ruhs
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care, University Hospital Halle (Saale), 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Bucher
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care, University Hospital Halle (Saale), 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Braun H, Hauke M, Petermann M, Eckenstaler R, Ripperger A, Schwedhelm E, Ludwig-Kraus B, Bernhard Kraus F, Jalal Ahmed Shawon M, Dubourg V, Zernecke A, Schreier B, Gekle M, Benndorf RA. Deletion of vascular thromboxane A 2 receptors and its impact on angiotensin II-induced hypertension and atherosclerotic lesion formation in the aorta of Ldlr-deficient mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115916. [PMID: 37979705 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
The thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) has been shown to play a role in angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated hypertension and pathological vascular remodeling. To assess the impact of vascular TP on Ang II-induced hypertension, atherogenesis, and pathological aortic alterations, i.e. aneurysms, we analysed Western-type diet-fed and Ang II-infused TPVSMC KO/Ldlr KO, TPEC KO/Ldlr KO mice and their respective wild-type littermates (TPWT/Ldlr KO). These analyses showed that neither EC- nor VSMC-specific deletion of the TP significantly affected basal or Ang II-induced blood pressure or aortic atherosclerotic lesion area. In contrast, VSMC-specific TP deletion abolished and EC-specific TP deletion surprisingly reduced the ex vivo reactivity of aortic rings to the TP agonist U-46619, whereas VSMC-specific TP knockout also diminished the ex vivo response of aortic rings to Ang II. Furthermore, despite similar systemic blood pressure, there was a trend towards less atherogenesis in the aortic arch and a trend towards fewer pathological aortic alterations in Ang II-treated female TPVSMC KO/Ldlr KO mice. Survival was impaired in male mice after Ang II infusion and tended to be higher in TPVSMC KO/Ldlr KO mice than in TPWT/Ldlr KO littermates. Thus, our data may suggest a deleterious role of the TP expressed in VSMC in the pathogenesis of Ang II-induced aortic atherosclerosis in female mice, and a surprising role of the endothelial TP in TP-mediated aortic contraction. However, future studies are needed to substantiate and further elucidate the role of the vascular TP in the pathogenesis of Ang II-induced hypertension, aortic atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Braun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Hauke
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Center for Translational Medicine, Department of Neurology and Pain Therapy, Brandenburg Medical School, Rüdersdorf, Germany
| | - Markus Petermann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Robert Eckenstaler
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anne Ripperger
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Edzard Schwedhelm
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Md Jalal Ahmed Shawon
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alma Zernecke
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg 97080, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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7
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Dubourg V, Schwerdt G, Schreier B, Kopf M, Mildenberger S, Benndorf RA, Gekle M. EGFR activation differentially affects the inflammatory profiles of female human aortic and coronary artery endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22827. [PMID: 38129563 PMCID: PMC10739936 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50148-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (EC) are key players in vascular function, homeostasis and inflammation. EC show substantial heterogeneity due to inter-individual variability (e.g. sex-differences) and intra-individual differences as they originate from different organs or vessels. This variability may lead to different responsiveness to external stimuli. Here we compared the responsiveness of female human primary EC from the aorta (HAoEC) and coronary arteries (HCAEC) to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) activation. EGFR is an important signal integration hub for vascular active substances with physiological and pathophysiological relevance. Our transcriptomic analysis suggested that EGFR activation differentially affects the inflammatory profiles of HAoEC and HCAEC, particularly by inducing a HCAEC-driven leukocyte attraction but a downregulation of adhesion molecule and chemoattractant expression in HAoEC. Experimental assessments of selected inflammation markers were performed to validate these predictions and the results confirmed a dual role of EGFR in these cells: its activation initiated an anti-inflammatory response in HAoEC but a pro-inflammatory one in HCAEC. Our study highlights that, although they are both arterial EC, female HAoEC and HCAEC are distinguishable with regard to the role of EGFR and its involvement in inflammation regulation, what may be relevant for vascular maintenance but also the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany.
| | - Gerald Schwerdt
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Kopf
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
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Dubourg V, Schwerdt G, Schreier B, Kopf M, Mildenberger S, Benndorf RA, Gekle M. Transcriptional impact of EGFR activation in human female vascular smooth muscle cells. iScience 2023; 26:108286. [PMID: 38026216 PMCID: PMC10651680 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are critical for the vascular tone, but they can also drive the development of vascular diseases when they lose their contractile phenotype and de-differentiate. Previous studies showed that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) of VSMC is critical for vascular health, but most of the underlying mechanisms by which VSMC-EGFR controls vascular fate have remained unknown. We combined RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to characterize the effect of EGFR-activation on the transcriptome of human primary VSMC (from different female donors) and to identify potentially affected cellular processes. Our results indicate that the activation of human VSMC-EGFR is sufficient to trigger a phenotypical switch toward a proliferative and inflammatory phenotype. The extent of this effect is nonetheless partly donor-dependent. Our hypothesis-generating study thus provides a first insight into mechanisms that could partly explain variable susceptibilities to vascular diseases in between individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gerald Schwerdt
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Kopf
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf A. Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Gekle M, Dubourg V, Schwerdt G, Benndorf RA, Schreier B. The role of EGFR in vascular AT1R signaling: From cellular mechanisms to systemic relevance. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115837. [PMID: 37777161 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) belongs to the ErbB-family of receptor tyrosine kinases that are of importance in oncology. During the last years, substantial evidence accumulated for a crucial role of EGFR concerning the action of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in blood vessels, resulting form AT1R-induced EGFR transactivation. This transactivation occurs through the release of membrane-anchored EGFR-ligands, cytosolic tyrosine kinases, heterocomplex formation or enhanced ligand expression. AT1R-EGFR crosstalk amplifies the signaling response and enhances the biological effects of angiotensin II. Downstream signaling cascades include ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, PLCγ and STAT. AT1R-induced EGFR activation contributes to vascular remodeling and hypertrophy via e.g. smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix production. EGFR transactivation results in increased vessel wall thickness and reduced vascular compliance. AT1R and EGFR signaling pathways are also implicated the induction of vascular inflammation. Again, EGFR transactivation exacerbates the effects, leading to endothelial dysfunction that contributes to vascular inflammation, dysfunction and remodeling. Dysregulation of the AT1R-EGFR axis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases and inhibition or prevention of EGFR signaling can attenuate part of the detrimental impact of enhanced renin-angiotensin-system (RAAS) activity, highlighting the importance of EGFR for the adverse consequences of AT1R activation. In summary, EGFR plays a critical role in vascular AT1R action, enhancing signaling, promoting remodeling, contributing to inflammation, and participating in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the interplay between AT1R and EGFR will foster the development of effective therapeutic strategies of RAAS-induced disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gerald Schwerdt
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
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10
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Schwerdt G, Kopf M, Gekle M. The nephrotoxin ochratoxin a impairs resilience of energy homeostasis of human proximal tubule cells. Mycotoxin Res 2023; 39:393-403. [PMID: 37466908 PMCID: PMC10635976 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-023-00500-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Despite a long history of research, the mode of action of the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) is still not clear. Based on our observation that OTA-exposed cells consume more glucose and produce more lactate than control cells, with this study, we want to suggest another possible mode of action of OTA, involving cellular metabolism and mitochondria. We exposed human proximal tubule cells (HK2 cells) to OTA and studied its influence on mitochondrial performance as well as on the expression of energy homeostasis-involved routing proteins (AMPK and TXNIP) and on glucose transporting and metabolizing proteins. OTA reduced the capacity of mitochondria to increase their oxygen consumption rate forcing the cells to switch to the ineffective anaerobic glycolysis which demands higher glucose availability. The higher glucose demand is met by augmented cellular glycogen degradation and increased glucose uptake capabilities by increasing glucose transporter expression. We conclude that OTA exposure leads to impaired mitochondria, which forces the cells to alter their metabolism in order to ensure energy supply. We suggest to consider a possible effect of OTA on metabolism and mitochondria and to have a closer look on OTA-induced changes in the metabolome as possible additional players in OTA toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Schwerdt
- Julius-Bernstein-Institut Für Physiologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany.
| | - Michael Kopf
- Julius-Bernstein-Institut Für Physiologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institut Für Physiologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
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11
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Diexer S, Klee B, Gottschick C, Xu C, Broda A, Purschke O, Binder M, Frese T, Girndt M, Hoell JI, Moor I, Gekle M, Mikolajczyk R. Association between virus variants, vaccination, previous infections, and post-COVID-19 risk. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 136:14-21. [PMID: 37634619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has spread rapidly and has been the dominant variant since 2022. The course of acute infection, in a vaccinated population, with Omicron is milder compared with earlier variants. However, little is known about how the occurrence of long-term symptoms after Omicron infection compared with other variants is modulated by previous infections and/or vaccinations. METHODS Participants of the DigiHero study provided information about their SARS-CoV-2 infections, vaccinations, and symptoms 12 or more weeks after infection (post-COVID-19 condition - PCC). RESULTS Participants infected with wildtype SARS-CoV-2 had the highest PCC risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.49; 7.56), followed by participants infected with Alpha and Delta compared with the reference group (individuals infected with Omicron having received three or more vaccinations). Among those infected with a specific variant, the number of preceding vaccinations was not associated with a risk reduction for PCC, whereas previous infection was strongly associated with a lower PCC risk (aOR 0.14, 95% CI 0.07; 0.25). CONCLUSIONS While infection with Omicron is less likely to result in PCC compared with previous variants, lack of protection by vaccination suggests a substantial challenge for the healthcare system during the early endemic period. In the midterm, the protective effects of previous infections can reduce the burden of PCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Diexer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chao Xu
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anja Broda
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oliver Purschke
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Haematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jessica I Hoell
- Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Irene Moor
- Institute for Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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12
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Klee B, Diexer S, Sarajan MH, Glaser N, Binder M, Frese T, Girndt M, Sedding D, Hoell JI, Moor I, Gekle M, Mikolajczyk R, Gottschick C. Regional Differences in Uptake of Vaccination against COVID-19 and Influenza in Germany: Results from the DigiHero Cohort. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1640. [PMID: 38005973 PMCID: PMC10674575 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, vaccination uptake exhibited considerable regional disparities. To assess the factors contributing to this variation, we examined the association of sociodemographic variables with COVID-19, COVID-19 booster, and influenza vaccination status within a cohort of 37,078 participants from 13 German federal states in the digital health cohort study commonly known as DigiHero. Our findings revealed variations in vaccination rates based on sociodemographic factors. However, these factors had limited explanatory power regarding regional differences in vaccine uptake. In contrast, we found substantial correlations between regional support of specific parties during the last local elections and the vaccination uptake at the level of each administrative district. In conclusion, sociodemographic factors alone did not suffice to explain the regional disparities in vaccine uptake. Political stances can play a major role, although the current investigation did not assess individual political orientations but rather used only an ecological approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (B.K.); (S.D.); (M.H.S.); (N.G.)
| | - Sophie Diexer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (B.K.); (S.D.); (M.H.S.); (N.G.)
| | - Myka Harun Sarajan
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (B.K.); (S.D.); (M.H.S.); (N.G.)
| | - Nadine Glaser
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (B.K.); (S.D.); (M.H.S.); (N.G.)
| | - Mascha Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Haematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Mid-German Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Jessica I. Hoell
- Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Irene Moor
- Institute for Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (B.K.); (S.D.); (M.H.S.); (N.G.)
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (B.K.); (S.D.); (M.H.S.); (N.G.)
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Dubourg V, Schulz MC, Terpe P, Ruhs S, Kopf M, Gekle M. Hypothesis-generating analysis of the impact of non-damaging metabolic acidosis on the transcriptome of different cell types: Integrated stress response (ISR) modulation as general transcriptomic reaction to non-respiratory acidic stress? PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290373. [PMID: 37624790 PMCID: PMC10456223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular pH is an important parameter influencing cell function and fate. Microenvironmental acidosis accompanies different pathological situations, including inflammation, hypoxia and ischemia. Research focussed mainly on acidification of the tumour micromilieu and the possible consequences on proliferation, migration and drug resistance. Much less is known regarding the impact of microenvironmental acidosis on the transcriptome of non-tumour cells, which are exposed to local acidosis during inflammation, hypoxia, ischemia or metabolic derailment. In the present hypothesis-generating study, we investigated the transcriptional impact of extracellular acidosis on five non-tumour cell types of human and rat origin, combining RNA-Sequencing and extensive bioinformatics analyses. For this purpose, cell type-dependent acidosis resiliences and acidosis-induced transcriptional changes within these resilience ranges were determined, using 56 biological samples. The RNA-Sequencing results were used for dual differential-expression analysis (DESeq and edgeR) and, after appropriate homology mapping, Gene Ontology enrichment analysis (g:Profiler), Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA®), as well as functional enrichment analysis for predicted upstream regulators, were performed. Extracellular acidosis led to substantial, yet different, quantitative transcriptional alterations in all five cell types. Our results identify the regulator of the transcriptional activity NCOA5 as the only general acidosis-responsive gene. Although we observed a species- and cell type-dominated response regarding gene expression regulation, Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and upstream regulator analysis predicted a general acidosis response pattern. Indeed, they suggested the regulation of four general acidosis-responsive cellular networks, which comprised the integrated stress response (ISR), TGF-β signalling, NFE2L2 and TP53. Future studies will have to extend the results of our bioinformatics analyses to cell biological and cell physiological validation experiments, in order to test the refined working hypothesis here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Marie-Christin Schulz
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Philipp Terpe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ruhs
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Kopf
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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14
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Schreier B, Stern C, Rabe S, Mildenberger S, Gekle M. Assessment of the Role of Endothelial and Vascular Smooth Muscle EGFR for Acute Blood Pressure Effects of Angiotensin II and Adrenergic Stimulation in Obese Mice. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2241. [PMID: 37626737 PMCID: PMC10452314 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Obesity is associated with hypertension because of endocrine dysregulation of the adrenergic and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important signaling hub in the cardiovascular system. In this study, we investigate the role of smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and endothelial cell (EC) EGFRs for blood pressure homeostasis and acute vascular reactivity in vivo. (2) Methods: Mice with deletion of the EGFR in the respective cell type received either a high-fat (HFD) or standard-fat diet (SFD) for 18 weeks. Intravascular blood pressure was measured via a Millar catheter in anesthetized animals upon vehicle load, angiotensin II (AII) and phenylephrine (PE) stimulation. (3) Results: We confirmed that deletion of the EGFR in VSMCs leads to reduced blood pressure and a most probably compensatory heart rate increase. EC-EGFR and VSMC-EGFR had only a minor impact on volume-load-induced blood pressure changes in lean as well as in obese wild-type animals. Regarding vasoactive substances, EC-EGFR seems to have no importance for angiotensin II action and counteracting HFD-induced prolonged blood pressure increase upon PE stimulation. VSMC-EGFR supports the blood pressure response to adrenergic and angiotensin II stimulation in lean animals. The responsiveness to AII and alpha-adrenergic stimulation was similar in lean and obese animals despite the known enhanced activity of the RAAS and the sympathetic nervous system under a high-fat diet. (4) Conclusions: We demonstrate that EGFRs in VSMCs and to a lesser extent in ECs modulate short-term vascular reactivity to AII, catecholamines and volume load in lean and obese animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany
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15
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Gottschick C, Diexer S, Massag J, Klee B, Broda A, Purschke O, Binder M, Sedding D, Frese T, Girndt M, Hoell JI, Michl P, Gekle M, Mikolajczyk R. Mental health in Germany in the first weeks of the Russo-Ukrainian war. BJPsych Open 2023; 9:e66. [PMID: 37057843 PMCID: PMC10134205 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the connected world, although societies are not directly involved in a military conflict, they are exposed to media reports of violence. AIMS We assessed the effects of such exposures on mental health in Germany during the military conflict in Ukraine. METHOD We used the German population-based cohort for digital health research, DigiHero, launching a survey on the eighth day of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Of the 27 509 cohort participants from the general population, 19 444 (70.7%) responded within 17 days. We measured mental health and fear of the impact of war compared with other fears (natural disasters or health-related). RESULTS In a subsample of 4441 participants assessed twice, anxiety in the population (measured by the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 screener) was higher in the first weeks of war than during the strongest COVID-19 restrictions. Anxiety was elevated across the whole age spectrum, and the mean was above the cut-off for mild anxiety. Over 95% of participants expressed various degrees of fear of the impact of war, whereas the percentage for other investigated fears was 0.47-0.82. A one-point difference in the fear of the impact of war was associated with a 2.5 point (95% CI 2.42-2.58) increase in anxiety (11.9% of the maximum anxiety score). For emotional distress, the increase was 0.67 points (0.66-0.68) (16.75% of the maximum score). CONCLUSIONS The population in Germany reacted to the Russo-Ukrainian war with substantial distress, exceeding reactions during the strongest restrictions in the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear of the impact of war was associated with worse mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Sophie Diexer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Janka Massag
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Anja Broda
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Purschke
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine IV - Oncology/Haematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Mid-German Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Jessica I Hoell
- Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Patrick Michl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
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16
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Schultheiß C, Willscher E, Paschold L, Gottschick C, Klee B, Bosurgi L, Dutzmann J, Sedding D, Frese T, Girndt M, Höll JI, Gekle M, Mikolajczyk R, Binder M. Liquid biomarkers of macrophage dysregulation and circulating spike protein illustrate the biological heterogeneity in patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28364. [PMID: 36458566 PMCID: PMC9878213 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) are long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection that can substantially impair the quality of life. Underlying mechanisms ranging from persistent viruses to innate and adaptive immune dysregulation have been discussed. Here, we profiled the plasma of 181 individuals from the cohort study for digital health research in Germany (DigiHero), including individuals after mild to moderate COVID-19 with or without PASC and uninfected controls. We focused on soluble factors related to monocyte/macrophage biology and on circulating SARS-CoV-2 spike (S1) protein as a potential biomarker for persistent viral reservoirs. At a median time of 8 months after infection, we found pronounced dysregulation in almost all tested soluble factors, including both pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines. These immunological perturbations were remarkably independent of ongoing PASC symptoms per se, but further correlation and regression analyses suggested PASC-specific patterns involving CCL2/MCP-1 and IL-8 that either correlated with sCD162, sCD206/MMR, IFN-α2, IL-17A and IL-33, or IL-18 and IL-23. None of the analyzed factors correlated with the detectability or levels of circulating S1, indicating that this represents an independent subset of patients with PASC. These data confirm prior evidence of immune dysregulation and persistence of viral protein in PASC and illustrate its biological heterogeneity that still awaits correlation with clinically defined PASC subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schultheiß
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/HematologyMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Edith Willscher
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/HematologyMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Lisa Paschold
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/HematologyMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health SciencesMedical School of the Martin‐Luther University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health SciencesMedical School of the Martin‐Luther University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Lidia Bosurgi
- I. Department of MedicineUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
- Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical MedicineHamburgGermany
| | - Jochen Dutzmann
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Mid‐German Heart Center, University HospitalMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Mid‐German Heart Center, University HospitalMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute of General Practice and Family MedicineMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine IIMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Jessica I. Höll
- Pediatric Hematology and OncologyMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein‐Institute of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health SciencesMedical School of the Martin‐Luther University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/HematologyMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalle (Saale)Germany
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Massag J, Diexer S, Klee B, Costa D, Gottschick C, Broda A, Purschke O, Opel N, Binder M, Sedding D, Frese T, Girndt M, Hoell J, Moor I, Rosendahl J, Gekle M, Mikolajczyk R. Anxiety, depressive symptoms, and distress over the course of the war in Ukraine in three federal states in Germany. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1167615. [PMID: 37181901 PMCID: PMC10172594 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1167615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting consequences are in the center of political discussions, media, and likely individual thinking of the population in Germany. Yet, the impact of this prolonged exposure on mental health is not known hitherto. Methods Using the population based cohort study DigiHero from three federal states (Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, and Bavaria), we assessed anxiety levels (GAD-7), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and distress (modified PDI) in the first weeks of war and 6 months later. Results Of those 19,432, who responded in the first weeks of war, 13,934 (71.1%) responded also 6 months later. While anxiety and emotional distress decreased during the 6 months, their average scores were still elevated, and a substantial fraction of respondents displayed clinically relevant sequelae. Persons from low-income households were especially affected, specifically by fears related to the personal financial situation. Those who reacted with a particularly strong fear in the beginning of war were more likely to have persistent clinically relevant symptoms of depression and anxiety also 6 months later. Discussion The Russian invasion of Ukraine is accompanied by continuing impairment of mental health in the German population. Fears surrounding the personal financial situation are a strong determinant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janka Massag
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sophie Diexer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniela Costa
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anja Broda
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oliver Purschke
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Nils Opel
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health, Site Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Jena, Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Haematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Mid-German Heart Centre, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jessica Hoell
- Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Irene Moor
- Institute for Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jonas Rosendahl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Center for Mental Health, Site Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Rafael Mikolajczyk,
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18
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Schultheiß C, Willscher E, Paschold L, Gottschick C, Klee B, Henkes SS, Bosurgi L, Dutzmann J, Sedding D, Frese T, Girndt M, Höll JI, Gekle M, Mikolajczyk R, Binder M. The IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF cytokine triad is associated with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100663. [PMID: 35732153 PMCID: PMC9214726 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is emerging as global problem with unknown molecular drivers. Using a digital epidemiology approach, we recruited 8,077 individuals to the cohort study for digital health research in Germany (DigiHero) to respond to a basic questionnaire followed by a PASC-focused survey and blood sampling. We report the first 318 participants, the majority thereof after mild infections. Of those, 67.8% report PASC, predominantly consisting of fatigue, dyspnea, and concentration deficit, which persists in 60% over the mean 8-month follow-up period and resolves independently of post-infection vaccination. PASC is not associated with autoantibodies, but with elevated IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF plasma levels, which we confirm in a validation cohort with 333 additional participants and a longer time from infection of 10 months. Blood profiling and single-cell data from early infection suggest the induction of these cytokines in COVID-19 lung pro-inflammatory macrophages creating a self-sustaining feedback loop. We report a post-COVID-19 digital epidemiology study with biomarker analysis (n = 651) PASC persists in 60% of participants up to 24 months after mild COVID-19 PASC is associated with high IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF levels but not autoantibodies Overactivated monocytes/macrophages are likely the source of cytokine production
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schultheiß
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Edith Willscher
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Lisa Paschold
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 8, 06097 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 8, 06097 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Svenja-Sibylla Henkes
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Lidia Bosurgi
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Strasse 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Dutzmann
- Mid-German Heart Center, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Mid-German Heart Center, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jessica I Höll
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 8, 06097 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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19
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Paschold L, Klee B, Gottschick C, Willscher E, Diexer S, Schultheiß C, Simnica D, Sedding D, Girndt M, Gekle M, Mikolajczyk R, Binder M. Rapid Hypermutation B Cell Trajectory Recruits Previously Primed B Cells Upon Third SARS-Cov-2 mRNA Vaccination. Front Immunol 2022; 13:876306. [PMID: 35615365 PMCID: PMC9126551 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.876306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic shows that vaccination strategies building on an ancestral viral strain need to be optimized for the control of potentially emerging viral variants. Therefore, aiming at strong B cell somatic hypermutation to increase antibody affinity to the ancestral strain - not only at high antibody titers - is a priority when utilizing vaccines that are not targeted at individual variants since high affinity may offer some flexibility to compensate for strain-individual mutations. Here, we developed a next-generation sequencing based SARS-CoV-2 B cell tracking protocol to rapidly determine the level of immunoglobulin somatic hypermutation at distinct points during the immunization period. The percentage of somatically hypermutated B cells in the SARS-CoV-2 specific repertoire was low after the primary vaccination series, evolved further over months and increased steeply after boosting. The third vaccination mobilized not only naïve, but also antigen-experienced B cell clones into further rapid somatic hypermutation trajectories indicating increased affinity. Together, the strongly mutated post-booster repertoires and antibodies deriving from this may explain why the third, but not the primary vaccination series, offers some protection against immune-escape variants such as Omicron B.1.1.529.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Paschold
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Edith Willscher
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sophie Diexer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christoph Schultheiß
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Donjete Simnica
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Mid-German Heart Center, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Braun H, Hauke M, Eckenstaler R, Petermann M, Ripperger A, Kühn N, Schwedhelm E, Ludwig-Kraus B, Kraus FB, Dubourg V, Zernecke A, Schreier B, Gekle M, Benndorf RA. The F2-isoprostane 8-iso-PGF 2α attenuates atherosclerotic lesion formation in Ldlr-deficient mice - Potential role of vascular thromboxane A 2 receptors. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 185:36-45. [PMID: 35470061 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The F2-isoprostane 8-iso-PGF2α (also known as 15-F2t-isoprostane, iPF2α-III, 8-epi PGF2α, 15(S)-8-iso-PGF2α, or 8-Isoprostane), a thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) agonist, stable biomarker of oxidative stress, and risk marker of cardiovascular disease, has been proposed to aggravate atherogenesis in genetic mouse models of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Moreover, the TP plays an eminent role in the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction, atherogenesis, and cardiovascular disease. Yet it is unknown, how the TP expressed by vascular cells affects atherogenesis or 8-iso-PGF2α-related effects in mouse models of atherosclerosis. We studied Ldlr-deficient vascular endothelial-specific (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific TP knockout mice (TPECKO/Ldlr KO; TPVSMCKO/Ldlr KO) and corresponding wild-type littermates (TPWT/Ldlr KO). The mice were fed a Western-type diet for eight weeks and received either 8-iso-PGF2α or vehicle infusions via osmotic pumps. Subsequently, arterial blood pressure, atherosclerotic lesion formation, and lipid profiles were analyzed. We found that VSMC-, but not EC-specific TP deletion, attenuated atherogenesis without affecting blood pressure or plasma lipid profiles of the mice. In contrast to a previous report, 8-iso-PGF2α tended to reduce atherogenesis in TPWT/Ldlr KO and TPEC KO/Ldlr KO mice, again without significantly affecting blood pressure or lipid profiles of these mice. However, no further reduction in atherogenesis was observed in 8-iso-PGF2α-treated TPVSMC KO/Ldlr KO mice. Our work suggests that the TP expressed in VSMC but not the TP expressed in EC is involved in atherosclerotic lesion formation in Ldlr-deficient mice. Furthermore, we report an inhibitory effect of 8-iso-PGF2α on atherogenesis in this experimental atherosclerosis model, which paradoxically appears to be related to the presence of the TP in VSMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Braun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Hauke
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Robert Eckenstaler
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Markus Petermann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anne Ripperger
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Niklas Kühn
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Edzard Schwedhelm
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alma Zernecke
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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21
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Schreier B, Zipprich A, Uhlenhaut H, Gekle M. Mineralocorticoid receptor in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:3165-3177. [PMID: 34935140 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are the fourth common death in Europe responsible for about 2 million death per year worldwide. Among the known detrimental causes for liver dysfunction are virus infections, intoxications and obesity. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor activated by aldosterone or glucocorticoids but also by pathological milieu factors. Canonical actions of the MR take place in epithelial cells of kidney, colon and sweat glands and contribute to sodium reabsorption, potassium secretion and extracellular volume homeostasis. The non-canonical functions can be initiated by inflammation or an altered micro milieu leading to fibrosis, hypertrophy and remodeling in various tissues. This narrative review summarizes the evidence regarding the role of MR in portal hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, demonstrating that inhibition of the MR in vivo seems to be beneficial for liver function and not just for volume regulation. Unfortunately, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not completely understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Alexander Zipprich
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Henriette Uhlenhaut
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
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22
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Schreier B, Dubourg V, Hübschmann S, Rabe S, Mildenberger S, Gekle M. Synergy of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and angiotensin II (AT1R) receptor determines composition and temporal pattern of transcriptome variation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:57. [PMID: 34921637 PMCID: PMC8738452 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04065-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase receptor EGFR and the G-protein-coupled receptor AT1R induce essential cellular responses, in part via receptor crosstalk with an unknown role in nuclear information transfer and transcription regulation. We investigated whether this crosstalk results in linear, EGFR-mediated nuclear signalling or in parallel, synergistic information transfer leading to qualitative and temporal variations, relevant for gene expression and environment interaction. AT1R and EGFR synergistically activate SRF via the ERK1/2-TCF and actin-MRTF pathways. Synergism, comprised of switch-like and graded single cell response, converges on the transcription factors AP1 and EGR, resulting in synergistic transcriptome alterations, in qualitative (over-additive number of genes), quantitative (over-additive expression changes of individual genes) and temporal (more late onset and prolonged expressed genes) terms. Gene ontology and IPA® pathway analysis indicate prolonged cell stress (e.g. hypoxia-like) and dysregulated vascular biology. Synergism occurs during separate but simultaneous activation of both receptors and during AT1R-induced EGFR transactivation. EGFR and AT1R synergistically regulate gene expression in qualitative, quantitative and temporal terms with (patho)physiological relevance, extending the importance of EGFR-AT1R crosstalk beyond cytoplasmic signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stefanie Hübschmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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23
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Ruhs S, Griesler B, Huebschmann R, Stroedecke K, Straetz N, Ihling C, Sinz A, Masch A, Schutkowski M, Gekle M, Grossmann C. Modulation of transcriptional mineralocorticoid receptor activity by casein kinase 1. FASEB J 2021; 36:e22059. [PMID: 34847273 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100977rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) with its ligand aldosterone (aldo) physiologically regulates electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure but it can also lead to pathophysiological effects in the cardiovascular system. Previous results show that posttranslational modifications (PTM) can influence MR signaling and function. Based on in silico and in vitro data, casein kinase 1 (CK1) was predicted as a candidate for MR phosphorylation. To gain a deeper mechanistic insight into MR activation, we investigated the influence of CK1 on MR function in HEK cells. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that the MR is located in a protein-protein complex with CK1α and CK1ε. Reporter gene assays with pharmacological inhibitors and MR constructs demonstrated that especially CK1ε acts as a positive modulator of GRE activity via the C-terminal MR domains CDEF. CK1 enhanced the binding affinity of aldosterone to the MR, facilitated nuclear translocation and DNA interaction of the MR, and led to expression changes of pathophysiologically relevant genes like Per-1 and Phlda1. By peptide microarray and site-directed mutagenesis experiments, we identified the highly conserved T800 as a direct CK1 phosphorylation site of the MR, which modulates the nuclear import and genomic activity of the receptor. Direct phosphorylation of the MR was unable to fully account for all of the CK1 effects on MR signaling, suggesting additional phosphorylation of MR co-regulators. By LC/MS/MS, we identified the MR-associated proteins NOLC1 and TCOF1 as candidates for such CK1-regulated co-factors. Overall, we found that CK1 acts as a co-activator of MR GRE activity through direct and indirect phosphorylation, which accelerates cytosolic-nuclear trafficking, facilitates nuclear accumulation and DNA binding of the MR, and increases the expression of pathologically relevant MR-target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Ruhs
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bruno Griesler
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf Huebschmann
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Katharina Stroedecke
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Nicole Straetz
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christian Ihling
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Center for Structural Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Andrea Sinz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Center for Structural Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Antonia Masch
- Department of Enzymology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mike Schutkowski
- Department of Enzymology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Nolze A, Köhler C, Ruhs S, Quarch K, Strätz N, Gekle M, Grossmann C. Calcineurin (PPP3CB) regulates angiotensin II-dependent vascular remodelling by potentiating EGFR signalling in mice. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 233:e13715. [PMID: 34228904 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study investigates the role of calcineurin for angiotensin II (AngII)-induced vascular remodelling with the help of a mouse model lacking the catalytic beta subunit of calcineurin (PPP3CB KO). METHODS Wildtype (WT) and PPP3CB KO mice were treated for 4 weeks with AngII followed by assessment of blood pressure, histological evaluation of aortas and mRNA analysis of aortic genes PPP3CB-dependently regulated by AngII. Primary murine vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were used for qPCR, ELISA and Western Blot experiments as well as wound healing and cell proliferation assays. RESULTS Upon AngII treatment, PPP3CB KO mice showed less aortic media thickening, lumen dilation and systolic blood pressure compared to WT mice. Next-generation sequencing data of aortic tissue indicated an increase in extracellular matrix components (EMCs), cell migration and cell proliferation. A PPP3CB-dependent increase in EMC was confirmed by qPCR in aorta and VSMCs. PPP3CB-dependent stimulation of VSMC migration could be verified by wound healing assays but markers of enhanced cell proliferation were only detectable in aortic tissue of WT mice but not in isolated WT or KO VSMCs. We could demonstrate in VSMCs with pharmacological inhibitors that PPP3CB leads to enhanced heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) secretion, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation and consecutive stimulation of transforming growth factor β(TGFβ) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) signalling that enhances collagen expression. CONCLUSION AngII-induced vascular remodelling involves PPP3CB, which leads to enhanced EMC production, VSMC migration and sustained increase in systolic blood pressure via HBEGF/EGFR-TGFβ-CTGF signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Nolze
- Julius‐Bernstein‐Institute of PhysiologyMartin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle Germany
| | - Conny Köhler
- Julius‐Bernstein‐Institute of PhysiologyMartin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle Germany
| | - Stefanie Ruhs
- Julius‐Bernstein‐Institute of PhysiologyMartin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle Germany
| | - Katja Quarch
- Julius‐Bernstein‐Institute of PhysiologyMartin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle Germany
| | - Nicole Strätz
- Julius‐Bernstein‐Institute of PhysiologyMartin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius‐Bernstein‐Institute of PhysiologyMartin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius‐Bernstein‐Institute of PhysiologyMartin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle Germany
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Moritz S, Gottschick C, Horn J, Popp M, Langer S, Klee B, Purschke O, Gekle M, Ihling A, Zimmermann FDL, Mikolajczyk R. The risk of indoor sports and culture events for the transmission of COVID-19. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5096. [PMID: 34413294 DOI: 10.1101/2020.10.28.20221580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly all mass gathering events worldwide were banned at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were suspected of presenting a considerable risk for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. We investigated the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 by droplets and aerosols during an experimental indoor mass gathering event under three different hygiene practices, and used the data in a simulation study to estimate the resulting burden of disease under conditions of controlled epidemics. Our results show that the mean number of measured direct contacts per visitor was nine persons and this can be reduced substantially by appropriate hygiene practices. A comparison of two versions of ventilation with different air exchange rates and different airflows found that the system which performed worst allowed a ten-fold increase in the number of individuals exposed to infectious aerosols. The overall burden of infections resulting from indoor mass gatherings depends largely on the quality of the ventilation system and the hygiene practices. Presuming an effective ventilation system, indoor mass gathering events with suitable hygiene practices have a very small, if any, effect on epidemic spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Moritz
- Section of Clinical Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany.
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, PZG, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Johannes Horn
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, PZG, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mario Popp
- Section of Clinical Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany
| | - Susan Langer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, PZG, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, PZG, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oliver Purschke
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, PZG, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Angelika Ihling
- Section of Clinical Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany
| | | | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, PZG, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Moritz S, Gottschick C, Horn J, Popp M, Langer S, Klee B, Purschke O, Gekle M, Ihling A, Zimmermann FDL, Mikolajczyk R. The risk of indoor sports and culture events for the transmission of COVID-19. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5096. [PMID: 34413294 PMCID: PMC8376924 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25317-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly all mass gathering events worldwide were banned at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were suspected of presenting a considerable risk for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. We investigated the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 by droplets and aerosols during an experimental indoor mass gathering event under three different hygiene practices, and used the data in a simulation study to estimate the resulting burden of disease under conditions of controlled epidemics. Our results show that the mean number of measured direct contacts per visitor was nine persons and this can be reduced substantially by appropriate hygiene practices. A comparison of two versions of ventilation with different air exchange rates and different airflows found that the system which performed worst allowed a ten-fold increase in the number of individuals exposed to infectious aerosols. The overall burden of infections resulting from indoor mass gatherings depends largely on the quality of the ventilation system and the hygiene practices. Presuming an effective ventilation system, indoor mass gathering events with suitable hygiene practices have a very small, if any, effect on epidemic spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Moritz
- Section of Clinical Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany.
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, PZG, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Johannes Horn
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, PZG, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mario Popp
- Section of Clinical Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany
| | - Susan Langer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, PZG, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, PZG, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oliver Purschke
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, PZG, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Angelika Ihling
- Section of Clinical Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany
| | | | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, PZG, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Knyrim M, Rabe S, Grossmann C, Gekle M, Schreier B. Influence of miR-221/222 on cardiomyocyte calcium handling and function. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:160. [PMID: 34404451 PMCID: PMC8369661 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00676-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Cardiac electrical remodeling including altered ion channel expression and imbalance of calcium homeostasis can have detrimental effects on cardiac function. While it has been extensively reported that miR-221/222 are involved in structural remodeling, their role in electrical remodeling still has to be evaluated. We previously reported that subunits of the L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) are direct targets of miR-221/222. Furthermore, HL-1 cells transfected with miR-221 or -222 mimics showed a reduction in LTCC current density while the voltage-dependence of activation was not altered. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of miR-221/222 on cardiomyocyte calcium handling and function. Results Transient transfection of HL-1 cells with miR-221/222 mimics led to slower depolarization-dependent Ca2+ entry and increased proportion of non-responding cells. Angiotensin II-induced Ca2+ release from the SR was not affected by miR-221/222. In miR-222-transfected neonatal cardiomyocytes the isoprenaline-induced positive inotropic effect on the intracellular Ca2+ transient was lost and the positive chronotropic effect on spontaneous beating activity was strongly reduced. This could have severe consequences for cardiomyocytes and could lead to a reduced contractility and systolic dysfunction of the whole heart. Conclusions This study adds a new role of miR-221/222 in cardiomyocytes by showing the impact on β-adrenergic regulation of LTCC function, calcium handling and beating frequency. Together with the previous report that miR-221/222 reduce GIRK1/4 function and LTCC current density, it expands our knowledge about the role of these miRs on cardiac ion channel regulation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-021-00676-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Knyrim
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
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28
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Eckenstaler R, Sandori J, Gekle M, Benndorf RA. Angiotensin II receptor type 1 - An update on structure, expression and pathology. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 192:114673. [PMID: 34252409 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The AT1 receptor, a major effector of the renin-angiotensin system, has been extensively studied in the context of cardiovascular and renal disease. Moreover, angiotensin receptor blockers, sartans, are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for the treatment of hypertension, chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease. However, precise molecular insights into the structure of this important drug target have not been available until recently. In this context, seminal studies have now revealed exciting new insights into the structure and biased signaling of the receptor and may thus foster the development of novel therapeutic approaches to enhance the efficacy of pharmacological angiotensin receptor antagonism or to enable therapeutic induction of biased receptor activity. In this review, we will therefore highlight these and other seminal publications to summarize the current understanding of the tertiary structure, ligand binding properties and downstream signal transduction of the AT1 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jana Sandori
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University, Halle, Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University, Halle, Germany.
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29
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Stroedecke K, Meinel S, Markwardt F, Kloeckner U, Straetz N, Quarch K, Schreier B, Kopf M, Gekle M, Grossmann C. The mineralocorticoid receptor leads to increased expression of EGFR and T-type calcium channels that support HL-1 cell hypertrophy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13229. [PMID: 34168192 PMCID: PMC8225817 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92284-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The EGF receptor (EGFR) has been extensively studied in tumor biology and recently a role in cardiovascular pathophysiology was suggested. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is an important effector of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system and elicits pathophysiological effects in the cardiovascular system; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Our aim was to investigate the importance of EGFR for MR-mediated cardiovascular pathophysiology because MR is known to induce EGFR expression. We identified a SNP within the EGFR promoter that modulates MR-induced EGFR expression. In RNA-sequencing and qPCR experiments in heart tissue of EGFR KO and WT mice, changes in EGFR abundance led to differential expression of cardiac ion channels, especially of the T-type calcium channel CACNA1H. Accordingly, CACNA1H expression was increased in WT mice after in vivo MR activation by aldosterone but not in respective EGFR KO mice. Aldosterone- and EGF-responsiveness of CACNA1H expression was confirmed in HL-1 cells by Western blot and by measuring peak current density of T-type calcium channels. Aldosterone-induced CACNA1H protein expression could be abrogated by the EGFR inhibitor AG1478. Furthermore, inhibition of T-type calcium channels with mibefradil or ML218 reduced diameter, volume and BNP levels in HL-1 cells. In conclusion the MR regulates EGFR and CACNA1H expression, which has an effect on HL-1 cell diameter, and the extent of this regulation seems to depend on the SNP-216 (G/T) genotype. This suggests that the EGFR may be an intermediate for MR-mediated cardiovascular changes and that SNP analysis can help identify subgroups of patients that will benefit most from MR antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Stroedecke
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Sandra Meinel
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Fritz Markwardt
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Udo Kloeckner
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Nicole Straetz
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Katja Quarch
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Michael Kopf
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany.
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30
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Hupfeld J, Ernst M, Knyrim M, Binas S, Kloeckner U, Rabe S, Quarch K, Misiak D, Fuszard M, Grossmann C, Gekle M, Schreier B. miR-208b Reduces the Expression of Kcnj5 in a Cardiomyocyte Cell Line. Biomedicines 2021; 9:719. [PMID: 34201741 PMCID: PMC8301481 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) contribute to different aspects of cardiovascular pathology, among them cardiac hypertrophy and atrial fibrillation. Cardiac miR expression was analyzed in a mouse model with structural and electrical remodeling. Next-generation sequencing revealed that miR-208b-3p was ~25-fold upregulated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of miR-208b on cardiac protein expression. First, an undirected approach comparing whole RNA sequencing data to miR-walk 2.0 miR-208b 3'-UTR targets revealed 58 potential targets of miR-208b being regulated. We were able to show that miR-208b mimics bind to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of voltage-gated calcium channel subunit alpha1 C and Kcnj5, two predicted targets of miR-208b. Additionally, we demonstrated that miR-208b mimics reduce GIRK1/4 channel-dependent thallium ion flux in HL-1 cells. In a second undirected approach we performed mass spectrometry to identify the potential targets of miR-208b. We identified 40 potential targets by comparison to miR-walk 2.0 3'-UTR, 5'-UTR and CDS targets. Among those targets, Rock2 and Ran were upregulated in Western blots of HL-1 cells by miR-208b mimics. In summary, miR-208b targets the mRNAs of proteins involved in the generation of cardiac excitation and propagation, as well as of proteins involved in RNA translocation (Ran) and cardiac hypertrophic response (Rock2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hupfeld
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Maximilian Ernst
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Maria Knyrim
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Stephanie Binas
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Udo Kloeckner
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Katja Quarch
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Danny Misiak
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Charles Tanford Protein Center, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Matthew Fuszard
- Zentrum für Medizinische Grundlagenforschung, Core Facility—Proteomic Mass Spectrometry, Proteinzentrum Charles Tanford, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (J.H.); (M.E.); (M.K.); (S.B.); (U.K.); (S.R.); (K.Q.); (C.G.); (M.G.)
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Schwerdt G, Kopf M, Gekle M. The Impact of the Nephrotoxin Ochratoxin A on Human Renal Cells Studied by a Novel Co-Culture Model Is Influenced by the Presence of Fibroblasts. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13030219. [PMID: 33803529 PMCID: PMC8003035 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13030219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The kidney is threatened by a lot of potentially toxic substances. To study the influence of the nephrotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) we established a cell co-culture model consisting of human renal proximal tubule cells and fibroblasts. We studied the effect of OTA on cell survival, the expression of genes and/or proteins related to cell death, extracellular matrix and energy homeostasis. OTA-induced necrosis was enhanced in both cell types in the presence of the respective other cell type, whereas OTA-induced apoptosis was independent therefrom. In fibroblasts, but not in tubule cells, a co-culture effect was visible concerning the expression of the cell-cycle-related protein p21. The expression of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-indicating protein vimentin was independent from the culture-condition. The expression of the OTA-induced lncRNA WISP1-AS1 was enhanced in co-culture. OTA exposure led to alterations in the expression of genes related to energy metabolism with a glucose-mobilizing effect and a reduced expression of mitochondrial proteins. Together we demonstrate that the reaction of cells can be different in the presence of cells which naturally are close-by, thus enabling a cellular cross-talk. Therefore, to evaluate the toxicity of a substance, it would be an advantage to consider the use of co-cultures instead of mono-cultures.
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Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are powerful regulators of gene expression but medium-sized (50–300 nts in length) ncRNAs (msRNAs) are barely picked-up precisely by RNA-sequencing. Here we describe msRNA-sequencing (msRNAseq), a modified protocol that associated with a computational analyses pipeline identified about ~1800 msRNA loci, including over 300 putatively novel msRNAs, in human and murine cells. We focused on the identification and initial characterization of three POLIII-derived transcripts. The validation of these uncharacterized msRNAs identified an ncRNA in antisense orientation from the POLR3E locus transcribed by POLIII. This msRNA, termed POLAR (POLR3E Antisense RNA), has a strikingly short half-life, localizes to paraspeckles (PSPs) and associates with PSP-associated proteins indicating that msRNAseq identifies functional msRNAs. Thus, our analyses will pave the way for analysing the roles of msRNAs in cells, development and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danny Misiak
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
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33
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Stern C, Schreier B, Nolze A, Rabe S, Mildenberger S, Gekle M. Knockout of vascular smooth muscle EGF receptor in a mouse model prevents obesity-induced vascular dysfunction and renal damage in vivo. Diabetologia 2020; 63:2218-2234. [PMID: 32548701 PMCID: PMC7476975 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-020-05187-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Obesity causes type 2 diabetes leading to vascular dysfunction and finally renal end-organ damage. Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) EGF receptor (EGFR) modulates vascular wall homeostasis in part via serum response factor (SRF), a major regulator of VSM differentiation and a sensor for glucose. We investigated the role of VSM-EGFR during obesity-induced renovascular dysfunction, as well as EGFR-hyperglycaemia crosstalk. METHODS The role of VSM-EGFR during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetes was investigated in a mouse model with inducible, VSM-specific EGFR-knockout (KO). Various structural and functional variables as well as transcriptome changes, in vivo and ex vivo, were assessed. The impact of hyperglycaemia on EGFR-induced signalling and SRF transcriptional activity and the underlying mechanisms were investigated at the cellular level. RESULTS We show that VSM-EGFR mediates obesity/type 2 diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction, remodelling and transcriptome dysregulation preceding renal damage and identify an EGFR-glucose synergism in terms of SRF activation, matrix dysregulation and mitochondrial function. EGFR deletion protects the animals from HFD-induced endothelial dysfunction, creatininaemia and albuminuria. Furthermore, we show that HFD leads to marked changes of the aortic transcriptome in wild-type but not in KO animals, indicative of EGFR-dependent SRF activation, matrix dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, the latter confirmed at the cellular level. Studies at the cellular level revealed that high glucose potentiated EGFR/EGF receptor 2 (ErbB2)-induced stimulation of SRF activity, enhancing the graded signalling responses to EGF, via the EGFR/ErbB2-ROCK-actin-MRTF pathway and promoted mitochondrial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION VSM-EGFR contributes to HFD-induced vascular and subsequent renal alterations. We propose that a potentiated EGFR/ErbB2-ROCK-MRTF-SRF signalling axis and mitochondrial dysfunction underlie the role of EGFR. This advanced working hypothesis will be investigated in mechanistic depth in future studies. VSM-EGFR may be a therapeutic target in cases of type 2 diabetes-induced renovascular disease. DATA AVAILABILITY The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available in: (1) share_it, the data repository of the academic libraries of Saxony-Anhalt ( https://doi.org/10.25673/32049.2 ); and (2) in the gene expression omnibus database with the study identity GSE144838 ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE144838 ). Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Stern
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Alexander Nolze
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany.
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Christ A, Barowsky D, Gekle M, Thews O. A hydraulic model of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology embedded into a computer-based teaching system for student training in laboratory courses. Adv Physiol Educ 2020; 44:423-429. [PMID: 32697155 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00069.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Functional understanding of the different parts of the cardiovascular system is essential for an insight into pathomechanisms of numerous diseases. During training cardiovascular physiology, students and early-stage medical personnel should understand the role of different functional parameters for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as for blood flow. The impact of isolated parameters can only be studied in models. Here physical hydraulic models are an advantage in which the students have a direct contact to the mechanical properties of the circulatory system. But these models are often difficult to handle. The aim of the present study was to develop a comprehensive model of the cardiovascular system, including a mechanical heart with valves, an elastic aorta, a more rigid peripheral artery system, a total peripheral resistance, and a venous reservoir representing the variable cardiac preload. This model allows one to vary systematically several functional parameters and to continuously record their impact on pressure and flow. This model is embedded into a computer-based teaching system (LabTutor) in which the students are guided through the handling of the model (as well as the systematic variation of parameters), and the measured data can be analyzed. This hybrid teaching system, which is routinely integrated in physiology laboratory courses of medical students, allows students to work with a complex hydraulic model of the cardiovascular system and to analyze systematically the impact of influencing variables (e.g., increased peripheral resistance or changed cardiac preload) as well as pathophysiological dysfunctions (e.g., reduced aortic compliance).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Christ
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, University of Halle, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Dieter Barowsky
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, University of Halle, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, University of Halle, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Oliver Thews
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, University of Halle, Halle/Saale, Germany
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Binas S, Knyrim M, Hupfeld J, Kloeckner U, Rabe S, Mildenberger S, Quarch K, Strätz N, Misiak D, Gekle M, Grossmann C, Schreier B. miR-221 and -222 target CACNA1C and KCNJ5 leading to altered cardiac ion channel expression and current density. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:903-918. [PMID: 31312877 PMCID: PMC7058603 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03217-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) contribute to different aspects of cardiovascular pathology, among others cardiac hypertrophy and atrial fibrillation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of miR-221/222 on cardiac electrical remodeling. Cardiac miR expression was analyzed in a mouse model with altered electrocardiography parameters and severe heart hypertrophy. Next generation sequencing revealed 14 differentially expressed miRs in hypertrophic hearts, with miR-221 and -222 being the strongest regulated miR-cluster. This increase was restricted to cardiomyocytes and not observed in cardiac fibroblasts. Additionally, we evaluated the change of miR-221/222 in vivo in two models of pharmacologically induced heart hypertrophy (angiotensin II, isoprenaline), thereby demonstrating a stimulus-induced increase in miR-221/222 in vivo by angiotensin II but not by isoprenaline. Whole transcriptome analysis by RNA-seq and qRT-PCR validation revealed an enriched number of downregulated mRNAs coding for proteins located in the T-tubule, which are also predicted targets for miR-221/222. Among those, mRNAs were the L-type Ca2+ channel subunits as well as potassium channel subunits. We confirmed that both miRs target the 3'-untranslated regions of Cacna1c and Kcnj5. Furthermore, enhanced expression of these miRs reduced L-type Ca2+ channel and Kcnj5 channel abundance and function, which was analyzed by whole-cell patch clamp recordings or Western blot and flux measurements, respectively. miR-221 and -222 contribute to the regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels as well as Kcnj5 channels and, therefore, potentially contribute to disturbed cardiac excitation generation and propagation. Future studies will have to evaluate the pathophysiological and clinical relevance of aberrant miR-221/222 expression for electrical remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Binas
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Maria Knyrim
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Julia Hupfeld
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Udo Kloeckner
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Katja Quarch
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Nicole Strätz
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Danny Misiak
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Heinrich-Damerow-Str. 1, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle/Saale, Germany.
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Grundmann SM, Schutkowski A, Schreier B, Rabe S, König B, Gekle M, Stangl GI. Vitamin D Receptor Deficiency Does Not Affect Blood Pressure and Heart Function. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1118. [PMID: 31555149 PMCID: PMC6727788 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is thought to play a role in blood pressure regulation, which in turn can influence cardiovascular risk. Several meta-analyses of cohort studies found low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to be associated with increased blood pressure or increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the general population. Active vitamin D mediates its function via the vitamin D receptor (Vdr), which is a ligand-activated transcription factor. A suitable model to examine the causal role of vitamin D in blood pressure regulation and heart function is the Vdr knockout (Vdr–/–) mouse. To elucidate the role of vitamin D on blood pressure, heart function, and cardiac myocyte size, we conducted a long-term study using Vdr–/– mice and well-defined diets. Group 1 comprised Vdr–/– mice that received a high-calcium, high-phosphorus rescue diet to prevent hypocalcemia and a rickets phenotype. Groups 2 and 3 included Vdr+/+ mice that were fed either the rescue diet or a control diet containing normal amounts of these minerals. As Vdr is a nuclear factor that regulates transcription, we analyzed the renal mRNA expression and serum concentration of renin and found that the Vdr–/– group had an almost 50% higher renin mRNA expression in the kidney compared to both groups of Vdr+/+ mice. Additionally, serum concentration of renin in Vdr–/– mice was significantly higher than that of Vdr+/+ mice that received the rescue or control diet (+ 17%,+ 32%; P < 0.05). In contrast, renin activity was lower in Vdr–/– mice than in both groups of Vdr+/+ mice (P < 0.05). However, blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac myocyte sizes, and the expression of renal renin receptor, hepatic angiotensinogen and angiotensin II receptor, type 1, in kidney, liver and heart, did not differ between the three groups of mice. Additionally, data from transthoracic echocardiography did not indicate the role of Vdr on heart function, as the left ventricular ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and velocity of blood flow were comparable between the three groups. To conclude, the roles of Vdr and therefore most probably of vitamin D, in blood pressure regulation and heart function, were not confirmed by our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Grundmann
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexandra Schutkowski
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bettina König
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gabriele I Stangl
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Competence Cluster for Nutrition and Cardiovascular Health (nutriCARD), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Riemann A, Reime S, Wollny P, Sangerhausen C, Gekle M, Thews O. Expression of MicroRNAs in Fibroblasts and Macrophages Is Regulated by Hypoxia-Induced Extracellular Acidosis. Adv Exp Med Biol 2019; 1072:207-211. [PMID: 30178347 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-91287-5_33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Under pathological conditions like inflammation, ischemia or in solid tumors, parameters of the microenvironment like local oxygenation and extracellular pH show marked changes when compared to healthy tissue. The altered microenvironment affects cellular phenotype of omnipresent fibroblasts and immune cells. Recently, the impact of the microenvironment on the expression patterns of microRNAs, small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression on a post-transcriptional level, was discussed. Therefore, microRNAs might be the link between altered microenvironmental parameters and changes in cellular phenotype. In this study, the effect of hypoxia-induced extracellular acidosis (24 h pH 6.6) on microRNA expression in fibroblasts and macrophages was analyzed. MicroRNAs in rat fibroblasts (NRK-49F) were examined with the miScript miRNA PCR Array and changes in the expression validated by TaqMan qPCR. Subsequently, the identified microRNAs were analyzed in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. Nine out of 84 tested microRNAs were found to be acidosis-regulated in fibroblasts by miRNA PCR array, most of them up-regulated. Of those, the pH dependency could be validated by TaqMan qPCR for five of these nine microRNAs. When comparing these microRNAs in terms of their expression in macrophages, profound differences were observed. Thus, acidosis-induced alterations in the expression of microRNAs seem to be cell-type specific. Only the up-regulation of the miR-133b by low pH was seen in all normal cells, but not in tumor cells. As the identified microRNAs are involved in the regulation of proliferation, cell death and migration (amongst others), acidosis-induced changes in their expression might affect cellular behavior of fibroblasts and macrophages under pathological conditions. For instance the proto-oncogene c-Jun, which is a target of the miR-133b, was shown to be acidosis-regulated. Acidosis could regulate the biological behavior via miRNA-133b and c-Jun.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Riemann
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
| | - S Reime
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - P Wollny
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - C Sangerhausen
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - M Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - O Thews
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Schulz MC, Schumann L, Rottkord U, Humpf HU, Gekle M, Schwerdt G. Synergistic action of the nephrotoxic mycotoxins ochratoxin A and citrinin at nanomolar concentrations in human proximal tubule-derived cells. Toxicol Lett 2018; 291:149-157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Schreier B, Wolf A, Hammer S, Pohl S, Mildenberger S, Rabe S, Gekle M, Zipprich A. The selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone prevents decompensation of the liver in cirrhosis. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:2956-2967. [PMID: 29682743 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) contributes to fibrosis in various tissues, and MR antagonists, like eplerenone, are used to prevent fibrosis. The role of MR antagonists in hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of MRs and eplerenone in cirrhosis development. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Liver fibrosis (5 weeks) and cirrhosis, without (8 weeks) and with ascites (12 weeks), were induced by CCl4 in rats and comprehensively analysed. The effect of eplerenone on the development of cirrhosis with ascites was assessed. MR expression, cellular and subcellular distribution and impact of hypoxia were investigated in vivo and ex vivo. Primary rat hepatocytes and cell lines were used to investigate MR trafficking and transcriptional activity mechanistically. KEY RESULTS In cirrhosis with ascites, MR mRNA and protein expressions were reduced in hepatocytes of hypoxic areas. While in normoxic areas MRs were mainly cytosolic, the remaining MRs in hypoxic areas were mainly localized in the nuclei, indicating activation followed by translocation and degradation. Accordingly, eplerenone treatment prevented nuclear MR translocation and the worsening of cirrhosis. Exposing hepatocytes ex vivo to hypoxia induced nuclear MR translocation and enhanced transcriptional MR activity at response elements of the NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We showed for the first time that hypoxia leads to a pathogenetic ligand-independent activation of hepatic MRs during cirrhosis resulting in their nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of the NF-κB pathway. Treatment with eplerenone prevented the worsening of cirrhosis by blocking this ligand-independent activation of the MR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Anja Wolf
- Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.,Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hammer
- Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sabine Pohl
- Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Alexander Zipprich
- Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Schreier B, Hünerberg M, Mildenberger S, Rabe S, Bethmann D, Wickenhauser C, Gekle M. Deletion of the EGF receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells prevents chronic angiotensin II-induced arterial wall stiffening and media thickening. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2018; 222. [PMID: 29152859 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM In vivo vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) EGF receptor (EGFR) contributes to acute angiotensin II (AII) effects on vascular tone and blood pressure. The ubiquitously expressed EGFR has been implicated in vascular remodelling preceding end-organ damage by pharmacological inhibition, and AII signalling in cultured vascular cells is partly EGFR-dependent. However, the role of VSMC-EGFR in vivo during AII-induced pathophysiological processes is not known. METHODS This study assesses the in vivo relevance of VSMC-EGFR during chronic AII challenge without further stressors, using a mouse model with inducible, VSMC-specific EGFR knock out (VSMC-EGFR-KO). In these mice functional and structural vascular, renal and cardiac effects or biomarkers were investigated in vivo and ex vivo. RESULTS Vascular smooth muscle cell-EGFR-KO prevented AII-induced media hypertrophy of mesenteric arteries, renal arterioles and the aorta, VSMC ERK1/2-phosphorylation as well as the impairment of vascular compliance. Furthermore, induction of vascular fibrosis, creatinineamia, renal interstitial fibrosis as well as the increase in fractional water excretion was prevented. AII-induced increase in systolic blood pressure was mitigated. By contrast, endothelial dysfunction, induction of vascular inflammatory marker mRNA and albuminuria were not inhibited. Cardiac and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy were also not prevented by VSMC-EGFR-KO. CONCLUSION Vascular smooth muscle cell-EGFRs are relevant for pathological AII action in vivo. Our data show in vivo and ex vivo the necessity of VSMC-EGFR for AII-induced structural and functional vascular remodelling, not including endothelial dysfunction. Hereby, VSMC-EGFR gains importance for complete AII-induced renal end-organ damage succeeding vascular remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
| | - M. Hünerberg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
| | - S. Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
| | - S. Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
| | - D. Bethmann
- Institute of Pathology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
| | - C. Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
| | - M. Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology; Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg; Halle Germany
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Ruhs S, Strätz N, Quarch K, Masch A, Schutkowski M, Gekle M, Grossmann C. Modulation of transcriptional mineralocorticoid receptor activity by casein kinase 2. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15340. [PMID: 29127314 PMCID: PMC5681688 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15418-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases is a multifunctional process in which the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, is involved as proven by numerous clinical studies. The development of pathophysiological MR actions depends on the existence of additional factors e.g. inflammatory cytokines and seems to involve posttranslational MR modifications e.g. phosphorylation. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a ubiquitously expressed multifunctional serine/threonine kinase that can be activated under inflammatory conditions as the MR. Sequence analysis and inhibitor experiments revealed that CK2 acts as a positive modulator of MR activity by facilitating MR-DNA interaction with subsequent rapid MR degradation. Peptide microarrays and site-directed mutagenesis experiments identified the highly conserved S459 as a functionally relevant CK2 phosphorylation site of the MR. Moreover, MR-CK2 protein-protein interaction mediated by HSP90 was shown by co-immunoprecipitation. During inflammation, cytokine stimulation led to a CK2-dependent increased expression of proinflammatory genes. The additional MR activation by aldosterone during cytokine stimulation augmented CK2-dependent NFκB signaling which enhanced the expression of proinflammatory genes further. Overall, in an inflammatory environment the bidirectional CK2-MR interaction aggravate the existing pathophysiological cellular situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Ruhs
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, 06112, Germany.
| | - Nicole Strätz
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, 06112, Germany
| | - Katja Quarch
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, 06112, Germany
| | - Antonia Masch
- Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, Division of Enzymology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, 06110, Germany
| | - Mike Schutkowski
- Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, Division of Enzymology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, 06110, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, 06112, Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, 06112, Germany
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Ebelt H, Geißler I, Ruccius S, Otto V, Hoffmann S, Korth H, Klöckner U, Zhang Y, Li Y, Grossmann C, Rueckschloss U, Gekle M, Stieber J, Frantz S, Werdan K, Müller-Werdan U, Loppnow H. Direct inhibition, but indirect sensitization of pacemaker activity to sympathetic tone by the interaction of endotoxin with HCN-channels. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2016; 42:874-80. [PMID: 25933122 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In critically ill patients regulation of heart-rate is often severely disturbed. Interaction of bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) with hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation-(HCN)-channels may interfere with heart-rate regulation. This study analyzes the effect of LPS, the HCN-channel blocker ivabradine or Ca(2+) -channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil) on pacemaking in spontaneously beating neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (CM) in vitro. In vivo, the effect of LPS on the heart-rate of adult CD1-mice with and without autonomic blockade is analyzed telemetrically. LPS (100 ng/mL) and ivabradine (5 μg/mL) reduced the beating-rate of CM by 20.1% and 24.6%, respectively. Coincubation of CM with both, LPS and ivabradine, did not further reduce the beating-rate, indicating interaction of both compounds with HCN-channels, while coincubation with Ca(2+) -channel blockers and LPS caused additive beating-rate reduction. In CD1-mice (containing an active autonomic-nervous-system), injection of LPS (0.4 mg/kg) expectedly resulted in increased heart-rate. However, if the autonomic nervous system was blocked by propranolol and atropine, in line with the in vitro data, LPS induced a significant reduction of heart-rate, which was not additive to ivabradine. The in vivo and in vitro results indicate that LPS interacts with HCN-channels of cardiomyocytes. Thus, LPS indirectly sensitizes HCN-channels for sympathetic activation (tachycardic-effect), and in parallel directly inhibits channel activity (bradycardic-effect). Both effects may contribute to the detrimental effects of septic cardiomyopathy and septic autonomic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Ebelt
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Isabel Geißler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sara Ruccius
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Volker Otto
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sophie Hoffmann
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Heinrich Korth
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Udo Klöckner
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Uwe Rueckschloss
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Juliane Stieber
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Frantz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Karl Werdan
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ursula Müller-Werdan
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Chair of Geriatrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Loppnow
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Schreier B, Schwerdt G, Heise C, Bethmann D, Rabe S, Mildenberger S, Gekle M. Substance-specific importance of EGFR for vascular smooth muscle cells motility in primary culture. Biochim Biophys Acta 2016; 1863:1519-33. [PMID: 27012600 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Besides their importance for the vascular tone, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) also contribute to pathophysiological vessel alterations. Various G-protein coupled receptor ligands involved in vascular dysfunction and remodeling can transactivate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) of VSMC, yet the importance of EGFR transactivation for the VSMC phenotype is incompletely understood. The aims of this study were (i) to characterize further the importance of the VSMC-EGFR for proliferation, migration and marker gene expression for inflammation, fibrosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and (ii) to test the hypothesis that vasoactive substances (endothelin-1, phenylephrine, thrombin, vasopressin and ATP) rely differentially on the EGFR with respect to the abovementioned phenotypic alterations. In primary, aortic VSMC from mice without conditional deletion of the EGFR, proliferation, migration, marker gene expression (inflammation, fibrosis and ROS homeostasis) and cell signaling (ERK 1/2, intracellular calcium) were analyzed. VSMC-EGFR loss reduced collective cell migration and single cell migration probability, while no difference between the genotypes in single cell velocity, chemotaxis or marker gene expression could be observed under control conditions. EGF promoted proliferation, collective cell migration, chemokinesis and chemotaxis and leads to a proinflammatory gene expression profile in wildtype but not in knockout VSMC. Comparing the impact of five vasoactive substances (all reported to transactivate EGFR and all leading to an EGFR dependent increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation), we demonstrate that the importance of EGFR for their action is substance-dependent and most apparent for crowd migration but plays a minor role for gene expression regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany.
| | - Gerald Schwerdt
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Christian Heise
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Daniel Bethmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112 Halle/Saale, Germany
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Bretschneider M, Busch B, Mueller D, Nolze A, Schreier B, Gekle M, Grossmann C. Activated mineralocorticoid receptor regulates micro-RNA-29b in vascular smooth muscle cells. FASEB J 2016; 30:1610-22. [PMID: 26728178 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-271254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Inappropriately activated mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a risk factor for vascular remodeling with unclear molecular mechanism. Recent findings suggest that post-transcriptional regulation by micro-RNAs (miRs) may be involved. Our aim was to search for MR-dependent miRs in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism and the pathologic relevance. We detected that aldosteroneviathe MR reduces miR-29bin vivoin murine aorta and in human primary and cultured VSMCs (ED50= 0.07 nM) but not in endothelial cells [quantitative PCR (qPCR), luciferase assays]. This effect was mediated by an increased decay of miR-29b in the cytoplasm with unchanged miR-29 family member or primary-miR levels. Decreased miR-29b led to an increase in extracellular matrix measured by ELISA and qPCR and enhanced VSMC migration in single cell-tracking experiments. Additionally, cell proliferation and the apoptosis/necrosis ratio (caspase/lactate dehydrogenase assay) was modulated by miR-29b. Enhanced VSMC migration by aldosterone required miR-29b regulation. Control experiments were performed with scrambled RNA and empty plasmids, by comparing aldosterone-stimulated with vehicle-incubated cells. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of aldosterone-mediated vascular pathogenesis by identifying miR-29b as a pathophysiologic relevant target of activated MR in VSMCs and by highlighting the importance of miR processing for miR regulation.-Bretschneider, M., Busch, B., Mueller, D., Nolze, A., Schreier, B., Gekle, M., Grossmann, C. Activated mineralocorticoid receptor regulates micro-RNA-29b in vascular smooth muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bretschneider
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Bianca Busch
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Daniel Mueller
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Alexander Nolze
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- *Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Preising C, Schneider R, Bucher M, Gekle M, Sauvant C. Regulation of Expression of Renal Organic Anion Transporters OAT1 and OAT3 in a Model of Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury. Cell Physiol Biochem 2015; 37:1-13. [PMID: 26277839 DOI: 10.1159/000430328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, we gained evidence that impairment of rOat1 and rOat3 expression induced by ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) is mediated by COX metabolites and this suppression might be critically involved in renal damage. METHODS (i) Basolateral organic anion uptake into proximal tubular cells after model ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) was investigated by fluorescein uptake. The putative promoter sequences from hOAT1 (SLC22A6) and hOAT3 (SCL22A8) were cloned into a reporter plasmid, transfected into HEK cells and (ii) transcriptional activity was determined after model ischemia and reperfusion as a SEAP reporter gen assay. Inhibitors or antagonists were applied with the beginning of reperfusion. RESULTS By using inhibitors of PKA (H89) and PLC (U73122), antagonists of E prostanoid receptor type 2 (AH6809) and type 4 (L161,982), we gained evidence that I/R induced down regulation of organic anion transport is mediated by COX1 metabolites via E prostanoid receptor type 4. The latter signaling was confirmed by application of butaprost (EP2 agonist) or TCS2510 (EP4 agonist) to control cells. In brief, the latter signaling was verified for the transcriptional activity in the reporter gen assay established. Therein, selective inhibitors for COX1 (SC58125) and COX2 (SC560) were also applied. CONCLUSION Our data show (a) that COX1 metabolites are involved in the regulation of renal organic anion transport(ers) after I/R via the EP4 receptor and (b) that this is due to transcriptional regulation of the respective transporters. As the promoter sequences cloned were of human origin and expressed in a human renal epithelial cell line we (c) hypothesize that the regulatory mechanisms described after I/R is meaningful for humans as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Preising
- Klinik fx00FC;r Anx00E4;sthesie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Universitx00E4;tsklinikum Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany
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Abstract
Under various pathological conditions, such as inflammation, ischemia and in solid tumors, physiological parameters (local oxygen tension or extracellular pH) show distinct tissue abnormalities (hypoxia and acidosis). For tumors, the prevailing microenvironment exerts a strong influence on the phenotype with respect to proliferation, invasion, and metastasis formation and therefore influences prognosis. In this study, we investigate the impact of extracellular metabolic acidosis (pH 7.4 versus 6.6) on the proteome patterns of a prostate cancer-derived tumor cell type (AT-1) using isobaric labeling and LC-MS/MS analysis. In total, 2710 proteins were identified and quantified across four biological replicates, of which seven were significantly affected with changes >50% and used for validation. Glucose transporter 1 and farnesyl pyrophosphatase were found to be down-regulated after 48 h of acidic treatment, and metallothionein 2A was reduced after 24 h and returned to control values after 48 h. After 24 and 48 h at pH 6.6, glutathione S transferase A3 and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase 1, cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2, and Na-bicarbonate transporter 3 levels were found to be increased. The changes in protein levels were confirmed by transcriptome and functional analyses. In addition to the experimental in-depth investigation of proteins with changes >50%, functional profiling (statistical enrichment analysis) including proteins with changes >20% revealed that acidosis upregulates GSH metabolic processes, citric acid cycle, and respiratory electron transport. Metabolism of lipids and cholesterol biosynthesis were downregulated. Our data comprise the first comprehensive report on acidosis-induced changes in proteome patterns of a tumor cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Ihling
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg , Magdeburgerstrasse 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christian H Ihling
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg , Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Str. 4, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Andrea Sinz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg , Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Str. 4, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg , Magdeburgerstrasse 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
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48
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Preising C, Schneider R, Bucher M, Gekle M, Sauvant C. FP026COX1 METABOLITES ALTER EXPRESSION OF RENAL ORGANIC ANION TRANSPORTERS OAT1 AND OAT3 IN ISCHEMIA/REPERFUSION INJURY VIA E PROSTANOID RECEPTOR 4. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfv166.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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49
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Schneider R, Meusel M, Betz B, Held C, Möller-Ehrlich K, Büttner-Herold M, Wanner C, Gekle M, Sauvant C. Oat1/3 restoration protects against renal damage after ischemic AKI. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2015; 308:F198-208. [DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00160.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Expression of proximal tubular organic anion transporters Oat1 and Oat3 is reduced by PGE2 after renal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. We hypothesized that impaired expression of Oat1/3 is decisively involved in the deterioration of renal function after I/R injury. Therefore, we administered probenecid, which blocks proximal tubular indomethacin uptake, to abolish the indomethacin-mediated restoration of Oat1/3 regulation and its effect on renal functional and morphological outcome. Ischemic acute kidney injury (iAKI) was induced in rats by bilateral clamping of renal arteries for 45 min with 24-h follow-up. Low-dose indomethacin (1 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally (ip) at the end of ischemia. Probenecid (50 mg/kg) was administered ip 20 min later. Indomethacin restored the expression of Oat1/3, PAH net secretion, and PGE2 clearance. Additionally, indomethacin improved kidney function as measured by glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal perfusion as determined by corrected PAH clearance, and morphology, whereas it reduced renal cortical apoptosis and nitric oxide production. Notably, indomethacin did not affect inflammation parameters in the kidneys (e.g., monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, ED1+ cells). On the other hand, probenecid blocked the indomethacin-induced restoration of Oat1/3 and moreover abrogated all beneficial effects. Our study indicates that the beneficial effect of low-dose indomethacin in iAKI is not due to its anti-inflammatory potency, but in contrast to its restoration of Oat1/3 expression and/or general renal function. Inhibition of proximal tubular indomethacin uptake abrogates the beneficial effect of indomethacin by resetting the PGE2-mediated Oat1/3 impairment, thus reestablishing renal damage. This provides evidence for a mechanistic effect of Oat1/3 in a new model of the induction of renal damage after iAKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Schneider
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Abt. Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M. Meusel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Abt. Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - B. Betz
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Abt. Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - C. Held
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Abt. Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - K. Möller-Ehrlich
- Zentrum für Experimentelle Molekulare Medizin (ZEMM), Bayerische Julius-Maximilians Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M. Büttner-Herold
- Nephropathologische Abteilung im Pathologischen Institut, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - C. Wanner
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Abt. Nephrologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M. Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institut für Physiologie, Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany; and
| | - C. Sauvant
- Klinik für Anästhesie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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50
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Schreier B, Rabe S, Winter S, Ruhs S, Mildenberger S, Schneider B, Sibilia M, Gotthardt M, Kempe S, Mäder K, Grossmann C, Gekle M. Moderate inappropriately high aldosterone/NaCl constellation in mice: cardiovascular effects and the role of cardiovascular epidermal growth factor receptor. Sci Rep 2014; 4:7430. [PMID: 25503263 PMCID: PMC4262830 DOI: 10.1038/srep07430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-physiological activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), e.g. by aldosterone under conditions of high salt intake, contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, although beneficial effects of aldosterone also have been described. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) contributes to cardiovascular alterations and mediates part of the MR effects. Recently, we showed that EGFR is required for physiological homeostasis and function of heart and arteries in adult animals. We hypothesize that moderate high aldosterone/NaCl, at normal blood pressure, affects the cardiovascular system depending on cardiovascular EGFR. Therefore we performed an experimental series in male and female animals each, using a recently established mouse model with EGFR knockout in vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes and determined the effects of a mild-high aldosterone-to-NaCl constellation on a.o. marker gene expression, heart size, systolic blood pressure, impulse conduction and heart rate. Our data show that (i) cardiac tissue of male but not of female mice is sensitive to mild aldosterone/NaCl treatment, (ii) EGFR knockout induces stronger cardiac disturbances in male as compared to female animals and (iii) mild aldosterone/NaCl treatment requires the EGFR in order to disturb cardiac tissue homeostasis whereas beneficial effects of aldosterone seem to be independent of EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sabrina Winter
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ruhs
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Bettina Schneider
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Maria Sibilia
- Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Gotthardt
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Sabine Kempe
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Sciences 1, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Karsten Mäder
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Sciences 1, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Grossmann
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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