The effect of hyperglycemia on the activation of peritoneal macrophages of albino rats.

Hyperglycemia is one of the main damaging factors of diabetes mellitus (DM). The severity of this disease is most clearly manifested under conditions of the inflammatory process. In this work, we have studied the activation features of rat peritoneal macrophages (MPs) under conditions of high glucose concentration in vitro. Comparison of the independent and combined effects of streptozotocin-induced DM and hyperglycemia on proliferation and accumulation of nitrites in the MPs culture medium revealed similarity of their effects. Elevated glucose levels and, to a lesser extent, DM decreased basal proliferation and NO production by MPs in vitro. The use of the protein kinase C (PKC) activator, phorbol ester (PMA), abolished the proinflammatory effect of thrombin on PMs. This suggests the involvement of PKC in the effects of the protease. At the same time, the effect of thrombin on the level of nitrites in the culture medium demonstrates a pronounced dose-dependence, which was not recognized during evaluation of proliferation. Proinflammatory activation of MPs is potentiated by hyperglycemia, one of the main pathological factors of diabetes. Despite the fact that high concentrations of glucose have a significant effect on proliferation and NO production, no statistically significant differences were found between the responses of MPs obtained from healthy animals and from animals with streptozotocin-induced DM. This ratio was observed for all parameters studied in the work, during analysis of cell proliferation and measurement of nitrites in the culture medium. Thus, the results obtained indicate the leading role of elevated glucose levels in the regulation of MPs activation, which is comparable to the effect of DM and even "masks" it.

The antioxidant effect of preischemic dexmedetomidine in a rat model: increased expression of Nrf2/HO-1 via the PKC pathway

Abstract Background The precise underlying mechanism of antioxidant effects of dexmedetomidine-induced neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia has not yet been fully elucidated. Activation of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) represents a major antioxidant-defense mechanism. Therefore, we determined whether dexmedetomidine increases Nrf2/HO-1 expression after global transient cerebral ischemia and assessed the involvement of Protein Kinase C (PKC) in the dexmedetomidine-related antioxidant mechanism. Methods Thirty-eight rats were randomly assigned to five groups: sham (n = 6), ischemic (n = 8), chelerythrine (a PKC inhibitor; 5 mg.kg-1 IV administered 30 min before cerebral ischemia) (n = 8), dexmedetomidine (100 µg.kg-1 IP administered 30 min before cerebral ischemia (n = 8), and dexmedetomidine + chelerythrine (n = 8). Global transient cerebral ischemia (10 min) was applied in all groups, except the sham group; histopathologic changes and levels of nuclear Nrf2 and cytoplasmic HO-1 were examined 24 hours after ischemia insult. Results We found fewer necrotic and apoptotic cells in the dexmedetomidine group relative to the ischemic group (p< 0.01) and significantly higher Nrf2 and HO-1 levels in the dexmedetomidine group than in the ischemic group (p< 0.01). Additionally, chelerythrine co-administration with dexmedetomidine attenuated the dexmedetomidine-induced increases in Nrf2 and HO-1 levels (p< 0.05 and p< 0.01, respectively) and diminished its beneficial neuroprotective effects. Conclusion Preischemic dexmedetomidine administration elicited neuroprotection against global transient cerebral ischemia in rats by increasing Nrf2/HO-1 expression partly via PKC signaling, suggesting that this is the antioxidant mechanism underlying dexmedetomidine-mediated neuroprotection.

Electroacupuncture Reduces Ocular Surface Neuralgia in Dry-Eyed Guinea Pigs by Inhibiting the Trigeminal Ganglion and Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus Caudalis P2X3R-PKC Signaling Pathway.

PURPOSE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on ocular surface neuralgia and the P2X3R-PKC signaling pathway in guinea pigs with dry eye. METHODS: A dry eye guinea pig model was established by subcutaneous injection of scopolamine hydrobromide. Guinea pigs were monitored for body weight, palpebral fissure height, number of blinks, corneal fluorescein staining score, phenol red thread test, and corneal mechanical perception threshold. Histopathological changes and mRNA expression of P2X3R and protein kinase C in the trigeminal ganglion and spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis were observed. We performed a second part of the experiment, which involved the P2X3R-specific antagonist A317491 and the P2X3R agonist ATP in dry-eyed guinea pigs to further validate the involvement of the P2X3R-protein kinase C signaling pathway in the regulation of ocular surface neuralgia in dry eye. The number of blinks and corneal mechanical perception threshold were monitored before and 5 min after subconjunctival injection and the protein expression of P2X3R and protein kinase C was detected in the trigeminal ganglion and spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis of guinea pigs. RESULTS: Dry-eyed guinea pigs showed pain-related manifestations and the expression of P2X3R and protein kinase C in the trigeminal ganglion and spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis was upregulated. Electroacupuncture reduced pain-related manifestations and inhibited the expression of P2X3R and protein kinase C in the trigeminal ganglion and spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Subconjunctival injection of A317491 attenuated corneal mechanoreceptive nociceptive sensitization in dry-eyed guinea pigs, while ATP blocked the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture. CONCLUSIONS: Electroacupuncture reduced ocular surface sensory neuralgia in dry-eyed guinea pigs, and the mechanism of action may be associated with the inhibition of the P2X3R-protein kinase C signaling pathway in the trigeminal ganglion and spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis by electroacupuncture.

Pepducin ICL1-9-Mediated ß2-Adrenergic Receptor-Dependent Cardiomyocyte Contractility Occurs in a Gi Protein/ROCK/PKD-Sensitive Manner.

PURPOSE: ß-Adrenergic receptors (ßAR) are essential targets for the treatment of heart failure (HF); however, chronic use of ßAR agonists as positive inotropes to increase contractility in a Gs protein-dependent manner is associated with increased mortality. Alternatively, we previously reported that allosteric modulation of ß2AR with the pepducin intracellular loop (ICL)1-9 increased cardiomyocyte contractility in a ß-arrestin (ßarr)-dependent manner, and subsequently showed that ICL1-9 activates the Ras homolog family member A (RhoA). Here, we aimed to elucidate both the proximal and downstream signaling mediators involved in the promotion of cardiomyocyte contractility in response to ICL1-9. METHODS: We measured adult mouse cardiomyocyte contractility in response to ICL1-9 or isoproterenol (ISO, as a positive control) alone or in the presence of inhibitors of various potential components of ßarr- or RhoA-dependent signaling. We also assessed the contractile effects of ICL1-9 on cardiomyocytes lacking G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinase 2 (GRK2) or 5 (GRK5). RESULTS: Consistent with RhoA activation by ICL1-9, both Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) and protein kinase D (PKD) inhibition were able to attenuate ICL1-9-mediated contractility, as was inhibition of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). While neither GRK2 nor GRK5 deletion impacted ICL1-9-mediated contractility, pertussis toxin attenuated the response, suggesting that ICL1-9 promotes downstream RhoA-dependent signaling in a Gi protein-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Altogether, our study highlights a novel signaling modality that may offer a new approach to the promotion, or preservation, of cardiac contractility during HF via the allosteric regulation of ß2AR to promote Gi protein/ßarr-dependent activation of RhoA/ROCK/PKD signaling.

The antioxidant effect of preischemic dexmedetomidine in a rat model: increased expression of Nrf2/HO-1 via the PKC pathway.

BACKGROUND: The precise underlying mechanism of antioxidant effects of dexmedetomidine-induced neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia has not yet been fully elucidated. Activation of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) represents a major antioxidant-defense mechanism. Therefore, we determined whether dexmedetomidine increases Nrf2/HO-1 expression after global transient cerebral ischemia and assessed the involvement of Protein Kinase C (PKC) in the dexmedetomidine-related antioxidant mechanism. METHODS: Thirty-eight rats were randomly assigned to five groups: sham (n...=...6), ischemic (n...=...8), chelerythrine (a PKC inhibitor; 5...mg.kg-1 IV administered 30...min before cerebral ischemia) (n...=...8), dexmedetomidine (100.....g.kg-1 IP administered 30...min before cerebral ischemia (n...=...8), and dexmedetomidine...+...chelerythrine (n...=...8). Global transient cerebral ischemia (10...min) was applied in all groups, except the sham group; histopathologic changes and levels of nuclear Nrf2 and cytoplasmic HO-1 were examined 24...hours after ischemia insult. RESULTS: We found fewer necrotic and apoptotic cells in the dexmedetomidine group relative to the ischemic group (p...<...0.01) and significantly higher Nrf2 and HO-1 levels in the dexmedetomidine group than in the ischemic group (p...<...0.01). Additionally, chelerythrine co-administration with dexmedetomidine attenuated the dexmedetomidine-induced increases in Nrf2 and HO-1 levels (p...<...0.05 and p...<...0.01, respectively) and diminished its beneficial neuroprotective effects. CONCLUSION: Preischemic dexmedetomidine administration elicited neuroprotection against global transient cerebral ischemia in rats by increasing Nrf2/HO-1 expression partly via PKC signaling, suggesting that this is the antioxidant mechanism underlying dexmedetomidine-mediated neuroprotection.

Irisin relaxes rat thoracic aorta through inhibiting signaling pathways implicating protein kinase C.

BACKGROUND: Irisin, a newly identified exercise-derived myokine, has been found involved in a peripheral vasodilator effect. However, little is known regarding the potential vascular activity of irisin, and the mechanisms underlying its effects on vascular smooth muscle have not been fully elucidated. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of irisin on vascular smooth muscle contractility in rat thoracic aorta, and the hypothesis that protein kinase C (PKC) may have a role in these effects. METHODS: Isometric contraction-relaxation responses of thoracic aorta rings were measured with an isolated organ bath model. The steady contraction was induced with 10 µM phenylephrine (PHE), and then the concentration-dependent responses of irisin (0.001-1 µM) were examined. The time-matched vehicle control (double distilled water) group was also formed. To evaluate the role of PKC, endothelium-intact thoracic aorta rings were incubated with 150 nM bisindolylmaleimide I (BIM I) for 20 min before the addition of 10 µM PHE and irisin. Also, a vehicle control group was formed for dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). RESULTS: Irisin exerted the vasorelaxant effects at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 µM compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Besides, PKC inhibitor BIM I incubation significantly inhibited the relaxation responses induced by varying concentrations of irisin (p: 0.000 for 0.01 µM; p: 0.000 for 0.1 µM; p: 0.000 for 1 µM). However, DMSO, a solvent of BIM I, did not modulate the relaxant effects of irisin (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION: In conclusion, physiological findings were obtained regarding the functional relaxing effects of irisin in rat thoracic aorta. The findings demonstrated that irisin induces relaxation responses in endothelium-intact thoracic aorta rings in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, this study is the first to report that irisin-induced relaxation responses are regulated probably via activating signaling pathways implicating PKC.

Protein Kinase C Inhibitors Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Replication in Cultured Cells.

Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a severe threat to global public health. The current study revealed that several inhibitors of protein kinases C (PKCs) possess protective activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Four pan-PKC inhibitors, Go 6983, bisindolylmaleimide I, enzastaurin, and sotrastaurin, reduced the replication of a SARS-CoV-2 replicon in both BHK-21 and Huh7 cells. A PKCδ-specific inhibitor, rottlerin, was also effective in reducing viral infection. The PKC inhibitors acted at an early step of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, PKC inhibitors blocked the replication of wild-type SARS-CoV-2 in ACE2-expressing A549 cells. Our work highlights the importance of the PKC signaling pathway in infection by SARS-CoV-2 and provides evidence that PKC-specific inhibitors are potential therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2. IMPORTANCE There is an urgent need for effective therapeutic drugs to control the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We found that several inhibitors of protein kinases C (PKCs) dramatically decrease the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in cultured cells. These PKC inhibitors interfere with an early step of viral infection. Therefore, the rapid and prominent antiviral effect of PKC inhibitors underscores that they are promising antiviral agents and suggests that PKCs are important host factors involved in infection by SARS-CoV-2.

Vascular Functional Effect Mechanisms of Elabela in Rat Thoracic Aorta.

BACKGROUND: Elabela is a recently discovered peptide hormone. The present study aims to investigate the vasorelaxant effect mechanisms of elabela in the rat thoracic aorta. METHODS: The vascular rings obtained from the thoracic aortas of the male Wistar albino rats were placed in the isolated tissue bath system. Resting tension was set to 1 gram. After the equilibration period, the vessel rings were contracted with phenylephrine or potassium chloride. Once a stable contraction was achieved, elabela-32 was applied cumulatively (10-9-10-6 molar) to the vascular rings. The experimental protocol was repeated in the presence of specific signaling pathway inhibitors or potassium channel blockers to determine the effect mechanisms of elabela. RESULTS: Elabela showed a significant vasorelaxant effect in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.001). The vasorelaxant effect level of elabela was significantly reduced by the apelin receptor antagonist F13A, cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor dorsomorphin, protein kinase C inhibitor bisindolmaleimide, large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel blocker iberiotoxin, and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel blocker TRAM-34 (P < 0.001). However, the vasorelaxant effect level of elabela was not significantly affected by the endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor U0126. CONCLUSIONS: Elabela exhibits a prominent vasodilator effect in rat thoracic aorta. Apelin receptor, prostanoids, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, protein kinase C, and calcium-activated potassium channels are involved in the vasorelaxant effect mechanisms of elabela.

Inhibitor of protein kinase N3 suppresses excessive bone resorption in ovariectomized mice.

INTRODUCTION: The long-term inhibition of bone resorption suppresses new bone formation because these processes are coupled during physiological bone remodeling. The development of anti-bone-resorbing agents that do not suppress bone formation is urgently needed. We previously demonstrated that Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling in mature osteoclasts promoted bone-resorbing activity through protein kinase N3 (Pkn3). The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 reportedly inhibited Pkn3 with a low Ki value (0.004 µM). We herein examined the effects of SB202190 on osteoclast differentiation and function in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone marrow cells were cultured in the presence of M-csf and GST-Rankl to differentiate into multinucleated osteoclasts. Osteoclasts were treated with increasing concentrations of SB202190. For in vivo study, 10-week-old female mice were subjected to ovariectomy (OVX). OVX mice were intraperitoneally administered with a Pkn3 inhibitor at 2 mg/kg or vehicle for 4 weeks, and bone mass was analyzed by micro-CT. RESULTS: SB202190 suppressed the auto-phosphorylation of Pkn3 in osteoclast cultures. SB202190 significantly inhibited the formation of resorption pits in osteoclast cultures by suppressing actin ring formation. SB202190 reduced c-Src activity in osteoclast cultures without affecting the interaction between Pkn3 and c-Src. A treatment with SB202190 attenuated OVX-induced bone loss without affecting the number of osteoclasts or bone formation by osteoblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that Pkn3 has potential as a therapeutic target for bone loss due to increased bone resorption. SB202190 is promising as a lead compound for the development of novel anti-bone-resorbing agents.

Tracking HIV Rebound following Latency Reversal Using Barcoded HIV.

HIV latency prevents cure of infection with antiretroviral therapy (ART) alone. One strategy for eliminating latently infected cells involves the induction of viral protein expression via latency-reversing agents (LRAs), allowing killing of host cells by viral cytopathic effects or immune effector mechanisms. Here, we combine a barcoded HIV approach and a humanized mouse model to study the effects of a designed, synthetic protein kinase C modulating LRA on HIV rebound. We show that administration of this compound during ART results in a delay in rebound once ART is stopped. Furthermore, the rebounding virus appears composed of a smaller number of unique barcoded viruses than occurs in control-treated animals, suggesting that some reservoir cells that would have contributed virus to the rebound process are eliminated by LRA administration. These data support the use of barcoded virus to study rebound and suggest that LRAs may be useful in HIV cure efforts.

Role of bisphenol A on calcium influx and its potential toxicity on the testis of Danio rerio.

This study investigated the acute in vitro effect of low-concentration bisphenol A (BPA) on calcium (45Ca2+) influx in zebrafish (Danio rerio) testis and examined whether intracellular Ca2+ was involved in the effects of BPA on testicular toxicity. In vitro studies on 45Ca2+ influx were performed in the testes after incubation with BPA for 30 min. Inhibitors were added 15 min before the addition of 45Ca2+ and BPA to testes to study the mechanism of action of BPA. The involvement of intracellular calcium from stores on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and on triacylglycerol (TAG) content were carried out after in vitro incubation of testes with BPA for 1 h. Furthermore, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were analyzed in the liver at 1 h after in vitro BPA incubation of D. rerio. Our data show that the acute in vitro treatment of D. rerio testes with BPA at very low concentration activates plasma membrane ionic channels, such as voltage-dependent calcium channels and calcium-dependent chloride channels, and protein kinase C (PKC), which stimulates Ca2+ influx. In addition, BPA increased cytosolic Ca2+ by activating inositol triphosphate receptor (IP3R) and inhibiting sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) at the endoplasmic reticulum, contributing to intracellular Ca2+ overload. The protein kinases, PKC, MEK 1/2 and PI3K, are involved in the mechanism of action of BPA, which may indicate a crosstalk between the non-genomic initiation effects mediated by PLC/PKC/IP3R signaling and genomic responses of BPA mediated by the estrogen receptor (ESR). In vitro exposure to a higher concentration of BPA caused cell damage and plasma membrane injury with increased LDH release and TAG content; both effects were dependent on intracellular Ca2+ and mediated by IP3R. Furthermore, BPA potentially induced liver damage, as demonstrated by increased GGT activity. In conclusion, in vitro effect of BPA in a low concentration triggers cytosolic Ca2+ overload and activates downstream protein kinases pointing to a crosstalk between its non-genomic and genomic effects of BPA mediated by ESR. Moreover, in vitro exposure to a higher concentration of BPA caused intracellular Ca2+-dependent testicular cell damage and plasma membrane injury. This acute toxicity was reinforced by increased testicular LDH release and GGT activity in the liver.

PKCγ promotes axonal remodeling in the cortico-spinal tract via GSK3ß/ß-catenin signaling after traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of death and disability. Enhancing the midline-crossing of the contralateral corticospinal tract (CST) to the denervated side of spinal cord facilitates functional recovery after TBI. Activation of the gamma isoform of PKC (PKCγ) in contralateral CST implicates its roles in promoting CST remodeling after TBI. In this study, we deployed loss and gain of function strategies in N2a cells and primary cortical neurons in vitro, and demonstrated that PKCγ is not only important but necessary for neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth and axonal branching but not for axonal extension. Mechanically, through the phosphorylation of GSK3ß, PKCγ stabilizes the expression of cytosolic ß-catenin and increase GAP43 expression, thus promoting axonal outgrowth. Further, rAAV2/9-mediated delivery of constitutive PKCγ in the corticospinal tract after unilateral TBI in vivo additionally showed that specifically delivery of active PKCγ mutant to cortical neuron promotes midline crossing of corticospinal fibers from the uninjured side to the denervated cervical spinal cord. This PKCγ-mediated injury response promoted sensorimotor functional recovery. In conclusion, PKCγ mediates stability of ß-catenin through the phosphorylation of GSK3ß to facilitate neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth and axonal branching, and PKCγ maybe a novel therapeutic target for physiological and functional recovery after TBI.

Modulation of cPKCγ on Synapsin-Ia/b-Specific Phosphorylation Sites in the Developing Visual Cortex of Mice.

Purpose: To explore the role of synapsin-Ia/b in visual cortical plasticity, the dynamic changes in total protein expression (T-) and conventional protein kinase C (cPKC)γ-modulated phosphorylation (P-) levels of synapsin-Ia/b were observed in the developing visual cortex of mice. Methods: The Western blot analysis was used to determine the levels of T- and P-synapsin-Ia/b at site of Ser9, 549, and 603; the cPKCγ gene wild-type (cPKCγ+/+) and knockout (cPKCγ-/-) mice were applied to explore the modulation of cPKCγ on synapsin-Ia/b phosphorylation status in visual cortex of mice at postnatal 7 to 60 days (P7-P60, n = 6 per group). Results: The results showed that T-synapsin-Ia/b protein levels significantly increased at P14 to P35 and peaked at P42 to 60 (P < 0.001) in visual cortex when compared with that of P7 cPKCγ+/+ mice, and cPKCγ-/- did not affect this pattern of T-synapsin-Ia/b protein expressions. For synapsin-Ia/b phosphorylation status, the levels of P-Ser9 and 603 synapsin-Ia/b significantly elevated at P21 to P28 (P < 0.05 or 0.001), and then went down and maintained at lower levels at P35 to P60 (P < 0.05 or 0.001) compared with P7 cPKCγ+/+ mice. In addition, the cPKCγ gene knockout could significantly (P < 0.001) inhibit both the increase and decrease of P-Ser9 and 603 synapsin-Ia/b levels when compared with cPKCγ+/+ mice at P7 to P60. However, there were no significant changes of P-Ser549 synapsin-Ia/b in the developing visual cortex of both cPKCγ+/+ and cPKCγ-/- mice at P7 to P60. Conclusions: These results suggested that both protein expression levels and cPKCγ-modulated phosphorylation status at Ser9 and 603 of synapsin-Ia/b may play important role in developing visual cortex of mice.

Priming stem cells with protein kinase C activator enhances early stem cell-chondrocyte interaction by increasing adhesion molecules.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) can be defined as degradation of articular cartilage of the joint, and is the most common degenerative disease. To regenerate the damaged cartilage, different experimental approaches including stem cell therapy have been tried. One of the major limitations of stem cell therapy is the poor post-transplantation survival of the stem cells. Anoikis, where insufficient matrix support and adhesion to extracellular matrix causes apoptotic cell death, is one of the main causes of the low post-transplantation survival rate of stem cells. Therefore, enhancing the initial interaction of the transplanted stem cells with chondrocytes could improve the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell therapy for OA. Previously, protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced increase of mesenchymal stem cell adhesion via activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been reported. In the present study, we examine the effect PMA on the adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) adhesion and spreading to culture substrates, and further on the initial interaction between ADSC and chondrocytes. RESULTS: PMA treatment increased the initial adhesion of ADSC to culture substrate and cellular spreading with increased expression of adhesion molecules, such as FAK, vinculin, talin, and paxillin, at both RNA and protein level. Priming of ADSC with PMA increased the number of ADSCs attached to confluent layer of cultured chondrocytes compared to that of untreated ADSCs at early time point (4 h after seeding). CONCLUSION: Taken together, the results of this study suggest that priming ADSCs with PMA can increase the initial interaction with chondrocytes, and this proof of concept can be used to develop a non-invasive therapeutic approach for treating OA. It may also accelerate the regeneration process so that it can relieve the accompanied pain faster in OA patients. Further in vivo studies examining the therapeutic effect of PMA pretreatment of ADSCs for articular cartilage damage are required.

Priming stem cells with protein kinase C activator enhances early stem cell-chondrocyte interaction by increasing adhesion molecules

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) can be defined as degradation of articular cartilage of the joint, and is the most common degenerative disease. To regenerate the damaged cartilage, different experimental approaches including stem cell therapy have been tried. One of the major limitations of stem cell therapy is the poor post-transplantation survival of the stem cells. Anoikis, where insufficient matrix support and adhesion to extracellular matrix causes apoptotic cell death, is one of the main causes of the low post-transplantation survival rate of stem cells. Therefore, enhancing the initial interaction of the transplanted stem cells with chondrocytes could improve the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell therapy for OA. Previously, protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)- induced increase of mesenchymal stem cell adhesion via activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been reported. In the present study, we examine the effect PMA on the adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) adhesion and spreading to culture substrates, and further on the initial interaction between ADSC and chondrocytes. RESULTS: PMA treatment increased the initial adhesion of ADSC to culture substrate and cellular spreading with increased expression of adhesion molecules, such as FAK, vinculin, talin, and paxillin, at both RNA and protein level. Priming of ADSC with PMA increased the number of ADSCs attached to confluent layer of cultured chondrocytes compared to that of untreated ADSCs at early time point (4 h after seeding). CONCLUSION: Taken together, the results of this study suggest that priming ADSCs with PMA can increase the initial interaction with chondrocytes, and this proof of concept can be used to develop a non-invasive therapeutic approach for treating OA. It may also accelerate the regeneration process so that it can relieve the accompanied pain faster in OA patients. Further in vivo studies examining the therapeutic effect of PMA pretreatment of ADSCs for articular cartilage damage are required.

ZIP It: Neural Silencing Is an Additional Effect of the PKM-Zeta Inhibitor Zeta-Inhibitory Peptide.

UNLABELLED: Protein kinase M ζ (PKMζ), an atypical isoform of protein kinase C, has been suggested to be necessary and sufficient for the maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term memory (LTM). This evidence is heavily based on the use of ζ inhibitory peptide (ZIP), a supposed specific inhibitor of PKMζ that interferes with both LTP and LTM. Problematically, both LTP and LTM are unaffected in both constitutive and conditional PKMζ knock-out mice, yet both are still impaired by ZIP application, suggesting a nonspecific mechanism of action. Because translational interference can disrupt neural activity, we assessed network activity after a unilateral intrahippocampal infusion of ZIP in anesthetized rats. ZIP profoundly reduced spontaneous hippocampal local field potentials, comparable in magnitude to infusions of lidocaine, but with a slower onset and longer duration. Our results highlight a serious confound in interpreting the behavioral effects of ZIP. We suggest that future molecular approaches in neuroscience consider the intervening level of cellular and systems neurophysiology before claiming influences on behavior. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Long-term memory in the brain is thought to arise from a sustained molecular process that can maintain changes in synaptic plasticity. A so-called candidate for the title of "the memory molecule" is protein kinase M ζ (PKMζ), mainly because its inhibition by ζ inhibitory peptide (ZIP) interferes with previously established synaptic plasticity and memory. We show that brain applications of ZIP that can impair memory actually profoundly suppress spontaneous brain activity directly or can cause abnormal seizure activity. We suggest that normal brain activity occurring after learning may be a more primary element of memory permanence.

Phosphorylation and Internalization of Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptors LPA1, LPA2, and LPA3.

RESULTS: The lysophosphatidic acid receptors LPA1, LPA2, and LPA3 were individually expressed in C9 cells and their signaling and regulation were studied. Agonist-activation increases intracellular calcium concentration in a concentration-dependent fashion. Phorbol myristate acetate markedly inhibited LPA1- and LPA3-mediated effect, whereas that mediated by LPA2 was only partially diminished; the actions of the phorbol ester were inhibited by bisindolylmaleimide I and by overnight incubation with the protein kinase C activator, which leads to down regulation of this protein kinase. Homologous desensitization was also observed for the three LPA receptors studied, with that of LPA2 receptors being consistently of lesser magnitude; neither inhibition nor down-regulation of protein kinase C exerted any effect on homologous desensitization. Activation of LPA1-3 receptors induced ERK 1/2 phosphorylation; this effect was markedly attenuated by inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase activity, suggesting growth factor receptor transactivation in this effect. Lysophosphatidic acid and phorbol myristate acetate were able to induce LPA1-3 phosphorylation, in time- and concentration-dependent fashions. It was also clearly observed that agonists and protein kinase C activation induced internalization of these receptors. Phosphorylation of the LPA2 subtype required larger concentrations of these agents and its internalization was less intense than that of the other subtypes. CONCLUSION: Our data show that these three LPA receptors are phosphoproteins whose phosphorylation state is modulated by agonist-stimulation and protein kinase C-activation and that differences in regulation and cellular localization exist, among the subtypes.

Pharmacological characterization of the involvement of protein kinase C in oscillatory and non-oscillatory calcium increases in astrocytes.

Evidence increasingly shows that astrocytes play a pivotal role in brain physiology and pathology via calcium dependent processes, thus the characterization of the calcium dynamics in astrocytes is of growing importance. We have previously reported that the epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor up-regulate the oscillation of the calcium releases that are induced by stimuli, including glutamate in cultured astrocytes. This calcium oscillation is assumed to involve protein kinase C (PKC), which is activated together with the calcium releases as a consequence of inositol phospholipid hydrolysis. In the present study, this issue has been investigated pharmacologically by using astrocytes cultured with and without the growth factors. The pharmacological activation of PKC largely reduced the glutamate-induced oscillatory and non-oscillatory calcium increases. Meanwhile, PKC inhibitors increased the total amounts of both calcium increases without affecting the peak amplitudes and converted the calcium oscillations to non-oscillatory sustained calcium increases by abolishing the falling phases of the repetitive calcium increases. Furthermore, the pharmacological effects were consistent between both glutamate- and histamine-induced calcium oscillations. These results suggest that PKC up-regulates the removal of cytosolic calcium in astrocytes, and this up-regulation is essential for calcium oscillation in astrocytes cultured with growth factors.

Role of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel-mediated PKC-ε in delayed protection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in isolated hearts of sevoflurane-preconditioned rats

This study aimed to determine the role of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (mitoKATP) channels and protein kinase C (PKC)-ε in the delayed protective effects of sevoflurane preconditioning using Langendorff isolated heart perfusion models. Fifty-four isolated perfused rat hearts were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=9). The rats were exposed for 60 min to 2.5% sevoflurane (the second window of protection group, SWOP group) or 33% oxygen inhalation (I/R group) 24 h before coronary occlusion. The control group (CON) and the sevoflurane group (SEVO) group were exposed to 33% oxygen and 2.5% sevoflurane for 60 min, respectively, without coronary occlusion. The mitoKATP channel inhibitor 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) was given 30 min before sevoflurane preconditioning (5-HD+SWOP group). Cardiac function indices, infarct sizes, serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations, and the expression levels of phosphorylated PKC-ε (p-PKC-ε) and caspase-8 were measured. Cardiac function was unchanged, p-PKC-ε expression was upregulated, caspase-8 expression was downregulated, cTnI concentrations were decreased, and the infarcts were significantly smaller (P<0.05) in the SWOP group compared with the I/R group. Cardiac function was worse, p-PKC-ε expression was downregulated, caspase-8 expression was upregulated, cTnI concentration was increased and infarcts were larger in the 5-HD+SWOP group (P<0.05) compared with the SWOP group. The results suggest that mitoKATP channels are involved in the myocardial protective effects of sevoflurane in preconditioning against I/R injury, by regulating PKC-ε phosphorylation before ischemia, and by downregulating caspase-8 during reperfusion.

Role of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel-mediated PKC-ε in delayed protection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in isolated hearts of sevoflurane-preconditioned rats.

This study aimed to determine the role of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (mitoKATP) channels and protein kinase C (PKC)-ε in the delayed protective effects of sevoflurane preconditioning using Langendorff isolated heart perfusion models. Fifty-four isolated perfused rat hearts were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=9). The rats were exposed for 60 min to 2.5% sevoflurane (the second window of protection group, SWOP group) or 33% oxygen inhalation (I/R group) 24 h before coronary occlusion. The control group (CON) and the sevoflurane group (SEVO) group were exposed to 33% oxygen and 2.5% sevoflurane for 60 min, respectively, without coronary occlusion. The mitoKATP channel inhibitor 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) was given 30 min before sevoflurane preconditioning (5-HD+SWOP group). Cardiac function indices, infarct sizes, serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations, and the expression levels of phosphorylated PKC-ε (p-PKC-ε) and caspase-8 were measured. Cardiac function was unchanged, p-PKC-ε expression was upregulated, caspase-8 expression was downregulated, cTnI concentrations were decreased, and the infarcts were significantly smaller (P<0.05) in the SWOP group compared with the I/R group. Cardiac function was worse, p-PKC-ε expression was downregulated, caspase-8 expression was upregulated, cTnI concentration was increased and infarcts were larger in the 5-HD+SWOP group (P<0.05) compared with the SWOP group. The results suggest that mitoKATP channels are involved in the myocardial protective effects of sevoflurane in preconditioning against I/R injury, by regulating PKC-ε phosphorylation before ischemia, and by downregulating caspase-8 during reperfusion.