Successful Long-Term Aspirin Desensitization in a Pilot With Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease.

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a triad of asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), and adverse respiratory reactions to the ingestion of aspirin/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.1 Patients with AERD are frequently plagued with CRSwNP that is difficult to manage with systemic steroids, nasal steroids, and surgical polypectomy, often requiring multiple endoscopic sinus surgeries and frequent otolaryngology follow-up.2,3 There are an abundance of therapies to treat CRSwNP in the setting of AERD, all with varying costs, efficacies, and indications for treatment.4 While limited by side effect profile, aspirin desensitization remains an effective, low-cost treatment for patients with CRSwNP and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug sensitivity.5 We describe a case of an active duty U.S. Air Force pilot with AERD whose CRSwNP was successfully treated with aspirin desensitization without detrimental effect on his flying status.

A Case of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole-Induced Aseptic Meningitis Masquerading as Septic Shock.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-induced aseptic meningitis (TSIAM) is a rare adverse reaction to a commonly prescribed antibiotic. We describe a case of severe TSIAM which resembled septic shock. A 30-year-old male with relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma 25 days status post autologous stem cell transplant presented to our clinic for evaluation of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) hypersensitivity. After review of patient's history and records, we had a low suspicion for a TMP-SMX adverse reaction and conducted an oral challenge to one 160 mg/800 mg tab of TMP-SMX. Four hours later, the patient developed vomiting, lightheadedness, and disorientation with progression to rigors, fever, tachycardia, and hypotension. He was admitted for fluid resuscitation and broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage for neutropenic fever and possible septic shock. A lumbar puncture performed due to complaints of headache, photophobia, and neck pain showed 375 white blood cells/µL with 73% neutrophil predominance, normal glucose (75 mg/dL), and elevated protein (101 mg/dL); additional cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies were negative for infectious etiologies. Fever and headache resolved by hospital day 4, at which time patient was discharged home. We believe this case represents TSIAM given the characteristic timing of symptom onset, CSF findings, and timing of symptom resolution without other clear etiology found on extensive infectious evaluation. It is important for allergists to recognize TSIAM, including its potential presentation as shock, in order to appropriately diagnose and counsel patients who seek evaluation for TMP-SMX adverse reactions.

Sixteen Weeks Later: Expanding the Risk Period for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been observed in temporal association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), typically within 2 to 6 weeks of illness or exposure. We present a case of MIS-C occurring 16 weeks after initial COVID-19 illness to highlight the prolonged period of risk for developing MIS-C.

Severe Heart Failure in an Infant Born to a Mother Diagnosed With Influenza A Before Delivery.

Neonatal myocarditis and heart failure secondary to maternal infection with a myocarditis-associated virus in the weeks preceding delivery is rare. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an infant with myocarditis and heart failure in the setting of a maternal diagnosis of influenza A. Influenza is, however, known to be a cause of myocarditis in children, and several studies have shown vertical transmission of antibodies to influenza. Here, we present a full-term infant who presented with central cyanosis and respiratory distress at 30 minutes of life. No prenatal concerns had been identified. The infant continued to have poor saturations and mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis despite intubation and administration of 100% FiO2. He was found to have severe biventricular dysfunction on echocardiogram. In discussion with the parents, it was elucidated that the mother had tested positive for influenza A 3 weeks before delivery. The presumptive diagnosis for this infant is heart failure secondary to influenza myocarditis that he contracted in utero. He demonstrated full return of heart function and was discharged home from the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit by day of life 10. Neonates with central cyanosis must be evaluated and treated emergently as these infants are at risk for life-threatening disease and downstream morbidity secondary to tissue hypoxia. The purpose of this case report is to highlight a rare but devastating etiology of cyanosis in neonates and to discuss the recommended course of evaluation and treatment for health care providers.

Discovery of an Experimental Model of Unicuspid Aortic Valve.

BACKGROUND: The epithelial growth factor receptor family of tyrosine kinases modulates embryonic formation of semilunar valves. We hypothesized that mice heterozygous for a dominant loss-of-function mutation in epithelial growth factor receptor, which are EgfrVel/+ mice, would develop anomalous aortic valves, valve dysfunction, and valvular cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Aortic valves from EgfrVel/+ mice and control mice were examined by light microscopy at 2.5 to 4 months of age. Additional EgfrVel/+ and control mice underwent echocardiography at 2.5, 4.5, 8, and 12 months of age, followed by histologic examination. In young mice, microscopy revealed anatomic anomalies in 79% of EgfrVel/+ aortic valves, which resembled human unicuspid aortic valves. Anomalies were not observed in control mice. At 12 months of age, histologic architecture was grossly distorted in EgfrVel/+ aortic valves. Echocardiography detected moderate or severe aortic regurgitation, or aortic stenosis was present in 38% of EgfrVel/+ mice at 2.5 months of age (N=24) and in 74% by 8 months of age. Left ventricular enlargement, hypertrophy, and reversion to a fetal myocardial gene expression program occurred in EgfrVel/+ mice with aortic valve dysfunction, but not in EgfrVel/+ mice with near-normal aortic valve function. Myocardial fibrosis was minimal or absent in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: A new mouse model uniquely recapitulates salient functional, structural, and histologic features of human unicuspid aortic valve disease, which are phenotypically distinct from other forms of congenital aortic valve disease. The new model may be useful for elucidating mechanisms by which congenitally anomalous aortic valves become critically dysfunctional.

In-Situ Synthesis of Amorphous Co Nanoparticles Supported onto TiO2 Nanofibers as a Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation from the Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane.

Co0 nanoparticles supported on TiO2 nanofibers (nanocomposite) were prepared using a simple electrospinning technique and In-Situ chemical reduction. The synthesized nanocomposite was used to generate hydrogen from ammonia borane (AB). Standard characterization techniques revealed dense distribution of Co0 nanoparticles (Co NPs) onto the TiO2 nanofibers (TiO2 NFs) in the prepared nanocomposite. The introduced nanocomposite has been showed a good catalytic activity as compared to those unsupported Co NPs. As, the hydrogen evolutions for the nanocomposite and Co NPs were 3 mol in 23 min and 47 min, respectively. Furthermore, both the nanocomposite concentration and the temperature have a significant catalytic activity in the AB dehydrogenation. The nanocomposite also showed low effective activation energy of ~26.03 KJ · mol-1.

Low Temperature Synthesis of Cobalt-Chromium Carbide Nanoparticles-Doped Carbon Nanofibers.

Electrospinning has been used to synthesize cobalt-chromium carbide nanoparticles (NPs)-doped carbon nanofibers (CNFs) (Composite). Electrospun mat comprising of cobalt acetate, chromium acetate and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) has been carbonized at low temperature (850 °C) for 3 h under argon atmosphere to produce the introduced composite. The process was achieved at low temperature due to the presence of cobalt as an activator. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with EDX techniques were used to determine the products characteristics. The results indicated the formation of pure cobalt (Co), Cr7C3 NPs and crystalline CNFs. The Co and Cr7C3 NPs were covered with CNFs. Overall, the proposed NFs open new avenue to prepare different metals-metal carbides-carbon NFs at low temperature and short reaction time.

Fibrotic Aortic Valve Stenosis in Hypercholesterolemic/Hypertensive Mice.

OBJECTIVE: Hypercholesterolemia and hypertension are associated with aortic valve stenosis (AVS) in humans. We have examined aortic valve function, structure, and gene expression in hypercholesterolemic/hypertensive mice. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Control, hypertensive, hypercholesterolemic (Apoe(-/-)), and hypercholesterolemic/hypertensive mice were studied. Severe aortic stenosis (echocardiography) occurred only in hypercholesterolemic/hypertensive mice. There was minimal calcification of the aortic valve. Several structural changes were identified at the base of the valve. The intercusp raphe (or seam between leaflets) was longer in hypercholesterolemic/hypertensive mice than in other mice, and collagen fibers at the base of the leaflets were reoriented to form a mesh. In hypercholesterolemic/hypertensive mice, the cusps were asymmetrical, which may contribute to changes that produce AVS. RNA sequencing was used to identify molecular targets during the developmental phase of stenosis. Genes related to the structure of the valve were identified, which differentially expressed before fibrotic AVS developed. Both RNA and protein of a profibrotic molecule, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, were increased greatly in hypercholesterolemic/hypertensive mice. CONCLUSIONS: Hypercholesterolemic/hypertensive mice are the first model of fibrotic AVS. Hypercholesterolemic/hypertensive mice develop severe AVS in the absence of significant calcification, a feature that resembles AVS in children and some adults. Structural changes at the base of the valve leaflets include lengthening of the raphe, remodeling of collagen, and asymmetry of the leaflets. Genes were identified that may contribute to the development of fibrotic AVS.

Spontaneous Aortic Regurgitation and Valvular Cardiomyopathy in Mice.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the mechanistic links between fibrocalcific changes in the aortic valve and aortic valve function in mice homozygous for a hypomorphic epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (Wave mice). We also studied myocardial responses to aortic valve dysfunction in Wave mice. APPROACH AND RESULTS: At 1.5 months of age, before development of valve fibrosis and calcification, aortic regurgitation, but not aortic stenosis, was common in Wave mice. Aortic valve fibrosis, profibrotic signaling, calcification, osteogenic markers, lipid deposition, and apoptosis increased dramatically by 6 and 12 months of age in Wave mice. Aortic regurgitation remained prevalent, however, and aortic stenosis was rare, at all ages. Proteoglycan content was abnormally increased in aortic valves of Wave mice at all ages. Treatment with pioglitazone prevented abnormal valve calcification, but did not protect valve function. There was significant left ventricular volume overload, hypertrophy, and fetal gene expression, at all ages in Wave mice with aortic regurgitation. Left ventricular systolic function was normal until 6 months of age in Wave mice, but became impaired by 12 months of age. Myocardial transverse tubules were normal in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy at 1.5 and 3 months of age, but became disrupted by 12 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first comprehensive phenotypic and molecular characterization of spontaneous aortic regurgitation and volume-overload cardiomyopathy in an experimental model. In Wave mice, fibrocalcific changes are not linked to valve dysfunction and are epiphenomena arising from structurally incompetent myxomatous valves.

Aortic valve sclerosis in mice deficient in endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

Risk factors for fibrocalcific aortic valve disease (FCAVD) are associated with systemic decreases in bioavailability of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO). In patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), vascular expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is decreased, and eNOS(-/-) mice have increased prevalence of BAV. The goal of this study was to test the hypotheses that EDNO attenuates profibrotic actions of valve interstitial cells (VICs) in vitro and that EDNO deficiency accelerates development of FCAVD in vivo. As a result of the study, coculture of VICs with aortic valve endothelial cells (vlvECs) significantly decreased VIC activation, a critical early phase of FCAVD. Inhibition of VIC activation by vlvECs was attenuated by N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester or indomethacin. Coculture with vlvECs attenuated VIC expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9, which depended on stiffness of the culture matrix. Coculture with vlvECs preferentially inhibited collagen-3, compared with collagen-1, gene expression. BAV occurred in 30% of eNOS(-/-) mice. At age 6 mo, collagen was increased in both bicuspid and trileaflet eNOS(-/-) aortic valves, compared with wild-type valves. At 18 mo, total collagen was similar in eNOS(-/-) and wild-type mice, but collagen-3 was preferentially increased in eNOS(-/-) mice. Calcification and apoptosis were significantly increased in BAV of eNOS(-/-) mice at ages 6 and 18 mo. Remarkably, these histological changes were not accompanied by physiologically significant valve stenosis or regurgitation. In conclusion, coculture with vlvECs inhibits specific profibrotic VIC processes. In vivo, eNOS deficiency produces fibrosis in both trileaflet and BAVs but produces calcification only in BAVs.

Osteoprotegerin inhibits aortic valve calcification and preserves valve function in hypercholesterolemic mice.

BACKGROUND: There are no rigorously confirmed effective medical therapies for calcific aortic stenosis. Hypercholesterolemic Ldlr (-/-) Apob (100/100) mice develop calcific aortic stenosis and valvular cardiomyopathy in old age. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) modulates calcification in bone and blood vessels, but its effect on valve calcification and valve function is not known. OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of pharmacologic treatment with OPG upon aortic valve calcification and valve function in aortic stenosis-prone hypercholesterolemic Ldlr (-/-) Apob (100/100) mice. METHODS: Young Ldlr (-/-) Apob (100/100) mice (age 2 months) were fed a Western diet and received exogenous OPG or vehicle (N = 12 each) 3 times per week, until age 8 months. After echocardiographic evaluation of valve function, the aortic valve was evaluated histologically. Older Ldlr (-/-) Apob (100/100) mice were fed a Western diet beginning at age 2 months. OPG or vehicle (N = 12 each) was administered from 6 to 12 months of age, followed by echocardiographic evaluation of valve function, followed by histologic evaluation. RESULTS: In Young Ldlr (-/-) Apob (100/100) mice, OPG significantly attenuated osteogenic transformation in the aortic valve, but did not affect lipid accumulation. In Older Ldlr (-/-) Apob (100/100) mice, OPG attenuated accumulation of the osteoblast-specific matrix protein osteocalcin by ∼80%, and attenuated aortic valve calcification by ∼ 70%. OPG also attenuated impairment of aortic valve function. CONCLUSIONS: OPG attenuates pro-calcific processes in the aortic valve, and protects against impairment of aortic valve function in hypercholesterolemic aortic stenosis-prone Ldlr (-/-) Apob (100/100) mice.

Vascular function during prolonged progression and regression of atherosclerosis in mice.

OBJECTIVE: Endothelial dysfunction is associated with atherosclerosis in mice, but it is difficult to reduce cholesterol levels enough to study regression of atherosclerosis in genetically modified mice. The goal of this study was to examine vascular structure and function before and after reducing elevated plasma lipid levels with a genetic switch in Reversa mice, and identify novel mechanisms contributing to structural and functional improvements in the vasculature after reduction of blood lipids. METHODS AND RESULTS: After 6 months of hypercholesterolemia, endothelial function (maximum relaxation to acetylcholine) in aorta was impaired and responses to nitric oxide were unaffected. Further impairment in endothelial function was observed after 12 months of hypercholesterolemia and was associated with reductions in sensitivity to nitric oxide. Expression of dihydrofolate reductase was reduced at 6 and 12 months, and addition of the tetrahydrobiopterin precursor sepiapterin significantly improved endothelial function. Reducing cholesterol levels at 6 months normalized dihydrofolate reductase expression and prevented further impairment in endothelial function. Similar functional changes were observed after 12 months of hypercholesterolemia followed by 2 months of lipid lowering. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that endothelial dysfunction after prolonged hypercholesterolemia is the result of both impairment of sensitivity to nitric oxide and reduced nitric oxide synthase cofactor bioavailability. Both of these changes can be prevented by normalizing blood lipids during moderately severe or advanced atherosclerosis.

Pioglitazone attenuates valvular calcification induced by hypercholesterolemia.

OBJECTIVE: Development of calcific aortic valve stenosis involves multiple signaling pathways, which may be modulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ). This study tested the hypothesis that pioglitazone (Pio), a ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, inhibits calcification of the aortic valve in hypercholesteremic mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Low density lipoprotein receptor(-/-)/apolipoprotein B(100/100) mice were fed a Western-type diet with or without Pio (20 mg/kg per day) for 6 months. Pio attenuated lipid deposition and calcification in the aortic valve, but not aorta. In the aortic valve, Pio reduced levels of active caspase-3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. Valve function (echocardiography) was significantly improved by Pio. To determine whether changes in gene expression are associated with differential effects of Pio on aortic valves versus aorta, Reversa mice were fed Western diet with or without Pio for 2 months. Several procalcific genes were increased by Western diet, and the increase was attenuated by Pio, in aortic valve, but not aorta. CONCLUSIONS: Pio attenuates lipid deposition, calcification, and apoptosis in aortic valves of hypercholesterolemic mice, improves aortic valve function, and exhibits preferential effects on aortic valves versus aorta. We suggest that Pio protects against calcific aortic valve stenosis, and Pio or other peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ ligands may be useful for early intervention to prevent or slow stenosis of aortic valves.

Evidence for active regulation of pro-osteogenic signaling in advanced aortic valve disease.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that valvular calcium deposition, pro-osteogenic signaling, and function can be altered in mice with advanced aortic valve disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: "Reversa" mice were given a Western-type diet for 12 months and screened for the presence of aortic valve stenosis. Mice with advanced valve disease were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) those with continued progression for 2 months and (2) those with regression for 2 months, in which lipid lowering was accomplished by a genetic switch. Control mice were normocholesterolemic for 14 months. Mice with advanced valve disease had massive valvular calcification that was associated with increases in bone morphogenetic protein signaling, Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, and markers of osteoblastlike cell differentiation. Remarkably, reducing plasma lipids with a genetic switch dramatically reduced markers of pro-osteogenic signaling and significantly reduced valvular calcium deposition. Nevertheless, despite a marked reduction in valvular calcium deposition, valve function remained markedly impaired. Phosphorylated Smad2 levels and myofibroblast activation (indexes of profibrotic signaling) remained elevated. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular processes that contribute to valvular calcification and osteogenesis remain remarkably labile during the end stages of aortic valve stenosis. Although reductions in valvular calcium deposition were not sufficient to improve valvular function in the animals studied, these findings demonstrate that aortic valve calcification is a remarkably dynamic process that can be modified therapeutically, even in the presence of advanced aortic valve disease.

MnSOD protects against COX1-mediated endothelial dysfunction in chronic heart failure.

Endothelial function is impaired by oxidative stress in chronic heart failure (HF). Mechanisms that protect against increases in oxidative stress in HF are not clear. The goal of this study was to determine whether manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) plays a key role in protecting against endothelial dysfunction in HF. Endothelial function and gene expression were examined in aorta from wild-type mice (MnSOD(+/+)) and mice deficient in MnSOD (MnSOD(+/-)) 12 wk after ligation of the left coronary artery (LCA). LCA ligation produced similar size myocardial infarctions in MnSOD(+/+) and MnSOD(+/-) mice and reduced ejection fraction to approximately 20% in both groups. Maximal relaxation in response to acetylcholine was 78 +/- 3% (mean +/- SE) and 66 +/- 8% in sham-operated MnSOD(+/+) and MnSOD(+/-) mice, respectively. Expression of antioxidant enzymes increased in MnSOD(+/+) mice with HF, and maximal relaxation to acetylcholine was slightly impaired (68 +/- 4%). Greater endothelial dysfunction was observed in MnSOD(+/-) mice with HF (46 +/- 5%, P < 0.05), which was significantly improved by polyethylene glycol-catalase but not Tempol. Incubation with the nonspecific cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin or the COX1 inhibitor valeryl salicylate, but not the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398, significantly improved relaxation to acetylcholine in HF mice (maximum relaxation = 74 +/- 5, 91 +/- 1, and 58 +/- 5%). These data suggest that MnSOD plays a key role in protecting against endothelial dysfunction in HF. A novel mechanism was identified whereby chronic increases in oxidative stress, produced by mitochondrial SOD deficiency, impair vascular function via a hydrogen peroxide-dependent, COX1-dependent, endothelium-derived contracting factor.

Lowering plasma cholesterol levels halts progression of aortic valve disease in mice.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of hyperlipidemia produces functional and structural improvements in atherosclerotic vessels. However, the effects of treating hyperlipidemia on the structure and function of the aortic valve have been controversial, and any effects could be confounded by pleiotropic effects of hypolipidemic treatment. The goal of this study was to determine whether reducing elevated plasma lipid levels with a "genetic switch" in Reversa mice (Ldlr-/-/Apob(100/100)/Mttp(fl/fl)/Mx1-Cre+/+) reduces oxidative stress, reduces pro-osteogenic signaling, and retards the progression of aortic valve disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: After 6 months of hypercholesterolemia, Reversa mice exhibited increases in superoxide, lipid deposition, myofibroblast activation, calcium deposition, and pro-osteogenic protein expression in the aortic valve. Maximum aortic valve cusp separation, as judged by echocardiography, was not altered. During an additional 6 months of hypercholesterolemia, superoxide levels, valvular lipid deposition, and myofibroblast activation remained elevated. Furthermore, calcium deposition and pro-osteogenic gene expression became more pronounced, and the aortic cusp separation decreased from 0.85+/-0.04 to 0.70+/-0.04 mm (mean+/-SE; P<0.05). Rapid normalization of cholesterol levels at 6 months of age (by inducing expression of Cre recombinase) normalized aortic valve superoxide levels, decreased myofibroblast activation, reduced valvular calcium burden, suppressed pro-osteogenic signaling cascades, and prevented reductions in aortic valve cusp separation. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these data indicate that reducing plasma lipid levels by genetic inactivation of the mttp gene in hypercholesterolemic mice with early aortic valve disease normalizes oxidative stress, reduces pro-osteogenic signaling, and halts the progression of aortic valve stenosis.

Dysregulation of antioxidant mechanisms contributes to increased oxidative stress in calcific aortic valvular stenosis in humans.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether oxidative stress is increased in calcified, stenotic aortic valves and to examine mechanisms that might contribute to increased oxidative stress. BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is increased in atherosclerotic lesions and might play an important role in plaque progression and calcification. The role of oxidative stress in valve disease is not clear. METHODS: Superoxide (dihydroethidium fluorescence and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence), hydrogen peroxide H2O2 (dichlorofluorescein fluorescence), and expression and activity of pro- and anti-oxidant enzymes were measured in normal valves from hearts not suitable for transplantation and stenotic aortic valves that were removed during surgical replacement of the valve. RESULTS: In normal valves, superoxide levels were relatively low and distributed homogeneously throughout the valve. In stenotic valves, superoxide levels were increased 2-fold near the calcified regions of the valve (p < 0.05); noncalcified regions did not differ significantly from normal valves. Hydrogen peroxide levels were also markedly elevated in calcified regions of stenotic valves. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity was not increased in calcified regions of stenotic valves. Superoxide levels in stenotic valves were significantly reduced by inhibition of nitric oxide synthases (NOS), which suggests uncoupling of the enzyme. Antioxidant mechanisms were reduced in calcified regions of the aortic valve, because total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and expression of all 3 SOD isoforms was significantly decreased. Catalase expression also was reduced in pericalcific regions. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence that oxidative stress is increased in calcified regions of stenotic aortic valves from humans. Increased oxidative stress is due at least in part to reduction in expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes and perhaps to uncoupled NOS activity. Thus, mechanisms of oxidative stress differ greatly between stenotic aortic valves and atherosclerotic arteries.

Role of angiotensin II in endothelial dysfunction induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice.

Endotoxin [or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] increases levels of superoxide in blood vessels and impairs vasomotor function. Angiotensin II plays an important role in the generation of superoxide in several disease states, including hypertension and heart failure. The goal of this study was to determine whether the activation of the renin-angiotensin system contributes to oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction after endotoxin. We examined the effects of enalapril (an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) or L-158809 (an angiotensin receptor blocker) on increases of superoxide and vasomotor dysfunction in mice treated with LPS. C57BL/6 mice were treated with either enalapril (60 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) or L-158809 (30 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) for 4 days. After the third day, LPS (10-20 mg/kg) or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally, and one day later, vasomotor function of the aorta was examined in vitro. After precontraction with PGF(2alpha), the maximal responses to sodium nitroprusside were similar in the aorta from normal and LPS-treated mice. In contrast, the relaxation to acetylcholine was impaired after LPS (54 +/- 5% at 10(-5), mean +/- SE) compared with vessels treated with vehicle (88 +/- 1%; P < 0.05). Enalapril improved (P < 0.05) relaxation in response to acetylcholine to 81 +/- 6% after LPS. L-158809 also improved relaxation in response to acetylcholine to 77 +/- 4% after LPS. Superoxide (measured with lucigenin and hydroethidine) was increased (P < 0.05) in aorta after LPS, and levels were reduced (P < 0.05) following enalapril and L-158809. Thus, after LPS, enalapril and L-158809 reduce superoxide levels and improve relaxation to acetylcholine in the aorta. The findings suggest that activation of the renin-angiotensin system contributes importantly to oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction after endotoxin.

Effects of a common human gene variant of extracellular superoxide dismutase on endothelial function after endotoxin in mice.

A common gene variant in the heparin-binding domain (HBD) of extracellular superoxide dismutase (ECSOD) may predispose human carriers to ischaemic heart disease. We have demonstrated that the HBD of ECSOD is important for ECSOD to restore vascular dysfunction produced by endotoxin. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the gene variant in the HBD of ECSOD (ECSOD(R213G)) protects against endothelial dysfunction in a model of inflammation. We constructed a recombinant adenovirus that expresses ECSOD(R213G). Adenoviral vectors expressing ECSOD, ECSOD(R213G) or beta-galactosidase (LacZ, a control) were injected i.v. in mice. After 3 days, at which time the plasma SOD activity is maximal, vehicle or endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide or LPS, 40 mg kg(-1)) was injected i.p. Vasomotor function of aorta in vitro was examined 1 day later. Maximal relaxation to sodium nitroprusside was similar in aorta from normal and LPS-treated mice. Maximal relaxation to acetylcholine (10(-5)) was impaired after LPS and LacZ (63 +/- 3%, mean +/- s.e.m.) compared to normal vessels (83 +/- 3%) (P < 0.05). Gene transfer of ECSOD improved (P < 0.05) relaxation in response to acetylcholine (76 +/- 5%) after LPS, whereas gene transfer of ECSOD(R213G) had no effect (65 +/- 4%). Superoxide was increased in aorta (measured using lucigenin and hydroethidine) after LPS, and levels of superoxide were significantly reduced following ECSOD but not ECSOD(R213G). Thus, ECSOD reduces superoxide and improves relaxation to acetylcholine in the aorta after LPS, while the ECSOD variant R213G had minimal effect. These findings suggest that, in contrast to ECSOD, the common human gene variant of ECSOD fails to protect against endothelial dysfunction produced by an inflammatory stimulus.

Gene transfer of extracellular superoxide dismutase improves relaxation of aorta after treatment with endotoxin.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) impairs vascular function, in part by generation of reactive oxygen species. One goal of this study was to determine whether gene transfer of extracellular SOD (ECSOD) improves vascular responsiveness in LPS-treated rats. A second goal was to determine whether effects of ECSOD are dependent on the heparin-binding domain of the enzyme, which facilitates binding of ECSOD to the outside of cells. Adenoviruses containing ECSOD (AdECSOD), ECSOD with deletion of its heparin-binding domain (AdECSOD-HBD), or a control virus (AdLacZ) were injected intravenously into rats. Three days later, vehicle or LPS (10 mg/kg ip) was injected. After 24 h, vascular reactivity was examined in aortic rings in vitro. Maximum relaxation to acetylcholine was 95 +/- 1% (means +/- SE) after AdlacZ plus vehicle and 77 +/- 3% after AdlacZ plus LPS (P < 0.05). Responses to calcium ionophore A-23187 and submaximal concentrations of nitroprusside also were impaired by LPS. Gene transfer of ECSOD, but not AdECSOD-HBD, improved (P < 0.05) relaxation to acetylcholine and A-23187 after LPS. Maximum relaxation to acetylcholine was 88 +/- 3% after LPS plus AdECSOD. Superoxide was increased in aorta after LPS, and the levels were reduced after AdECSOD but not AdECSOD-HBD. LPS-induced adhesion of leukocytes to aortic endothelium was reduced by AdECSOD but not by AdECSOD-HBD. We conclude that after gene transfer in vivo, binding of ECSOD to arteries effectively decreases the numbers of adherent leukocytes and levels of superoxide and improves impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation produced by LPS.