Inhibitory Effect Of Carbon Monoxide Research Articles

CO ameliorates cellular senescence and aging by modulating the miR-34a/Sirt1 pathway

Oxidative stress is recognised as a key factor that can lead to cellular senescence and aging. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by haemoxygenase-1 (HO-1), which exerts cytoprotective effects in aging-related diseases, whereas the effect of CO on cellular senescence and aging has not been elucidated. In the current study, we clearly demonstrated that CO delays the process of cellular senescence and aging through regulation of miR-34a and Sirt1 expression. CO reduced H2O2-induced premature senescence in human diploid fibroblast WI-38 cells measured with SA-β-Gal-staining. Furthermore, CO significantly decreased the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), including TNF-α IL-6, and PAI-1 and increased the transcriptional levels of antioxidant genes, such as HO-1 and NQO1. Moreover, CO apparently enhanced the expression of Sirt1 through down-regulation of miR-34a. Next, to determine whether Sirt1 mediates the inhibitory effect of CO on cellular senescence, we pre-treated WI-38 cells with the Sirt1 inhibitor Ex527 and a miR-34a mimic followed by the administration of H2O2 and evaluated the expression of SASP and antioxidant genes as well as ROS production. According to our results, Sirt1 is crucial for the antiaging and antioxidant effects of CO. Finally, CO prolonged the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans and delayed high-fat diet-induced liver aging. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that CO reduces cellular senescence and liver aging through the regulation of miR-34a and Sirt1.

CO ameliorates endothelial senescence induced by 5-fluorouracil through SIRT1 activation

Endothelial senescence is the main risk factor that contributes to vascular dysfunction and the progression of vascular disease. Carbon monoxide (CO) plays an important role in preventing vascular dysfunction and in maintaining vascular physiology or homeostasis. The application of exogenous CO has been shown to confer protection in several models of cardiovascular injury or disease, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, balloon-catheter injury, and graft rejection. However, the mechanism by which CO prevents endothelial senescence has been largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CO on endothelial senescence and to investigate the possible mechanisms underlying this process. We measured the levels of senescence-associated-β-galactosidase activity, senescence-associated secretory phenotype, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and stress granule in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and the WI-38 human diploid fibroblast cell line. We found that 5-fluorouracil (5FU)-induced ROS generation was inhibited by CO-releasing molecules (CORM)-A1 treatment, and endothelial senescence induced by 5FU was attenuated by CORM-A1 treatment. The SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 reversed the inhibitory effect of CO on the 5FU-induced endothelial senescence. Furthermore, SIRT1 deficiency abolished the stress granule formation by CO. Our results suggest that CO alleviates the endothelial senescence induced by 5FU through SIRT1 activation and may hence have therapeutic potential for the treatment of vascular diseases.

The inhibitory effect of carbon monoxide contained in hydrogen gas environment on hydrogen-accelerated fatigue crack growth and its loading frequency dependency

The effect of carbon monoxide (CO) contained in H2 gas as an impurity on the hydrogen-accelerated fatigue crack growth of A333 pipe steel was studied in association with loading frequency dependency. The addition of CO to H2 gas inhibited the accelerated fatigue crack growth due to the hydrogen. The inhibitory effect was affected by the CO content in the H2 gas, loading frequency, and crack growth rate. Based on these results, it was revealed that the inhibitory effect of CO was governed by both competition between the rate of fresh surface creation by the crack growth and the rate of coverage of the surface by CO and time for hydrogen diffusion in the material to the crack tip with reduced hydrogen entry by CO.

PP.42.19

Objective: Gasotransmitters (NO, H2S, CO) and traditional messengers (calcium, cyclic nucleotides, the products of phosphoinositides and proten kinase C) participate in the mechanisms of regulation of contractile function of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Since nitric oxide (NO), considered relaxing effects of gasotransmitters, but remain questions about the membrane and molecular targets of the actions of their effects. Design and method: Influence of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the electrical and contractile activities of smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig ureter and rat aorta were studied by methods of double sucrose bridge and mechanography. Results: It has been shown that CO donor (CORM II) causes a dose-dependent decrease of the contractile response of SMCs of the ureter and rat aorta and also reduces the amplitude and duration of the action potential plateau. The inhibitory effect of CO is attenuated by blocking potassium channels of SMCs with tetraethylammonium (TEA) or inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase (ODQ [1H- [1,2,4] -oxadiazolo [4,3-a] quinoxalin-l- one]). In experiments with a donor of hydrogen sulfide (NaHS), it was shown, that it has an activating effect on the electrical and contractile activities of SMCs of the guinea pig ureter, which is caused by the action of potassium conductivity of the membrane. Activating effect of H2S decreased by blocking ATP-dependent channels with glibenclamide. Analysis of the effect of H2S on sodium and calcium conductance of the membrane smooth muscles of the ureter using modified sodium-free and TEA-containing Krebs solution showed that the contribution of potassium conductance is mainly sold at high concentrations (100 and 1000 μmol) donor NaHS. Probably, that the impact of low concentrations of NaHS on the amplitude of contractions SMCs of the ureter and performed through the activation of the calcium component of the action potential. Conclusions: Thus, the effects of carbon monoxide on the electrical and contractile activities of SMCs are associated with an increase potassium conductivity of the membrane or the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. Activating effect of NaHS determined by involving sodium-dependent ion transporters to inhibition of potassium conductance of smooth muscles.

Carbon monoxide negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages

Inflammasomes are cytosolic protein complexes that promote the cleavage of caspase-1, which leads to the maturation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Among the known inflammasomes, the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3)-dependent inflammasome is critically involved in the pathogenesis of various acute or chronic inflammatory diseases. Carbon monoxide (CO), a gaseous molecule physiologically produced in cells and tissues during heme catabolism, can act as an anti-inflammatory molecule and a potent negative regulator of Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. To date, the role of CO in inflammasome-mediated immune responses has not been fully investigated. Here, we demonstrated that CO inhibited caspase-1 activation and the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ATP treatment in bone marrow-derived macrophages. CO also inhibited IL-18 secretion in response to LPS and nigericin treatment, another NLRP3 inflammasome activation model. In contrast, CO did not suppress IL-18 secretion in response to LPS and poly(dA:dT), an absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2)-mediated inflammasome model. LPS and ATP stimulation induced the formation of complexes between NLRP3 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, or NLRP3 and caspase-1. CO treatment inhibited these molecular interactions that were induced by LPS and ATP. Furthermore, CO inhibited mitochondrial ROS generation and the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by LPS and ATP in macrophages. We also observed that the inhibitory effect of CO on the translocation of mitochondrial DNA into the cytosol was associated with suppression of cytokine secretion. Our results suggest that CO negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction.

Carbon Monoxide Inhibits Tenascin-C Mediated Inflammation via IL-10 Expression in a Septic Mouse Model.

Tenascin-C (TN-C), an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, is specifically induced upon tissue injury and infection and during septic conditions. Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is known to exert various anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying the effect of CO on TN-C-mediated inflammation are unknown. In the present study, we found that treatment with LPS significantly enhanced TN-C expression in macrophages. CO gas, or treatment with the CO-donor compound, CORM-2, dramatically reduced LPS-induced expression of TN-C and proinflammatory cytokines while significantly increased the expression of IL-10. Treatment with TN-C siRNA significantly suppressed the effects of LPS on proinflammatory cytokines production. TN-C siRNA did not affect the CORM-2-dependent increase of IL-10 expression. In cells transfected with IL-10 siRNA, CORM-2 had no effect on the LPS-induced expression of TN-C and its downstream cytokines. These data suggest that IL-10 mediates the inhibitory effect of CO on TN-C and the downstream production of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, administration of CORM-2 dramatically reduced LPS-induced TN-C and proinflammatory cytokines production while expression of IL-10 was significantly increased. In conclusion, CO regulated IL-10 expression and thus inhibited TN-C-mediated inflammation in vitro and in vivo.

THE ROLE OF GASOTRANSMITTERS IN REGULATING OF THE FUNCTIONS OF SMOOTH MUSCLES: THE POSSIBLE EFFECTOR SYSTEMS

Influence of gasotransmitters carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) on the electrical and contractile activities of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the guinea pig ureter and rat aorta were studied by methods of double sucrose bridge and mechanography. It has been shown that CO causes a dose-dependent decrease of the contractile response of SMCs of the ureter and rat aorta and also reduces the amplitude and duration of the action potential plateau. Against the background of the action of biologically active substances, agonists α1-adrenergetic and H1-histaminergetic receptors (phenylephrine and histamine, respectively), these effects of CO donor (CORM II) were amplified. The inhibitory effect of CO on the parameters of the contractile and electrical activities of smooth muscles is attenuated by blocking potassium channels of plasma membrane with tetraethylammonium (TEA) or inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase (ODQ [1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-l-one]). Thus, the effects of carbon monoxide on the electrical and contractile activities of SMCs are associated with an increase potassium conductivity of the membrane or the activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. In experiments with a donor of hydrogen sulfide (NaHS), it was shown, that it has an activating effect on the electrical and contractile activities of smooth muscles of the guinea pig ureter, which is caused by the action of potassium conductivity of the membrane. Activating effect of H 2 S on the contractile properties of SMCs of the guinea pig ureter decreased by blocking ATP-dependent channels with glibenclamide. Analysis of the effect of H 2 S on sodium and calcium conductance of the membrane smooth muscles of the ureter using modified sodium-free and TEA- containing Krebs solution showed that the contribution of potassium conductance is mainly sold at high concentrations (100 and 1000 μmol) donor NaHS. Probably, that the impact of low concentrations of NaHS (10 μmol) on the amplitude of contractions SMCs of the ureter and performed through the activation of the calcium component of the action potential. It was shown, that activating effect of NaHS determined by involving sodium-dependent ion transporters to cAMP-dependent inhibition of potassium conductance membranes of smooth muscles.

THE ROLE OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE REGULATION OF ELECTRICAL AND CONTRACTILE PROPERTIES OF SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS OF THE GUINEA PIG URETER

Carbon monoxide CO, as well as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide, make up the family of labile biological mediators termed gasotransmitters. We hypothesized that CO may be involved in the mechanisms of regulation electrical and contractile properties of smooth muscles.The effects of carbon monoxide donor CORM II (tricarbonyldichlororuthenium(II)-dimer) on the electrical and contractile activities of smooth muscles of the guinea pig ureter were studied by the method of the double sucrose bridge. This method allows to register simultaneously the parameters of the action potential (AP) and the contraction of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), caused by an electrical stimulus.CORM II in a concentration of 10 mmol has reduced the amplitude of contractions SMCs to (86.5 ± 9.7)% (n = 6, p < 0.05), the amplitude of the AP to (88.9 ± 4.2)% (n = 6, p < 0.05) and the duration of the plateau of the AP to (91.7 ± 6.0)% (n = 6, p < 0.05). On the background of the action of biologically active substances (phenylephrine, 10 µmol or histamine, 10 µmol), these effects of CORM II amplified. The inhibitory action of СORM II on the parameters of the contractile and electrical activities of the smooth muscles of guinea pig ureter has been decreased by blocking potassium channels in membrane of SMCs by tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) оr inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase (ODQ [1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-l-one]). On the background of TEA (5 mmol), a donor of CO (10 mmol) caused a reduction the amplitude of contraction SMCs to (87.0 ± 10.8)% (n = 6, p < 0.05), the amplitude of the AP to (91.7 ± 6.4)% (n = 6, p < 0.05) and the duration of the plateau of the AP to (93.4 ± 7.5)% (n = 6, p < 0.05). After the pretreatment of ODQ (1 µmol) adding CORM II (10 mmol) in solution has resulted to augment of the amplitude of contraction ureteral smooth muscle strips to (90.9 ± 4.2)% (n = 6, p < 0.05), the amplitude of the AP to (97.2 ± 10.3)% (n = 6, p < 0.05) and the duration of the plateau of the AP to and (99.7 ± 10.0)% (n = 6, p < 0.05).Thus, can be argued the inhibitory effect of carbon monoxide on the electrical and contractile activities of the guinea pig ureter SMCs is due to changes in the ionic conductivity of the membranes, above all with increasing the potassium conductance or activation of soluble guanylate cyclase.

Carbon monoxide protects against ovariectomy-induced bone loss by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis

Carbon monoxide (CO) has been shown to have remarkable therapeutic value at low dosage by suppressing inflammation via inhibitory effects on macrophages, which are also precursors of osteoclasts (OC). The objective of the present study was to determine whether CO limits bone loss through its effects on osteoclastogenesis. Intraperitoneal injection of CO-releasing molecule 2 (CORM2) into mice with reduced bone mass due to ovariectomy (OVX) resulted in significantly elevated bone mass. Increased serum levels of collagen-type I fragments, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to OVX were also decreased when treated with CORM2. In vitro, CORM2 inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced OC formation without affecting bone resorption. CORM2 reduced long-lasting ROS levels and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in response to RANKL. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase partially reduced the inhibitory effect of CO. CO induced increase of peroxiredoxin 1 (PRX1) in BMM. Down-regulation of PRX1 reduced the inhibitory effect of CO on OC formation and sustained the ROS levels induced by RANKL, suggesting that CO reduces generation of ROS and scavenges ROS to inhibit osteoclastogenesis. These data suggest that the inhibitory effect of CO on osteoclastogenesis is caused by impaired RANKL signaling through defective NF-κB activation and reduced levels of long-lasting ROS. These changes result in decreased bone loss. Our data highlight the potential utility of CO for ameliorating bone loss induced by loss of ovarian function.

Pretreatment with CO-releasing molecules suppresses hepcidin expression during inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress through inhibition of the STAT3 and CREBH pathways

AbstractThe circulating peptide hormone hepcidin maintains systemic iron homeostasis. Hepcidin production increases during inflammation and as a result of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Elevated hepcidin levels decrease dietary iron absorption and promote iron sequestration in reticuloendothelial macrophages. Furthermore, increased plasma hepcidin levels cause hypoferremia and the anemia associated with chronic diseases. The signal transduction pathways that regulate hepcidin during inflammation and ER stress include the IL-6–dependent STAT-3 pathway and the unfolded protein response–associated cyclic AMP response element-binding protein-H (CREBH) pathway, respectively. We show that carbon monoxide (CO) suppresses hepcidin expression elicited by IL-6– and ER-stress agents by inhibiting STAT-3 phosphorylation and CREBH maturation, respectively. The inhibitory effect of CO on IL-6–inducible hepcidin expression is dependent on the suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) protein. Induction of ER stress in mice resulted in increased hepatic and serum hepcidin. CO administration inhibited ER-stress–induced hepcidin expression in vivo. Furthermore, ER stress caused iron accumulation in splenic macrophages, which could be prevented by CO. Our findings suggest novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic applications for CO, as well as therapeutic targets for the amelioration of anemia in the hypoferremic condition associated with chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases.

Heme oxygenase metabolites inhibit tubuloglomerular feedback in vivo

Tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) is a renal autoregulatory mechanism that constricts the afferent arteriole in response to increases in distal NaCl. Heme oxygenases (HO-1 and HO-2) release carbon monoxide (CO) and biliverdin, which may help control renal function. We showed in vitro that HO products inhibit TGF; however, we do not know whether this also occurs in vivo or the mechanism(s) involved. We hypothesized that in vivo HO-1 and HO-2 in the nephron inhibit TGF via release of CO and biliverdin. We first performed laser capture microdissection followed by real-time PCR and found that both HO-1 and HO-2 are expressed in the macula densa. We next performed micropuncture experiments in vivo on individual rat nephrons, adding different compounds to the perfusate, and found that an HO inhibitor, stannous mesoporphyrin (SnMP), potentiated TGF (P < 0.05, SnMP vs. control). The CO-releasing molecule (CORM)-3 partially inhibited TGF at 50 μmol/l (P < 0.01, CORM-3 vs. control) and blocked it completely at higher doses. A soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitor, LY83583, blocked the inhibitory effect of CORM-3 on TGF. Biliverdin also partially inhibited TGF (P < 0.01, biliverdin vs. control), most likely attributable to decreased superoxide (O(2)(-)) because biliverdin was rendered ineffective by tempol, a O(2)(-) dismutase mimetic. We concluded that HO-1 and HO-2 in the nephron inhibit TGF by releasing CO and biliverdin. The inhibitory effect of CO on TGF is mediated by the sGC/cGMP signaling pathway, whereas biliverdin probably acts by reducing O(2)(-).

Exogenous carbon monoxide protects the bystander Chinese hamster ovary cells in mixed coculture system after alpha-particle irradiation

In the present work, the inhibitory effect of carbon monoxide (CO), generated by tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) dimer [CO-releasing molecule (CORM-2)], on the toxicity of radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE) after alpha-particle irradiation was studied in a mixed coculture system. CO (CORM-2) treatment showed a significant inhibitory effect to the formation of p53 binding protein 1 (BP1) and micronuclei (MN) induced by RIBE in a concentration-dependent manner, but in the directly irradiated cell population no distinct decreases of BP1 and MN formation were observed. In this mixed coculture system, nitric oxide (NO) or superoxide anion (O2(*-)) was also proved to mediate the transduction of RIBE by using a NO synthase inhibitor or NADPH-oxidase-specific inhibitor treatment. The elevated O2(*-) was attenuated by CO (CORM-2) treatment in the bystander cells as measured by hydroethidine staining and fluorescence assessment. The exogenous NO (sper) or O2(*-) (H2O2) was used to mimic NO/O(2)-mediated RIBE, and CO (CORM-2) treatment also showed a protective effect to cells against the toxicity of these exogenous factors. Considering the inhibitory effect of CO on RIBE and the wide use of CO in therapy of diseases, it is hoped that a low concentration of CO can protect normal tissues against RIBE during radiotherapy.

Carbon monoxide differentially inhibits TLR signaling pathways by regulating ROS-induced trafficking of TLRs to lipid rafts

Carbon monoxide (CO), a byproduct of heme catabolism by heme oxygenase (HO), confers potent antiinflammatory effects. Here we demonstrate that CO derived from HO-1 inhibited Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, 4, 5, and 9 signaling, but not TLR3-dependent signaling, in macrophages. Ligand-mediated receptor trafficking to lipid rafts represents an early event in signal initiation of immune cells. Trafficking of TLR4 to lipid rafts in response to LPS was reactive oxygen species (ROS) dependent because it was inhibited by diphenylene iodonium, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, and in gp91phox-deficient macrophages. CO selectively inhibited ligand-induced recruitment of TLR4 to lipid rafts, which was also associated with the inhibition of ligand-induced ROS production in macrophages. TLR3 did not translocate to lipid rafts by polyinosine-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)). CO had no effect on poly(I:C)-induced ROS production and TLR3 signaling. The inhibitory effect of CO on TLR-induced cytokine production was abolished in gp91phox-deficient macrophages, also indicating a role for NADPH oxidase. CO attenuated LPS-induced NADPH oxidase activity in vitro, potentially by binding to gp91phox. Thus, CO negatively controlled TLR signaling pathways by inhibiting translocation of TLR to lipid rafts through suppression of NADPH oxidase–dependent ROS generation.

Inhaled carbon monoxide inhibits intimal hyperplasia and provides added benefit with nitric oxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO) have both been shown to possess vasoprotective properties. NO has successfully inhibited intimal hyperplasia in both small-animal and large-animal experimental models, whereas CO has only been studied in rodents. Evidence suggests that these two molecules may exert their vascular effects through common as well as unique signaling pathways. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a low concentration of inhaled CO on intimal hyperplasia in a large-animal model and if CO and NO treatment could exert a synergistic effect to inhibit this process. Balloon angioplasty was performed in a porcine model. Animals received inhaled CO (250 ppm) delivered preoperatively for 60 minutes or preoperatively and intraoperatively. Blood was collected for carboxyhemoglobin (COHgb) measurements at the start of the operation and every 30 minutes during the operation. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation were monitored throughout. To study the effect of combined CO and NO treatment, another group of pigs received inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene transfer in one iliac artery and control gene transfer (AdlacZ) in the contralateral iliac artery, with or without preoperative and intraoperative inhaled CO. Adenoviral infection was performed immediately after balloon injury. All animals were euthanized at 3 weeks, and iliac arteries were collected for histologic and morphometric analysis. One hour of pretreatment with CO was associated with modest and transient elevations in COHgb levels, resulting in a 25.6% reduction in neointimal area and a 10% reduction in intimal area/medial area ratio (I/M) 3 weeks after injury (NS). In contrast, preoperative followed by intraoperative CO administration increased COHgb in a sustained fashion and inhibited neointima formation by 51.7% and I/M by 31% (P < .001). There was no evidence of toxicity associated with this administration of CO. The treatment of injured iliac arteries with the control adenoviral vector AdlacZ did not further increase the inhibitory effect of CO on intimal hyperplasia. The combination of inhaled CO and iNOS gene transfer resulted in greater protection, however, with a 64% reduction in neointimal area and a 48% reduction in I/M (P < .001). CO is an effective means of reducing intimal hyperplasia in large animals after vascular injury when delivered during the operative procedure. No toxicity was associated with the increase in COHgb. The combination of CO and NO provided additional protection against the vascular injury response, with a greater reduction in neointima formation. These data suggest that these agents may prove to be clinically beneficial in prolonging vascular patency after interventions.

Inhibition of cellular respiration by endogenously produced carbon monoxide

Endogenously produced nitric oxide (NO) interacts with mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, leading to inhibition of cellular respiration. This interaction has been shown to have important physiological and pathophysiological consequences. Exogenous carbon monoxide (CO) is also known to inhibit cytochrome c oxidase in vitro; however, it is not clear whether endogenously produced CO can inhibit cellular respiration and, if so, what the significance of this might be. In this study, we show that exogenous CO inhibits respiration in a moderate but persistent manner in HEK293 cells under ambient (21%) oxygen concentrations (K(i) = 1.44 microM). This effect of CO was increased (K(i) = 0.35 microM) by incubation in hypoxic conditions (1% oxygen). Endogenous CO, generated by HEK293 cells transfected with the inducible isoform of haem oxygenase (haem oxygenase-1; HO-1), also inhibited cellular respiration moderately (by 12%) and this was accompanied by inhibition (23%) of cytochrome c oxidase activity. When the cells were incubated in hypoxic conditions during HO-1 induction, the inhibitory effect of CO on cell respiration was markedly increased to 70%. Furthermore, endogenously produced CO was found to be responsible for the respiratory inhibition that occurs in RAW264.7 cells activated in hypoxic conditions with lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma, in the presence of N-(iminoethyl)-L-ornithine to prevent the synthesis of NO. Our results indicate that CO contributes significantly to the respiratory inhibition in activated cells, particularly under hypoxic conditions. Inhibition of cell respiration by endogenous CO through its interaction with cytochrome c oxidase might have an important role in inflammatory and hypoxic conditions.

Transient carbon monoxide inhibits the ventilatory responses to hypoxia through peripheral mechanisms in the rat

Hypoxia inhibits K + channels of chemoreceptors of the carotid body (CB), which is reversed by transient carbon monoxide (CO), suggesting an inhibitory effect of CO on hypoxic stimulation of carotid chemoreceptors. Therefore, we hypothesized that the ventilatory responses to hypoxic stimulation of the CB might be depressed in intact rats by transient inhalation of CO. Anesthetized, spontaneously breathing rats were exposed to room air, and 1 min of 11% O 2 (HYP) and CO (0.25–2%) alone and in combination (HYP + CO). We found that transient CO did not affect baseline cardiorespiratory variables, but significantly attenuated hypoxic ventilatory augmentation, predominantly via reduction of tidal volume. To distinguish whether this CO modulation occurs at the CB or within the central nervous system, the cardiorespiratory responses to electrical stimulation of the fastigial nucleus (FN), a cerebellar nucleus known excitatory to respiration, were compared before and during transient CO. Our results showed that the FN-mediated cardiorespiratory responses were not significantly changed by transient CO exposure. To evaluate the effect of CO accumulation, we also compared baseline cardiorespiratory responses to 5 min of 1% and 2% CO, respectively. Interestingly, only the latter produced a biphasic ventilatory response (initial increase followed by decrease) associated with hypotension. We conclude that eupneic breathing in anesthetized rat was not affected by transient CO, but was altered by prolonged exposure to higher levels of CO. Moreover, transient CO depresses hypoxic ventilatory responses mainly through peripherally inhibiting hypoxic stimulation of carotid chemoreceptors.

Carbon Monoxide Differentially Modulates STAT1 and STAT3 and Inhibits Apoptosis via a Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt and p38 Kinase-dependent STAT3 Pathway during Anoxia-Reoxygenation Injury

Carbon monoxide (CO), previously considered a toxic waste product of heme catabolism, is emerging as an important gaseous molecule. In addition to its important role in neurotransmission, exogenous CO protects against vascular injury, transplant rejection, and acute lung injury. However, little is known regarding the precise signaling mechanisms of CO. We have recently shown that CO attenuates endothelial cell apoptosis during anoxia-reoxygenation injury by activating MKK3/p38alpha mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Our current study is the first to demonstrate that CO can differentially modulate STAT1 and STAT3 activation and, specifically, that STAT3 activation by CO is responsible for the anti-apoptotic effect in endothelial cells. In addition, we show that the anti-apoptotic effects of CO depend upon both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in endothelial cells, whereas previous reports have implicated only the MKK3/p38 MAPK pathway. Using chemical inhibitors and dominant negative constructs, we show that CO enhances STAT3 activation via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and p38 MAPK pathways with subsequent attenuation of Fas expression and caspase 3 activity. These data highlight the anti-apoptotic signaling mechanisms of CO and, importantly, delineate potential therapeutic strategies to prevent ischemia-reperfusion or anoxia-reoxygenation injury in the vasculature.

CARBON MONOXIDE INHALATION PROTECTS HEART ALLOGRAFTS FROM CHRONIC REJECTION

O69 Aims: Chronic rejection (CR) remains the major obstacle in successful organ transplantation. Heme oxygenase system is shown to provide protection against several inflammatory reactions including CR. Since carbon monoxide (CO), a by-product of heme catalysis, has also been shown to exert similar cytoprotective effects against a variety of stimuli, this study evaluated the efficacy of CO in preventing CR in rat heterotopic heart transplantation (HHT) model. Methods: Fully allogeneic HHT was performed in LEW to BN rat strain combination under short course FK506 (0.5 mg/kg, d0-6). Recipients were either kept in air or exposed to CO (20 ppm) for 28 days continuously after HHT. Cytokine mRNA levels, flowcytometry, mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR), graft histopathology, and graft survival were analyzed. Results (Table): In CO-treated recipients, blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels were maintained at 10 % during CO exposure, compared to 1.4 % in air controls. CO treatment was remarkably effective in prolonging heart graft survival to a median of >100 days from 45 days in air control group. Severe histopathological changes associating with CR seen in control allografts were markedly reduced in CO-treated allografts with less numbers of infiltrating ED1+ macrophages. Th1 type cytokine (IL-2, IFNγ) upregulation in the spleen of air group at d28 was significantly downregulated with CO, associating with a considerable reduction of splenic CD25 (IL-2R) expression. Levels of anti-donor IgG antibodies at d50 were also notably reduced in CO-treated recipients. In addition, early short CO exposure (d0-13) was more effective in prolonging graft survival than later exposure (d14-28) (74 vs 57 days), suggesting that CO exposure during the early acute phase was more effective. As CO was shown to exert potent protection against oxidative stress, CO inhibited an early upregulation (3 hours post reperfusion) of inflammatory mediators (TNFα, endothelin-1, IL-1β, IL-6) in this model with significantly lower serum CPK levels. These results suggested that the efficacy of CO in preventing CR in this study was in part mediated via the anti-inflammatory effect of CO on I/R injury, which was known to have strong impacts on subsequent alloimmune responses and CR development. Additionally, direct inhibitory effect of CO on T cell activation was confirmed in vitro assays. When C3H/He mouse T cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 mAb for 48 hours under 20 ppm CO, T cell proliferation was markedly reduced to 78% without affecting T cell viability. Inhibition of T cell proliferation with CO associated with decreased production of IL-2 and IFNγ in the culture supernatant.Table: . (*p<0.05 vs air, mRNA levels; fold-increase vs normal samples).Conclusion: The study for the first time shows that low dose CO inhalation to recipients effectively improves whole organ allograft function and survival by inhibiting the development of CR. CO appears to downregulate alloimmune responses via the direct inhibition of Th1 type cytokine responses and via the indirect regulation of anti-inflammatory responses.

Regulation of IL-1beta -induced GM-CSF production in human airway smooth muscle cells by carbon monoxide.

Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, involves the increased expression of inflammatory mediators, including granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a stress-response protein, confers protection against oxidative stress. We hypothesized that carbon monoxide (CO), a byproduct of HO-1-dependent heme catabolism, regulates GM-CSF synthesis in human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMC). IL-1beta treatment induced a time-dependent induction of GM-CSF in HASMC. Furthermore, IL-1beta stimulated the major MAPK pathways, including ERK1/ERK2, JNK, and p38 MAPK. Exposure of HASMC to CO at low concentration (250 ppm) markedly inhibited IL-1beta-induced GM-CSF synthesis (>90%) compared with air-treated controls. CO treatment inhibited IL-1beta-induced ERK1/2 activation but did not inhibit JNK and p38 MAPK. Furthermore, CO increased cGMP levels in HASMC. Inhibition of guanylate cyclase by IH-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-1 (ODQ) abolished the inhibitory effects of CO on GM-CSF synthesis and ERK1/2 activation. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of CO on GM-CSF synthesis depends on ERK1/2 MAPK and guanylate cyclase/cGMP-dependent pathways.

Role of the haeme oxygenase/carbon monoxide pathway in mechanical nociceptor hypersensitivity.

The cleavage of haeme by haeme oxygenase (HO) yields carbon monoxide (CO), a biologically active molecule which exerts most of its effects via activation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that endogenous CO could modulate inflammatory hyperalgesia. The intensity of hyperalgesia was investigated in a model of mechanical nociceptor hypersensitivity in rats. The intra-plantar (i.pl.) administration of the HO inhibitor, ZnDPBG (Zinc deuteroporphyrin 2,4-bis glycol), potentiated in a dose-dependent manner the mechanical nociceptor hypersensitivity evoked by i.pl. administration of carrageenan. The mechanical hypersensitivity evoked by i.pl. injection of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), but not interleukin-8 (IL-8), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) or dopamine, was also enhanced by ZNDPBG: Moreover, the haeme (HO substrate) injection in the paws reduced the hypersensitivity evoked by IL-1beta, but not PGE(2). Furthermore, i.pl. administration of the gas CO reduced the hypersensitivity elicited by PGE(2). The inhibitory effect of haeme and CO upon mechanical nociceptor hypersensitivity were counteracted by a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor, ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one), suggesting that this effect of CO is mediated via cyclic GMP. Finally, the inhibitory effect of CO upon mechanical nociceptor hypersensitivity was prevented by the NO synthase blocker, L-NMMA (N(G)-monomethyl L-arginine), suggesting that the impairment of mechanical hypersensitivity elicited by CO depends on the integrity of the NO pathway. In conclusion, the results presented in this paper imply that endogenously CO produced by HO plays an anti-hyperalgesic role in inflamed paws, probably by increasing the intracellular levels of cyclic GMP in the primary afferent neurone.