Increased NADPH Oxidase Activity Research Articles

Inhibitory Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Extract on Interleukin-8 Expression in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Gastric Epithelial Cells

ObjectivesInfection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a gram-negative bacterium, leads to various gastric diseases, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. H. pylori increases cytokine release and activates inflammatory mediators in gastric mucosa. Particularly, H. pylori upregulates the inflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8), which are activated by oxidative stress. IL-8 can cause severe inflammation of the stomach and gastric cancer. Korean red ginseng is the steamed root of 6-year-old Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer). Ginsenosides, triterpene glycosides, are the active components of Korean red ginseng. Ginsenosides have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. The present study is aimed at determining whether Korean red ginseng extract inhibits H. pylori-induced IL-8 expression in gastric epithelial cells. MethodsThe human gastric epithelial cell line AGS was used. Gastric epithelial AGS cells were treated with Korean red ginseng extract, and infected with H. pylori (NCTC 11,637). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined using dichlorofluorescein fluorescence. NADPH oxidase activity was measured using lucigenin chemiluminescence. IL-8 mRNA expression was measured by using real-time PCR. NADPH oxidase subunits were determined in cytosolic extract and membrane extract by using Western blotting. ResultsH. pylori increased NADPH oxidase activity, ROS levels, and upregulated IL-8 expression in gastric epithelial cells. Korean red ginseng extract inhibited IL-8 expression by suppressing NADPH oxidase activity and reducing ROS levels in gastric epithelial cells. H. pylori induced translocation of NADPH oxidase cytosolic subunits to membrane, which is a marker of NADPH oxidase activation, in AGS cells. Korean red ginseng extract inhibited translocation of cytosolic subunits of NADPH oxidase to membrane in AGS cells. ConclusionsKorean red ginseng may be beneficial for preventing H. pylori-associated gastric inflammation by inhibiting oxidative stress and IL-8 expression. Funding SourcesThis study was supported by a Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Urban air pollution induces alterations in redox metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice brain cortex

Previous reports indicate that the central nervous system (CNS) is a target of air pollution, causing tissue damage and functional alterations. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation have been pointed out as possible mechanisms mediating these effects. The aim of this work was to study the chronic effects of urban air pollution on mice brain cortex, focusing on oxidative stress markers, and mitochondrial function. Male 8-week-old BALB/c mice were exposed to filtered air (FA, control) or urban air (UA) inside whole-body exposure chambers, located in a highly polluted area of Buenos Aires city, for up to 4 weeks. Glutathione levels, assessed as GSH/GSSG ratio, were decreased after 1 and 2 weeks of exposure to UA (45% and 25% respectively vs. FA; p < 0.05). A 38% increase in lipid peroxidation was found after 1 week of UA exposure (p < 0.05). Regarding protein oxidation, carbonyl content was significantly increased at week 2 in UA-exposed mice, compared to FA-group, and an even higher increment was found after 4 weeks of exposure (week 2: 40% p < 0.05, week 4: 54% p < 0.001). NADPH oxidase (NOX) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were augmented at all the studied time points, while superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD cytosolic isoform) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were increased only after 4 weeks of UA exposure (p < 0.05). The increased NOX activity was accompanied with higher expression levels of NOX2 regulatory subunit p47phox, and NOX4 (p < 0.05). Also, UA mice showed impaired mitochondrial function due to a 50% reduction in O2 consumption in active state respiration (p < 0.05), a 29% decrease in mitochondrial inner membrane potential (p < 0.05), a 65% decrease in ATP production rate (p < 0.01) and a 30% increase in H2O2 production (p < 0.01). Moreover, respiratory complexes I-III and II-III activities were decreased in UA group (30% and 36% respectively vs. FA; p < 0.05). UA exposed mice showed alterations in mitochondrial function, increased oxidant production evidenced by NOX activation, macromolecules damage and the onset of the enzymatic antioxidant system. These data indicate that oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function may play a key role in CNS damage mechanisms triggered by air pollution.

Renal Tubular Epithelial TRPA1 Acts as An Oxidative Stress Sensor to Mediate Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Kidney Injury through MAPKs/NF-κB Signaling.

Oxidative stress and inflammation play important roles in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI). Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is a Ca2+-permeable ion channel that is sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS). The role of TRPA1 in AKI remains unclear. In this study, we used human and animal studies to assess the role of renal TRPA1 in AKI and to explore the regulatory mechanism of renal TRPA1 in inflammation via in vitro experiments. TRPA1 expression increased in the renal tubular epithelia of patients with AKI. The severity of tubular injury correlated well with tubular TRPA1 or 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine expression. In an animal model, renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IR) increased tubular TRPA1 expression in wild-type (WT) mice. Trpa1−/− mice displayed less IR-induced tubular injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysfunction in kidneys compared with WT mice. In the in vitro model, TRPA1 expression increased in renal tubular cells under hypoxia-reoxygenation injury (H/R) conditions. We demonstrated that H/R evoked a ROS-dependent TRPA1 activation, which elevated intracellular Ca2+ level, increased NADPH oxidase activity, activated MAPK/NF-κB signaling, and increased IL-8. Renal tubular TRPA1 may serve as an oxidative stress sensor and a crucial regulator in the activation of signaling pathways and promote the subsequent transcriptional regulation of IL-8. These actions might be evident in mice with IR or patients with AKI.

Protective Effects of Baicalin on Arsenic Trioxide-induced Oxidative Damage and Apoptosis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.

Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is an environmental pollutant. However, the detailed mechanisms about As2O3-induced loss of endothelial integrity are unknown. This study aimed at investigating how As2O3 causes endothelial dysfunction and whether baicalin can reverse such dysfunction. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to examine As2O3-induced oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The influence of baicalin on As2O3-induced endothelial dysfunction were investigated. The viability of HUVECs was inhibited by As2O3 and cells underwent apoptosis. As2O3 treatment increased NADPH oxidase activity, and elevated the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Formamidopyrimidine DNA-glycosylase- and endonuclease III-digestible adducts were accumulated. Baicalin reversed As2O3-induced apoptosis and As2O3-suppressed cell viability. Baicalin caused a decrease in NADPH oxidase activity, and re-balanced the ROS level. As2O3-induced formamidopyrimidine DNA-glycosylase- and endonuclease III-digestible adducts were down-regulated. Baicalin was found to have the potential capacity to protect endothelial cells from As2O3-induced cytotoxicity.

ABCG1 Attenuates Oxidative Stress Induced by H2O2 through the Inhibition of NADPH Oxidase and the Upregulation of Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Defense in Endothelial Cells

Summary. Oxidative stress is an important factor that is related to endothelial dysfunction. ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1), a regulator of intracellular cholesterol efflux, has been found to prevent endothelial activation in vessel walls. To explore the role of ABCG1 in oxidative stress production in endothelial cells, HUAECs were exposed to H2O2 and transfected with the specific ABCG1 siRNA or ABCG1 overexpression plasmid. The results showed that overexpression of ABCG1 by ABCG1 plasmid or liver X receptor (LXR) agonist T0901317 treatment inhibited ROS production and MDA content induced by H2O2 in HUAECs. Furthermore, ABCG1 upregulation blunted the activity of prooxidant NADPH oxidase and the expression of Nox4, one of the NADPH oxidase subunits. Moreover, the increased migration of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and antioxidant HO-1 expression were detected in HUAECs with upregulation of ABCG1. Conversely, ABCG1 downregulation by ABCG1 siRNA increased NADPH oxidase activity and Nox4 expression and abrogated the increase at Nrf2 nuclear protein levels. In addition, intracellular cholesterol load interfered with the balance between NADPH oxidase activity and HO-1 expression. It was suggested that ABCG1 attenuated oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in endothelial cells, which might be involved in the balance between decreased NADPH oxidase activity and increased Nrf2/OH-1 antioxidant defense signaling via its regulation for intracellular cholesterol accumulation.

Additive effects of simulated microgravity and ionizing radiation in cell death, induction of ROS and expression of RAC2 in human bronchial epithelial cells

Radiation and microgravity are undoubtedly two major factors in space environment that pose a health threat to astronauts. However, the mechanistic study of their interactive biological effects is lacking. In this study, human lung bronchial epithelial Beas-2B cells were used to study the regulation of radiobiological effects by simulated microgravity (using a three-dimensional clinostat). It was found that simulated microgravity together with radiation induced drop of survival fraction, proliferation inhibition, apoptosis, and DNA double-strand break formation of Beas-2B cells additively. They also additively induced Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (RAC2) upregulation, leading to increased NADPH oxidase activity and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) yield. The findings indicated that simulated microgravity and ionizing radiation presented an additive effect on cell death of human bronchial epithelial cells, which was mediated by RAC2 to some extent. The study provides a new perspective for the better understanding of the compound biological effects of the space environmental factors.

Sulforaphane Induces Glioprotection After LPS Challenge.

Sulforaphane is a natural compound that presents anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, including in the central nervous system (CNS). Astroglial cells are involved in several functions to maintain brain homeostasis, actively participating in the inflammatory response and antioxidant defense systems. We, herein, investigated the potential mechanisms involved in the glioprotective effects of sulforaphane in the C6 astrocyte cell line, when challenged with the inflammogen, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Sulforaphane prevented the LPS-induced increase in the expression and/or release of pro-inflammatory mediators, possibly due to nuclear factor κB and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α activation. Sulforaphane also modulated the expressions of the Toll-like and adenosine receptors, which often mediate inflammatory processes induced by LPS. Additionally, sulforaphane increased the mRNA levels of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO1), both of which mediate several cytoprotective responses. Sulforaphane also prevented the increase in NADPH oxidase activity and the elevations of superoxide and 3-nitrotyrosine that were stimulated by LPS. In addition, sulforaphane and LPS modulated superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione metabolism. Interestingly, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of sulforaphane were blocked by HO1 pharmacological inhibition, suggesting its dependence on HO1 activity. Finally, in support of a glioprotective role, sulforaphane prevented the LPS-induced decrease in glutamate uptake, glutamine synthetase activity, and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels, as well as the augmentations in S100B release and Na+, K+ ATPase activity. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has comprehensively explored the glioprotective effects of sulforaphane on astroglial cells, reinforcing the beneficial effects of sulforaphane on astroglial functionality.

Glaucoma causes redox imbalance in the primary visual cortex by modulating NADPH oxidase-4, iNOS, and Nrf2 pathway in a rat experimental model

The aim of this study was to elucidate the intracellular sources of oxidant species, the antioxidant response as well as the main signaling pathways involved in the regulation of the redox balance in the primary visual cortex of rats subjected to an experimental glaucoma model.3-month female Wistar strain rats were operated under a microscope by cauterizing two of the episcleral veins in order to elevate the intraocular pressure (glaucoma group); the control group received a sham procedure. Seven days after surgery, the animals were sacrificed, the brains were carefully removed, and the primary visual cortex was dissected. NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity, as well as the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, the enzymatic antioxidant defenses, the metabolism of glutathione, and the translocation of Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and Nuclear factor k-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were assessed.Compared to control, glaucoma group displayed an increase in NOX activity (147%, p < 0.05), leading to a rise in the steady state concentration of oxidant species. Specifically, NOX4 expression was higher (90%, p < 0.05), suggesting that it could be a source of H2O2. In addition, iNOS expression was increased in glaucoma (47%, p < 0.05), as a source of NO in the brain, induced by NF-κB translocation to the nucleus (48%, p < 0.01). An increase in primary antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (40%, p < 0.01) and glutathione peroxidase (55%, p < 0.05) was observed as an adaptive response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, an alteration in glutathione metabolism was shown in glaucoma due to a decrease in its recycling (40%, p < 0.05) as well as in its de novo synthesis (53%, p < 0.05), leading to a decreased in reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio (55%, p < 0.001). Moreover, a lower expression of Nfr2 was shown in glaucoma (40%, p < 0.05), suggesting that the cell signaling pathway that regulates the antioxidant capacity is compromised. In this context, redox imbalance takes place, resulting in oxidative damage to both lipids (70%, p < 0.001) and proteins (140%, p < 0.001).These results suggest that glaucoma damages not only eye structures but also brain visual targets such as the primary visual cortex. Redox imbalance takes place due to an enhancement in ROS and reactive nitrogen species production from different sources, such as NOX family and iNOS, respectively, in an onset where the antioxidant defenses are overwhelmed due to an impaired Nrf2 signaling, leading to oxidative damage to macromolecules.

Abstract MP45: Prorenin Induces Intracellular Signaling And Reactive Oxygen Species In The Brainstem

The activation of the brain renin angiotensin system (RAS) is required for the blood pressure (BP) elevation in models of neurogenic hypertension (HT). However, it remains unclear whether the expression of prorenin and its binding to prorenin receptor (PRR) in particular brain regions is required for the activation of the brain RAS. Compelling new evidence indicates that renin is expressed in the proximity of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and the nucleus ambiguous within the brainstem where RAS genes including PRR, angiotensinogen, and angiotensin receptors were also detected. Thus, we hypothesized that prorenin acts within the brainstem to induce extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) phosphorylation and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in BP elevation through a PRR-dependent mechanism. Neonatal brainstem neurons obtained from mice at postnatal day 1-3 were cultured and subsequently incubated in presence of recombinant prorenin (rProrenin; 100 nM) or vehicle. rProrenin increased the ratio of phosphorylated-to-total ERK1/2 from 0.7±0.1 A.U. at baseline to 1.0±0.1 A.U. at 30 min (54% increase; p=0.004; n=7) and 1.3±0.1 A.U. at 60 min (102% increase; p&lt;0.0001; n=7). Both PRO20, a PRR blocker, and Ro-31, a protein kinase C inhibitor, abrogated prorenin-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, suggesting a PRR-dependent component to this response. Treatment with rProrenin increased NADPH oxidase activity by 47.2±9.5 % compared to vehicle control (p&lt;0.05, n=5). RVLM-targeted stereotactic microinjection of glutamate, rProrenin, or Ang II, but not vehicle, induced an acute BP elevation in isoflurane-anesthetized C57BL/6J mice. Moreover, preliminary data indicate that RVLM-targeted ablation of PRR in PRR-flox mice attenuates the pressor response to deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-salt in females (WT=132±3 vs KO=120±3 mmHg; p&lt;0.05; n=3-4), but not males (n=5-8), during the first week on DOCA-salt treatment. There was no difference in BP during the 2 nd and 3 rd week of DOCA-salt. We conclude that prorenin induces PRR-mediated downstream signaling involving ERK1/2 phosphorylation and generation of ROS in brainstem neurons, which might contribute to BP elevation in neurogenic HT in sex-dependent manner.

TGF-β1 attenuates mitochondrial bioenergetics in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells via the disruption of carnitine homeostasis

Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) signaling is increased and mitochondrial function is decreased in multiple models of pulmonary hypertension (PH) including lambs with increased pulmonary blood flow (PBF) and pressure (Shunt). However, the potential link between TGF-β1 and the loss of mitochondrial function has not been investigated and was the focus of our investigations. Our data indicate that exposure of pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAEC) to TGF-β1 disrupted mitochondrial function as determined by enhanced mitochondrial ROS generation, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and disrupted mitochondrial bioenergetics. These events resulted in a decrease in cellular ATP levels, decreased hsp90/eNOS interactions and attenuated shear-mediated NO release. TGF-β1 induced mitochondrial dysfunction was linked to a nitration-mediated activation of Akt1 and the subsequent mitochondrial translocation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) resulting in the nitration of carnitine acetyl transferase (CrAT) and the disruption of carnitine homeostasis. The increase in Akt1 nitration correlated with increased NADPH oxidase activity associated with increased levels of p47phox, p67phox, and Rac1. The increase in NADPH oxidase was associated with a decrease in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor type gamma (PPARγ) and the PPARγ antagonist, GW9662, was able to mimic the disruptive effect of TGF-β1 on mitochondrial bioenergetics. Together, our studies reveal for the first time, that TGF-β1 can disrupt mitochondrial function through the disruption of cellular carnitine homeostasis and suggest that stimulating carinitine homeostasis may be an avenue to treat pulmonary vascular disease.

Progesterone decreases apnoea and reduces oxidative stress induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia in ovariectomized female rats.

What is the central question of this study? Does progesterone reduce the effect of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on arterial blood pressure, respiratory control and oxidative stress in the central nervous system in ovariectomized rats? What is the main finding and its importance? Progesterone does not prevent the elevation of arterial blood pressure in rats exposed to CIH, but normalizes respiratory control, and reduces cerebral oxidative stress. This study draws focus to a potential role of progesterone and the consequences of sleep apnoea in menopausal women. We tested the hypothesis that progesterone (Prog) reduces the effect of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on arterial blood pressure, respiratory chemoreflexes and oxidative stress in the central nervous system. Ovariectomized female rats were implanted with osmotic pumps delivering vehicle (Veh) or Prog (4mgkg-1 day-1 ). Two weeks following the surgery, rats were exposed to room air (Air) or CIH (7days, 10% O2 , 10 cyclesh-1 , 8hday-1 ). We studied three groups: Veh-Air, Veh-CIH and Prog-CIH. After the CIH exposures, we measured the mean arterial pressure (MAP; tail cuff) and assessed the frequency of apnoeas at rest and ventilatory responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia (whole body plethysmography). The activities of the pro-oxidant enzyme NADPH oxidase (NOX) and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD; in mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, were measured in brain cortex and brainstem samples. CIH exposure increased the MAP, the frequency of apnoeas, and the respiratory frequency response to hypoxia and hypercapnia. Prog did not prevent the CIH-induced elevation in MAP, but it reduced the CIH-induced frequency of apnoeas and increased hypoxic and hypercapnic ventilatory responses. In the brain cortex, CIH increased NOX activity, and decreased the cytosolic and mitochondrial SOD activities. These effects were prevented by Prog. NOX activity was increased by CIH in the brainstem, and this was also blocked by Prog. The study draws focus to the links between ovarian hormones and the consequences of sleep apnoea in women.

Progesterone prevents oxidative stress and respiratory dysfunctions in female rats exposed to intermittent hypoxia.

The occurrence of sleep apnea (SA) increases after menopause in women, which is partly related to the decreased levels of ovarian hormones. Because progesterone (Prog) is a neuroprotective hormone and a potent respiratory stimulant, we tested the hypothesis that Prog reduces the apnea frequency and the oxidative stress induced by IH. We used OVX female rats implanted with an osmotic pump delivering vehicle (OVX‐Veh) or prog (4mg/kg/day). Two weeks following the surgery, rats were exposed to room air (RA), or IH for 7 days (nadir 10% O2, 10 cycles/hour, 8 hours/day). We studied three groups: OVX‐Veh‐RA; OVX‐Veh‐IH; and OVX‐Prog‐IH. At the end of exposure period, we measured the mean arterial pressure (tail cuff) and assessed the frequency of apneas during sleep and the ventilatory responses to hypoxia using whole body plethysmography. The brain was quickly harvested to measure the activity of the pro‐oxidant enzyme NADPH oxidase (NOX), and the antioxidant enzymes (mitochondrial and cytosolic superoxide dismutase ‐ SOD) in the cerebral cortex and brainstem. IH exposure increased the mean arterial blood pressure, the frequency of apneas during sleep, and the hypoxic ventilatory response. Prog did not prevent the elevation of blood pressure, but effectively reduced the frequency of apneas during sleep and prevented the elevation of the hypoxic ventilatory response. In the cerebral cortex, IH increased NOX activity, and decreased the activity of the cytosolic and mitochondrial SOD, these effects were prevented by Prog. None of these enzyme activities were altered by IH or Prog supplementation in the brainstem. We conclude that Prog prevents the respiratory alterations induced by IH, and reduces oxidative stress in the brain cortex. These studies are useful to better understand the responses to IH and sleep apnea in women particularly after menopause.Support or Funding InformationSupported by CIHR.

Maternal endotoxemia induces renal collagen deposition in adult offspring: Role of NADPH oxidase/TGF-β1/MMP-2 signaling pathway

Maternal endotoxemia has been shown to increase renal collagen deposition in the offspring. Renal fibrosis is a hallmark of progressive chronic kidney disease. It was investigated whether maternal reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to renal fibrosis or exacerbates unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis in the offspring of dams treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, it was studied the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in these changes. Adults Wistar rats were obtained from dams submitted to LPS administration through the third part of gestation. To evaluate the role of maternal ROS, part of the dams received α-tocopherol simultaneously with LPS. Part of the offspring in each group was submitted to UUO at adulthood when sub-groups were treated with NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin. Maternal LPS administration increased proteinuria, systolic arterial pressure and renal collagen deposition in adult offspring. LPS offspring rats also presented higher MMP-2 activity in parallel to a decreased renal cortical TIMP-2 content. These changes were correlated to increased amounts of TGF-β1 and NOX2. Maternal α-tocopherol treatment prevented collagen deposition and reduced arterial pressure in adult offspring. α-Tocopherol also inhibited maternal endotoxemia-induced changes in TGF-β1/NOX2/MMP-2 signaling. UUO led to increased collagen deposition in the contralateral kidneys of LPS offspring, which was correlated to increased NADPH oxidase activity and prevented by NADPH oxidase inhibition. In summary, maternal endotoxemia led to alterations in the TGF-β1/NOX2/MMP-2 signaling pathway in renal tissue concomitant with collagen deposition, therefore contributing to hypertension in adult offspring.

Hydrogen peroxide alleviates salinity-induced damage through enhancing proline accumulation in wheat seedlings.

NADPH oxidase-mediated H2O2 maintains proline concentration under NaCl stress through regulating its biosynthesis and degradation, conferring salt tolerance to wheat plants. Considerable attention has been paid tothe specific role of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in plant stress responses. Here, using microscopic, pharmacological and biochemical approaches, we explored H2O2 production and its roles in redox control under salt stress in wheat roots. Exogenous H2O2 pretreatment decreased salt-induced lipid peroxidation, while increased proline content in wheat roots. Salt stress led to a transient increase in NADPH oxidase activity accompanied by accumulation of H2O2 and proline in roots. The elevated proline accumulation in the presence of NaCl was significantly suppressed by diphenyleneiodonium, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, and dimethylthiourea, a scavenger of H2O2. The rate-limiting enzyme involved in proline biosynthesis, Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), was induced by NaCl, whereas the house-keeping enzyme in proline degradation, proline dehydrogenase (ProDH), was inhibited. After 6h, the activity of P5CS increased by 1.5-fold, whereas ProDH decreased by 13.9%. The levels of these enzymes, however, were restored by NADPH oxidase inhibitor or H2O2 scavenger. After treatment with H2O2, the effects of diphenyleneiodonium and or dimethylthiourea on proline content and activities of P5CS and ProDH were reversed. These results suggested that NADPH oxidase-mediated H2O2 alleviates oxidative damage induced by salt stress through regulating proline biosynthesis and degradation.

Intermedin in Paraventricular Nucleus Attenuates Ang II-Induced Sympathoexcitation through the Inhibition of NADPH Oxidase-Dependent ROS Generation in Obese Rats with Hypertension.

Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) play a critical role in sympathetic overdrive in hypertension (OH). Intermedin (IMD), a bioactive peptide, has extensive clinically prospects in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases. The study was designed to test the hypothesis that IMD in the PVN can inhibit the generation of ROS caused by Ang II for attenuating sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and blood pressure (BP) in rats with obesity-related hypertension (OH). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (160–180 g) were used to induce OH by feeding of a high-fat diet (42% kcal as fat) for 12 weeks. The dynamic changes of sympathetic outflow were evaluated as the alterations of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses to certain chemicals. The results showed that the protein expressions of Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity-modifying protein 2 (RAMP2) and RAMP3 were markedly increased, but IMD was much lower in OH rats when compared to control rats. IMD itself microinjection into PVN not only lowered SNA, NADPH oxidase activity and ROS level, but also decreased Ang II-caused sympathetic overdrive, and increased NADPH oxidase activity, ROS levels and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) activation in OH rats. However, those effects were mostly blocked by the adrenomedullin (AM) receptor antagonist AM22-52 pretreatment. The enhancement of SNA caused by Ang II can be significantly attenuated by the pretreatment of AT1R antagonist lorsatan, superoxide scavenger Tempol and NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (Apo) in OH rats. ERK activation inhibitor U0126 in the PVN reversed Ang II-induced enhancement of SNA, and Apo and IMD pretreatment in the PVN decreased Ang II-induced ERK activation. Chronic IMD administration in the PVN resulted in significant reductions in basal SNA and BP in OH rats. Moreover, IMD lowered NADPH oxidase activity and ROS level in the PVN; reduced the protein expressions of AT1R and NADPH oxidase subunits NOX2 and NOX4, and ERK activation in the PVN; and decreased Ang II levels-inducing sympathetic overactivation. These results indicated that IMD via AM receptors in the PVN attenuates SNA and hypertension, and decreases Ang II-induced enhancement of SNA through the inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity and ERK activation.

Superoxide anions mediate the effects of angiotensin (1-7) analog, alamandine, on blood pressure and sympathetic activity in the paraventricular nucleus

Microinjection of alamandine into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) increased blood pressure and enhanced sympathetic activity. The aim of this study was to determine if superoxide anions modulate alamandine’s effects in the PVN. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) were recorded in anaesthetized normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Microinjection of alamandine into the PVN increased MAP and RSNA in both WKY rats and SHRs, although to a greater extent in SHRs. These effects were blocked by pretreatment with an alamandine receptor (MrgD) antagonist D-Pro7-Ang-(1–7). Pretreatment with superoxide anion scavengers, tempol and tiron, and NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (APO), also blocked the effects of alamandine on MAP and RSNA. In addition, pretreatment in the PVN with a superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DETC) potentiated the increases of MAP and RSNA induced by alamandine administration, with a greater response observed in SHRs. Superoxide anions and NADPH oxidase levels in the PVN were higher in SHRs than that in WKY rats. Alamandine treatment increased the levels of superoxide anions and NADPH oxidase in WKY and SHRs, however, with greater effect in SHRs. These alamandine-induced increases were inhibited by D-Pro7-Ang-(1–7) pretreatment in the PVN of both rats. These results demonstrate that superoxide anions in the PVN modulate alamandine-induced increases in blood pressure and sympathetic activity in both normotensive and hypertensive rats. Alamandine increases NADPH oxidase activity to induce superoxide anion production, which is mediated by the alamandine receptor.

Effects of direct high sodium exposure at endothelial cell migration

The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that high sodium affects the migratory phenotype of endothelial cells (EC) and investigates mechanisms involved independently of hemodynamic factors. Cell migration was evaluated by Wound-Healing at conditions: High Sodium (HS; 160 mM) and Control (CT; 140 mM). O2− production was evaluated by DHE. NADPH oxidase activity was determined by chemiluminescence assay. Expression of adhesion molecules was analyzed by RT-PCR. Shear Stress was performed using a rhythmic shake. Nitric oxide production was measured by Griess reaction. HS-induced impairment in EC migration while both Candesartan and DPI prevented it. HS increased NADPH oxidase activity, which was blocked by Candesartan. Also, HS increased O2− production that was inhibited by Candesartan. HS decreased adhesion molecules expression via ROS (Integrin Alpha 5, Integrin Beta 1, Integrin Beta 3, VE-Cadherin and PECAM) and via AT1R (PECAM). The nitric oxide production induced by shear stress was decreased after EC exposure to HS while both Candesartan and DPI prevented it. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that HS reduced EC migration by AT1R and ROS derived from NADPH Oxidase and mitochondria. The HS reduction in adhesion molecules expression modulated by ROS and AT1R may help to explain the impairment in migration capacity. Also, HS affected EC functionality by reducing their nitric oxide production in response to shear stress.

Role of PLD-PKCζ signaling axis in p47phox phosphorylation for activation of NADPH oxidase by angiotensin II in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.

We sought to determine the mechanism by which angiotensin II (ANGII) stimulates NADPH oxidase-mediated superoxide (O2 .- ) production in bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (BPASMCs). ANGII-induced increase in phospholipase D (PLD) and NADPH oxidase activities were inhibited upon pretreatment of the cells with chemical and genetic inhibitors of PLD2, but not PLD1. Immunoblot study revealed that ANGII treatment of the cells markedly increases protein kinase C-α (PKC-α), -δ, -ε, and -ζ levels in the cell membrane. Pretreatment of the cells with chemical and genetic inhibitors of PKC-ζ, but not PKC-α, -δ, and -ε, attenuated ANGII-induced increase in NADPH oxidase activity without a discernible change in PLD activity. Transfection of the cells with p47phox small interfering RNA inhibited ANGII-induced increase in NADPH oxidase activity without a significant change in PLD activity. Pretreatment of the cells with the chemical and genetic inhibitors of PLD2 and PKC-ζ inhibited ANGII-induced p47phox phosphorylation and subsequently translocation from cytosol to the cell membrane, and also inhibited its association with p22phox (a component of membrane-associated NADPH oxidase). Overall, PLD-PKCζ-p47phox signaling axis plays a crucial role in ANGII-induced increase in NADPH oxidase-mediated O2 .- production in the cells.

Hydrogen peroxide is involved in methane-induced tomato lateral root formation.

Pharmacological and molecular evidence reveals a novel role of methane (CH4) gas in root organogenesis, the induction of lateral root (LR) formation, and this response might require hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) synthesis. Although plants can produce CH4 and release this to atmosphere, the beneficial role(s) of CH4 are not fully elucidated. In this study, the fumigation with CH4 not only increased NADPH oxidase activity and H2O2 production, but also induced tomato lateral root primordial formation and thereafter LR development. However, exogenously applied argon and nitrogen failed to influence LR formation. Above responses triggered by CH4 were sensitive to the removal of endogenous H2O2 with dimethylthiourea (DMTU; a membrane-permeable scavenger of H2O2), suggesting the hypothesis that CH4's effect on LR formation could be mediated by endogenous H2O2. Diphenylene iodonium (DPI) inhibition of the H2O2 generating enzyme NADPH oxidase attenuated H2O2 synthesis and impaired LR formation in response to CH4, confirming the requirement of NADPH oxidase-dependent H2O2. Meanwhile, the alterations of endogenous H2O2 concentrations failed to influence CH4 production in tomato seedlings. Molecular evidence revealed that CH4-induced SlCDKA1, SlCYCA2;1, and SlCYCA3;1 transcripts, and -decreased SlKRP2 mRNA were impaired by DMTU or DPI. Contrasting changes in LR formation-related miR390a and miR160 transcripts and their target genes, including SlARF4 and SlARF16, were observed. Together, our pharmacological and molecular evidence suggested the requirement of H2O2 synthesis in CH4-triggered tomato LR formation, partially via the regulation of cell cycle regulatory genes, miRNA-, and tasiRNA-modulated gene expression.

Immunoproteasome Subunit β5i Promotes Ang II (Angiotensin II)-Induced Atrial Fibrillation by Targeting ATRAP (Ang II Type I Receptor-Associated Protein) Degradation in Mice.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and death. Ang II (angiotensin II) triggers AF, mainly through stimulation of the AT1R (Ang II type I receptor). The immunoproteasome is a highly efficient proteolytic machine derived from the constitutive proteasome, but the role it plays in regulating AT1R activation and triggering AF remains unknown. Here, we show that among the catalytic subunits, β5i (PSMB8) expression, and chymotrypsin-like activity were the most significantly upregulated in atrial tissue of Ang II-infused mice or serum from patients with AF. β5i KO (β5i knockout) in mice markedly attenuated Ang II-induced AF incidence, atrial fibrosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress compared with WT (wild type) animals, but injection with recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9-β5i increased these effects. Moreover, we found that ATRAP (AT1R-associated protein) was a target of β5i. Overexpression of ATRAP significantly attenuated Ang II-induced atrial remodeling and AF in recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9-β5i-injected mice. Mechanistically, Ang II upregulated β5i expression to promote ATRAP degradation, which resulted in activation of AT1R-mediated NF-κB signaling, increased NADPH oxidase activity, increased TGF (transforming growth factor)-β1/Smad signaling, and altered the expression of Kir2.1 and CX43 (connexin 43) in the atria, thereby affecting atrial remodeling and AF. In summary, this study identifies β5i as a negative regulator of ATRAP stability that contributes to AT1R activation and to AF, highlighting that targeting β5i activity may represent a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of hypertensive AF.