Enhanced expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and caveolin‐1 in human cirrhosis

Abstract: Background/aims: Nitric oxide is synthesized in diverse mammalian tissues by a family of calmodulin‐dependent nitric oxide synthases (NOS). Caveolin, the principal structural protein in caveolae, interacts with endothelial NOS (eNOS) leading to enzyme inhibition by a reversible process modulated by Ca⁺⁺ ‐calmodulin. The aim of the present study was to examine the localizations of eNOS and caveolin‐1 at protein level in normal human liver tissue, and how the expressions are altered in cirrhotic liver. Methods: Fresh liver specimens were obtained from hepatic surgeries. Normal portions resected from cases of carcinoma metastasized to the liver were used as control specimens, and cirrhotic portions resected from cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatitis C‐related cirrhosis were used as cirrhotic specimens. Anti‐eNOS and anticaveolin‐1 antibodies were used for immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Immunoelectron microscopy was conducted on ultra thin sections using immunoglobulin–gold combined with silver staining. Results: Immunohistochemistry revealed that both eNOS and caveolin‐1 were sparsely expressed on hepatic sinusoidal lining in normal liver specimens, and these findings were confirmed by Western blot. Both immunohistochemistry and Western blotting demonstrated over‐expression of eNOS and caveolin‐1 in cirrhotic liver specimens. Morphometric analysis of immunogold particle labeling for eNOS and caveolin‐1 was performed on immunoelectron micrographs. In normal liver tissue, hepatic stellate cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC) expressed low levels of caveolin‐1, and SEC expressed a very low level of eNOS. In cirrhotic liver, both caveolin‐1 and eNOS expressions were significantly increased by approximately four‐fold on SEC compared to normal liver. Conclusion: In cirrhotic human liver, marked increase of caveolin‐1 in perisinusoidal cells may promote caveolin‐eNOS binding and reduce the activity of eNOS despite an increased eNOS expression, leading to impaired NO production and increased hepatic microvascular tone.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor increases fenestral permeability in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells

Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important regulator of vasculogenesis and vascular permeability. Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) possess sieve‐like pores that form an anastomosing labyrinth structure by the deeply invaginated plasma membrane. Caveolin is the principal structural protein in caveolae. In this study, we examined the role of VEGF on the fenestration and permeability of SECs and the relation with caveolin‐1. SECs isolated from rat livers by collagenase infusion method were cultured for 24 h with (10 or 100 ng/ml) or without VEGF. The cells were then examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (EM). The expression of caveolin was investigated by confocal immunofluorescence, immunogold EM, and Western blot. Endocytosis and intracellular traffic was studied using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) reaction as a marker of fluid phase transport in SECs. Both transmission and scanning EM showed an increased number of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae (SEF) in SECs cultured with VEGF. By confocal immunofluorescence, SECs cultured with VEGF displayed prominent caveolin‐1‐positive aggregates in the cytoplasm, especially surrounding the nucleus region. Immunogold EM depicted increased caveolin‐1 reactivity on vesicles and vacuoles of VEGF‐treated SECs compared with VEGF‐nontreated cells. However, there was no change in the level of caveolin‐1 protein expression on Western blot. After HRP injection, an increase of electron‐dense tracer filled the SEF in cells treated with VEGF. Our results suggested that VEGF induced fenestration in SECs, accompanied by an increased number of caveolae‐like vesicles. Increased caveolin‐1 might be associated with vesicle formation but not with fenestration. Increased fenestration may augment hepatic sinusoidal permeability and trans‐endothelial transport.     

Caveolin‐1 and Rac regulate endothelial capillary‐like tubular formation and fenestral contraction in sinusoidal endothelial cells

Background/Aims: Rho guanidine triphosphatases (GTPases) are major regulators of cell migration. We investigated the cytoskeleton and Rho GTPases during cell migration and morphogenesis processes in isolated rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) cultured on Matrigel while stimulated by the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Methods: To obtain primary monolayers, LSECs were cultured on Matrigel for 5–17 h with or without VEGF. Sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae (SEF) morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RhoA, Rac1 and phosphorylated myosin light‐chain kinase, Rho‐binding domain of Rhotekin and the p21‐binding domain of p21‐activated protein kinase were analysed using Western blotting. Results: The LSECs showed cellular protrusions and or cords of aligned cells resembling primitive capillary‐like structures, with SEF contraction. Time course analyses of Rac1 activation matched specific morphological changes. Rac1 activity increased progressively to 17 h in cells cultured without VEGF, but markedly increased at 7 h in the presence of VEGF. RhoA activity was slightly elevated at 5 h. The levels of endogenous caveolin‐1 (CAV‐1) expression increased in a time‐dependent manner, reaching a peak at 7 h. CAV‐1 expression occurred immediately before the formation of the capillary‐like tube. Moreover, treatment with VEGF regulated CAV‐1 expression in LSECs. Conclusions: Spatial activation of Rac1 is involved in the formation of a capillary‐like tubular network accompanying SEF contraction in LSECs, implying that endothelial migration and adhesion are necessary for LSECs tubular formation in the liver. CAV‐1 might play an important positive role in the regulation of LSEC tubular formation.     

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase and caveolin-1 are co-localized in sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nitric oxide is synthesized in diverse mammalian tissues by a family of calmodulin-dependent nitric oxide synthases (NOS). Caveolin, the principal structural protein in caveolae, interacts with endothelial NOS leading to enzyme inhibition in a reversible process modulated by Ca++-calmodulin. The aim of the present study was to clarify the ultrastructural localization of eNOS and caveolin-1 in hepatic sinusoidal endothelium by an electron immunogold method. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were used. Liver tissues and hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells isolated from rat livers by collagenase infusion were studied. For immunohistochemistry, liver specimens were reacted with anti-eNOS or anti-caveolin-1 antibody. The ultrastructural localization of eNOS or caveolin-1 was identified by electron microscopy using an immunogold post-embedding method. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical studies using liver tissues localized endothelial NOS in hepatic sinusoidal lining cells, portal veins and hepatic arteries; and caveolin-1 in sinusoidal lining cells, bile canaliculi, portal vein and hepatic arteries. Immunogold particles indicating the presence of eNOS and caveolin-1 were demonstrated on the plasma membrane of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae in liver tissue and also in isolated sinusoidal endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: Endothelial NOS and caveolin are co-localized on sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae, suggesting that interaction of the two may modulate cellular regulation of NO synthesis.     

The endothelin-1 receptor-mediated pathway is not involved in the endothelin-1-induced defenestration of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We previously reported that endothelin (ET)-1 may be involved in the contraction of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae (SEF). Rho has emerged as an important regulator of the actin cytoskeleton and consequently cell morphology. To clarify the role of ET receptors [endothelin A receptor (ETAR) and endothelin B receptor (ETBR)] in ET-1-induced defenestration, we studied the size of hepatic SEF under various experimental conditions. METHODS: Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) isolated from rat livers by collagenase perfusion were cultured and divided into four groups: control, ET-1 (10(-6) -10(-10) M)-treated, ET-1+selective ETAR antagonist (BQ610)-treated and ET-1+ETBR antagonist (BQ788)-treated groups. SEF morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Protein expressions of ETAR and ETBR, Rho A and phosphorylated myosin light-chain kinase were analyzed by Western blotting. F-actin stress fiber formation was observed by confocal microscopy. Active Rho was measured by Ren's modification. Intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured by fluorescence digital imaging using fura-2 AM by Aqua cosmos. RESULTS: ET-1 induced a reduction in the number and size of SEF. ETAR antagonist pretreatment inhibited defenestration induced by low ET-1 concentrations (10(-8) -10(-10) M), whereas ETBR antagonist pretreatment did not block defenestration at low to high ET-1 concentrations (10(-6) -10(-10) M). F-actin stress fibers, Rho A levels and phosphorylated myosin light-chain kinase levels remained the same in various treatments. Active Rho was not detected in control and various treatments. ET-1 did not increase [Ca2+]i. Western blot showed prominent ETBR but scarce ETAR protein expression in LSECs. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings demonstrated that ETBR- and ETAR-induced contractile mechanisms are not involved in ET-1-induced defenestration, and that Rho is also not activated. Therefore, ET-1 induces hepatic defenestration by mechanisms other than receptor-mediated contraction.     

An endothelin A receptor antagonist induces dilatation of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae: implications for endothelin-1 in hepatic microcirculation

Background Sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae (SEF) regulate the sinusoidal circulation by altering their diameter and number. This study documented the effects of endothelin (ET) receptor antagonists on SEF and hepatic microcirculation. Methods The portal pressure and hepatic tissue blood flow were measured with a hydromanometer and a laser Doppler blood flow meter, respectively. BQ-123 (ET_A receptor antagonist) or BQ-788 (ET_B receptor antagonist) was continuously infused into normal rats at the rate of 10 nmol/min for 10 min. The sinusoids were observed at 60 min after the infusion by scanning electron microscopy. The localization of ET-1 and ET_A and ET_B receptors was examined by the indirect immunoperoxidase method. Results When BQ-123 was infused, the portal pressure gradually decreased with time, and it showed a significant reduction compared with the control groups. On the other hand, a decrease in portal pressure was not evident in the BQ-788-infused groups. Hepatic tissue blood flow was maintained at the value prior to the infusion in both groups. BQ-123 also caused a marked dilatation of the SEF. The diameters of the SEF after BQ-123 infusion were almost three times those of normal SEF. ET-1 was evenly present along the sinusoidal walls, and the reaction products of the ET_A receptors were recognized along the portal vein and in the sinusoidal cells, that is, the hepatic stellate cells and endothelial cells. Conclusions Action of ET-1 via the ET_A receptors may regulate the size of SEF in addition to hepatic microcirculation.     

Three‐dimensional organization of fenestrae labyrinths in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells

Background/Aims: Liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) fenestrae are membrane‐bound pores that are grouped in sieve plates and act as a bidirectional guardian in regulating transendothelial liver transport. The high permeability of the endothelial lining is explained by the presence of fenestrae and by various membrane‐bound transport vesicles. The question as to whether fenestrae relate to other transport compartments remains unclear and has been debated since their discovery almost 40 years ago. Methods: In this study, novel insights concerning the three‐dimensional (3D) organization of the fenestrated cytoplasm were built on transmission electron tomographical observations on isolated and cultured whole‐mount LSECs. Classical transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy imaging was performed to accumulate cross‐correlative structural evidence. Results and Conclusions: The data presented here indicate that different arrangements of fenestrae have to be considered: i.e. open fenestrae that lack any structural obstruction mainly located in the thin peripheral cytoplasm and complexes of multifolded fenestrae organized as labyrinth‐like structures that are found in the proximity of the perinuclear area. Fenestrae in labyrinths constitute about one‐third of the total LSEC porosity. The 3D reconstructions also revealed that coated pits and small membrane‐bound vesicles are exclusively interspersed in the non‐fenestrated cytoplasmic arms.     

Globular adiponectin upregulates nitric oxide production in vascular endothelial cells

Aims/hypothesis Adiponectin, also called ACRP30, is a novel adipose tissue-specific protein that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and to exert anti-atherogenic effects. It is known that knockout mice lacking endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) develop hypertension, insulin resistance, hyperlipidaemia, and show augmented ischaemia-reperfusion damage. Thus, we examined whether globular adiponectin activates eNOS to produce NO.Methods To analyze NO production in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAE), NOx (nitrite and nitrate) was measured in the medium with an automated NO detector/high-performance liquid chromatography system. eNOS activation was assessed by phosphorylation of the enzyme and its activity was evaluated by citrulline synthesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). eNOS mRNA and protein expressions in HUVEC were evaluated by Realtime PCR and Western blot analysis.Results Gobular adiponectin increased NO production in BAE. It also caused eNOS phosphorylation and potentiated eNOS activity in HUVEC. In addition, globular adiponectin up-regulated the eNOS gene to increase protein expression in HUVEC.Conclusion/interpretation Globular adiponectin increases NO production through two mechanisms, namely, by activation of eNOS enzyme activity and via an increase in eNOS expression. Activation and up-regulation of eNOS could explain some of the observed vasoprotective properties of globular adiponectin, as well as its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.Abbreviations NO nitric oxide - eNOS endothelial NO synthase - BAE bovine aortic endothelial cells - HUVEC human umbilical vein endothelial cells - ACRP30 adipocyte complement-related protein of 30 kDa - GAPDH glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase     

高同型半胱氨酸血症诱导eNOS脱偶联损害冠状动脉内皮功能

目的探讨高同型半胱氨酸血症（HHcy）患者冠状动脉内皮功能是否被损伤,以及这种损伤是否通过内皮型一氧化氮合酶（eNOS）脱偶联实现的。方法 71例参与者被分成健康对照组（n=50）和HHcy组（n=21）,利用多普勒超声心动测定腺苷诱导下冠状动脉左前降支的舒张功能的改变,冠脉血流速度储备（CFVR）由最大血流速度与基线水平的比值计算得出。采用ELISA以及高效液相色谱法测定血浆一氧化氮（NO）、四氢生物蝶呤（BH4）的水平。结果与健康对照组相比,HHcy组患者血浆NO、BH4的水平降低（P〈0.05）;HHcy组CFVR低于健康对照组（P〈0.05）;血浆Hcy水平与NO及CFVR呈负相关（P〈0.05）。结论 HHcy可能通过降低BH4生物利用度,诱导eNOS脱偶联,而导致冠状动脉内皮功能损伤,进而促进不良冠脉事件的发生。     

Elevated expression of caveolin-1 at protein and mRNA level in human cirrhotic liver: relation with nitric oxide

Background. Caveolin, the principal structural protein of caveolae, binds with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) leading to enzyme inhibition. This study examined the expression of caveolin and eNOS at the protein and mRNA levels in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis C-related cirrhosis, and in control noncirrhotic liver specimens obtained from patients with metastatic liver carcinoma. Methods. Anti-eNOS, anti-caveoin-1, and anti-calmodulin antibodies were used for Western blotting. For in situ hybridization (ISH), human eNOS and caveolin-1 peptide nucleic acid probes were used with a catalyzed signal amplification system. Results. Western blotting showed marked overexpression of caveolin-1 protein in cirrhotic liver, while caveolin-1 was almost undetectable in control liver tissue. Endothelial NOS was expressed at a slightly higher level in cirrhotic liver than in control liver tissue. Calmodulin was expressed abundantly in control liver tissue and at a low level in cirrhotic liver tissue. By ISH, eNOS mRNA was localized on portal vein and hepatic lining cells, and caveolin-1 mRNA was almost undetectable in normal liver tissue. In cirrhotic liver tissue, caveolin-1 mRNA was overexpressed on hepatic sinusoidal lining cells, while eNOS mRNA expression was similar to that in normal liver. Conclusions. Enhanced caveolin-1 expression may be associated with a significant reduction in NO catalytic activity in cirrhosis.     

雌激素对血管内皮细胞一氧化氮合酶活性调控的受体机制研究

目的　观察 17β 雌二醇对大鼠肺血管内皮细胞一氧化氮合酶 (NOS)活性的影响及雌激素受体在其中的作用。方法　用贴壁法和无酚红 16 40培养基培养大鼠肺血管内皮细胞 ,在不同浓度的 17β 雌二醇 (伴或不伴有雌激素受体拮抗剂代莫昔芬 )作用下 ,观察一定时间内内皮细胞的NOS活性及一氧化氮 (NO)的产量。放射配体结合分析技术检测内皮中的雌激素受体。结果　 (1) 1～ 10nmol的 17β 雌二醇作用 8～ 2 4h ,内皮细胞的NO产量显著增加 (vs对照 P<0 .0 5 ) ,10nmol的 17β 雌二醇作用 8～ 2 4hNOS活性显著增强 (与对照比 ,8h ,P<0 .0 5 ;16h ,2 4h ,P<0 .0 1)。 (2 )大鼠肺血管内皮细胞中存在雌激素受体。 (3)雌激素受体拮抗剂他莫昔芬能显著抑制雌激素的上述作用 (P <0 .0 1)。结论　 17β 雌二醇能增强大鼠血管内皮细胞的NOS活性和NO产量 ,该作用由雌激素受体介导 ,可能是雌激素降低血管阻力、抑制动脉粥样硬化作用的重要机理之一。     

High nitric oxide synthase activity in endothelial cells in ulcerative colitis

Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase, a unique NO synthase (NOS) isoform that is expressed constitutively by the vascular endothelium both in vivo and in vitro, is believed to be essential to systemic and/or local vascular integrity. NOS expression by endothelial cells may indicate vascular activation. We successfully established a simple method for the culture of microvascular endothelial cells from a small amount of tissue and investigated ulcerative colitis (UC), in which condition vascular factors have not been studied extensively. We cultured endothelial cells from the mesenteries of surgical patients with UC and assayed NOS activity by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase histochemistry. Strong NOS activity was demonstrated in the cells from all UC patients (5/5), whereas no activity was detected in the cells from human umbilical veins and the mesenteries of colon cancer patients (0/10 and 0/5, respectively). This strong NOS activity was not diminished by incubation with a high concentration of glucocorticoid, suggesting that it was constitutive. These results indicate a close relationship of vascular activation (high NOS activity) with the pathogenesis of UC.