Jerzy Bełtowski

Leptin decreases plasma paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and induces oxidative stress: the possible novel mechanism for proatherogenic effect of chronic hyperleptinemia

Obesity is an important risk factor of atherosclerosis; however, the mechanism of proatherogenic effect of obesity is not definitely established. Recent studies suggest an important role of leptin in obesity associated complications. We investigated the effect of chronic hyperleptinemia on two antioxidant enzymes contained in plasma lipoproteins: paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and platelet activating factor-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH). The study was performed on three groups of male Wistar rats: (1) control, fed ad libitum, (2) leptin treated, receiving leptin (0.25 mg/kg twice daily s.c. for 7 days), (3) pair-fed, in which food intake was identical as in leptin-treated animals. PON1 activity toward paraoxon, phenyl acetate, gamma-decanolactone and homogentisic acid lactone was lower in leptin-treated than in control group by 30.4, 30.8, 34.5 and 62%, respectively. Leptin increased plasma concentration and urinary excretion of isoprostanes by 46.4 and 49.2%, respectively. Leptin treatment had no effect on plasma lipid profile and glucose level. Plasma leptin was 208.8% higher in leptin-treated and 51.5% lower in pair-fed than in control group. These data indicate that hyperleptinemia induced by exogenous leptin administration markedly decreases plasma PON1 activity and induces oxidative stress. These mechanisms may be involved in atherogenesis in hyperleptinemic obese individuals.

Leptin and the regulation of endothelial function in physiological and pathological conditions.

1. Obesity and the accompanying metabolic syndrome are among the most important causes of cardiovascular pathologies associated with endothelial dysfunction, such as arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis. This detrimental effect of obesity is mediated, in part, by excessive production of the adipose tissue hormone leptin.

Differential effects of statins on endogenous H2S formation in perivascular adipose tissue.

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is a new gasotransmitter synthesized enzymatically from l-cysteine in cytosol and is oxidized in mitochondria. In the cardiovascular system, H(2)S regulates vascular tone, inhibits atherogenesis, and protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. We examined the effect of statins on vascular H(2)S production. Male Wistar rats received pravastatin (40mg/kg/day) or atorvastatin (20mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks and then H(2)S formation was measured in aortic media, periaortic adipose tissue (PAAT) and the liver. Only atorvastatin increased H(2)S production in PAAT whereas both statins stimulated its formation in the liver. Neither statin affected H(2)S production in aortic media. H(2)S formation in post-mitochondrial supernatant was higher than in mitochondria-containing supernatant and was not influenced by statins in any tissue. In addition, oxidation of exogenous H(2)S in isolated liver mitochondria was slower in statin-treated than in control rats. These data indicate that statins increase net H(2)S production by inhibiting its mitochondrial oxidation. Statins had no effect on the activity of H(2)S-metabolizing enzyme, sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase, measured at saturating coenzyme Q concentration. Both statins reduced CoQ(9) concentration in plasma and liver, but only atorvastatin decreased CoQ(9) in PAAT. Atorvastatin attenuated phenylephrine-induced contraction of PAAT+ but not of PAAT- aortic rings. Effects of atorvastatin on net H(2)S production, mitochondrial H(2)S oxidation and aortic contractility were abolished by supplementation of exogenous CoQ(9). In conclusion, lipophilic atorvastatin, but not hydrophilic pravastatin, increases net H(2)S production in perivascular adipose tissue by inhibiting its mitochondrial oxidation. This effect is mediated by statin-induced CoQ(9) deficiency and results in the augmentation of anticontractile effect of perivascular adipose tissue.

Hydrogen sulfide in pharmacology and medicine – An update

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the endogenously produced gasotransmitter involved in the regulation of nervous system, cardiovascular functions, inflammatory response, gastrointestinal system and renal function. Together with nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, H2S belongs to a family of gasotransmitters. H2S is synthesized from L-cysteine and/or L-homocysteine by cystathionine β-synthase, cystathionine γ-lyase and cysteine aminotransferase together with 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase. Significant progress has been made in recent years in our understanding of H2S biochemistry, signaling mechanisms and physiological role. H2S-mediated signaling may be accounted for not only by the intact compound but also by its oxidized form, polysulfides. The most important signaling mechanisms include reaction with protein thiol groups to form persulfides (protein S-sulfhydration), reaction with nitric oxide and related species such as nitrosothiols to form thionitrous acid (HSNO), nitrosopersulfide (SSNO(-)) and nitroxyl (HNO), as well as reaction with hemoproteins. H2S is enzymatically oxidized in mitochondria to thiosulfate and sulfate by specific enzymes, sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase, persulfide dioxygenase, rhodanese and sulfite oxidase. H2S donors have therapeutic potential for diseases such as arterial and pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, peptic ulcer disease, acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, Parkinsons and Alzheimers disease and erectile dysfunction. The group of currently available H2S donors includes inorganic sulfide salts, synthetic organic slow-releasing H2S donors, H2S-releasing non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, cysteine analogs, nucleoside phosphorothioates and plant-derived polysulfides contained in garlic. H2S is also regulated by many currently used drugs but the mechanism of these effects and their clinical implications are only started to be understood.

Hydrogen Sulfide and Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxation

In addition to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), synthesized enzymatically from l-cysteine or l-homocysteine, is the third gasotransmitter in mammals. Endogenous H2S is involved in the regulation of many physiological processes, including vascular tone. Although initially it was suggested that in the vascular wall H2S is synthesized only by smooth muscle cells and relaxes them by activating ATP-sensitive potassium channels, more recent studies indicate that H2S is synthesized in endothelial cells as well. Endothelial H2S production is stimulated by many factors, including acetylcholine, shear stress, adipose tissue hormone leptin, estrogens and plant flavonoids. In some vascular preparations H2S plays a role of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor by activating small and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels. Endothelial H2S signaling is up-regulated in some pathologies, such as obesity and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. In addition, H2S activates endothelial NO synthase and inhibits cGMP degradation by phosphodiesterase 5 thus potentiating the effect of NO-cGMP pathway. Moreover, H2S-derived polysulfides directly activate protein kinase G. Finally, H2S interacts with NO to form nitroxyl (HNO)—a potent vasorelaxant. H2S appears to play an important and multidimensional role in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation.

Inverse relationship between total testosterone and anti-oxidized low density lipoprotein antibody levels in ageing males

Accumulating evidence indicates the involvement of sex hormones in atherogenesis. Endogenous testosterone is inversely related to the majority of risk factors for atherosclerosis and is known to be a potent immunomodulator. Recently, autoantibodies to oxidized LDL (anti-oxLDL Ab) were shown to predict carotid and coronary atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between these antibodies and testosterone level in ageing males. The study group comprised 65 males over 50 years old (42 with coronary artery disease). Serum anti-oxLDL Ab titer was measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay and total serum testosterone by radioimmunoassay. A significant inverse correlation was found between serum anti-oxLDL Ab titer and testosterone concentration (r=-0.346, P=0.0047). Alteration in serum anti-oxLDL Ab titres showed no correlation to classical cardiovascular risk factors, e.g. body mass index, waist/hip ratio, smoking, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol. In multiple regression analysis only testosterone level was independently associated with anti-oxLDL Ab. These data suggest a that fall of testosterone concentration in ageing men can influence either oxidative modification of LDL or the immune response to these lipoproteins which may be important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Thiazolidinedione-induced fluid retention: recent insights into the molecular mechanisms.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonists such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone are used to improve insulin sensitivity in patients with diabetes mellitus. However, thiazolidinediones induce fluid retention, edema, and sometimes precipitate or exacerbate heart failure in a subset of patients. The mechanism through which thiazolidinediones induce fluid retention is controversial. Most studies suggest that this effect results from the increase in tubular sodium and water reabsorption in the kidney, but the role of specific nephron segments and sodium carriers involved is less clear. Some studies suggested that PPARγ agonist stimulates Na+ reabsorption in the collecting duct by activating epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), either directly or through serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase-1 (SGK-1). However, other studies did not confirm this mechanism and even report the suppression of ENaC. Alternative mechanisms in the collecting duct include stimulation of non-ENaC sodium channel or inhibition of chloride secretion to the tubular lumen. In addition, thiazolidinediones may augment sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule by stimulating the expression and activity of apical Na+/H+ exchanger-3 and basolateral Na+-HCO3  − cotransporter as well as of Na+,K+-ATPase. These effects are mediated by PPARγ-induced nongenomic transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor and downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK).

Leptin-Induced Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxation of Peripheral Arteries in Lean and Obese Rats: Role of Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide

Adipose tissue hormone leptin induces endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation mediated by nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHF). Previously it has been demonstrated that in short-term obesity the NO-dependent and the EDHF-dependent components of vascular effect of leptin are impaired and up-regulated, respectively. Herein we examined the mechanism of the EDHF-dependent vasodilatory effect of leptin and tested the hypothesis that alterations of acute vascular effects of leptin in obesity are accounted for by chronic hyperleptinemia. The study was performed in 5 groups of rats: (1) control, (2) treated with exogenous leptin for 1 week to induce hyperleptinemia, (3) obese, fed highly-palatable diet for 4 weeks, (4) obese treated with pegylated superactive rat leptin receptor antagonist (PEG-SRLA) for 1 week, (5) fed standard chow and treated with PEG-SRLA. Acute effect of leptin on isometric tension of mesenteric artery segments was measured ex vivo. Leptin relaxed phenylephrine-preconstricted vascular segments in NO- and EDHF-dependent manner. The NO-dependent component was impaired and the EDHF-dependent component was increased in the leptin-treated and obese groups and in the latter group both these effects were abolished by PEG-SRLA. The EDHF-dependent vasodilatory effect of leptin was blocked by either the inhibitor of cystathionine γ-lyase, propargylglycine, or a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) scavenger, bismuth (III) subsalicylate. The results indicate that NO deficiency is compensated by the up-regulation of EDHF in obese rats and both effects are accounted for by chronic hyperleptinemia. The EDHF-dependent component of leptin-induced vasorelaxation is mediated, at least partially, by H2S.

Influence of intravenously administered leptin on nitric oxide production, renal hemodynamics and renal function in the rat.

We investigated the effect of leptin on systemic nitric oxide (NO) production, arterial pressure, renal hemodynamics and renal excretory function in the rat. Leptin (1 mg/kg) was injected intravenously and mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), renal blood flow (RBF) and renal cortical blood flow (RCBF), were measured for 210 min after injection. Urine was collected for seven consecutive 30-min periods and blood samples were withdrawn at 15, 45, 75, 105, 135, 165 and 195 min after leptin administration. Leptin had no effect on MAP, HR, RBF, RCBF and creatinine clearance, but increased urine output by 37.8% (0-30 min), 32.4% (31-60 min) and 27.0% (61-90 min), as well as urinary sodium excretion by 175.8% (0-30 min), 136.4% (31-60 min) and 124.2% (61-90 min). In contrast, leptin had no effect on potassium and phosphate excretion. Plasma concentration of NO metabolites, nitrites + nitrates (NOx), increased following leptin injection at 15, 45, 75 and 105 min by 27.7%, 178.1%, 156.4% and 58.7%, respectively. Leptin increased urinary NOx excretion by 241.6% (0-30 min), 552.6% (31-60 min), 430.7% (61-90 min) and 88.9% (91-120 min). This was accompanied by increase in plasma and urinary cyclic GMP. These data indicate that leptin stimulates systemic NO production but has no effect on arterial pressure and renal hemodynamics.

Effect of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) on tissue paraoxonase 1 and plasma platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase activities.

The authors investigated the effect of pravastatin and fluvastatin on paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity in plasma, liver, heart, and kidney, as well as on plasma platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) in the rat. The animals received pravastatin at doses of 4 and 40 mg/kg/d or fluvastatin at doses of 2 or 20 mg/kg/d for 3 weeks. Fluvastatin (20 mg/kg/d) reduced plasma PON1 activity toward paraoxon and phenyl acetate by 23.6% and 17.4%, respectively. The lower dose of this drug as well as both doses of pravastatin had no effect on plasma PON1. PON1 activity toward paraoxon in the liver of rats treated with 20 mg/kg/d fluvastatin was 27.5% lower than in the control group, and the activity toward phenyl acetate was reduced by 25.4% and 35.9% in rats receiving 2 and 20 mg/kg/d of this drug, respectively. Fluvastatin at 2 and 20 mg/kg/d also decreased cardiac PON1 by 31.3% and 27.3%, respectively. Both statins reduced PON1 activity in the renal cortex and medulla. Statins had no effect on plasma PAF-AH. It is concluded that fluvastatin reduces PON1 activity more efficiently than does pravastatin. Reducing effect on PON1 may negatively modulate atheroprotective potential of statins and may contribute to differences in antiatherosclerotic properties of different drugs in this group.