Insufficient sleep is associated with a pro-atherogenic circulating microRNA signature.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of the study Is habitual short sleep associated with altered circulating levels of specific inflammation- and vascular-related microRNAs? What is the main finding and its importance? Circulating levels of miR-125a, miR-126 and miR-146a were significantly lower in the short sleep compared with the normal sleep group. Altered circulating profiles of these vascular-related microRNAs have been linked to vascular inflammation, dysfunction and increased cardiovascular disease events. Sleep-related changes in these microRNAs are consistent with, and might play a role in, the aberrant vascular physiology and increased vascular risk associated with short sleep. ABSTRACT: Habitual short sleep duration (<7 h night-1 ) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality attributable, in large part, to increased inflammatory burden and endothelial dysfunction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in regulating vascular health, and circulating levels are now recognized to be sensitive and specific biomarkers of cardiovascular function, inflammation and disease.  The aim of this study was to determine whether the expression of circulating miR-34a, miR-92a, miR-125a, miR-126, miR-145, miR-146a and miR-150 is disrupted in adults who habitually sleep <7 h night-1 (short sleep). These were chosen based upon their well-established links with vascular inflammation, function and, in turn, cardiovascular risk. Twenty-four adults were studied: 12 with normal nightly sleep duration (six men and six women; age, 55 ± 3 years old; sleep duration, ≥7.0 h night-1 ) and 12 with short nightly sleep duration (seven men and five women; 55 ± 2 years old; sleep duration, <7 h night-1 ), and circulating miRNA expression was assayed by RT-PCR. All subjects were non-smokers, normolipidaemic, non-medicated and free of overt cardiovascular disease. Circulating levels of miR-125a (3.07 ± 1.98 versus 7.34 ± 5.34 a.u.), miR-126 [1.28 (0.42-2.51) versus 1.78 (1.29-4.80) a.u.] and miR-146a [2.55 (1.00-4.80) versus 6.46 (1.50-11.44) a.u.] were significantly lower (∼60, 40 and 60%, respectively) in the short compared with the normal sleep group. However, there were no significant group differences in circulating levels of miR-34a, miR-92a, miR-145 and miR-150. In summary, chronic short sleep is associated with a marked reduction in circulating levels of miR-125a, miR-126 and miR-146a. Dysregulation of these miRNAs might contribute to the increased inflammatory burden and endothelial dysfunction associated with habitual insufficient sleep.

High glucose derived endothelial microparticles increase active caspase-3 and reduce microRNA-Let-7a expression in endothelial cells.

The experimental aim of this study was to determine the effects of high glucose-induced endothelial microparticles (EMPs) on endothelial cell susceptibility to apoptosis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured (3rd passage) and plated in 6-well plates at a density of 5.0 × 105 cells/condition. Cells were incubated with media containing 25 mM d-glucose (concentration representing a diabetic glycemic state) or 5 mM d-glucose (normoglycemic condition) for 48 h to generate EMPs. EMP identification (CD144+ expression) and concentration was determined by flow cytometry. HUVECs (3 × 106 cells/condition) were treated with EMPs generated from either the normal or high glucose conditions for 24 h. Intracellular concentration of active caspase-3 was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Cellular expression of miR-Let7a, an anti-apoptotic microRNA, was determined by RT-PCR using the ΔΔCT normalized to RNU6. High glucose-derived EMPs significantly increased both basal (1.5 ± 0.1 vs 1.0 ± 0.1 ng/mL) and staurosporine-stimulated (2.2 ± 0.2 vs 1.4 ± 0.1 ng/mL) active caspase-3 compared with normal glucose EMPs. Additionally, the expression of miR-Let-7a was markedly reduced (∼140%) by high glucose EMPs (0.43 ± 0.17 fold vs control). These results demonstrate that hyperglycemic-induced EMPs increase endothelial cell active caspase-3. This apoptotic effect may be mediated, at least in part, by a reduction in miR-Let-7a expression.

Effect of 17ß-Estradiol on Endothelial Cell Expression of Inflammation-Related MicroRNA.

Introduction/ Objective: Estrogen plays a protective role in vascular health due, in part, to its regulation of endothelial inflammation. However, the mechanism(s) by which estrogen negatively regulates inflammatory signaling pathways is not completely understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as sensitive and selective regulators of cardiovascular function, inflammation, and disease, yet the effects of 17ß-estradiol on the endothelial miRNA profile are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 17ß-estradiol on the expression of inflammation-associated miRNAs in endothelial cells in vitro. METHODS: Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with media in the absence (control) and presence of 17ß-estradiol (100 nM) for 24 hr. Thereafter, endothelial cell release of cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8), the intracellular expression of the central protein inflammatory mediator NF- B, and the levels of inflammatory-associated miRNAs: miR-126, miR-146a, miR-181b, miR-204, and miR-let-7a, were determined. RESULTS: 17ß-estradiol-treated cells released significantly lower levels of IL-6 (47.6±1.5 pg/mL vs 59.3±4.9 pg/mL) and IL-8 (36.3±2.3 pg/mL vs 44.0±2.0 pg/mL). Cellular expression of total NF- B (26.0±2.8 AU vs 21.2±3.1 AU) was not different between groups; however, activated NF- B (Ser536) (12.9±1.7 AU vs 20.2±2.2 AU) was markedly reduced in 17ß-estradiol-treated cells as compared to untreated cells. Furthermore, cellular expressions of miR-126 (1.8±0.3 fold), miR-146a (1.7±0.3 fold), miR-181b (2.1±0.4 fold), miR-204 (1.9±0.4 fold), and miR-Let-7a (1.8±0.3 fold) were markedly increased in response to 17ß-estradiol treatment. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of 17ß-estradiol in endothelial cells may be mediated by miRNAs.

Endothelin-1-induced endothelial microvesicles impair endothelial cell function.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1)-generated endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) on endothelial cell inflammation, apoptosis, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with ET-1 for 24 h. EMVs released into the supernatant from cells treated with ET-1 or vehicle were isolated and quantified. EMV release was higher (P < 0.05) in cells treated with ET-1 compared with control (95 ± 15 vs. 54 ± 5 EMV/µL). Fresh HUVECs were then treated with either ET-1, ET-1-induced EMVs, or control EMVs for 24 h. ET-1-generated EMVs induced significantly higher release of IL-6 (181.0 ± 16.0 vs. 132.1 ± 8.1 pg/mL) and IL-8 (303.4 ± 37.4 vs. 211.8 ± 10.0 pg/mL), as well as greater total NF-κB p65 (76.0 ± 7.6 vs. 57.1 ± 2.1 AU) and active NF-κB p65 (Ser-536) (11.6 ± 0.9 vs. 6.8 ± 1.0 AU) expression than control EMVs. There were no significant differences in expression of caspase-9 (230.1 ± 24.3 vs. 243.6 ± 22.3 AU), caspase-3 (271.9 ± 22.7 vs. 265.1 ± 30.5 AU), and active caspase-3 (4.4 ± 0.4 vs. 4.3 ± 0.1 AU) in cells treated with ET-1-EMVs versus control EMVs. Total eNOS (108.4 ± 11.4 vs. 158.8 ± 1.6 AU) and activated eNOS (4.7 ± 0.5 vs. 9.6 ± 1.4 AU) were significantly lower in endothelial cells treated with ET-1-generated EMVs compared with control EMVs. The effects of ET-1-generated EMVs on cellular markers and mediators of endothelial inflammation, as well as eNOS function, was comparable to the effects of ET-1. In summary, ET-1 induces an EMV phenotype that adversely affects endothelial cell function. ET-1-generated EMVs may contribute to the atherogenic effect of ET-1.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide released by the endothelium that contributes to the regulation of vascular tone. Overexpression of ET-1 has been implicated in the etiology of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Endothelial cell-derived microvesicles (EMVs) play a pivotal role in vascular health and disease. Their functional phenotype is largely dictated by the stimulus for release. EMVs released in response to various pathological conditions have been shown to elicit deleterious vascular effects. In the present study, we determined, in vitro, the effect of ET-1 on EMV release from endothelial cells and the effects of ET-1-generated EMVs on endothelial cell inflammation, apoptosis, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). ET-1 induced a marked increase in EMV release. ET-1-generated EMVs significantly increased endothelial cell inflammation and reduced eNOS protein expression and activation. Moreover, the endothelial effects of ET-1-derived EMVs were similar to the direct effects of ET-1. ET-1-generated EMVs may contribute to the proatherogenic profile of ET-1.

Effects of HIV-1 gp120 and TAT-derived microvesicles on endothelial cell function.

The aims of this study were twofold. The first was to determine if human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 glycoprotein (gp) 120 and transactivator of transcription (Tat) stimulate the release of endothelial microvesicles (EMVs). The second was to determine whether viral protein-induced EMVs are deleterious to endothelial cell function (inducing endothelial cell inflammation, oxidative stress, senescence and increasing apoptotic susceptibility). Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were treated with recombinant HIV-1 proteins Bal gp120 (R5), Lav gp120 (X4), or Tat. EMVs released in response to each viral protein were isolated and quantified. Fresh HAECs were treated with EMVs generated under control conditions and from each of the viral protein conditions for 24 h. EMV release was higher (P < 0.05) in HAECs treated with R5 (141 ± 21 MV/µl), X4 (132 ± 20 MV/µl), and Tat (130 ± 20 MV/µl) compared with control (61 ± 13 MV/µl). Viral protein EMVs induced significantly higher endothelial cell release of proinflammatory cytokines and expression of cell adhesion molecules than control. Reactive oxygen species production was more pronounced (P < 0.05) in the R5-, X4- and Tat-EMV-treated cells. In addition, viral protein-stimulated EMVs significantly augmented endothelial cell senescence and apoptotic susceptibility. Concomitant with these functional changes, viral protein-stimulated EMVs disrupted cell expression of micro-RNAs 34a, 126, 146a, 181b, 221, and miR-Let-7a (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that HIV-1 gp120 and Tat stimulate microvesicle release from endothelial cells, and these microvesicles confer pathological effects on endothelial cells by inducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and senescence as well as enhancing susceptibility to apoptosis. Viral protein-generated EMVs may contribute to the increased risk of vascular disease in patients with HIV-1. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-related proteins glycoprotein (gp) 120 and transactivator of transcription (Tat)-mediated endothelial damage and dysfunction are poorly understood. Endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) serve as indicators and potent mediators of endothelial dysfunction. In the present study we determined if HIV-1 R5- and X4-tropic gp120 and Tat stimulate EMV release in vitro and if viral protein-induced EMVs are deleterious to endothelial cell function. gp120 and Tat induced a marked increase in EMV release. Viral protein-induced EMVs significantly increased endothelial cell inflammation, oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptotic susceptibility in vitro. gp120- and Tat-derived EMVs promote a proinflammatory, pro-oxidative, prosenescent, and proapoptotic endothelial phenotype and may contribute to the endothelial damage and dysfunction associated with gp120 and Tat.

Circulating Microparticles Are Elevated in Treated HIV -1 Infection and Are Deleterious to Endothelial Cell Function.

Background Circulating microparticles have emerged as biomarkers and effectors of vascular disease. Elevated rates of cardiovascular disease are seen in HIV -1-seropositive individuals. The aims of this study were to determine: (1) if circulating microparticles are elevated in antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV -1-seropositive adults; and (2) the effects of microparticles isolated from antiretroviral therapy -treated HIV -1-seropositive adults on endothelial cell function, in vitro. Methods and Results Circulating levels of endothelial-, platelet-, monocyte-, and leukocyte-derived microparticles were determined by flow cytometry in plasma from 15 healthy and 15 antiretroviral therapy-treated, virologically suppressed HIV -1-seropositive men. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with microparticles from individual subjects for 24 hours; thereafter, endothelial cell inflammation, oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptosis were assessed. Circulating concentrations of endothelial-, platelet-, monocyte-, and leukocyte-derived microparticles were significantly higher (≈35%-225%) in the HIV -1-seropositive compared with healthy men. Microparticles from HIV -1-seropositive men induced significantly greater endothelial cell release of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 (≈20% and ≈35%, respectively) and nuclear factor-κB expression while suppressing anti-inflammatory microRNAs (miR-146a and miR-181b). Intracellular reactive oxygen species production and expression of reactive oxygen species -related heat shock protein 70 were both higher in cells treated with microparticles from the HIV -1-seropositive men. In addition, the percentage of senescent cells was significantly higher and sirtuin 1 expression lower in cells treated with HIV -1-related microparticles. Finally, caspase-3 was significantly elevated by microparticles from HIV -1-seropositive men. Conclusions Circulating concentrations of endothelial-, platelet-, monocyte-, and leukocyte-derived microparticles were higher in antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV -1-seropositive men and adversely affect endothelial cells promoting cellular inflammation, oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptosis. Circulating microparticles may contribute to the vascular risk associated with HIV -1 infection.

Effects of HIV-1 gp120 and tat on endothelial cell sensescence and senescence-associated microRNAs.

The aim of this study was to determine, in vitro, the effects of X4 and R5 HIV-1 gp120 and Tat on: (1) endothelial cell senescence and (2) endothelial cell microRNA (miR) expression. Endothelial cells were treated with media without and with: R5 gp120 (100 ng/mL), X4 gp120 (100 ng/mL), or Tat (500 ng/mL) for 24 h and stained for senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal). Cell expression of miR-34a, miR-217, and miR-146a was determined by RT-PCR. X4 and R5 gp120 and Tat significantly increased (~100%) cellular senescence versus control. X4 gp120 significantly increased cell expression of miR-34a (1.60 ± 0.04 fold) and miR-217 (1.52 ± 0.18), but not miR-146a (1.25 ± 0.32). R5 gp120 significantly increased miR-34a (1.23 ± 0.07) and decreased miR-146a (0.56 ± 0.07). Tat significantly increased miR-34a (1.49 ± 0.16) and decreased miR-146a (0.55 ± 0.23). R5 and Tat had no effect on miR-217 (1.05 ± 0.13 and 1.06 ± 0.24; respectively). HIV-1 gp120 (X4 and R5) and Tat promote endothelial cell senescence and dysregulation of senescence-associated miRs.