CD40 ligand enhances monocyte tissue factor expression and thrombin generation via oxidative stress in patients with hypercholesterolemia

OBJECTIVES: We tested the hypothesis that CD40 ligand (CD40L) induces a prothrombotic state by enhancing oxidative stress. BACKGROUND: Patients with hypercholesterolemia show an ongoing prothrombotic state, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. METHODS: Circulating levels of the soluble form of CD40L (sCD40L), prothrombin fragment (F1+2, a marker of thrombin generation), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG, a marker of oxidative stress) were measured in 40 patients with hypercholesterolemia and in 20 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. RESULTS: Patients with hypercholesterolemia showed significantly higher levels of sCD40L (p <0.005), 8-OHdG (p <0.005), and prothrombin F1+2 (p <0.005), as compared with control subjects. Soluble CD40L significantly correlated with 8-OHdG (r=0.85, p <0.0001) and prothrombin F1+2 (r=0.83, p <0.0001); a significant correlation between 8-OHdG and prothrombin F1+2 was also observed (r=0.64, p <0.0001). An in vitro study demonstrated that CD40L-stimulated monocytes from patients with hypercholesterolemia expressed more tissue factor (TF) and prothrombin F1+2 than monocytes from controls; co-incubation of monocytes with either an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase or an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase significantly reduced CD40L-mediated clotting activation. A marked inhibition of CD40L-mediated clotting activation was also observed in two male patients with hereditary deficiency of gp91 phox, the central core of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. Finally, we demonstrated that CD40L-mediated clotting activation was significantly inhibited by vitamin C, a known antioxidant. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that in patients with hypercholesterolemia, CD40L over-expresses TF and increases the thrombin generation rate by an oxidative stress-mediated mechanism that requires the activation of NADPH oxidase.     

替米沙坦对体外培养THP-1源性巨噬细胞MMP-9与CD40/CD40L表达的影响

目的:通过观察替米沙坦对体外培养的THP-1源性巨噬细胞基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)及白细胞分化抗原CD40/CD40L表达的影响,揭示替米沙坦抗炎作用的可能机制,同时明确替米沙坦的心血管保护作用。方法:用一定浓度的血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)(10 000 nmol/L)诱导体外培养的巨噬细胞,与不同浓度的替米沙坦共同孵育,以MMP-9和CD40/CD40L为指标,应用RT-PCR方法分别检测MMP-9和CD40/CD40L mRNA表达。结果:替米沙坦可同时下调AngⅡ刺激后的MMP-9、CD40和CD40L mRNA的表达,有剂量依赖性。替米沙坦100 nmol/L、1 000 nmol/L、10 000 nmol/L时,MMP-9mRNA的表达与AngⅡ组相比分别下降24%、42%及62%;CD40、CD40LmRNA的表达与AngⅡ组相比分别下降24%、39%、55%、16%、32%及40%。结论:替米沙坦体可下调外培养巨噬细胞MMP-9的表达,从而具有抗炎及稳定斑块作用,其作用机制与抑制CD40/CD40L通路有关。     

不稳定性心绞痛患者基质金属蛋白酶-1与细胞分化抗原40配体的研究

目的探讨自细胞分化抗原40配体（CD40L）介导基质金属蛋白酶-1（MMP-1）的表达与分泌在不稳定性心绞痛（UA）发病机制中所起的作用，以及MMP-1在UA患者危险度分层及预后价值中的作用。方法选择UA患者组64例，并按Braunwald分级分为Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ级，选择稳定性心绞痛（SA）患者组56例及健康对照组40例，采用酶联免疫吸附法分别测定各组血清可溶性CD40L（sCD40L）、MMP-1的水平，分析UA组MMP-1与sCD40L之间的相关性，同时分析MMP-1水平与心血管事件发生率的相关性。结果（1）UA患者组MMP-1水平（53．53±18．25）μg／L显著高于SA患者组（31．28±13．64）μg／L（P〈0.01）及对照组（11．58±9．83）μg／L（P〈0．05）；sCD40L水平（3．21±2．78）μg／L显著高于sA患者组（1．83±1．37）μg／L（P〈0.01）及对照组（1．19±1．05）μg／L（P〈0．01）。（2）UA患者组MMP-1与sCD40L水平之间呈显著正相关（r=0．642，P〈0．01）。（3）UA患者组MMP-1水平升高组发生心血管事件明显高于MMP-1水平低者组（P〈0．01）。结论（1）UA患者外周血sCD40L、MMP-1水平升高，MMP-1与CD40L之间呈显著正相关，提示冠状动脉粥样硬化斑块的破裂可能与CD40L介导MMP-1的表达与分泌有关。（2）UA患者MMP-1水平与心血管事件发生率之间呈正相关性，提示MMP-1可作为UA患者危险度分层及预后有价值的生化指标。     

Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2, and CD40 ligand levels in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Endogenous matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), are important mediators of extracellular matrix remodeling, which is integral to plaque progression in coronary artery disease. In addition, high levels of the soluble fragment of CD40 ligand (sCD40L) have previously been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We hypothesized that circulating levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and sCD40L were abnormal in patients who had stable coronary artery disease, and these levels were compared with those in matched controls. We also hypothesized correlations of MMPs, TIMPs, and sCD40L to each other and to high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (a proinflammatory marker), white blood cell count, severity of coronary artery disease (based on angiographic measurements of atherosclerotic burden), and coronary collateralization. We studied 204 adult patients who attended our unit for outpatient diagnostic cardiac catheterization for the investigation of suspected coronary artery disease. Coronary angiograms were scored for atheroma burden and stenosis by 2 independent observers. Circulating levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and sCD40L were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma levels of MMP-9 (p = 0.0099), TIMP-2 (p = 0.0019), and sCD40L (p <0.001), but not TIMP-1 (p = 0.463) were high in patients compared with healthy controls. In patients who had coronary artery disease, MMP-9 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in women than in men. Only MMP-9 correlated modestly with total white blood cell count (Spearman's correlation, r = 0.274, p = 0.002). Logistic regression of cardiovascular risk factors showed that only white blood cell count was independently associated with MMP-9 (p = 0.02). After standardizing for atheroma and stenosis scores, there were no statistically significant differences in our research indexes in patients who had angiographic collaterals compared with those who did not. In conclusion, stable coronary artery disease is associated with abnormal circulating levels of MMP-9, TIMP-2, and sCD40L, which do not appear to related to each other or to severity of coronary artery disease or collateralization. The gender difference in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and MMP-9 levels may provide insight into the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease in men and women, and further studies are warranted to explore this potential link.     

狼疮肾炎患者肾组织CD40及其配体表达的免疫组织化学分析

目的　探讨CD40 CD40配体 (CD40L)相互作用在狼疮肾炎 (LN)发病机制中的可能作用。方法　用免疫组织化学方法对 2 0例LN患者肾组织CD40和CD40L的表达进行检测 ,并对其与肾脏病变的相关性进行分析。结果　Ⅲ、Ⅳ型LN肾组织CD40表达较正常对照组显著上调 (P <0 0 1) ,除系膜细胞、内皮细胞和肾小管上皮细胞CD40表达增强外 ,还出现CD40阳性的间质浸润细胞。Ⅲ、Ⅳ型LN患者肾组织CD40L表达亦显著增强 (P <0 0 1) ,其分布范围与CD40一致。Ⅱ、Ⅴ型LN患者肾组织CD40表达范围和强度与正常肾组织大致相似。LN肾组织CD40表达与病变活动指数相关 (r =0 78,P <0 0 1)。结论　CD40 CD40L在肾脏局部的相互作用可能在LN发生和发展中起重要作用。     

白藜芦醇抑制可溶性CD40配体作用下巨噬细胞基质金属蛋白酶-9的表达

目的 探讨白藜芦醇抑制可溶性CD40配体(sCD40L)作用下对巨噬细胞基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)表达的影响.方法 佛波酯诱导人单核细胞株(THP-1)细胞分化为巨噬细胞.依次给予白藜芦醇和可溶性sCD40L孵育细胞,利用半定量反转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)、蛋白免疫印迹法、明胶酶谱法检测巨噬细胞内MMP-9和组织基质金属蛋白酶抑制因子-1(TIMP-1)基因的转录、蛋白表达和酶活性.结果 给予sCD40L刺激后巨噬细胞内MMP-9基因转录增多(1.53±0.04与0.75±0.01,P<0.05),蛋白分泌明显增加(244 930.8±31 268.6与192 976.8±20 223.1,P<0.05);白藜芦醇可抑制巨噬细胞MMP-9基因转录及蛋白分泌(P<0.01),降低MMP-9酶活性(P<0.05),升高巨噬细胞TIMP-1基因转录和蛋白分泌(P<0.05).结论 白藜芦醇可以抑制CD40途径活化的巨噬细胞内MMP-9的表达,调节MMP-9的活性,这可能是其抗动脉粥样硬化、稳定粥样斑块的作用机制之一.     

Transgenic expression of CD40 ligand produces an in vivo antitumor immune response against both CD40(+) and CD40(-) plasmacytoma cells

Because tumor-specific antigens have been identified in multiple myeloma (MM), immunotherapy might provide an additional treatment modality for the disease. Expression of CD40 ligand (CD40L) proximate to the MM cells might serve this purpose, either by increasing their capacity to present self-antigens by activation through their CD40 receptor or by the recruitment of professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) able to take up and present tumor-associated antigens. To distinguish between these possibilities and predict whether human CD40(-) myeloma might respond to this approach, we examined 3 murine plasmacytoma cell lines, 2 (MPC-11 and S107) expressing the CD40 molecule and 1 (X-24) lacking such expression. Syngeneic BALB/CBYJ mice were inoculated subcutaneously with tumor cells mixed with CL7.1 fibroblasts, retrovirally transduced to express either the mCD40L or the neo gene. For all 3 plasmacytoma cell lines, coinjection with CL7.1/mCD40L significantly reduced local tumor growth compared with controls. This effect was mediated by a systemic antitumor immune response, since mice immunized with tumor and CL7.1/mCD40L were resistant to subsequent challenge with tumor, and tumor growth inhibition was abolished when CD8(+) or CD4(+) lymphocytes were depleted. Because expression of CD40L gave equivalent protection from CD40(+) and CD40(-) tumors and transgenic-CD40L failed to up-regulate costimulatory molecules in either tumor, the protective effects of CD40L probably resulted from recruitment/activation of professional APCs rather than from CD40 activation of plasmacytoma cells. As further support of this concept, we found that mice were also well protected if CL7.1 and CD40L were injected together with apoptotic plasmacytoma cells from these tumors. Hence, transgenic CD40L expression may produce an antimyeloma immune response against either CD40(+) or CD40(-) tumors and may be of therapeutic value for both types of myeloma in humans.     

Enhanced soluble CD40L in patients with the metabolic syndrome: relationship with in vivo thrombin generation

Aims/hypothesis The metabolic syndrome is associated with proinflammatory and prothrombotic states. This study was designed to assess the behaviour of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and prothrombin fragment F ₁₊₂, a marker of thrombin generation, in patients with the metabolic syndrome.Methods We investigated 106 patients with the metabolic syndrome, diagnosed according to the ATPIII report, and 104 subjects without the metabolic syndrome.Results Plasma values of sCD40L and F ₁₊₂ were higher in patients with the metabolic syndrome (4.11±1.64 vs 2.61±0.89 ng/ml and 1.54±0.49 vs 0.87±0.21 nmol/l, respectively; p<0.001) and were significantly correlated (r=0.925, p<0.001). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that sCD40L was significantly associated with F ₁₊₂, female sex and waist circumference.Conclusions/interpretation Patients with the metabolic syndrome have enhanced values of plasma sCD40L and F ₁₊₂. The study provides further insight into the relationship between metabolic syndrome, inflammation and thrombosis.     

Lysophospholipids enhance matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression in human endothelial cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are both low-molecular-weight lysophospholipids, which promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via interaction with a family of specific G protein-coupled receptors. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes, which are involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix and play critical roles in endothelial cell migration and matrix remodeling during angiogenesis. Among these MMPs, MMP-2 is known to trigger cell migration. In our present study, we examined the effects of LPA and S1P on MMP-2 expression in human endothelial cells. We showed that LPA and S1P enhanced MMP-2 expression in mRNA, protein levels, and also enzymatic activity of cells of the EAhy926 human endothelial cell line. The enhancement effects occurred in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Results from real-time PCR, Western blots, and substrate gels indicated that these enhancement effects were mediated through MAPK kinase/ERK-, nuclear factor-kappaB-, and calcium influx-dependent pathways. Furthermore, we show that endothelial cell invasion of the gel was enhanced by lysophospholipids, and the induction could be prevented by an MMP inhibitor, GM6001. These observations suggest that LPA and S1P may play important roles in endothelial cell invasion by regulating the expression of MMP-2.     

同型半胱氨酸对内皮细胞CD40表达的影响

目的 :研究同型半胱氨酸 （Hcy）对内皮细胞CD4 0表达的影响。方法 :体外培养ECV30 4细胞 ,然后分组实验 :①对照组 ;② 2 0 μmol/LHcy组 ;③ 5 0 μmol/LHcy组 ;④ 10 0 μmol/LHcy组 ;⑤吡咯二硫氨基甲酸酯 （PDTC）预处理组 ;⑥普伐他汀预处理组。Hcy的作用时间均为 2 4h。运用流式细胞仪检测细胞CD4 0的表达 ;用分光光度计测定细胞培养上清液中H2 O2 的含量。结果 :①Hcy呈浓度依赖关系 （0～ 10 0 μmol/L）增加内皮细胞CD4 0的表达。②在Hcy作用下 ,培养上清液中H2 O2 的含量较对照组显著增加 （P <0 .0 1）。③PDTC和普伐他汀预处理组与 10 0μmol/LHcy组比较 ,CD4 0表达及H2 O2 水平均降低。④内皮细胞CD4 0的表达与上清液中H2 O2 含量呈正相关 （r =0 .70 2 ,P <0 .0 1）。结论 :Hcy能促进内皮细胞CD4 0的表达 ,其中有氧化应激作用的参与。CD4 0高表达所引起的炎症激活可能是Hcy致动脉粥样硬化的重要机制之一。     

Soluble CD40 ligand induces endothelial dysfunction in human and porcine coronary artery endothelial cells

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects and mechanisms of sCD40L on endothelial dysfunction in both human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and porcine coronary artery rings. HCAECs treated with sCD40L showed significant reductions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA and protein levels, eNOS mRNA stability, eNOS enzyme activity, and cellular NO levels, whereas superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) production was significantly increased. sCD40L enhanced eNOS mRNA 3'UTR binding to cytoplasmic molecules and induced a unique expression pattern of 95 microRNAs. sCD40L significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and catalase and SOD activities, whereas it increased NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity. sCD40L increased phosphorylation of MAPKs p38 and ERK1/2 as well as IkappaBalpha and enhanced NF-kappaB nuclear translocation. In porcine coronary arteries, sCD40L significantly decreased endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and eNOS mRNA levels, whereas it increased O(2)(-) levels. Antioxidant seleno-l-methionine; chemical inhibitors of p38, ERK1/2, and mitochondrial complex II; as well as dominant negative mutant forms of IkappaBalpha and NOX4 effectively blocked sCD40L-induced eNOS down-regulation in HCAECs. Thus, sCD40L reduces eNOS levels, whereas it increases oxidative stress through the unique molecular mechanisms involving eNOS mRNA stability, 3'UTR-binding molecules, microRNAs, mitochondrial function, ROS-related enzymes, p38, ERK1/2, and NF-kappaB signal pathways in endothelial cells.     

IL-10对实验性肝纤维化大鼠基质金属蛋白酶-2影响的研究

目的研究IL-10对实验性肝纤维化大鼠基质金属蛋白酶-2(MMP-2)的影响.方法建立大鼠肝纤维化模型并行IL-10干预实验,从正常大鼠(N组)和CCl4诱导肝纤维化大鼠(C组)及IL-10干预肝纤维化大鼠(E组)中取肝脏组织,采用S-P免疫组织化学方法检测分析不同组大鼠肝脏组织中MMP-2的表达状况.结果N组MMP-2阳性染色偶见于窦内皮细胞及肝细胞的胞浆;C组MMP-2阳性染色多见于汇管区新生的胆管细胞及纤维隔内条索状的成纤维细胞,26例标本中阳性13例,强阳性8例.第5周开始MMP-2有阳性表达,第9周阳性表达明显增强;E组MMP-2阳性染色明显减少,多见于汇管区的新生胆管细胞,27例标本中阳性10例,强阳性1例.Redit分析表明3组间MMP-2阳性表达有显著性差异(P＜0.01).结论MMP-2随着大鼠肝纤维化进展阳性表达升高,IL-10对CCl4诱导的大鼠肝纤维化具有保护作用,可明显抑制纤维化的生成和沉积.     

Fluvastatin inhibits matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in human vascular endothelial cells

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), also called interstitial collagenase, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic plaque rupture. We investigated the effects of fluvastatin on MMP-1 expression in human vascular endothelial cells (ECs). The addition of fluvastatin decreased the basal MMP-1 levels in the culture media of ECs in a time-dependent (0 to 48 hours) and dose-dependent (10(-)(8) to 10(-)(5) mol/L) manner. On the other hand, fluvastatin did not affect tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 levels. Collagenolytic activity in conditioned media of ECs was also dose-dependently reduced by fluvastatin. The effect of fluvastatin on MMP-1 expression was completely reversed in the presence of mevalonate or geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate, but not in the presence of squalene. Inhibition of Rho by C3 exoenzyme also significantly decreased MMP-1 expression in ECs. Our findings revealed that fluvastatin decreases MMP-1 expression in human vascular ECs through inhibition of Rho.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor modulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in asthma

RATIONALE: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are mediators of airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates a potential relationship between VEGF and MMP-9, and the mechanisms by which VEGF signaling regulates MMP-9 expression in asthma. METHODS: We evaluated whether levels of VEGF correlated with levels of MMP-9 in the sputum of asthma patients, and the effect of VEGF receptor inhibitors on MMP-9 expression in murine model of asthma. Measurements and MAIN RESULTS: We have found that levels of VEGF and MMP-9 are significantly higher in the sputum of patients with asthma than in healthy control subjects, and a significant correlation is found between the levels of VEGF and MMP-9. This study with the ovalbumin-induced model of asthma revealed the following typical pathophysiologic features of asthma in the lungs: increased numbers of inflammatory cells of the airways, airway hyperresponsiveness, increased vascular permeability, and increased levels of MMP-9 and VEGF. Administration of VEGF receptor inhibitors reduced the pathophysiologic signs of asthma and decreased the increased expression of MMP-9 after ovalbumin inhalation. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that there is a close relationship between VEGF and MMP-9 expression and that inhibition of VEGF receptor down-regulates the expression of MMP-9. These findings suggest that VEGF signaling regulates MMP-9 expression and plays a critical role in initiation and maintenance of asthma.