Cheng-Chia Wu

20-Hydroxy-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid Mediates Endothelial Dysfunction via IκB Kinase-Dependent Endothelial Nitric-Oxide Synthase Uncoupling

Endothelial dysfunction and activation occur in the vasculature and are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. We have shown that 20-hydroxy-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), a cytochrome P450 4A-derived eicosanoid that promotes vasoconstriction in the microcirculation, uncouples endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) and reduces nitric oxide (NO) levels via the dissociation of the 90-kDa heat shock protein (HSP90) from eNOS. It also causes endothelial activation by stimulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and increasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we examined signaling mechanisms that may link 20-HETE-induced endothelial dysfunction and activation. Under conditions in which 20-HETE inhibited NO production, it also stimulated inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) phosphorylation. Both effects were prevented by inhibition of tyrosine kinases and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). It is noteworthy that inhibitor of IκB kinase (IKK) activity negated the 20-HETE-mediated inhibition of NO production. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that treatment of ionophore-stimulated cells with 20-HETE brings about a decrease in HSP90-eNOS association and an increase in HSP90-IKKβ association, suggesting that the activation by 20-HETE of NF-κB is linked to its action on eNOS. Furthermore, addition of inhibitors of tyrosine kinase MAPK and IKK restored the 20-HETE-mediated impairment of acetylcholine-induced relaxation in rat renal interlobar arteries. The results indicate that 20-HETE mediates eNOS uncoupling and endothelial dysfunction via the activation of tyrosine kinase, MAPK, and IKK, and these effects are linked to 20-HETE-mediated endothelial activation.

20-HETE and blood pressure regulation: clinical implications.

20-Hydroxy-5, 8, 11, 14-eicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) is a cytochrome P450 (CYP)–derived omega-hydroxylation metabolite of arachidonic acid. 20-HETE has been shown to play a complex role in blood pressure regulation. In the kidney tubules, 20-HETE inhibits sodium reabsorption and promotes natriuresis, thus, contributing to antihypertensive mechanisms. In contrast, in the microvasculature, 20-HETE has been shown to play a pressor role by sensitizing smooth muscle cells to constrictor stimuli and increasing myogenic tone, and by acting on the endothelium to further promote endothelial dysfunction and endothelial activation. In addition, 20-HETE induces endothelial angiotensin-converting enzyme, thus, setting forth a potential feed forward prohypertensive mechanism by stimulating the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. With the advancement of gene sequencing technology, numerous polymorphisms in the regulatory coding and noncoding regions of 20-HETE–producing enzymes, CYP4A11 and CYP4F2, have been associated with hypertension. This in-depth review article discusses the biosynthesis and function of 20-HETE in the cardiovascular system, the pharmacological agents that affect 20-HETE action, and polymorphisms of CYP enzymes that produce 20-HETE and are associated with systemic hypertension in humans.

The Role of 20-HETE in Androgen-Mediated Hypertension

Androgen plays an important role in blood pressure regulation. Epidemiological studies have shown that men have a higher prevalence for developing hypertension than aged-matched, premenopausal women. Interestingly, postmenopausal women and women with polycystic ovary syndrome, both of which have increased endogenous androgen production, have elevated risks for hypertension suggesting that androgen may contribute to its development. Studies from our laboratory and others have provided substantial evidence that 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) mediates the hypertension seen in rodents treated with androgen. 20-HETE is the cytochrome P450 (CYP)-derived ω-hydroxylated metabolite of arachidonic acid. 20-HETE plays a complex role in blood pressure regulation. In the kidney tubules, 20-HETE decreases blood pressure by promoting natriuresis, while in the microvasculature it has a pressor effect. In the microcirculation, 20-HETE participates in the regulation of vascular tone by sensitizing the smooth muscle cells to constrictor stimuli and contributes to myogenic, mitogenic and angiogenic responses. In addition, 20-HETE acts on the endothelium to promote endothelial dysfunction and endothelial activation. Recently, we have demonstrated that 20-HETE induces endothelial ACE thus setting forth a potential feed forward mechanism through activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In this review, we will discuss the pro-hypertensive effects of 20-HETE and its role in androgen-induced vascular dysfunction and hypertension.

20-HETE induces remodeling of renal resistance arteries independent of blood pressure elevation in hypertension

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) is a cytochrome P-450 (Cyp)-derived arachidonic acid metabolite that has been shown to increase smooth muscle contractions and proliferation, stimulate endothelial dysfunction and activation, and promote hypertension. We examined if 20-HETE contributes to microvascular remodeling in hypertension. In Sprague-Dawley rats, administration of the 20-HETE biosynthesis inhibitor HET0016 or the 20-HETE antagonist N-20-hydroxyeicosa-6(Z),15(Z)-dienoic acid (20-HEDE) prevented 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced increases in blood pressure as well as abrogated DHT-induced increases in the media-to-lumen ratio (M/L), media thickness, and collagen IV deposition in renal interlobar arteries. Reserpine prevented blood pressure elevation in DHT-treated rats but did not affect microvascular remodeling (M/L, media thickness, and collagen deposition); under these conditions, treatment with the 20-HETE antagonist attenuated microvascular remodeling, suggesting that 20-HETE contributes to DHT-induced vascular remodeling independent of blood pressure elevation. In Cyp4a14(-/-) mice, which display androgen-driven and 20-HETE-dependent hypertension, treatment with the 20-HETE antagonist abolished remodeling of renal resistance arteries measured as media thickness (24 ± 1 vs. 15 ± 1 μm) and M/L (0.29 ± 0.03 vs. 0.17 ± 0.01). Moreover, in Cyp4a12 transgenic mice in which the expression of Cyp4a12-20-HETE synthase is driven by a tetracycline-sensitive promoter, treatment with doxycycline resulted in blood pressure elevation (140 ± 4 vs. 92 ± 5 mmHg) and a significant increase in remodeling of renal resistance arteries (media thickness: 23 ± 1 vs. 16 ± 1 μm; M/L: 0.39 ± 0.04 vs. 0.23 ± 0.02); these increases were abrogated by cotreatment with 20-HEDE. This study demonstrated that 20-HETE is a key regulator of microvascular remodeling in hypertension; its effect is independent of blood pressure elevation and androgen levels.

Androgen-induced hypertension in angiotensinogen deficient mice: role of 20-HETE and EETS.

20-HETE is a potent inducer of endothelial ACE in vitro and administration of lisinopril or losartan attenuates blood pressure in models of 20-HETE-dependent hypertension. The present study was undertaken to further define the relationship between 20-HETE and the renin-angiotensin system in hypertension using an angiotensinogen-deficient mouse (Agt+/-). Treatment of male AGT+/- with 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increased systolic BP from 102±2 to 125±3mmHg; in comparison, the same treatment raised BP in wild type (WT) from 110±2 to 138±2mmHg. DHT increased vascular 20-HETE levels in AGT+/- and WT from 1.5±0.7 and 2.1±0.6 to 13.0±2.0 and 15.8±4.0ng/mg, respectively. Concurrent treatment with the 20-HETE antagonist, 20-hydroxyeicosa-6(Z),15(Z)-dienoic acid (20-HEDE) prevented the increases in BP in both AGT+/- and WT mice. Administration of 20-HEDE at the peak of the DHT-induced BP increase (12 days) reduced BP to basal levels after 48h. Interestingly, basal levels of renal microvascular EETs were higher in AGT+/- compared to WT (55.2±9.7 vs 20.0±4.1ng/mg) and treatment of AGT+/- with DHT decreased the levels of EETs (28.4±5.1ng/mg). DHT-mediated changes in vascular EET level were not observed in WT mice. Vascular Cyp4a12 and ACE protein levels were increased in both AGT+/- and WT by 30-40% and decreased with concomitant administration of 20-HEDE. Lisinopril was as effective as 20-HEDE in preventing DHT-mediated increases in BP in both AGT+/- and WT mice. This study substantiates our previous findings that the RAS plays an important role in 20-HETE-mediated hypertension. It also proposes a novel interaction between 20-HETE and EETs.

Abstract LB-160: CYP4F isoform expression and 20-HETE synthesis in prostate cancer cells are regulated by androgen and contribute to growth

20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), a CYP450-derived arachidonic acid metabolite in the microcirculation, contributes to vascular tone and stimulates vascular and epithelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis and inflammation, all of which play a role in cancer progression. Our laboratory identified 20-HETE as the mediator of androgen-induced hypertension. Given that androgen contributes to the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, we examined the presence and function of 20-HETE in human prostate cancer cells. Androgen-responsive prostate cancer cells, LNCaP, produced 2-fold more 20-HETE compared to androgen-nonresponsive C4-2 cells (565±139 pg/mg protein vs 223±50 pg/mg protein). Both C4-2 and LNCaP produced greater amount of 20-HETE compared with U87 glioma, MCF-7 breast cancer and ML-1 thyroid cancer cells. 20-HETE levels in prostate primary stromal cells and epithelial RWPE-1 cells were barely detected (16±26 and 23±40 pg/mg protein respectively). Treatment of LNCaP with 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stimulated 20-HETE production by 65% when compared to vehicle control. DHT treatment did not alter 20-HETE levels in C4-2. Treatment of C4-2 and LNCaP with HET0016, an inhibitor of 20-HETE synthesis, selectively decreased endogenous 20-HETE production while inhibiting cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Further addition of exogenous 20-HETE stimulated growth. CYP4F2, CYP4F3 and CYP4F8 mRNA levels were several fold higher in LNCaP compared with C4-2, while levels of CYP4A11 and CYP4A22 mRNA were unchanged. In LNCaP, DHT increased CYP4F isoform expression without altering the CYP4A expression; flutamide abrogated DHT-induced expression of CYP4F2 and CYP4F3 but did not affect expression of CYP4F8. Importantly, flutamide inhibited DHT-stimulated 20-HETE production. These results suggest that 20-HETE has an important role in cancer cell proliferation and CYP4F2/3 might be the source of androgen-driven 20-HETE synthesis via androgen receptor dependent pathway. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-160. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-160

Androgen-dependent hypertension is mediated by 20-HETE- induced vascular dysfunction: Role of IkappaB kinase

Increased vascular synthesis of 20-HETE is associated with increased vascular contraction, endothelial dysfunction and endothelial activation; all are believed to account for 20-HETE pro-hypertensive properties. We previously demonstrated that the 20-HETE-dependent inhibition of NO production is mediated through IκB kinase (IKK) suggesting a cross talk between 20-HETE-mediated endothelial dysfunction and activation. In this study, we examined the temporal relationship among blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction and endothelial activation and the role of IKK in the rat model of androgen-driven 20-HETE-mediated hypertension. In Sprague-Dawley rats treated with 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), renal vascular 20-HETE levels increased by day 2 of treatment from 17.7±2.4 to 57.7±9.7 ng/mg, while blood pressure elevation reached significance by day 3 (132.7±1.7 vs 117.2±0.8 mmHg). In renal interlobar arteries, when compared to vehicle, DHT treatment increased the sensitivity to phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction by 3.5-fold, decreased acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation and increased NF-kB activity, all of which were attenuated by treatment with the 20-HETE antagonist, 20-HEDE. Co-treatment with parthenolide, an IKK inhibitor, attenuated the androgen-dependent 20-HETE-mediated elevation in blood pressure (from 133.7±3.1 to 109.8±3.0 mmHg). In addition, parthenolide treatment negated 20-HETE-mediated inhibition of the relaxing response to acetylcholine and 20-HETE-mediated increase in vascular NF-kB activity. These findings suggest that inhibition of IKK attenuates the androgen-dependent 20-HETE-mediated increase in blood pressure by inhibiting both 20-HETE-dependent endothelial activation and dysfunction.Increased vascular synthesis of 20-hydroxy-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) is associated with increased vascular contraction, endothelial dysfunction, and endothelial activation; all are believed to account for 20-HETE prohypertensive properties. We demonstrated previously that the 20-HETE–dependent inhibition of NO production is mediated through inhibitor of &kgr;B kinase (IKK), suggesting a cross-talk between 20-HETE–mediated endothelial dysfunction and activation. In this study, we examined the temporal relationship among blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, and endothelial activation and the role of IKK in the rat model of androgen-driven 20-HETE–mediated hypertension. In Sprague-Dawley rats treated with 5&agr;-dihydrotestosterone, renal vascular 20-HETE levels increased by day 2 of treatment from 17.7±2.4 to 57.7±9.7 ng/mg, whereas blood pressure elevation reached significance by day 3 (132.7±1.7 versus 117.2±0.8 mm Hg). In renal interlobar arteries, when compared with vehicle, 5&agr;-dihydrotestosterone treatment increased the sensitivity to phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction by 3.5-fold, decreased acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation, and increased nuclear factor &kgr;B activity, all of which were attenuated by treatment with the 20-HETE antagonist, 20 hydroxyeicosa-6(Z),15(Z)-dienoic acid, (20-6,15-HEDE). Cotreatment with parthenolide, an IKK inhibitor, attenuated the androgen-dependent 20-HETE–mediated elevation in blood pressure (from 133.7±3.1 to 109.8±3.0 mm Hg). In addition, parthenolide treatment negated 20-HETE–mediated inhibition of the relaxing response to acetylcholine and 20-HETE–mediated increase in vascular nuclear factor &kgr;B activity. These findings suggest that inhibition of IKK attenuates the androgen-dependent 20-HETE–mediated increase in blood pressure by inhibiting both 20-HETE–dependent endothelial activation and dysfunction.

Androgen-Dependent Hypertension Is Mediated by 20-Hydroxy-5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraenoic Acid–Induced Vascular Dysfunction

Increased vascular synthesis of 20-HETE is associated with increased vascular contraction, endothelial dysfunction and endothelial activation; all are believed to account for 20-HETE pro-hypertensive properties. We previously demonstrated that the 20-HETE-dependent inhibition of NO production is mediated through IκB kinase (IKK) suggesting a cross talk between 20-HETE-mediated endothelial dysfunction and activation. In this study, we examined the temporal relationship among blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction and endothelial activation and the role of IKK in the rat model of androgen-driven 20-HETE-mediated hypertension. In Sprague-Dawley rats treated with 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), renal vascular 20-HETE levels increased by day 2 of treatment from 17.7±2.4 to 57.7±9.7 ng/mg, while blood pressure elevation reached significance by day 3 (132.7±1.7 vs 117.2±0.8 mmHg). In renal interlobar arteries, when compared to vehicle, DHT treatment increased the sensitivity to phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction by 3.5-fold, decreased acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation and increased NF-kB activity, all of which were attenuated by treatment with the 20-HETE antagonist, 20-HEDE. Co-treatment with parthenolide, an IKK inhibitor, attenuated the androgen-dependent 20-HETE-mediated elevation in blood pressure (from 133.7±3.1 to 109.8±3.0 mmHg). In addition, parthenolide treatment negated 20-HETE-mediated inhibition of the relaxing response to acetylcholine and 20-HETE-mediated increase in vascular NF-kB activity. These findings suggest that inhibition of IKK attenuates the androgen-dependent 20-HETE-mediated increase in blood pressure by inhibiting both 20-HETE-dependent endothelial activation and dysfunction.Increased vascular synthesis of 20-hydroxy-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) is associated with increased vascular contraction, endothelial dysfunction, and endothelial activation; all are believed to account for 20-HETE prohypertensive properties. We demonstrated previously that the 20-HETE–dependent inhibition of NO production is mediated through inhibitor of &kgr;B kinase (IKK), suggesting a cross-talk between 20-HETE–mediated endothelial dysfunction and activation. In this study, we examined the temporal relationship among blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, and endothelial activation and the role of IKK in the rat model of androgen-driven 20-HETE–mediated hypertension. In Sprague-Dawley rats treated with 5&agr;-dihydrotestosterone, renal vascular 20-HETE levels increased by day 2 of treatment from 17.7±2.4 to 57.7±9.7 ng/mg, whereas blood pressure elevation reached significance by day 3 (132.7±1.7 versus 117.2±0.8 mm Hg). In renal interlobar arteries, when compared with vehicle, 5&agr;-dihydrotestosterone treatment increased the sensitivity to phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction by 3.5-fold, decreased acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation, and increased nuclear factor &kgr;B activity, all of which were attenuated by treatment with the 20-HETE antagonist, 20 hydroxyeicosa-6(Z),15(Z)-dienoic acid, (20-6,15-HEDE). Cotreatment with parthenolide, an IKK inhibitor, attenuated the androgen-dependent 20-HETE–mediated elevation in blood pressure (from 133.7±3.1 to 109.8±3.0 mm Hg). In addition, parthenolide treatment negated 20-HETE–mediated inhibition of the relaxing response to acetylcholine and 20-HETE–mediated increase in vascular nuclear factor &kgr;B activity. These findings suggest that inhibition of IKK attenuates the androgen-dependent 20-HETE–mediated increase in blood pressure by inhibiting both 20-HETE–dependent endothelial activation and dysfunction.