Gene deletion of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B limits cardiovascular dysfunction and mortality during endotoxinic shock

Abstract

Sepsis-associated cardiovascular dysfunction is one of the main causes of mortality in critically ill patients. PTP1B is negative regulator of insulin signaling and endothelial Nitric Oxide (NO) production, two mechanisms likely involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis. We recently showed that gene deletion or pharmacological inhibition of PTP1B improves endothelial dysfunction and reduces the severity of heart failure. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of PTP1B gene deletion on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiovascular dysfunction and mortality in mice. PTP1B-/- or wild-type (WT) mice received LPS (15mg/kg) or vehicle followed by subcutaneous saline resuscitation (30ml/kg). LPS significantly enhanced cardiac and arterial PTP1B mRNA expression. Compared with WT, PTP1B-/- mice displayed markedly reduced mortality (Survival 4 days after LPS: WT: 0%; PTP1B-/- 70%, p<0.01), associated with a higher locomotor activity. Evaluation of vascular function 8h after LPS in isolated mesenteric resistance arteries (arteriograph system) showed that PTP1B-/- LPS mice had improved contractile response to phenylephrine, and restored flow mediated, NO dependent-dilatation (% dilatation to 200μl/min: WT 6,3±3; PTP1B-/- 16,5±2, p<0.05) associated with significant increases in phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS, and reduced mRNA expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, COX-2, IL-1β, iNOS and Gp91phox (PCR). Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) function by echocardiography, and pressure-volume curves 8h after LPS revealed reduced cardiac dysfunction in PTP1B-/- mice as shown by an increased LV fractional shortening (WT 17,3±1; PTP1B-/- 24±1, p<0.05) and LV end systolic pressure-volume relation (WT 16±2; PTP1B-/- 20±2, p<0.05) together with reduced LV end diastolic pressure-volume relation (WT 4,7±1,7; PTP1B-/- 2.4±0.9 mmHg/RVU, p<0.05). Improved cardiac contractility was also observed ex-vivo in hearts isolated and perfused 8h after LPS (LV Developed Pressure: WT 25±5; PTP1B-/- 50±5 mmHg, p<0.05). Improved cardiac function was associated with significant decreases in myocardial markers of inflammation and oxidative stress (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, CD45, IL-1β, TNF-α and Gp91phox), reduced P38 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and limited decrease of phospholamban phosphorylation (WT -42%; PTP1B-/- -22.8, p<0.05). Thus, we demonstrate for the first time that PTP1B gene deletion protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiovascular dysfunction and mortality. These results suggest that PTP1B is an attractive target for the treatment of sepsis.