Regulation of Akt by arachidonic acid and phosphoinositide 3-kinase in angiotensin II-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells

Angiotensin (Ang) II stimulates cytosolic phospholipase A2(cPLA(2))-dependent release of arachidonic acid (ArAc) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). ArAc release and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to the activation of downstream kinases resulting in VSMC growth. To determine the role of Akt in this pathway, we used VSMC to link Ang II-induced ArAc release and ROS production to the activation of Akt and VSMC growth. We observed that Ang II, ArAc, or H(2)O(2) increased Akt activation. The Akt inhibitor SH6 blocked Ang II-, ArAc-, or H(2)O(2)-induced Akt activation, as did inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI(3)K). Inhibition of cPLA(2) blocked Ang II effects, while the ROS scavenger NaC decreased Ang II- and ArAc-induced Akt activation. Inhibition of Akt blocked the (3)H-thymidine incorporation induced by all three agonists. Thus, Ang II-induced ArAc release and ROS production leads to the PI(3)K-dependant activation of Akt and VSMC growth.     

Expression and mechanism of spleen tyrosine kinase activation by angiotensin II and its implication in protein synthesis in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Syk, a 72-kDa tyrosine kinase, is involved in development, differentiation, and signal transduction of hematopoietic and some non-hematopoietic cells. This study determined if Syk is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and contributes to angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling and protein synthesis. Syk was found in VSMC and was phosphorylated by Ang II through AT1 receptor. Ang II-induced Syk phosphorylation was inhibited by piceatannol and dominant negative but not wild type Syk mutant. Syk phosphorylation by Ang II was attenuated by cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) inhibitor pyrrolidine-1 and retrovirus carrying small interfering RNAs (shRNAs) of this enzyme. Arachidonic acid (AA) increased Syk phosphorylation, and AA- and Ang II-induced phosphorylation was diminished by inhibitors of AA metabolism (5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid) and lipoxygenase (LO; baicalein) but not cyclooxygenase (indomethacin). AA metabolites formed via LO, 5(S)-, 12(S)-, and 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids, which activate p38 MAPK, increased Syk phosphorylation. p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190, and dominant negative p38 MAPK mutant attenuated Ang II- and AA-induced Syk phosphorylation. Adenovirus dominant negative c-Src mutant abolished Ang II - and AA-induced Syk phosphorylation and SB202190, and dominant negative p38 MAPK mutant inhibited Ang II-induced c-Src phosphorylation. Syk dominant negative mutant but not epidermal growth factor receptor blocker AG1478 also inhibited Ang II-induced VSMC protein synthesis. These data suggest that Syk expressed in VSMC is activated by Ang II through p38 MAPK-activated c-Src subsequent to cytosolic phospholipase A(2) and generation of AA metabolites via LO, and it mediates Ang II-induced protein synthesis independent of epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation (Ang II --> cPLA(2) --> AA metabolites of LO --> p38 MAPK --> c-Src --> Syk --> protein synthesis).     

The effects of thiazolidinediones on vascular smooth muscle cell activation by angiotensin II

Angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulates the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a subgroup of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). This ERK activation was recently shown to be a critical regulatory factor for Ang II-mediated migration and growth. It has been demonstrated that the thiazolidinedione troglitazone (TRO) blocked Ang II-induced DNA synthesis and migration in VSMC. Here we provide evidence for TRO to inhibit Ang II-induced ERK activation which was suggested to constitute the mechanism by which this agent blocks Ang II-induced VSMC growth and migration. We have found that pretreatment with PD98059, which selectively blocks the activity of ERK pathway at the level of MAPK kinase, decreased Ang II-induced AP-1 activation and that TRO is capable of inhibiting Ang II-induced AP-1 activation. On the other hand, the other thiazolidinediones pioglitazone (PIO) and rosiglitazone (ROSI) had little effect on Ang II-induced activation of ERK or AP-1, suggesting the inhibitory effects of TRO on VSMC activation by Ang II be independent of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) for which thiazolidinediones are ligands. Ang II-induced ERK activation was inhibited by protein kinase C (PKC)-specific inhibitor GF109203X, while TRO was also able to block PKC activator phorbol 12 myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced ERK activation. Accordingly, TRO may inhibit Ang II-induced MAPK activation at least partly by an inhibition of PKC. These results support the assumption that by targeting MAPK activation, TRO may inhibits the critical signaling steps leading to restenosis and atherosclerosis that may result in part from dysregulated VSMC growth and migration induced by Ang II.     

PKC-zeta is required for angiotensin II-induced activation of ERK and synthesis of C-FOS in MCF-7 cells

We examined the signalling pathways responsible for the Ang II induction of growth in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Ang II in MCF-7 cells induced: (a) the translocation from the cytosol to membrane and nucleus of atypical protein kinase C-zeta (PKC-zeta) but not of PKC-alpha, -delta, - epsilon and -eta; (b) the expression of c-fos mRNA and protein; (c) the phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). All these effects were due to the activation of the Ang II type I receptor (AT1) since they were blocked by the AT1 antagonist losartan. The Ang II-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation was blocked by (a) high doses of staurosporine, inhibitor of PKC-zeta, and by a synthetic myristoylated peptide with sequences based on the endogenous PKC-zeta pseudosubstrate region (zeta-PS); (b) PD098059, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor (MAPKK/MEK); and, moreover, (c) the inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), LY294002 and wortmannin, thus indicating that PI3K may act upstream of ERK1/2. The Ang II-evoked c-fos induction was blocked only by high doses of staurosporine and by zeta-PS whilst PD098059, LY294002 and wortmannin were ineffective, thus indicating that c-fos induction is not due to ERK1/2 activity. When the epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase activity was inhibited by the use of its inhibitor AG1478, Ang II was still able to induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation and c-fos expression, therefore proving that the transactivation of EGFR was not required for these Ang II effects in MCF-7 cells. The previously reported proliferation of MCF-7 cells induced by Ang II was blocked by PD098059 and by wortmannin in a dose-dependent manner, thereby indicating that in MCF-7 cells the PI3K and ERK pathways mediate the mitogenic signalling of AT1. Our results suggest that in MCF-7 cells Ang II activates multiple signalling pathways involving PKC-zeta, PI3K and MAPK; of these pathways only PKC-zeta appears responsible for the induction of c-fos.     

Angiotensin II-dependent growth of vascular smooth muscle cells requires transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor via a cytosolic phospholipase A2-mediated release of arachidonic acid

Angiotensin (Ang) II stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth via activation of cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂), release of arachidonic acid (ArAc) and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The mechanism linking AT₁ receptor stimulation of ArAc release with MAPK activation may involve transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In this study, Ang II increased phosphorylation of the EGFR and MAPK in cultured VSMC and these effects were attenuated by the cPLA₂ inhibitor arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF₃), and restored by addition of ArAc. Ang II- or ArAc-induced phosphorylation of the EGFR and MAPK were abolished by the EGFR kinase inhibitor AG1478. Ang II or ArAc also stimulated VSMC growth that was blocked by AG1478 or the MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059. Thus, it appears that the cPLA₂-dependent release of ArAc may provide a mechanism for the transactivation between the AT₁ receptor and the EGFR signaling cascade.     

Activation of group IV cytosolic phospholipase A2 in human eosinophils by phosphoinositide 3-kinase through a mitogen-activated protein kinase-independent pathway

Activation of group IV cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (gIV-PLA(2)) is the essential first step in the synthesis of inflammatory eicosanoids and in integrin-mediated adhesion of leukocytes. Prior investigations have demonstrated that phosphorylation of gIV-PLA(2) results from activation of at least two isoforms of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). We investigated the potential role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in the activation of gIV-PLA(2) and the hydrolysis of membrane phosphatidylcholine in fMLP-stimulated human blood eosinophils. Transduction into eosinophils of Deltap85, a dominant negative form of class IA PI3K adaptor subunit, fused to an HIV-TAT protein transduction domain (TAT-Deltap85) concentration dependently inhibited fMLP-stimulated phosphorylation of protein kinase B, a downstream target of PI3K. FMLP caused increased arachidonic acid (AA) release and secretion of leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)). TAT-Deltap85 and LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, blocked the phosphorylation of gIV-PLA(2) at Ser(505) caused by fMLP, thus inhibiting gIV-PLA(2) hydrolysis and production of AA and LTC(4) in eosinophils. FMLP also caused extracellular signal-related kinases 1 and 2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in eosinophils; however, neither phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinases 1 and 2 nor p38 was inhibited by TAT-Deltap85 or LY294002. Inhibition of 1) p70 S6 kinase by rapamycin, 2) protein kinase B by Akt inhibitor, or 3) protein kinase C by Ro-31-8220, the potential downstream targets of PI3K for activation of gIV-PLA(2), had no effect on AA release or LTC(4) secretion caused by fMLP. We find that PI3K is required for gIV-PLA(2) activation and hydrolytic production of AA in activated eosinophils. Our data suggest that this essential PI3K independently activates gIV-PLA(2) through a pathway that does not involve MAPK.     

Angiotensin II-induced Akt activation is mediated by metabolites of arachidonic acid generated by CaMKII-stimulated Ca2(+)-dependent phospholipase A2

Angiotensin II (ANG II) promotes vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth, stimulates Ca(2+)-calmodulin (CaM)-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), and activates cytosolic Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), which releases arachidonic acid (AA). ANG II also generates H2O2 and activates Akt, which have been implicated in ANG II actions in VSMC. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship of these signaling molecules to Akt activation in rat aortic VSMC. ANG II increased Akt activity, as measured by its phosphorylation at serine-473. ANG II (200 nM)-induced Akt phosphorylation was decreased by extracellular Ca2+ depletion and calcium chelator EGTA and inhibitors of CaM [N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide] and CaMKII [(2-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)]-N-(4-me-thoxybenzenesulfonyl)]amino-N-(4-chlorocinnamyl)-N-methylbenzyl-amine)]. cPLA2 inhibitor pyrrolidine-1, antisense oligonucleotide, and retroviral small interfering RNA also attenuated ANG II-induced Akt phosphorylation. AA increased Akt phosphorylation, and AA metabolism inhibitor 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA) blocked ANG II- and AA-induced Akt phosphorylation (199.03 +/- 27.91% with ANG II and 110.18 +/- 22.40% with ETYA + ANG II; 405.00 +/- 86.22% with AA and 153.97 +/- 63.26% with ETYA + AA). Inhibitors of lipoxygenase (cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-alpha-cyanocinnamate) and cytochrome P-450 (ketoconazole and 17-octadecynoic acid), but not cyclooxygenase (indomethacin), attenuated ANG II- and AA-induced Akt phosphorylation. Furthermore, 5(S)-, 12(S)-, 15(S)-, and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids and 5,6-, 11,12-, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids increased Akt phosphorylation. Catalase inhibited ANG II-increased H2O2 production but not Akt phosphorylation. Oleic acid, which also increased H2O2 production, did not cause Akt phosphorylation. These data suggest that ANG II-induced Akt activation in VSMC is mediated by AA metabolites, most likely generated via lipoxygenase and cytochrome P-450 consequent to AA released by CaMKII-activated cPLA2 and independent of H2O2 production.     

Bile acids alter the subcellular localization of CNT2 (concentrative nucleoside cotransporter) and increase CNT2-related transport activity in liver parenchymal cells

PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) activity is involved in Ang (angiotensin) II-stimulated VSMC (vascular smooth muscle cell) growth and hypertrophy. In the present study, we demonstrate that the inhibition of PI3K in VSMCs by expression of a dominant-negative p85alpha mutant lacking the p110-binding domain (Deltap85), or by treatment of cells with LY294002, inhibited Ang II-stimulated PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) mRNA expression. Using a GST (glutathione S-transferase) fusion protein containing the p85 N-terminal SH2 (Src homology 2) domain as 'bait' followed by MS/MS (tandem MS), we identified a 70 kDa fragment of the p70 PDGFR-beta (platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta) as a signalling adapter that is phosphorylated and recruits the p85 subunit of PI3K after Ang II stimulation of AT1 (Ang II subtype 1) receptors on VSMCs. This fragment of the PDGFR-beta, which has a truncation of its extracellular domain, accounted for approx. 15% of the total PDGFR-beta detected in VSMCs with an antibody against its cytoplasmic domain. Stimulation of VSMCs with Ang II increased tyrosine-phosphorylation of p70 PDGFR-beta at Tyr751 and Tyr1021 and increased its binding to p85. PDGF also induced phosphorylation of p70 PDGFR-beta, a response inhibited by the PDGF tyrosine kinase selective inhibitor, AG1296. By contrast, Ang II-induced phosphorylation of the 70 kDa receptor was not affected by AG1296. Ang II-stimulated phosphorylation of the p70 PDGFR-beta was blocked by the AT1 receptor antagonist, candesartan (CV 11974) and was partially inhibited by PP2 {4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine}, an Src family kinase inhibitor. Our result suggests that the p70 PDGFR-beta functions as an adapter that recruits PI3K to the membrane upon AT1 receptor stimulation.     

Phospholipase D activation by norepinephrine is mediated by 12(s)-, 15(s)-, and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids generated by stimulation of cytosolic phospholipase a2. tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase d2 in response to norepinephrine

Norepinephrine (NE) stimulates phospholipase D (PLD) through a Ras/MAPK pathway in rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). NE also activates calcium influx and calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II-dependent cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)). Arachidonic acid (AA) released by cPLA(2)-catalyzed phospholipid hydrolysis is then metabolized into hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) through lipoxygenase and cytochrome P450 4A (CYP4A) pathways. HETEs, in turn, have been shown to stimulate Ras translocation and to increase MAPK activity in VSMC. This study was conducted to determine the contribution of cPLA(2)-derived AA and its metabolites (HETEs) to the activation of PLD. NE-induced PLD activation was reduced by two structurally distinct CaM antagonists, W-7 and calmidazolium, and by CaM-dependent protein kinase II inhibition. Blockade of cPLA(2) activity or protein depletion with selective cPLA(2) antisense oligonucleotides abolished NE-induced PLD activation. The increase in PLD activity elicited by NE was also blocked by inhibitors of lipoxygenases (baicalein) and CYP4A (17-octadecynoic acid), but not of cyclooxygenase (indomethacin). AA and its metabolites (12(S)-, 15(S)-, and 20-HETEs) increased PLD activity. PLD activation by AA and HETEs was reduced by inhibitors of Ras farnesyltransferase (farnesyl protein transferase III and BMS-191563) and MEK (U0126 and PD98059). These data suggest that HETEs are the mediators of cPLA(2)-dependent PLD activation by NE in VSMC. In addition to cPLA(2), PLD was also found to contribute to AA release for prostacyclin production via the phosphatidate phosphohydrolase/diacylglycerol lipase pathway. Finally, a catalytically inactive PLD(2) (but not PLD(1)) mutant inhibited NE-induced PLD activity, and PLD(2) was tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to NE by a MAPK-dependent pathway. We conclude that NE stimulates cPLA(2)-dependent PLD(2) through lipoxygenase- and CYP4A-derived HETEs via the Ras/ERK pathway by a mechanism involving tyrosine phosphorylation of PLD(2) in rabbit VSMC.     

Angiotensin II induces MMP 2 activity via FAK/JNK pathway in human endothelial cells

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and are modified in response to a variety of stimuli such as bioactive peptides, cytokines and/or grown factors. In this study, we demonstrated that angiotensin II (Ang II) induces a time- and dose-dependent increase in the activity of metalloproteinase 2 (MMP 2) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The effect of Ang II was markedly attenuated in cells pretreated with wortmannin and LY294002, two selective inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), indicating that PI3K plays a key role in regulating MMP 2 activity. Similar results were observed when HUVEC were pretreated with genistein, a non-selective tyrosine kinases inhibitor, or with the specific Src-family tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2, demonstrating the involvement of protein tyrosine kinases, and particularly Src-family tyrosine kinases on the downstream signaling pathway of Ang II receptors. Furthermore, Ang II-induced MMP 2 activation was markedly blocked by SP600125, a selective c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, or pre-treatment of cells with antisense oligonucleotide to focal adhesion kinase (FAK), indicating that both molecules were important for the activation of MMP 2 by Ang II receptor stimulation. In conclusion, these results suggest that Ang II mediates an increase in MMP 2 activity in macrovascular endothelial cells through signal transduction pathways dependent on PI3K and Src-family tyrosine kinases activation, as well as JNK and FAK phosphorylation.     

Arachidonic acid activation of translation initiation signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells

To understand the role of arachidonic acid (AA) in regulating vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth, its effects on phosphorylation of Akt, S6K1, ribosomal protein S6, 4EBP1, and eIF4E were studied. Arachidonic acid stimulated phosphorylation of Akt, S6K1, ribosomal protein S6, 4EBP1, and eIF4E in a time-dependent manner in VSMC. Arachidonic acid stimulation of phosphorylation of the above signaling molecules is specific, as these events were not affected by other unsaturated or saturated fatty acids. Metabolic conversion of AA via the LOX/MOX and/or COX pathways, to some extent, was required for its effects on the phosphorylation of Akt, S6K1, ribosomal protein S6, 4EBP1, and eIF4E. In addition, AA increased PI3K activity in a time-dependent manner in VSMC. LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K, completely blocked AA-induced phosphorylation of Akt, S6K1, ribosomal protein S6, 4EBP1, and eIF4E, suggesting a role for PI3K in these effects. Consistent with its effects on translation initiation signaling events, AA induced global protein synthesis in VSMC and this response was dependent, to some extent, on its metabolism via the LOX/MOX and/or COX pathways, and mediated by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Thus, the above observations provide the first biochemical evidence for the role of AA in the activation of translation initiation signaling in VSMC.     

Angiotensin II induces focal adhesion kinase/paxillin phosphorylation and cell migration in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

In the present study, we demonstrated that Ang II provokes a transitory enhancement of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin phosphorylation in human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC). Moreover, Ang II induces a time- and dose-dependent augmentation in cell migration, but does not affect HUVEC proliferation. The effect of Ang II on FAK and paxillin phosphorylation was markedly attenuated in cells pretreated with wortmannin and LY294002, indicating that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) plays an important role in regulating FAK activation. Similar results were observed when HUVEC were pretreated with genistein, a non-selective tyrosine kinases inhibitor, or with the specific inhibitor PP2 for Src family kinases, demonstrating the involvement of protein tyrosine kinases, and particularly Src family of tyrosine kinases, in the downstream signalling pathway of Ang II receptors. Furthermore, FAK and paxillin phosphorylation was markedly blocked after treatment of HUVEC with AG1478, a selective inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation. Pretreatment of cells with inhibitors of PI3K, Src family tyrosine kinases, and EGFR also decreased HUVEC migration. In conclusion, these results suggest that Ang II mediates an increase in FAK and paxillin phosphorylation and induces HUVEC migration through signal transduction pathways dependent on PI3K and Src tyrosine kinase activation and EGFR transactivation.     

Basal cPLA(2) phosphorylation is sufficient for Ca(2+)-induced full activation of cPLA(2) in A549 epithelial cells

The release of [(3)H] arachidonic acid (AA) and its connection with the triggering of the MAP kinase cascade were studied in the human A549 epithelial cell line upon stimulation with thapsigargin. Thapsigargin can increase AA release along with the increase of intracellular calcium concentration, phosphorylation, and activation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)). Both ERK and cPLA(2) phosphorylation in response to thapsigargin were inhibited by PD 98059, a specific inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase of the ERK group (MEK), and EGTA. cPLA(2) phosphorylation was not affected by Ro 31-8220 (an inhibitor of all PKC isoforms) or LY 379196 (a PKCbeta selective inhibitor), while both of them indeed attenuated ERK activation. On the other hand, rottlerin (the selective PKCdelta inhibitor), SB 203580 (the selective p38 MAPK inhibitor), and wortmannin (the PI 3-kinase inhibitor) can affect neither cPLA(2) nor ERK phosphorylation. In A549 cells, PKC activator PMA cannot increase either the basal or thapsigargin-induced (3)H-AA release, while it can induce the phosphorylation of ERK and cPLA(2.) The PMA-induced ERK phosphorylation was inhibited by Ro 31-8220, LY 379196, rottlerin, and PD 98059, but unaffected by SB 203580 and wortmannin. Moreover, the phosphorylation by PMA was non-additive with that of thapsigargin. This implies that intracellular Ca(2+) level is the key factor for induction of cPLA(2) activity and thapsigargin-elicited ERK activation itself is substantially sufficient for cPLA(2) activation upon intracellular Ca(2+) increase.     

Protective effect of cholecystokinin octapeptide on angiotensin II-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells

Cholecystokinin (CCK) and its receptors are expressed in mammalian cardiomyocytes and are involved in cardiovascular system regulation; however, the exact effect and underlying mechanism of CCK in cardiomyocyte apoptosis remain to be elucidated. We examined whether sulfated CCK octapeptide (CCK-8) protects H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells against angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced apoptosis. The H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were subjected to Ang II with or without CCK-8 and the viability and apoptotic rate were detected using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase-mediated nick-end labeling assays, and flow cytometry. In addition, specific antiapoptotic mechanisms of CCK-8 were investigated using specific CCK1 (Devazepide) or CCK2 (L365260) receptor antagonists, or the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. The expression of CCK, CCK1 receptor, CCK2 receptor, Akt, p-Akt, Bad, p-Bad, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 were detected by Western blot analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found that CCK and its receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein are expressed in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Ang II-induced increased levels of CCK mRNA and protein expression and decreased levels of CCK1 receptor protein and mRNA. Pretreatment of CCK-8 attenuated Ang II-induced cell toxicity and apoptosis. In addition, pretreatment of H9c2 cells with CCK-8 markedly induced expression of p-Akt, p-bad, and Bcl-2 and decreased the expression levels of Bax and caspase-3. The protective effects of CCK-8 were partly abolished by Devazepide or LY294002. Our results suggest that CCK-8 protects H9c2 cardiomyoblasts from Ang II-induced apoptosis partly via activation of the CCK1 receptor and the phosphatidyqinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway.     

The Ang II-induced growth of vascular smooth muscle cells involves a phospholipase D-mediated signaling mechanism

Angiotensin (Ang) II acts as a mitogen in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) via the activation of multiple signaling cascades, including phospholipase C, tyrosine kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. However, increasing evidence supports signal-activated phospholipases A(2) and D (PLD) as additional mechanisms. Stimulation of PLD results in phosphatidic acid (PA) formation, and PA has been linked to cell growth. However, the direct involvement of PA or its metabolite diacylglycerol (DAG) in Ang II-induced growth is unclear. PLD activity was measured in cultured rat VSMC prelabeled with [(3)H]oleic acid, while the incorporation of [(3)H]thymidine was used to monitor growth. We have previously reported the Ang II-dependent, AT(1)-coupled stimulation of PLD and growth in VSMC. Here, we show that Ang II (100 nM) and exogenous PLD (0.1-100 units/mL; Streptomyces chromofuscus) stimulated thymidine incorporation (43-208% above control). PA (100 nM-1 microM) also increased thymidine incorporation to 135% of control. Propranolol (100 nM-10 microM), which inhibits PA phosphohydrolase, blocked the growth stimulated by Ang II, PLD, or PA by as much as 95%, an effect not shared by other beta-adrenergic antagonists. Propranolol also increased the production of PA in the presence of Ang II by 320% and reduced DAG and arachidonic acid (AA) accumulation. The DAG lipase inhibitor RHC-80267 (1-10 microM) increased Ang II-induced DAG production, while attenuating thymidine incorporation and release of AA. Thus, it appears that activation of PLD, formation of PA, conversion of PA to DAG, and metabolism of DAG comprise an important signaling cascade in Ang II-induced growth of VSMC.     

Angiotensin II activates Akt/protein kinase B by an arachidonic acid/redox-dependent pathway and independent of phosphoinositide 3-kinase.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) exerts contractile and trophic effects in glomerular mesangial cells (MCs). One potential downstream target of Ang II is the protein kinase Akt/protein kinase B (PKB). We investigated the effect of Ang II on Akt/PKB activity in MCs. Ang II causes rapid activation of Akt/PKB (5-10 min) but delayed activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K) (30 min). Activation of Akt/PKB by Ang II was not abrogated by the PI3-K inhibitors or by the introduction of a dominant negative PI3-K, indicating that in MCs, PI3-K is not an upstream mediator of Akt/PKB activation by Ang II. Incubation of MCs with phospholipase A2 inhibitors also blocked Akt/PKB activation by Ang II. AA mimicked the effect of Ang II. Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-, lipoxyogenase-, and cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism did not influence AA-induced Akt/PKB activation. However, the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and diphenylene iodonium inhibited both AA- and Ang II-induced Akt/PKB activation. Dominant negative mutant of Akt/PKB or antioxidants, but not the dominant negative form of PI3-K, inhibited Ang II-induced protein synthesis and cell hypertrophy. These data provide the first evidence that Ang II induces protein synthesis and hypertrophy in MCs through AA/redox-dependent pathway and Akt/PKB activation independent of PI3-K.     

Signaling pathways involved in IL-8-dependent activation of adhesion through Mac-1

In human neutrophils, IL-8 induces chemotaxis, the respiratory burst, and granule release, and enhances cellular adhesion, a beta(2) integrin-dependent event. IL-8 stimulates neutrophil adhesion to purified fibrinogen in a Mac-1-dependent manner. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was detected in human neutrophil lysates after treatment with IL-8 and PMA, but not the activating mAb CBR LFA 1/2. IL-8-stimulated neutrophil adhesion to fibrinogen was blocked 50% by the MAPK/extracellular signal-related kinase-activating enzyme inhibitor PD098059. Adhesion was blocked approximately 75% by inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) pathway with LY294002, supporting that activation of both MAPK and PI3K may play a role in IL-8-dependent inside-out signals that activate Mac-1. Activation of MAPK was inhibited in IL-8-stimulated cells in the presence of PI3K inhibitors LY294002 or wortmannin, supporting a model in which PI3K is upstream of MAPK. IL-8-stimulated neutrophil adhesion was inhibited 50% by bisindolylmaleimide-I, implicating protein kinase C (PKC) in the intracellular signaling from the IL-8R to Mac-1. A 74-kDa molecular mass species was detected by an activation-specific Ab to PKC when cells were stimulated with PMA or IL-8, but not a beta(2)-activating Ab. Inhibition of either MAPK or PKC resulted in partial inhibition of IL-8-stimulated polymorphonuclear neutrophil adhesion, and treatment with both inhibitors simultaneously completely abolished IL-8-stimulated adhesion to ligand. Inhibition of PI3K blocked MAPK activation, but not PKC activation, suggesting a branch point that precedes PI3K activation. These data suggest that both MAPK and PKC are activated in response to IL-8 stimulation, and that these may represent independent pathways for beta(2) integrin activation in neutrophils.     

OxLDL induces mitogen-activated protein kinase activation mediated via PI3-kinase/Akt in vascular smooth muscle cells

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) is a risk factor in atherosclerosis and stimulates multiple signaling pathways, including activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt and p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which are involved in mitogenesis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We therefore investigated the relationship between PI3-K/Akt and p42/p44 MAPK activation and cell proliferation induced by OxLDL. OxLDL stimulated Akt phosphorylation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, as determined by Western blot analysis. Phosphorylation of Akt stimulated by OxLDL and epidermal growth factor (EGF) was attenuated by inhibitors of PI3-K (wortmannin and LY294002) and intracellular Ca2+ chelator (BAPTA/AM) plus EDTA. Pretreatment of VSMCs with pertussis toxin, cholera toxin, and forskolin for 24 h also attenuated the OxLDL-stimulated Akt phosphorylation. In addition, pretreatment of VSMCs with wortmannin or LY294002 inhibited OxLDL-stimulated p42/p44 MAPK phosphorylation and [3H]thymidine incorporation. Furthermore, treatment with U0126, an inhibitor of MAPK kinase (MEK)1/2, attenuated the p42/p44 MAPK phosphorylation, but had no effect on Akt activation in response to OxLDL and EGF. Overexpression of p85-DN or Akt-DN mutants attenuated MEK1/2 and p42/p44 MAPK phosphorylation stimulated by OxLDL and EGF. These results suggest that the mitogenic effect of OxLDL is, at least in part, mediated through activation of PI3-K/Akt/MEK/MAPK pathway in VSMCs.     

Nox4 NAD(P)H oxidase mediates Src-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of PDK-1 in response to angiotensin II: role in mesangial cell hypertrophy and fibronectin expression

Activation of glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) by angiotensin II (Ang II) leads to hypertrophy and extracellular matrix accumulation. Here, we demonstrate that, in MCs, Ang II induces an increase in PDK-1 (3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1) kinase activity that required its phosphorylation on tyrosine 9 and 373/376. Introduction into the cells of PDK-1, mutated on these tyrosine residues or kinase-inactive, attenuates Ang II-induced hypertrophy and fibronectin accumulation. Ang II-mediated PDK-1 activation and tyrosine phosphorylation (total and on residues 9 and 373/376) are inhibited in cells transfected with small interfering RNA for Src, indicating that Src is upstream of PDK-1. In cells expressing oxidation-resistant Src mutant C487A, Ang II-induced hypertrophy and fibronectin expression are prevented, suggesting that the pathway is redox-sensitive. Ang II also up-regulates Nox4 protein, and siNox4 abrogates the Ang II-induced increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Small interfering RNA for Nox4 also inhibits Ang II-induced activation of Src and PDK-1 tyrosine phosphorylation (total and on residues 9 and 373/376), demonstrating that Nox4 functions upstream of Src and PDK-1. Importantly, inhibition of Nox4, Src, or PDK-1 prevents the stimulatory effect of Ang II on fibronectin accumulation and cell hypertrophy. This work provides the first evidence that Nox4-derived ROS are responsible for Ang II-induced PDK-1 tyrosine phosphorylation and activation through stimulation of Src. Importantly, this pathway contributes to Ang II-induced MC hypertrophy and fibronectin accumulation. These data shed light on molecular processes underlying the oxidative signaling cascade engaged by Ang II and identify potential targets for intervention to prevent renal hypertrophy and fibrosis.