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Wang M, Gao Q, Guo S. Diagnostic and prognostic significance of apelin-13, APJ for sepsis in the emergency department: A prospective study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28620. [PMID: 38590887 PMCID: PMC11000005 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28620] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to assess the diagnostic, risk stratification, and prognostic capabilities of apelin-13 and APJ in comparison to procalcitonin (PCT) for septic patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Methods Two hundred and thirty-eight patients meeting the Third International Consensus Definition (Sepsis-3) criteria were enrolled from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital's ED, along with a control group of forty healthy individuals. Patients were categorized into two groups based on disease severity: those with sepsis or septic shock. Plasma levels of apelin-13, CD4+ Th cells, and PCT were measured. The expression levels of plasma APJ mRNA were quantified using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) methodology. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was determined at the time of enrollment. The prognostic values of apelin-13 and APJ was evaluated in comparison to that of PCT and the SOFA score. All patients were followed up for a duration of 28 days. Results The plasma concentrations of apelin-13 and APJ exhibited a positive correlation with the severity of sepsis, while the number of CD4+ T cells decreased in septic patients. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curves for apelin-13 and APJ in the diagnosis and prediction of 28-day mortality were greater than that of PCT. In non-survivors at the 28-day follow-up, the plasma levels of apelin-13 and APJ were significantly higher compared to survivors. Furthermore, apelin-13 levels were notably higher in cases of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) than in those without SICM. Apelin-13 and APJ emerged as independent predictors of 28-day mortality among septic patients. Conclusions Apelin-13 and APJ demonstrate value in the assessment of risk stratification, early diagnosis, and prognosis of sepsis in the ED. Apelin-13 also proves to be an effective biomarker for assessing the prognosis of SICM in the ED. Sepsis may lead to immune function suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Wang
- Emergency Medicine Clinical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, No. 8, South Road of Worker's Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Qian Gao
- Emergency Department, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Tieyi Road, Yangfangdian, Haidian District, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Shubin Guo
- Emergency Medicine Clinical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation, No. 8, South Road of Worker's Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
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Shi N, Wang Y, Xia Z, Zhang J, Jia S, Jiao Y, Wang C, Wang X, Zhao J, Zhang J, Jiang D. The regulatory role of the apelin/ APJ axis in scarring: Identification of upstream and downstream mechanisms. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167125. [PMID: 38508477 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167125] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Scarring, a prevalent issue in clinical settings, is characterized by the excessive generation of extracellular matrix within the skin tissue. Among the numerous regulatory factors implicated in fibrosis across various organs, the apelin/APJ axis has emerged as a potential regulator of fibrosis. Given the shared attribute of heightened extracellular matrix production between organ fibrosis and scarring, we hypothesize that the apelin/APJ axis also plays a regulatory role in scar development. In this study, we examined the expression of apelin and APJ in scar tissue, normal skin, and fibroblasts derived from these tissues. We investigated the impact of the hypoxic microenvironment in scars on apelin/APJ expression to identify the transcription factors influencing apelin/APJ expression. Through overexpressing or knocking down apelin/APJ expression, we observed their effects on fibroblast secretion of extracellular matrix proteins. We further validated these effects in animal experiments while exploring the underlying mechanisms. Our findings demonstrated that the apelin/APJ axis is expressed in fibroblasts from keloid, hypertrophic scar, and normal skin. The regulation of apelin/APJ expression by the hypoxic environment in scars plays a significant role in hypertrophic scar and keloid development. This regulation promotes extracellular matrix secretion through upregulation of TGF-β1 expression via the PI3K/Akt/CREB1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Shi
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhenyu Xia
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jingjuan Zhang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Shanshan Jia
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Ya Jiao
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Jixun Zhang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Duyin Jiang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China; School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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Yeganeh-Hajahmadi M, Moosavi-Saeed Y, Rostamzadeh F. Apelin Receptor Dimerization and Oligomerization. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2024; 17:e180823219999. [PMID: 37594154 DOI: 10.2174/1874467217666230818113538] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Apelin and its receptor are expressed in many tissues and play an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the cardiovascular system and body fluids. Also, the association of this system with many diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer, diabetic retinopathy, etc., has been determined. This system is considered a therapeutic goal in many mentioned diseases. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have the ability to form oligomers and dimers with themselves and other receptors. The formation of these oligomers is associated with a change in the signaling pathways of the receptors. Research on the oligo and dimers of these receptors can revolutionize the principles of pharmacology. The apelin receptor (APJ) is also a GPCR and has been shown to have the ability to form dimers and oligomers. This article discusses the dimerization and oligomerization of this receptor with its own receptor and other receptors, as well as the signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboobeh Yeganeh-Hajahmadi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Yasmin Moosavi-Saeed
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Rostamzadeh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
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Tian Y, Wang R, Liu L, Zhang W, Liu H, Jiang L, Jiang Y. The regulatory effects of the apelin/ APJ system on depression: A prospective therapeutic target. Neuropeptides 2023; 102:102382. [PMID: 37716179 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102382] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a debilitating neuropsychological disorder characterized by high incidence, high recurrence, high suicide, and high disability rates, which poses serious threats to human health and imposes heavy psychological and economic burdens on family and society. The pathogenesis of depression is extremely complex, and its etiology is multifactorial. Mounting evidence suggests that apelin and apelin receptor APJ, which compose the apelin/APJ system, are related to the development of depression. However, the specific mechanism is still unclear, and research in this area in human is still insufficient. Acceleration of research into the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of the apelin/APJ system in depression may identify attractive therapeutic targets and contribute to the development of novel intervention strategies against this devastating psychological disorder. In this review, we mainly discuss the regulatory effects of apelin/APJ system on depression and its potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Tian
- Medical Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Ruihao Wang
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Wenhuan Zhang
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Haiqing Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Institute of Basic Medical Sciences), Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250024, China
| | - Liqing Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
| | - Yunlu Jiang
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China.
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Wang L, Tu W, Li X, Li C, Lu J, Dai P, Chen Y, Gu M, Li M, Jiang S, Yang G, Li S. Exercise improves cardiac function and attenuates myocardial inflammation and apoptosis by regulating APJ/STAT3 in mice with stroke. Life Sci 2023; 332:122041. [PMID: 37657526 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122041] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Stroke can induce cardiac dysfunction without a primary cardiac disease. Exercise can promote the overall rehabilitation of stroke patients and be beneficial for all kinds of heart diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of exercise in stroke-induced cardiac dysfunction are poorly understood. Hence, we aimed to distinguish the different effects of acute and long-term exercise and further study the mechanism of protection against cardiomyopathy caused by stroke. Mice underwent a single acute session or long-term exercise for 30 days, followed by middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins and proinflammatory factors in the heart was evaluated. Then, overexpression of apelin peptide jejunum (APJ) transfected adeno-associated virus type 9 (AAV9) and inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by Stattic were used in stroke mice or hypoxic cardiomyocytes. ML221 were used to inhibit APJ activity in exercise mouse. Thereafter, changes in apoptotic and proinflammatory factors were evaluated. The results demonstrated that chronic exercise prevented myocardial inflammation, apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction after stroke. However, acute exercise did not have similar effects. Exercise maintained the levels of APJ expression and decreased phosphorylated-STAT3 (p-STAT3) activation to protect cardiomyocytes. Moreover, APJ overexpression promoted cardiomyocyte survival and reduced p-STAT3 levels. STAT3 inhibition also reduced apoptosis and proinflammatory factors in mice hearts. Conversely, the protective effect of exercise was eliminated by APJ inhibition. This study showed that exercise can maintain APJ expression and inhibit p-STAT3, thus, conferring protection against myocardial inflammation and apoptosis induced by stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenzhan Tu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuqing Li
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Caiyan Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junhong Lu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peng Dai
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuewei Chen
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meilin Gu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ming Li
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; The Wenzhou Key Laboratory for Rehabilitation Research, The Provincial Key Laboratory for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Songhe Jiang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; The Wenzhou Key Laboratory for Rehabilitation Research, The Provincial Key Laboratory for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; The Wenzhou Key Laboratory for Rehabilitation Research, The Provincial Key Laboratory for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, United States
| | - Shengcun Li
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China; Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China; The Wenzhou Key Laboratory for Rehabilitation Research, The Provincial Key Laboratory for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
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Liu Y, Jiang M, Li Y, Chen P, Chen X. Advances in the study of ELABELA in renal physiological functions and related diseases. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1276488. [PMID: 38026926 PMCID: PMC10644379 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1276488] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
ELABELA (ELA), also known as Toddler or Apela, is a novel endogenous ligand of the angiotensin receptor AT1-related receptor protein (APJ). ELA is highly expressed in human embryonic, cardiac, and renal tissues and involves various biological functions, such as embryonic development, blood circulation regulation, and maintaining body fluid homeostasis. ELA is also closely related to the occurrence and development of acute kidney injury, hypertensive kidney damage, diabetic nephropathy, renal tumors, and other diseases. Understanding the physiological role of ELA and its mechanism of action in kidney-related diseases would provide new targets and directions for the clinical treatment of kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- YuRong Liu
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Taian, Shandong, China
| | - MingChun Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Anatomy, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Taian, Shandong, China
| | - XiaoYu Chen
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Taian, Shandong, China
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Gao S, Chen H. Therapeutic potential of apelin and Elabela in cardiovascular disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115268. [PMID: 37562237 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Apelin and Elabela (Ela) are peptides encoded by APLN and APELA, respectively, which act on their receptor APJ and play crucial roles in the body. Recent research has shown that they not only have important effects on the endocrine system, but also promote vascular development and maintain the homeostasis of myocardial cells. From a molecular biology perspective, we explored the roles of Ela and apelin in the cardiovascular system and summarized the mechanisms of apelin-APJ signaling in the progression of myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, preeclampsia, and congenital heart disease. Evidences indicated that apelin and Ela play important roles in cardiovascular diseases, and there are many studies focused on developing apelin, Ela, and their analogues for clinical treatments. However, the literature on the therapeutic potential of apelin, Ela and their analogues and other APJ agonists in the cardiovascular system is still limited. This review summarized the regulatory pathways of apelin/ELA-APJ axis in cardiovascular function and cardiovascular-related diseases, and the therapeutic effects of their analogues in cardiovascular diseases were also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghan Gao
- Department of Histology and embryology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Hongping Chen
- Department of Histology and embryology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China.
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Louis B, Nail V, Nachar O, Bouhlel A, Moyon A, Balasse L, Simoncini S, Chabert A, Fernandez S, Brige P, Hache G, Tintaru A, Morgat C, Dignat-George F, Garrigue P, Guillet B. Design and preclinical evaluation of a novel apelin-based PET radiotracer targeting APJ receptor for molecular imaging of angiogenesis. Angiogenesis 2023; 26:463-475. [PMID: 36973482 PMCID: PMC10328853 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09875-8] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
APJ has been extensively described in the pathophysiology of angiogenesis and cell proliferation. The prognostic value of APJ overexpression in many diseases is now established. This study aimed to design a PET radiotracer that specifically binds to APJ. Apelin-F13A-NODAGA (AP747) was synthesized and radiolabeled with gallium-68 ([68Ga]Ga-AP747). Radiolabeling purity was excellent (> 95%) and stable up to 2 h. Affinity constant of [67Ga]Ga-AP747 was measured on APJ-overexpressing colon adenocarcinoma cells and was in nanomolar range. Specificity of [68Ga]Ga-AP747 for APJ was evaluated in vitro by autoradiography and in vivo by small animal PET/CT in both colon adenocarcinoma mouse model and Matrigel plug mouse model. Dynamic of [68Ga]Ga-AP747 PET/CT biodistributions was realized on healthy mice and pigs for two hours, and quantification of signal in organs showed a suitable pharmacokinetic profile for PET imaging, largely excreted by urinary route. Matrigel mice and hindlimb ischemic mice were submitted to a 21-day longitudinal follow-up with [68Ga]Ga-AP747 and [68Ga]Ga-RGD2 small animal PET/CT. [68Ga]Ga-AP747 PET signal in Matrigel was significantly more intense than that of [68Ga]Ga-RGD2. Revascularization of the ischemic hind limb was followed by LASER Doppler. In the hindlimb, [68Ga]Ga-AP747 PET signal was more than twice higher than that of [68Ga]Ga-RGD2 on day 7, and significantly superior over the 21-day follow-up. A significant, positive correlation was found between the [68Ga]Ga-AP747 PET signal on day 7 and late hindlimb perfusion on day 21. We developed a new PET radiotracer that specifically binds to APJ, [68Ga]Ga-AP747 that showed more efficient imaging properties than the most clinically advanced tracer of angiogenesis, [68Ga]Ga-RGD2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice Louis
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Nail
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CERIMED, Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Pôle Pharmacie, Radiopharmacie, Marseille, France
| | - Oriane Nachar
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CERIMED, Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Pôle Pharmacie, Radiopharmacie, Marseille, France
| | - Ahlem Bouhlel
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - Anaïs Moyon
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CERIMED, Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Pôle Pharmacie, Radiopharmacie, Marseille, France
| | - Laure Balasse
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Pauline Brige
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CERIMED, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, LIIE, Marseille, France
| | - Guillaume Hache
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - Aura Tintaru
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CINaM, Marseille, France
| | - Clément Morgat
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Philippe Garrigue
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France.
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CERIMED, Marseille, France.
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Pôle Pharmacie, Radiopharmacie, Marseille, France.
| | - Benjamin Guillet
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CERIMED, Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Pôle Pharmacie, Radiopharmacie, Marseille, France
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Xiong M, Chen H, Fan Y, Jin M, Yang D, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Petersen RB, Su H, Peng A, Wang C, Zheng L, Huang K. Tubular Elabela- APJ axis attenuates ischemia-reperfusion induced acute kidney injury and the following AKI-CKD transition by protecting renal microcirculation. Theranostics 2023; 13:3387-3401. [PMID: 37351176 PMCID: PMC10283061 DOI: 10.7150/thno.84308] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). Post-ischemic recovery of renal blood supply plays an important role in attenuating injury. Exogenous application of elabela (ELA) peptides has been demonstrated by us and others to alleviate AKI, partly through its receptor APJ. However, the endogenous role of ELA in renal I/R remains unclear. Methods: Renal tubule specific ELA knockout (ApelaKsp KO) mice challenged with bilateral or unilateral I/R were used to investigate the role of endogenous ELA in renal I/R. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed to unbiasedly investigate altered genes in kidneys of ApelaKsp KO mice. Injured mice were treated with ELA32 peptide, Nω-hydroxy-nor-L-arginine (nor-NOHA), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), Paricalcitol, ML221 or respective vehicles, individually or in combination. Results: ELA is mostly expressed in renal tubules. Aggravated pathological injury and further reduction of renal microvascular blood flow were observed in ApelaKsp KO mice during AKI and the following transition to chronic kidney disease (AKI-CKD). RNA-seq analysis suggested that two blood flow regulators, arginine metabolizing enzyme arginase 2 (ARG2) and PGE2 metabolizing enzyme carbonyl reductases 1 and 3 (CBR1/3), were altered in injured ApelaKsp KO mice. Notably, combination application of an ARG2 inhibitor nor-NOHA, and Paricalcitol, a clinically used activator for PGE2 synthesis, alleviated injury-induced AKI/AKI-CKD stages and eliminated the worst outcomes observed in ApelaKsp KO mice. Moreover, while the APJ inhibitor ML221 blocked the beneficial effects of ELA32 peptide on AKI, it showed no effect on combination treatment of nor-NOHA and Paricalcitol. Conclusions: An endogenous tubular ELA-APJ axis regulates renal microvascular blood flow that plays a pivotal role in I/R-induced AKI. Furthermore, improving renal blood flow by inhibiting ARG2 and activating PGE2 is an effective treatment for AKI and prevents the subsequent AKI-CKD transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingrui Xiong
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China, 430030
| | - Hong Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China, 430030
| | - Yu Fan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China, 430072
| | - Muchuan Jin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China, 430072
| | - Dong Yang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China, 430030
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China, 430030
| | - Yu Zhang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China, 430030
| | - Robert B. Petersen
- Foundational Sciences, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA, 48859
| | - Hua Su
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, 430030
| | - Anlin Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Hospital of Wuhan, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China, 430075
| | - Congyi Wang
- The Center for Biomedical Research, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China, 430030
| | - Ling Zheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China, 430072
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China, 430030
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Gemici B, Birsen İ, İzgüt-Uysal VN. The Apelin-Apela Receptor APJ is Necessary for Formation and Healing of Ischemia Reperfusion-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats. Peptides 2023; 166:171027. [PMID: 37245722 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171027] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The apelinergic system, widely expressed and regulates hormone-enzyme secretion, motility, and protective mechanisms of the stomach. This system consists of the apelin receptor (APJ) and two peptides known as apela and apelin. The IR-induced experimental gastric ulcer model, is a well-known and commonly used one that induces hypoxia and causes the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Expressions of apelin and its receptor APJ are induced by hypoxia and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Apelin has been shown to affect angiogenesis positively, considered the most critical component of the healing process. Although it is known that apelin and AJP expressions are induced by inflammatory stimuli and hypoxia, stimulate endothelial cell proliferation and have a role in regenerative angiogenesis, no information or has been found in the literature regarding the role of APJ in the formation and healing of gastric mucosal lesions induced by I/R. So, we conducted a study to clarify the role of APJ in formation and healing mechanisms of IR-induced gastric lesions. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups; control, sham-operated, IR, APJ antagonist treated-IR group (F13A+IR), and the healing groups. F13A was intravenously given to the animals. Gastric lesion index, mucosal blood flow, PGE2, NOx, 4-HNE-MDA, HO activity, and protein expressions of VEGF and HO-1 were measured. F13A application before the IR increased the mucosal injury, F13A application following the ischemia delayed the mucosal healing during the reperfusion period. Consequently, blocking apelin receptors may worsen gastric injury due to the IR and delay mucosal healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Gemici
- Yeditepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - İlknur Birsen
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
| | - V Nimet İzgüt-Uysal
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
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11
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Zhang X, Gu Y, Ma Y, Wu J, Chen Y, Tao K, Sun H, Liu Z, Wang X, Tian X. The Apelin/ APJ system modulates seizure activity and endocytosis of the NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit. Neurochem Int 2023; 167:105545. [PMID: 37169180 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105545] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS), the apelin/APJ system is broadly expressed. According to some studies, activation of this system protects against excitotoxicity mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and exerts neuroprotective effects. However, the role of this system in epilepsy remains unclear. In the present study, immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used to assess APJ localization and expression in the brains of mice with recurrent spontaneous seizures induced by kainic acid (KA). Behavior and local field potentials (LFPs) were assessed in mice with KA-induced seizures. Susceptibility to seizures was assessed in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure model. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were used to evaluate the role of the apelin/APJ system in regulating synaptic transmission in brain slices from mice in which Mg2+-free medium was used to induce seizures. NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit expression and phosphorylation of GluN2B at Ser1480 were measured in the mouse hippocampus. APJ was primarily localized in neurons, and its expression was upregulated in the epileptic brain. APJ activation after KA-induced status epilepticus (SE) reduced epileptic activity, whereas APJ inhibition aggravated epileptic activity. In the PTZ model, APJ activation was reduced, and APJ inhibition increased susceptibility to seizures. The apelin/APJ system affected NMDA receptor-mediated postsynaptic currents in patch-clamp recordings. Moreover, APJ regulated the levels of GluN2B phosphorylated at Ser1480 and the abundance of cell-surface GluN2B in neurons. Furthermore, endocytosis of the NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit was regulated by the apelin/APJ system. Together, our findings indicate that the apelin/APJ system modulates seizure activity and may be a novel therapeutic target for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaogang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Yixue Gu
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuanlin Ma
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Junhong Wu
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kaiyan Tao
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Houchao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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12
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Pécheux O, Correia-Branco A, Cohen M, Martinez de Tejada B. The Apelinergic System in Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098014. [PMID: 37175743 PMCID: PMC10178735 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098014] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The apelinergic system is a highly conserved pleiotropic system. It comprises the apelin receptor apelin peptide jejunum (APJ) and its two peptide ligands, Elabela/Toddler (ELA) and apelin, which have different spatiotemporal localizations. This system has been implicated in the regulation of the adipoinsular axis, in cardiovascular and central nervous systems, in carcinogenesis, and in pregnancy in humans. During pregnancy, the apelinergic system is essential for embryo cardiogenesis and vasculogenesis and for placental development and function. It may also play a role in the initiation of labor. The apelinergic system seems to be involved in the development of placenta-related pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction, but an improvement in PE-like symptoms and birth weight has been described in murine models after the exogenous administration of apelin or ELA. Although the expression of ELA, apelin, and APJ is altered in human PE placenta, data related to their circulating levels are inconsistent. This article reviews current knowledge about the roles of the apelinergic system in pregnancy and its pathophysiological roles in placenta-related complications in pregnancy. We also discuss the challenges in translating the actors of the apelinergic system into a marker or target for therapeutic interventions in obstetrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Océane Pécheux
- Obstetrics Division, Department of Woman, Child and Adolescent, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ana Correia-Branco
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marie Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Begoῆa Martinez de Tejada
- Obstetrics Division, Department of Woman, Child and Adolescent, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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Yamada D, Kojima Y, Hosoya A, Suzuki M, Watabe T, Inoue T, Tsugawa N, Asakawa T, Yonemoto Y, Onizawa M, Nemoto Y, Oshima S, Shimonaka M, Kuba K, Ishida J, Fukamizu A, Penninger JM, Watanabe M, Okamoto R, Nagaishi T. Apelin expression is downregulated in T cells in a murine model of chronic colitis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 647:72-79. [PMID: 36731336 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.01.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Apelin (APL), an endogenous ligand for APJ, has been reported to be upregulated in a murine model of acute colitis induced by sodium dextran sulfate, as well as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in humans. However, the mechanisms and functions of APL/APJ axis in the pathogenesis of IBD are unclear. We herein analyzed CD4+ T cells to determine the functions of APL in a murine model of chronic colitis induced in Rag deficient mice (Rag-/-). In colonic tissues of wild-type mice (WT), we found that APL was expressed especially in the lamina propria lymphocytes, where CD4+ T cells are dominant, rather than the epithelial cells. Unexpectedly, the APL expression was rather downregulated in the colonic tissue of the chronic colitis group compared to the control groups (Rag-/- before colitis induction and WT). The APL expression was downregulated when naïve T cells were differentiated into effecter T cells. A lack of APL resulted in decreased naïve T cells and increased effecter T cells in secondary lymphoid organs. A synthetic APL peptide, [Pyr1]-APL-13, increased IL-10 and decreased IFN-γ productions by effecter T cells. Administration of [Pyr1]-APL-13 improved survival rate in association with lessened colitis severity and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production. This is the first report showing immunological function of APL specifically on T cells, and these results indicate that APL/APJ axis may be a novel therapeutic target for IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yudai Kojima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan; Department of Chemistry, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akinori Hosoya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taro Watabe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadahiko Inoue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan; Department of Chemistry, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoya Tsugawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehito Asakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Yonemoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michio Onizawa
- Department of Advanced Therapeutics for GI Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science, TMDU, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nemoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeru Oshima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Keiji Kuba
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Junji Ishida
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Fukamizu
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Bio Center, Vienna, Austria; Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Ryuichi Okamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Nagaishi
- Department of Advanced Therapeutics for GI Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science, TMDU, Tokyo, Japan.
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14
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Fibbi B, Marroncini G, Naldi L, Peri A. The Yin and Yang Effect of the Apelinergic System in Oxidative Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054745. [PMID: 36902176 PMCID: PMC10003082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054745] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ and has multiple biological activities in human tissues and organs, including the heart, blood vessels, adipose tissue, central nervous system, lungs, kidneys, and liver. This article reviews the crucial role of apelin in regulating oxidative stress-related processes by promoting prooxidant or antioxidant mechanisms. Following the binding of APJ to different active apelin isoforms and the interaction with several G proteins according to cell types, the apelin/APJ system is able to modulate different intracellular signaling pathways and biological functions, such as vascular tone, platelet aggregation and leukocytes adhesion, myocardial activity, ischemia/reperfusion injury, insulin resistance, inflammation, and cell proliferation and invasion. As a consequence of these multifaceted properties, the role of the apelinergic axis in the pathogenesis of degenerative and proliferative conditions (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, osteoporosis, and cancer) is currently investigated. In this view, the dual effect of the apelin/APJ system in the regulation of oxidative stress needs to be more extensively clarified, in order to identify new potential strategies and tools able to selectively modulate this axis according to the tissue-specific profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Fibbi
- “Pituitary Diseases and Sodium Alterations” Unit, AOU Careggi, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Endocrinology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Giada Marroncini
- “Pituitary Diseases and Sodium Alterations” Unit, AOU Careggi, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Naldi
- “Pituitary Diseases and Sodium Alterations” Unit, AOU Careggi, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Peri
- “Pituitary Diseases and Sodium Alterations” Unit, AOU Careggi, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Endocrinology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-05-5794-9275
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15
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Cores Ziskoven P, Nogueira AVB, Gutierrez LS, Weusmann J, Eick S, Buduneli N, Deschner J. Apelin Enhances the Effects of Fusobacterium nucleatum on Periodontal Ligament Cells In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054733. [PMID: 36902162 PMCID: PMC10002786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore effects of Fusobacterium nucleatum with or without apelin on periodontal ligament (PDL) cells to better understand pathomechanistic links between periodontitis and obesity. First, the actions of F. nucleatum on COX2, CCL2, and MMP1 expressions were assessed. Subsequently, PDL cells were incubated with F. nucleatum in the presence and absence of apelin to study the modulatory effects of this adipokine on molecules related to inflammation and hard and soft tissue turnover. Regulation of apelin and its receptor (APJ) by F. nucleatum was also studied. F. nucleatum resulted in elevated COX2, CCL2, and MMP1 expressions in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Combination of F. nucleatum and apelin led to the highest (p < 0.05) expression levels of COX2, CCL2, CXCL8, TNF-α, and MMP1 at 48 h. The effects of F. nucleatum and/or apelin on CCL2 and MMP1 were MEK1/2- and partially NF-κB-dependent. The combined effects of F. nucleatum and apelin on CCL2 and MMP1 were also observed at protein level. Moreover, F. nucleatum downregulated (p < 0.05) the apelin and APJ expressions. In conclusion, obesity could contribute to periodontitis through apelin. The local production of apelin/APJ in PDL cells also suggests a role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Cores Ziskoven
- Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Andressa V. B. Nogueira
- Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-0-6131-17-7091
| | - Lorena S. Gutierrez
- Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Araraquara 14801-385, SP, Brazil
| | - Jens Weusmann
- Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Sigrun Eick
- Laboratory of Oral Microbiology, Department of Periodontology, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nurcan Buduneli
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Ege University, 35040 Izmir, Turkey
| | - James Deschner
- Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Xu P, Kong L, Tao C, Zhu Y, Cheng J, Li W, Shen N, Li R, Zhang C, Wang L, Zhang Y, Wang G, Liu X, Sun W, Hu W. Elabela- APJ axis attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 196:171-186. [PMID: 36681202 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a form of non-apoptotic cell death caused by iron-dependent peroxidation of lipids. It contributes to ischemic stroke-induced neuronal damage. Elabela (ELA), a novel endogenous ligand for Apelin receptor (APJ), regulates oxidative stress and exerts a protective role in cardiovascular disease. However, the effect of ELA-APJ axis on cellular ferroptosis in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) remains elusive. The present study showed that ELA and APJ were expressed on neurons and increased after cerebral I/R injury. The I/R insult triggered typical molecular and morphological features of neuronal ferroptosis, including iron and MDA accumulation, mitochondrial shrink and membrane rupture, upregulation of positive ferroptosis regulators and downregulation of negative regulators. ELA-32 treatment reduced brain infarction and ameliorated neurobehavioral deficits and cognitive dysfunction. Moreover, ELA-32 administration alleviated neuronal ferroptosis, accompanied by reduced iron deposition, decreased mitochondrial damage, relived lipid peroxidation and glutathione reduction. Such effects of ELA-32 were abolished by AAV-APJ-RNAi or nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) inhibitor ML385. Mechanistically, ELA was shown to bind to APJ and activate NRF2/ARE anti-oxidative signaling pathway via Gα13. Together, these findings suggested that ELA-APJ axis mitigates neuronal ferroptosis after ischemic stroke and that the ELA-32 peptide may be a putative therapeutic avenue for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Lingqi Kong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Chunrong Tao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Yuyou Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Juan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Wenyu Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Nan Shen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Guoping Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Xinfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
| | - Wen Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
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Balci CN, Golal E, Ustunel I, Acar N. The investigation of apelin and apelin receptor expressions in mouse endometrium during peri-implantation period. Ann Anat 2023; 246:152027. [PMID: 36379349 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2022.152027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertilization, pre-implantation embryo development, implantation, and decidualization are critical for a healthy pregnancy. Successful implantation requires a competent blastocyst and a receptive uterus. Apelin was purified from the bovine stomach in 1998. Apelin receptor (APJ) is a member of G protein-coupled receptors. Apelin/APJ system's physiological role was shown in cardiovascular system, immune response, stress response, fluid regulation, nutrient uptake, angiogenesis, and adipoinsular axis; however, whether apelin/APJ system plays a role in implantation is unknown. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the localization and expressions of the apelin/APJ system in the peri-implantation period mouse uterus. METHODS Uteri and implantation sites were collected from mice on the estrous phase and the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th days of pregnancy. Also, inter-implantation sites were collected from the 5th day of the pregnancy group. Localization and expressions of apelin and APJ were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS Apelin and APJ were expressed in the luminal and gland epithelium, the stroma of all experimental groups. Two isoforms of apelin-8 and 16 kDa were detected by Western blot. While apelin expression increased from the estrous to the 8th day of pregnancy, APJ expression increased from the estrous to the 4th day of pregnancy, reached the highest expression level, then decreased. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the apelin/APJ system might be involved in implantation and decidualization. Our findings will guide further studies and may help elucidate the underlying causes of implantation failure and pregnancy loss.
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Gupta M, Korde JP, Bahiram KB, Sardar VM, Kurkure NV. Expression and localization of apelin and apelin receptor ( APJ) in buffalo ovarian follicles and corpus luteum and the in-vitro effect of apelin on steroidogenesis and survival of granulosa cells. Theriogenology 2023; 197:240-251. [PMID: 36525863 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.12.013] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Apelin is an adipose tissue-derived hormone with many physiological functions, including the regulation of female reproduction. It acts through an orphan G protein-coupled receptor APJ/APLNR. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of apelin and its receptor APJ in the ovarian follicles and corpus luteum (CL) and the role of apelin on steroidogenesis and cell survival. Ovarian follicles were classified into four groups based on size and estradiol (E2) level in the follicular fluid as follows: (i) F1 (4-6 mm; <0.5 ng/mL) (ii) F2 (7-9 mm; 0.5-5 ng/mL) (iii) F3 (10-13 mm; 5-40 ng/mL) and (iv) F4 (dominant/pre-ovulatory follicle) (>13 mm; >180 ng/mL). The corpora lutea (CL) were categorized into early (CL1), mid (CL2), late luteal (CL3), and regressing (CL4) CL stages. Expression of apelin increased with follicle size, with significantly greatest in the dominant or pre-ovulatory follicle (P < 0.05). Expression of APJ was greater in large and dominant follicles than in small and medium follicles (P < 0.05). In CL, the mRNA and protein abundance of apelin and apelin receptor was greater during mid (CL2) and late luteal (CL3) stages as compared to early (CL1) and regressing (CL4) stages (P < 0.05). Both the factors were localized in granulosa and theca cells of follicles and small and large luteal cells of CL. The pattern of the intensity of immunofluorescence was similar to mRNA and protein expression. Granulosa cells were cultured in vitro and treated at 1, 10, and 10 ng/mL apelin-13 either alone or in the presence of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (30 ng/mL) or insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) (10 ng/mL) for 48 h. The luteal cells were treated with apelin-13 at 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL doses for 48 h. Apelin treatment at 10 and 100 ng/ml significantly (P < 0.05) increased E2 secretion, cytochrome P450 aromatase or CYP19A1 expression in GC. In luteal cells, apelin at 10 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL significantly (P < 0.05) increased progesterone (P4) secretion and HSD3B1 expression. In GCs, apelin, either alone or in combination, increased PCNA expression and inhibited CASPASE3 expression suggesting its role in cell survival. In conclusion, this study provides novel evidence for the presence of apelin and receptor APJ in ovarian follicles and corpora lutea and the stimulatory effect on E2 and P4 production and promotes GC survival in buffalo, suggesting the role of apelin in follicular and luteal functions in buffalo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Gupta
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur, 440006, India.
| | - Jayant P Korde
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur, 440006, India
| | - K B Bahiram
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur, 440006, India
| | - V M Sardar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur, 440006, India
| | - Nitin V Kurkure
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur, 440006, India
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19
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Respekta N, Pich K, Dawid M, Mlyczyńska E, Kurowska P, Rak A. The Apelinergic System: Apelin, ELABELA, and APJ Action on Cell Apoptosis: Anti-Apoptotic or Pro-Apoptotic Effect? Cells 2022; 12:cells12010150. [PMID: 36611944 PMCID: PMC9818302 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The apelinergic system comprises two peptide ligands, apelin and ELABELA, and their cognate G-protein-coupled receptor, the apelin receptor APJ. Apelin is a peptide that was isolated from bovine stomach extracts; the distribution of the four main active forms, apelin-36, -17, -13, and pyr-apelin-13 differs between tissues. The mature form of ELABELA-32 can be transformed into forms called ELABELA-11 or -21. The biological function of the apelinergic system is multifaceted, and includes the regulation of angiogenesis, body fluid homeostasis, energy metabolism, and functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. This review summarises the mechanism of the apelinergic system in cell apoptosis. Depending on the cell/tissue, the apelinergic system modulates cell apoptosis by activating various signalling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), protein kinase B (AKT), 5'AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK), and protein kinase A (PKA). Apoptosis is critically important during various developmental processes, and any dysfunction leads to pathological conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and developmental defects. The purpose of this review is to present data that suggest a significant role of the apelinergic system as a potential agent in various therapies.
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20
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Ivanov MN, Stoyanov DS, Pavlov SP, Tonchev AB. Distribution, Function, and Expression of the Apelinergic System in the Healthy and Diseased Mammalian Brain. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2172. [PMID: 36421846 PMCID: PMC9690544 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Apelin, a peptide initially isolated from bovine stomach extract, is an endogenous ligand for the Apelin Receptor (APLNR). Subsequently, a second peptide, ELABELA, that can bind to the receptor has been identified. The Apelin receptor and its endogenous ligands are widely distributed in mammalian organs. A growing body of evidence suggests that this system participates in various signaling cascades that can regulate cell proliferation, blood pressure, fluid homeostasis, feeding behavior, and pituitary hormone release. Additional research has been done to elucidate the system's potential role in neurogenesis, the pathophysiology of Glioblastoma multiforme, and the protective effects of apelin peptides on some neurological and psychiatric disorders-ischemic stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. This review discusses the current knowledge on the apelinergic system's involvement in brain physiology in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin N. Ivanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Dimo S. Stoyanov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Stoyan P. Pavlov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Anton. B. Tonchev
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute, Medical University-Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
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21
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Hanssens S, Marousez L, Pécheux O, Besengez C, Storme L, Deruelle P, Eberlé D, Lesage J. Maternal obesity reduces apelin level in cord blood without altering the placental apelin/elabela- APJ system. Placenta 2022; 128:112-115. [PMID: 36152345 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.09.011] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The APJ receptor and its two endogenous ligands, apelin and elabela, exert key roles in fetoplacental development. In adult, this system is altered by obesity but no data are available during pregnancy. We measured apelin and elabela levels in maternal plasma and cord blood and quantified placental gene expression of apelin, elabela and APJ in obese and non-obese mothers. We found that obesity reduced apelin level in cord blood without affecting maternal and cord blood elabela levels as well as placental gene expression of this system. Our data suggest that obesity alters fetal apelinemia in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Hanssens
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Department of Neonatology, Jeanne de Flandre Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Lucie Marousez
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Océane Pécheux
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Department of Neonatology, Jeanne de Flandre Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Capucine Besengez
- Univ. Lille, ULR2694 Metrics-Perinatal Environment and Health, Lille, France
| | - Laurent Storme
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Department of Neonatology, Jeanne de Flandre Hospital, Lille, France; Univ. Lille, ULR2694 Metrics-Perinatal Environment and Health, Lille, France
| | - Philippe Deruelle
- Univ. Strasbourg, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Strasbourg, France
| | - Delphine Eberlé
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Jean Lesage
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France.
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22
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Liu C, Kang NW, Wang Y, Xue Y, Chen XY, Chen L. Neuropeptide apelin presented in the dopaminergic neurons modulates the neuronal excitability in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Neuropharmacology 2022; 219:109235. [PMID: 36041497 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta are characterized by autonomous pacemaking activity. The spontaneous firing activity of nigral dopaminergic neurons plays an important role in physiological function and is essential for their survival. Importantly, the spontaneous firing activity may also be involved in the preferential vulnerability of the nigral dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). The neuropeptide apelin was reported to exert neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. And it was noticed that apelin modulates neuronal activity in some brain regions. The present study investigated the electrophysiological and behavioral effects of apelin in the substantia nigra. Double-labeling immunofluorescence showed that apelin was present in nigral dopaminergic neurons and that these neurons expressed apelin receptor APJ. Further single unit in vivo electrophysiological recordings revealed that endogenous apelin tonically increased the firing rate of nigral dopaminergic neurons in both normal and parkinsonian animals. Exogenous apelin-13 exerted excitatory effects on the majority of nigral dopaminergic neurons, yet reduced excitability in a subset of neurons. In addition, nigral application of apelin-13 increased motor activity in normal rats and blocking endogenous apelin reduced motor activity. Considering the involvement of the spontaneous firing activity of nigral dopaminergic neurons in the development of PD and the possibility that apelin acts in an autocrine manner on apelin receptors expressed by nigral dopaminergic neurons, the modulation of the spontaneous firing activity of nigral dopaminergic neurons by apelin may serve as a neuroprotective factor in PD.
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23
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Narayanan S, Dai D, Vyas Devambatla RK, Albert V, Bruneau-Latour N, Vasukuttan V, Ciblat S, Rehder K, Runyon SP, Maitra R. Synthesis and characterization of an orally bioavailable small molecule agonist of the apelin receptor. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 66:116789. [PMID: 35594649 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The apelin receptor (APJ) is a target for cardiovascular indications. Previously, we had identified a novel pyrazole-based agonist 1 ((S)-N-(1-(cyclobutylamino)-1-oxo-5-(piperidin-1-yl)pentan-3-yl)-1-cyclopentyl-5-(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride) of this GPCR. Systematic modification of 1 was performed to produce compounds with improved potency and ADME properties. Orally bioavailable compound 47 with favorable agonist potency (Ca2+EC50 = 24 nM, cAMPi EC50 = 6.5 nM) and pharmacokinetic properties (clearance ∼20 mL/min/kg in rats) was identified. This compound has vastly reduced brain penetration and is devoid of significant off-target liability. In summary, a potent and selective APJ agonist suitable for in vivo studies of APJ in peripheral tissues after oral administration has been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanju Narayanan
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Donghua Dai
- Sterling Pharma Solutions Limited, Sheldon Drive, Cary, NC 27513, USA
| | | | - Vincent Albert
- Paraza Pharma Inc, 7171 Frederick-Banting Montréal, QC H4S 1Z9, Canada
| | | | - Vineetha Vasukuttan
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Stephane Ciblat
- Paraza Pharma Inc, 7171 Frederick-Banting Montréal, QC H4S 1Z9, Canada
| | - Kenneth Rehder
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Scott P Runyon
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Rangan Maitra
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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Richter JM, Alex Bates J, Gargalovic P, Onorato JM, Generaux C, Wang T, Gordon DA, Wexler RR, Finlay HJ. Design and preparation of N-linked hydroxypyridine-based APJ agonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 73:128882. [PMID: 35817293 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Agonism of the apelin receptor (APJ) has demonstrated beneficial effects in models of heart failure. We have previously disclosed compounds such as 4, which showed good APJ agonist activity but were metabolized to the mono-demethylated, non-interconverting atropisomer metabolites. Herein, we detail the design and optimization of a novel series of N-linked APJ agonists with good potency, metabolic stability, and rat pharmacokinetic profile, which are unable to undergo the same metabolic mono-demethylation cleavage.
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25
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Shen X, Yuan G, Li B, Cao C, Cao D, Wu J, Li X, Li H, Shen H, Wang Z, Chen G. Apelin-13 attenuates early brain injury through inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis in rats after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:2107-2118. [PMID: 35000047 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-07028-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early brain injury (EBI) has been considered as the major contributor to the neurological dysfunction and poor clinical outcomes of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Studies showed that apelin-13 exhibits a neuroprotective effect in brain damage induced by cerebral ischemia. However, it remains unclear whether apelin-13 could exhibit the protective functions following SAH. The present study aimed to validate the neuroprotective role of apelin-13 in SAH, and further investigated the underlying mechanisms. METHODS AND RESULTS We constructed SAH rat model and we found that apelin-13 significantly alleviated neurological disorder and brain edema, improved memory deficits in SAH rats. Apelin-13 treatment decreased contents of TNF-α and IL-1β in cerebral spinal fluid of SAH rat by using ELISA. Apelin-13 treatment promoted the expression of APJ and Bcl-2, and decreased the level of active caspase-3 and Bax in the temporal cortex after SAH by using western blot. Also, apelin-13 attenuated the cortical cell death and neuronal degeneration as shown by TUNEL, FJB and Nissl staining. However, ML221, an inhibitor of APJ, significantly reversed all the above neuroprotective effects of apelin-13. Moreover, a neuron-microglia co-culture system, which mimic SAH in vitro, confirmed the protective effect of apelin-13 on neurons and the inhibitory effect on inflammation through apoptosis-related proteins. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrated that apelin-13 exhibit a neuroprotective role after SAH through inhibition of apoptosis in an APJ dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 160, Pujian Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Guiqiang Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Cheng Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, China.,Department of Neurocritical Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Demao Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haiying Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haitao Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Zhong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
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Abstract
Nowadays, diabetes and obesity are two main health-threatening metabolic disorders in the world, which increase the risk for many chronic diseases. Apelin, a peptide hormone, exerts its effect by binding with angiotensin II protein J receptor (APJ) and is considered to be linked with diabetes and obesity. Apelin and its receptor are widely present in the body and are involved in many physiological processes, such as glucose and lipid metabolism, homeostasis, endocrine response to stress, and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the literatures on the role of the Apelin-APJ system in diabetes and obesity for a better understanding of the mechanism and function of apelin and its receptor in the pathophysiology of diseases that may contribute to the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | | | - Binay Kumar Adhikari
- Department of Cardiology, Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shudong Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenyun Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yonggang Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yonggang Wang,
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27
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Bankir M, Abayli C, Acibucu F. Importance of ELABELA in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions of the thyroid gland. Arch Endocrinol Metab 2021; 64:772-778. [PMID: 33049129 PMCID: PMC10528616 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000293] [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] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated whether ELABELA plays a role in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions of the thyroid gland. METHODS Of the 87 patients included in the study, 12 had undergone surgery for benign thyroid diseases, 30 had papillary thyroid cancer without invasion and/or lymph node metastasis in the surrounding tissues in the pathology report, and 45 had papillary thyroid cancer with invasion and/or lymph node metastasis in the surrounding tissues. RESULTS In the macrocarcinoma group, the proportion of patients with severe ELABELA staining (61.1%) was higher than that in the adenoma (50%) and microcarcinoma (23.8%) groups, while the proportion of those with mild to moderate staining was lower (p < 0.001). In the microcarcinoma group, the proportion of patients with severe staining was lower than that in the adenoma group, while the proportion of those with mild to moderate staining was higher (p < 0.001). In papillary thyroid carcinomas, the rates of moderate and severe staining in the classical variant, mild staining in the follicular variant, severe staining in the classical + follicular variant, and severe staining in the oncocytic variant were higher. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to be conducted on this subject. In this study, ELABELA was not found to be significant in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions of the thyroid gland. In papillary thyroid carcinomas, severe ELABELA staining patterns were more common in macrocarcinoma patients than in microcarcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Bankir
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Health Sciences - Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey,
| | - Cansu Abayli
- Department of Pathology, University of Health Sciences - Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
| | - Fettah Acibucu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Division, University of Health Sciences - Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey
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28
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Xue K, Gao F, Li C, Fang H. Elevated reactivity of Apelin inhibited renal fibrosis induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 711:109021. [PMID: 34464591 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.109021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apelin and its receptor angiotensin receptor - like 1 (APJ) are closely related to renal fibrosis, but their specific roles in renal fibrosis are still controversial. In this article, we discussed the role of Apelin/APJ system in renal fibrosis and its mechanism. METHODS Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) rat model was established to induce the environment of renal fibrosis and a competitive antagonist of the APJ receptor ML221 was administered to CIH rats. The rats were divided into Control, CIH and ML221 groups. HE staining was used to detect the inflammatory injury and fibrosis of renal tissue. The expressions of renal fibrosis-related indicators transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Human type I collagen (Col-Ⅰ) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The levels of oxidative stress indexes reactive oxygen species (ROS), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and inflammation-related indexes Interleukin (IL) -6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β were detected by ELISA. At the same time, the levels of Apelin-13 and AngiotensinII (AngⅡ) were also measured by ELISA. Finally, western blot was used to detect the expression of Apelin pathway and renal fibrosis-related proteins. In addition, at the cellular level, we divided the cells into Control, CIH, Apelin-13 and Apelin-13+ML-221 groups to further verify the specific mechanisms at the cellular level. RESULTS The expression of Apeline-13 and its related pathways was significantly increased after the induction of CIH in rats. However, the degree of renal fibrosis in ML221 group was further significantly increased after inhibiting the expression of Apelin. At the cellular level, CIH model cells treated with Apelin-13 significantly reduced cell proliferation, oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and decreased the expression of fibrosis-related proteins, which can be reversed by ML221 administration. CONCLUSION The increased reactivity of Apelin may be one of the protective mechanisms against renal fibrosis induced by CIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Kai Xue
- Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Chengde Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Fang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.
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29
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Sawane M, Ogura Y, Nakamura A, Otaka H, Kidoya H, Sato K, Takakura N, Kajiya K. Blood vessels sense dermal stiffness via a novel mechanotransducer, APJ. Angiogenesis 2021. [PMID: 34617195 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09821-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Microvascular dysfunction accompanied by a dramatic alteration of stable capillary structure is a major hallmark of numerous age-related diseases. In skin, although the role of angiogenesis during dermal reconstitution is well documented, the functional relevance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness to vascular remodeling and its molecular mechanisms was poorly understood. Here, we developed an ex vivo 3-dimensional angiogenic model using human fat, revealing that "appropriate" stiffness induces vascular maturation associated with upregulated APJ expression, whereas the overexpression of APJ promotes the formation of large vessels even in the absence of the "appropriate" stiffness. Taken together, APJ could be a novel mechanotransducer that accelerates the maturation of cutaneous blood vessels, leading to the prevention of human skin aging.
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Rikitake Y. The apelin/ APJ system in the regulation of vascular tone: friend or foe? J Biochem 2021; 169:383-386. [PMID: 33169143 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvaa129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The apelin (APJ) receptor was originally cloned as a gene encoding a putative G protein-coupled receptor related to angiotensin receptor type I. To date, two endogenous peptide ligands for APJ have been identified: apelin and elabela/Toddler. The apelin/APJ system regulates blood pressure and vascular tone. The endothelial and smooth muscle apelin/APJ systems exert opposite actions in the regulation of vascular tone. Binding of apelin to endothelial APJ promotes the release of vasodilators, such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin, leading to vasodilation. Alternatively, binding of apelin to smooth muscle APJ induces vasoconstriction, although the molecular mechanisms of the apelin-induced vasoconstriction are poorly understood. Recently, a critical role for interaction of APJ with α1-adrenergic receptor in the apelin-induced vasoconstriction was reported. The action of apelin on vascular tone may depend upon blood vessel type or pathological condition. Although the apelin/APJ system could serve as a potential therapeutic target for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, the role of this system in various cell types appears to be complicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Rikitake
- Laboratory of Medical Pharmaceutics, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, 4-19-1, Motoyamakitamachi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-8558, Japan
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Liet B, Nys N, Siegfried G. Elabela/toddler: New peptide with a promising future in cancer diagnostic and therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2021; 1868:119065. [PMID: 34090960 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119065] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Elabela/toddler is the second endogenous ligand recently identified after Apelin, that binds to the G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Elabela is a 54-amino acid peptide initially identified in fish and human genomes and classified as noncoding. This precursor can be cleaved to shorter sequences (32, 21, and 11 amino acids), which bind and activate APJ, and can be blocked by APJ antagonists. Contrary to Apelin and APJ, widely distributed in organs and tissues, Elabela expression is more restricted, and different studies have revealed the potential role of Elabela in cancers. This review summarizes the current studies focusing on the role of Elabela in different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Liet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1029 LAMC, F-33400 Talence, France; Université de Bordeaux F-33400, Talence, France
| | - Nicolas Nys
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1029 LAMC, F-33400 Talence, France; Université de Bordeaux F-33400, Talence, France
| | - Geraldine Siegfried
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1029 LAMC, F-33400 Talence, France; Université de Bordeaux F-33400, Talence, France.
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Castan-Laurell I, Dray C, Valet P. The therapeutic potentials of apelin in obesity-associated diseases. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 529:111278. [PMID: 33838166 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Apelin, a peptide with several active isoforms ranging from 36 to 12 amino acids and its receptor APJ, a G-protein-coupled receptor, are widely distributed. However, apelin has emerged as an adipokine more than fifteen years ago, integrating the field of inter-organs interactions. The apelin/APJ system plays important roles in several physiological functions both in rodent and humans such as fluid homeostasis, cardiovascular physiology, angiogenesis, energy metabolism. Thus the apelin/APJ system has generated great interest as a potential therapeutic target in different pathologies. The present review will consider the effects of apelin in metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes with a focus on diabetic cardiomyopathy among the complications associated with diabetes and APJ agonists or antagonists of interest in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Castan-Laurell
- Restore UMR1301 Inserm, 5070 CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, France.
| | - C Dray
- Restore UMR1301 Inserm, 5070 CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, France
| | - P Valet
- Restore UMR1301 Inserm, 5070 CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, France
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Liu L, Yi X, Lu C, Wang Y, Xiao Q, Zhang L, Pang Y, Guan X. Study Progression of Apelin/ APJ Signaling and Apela in Different Types of Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:658253. [PMID: 33912466 PMCID: PMC8075258 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.658253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous ligand that binds to the G protein-coupled receptor angiotensin-like-receptor 1 (APJ). Apelin and APJ are widely distributed in organs and tissues and are involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes including cardiovascular regulation, neuroendocrine stress response, energy metabolism, etc. Additionally, apelin/APJ axis was found to play an important role in cancer development and progression. Apela is a newly identified endogenous ligand for APJ. Several studies have revealed the potential role of Apela in cancers. In this article, we review the current studies focusing on the role of apelin/APJ signaling and Apela in different cancers. Potential mechanisms by which apelin/APJ and Apela mediate the regulation of cancer development and progression were also mentioned. The Apelin/APJ signaling and Apela may serve as potential therapeutic candidates for treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Liu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoping Yi
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Can Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiao Xiao
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingxian Pang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao Guan
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Li B, Yin J, Chang J, Zhang J, Wang Y, Huang H, Wang W, Zeng X. Apelin/ APJ relieve diabetic cardiomyopathy by reducing microvascular dysfunction. J Endocrinol 2021; 249:1-18. [PMID: 33504680 PMCID: PMC8052525 DOI: 10.1530/joe-20-0398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Microcirculatory injuries had been reported to be involved in diabetic cardiomyopathy, which was mainly related to endothelial cell dysfunction. Apelin, an adipokine that is upregulated in diabetes mellitus, was reported to improve endothelial cell dysfunction and attenuate cardiac insufficiency induced by ischemia and reperfusion. Therefore, it is hypothesized that apelin might be involved in alleviating endothelial cell dysfunction and followed cardiomyopathy in diabetes mellitus. The results showed that apelin improved endothelial cell dysfunction via decreasing apoptosis and expression of adhesion molecules and increasing proliferation, angiogenesis, and expression of E-cadherin, VEGFR 2 and Tie-2 in endothelial cells, which resulted in the attenuation of the capillary permeability in cardiac tissues and following diabetic cardiomyopathy. Meanwhile, the results from endothelial cell-specific APJ knockout mice and cultured endothelial cells confirmed that the effects of apelin on endothelial cells were dependent on APJ and the downstream NFκB pathways. In conclusion, apelin might reduce microvascular dysfunction induced by diabetes mellitus via improving endothelial dysfunction dependent on APJ activated NFκB pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiming Yin
- Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Chang
- Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yangjia Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Lab for Cardiovascular Precision Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangjun Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Correspondence should be addressed to X Zeng:
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Li N, Ma X, Ban T, Xu S, Ma Y, Ason B, Hu LA. Loss of APJ mediated β-arrestin signalling improves high-fat diet induced metabolic dysfunction but does not alter cardiac function in mice. Biochem J 2020; 477:3313-27. [PMID: 32779693 DOI: 10.1042/BCJ20200343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Apelin receptor (APJ) is a G protein-coupled receptor that contributes to many physiological processes and is emerging as a therapeutic target to treat a variety of diseases. For most disease indications the role of G protein vs β-arrestin signalling in mitigating disease pathophysiology remains poorly understood. This hinders the development of G protein biased APJ agonists, which have been proposed to have several advantages over balanced APJ signalling agonists. To elucidate the contribution of APJ β-arrestin signalling, we generated a transgenic mouse harbouring a point mutation (APJ I107A) that maintains full G protein activity but fails to recruit β-arrestin following receptor activation. APJ I107A mutant mice did not alter cardiac function at rest, following exercise challenge or in response to pressure overload induced cardiac hypertrophy. Additionally, APJ I107A mice have comparable body weights, plasma glucose and lipid levels relative to WT mice when fed a chow diet. However, APJ I107A mice showed significantly lower body weight, blood insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance and greater insulin sensitivity when fed a high-fat diet. Furthermore, loss of APJ β-arrestin signalling also affected fat composition and the expression of lipid metabolism related genes in adipose tissue from high-fat fed mice. Taken together, our results suggest that G protein biased APJ activation may be more effective for certain disease indications given that loss of APJ mediated β-arrestin signalling appears to mitigate several aspects of diet induced metabolic dysfunction.
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Li Y, Lu H, Xu W, Shang Y, Zhao C, Wang Y, Yang R, Jin S, Wu Y, Wang X, Teng X. Apelin ameliorated acute heart failure via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in rabbits. Amino Acids 2021; 53:417-427. [PMID: 33609179 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02955-3] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) mediated the ameliorative effect of apelin on acute heart failure (AHF). Rabbit model of AHF was induced by sodium pentobarbital. Cardiac dysfunction and injury were detected in the rabbit models of AHF, including impaired hemodynamic parameters and increased levels of CK-MB and cTnI. Apelin treatment dramatically improved cardiac impairment caused by AHF. ERS, indexed by increased GRP78, CHOP, and cleaved-caspase12 protein levels, was simultaneously attenuated by apelin. Apelin also could ameliorate increased protein levels of cleaved-caspase3 and Bax, and improved decreased protein levels of Bcl-2. Two common ERS stimulators, tunicamycin (Tm) and dithiothreitol (DTT) blocked the ameliorative effect of apelin on AHF. Phosphorylated Akt levels increased after apelin treatment in the rabbit models of AHF. The Akt signaling inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002 could block the cardioprotective effect of apelin, which could be relieved by ERS inhibitor 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA). The aforementioned beneficial effects of apelin could all be blocked by APJ receptor antagonist F13A. 4-PBA and SC79, an Akt activator, can restore the ameliorative effect of apelin on AHF blocked by F13A. Apelin treatment dramatically ameliorated cardiac impairment caused by AHF, which might be mediated by APJ/Akt/ERS signaling pathway. These results will shed new light on AHF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqing Li
- Hebei Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Hebei University of Chines Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Haohan Lu
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Zhongshan East Road No. 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Wenyuan Xu
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Zhongshan East Road No. 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yuxuan Shang
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Zhongshan East Road No. 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Cece Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Zhongshan East Road No. 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yipu Wang
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Zhongshan East Road No. 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Zhongshan East Road No. 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Sheng Jin
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Zhongshan East Road No. 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yuming Wu
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Zhongshan East Road No. 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xiaoning Wang
- The Second Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Heping West Road No. 215, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| | - Xu Teng
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Zhongshan East Road No. 361, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
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PodgÓrska M, Pietraszek-Gremplewicz K, OlszaŃska J, Nowak D. The Role of Apelin and Apelin Receptor Expression in Migration and Invasiveness of Colon Cancer Cells. Anticancer Res 2021; 41:151-161. [PMID: 33419808 DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.14760] [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: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Colon cancer is the second deadliest malignancy for human. Its correlation with obesity has led to an increasing number of studies focusing on the role of adipokines in colon cancer development. Apelin, which belongs to the family of adipokines, affects several pathological processes, including heart diseases, obesity and carcinogenesis. In this study, we examined the importance of apelin and apelin receptor (APJ) during motility regulation of colon cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Colon cancer cells with overexpression of apelin receptor, as well as cells with down-regulation of apelin were used in this study. Migration and invasion ability was tested using Transwell® filters. The proteolytic activity was analyzed with fluorescent-substrate degradation assay and gelatin zymography. We also used confocal microscopy to examine migratory protrusion formation and the localization of MT1-MMP. The levels of AKT and ERK kinases were evaluated using Western blotting assay. RESULTS Overexpression of APJ receptor resulted in increased migration and invasion abilities through stimulation of migratory protrusion formation and proteolytic activity. These processes were mediated by PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. Opposite effect was obtained when the level of apelin was down-regulated. CONCLUSION The level of apelin and its receptor is strictly connected with regulation of migration and invasion of colon cancer cells. Therefore, apelinergic system seems to be a promising target for anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta PodgÓrska
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Joanna OlszaŃska
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Wroclaw, Poland
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Sinen O, Bülbül M. The role of autonomic pathways in peripheral apelin-induced gastrointestinal dysmotility: involvement of the circumventricular organs. Exp Physiol 2020; 106:475-485. [PMID: 33347671 DOI: 10.1113/ep089182] [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: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Are central autonomic pathways and circumventricular organs involved in apelin-induced inhibition of gut motility? What is the main finding and its importance? Peripherally administered apelin-13 inhibits gastric and colonic motor functions through sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic pathways, which seems to be partly mediated by the apelin receptor in circumventricular organs. ABSTRACT Peripheral administration of apelin-13 has been shown to inhibit gastrointestinal (GI) motility, but the relevant mechanisms are incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate (i) whether the apelin receptor (APJ) is expressed in circumventricular structures involved in autonomic functions, (ii) whether they are activated by peripherally administered apelin, (iii) the role of autonomic pathways in peripheral exogenous apelin-induced GI dysmotility, and (iv) the changes in apelin levels in the extracellular environment of the brain following its peripheral application. Ninety minutes after apelin-13 administration (300 μg kg-1 , i.p.), gastric emptying (GE) and colon transit (CT) were measured in rats that underwent parasympathectomy and/or sympathectomy. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were also collected from another group of rats that received apelin-13 or vehicle injection. The immunoreactivities for APJ and c-Fos in circumventricular organs (CVOs) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Compared with vehicle-treated rats, GE and CT were inhibited significantly by apelin-13 treatment, and were completely restored in animals that underwent the combination of parasympathectomy and sympathectomy and sympathectomy alone, respectively. Apelin concentrations were elevated in both plasma and CSF following peripheral administration of apelin-13. APJ expression was detected in area postrema (AP), subfornical organ and organum vasculosum of lamina terminalis, and c-Fos expression was observed in response to apelin injection. Apelin-induced c-Fos expression in AP was partially attenuated by pretreatment with the cholecystokinin-1 receptor antagonist lorglumide, whereas it was completely abolished in vagotomized rats. The present data suggest that APJ in CVOs could indirectly contribute to the inhibitory action of peripheral apelin on GI motor functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Sinen
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Bülbül
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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Ranjbar Kohan N, Tabandeh MR, Nazifi S, Soleimani Z. L-carnitine improves metabolic disorders and regulates apelin and apelin receptor genes expression in adipose tissue in diabetic rats. Physiol Rep 2020; 8:e14641. [PMID: 33278072 PMCID: PMC7718837 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Apelin is a new adipocytokine that acts as an endogenous hormone in various tissues through its receptor (APJ). This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral administration of L-carnitine (LC) on the expression of Apelin and APJ in adipose tissue of experimentally induced insulin-resistant and type 2 diabetic rats. In this experimental study, 60 male rats fed with high fat/high carbohydrate (HF/HC) diet. After 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally injection of streptozotocin (STZ) and confirmation of diabetes (FBS higher than 126 mg/dl), the animals were daily treated with 300 mg/kg LC for 28 days. At days 7, 14, and 28 of posttreatment, the expression of apelin and APJ in adipose tissue were determined using qPCR in diabetic, diabetic + LC treated, control, and control + LC treated groups. Apelin, insulin, TNF-α, and IL1-β were measured by the ELISA method. Results demonstrated that the rats fed with the HF/HC diet for 5 weeks were hyperinsulinemic and normoglycemic, while after STZ injection, they showed hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia with higher levels of HOMA-IR. Apelin serum level, APJ and apelin gene expression in adipose tissue increased significantly with the development of diabetes compared to the control group. Treatment with LC for 14 days caused a reduction in apelin and APJ expressions in adipose tissue of diabetic rats. TNF-α and IL1-β levels were reduced in diabetic rats 14 days after their treatment with LC. The study results show that L-carnitine could act as a new regulator in apelin gene expression in adipose tissue, improving the metabolic disorders in diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Ranjbar Kohan
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Tabandeh
- Department of Basic Sciences, Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeed Nazifi
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Soleimani
- Department of Basic Sciences, Histology Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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Li Y, Li Y, Li Y, Yang Z, Geng H, Liu C, Hao W, Yang R, Jin S, Wu Y, Wang X, Teng X. Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress mediates the ameliorative effect of apelin on vascular calcification. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020; 152:17-28. [PMID: 33279504 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2020.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Apelin is the endogenous ligand of G protein-coupled receptor APJ and play an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. We aimed to investigate whether apelin ameliorates vascular calcification (VC) by inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). METHODS AND RESULTS VC model in rats was induced by nicotine plus vitamin D, while calcification of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) was induced by beta-glycerophosphate. Alizarin Red S staining showed dramatic calcium deposition in the aorta of rats with VC, while calcium contents and ALP activity also increased in calcified aorta. Protein levels of apelin and APJ were decreased in the calcified aorta. In rats with VC, apelin treatment significantly ameliorated aortic calcification, compliance and stimulation of ERS. The ameliorative effect of apelin on VC and ERS was also observed in calcified VSMCs. ERS stimulator (tunicamycin or DTT) blocked the beneficial effect of apelin. Apelin treatment activated the PI3K/Akt signaling, blockage of which by wortmannin or inhibitor IV prevented the ameliorative effect of apelin, while ERS inhibitor 4-PBA rescued the blockade effect of wortmannin. Akt-induced GSK inhibition prevented the phosphorylation of PERK and IRE1, and the activation of these two major ERS branches. F13A blocked the ameliorative effect of apelin on VC and ERS, which was reversed by treatment with 4-PBA or Akt activator SC79 CONCLUSIONS: Apelin ameliorated VC by binding to APJ and then prevented ERS activation by stimulating Akt signaling. These results might provide new target for therapy and prevention of VC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqing Li
- Hebei Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Hebei University of Chines Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Yuqing Li
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Ziyuan Yang
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Haigang Geng
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Wei Hao
- Hebei Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Hebei University of Chines Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Sheng Jin
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Yuming Wu
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Xiaoning Wang
- The Second Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China.
| | - Xu Teng
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animal Science, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
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Du J, Lin X, Wu R, Gao Z, Du Y, Liao Y, Quan S. miR-424 suppresses proliferation and promotes apoptosis of human ovarian granulosa cells by targeting Apelin and APJ expression. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:3660-3673. [PMID: 32774725 PMCID: PMC7407740] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with alteration of Apelin signaling in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). However, the molecular mechanisms regulating Apelin expression remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the role of miR-424 in modulating Apelin expression and GC functions. METHODS miRNA expression in GCs was altered by transfection with specific miR-424 mimics and inhibitors. Apelin level was determined by ELISA. miR-424 and mRNA expression were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. Protein abundance was measured by western blotting. Genomic sequence targeted by miR-424 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Apelin gene was overexpressed by transfection of LV-003 vector carrying its cDNA. GC proliferation was analyzed by MTS method, and its cell cycle progression and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS Apelin concentration was increased in serum and follicular fluid from PCOS patients, accompanied by upregulated APJ (Apelin receptor) expression and suppressed miR-424 expression in GCs. miR-424 mimics suppressed Apelin and APJ expression in KGN cells by targeting 3' UTR of Apelin and APJ, whereas miR-424 inhibitors had the opposite effects. miR-424 inhibited KGN cell proliferation and cell cycle progression by down-regulating Cyclin-D/E expression. Moreover, miR-424 promoted KGN cell apoptosis by increasing truncated Caspase-3 level. The regulation of KGN cell proliferation and apoptosis by miR-424 was mediated by directly suppressing Apelin gene expression, instead of inhibiting Apelin peptide activity. CONCLUSION miR-424 suppresses proliferation and promotes apoptosis of human ovarian granulosa cells by directly targeting and inhibiting Apelin and APJ expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Du
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
- Reproductive Medical Center, Boai Hospital of ZhongshanZhongshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiufeng Lin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Boai Hospital of ZhongshanZhongshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Riran Wu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Boai Hospital of ZhongshanZhongshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zixuan Gao
- Department of Gynecology, Boai Hospital of ZhongshanZhongshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yan Du
- Reproductive Medical Center, Boai Hospital of ZhongshanZhongshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuechan Liao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Boai Hospital of ZhongshanZhongshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Song Quan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, China
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Li Y, Guo J, Yu H, Zhou J, Chu X, Hou B, Ge J, Li T, Duan S, Xu H, Yang X. The effect of olmesartan on aortic intimal thickening after balloon injury through Apelin/ APJ. Cardiovasc Pathol 2020; 49:107230. [PMID: 32585603 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2020.107230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Restenosis is the main complication after percutaneous coronary intervention. The proliferation of new intima contributes to the process. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of olmesartan on intimal thickening after balloon injury and possible mechanism. METHODS Aortic endothelial denudation model was made by a 2F balloon catheter. Thirty-six rats were randomly allocated into three groups: Control (n = 12) Surgery (n = 12, received vascular balloon injury) and Olmesartan (n = 12, received 3 mg.kg-1.d-1olmesartan after injury). Fourteen and 28 days after injury, HE staining was used to assess the aortic endothelial injury. Radioimmunological method was used to examine the level of angiotensin II (Ang II). Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerse chain reaction (RT-PCR) were employed to detect the protein and mRNA level of Apelin/APJ. RESULTS After vascular balloon injury, the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and the intimal thickening were increased. The mRNA and protein level of Ang II, AT1, Apelin and APJ mRNA were promoted by vascular balloon injury. Olmesartan decreased the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and the intimal thickening. Olmesartan decreased the expression of Ang II and AT1, but further increased the expression of Apelin and APJ. Balloon injury also induced the activation of Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling and olmesartan decreased the effect. CONCLUSION Olmesartan inhibits the intimal thickening through activating Apelin/APJ and inhibiting AngII-AT1 and ERK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003,China.
| | - Junjie Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003,China
| | - Haichu Yu
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003,China
| | - Jingwei Zhou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003,China
| | - Xianming Chu
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003,China
| | - Bo Hou
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003,China
| | - Junhua Ge
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003,China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003,China
| | - Shuo Duan
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003,China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003,China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266003,China
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Ji B, Shang L, Wang C, Wan L, Cheng B, Chen J. Roles for heterodimerization of APJ and B2R in promoting cell proliferation via ERK1/2-eNOS signaling pathway. Cell Signal 2020; 73:109671. [PMID: 32407761 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109671] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Apelin receptor (APJ) and bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R) play an important role in many physiological processes and share multiple similar characteristics in distribution and functions in the cardiovascular system. We first identified the endogenous expression of APJ and B2R in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and their co-localization on human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells membrane. A suite of bioluminescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (BRET and FRET), proximity ligation assay (PLA), and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was exploited to demonstrate formation of functional APJ and B2R heterodimer in HUVECs and transfected cells. Stimulation with apelin-13 and bradykinin (BK) increased the phosphorylation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in HUVECs, which could be inhibited by the silencing of APJ or B2R, indicating the APJ-B2R dimer is critical for eNOS phosphorylation in HUVECs. Furthermore, the increase of NOS and extracellular signal regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation mediated by APJ/B2R dimer can be inhibited by U0126 and U73122, respectively, suggesting that the heterodimer might activate the PLC/ERK1/2/eNOS signaling pathway, and finally leading to a significant increase in cell proliferation. Thus, we uncovered for the first time the existence of APJ-B2R heterodimer and provided a promising new target in cardiovascular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyuan Ji
- Institute of Neurobiology, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, PR China.
| | - Liyan Shang
- Department of Nephrology, Zoucheng People's Hospital, Zoucheng 273500, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Institute of Neurobiology, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, PR China
| | - Lei Wan
- Institute of Neurobiology, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, PR China
| | - Baohua Cheng
- Institute of Neurobiology, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, PR China
| | - Jing Chen
- Institute of Neurobiology, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, PR China; Division of Translational and Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
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Couvineau P, Llorens-Cortes C, Iturrioz X. Elabela/Toddler and apelin bind differently to the apelin receptor. FASEB J 2020; 34:7989-8000. [PMID: 32301550 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903029r] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Like apelin (pE13F, K17F), Elabela/Toddler is an endogenous ligand of the apelin receptor playing a key role in cardiovascular development. Elabela/Toddler exists as peptide fragments of 32 (Q32P), 22 (K22P) and 11 (C11P) amino acids. In this study, we investigated the possible structural and functional similarities between these endogenous ligands. We performed in vitro pharmacological characterization and biased signaling analyses for apelin and Elabela/Toddler fragments in CHO cells, by assessing binding affinities, the inhibition of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production and the triggering of ß-arrestin 2 recruitment. We also performed Alanine scanning for Elabela/Toddler and structure-function studies based on site-directed mutagenesis of the rat and human apelin receptor, to compare the modes of binding of the different endogenous ligands. Alanine scanning of K22P showed that neither of its cysteine residues were involved in binding or in peptide activity and that its C-terminus carried the key pharmacophore for receptor binding and activation. We showed that Asp282 and Asp284 of rat and human apelin receptor, respectively, were not involved in Elabela/Toddler activity, whereas they are key residues for apelin binding and activity. We found that the structural features of Elabela/Toddler and apelin were different, resulting in different modes of binding of these endogenous ligands to the apelin receptor. These differences should be taken into account in the future development metabolically stable analogs of Elabela/Toddler and apelin as potential therapeutic tools for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and water retention/hyponatremic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Couvineau
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Llorens-Cortes
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Iturrioz
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, Paris, France
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Seo K, Parikh VN, Ashley EA. Stretch-Induced Biased Signaling in Angiotensin II Type 1 and Apelin Receptors for the Mediation of Cardiac Contractility and Hypertrophy. Front Physiol 2020; 11:181. [PMID: 32231588 PMCID: PMC7082839 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The myocardium has an intrinsic ability to sense and respond to mechanical load in order to adapt to physiological demands. Primary examples are the augmentation of myocardial contractility in response to increased ventricular filling caused by either increased venous return (Frank-Starling law) or aortic resistance to ejection (the Anrep effect). Sustained mechanical overload, however, can induce pathological hypertrophy and dysfunction, resulting in heart failure and arrhythmias. It has been proposed that angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and apelin receptor (APJ) are primary upstream actors in this acute myocardial autoregulation as well as the chronic maladaptive signaling program. These receptors are thought to have mechanosensing capacity through activation of intracellular signaling via G proteins and/or the multifunctional transducer protein, β-arrestin. Importantly, ligand and mechanical stimuli can selectively activate different downstream signaling pathways to promote inotropic, cardioprotective or cardiotoxic signaling. Studies to understand how AT1R and APJ integrate ligand and mechanical stimuli to bias downstream signaling are an important and novel area for the discovery of new therapeutics for heart failure. In this review, we provide an up-to-date understanding of AT1R and APJ signaling pathways activated by ligand versus mechanical stimuli, and their effects on inotropy and adaptive/maladaptive hypertrophy. We also discuss the possibility of targeting these signaling pathways for the development of novel heart failure therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinya Seo
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Victoria N. Parikh
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Euan A. Ashley
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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Fan J, Fan X, Guang H, Shan X, Tian Q, Zhang F, Chen R, Ye F, Quan H, Zhang H, Ding L, Gan Z, Xue F, Wang Y, Mao S, Hu L, Gong Y. Upregulation of miR-335-3p by NF-κB Transcriptional Regulation Contributes to the Induction of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension via APJ during Hypoxia. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:515-528. [PMID: 32015687 PMCID: PMC6990898 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.34517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a cardiopulmonary disease that can lead to heart failure and eventually death. MicroRNAs (miRs) play essential roles during PAH progression; however, their exact mechanism of action remains unclear. Apelin is a small bioactive peptide with a key protective function in the pathogenesis of PAH mediated by binding to the APJ gene. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR-335-3p in chronic normobaric hypoxia (CNH)-induced PAH in mice and the potential underlying regulatory mechanism. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to normoxia (~21% O2) or CNH (~10% O2, 23 h/d) for 5 weeks. MiR-335-3p was significantly increased in lung tissue of CNH-induced PAH mice. Blocking miR-335-3p attenuated CNH-induced PAH and alleviated pulmonary vascular remodeling. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay indicated that nuclear factor-kappa beta (NF-κB) acted as a transcriptional regulator upstream of miR-335-3p. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate treatment reversed the CNH-induced increase in miR-335-3p expression and diminished CNH-induced PAH. Moreover, p50-/- mice were resistant to CNH-induced PAH. Finally, APJ was identified as a direct targeting gene downstream of miR-335-3p, and pharmacological activation of APJ by its ligand apelin-13 reduced CNH-induced PAH and improved pulmonary vascular remodeling. Our results indicate that NF-κB-mediated transcriptional upregulation of miR-335-3p contributes to the inhibition of APJ and induction of PAH during hypoxia; hence, miR-335-3p could be a potential therapeutic target for hypoxic PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junming Fan
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Xiaofang Fan
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Hui Guang
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Shan
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Qiuyun Tian
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Fukun Zhang
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Ran Chen
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Fangzhou Ye
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Hui Quan
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Haizeng Zhang
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Lu Ding
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Zhuohui Gan
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Feng Xue
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yongyu Wang
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Sunzhong Mao
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Lianggang Hu
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yongsheng Gong
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
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Xu W, Li T, Gao L, Zheng J, Yan J, Zhang J, Shao A. Apelin-13/ APJ system attenuates early brain injury via suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome activation and oxidative stress in a AMPK-dependent manner after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:247. [PMID: 31791369 PMCID: PMC6889224 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1620-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [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: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in early brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study is the first to show that activation of apelin receptor (APJ) by apelin-13 could reduce endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress-associated inflammation and oxidative stress after SAH. Methods Apelin-13, apelin siRNA, APJ siRNA, and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor-dorsomorphin were used to investigate if the activation of APJ could provide neuroprotective effects after SAH. Brain water content, neurological functions, blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and inflammatory molecules were evaluated at 24 h after SAH. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were applied to assess the expression of target proteins. Results The results showed that endogenous apelin, APJ, and p-AMPK levels were significantly increased and peaked in the brain 24 h after SAH. In addition, administration of exogenous apelin-13 significantly alleviated neurological functions, attenuated brain edema, preserved BBB integrity, and also improved long-term spatial learning and memory abilities after SAH. The underlying mechanism of the neuroprotective effects of apelin-13 is that it suppresses microglia activation, prevents ER stress from overactivation, and reduces the levels of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 protein (NLRP3), Bip, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, TNFα, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the use of APJ siRNA and dorsomorphin abolished the neuroprotective effects of apelin-13 on neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Conclusions Exogenous apelin-13 binding to APJ attenuates early brain injury by reducing ER stress-mediated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which is at least partly mediated by the AMPK/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liansheng Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingwei Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China. .,Brain Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 88 Jiefang Rd, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
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Akkan SS, İzgüt-Uysal VN, Çakır T, Özbey Ö, Üstünel İ. The effect of experimental varicocele on the apelin and APJ expressions in rat testis tissue. Tissue Cell 2019; 63:101318. [PMID: 32223946 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2019.101318] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Varicocele, which is one of the causes of infertility in men, can be defined as the expansion of spermatic cord veins. The presence of apelin and apelin receptor (APJ) in many tissues and the effects of apelin have been reported in several studies. There is no study showing apelin and APJ protein expressions in normal and varicocele-induced testicular tissues. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate varicocele-induced changes in apelin and APJ expressions in testicular tissue by immunohistochemical and western blotting techniques. In our study, Wistar male rats were randomly divided into three groups as control, varicocele, and sham. While the control group rats were not subjected to any treatment, the unilateral varicocele model was created under anesthesia in the varicocele group. In the sham group, the left abdominal region was opened and closed to exclude the effect of the surgical procedure. At the 13th postoperative week, the left testes were obtained under anesthesia in all groups, and the immunohistochemistry and Western blotting techniques were used to detect apelin and APJ expressions. In our study; apelin and APJ were significantly expressed in control group's testicular tissue; apelin in testicular tissues of varicocele groups increased compared to the control group, whereas APJ expression decreased. In conclusion, the presence of apelin/APJ system in normal testis and the increased expression of apelin in varicocele-induced testicular tissue suggested that apelin may have a role in the varicocele etiopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simla Su Akkan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | - Tuğrul Çakır
- Department of General Surgery, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Özlem Özbey
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - İsmail Üstünel
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
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Melgar-Lesmes P, Perramon M, Jiménez W. Roles of the Hepatic Endocannabinoid and Apelin Systems in the Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 8:E1311. [PMID: 31653030 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the consequence of an unresolved wound healing process in response to chronic liver injury and involves multiple cell types and molecular mechanisms. The hepatic endocannabinoid and apelin systems are two signalling pathways with a substantial role in the liver fibrosis pathophysiology-both are upregulated in patients with advanced liver disease. Endogenous cannabinoids are lipid-signalling molecules derived from arachidonic acid involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular dysfunction, portal hypertension, liver fibrosis, and other processes associated with hepatic disease through their interactions with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Apelin is a peptide that participates in cardiovascular and renal functions, inflammation, angiogenesis, and hepatic fibrosis through its interaction with the APJ receptor. The endocannabinoid and apelin systems are two of the multiple cell-signalling pathways involved in the transformation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblast like cells, the main matrix-producing cells in liver fibrosis. The mechanisms underlying the control of hepatic stellate cell activity are coincident despite the marked dissimilarities between the endocannabinoid and apelin signalling pathways. This review discusses the current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the hepatic endocannabinoid and apelin systems play a significant role in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis.
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Zhou Q, Xu J, Liu M, He L, Zhang K, Yang Y, Yang X, Zhou H, Tang M, Lu L, Chen Z, Chen L, Li L. Warburg effect is involved in apelin-13-induced human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14413-14421. [PMID: 30706469 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Apelin is the endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Both apelin and APJ receptor are distributed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and play important roles in the cardiovascular system. Our previous reports have indicated that apelin-13 promoted the proliferation of VSMCs, but its exact mechanism remains to be further explored. The results of the present study demonstrated that the Warburg effect plays a pivotal role in apelin-13-induced human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs) proliferation. Apelin-13 promoted the expression of glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1), pyruvate kinase 2 (PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, apelin-13 increased the extracellular, intracellular lactate level, and decreased adenosine triphosphate level in HA-VSMCs. Furthermore, siRNA-PKM2 reversed extracellular and intracellular lactate generation and inhibited the proliferation of HA-VSMCs induced by apelin-13. Downregulation of LDHA also significantly prevented extracellular and intracellular lactate generation and inhibited the proliferation of HA-VSMCs induced by apelin-13. Taken together, our results demonstrated a novel mechanism for HA-VSMCs proliferation induced by apelin-13 via Warburg effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qionglin Zhou
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Meiqing Liu
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lu He
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yiyuan Yang
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Mingzhu Tang
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Liqun Lu
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Linxi Chen
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lanfang Li
- Learning Key Laboratory for Pharmacoproteomics, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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