High glucose promotes podocyte movement: From the perspective of single cell motility assay.

Podocytes are highly specialized glomerular epithelial cells that play a crucial role in maintaining the glomerular filtration barrier, impairment of which usually leads to proteinuria. The phenotypic alterations of podocytes are described to be one of the critical mechnisms underlying podocyte detachment from the glomerular basement membrane. High glucose is the major factor mediating the renal damages and podocyte injuries in the process of diabetic nephropathy. It was revealed that high glucose stimulated the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of podocyte, thus contributing to proteinuria. When the podocytes converse from epithelial phenotype to mesenchymal phenotype, their migratory capacity significantly increases. Previously, cell migration is conventionally detected by the wound healing assay and the transwell assay. In this study, we investigated and comfirmed the possibility of using single cell motility assay for the anaysis of podocyte motility under high glucose condtition.

Microtubule associated protein 4 phosphorylation-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of podocyte leads to proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) involves various structural and functional changes because of chronic glycemic assault and kidney failure. Proteinuria is an early clinical manifestation of DN, but the associated pathogenesis remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of microtubule associated protein 4 (MAP4) phosphorylation (p-MAP4) in proteinuria in DN and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: In this study, the urine samples of diabetic patients and kidney tissues of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were obtained to detect changes of p-MAP4. A murine model of hyperphosphorylated MAP4 was established to examine the effect of MAP4 phosphorylation in DN. Podocyte was applied to explore changes of kidney phenotypes and potential mechanisms with multiple methods. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated elevated content of p-MAP4 in diabetic patients' urine samples, and increased kidney p-MAP4 in streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Moreover, p-MAP4 triggered proteinuria with aging in mice, and induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis in podocytes. Additionally, p-MAP4 mice were much more susceptible to STZ treatment and showed robust DN pathology as compared to wild-type mice. In vitro study revealed high glucose (HG) triggered elevation of p-MAP4, rearrangement of microtubules and F-actin filaments with enhanced cell permeability, accompanied with dedifferentiation and apoptosis of podocytes. These effects were significantly reinforced by MAP4 hyperphosphorylation, and were rectified by MAP4 dephosphorylation. Notably, pretreatment of p38/MAPK inhibitor SB203580 reinstated all HG-induced pathological alterations. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated a novel role for p-MAP4 in causing proteinuria in DN. Our results indicated the therapeutic potential of MAP4 in protecting against proteinuria and related diseases. Video Abstract.

Differential Proteomic Analysis of Syncytiotrophoblast Extracellular Vesicles from Early-Onset Severe Preeclampsia, using 8-Plex iTRAQ Labeling Coupled with 2D Nano LC-MS/MS.

AIMS: Previous studies have revealed that the increased shedding of syncytiotrophoblast extracellular vesicles (STBM) may lead to preeclampsia (PE). We aimed to identify the proteins carried by STBM and their potential pathological roles in early-onset severe PE. METHODS: In this study, we performed a differential proteomic analysis of STBM from early-onset severe PE patients, using iTRAQ isobaric tags and 2D nano LC-MS/MS. STBM were generated by the in vitro explant culture method, and then verified by electron microscopy and western blot analysis. RESULTS: A total of 18 533 unique peptides and 3 317 proteins were identified, 3 292 proteins were quantified. We identified 194 differentially expressed proteins in STBM from early-onset severe PE patients, 122 proteins were up-regulated and 72 proteins were down-regulated. Further bioinformatics analysis revealed that mitochondrion, transmembrane transport and transmembrane transporter activity were the most abundant categories in gene ontology (GO) annotation. Glycolysis/ gluconeogenesis, citrate cycle, fatty acid elongation, steroid hormone biosynthesis and oxidative phosphorylation were the five significantly represented pathways. Four differentially expressed proteins (siglec-6, calnexin, CD63 and S100-A8) related to inflammation, coagulation or immunoregulation were independently verified using western blot. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of key proteins carried by STBM may serve not only as a basis for better understanding and further exploring the etiology and pathogenesis of PE, but also as potential biomarkers and in providing targets for future therapy in PE, especially in early-onset severe PE(sPE).

Pigment epithelium-derived factor regulates microvascular permeability through adipose triglyceride lipase in sepsis.

The integrity of the vascular barrier, which is essential to blood vessel homoeostasis, can be disrupted by a variety of soluble permeability factors during sepsis. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a potent endogenous anti-angiogenic molecule, is significantly increased in sepsis, but its role in endothelial dysfunction has not been defined. To assess the role of PEDF in the vasculature, we evaluated the effects of exogenous PEDF in vivo using a mouse model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis and in vitro using human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs). In addition, PEDF was inhibited using a PEDF-monoclonal antibody (PEDF-mAb) or recombinant lentivirus vectors targeting PEDF receptors, including adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and laminin receptor (LR). Our results showed that exogenous PEDF induced vascular hyperpermeability, as measured by extravasation of Evan's Blue (EB), dextran and microspheres in the skin, blood, trachea and cremaster muscle, both in a normal state and under conditions of sepsis. In control and LR-shRNA-treated HDMECs, PEDF alone or in combination with inflammatory mediators resulted in activation of RhoA, which was accompanied by actin rearrangement and disassembly of intercellular junctions, impairing endothelial barrier function. But in ATGL-shRNA-treated HDMECs, PEDF failed to induce the aforementioned alterations, suggesting that PEDF-induced hyperpermeability was mediated through the ATGL receptor. These results reveal a novel role for PEDF as a potential vasoactive substance in septic vascular hyperpermeability. Furthermore, our results suggest that PEDF and ATGL may serve as therapeutic targets for managing vascular hyperpermeability in sepsis.

A Quantitative Method for Microtubule Analysis in Fluorescence Images.

Microtubule analysis is of significant value for a better understanding of normal and pathological cellular processes. Although immunofluorescence microscopic techniques have proven useful in the study of microtubules, comparative results commonly rely on a descriptive and subjective visual analysis. We developed an objective and quantitative method based on image processing and analysis of fluorescently labeled microtubular patterns in cultured cells. We used a multi-parameter approach by analyzing four quantifiable characteristics to compose our quantitative feature set. Then we interpreted specific changes in the parameters and revealed the contribution of each feature set using principal component analysis. In addition, we verified that different treatment groups could be clearly discriminated using principal components of the multi-parameter model. High predictive accuracy of four commonly used multi-classification methods confirmed our method. These results demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of our method in the analysis of microtubules in fluorescence images. Application of the analytical methods presented here provides information concerning the organization and modification of microtubules, and could aid in the further understanding of structural and functional aspects of microtubules under normal and pathological conditions.

CXCL12/CXCR4 axis promotes mesenchymal stem cell mobilization to burn wounds and contributes to wound repair.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) play a crucial role in tissue repair. Their role in thermal burn wound regeneration and the relevant mechanism, however, is rarely studied. METHODS: BM-MSCs from green fluorescent protein transgenic male mice were transfused to irradiated recipient female C57BL/6 mice. Twenty-one days later, the female mice were inflicted with burn wounds. The size of the burned area was measured by an in vivo fluorescence imaging system, and BM-MSC chemotaxis and epithelialization were estimated by fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence technology. The expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the wound margin was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry. The importance of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling in BM-MSC chemotaxis was further estimated by blocking CXCR4 in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: In vivo imaging results showed that BM-MSCs migrated to the injured margins. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence technology revealed that Y chromosome-positive cells derived from green fluorescent protein transgenic mice were detected to be colocalized with keratin protein. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed increased levels of CXCL12 and CXCR4 protein in the wound sites of BM-MSC-treated chimeric mice after burn. Immunohistochemistry also disclosed that CXCL12 levels were elevated at postburn day 7 compared with day 0. Furthermore, pretreatment of the BM-MSCs with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 significantly inhibited the mobilization of BM-MSCs in vitro and in vivo, which attenuated wound closure. CONCLUSION: BM-MSC migration to the burned margins promotes the epithelialization of the wound, and mobilization of BM-MSCs is mediated by CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling.

Tumor-induced osteomalacia combined with increased bone resorption postoperatively: A case report.

RATIONALE: Rare tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) usually resulted in bone pain, fragility fractures and muscle weakness in clinical, which is caused by the reduced phosphate reabsorption, thus impaired mineralization of the bone matrix and free energy transfer. The specific problems in postsurgical patients are obscure although surgical removal of the tumor is the only definitive treatment. Here, we documented a female TIO patient who suffered more severe bone pain and muscle spasms post-operation. Further, we presented and discussed our explanation for the unexpected symptoms. PATIENT CONCERNS: The main symptoms were whole-body pain and muscle weakness. The patient also presented with osteoporosis and multiple fractures. DIAGNOSIS: Elevated serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) level and hypophosphatemia indicated the diagnosis of TIO. Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) with 68 Ga-DOTATATE located the tumor in the dorsolateral part of the left foot. Histopathological examinations confirmed the diagnosis. INTERVENTIONS: The tumor was surgically removed immediately after the diagnosis of TIO and localization of the tumor. Postoperatively, calcium carbonate supplement treatment was continued. OUTCOMES: Two days after surgery, the serum FGF23 level was decreased to the normal range. Five days after surgery, N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen and ß-CrossLaps (ß-CTx) had a remarkable increase. A month after surgery, the patient N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen and ß-CTx levels were decreased obviously, and serum FGF23, phosphate and 24h urinary phosphate were in the normal range. LESSONS: We report a female patient who presented with osteoporosis and fractures. She was found with an elevation of FGF23 and diagnosis with TIO after PET/CT scanning. After surgically removing the tumor, the patient experienced more severe bone pain and muscle spasms. Active bone remodeling might be the reason for the symptoms. Further study will reveal the specific mechanism for this abnormal bone metabolism.

Mitophagy associated self-degradation of phosphorylated MAP4 guarantees the migration and proliferation responses of keratinocytes to hypoxia.

Our previous study has announced that phosphorylated microtubule-associated protein 4 (p-MAP4) accelerated keratinocytes migration and proliferation under hypoxia through depolymerizing microtubules. However, p-MAP4 should exhibit inhibitory effects on wound healing, for it also impaired mitochondria. Thus, figuring out the outcome of p-MAP4 after it impaired mitochondria and how the outcome influenced wound healing were far-reaching significance. Herein, the results revealed that p-MAP4 might undergo self-degradation through autophagy in hypoxic keratinocytes. Next, p-MAP4 activated mitophagy which was unobstructed and was also the principal pathway of its self-degradation triggered by hypoxia. Moreover, both Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3) and LC3 interacting region (LIR) domains had been verified in MAP4, and they endowed MAP4 with the capability to synchronously function as a mitophagy initiator and a mitophagy substrate receptor. And, mutating any one of them ruined hypoxia-induced self-degradation of p-MAP4, resulting in destroyed proliferation and migration responses of keratinocytes to hypoxia. Our findings unviewed that p-MAP4 experienced mitophagy-associated self-degradation through utilizing its BH3 and LIR domains under hypoxia. As a result, the mitophagy-associated self-degradation of p-MAP4 guaranteed the migration and proliferation responses of keratinocytes to hypoxia. Together, this research provided a bran-new pattern of proteins in regulating wound healing, and offered a new direction for intervening wound healing.

The role of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs in diabetic wound healing.

Diabetic foot is one of the most common complications of diabetes, requiring repeated surgical interventions and leading to amputation. In the absence of effective drugs, new treatments need to be explored. Previous studies have found that stem cell transplantation can promote the healing of chronic diabetic wounds. However, safety issues have limited the clinical application of this technique. Recently, the performance of mesenchymal stem cells after transplantation has been increasingly attributed to their production of exocrine functional derivatives such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), cytokines, and cell-conditioned media. EVs contain a variety of cellular molecules, including RNA, DNA and proteins, which facilitate the exchange of information between cells. EVs have several advantages over parental stem cells, including a high safety profile, no immune response, fewer ethical concerns, and a reduced likelihood of embolism formation and carcinogenesis. In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs in accelerating diabetic wound healing, as well as their potential clinic applications.

Protective effects of enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, on multiple organ damage following scald injury in rats.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, on multiple organ damage after scald injury. Healthy adult rats (half male and half female; 8-12 weeks old) were randomly assigned to the following treatments: sham operation, scald injury, and intraperitoneal enalapril (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg body weight) treatment after scalding. At 1, 12, and 24 H postscald, left ventricular and aortic hemodynamics were measured using a multichannel physiological recorder. Functional and pathological changes of the heart, liver, and kidney were examined by biochemical and histological methods. Compared with sham controls, untreated scalded animals showed decreased hemodynamic parameters and increased myocardial angiotensin II, serum creatine kinase heart isoenzyme, and serum cardiac troponin I and histopathological inflammation in the myocardium 12 H postscald. These hemodynamic, functional, and pathological changes were attenuated by 1 mg/kg enalapril. Enalapril reversed scald-induced elevations in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and blood creatinine 12 H postscald, and ameliorated focal necrosis in the liver and erythrocyte cast formation in renal tubules. However, higher doses of enalapril yielded less or no improvement in organ dysfunction. Enalapril at 1 mg/kg attenuates scald-induced multiple organ damage in rats.

[Effect of P62 on the migration and motility of human epidermal cell line HaCaT in high glucose microenvironment and its mechanism].

Objective: To investigate the effect of P62 on the migration and motility of human epidermal cell line HaCaT in high glucose microenvironment and its possible molecular mechanism, so as to explore the mechanism of refractory diabetic foot wound healing. Methods: The method of experimental research was used. HaCaT cells in logarithmic growth phase was taken for experiment. The cells were collected and divided into normal control group (culture solution containing glucose with final molarity of 5.5 mmol/L) and high glucose (culture solution containing glucose with final molarity of 30.0 mmol/L) 24 h group, high glucose 48 h group, and high glucose 72 h group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below). The cells in normal control group were routinely cultured for 72 h, cells in high glucose 72 h group were cultured with high glucose for 72 h, cells in high glucose 48 h group were routinely cultured for 24 h then cultured with high glucose for 48 h, cells in high glucose 24 h group were routinely cultured for 48 h then cultured with high glucose for 24 h. Then the protein expression of P62 was detected by Western blotting. The cells were collected and divided into normal control group and high glucose group. After being correspondingly cultured for 48 h as before, the protein expression of P62 was detected by immunofluorescence method (indicated as green fluorescence). The cells were collected and divided into negative control small interfering RNA (siRNA) group, P62-siRNA-1 group, P62-siRNA-2 group, and P62-siRNA-3 group, and transfected with the corresponding reagents. At post transfection hour (PTH) 72, the protein expression of P62 was detected by Western blotting. The cells were collected and divided into normal glucose+negative control siRNA group, normal glucose+P62-siRNA group, high glucose+negative control siRNA group, and high glucose+P62-siRNA group. After the corresponding treatment, the protein expression of P62 was detected by Western blotting at PTH 72 h, the cell migration rate was detected and calculated at 24 h after scratching by scratch test, with the number of samples being 9; and the range of cell movement was observed and the trajectory velocity was calculated within 3 h under the living cell workstation, with the number of samples being 76, 75, 80, and 79 in normal glucose+negative control siRNA group, normal glucose+P62-siRNA group, high glucose+negative control siRNA group, and high glucose+P62-siRNA group, respectively. The cells were collected and divided into normal glucose+phosphate buffered solution (PBS) group, high glucose+PBS group, and high glucose+N-acetylcysteine (NAC) group. After the corresponding treatment, the protein expression of P62 at 48 h of culture was detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence method, respectively. Except for scratch test and cell motility experiment, the number of samples was all 3 in the rest experiments. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference test. Results: Compared with the protein expression in normal control group, the protein expressions of P62 of cells in high glucose 24 h group, high glucose 48 h group, and high glucose 72 h group were significantly increased (P<0.01). At 48 h of culture, the green fluorescence of P62 of cells in high glucose group was stronger than that in normal control group. At PTH 72, compared with the protein expression in negative control siRNA group, the protein expressions of P62 of cells in P62-siRNA-1 group, P62-siRNA-2 group, and P62-siRNA-3 group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). At PTH 72, compared with the protein expression in normal glucose+negative control siRNA group, the protein expression of P62 of cells in normal glucose+P62-siRNA group was significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the protein expression of P62 of cells in high glucose+negative control siRNA group was significantly increased (P<0.01); compared with the protein expression in high glucose+negative control siRNA group, the protein expression of P62 of cells in high glucose+P62-siRNA group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). At 24 h after scratching, compared with (55±7)% in normal glucose+negative control siRNA group, the cell migration rate in normal glucose+P62-siRNA group was significantly increased ((72±14)%, P<0.01), while the cell migration rate in high glucose+negative control siRNA group was significantly decreased ((37±7)%, P<0.01); compared with that in high glucose+negative control siRNA group, the cell migration rate in high glucose+P62-siRNA group was significantly increased ((54±10)%, P<0.01). Within 3 h of observation, the cell movement range in high glucose+negative control siRNA group was smaller than that in normal glucose+negative control siRNA group, while the cell movement range in normal glucose+P62-siRNA group was larger than that in normal glucose+negative control siRNA group, and the cell movement range in high glucose+P62-siRNA group was larger than that in high glucose+negative control siRNA group. Compared with that in normal glucose+negative control siRNA group, the cell trajectory speed in normal glucose+P62-siRNA group was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the cell trajectory speed in high glucose+negative control siRNA group was significantly decreased (P<0.01); compared with that in high glucose+negative control siRNA group, the cell trajectory speed in high glucose+P62-siRNA group was significantly increased (P<0.01). At 48 h of culture, compared with that in normal glucose+PBS group, the protein expression of P62 of cells in high glucose+PBS group was significantly increased (P<0.01); compared with that in high glucose+PBS group, the protein expression of P62 of cells in high glucose+NAC group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). At 48 h of culture, the green fluorescence of P62 of cells in high glucose+PBS group was stronger than that in normal glucose+PBS group, while the green fluorescence of P62 of cells in high glucose+NAC group was weaker than that in high glucose+PBS group. Conclusions: In HaCaT cells, high glucose microenvironment can promote the protein expression of P62; knockdown of P62 protein can promote the migration and increase the mobility of HaCaT cells; and the increase of reactive oxygen species in high glucose microenvironment may be the underlying mechanism for the increase of P62 expression.

The p38/MAPK pathway regulates microtubule polymerization through phosphorylation of MAP4 and Op18 in hypoxic cells.

In both cardiomyocytes and HeLa cells, hypoxia (1% O(2)) quickly leads to microtubule disruption, but little is known about how microtubule dynamics change during the early stages of hypoxia. We demonstrate that microtubule associated protein 4 (MAP4) phosphorylation increases while oncoprotein 18/stathmin (Op18) phosphorylation decreases after hypoxia, but their protein levels do not change. p38/MAPK activity increases quickly after hypoxia concomitant with MAP4 phosphorylation, and the activated p38/MAPK signaling leads to MAP4 phosphorylation and to Op18 dephosphorylation, both of which induce microtubule disruption. We confirmed the interaction between phospho-p38 and MAP4 using immunoprecipitation and found that SB203580, a p38/MAPK inhibitor, increases and MKK6(Glu) overexpression decreases hypoxic cell viability. Our results demonstrate that hypoxia induces microtubule depolymerization and decreased cell viability via the activation of the p38/MAPK signaling pathway and changes the phosphorylation levels of its downstream effectors, MAP4 and Op18.

TSH adenoma and syndrome of resistance to thyroid hormones-Two cases report of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of thyrotropin.

SITSH (syndrome of inappropriate secretion of thyrotropin) is a rare clinical state defined as uninhibited serum thyroid stimulating hormone in the presence of elevated thyroid hormone. This state is complicated and mainly caused by the abnormal feedback of hypothalamus-pituitary thyroid axis. The TSH adenoma (TSH-oma) and resistance to thyroid hormones (RTH) are the main etiologies of SITSH. As is well known that the treatment strategies of RTH and TSH-oma are apparently different, thus identifying the difference between RTH and TSH-oma is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of SITSH. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 62-year-old man with a state of elevated thyroid hormones and inappropriate elevated serum TSH level was hospitalized in 2016. Results of the pituitary enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and the somatostatin test respectively demonstrated a space-occupying lesion of pituitary and an elevated serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and inhibited TSH secretion, which indicated the occurrence of TSH-oma. In 2019, a 23-year-old girl with a state of elevated thyroid hormones and inappropriate normal serum TSH was hospitalized. Interestingly, whole exome sequencing detection suggested a pathogenic mutation in thyroid hormone receptor ß (THRB) gene, which has been shown to be associated with RTH. CONCLUSIONS: The difference between TSH-oma and RTH ought to be clarified for their accurate diagnose and treatment. The clinical experiences of the two cases reported here suggest that more detail information such as family medical history, serum SHBG level, and THRB gene test is helpful for the diagnose and treatment of TSH-oma and RTH. Additionally, we also summarized the identification points, diagnosis process, and treatment strategies for these two rare diseases.

Inwardly rectifying potassium channel 5.1: Structure, function, and possible roles in diseases.

Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels make it easier for K+ to enter into a cell and subsequently regulate cellular biological functions. Kir5.1 (encoded by KCNJ16) alone can form a homotetramer and can form heterotetramers with Kir4.1 (encoded by KCNJ10) or Kir4.2 (encoded by KCNJ15). In most cases, homomeric Kir5.1 is non-functional, while heteromeric Kir5.1 on the cell membrane contributes to the inward flow of K+ ions, which can be regulated by intracellular pH and a variety of signaling mechanisms. In the form of a heterotetramer, Kir5.1 regulates Kir4.1/4.2 activity and is involved in the maintenance of nephron function. Actually, homomeric Kir5.1 may also play a very important role in diseases, including in the ventilatory response to hypoxia and hypercapnia, hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease and cancer. With an increase in the number of studies into the roles of Kir channels, researchers are paying more attention to the pathophysiological functions of Kir5.1. This minireview provides an overview regarding these Kir5.1 roles.

Microtubule associated protein 4 (MAP4) phosphorylation reduces cardiac microvascular density through NLRP3-related pyroptosis.

Phosphorylation of MAP4 (p-MAP4) causes cardiac remodeling, with the cardiac microvascular endothelium being considered a vital mediator of this process. In the current study, we investigated the mechanism underlying p-MAP4 influences on cardiac microvascular density. We firstly confirmed elevated MAP4 phosphorylation in the myocardium of MAP4 knock-in (KI) mice. When compared with the corresponding control group, we detected the decreased expression of CD31, CD34, VEGFA, VEGFR2, ANG2, and TIE2 in the myocardium of MAP4 KI mice, accompanied by a reduced plasma concentration of VEGF. Moreover, we observed apoptosis and mitochondrial disruption in the cardiac microvascular endothelium of MAP4 KI animals. Consistently, we noted a decreased cardiac microvascular density, measured by CD31 and lectin staining, in MAP4 KI mice. To explore the underlying mechanism, we targeted the NLRP3-related pyroptosis and found increased expression of the corresponding proteins, including NLRP3, ASC, mature IL-1ß, IL-18, and GSDMD-N in the myocardium of MAP4 KI mice. Furthermore, we utilized a MAP4 (Glu) adenovirus to mimic cellular p-MAP4. After incubating HUVECs with MAP4 (Glu) adenovirus, the angiogenic ability was inhibited, and NLRP3-related pyroptosis were significantly activated. Moreover, both cytotoxicity and PI signal were upregulated by the MAP4 (Glu) adenovirus. Finally, NLRP3 inflammasome blockage alleviated the inhibited angiogenic ability induced by MAP4 (Glu) adenovirus. These results demonstrated that p-MAP4 reduced cardiac microvascular density by activating NLRP3-related pyroptosis in both young and aged mice. We thus managed to provide clues explaining MAP4 phosphorylation-induced cardiac remodeling and enriched current knowledge regarding the role of MAP4.

MAP4 as a New Candidate in Cardiovascular Disease.

Microtubule and mitochondrial dysfunction have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, heart failure, and hypoxic/ischemic related heart dysfunction. Microtubule dynamics instability leads to disrupted cell homeostasis and cell shape, decreased cell survival, and aberrant cell division and cell cycle, while mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to abnormal metabolism and calcium flux, increased cell death, oxidative stress, and inflammation, both of which causing cell and tissue dysfunction followed by CVDs. A cytosolic skeleton protein, microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4), belonging to the family of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), is widely expressed in non-neural cells and possesses an important role in microtubule dynamics. Increased MAP4 phosphorylation results in microtubule instability. In addition, MAP4 also expresses in mitochondria and reveals a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. Phosphorylated MAP4 promotes mitochondrial apoptosis, followed by cardiac injury. The aim of the present review is to highlight the novel role of MAP4 as a potential candidate in multiple cardiovascular pathologies.

Astragaloside IV attenuates hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte damage in rats by upregulating superoxide dismutase-1 levels.

1. Astragaloside IV (AST-IV) is purified from a natural plant product. Previous studies have shown that AST-IV has anti-oxidant activity. In the present study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of action AST-IV on rat cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxic conditions (up to 12 h). 2. Cardiomyocytes were prepared from neonatal rats and cultured under normoxic or hypoxic conditions in the absence or presence of AST-IV (12.5, 25 or 50 microg/mL). Cell viability, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, activity and expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD)-1 (mRNA and protein levels determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively) and reactive oxygen species (ROS; determined by 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) were investigated under these culture conditions. Intracellular localization of AST-IV was tested using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled AST-IV. 3. Hypoxic culture reduced the viability of cardiomyocytes, which was improved following treatment with 25 or 50 microg/mL AST-IV. Under hypoxic conditions, MDA levels were double those under control conditions. Astragaloside IV (25 and 50 microg/mL) dose-dependently reduced the increase in MDA seen in hypoxic cardiomyocytes. 4. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled AST-IV entered cardiomyocytes and was localized mainly within the cytoplasm. 5. Under hypoxic conditions, SOD-1 activity was decreased, but mRNA and protein expression increased, compared with normoxia. Following treatment with 25 microg/mL AST-IV, SOD-1 activity and expression were increased under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The ROS scavenging effect of AST-IV was abolished in the presence of the SOD inhibitor sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate (25 micromol/L). 6. These in vitro results show that AST-IV protects cardiomyocytes from oxidative stress-mediated injury under hypoxic conditions. A major part of this action is achieved by upregulation of SOD-1 content and activity within the cell cytoplasm.

Cardiac proteomics reveals the potential mechanism of microtubule associated protein 4 phosphorylation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Our previous work suggested that microtubule associated protein 4 (MAP4) phosphorylation led to mitochondrial dysfunction in MAP4 phosphorylation mutant mice with cardiomyopathy, but the detailed mechanism was still unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential mechanism involved in mitochondrial dysfunction responsible for cardiomyopathy. METHODS: The present study was conducted to explore the potential mechanism underlying the mitochondrial dysfunction driven by MAP4 phosphorylation. Strain of mouse that mimicked constant MAP4 phosphorylation (S737 and S760) was generated. The isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) analysis was applied to the heart tissue. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) were all analyzed on the basis of differential expressed proteins (DEPs). RESULTS: Among the 72 cardiac DEPs detected between the two genotypes of mice, 12 were upregulated and 60 were downregulated. GO analysis showed the biological process, molecular function, and cellular component of DEPs, and KEGG enrichment analysis linked DEPs to 96 different biochemical pathways. In addition, the PPI network was also extended on the basis of DEPs as the seed proteins. Three proteins, including mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase activator of NF-κB 1, reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 75 kDa subunit, mitochondrial and growth arrest, and DNA-damage-inducible proteins-interacting protein 1, which play an important role in the regulation of mitochondrial function, may correlate with MAP4 phosphorylation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Western blot was used to validate the expression of the three proteins, which was consistent with iTRAQ experiments. CONCLUSIONS: These findings revealed that the DEPs caused by MAP4 phosphorylation in heart tissue using iTRAQ technique and may provide clues to uncover the potential mechanism of MAP4 phosphorylation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

High Glucose Suppresses Keratinocyte Migration Through the Inhibition of p38 MAPK/Autophagy Pathway.

Wound healing is delayed frequently in patients with diabetes. Proper keratinocyte migration is an essential step during re-epithelialization. Impaired keratinocyte migration is a critical underlying factor responsible for the deficiency of diabetic wound healing, which is mainly attributed to the hyperglycemic state. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Previously, we demonstrated a marked activation of p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in the regenerated migrating epidermis, which in turn promoted keratinocyte migration. In the present study, we find that p38/MAPK pathway is downregulated and accompanied by inactivation of autophagy under high glucose (HG) environment. In addition, we demonstrate that inactivation of p38/MAPK and autophagy result in the inhibition of keratinocyte migration under HG environment, and the activating p38/MAPK by MKK6(Glu) overexpression rescues cell migration through an autophagy-dependent way. Moreover, diabetic wound epidermis shows a significant inhibition of p38/MAPK and autophagy. Targeting these dysfunctions may provide novel therapeutic approaches.

Increased levels of serum pigment epithelium-derived factor aggravate proteinuria via induction of podocyte actin rearrangement.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of serum pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in the occurrence and development of proteinuria and renal dysfunction and determine its relevant signaling pathway. METHODS: We analyzed serum PEDF, creatinine, the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and renal morphology of normal or streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, before and after treatment with PEDF. In vitro, podocytes were stimulated with PEDF under normal or high-glucose conditions; permeability was measured by the transwell assay with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran; and F-actin cytoskeleton was analyzed by phalloidin staining. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. RhoA activity and ROCK1, ZO-1, nephrin, and podocin levels were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Diabetic mice exhibited a high serum PEDF level. In vivo, elevated serum PEDF led to proteinuria, increased serum creatinine, and podocyte foot process fusion in normal or diabetic mice. In vitro, both high-glucose and PEDF stimulation activated the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway in podocytes and promoted cell permeability, F-actin rearrangement, and apoptosis. Inhibition of RhoA/ROCK1 alleviated the damage from these effects. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum PEDF aggravates the development of proteinuria and renal dysfunction by inducing F-actin arrangement, foot process fusion, and apoptosis of podocytes in both normal and diabetic mice, and this effect may be mediated by activation of the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway.