Latha Paka

Subendothelial retention of lipoprotein (a). Evidence that reduced heparan sulfate promotes lipoprotein binding to subendothelial matrix.

Vessel wall subendothelial extracellular matrix, a dense mesh formed of collagens, fibronectin, laminin, and proteoglycans, has important roles in lipid and lipoprotein retention and cell adhesion. In atherosclerosis, vessel wall heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) are decreased and we therefore tested whether selective loss of HSPG affects lipoprotein retention. A matrix synthesized by aortic endothelial cells and a commercially available matrix (Matrigel; , Rutherford, NJ) were used. Treatment of matrix with heparinase/heparitinase (1 U/ml each) increased LDL binding by approximately 1.5-fold. Binding of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] to both subendothelial matrix and Matrigel(R) increased 2-10-fold when the HSPG were removed by heparinase treatment. Incubation of endothelial cells with oxidized LDL (OxLDL) or lysolecithin resulted in decreased matrix proteoglycans and increased Lp(a) retention by matrix. The effect of OxLDL or lysolecithin on endothelial PG was abolished in the presence of HDL. The decrease in matrix HSPG was associated with production of a heparanase-like activity by OxLDL-stimulated endothelial cells. To test whether removal of HSPG exposes fibronectin, a candidate Lp(a) binding protein in the matrix, antifibronectin antibodies were used. The increased Lp(a) binding after HSPG removal was inhibited 60% by antifibronectin antibodies. Similarly, the increased Lp(a) binding to matrix from OxLDL-treated endothelial cells was inhibited by antifibronectin antibodies. We hypothesize that atherogenic lipoproteins stimulate endothelial cell production of heparanase. This enzyme reduces HSPG which in turn promotes Lp(a) retention.

Endothelial Cell Heparanase Modulation of Lipoprotein Lipase Activity EVIDENCE THAT HEPARAN SULFATE OLIGOSACCHARIDE IS AN EXTRACELLULAR CHAPERONE

A unique feature of lipoprotein lipase (LpL), the rate-limiting enzyme in the hydrolysis of circulating triglycerides, is its movement from its cell of synthesis, adipocyte or myocyte, to its site of action, the luminal endothelial surface. This involves processes that allow LpL to be released from the adipocyte cell surface and transferred against the flow of interstitial fluid to the luminal surface of endothelial cells. LpL, an unstable enzyme, must retain its activity during this process. Whether a chaperone-like molecule is involved in LpL stabilization and transport is unclear. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that endothelial cells secrete factors that release LpL and promote its transfer to the luminal endothelial surface. Incubation of adipocytes with endothelial cell conditioned medium (ECCM) led to release of about 2-fold more LpL activity than control medium. Medium from endothelial cells exposed to lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-ECCM), a product of LpL lipolysis of lipoproteins, released approximately 3-fold more LpL than ECCM. Concomitant with the release of LpL, adipocyte cell surface heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans were degraded suggesting that lyso-ECCM contained a heparanase-like activity. More heparanase was found in media from the basolateral than the apical side of lysolecithin-stimulated polarized endothelial cells. In coculture experiments, lipolysis and lysolecithin stimulation of endothelial cells increased LpL release from adipocytes. LpL released by lyso-ECCM remained stable and did not lose enzymatic activity at 37 °C for 1 h. LpL activity was also stabilized by heparanase-digested fragments of HS (HS oligosaccharide) and by purified LpL binding decasaccharide. Moreover, LpL·HS oligosaccharide complexes crossed endothelial cell monolayers and bound to the apical side of the cells. Thus, an endothelial heparanase may play a critical role in releasing subendothelial HS bound proteins, and specific HS oligosaccharides produced by this enzyme may serve as extracellular chaperones.

Perlecan Mediates the Antiproliferative Effect of Apolipoprotein E on Smooth Muscle Cells AN UNDERLYING MECHANISM FOR THE MODULATION OF SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL GROWTH

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is known to inhibit cell proliferation; however, the mechanism of this inhibition is not clear. We recently showed that apoE stimulates endothelial production of heparan sulfate (HS) enriched in heparin-like sequences. Because heparin and HS are potent inhibitors of smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, in this study we determined apoE effects on SMC HS production and cell growth. In confluent SMCs, apoE (10 μg/ml) increased 35SO4 incorporation into PG in media by 25–30%. The increase in the medium was exclusively due to an increase in HSPGs (2.2-fold), and apoE did not alter chondroitin and dermatan sulfate proteoglycans. In proliferating SMCs, apoE inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA by 50%; however, despite decreasing cell number, apoE increased the ratio of35SO4 to [3H]thymidine from 2 to 3.6, suggesting increased HS per cell. Purified HSPGs from apoE-stimulated cells inhibited cell proliferation in the absence of apoE. ApoE did not inhibit proliferation of endothelial cells, which are resistant to heparin inhibition. Analysis of the conditioned medium from apoE-stimulated cells revealed that the HSPG increase was in perlecan and that apoE also stimulated perlecan mRNA expression by >2-fold. The ability of apoE isoforms to inhibit cell proliferation correlated with their ability to stimulate perlecan expression. An anti-perlecan antibody completely abrogated the antiproliferative effect of apoE. Thus, these data show that perlecan is a potent inhibitor of SMC proliferation and is required to mediate the antiproliferative effect of apoE. Because other growth modulators also regulate perlecan expression, this may be a key pathway in the regulation of SMC growth.

The Heparin-Binding Proteins Apolipoprotein E and Lipoprotein Lipase Enhance Cellular Proteoglycan Production

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL), key proteins in the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism, bind with high affinity to heparin and cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG). In the present study, we tested whether the expression of apoE or LPL would modulate proteoglycan (PG) metabolism in cells. Two apoE-expressing cells, macrophages and fibroblasts, and LPL-expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were used to study the effect of apoE and LPL on PG production. Cellular PGs were metabolically labeled with (35)[S]sulfate for 20 hours, and medium, pericellular PGs, and intracellular PGs were assessed. In all transfected cells, PG levels in the 3 pools increased 1.6- to 3-fold when compared with control cells. Initial PG production was assessed from the time of addition of radiolabeled sulfate; at 1 hour, there was no difference in PG synthesis by apoE-expressing cells when compared with control cells. After 1 hour, apoE-expressing cells had significantly greater production of PGs. Total production assessed with [(3)H]glucosamine was also increased. This was due to an increase in the length of the glycosaminoglycan chains. To assess whether the increase in PGs was due to a decrease in PG degradation, a pulse-chase experiment was performed. Loss of sulfate-labeled pericellular PGs was similar in apoE and control cells, but more labeled PGs appeared in the medium of the apoE-expressing cells. Addition of exogenous apoE and anti-human apoE antibody to both non-apoE-expressing and apoE-expressing cells did not alter PG production. Moreover, LPL addition did not alter cell-surface PG metabolism. These results show that enhanced gene expression of apoE and LPL increases cellular PG production. We postulate that such changes in vascular PGs can affect the atherogenic potential of arteries.

Apolipoprotein E Containing High Density Lipoprotein Stimulates Endothelial Production of Heparan Sulfate Rich in Biologically Active Heparin-like Domains A POTENTIAL MECHANISM FOR THE ANTI-ATHEROGENIC ACTIONS OF VASCULAR APOLIPOPROTEIN E

Reduced heparin and heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans (PG) have been observed in both inflammation and atherosclerosis. Methods to increase endogenous heparin and heparan sulfate are not known. We found that incubation of endothelial cells with 500–1,000 μg/ml high density lipoprotein (HDL) increased35SO4 incorporation into PG by 1.5–2.5-fold. A major portion of this increase was in HS and was the result of increased synthesis. Total PG core proteins were not altered by HDL; however, the ratio of 35SO4 to [3H]glucosamine was increased by HDL, suggesting increased sulfation of glycosaminoglycans. In addition, HDL increased the amount of highly sulfated heparin-like HS in the subendothelial matrix. HS from HDL-treated cells bound 40 ± 5% more125I-antithrombin III (requires 3-O sulfated HS) and 49 ± 3% fewer monocytes. Moreover, the HS isolated from HDL-treated cells inhibited smooth muscle cell proliferation (by 83 ± 5%) better than control HS (56 ± 6%) and heparin (42 ± 6%). HDL isolated from apolipoprotein E (apoE)-null mice did not stimulate HS production unless apoE was added. ApoE also stimulated HS production in the absence of HDL. ApoE did not increase35SO4 incorporation in macrophages and fibroblasts, suggesting that this is an endothelial cell-specific process. Receptor-associated protein inhibited apoE-mediated stimulation of HS only at higher (20 μg/ml) doses, suggesting the involvement of a receptor-associated protein-sensitive pathway in mediating apoE actions. In summary, our data identify a novel mechanism by which apoE and apoE-containing HDL can be anti-atherogenic. Identification of specific apoE peptides that stimulate endothelial heparin/HS production may have important therapeutic applications.

Distinct effects of glucose and glucosamine on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells: Evidence for a protective role for glucosamine in atherosclerosis

Accelerated atherosclerosis is one of the major vascular complications of diabetes. Factors including hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia may contribute to accelerated vascular disease. Among the several mechanisms proposed to explain the link between hyperglycemia and vascular dysfunction is the hexosamine pathway, where glucose is converted to glucosamine. Although some animal experiments suggest that glucosamine may mediate insulin resistance, it is not clear whether glucosamine is the mediator of vascular complications associated with hyperglycemia. Several processes may contribute to diabetic atherosclerosis including decreased vascular heparin sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG), increased endothelial permeability and increased smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. In this study, we determined the effects of glucose and glucosamine on endothelial cells and SMCs in vitro and on atherosclerosis in apoE null mice. Incubation of endothelial cells with glucosamine, but not glucose, significantly increased matrix HSPG (perlecan) containing heparin-like sequences. Increased HSPG in endothelial cells was associated with decreased protein transport across endothelial cell monolayers and decreased monocyte binding to subendothelial matrix. Glucose increased SMC proliferation, whereas glucosamine significantly inhibited SMC growth. The antiproliferative effect of glucosamine was mediated via induction of perlecan HSPG. We tested if glucosamine affects atherosclerosis development in apoE-null mice. Glucosamine significantly reduced the atherosclerotic lesion in aortic root. (P < 0.05) These data suggest that macrovascular disease associated with hyperglycemia is unlikely due to glucosamine. In fact, glucosamine by increasing HSPG showed atheroprotective effects.

Late intervention with the small molecule BB3 mitigates postischemic kidney injury

Ischemia-reperfusion-mediated acute kidney injury can necessitate renal replacement therapy and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. We have identified BB3, a small molecule, which when first administered at 24 h after renal ischemia in rats, improved survival, augmented urine output, and reduced the increase in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Compared with control kidneys, the kidneys of BB3-treated animals exhibited reduced levels of kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and reduced tubular apoptosis and acute tubular necrosis but enhanced tubular regeneration. Consistent with its hepatocyte growth factor-like mode of action, BB3 treatment promoted phosphorylation of renal cMet and Akt and upregulated renal expression of the survival protein Bcl-2. These data suggest that the kidney is amenable to pharmacotherapy even 24 h after ischemia-reperfusion and that activation of the hepatocyte growth factor signaling pathway with the small molecule BB3 confers interventional benefits late into ischemia-reperfusion injury. These data formed, in part, the basis for the use of BB3 in a clinical trial in kidney recipients presenting with delayed graft function.

Anti-steatotic and anti-fibrotic effects of the KCa3.1 channel inhibitor, Senicapoc, in non-alcoholic liver disease

AIM To evaluate a calcium activated potassium channel (KCa3.1) inhibitor attenuates liver disease in models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS We have performed a series of in vitro and in vivo studies using the KCa3.1 channel inhibitor, Senicapoc. Efficacy studies of Senicapoc were conducted in toxin-, thioacetamide (TAA) and high fat diet (HFD)-induced models of liver fibrosis in rats. Efficacy and pharmacodynamic effects of Senicapoc was determined through biomarkers of apoptosis, inflammation, steatosis and fibrosis. RESULTS Upregulation of KCa3.1 expression was recorded in TAA-induced and high fat diet-induced liver disease. Treatment with Senicapoc decreased palmitic acid-driven HepG2 cell death. (P < 0.05 vs control) supporting the finding that Senicapoc reduces lipid-driven apoptosis in HepG2 cell cultures. In animals fed a HFD for 6 wk, co-treatment with Senicapoc, (1) reduced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score (NAS) (0-8 scale), (2) decreased steatosis and (3) decreased hepatic lipid content (Oil Red O, P < 0.05 vs vehicle). Randomization of TAA animals and HFD fed animals to Senicapoc was associated with a decrease in liver fibrosis as evidenced by hydroxyproline and Masson’s trichrome staining (P < 0.05 vs vehicle). These results demonstrated that Senicapoc mitigates both steatosis and fibrosis in liver fibrosis models. CONCLUSION These data suggest that Senicapoc interrupts more than one node in progressive fatty liver disease by its anti-steatotic and anti-fibrotic activities, serving as a double-edged therapeutic sword.

A small molecule fibrokinase inhibitor in a model of fibropolycystic hepatorenal disease

AIM To evaluate the novel platelet-derived growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor dual kinase inhibitor ANG3070 in a polycystic kidney disease-congenital hepatic fibrosis model. METHODS At 6 wk of age, PCK rats were randomized to vehicle or ANG3070 for 4 wk. At 10 wk, 24 h urine and left kidneys were collected and rats were continued on treatment for 4 wk. At 14 wk, 24 h urine was collected, rats were sacrificed, and liver and right kidneys were collected for histological evaluation. For Western blot studies, PCK rats were treated with vehicle or ANG3070 for 7 d and sacrificed approximately 30 min after the last treatments. RESULTS Compared to the wild-type cohort, the PCK kidney (Vehicle cohort) exhibited a marked increase in kidney and liver mass, hepato-renal cystic volume, hepato-renal fibrosis and hepato-renal injury biomarkers. Intervention with ANG3070 in PCK rats decreased kidney weight, reduced renal cystic volume and reduced total kidney hydroxyproline, indicating significantly reduced rental interstitial fibrosis compared to the PCK-Vehicle cohort. ANG3070 treatment also mitigated several markers of kidney injury, including urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule-1, cystatin C and interleukin-18 levels. In addition, this treatment attenuated key indices of renal dysfunction, including proteinuria, albuminuria and serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, and significantly improved renal function compared to the PCK-Vehicle cohort. ANG3070 treatment also significantly decreased liver enlargement, hepatic lesions, and liver fibrosis, and mitigated liver dysfunction compared to the PCK-Vehicle cohort. CONCLUSION These results suggest that ANG3070 has the potential to slow disease, and may serve as a bridge toward hepato-renal transplantation in patients with fibropolycystic disease.

A modified elliptical formula to estimate kidney collagen content in a model of chronic kidney disease.

The extent of scarring or renal interstitial collagen deposition in chronic kidney disease (CKD) can only be ascertained by highly invasive, painful and sometimes risky, tissue biopsy. Interestingly, while CKD-related abnormalities in kidney size can often be visualized using ultrasound, not only does the ellipsoid formula used today underestimate true renal size, but the calculated renal size does not inform tubulointerstitial collagen content. We used coronal kidney sections from healthy mice and mice with kidney disease to develop a new formula for estimating renal parenchymal area. While treating the kidney as an ellipse with the major axis (a) the polar distance, this technique involves extending the minor axis (b) into the renal pelvis to obtain a new minor axis, be. The calculated renal parenchymal area is remarkably similar to the true or measured area. Biochemically determined kidney collagen content revealed a strong and positive correlation with the calculated renal parenchymal area. Picrosirius red staining for tubulointerstitial collagen also correlated with calculated renal parenchymal area. The extent of renal scarring, i.e. kidney interstitial collagen content, can now be computed by making just two axial measurements which can easily be accomplished via noninvasive imaging of this organ.