Endothelial Cells In Diabetic Rats Research Articles

This issue of Acta Sept 2018

The cover illustration shows a macular haemorrhage, as described by Schargus from Dusseldorf in the electronic part of this issue. Vaes et al in the Netherlands and Belgium point to microvascular changes in retina of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ramdas in Maastricht reviews the literature on dietary influences in glaucoma. Iron and selenium may increase risk, and leafy vegetables decrease risk of glaucoma. However, the data are limited. Bengtsson et al and Lindén et al in Sweden describe the ongoing GLAUCOMA INTENSIVE TREATMENT STUDY and show that intensive treatment lowers IOP more than monotherapy. The study will determine the effect of intensive glaucoma therapy on visual field progression and predict vision loss at life's end. Willekens et al in Belgium and Portugal found that some glaucoma patients have posterior vitreous detachment at an older age than healthy controls. Farhoudi et al in Sweden demonstrate that patients benefit from new spectacle following cataract surgery. Stolk-Vos et al in the Netherlands emphasize the advantage of recording patient-reported visual function and recommend the Catquest-9SF questionnaire. Grimfors et al in Sweden use the Swedish National Cataract Register to demonstrate a correlation between patient-reported improvement and visual function on the one hand and surgical complications, comorbidities, age, gender and visual acuity on the other. Næser et al in Denmark and Italy show that corneal astigmatism is stable until age 50 and changes by 0.25 dioptres every 10 years thereafter. Frimmel et al in the Netherlands and Switzerland report significant eye trauma from fireworks on new Year′s Eve. Sahraravand et al in Helsinki found falls at home to cause most eye injuries in elderly Finns. Bro and Lindblom in Sweden point out that visual requirement for driving are variable in Nordic countries. Mourits et al in the Netherlands looked at cosmetic outcomes following enucleation or radiation for retinoblastoma. Orbital implant complications were manageable, whereas external beam radiation gave less favourable cosmetic outcomes. Scheerlink et al in the Netherlands found better foveal sensitivity on microperimetry with gas compared with silicone oil tamponade for retinal detachment. Leinonen et al in Helsinki used intravitreal steroid implants to treat uveitis-related macular oedema. Pérez-Trullén et al in Spain propose that Goya had age-related cataract and this influenced his late paintings. The following articles are published electronically and are accessible on www.actaophthalmologica.com, as are all articles in Acta for the last century. Leal et al in Portugal and UK conclude that intravitreal injection of anti-TNF antibodies is a possible but not proven treatment for noninfectious uveitis. Zhu et al in China provide a comprehensive review on exercise and glaucoma, including the possible effect on IOP, blood flow and neuroprotection. Kang et al in United States and Australia found that total flavonoid intake does not influence glaucoma risk. Mataki et al in Japan correlated beta peripapillary atrophy with age, lower IOP and disc-fovea distance. Rabensteiner et al in Austria found Meibomian gland dysfunction to play a major role in dry eye, often in combination with reduces aqueous tear secretion. Klingensteiner et al in Munchen recommend PET scanning for orbital adnexal lymphomas. Liu et al in China influence angiotensin pathways in retina with microRNA. This affects proliferation and apoptosis in retinal endothelial cells in diabetic rats. Rose et al in Canada and Australia measure changes in retinal perfusion and oxygen metabolism in radiation retinopathy. Hanhart et al in Israel suggest that bevacizumab intravitreal injections may increase mortality in patients who have recently suffered TIA or stroke. Blixt et al in Denmark and Sweden found that endothelin-1 induced vasoconstriction in retina can be suppressed and this may offer treatment possibilities in retinal ischaemia. Subhi and Sörensen in Denmark view pigment epithelial detachment in 3D and measure volume. They suggest that such analysis may be superior to current practice. Shargus in Dusseldorf supplied the cover illustration of a picturesque retinal haemorrhage. Ferreira et al in Portugal used infrared pupillometry to demonstrate transient pupil changes following laser iridotomy. Diederen et al in the Netherlands recommend Baerveldt implants in uveitis glaucoma in young patients. Vohra et al in Denmark found vision loss in a patient with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Grzybowski and Nowak in Poland found similar rate of myopia in Polish children as in other Caucasian cohorts. Schrader et al in Germany present a plastic compressed collagen device, which they transplanted onto the corneal surface of a patient with corneal ulcer. Krohn et al in Norway describe a slowly progressive RPE dysgenesis with severe visual loss. I hope this issue of Acta provides pleasant and informative reading in the cool and dark evenings ahead.

Mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate hyperglycemia-induced endothelial injury through modulation of mitophagy

Mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) are fundamental contributors to endothelial injury in diabetic states. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have exhibited an extraordinary cytoprotective effect that extends to the modulation of mitochondrial homeostasis. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly defined. Emerging evidence has suggested that mitophagy could counteract mitochondrial-derived oxidative stress through the selective elimination of impaired or dysfunctional mitochondria. Therefore, we investigated whether MSCs could ameliorate high-glucose-induced endothelial injury through the modulation of mitophagy. We observed that exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to high glucose triggers mitochondrial impairment with excessive mitochondrial fragmentation and ROS generation, loss of membrane potential and reduced ATP production. Furthermore, mitophagy was blunted upon high glucose insult, which accelerated dysfunctional mitochondrial accumulation, initiating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and, eventually, endothelial dysfunction. MSCs treatment notably attenuated these perturbations accompanied by an enhancement of Pink1 and Parkin expression, whereas these beneficial effects of MSCs were abolished when either Pink1 or Parkin was knocked down. In aortas of diabetic rats, defective mitophagy was observed, which coincided with marked mitochondrial dysfunction. Ultrastructurally, RAECs from diabetic rats revealed a significant reduction in autophagic vacuoles and a marked increase in fragmented mitochondria. Importantly, the infusion of MSCs restored Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction and attenuated apoptosis in endothelial cells in diabetic rats. These results suggest that MSCs may protect endothelial cells from hyperglycemia-induced injury by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction via Pink1/Parkin –mediated mitophagy

MiR-20b targets AKT3 and modulates vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated changes in diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of new-onset blindness. The roles of microRNAs in diabetic retinopathy are largely unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of miR-20b in DR. Transfection of miR-20b mimic in high glucose (HG)-treated human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) increased miR-20b expression and decreased the expression level of VEGF mRNA, while transfection of miR-20b inhibitor in control HRECs reduced the miR-20b expression with a corresponding increase of VEGF mRNA. In vitro functional assay showed that transfection of miR-20b mimic prevented HG-induced increase in transendothelial permeability and tube formation in HRECs. Transfection of miR-20b inhibitor or treatment of VEGF increased transendothelial permeability and tube formation in control HRECs. Luciferase reported assay showed that AKT3 is a target of miR-20b. Transfection of miR-20b mimic prevented the up-regulation of AKT3 induced by HG without changing the protein levels of other isoforms of AKT, and silencing of AKT3 caused decrease of VEGF mRNA and protein levels as well as prevented HG-induced increase in transendothelial permeability and tube formation. Finally, we showed that miR-20b was down-regulated in the retina and retinal endothelial cells in diabetic rats, with a correlated up-regulation of VEGF and AKT3. Intravitreal injection of miR-20b mimic in the diabetic rat significantly increased the miR-20b expression and decreased the expression levels of AKT3 and VEGF in the retina tissues, and intravitreal delivery of AKT3 siRNA in the diabetic rat significantly decreased the expressions of AKT3 and VEGF. Collectively, miR-20b is important for the regulation of VEGF-mediated changes in HRECs and rat retinal tissues under hyperglycemic conditions possibly via targeting AKT3.

Abstract 10198: Endothelin B Receptor Agonist, IRL-1620 is an Effective Neurovascular Remodeling Agent in Diabetic Rats With Cerebral Ischemia

Endothelin B (ETB) receptor agonist, IRL-1620 administered at 2, 4, 6 hr post-cerebral ischemia, has been shown to significantly aid in neuroprotection and neurovascular remodeling in normal rats. The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is on the rise and it can be expected that there will be an upsurge of associated diseases, such as ischemic stroke in patients with diabetes. The present study was conducted to determine the efficacy and neurovascular remodeling effect of IRL-1620 in normal (non-diabetic) and diabetic rats following cerebral ischemia induced by right middle cerebral artery (MCAO). The induction of diabetes was achieved through a high-fat diet and single low dose (45 mg/kg) of streptozotocin. IRL-1620 (5 μg/kg) was administered intravenously at 4, 6, and 8 hr after MCAO on day 0, 3 and 6 (total of 15 μg/kg in three divided doses on day 0, 3 and 6). A mortality of 46% was observed by day 7 in normal rats with MCAO when treated with vehicle, while it was 17% when treated with IRL-1620. In diabetic rats 90% mortality was observed by day 7 post-MCAO when treated with vehicle, while it was 45% when treated with IRL-1620. Functional outcome for the IRL-1620 group was significantly better in both non-diabetic and diabetic rats compared to the vehicle group. In both non-diabetic (80.81%; p=0.02) and diabetic (69.58%; p=0.04) rats a significant reduction in infarct volume was seen in the IRL-1620 group compared to the vehicle group. Significantly more blood vessels/30μm brain slice were observed in the IRL-1620 versus vehicle group. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a significant increase in ETB receptor expression for rats treated with IRL-1620, compared to vehicle. Co-localization of VEGF+ve and endothelial cells in diabetic rats was higher (p=0.0009) in the IRL-1620 group (15.5±1.1%) compared to the vehicle group (10.2±0.81%). In diabetic rats, the IRL-1620 group had significantly (p=0.0012) more neurons in the cortex compared to the vehicle group as well as the highest levels of neuronal replication. Administration of BQ-788, a specific ETB receptor antagonist, attenuated the effects of IRL-1620. It is concluded that IRL-1620 is an effective neurovascular remodeling agent and may be useful in the treatment of cerebral ischemia.

Hypoxia pretreatment of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells facilitates angiogenesis by improving the function of endothelial cells in diabetic rats with lower ischemia.

Endothelial dysfunction induced by unordered metabolism results in vascular reconstruction challenges in diabetic lower limb ischemia (DLLI). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent secretory cells that are suitable for clinical DLLI treatment, but their use has been hampered by poor survival after injection. Hypoxia can significantly enhance the capacity of MSCs to secrete angiogenic factors. We investigated transient hypoxia pretreatment of MSCs to facilitate revascularization in DLLI. Rat bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) were cultured at different oxygen concentrations for varying time periods. The results indicated that transient pretreatment (5% O2, 48 h) not only increased the expression of VEGF-1α, ANG, HIF-1α and MMP-9 in BM-MSCs as assessed by real-time RT-PCR, but also increased the expression of Bcl-2 as determined by western blotting. The transplantation of pretreated BM-MSCs into rats with DLLI demonstrated accelerated vascular reconstruction when assayed by angiography and immunohistochemistry. CM-Dil-labeled tracer experiments indicated that the survival of BM-MSCs was significantly improved, with approximately 5% of the injected cells remaining alive at 14 days. The expression levels of VEGF-1α, MMP-9 and VEGF-R were significantly increased, and the expression of pAKT was up-regulated in ischemic muscle. Double immunofluorescence studies confirmed that the pretreated BM-MSCs promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of endothelial cells. In vitro, pretreated BM-MSCs increased the migratory and tube forming capacity of endothelial cells (ECs). Hypoxia pretreatment of BM-MSCs significantly improved angiogenesis in response to tissue ischemia by ameliorating endothelial cell dysfunction and is a promising therapeutic treatment for DLLI.

Sp1 and VEGF mRNA expression in the retina micrangium endothelial cells of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The aim of this study is to evaluate the Sp1 and VEGF mRNA expression in the retina micrangium endothelial cells of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. At the end of our study, we determined that SP1 positive expression rate and the Sp1, VEGF mRNA and protein expression in the retina micrangium endothelial cells in isolated rat eyes of diabetic rats were significantly increased compared to normal animals. The ERK, Sp1 and VEGF protein expression in the retina micrangium endothelial cells of diabetic rats was significantly decreased in high-surcose (Sp1 specific inhibitor Mithramycin A or ERK specific inhibitor PD98059) culture group in comparison to normal (vechile PBS) culture group. These findings suggest that ERK, Sp1 and VEGF protein expression is an important factor to affect the occurrence and development of vision diseases in diabetic patients. Key words: Sp1, VEGF, PCR, Retina, Immunohistochemistry

Amygdalin inhibits angiogenesis in the cultured endothelial cells of diabetic rats

Angiogenesis contributes to different physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate for the first time the antiangiogenic effects of amygdalin on the cultured endothelial cells of diabetic rats. A total of 20 streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were divided into two equal groups of control and amygdalin-treated animals. Eight weeks after the induction of diabetes, amygdalin was injected intraperitoneally (3 mg/kg) to the rats of the treatment group. One day later, rats were sacrificed; the aortic arteries were excised and cut as 2 mm rings. Each aortic ring was incubated in a cell-culture well for 7 days. The process of angiogenesis was monitored by counting the number of microvessels and primary microtubules in each well. Optic microscopy showed proliferation and migration of new endothelial cells to the fibrin gels. The endothelial cells produced primary microtubules which gradually made several branches and finally made a vascular matrix. The number of the primary microtubules and microvessels were significantly lower in the amygdalin-treated vs. control group (P < 0.01). Therefore, amygdalin exerts inhibitory effects on angiogenesis in aortic rings of diabetic rats and may pave a new way for treatment of unfavorable angiogenic conditions.

Islet Graft Survival and Function: Concomitant Culture and Transplantation With Vascular Endothelial Cells in Diabetic Rats

Human islet transplantation is a great potential therapy for type I diabetes. To investigate islet graft survival and function, we recently showed the improved effects after co-culture and co-transplantation with vascular endothelial cells (ECs) in diabetic rats. ECs were isolated, and the viability of isolated islets was assessed in two groups (standard culture group and co-culture group with ECs). Then streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were divided into four groups before islet transplantation as follows: group A with infusion of islet grafts; group B with combined vascular ECs and islet grafts; groups C and D as controls with single ECs infusion and phosphate-buffered saline injection, respectively. Blood glucose and insulin concentrations were measured daily. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was investigated by immunohistochemical staining. The mean microvascular density was also calculated. More than 90% of acridine orange-propidium iodide staining positive islets demonstrated normal morphology while co-cultured with ECs for 7 days. Compared with standard control, insulin release assays showed a significantly higher simulation index in co-culture group except for the first day (P<0.05). After transplantation, there was a significant difference in concentrations of blood glucose and insulin among these groups after 3 days (P<0.05). The mean microvascular density in co-culture group was significantly higher than that in single islet group (P=0.04). Co-culture with ECs in vitro could improve the survival and function of isolated rat islet, and co-transplantation of islets with ECs could effectively prolong the islet graft survival in diabetic rats.

Prolongation of Islet Graft Survival Using Concomitant Transplantation of Islets and Vascular Endothelial Cells in Diabetic Rats

Background The transplantation of isolated islets of Langerhans is nearing acceptance as treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Because the arterial and venous connections of the pancreas are disrupted during islet isolation, islets must be revascularized after transplantation. Objective To observe whether increased numbers of vascular endothelial cells in islets can affect the angiogenesis and function of the grafts. Materials and Methods Rats with streptozocin-induced diabetes were divided into 3 groups. The rats in group 1 received islet grafts under the capsule of the left kidney; rats in group 2 received combined vascular endothelial cell and islet transplants; and rats in group 3 served as controls. After the transplantation procedure, blood glucose and insulin concentrations were evaluated daily. Hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining was used to detect expression of vascular endothelial growth factor antibodies in the diabetic rat kidneys. The mean microvascular density was also calculated. Results At 3 days posttransplantation, blood glucose and insulin concentrations returned to normal in group 2, however, they declined only slightly in group 1, and moderate hyperglycemia was present. There was a significant difference in blood glucose and insulin concentrations between the 2 groups after 3 days ( P < .05). The mean (SD) microvascular density in group 2 was markedly higher than that in group 1 (12.58 [1.81] vs 10.38 [0.97] P = .04). Conclusion This study suggests that concomitant transplantation of isolated islets with endothelial cells can prolong islet graft survival in diabetic rats.

D-4F Induces Heme Oxygenase-1 and Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase, Decreases Endothelial Cell Sloughing, and Improves Vascular Reactivity in Rat Model of Diabetes

Apolipoprotein A1 mimetic peptide, synthesized from D-amino acid (D-4F), enhances the ability of HDL to protect LDL against oxidation in atherosclerotic animals. We investigated the mechanisms by which D-4F provides antioxidant effects in a diabetic model. Sprague-Dawley rats developed diabetes with administration of streptozotocin (STZ). We examined the effects of daily D-4F (100 microg/100 g of body weight, intraperitoneal injection) on superoxide (O2-), extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD), vascular heme oxygenase (HO-1 and HO-2) levels, and circulating endothelial cells in diabetic rats. In response to D-4F, both the quantity and activity of HO-1 were increased. O2- levels were elevated in diabetic rats (74.8+/-8x10(3) cpm/10 mg protein) compared with controls (38.1+/-8x10(3) cpm/10 mg protein; P<0.01). D-4F decreased O2- levels to 13.23+/-1x10(3) (P<0.05 compared with untreated diabetics). The average number of circulating endothelial cells was higher in diabetics (50+/-6 cells/mL) than in controls (5+/-1 cells/mL) and was significantly decreased in diabetics treated with D-4F (20+/-3 cells/mL; P<0.005). D-4F also decreased endothelial cell fragmentation in diabetic rats. The impaired relaxation typical of blood vessels in diabetic rats was prevented by administration of D-4F (85.0+/-2.0% relaxation). Western blot analysis showed decreased EC-SOD in the diabetic rats, whereas D-4F restored the EC-SOD level. We conclude that an increase in circulating endothelial cell sloughing, superoxide anion, and vasoconstriction in diabetic rats can be prevented by administration of D-4F, which is associated with an increase in 2 antioxidant proteins, HO-1 and EC-SOD.

Ascorbic acid supplementation restores defective leukocyte-endothelial interaction in alloxan-diabetic rats.

Defective leukocyte-endothelial interactions are observed in experimental diabetes and may reduce the capacity to mount an adequate inflammatory response. The present study investigated the effect of ascorbic acid, an inhibitor of free radical and glycated protein formation as well as an aldose reductase inhibitor, on leukocyte-endothelial interaction in alloxan-diabetic rats. Rats were rendered diabetic by alloxan injection (40 mg/kg; iv). After 30 days, diabetic and nondiabetic controls were supplemented for 12 days with ascorbic acid (50 or 200 mg/kg/day) or received saline by gavage. The number of rollers, stickers after zymosan-activated plasma (10%) or leukotriene B(4) (1 microM) applied topically, and migrated cells after local injection of carrageenan (100 microg) were determined in the venules of the internal spermatic fascia by intravital microscopy. Erythrocyte velocity and wall shear rate were determined as well. Reactive oxygen species formation by endothelial cells was measured in vivo by the same technique. Immunocytochemistry for ICAM-1 detection on the endothelium of the venules of the internal spermatic fascia was carried out in cross sections of the whole testis of the animals. The reduced number of rollers, stickers and migrated cells, as well as the higher production of reactive oxygen species by endothelial cells in diabetic rats was corrected by ascorbic acid supplementation. The low immunoreactivity for ICAM-1 in the venules of diabetic rats was improved by ascorbic acid supplementation. Ascorbic acid supplementation did not interfere with erythrocyte velocity or wall shear stress. Ascorbic acid administered to control rats did not alter the parameters studied above. We conclude that ascorbic acid improves leukocyte-endothelial interaction in diabetic rats at least in part by restoring the expression of ICAM-1 in the venules of diabetic rats.

Diabetes-associated sustained activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB.

Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) has been suggested to participate in chronic disorders, such as diabetes and its complications. In contrast to the short and transient activation of NF-kappaB in vitro, we observed a long-lasting sustained activation of NF-kappaB in the absence of decreased IkappaBalpha in mononuclear cells from patients with type 1 diabetes. This was associated with increased transcription of NF-kappaBp65. A comparable increase in NF-kappaBp65 antigen and mRNA was also observed in vascular endothelial cells of diabetic rats. As a mechanism, we propose that binding of ligands such as advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), members of the S100 family, or amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) to the transmembrane receptor for AGE (RAGE) results in protein synthesis-dependent sustained activation of NF-kappaB both in vitro and in vivo. Infusion of AGE-albumin into mice bearing a beta-globin reporter transgene under control of NF-kappaB also resulted in prolonged expression of the reporter transgene. In vitro studies showed that RAGE-expressing cells induced sustained translocation of NF-kappaB (p50/p65) from the cytoplasm into the nucleus for >1 week. Sustained NF-kappaB activation by ligands of RAGE was mediated by initial degradation of IkappaB proteins followed by new synthesis of NF-kappaBp65 mRNA and protein in the presence of newly synthesized IkappaBalpha and IkappaBbeta. These data demonstrate that ligands of RAGE can induce sustained activation of NF-kappaB as a result of increased levels of de novo synthesized NF-kappaBp65 overriding endogenous negative feedback mechanisms and thus might contribute to the persistent NF-kappaB activation observed in hyperglycemia and possibly other chronic diseases.

Antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor improve early renal dysfunction in experimental diabetes.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a cytokine that potently stimulates angiogenesis, microvascular hyperpermeability, and endothelium-dependent vasodilation, effects that are largely mediated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The expression of VEGF is pronounced in glomerular visceral epithelial cells, but its function in renal physiology and pathophysiology is unknown. VEGF expression is upregulated by high ambient glucose concentrations in several cell types in vitro and in glomeruli of diabetic rats. To assess the role of VEGF in the pathophysiology of early renal dysfunction in diabetes, monoclonal anti-VEGF antibodies (Ab) were administered to control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 6 wk after induction of diabetes. Based on in vitro binding studies, an adequate serum VEGF inhibitory activity was achieved during the entire course of anti-VEGF Ab administration. Anti-VEGF Ab treatment but not administration of isotype-matched control Ab decreased hyperfiltration, albuminuria, and glomerular hypertrophy in diabetic rats. VEGF blockade also prevented the upregulation of eNOS expression in glomerular capillary endothelial cells of diabetic rats. Antagonism of VEGF had no effect on GFR and glomerular volume in control rats. These results identify VEGF as a pathogenetic link between hyperglycemia and early renal dysfunction in diabetes. Targeting VEGF may prove useful as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of early diabetic nephropathy.

Impaired nitric oxide production in coronary endothelial cells of the spontaneously diabetic BB rat is due to tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency.

Endothelial cells (EC) from diabetic BioBreeding (BB) rats have an impaired ability to produce NO. This deficiency is not due to a defect in the constitutive isoform of NO synthase in EC (ecNOS) or alterations in intracellular calcium, calmodulin, NADPH or arginine levels. Instead, ecNOS cannot produce sufficient NO because of a deficiency in tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)), a cofactor necessary for enzyme activity. EC from diabetic rats exhibited only 12% of the BH(4) levels found in EC from normal animals or diabetes-prone animals which did not develop disease. As a result, NO synthesis by EC of diabetic rats was only 18% of that for normal animals. Increasing BH(4) levels with sepiapterin increased NO production, suggesting that BH(4) deficiency is a metabolic basis for impaired endothelial NO synthesis in diabetic BB rats. This deficiency is due to decreased activity of GTP-cyclohydrolase I, the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the de novo biosynthesis of BH(4). GTP-cyclohydrolase activity was low because of a decreased expression of the protein in the diabetic cells.

Impaired nitric oxide production in coronary endothelial cells of the spontaneously diabetic BB rat is due to tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency

Endothelial cells (EC) from diabetic BioBreeding (BB) rats have an impaired ability to produce NO. This deficiency is not due to a defect in the constitutive isoform of NO synthase in EC (ecNOS) or alterations in intracellular calcium, calmodulin, NADPH or arginine levels. Instead, ecNOS cannot produce sufficient NO because of a deficiency in tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a cofactor necessary for enzyme activity. EC from diabetic rats exhibited only 12% of the BH4 levels found in EC from normal animals or diabetes-prone animals which did not develop disease. As a result, NO synthesis by EC of diabetic rats was only 18% of that for normal animals. Increasing BH4 levels with sepiapterin increased NO production, suggesting that BH4 deficiency is a metabolic basis for impaired endothelial NO synthesis in diabetic BB rats. This deficiency is due to decreased activity of GTP-cyclohydrolase I, the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the de novo biosynthesis of BH4. GTP-cyclohydrolase activity was low because of a decreased expression of the protein in the diabetic cells.

Glycated serum stimulation of macrophages in GK- and streptozotocin-rats for the proliferation of primary cultured smooth muscle cells of the aorta

The purpose of this study was to investigate the actions of intraperitoneal macrophages and aortic endothelial cells (EC) as the cause of proliferation of primary cultured smooth muscle cells (SMC) of the aorta in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) models, including spontaneously diabetic GK and streptozotocin-diabetic Wistar rats. Conditioned medium derived from macrophages of GK rats increased proliferation of SMC in Wistar rats to a greater extent when compared to normal Wistar rats in conditioned medium. Serum of both GK rats and of Wistar rats which was previously exposed to 16.7 and 25 mM glucose (glycated serum) activated normal macrophages, enhancing SMC proliferation. However, glycated serum and high concentrations of glucose did not affect directly the proliferation of SMC. Conditioned medium from EC of streptozotocin-Wistar rats enhanced SMC proliferation. The enhancing activity of EC in diabetic rats was mimicked by conditioned medium from glycated EC but not from EC treated with the diabetic rat serum nor glycated bovine serum albumin. Cholesterol (39 μg/ml) potentiated the action of glycated serum on macrophages, but neither the action of normal macrophages nor the direct action of SMC was affected. Both the actions of glycated serum and cholesterol were inhibited by a polyclonal platelet-derived growth factor-BB antibody. However, low density lipoprotein (LDL), acetylated LDL and oxidized LDL (25 μg/ml) did not potentiate the action of glycated serum. These results demonstrate that glycated serum in the NIDDM model predominantly activated macrophages, resulting in proliferation of SMC by the release of platelet-derived growth factor-BB. Cholesterol potentiated the actions of glycated serum on macrophages.

Quantification and gel electrophoretic analysis of proteins extracted from vascular endothelial cells.

The inner walls of tubular organs and body cavities are lined with a sheet composed of cells which control the passage through the walls and thus are of considerable physiological and biochemical interest. They are difficult to prepare but their content can be extracted and analysed, using laminar extraction and sensitive bioluminescence methods. This has been shown for the endothelial cells which line the interior of blood vessels. Although it is dealing with small amounts of material, only a minor part of it is consumed in the analyses. The bioluminescence measurements can thus be combined with other analytical procedures such as protein assay and electrophoresis. The possibilities of extending the biochemical information is of interest in the efforts to clarify the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Laminar elution of protein from endothelial cells of the rat aorta was traced by the simultaneous efflux of adenine nucleotides. These were determined in a bioluminescence assay after conversion to ATP, while the fluorescamine reaction was used for the quantification of protein. The elution patterns obtained by these two methods showed an initial peak with a common maximum. The new possibilities of detecting relevant biochemical changes were evidenced by the finding of a marked protein loss in the fractions containing the outflux from the endothelial cells of diabetic rats. Electrophoresis of proteins eluted from endothelial cells resulted in separation into a large number of bands, but no differences were detected in the electropherograms at comparisons between normal and diabetic rats. It remains to be clarified, whether the protein depletion of the endothelial sheet is due to a concomitant loss of cells or to a cytoplasmatic loss without profound changes of the cytoplasmatic composition.