Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha induces NADPH oxidase activity in macrophages, leading to the generation of LDL with PPAR-alpha activation properties

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors controlling lipid and glucose metabolism as well as inflammation. PPARs are expressed in macrophages, cells that also generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we investigated whether PPARs regulate ROS production in macrophages. Different PPAR-alpha, but not PPAR-gamma agonists, increased the production of ROS (H2O2 and ) in human and murine macrophages. PPAR-alpha activation did not induce cellular toxicity, but significantly decreased intracellular glutathione levels. The increase in ROS production was not attributable to inherent prooxidant effects of the PPAR-alpha agonists tested, but was mediated by PPAR-alpha, because the effects were lost in bone marrow-derived macrophages from PPAR-alpha-/- mice. The PPAR-alpha-induced increase in ROS was attributable to the induction of NADPH oxidase, because (1) preincubation with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodinium prevented the increase in ROS production; (2) PPAR-alpha agonists increased production measured by superoxide dismutase-inhibitable cytochrome c reduction; (3) PPAR-alpha agonists induced mRNA levels of the NADPH oxidase subunits p47(phox), p67phox, and gp91phox and membrane p47phox protein levels; and (4) induction of ROS production was abolished in p47phox-/- and gp91phox-/- macrophages. Finally, induction of NADPH oxidase by PPAR-alpha agonists resulted in the formation of oxidized LDL metabolites that exert PPAR-alpha-independent proinflammatory and PPAR-alpha-dependent decrease of lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in macrophages. These data identify a novel mechanism of autogeneration of endogenous PPAR-alpha ligands via stimulation of NADPH oxidase activity.     

Angiotensin II and endothelin-1 regulate MAP kinases through different redox-dependent mechanisms in human vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE: The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling by angiotensin (Ang) II and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) was investigated. DESIGN: VSMCs were derived from resistance arteries from healthy subjects. MAPK activity was assessed using phospho-specific antibodies. ROS generation was measured by CMH2DCFDA fluorescence and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity by lucigenin chemiluminescence. RESULTS: Ang II and ET-1 increased MAPK phosphorylation (P < 0.01). Pre-treatment with Tiron and Tempol, *O2 scavengers, attenuated agonist-stimulated phosphorylation of p38MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and ERK5, but not of ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinases). Apocynin and diphenylene iodinium (DPI), NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors, decreased Ang II-induced responses 60-70%. ET-1-mediated MAPK phosphorylation was unaffected by apocynin but was reduced (> 50%) by thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TIFT) and carboxyl cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), mitochondrial inhibitors. Allopurinol and N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), xanthine oxidase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, respectively, did not influence MAPK activation. Intracellular ROS generation, was increased by Ang II and ET-1 (P < 0.01). DPI inhibited Ang II- but not ET-1-mediated ROS production. Expression of p22phox and p47phox and activation of NAD(P)H oxidase were increased by Ang II but not by ET-1. CCCP and TIFT significantly attenuated ET-1-mediated ROS formation (P < 0.05), without influencing Ang II effects. CONCLUSIONS: Ang II activates p38MAPK, JNK and ERK5 primarily through NAD(P)H oxidase-generated ROS. ET-1 stimulates these kinases via redox-sensitive processes that involve mitochondrial-derived ROS. These data suggest that redox-dependent activation of MAPKs by Ang II and ET-1 occur through distinct ROS-generating systems that could contribute to differential signaling by these agonists in VSMCs.     

Redox signaling in angiogenesis: role of NADPH oxidase

Angiogenesis, a process of new blood vessel formation, is a key process involved in normal development and wound repair as well as in the various pathophysiologies such as ischemic heart and limb diseases and atherosclerosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and H(2)O(2) function as signaling molecules in many aspects of growth factor-mediated responses including angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key angiogenic growth factor and stimulates proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells (ECs) primarily through the VEGF receptor type2 (VEGR2, KDR/Flk1). VEGF binding initiates autophosphorylation of VEGFR2, which results in activation of downstream signaling enzymes including ERK1/2, Akt, and eNOS in ECs, thereby stimulating angiogenesis. The major source of ROS in EC is a NADPH oxidase which consists of Nox1, Nox2 (gp91phox), Nox4, p22phox, p47phox, p67phox and the small G protein Rac1. The endothelial NADPH oxidase is activated by angiogenic factors including VEGF and angiopoietin-1. ROS derived from this enzyme stimulate diverse redox signaling pathways leading to angiogenesis-related gene induction as well as EC migration and proliferation, which may contribute to postnatal angiogenesis in vivo. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the recent progress on the emerging area of the role of ROS derived from NADPH oxidase and redox signaling in angiogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms may provide insight into the NADPH oxidase and redox signaling components as potential therapeutic targets for treatment of angiogenesis-dependent cardiovascular diseases and for promoting angiogenesis in ischemic limb and heart diseases.     

Contrasting roles of NADPH oxidase isoforms in pressure-overload versus angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy

Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is implicated in the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Phagocyte-type NADPH oxidases are major cardiovascular sources of ROS, and recent data indicate a pivotal role of a gp91phox-containing NADPH oxidase in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced LVH. We investigated the role of this oxidase in pressure-overload LVH. gp91phox-/- mice and matched controls underwent chronic Ang II infusion or aortic constriction. Ang II-induced increases in NADPH oxidase activity, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) expression, and cardiac mass were inhibited in gp91phox-/- mice, whereas aortic constriction-induced increases in cardiac mass and ANF expression were not inhibited. However, aortic constriction increased cardiac NADPH oxidase activity in both gp91phox-/- and wild-type mice. Myocardial expression of an alternative gp91phox isoform, Nox4, was upregulated after aortic constriction in gp91phox-/- mice. The antioxidant, N-acetyl-cysteine, inhibited pressure-overload-induced LVH in both gp91phox-/- and wild-type mice. These data suggest a differential response of the cardiac Nox isoforms, gp91phox and Nox4, to Ang II versus pressure overload.     

PKCzeta regulates TNF-alpha-induced activation of NADPH oxidase in endothelial cells

Although oxidant generation by NADPH oxidase is known to play an important role in signaling in endothelial cells, the basis of activation of NADPH oxidase is incompletely understood. The atypical isoform of protein kinase C, PKCzeta, has been implicated in the mechanism of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced oxidant generation in endothelial cells; thus, in the present study, we have addressed the role of PKCzeta in regulating NADPH oxidase function. We showed by immunoblotting and confocal microscopy the presence of the major cytosolic NADPH oxidase subunits, p47(phox) and membrane-bound gp91(phox) in human pulmonary artery endothelial (HPAE) cells. TNF-alpha failed to activate oxidant generation in lung vascular endothelial cells derived from p47(phox-/-) and gp91(phox-/-) mice, indicating the requirement of NADPH oxidase in mediating the oxidant generation in endothelial cells. Stimulation of HPAE cells with TNF-alpha resulted in the phosphorylation of p47(phox) and its association with gp91(phox). Inhibition of PKCzeta by multiple pharmacological and genetic approaches prevented the TNF-alpha-induced phosphorylation of p47(phox), and its translocation to the membrane. PKCzeta was shown to colocalize with p47(phox), and inhibition of PKCzeta activation prevented the interaction of p47(phox) with gp91(phox) induced by TNF-alpha. Furthermore, inhibition of association of p47(phox) with gp91(phox) prevented the oxidant generation in endothelial cells. These data demonstrate a novel function of PKCzeta in signaling oxidant generation in endothelial cells by the activation of NADPH oxidase, which may be important in mediating endothelial activation responses.     

Role of p47(phox) in vascular oxidative stress and hypertension caused by angiotensin II

Hypertension caused by angiotensin II is dependent on vascular superoxide (O2*-) production. The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD[P]H) oxidase is a major source of vascular O2*- and is activated by angiotensin II in vitro. However, its role in angiotensin II-induced hypertension in vivo is less clear. In the present studies, we used mice deficient in p47(phox), a cytosolic subunit of the NADPH oxidase, to study the role of this enzyme system in vivo. In vivo, angiotensin II infusion (0.7 mg/kg per day for 7 days) increased systolic blood pressure from 105+/-2 to 151+/-6 mm Hg and increased vascular O2*- formation 2- to 3-fold in wild-type (WT) mice. In contrast, in p47(phox-/-) mice the hypertensive response to angiotensin II infusion (122+/-4 mm Hg; P<0.05) was markedly blunted, and there was no increase of vascular O2*- production. In situ staining for O2*- using dihydroethidium revealed a marked increase of O2*-production in both endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells of angiotensin II-treated WT mice, but not in those of p47(phox-/-) mice. To directly examine the role of the NAD(P)H oxidase in endothelial production of O2*-, endothelial cells from WT and p47(phox-/-) mice were cultured. Western blotting confirmed the absence of p47(phox) in p47(phox-/-) mice. Angiotensin II increased O2*- production in endothelial cells from WT mice, but not in those from p47(phox-/-) mice, as determined by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. These results suggest a pivotal role of the NAD(P)H oxidase and its subunit p47(phox) in the vascular oxidant stress and the blood pressure response to angiotensin II in vivo.     

Influences of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide on hepatic fibrogenesis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study determined the roles of NAD(P)H oxidase, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), and of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which generates nitric oxide (NO) on the development of hepatic fibrosis in mice. METHODS: Hepatic fibrosis was produced by carbon tetrachloride administered for 12 weeks in wild-type (WT) mice and in mice with knockout of either the gp91phox subunit of the NAD(P)H complex (gp91phox-/-) or of iNOS (iNOS(-/-)). RESULTS: Liver fibrosis and hydroxyproline after carbon tetrachloride was lower in gp91phox-/- and in iNOS(-/-) mice than in WT mice. The increase in alpha2(I) collagen mRNA was absent in the gp91phox-/- but not in the iNOS(-/-) mice. Transformation growth factor beta (TGF-beta) mRNA was increased more in the gp91phox-/- than in the WT mice, while in the iNOS(-/-) mice there was no increase in TGF-beta mRNA. 3-Nitrotyrosine was similarly increased by carbon tetrachloride in gp91phox-/- and WT mice, while there was no increase in the iNOS(-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS: Deficiencies in NAD(P)H oxidase and in iNOS separately reduce, but do not eliminate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. Likely causes for this inhibitory effects are decreases in the production of ROS in NAD(P)H deficiency and of peroxinitrite radicals in iNOS deficiency.     

NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide anion mediates angiotensin II-induced pressor effect via activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the rostral ventrolateral medulla

The rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), where sympathetic premotor neurons are located, is a central site via which angiotensin II (Ang II) elicits its pressor effect. We tested the hypothesis that NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide anion (O2*-) in the RVLM mediates Ang II-induced pressor response via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Bilateral microinjection of Ang II into the RVLM resulted in an angiotensin subtype 1 (AT1) receptor-dependent phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2, but not stress-activated protein kinase/Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK), in the ventrolateral medulla. The Ang II-induced p38 MAPK or ERK1/2 phosphorylation was attenuated by application into the RVLM of a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI), an antisense oligonucleotide that targets against p22phox or p47phox subunit of NADPH oxidase mRNA, or the superoxide dismutase mimetic tempol. DPI or antisense p22phox or p47phox oligonucleotide treatment also attenuated the AT1 receptor-dependent increase in O2*- production in the ventrolateral medulla elicited by Ang II at the RVLM. Functionally, Ang II-elicited pressor response in the RVLM was attenuated by DPI, tempol, or a p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580. The AT1 receptor-mediated enhancement of the frequency of glutamate-sensitive spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents induced by Ang II in RVLM neurons was also abolished by SB203580. These results suggest that NADPH oxidase-derived O2*- underlies the activation of p38 MAPK or ERK1/2 by Ang II in the ventrolateral medulla. Furthermore, the p38 MAPK signaling pathway may mediate Ang II-induced pressor response via enhancement of presynaptic release of glutamate to RVLM neurons.     

Bone morphogenic protein 4 produced in endothelial cells by oscillatory shear stress induces monocyte adhesion by stimulating reactive oxygen species production from a nox1-based NADPH oxidase

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease occurring preferentially in arterial regions exposed to disturbed flow conditions including oscillatory shear stress (OS). OS exposure induces endothelial expression of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), which in turn may activate intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression and monocyte adhesion. OS is also known to induce monocyte adhesion by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) from reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases, raising the possibility that BMP4 may stimulate the inflammatory response by ROS-dependent mechanisms. Here we show that ROS scavengers blocked ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesion induced by BMP4 or OS in endothelial cells (ECs). Similar to OS, BMP4 stimulated H2O2 and O2- production in ECs. Next, we used ECs obtained from p47phox-/- mice (MAE-p47-/-), which do not produce ROS in response to OS, to determine the role of NADPH oxidases. Similar to OS, BMP4 failed to induce monocyte adhesion in MAE-p47-/-, but it was restored when the cells were transfected with p47phox plasmid. Moreover, OS-induced O2- production was blocked by noggin (a BMP antagonist), suggesting a role for BMP. Furthermore, OS increased gp91phox (nox2) and nox1 mRNA levels while decreasing nox4. In contrast, BMP4 induced nox1 mRNA expression, whereas nox2 and nox4 were decreased or not affected, respectively. Also, OS-induced monocyte adhesion was blocked by knocking down nox1 with the small interfering RNA (siRNA). Finally, BMP4 siRNA inhibited OS-induced ROS production and monocyte adhesion. Together, these results suggest that BMP4 produced in ECs by OS stimulates ROS release from the nox1-dependent NADPH oxidase leading to inflammation, a critical early atherogenic step.     

O2 sensing is preserved in mice lacking the gp91 phox subunit of NADPH oxidase.

The rapid response to hypoxia in the pulmonary artery (PA), carotid body, and ductus arteriosus is partially mediated by O2-responsive K+ channels. K+ channels in PA smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are inhibited by hypoxia, causing membrane depolarization, increased cytosolic calcium, and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. We hypothesize that the K+ channels are not themselves "O2 sensors" but rather respond to the reduced redox state created by hypoxic inhibition of candidate O2 sensors (NADPH oxidase or the mitochondrial electron transport chain). Both pathways shuttle electrons from donors, down a redox gradient, to O2. Hypoxia inhibits these pathways, decreasing radical production and causing cytosolic accumulation of unused, reduced, freely diffusible electron donors. PASMC K+ channels are redox responsive, opening when oxidized and closing when reduced. Inhibitors of NADPH oxidase (diphenyleneiodonium) and mitochondrial complex 1 (rotenone) both inhibit PASMC whole-cell K+ current but lack the specificity to identify the O2-sensor pathway. We used mice lacking the gp91 subunit of NADPH oxidase [chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) mice] to assess the hypothesis that NADPH oxidase is a PA O2-sensor. In wild-type lungs, gp91 phox and p22 phox subunits are present (relative expression: macrophages > airways and veins > PASMCs). Deletion of gp91 phox did not alter p22 phox expression but severely inhibited activated O2 species production. Nonetheless, hypoxia caused identical inhibition of whole-cell K+ current (in PASMCs) and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (in isolated lungs) from CGD vs. wild-type mice. Rotenone vasoconstriction was preserved in CGD mice, consistent with a role for the mitochondrial electron transport chain in O2 sensing. NADPH oxidase, though a major source of lung radical production, is not the pulmonary vascular O2 sensor in mice.     

NADPH oxidase is an O2 sensor in airway chemoreceptors: evidence from K+ current modulation in wild-type and oxidase-deficient mice

Pulmonary neuroepithelial bodies (NEBs) are presumed airway chemoreceptors that express the putative O(2) sensor protein NADPH oxidase and O(2)-sensitive K(+) channels K(+)(O(2)). Although there is a consensus that redox modulation of K(+)(O(2)) may be a common O(2)-sensing mechanism, the identity of the O(2) sensor and related coupling pathways are still controversial. To test whether NADPH oxidase is the O(2) sensor in NEB cells, we performed patch-clamp experiments on intact NEBs identified by neutral red staining in fresh lung slices from wild-type (WT) and oxidase-deficient (OD) mice. In OD mice, cytochrome b(558) and oxidase function was disrupted in the gp91(phox) subunit coding region by insertion of a neomycin phosphotransferase (neo) gene. Expression in NEB cells of neo mRNA, a marker for nonfunctional gp91(phox), was confirmed by nonisotopic in situ hybridization. In WT cells, hypoxia (pO(2) = 15-20 mmHg; 1 mmHg = 133 Pa) caused a reversible inhibition ( approximately 46%) of both Ca(2+)-independent and Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) currents. In contrast, hypoxia had no effect on K(+) current in OD cells, even though both K(+) current components were expressed. Diphenylene iodonium (1 microM), an inhibitor of the oxidase, reduced K(+) current by approximately 30% in WT cells but had no effect in OD cells. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2); 0.25 mM), a reactive oxygen species generated by functional NADPH oxidase, augmented K(+) current by >30% in both WT and OD cells; further, in WT cells, H(2)O(2) restored K(+) current amplitude in the presence of diphenylene iodonium. We conclude that NADPH oxidase acts as the O(2) sensor in pulmonary airway chemoreceptors.     

Renovascular hypertension by two-kidney one-clip enhances endothelial progenitor cell mobilization in a p47phox-dependent manner

BACKGROUND: Enhanced mechanical forces, e.g. in arterial hypertension, stimulate the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the NAD(P)H oxidase. Since bone marrow derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to vascular remodeling and repair, we investigated whether renovascular hypertension stimulates EPC mobilization in a NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent manner. METHODS: Renovascular hypertension was induced by two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) in C57BL/6 (WT) and in mice lacking the p47phox subunit of the NAD(P)H oxidase (p47phox-/-). RESULTS: In WT, 2K1C increased blood pressure levels by 32.4 +/- 4 mmHg, which was associated with a four-fold increase in circulating EPCs (Sca-1+;Flk-1+). In p47phox-/- mice, the increase in blood pressure was significantly reduced (15.1 +/- 1.8 mmHg, P < 0.05) and not associated with increased EPCs. Inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and nonspecific vasodilators normalized blood pressure and inhibited EPC mobilization in WT mice after 2K1C. In addition, p47phox deficiency and pharmacological ROS blockage abrogated 2K1C-induced blood pressure elevation and EPC mobilization. Stromal cell derived factor (SDF)-1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity in the bone marrow, required for EPC mobilization, were modulated in WT mice after 2K1C. In contrast, no alterations in SDF-1 and MMP-9 were observed in p47phox-/- mice. Moreover, enhanced migration of Lin- bone marrow mononuclear cells was observed when stimulated with plasma from 2K1C WT mice but not when stimulated with plasma from 2K1C p47phox-/- mice. CONCLUSION: Enhanced mechanical stretch in renovascular hypertension induces EPC mobilization in a p47phox-dependent manner, involving bone marrow SDF-1 and MMP-9 which may contribute to compensatory vascular adaptation in renovascular hypertension.     

NADPH oxidase is not an essential mediator of oxidative stress or liver injury in murine MCD diet-induced steatohepatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic oxidative stress is a key feature of metabolic forms of steatohepatitis, but the sources of pro-oxidants are unclear. The NADPH oxidase complex is critical for ROS generation in inflammatory cells; loss of any one component (e.g., gp91phox) renders NADPH oxidase inactive. We tested whether activated inflammatory cells contribute to oxidant stress in steatohepatitis. METHODS: gp91phox-/- and wildtype (wt) mice were fed a methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet. Serum ALT, hepatic triglycerides, histopathology, lipid peroxidation, activation of NF-kappaB, expression of NF-kappaB-regulated genes and macrophage chemokines were measured. RESULTS: After 10 days of MCD dietary feeding, gp91phox-/- and wt mice displayed equivalent hepatocellular injury. After 8 weeks, there were fewer activated macrophages in livers of gp91phox-/- mice than controls, despite similar mRNA levels for MCP and MIP chemokines, but fibrosis was similar. NF-kappaB activation and increased expression of ICAM-1, TNF-alpha and COX-2 mRNA were evident in both genotypes, but in gp91phox-/- mice, expression of these genes was confined to hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS: A functional NADPH oxidase complex does not contribute importantly to oxidative stress in this model and therefore is not obligatory for induction or perpetuation of dietary steatohepatitis.     

A gp91phox containing NADPH oxidase selectively expressed in endothelial cells is a major source of oxygen radical generation in the arterial wall

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in regulating vascular tone and intracellular signaling; the enzymes producing ROS in the vascular wall are, however, poorly characterized. We investigated whether a functionally active NADPH oxidase similar to the leukocyte enzyme, ie, containing the subunits p22phox and gp91phox, is expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a stimulus for leukocyte NADPH oxidase, increased ROS generation in cultured ECs and endothelium-intact rat aortic segments, but not in SMCs or endothelium-denuded arteries. NADPH enhanced chemiluminescence in all preparations. p22phox mRNA and protein was detected in ECs and SMCs, whereas the expression of gp91phox was confined to ECs. Endothelial gp91phox was identical to the leukocyte form as determined by sequence analysis. In contrast, mitogenic oxidase-1 (mox1) was expressed in SMCs, but not in ECs. To determine the functional relevance of gp91phox expression, experiments were performed in aortic segments from wild-type, gp91phox(-/-), and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)(-/-) mice. PMA-induced ROS generation was comparable in aortae from wild-type and eNOS(-/-) mice, but was attenuated in segments from gp91phox(-/-) mice. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was greater in aortae from gp91phox(-/-) than from wild-type mice. The ROS scavenger tiron increased endothelium-dependent relaxation in segments from wild-type, but not from gp91phox(-/-) mice. These data demonstrate that ECs, in contrast to SMCs, express a gp91phox-containing leukocyte-type NADPH oxidase. This enzyme is a major source for arterial ROS generation and affects the bioavailability of endothelium-derived NO.     

The role of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in the autonomous proliferative response of endothelial cells to hypoxia

OBJECTIVE: The autonomous proliferative response of endothelial cells to hypoxia has been shown to be dependent on activation of NAD(P)H oxidase, on the cytosolic Ca2+ load, and, consequently, on nuclear translocation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 during transient hypoxia. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is a downstream signal of NAD(P)H oxidase, mediating cytosolic Ca2+ load and hence nuclear translocation of ERK1/2 and endothelial cell proliferation. METHODS: Porcine aortic endothelial cells were incubated under hypoxic conditions for 40 min. Cytosolic [Ca2+] and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation were measured in fura-2- and DCF-loaded cells, respectively. PARP activation was detected by immunocytochemistry, and endothelial cell proliferation was determined 24 h after 60 min of transient hypoxia. RESULTS: Inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase with antisense oligonucleotide against the p22(phox) subunit, MEK/ERK signalling with UO 126 (30 microM), or PARP with PJ 34 (10 microM) leads to a marked reduction in hypoxia-induced cytosolic Ca2+ load and activation of PARP. Hypoxia-induced translocation of ERK1/2 and endothelial cell proliferation were also prevented when NAD(P)H oxidase or PARP were inhibited; however, hypoxic ROS formation was not affected in the presence of PARP inhibitor. CONCLUSION: PARP represents a downstream effector of NADP(H) oxidase and acts as a necessary intermediate step for the hypoxic proliferative response of endothelial cells.     

Novel role of gp91(phox)-containing NAD(P)H oxidase in vascular endothelial growth factor-induced signaling and angiogenesis

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces angiogenesis by stimulating endothelial cell proliferation and migration, primarily through the receptor tyrosine kinase VEGF receptor2 (Flk1/KDR). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from NAD(P)H oxidase are critically important in many aspects of vascular cell regulation, and both the small GTPase Rac1 and gp91(phox) are critical components of the endothelial NAD(P)H oxidase complex. A role of NAD(P)H oxidase in VEGF-induced angiogenesis, however, has not been defined. In the present study, electron spin resonance spectroscopy is utilized to demonstrate that VEGF stimulates O2*- production, which is inhibited by the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium, as well as by overexpression of dominant-negative Rac1 (N17Rac1) and transfection of gp91(phox) antisense oligonucleotides in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECs). Antioxidants, including N-acetylcysteine (NAC), various NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors, and N17Rac1 significantly attenuate not only VEGF-induced KDR tyrosine phosphorylation but also proliferation and migration of ECs. Importantly, these effects of VEGF are dramatically inhibited in cells transfected with gp91(phox) antisense oligonucleotides. By contrast, ROS are not involved in mediating these effects of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) on ECs. Sponge implant assays demonstrate that VEGF-, but not S1P-, induced angiogenesis is significantly reduced in wild-type mice treated with NAC and in gp91(phox-/-) mice, suggesting that ROS derived from gp91(phox)-containing NAD(P)H oxidase play an important role in angiogenesis in vivo. These studies indicate that VEGF-induced endothelial cell signaling and angiogenesis is tightly controlled by the reduction/oxidation environment at the level of VEGF receptor and provide novel insights into the NAD(P)H oxidase as a potential therapeutic target for angiogenesis-dependent diseases.     

Role of redox signaling in the autonomous proliferative response of endothelial cells to hypoxia

Endothelial cells exhibit an autonomous proliferative response to hypoxia, independent of paracrine effectors. In cultured endothelial cells of porcine aorta, we analyzed the signaling of this response, with a focus on the roles of redox signaling and the MEK/ERK pathway. Transient hypoxia (1 hour) stimulated proliferation by 61+/-4% (n=16; P<0.05 versus control), quantified after 24 hours normoxic postincubation. Hypoxia induced an activation of ERK2 and of NAD(P)H oxidase and a burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), determined by DCF fluorescence. To inhibit the MEK/ERK pathway, we used PD 98059 (PD, 20 micromol/L); to downregulate NAD(P)H oxidase, we applied p22phox antisense oligonucleotides; and to inhibit mitochondrial ROS generation, we used the ubiquinone derivate mitoQ (MQ, 10 micromol/L). All three inhibitions suppressed the proliferative response: PD inhibited NAD(P)H oxidase activation; p22phox antisense transfection did not inhibit ERK2 activation, but suppressed ROS production; and MQ inhibited ERK2 activation and ROS production. The autonomous proliferative response depends on the MEK/ERK pathway and redox signaling steps upstream and downstream of ERK. Located upstream is ROS generation by mitochondria, downstream is NAD(P)H oxidase.     

Brief reoxygenation episodes during chronic hypoxia enhance posthypoxic recovery of LV function

Children with congenital cyanotic heart defects have worse outcomes after surgical repair of their heart defects compared with noncyanotic ones. Institution of extracorporeal circulation in these children exposes the cyanotic heart to reoxygenation injury. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades are major regulators of cardiomyocyte function in acute hypoxia and reoxygenation. However, their roles in chronic hypoxia are incompletely understood. We determined myocardial activation of the three major MAPKs, c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2), and p38-MAPK in adult rats exposed to hypoxia (FIO₂ = 0.10) for varying periods of time. Myocardial function was analyzed in isolated perfused hearts. Acute hypoxia stimulated JNK and p38-MAPK activation. Chronic hypoxia (2 weeks) was associated with increased p38-MAPK (but not JNK) activation, increased apoptosis, and impaired posthypoxic recovery of LV function. Brief normoxic episodes (1 h/day) during chronic hypoxia abolished p38-MAPK activation, stimulated MEK-ERK1/2 activation modestly, and restored posthypoxic LV function. In vivo p38-MAPK inhibition by SB203580 or SB202190 in chronically hypoxic rats restored posthypoxic LV function. These results indicate that sustained hypoxemia maintains p38-MAPK in a chronically activated state that predisposes to myocardial impairment upon reoxygenation. Brief normoxic episodes during chronic hypoxia prevent p38-MAPK activation and restore posthypoxic recovery of myocardial function. Returned for 1st revision: 25 November 2005 1st Revision received: 10 February 2006 Returned for 2nd revision: 28 November 2005 2nd Revision received: 3 March February 2006