Distinct profile of antiviral drugs effects in aortic and pulmonary endothelial cells revealed by high-content microscopy and cell painting assays.

Antiviral drugs have significantly improved the treatment of viral infections and reduced the associated mortality and morbidity rates. However, antiviral therapy may lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, which are related to endothelial toxicity. Here, seven antiviral drugs (remdesivir, PF-00835231, ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, zidovudine and abacavir) were characterized against aortic (HAEC) and pulmonary (hLMVEC) endothelial cells, using high-content microscopy. The colourimetric study (MTS test) revealed similar toxicity profiles of all antiviral drugs tested in the concentration range of 1 nM-50 µM in aortic and pulmonary endothelial cells. Conversely, the drugs' effects on morphological parameters were more pronounced in HAECs as compared with hLMVECs. Based on the antiviral drugs' effects on the cytoplasmic and nuclei architecture (metric, SER texture and STAR morphology parameters), the studied compounds were classified into five distinct morphological subgroups, each linked to a specific cellular response profile. In relation to morphological subgroup classification, antiviral drugs induced a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ROS, changed lipid droplets/lysosomal content, decreased von Willebrand factor expression and micronuclei formation or dysregulated cellular autophagy. In conclusion, based on specific changes in endothelial cytoplasm, nuclei and subcellular morphology, the distinct endothelial response was identified for remdesivir, ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, zidovudine and abacavir treatments. The effects detected in aortic endothelial cells were not detected in pulmonary endothelial cells. Taken together, high-content microscopy has proven to be a robust and informative method for endothelial drug profiling that may prove useful in predicting the organ-specific endothelial toxicity of various drugs.

Vascular protein disulfide isomerase A1 mediates endothelial dysfunction induced by angiotensin II in mice.

AIM: Protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) are involved in platelet aggregation and intravascular thrombosis, but their role in regulating endothelial function is unclear. Here, we characterized the involvement of vascular PDIA1 in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced endothelial dysfunction in mice. METHODS: Endothelial dysfunction was induced in C57BL/6JCmd male mice via Ang II subcutaneous infusion, and PDIA1 was inhibited with bepristat. Endothelial function was assessed in vivo with magnetic resonance imaging and ex vivo with a myography, while arterial stiffness was measured as pulse wave velocity. Nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability was measured in the aorta (spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance) and plasma (NO2 - and NO3 - levels). Oxidative stress, eNOS uncoupling (DHE-based aorta staining), and thrombin activity (thrombin-antithrombin complex; calibrated automated thrombography) were evaluated. RESULTS: The inhibition of PDIA1 by bepristat in Ang II-treated mice prevented the impairment of NO-dependent vasodilation in the aorta as evidenced by the response to acetylcholine in vivo, increased systemic NO bioavailability and the aortic NO production, and decreased vascular stiffness. Bepristat's effect on NO-dependent function was recapitulated ex vivo in Ang II-induced endothelial dysfunction in isolated aorta. Furthermore, bepristat diminished the Ang II-induced eNOS uncoupling and overproduction of ROS without affecting thrombin activity. CONCLUSION: In Ang II-treated mice, the inhibition of PDIA1 normalized the NO-ROS balance, prevented endothelial eNOS uncoupling, and, thereby, improved vascular function. These results indicate the importance of vascular PDIA1 in regulating endothelial function, but further studies are needed to elucidate the details of the mechanisms involved.

Lipopolysaccharide affects energy metabolism and elevates nicotinamide N-methyltransferase level in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC).

This study aimed to investigate the putative role of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in the metabolic response of human aortic endothelial cells. This enzyme catalyses S-adenosylmethionine-mediated methylation of nicotinamide to methylnicotinamide. This reaction is accompanied by the reduction of the intracellular nicotinamide and S-adenosylmethionine content. This may affect NAD+ synthesis and various processes of methylation, including epigenetic modifications of chromatin. Particularly high activity of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase is detected in liver, many neoplasms as well as in various cells in stressful conditions. The elevated nicotinamide N-methyltransferase content was also found in endothelial cells treated with statins. Although the exogenous methylnicotinamide has been postulated to induce a vasodilatory response, the specific metabolic role of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in vascular endothelium is still unclear. Treatment of endothelial cells with bacterial lipopolysaccharide evokes several metabolic and functional consequences which built a multifaceted physiological response of endothelium to bacterial infection. Among the spectrum of biochemical changes substantially elevated protein level of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase was particularly intriguing. Here it has been shown that silencing of the nicotinamide N-methyltransferase gene influences several changes which are observed in cells treated with lipopolysaccharide. They include altered energy metabolism and rearrangement of the mitochondrial network. A complete explanation of the mechanisms behind the protective consequences of the nicotinamide N-methyltransferase deficiency in cells treated with lipopolysaccharide needs further investigation.

Comparison of anti-cancer effects of novel protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) inhibitors in breast cancer cells characterized by high and low PDIA17 expression.

BACKGROUND: Protein disulphide isomerases (PDIs) play an important role in cancer progression. However, the relative contribution of the various isoforms of PDI in tumorigenesis is not clear. METHODS: The content of PDI isoforms in 22 cancer cells lines was investigated using LC-MS/MS-based proteomic analysis. The effects of PDIA1, PDIA3 and PDIA17 inhibition on the proliferation, migration and adhesion of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, identified as high and low PDIA17 expressing cells, respectively, were assessed using novel aromatic N-sulphonamides of aziridine-2-carboxylic acid derivatives as PDI inhibitors. RESULTS: PDIA1 and PDIA3 were the most abundant in cancer cell lysates and were also detected extracellularly in breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7). Some cancer cell lines (e.g., MCF-7, HT-29) showed upregulated expression of PDIA17, whereas in others (e.g., MDA-MB-231, 67NR), PDIA17 was not detected. The simultaneous inhibition of PDIA1 and PDIA3 showed similar anti-proliferative effects in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. However, the inhibition of PDIA1 and PDIA17 in the MCF-7 cell line resulted in more effective anti-adhesive and anti-proliferative effects. CONCLUSIONS: PDIA1 and PDIA3 represent major isoforms of multiple cancer cells, and their non-selective inhibition displays significant anti-proliferative effects irrespective of whether or not PDIA17 is present. The more pronounced anti-adhesive effects of PDI inhibition in hormone-sensitive MCF-7 cells featured by higher levels of PDIs when compared to triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells suggests that targeting extracellular PDIA1 and PDIA3 with or without additional PDIA17 inhibition may represent a strategy for personalized anti-adhesive, anti-metastatic therapy in cancers with high PDI expression.

Raman and fluorescence imaging of phospholipidosis induced by cationic amphiphilic drugs in endothelial cells.

Cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs) are known from lysosomotropism, drug-induced phospholipidosis (DIPL), activation of autophagy, and decreased cell viability, but the relationship between these events is not clear and little is known about DIPL in the endothelium. In this work, the effects of fluoxetine, amiodarone, clozapine, and risperidone on human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were studied using a combined methodology of label-free Raman imaging and fluorescence staining. Raman spectroscopy was applied to characterize biochemical changes in lipid profile and their distribution in the cellular compartments, while fluorescence staining (LysoTracker, LipidTOX, LC3B, and JC-1) was used to analyze lysosome volume expansion, activation of autophagy, lipid accumulation, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. We demonstrated that fluoxetine, amiodarone, and clozapine, but not risperidone, at non-toxic concentrations induced lipid accumulations in the perinuclear and cytoplasmic regions of endothelial cells. Spectroscopic markers of DIPL included a robust increase in the ratio (lipid/(protein + lipid)), an increase in choline-containing lipid, fatty acids, and the presence of cholesterol esters, while starvation-induced activated autophagy revealed a spectroscopic signature associated with subtle changes in the lipid profile only. Interestingly, lysosomal volume expansion, occurrence of DIPL, and activation of autophagy induced by selected CADs all depended on drug-accumulation in acidic pH of lysosome cellular compartments whereas reduced endothelial viability did not, and was attributed to mitochondrial mechanisms as evidenced by a decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential. In conclusion, drug-induced phospholipidosis in the endothelium did not reduce endothelial viability per se and can be efficiently assayed by Raman imaging.

Macrocyclic peptides as allosteric inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT).

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) methylates nicotinamide to form 1-methylnicotinamide (MNA) using S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) as the methyl donor. The complexity of the role of NNMT in healthy and disease states is slowly being elucidated and provides an indication that NNMT may be an interesting therapeutic target for a variety of diseases including cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Most inhibitors of NNMT described to date are structurally related to one or both of its substrates. In the search for structurally diverse NNMT inhibitors, an mRNA display screening technique was used to identify macrocyclic peptides which bind to NNMT. Several of the cyclic peptides identified in this manner show potent inhibition of NNMT with IC50 values as low as 229 nM. The peptides were also found to downregulate MNA production in cellular assays. Interestingly, substrate competition experiments reveal that these cyclic peptide inhibitors are noncompetitive with either SAM or NA indicating they may be the first allosteric inhibitors reported for NNMT.

Esterase-Sensitive Prodrugs of a Potent Bisubstrate Inhibitor of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase (NNMT) Display Cellular Activity.

A recently discovered bisubstrate inhibitor of Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) was found to be highly potent in biochemical assays with a single digit nanomolar IC50 value but lacking in cellular activity. We, here, report a prodrug strategy designed to translate the observed potent biochemical inhibitory activity of this inhibitor into strong cellular activity. This prodrug strategy relies on the temporary protection of the amine and carboxylic acid moieties of the highly polar amino acid side chain present in the bisubstrate inhibitor. The modification of the carboxylic acid into a range of esters in the absence or presence of a trimethyl-lock (TML) amine protecting group yielded a range of candidate prodrugs. Based on the stability in an aqueous buffer, and the confirmed esterase-dependent conversion to the parent compound, the isopropyl ester was selected as the preferred acid prodrug. The isopropyl ester and isopropyl ester-TML prodrugs exhibit improved cell permeability, which also translates to significantly enhanced cellular activity as established using assays designed to measure the enzymatic activity of NNMT in live cells.

Thrombin Inhibition Prevents Endothelial Dysfunction and Reverses 20-HETE Overproduction without Affecting Blood Pressure in Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension in Mice.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) induces hypertension and endothelial dysfunction, but the involvement of thrombin in these responses is not clear. Here, we assessed the effects of the inhibition of thrombin activity by dabigatran on Ang II-induced hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in mice with a particular focus on NO- and 20-HETE-dependent pathways. As expected, dabigatran administration significantly delayed thrombin generation (CAT assay) in Ang II-treated hypertensive mice, and interestingly, it prevented endothelial dysfunction development, but it did not affect elevated blood pressure nor excessive aortic wall thickening. Dabigatran's effects on endothelial function in Ang II-treated mice were evidenced by improved NO-dependent relaxation in the aorta in response to acetylcholine in vivo (MRI measurements) and increased systemic NO bioavailability (NO2- quantification) with a concomitant increased ex vivo production of endothelium-derived NO (EPR analysis). Dabigatran treatment also contributed to the reduction in the endothelial expression of pro-inflammatory vWF and ICAM-1. Interestingly, the fall in systemic NO bioavailability in Ang II-treated mice was associated with increased 20-HETE concentration in plasma (UPLC-MS/MS analysis), which was normalised by dabigatran treatment. Taking together, the inhibition of thrombin activity in Ang II-induced hypertension in mice improves the NO-dependent function of vascular endothelium and normalises the 20-HETE-depedent pathway without affecting the blood pressure and vascular remodelling.

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase in endothelium protects against oxidant stress-induced endothelial injury.

Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT, EC 2.1.1.1.) plays an important role in the growth of many different tumours and is also involved in various non-neoplastic disorders. However, the presence and role of NNMT in the endothelium has yet to be specifically explored. Here, we characterized the functional activity of NNMT in the endothelium and tested whether NNMT regulates endothelial cell viability. NNMT in endothelial cells (HAEC, HMEC-1 and EA.hy926) was inhibited using two approaches: pharmacological inhibition of the enzyme by NNMT inhibitors (5-amino-1-methylquinoline - 5MQ and 6-methoxynicotinamide - JBSF-88) or by shRNA-mediated silencing. Functional inhibition of NNMT was confirmed by LC/MS/MS-based analysis of impaired MNA production. The effects of NNMT inhibition on cellular viability were analyzed in both the absence and presence of menadione. Our results revealed that all studied endothelial lines express relatively high levels of functionally active NNMT compared with cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). Although the aldehyde oxidase 1 enzyme was also expressed in the endothelium, the further metabolites of N1-methylnicotinamide (N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide and N1-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide) generated by this enzyme were not detected, suggesting that endothelial NNMT-derived MNA was not subsequently metabolized in the endothelium by aldehyde oxidase 1. Menadione induced a concentration-dependent decrease in endothelial viability as evidenced by a decrease in cell number that was associated with the upregulation of NNMT and SIRT1 expression in the nucleus in viable cells. The suppression of the NNMT activity either by NNMT inhibitors or shRNA-based silencing significantly decreased the endothelial cell viability in response to menadione. Furthermore, NNMT inhibition resulted in nuclear SIRT1 expression downregulation and upregulation of the phosphorylated form of SIRT1 on Ser47. In conclusion, our results suggest that the endothelial nuclear NNMT/SIRT1 pathway exerts a cytoprotective role that safeguards endothelial cell viability under oxidant stress insult.

Chloroquine-Induced Accumulation of Autophagosomes and Lipids in the Endothelium.

Chloroquine (CQ) is an antimalarial drug known to inhibit autophagy flux by impairing autophagosome-lysosome fusion. We hypothesized that autophagy flux altered by CQ has a considerable influence on the lipid composition of endothelial cells. Thus, we investigated endothelial responses induced by CQ on human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). HMEC-1 cells after CQ exposure were measured using a combined methodology based on label-free Raman and fluorescence imaging. Raman spectroscopy was applied to characterize subtle chemical changes in lipid contents and their distribution in the cells, while the fluorescence staining (LipidTox, LysoTracker and LC3) was used as a reference method. The results showed that CQ was not toxic to endothelial cells and did not result in the endothelial inflammation at concentrations of 1-30 µM. Notwithstanding, it yielded an increased intensity of LipidTox, LysoTracker, and LC3 staining, suggesting changes in the content of neutral lipids, lysosomotropism, and autophagy inhibition, respectively. The CQ-induced endothelial response was associated with lipid accumulation and was characterized by Raman spectroscopy. CQ-induced autophagosome accumulation in the endothelium is featured by a pronounced alteration in the lipid profile, but not in the endothelial inflammation. Raman-based assessment of CQ-induced biochemical changes offers a better understanding of the autophagy mechanism in the endothelial cells.

Menadione-induced endothelial inflammation detected by Raman spectroscopy.

In this work, the effect of an early oxidative stress on human endothelial cells induced by menadione was studied using a combined methodology of label-free Raman imaging and fluorescence staining. Menadione-induced ROS-dependent endothelial inflammation in human aorta endothelial cells (HAEC) was studied with focus on changes in cytochrome, proteins, nucleic acids and lipids content and their distribution in cells. Fluorescence staining (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, vWF, LipidTox, MitoRos and DCF) was used to confirm endothelial inflammation and ROS generation. The results showed that short time, exposure to menadione did not cause their apoptosis or necrosis (Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit) within the 3 h timescale of measurement. On the other hand, 3 h of incubation, did result in endothelial inflammation (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, vWF) that was associated with an increased ROS formation (MitoRos and DCF) suggesting the oxidative stress-mediated inflammation. Chemometric analysis of spectral data enabled the determination of spectroscopic markers of menadione-induced oxidative stress-mediated endothelial inflammation including a decrease of the bands intensity of cytochrome (604, 750, 1128, 1315 and 1585 cm-1), nucleic acids bands (785 cm-1), proteins (1005 cm-1) and increased intensity of lipid bands (722, 1085, 1265, 1303, 1445 and 1660 cm-1), without changes in the spectroscopic signature of the cell nucleus. In conclusion, oxidative stress resulting in endothelial inflammation was featured by significant alterations in the number of biochemical changes in mitochondria and other cellular compartments detected by Raman spectroscopy. Most of these, coexisted with results from fluorescence imaging, and most importantly occurred earlier than the detection of increased ROS or markers of endothelial inflammation.

Reversal of endothelial dysfunction by nicotinamide mononucleotide via extracellular conversion to nicotinamide riboside.

BACKGROUND: Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are effective substrates for NAD synthesis, which may act as vasoprotective agents. Here, we characterize the effects of NMN and NR on endothelial inflammation and dysfunction and test the involvement of CD73 in these effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of NMN and NR on IL1ß- or TNFα-induced endothelial inflammation (ICAM1 and vWF expression), intracellular NAD concentration and NAD-related enzyme expression (NAMPT, CD38, CD73), were studied in HAECs. The effect of NMN and NR on angiotensin II-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation was analyzed in murine aortic rings. The involvement of CD73 in NMN and NR effects was tested using CD73 inhibitor-AOPCP, or CD73-/- mice. RESULTS: 24 h-incubation with NMN and NR induced anti-inflammatory effects in HAEC stimulated by IL1ß or TNFα, as evidenced by a reduction in ICAM1 and vWF expression. Effects of exogenous NMN but not NR was abrogated in the presence of AOPCP, that efficiently inhibited extracellular endothelial conversion of NMN to NR, without a significant effect on the metabolism of NMN to NA. Surprisingly, intracellular NAD concentration increased in HAEC stimulated by IL1ß or TNFα and this effect was associated with upregulation of NAMPT and CD73, whereas changes in CD38 expression were less pronounced. NMN and NR further increased NAD in IL1ß-stimulated HAECs and AOPCP diminished NMN-induced increase in NAD, without an effect on NR-induced response. In ex vivo aortic rings stimulated with angiotensin II for 24 h, NO-dependent vasorelaxation induced by acetylcholine was impaired. NMN and NR, both prevented Ang II-induced endothelial dysfunction in the aorta. In aortic rings taken from CD73-/- mice NMN effect was lost, whereas NR effect was preserved. CONCLUSION: NMN and NR modulate intracellular NAD content in endothelium, inhibit endothelial inflammation and improve NO-dependent function by CD73-dependent and independent pathways, respectively. Extracellular conversion of NMN to NR by CD73 localized in the luminal surface of endothelial cells represent important vasoprotective mechanisms to maintain intracellular NAD.

Heterogeneity of chemical composition of lipid droplets in endothelial inflammation and apoptosis.

Lipid droplets (LDs) play regulatory role in various cells but their significance in endothelial pathophysiology is still not well understood. Here, we studied LDs in in situ endothelial cells (ECs) in isolated blood vessels stimulated with pro-inflammatory or pro-apoptotic stimuli using Raman and fluorescence imaging. Endothelial inflammation induced by murine TNF-α (mTNF-α) was featured by overexpression of ICAM-1, vWF, increased production of PGI2, and was associated with the formation of low number of LDs. However in the presence of atglistatin, the inhibitor of triacyclglycerols hydrolysis, the number of LDs significantly increased. In contrast, in endothelium stimulated by human TNF-α (hTNF-α) or FasL, apart from endothelial inflammation, displayed also apoptosis as evidenced by high annexin expression and significant LDs formation. Raman imaging confirmed that LDs were localized in endothelium and revealed significant heterogeneity in biochemical composition of endothelial LDs that dependent on endothelial stimuli. Repertoire of LDs included LDs rich in highly unsaturated lipids, assigned to the inflammation, as well as LDs featured by more saturated lipids linked to apoptosis, where Raman signals indicating content of cholesterol and phospholipids were higher for endothelial apoptosis in comparison to endothelial inflammation. The heterogeneity in chemical composition of LDs suggested more complex pathophysiological role of endothelial LDs then previously appreciated.

ImmunoSERS microscopy for the detection of smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic plaques.

We investigated the suitability of immuno-SERS (iSERS) microscopy for imaging of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in atherosclerotic plaques. Localization of SMCs is achieved by using SERS-labelled antibodies direct against alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA). The staining quality of the false-colour iSERS images obtained by confocal Raman microscopy with point mapping is compared with wide-field immunofluorescence images. Both direct (labelled primary antibody) and indirect iSERS staining (unlabelled primary and labelled secondary antibody) techniques were employed. Direct iSERS staining yields results comparable to indirect IF staining, demonstrating the suitability of iSERS in research on atherosclerosis and paving the way for future multiplexed imaging experiments.

LSEC Fenestrae Are Preserved Despite Pro-inflammatory Phenotype of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells in Mice on High Fat Diet.

Healthy liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) maintain liver homeostasis, while LSEC dysfunction was suggested to coincide with defenestration. Here, we have revisited the relationship between LSEC pro-inflammatory response, defenestration, and impairment of LSEC bioenergetics in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice. We characterized inflammatory response, morphology as well as bioenergetics of LSECs in early and late phases of high fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD. LSEC phenotype was evaluated at early (2-8 week) and late (15-20 week) stages of NAFLD progression induced by HFD in male C57Bl/6 mice. NAFLD progression was monitored by insulin resistance, liver steatosis and obesity. LSEC phenotype was determined in isolated, primary LSECs by immunocytochemistry, mRNA gene expression (qRT-PCR), secreted prostanoids (LC/MS/MS) and bioenergetics (Seahorse FX Analyzer). LSEC morphology was examined using SEM and AFM techniques. Early phase of NAFLD, characterized by significant liver steatosis and prominent insulin resistance, was related with LSEC pro-inflammatory phenotype as evidenced by elevated ICAM-1, E-selectin and PECAM-1 expression. Transiently impaired mitochondrial phosphorylation in LSECs was compensated by increased glycolysis. Late stage of NAFLD was featured by prominent activation of pro-inflammatory LSEC phenotype (ICAM-1, E-selectin, PECAM-1 expression, increased COX-2, IL-6, and NOX-2 mRNA expression), activation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins release (PGE2 and PGF2α) and preserved LSEC bioenergetics. Neither in the early nor in the late phase of NAFLD, were LSEC fenestrae compromised. In the early and late phases of NAFLD, despite metabolic and pro-inflammatory burden linked to HFD, LSEC fenestrae and bioenergetics are functionally preserved. These results suggest prominent adaptive capacity of LSECs that might mitigate NAFLD progression.

Combined Raman- and AFM-based detection of biochemical and nanomechanical features of endothelial dysfunction in aorta isolated from ApoE/LDLR-/- mice.

Endothelial dysfunction is recognized as a critical condition in the development of cardiovascular disorders. This multifactorial process involves changes in the biochemical and mechanical properties of endothelial cells leading to disturbed release of vasoprotective mediators. Hypercholesterolemia and increased stiffness of the endothelial cortex are independently shown to result in reduced release of nitric oxide and thus endothelial dysfunction. However, direct evidence linking these parameters to each other is missing. Here, a novel method combining Raman spectroscopy for biochemical analysis and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for analyzing the endothelial nanomechanics was established. Using this dual approach, the same areas of native ex vivo aortas were investigated, either derived from mice with endothelial dysfunction (ApoE/LDLR-/-) or wild type mice. In particular an increased intracellular lipid content and elevated cortical stiffness/elasticity were shown in ApoE/LDLR-/- aortas, demonstrating a direct link between endothelial dysfunction, the biochemical composition and the nanomechanical properties of endothelial cells.

Comparison of Pulmonary and Systemic NO- and PGI2-Dependent Endothelial Function in Diabetic Mice.

Diabetes increases the risk of pulmonary hypertension and is associated with alterations in pulmonary vascular function. Still, it is not clear whether alterations in the phenotype of pulmonary endothelium induced by diabetes are distinct, as compared to peripheral endothelium. In the present work, we characterized differences between diabetic complications in the lung and aorta in db/db mice with advanced diabetes. Male, 20-week-old db/db mice displayed increased HbA1c and glucose concentration compatible with advanced diabetes. Diabetic lungs had signs of mild fibrosis, and pulmonary endothelium displayed significantly ultrastructural changes. In the isolated, perfused lung from db/db mice, filtration coefficient (Kf,c) and contractile response to TXA2 analogue were enhanced, while endothelial NO-dependent modulation of pulmonary response to hypoxic ventilation and cumulative production of NO2- were impaired, with no changes in immunostaining for eNOS expression. In turn, 6-keto-PGF1α release from the isolated lung from db/db mice was increased, as well as immunostaining of thrombomodulin (CD141). In contrast to the lung, NO-dependent, acetylcholine-induced vasodilation, ionophore-stimulated NO2- generation, and production of 6-keto-PGF1α were all impaired in aortic rings from db/db mice. Although eNOS immunostaining was not changed, that of CD141 was clearly lowered. Interestingly, diabetes-induced nitration of proteins in aorta was higher than that in the lungs. In summary, diabetes induced marked ultrastructural changes in pulmonary endothelium that were associated with the increased permeability of pulmonary microcirculation, impaired NO-dependent vascular function, with compensatory increase in PGI2 production, and increased CD141 expression. In contrast, endothelial dysfunction in the aorta was featured by impaired NO-, PGI2-dependent function and diminished CD141 expression.

A possible Fourier transform infrared-based plasma fingerprint of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced reversal of endothelial dysfunction in diabetic mice.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) display vasoprotective activity and represent the cornerstone in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we tested whether Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)-based analysis of blood plasma is sensitive to detect vasoprotective effects of treatment with perindopril including reversal of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. For this purpose, plasma samples were collected from untreated db/db mice, db/db mice treated with 2 or 10 mg/kg perindopril and db+ mice. The effect of perindopril on endothelial function was examined in ex vivo aortic rings; 10 mg/kg but not 2 mg/kg of perindopril reversed endothelial dysfunction. In plasma of db/db mice, the balance between conformations of plasma proteins was noted, and treatment with perindopril at a high dose but not at a low dose reversed this effect. This was revealed by amide II/amide I ratio attributed to increased ß-sheet formation. Spectral markers at 3010, 1520/1238 cm-1 , representative for unsaturation degree of lipids and phosphorylation of tyrosine, respectively, were also affected by perindopril treatment. In conclusion, although metabolic abnormalities associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus such as hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia strongly affected spectral FTIR profile of diabetic plasma, we identified FTIR features that seem to be associated with the vasoprotective activity of ACE-I.

Enhanced adhesion of blood platelets to intact endothelium of mesenteric vascular bed in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes is mediated by an up-regulated endothelial surface deposition of VWF - In vivo study.

Numerous in vitro experiments have confirmed that a dysfunctional endothelium is characterized by, inter alia, a higher affinity for binding of platelets and leukocytes. However, there is still no direct evidence for greater interaction between platelets and intact endothelium in in vivo animal models of diabetes. Therefore, the present study examines the pro-adhesive properties of endothelium change in vivo as an effect of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes and the role of two key platelet receptors: GPIb-IX-V and GPIIb/IIIa. Mice of C57BL strain with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were used in the study. Flow cytometry was used to assess basal activation and reactivity of platelets. Adhesion of platelets to the vascular wall was visualized with the use of intravital microscopy in mesentery. The contribution of GPIIb/IIIa and GPIb-IX-V was evaluated by the injection of Fab fragments of respective antibodies. The integrity of the endothelium and vWf expression were evaluated histochemically. Basal activation and reactivity of platelets in streptozotocin-diabetic mice were elevated. Blood platelets adhered more often to the vascular wall of diabetic mice than nondiabetic animals: 11.9 (6.4; 32.8) plt/min/mm2 (median [IQR]) vs 2.7 (1.3; 6.4) plt/min/mm2. The injection of anti-GPIbα antibodies decreased the number of adhering platelets from 89.5 (34.0; 113.1) plt/min/mm2 (median [IQR]) in mice treated with isotype antibodies to 3.1 (1.7; 5.6) plt/min/mm2 in mice treated with blocking antibodies. The effect of GPIIb/IIIa blockage was not significant. Immunohistochemistry revealed a higher expression of vWF in the endothelium of STZ mice, but no substantial changes in endothelial morphology were detected. To conclude, the study shows that the platelets interact more frequently with the mesenteric vascular bed in mice with 1-month STZ-induced diabetes than in healthy mice. These interactions are mediated via platelet GPIb-IX-V and are driven by increased expression of vWF in endothelial cells.

CD47 and Nox1 Mediate Dynamic Fluid-Phase Macropinocytosis of Native LDL.

AIMS: Macropinocytosis has been implicated in cardiovascular and other disorders, yet physiological factors that initiate fluid-phase internalization and the signaling mechanisms involved remain poorly identified. The present study was designed to examine whether matrix protein thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) stimulates macrophage macropinocytosis and, if so, to investigate the potential signaling mechanism involved. RESULTS: TSP1 treatment of human and murine macrophages stimulated membrane ruffle formation and pericellular solute internalization by macropinocytosis. Blockade of TSP1 cognate receptor CD47 and NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1) signaling, inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and transcriptional knockdown of myotubularin-related protein 6 abolished TSP1-induced macropinocytosis. Our results demonstrate that Nox1 signaling leads to dephosphorylation of actin-binding protein cofilin at Ser-3, actin remodeling, and macropinocytotic uptake of unmodified native low-density lipoprotein (nLDL), leading to foam cell formation. Finally, peritoneal chimera studies suggest the role of CD47 in macrophage lipid macropinocytosis in hypercholesterolemic ApoE-/- mice in vivo. INNOVATION: Activation of a previously unidentified TSP1-CD47 signaling pathway in macrophages stimulates direct receptor-independent internalization of nLDL, leading to significant lipid accumulation and foam cell formation. These findings reveal a new paradigm in which delimited Nox1-mediated redox signaling, independent of classical lipid oxidation, contributes to early propagation of vascular inflammatory disease. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study demonstrate a new mechanism of solute uptake with implications for a wide array of cell types, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and cancer cells, and multiple pathological conditions in which matrix proteins are upregulated. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 26, 886-901.