Differential effects of eNOS uncoupling on conduit and small arteries in GTP-cyclohydrolase I-deficient hph-1 mice

In the present study, we used the hph-1 mouse, which displays GTP-cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH I) deficiency, to test the hypothesis that loss of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) in conduit and small arteries activates compensatory mechanisms designed to protect vascular wall from oxidative stress induced by uncoupling of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Both GTPCH I activity and BH(4) levels were reduced in the aortas and small mesenteric arteries of hph-1 mice. However, the BH(4)-to-7,8-dihydrobiopterin ratio was significantly reduced only in hph-1 aortas. Furthermore, superoxide anion and 3-nitrotyrosine production were significantly enhanced in aortas but not in small mesenteric arteries of hph-1 mice. In contrast to the aorta, protein expression of copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) was significantly increased in small mesenteric arteries of hph-1 mice. Protein expression of catalase was increased in both aortas and small mesenteric arteries of hph-1 mice. Further analysis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling demonstrated that protein expression of phosphorylated Ser(1177)-eNOS as well as basal cGMP levels and hydrogen peroxide was increased in hph-1 aortas. Increased production of hydrogen peroxide in hph-1 mice aortas appears to be the most likely mechanism responsible for phosphorylation of eNOS and elevation of cGMP. In contrast, upregulation of CuZnSOD and catalase in resistance arteries is sufficient to protect vascular tissue from increased production of reactive oxygen species generated by uncoupling of eNOS. The results of our study suggest that anatomical origin determines the ability of vessel wall to cope with oxidative stress induced by uncoupling of eNOS.     

The EGCg-induced redox-sensitive activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and relaxation are critically dependent on hydroxyl moieties

Several rich sources of polyphenols stimulate the endothelial formation of nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasoprotecting factor, via the redox-sensitive activation of the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway leading to the phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). The present study examined the molecular mechanism underlying the stimulatory effect of epicatechins on eNOS. NO-mediated relaxation was assessed using porcine coronary artery rings in the presence of indomethacin, and charybdotoxin plus apamin, inhibitors of cyclooxygenases and EDHF-mediated responses, respectively. The phosphorylation level of Akt and eNOS was assessed in cultured coronary artery endothelial cells by Western blot, and ROS formation using dihydroethidine. (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCg) caused endothelium-dependent relaxations in coronary artery rings and the phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS in endothelial cells. These responses were inhibited by membrane-permeant analogues of superoxide dismutase and catalase, whereas native superoxide dismutase, catalase and inhibitors of major enzymatic sources of reactive oxygen species including NADPH oxidase, xanthine oxidase, cytochrome P450 and the mitochondrial respiration chain were without effect. The EGCg derivative with all hydroxyl functions methylated induced neither relaxations nor the intracellular formation of ROS, whereas both responses were observed when the hydroxyl functions on the gallate moiety were present. In conclusion, EGCg causes endothelium-dependent NO-mediated relaxations of coronary artery rings through the Akt-dependent activation of eNOS in endothelial cells. This response is initiated by the intracellular formation of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide, and is critically dependent on the gallate moiety and on the presence of hydroxyl functions possibly through intracellular auto-oxidation.     

Critical role of endothelial cell-derived nitric oxide synthase in sickle cell disease-induced microvascular dysfunction

Superoxide, which can limit nitric oxide bioavailability, has been implicated in blood cell-vessel wall interactions observed in sickle cell transgenic (beta(S)) mice. Here we report that nonselective chemical inhibition of nitric oxide synthase isoforms dramatically reduces the enhanced leukocyte and platelet adhesion normally observed in cerebral venules of beta(S) mice. Although genetic deficiency of vascular wall inducible nitric oxide synthase does not alter adhesion responses in beta(S) mice, a significant attenuation is noted in beta(S) mice with vascular wall endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) deficiency, while the adhesion responses are exacerbated when eNOS is overexpressed in microvessels. The eNOS-mediated enhancement of blood cell adhesion is reversible by pretreatment with sepiapterin (which generates the eNOS cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin) or polyethyleneglycol-superoxide dismutase, implicating a role for eNOS-dependent superoxide production. These findings suggest that an imbalance between eNOS-derived nitric oxide and superoxide, both generated by the vessel wall, is critical to the proinflammatory and prothrombogenic phenotype that is assumed by the microvasculature in sickle cell disease.     

Grape seed extract enhances eNOS expression and NO production through regulating calcium‐mediated AKT phosphorylation in H2O2‐treated endothelium

GSE (grape seed extract) has been shown to exhibit protective effects against cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis, although the underlying molecular mechanisms of action are unknown. Herein, we assessed the ability of GSE to enhance eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) expression and NO (nitric oxide) production in H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide)‐treated HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells). GSE enhanced eNOS expression and NO release in H₂O₂‐treated cells in a dose‐dependent manner. GSE inhibited intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) and reduced intracellular calcium in a dose‐dependent manner in H₂O₂‐treated cells, as shown by confocal microscopy. ROS was inhibited in cells pretreated with 5.0 μM GSE, 2.0 μM TG (thapsigargin) and 20.0 μM 2‐APB (2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate) instead of 0.25 μM extracellular calcium. In addition, GSE enhanced eNOS expression and reduced ROS production via increasing p‐AKT (AKT phosphorylation) with high extracellular calcium (13 mM). In conclusion, GSE protected against endothelial injury by up‐regulation of eNOS and NO expression via inhibiting InsP₃Rs (inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors)‐mediated intracellular excessive calcium release and by activating p‐AKT in endothelial cells.     

Catalase activity prevents exercise-induced up-regulation of vasoprotective proteins in venous tissue

Physical activity induces favourable changes of arterial gene expression and protein activity, although little is known about its effect in venous tissue. Although our understanding of the initiating molecular signals is still incomplete, increased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is considered a key event. This study sought to investigate the effects of two different training protocols on the expression of eNOS and extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) in venous and lung tissue and to evaluate the underlying molecular mechanisms. C57Bl/6 mice underwent voluntary exercise or forced physical activity. Changes of vascular mRNA and protein levels and activity of eNOS, ecSOD and catalase were determined in aorta, heart, lung and vena cava. Both training protocols similarly increased relative heart weight and resulted in up-regulation of aortic and myocardial eNOS. In striking contrast, eNOS expression in vena cava and lung remained unchanged. Likewise, exercise up-regulated ecSOD in the aorta and in left ventricular tissue but remained unchanged in lung tissue. Catalase expression in lung tissue and vena cava of exercised mice exceeded that in aorta by 6.9- and 10-fold, respectively, suggesting a lack of stimulatory effects of hydrogen peroxide. In accordance, treatment of mice with the catalase inhibitor aminotriazole for 6 weeks resulted in significant up-regulation of eNOS and ecSOD in vena cava. These data suggest that physiological venous catalase activity prevents exercise-induced up-regulation of eNOS and ecSOD. Furthermore, therapeutic inhibition of vascular catalase might improve pulmonary rehabilitation.     

Reduction of blood pressure,plasma cholesterol,and atherosclerosis by elevated endothelial nitric oxide

In the vascular system, nitric oxide is generated by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). NO has pleiotropic effects, most of which are believed to be atheroprotective. Therefore, it has been argued that patients suffering from cardiovascular disease could benefit from an increase in eNOS activity. However, increased NO production can cause oxidative damage, cell toxicity, and apoptosis and hence could be atherogenic rather than beneficial. To study the in vivo effects of increased eNOS activity, we created transgenic mice overexpressing human eNOS. Aortic blood pressure was approximately 20 mm Hg lower in the transgenic mice compared with control mice because of lower systemic vascular resistance. The effects of eNOS overexpression on diet-induced atherosclerosis were studied in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Elevation of eNOS activity decreased blood pressure ( approximately 20 mm Hg) and plasma levels of cholesterol ( approximately 17%), resulting in a reduction in atherosclerotic lesions by 40%. We conclude that an increase in eNOS activity is beneficial and provides protection against atherosclerosis.     

The overexpression catalase reduces NO-mediated inhibition of endothelial NO synthase

Previously, we have demonstrated that increased superoxide generation plays a role in the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated inhibition of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in endothelial cells (ECs) and that the overexpression of SOD1 could reduce the inhibitory effect of NO. However, SOD1 overexpression did not completely abolish the inhibition of eNOS by NO, indicating the presence of other inhibitory mechanisms. Because superoxide can be dismutated into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), in this study we determined whether exposure of ECs to NO resulted in increased generation of H2O2 and the potential role of H2O2 in eNOS inhibition. Our results indicated that H2O2 levels were increased in response to NO. Using adenoviral-mediated infection, we demonstrated that catalase overexpression both increased basal eNOS activity in the absence of NO and provided a significant protective effect on eNOS activity in the presence of NO. This protective effect was associated with a significant decrease in H2O2 levels in the presence of NO. In conclusion, our results indicate that increased levels of H2O2 may be involved in the inhibition of eNOS by NO and that the scavenging of H2O2 may be useful to prevent eNOS inhibition during treatments that involve inhaled NO or NO donors.     

Endothelial function and vascular oxidative stress in long-lived GH/IGF-deficient Ames dwarf mice

Hypopituitary Ames dwarf mice have low circulating growth hormone (GH)/IGF-I levels, and they have extended longevity and exhibit many symptoms of delayed aging. To elucidate the vascular consequences of Ames dwarfism we compared endothelial O2(-) and H2O2 production, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, expression of antioxidant enzymes, and nitric oxide (NO) production in aortas of Ames dwarf and wild-type control mice. In Ames dwarf aortas endothelial O2(-) and H2O2 production and ROS generation by mitochondria were enhanced compared with those in vessels of wild-type mice. In Ames dwarf aortas there was a less abundant expression of Mn-SOD, Cu,Zn-SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-1, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). NO production and acetylcholine-induced relaxation were also decreased in aortas of Ames dwarf mice. In cultured wild-type mouse aortas and in human coronary arterial endothelial cells treatment with GH and IGF significantly reduced cellular O2(-) and H2O2 production and ROS generation by mitochondria and upregulated expression of Mn-SOD, Cu,Zn-SOD, GPx-1, and eNOS. Thus GH and IGF-I promote antioxidant phenotypic changes in the endothelial cells, whereas Ames dwarfism leads to vascular oxidative stress.     

Oleoyl-Lysophosphatidylcholine Limits Endothelial Nitric Oxide Bioavailability by Induction of Reactive Oxygen Species

Previously we reported modulation of endothelial prostacyclin and interleukin-8 production, cyclooxygenase-2 expression and vasorelaxation by oleoyl- lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC 18:1). In the present study, we examined the impact of this LPC on nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in vascular endothelial EA.hy926 cells. Basal NO formation in these cells was decreased by LPC 18:1. This was accompanied with a partial disruption of the active endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)- dimer, leading to eNOS uncoupling and increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The LPC 18:1-induced ROS formation was attenuated by the superoxide scavenger Tiron, as well as by the pharmacological inhibitors of eNOS, NADPH oxidases, flavin-containing enzymes and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Intracellular ROS-formation was most prominent in mitochondria, less pronounced in cytosol and undetectable in endoplasmic reticulum. Importantly, Tiron completely prevented the LPC 18:1-induced decrease in NO bioavailability in EA.hy926 cells. The importance of the discovered findings for more in vivo like situations was analyzed by organ bath experiments in mouse aortic rings. LPC 18:1 attenuated the acetylcholine-induced, endothelium dependent vasorelaxation and massively decreased NO bioavailability. We conclude that LPC 18:1 induces eNOS uncoupling and unspecific superoxide production. This results in NO scavenging by ROS, a limited endothelial NO bioavailability and impaired vascular function.     

Endothelium derived nitric oxide synthase negatively regulates the PDGF-survivin pathway during flow-dependent vascular remodeling

Chronic alterations in blood flow initiate structural changes in vessel lumen caliber to normalize shear stress. The loss of endothelial derived nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in mice promotes abnormal flow dependent vascular remodeling, thus uncoupling mechanotransduction from adaptive vascular remodeling. However, the mechanisms of how the loss of eNOS promotes abnormal remodeling are not known. Here we show that abnormal flow-dependent remodeling in eNOS knockout mice (eNOS (-/-)) is associated with activation of the platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway leading to the induction of the inhibitor of apoptosis, survivin. Interfering with PDGF signaling or survivin function corrects the abnormal remodeling seen in eNOS (-/-) mice. Moreover, nitric oxide (NO) negatively regulates PDGF driven survivin expression and cellular proliferation in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. Collectively, our data suggests that eNOS negatively regulates the PDGF-survivin axis to maintain proportional flow-dependent luminal remodeling and vascular quiescence.     

Production of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) over-expressing piglets

Vascular function, vascular structure, and homeostasis are thought to be regulated in part by nitric oxide (NO) released by endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and NO released by eNOS plays an important role in modulating metabolism of skeletal and cardiac muscle in health and disease. The pig is an optimal model for human diseases because of the large number of important similarities between the genomic, metabolic and cardiovascular systems of pigs and humans. To gain a better understanding of cardiovascular regulation by eNOS we produced pigs carrying an endogenous eNOS gene driven by a Tie-2 promoter and tagged with a V5 His tag. Nuclear transfer was conducted to create these animals and the effects of two different oocyte activation treatments and two different culture systems were examined. Donor cells were electrically fused to the recipient oocytes. Electrical fusion/activation (1 mM calcium in mannitol: Treatment 1) and electrical fusion (0.1 mM calcium in mannitol)/chemical activation (200 μM Thimerosal for 10 min followed by 8 mM DTT for 30 min: Treatment 2) were used. Embryos were surgically transferred to the oviducts of gilts that exhibited estrus on the day of fusion or the day of transfer. Two cloned transgenic piglets were born from Treatment 1 and low oxygen, and another two from Treatment 2 and normal oxygen. PCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry confirmed that the pigs were transgenic, made message, made the fusion protein and that the fusion protein localized to the endothelial cells of placental vasculature from the conceptuses as did the endogenous eNOS. Thus both activation conditions and culture systems are compatible with development to term. These pigs will serve as the founders for a colony of miniature pigs that will help to elucidate the function of eNOS in regulating muscle metabolism and the cardiorespiratory system.     

Overexpression of catalase provides partial protection to transgenic mouse beta cells.

Pancreatic beta cells are sensitive to reactive oxygen species and this may play an important role in type 1 diabetes and during transplantation. Beta cells contain low levels of enzyme systems that protect against reactive oxygen species. The weakest link in their protection system is a deficiency in the ability to detoxify hydrogen peroxide by the enzymes glutathione peroxidase and catalase. We hypothesize that the deficit in the ability to dispose of reactive oxygen species is responsible for the unusual sensitivity of beta cells and that increasing protection will result in more resistant beta cells. To test these hypotheses we have produced transgenic mice with increased beta cell levels of catalase. Seven lines of catalase transgenic mice were produced using the insulin promoter to direct pancreatic beta cell specific expression. Catalase activity in islets from these mice was increased by as much as 50-fold. Northern blot analysis of several tissues indicated that overexpression was specific to the pancreatic islet. Catalase overexpression had no detrimental effects on islet function. To test whether increased catalase activity could protect the transgenic islets we exposed them to hydrogen peroxide, streptozocin, and interleukin-1beta. Fifty-fold overexpression of catalase produced marked protection of islet insulin secretion against hydrogen peroxide and significantly reduced the diabetogenic effect of streptozocin in vivo. However, catalase overexpression did not provide protection against interleukin-1beta toxicity and did not alter the effects of syngeneic and allogenic transplantation on islet insulin content. Our results indicate that in the pancreatic beta cell overexpression of catalase is protective against some beta cell toxins and is compatible with normal function.     

Hemodynamic and biochemical adaptations to vascular smooth muscle overexpression of p22phox in mice

Protein levels and polymorphisms of p22(phox) have been suggested to modulate vascular NAD(P)H oxidase activity and vascular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We sought to determine whether increasing p22(phox) expression would alter vascular ROS production and hemodynamics by targeting p22(phox) expression to smooth muscle in transgenic (Tg) mice. Aortas of Tg(p22smc) mice had increased p22(phox) and Nox1 protein levels and produced more superoxide and H(2)O(2). Surprisingly, endothelium-dependent relaxation and blood pressure in Tg(p22smc) mice were normal. Aortas of Tg(p22smc) mice produced twofold more nitric oxide (NO) at baseline and sevenfold more NO in response to calcium ionophore as detected by electron spin resonance. Western blot analysis revealed a twofold increase in endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein expression in Tg(p22smc) mice. Both eNOS expression and NO production were normalized by infusion of the glutathione peroxidase mimetic ebselen or by crossing Tg(p22smc) mice with mice overexpressing catalase. We have previously found that NO stimulates extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) expression in vascular smooth muscle. In keeping with this, aortic segments from Tg(p22smc) mice expressed twofold more ecSOD, and chronic treatment with the NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester normalized this, suggesting that NO regulates ecSOD protein expression in vivo. These data indicate that chronic oxidative stress caused by excessive H(2)O(2) production evokes a compensatory response involving increased eNOS expression and NO production. NO in turn increases ecSOD protein expression and counterbalances increased ROS production leading to the maintenance of normal vascular function and hemodynamics.     

Protective effect of Ligusticum chuanxiong and Angelica sinensis on endothelial cell damage induced by hydrogen peroxide

Ligusticum chuanxiong and Angelica sinensis have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat some pathological settings such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. We determined the protective effect of the extract of Ligusticum chuanxiong and Angelica sinensis (ELCAS) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECV304) damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. ECV304 cells were pre-treated with ELCAS and exposed to 5 mM hydrogen peroxide. The results show that ELCAS dose- and time-dependently protected ECV304 cells against hydrogen peroxide damage and suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The decrement of ROS may be associated with increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Western blot analysis revealed that ELCAS significantly increased the phosphorylation of ERK and promoted eNOS expression. These observations indicate that ELCAS protected ECV304 cells against hydrogen peroxide damage by enhancing the antioxidative ability, activating ERK and eNOS signaling pathway. Our data also provide new evidence of Ligusticum chuanxiong and Angelica sinensis in preventing both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.     

Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) and other Endogenous Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) Inhibitors as an Important Cause of Vascular Insulin Resistance

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and NG-monomethyl- L-arginine ( L-NMMA) are important endogenous endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitors. Studies have shown that patients with insulin resistance have elevated plasma levels of ADMA. Moreover, ADMA levels have a prognostic value on long-term outcome of patients with coronary artery disease. Insulin resistance, a disorder associated to inadequate biological responsiveness to the actions of exogenous or endogenous insulin, is a metabolic condition, which exists in patients with cardiovascular diseases. This disorder affects the functional balance of vascular endothelium via changes of nitric oxide (NO) metabolism. Nitric oxide is produced in endothelial cells from the substrate L-arginine via eNOS. Elevated ADMA levels cause eNOS uncoupling, a mechanism which leads to decreased NO bioavailability and increased production of hydrogen peroxide. According to clinical studies, the administration of L-arginine to patients with high ADMA levels improves NO synthesis by antagonizing the deleterious effect of ADMA on eNOS function, although in specific populations such as diabetes mellitus, this might even been harmful. More studies are required in order to certify the role of NOS inhibitors in insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. It is still difficult to say whether increased ADMA levels in certain populations is only a reason or the result of the molecular alterations, which take place in vascular disease states.     

Activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase is critical for erythropoietin-induced mobilization of progenitor cells

The present study aimed to define the ability of erythropoietin (EPO) to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells (c-kit(+)/sca-1(+)/lin-1(-); KSL-cells) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD34(+) cells), including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 expressing hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD34(+)/Flk-1(+) cells). We also sought to determine the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in EPO-induced mobilization. Wild type (WT) and eNOS(-/-) mice were injected bi-weekly with recombinant erythropoietin (EPO, 1000U/kg, s.c.) for 14 days. EPO increased the number of KSL, CD34(+), CD34(+)/Flk-1(+) cells in circulating blood of wild type mice. These effects of EPO were abolished in eNOS(-/-) mice. Our results demonstrate that, EPO stimulates mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. This effect of EPO is critically dependent on activation of eNOS.     

Identification of Nitric Oxide as an Endogenous Inhibitor of 26S Proteasomes in Vascular Endothelial Cells

The 26S proteasome plays a fundamental role in almost all eukaryotic cells, including vascular endothelial cells. However, it remains largely unknown how proteasome functionality is regulated in the vasculature. Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS)-derived NO is known to be essential to maintain endothelial homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to establish the connection between endothelial NO and 26S proteasome functionality in vascular endothelial cells. The 26S proteasome reporter protein levels, 26S proteasome activity, and the O-GlcNAcylation of Rpt2, a key subunit of the proteasome regulatory complex, were assayed in 26S proteasome reporter cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and mouse aortic tissues isolated from 26S proteasome reporter and eNOS knockout mice. Like the other selective NO donors, NO derived from activated eNOS (by pharmacological and genetic approach) increased O-GlcNAc modification of Rpt2, reduced proteasome chymotrypsin-like activity, and caused 26S proteasome reporter protein accumulation. Conversely, inactivation of eNOS reversed all the effects. SiRNA knockdown of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), the key enzyme that catalyzes protein O-GlcNAcylation, abolished NO-induced effects. Consistently, adenoviral overexpression of O-GlcNAcase (OGA), the enzyme catalyzing the removal of the O-GlcNAc group, mimicked the effects of OGT knockdown. Finally, compared to eNOS wild type aortic tissues, 26S proteasome reporter mice lacking eNOS exhibited elevated 26S proteasome functionality in parallel with decreased Rpt2 O-GlcNAcylation, without changing the levels of Rpt2 protein. In conclusion, the eNOS-derived NO functions as a physiological suppressor of the 26S proteasome in vascular endothelial cells.