Overexpression of Human Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Exacerbates Coronary Reactive Hyperemia Reduction in Angiotensin-II-Treated Mouse Hearts.

ABSTRACT: Coronary reactive hyperemia (CRH) is impaired in cardiovascular diseases, and angiotensin-II (Ang-II) exacerbates it. However, it is unknown how Ang-II affects CRH in Tie2-sEH Tr (human-sEH-overexpressed) versus wild-type (WT) mice. sEH-overexpression resulted in CRH reduction in Tie2-sEH Tr versus WT. We hypothesized that Ang-II exacerbates CRH reduction in Tie2-sEH Tr versus WT. The Langendorff system measured coronary flow in Tie2-sEH Tr and WT. The hearts were exposed to 15-second ischemia, and CRH was assessed in 10 mice each. Repayment volume was reduced by 40.50% in WT treated with Ang-II versus WT (7.42 ± 0.8 to 4.49 ± 0.8 mL/g) and 48% in Tie2-sEH Tr treated with Ang-II versus Tie2-sEH Tr (5.18 ± 0.4 to 2.68 ± 0.3 mL/g). Ang-II decreased repayment duration by 50% in WT-treated with Ang-II versus WT (2.46 ± 0.5 to 1.24 ± 0.4 minutes) and 54% in Tie2-sEH Tr treated with Ang-II versus Tie2-sEH Tr (1.66 ± 0.4 to 0.76 ± 0.2 minutes). Peak repayment flow was reduced by 11.2% in WT treated with Ang-II versus WT (35.98 ± 0.7 to 32.11 ± 1.4 mL/g) and 4% in Tie2-sEH Tr treated with Ang-II versus Tie2-sEH Tr (32.18 ± 0.6 to 30.89 ± 1.5 mL/g). Furthermore, coronary flow was reduced by 43% in WT treated with Ang-II versus WT (14.2 ± 0.5 to 8.15 ± 0.8 mL/min/g) and 32% in Tie2-sEH Tr treated with Ang-II versus Tie2-sEH Tr (12.1 ± 0.8 to 8.3 ± 1.2 mL/min/g). Moreover, the Ang-II-AT 1 -receptor and CYP4A were increased in Tie2-sEHTr. Our results demonstrate that Ang-II exacerbates CRH reduction in Tie2-sEH Tr mice.

Role of cytochrome P450-epoxygenase and soluble epoxide hydrolase in the regulation of vascular response.

The role of cytochrome P450-epoxygenase has been seen in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. The aberration in CYP450-epoxygenase genes occur due to genetic polymorphisms, aging, or environmental factors, that increase susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The actual role played by the CYP450-epoxygenases is the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid (LA) into epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and epoxyoctadecaenoic acid (EpOMEs) metabolites (oxylipins) and others, which is involved in vasodilation and myocardial-protection. But the genetic polymorphisms in CYP450-epoxygenases lose their beneficial cardiovascular effects of oxylipins, and the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) antagonizes beneficial oxylipins into diols. Like sEH converts EETs into dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (DHETs), EpOMEs into dihydroxyoctadecaenoic acid (DiHOMEs), and reverses its beneficial effects, and the sEH gene (Ephx2) polymorphisms cause the enzyme to become overactive and convert epoxy-fatty acids into diols, making them vulnerable to CVDs, including hypertension. Other, enzymes like ω-hydroxylases (CYP450-4A11 & CYP450-4F2)-derived oxylipins from AA, ω-terminal-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (19-, 20-HETE), lipoxygenase-derived oxylipins, mid-chain hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (5-, 11-, 12-, 15-HETEs), and the cyclooxygenase-derived prostanoids (prostaglandins: PGD2, PGF2α; thromboxane: Txs, oxylipins) are involved in vasoconstriction, hypertension, inflammation, and cardiac toxicity. Also, there are significant interactions were seen between adenosine receptors [adenosine A2A receptor (A2AAR) and adenosine A1 receptor (A1AR)] with CYP450-epoxygenases, ω-hydroxylases, sEH, and their derived oxylipins in the regulation of the cardiovascular response. Moreover, polymorphisms exist in CYP450-epoxygenases, ω-hydroxylases, sEH, and the adenosine receptor genes in populations associated with CVDs. This chapter will discuss the role of oxylipins' interactions with adenosine receptors in cardiovascular function/dysfunction in mice and humans.

Crosstalk between adenosine receptors and CYP450-derived oxylipins in the modulation of cardiovascular, including coronary reactive hyperemic response.

Adenosine is a ubiquitous endogenous nucleoside or autacoid that affects the cardiovascular system through the activation of four G-protein coupled receptors: adenosine A1 receptor (A1AR), adenosine A2A receptor (A2AAR), adenosine A2B receptor (A2BAR), and adenosine A3 receptor (A3AR). With the rapid generation of this nucleoside from cellular metabolism and the widespread distribution of its four G-protein coupled receptors in almost all organs and tissues of the body, this autacoid induces multiple physiological as well as pathological effects, not only regulating the cardiovascular system but also the central nervous system, peripheral vascular system, and immune system. Mounting evidence shows the role of CYP450-enzymes in cardiovascular physiology and pathology, and the genetic polymorphisms in CYP450s can increase susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). One of the most important physiological roles of CYP450-epoxygenases (CYP450-2C & CYP2J2) is the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid (LA) into epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and epoxyoctadecaenoic acid (EpOMEs) which generally involve in vasodilation. Like an increase in coronary reactive hyperemia (CRH), an increase in anti-inflammation, and cardioprotective effects. Moreover, the genetic polymorphisms in CYP450-epoxygenases will change the beneficial cardiovascular effects of metabolites or oxylipins into detrimental effects. The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is another crucial enzyme ubiquitously expressed in all living organisms and almost all organs and tissues. However, in contrast to CYP450-epoxygenases, sEH converts EETs into dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (DHETs), EpOMEs into dihydroxyoctadecaenoic acid (DiHOMEs), and others and reverses the beneficial effects of epoxy-fatty acids leading to vasoconstriction, reducing CRH, increase in pro-inflammation, increase in pro-thrombotic and become less cardioprotective. Therefore, polymorphisms in the sEH gene (Ephx2) cause the enzyme to become overactive, making it more vulnerable to CVDs, including hypertension. Besides the sEH, ω-hydroxylases (CYP450-4A11 & CYP450-4F2) derived metabolites from AA, ω terminal-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (19-, 20-HETE), lipoxygenase-derived mid-chain hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (5-, 11-, 12-, 15-HETEs), and the cyclooxygenase-derived prostanoids (prostaglandins: PGD2, PGF2α; thromboxane: Txs, oxylipins) are involved in vasoconstriction, hypertension, reduction in CRH, pro-inflammation and cardiac toxicity. Interestingly, the interactions of adenosine receptors (A2AAR, A1AR) with CYP450-epoxygenases, ω-hydroxylases, sEH, and their derived metabolites or oxygenated polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs or oxylipins) is shown in the regulation of the cardiovascular functions. In addition, much evidence demonstrates polymorphisms in CYP450-epoxygenases, ω-hydroxylases, and sEH genes (Ephx2) and adenosine receptor genes (ADORA1 & ADORA2) in the human population with the susceptibility to CVDs, including hypertension. CVDs are the number one cause of death globally, coronary artery disease (CAD) was the leading cause of death in the US in 2019, and hypertension is one of the most potent causes of CVDs. This review summarizes the articles related to the crosstalk between adenosine receptors and CYP450-derived oxylipins in vascular, including the CRH response in regular salt-diet fed and high salt-diet fed mice with the correlation of heart perfusate/plasma oxylipins. By using A2AAR-/-, A1AR-/-, eNOS-/-, sEH-/- or Ephx2-/-, vascular sEH-overexpressed (Tie2-sEH Tr), vascular CYP2J2-overexpressed (Tie2-CYP2J2 Tr), and wild-type (WT) mice. This review article also summarizes the role of pro-and anti-inflammatory oxylipins in cardiovascular function/dysfunction in mice and humans. Therefore, more studies are needed better to understand the crosstalk between the adenosine receptors and eicosanoids to develop diagnostic and therapeutic tools by using plasma oxylipins profiles in CVDs, including hypertensive cases in the future.

Adenosine A2A receptor and vascular response: role of soluble epoxide hydrolase, adenosine A1 receptor and angiotensin-II.

Previously, we have reported that the coronary reactive hyperemic response was reduced in adenosine A2A receptor-null (A2AAR-/-) mice, and it was reversed by the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor. However, it is unknown in aortic vascular response, therefore, we hypothesized that A2AAR-gene deletion in mice (A2AAR-/-) affects adenosine-induced vascular response by increase in sEH and adenosine A1 receptor (A1AR) activities. A2AAR-/- mice showed an increase in sEH, AI AR and CYP450-4A protein expression but decrease in CYP450-2C compared to C57Bl/6 mice. NECA (adenosine-analog) and CCPA (adenosine A1 receptor-agonist)-induced dose-dependent vascular response was tested with t-AUCB (sEH-inhibitor) and angiotensin-II (Ang-II) in A2AAR-/- vs. C57Bl/6 mice. In A2AAR-/-, NECA and CCPA-induced increase in dose-dependent vasoconstriction compared to C57Bl/6 mice. However, NECA and CCPA-induced dose-dependent vascular contraction in A2AAR-/- was reduced by t-AUCB with NECA. Similarly, dose-dependent vascular contraction in A2AAR-/- was reduced by t-AUCB with CCPA. In addition, Ang-II enhanced NECA and CCPA-induced dose-dependent vascular contraction in A2AAR-/- with NECA. Similarly, the dose-dependent vascular contraction in A2AAR-/- was also enhanced by Ang-II with CCPA. Further, t-AUCB reduced Ang-II-enhanced NECA and CCPA-induced dose-dependent vascular contraction in A2AAR-/- mice. Our data suggest that the dose-dependent vascular contraction in A2AAR-/- mice depends on increase in sEH, A1AR and CYP4A protein expression.

Cyp2j5-Gene Deletion Affects on Acetylcholine and Adenosine-Induced Relaxation in Mice: Role of Angiotensin-II and CYP-Epoxygenase Inhibitor.

Previously, we showed vascular endothelial overexpression of human-CYP2J2 enhances coronary reactive hyperemia in Tie2-CYP2J2 Tr mice, and eNOS-/- mice had overexpression of CYP2J-epoxygenase with adenosine A2A receptor-induced enhance relaxation, but we did not see the response in CYP2J-epoxygenase knockout mice. Therefore, we hypothesized that Cyp2j5-gene deletion affects acetylcholine- and 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) (adenosine)-induced relaxation and their response is partially inhibited by angiotensin-II (Ang-II) in mice. Acetylcholine (Ach)-induced response was tested with N-(methylsulfonyl)-2-(2-propynyloxy)-benzenehexanamide (MS-PPOH, CYP-epoxygenase inhibitor; 10-5M) and Ang-II (10-6M). In Cyp2j5-/- mice, ACh-induced relaxation was different from C57Bl/6 mice, at 10-5 M (76.1 ± 3.3 vs. 58.3 ± 5.2, P < 0.05). However, ACh-induced relaxation was not blocked by MS-PPOH in Cyp2j5-/- : 58.5 ± 5.0%, P > 0.05, but blocked in C57Bl/6: 52.3 ± 7.5%, P < 0.05, and Ang-II reduces ACh-induced relaxation in both Cyp2j5-/- and C57Bl/6 mice (38.8 ± 3.9% and 45.9 ± 7.8, P <0.05). In addition, NECA-induced response was tested with Ang-II. In Cyp2j5-/- mice, NECA-induced response was not different from C57Bl/6 mice at 10-5M (23.1 ± 2.1 vs. 21.1 ± 3.8, P > 0.05). However, NECA-induced response was reduced by Ang-II in both Cyp2j5-/- and C57Bl/6 mice (-10.8 ± 2.3% and 3.2 ± 2.7, P < 0.05). Data suggest that ACh-induced relaxation in Cyp2j5-/- mice depends on nitric oxide (NO) but not CYP-epoxygenases, and the NECA-induced different response in male vs. female Cyp2j5-/- mice when Ang-II treated.

Ephx2-gene deletion affects acetylcholine-induced relaxation in angiotensin-II infused mice: role of nitric oxide and CYP-epoxygenases.

Previously, we showed that adenosine A2A receptor induces relaxation independent of NO in soluble epoxide hydrolase-null mice (Nayeem et al. in Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 304:R23-R32, 2013). Currently, we hypothesize that Ephx2-gene deletion affects acetylcholine (Ach)-induced relaxation which is independent of A2AAR but dependent on NO and CYP-epoxygenases. Ephx2-/- aortas showed a lack of sEH (97.1%, P < 0.05) but an increase in microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH, 37%, P < 0.05) proteins compared to C57Bl/6 mice, and no change in CYP2C29 and CYP2J protein (P > 0.05). Ach-induced response was tested with nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) NO-inhibitor; 10-4 M), N-(methylsulfonyl)-2-(2-propynyloxy)-benzenehexanamide (MS-PPOH) (CYP-epoxygenase inhibitor; 10-5 M), 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE, an epoxyeicosatrienoic acid-antagonist; 10-5 M), SCH-58261 (A2AAR-antagonist; 10-6 M), and angiotensin-II (Ang-II, 10-6 M). In Ephx2-/- mice, Ach-induced relaxation was not different from C57Bl/6 mice except at 10-5 M (92.75 ± 2.41 vs. 76.12 ± 3.34, P < 0.05). However, Ach-induced relaxation was inhibited with L-NAME (Ephx2-/-: 23.74 ± 3.76% and C57Bl/6: 11.61 ± 2.82%), MS-PPOH (Ephx2-/-: 48.16 ± 6.53% and C57Bl/6: 52.27 ± 7.47%), and 14,15-EEZE (Ephx2-/-: 44.29 ± 8.33% and C57Bl/6: 39.27 ± 7.47%) vs. non-treated (P < 0.05). But, it did not block with SCH-58261 (Ephx2-/-: 68.75 ± 11.41% and C57Bl/6: 66.26 ± 9.43%, P > 0.05) vs. non-treated (P > 0.05). Interestingly, Ang-II attenuates less relaxation in Ehx2-/- vs. C57Bl/6 mice (58.80 ± 7.81% vs. 45.92 ± 7.76, P < 0.05). Our data suggest that Ach-induced relaxation in Ephx2-/- mice depends on NO and CYP-epoxygenases but not on A2A AR, and Ephx2-gene deletion attenuates less Ach-induced relaxation in Ang-II-infused mice.

Role of oxylipins in cardiovascular diseases.

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of mortality. Approximately 18 million people died from CVDs in 2015, representing more than 30% of all global deaths. New diagnostic tools and therapies are eagerly required to decrease the prevalence of CVDs related to mortality and/or risk factors leading to CVDs. Oxylipins are a group of metabolites, generated via oxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are involved in inflammation, immunity, and vascular functions, etc. Thus far, over 100 oxylipins have been identified, and have overlapping and interconnected roles. Important CVD pathologies such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, thrombosis, hemostasis and diabetes have been linked to abnormal oxylipin signaling. Oxylipins represent a new era of risk markers and/or therapeutic targets in several diseases including CVDs. The role of many oxylipins in the progression or regression in CVD, however, is still not fully understood. An increased knowledge of the role of these oxygenated polyunsaturated fatty acids in cardiovascular dysfunctions or CVDs including hypertension could possibly lead to the development of biomarkers for the detection and their treatment in the future.

Reduced coronary reactive hyperemia in mice was reversed by the soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor (t-AUCB): Role of adenosine A2A receptor and plasma oxylipins.

Coronary reactive hyperemia (CRH) protects the heart against ischemia. Adenosine A2AAR-deficient (A2AAR-/-) mice have increased expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH); the enzyme responsible for breaking down the cardioprotective epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs). sEH-inhibition enhances CRH, increases EETs, and modulates oxylipin profiles. We investigated the changes of oxylipins and their impact on CRH in A2AAR-/- and wild type (WT) mice. We hypothesized that the attenuated CRH in A2AAR-/- mice is mediated by changes in oxylipin profiles, and that it can be reversed by either sEH- or ω-hydroxylases-inhibition. Compared to WT mice, A2AAR-/- mice had attenuated CRH and changed oxylipin profiles, which were consistent between plasma and heart perfusate samples, including decreased EET/DHET ratios, and increased hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). Plasma oxylipns in A2AAR-/- mice indicated an increased proinflammatory state including increased ω-terminal HETEs, decreased epoxyoctadecaenoic/dihydroxyoctadecaenoic acids (EpOMEs/DiHOMEs) ratios, increased 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, and increased prostanoids. Inhibition of either sEH or ω-hydroxylases reversed the reduced CRH in A2AAR-/- mice. In WT and sEH-/- mice, blocking A2AAR decreased CRH. These data demonstrate that A2AAR-deletion was associated with changes in oxylipin profiles, which may contribute to the attenuated CRH. Also, inhibition of sEH and ω-hydroxylases reversed the reduction in CRH.

The Role of Adenosine A2A Receptor, CYP450s, and PPARs in the Regulation of Vascular Tone.

Adenosine is an endogenous mediator involved in a myriad of physiologic functions, including vascular tone regulation. It is also implicated in some pathologic conditions. Four distinct receptor subtypes mediate the effects of adenosine, such as its role in the regulation of the vascular tone. Vascular tone regulation is a complex and continuous process which involves many mechanisms and mediators that are not fully disclosed. The vascular endothelium plays a pivotal role in regulating blood flow to and from all body organs. Also, the vascular endothelium is not merely a physical barrier; it is a complex tissue with numerous functions. Among adenosine receptors, A2A receptor subtype (A2AAR) stands out as the primary receptor responsible for the vasodilatory effects of adenosine. This review focuses on important effectors of the vascular endothelium, including adenosine, adenosine receptors, EETs (epoxyeicosatrienoic acids), HETEs (hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids), PPARs (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors), and KATP channels. Given the impact of vascular tone regulation in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, better understanding of the mechanisms affecting it could have a significant potential for developing therapeutic agents for cardiovascular diseases.

Exploring Adenosine Receptor Ligands: Potential Role in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the number one diseases affecting patients' morbidity and mortality. The adenosine receptors are G-protein coupled receptors which have been of interest for drugs target for the treatment of multiple diseases ranging from cardiovascular to neurological. Adenosine receptors have been connected to several biological pathways affecting the physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular system. In this review, we will cover the different adenosine receptor ligands that have been identified to interact with adenosine receptors and affect the vascular system. These ligands will be evaluated from clinical as well as medicinal chemistry perspectives with more emphasis on how structural changes in structure translate into ligand potency and efficacy. Adenosine receptors represent a novel therapeutic target for development of treatment options treating a wide variety of diseases, including vascular disease and obesity.

Vascular endothelial overexpression of human CYP2J2 (Tie2-CYP2J2 Tr) modulates cardiac oxylipin profiles and enhances coronary reactive hyperemia in mice.

Arachidonic acid is metabolized to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) by cytochrome (CYP) P450 epoxygenases, and to ω-terminal hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) by ω-hydroxylases. EETs and HETEs often have opposite biologic effects; EETs are vasodilatory and protect against ischemia/reperfusion injury, while ω-terminal HETEs are vasoconstrictive and cause vascular dysfunction. Other oxylipins, such as epoxyoctadecaenoic acids (EpOMEs), hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (HODEs), and prostanoids also have varied vascular effects. Post-ischemic vasodilation in the heart, known as coronary reactive hyperemia (CRH), protects against potential damage to the heart muscle caused by ischemia. The relationship among CRH response to ischemia, in mice with altered levels of CYP2J epoxygenases has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of endothelial overexpression of the human cytochrome P450 epoxygenase CYP2J2 in mice (Tie2-CYP2J2 Tr) on oxylipin profiles and CRH. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of pharmacologic inhibition of CYP-epoxygenases and inhibition of ω-hydroxylases on CRH. We hypothesized that CRH would be enhanced in isolated mouse hearts with vascular endothelial overexpression of human CYP2J2 through modulation of oxylipin profiles. Similarly, we expected that inhibition of CYP-epoxygenases would reduce CRH, whereas inhibition of ω-hydroxylases would enhance CRH. Compared to WT mice, Tie2-CYP2J2 Tr mice had enhanced CRH, including repayment volume, repayment duration, and repayment/debt ratio (P < 0.05). Similarly, inhibition of ω-hydroxylases increased repayment volume and repayment duration, in Tie2-CYP2J2 Tr compared to WT mice (P < 0.05). Endothelial overexpression of CYP2J2 significantly changed oxylipin profiles, including increased EETs (P < 0.05), increased EpOMEs (P < 0.05), and decreased 8-iso-PGF2α (P < 0.05). Inhibition of CYP epoxygenases with MS-PPOH attenuated CRH (P < 0.05). Ischemia caused a decrease in mid-chain HETEs (5-, 11-, 12-, 15-HETEs P < 0.05) and HODEs (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that vascular endothelial overexpression of CYP2J2, through changing the oxylipin profiles, enhances CRH. Inhibition of CYP epoxygenases decreases CRH, whereas inhibition of ω-hydroxylases enhances CRH.

Vascular Endothelial Over-Expression of Human Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (Tie2-sEH Tr) Attenuates Coronary Reactive Hyperemia in Mice: Role of Oxylipins and ω-Hydroxylases.

Cytochromes P450 metabolize arachidonic acid (AA) into two vasoactive oxylipins with opposing biologic effects: epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and omega-(ω)-terminal hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). EETs have numerous beneficial physiological effects, including vasodilation and protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury, whereas ω-terminal HETEs induce vasoconstriction and vascular dysfunction. We evaluated the effect of these oxylipins on post-ischemic vasodilation known as coronary reactive hyperemia (CRH). CRH prevents the potential harm associated with transient ischemia. The beneficial effects of EETs are reduced after their hydrolysis to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs) by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). ω-terminal HETEs are formed by ω-hydroxylase family members. The relationship among endothelial over-expression of sEH (Tie2-sEH Tr), the changes in oxylipins it may produce, the pharmacologic inhibition of ω-hydroxylases, activation of PPARγ, and CRH response to a brief ischemia is not known. We hypothesized that CRH is attenuated in isolated mouse hearts with endothelial sEH over-expression through modulation of oxylipin profiles, whereas both inhibition of ω-hydroxylases and activation of PPARγ enhance CRH. Compared to WT mice, Tie2-sEH Tr mice had decreased CRH, including repayment volume, repayment duration, and repayment/debt ratio (P < 0.05), whereas inhibition of ω-hydroxylases increased these same CRH parameters in Tie2-sEH Tr mice. Inhibition of sEH with t-AUCB reversed the decreased CRH in Tie2-sEH Tr mice. Endothelial over-expression of sEH significantly changed oxylipin profiles, including decreases in DHETs, mid-chain HETEs, and prostaglandins (P < 0.05). Treatment with rosiglitazone, PPARγ-agonist, enhanced CRH (P < 0.05) in both Tie2-sEH Tr and wild type (WT) mice. These data demonstrate that endothelial over-expression of sEH (through changing the oxylipin profiles) attenuates CRH, whereas inhibition of ω-hydroxylases and activation of PPARγ enhance it.

Vascular complications in living donor liver transplantation at a high-volume center: Evolving protocols and trends observed over 10 years.

Vascular complications continue to have a devastating effect on liver transplantation recipients, even though their nature, incidence, and outcome might have actually changed with increasing experience and proficiency in high-volume centers. The aim of this study was to analyze the trends observed in vascular complications with changing protocols in adult and pediatric living donor liver transplantation over 10 years in 2 time frames in terms of nature, incidence, and outcome. It is a retrospective analysis of 391 (group 1, January 2006 to December 2010) and 741 (group 2, January 2011 to October 2013) patients. With a minimum follow-up of 2 years, incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) in adults has reduced significantly from 2.2% in group 1 to 0.5% in group 2 (P = 0.02). In group 2, nonsignificantly, more adult patients (75% with HAT) could be salvaged compared with only 25% patients in group 1 (P = 0.12). However, HAT in children had 100% mortality. Incidence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in complicated transplants in 2 eras remained the same (P = 0.2) and so has its mortality. The thrombosis rate of the neo-middle hepatic vein was significantly reduced in group 2 (P = 0.01). The incidence of HAT, particularly in adults, has decreased significantly though PVT has continued to puzzle surgeons in complicated transplants. In high-volume centers, increasing proficiency, technical modifications, early diagnosis, and multimodality of treatment is the key to decrease overall morbidity and mortality due to vascular complications. Liver Transplantation 23 457-464 2017 AASLD.

Effect of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase on the Modulation of Coronary Reactive Hyperemia: Role of Oxylipins and PPARγ.

Coronary reactive hyperemia (CRH) is a physiological response to ischemic insult that prevents the potential harm associated with an interruption of blood supply. The relationship between the pharmacologic inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and CRH response to a brief ischemia is not known. sEH is involved in the main catabolic pathway of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which are converted into dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs). EETs protect against ischemia/reperfusion injury and have numerous beneficial physiological effects. We hypothesized that inhibition of sEH by t-AUCB enhances CRH in isolated mouse hearts through changing the oxylipin profiles, including an increase in EETs/DHETs ratio. Compared to controls, t-AUCB-treated mice had increased CRH, including repayment volume (RV), repayment duration, and repayment/debt ratio (p < 0.05). Treatment with t-AUCB significantly changed oxylipin profiles, including an increase in EET/DHET ratio, increase in EpOME/DiHOME ratio, increase in the levels of HODEs, decrease in the levels of mid-chain HETEs, and decrease in prostanoids (p < 0.05). Treatment with MS-PPOH (CYP epoxygenase inhibitor) reduced CRH, including RV (p < 0.05). Involvement of PPARγ in the modulation of CRH was demonstrated using a PPARγ-antagonist (T0070907) and a PPARγ-agonist (rosiglitazone). T0070907 reduced CRH (p < 0.05), whereas rosiglitazone enhanced CRH (p < 0.05) in isolated mouse hearts compared to the non-treated. These data demonstrate that sEH inhibition enhances, whereas CYP epoxygenases-inhibition attenuates CRH, PPARγ mediate CRH downstream of the CYP epoxygenases-EET pathway, and the changes in oxylipin profiles associated with sEH-inhibition collectively contributed to the enhanced CRH.

Vascular endothelial over-expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase (Tie2-sEH) enhances adenosine A1 receptor-dependent contraction in mouse mesenteric arteries: role of ATP-sensitive K+ channels.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) converts epoxyeicosatrienoic acids that are endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors into less active dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. Previously, we reported a decrease in adenosine A1 receptor (A1AR) protein levels in sEH knockout (sEH-/-) and an increase in sEH and A1AR protein levels in A2AAR-/- mice. Additionally, KATP channels are involved in adenosine receptor (AR)-dependent vascular relaxation. Thus, we hypothesize that a potential relationship may exist among sEH over-expression, A1AR upregulation, inactivation of KATP channels, and increased in vascular tone. We performed DMT myograph muscle tension measurements and western blot analysis in isolated mouse mesenteric arteries (MAs) from wild-type (WT) and endothelial over-expression of sEH (Tie2-sEH Tr) mice. Our data revealed that NECA (a non-selective adenosine receptors agonist)-induced relaxation was significantly reduced in Tie2-sEH Tr mice, and CCPA (A1AR agonist)-induced contraction was increased in Tie2-sEH Tr mice. A1AR-dependent contraction in Tie2-sEH Tr mice was significantly attenuated by pharmacological inhibition of CYP4A (HET0016, 10 µM), PKCα (GO6976, 1 µM), and ERK1/2 (PD58059, 1 µM). Our western blot analysis revealed significantly higher basal protein expression of CYP4A, A1AR, and reduced p-ERK in MAs of Tie2-sEH Tr mice. Notably, pinacidil (KATP channel opener)-induced relaxation was also significantly reduced in MAs of Tie2-sEH Tr mice. Furthermore, KATP channel-dependent relaxation in MAs was enhanced by inhibition of PKCα and ERK1/2 in WT but not Tie2-sEH Tr mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that over-expression of sEH enhances A1AR-dependent contraction and reduces KATP channel-dependent relaxation in MAs. These results suggest a possible interaction between sEH, A1AR, and KATP channels in regulating vascular tone.

Deletion of soluble epoxide hydrolase enhances coronary reactive hyperemia in isolated mouse heart: role of oxylipins and PPARγ.

The relationship between soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and coronary reactive hyperemia (CRH) response to a brief ischemic insult is not known. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) exert cardioprotective effects in ischemia/reperfusion injury. sEH converts EETs into dihydroxyeicosatrienoic-acids (DHETs). Therefore, we hypothesized that knocking out sEH enhances CRH through modulation of oxylipin profiles, including an increase in EET/DHET ratio. Compared with sEH+/+, sEH-/- mice showed enhanced CRH, including greater repayment volume (RV; 28% higher, P < 0.001) and repayment/debt ratio (32% higher, P < 0.001). Oxylipins from the heart perfusates were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The 14,15-EET/14,15-DHET ratio was 3.7-fold higher at baseline (P < 0.001) and 5.6-fold higher post-ischemia (P < 0.001) in sEH-/- compared with sEH+/+ mice. Likewise, the baseline 9,10- and 12,13-EpOME/DiHOME ratios were 3.2-fold (P < 0.01) and 3.7-fold (P < 0.001) higher, respectively in sEH-/- compared with sEH+/+ mice. 13-HODE was also significantly increased at baseline by 71% (P < 0.01) in sEH-/- vs. sEH+/+ mice. Levels of 5-, 11-, 12-, and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids were not significantly different between the two strains (P > 0.05), but were decreased postischemia in both groups (P = 0.02, P = 0.04, P = 0.05, P = 0.03, respectively). Modulation of CRH by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) was demonstrated using a PPARγ-antagonist (T0070907), which reduced repayment volume by 25% in sEH+/+ (P < 0.001) and 33% in sEH-/- mice (P < 0.01), and a PPARγ-agonist (rosiglitazone), which increased repayment volume by 37% in both sEH+/+ (P = 0.04) and sEH-/- mice (P = 0.04). l-NAME attenuated CRH in both sEH-/- and sEH+/+ These data demonstrate that genetic deletion of sEH resulted in an altered oxylipin profile, which may have led to an enhanced CRH response.

Angiotensin II stimulation alters vasomotor response to adenosine in mouse mesenteric artery: role for A1 and A2B adenosine receptors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Stimulation of the A1 adenosine receptor and angiotensin II receptor type-1 (AT1 receptor) causes vasoconstriction through activation of cytochrome P450 4A (CYP4A) and ERK1/2. Thus, we hypothesized that acute angiotensin II activation alters the vasomotor response induced by the non-selective adenosine receptor agonist, NECA, in mouse mesenteric arteries (MAs). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We used a Danish Myo Technology wire myograph to measure muscle tension in isolated MAs from wild type (WT), A1 receptor and A2B receptor knockout (KO) mice. Western blots were performed to determine the expression of AT1 receptors and CYP4A. KEY RESULTS: Acute exposure (15 min) to angiotensin II attenuated the NECA-dependent vasodilatation and enhanced vasoconstriction. This vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin II in NECA-treated MAs was abolished in A1 receptor KO mice and in WT mice treated with the A1 receptor antagonist DPCPX, CYP4A inhibitor HET0016 and ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059. In MAs from A2B receptor KO mice, the vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin II on the NECA-induced response was shown to be dependent on A1 receptors. Furthermore, in A2B receptor KO mice, the expression of AT1 receptors and CYP4A was increased and the angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction enhanced. In addition, inhibition of KATP channels with glibenclamide significantly reduced NECA-induced vasodilatation in WT mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Acute angiotensin II stimulation enhanced A1 receptor-dependent vasoconstriction and inhibited A2B receptor-dependent vasodilatation, leading to a net vasoconstriction and altered vasomotor response to NECA in MAs. This interaction may be important in the regulation of BP.

High salt diet modulates vascular response in A2AAR (+/+) and A 2AAR (-/-) mice: role of sEH, PPARγ, and K ATP channels.

This study aims to investigate the signaling mechanism involved in HS-induced modulation of adenosine-mediated vascular tone in the presence or absence of adenosine A2A receptor (A2AAR). We hypothesized that HS-induced enhanced vascular relaxation through A2AAR and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EETs) is dependent on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channels) in A2AAR(+/+) mice, while HS-induced vascular contraction to adenosine is dependent on soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) that degrades EETs in A2AAR(-/-) mice. Organ bath and Western blot techniques were conducted in HS (4 % NaCl) and normal salt (NS, 0.45 % NaCl)-fed A2AAR(+/+) and A2AAR(-/-) mouse aorta. We found that enhanced vasodilation to A2AAR agonist, CGS 21680, in HS-fed A2AAR(+/+) mice was blocked by PPARγ antagonist (T0070907) and KATP channel blocker (Glibenclamide). Also, sEH inhibitor (AUDA)-dependent vascular relaxation was mitigated by PPARγ antagonist. PPARγ agonist (Rosiglitazone)-induced relaxation in HS-A2AAR(+/+) mice was attenuated by KATP channel blocker. Conversely, HS-induced contraction in A2AAR(-/-) mice was attenuated by sEH inhibitor. Overall, findings from this study that implicates the contribution of EETs, PPARγ and KATP channels downstream of A2AAR to mediate enhanced vascular relaxation in response to HS diet while, role of sEH in mediating vascular contraction in HS-fed A2AAR(-/-) mice.

High salt diet exacerbates vascular contraction in the absence of adenosine A2A receptor.

High salt (4% NaCl, HS) diet modulates adenosine-induced vascular response through adenosine A(2A) receptor (A(2A)AR). Evidence suggests that A(2A)AR stimulates cyp450-epoxygenases, leading to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) generation. The aim of this study was to understand the vascular reactivity to HS and underlying signaling mechanism in the presence or absence of A(2A)AR. Therefore, we hypothesized that HS enhances adenosine-induced relaxation through EETs in A(2A)AR⁺/⁺, but exaggerates contraction in A(2A)AR⁻/⁻. Organ bath and Western blot experiments were conducted in HS and normal salt (NS, 0.18% NaCl)-fed A(2A)AR⁺/⁺ and A(2A)AR⁻/⁻ mice aorta. HS produced concentration-dependent relaxation to non-selective adenosine analog, NECA in A(2A)AR⁺/⁺, whereas contraction was observed in A(2A)AR⁻/⁻ mice and this was attenuated by A1AR antagonist (DPCPX). CGS 21680 (selective A(2A)AR agonist) enhanced relaxation in HS-A(2A)AR⁺/⁺ versus NS-A(2A)AR⁺/⁺, which was blocked by EETs antagonist (14,15-EEZE). Compared with NS, HS significantly upregulated the expression of vasodilators A(2A)AR and cyp2c29, whereas vasoconstrictors A1AR and cyp4a in A(2A)AR⁺/⁺ were downregulated. In A(2A)AR⁻/⁻ mice, however, HS significantly downregulated the expression of cyp2c29, whereas A1AR and cyp4a were upregulated compared with A(2A)AR⁺/⁺ mice. Hence, our data suggest that in A(2A)AR⁺/⁺, HS enhances A(2A)AR-induced relaxation through increased cyp-expoxygenases-derived EETs and decreased A1AR levels, whereas in A(2A)AR⁻/⁻, HS exaggerates contraction through decreased cyp-epoxygenases and increased A1AR levels.

Adenosine A1 receptors link to smooth muscle contraction via CYP4a, protein kinase C-α, and ERK1/2.

Adenosine A1 receptor (A1AR) activation contracts smooth muscle, although signaling mechanisms are not thoroughly understood. Activation of A1AR leads to metabolism of arachidonic acid, including the production of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) by cytochrome P4504a (CYP4a). The 20-HETE can activate protein kinase C-α (PKC-α), which crosstalks with extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathway. Both these pathways can regulate smooth muscle contraction, we tested the hypothesis that A1AR contracts smooth muscle through a pathway involving CYP4a, PKC-α, and ERK1/2. Experiments included isometric tension recordings of aortic contraction and Western blots of signaling molecules in wild type (WT) and A1AR knockout (A1KO) mice. Contraction to the A1-selective agonist 2-chloro-N cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) was absent in A1KO mice aortae, indicating the contractile role of A1AR. Inhibition of CYP4a (HET0016) abolished 2-chloro-N cyclopentyladenosine-induced contraction in WT aortae, indicating a critical role for 20-HETE. Both WT and A1KO mice aortae contracted in response to exogenous 20-HETE. Inhibition of PKC-α (Gö6976) or ERK1/2 (PD98059) attenuated 20-HETE-induced contraction equally, suggesting that ERK1/2 is downstream of PKC-α. Contractions to exogenous 20-HETE were significantly less in A1KO mice; reduced protein levels of PKC-α, p-ERK1/2, and total ERK1/2 supported this observation. Our data indicate that A1AR mediates smooth muscle contraction via CYP4a and a PKC-α-ERK1/2 pathway.