Position-specific oxidation of miR-1 encodes cardiac hypertrophy.

In pathophysiology, reactive oxygen species oxidize biomolecules that contribute to disease phenotypes1. One such modification, 8-oxoguanine2 (o8G), is abundant in RNA3 but its epitranscriptional role has not been investigated for microRNAs (miRNAs). Here we specifically sequence oxidized miRNAs in a rat model of the redox-associated condition cardiac hypertrophy4. We find that position-specific o8G modifications are generated in seed regions (positions 2-8) of selective miRNAs, and function to regulate other mRNAs through o8G•A base pairing. o8G is induced predominantly at position 7 of miR-1 (7o8G-miR-1) by treatment with an adrenergic agonist. Introducing 7o8G-miR-1 or 7U-miR-1 (in which G at position 7 is substituted with U) alone is sufficient to cause cardiac hypertrophy in mice, and the mRNA targets of o8G-miR-1 function in affected phenotypes; the specific inhibition of 7o8G-miR-1 in mouse cardiomyocytes was found to attenuate cardiac hypertrophy. o8G-miR-1 is also implicated in patients with cardiomyopathy. Our findings show that the position-specific oxidation of miRNAs could serve as an epitranscriptional mechanism to coordinate pathophysiological redox-mediated gene expression.

Lipid Emulsions Inhibit Labetalol-Induced Vasodilation in the Isolated Rat Aorta.

Lipid emulsions are used as adjuvant drugs to alleviate intractable cardiovascular collapse induced by drug toxicity. We aimed to examine the effect of lipid emulsions on labetalol-induced vasodilation and the underlying mechanism in the isolated rat aorta. We studied the effects of endothelial denudation, NW-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), calmidazolium, methylene blue, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), and lipid emulsions on labetalol-induced vasodilation. We also evaluated the effects of lipid emulsions on cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) formation, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, and endothelial calcium levels induced by labetalol. Labetalol-induced vasodilation was higher in endothelium-intact aortas than that in endothelium-denuded aortas. l-NAME, calmidazolium, methylene blue, and ODQ inhibited labetalol-induced vasodilation in endothelium-intact aortas. Lipid emulsions inhibited labetalol-induced vasodilation in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortas. l-NAME, ODQ, and lipid emulsions inhibited labetalol-induced cGMP formation in endothelium-intact aortas. Lipid emulsions reversed the stimulatory and inhibitory eNOS (Ser1177 and Thr495) phosphorylation induced by labetalol in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and inhibited the labetalol-induced endothelial calcium increase. Moreover, it decreased labetalol concentration. These results suggest that lipid emulsions inhibit vasodilation induced by toxic doses of labetalol, which is mediated by the inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide release and reduction of labetalol concentration.

Hypothermia Inhibits Dexmedetomidine-Induced Contractions in Isolated Rat Aortae.

Dexmedetomidine is widely used to induce sedation in the perioperative period. This study examined the effect of hypothermia (33 and 25 °C) on dexmedetomidine-induced contraction in an endothelium-intact aorta with or without the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NW-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). In addition, the effect of hypothermia on the contraction induced by dexmedetomidine in an endothelium-denuded aorta with or without a calcium-free Krebs solution was examined. The effects of hypothermia on the protein kinase C (PKC), myosin light chain (MLC20) phosphorylation, and Rho-kinase membrane translocation induced by dexmedetomidine were examined. Hypothermia inhibited dexmedetomidine-induced contraction in the endothelium-intact aorta with L-NAME or endothelium-denuded aorta. Hypothermia had almost no effect on the dexmedetomidine-induced contraction in the endothelium-denuded aorta with the calcium-free Krebs solution; however, the subsequent contraction induced by the addition of calcium was inhibited by hypothermia. Conversely, the transition from profound hypothermia back to normothermia reversed the hypothermia-induced inhibition of subsequent calcium-induced contractions. Hypothermia inhibited any contraction induced by KCl, PDBu, and NaF, as well as PKC and MLC20 phosphorylation and Rho-kinase membrane translocation induced by dexmedetomidine. These results suggest that hypothermia inhibits dexmedetomidine-induced contraction, which is mediated mainly by the impediment of calcium influx and partially by the attenuation of pathways involving PKC and Rho-kinase activation.

The stem cell marker Prom1 promotes axon regeneration by down-regulating cholesterol synthesis via Smad signaling.

Axon regeneration is regulated by a neuron-intrinsic transcriptional program that is suppressed during development but that can be reactivated following peripheral nerve injury. Here we identify Prom1, which encodes the stem cell marker prominin-1, as a regulator of the axon regeneration program. Prom1 expression is developmentally down-regulated, and the genetic deletion of Prom1 in mice inhibits axon regeneration in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cultures and in the sciatic nerve, revealing the neuronal role of Prom1 in injury-induced regeneration. Elevating prominin-1 levels in cultured DRG neurons or in mice via adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery enhances axon regeneration in vitro and in vivo, allowing outgrowth on an inhibitory substrate. Prom1 overexpression induces the consistent down-regulation of cholesterol metabolism-associated genes and a reduction in cellular cholesterol levels in a Smad pathway-dependent manner, which promotes axonal regrowth. We find that prominin-1 interacts with the type I TGF-ß receptor ALK4, and that they synergistically induce phosphorylation of Smad2. These results suggest that Prom1 and cholesterol metabolism pathways are possible therapeutic targets for the promotion of neural recovery after injury.

Theophylline-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation is mediated by increased nitric oxide release and phosphodiesterase inhibition in rat aorta.

This study aimed to examine the endothelial dependence of vasodilation induced by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor theophylline in isolated rat thoracic aortas and elucidate the underlying mechanism, with emphasis on endothelial nitric oxide (NO). The effects of various inhibitors and endothelial denudation on theophylline-induced vasodilation, and the effect of theophylline on vasodilation induced by NO donor sodium nitroprusside, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analog bromo-cGMP, and ß-agonist isoproterenol in endothelium-denuded aorta were examined. The effects of theophylline and sodium nitroprusside on cGMP formation were also examined. We examined the effect of theophylline on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation and intracellular calcium levels. Theophylline-induced vasodilation was greater in endothelium-intact aortas than that in endothelium-denuded aortas. The NOS inhibitor, NW-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester; non-specific guanylate cyclase (GC) inhibitor, methylene blue; and NO-sensitive GC inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one inhibited theophylline-induced vasodilation in endothelium-intact aortas. Theophylline increased the vasodilation induced by sodium nitroprusside, bromo-cGMP, and isoproterenol. Theophylline increased cGMP formation in endothelium-intact aortas, and sodium nitroprusside-induced cGMP formation in endothelium-denuded aortas. Moreover, theophylline increased stimulatory eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation and endothelial calcium levels, but decreased the phosphorylation of inhibitory eNOS (Thr495). These results suggested that theophylline-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation was mediated by increased endothelial NO release and phosphodiesterase inhibition.

Correction: Chloroquine inhibits vasodilation induced by ATP-sensitive potassium channels in isolated rat aorta.

Another affiliation: 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea was added for the author Kyeong-Eon Park at his own request.

Chloroquine inhibits vasodilation induced by ATP-sensitive potassium channels in isolated rat aorta.

This study examined the effect of chloroquine on vasodilation induced by levcromakalim in isolated endothelium-denuded rat aortas and clarified the underlying mechanisms. We examined the effects of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, lipid emulsion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl-ʟ-cysteine (NAC), and KATP channel inhibitor glibenclamide on levcromakaliminduced vasodilation. The effects of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, NAC, and levcromakalim on membrane hyperpolarization and ROS production were examined in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Chloroquine inhibited levcromakalim-induced vasodilation more than hydroxychloroquine. NAC attenuated chloroquine-mediated inhibition of levcromakalim-induced vasodilation, while lipid emulsion had no effect. Glibenclamide eliminated levcromakalim-induced vasodilation in aortas pretreated with chloroquine. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine inhibited levcromakalim-induced membrane hyperpolarization in VSMCs. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine both produced ROS, but chloroquine produced more. NAC inhibited chloroquine-induced ROS production in VSMCs. Collectively, these results suggest that, partially through ROS production, chloroquine inhibits levcromakalim-induced vasodilation. In addition, chloroquine-induced KATP channel-induced vasodilation impairment was not restored by lipid emulsion.

Lipid Emulsion Inhibits Amlodipine-Induced Nitric Oxide-Mediated Vasodilation in Isolated Rat Aorta.

This study aimed to examine the effect of lipid emulsion on the vasodilation induced by a toxic dose of amlodipine in isolated rat aorta and elucidate its mechanism, with a particular focus on nitric oxide. The effects of endothelial denudation, NW-nitro-L-arginvine methyl ester (L-NAME), methylene blue, lipid emulsion, and linolenic acid on the amlodipine-induced vasodilation and amlodipine-induced cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production were examined. Furthermore, the effects of lipid emulsion, amlodipine, and PP2, either alone or combined, on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), caveolin-1, and Src-kinase phosphorylation were examined. Amlodipine-induced vasodilation was higher in endothelium-intact aorta than in endothelium-denuded aorta. L-NAME, methylene blue, lipid emulsion, and linolenic acid inhibited amlodipine-induced vasodilation and amlodipine-induced cGMP production in the endothelium-intact aorta. Lipid emulsion reversed the increased stimulatory eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation and decreased inhibitory eNOS (Thr495) phosphorylation induced via amlodipine. PP2 inhibited stimulatory eNOS, caveolin-1, and Src-kinase phosphorylation induced via amlodipine. Lipid emulsion inhibited amlodipine-induced endothelial intracellular calcium increase. These results suggest that lipid emulsion attenuated the vasodilation induced via amlodipine through inhibiting nitric oxide release in isolated rat aorta, which seems to be mediated via reversal of stimulatory eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation and inhibitory eNOS (Thr495) dephosphorylation, which are also induced via amlodipine.

Dexmedetomidine-Induced Aortic Contraction Involves Transactivation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Rats.

In this study, we examined whether aortic contraction, induced by the alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist dexmedetomidine, is involved in the transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in isolated endothelium-denuded rat aortas. Additionally, we aimed to elucidate the associated underlying cellular mechanisms. The effects of the alpha-2 adrenoceptor inhibitor rauwolscine, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478, Src kinase inhibitors PP1 and PP2, and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor GM6001 on EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation induced by dexmedetomidine in rat aortic smooth muscles were examined. In addition, the effects of these inhibitors on dexmedetomidine-induced contraction in isolated endothelium-denuded rat aorta were examined. Dexmedetomidine-induced contraction was inhibited by the alpha-1 adrenoceptor inhibitor prazosin, rauwolscine, AG1478, PP1, PP2, and GM6001 alone or by a combined treatment with prazosin and AG1478. AG1478 (3 × 10-6 M) inhibited dexmedetomidine-induced contraction in isolated endothelium-denuded rat aortas pretreated with rauwolscine. Dexmedetomidine-induced EGFR tyrosine and JNK phosphorylation were inhibited by rauwolscine, PP1, PP2, GM6001, and AG1478. Furthermore, dexmedetomidine-induced JNK phosphorylation reduced upon EGFR siRNA treatment. Therefore, these results suggested that the transactivation of EGFR associated with dexmedetomidine-induced contraction, mediated by the alpha-2 adrenoceptor, Src kinase, and matrix metalloproteinase, caused JNK phosphorylation and increased calcium levels.

Nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation induced by minoxidil in isolated rat aorta.

We examined the effect of endothelium and lipid emulsion on vasodilation induced by minoxidil at a toxic dose and determined the underlying mechanism. The effects of endothelial denudation, NW-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), methylene blue, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), and glibenclamide, alone or in combination, on minoxidil-induced vasodilation in endothelium-intact rat aorta were examined. Additionally, the effects of lipid emulsion on minoxidil-induced membrane hyperpolarization and minoxidil concentration were examined. The vasodilatory effects of minoxidil at the toxic dose were higher in endothelium-intact aorta than in endothelium-denuded aorta. L-NAME, methylene blue, ODQ, and glibenclamide attenuated minoxidil-induced vasodilation of endothelium-intact rat aorta. Combined treatment with L-NAME and glibenclamide almost eliminated minoxidil-induced vasodilation. However, lipid emulsion pretreatment did not significantly alter minoxidil-induced vasodilation. Lipid emulsion did not significantly alter minoxidil-induced membrane hyperpolarization and minoxidil concentration. Overall, minoxidil-induced vasodilation is mediated by ATP-sensitive potassium channels and pathways involving nitric oxide and guanylate cyclase.

Lipid Emulsion Enhances Vasoconstriction Induced by Dexmedetomidine in the Isolated Endothelium-Intact Aorta.

This study aimed to examine the effect of lipid emulsion (LE) on the vasoconstriction induced by dexmedetomidine (DMT) in the isolated rat aorta and elucidate the associated cellular mechanism. The effect of LE, NW-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), and methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MßCD) on the DMT-induced contraction was examined. We investigated the effect of LE on the DMT-induced cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) formation and DMT concentration. The effect of DMT, LE, 4-Amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(t-butyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine,4-Amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2), and rauwolscine on the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), caveolin-1, and Src kinase was examined in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells. L-NAME, MßCD, and LE (1%, standardized mean difference (SMD): 2.517) increased the DMT-induced contraction in the endothelium-intact rat aorta. LE (1%) decreased the DMT (10-6 M) concentration (SMD: -6.795) and DMT-induced cGMP formation (SMD: -2.132). LE (1%) reversed the DMT-induced eNOS (Ser1177 and Thr496) phosphorylation. PP2 inhibited caveolin-1 and eNOS phosphorylation induced by DMT. DMT increased the Src kinase phosphorylation. Thus, LE (1%) enhanced the DMT-induced contraction by inhibition of NO synthesis, which may be caused by the decreased DMT concentration. DMT-induced NO synthesis may be caused by the increased eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation and decreased eNOS (Thr495) phosphorylation potentially mediated by Src kinase-induced caveolin-1 phosphorylation.

CLIPick: a sensitive peak caller for expression-based deconvolution of HITS-CLIP signals.

High-throughput sequencing of RNAs isolated by crosslinking immunoprecipitation (HITS-CLIP, also called CLIP-Seq) has been used to map global RNA-protein interactions. However, a critical caveat of HITS-CLIP results is that they contain non-linear background noise-different extent of non-specific interactions caused by individual transcript abundance-that has been inconsiderately normalized, resulting in sacrifice of sensitivity. To properly deconvolute RNA-protein interactions, we have implemented CLIPick, a flexible peak calling pipeline for analyzing HITS-CLIP data, which statistically determines the signal-to-noise ratio for each transcript based on the expression-dependent background simulation. Comprising of streamlined Python modules with an easy-to-use standalone graphical user interface, CLIPick robustly identifies significant peaks and quantitatively defines footprint regions within which RNA-protein interactions were occurred. CLIPick outperforms other peak callers in accuracy and sensitivity, selecting the largest number of peaks particularly in lowly expressed transcripts where such marginal signals are hard to discriminate. Specifically, the application of CLIPick to Argonaute (Ago) HITS-CLIP data were sensitive enough to uncover extended features of microRNA target sites, and these sites were experimentally validated. CLIPick enables to resolve critical interactions in a wide spectrum of transcript levels and extends the scope of HITS-CLIP analysis. CLIPick is available at: http://clip.korea.ac.kr/clipick/.

Frontal Changes in the Lower Face After Clockwise Rotation of the Maxillomandibular Complex Without Perisurgical Orthodontic Treatment in Angle Class I and Skeletal Class III Women.

BACKGROUND: Orthognathic surgery has become more popular to slenderize a wide lower face and to improve facial esthetics in Asian patients with normal occlusion. Clockwise rotation (CR) of the maxillomandibular complex (MMC) steepens the mandibular plane. This study performed a quantitative analysis on the influence of CR on slenderness of the lower face from the frontal view. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 36 female patients with Angle Class I occlusion and skeletal Class III pattern. The subjects underwent CR of the MMC without perioperative orthodontic treatment and change in the occlusion only for the purpose of esthetic improvement. Linear and angular variables were measured on a cephalogram and three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) obtained before and at least 6 months after surgery. Data were analyzed using paired t tests and Spearman correlations. Univariate regression analysis was used to predict the postoperative change according to the amount of posterior impaction. RESULTS: The mean posterior impaction was 3.81 mm. All mandibular plane angle (MPA) measurements were increased (ranged from 5.69° to 13.12°, p < 0.001), exhibiting a significant correlation with the amount of posterior impaction. Bigonial width measurements were decreased after surgery (ranged from 4.97 to 5.51 mm, p < 0.001). Among the MPAs derived from the 3D CT, the coronal projection from the frontal view exhibited a discrepancy between right and left side. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in linear and angular measurements in this study indicate that the lower face becomes narrower and more slender as the MMC rotates in a clockwise direction. Orthognathic surgery with CR has the advantage of increasing the MPAs and obtaining natural soft tissue contouring while minimizing the amount of bone resection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266c .

Transitional Zone Index as a Predictor of the Efficacy of α-Blocker and 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Combination Therapy in Korean Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the value of the transitional zone index (TZI) for predicting treatment response to combination therapy involving α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Symptomatic BPH patients (n = 118) were randomized to receive 0.2 mg tamsulosin alone or with 0.5 mg dutasteride daily for 12 months. The TZI, International Prostate Symptom Scores, maximum urinary flow rates (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volumes, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months. The groups were subdivided according to a cut-off TZI value of 0.5 to compare treatment-related changes. RESULTS: After 12 months, the combination therapy group had significantly greater decreases in prostate volume (p < 0.001), TZ volume (p < 0.001) and PSA (p < 0.001) than the monotherapy group, regardless of TZI. However, combination therapy resulted in significantly greater Qmax increases (p < 0.001) only in patients with a TZI ≥0.5. Multivariate analysis determined that TZI was the strongest independent predictor of the Qmax increase at 12 months in the combination therapy group (ß = 13.7, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Greater Qmax improvement is expected with combination therapy comprising α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors for patients with a TZI ≥0.5. The TZI may be useful for predicting the Qmax response to combination treatment for BPH.

Secondary Genioplasties for the Treatment of Chin Deformities After Orthognathic Surgery in Asian Women: Defining the Aesthetic Importance of Managing the Chin Shape in Orthognathic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Achieving aesthetically favorable results in orthognathic surgery is equally as important as good postoperative occlusion and jaw function. Orthognathic surgery that only changes profile or proportion in the vertical dimension can often lead to patient's dissatisfaction and additional surgical revision. To achieve maximal aesthetic improvement and postoperative patient's satisfaction, the chin shape should be considered as important a component of orthognathic surgery as dental occlusion or jaw function. METHODS: From April 2010 to January 2014, 82 female patients with aesthetic complaints after previous orthognathic surgery visited our clinic for reevaluation and management. Among those 82 patients, 54 patients who were dissatisfied with their lower facial shape from the frontal view underwent revision surgery with narrowing genioplasty and contouring of the lower border of the mandible. RESULTS: Facial shapes, when viewed from the front in all patients, became more slender and balanced postoperatively, and there was no need for additional surgical revisions in this series. There were no significant complications caused by our surgical revisions. CONCLUSIONS: Good aesthetic results were obtained after 54 secondary genioplasties for chin deformities after orthognathic surgery. These results suggest that surgeons should give more attention to managing chin shape when performing orthognathic surgery to meet the high aesthetic demands of patients and to avoid surgical revisions.

Comparison of tamsulosin plus serenoa repens with tamsulosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in Korean men: 1-year randomized open label study.

INTRODUCTION: In Korea, increasing attention has recently been given to the use of phytotherapeutic agents to alleviate the symptoms of BPH. Serenoa repens has been shown to have an equivalent efficacy to Finasteride or Tamsulosin in the treatment of BPH in previous studies. The present study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of Serenoa repens plus tamsulosin with tamsulosin only over 12 months in men with LUTS secondary to BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred forty men with symptomatic BPH (IPSS≥10) were recruited in our hospital for a 12-month, open-label, randomized trial. Patients were randomly assigned to either tamsulosin 0.2 mg/day plus Serenoa repens 320 mg/day (n=60) or tamsulosin 0.2 mg/day only (n=60). Prostate volume and PSA were measured at baseline and at end-point, whereas total IPSS, and its storage and voiding subscores, LUTS-related QoL, Qmax, and PVR were evaluated at baseline and later every 6 months. RESULTS: Total 103 patients were finally available: 50 in the TAM+SR group and 53 in the TAM group. At 12 months, total IPSS decreased by 5.8 with TAM+SR and 5.5 with TAM (p=0.693); the storage symptoms improved significantly more with TAM+SR (-1.7 vs. -0.8 with TAM, p=0.024). This benefit with regard to storage symptom in the TAM+SR group lasts at 12 months (-1.9 vs. -0.9, p=0.024). The changes of voiding subscore, LUTS-related QoL, Qmax, PVR, PSA, and prostate volume showed no significant differences between the TAM+SR and TAM groups. During the treatment period, 8 patients (16.9%) with TAM and 10 (20%) with TAM+SR had drug-related adverse reactions, which included ejaculatory disorders, postural hypotension, dizziness, headache, gastro-intestinal disorders, rhinitis, fatigue and asthenia. CONCLUSIONS: The combination treatment of Serenoa repens and tamsulosin was shown to be more effective than tamsulosin monotherapy in reducing storage symptoms in BPH patients after 6 months and up to 12 months of treatment.

Epidermal growth factor receptor phosphorylation contributes to levobupivacaine-induced contraction in isolated rat aorta.

Vasoconstriction induced by levobupivacaine, a local anesthetic, is mediated by increased levels of calcium, tyrosine kinase, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and phospholipase D, which are associated with prolonged local anesthesia. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation is associated with vasoconstriction. However, its role in levobupivacaine-induced contractions remains unknown. We determined whether EGFR phosphorylation is associated with levobupivacaine-induced contractions in isolated rat thoracic aortas and identified the underlying cellular signaling pathways. The effects of various inhibitors and a calcium-free solution alone or in combination on levobupivacaine-induced contractions were then assessed. Furthermore, we examined the effects of various inhibitors on levobupivacaine-induced EGFR and JNK phosphorylation and calcium levels in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of rat aortas. The EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor GM6001, Src kinase inhibitors PP1 and PP2, and JNK inhibitor SP600125 attenuated levobupivacaine-induced contractions. Moreover, although the calcium-free solution abolished levobupivacaine-induced contractions, calcium reversed this inhibitory effect. The magnitude of the calcium-mediated reversal of abolished levobupivacaine-induced contractions was lower in the combination treatment with calcium-free solution and AG1478 than in the treatment with calcium-free solution alone. Levobupivacaine induced EGFR and JNK phosphorylation. However, AG1478, GM6001, and PP2 attenuated levobupivacaine-induced EGFR and JNK phosphorylation. Moreover, although levobupivacaine induced JNK phosphorylation in control siRNA-transfected VSMCs, EGFR siRNA inhibited levobupivacaine-induced JNK phosphorylation. Furthermore, AG1478 inhibited levobupivacaine-induced calcium increases in VSMCs. Collectively, these findings suggest that levobupivacaine-induced EGFR phosphorylation, which may occur via the Src kinase-MMP pathway, contributes to vasoconstriction via JNK phosphorylation and increased calcium levels.

Lipid emulsion inhibits the cardiac toxicity caused by chloroquine via inhibition of reactive oxygen species production.

BACKGROUND: Lipid emulsion (LE) is effective in treating intractable cardiac depression induced by the toxicity of highly lipid-soluble drugs including local anesthetics. However, the effect of LE on chloroquine (CQ)-evoked cardiac toxicity remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effect of Lipofundin MCT/LCT, an LE, on the cardiotoxicity caused by CQ in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts and elucidate the underlying cellular mechanism. METHODS: The effects of CQ (1 × 10-4 M), LE, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers mitotempo and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), alone or combined, on cell viability and migration, apoptosis, ROS production, calcium levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were examined. Additionally, the effects of LE on the activities of catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) induced by CQ were assessed. RESULTS: Pretreatment with LE, mitotempo, or NAC reversed the reduction in cell migration and viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP levels evoked by CQ, and inhibited the increase in cleaved caspase-3, ROS, and calcium concentration induced by CQ. LE inhibited the increase in Bax expression, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells, MDA activity, and late apoptosis, and reversed the reduction in SOD and CAT activity induced by CQ. CQ did not significantly affect cleaved caspase-8 expression, and LE did not significantly affect CQ concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these results suggest that LE (Lipofundin MCT/LCT) inhibits the cardiotoxicity and late apoptosis induced by CQ toxicity via the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway that is associated with direct inhibition of ROS production.

Widespread 8-oxoguanine modifications of miRNA seeds differentially regulate redox-dependent cancer development.

Oxidative stress contributes to tumourigenesis by altering gene expression. One accompanying modification, 8-oxoguanine (o8G) can change RNA-RNA interactions via o8G•A base pairing, but its regulatory roles remain elusive. Here, on the basis of o8G-induced guanine-to-thymine (o8G > T) variations featured in sequencing, we discovered widespread position-specific o8Gs in tumour microRNAs, preferentially oxidized towards 5' end seed regions (positions 2-8) with clustered sequence patterns and clinically associated with patients in lower-grade gliomas and liver hepatocellular carcinoma. We validated that o8G at position 4 of miR-124 (4o8G-miR-124) and 4o8G-let-7 suppress lower-grade gliomas, whereas 3o8G-miR-122 and 4o8G-let-7 promote malignancy of liver hepatocellular carcinoma by redirecting the target transcriptome to oncogenic regulatory pathways. Stepwise oxidation from tumour-promoting 3o8G-miR-122 to tumour-suppressing 2,3o8G-miR-122 occurs and its specific modulation in mouse liver effectively attenuates diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. These findings provide resources and insights into epitranscriptional o8G regulation of microRNA functions, reprogrammed by redox changes, implicating its control for cancer treatment.