Modeling Fatty Acid Transfer from Artery to Cardiomyocyte.

Despite the importance of oxidation of blood-borne long-chain fatty acids (Fa) in the cardiomyocytes for contractile energy of the heart, the mechanisms underlying the transfer of Fa from the coronary plasma to the cardiomyocyte is still incompletely understood. To obtain detailed insight into this transfer process, we designed a novel model of Fa transfer dynamics from coronary plasma through the endothelial cells and interstitium to the cardiomyocyte, applying standard physicochemical principles on diffusion and on the chemical equilibrium of Fa binding to carrier proteins Cp, like albumin in plasma and interstitium and Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins within endothelium and cardiomyocytes. Applying these principles, the present model strongly suggests that in the heart, binding and release of Fa to and from Cp in the aqueous border zones on both sides of the cell membranes form the major hindrance to Fa transfer. Although often considered, the membrane itself appears not to be a significant hindrance to diffusion of Fa. Proteins, residing in the cellular membrane, may facilitate transfer of Fa between Cp and membrane. The model is suited to simulate multiple tracer dilution experiments performed on isolated rabbit hearts administrating albumin and Fa as tracer substances into the coronary arterial perfusion line. Using parameter values on myocardial ultrastructure and physicochemical properties of Fa and Cp as reported in literature, simulated washout curves appear to be similar to the experimentally determined ones. We conclude therefore that the model is realistic and, hence, can be considered as a useful tool to better understand Fa transfer by evaluation of experimentally determined tracer washout curves.

Microcalcifications in early intimal lesions of atherosclerotic human coronary arteries.

Although calcium (Ca) precipitation may play a pathogenic role in atherosclerosis, information on temporal patterns of microcalcifications in human coronary arteries, their relation to expression of calcification-regulating proteins, and colocalization with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) is scarce. Human coronary arteries were analyzed post mortem with a proton microprobe for element concentrations and stained (immuno)histochemically for morphological and calcification-regulating proteins. Microcalcifications were occasionally observed in preatheroma type I atherosclerotic intimal lesions. Their abundance increased in type II, III, and IV lesions. Moreover, their appearance preceded increased expression of calcification-regulating proteins, such as osteocalcin and bone morphogenetic protein-2. In contrast, their presence coincided with increased expression of uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (MGP), whereas the content of carboxylated MGP was increased in type III and IV lesions, indicating delayed posttranslational conversion of biologically inactive into active MGP. Ca/phosphorus ratios of the microcalcifications varied from 1.6 to 3.0, including amorphous Ca phosphates. Approximately 75% of microcalcifications colocalized with the accumulation of Fe and Zn. We conclude that Ca microprecipitation occurs in the early stages of atherosclerosis, inferring a pathogenic role in the sequel of events, resulting in overt atherosclerotic lesions. Microcalcifications may be caused by local events triggering the precipitation of Ca rather than by increased expression of calcification-regulating proteins. The high degree of colocalization with Fe and Zn suggests a mutual relationship between these trace elements and early deposition of Ca salts.

Intra-cardiac transfer of fatty acids from capillary to cardiomyocyte.

Blood-borne fatty acids (Fa) are important substrates for energy conversion in the mammalian heart. After release from plasma albumin, Fa traverse the endothelium and the interstitial compartment to cross the sarcolemma prior to oxidation in the cardiomyocytal mitochondria. The aims of the present study were to elucidate the site with lowest Fa permeability (i.e., highest Fa resistance) in the overall Fa trajectory from capillary to cardiomyocyte and the relative contribution of unbound Fa (detach pathway, characterized by the dissociation time constant τAlbFa) and albumin-bound Fa (contact pathway, characterized by the membrane reaction rate parameter dAlb) in delivering Fa to the cellular membranes. In this study, an extensive set of 34 multiple indicator dilution experiments with radiolabeled albumin and palmitate on isolated rabbit hearts was analysed by means of a previously developed mathematical model of Fa transfer dynamics. In these experiments, the ratio of the concentration of palmitate to albumin was set at 0.91. The analysis shows that total cardiac Fa permeability, Ptot, is indeed related to the albumin concentration in the extracellular compartment as predicted by the mathematical model. The analysis also reveals that the lowest permeability may reside in the boundary zones containing albumin in the microvascular and interstitial compartment. However, the permeability of the endothelial cytoplasm, Pec, may influence overall Fa permeability, Ptot, as well. The model analysis predicts that the most likely value of τAlbFa ranges from about 200 to 400 ms. In case τAlbFa is fast, i.e., about 200 ms, the extracellular contact pathway appears to be of minor importance in delivering Fa to the cell membrane. If Fa dissociation from albumin is slower, e.g. τAlbFa equals 400 ms, the contribution of the contact pathway may vary from minimal (dAlb≤5 nm) to substantial (dAlb about 100 nm). In the latter case, the permeability of the endothelial cytoplasm varies from infinite (no hindrance) to low (substantial hindrance) to keep the overall Fa flux at a fixed level. Definitive estimation of the impact of endothelial permeability on Ptot and the precise contribution of the contact pathway to overall transfer of Fa in boundary zones containing albumin requires adequate physicochemical experimentation to delineate the true value of, among others, τAlbFa, under physiologically relevant circumstances. Our analysis also implies that concentration differences of unbound Fa are the driving force of intra-cardiac Fa transfer; an active, energy requiring transport mechanism is not necessarily involved. Membrane-associated proteins may facilitate Fa transfer in the boundary zones containing albumin by modulating the membrane reaction rate parameter, dAlb, and, hence, the contribution of the contact pathway to intra-cardiac Fa transfer.

Stretch-induced hypertrophy of isolated adult rabbit cardiomyocytes.

Both mechanical and humoral triggers have been put forward to explain the hypertrophic response of the challenged cardiomyocyte. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether cyclic equibiaxial stretch is a direct stimulus for isolated adult rabbit cardiomyocytes to develop hypertrophy and to explore the potential involvement of the autocrine/paracrine factors ANG II, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1), and IGF-I in this process. Isolated cardiomyocytes were exposed to 10% cyclic equibiaxial stretch (1 Hz) for up to 48 h or treated with ANG II (100 nM), TGF-beta(1) (5 ng/ml), IGF-I (100 ng/ml), ANG II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor blockers, or conditioned medium of stretched fibroblasts. Cyclic stretch significantly increased cell surface area (+3.1%), protein synthesis (+21%), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) mRNA expression (6-fold) in cardiomyocytes. TGF-beta(1) expression increased (+42%) transiently at 4 h, whereas cardiomyocyte IGF-I expression was not detectable under all experimental conditions. The AT(1) receptor blockers candesartan and irbesartan (100 nM) did not prevent the stretch-induced hypertrophic response. Direct exposure to ANG II, TGF-beta(1), or IGF-I did not enhance cardiomyocyte BNP expression. In cardiac fibroblasts, stretch elicited a significant approximately twofold increase in TGF-beta(1) and IGF-I expression. Conditioned medium of stretched fibroblasts increased BNP expression in cardiomyocytes ( approximately 2-fold, P = 0.07). This study clearly indicates that cyclic stretch is a strong, direct trigger to induce hypertrophy in fully differentiated rabbit cardiomyocytes. The present findings do not support the notion that stretch-mediated hypertrophy of adult rabbit cardiomyocytes involves autocrine/paracrine actions of ANG II, TGF-beta(1), or IGF-I.

Microcalcifications in atherosclerotic lesion of apolipoprotein E-deficient mouse.

Evidence is accumulating that calcium-rich microdeposits in the vascular wall might play a crucial role in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Here we investigated an atherosclerotic lesion of the carotid artery in an established murine model, i.e. the apolipoprotein E-deficient (APOE(-/-) ) mouse to identify (i) the presence of microcalcifications, if any, (ii) the elemental composition of microcalcifications with special reference to calcium/phosphorus mass ratio and (iii) co-localization of increased concentrations of iron and zinc with microcalcifications. Atherosclerosis was induced by a flow-divider placed around the carotid artery resulting in low and high shear-stress regions. Element composition was assessed with a proton microprobe. Microcalcifications, predominantly present in the thickened intima of the low shear-stress region, were surrounded by areas with normal calcium levels, indicating that calcium-precipitation is a local event. The diameter of intimal microcalcifications varied from 6 to 70 µm. Calcium/phosphorus ratios of microcalcifications varied from 0.3 to 4.8, mainly corresponding to the ratio of amorphous calcium-phosphate. Increased iron and zinc concentrations commonly co-localized with microcalcifications. Our findings indicate that the atherosclerotic process in the murine carotid artery is associated with locally accumulated calcium, iron and zinc. The calcium-rich deposits resemble amorphous calcium phosphate rather than pure hydroxyapatite. We propose that the APOE(-/-) mouse, in which atherosclerosis was evoked by a flow-divider, offers a useful model to investigate the pathophysiological significance of accumulation of elements such as calcium, iron and zinc.

Hearts of surviving MLP-KO mice show transient changes of intracellular calcium handling.

The muscle Lim protein knock-out (MLP-KO) mouse model is extensively used for studying the pathophysiology of dilated cardiomyopathy. However, explanation is lacking for the observed long survival of the diseased mice which develop until adulthood despite the gene defect, which theoretically predestines them to early death due to heart failure. We hypothesized that adaptive changes of cardiac intracellular calcium (Ca(i)(2+)) handling might explain the phenomenon. In order to study the progression of changes in cardiac function and Ca(i)(2+) cycling, myocardial Ca(i)(2+)-transients recorded by Indo-1 surface fluorometry were assessed with concomitant measurement of hemodynamic performance in isolated Langendorff-perfused hearts of 3- and 9-month old MLP-KO animals. Hearts were challenged with beta-agonist isoproterenol and the sarcoplasmic reticular Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA2a) inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). Cardiac mRNA content and levels of key Ca(2+) handling proteins were also measured. A decline in lusitropic function was observed in 3-month old, but not in 9-month old MLP-KO mice under unchallenged conditions. beta-adrenergic responses to isoproterenol were similar in all the studied groups. The CPA induced an increase in end-diastolic Ca(i)(2+)-level and a decrease in Ca(2+)-sequestration capacity in 3-month old MLP-KO mice compared to age-matched controls. This unfavorable condition was absent at 9 months of age. SERCA2a expression was lower in 3-month old MLP-KO than in the corresponding controls and in 9-month old MLP-KO hearts. Our results show time-related recovery of hemodynamic function and an age-dependent compensatory upregulation of Ca(i)(2+) handling in hearts of MLP-KO mice, which most likely involve the normalization of the expression of SERCA2a in the affected hearts.

Cardiac hypertrophy is enhanced in PPAR alpha-/- mice in response to chronic pressure overload.

AIMS: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) is a nuclear receptor regulating cardiac metabolism that also has anti-inflammatory properties. Since the activation of inflammatory signalling pathways is considered to be important in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, it is anticipated that PPARalpha modulates cardiac remodelling. Accordingly, in this study the hypothesis was tested that the absence of PPARalpha aggravates the cardiac hypertrophic response to pressure overload. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male PPARalpha-/- and wild-type mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) for 28 days. TAC resulted in a more pronounced increase in ventricular weight and left ventricular (LV) wall thickness in PPARalpha-/- than in wild-type mice. Compared with sham-operated mice, TAC did not affect cardiac function in wild-type mice, but significantly depressed LV ejection fraction and LV contractility in PPARalpha-/- mice. Moreover, after TAC mRNA levels of hypertrophic (atrial natriuretic factor, alpha-skeletal actin), fibrotic (collagen 1, matrix metalloproteinase-2), and inflammatory (interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, cyclo-oxygenase-2) marker genes were higher in PPARalpha-/- than in wild-type mice. The mRNA levels of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism (long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase, hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase) were decreased in PPARalpha-/- mice, but were not further compromised by TAC. CONCLUSION: The present findings show that the absence of PPARalpha results in a more pronounced hypertrophic growth response and cardiac dysfunction that are associated with an enhanced expression of markers of inflammation and extracellular matrix remodelling. These findings indicate that PPARalpha exerts salutary effects during cardiac hypertrophy.

Transcriptomic analysis of PPARalpha-dependent alterations during cardiac hypertrophy.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)alpha regulates lipid metabolism at the transcriptional level and modulates the expression of genes involved in inflammation, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Although PPARalpha has been shown to mitigate cardiac hypertrophy, knowledge about underlying mechanisms and the nature of signaling pathways involved is fragmentary and incomplete. The aim of this study was to identify the processes and signaling pathways regulated by PPARalpha in hearts challenged by a chronic pressure overload by means of whole genome transcriptomic analysis. PPARalpha-/- and wild-type mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) for 28 days, and left ventricular gene expression profile was determined with Affymetrix GeneChip Mouse Genome 430 2.0 arrays containing >45,000 probe sets. In unchallenged hearts, the mere lack of PPARalpha resulted in 821 differentially expressed genes, many of which are related to lipid metabolism and immune response. TAC resulted in a more pronounced cardiac hypertrophy and more extensive changes in gene expression (1,910 and 312 differentially expressed genes, respectively) in PPARalpha-/- mice than in wild-type mice. Many of the hypertrophy-related genes were related to development, signal transduction, actin filament organization, and collagen synthesis. Compared with wild-type hypertrophied hearts, PPARalpha-/- hypertrophied hearts revealed enrichment of gene clusters related to extracellular matrix remodeling, immune response, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling pathways. The present study therefore demonstrates that, in addition to lipid metabolism, PPARalpha is an important modulator of immune and inflammatory response in cardiac muscle.

Activation of PPARdelta inhibits cardiac fibroblast proliferation and the transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE: The development of heart failure is invariably associated with extensive fibrosis. Treatment with Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) ligands has been shown to attenuate cardiac fibrosis, but the molecular mechanism underlying this protective effect has remained largely unknown. In this study the potential of each PPAR isoform (PPARalpha, delta, and gamma) to attenuate cardiac fibroblast proliferation, fibroblast (CF) to myofibroblast (CMF) transdifferentiation, and collagen synthesis was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: PPARdelta was found to be the most abundant isoform in both CF and CMF. Only the PPARdelta ligand GW501516, but not PPARalpha ligand Wy-14,643 or PPARgamma ligand rosiglitazone, significantly increased PPAR-dependent promoter activity and expression of the PPAR-responsive gene UCP2 ( approximately 5-fold). GW501516 reduced the proliferation rate of CF (-38%) and CMF (-26%), which was associated with increased expression of the cell cycle inhibitor gene G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2). Exposure of CF to the PPARdelta ligand or adenoviral overexpression of PPARdelta significantly decreased alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) levels, indicating a reduced CF to CMF transition. The inhibition of transdifferentiation by PPARdelta correlated with an increase in PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Deleted on Chromosome ten) expression. (3)H-Proline incorporation assays demonstrated a GW501516 induced decline in collagen synthesis (-36%) in CF. CONCLUSION: Cardiac fibroblast proliferation, fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis were reduced after activation of PPARdelta, suggesting that PPARdelta represents an attractive molecular target for attenuating cardiac fibrosis.

Computational evidence for protein-mediated fatty acid transport across the sarcolemma.

Long-chain fatty acids (FAs) are important substrates used by the heart to fulfil its energy requirements. Prior to mitochondrial oxidation, blood-borne FAs must pass through the cell membrane of the cardiac myocyte (sarcolemma). The mechanism underlying the sarcolemmal transport of FAs is incompletely understood. The aim of the present study was to estimate the trans-sarcolemmal FA uptake rate using a comprehensive computer model, in which the most relevant mechanisms proposed for cardiac FA uptake were incorporated. Our in silico findings show that diffusion of FA, present in its unbound form (uFA) in close proximity to the outer leaflet of the sarcolemma and serving as sole FA source, is insufficient to account for the physiological FA uptake rate. The inclusion of a hypothetical membrane-associated FA-TFPC (FA-transport-facilitating protein complex) in the model calculations substantially increased the FA uptake rate across the sarcolemma. The model requires that the biological properties of the FA-TFPC allow for increasing the rate of absorption of FA into the outer leaflet and the 'flip-flop' rate of FA from the outer to the inner leaflet of the sarcolemma. Experimental studies have identified various sarcolemma-associated proteins promoting cardiac FA uptake. It remains to be established whether these proteins possess the properties predicted by our model. Our findings also indicate that albumin receptors located on the outer leaflet of the sarcolemma facilitate the transfer of FA across the membrane to a significant extent. The outcomes of the computer simulations were verified with physiologically relevant FA uptake rates as assessed in the intact, beating heart in experimental studies.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha and PPARbeta/delta, but not PPARgamma, modulate the expression of genes involved in cardiac lipid metabolism.

Long-chain fatty acids (FA) coordinately induce the expression of a panel of genes involved in cellular FA metabolism in cardiac muscle cells, thereby promoting their own metabolism. These effects are likely to be mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Whereas the significance of PPARalpha in FA-mediated expression has been demonstrated, the role of the PPARbeta/delta and PPARgamma isoforms in cardiac lipid metabolism is unknown. To explore the involvement of each of the PPAR isoforms, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to FA or to ligands specific for either PPARalpha (Wy-14,643), PPARbeta/delta (L-165041, GW501516), or PPARgamma (ciglitazone and rosiglitazone). Their effect on FA oxidation rate, expression of metabolic genes, and muscle-type carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (MCPT-1) promoter activity was determined. Consistent with the PPAR isoform expression pattern, the FA oxidation rate increased in cardiomyocytes exposed to PPARalpha and PPARbeta/delta ligands, but not to PPARgamma ligands. Likewise, the FA-mediated expression of FA-handling proteins was mimicked by PPARalpha and PPARbeta/delta, but not by PPARgamma ligands. As expected, in embryonic rat heart-derived H9c2 cells, which only express PPARbeta/delta, the FA-induced expression of genes was mimicked by the PPARbeta/delta ligand only, indicating that FA also act as ligands for the PPARbeta/delta isoform. In cardiomyocytes, MCPT-1 promoter activity was unresponsive to PPARgamma ligands. However, addition of PPARalpha and PPARbeta/delta ligands dose-dependently induced promoter activity. Collectively, the present findings demonstrate that, next to PPARalpha, PPARbeta/delta, but not PPARgamma, plays a prominent role in the regulation of cardiac lipid metabolism, thereby warranting further research into the role of PPARbeta/delta in cardiac disease.

Altered calcium handling is an early sign of streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy.

The main objective of the present study was to determine alterations of calcium handling in the diabetic rat heart during the transition from adaptive to maladaptive phase of cardiomyopathy. By inhibiting the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), we also investigated the possible role of this enzyme in the sequence of pathological events. Six weeks after induction of type I diabetes by injection of streptozotocin in rats, the hearts were perfused according to Langendorff. Intracellular-free calcium (Ca(2+)(i)) levels were measured by surface fluorometry using Indo-1 AM. Cyclic changes in Ca(2+)(i) concentrations and hemodynamic parameters were measured simultaneously. The hearts were challenged by infusion of isoproterenol. Six weeks of diabetes resulted in reduced inotropy and lusitropy. The diabetic hearts (DM) expressed a significantly elevated end-diastolic Ca(2+)(i) level (control, 111-/+20 vs DM, 221-/+35 nM). The maximal transport capacity of SERCA2a and conductance of RyR2 were reduced. These changes were not accompanied by major alterations in the tissue content of SERCA2a, RyR2, phospholamban and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger. In response to beta-adrenergic activation, SERCA2a transport capacity and RyR2 conductance were stunted in the DM hearts. Inhibition of PARP induced minor changes in the mechanical function and calcium handling of the DM hearts. In conclusion, the observed changes in contractility and in Ca(2+)(i) handling are most likely attributable to functional disturbances of SERCA2a and RyR2 in this transitional phase of diabetes. At this stage of diabetes, PARP does not appear to play a significant pathogenetic role in the alterations in contractile function and calcium handling.

Free Fatty acids and postischemic myocardial function.

This review highlights the changes in fatty acid homeostasis in the postischemic heart. The impact of restoration of flow (reperfusion) after an ischemic episode on both structural fatty acids (ie, incorporated in phospholipids, the building blocks of cellular membranes) and fatty acids, serving as energy donors by mitochondrial oxidation, are discussed. Attempts to interfere with cardiac fatty acid homeostasis to prevent loss of cardiac function or to restore cardiac performance after reperfusion is also discussed.

Dimensions of compartments and membrane surfaces in the intact rabbit heart of importance in studies on intramyocardial transfer of blood-borne substances.

Cardiac studies on the uptake, storage and intramyocardial transfer of blood-borne substances require detailed information on the geometric ultrastructural dimensions of myocardial compartments and parts thereof, and the membranes separating these compartments. Such a specific ultrastructural set of data of the heart is yet lacking. In the present study, we quantitatively assessed these dimensions in glutaraldehyde-perfusion fixed rabbit hearts by means of histological and tailored mathematical techniques. We showed the true ellipsoid nature of the myocardial capillary cross section and estimated the mean capillary diameter dcap. After correction for the ellipsoid shape, dcap was found to be 5.21±1.41 µm. Effective widths of the endothelial cell and the pericapillary interstitium (is1), dimensions of importance in diffusion, amounted to 187±7 and 160±10 nm, respectively. The fractional volume of the large vessels (arteries and veins larger than 10 µm), capillaries, endothelium, is1, cardiomyocytes, non-pericapillary interstitium is2, t-tubular compartment and interstitial cells amounted on average to 5.92%, 9.36%, 1.83%, 1.94%, 73.07%, 5.97%, 0.95% and 0.96%, respectively, of total myocardial volume, defined as the cardiac tissue volume, the large blood vessels included. Normalized to total myocardial volume, the surface area of the luminal and abluminal endothelial membranes and of the cardiomyocyte membrane opposing the endothelial cells amounted to 75.2±5.5·10³, 82.2±6.0·10³ and 89.1±6.5·10³ m²/m³, respectively. The present study provides quantitative information about ultrastructural dimensions of the adult rabbit heart, among others, of importance for studies on cardiac uptake, and intramyocardial transfer and storage of blood-supplied substances.

Lysosomal dysfunction in muscle with special reference to glycogen storage disease type II.

The importance of proper lysosomal activity in cell and tissue homeostasis is underlined by "experiments of nature", i.e. genetic defects in one of the at least 40 lysosomal enzymes/proteins present in the human cell. The complete lack of 1-4 alpha-glucosidase (glycogen storage disease type II (GSD II) or Pompe disease) is life-threatening. Patients suffering from GSD II commonly die before the age of 2 years because of cardiorespiratory insufficiency. Striated muscle cells appear to be particularly vulnerable in GSD II. The high cytoplasmic glycogen content in muscle cells most likely gives rise to a high rate of glycogen engulfment by the lysosomes. The polysaccharides become subsequently trapped in these organelles when 1-4 alpha-glucosidase activity is absent. During the course of the disease, muscle wasting occurs. It is hypothesised that the gradual loss of muscle mass is caused by a combination of disuse atrophy and lipofuscine-mediated apoptosis of myocytes. Moreover, we hypothesise that in the remaining skeletal muscle cells, longitudinal transmission of force is hampered by swollen lysosomes, clustering of non-contractile material and focal regions with degraded contractile proteins, which results in muscle weakness.

Contraction-induced fatty acid translocase/CD36 translocation in rat cardiac myocytes is mediated through AMP-activated protein kinase signaling.

Contraction of rat cardiac myocytes induces translocation of fatty acid translocase (FAT)/CD36 and GLUT4 from intracellular stores to the sarcolemma, leading to enhanced rates of long-chain fatty acid (FA) and glucose uptake, respectively. Because intracellular AMP/ATP is elevated in contracting cardiac myocytes, we investigated whether activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMP kinase) is involved in contraction-inducible FAT/CD36 translocation. The cell-permeable adenosine analog 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) and the mitochondrial inhibitor oligomycin, similar to 4-Hz electrostimulation, evoked a more than threefold activation of cardiomyocytic AMP kinase. Both AICAR and oligomycin stimulated FA uptake into noncontracting myocytes by 1.4- and 2.0-fold, respectively, but were ineffective in 4 Hz-contracting myocytes. These findings indicate that both agents stimulate FA uptake by a similar mechanism as electrostimulation, involving activation of AMP kinase, as evidenced from phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Furthermore, the stimulating effects of both AICAR and oligomycin were antagonized by blocking FAT/CD36 with sulfo-N-succinimidylpalmitate, but not by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with wortmannin, indicating the involvement of FAT/CD36, but excluding a role for insulin signaling. Subcellular fractionation showed that oligomycin was able to mobilize intracellularly stored FAT/CD36 to the sarcolemma. We conclude that AMP kinase regulates cardiac FA use through mobilization of FAT/CD36 from a contraction-inducible intracellular storage compartment.

Enhanced sarcolemmal FAT/CD36 content and triacylglycerol storage in cardiac myocytes from obese zucker rats.

In obesity, the development of cardiomyopathy is associated with the accumulation of myocardial triacylglycerols (TAGs), possibly stemming from elevation of myocardial long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) uptake. Because LCFA uptake is regulated by insulin and contractions, we examined in cardiac myocytes from lean and obese Zucker rats the effects of insulin and the contraction-mimetic agent oligomycin on the initial rate of LCFA uptake, subcellular distribution of FAT/CD36, and LCFA metabolism. In cardiac myocytes from obese Zucker rats, under basal conditions, FAT/CD36 was relocated to the sarcolemma at the expense of intracellular stores. In addition, the LCFA uptake rate, LCFA esterification rate into TAGs, and the intracellular unesterified LCFA concentration each were significantly increased. All these metabolic processes were normalized by the FAT/CD36 inhibitor sulfo-N-succinimidyloleate, indicating its antidiabetic potential. In cardiac myocytes isolated from lean rats, in vitro administration of insulin induced the translocation of FAT/CD36 to the sarcolemma and stimulated initial rates of LCFA uptake and TAG esterification. In contrast, in myocytes from obese rats, insulin failed to alter the subcellular localization of FAT/CD36 and the rates of LCFA uptake and TAG esterification. In cardiac myocytes from lean and obese animals, oligomycin stimulated the initial rates of LCFA uptake and oxidation, although oligomycin only induced the translocation of FAT/CD36 to the sarcolemma in lean rats. The present results indicate that in cardiac myocytes from obese Zucker rats, a permanent relocation of FAT/CD36 to the sarcolemma is responsible for myocardial TAG accumulation. Furthermore, in vitro these cardiac myocytes, although sensitive to contraction-like stimulation, were completely insensitive to insulin, as the basal conditions in hyperinsulinemic, obese animals resemble the insulin-stimulated condition in lean littermates.

Insulin stimulates long-chain fatty acid utilization by rat cardiac myocytes through cellular redistribution of FAT/CD36.

The existence of an intracellular pool of fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), an 88-kDa membrane transporter for long-chain fatty acids (FAs), and the ability of insulin to induce translocation events prompted us to investigate the direct effects of insulin on cellular uptake of FA by the heart. Insulin (0.1 nmol/l and higher) increased FA uptake by isolated rat cardiac myocytes by 1.5-fold. This insulin-induced increase in FA uptake was completely blocked by phloretin, sulfo-N-succinimidylpalmitate (SSP), and wortmannin, indicating the involvement of FAT/CD36 and the dependence on phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI-3) kinase activation. Subcellular fractionation of insulin-stimulated cardiac myocytes demonstrated a 1.5-fold increase in sarcolemmal FAT/CD36 and a 62% decrease in intracellular FAT/CD36 with parallel changes in subcellular distribution of GLUT4. Induction of cellular contractions upon electrostimulation at 4 Hz enhanced cellular FA uptake 1.6-fold, independent of PI-3 kinase. The addition of insulin to 4 Hz-stimulated cells further stimulated FA uptake to 2.3-fold, indicating that there are at least two functionally independent intracellular FAT/CD36 pools, one recruited by insulin and the other mobilized by contractions. In conclusion, we have demonstrated a novel role of insulin in cardiac FA utilization. Malfunctioning of insulin-induced FAT/CD36 translocation may be involved in the development of type 2 diabetic cardiomyopathies.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase regulates myocardial calcium handling in doxorubicin-induced heart failure.

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are overproduced in the cardiovascular system in response to the exposure to doxorubicin, a cardiotoxic anticancer compound. Oxidant-induced cell injury involves the activation of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and pharmacological inhibition of PARP has recently been shown to improve myocardial contractility in doxorubicin-induced heart failure models. The current investigation, by utilizing an isolated perfused heart system capable of beat-to-beat intracellular calcium recording, addressed the following questions: (1) is intracellular calcium handling altered in hearts of rats after 6-week doxorubicin treatment, under baseline conditions, and in response to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide exposure in vitro; and (2) does pharmacological inhibition of PARP with the phenanthridinone-based PARP inhibitor PJ34 affect the changes in myocardial mechanical performance and calcium handling in doxorubicin-treated hearts under normal conditions and in response to oxidative stress. The results showed a marked elevation in intracellular calcium in the doxorubicin-treated hearts which was normalized by pharmacological inhibition of PARP. PARP inhibition also prevented the myocardial contractile disturbances and calcium overload that developed in response to hydrogen peroxide in the doxorubicin-treated hearts. We conclude that PARP activation contributes to the development of the disturbances in cellular calcium handling that develop in the myocardium in response to prolonged doxorubicin exposure.

beta-Adrenergic activation reveals impaired cardiac calcium handling at early stage of diabetes.

Cardiac function is known to be impaired in diabetes. Alterations in intracellular calcium handling have been suggested to play a pivotal role. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that beta-adrenergic activation can reveal the functional derangements of intracellular calcium handling of the 4-week diabetic heart. Langendorff perfused hearts of 4-week streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were subjected to the beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol. Cyclic changes in [Ca(2+)](i) levels were measured throughout the cardiac cycle using Indo-1 fluorescent dye. Based on the computational analysis of the [Ca(2+)](i) transient the kinetic parameters of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and the ryanodine receptor were determined by minimizing the squared error between the simulated and the experimentally obtained [Ca(2+)](i) transient. Under unchallenged conditions, hemodynamic parameters were comparable between control and diabetic hearts. Isoproterenol administration stimulated hemodynamic function to a greater extent in control than in diabetic hearts, which was exemplified by more pronounced increases in rate of pressure development and decline. Under unchallenged conditions, [Ca(2+)](i) amplitude and rate of rise and decline of [Ca(2+)](i) as measured throughout the cardiac cycle were comparable between diabetic and control hearts. Differences became apparent under beta-adrenoceptor stimulation. Upon beta-activation the rate-pressure product showed a blunted response, which was accompanied by a diminished rise in [Ca(2+)](i) amplitude in diabetic hearts. Computational analysis revealed a reduced function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-release channel in response to beta-adrenoceptor challenge. Alterations in Ca(2+)(i) handling may play a causative role in depressed hemodynamic performance of the challenged heart at an early stage of diabetes.