Roberto Fantozzi

Anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of hydrogen sulfide in a rat model of regional myocardial I/R.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a novel gaseous mediator produced by cystathionine-&bgr;-synthase and cystathionine-&ggr;-lyase in the cardiovascular system, including the heart. Using a rat model of regional myocardial ischemia/reperfusion, we investigated the effects of an H2S donor (sodium hydrogen sulfide [NaHS]) on the infarct size and apoptosis caused by ischemia (25 min) and reperfusion (2 h). Furthermore, we investigated the potential mechanism(s) of the cardioprotective effect(s) afforded by NaHS. Specifically, we demonstrate that NaHS (1) attenuates the increase in caspase 9 activity observed in cardiac myocytes isolated from the area at risk (AAR) of hearts subjected in vivo to regional myocardial I/R and (2) ameliorates the decrease in expression of Bcl-2 within the AAR obtained from rat hearts subjected to regional myocardial I/R. The cardioprotective effects of NaHS were abolished by 5-hydroxydeconoate, a putative mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel blocker. Furthermore, NaHS attenuated the increase in the I/R-induced (1) phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and Jun N-terminal kinase, (2) translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor-&kgr;B, (3) intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression, (4) polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation, (5) myeloperoxidase activity, (6) malondialdehyde levels, and (7) nitrotyrosine staining determined in the AAR obtained from rat hearts subjected to regional myocardial I/R. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the cardioprotective effect of NaHS is secondary to a combination of antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. The antiapoptotic effect of NaHS may be in part due to the opening of the putative mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels.

Generation of endogenous hydrogen sulfide by cystathionine γ-lyase limits renal ischemia/reperfusion injury and dysfunction

The generation of endogenous hydrogen sulfide may either limit or contribute to the degree of tissue injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion. A total of 74 male Wistar rats were used to investigate the effects of endogenous and exogenous hydrogen sulfide in renal ischemia/reperfusion. Administration of the irreversible cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) inhibitor, dL-propargylglycine, prevented the recovery of renal function after 45 min ischemia and 72 h reperfusion. The hydrogen sulfide donor sodium hydrosulfide attenuated the (renal, tubular, and glomerular) dysfunction and injury caused by 45 min ischemia and 6 h reperfusion. Western blot analysis of kidneys taken at 30 min reperfusion showed that sodium hydrosulfide significantly attenuated phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (p-38, c-JUN N-terminal protein kinase 1/2, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) and activation of nuclear factor-κB. At 6 h reperfusion, sodium hydrosulfide significantly attenuated the histological score for acute tubular necrosis, the activation of caspase-3 and Bid, the decline in the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and the expression of nuclear factor-κB-dependent proteins (inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclo-oxygenase-2, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1). These findings suggest that (1) the synthesis of endogenous hydrogen sulfide by CSE is essential to protect the kidney against ischemia/reperfusion injury and dysfunction and aids in the recovery of renal function following ischemia/reperfusion, (2) hydrogen sulfide generated by sodium hydrosulfide reduces ischemia/reperfusion injury and dysfunction, and morphological changes of the kidney, and (3) the observed protective effects of hydrogen sulfide are due to both anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Characterization of ionotropic glutamate receptors in human lymphocytes.

The effect of L‐glutamate (Glu) on human lymphocyte function was studied by measuring anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)‐induced intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) rise (Fura‐2 method), and cell proliferation (MTT assay). Glu (0.001 – 100 μM) did not modify basal lymphocyte [Ca2+]i, but significantly potentiated the effects of anti‐CD3 mAb or PHA. Maximal [Ca2+]i rises over resting cells were: 165±8 and 247±10 nM at 3.0×10−2 mg ml−1 anti‐CD3 mAb; 201±4 and 266±9 nM at 5.0×10−2 mg ml−1 PHA, in the absence or presence of 1 μM Glu, respectively. The Glu effect showed a bell‐shape concentration‐dependent relationship, with a maximum (+90±3% for anti‐CD3 mAb and +57±2% for PHA over Glu‐untreated cells) at 1 μM. Non‐NMDA receptor agonists (1 μM) showed a greater efficacy (+76±2% for (S)‐AMPA; +78±4% for KA), if compared to NMDA (+46±2%), or Glu itself. Ionotropic Glu receptor antagonists completely inhibited the effects of the corresponding specific receptor agonists (1 μM). The IC50 values calculated were: 0.9 μM for D‐AP5; 0.6 μM for (+)‐MK801; 0.3 μM for NBQX. Both NBQX and KYNA were able to abolish Glu effect. The IC50s calculated were: 3.4 μM for NBQX; 0.4 μM for KYNA. Glu (0.1 – 1 mM) did not change the resting cell proliferation, whereas Glu (1 mM) significant inhibited (−27±4%) PHA (1.0×10−2 mg ml−1)‐induced lymphocyte proliferation at 72 h. In conclusion, human lymphocytes express ionotropic Glu receptors functionally operating as modulators of cell activation.

Tachykinins activate guinea-pig alveolar macrophages: involvement of NK2 and NK1 receptors.

1 The effects of substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB) were evaluated on superoxide anion () production by guinea‐pig alveolar macrophages (AM). 2 SP dose‐dependently (ED50 = 0.7 nm) evoked production from guinea‐pig AM; the N‐terminal heptapeptide, SP(1–7), was ineffective. In the presence of thiorphan (10−5 m), an enkephalinase inhibitor, the stimulating effects of SP were not significantly modified. NKA and NKB were both able to induce production from guinea‐pig AM, ED50 values being 0.1 and 1.3 nm, respectively. Therefore, the rank order of activity of natural tachykinins was NKA > SP > NKB. Tachykinin‐evoked effects were quantitatively similar to those elicited by the autacoid mediator PAF‐acether and less than those induced by the synthetic peptide N‐formylmethionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (FMLP). 3 The NK2 receptor agonist [β‐Ala8]‐NKA (4–10) dose‐dependently evoked production from guinea‐pig AM; the NK1 receptor agonist [Pro9]‐SP sulphone acted only at high concentrations, while the NK3 receptor agonist [Me, Phe7]‐NKB was ineffective. 4 These findings indicate that guinea‐pig AM possess NK2 and possibly some NK1 tachykinin receptors and further suggest tachykinin involvement in lung pathophysiology.

Replacement of normal with mutant alleles in the genome of normal human cells unveils mutation-specific drug responses

Mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are responsible for tumorigenesis and represent favored therapeutic targets in oncology. We exploited homologous recombination to knock-in individual cancer mutations in the genome of nontransformed human cells. Sequential introduction of multiple mutations was also achieved, demonstrating the potential of this strategy to construct tumor progression models. Knock-in cells displayed allele-specific activation of signaling pathways and mutation-specific phenotypes different from those obtainable by ectopic oncogene expression. Profiling of a library of pharmacological agents on the mutated cells showed striking sensitivity or resistance phenotypes to pathway-targeted drugs, often matching those of tumor cells carrying equivalent cancer mutations. Thus, knock-in of single or multiple cancer alleles provides a pharmacogenomic platform for the rational design of targeted therapies.

Characteristics of histamine release evoked by acetylcholine in isolated rat mast cells.

1. Histamine secretion from rat mast cells occurs in the presence of nanomolar concentrations of acetylcholine. 2. Intact glycolytic and oxidative metabolism is required for the acetylcholine‐induced histamine secretion. Removal of extracellular glucose, hypoxia, cyanide and monoiodoacetate almost completely inhibit the secretion. 3. The secretion of histamine is dependent on the extracellular H ion concentration and is blocked when the cells are exposed to Na‐deficient media. 4. The order of potency of cholinrgic agonists in evoking the secretion of histamine is oxotremorine > acetylcholine > choline > carbamycholine > nicotine. 5. Atropine competitively blocks the acetylcholine‐induced histamine secretion, indicating the presence of cholinergic muscarinic receptors on mast cells. 6. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP and adrenaline inhibit the acetylcholine‐induced histamine secretion, indicating a regulatory function afforded by cyclic nucleotides in the cholinergic histamine release.

PPARγ stimulation promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and prevents glucose deprivation-induced neuronal cell loss

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma stimulation provides protection in several models of neurological disorders, but the mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be fully elucidated. Here we have studied whether two PPARgamma agonists, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, prevent loss of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells transiently exposed to glucose deprivation (GD). Nanomolar drug concentrations prevented GD-induced cell loss in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. These effects were abolished by malonate, a reversible mitochondrial Complex II inhibitor, while significantly potentiated by pyruvate, thus suggesting that they are related to mitochondrial function. During cell pretreatment, PPARgamma agonists promoted biogenesis of functional mitochondria, as indicated by the up-regulation of PPARgamma coactivator (PGC)-1alpha, NRF1, TFAM, cytochrome c oxidase subunit (CO) I and CO IV, and the increased level of mtDNA, while did not significantly change mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, the analysis of the concentration-response and time-course curves for the protective effects and the up-regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis markers suggests that mitochondrial biogenesis and cell loss prevention are related effects. In conclusion our data indicate that a prolonged PPARgamma stimulation, by repeated administration of nanomolar pioglitazone or rosiglitazone concentrations, decreases GD-induced loss of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. In addition, they suggest that mitochondrial biogenesis may contribute to these effects.

SREBP-1c in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease induced by Western-type high-fat diet plus fructose in rats.

This study concentrated on the initial events triggering the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat plus fructose (HF-F) diet and on the possibility of delaying nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progression by adding dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to the diet. Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) activation plays a crucial role in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease induced by an HF-F diet. This study investigated the protective effects of DHEA, a compound of physiological origin with multitargeted antioxidant properties, against the induction of SREBP-1c and on liver insulin resistance in rats fed an HF-F diet, which mimics a typical unhealthy Western diet. An HF-F diet, fortified or not with DHEA (0.01%, w/w), was administered for 15 weeks to male Wistar rats. After HF-F the liver showed unbalanced oxidative status, fatty infiltration, hepatic insulin resistance, and inflammation. The addition of DHEA to the diet reduced both activation of oxidative-stress-dependent pathways and expression of SREBP-1c and partially restored the expression of liver X-activated receptor-alpha and insulin receptor substrate-2 genes. DHEA supplementation of the HF-F diet reduced de novo lipogenesis and delayed progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, demonstrating a relationship between oxidative stress and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via SREBP-1c.

Pioglitazone improves lipid and insulin levels in overweight rats on a high cholesterol and fructose diet by decreasing hepatic inflammation

Background and purpose:  Nutrient overload leads to obesity and insulin resistance. Pioglitazone, a selective peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ agonist, is currently used to manage insulin resistance, but the specific molecular mechanisms activated by PPARγ are not yet fully understood. Recent studies suggest the involvement of suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)‐3 in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the hepatic signalling pathway activated by PPARγ activation in a non‐genetic insulin‐resistant animal model.

Insulin Reduces Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in the Hippocampus of Diabetic Rats: A Role for Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β

OBJECTIVE—There is evidence that insulin reduces brain injury evoked by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of insulin remain unknown. Insulin is a well-known inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). Here, we investigate the role of GSK-3β inhibition on I/R-induced cerebral injury in a rat model of insulinopenic diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were subjected to 30-min occlusion of common carotid arteries followed by 1 or 24 h of reperfusion. Insulin (2–12 IU/kg i.v.) or the selective GSK-3β inhibitor TDZD-8 (0.2–3 mg/kg i.v.) was administered during reperfusion. RESULTS—Insulin or TDZD-8 dramatically reduced infarct volume and levels of S100B protein, a marker of cerebral injury. Both drugs induced phosphorylation of the Ser9 residue, thereby inactivating GSK-3β in the rat hippocampus. Insulin, but not TDZD-8, lowered blood glucose. The hippocampi of the drug-treated animals displayed reduced oxidative stress at 1 h of reperfusion as shown by the decreased generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. I/R-induced activation of nuclear factor-κB was attenuated by both drug treatments. At 24 h of reperfusion, TDZD-8 and insulin significantly reduced plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α; neutrophil infiltration, measured as myeloperoxidase activity and intercellular-adhesion-molecule-1 expression; and cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible-NO-synthase expression. CONCLUSIONS—Acute administration of insulin or TDZD-8 reduced cerebral I/R injury in diabetic rats. We propose that the inhibitory effect on the activity of GSK-3β contributes to the protective effect of insulin independently of any effects on blood glucose.