Cui Tian

Osteopontin stimulates autophagy via integrin/CD44 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells

Osteopontin (OPN) exerts pro‐inflammatory effect and is associated with the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, the molecular mechanism underlying this association remains obscure. In the present study, we compared gene expression profiles of AAA tissues using microarray assay, and found that OPN was the highest expressed gene (>125‐fold). Furthermore, the expression of LC3 protein and autophagy‐related genes including Atg4b, Beclin1/Atg6, Bnip3, and Vps34 was markedly upregulated in AAA tissues. To investigate the ability of OPN to stimulate autophagy as a potential mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of this disease, we treated vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) with OPN, and found that OPN significantly increased the formation of autophagosomes, expression of autophagy‐related genes and cell death, whereas blocking the signal by anti‐OPN antibody markedly inhibited OPN‐induced autophagy and SMC death. Furthermore, inhibition of integrin/CD44 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways markedly abrogated the biological effects of OPN on SMCs. These data for the first time demonstrate that OPN sitmulates autophagy directly through integrin/CD44 and p38 MAPK‐mediated pathways in SMCs. Thus, inhibition of OPN‐induced autophagy might be a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of AAA disease. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 127–135, 2012.

Inhibition of 12/15 lipoxygenase by baicalein reduces myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via modulation of multiple signaling pathways.

Abstract12/15-Lipoxygenase (LOX) is a member of the LOX family that catalyzes the step from arachidonic acid to hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). Previous studies demonstrated that 12/15-LOX plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, and other diseases; however, its role in myocardial ischemic injury was contraversal. Here, we investigated the inhibition of 12/15-LOX by baicalein on acute cardiac injury and dissected its molecular mechanism. In a mouse model of acute ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, 12/15-LOX was significantly upregulated in the peri-infarct area surrounding the primary infarction. In cultured cardiac myocytes, baicalein suppressed apoptosis and caspase 3 activity in response to simulated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Moreover, administration of 12/15-LOX inhibitor, baicalein, significantly attenuated myocardial infarct size induced by I/R injury. Moreover, baicalein treatment significantly inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis, inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in the heart after I/R injury. The mechanisms underlying these effects were associated with the activation of ERK1/2 and AKT pathways and inhibition of activation of p38 MAPK, JNK1/2, and NF-kB/p65 pathways in the I/R-treated hearts and neonatal cardiomyoctes. Our data indicated that 12/15-LOX inhibitor baicalein can prevent myocardial I/R injury by modulation of multiple mechanisms, and suggest that baicalein could represent a novel therapeutic drug for acute myocardial infarction.

Proinflammatory Protein CARD9 Is Essential for Infiltration of Monocytic Fibroblast Precursors and Cardiac Fibrosis Caused by Angiotensin II Infusion

Background Angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced cardiac remodeling with the underlying mechanisms involving inflammation and fibrosis has been well documented. Cytosolic adaptor caspase recruitment domain 9 (CARD9) has been implicated in the innate immune response. We aimed to examine the role of CARD9 in inflammation and cardiac fibrosis induced by Ang II. Methods Two-month-old CARD9-deficient (CARD9−/−) and wild-type (WT) male mice were infused with Ang II (1,500 ng/kg/min) or saline for 7 days. Heart sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome and examined by immunohistochemistry; and activity and protein levels were measured in macrophages obtained from mice. Results WT mice with Ang II infusion showed a marked increase in CARD9+ macrophages in the heart, but CARD9−/− mice showed significantly suppressed macrophage infiltration and expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Importantly, Ang II–induced cardiac fibrosis (extracellular matrix and collagen I deposition) was diminished in CARD9−/− hearts, as was the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and level of myofibroblasts positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Furthermore, Ang II activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in WT macrophages was reduced in CARD9−/− macrophages. Conclusion CARD9 plays an important role in regulating cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in response to elevated Ang II.

Carboxyl Terminus of Heat Shock Protein 70-Interacting Protein Inhibits Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiac Remodeling

BACKGROUND The carboxyl terminus of heat shock protein 70-interacting protein (CHIP), an E3 ligase/chaperone, was found to protect cardiomyocytes against apoptosis induced by ischemic injury; however, the functional role of CHIP in remodeling induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) remains unclear. METHODS We generated CHIP-overexpressed transgenic (TG) mice infused with Ang II (1,500 ng/kg/min) or saline for days or small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Heart sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and immunohistochemistry, and the levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) were measured by western blot analysis. RESULTS Seven days after Ang II infusion, cardiac-specific overexpression of CHIP significantly enhanced cardiac contractile performance in mice and attenuated cardiac apoptosis, fibrosis, and inflammation: the number of TUNEL-positive cells, fibrotic areas, macrophage infiltration, and the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in heart tissues were decreased as compared with wild-type (WT) mice (all P < 0.05). In contrast, CHIP siRNA knockdown markedly increased Ang II-induced apoptosis and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, as compared with siRNA control. The mechanisms underlying these beneficial actions were associated with CHIP-mediated inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK (p38 and JNK) pathways. CONCLUSIONS CHIP plays an important role in regulating Ang II-triggered hypertensive cardiac apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Cardiac-specific overexpression of E3 ligase Nrdp1 increases ischemia and reperfusion-induced cardiac injury

Cardiomyocyte death is a major event of myocardial infarction. Previously, we and others have shown that E3 ligase-mediated protein turnover plays a critical role in cardiac injury. In this study, we sought to determine the role of a newly identified E3 ligase, neuregulin receptor degradation protein-1 (Nrdp1), on cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. I/R injury markedly upregulated Nrdp1 expression in heart tissue. To elucidate the role of Nrdp1 in I/R-induced cardiac injury, neonatal cardiomyocytes were infected with adenoviral constructs expressing wild-type, dominant-negative Nrdp1 genes. Increased Nrdp1 expression enhanced I/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation as compared with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) control; these effects were attenuated by overexpression of a dominant-negative Nrdp1 (C34S/H36Q). Furthermore, cardiac-specific Nrdp1 overexpression in vivo in mouse significantly increased infarct size, the number of TUNEL-positive nuclei and inflammatory cells, as well as mortality, as compared with wild-type mice after I/R injury. The mechanisms underlying these effects were associated with the downregulation of an Nrdp1 substrate, ErbB3, accompanied by suppression of its downstream targets AKT, ERK1/2, and activation of p38 and JNK1/2. Together, these results provide evidence for an important role for Nrdp1 in regulating I/R-induced cardiac injury. Nrdp1 may constitute a new therapeutic target for ameliorating the I/R-induced cardiac injury.

Overexpression of Nrdp1 in the heart exacerbates doxorubicin-induced cardiac dysfunction in mice.

Background Cardiac cell death and generation of oxidative stress contribute to doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiac dysfunction. E3 ligase Nrdp1 plays a critical role in the regulation of cell apoptosis, inflammation and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may contribute to heart failure. However, the role of Nrdp1 in DOX-induced cardiac injury remains to be determined. Methods and Results We examined the effect of Nrdp1 overexpression with DOX treatment in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes and mouse heart tissue. Cardiomyocytes were infected with adenovirus containing GFP (Ad-GFP), Nrdp1 wild-type (Ad-Nrdp1) or the dominant-negative form of Nrdp1 (Ad-Dn-Nrdp1), then treated with DOX for 24 hr. DOX treatment increased cell death and apoptosis, with Ad-Nrdp1 infection enhancing these actions but Ad-Dn-Nrdp1 infection attenuating these effects. Furthermore, 5 days after a single injection of DOX (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), Nrdp1 transgenic mice (TG) showed decreased cardiac function and increased apoptosis, autophagy and oxidative stress as compared with wild-type (WT) mice (P<0.01). Survival rate was significantly lower in Nrdp1 TG mice than in WT mice 10 days after DOX injection (P<0.01). Conclusions/Significance These results were associated with decreased activation of Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways. Nrdp1 may be a key mediator in the development of cardiac dysfunction after DOX treatment and associated with inhibition of Akt, ERK1/2 and STAT3. Nrdp1 may be a new therapeutic target in protecting against the cardiotoxic effects of DOX.

Notch γ-Secretase Inhibitor Dibenzazepine Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in ApoE Knockout Mice by Multiple Mechanisms

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening aortic disease in the elderly. Activation of Notch1 pathway plays a critical role in the development of AAA, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In the present study, we explored the mechanisms by which Notch1 activation regulates angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced AAA formation and evaluated the therapeutic potential of a new Notch γ-secretase inhibitor, dibenzazepine (DBZ), for the treatment of AAA. Apolipoprotein E knockout (Apo E−/−) mice infused for 4 weeks with Ang II (1000 ng/kg/min, IP) using osmotic mini-pumps were received an intraperitoneal injection of either vehicle or 1 mg/kg/d DBZ. Notch1 signaling was activated in AAA tissue from both Ang II-infused Apo E−/− mice and human undergoing AAA repair in vivo, with increased expression of Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and its target gene Hes1, and this effect was effectively blocked by DBZ. Moreover, infusion of Ang II markedly increased the incidence and severity of AAA in Apo E−/− mice. In contrast, inhibition of Notch activation by DBZ prevented AAA formation in vivo. Furthermore, DBZ markedly prevented Ang II-stimulated accumulation of macrophages and CD4+ T cells, and ERK-mediated angiogenesis, simultaneously reversed Th2 response, in vivo. In conclusion, these findings provide new insight into the multiple mechanisms of Notch signaling involved in AAA formation and suggest that γ-secretase inhibitor DBZ might be a novel therapeutic drug for treating AAAS.

Baicalein Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiac Remodeling via Inhibition of AKT/mTOR, ERK1/2, NF-κB, and Calcineurin Signaling Pathways in Mice

BACKGROUND Baicalein, a specific lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitor, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the functional role of baicalein in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension and cardiac remodeling remains unclear. Here we investigated the effect of baicalein on cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and the underlying mechanism. METHODS Wild-type (WT) mice were injected with Ang II (1,200ng/kg/min) alone or together with 12/15-LOX inhibitor baicalein (25mg/kg) for 14 days. Histological examinations were performed on heart sections with hematoxylin and eosin, Massons trichrome, wheat germ agglutinin staining, and immunohistochemistry. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of cytokines and protein levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis respectively. RESULTS Ang II infusion significantly increased blood pressure but decreased cardiac contractile function reflected by fractional shortening% and ejection fraction% compared with saline-treated mice. Moreover, Ang II infusion resulted in marked cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, promoted accumulation of macrophages and T cells, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and malondialdehyde (MDA) production. However, these actions were markedly reversed by administration of baicalein in mice. Mechanistically, the protective effects of baicalein were associated with the inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress, and multiple signaling pathways (AKT/mTOR, ERK1/2, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and calcineurin) in the Ang II-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that baicalein can significantly ameliorate Ang II-induced hypertension and cardiac remodeling, and may be a novel therapeutic drug for prevention of hypertensive heart diseases.

Toll-like receptor-2 ligand peptidoglycan upregulates expression and ubiquitin ligase activity of CHIP through JNK pathway.

Background: Peptidoglycan (PGN) is a component of cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria that stimulates inflammatory responses through Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). The carboxyl terminus of constitutive heat shock cognate 70 (HSC70)-interacting protein (CHIP, also known as Stub1) is a U-box-type E3 ubiquitin ligase, which plays an important role in protein quality control and inflammation through ubquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. However, it is unclear whether TLR2 agonist PGN regulates the expression and activation of CHIP. Methods/Results: In this study, we showed that PGN significantly up-regulated the expression of CHIP in both mRNA and protein levels in RAW264.7 cells in a time-dependant manner, and the expression of CHIP induced by PGN was abolished in TLR2 knockout macrophages. No significant change in CHIP was observed after lipopolysaccharide (LPS, TLR4 agonist) and cytosine-phosphorous-guanine oligonucleotide (CpG ODN, TLR9 agonist) treatment. Moreover, PGN markedly induced the expression and activity of CHIP in macrophages, whereas this effect was attenuated by SP600125, a selective inhibitor of JNK. Conclusion: Our study for the first time demonstrates that TLR2 activation enhances the expression and activity of CHIP through JNK signaling pathway.

Ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 inhibitor PYR41 attenuates angiotensin II-induced activation of dendritic cells via the IκBa/NF-κB and MKP1/ERK/STAT1 pathways

The activation of dendritic cells (DCs) is necessary to initiate immune responses. Angiotensin II (Ang II) can enhance the maturation and activation of DCs, but the mechanisms are still unclear. Ubiquitin‐activating enzyme (E1/Uba1) is the common first step in ubiquitylation, which decides whether or not the modified protein is ultimately degraded by the proteasome. This study aimed to investigate the role of E1 in Ang II‐induced activation of DCs and the underlying mechanisms. First, we showed that Ang II stimulation significantly up‐regulated E1 expression in DCs. Moreover, Ang II treatment markedly induced phenotypic maturation, the secretion of cytokines and the immunostimulatory capacity of DCs. In contrast, inhibition of E1 by a small molecule inhibitor, 4 [4‐(5‐nitro‐furan‐2‐ylmethylene)‐3, 5‐dioxo‐pyrazolidin‐1‐yl]‐benzoic acid ethyl ester (PYR41), markedly attenuated these effects. Mechanistically, PYR41 treatment markedly decreased K63‐linked ubiquitination of tumour necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 and nuclear factor‐κB essential modulator, inhibited proteasomal degradation of nuclear factor‐κB inhibitor α and mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 thereby resulting in activation of nuclear factor‐κB, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 signalling pathways in DCs induced by Ang II. Taken together, our results demonstrate a novel role of E1 in Ang II‐induced activation of DCs, and inhibition of E1 activity might be a potential therapeutic target for DC‐mediated autoimmune diseases.