藏红花素抗心肌细胞低氧损伤作用及其机制研究

目的:探讨藏红花素(Crocin)对低氧心肌细胞的保护作用以及低氧诱导因子-1(HIF-1)和脯氨酰羟化酶(PHDs)的调控机制。方法:采用氯化钴(CoCl2)方法建立心肌细胞低氧损伤实验模型。应用Western blot方法检测心肌细胞HIF-1α、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、诱导型NO合酶(iNOS)以及PHD1、2、3蛋白表达的变化。结果:与CoCl2低氧组比较,Crocin可显著提高低氧心肌细胞活力。Crocin可进一步促使心肌细胞HIF-1α、及其下游靶基因VEGF、iNOS蛋白表达增强。Crocin可促使心肌细胞PHD2蛋白表达明显增加,PHD3蛋白表达则明显减少。结论:Crocin对低氧心肌细胞具有明显的保护作用,其作用机制与Crocin激活HIF-1介导的低氧反应通路有关,PHDs参与了该反应的病理生理调控过程。     

Inhibition of retinal neovascularization by gene transfer of small interfering RNA targeting HIF-1alpha and VEGF

Retinal neovascularization (NV) occurs in various ocular disorders including proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity and secondary neovascular glaucoma, which often result in blindness. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an essential growth factor for angiogenesis, and is particularly regulated by hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) under hypoxic conditions. Therefore, HIF-1alpha and VEGF could provide targets for therapeutic intervention on retinal NV. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting HIF-1alpha and VEGF on the expression of HIF-1alpha and VEGF in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro and on retinal NV in vivo. siRNA-expressing plasmids targeting human HIF-1alpha (HIF-1alpha siRNA) and human VEGF(165) (VEGF siRNA) were constructed. They were transfected and co-transfected to HUVEC and C57BL/6J mice of ischemic retinopathy model. HIF-1alpha siRNA and VEGF siRNA specifically downregulated HIF-1alpha and VEGF at both mRNA and protein levels in vitro and in vivo. Neovascular tufts and neovascular nuclei were decreased in gene therapy group compared to control hypoxia group. Co-transfection of HIF-1alpha siRNA and VEGF siRNA resulted in maximal effects on VEGF suppression in vitro and in vivo. It also manifested the maximal inhibitory effect on retinal NV. These results indicate that the application of HIF-1alpha siRNA and VEGF siRNA technology holds great potential as a novel therapeutic for retinal NV.     

Hypoxia-induced expression of HIF-1alpha and its target genes in umbilical venous endothelial cells of Tibetans and immigrant Han

The better adaptation of native Tibetans to hypoxia is thought to be partly due to improved umbilical circulation, which results in reduced pre- and postnatal fatalities. We hypothesized that the difference in umbilical circulation between native Tibetans and other high-altitude inhabitants was due to differences in the expression of hypoxia-induced factor (HIF-1) and its target genes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). We tested this hypothesis by examining the effect of hypoxia on the expression of HIF-1alpha, VEGF, and iNOS in cultured umbilical venous endothelial cells (UVECs) from native Tibetans and immigrant Hans. UVECs were collected and cultured under hypoxic (0.5% oxygen) or normoxic conditions for 2, 4, 12 and 24 h. The mRNA levels of HIF-1alpha, VEGF, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and iNOS and the protein level of HIF-1alpha were determined with RT-PCR and Western blot analyses, respectively. In both immigrant Han and Tibetans, HIF-1alpha mRNA was constitutively expressed under normoxic condition, and remained constant after hypoxic exposure. In contrast, HIF-1alpha protein was undetectable under normoxic condition, but underwent dynamic changes in response to hypoxia. It was induced at 4 h, peaked at 12 h, and remained elevated at 24 h. Concurrent with the induction of HIF-1alpha protein, the mRNA levels of VEGF and iNOS were also up-regulated whereas that of eNOS was down-regulated. The lack of a hypoxia-related difference in the expression of HIF-1alpha and its target genes suggests that HIF-1alpha does not play a critical role in high altitude adaptation. Alternative mechanisms may be responsible for the better adaptation of native Tibetans.     

动物抗低氧胁迫相关基因的表达调控机制

体内氧浓度的稳定是机体维持自身功能的一个必要条件。在低氧条件下,机体内部在低氧信号的刺激下形成一个强大的防御体系以保护自己的组织。在采取防御的过程中,低氧诱导因子-1 (hypoxia inducible factor-1,HIF-1)、血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF)、促红细胞生成素(erythropoietin, EPO)、核因子-κB (nuclear factor-κB, NF-κB)等基因表达上调。HIF-1是一个与低氧胁迫相关的转录因子,它的激活与体内氧浓度相关。VEGF是HIF-1下游的一个靶基因,它是至今发现的一个在促血管新生方面起着最关键作用的因子。NF-κB能够抑制由低氧引起的细胞凋亡。以上这些基因在动物抗低氧胁迫方面起着重要作用,综述了低氧条件下HIF-1、VEGF、EPO、NF-κB的功能、表达特性以及调控机制。     

Myocardial Hypertrophy Overrides the Angiogenic Response to Hypoxia

Background

Cyanosis and myocardial hypertrophy frequently occur in combination. Hypoxia or cyanosis can be potent inducers of angiogenesis, regulating the expression of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF), vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and VEGF receptors (VEGFR-1 and 2); in contrast, pressure overload hypertrophy is often associated with impaired pro-angiogenic signaling and decreased myocardial capillary density. We hypothesized that the physiological pro-angiogenic response to cyanosis in the hypertrophied myocardium is blunted through differential HIF and VEGF-associated signaling.

Methods and Results

Newborn rabbits underwent aortic banding and, together with sham-operated littermates, were transferred into a hypoxic chamber (FiO₂ = 0.12) at 3 weeks of age. Control banded or sham-operated rabbits were housed in normoxia. Systemic cyanosis was confirmed (hematocrit, arterial oxygen saturation, and serum erythropoietin). Myocardial tissue was assayed for low oxygen concentrations using a pimonidazole adduct. At 4 weeks of age, HIF-1α and HIF-2α protein levels, HIF-1α DNA-binding activity, and expression of VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGF were determined in hypoxic and normoxic rabbits. At 6 weeks of age, left-ventricular capillary density was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Under normoxia, capillary density was decreased in the banded rabbits compared to non-banded littermates. As expected, non-hypertrophied hearts responded to hypoxia with increased capillary density; however, banded hypoxic rabbits demonstrated no increase in angiogenesis. This blunted pro-angiogenic response to hypoxia in the hypertrophied myocardium was associated with lower HIF-2α and VEGFR-2 levels and increased HIF-1α activity and VEGFR-1 expression. In contrast, non-hypertrophied hearts responded to hypoxia with increased HIF-2α and VEGFR-2 expression with lower VEGFR-1 expression.

Conclusion

The participation of HIF-2α and VEGFR-2 appear to be required for hypoxia-stimulated myocardial angiogenesis. In infant rabbit hearts with pressure overload hypertrophy, this pro-angiogenic response to hypoxia is effectively uncoupled, apparently in part due to altered HIF-mediated signaling and VEGFR subtype expression.     

Induction of SENP1 in Endothelial Cells Contributes to Hypoxia-driven VEGF Expression and Angiogenesis

SENP1 (SUMO-specific protease 1) has been shown to be essential for the stability and activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1α) under hypoxia conditions. However, it is unknown how SENP1 activation and hypoxia signaling are coordinated in the cellular response to hypoxia. Here, we report the essential role of SENP1 in endothelial cells as a positive regulator of hypoxia-driven VEGF production and angiogenesis. SENP1 expression is increased in endothelial cells following exposure to hypoxia. Silencing of HIF-1α blocks SENP1 expression in cell response to hypoxia. Mutation of the hypoxia response element (HRE) on the Senp1 promoter abolishes its transactivation in response to hypoxia. Moreover, silencing of SENP1 expression decreases VEGF production and abrogates the angiogenic functions of endothelial cell. We also find that the elongated endothelial cells in embryonic brain section and vascular endothelial cells in embryonic renal glomeruli in Senp1^−/− mice are markedly reduced than those in wild-type. Thus, these results show that hypoxia implies a positive feedback loop mediated by SENP1. This feedback loop is important in VEGF production, which is essential for angiogenesis in endothelial cells.     

Anoxia-Reoxygenation Regulates Mitochondrial Dynamics through the Hypoxia Response Pathway,SKN-1/Nrf,and Stomatin-Like Protein STL-1/SLP-2

Many aerobic organisms encounter oxygen-deprived environments and thus must have adaptive mechanisms to survive such stress. It is important to understand how mitochondria respond to oxygen deprivation given the critical role they play in using oxygen to generate cellular energy. Here we examine mitochondrial stress response in C. elegans, which adapt to extreme oxygen deprivation (anoxia, less than 0.1% oxygen) by entering into a reversible suspended animation state of locomotory arrest. We show that neuronal mitochondria undergo DRP-1-dependent fission in response to anoxia and undergo refusion upon reoxygenation. The hypoxia response pathway, including EGL-9 and HIF-1, is not required for anoxia-induced fission, but does regulate mitochondrial reconstitution during reoxygenation. Mutants for egl-9 exhibit a rapid refusion of mitochondria and a rapid behavioral recovery from suspended animation during reoxygenation; both phenotypes require HIF-1. Mitochondria are significantly larger in egl-9 mutants after reoxygenation, a phenotype similar to stress-induced mitochondria hyperfusion (SIMH). Anoxia results in mitochondrial oxidative stress, and the oxidative response factor SKN-1/Nrf is required for both rapid mitochondrial refusion and rapid behavioral recovery during reoxygenation. In response to anoxia, SKN-1 promotes the expression of the mitochondrial resident protein Stomatin-like 1 (STL-1), which helps facilitate mitochondrial dynamics following anoxia. Our results suggest the existence of a conserved anoxic stress response involving changes in mitochondrial fission and fusion.     

Picroliv - a natural product protects cells and regulates the gene expression during hypoxia/reoxygenation

Cellular adaptation to hypoxia involves regulation of specific genes such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), erythropoietin (EPO) and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1. In this study, we have evaluated the protective effect of picroliv (a purified iridoid glycoside fraction from roots of Picrorhiza kurrooa with hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties) against hypoxic injury by examining lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in Hep 3B and Glioma cells. The expression of hypoxia regulated genes, VEGF and HIF-1 was studied in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), Hep 3B and Glioma cells. Picroliv reduced the cellular damage caused by hypoxia as revealed by a significant reduction in LDH release compared to untreated control. The expression of VEGF and HIF-1 subunits (HIF-1 and HIF-1) was enhanced by treatment with picroliv during normoxia and hypoxia in HUVEC and Hep 3B cells and on reoxygenation the expression of these genes was significantly reduced as revealed by mRNA analysis using RT-PCR. Simultaneous treatment with picroliv during hypoxia inhibited VEGF and HIF-1 expression in Glioma cells whereas the expression was not reduced by picroliv treatment during reoxygenation as evidenced by both RT-PCR and Northern hybridization. VEGF expression as revealed by immunofluorescence studies correlates well with the regulations observed in the MRNA expression. We have also examined the kinase activity of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins and protein kinase C (PKC) in Glioma cells treated with picroliv during hypoxia/reoxygenation. A selective inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase activity leading to tyrosine dephosphorylation of several proteins including 80 kd protein, and a reduction in PKC was seen in cells treated with picroliv and hypoxia. These findings suggest that picroliv may act as a protective agent against hypoxia/reoxygenation induced injuries, and the underlying mechanism may involve a novel signal transduction pathway.Affiliation     

Myocardial hypoxia-inducible HIF-1alpha, VEGF, and GLUT1 gene expression is associated with microvascular and ICAM-1 heterogeneity during endotoxemia

The systemic inflammatory response to infection is the leading cause of mortality in North American intensive-care units. Although much is known about inflammatory mediators, the relationships between microregional inflammation, microvascular heterogeneity, hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible gene expression, and myocardial dysfunction are unknown. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with LPS to test the hypothesis that sepsis-induced local inflammation and increased microvascular heterogeneity are spatially and temporally associated with hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible gene expression, and decreased left-ventricular contractility. Using a combination of three-dimensional microvascular imaging, tissue Po(2), and pressure-volume conductance measurements, we found that 5 h after LPS, minimum oxygen-diffusion distances increased (P < 0.05), whereas tissue oxygenation and contractility both decreased (P < 0.05) in the left ventricle. Real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that the hypoxia-inducible genes hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha, VEGF, and glucose transporter (GLUT) 1 were all upregulated (P < 0.05) in the left ventricle. Tissue regions expressing ICAM-1, obtained by using laser-capture microdissection, had increased HIF-1alpha and GLUT1 (P < 0.05) gene expression. VEGF gene expression was more diffuse. In LPS rats, GLUT1 gene expression correlated (P < 0.05) with left-ventricular contractility. In 5-h hypoxic cardiomyocytes, we found strong transient HIF-1alpha, weak VEGF, and greater prolonged GLUT1 gene expression. By comparison, the HIF-1alpha-GLUT1 gene-induction pattern was reversed in the left ventricle of LPS rats. Together, these results show that LPS induces hypoxia in the left ventricle associated with increased microvascular heterogeneity and decreased contractility. HIF-1alpha and GLUT1 gene induction are related to a heterogeneous ICAM-1 expression and may be cardioprotective during the onset of septic injury.     

雷帕霉素对低氧下HL-60细胞的低氧调控信号分子表达的影响

摘要目的：通过小分子化合物氯（CoCt2）模拟的低氧环境,分析低氧下及其雷帕霉素（RPM）作用下人急性髓细胞白血病细胞HL．60的低氧调控信号分子表达的变化;方法：常规方法复苏、传代、培养HL-60细胞,培养细胞进入对数生长期后用于实验。低氧模拟组、低氧雷帕霉素处理组、常氧雷帕霉素处理组分别用含2001xmol／LCoCl2、2001xmol／LCOCl2／20nmol／LRPM、20nmol／LRPM的1640培养基处理生长状态良好的细胞,对照组细胞用1640培养基培养,各组置培养箱以37℃、5％CO2培养,并于处理后24h、48h、72h收集细胞用于检测;采用实时荧光定量PCR方法检测低氧诱导因子（HIF-1α）、内皮细胞生长因于（VEGF）、雷帕霉素靶蛋白（mTOR）及GAPDH在转录水平的表达;结果：①与各时段对照组相比,低氧模拟组HIF-1α表达随时间逐渐增加,72h明显上调;与常氧雷帕霉素处理组各时段比较,低氧雷帕霉素处理组HIF-1α表达早期（24h）相对下调,后期相对上调;②．与对照组比较,各处理组mTOR表达均下调,低氧雷帕霉素处理组在早期（24h）下调显著;与常氧雷帕霉素处理组比较,低氧雷帕霉素处理组mTOR各时段的表达均相对下调;③与对照组各时段相比,低氧模拟组VEGF的表达在早期显著上调,但后期呈下调;常氧雷帕霉素处理组各时段VEGF的表达下调,与其比较,低氧雷帕霉素处理组各时段均呈相对下调。结论：常氧和低氧下RPM作用HL-60细胞后VEGF、mTOR的mRNA均表达下调,RPM可在低氧环境下增强了这种下调表达作用。     

Hypoxia triggers endothelial endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis via induction of VLDL receptor

Endothelial cells express very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLr). Beyond the function as peripheral lipoprotein receptor, other roles of VLDLr in endothelial cells have not been completely unraveled. In the present study, human umbilical vein endothelial cells were subjected to hypoxia, and VLDLr expression, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and apoptosis were assessed. Hypoxia triggered endothelial ER stress and apoptosis, and induced VLDLr expression. Silencing or stabilization of HIF-1α reduced and enhanced VLDLr expression, respectively. HIF-1α affected vldlr promoter activity by interacting with a hypoxia-responsive element (HRE). Knockdown or overexpression of VLDLr alleviated and exacerbated hypoxia-induced ER stress and apoptosis, respectively. Thus, hypoxia induces VLDLr expression through the interaction of HIF-1α with HRE at the vldlr promoter. VLDLr then mediates ER stress and apoptosis.     

iNOS expression inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor-1 activity

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) activates genes important in vascular function such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), erythropoietin (EPO), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). iNOS catalyzes the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), a free radical gas that mediates a number of cellular processes, including regulation of gene expression, vasodilatation, and neurotransmission. Here we demonstrate that iNOS expression inhibits HIF-1 activity under hypoxia in C6 glioma cells transfected with an iNOS gene and a VEGF promoter-driven luciferase gene. HIF-1 induction of VEGF-luciferase activity in C6 cell is also inhibited by sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Furthermore, pretreatment of C6 cells with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, nullified the inhibitory effect of iNOS on HIF-1 binding. These results demonstrate that NO generated by iNOS expression inhibits HIF-1 activity in hypoxic C6 cells and suggest a negative feedback loop in the HIF-1 --> iNOS cascade.