ESM-1 promotes adhesion between monocytes and endothelial cells under intermittent hypoxia

Intermittent hypoxia (IH), the key property of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial-cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1, Endocan) is a novel, reported molecule linked to endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of IH on ESM-1 expression and the role of ESM-1 in endothelial dysfunction. We found that serum concentration of ESM-1, inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is significantly higher in patients with OSA than healthy volunteers (p < 0.01). The expression of ESM-1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly increased in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by treated IH in a time-dependent manner. HIF-1α short hairpin RNA and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor inhibited the expression of ESM-1 in HUVECs. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expressions were significantly enhanced under IH status, accompanied by increased monocyte–endothelial cell adhesion rate ( p < 0.001). Accordingly, ESM-1 silencing decreased the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in HUVECs, whereas ESM-1 treatment significantly enhanced ICAM-1 expression accompanied by increasing adhesion ability. ESM-1 is significantly upregulated by the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway under IH in endothelial cells, playing a critical role in enhancing adhesion between monocytes and endothelial cells, which might be a potential target for IH-induced endothelial dysfunction.     

Carbon Black Nanoparticles Promote Endothelial Activation and Lipid Accumulation in Macrophages Independently of Intracellular ROS Production

Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) may cause vascular effects including endothelial dysfunction and foam cell formation, with oxidative stress and inflammation as supposed central mechanisms. We investigated oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and lipid accumulation caused by nano-sized carbon black (CB) exposure in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), THP-1 (monocytes) and THP-1 derived macrophages (THP-1a). The proliferation of HUVECs or co-cultures of HUVECs and THP-1 cells were unaffected by CB exposure, whereas there was increased cytotoxicity, assessed by the LDH and WST-1 assays, especially in THP-1 and THP-1a cells. The CB exposure decreased the glutathione (GSH) content in THP-1 and THP-1a cells, whereas GSH was increased in HUVECs. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was increased in all cell types after CB exposure. A reduction of the intracellular GSH concentration by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) pre-treatment further increased the CB-induced ROS production in THP-1 cells and HUVECs. The expression of adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, but not adhesion of THP-1 to HUVECs or culture dishes, was elevated by CB exposure, whereas these effects were unaffected by BSO pre-treatment. qRT-PCR showed increased VCAM1 expression, but no change in GCLM and HMOX1 expression in CB-exposed HUVECs. Pre-exposure to CB induced lipid accumulation in THP-1a cells, which was not affected by the presence of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. In addition, the concentrations of CB to induce lipid accumulation were lower than the concentrations to promote intracellular ROS production in THP-1a cells. In conclusion, exposure to nano-sized CB induced endothelial dysfunction and foam cell formation, which was not dependent on intracellular ROS production.     

Ebselen inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation and adhesion molecule expression in endothelial cells

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) stimulates expression of endothelial cell (EC) genes that may promote atherosclerosis in part by an activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Ebselen (2-phenyl-1,2-benzisoselenazol-3[2H]-one), a selenoorganic compound, is effective for acute ischemic stroke; however, its effect on EC has not yet been elucidated. We examined the effect of ebselen on TNF-alpha-induced MAP kinase activation and adhesion molecule expression in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 were rapidly and significantly activated by TNF-alpha in HUVEC. TNF-alpha-induced JNK activation was inhibited by ebselen, whereas ERK1/2 and p38 were not affected. Apoptosis signal-regulated kinase 1 (ASK1) was suggested to be involved in TNF-alpha-induced JNK activation because transfection of kinase-inactive ASK1 inhibited TNF-alpha-induced JNK activation. Ebselen inhibited TNF-alpha-induced TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2)-ASK1 complex formation and phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinase ERK kinase 1 (SEK1), which is an upstream signaling molecule of JNK. Finally, TNF-alpha-induced activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and resultant intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expressions were inhibited by ebselen. Specific inhibitors for JNK and NF-kappaB also inhibited TNF-alpha-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expressions in HUVEC. These findings suggest that ebselen prevents TNF-alpha-induced EC activation through the inhibition of TRAF2-ASK1-SEK1 signaling pathway, which leads to JNK activation. Inhibition of JNK by ebselen may imply its usefulness for the prevention of atherosclerosis relevant to EC activation.     

Family with Sequence Similarity 5, Member C (FAM5C) Increases Leukocyte Adhesion Molecules in Vascular Endothelial Cells: Implication in Vascular Inflammation

Identification of the regulators of vascular inflammation is important if we are to understand the molecular mechanisms leading to atherosclerosis and consequent ischemic heart disease, including acute myocardial infarction. Gene polymorphisms in family with sequence similarity 5, member C (FAM5C) are associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction, but little is known about the function of this gene product in blood vessels. Here, we report that the regulation of the expression and function of FAM5C in endothelial cells. We show here that FAM5C is expressed in endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Immunofluorescence microcopy showed localization of FAM5C in the Golgi in cultured human endothelial cells. Immunohistochemistry on serial sections of human coronary artery showed that FAM5C-positive endothelium expressed intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) or vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). In cultured human endothelial cells, the overexpression of FAM5C increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity and the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin mRNAs, resulting in enhanced monocyte adhesion. FAM5C was upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli, such as TNF-α, in an NF-κB- and JNK-dependent manner. Knockdown of FAM5C by small interfering RNA inhibited the increase in the TNF-α-induced production of ROS, NF-κB activity and expression of these leukocyte adhesion molecule mRNAs, resulting in reduced monocyte adhesion. These results suggest that in endothelial cells, when FAM5C is upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli, it increases the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules by increasing ROS production and NF-κB activity.     

Inhibition of cytokine-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression; possible mechanism for anti-atherogenic effect of Agastache rugosa

Adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) play an important role during the early stages of atherogenesis. Agastache rugosa has an anti-atherogenic effect in low density lipoprotein receptor -/- mice. Moreover, A. rugosa reduced macrophage infiltration and VCAM-1 expression has been localized in aortic endothelium that overlies early foam cell lesions. This study ascertained that tilianin (100 microM), a major component of A. rugosa, inhibits the tumor necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced expression of VCAM-1 by 74% in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Also, tilianin (100 microM) reduced TNF-alpha-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappaB in HUVECs.     

The inhibitory effect of alacepril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, on endothelial inflammatory response induced by oxysterol and TNF-alpha

The objectives were to determine the effects of alacepril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, on the expression of adhesion molecules and monocyte adherence to endothelial cells induced by 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. We used human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and U937 monocytic cells. Surface expression and mRNA levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) were determined by EIA and RT-PCR. Adherence of U937 to HAECs was assessed by adhesion assay. Incubation of HAEC with 7-KC increased the surface expression of protein and mRNA levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on HAECs and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HAECs. Pretreatment with alacepril reduced the enhanced expression of these molecules in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of alacepril against 7-KC or TNF-alpha-induced CAMs expression was stronger than that of captopril or enalapril. Alacepril inhibited the production of ROS in HAECs stimulated by 7-KC or TNF-alpha. These results suggest that alacepril works as anti-atherogenic agent through inhibiting endothelial-dependent adhesive interactions with monocytes induced by 7-KC and TNF-alpha.     

7-Ketocholesterol enhances the expression of adhesion molecules on human aortic endothelial cells by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species

The aim of the present study was to assess the expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), monocytic adhesion of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), and the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), when HAECs were stimulated by 7-ketocholesterol. 7-ketocholesterol enhances surface expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 as determined by EIA, induces their mRNA expression by RT-PCR, and stimulates adhesiveness of HAECs to U937 monocytic cells. We confirmed up-regulation of ROS production of HAECs treated with 7-ketocholesterol. Although the surface expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on HAECs treated with 7-ketocholesterol increased in a time-dependent manner, alpha-tocopherol inhibited this increase of the surface expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. In the monocytic adhesion assay, adhesion of U937 to HAECs treated with 7-ketocholesterol was enhanced, but monoclonal anti-ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 antibodies reduced the endothelial adhesiveness. In conclusion, this study suggests that the endothelial adhesiveness to monocytic cells that was increased by 7-ketocholesterol was associated with enhanced expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mediated by ROS production.     

Effects of TNF-alpha on leukocyte adhesion molecule expressions in cultured human lymphatic endothelium.

TNF-alpha alters leukocyte adhesion molecule expression of cultured endothelial cells like human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). This study was designed to investigate the changes in vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) expression with TNF-alpha stimulation in cultured human neonatal dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HNDLEC). The real-time quantitative PCR analysis on HNDLEC showed that TNF-alpha treatment leads to increases of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 mRNAs to the 10.8- and 48.2-fold levels of untreated cells and leads to a reduction of PECAM-1 mRNA to the 0.42-fold level of untreated cells. Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis showed that TNF-alpha leads to VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expressions that were inhibited by antiserum to human TNF receptor or by AP-1 inhibitor nobiletin. In flow cytometry analysis, the number of VCAM-1- and ICAM-1-positive cells increased, and PECAM-1-positive cells decreased with TNF-alpha treatment. Regarding protein amounts produced in cells and amounts expressed on the cell surface, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 increased in HNDLEC and HUVEC, and PECAM-1 decreased in HNDLEC in a TNF-alpha concentration-dependent manner. VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and PECAM-1 protein amounts in TNF-alpha-stimulated cells were lower in HNDLEC than in HUVEC. This suggests that the lymphatic endothelium has the TNF-alpha-induced signaling pathway, resulting in increased VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression to a weaker extent than blood endothelium and PECAM-1 reduction to a stronger extent than blood endothelium.     

Endothelial activation during interleukin 2 immunotherapy. A possible mechanism for the vascular leak syndrome

A major sequela of immunotherapy with interleukin 2 (IL-2) is development of a vascular leak syndrome. The pathogenesis of this toxic effect is not known. We have examined pre- and post-treatment skin biopsies from 14 patients undergoing systemic administration of IL-2 for evidence of endothelial cell activation. Specifically, we have used the immunoperoxidase technique to detect the expression of three different activation antigens: endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule 1, detected with monoclonal antibody H4/18; intercellular adhesion molecule 1, detected with antibody RR1/1; and histocompatibility leukocyte antigen-DQ, detected with antibody Leu 10. Each of these antigens may be induced on cultured endothelial cells by various cytokines (although not by IL-2) and is expressed during endothelial cell activation in vivo at sites of delayed hypersensitivity and other immune responses. Pretreatment biopsies from each patient showed no endothelial expression of endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 and only weak to moderate expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and histocompatibility leukocyte antigen-DQ (except for one specimen unreactive with Leu 10). After 5 days of treatment, every patient showed marked endothelial expression of all three antigens (except for the same patient who remained unreactive with Leu 10). Endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 expression was confined to postcapillary venular endothelium whereas intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and Leu 10 also were expressed on stromal cells and mononuclear cells. Thus, we conclude that i.v. administration of IL-2 leads to endothelial cell activation. Because IL-2 fails to induce the same antigens on cultured endothelial cells, we infer that IL-2 acts in vivo by inducing the production of other cytokines (e.g., interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor, lymphotoxin, and interferon-gamma). Finally, since endothelial cell activation at sites of cell-mediated immune responses is well known to result in vascular leakiness to macromolecules, we propose that the vascular leak syndrome accompanying IL-2 therapy may arise from widespread inappropriate endothelial cell activation.     

Ohioensin F suppresses TNF-α-induced adhesion molecule expression by inactivation of the MAPK, Akt and NF-κB pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells

AimsThe expression of cell adhesion molecules on vascular smooth muscle cells is central to leukocyte recruitment and progression of atherosclerotic disease. Ohioensin F, a chemical compound of the Antarctic moss Polyerichastrum alpinum, exhibited inhibitory activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and antioxidant activity. However, published scientific information regarding other biological activities and pharmacological function of ohioensin F is scarce. In the present study, we aimed to examine the in vitro effects of ohioensin F on the ability to suppress TNF-α-induced adhesion molecule expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).Main methodsThe inhibitory effect of ohioensin F on TNF-α-induced upregulation in expression of adhesion molecules was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell adhesion assay, RT-PCR, western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, and transfection and reporter assay, respectively.Key findingsPretreatment of VSMCs with ohioensin F at nontoxic concentrations of 0.1–10 μg/ml dose-dependently inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). In addition, ohioensin F suppressed adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to TNF-α-stimulated VSMCs. Ohioensin F reduced TNF-α-induced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phosphorylation of p38, ERK, JNK and Akt. Finally, ohioensin F inhibited TNF-α-induced CAM mRNA expression and NK-κB translocation.SignificanceThese results suggest a new mechanism of ohioensin F's anti-inflammatory action, owing to the negative regulation of TNF-α-induced adhesion molecule expression, monocyte adhesion and ROS production in vascular smooth muscle cells. Our finding also supports ohioensin F as a potential pharmacological, anti-inflammatory molecule that has a protective effect on the atherosclerotic lesion.     

Silymarin inhibits TNF-alpha-induced expression of adhesion molecules in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Silymarin is known to have an anti-atherosclerotic activity, but the mechanism responsible for it remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate a possible mechanism involved in the anti-atherosclerotic activity of silymarin. Silymarin inhibited THP-1 cell adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Silymarin also suppressed the TNF-alpha-induced protein and mRNA expression of adhesion molecules, such as VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin, in HUVECs. Moreover, silymarin suppressed the TNF-alpha-induced DNA binding of NF-kappaB/Rel in HUVECs. Taken together, these results demonstrate that silymarin exerts an anti-atherosclerotic activity, at least in part, by inhibiting the expression of adhesion molecules.     

The 18-kDa Translocator Protein Inhibits Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression via Inhibition of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species

Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein and is abundantly expressed in a variety of organ and tissues. To date, the functional role of TSPO on vascular endothelial cell activation has yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 250 nM), an activator of protein kinase C (PKC), was used to induce vascular endothelial activation. Adenoviral TSPO overexpression (10–100 MOI) inhibited PMA-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in a dose dependent manner. PMA-induced VCAM-1 expressions were inhibited by Mito-TEMPO (0.1–0.5 μM), a specific mitochondrial antioxidants, and cyclosporin A (1–5 μM), a mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitor, implying on an important role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the endothelial activation. Moreover, adenoviral TSPO overexpression inhibited mitochondrial ROS production and manganese superoxide dismutase expression. On contrasts, gene silencing of TSPO with siRNA increased PMA-induced VCAM-1 expression and mitochondrial ROS production. Midazolam (1–50 μM), TSPO ligands, inhibited PMA-induced VCAM-1 and mitochondrial ROS production in endothelial cells. These results suggest that mitochondrial TSPO can inhibit PMA-induced endothelial inflammation via suppression of VCAM-1 and mitochondrial ROS production in endothelial cells.     

Cocaine and catecholamines enhance inflammatory cell retention in the coronary circulation of mice by upregulation of adhesion molecules

Cocaine treatment of mice with viral myocarditis significantly increases neutrophil infiltration into the myocardium and exacerbates the inflammatory response. The mechanisms of these effects are unknown; however, it may be that cocaine increases circulating catecholamines and consequently increases inflammatory cell adhesion to the coronary endothelium. Here, we examined the hypothesis that cocaine enhances inflammatory cell infiltration via catecholamine-induced upregulation of cell adhesion molecule (CAM) expression in adult BALB/c mouse hearts. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (E-selectin), and leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (L-selectin) were detected by gene array analysis, RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. CAMs were significantly upregulated in cocaine-treated mouse hearts. beta-Adrenergic stimulation with epinephrine also upregulated CAM expression, confirming the effects obtained with cocaine. Beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol inhibited epinephrine-induced CAM expression. In hearts infused with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), an increased adhesion of PMN to the coronary endothelium was observed in cocaine-treated and epinephrine-treated mouse hearts compared with control hearts. Blocking antibodies against ICAM-1, E-selectin, and L-selectin significantly inhibited epinephrine-enhanced PMN adhesion, whereas anti-VCAM-1 had lesser effects. Our findings suggest that cocaine-induced neutrophil infiltration is mediated by beta-adrenergic stimulation through upregulation of CAM expression, which enhances PMN adhesion. Conversely, beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol inhibits the effects of cocaine and epinephrine on CAM expression and decreases PMN adhesion to the coronary endothelium. These observations may be of significance for the development of preventative and therapeutic approaches to patients with cocaine- or catecholamine-induced myocarditis.     

An oxidized derivative of cholesterol increases the release of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 from human umbilical vein endothelial cells in culture

Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with 7-ketocholesterol resulted in an increased release of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) into culture medium. 7-Ketocholesterol did not enhance the expression of mRNA for VCAM-1. 7 beta-Hydroxy- or 25-hydroxycholesterol had no effect on soluble VCAM-1 levels. Western blot analysis revealed that soluble VCAM-1, in the conditioned medium of both 7-ketocholesterol-stimulated and control cells, had a molecular size of 100 kDa. Stimulation of the TNF-alpha-treated HUVECs with 7-ketocholesterol further increased the levels of soluble VCAM-1 in the culture medium. Again, 7-ketocholesterol did not affect the VCAM-1 mRNA level, which was enhanced by TNF-alpha. Pretreatment of the cells with tissue inhibitor of membrane metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) completely inhibited the release of VCAM-1 in response to 7-ketocholesterol but TIMP-1 had no effect. Adherence of mononuclear cells to TNF-stimulated HUVEC monolayers was slightly inhibited by 7-ketocholesterol, but this oxysterol did not affect the basal adherence to non-stimulated HUVECs. Immunofluorescent staining of the cells confirmed diffuse perinuclear distribution of VCAM-1 in HUVECs treated with TNF-alpha, but 7-ketocholesterol did not affect the intensity or distribution of immunofluorescence. We conclude that 7-ketocholesterol releases VCAM-1 from the endothelium probably by a proteolytic process.