Site-specific dephosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by protein phosphatase 2A: evidence for crosstalk between phosphorylation sites

The endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a calcium/calmodulin-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of nitric oxide, a key mediator of vascular homeostasis. eNOS undergoes a variety of posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation on at least three residues: serines 116 and 1179 and threonine 497. Although the agonist-modulated protein kinase pathways that lead to eNOS phosphorylation have been studied in detail, the signaling pathways governing eNOS dephosphorylation remain less well characterized. The present study identifies protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) as a key determinant of eNOS dephosphorylation and enzyme activity. We transfected bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) with epitope-tagged cDNAs encoding wild-type eNOS or a series of phosphorylation-deficient eNOS mutants, immunoprecipitated [(32)P(i)] biosynthetically labeled recombinant proteins using antibodies directed against the epitope tag and treated the [(32)P(i)]-phosphorylated eNOS with protein phosphatases. We found that PP2A dephosphorylates eNOS residues threonine 497 and serine 1179 but not serine 116 and that an eNOS mutant lacking these three established phosphorylation sites is robustly labeled when expressed in BAEC and is dephosphorylated by PP2A. An inhibitor of PP2A increases eNOS enzymatic activity and augments overall levels of eNOS phosphorylation, specifically increasing phosphorylation of serines 116 and 1179. When transfected into BAEC or COS-7 cells, a "phospho-mimetic" eNOS mutant in which threonine 497 is changed to aspartate shows attenuated phosphorylation at serine 1179 as well as reduced enzyme activity in COS-7 cells. Our results indicate that regulation of eNOS dephosphorylation may be a key point for control of nitric oxide-dependent signaling pathways in vascular endothelial cells.     

Negative modulation of eNOS by laminin involving post‐translational phosphorylation

Nitric oxide (NO) regulates the vascular tone, and influences survival and apoptosis of endothelial cells (ECs). NO is produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and eNOS is the constitutive enzyme in the endothelium. Though the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been reported to regulate various EC functions, the role of ECM in the regulation of eNOS is not clear. The present study was designed to analyze if laminin‐1 (Ln‐1), the major glycoprotein of the basement membrane, can regulate eNOS. The activity of eNOS was significantly low in ECs maintained on Ln‐1 as compared to those on Col I and polylysine. Reversal of the effect of Ln‐1 on treatment with inhibitor of p38 MAPK and changes in Thr and Ser phosphorylation in purified eNOS suggested that eNOS activity in cells maintained on Ln‐1 is negatively regulated by post‐translational phosphorylation at Ser and Thr residues by recruiting p38 MAPK pathway. Increase in eNOS activity and induction of apoptosis upon inhibition of p38 MAPK and reversal of this on inhibition of NOS by L ‐NAME suggested that increased NO induced apoptosis in ECs maintained on Ln‐1 when p38 MAPK was inhibited. These results suggest that Ln contributes to survival of ECs by negatively modulating eNOS in a p38 MAPK dependent pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 123–131, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Modulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by fibronectin

Nitric oxide (NO) produced by the action of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays an important role in the regulation of vascular tone, cell survival, and angiogenesis. Interaction of endothelial cells (ECs) with a fibronectin (FN) rich matrix is important in the regulation of EC function and survival during angiogenesis. The present study was carried out to examine if FN can regulate eNOS and thereby NO levels in ECs. The activity and the levels of mRNA and protein of eNOS were significantly low in HUVECs maintained in culture on FN. Inhibition of p38 MAPK and blocking the interaction of FN with α₅β₁ integrin using antibody caused the reversal of the FN effect. Immunoblot analysis of Ser/Thr phosphorylation of purified eNOS suggested that FN downregulates post-translational phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser residues. These results suggest that FN negatively modulates eNOS in an α₅β₁ integrin-p38 MAPK-dependent pathway.     

Effects of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids on levels of eNOS phosphorylation and relevant signaling transduction path-ways involved

Vascular endothelial cells play crucial roles in regulating cardiovascular function, maintaining car-diovascular homeostasis and preventing the occur-rence of cardiac and cerebral vascular diseases. All these protective effects are fulfilled through various vasoactive products secreted by endothelium including nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin (PGI2) and endothe-lium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). NO, pro-duced from L-arginine by endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS), is an impor…     

Effects of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids on levels of eNOS phosphorylation and relevant signaling transduction pathways involved

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a key enzyme responsible for the regulation of vascular homeostasis. Many humor factors and mechanical forces can affect eNOS activity via phosphorylation modification but the mechanisms involved vary with stimuli applied. We have demonstrated that cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase-dependent metabolites of arachidonic acid, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), can robustly up-regulate eNOS expression and its activity, however the relevant signaling pathways responsible for activity regulation are not well known. In this study, we explored the role of PI3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in eNOS expression and its phosphorylation in response to EETs via direct addition of EETs into cultured bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAECs) and recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated transfection of CYP epoxygenase genes CYPF87V and CYP2C11 to produce endogenous EETs followed by co-treatment with PI3K or Akt inhibitor. Results show that both exogenous and endogenous EETs could remarkably enhance eNOS expression and its phosphorylation at Ser1179 and Thr497 residues; PI3K inhibitor LY294002 could inhibit EETs-induced increase in eNOS-Ser(P)¹¹⁷⁹ but had no effect on the change of eNOS-Thr(P)⁴⁹⁷, while Akt inhibitor could attenuate the increase in phosphor-eNOS at both residues; both of the two inhibitors could block EETs-enhanced eNOS expression. These results lead to conclusions: (i) EETs-mediated regulation of eNOS activity may be related with the changes of phosphorylation level at eNOS-Ser¹¹⁷⁹ via PI3K/Akt and eNOS-Thr⁴⁹⁷ via Akt; (ii) PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is involved in the up-regulation of eNOS expression by EETs.     

SIRT1 regulates oxidant- and cigarette smoke-induced eNOS acetylation in endothelial cells: Role of resveratrol

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a crucial role in endothelial cell functions. SIRT1, a NAD⁺-dependent deacetylase, is shown to regulate endothelial function and hence any alteration in endothelial SIRT1 will affect normal vascular physiology. Cigarette smoke (CS)-mediated oxidative stress is implicated in endothelial dysfunction. However, the role of SIRT1 in regulation of eNOS by CS and oxidants are not known. We hypothesized that CS-mediated oxidative stress downregulates SIRT1 leading to acetylation of eNOS which results in reduced nitric oxide (NO)-mediated signaling and endothelial dysfunction. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and H₂O₂ showed decreased SIRT1 levels, activity, but increased phosphorylation concomitant with increased eNOS acetylation. Pre-treatment of endothelial cells with resveratrol significantly attenuated the CSE- and oxidant-mediated SIRT1 levels and eNOS acetylation. These findings suggest that CS- and oxidant-mediated reduction of SIRT1 is associated with acetylation of eNOS which have implications in endothelial dysfunction.     

Effects of cold exposure and shear stress on endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is the primary enzyme that produces nitric oxide (NO), which plays an important role in blood vessel relaxation. eNOS activation is stimulated by various mechanical forces, such as shear stress. Several studies have shown that local cooling of the human finger causes strong vasoconstriction, followed after several minutes by cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD). However, the role played by endothelial cells (ECs) in blood vessel regulation in respond to cold temperatures is not fully understood. In this study, we found that low temperature alone does not significantly increase or decrease eNOS activation in ECs. We further found that the combination of shear stress with temperature change leads to a significant increase in eNOS activation at 37 °C and 28 °C, and a decrease at 4 °C. These results show that ECs play an important role in blood vessel regulation under shear stress and low temperature.     

Nitric oxide-dependent Src activation and resultant caveolin-1 phosphorylation promote eNOS/caveolin-1 binding and eNOS inhibition

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-mediated NO production plays a critical role in the regulation of vascular function and pathophysiology. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) binding to eNOS holds eNOS in an inactive conformation; however, the mechanism of Cav-1-mediated inhibition of activated eNOS is unclear. Here the role of Src-dependent Cav-1 phosphorylation in eNOS negative feedback regulation is investigated. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and coimmunoprecipitation analyses, we observed increased interaction between eNOS and Cav-1 following stimulation of endothelial cells with thrombin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and Ca(2+) ionophore A23187, which is corroborated in isolated perfused mouse lung. The eNOS/Cav-1 interaction is blocked by eNOS inhibitor L-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester (hydrochloride) and Src kinase inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl) pyrazolo [3, 4-d] pyrimidine. We also observe increased binding of phosphomimicking Y14D-Cav-1 mutant transduced in human embryonic kidney cells overexpressing eNOS and reduced Ca(2+)-induced NO production compared to cells expressing the phosphodefective Y14F-Cav-1 mutant. Finally, Src FRET biosensor, eNOS small interfering RNA, and NO donor studies demonstrate NO-induced Src activation and Cav-1 phosphorylation at Tyr-14, resulting in increased eNOS/Cav-1 interaction and inhibition of eNOS activity. Taken together, these data suggest that activation of eNOS promotes Src-dependent Cav-1-Tyr-14 phosphorylation and eNOS/Cav-1 binding, that is, eNOS feedback inhibition.     

Cellular mechanisms and intracellular signaling pathways for the modulation of eNOS in pulmonary arteries by 15-HETE

The 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), a lipid metabolite and vasoconstrictor, plays an important role in hypoxic contraction of pulmonary arteries (PAs) through working on smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Previous studies have shown that vascular endothelium is also involved in PAs tone regulation. However, little is known as to how the pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) are related to the 15-HETE-induced vasoconstriction and that which intracellular signaling systems are critical. To test this hypothesis, we examined PAs constriction in isolated rat PAs rings, the expression and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) with western blot, and nitric oxide (NO) production using the DAF-FM DA fluorescent indicator. The results showed that the 15-HETE-induced PAs constriction was diminished in endothelium-intact rings. In the presence of the eNOS inhibitor L-NAME, vasoconstrictor responses to KCl were greater than the control. The activation of eNOS was activated by Ca2? released from intracellular stores and the PI3K/Akt pathway. Phosphorylations of the eNOS at Ser-1177 and Akt at Ser-473 were necessary for their activity. A prolonged 15-HETE treatment (30 min) led to a decrease in NO production by phosphorylation of eNOS at Thr-495, leading to augmentation of PAs constriction. Therefore, 15-HETE initially inhibited the PAs constriction through the endothelial NO system, and both Ca2? and the PI3K/Akt signaling systems are required for the effects of 15-HETE on PAs tone regulation.     

Rho GTPase/Rho kinase negatively regulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation through the inhibition of protein kinase B/Akt in human endothelial cells

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is an important regulator of cardiovascular homeostasis by production of nitric oxide (NO) from vascular endothelial cells. It can be activated by protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt via phosphorylation at Ser-1177. We are interested in the role of Rho GTPase/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway in regulation of eNOS expression and activation. Using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we show here that both active RhoA and ROCK not only downregulate eNOS gene expression as reported previously but also inhibit eNOS phosphorylation at Ser-1177 and cellular NO production with concomitant suppression of PKB activation. Moreover, coexpression of a constitutive active form of PKB restores the phosphorylation but not gene expression of eNOS in the presence of active RhoA. Furthermore, we show that thrombin inhibits eNOS phosphorylation, as well as expression via Rho/ROCK pathway. Expression of the active PKB reverses eNOS phosphorylation but has no effect on downregulation of eNOS expression induced by thrombin. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Rho/ROCK pathway negatively regulates eNOS phosphorylation through inhibition of PKB, whereas it downregulates eNOS expression independent of PKB.     

Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Dimerization Is Regulated by Heat Shock Protein 90 Rather than by Phosphorylation

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a multifunctional enzyme with roles in diverse cellular processes including angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, and the maintenance of vascular tone. Monomeric and dimeric forms of eNOS exist in various tissues. The dimeric form of eNOS is considered the active form and the monomeric form is considered inactive. The activity of eNOS is also regulated by many other mechanisms, including amino acid phosphorylation and interactions with other proteins. However, the precise mechanisms regulating eNOS dimerization, phosphorylation, and activity remain incompletely characterized. We utilized purified eNOS and bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAECs) to investigate the mechanisms regulating eNOS degradation. Both eNOS monomer and dimer existed in purified bovine eNOS. Incubation of purified bovine eNOS with protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) resulted in dephosphorylation at Serine 1179 (Ser1179) in both dimer and monomer and decrease in eNOS activity. However, the eNOS dimer∶monomer ratio was unchanged. Similarly, protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) induced dephosphorylation of eNOS at Threonine 497 (Thr497), without altering the eNOS dimer∶monomer ratio. Different from purified eNOS, in cultured BAECs eNOS existed predominantly as dimers. However, eNOS monomers accumulated following treatment with the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin. Additionally, treatment of BAECs with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) resulted in phosphorylation of Ser1179 in eNOS dimers without altering the phosphorylation status of Thr497 in either form. Inhibition of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) or Hsp90 silencing destabilized eNOS dimers and was accompanied by dephosphorylation both of Ser1179 and Thr497. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that eNOS monomers, but not eNOS dimers, are degraded by ubiquitination. Additionally, the dimeric eNOS structure is the predominant condition for eNOS amino acid modification and activity regulation. Finally, destabilization of eNOS dimers not only results in eNOS degradation, but also causes changes in eNOS amino acid modifications that further affect eNOS activity.     

Coordinated regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity by phosphorylation and subcellular localization

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is regulated by multiple mechanisms including Ca(2+)/calmodulin binding, protein-protein interactions, phosphorylation, and subcellular locations. Emerging evidence suggests that these seemingly independent mechanisms may be closely correlated. In the present study, the interplay between membrane targeting and phosphorylation of eNOS was investigated by using various mutants designed to target specific subcellular locations or to mimic different phospho states. Phospho-mimicking mutations of wild-type eNOS at S635 and S1179 synergistically activated the enzyme. The targeted eNOS mutants to plasma membrane and Golgi complex exhibited higher NO production activities than that of a myristoylation-deficient cytosolic mutant. Phospho-mimicking mutations at S635 and S1179 rescued the activity of the cytosolic mutant and increased those of the plasma membrane- and Golgi-targeted mutants. In contrast, phospho-deficient mutations at these sites led to inactivation of eNOS. Unlike the other targeted mutants, the cytosolic eNOS mutant was unresponsive to cAMP, indicating that membrane association and phosphorylation are required for eNOS activation. These findings suggest that the coordinated interplay between phosphorylation and subcellular localization of eNOS plays an important role in regulating NO production in endothelial cells.     

Cellular mechanisms and intracellular signaling pathways for the modulation of eNOS in pulmonary arteries by 15-HETE

The 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), a lipid metabolite and vasoconstrictor, plays an important role in hypoxic contraction of pulmonary arteries (PAs) through working on smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Previous studies have shown that vascular endothelium is also involved in PAs tone regulation. However, little is known as to how the pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) are related to the 15-HETE-induced vasoconstriction and that which intracellular signaling systems are critical. To test this hypothesis, we examined PAs constriction in isolated rat PAs rings, the expression and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) with western blot, and nitric oxide (NO) production using the DAF-FM DA fluorescent indicator. The results showed that the 15-HETE-induced PAs constriction was diminished in endothelium-intact rings. In the presence of the eNOS inhibitor L-NAME, vasoconstrictor responses to KCl were greater than the control. The activation of eNOS was activated by Ca²⁺ released from intracellular stores and the PI3K/Akt pathway. Phosphorylations of the eNOS at Ser-1177 and Akt at Ser-473 were necessary for their activity. A prolonged 15-HETE treatment (30?min) led to a decrease in NO production by phosphorylation of eNOS at Thr-495, leading to augmentation of PAs constriction. Therefore, 15-HETE initially inhibited the PAs constriction through the endothelial NO system, and both Ca²⁺ and the PI3K/Akt signaling systems are required for the effects of 15-HETE on PAs tone regulation.     

Reactive oxygen species as cardiovascular mediators: Lessons from endothelial-specific protein overexpression mouse models

The term reactive oxygen species (ROS) summarizes several small chemical compounds such as superoxide, peroxynitrite, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide. The stoichiometry of the chemical reactions underlying generation and metabolism is subject of tight enzymatic regulation resulting in well balanced steady-state concentrations throughout the healthy body. ROS are short-lived and usually active at the site of production only, e.g. in vascular endothelial cells. Although an increase of vascular ROS-production is considered an important pathogenic factor in cardiovascular diseases, there is evidence for physiological or even beneficial effects as well. We have generated several transgenic mice using the Tie-2 promotor which expresses an enzyme of interest specifically in vascular endothelial cells. Here, we review some results obtained with mice carrying a Tie-2-driven overexpression of catalase or endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Tie-2-catalase mice have a strongly reduced steady-state concentration of vascular hydrogen peroxide and show profound hypotension that is not dependent on the bioavailability of endothelial nitric oxide but is completely reversible by treatment with the catalase inhibitor aminotriazole. A similar hypotension was observed in transgenic mice with an endothelial-specific overexpression of eNOS but this hypotension is entirely dependent on vascular eNOS activity. These observations suggest a tonic effect of hydrogen peroxide on vascular smooth muscle. Further studies suggested that hydrogen peroxide promotes the exercise-induced increase of vascular eNOS expression and inhibits the release of endothelial progenitor cells induced by exercise training. In summary, our data support the concept of a dual role of ROS in the vascular system.     

Radiochemical HPLC detection of arginine metabolism: measurement of nitric oxide synthesis and arginase activity in vascular tissue.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in vascular homeostasis. Accurate measurement of NO production by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is critical for the investigation of vascular disease mechanisms using genetically modified animal models. Previous assays of NO production measuring the conversion of arginine to citrulline have required homogenisation of tissue and reconstitution with cofactors including NADPH and tetrahydrobiopterin. However, the activity and regulation of NOS in vivo is critically dependant on tissue levels of these cofactors. Therefore, understanding eNOS regulation requires assays of NO production in intact vascular tissue that do not depend on the addition of exogenous cofactors and have sufficient sensitivity and specificity. We describe a novel technique, using radiochemical detection of arginine to citrulline conversion, to measure NO production within intact mouse aortas, without exogenous cofactors. We demonstrate the presence of arginase activity in mouse aortas which has the potential to confound this assay. Furthermore, we describe the use of N-hydroxy-nor-L-arginine (nor-NOHA) to inhibit arginase and permit specific detection of NO production in intact mouse tissue. Using this technique we demonstrate a 2.4-fold increase in NO production in aortas of transgenic mice overexpressing eNOS in the endothelium, and show that this technique has high specificity and high sensitivity for detection of in situ NO synthesis by eNOS in mouse vascular tissue. These results have important implications for the investigation of NOS regulation in cells and tissues.     

Receptor-regulated dynamic S-nitrosylation of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase in vascular endothelial cells

The endothelial isoform of nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) is regulated by a complex pattern of post-translational modifications. In these studies, we show that eNOS is dynamically regulated by S-nitrosylation, the covalent adduction of nitric oxide (NO)-derived nitrosyl groups to the cysteine thiols of proteins. We report that eNOS is tonically S-nitrosylated in resting bovine aortic endothelial cells and that the enzyme undergoes rapid transient denitrosylation after addition of the eNOS agonist, vascular endothelial growth factor. eNOS is thereafter progressively renitrosylated to basal levels. The receptor-mediated decrease in eNOS S-nitrosylation is inversely related to enzyme phosphorylation at Ser(1179), a site associated with eNOS activation. We also document that targeting of eNOS to the cell membrane is required for eNOS S-nitrosylation. Acylation-deficient mutant eNOS, which is targeted to the cytosol, does not undergo S-nitrosylation. Using purified eNOS, we show that eNOS S-nitrosylation by exogenous NO donors inhibits enzyme activity and that eNOS inhibition is reversed by denitrosylation. We determine that the cysteines of the zinc-tetrathiolate that comprise the eNOS dimer interface are the targets of S-nitrosylation. Mutation of the zinc-tetrathiolate cysteines eliminates eNOS S-nitrosylation but does not eliminate NO synthase activity, arguing strongly that disruption of the zinc-tetrathiolate does not necessarily lead to eNOS monomerization in vivo. Taken together, these studies suggest that eNOS S-nitrosylation may represent an important mechanism for regulation of NO signaling pathways in the vascular wall.     

Effects of the Cdc2-like kinase-family and DNA topoisomerase I on the alternative splicing of eNOS in TNF-alpha-stimulated human endothelial cells

Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and plays an important role in vascular homeostasis and cardiovascular diseases. It has recently been shown that increased expression of alternatively spliced eNOS isoforms eNOS 13A, B and C and heterodimerization with 'full-length' eNOS is associated with a decreased eNOS activity. The regulatory pathways enabling this phenomenon are completely unknown. This study examined the effect of Cdc2-like kinases and DNA topoisomerase I on eNOS splicing in TNF-alpha-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We found that inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I, but not Cdc2-like kinases, prevents the TNF-alpha-induced increase in eNOS isoform expression and NO reduction in HUVEC. Moreover, we show that the inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I or the Cdc2-like kinases differently modulates the phosphorylation of the serine/arginine-rich proteins SRp75 and SRp55. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that DNA topoisomerase I but not Cdc2-like kinases serves as an important regulator of the differential eNOS isoform expression in endothelial cells, thereby modulating the TNF-alpha-induced eNOS activity switch.     

Role of platelet endothelial form of nitric oxide synthase in collagen-platelet interaction: regulation by phosphorylation

Different pathways have been reported to be involved in platelet-collagen interaction. We have reported that the platelet endothelial form of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the platelet receptor for type I collagen, p65, are closely associated. But the controlling mechanism underlying the generation of nitric oxide (NO) by the eNOS has not been fully explored. In this investigation, Western blot analyses of time course samples with anti-phosphorylated tyrosine, and anti-serine/threonine showed a marked increase in serine/threonine phosphorylation of eNOS during type I collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Meanwhile, the eNOS activity measured by the conversion of [3H]-arginine to [3H]-citrulline is significantly decreased. Correlation of type I collagen-induced platelet aggregation and the activity of eNOS in the presence of the serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor, okadiac acid and the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, vanadate were performed with PRP. Results show the decrease in eNOS activity by adding okadiac acid correlated with the inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, vanadate significantly inhibits platelet aggregation and also inhibits eNOS activity when the concentration of vanadate is greater than 2 mM. These results suggest that phosphorylation of serine/threonine and tyrosine residues control the activity of eNOS through different mechanisms to affect collagen-induced platelet aggregation.     

A protective role of ciglitazone in ox‐LDL‐induced rat microvascular endothelial cells via modulating PPARγ‐dependent AMPK/eNOS pathway

Thiazolidinediones, the antidiabetic agents such as ciglitazone, has been proved to be effective in limiting atherosclerotic events. However, the underlying mechanism remains elucidative. Ox‐LDL receptor‐1 (LOX‐1) plays a central role in ox‐LDL‐mediated atherosclerosis via endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling and nitric oxide reduction. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that ciglitazone, the PPARγ agonist, protected endothelial cells against ox‐LDL through regulating eNOS activity and LOX‐1 signalling. In the present study, rat microvascular endothelial cells (RMVECs) were stimulated by ox‐LDL. The impact of ciglitazone on cell apoptosis and angiogenesis, eNOS expression and phosphorylation, nitric oxide synthesis and related AMPK, Akt and VEGF signalling pathway were observed. Our data showed that both eNOS and Akt phosphorylation, VEGF expression and nitric oxide production were significantly decreased, RMVECs ageing and apoptosis increased after ox‐LDL induction for 24 hrs, all of which were effectively reversed by ciglitazone pre‐treatment. Meanwhile, phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) was suppressed by ox‐LDL, which was also prevented by ciglitazone. Of interest, AMPK inhibition abolished ciglitazone‐mediated eNOS function, nitric oxide synthesis and angiogenesis, and increased RMVECs ageing and apoptosis. Further experiments showed that inhibition of PPARγ significantly suppressed AMPK phosphorylation, eNOS expression and nitric oxide production. Ciglitazone‐mediated angiogenesis and reduced cell ageing and apoptosis were reversed. Furthermore, LOX‐1 protein expression in RMVECs was suppressed by ciglitazone, but re‐enhanced by blocking PPARγ or AMPK. Ox‐LDL‐induced suppression of eNOS and nitric oxide synthesis were largely prevented by silencing LOX‐1. Collectively, these data demonstrate that ciglitazone‐mediated PPARγ activation suppresses LOX‐1 and moderates AMPK/eNOS pathway, which contributes to endothelial cell survival and function preservation.     

Mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for folic acid in cardiovascular disease

Folic acid (FA) is a member of the B-vitamin family with cardiovascular roles in homocysteine regulation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. Its interaction with eNOS is thought to be due to the enhancement of tetrahydrobiopterin bioavailability, helping maintain eNOS in its coupled state to favor the generation of nitric oxide rather than oxygen free radicals. FA also plays a role in the prevention of several cardiac and noncardiac malformations, has potent direct antioxidant and antithrombotic effects, and can interfere with the production of the endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor. These multiple mechanisms of action have led to studies regarding the therapeutic potential of FA in cardiovascular disease. To date, studies have demonstrated that FA ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and nitrate tolerance and can improve pathological features of atherosclerosis. These effects appear to be homocysteine independent but rather related to their role in eNOS function. Given the growing evidence that nitric oxide synthase uncoupling plays a major role in many cardiovascular disorders, the potential of exogenous FA as an inexpensive and safe oral therapy is intriguing and is stimulating ongoing investigations.