4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and Atherosclerosis

4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is a α,β-unsaturated hydroxyalkenal generated by peroxidation of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid. This reactive carbonyl compound exhibits a huge number of biological properties that result mainly from the formation of HNE-adducts on free amino groups and thiol groups in proteins. In the vascular system, HNE adduct accumulation progressively leads to cellular dysfunction and tissue damages that are involved in the progression of atherosclerosis and related diseases. HNE contributes to the atherogenicity of oxidized LDL, by forming HNE-apoB adducts that deviate the LDL metabolism to the scavenger receptor pathway of macrophagic cells, and lead to the formation of foam cells. HNE activates transcription factors (Nrf2, NF-kappaB) that (dys)regulate various cellular responses ranging from hormetic and survival signaling at very low concentrations, to inflammatory and apoptotic effects at higher concentrations. Among a variety of cellular targets, HNE can modify signaling proteins involved in atherosclerotic plaque remodeling, particularly growth factor receptors (PDGFR, EGFR), cell cycle proteins, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum components or extracellular matrix proteins, which progressively alters smooth muscle cell proliferation, angiogenesis and induces apoptosis. HNE adducts accumulate in the lipidic necrotic core of advanced atherosclerotic lesions, and may locally contribute to macrophage and smooth muscle cell apoptosis, which may induce plaque destabilization and rupture, thereby increasing the risk of athero-thrombotic events.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Aorta; Apolipoproteins B; Atherosclerosis; Endothelium, Vascular; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipoproteins, LDL; Macrophages; Neovascularization, Pathologic; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; NF-kappa B; Signal Transduction

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible isoform responsible for high levels of prostaglandin (PG) production during inflammation and immune responses, mediate a variety of biological actions involved in vascular pathophysiology. COX-2 is induced by various stimuli, including proinflammatory cytokines, to result in PG synthesis associated with inflammation and carcinogenesis. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is one of a group of small molecules that can induce COX-2 expression. The mechanistic studies have revealed that the HNE-induced COX-2 expression results from the stabilization of COX-2 mRNA mediated by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and uniquely requires a serum component, which is eventually identified to be modified low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), such as the oxidized form of LDLs. It has also been shown that HNE-induced COX-2 expression is mechanistically linked to the expression of transcription factor p53 and that the overexpression of COX-2 is associated with down-regulation of a proteasome subunit, leading to the enhanced accumulation of p53 and ubiquitinated proteins and to the enhanced sensitivity toward HNE. Thus, the overall mechanism and pathophysiological role of the COX-2 induction by HNE have become increasingly evident.

Topics: Aldehydes; Atherosclerosis; Cyclooxygenase 2; Enzyme Induction; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipoproteins, LDL; NF-kappa B; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex; Signal Transduction; Sp1 Transcription Factor; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

Natural antibodies (NAbs) are mostly antibodies of the IgM isotype with germline or close to germline encoded variable regions that provide them with specificity for both microbial and altered self antigens. Thus, natural IgM possess an important function in the first line defense against invading pathogens and in tissue homeostasis by regulating the clearance of cellular debris.. Oxidation-specific epitopes represent prominent examples of stress-induced altered self, as they are generated ubiquitously as a consequence of lipid peroxidation during many physiological and pathological situations, and are found on the membranes of apoptotic cells. Importantly, oxidation-specific epitopes are dominant targets of natural IgM antibodies, indicating an important role for natural IgM in their clearance and the neutralization of their pro-inflammatory properties.. These findings and the insights they provide into the ability of NAbs in mediating host homeostasis in health and diseases, including atherosclerosis and other chronic inflammatory diseases, will be discussed.

Topics: Adoptive Transfer; Aldehydes; Animals; Antibody Specificity; Atherosclerosis; B-Lymphocytes; Epitopes; Homeostasis; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Immunoglobulin M; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipoproteins, LDL; Malondialdehyde; Mice; Oxidative Stress

Several lines of evidence indicate that the oxidative modification of protein and the subsequent accumulation of the modified proteins have been found in cells during aging, oxidative stress, and in various pathological states including premature diseases, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis. The important agents that give rise to the modification of a protein may be represented by reactive aldehydic intermediates, such as ketoaldehydes, 2-alkenals and 4-hydroxy-2-alkenals. These reactive aldehydes are considered important mediators of cell damage due to their ability to covalently modify biomolecules, which can disrupt important cellular functions and can cause mutations. Furthermore, the adduction of aldehydes to apolipoprotein B in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) has been strongly implicated in the mechanism by which LDL is converted to an atherogenic form that is taken up by macrophages, leading to the formation of foam cells. During the search for an endogenous inducer of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible isoform responsible for high levels of prostaglandin production during inflammation and immune responses, 4-hydroxy-2-noennal (HNE), one of the most representative lipid peroxidation product, has been identified as the potential inducer of COX-2. In addition, the following study on the molecular mechanism of the COX-2 induction by HNE has unequivocally established that a serum component, which is eventually identified to be denatured LDL, is essential for COX-2 induction. Here I review current understanding of the mechanisms by which HNE in cooperation with the serum component activates gene expression of COX-2.

Topics: Aldehydes; Atherosclerosis; Cyclooxygenase 2; Humans; Inflammation; Lipoproteins, LDL; Oxidative Stress

4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) is by far the most investigated aldehydic end-product of oxidative breakdown of membrane n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Its potential involvement in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has been corroborated by its consistent detection in both oxidized LDL and fibrotic plaque in humans. HNE has been shown to activate both macrophage and smooth muscle cells, i.e. the two key cell types in chronic inflammatory processes characterized by excessive fibrogenesis. By signalling to the nucleus, the aldehyde may up-regulate in these cells both expression and synthesis of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1). Oxysterols, namely 27 carbon atoms oxidation products of cholesterol, are found in relatively high amount in LDL from hypercholesterolemic individuals and are consistently detectable in foam cells and necrotic core of human atherosclerotic lesion. As for HNE, the challenge of cells of the macrophage lineage with a mixture of oxysterols like that detectable in hypercholesterolemic individuals led to a marked overexpression of TGFbeta1 and MCP-1. Both HNE and oxysterols then appear to be candidates for a primary role in the progression of the atherosclerotic process.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Apoptosis; Atherosclerosis; Cell Nucleus; Cholesterol; Gene Expression; Humans; Inflammation; Lipoproteins, LDL; Macrophage Activation; Molecular Structure; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Oxidation-Reduction; Signal Transduction; Sterols; Transcription Factors

A main risk factor of atherosclerosis is a Western diet (WD) rich in n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) sensitive to oxidation. Their oxidation can be initiated by heme iron of red meat leading to the formation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), a cytotoxic aldehyde. An increased 4-HNE production is implicated in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. By contrast, a diet rich in proanthocyanidins reduces oxidative stress and arterial diseases. This study evaluates the effects of a WD on vascular integrity in ApolipoproteinE (ApoE. ApoE. n-6 lipid oxidation during digestion may be a key factor of vascular impairments. Nevertheless, an antioxidant strategy can limit 4-HNE formation during digestion and thus durably protect vascular function.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Atherosclerosis; Diet, Western; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-6; Lipoproteins, LDL; Male; Malus; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout, ApoE; Nitric Oxide; Oxidation-Reduction; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Polyphenols; Reactive Oxygen Species

Topics: Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial; Aldehydes; Animals; Apoptosis; Atherosclerosis; CD36 Antigens; Down-Regulation; Foam Cells; In Vitro Techniques; Lipoproteins, LDL; Macrophages, Peritoneal; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Models, Cardiovascular; PPAR gamma; Signal Transduction

The vascular endothelium is critical for maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction is a key event of atherosclerosis, with oxidative stress mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) playing a major role. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is increasingly recognised to play a protective role in atherosclerosis, however the molecular mechanisms by which it exerts its beneficial effects are unclear. Here we examined if TRAIL could attenuate vascular oxidative stress and improve endothelial cell (EC) function. In coronary artery disease patients, plasma TRAIL levels were significantly reduced compared to healthy individuals, and negatively correlated with the levels of circulating 8-iso Prostaglandin F

Topics: Aldehydes; Angiotensin II; Animals; Apolipoproteins E; Atherosclerosis; Diet, High-Fat; Endothelial Cells; Humans; Mice; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; Vasodilation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the dysfunction of serum lipoproteins, which triggers lipid metabolism abnormalities in the development of atherosclerosis and hypertension. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is involved in ROS modifications, triggering lipid peroxidation and aldehyde formation. However, the relationship between the entirety of the MPO reaction system and oxidative modification of serum lipoproteins in atherosclerotic patients with hypertension remains unclear.. We measured MPO activity (peroxidation and chlorination), 4-hydroxynonenal-modified low-density lipoprotein (HNE-LDL), malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL), H2O2, reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) using a corresponding commercial kit in atherosclerotic patients with hypertension and healthy participants. We used Spearman's correlation analysis to investigate the correlation between MPO activity and the levels of these oxidative and anti-oxidative stress-related indices and performed response surface regression to investigate the relationship between the MPO reaction system and the levels of HNE-LDL, MDA-LDL, and the GSH/GSSG ratio.. Our results showed no association between the levels of MPO peroxidation activity, MPO chlorination activity, H2O2, and Cl- and those of HNE-LDL, MDA-LDL, GSH, and GSSG, and the GSH/GSSG ratio in healthy participants. In addition, no effects of the peroxidation reaction system of MPO (PRSM) and the chlorination reaction system of MPO (CRSM) on GSH/GSSG were found in this investigation. However, we found that the PRSM rather than the CRSM correlated with progressive low-density lipoprotein (LDL) modifications by HNE-LDL and MDA-LDL in atherosclerotic patients with hypertension.. The PRSM rather than the CRSM correlated with progressive LDL modifications via reactive aldehydes in atherosclerotic patients with hypertension. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate whether the PRSM may serve as a potential index for monitoring LDL function in atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aldehydes; Atherosclerosis; Case-Control Studies; Female; Glutathione; Glutathione Disulfide; Halogenation; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Hypertension; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipoproteins, LDL; Male; Middle Aged; Peroxidase

Curcumin, an antioxidant compound found in Asian spices, was evaluated for its protective effects against ethanol-induced hepatosteatosis, liver injury, antiatherogenic markers, and antioxidant status in rats fed with Lieber-deCarli low menhaden (2.7% of total calories from ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)) and Lieber-deCarli high menhaden (13.8% of total calories from ω-3 PUFA) alcohol-liquid (5%) diets supplemented with or without curcumin (150 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Treatment with curcumin protected against high ω-3 PUFA and ethanol-induced hepatosteatosis and increase in liver injury markers, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Curcumin upregulated paraoxonase 1 (PON1) mRNA and caused significant increase in serum PON1 and homocysteine thiolactonase activities as compared to high ω-3 PUFA and ethanol group. Moreover, treatment with curcumin protected against ethanol-induced oxidative stress by increasing the antioxidant glutathione and decreasing the lipid peroxidation adduct 4-hydroxynonenal. These results strongly suggest that chronic ethanol in combination with high ω-3 PUFA exacerbated hepatosteatosis and liver injury and adversely decreases antiatherogenic markers due to increased oxidative stress and depletion of glutathione. Curcumin supplementation significantly prevented these deleterious actions of chronic ethanol and high ω-3 PUFA. Therefore, we conclude that curcumin may have therapeutic potential to protect against chronic alcohol-induced liver injury and atherosclerosis.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Antioxidants; Aryldialkylphosphatase; Atherosclerosis; Biomarkers; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Curcumin; Diet; Ethanol; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Fatty Liver; Female; Glutathione; Lipid Metabolism; Lipid Peroxidation; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar

The interconnectivity of the peroxidation reaction system of myeloperoxidase (PRSM) or the reaction system of paraoxonase 1 (RSP1) with atherosclerosis remains elusive in patients with normal cholesterol levels.. A total of 55 atherosclerotic patients with normal cholesterol concentrations and 45 control subjects were analyzed. Pearson's correlation was used to investigate the correlation between the levels of oxidative stress-related indices (HNE-LDL, MDA-LDL and protein carbonyls) and cholesterol indices (TC, HDL-C and LDL-C) and individual factor in RSP1 and PRSM (paraoxonase 1 activity, ionized calcium, myeloperoxidase peroxidation activity, or H2O2). Response surface regression (RSR) was used to analyze the interconnection of PRSM and RSP1 with the levels of oxidative stress-related indices and cholesterol indices.. The relation between PRSM and the increase of HNE-LDL and MDA-LDL was attributable to myeloperoxidase peroxidation activity, H2O2 concentrations and the interaction between myeloperoxidase peroxidation activity and H2O2 in the patients. PRSM preferred contribution to cholesterol levels in the cases. The interconnection of PRSM with TC was dependent on the association of PRSM with HDL-C and LDL-C.. The shift of interconnection with HDL-C levels from RSP1 to PRSM represents a marker for atherosclerotic patients with normal cholesterol levels.

Topics: Adult; Aldehydes; Aryldialkylphosphatase; Atherosclerosis; Biomarkers; Calcium; Case-Control Studies; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Female; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Lipoproteins, LDL; Male; Malondialdehyde; Middle Aged; Peroxidase; Prognosis; Protein Carbonylation; Triglycerides

Vascular aging is associated with structural and functional modifications of the arteries, and by an increase in arterial wall thickening in the intima and the media, mainly resulting from structural modifications of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Among the factors known to accumulate with aging, advanced lipid peroxidation end products (ALEs) are a hallmark of oxidative stress-associated diseases such as atherosclerosis. Aldehydes generated from the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), (4-hydroxynonenal, malondialdehyde, acrolein), form adducts on cellular proteins, leading to a progressive protein dysfunction with consequences in the pathophysiology of vascular aging. The contribution of these aldehydes to ECM modification is not known. This study was carried out to investigate whether aldehyde-adducts are detected in the intima and media in human aorta, whether their level is increased in vascular aging, and whether elastin fibers are a target of aldehyde-adduct formation. Immunohistological and confocal immunofluorescence studies indicate that 4-HNE-histidine-adducts accumulate in an age-related manner in the intima, media and adventitia layers of human aortas, and are mainly expressed in smooth muscle cells. In contrast, even if the structure of elastin fiber is strongly altered in the aged vessels, our results show that elastin is not or very poorly modified by 4-HNE. These data indicate a complex role for lipid peroxidation and in particular for 4-HNE in elastin homeostasis, in the vascular wall remodeling during aging and atherosclerosis development.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Aldehydes; Aorta; Atherosclerosis; Autopsy; Elastin; Extracellular Matrix; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress

4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), a major reactive product of lipid peroxidation, is believed to play a central role in atherogenic actions triggered by oxidized lipoproteins. An aldo-keto reductase (AKR) 1C15 efficiently reduces HNE and is distributed in many rat tissues including endothelial cells. In this study, we investigated whether AKR1C15 acts as a protective factor against endothelial damage elicited by HNE and oxidized lipoproteins. Treatment of rat endothelial cells with HNE provoked apoptosis through reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase activation in the cells. AKR1C15 converted HNE into less toxic 1,4-dihydroxy-2-nonene, and its overexpression markedly decreased the susceptibility of the cells to HNE. The forced expression of AKR1C15 also significantly suppressed the loss of cell viability caused by oxidized low-density lipoprotein and its lipidic fraction. Furthermore, the treatment of the cells with sublethal concentrations of HNE resulted in up-regulation of AKR1C15, which was partially abrogated by the ROS inhibitors. Collectively, these data indicate an anti-atherogenic function of AKR1C15 through the protection of endothelial cells from damage elicited by toxic lipids such as HNE.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Apoptosis; Atherosclerosis; Endothelial Cells; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipoproteins; Male; Oxidoreductases Acting on Aldehyde or Oxo Group Donors; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Oxidative stress in cells and tissues leads to the formation of an assortment of lipid electrophiles, such as the quantitatively important 4-hydroxy-2-trans-nonenal (HNE). Although this cytotoxic aldehyde is atherogenic the mechanisms involved are unclear. We hypothesize that elevated HNE levels can directly inactivate esterase and lipase activities in macrophages via protein adduction, thus generating a biochemical lesion that accelerates foam cell formation and subsequent atherosclerosis. In the present study we examined the effects of HNE treatment on esterase and lipase activities in human THP1 monocytes/macrophages at various physiological scales (i.e., pure recombinant enzymes, cell lysate, and intact living cells). The hydrolytic activities of bacterial and human carboxylesterase enzymes (pnbCE and CES1, respectively) were inactivated by HNE in vitro in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In addition, so were the hydrolytic activities of THP1 cell lysates and intact THP1 monocytes and macrophages. A single lysine residue (Lys105) in recombinant CES1 was modified by HNE via a Michael addition reaction, whereas the lone reduced cysteine residue (Cys389) was found unmodified. The lipolytic activity of cell lysates and intact cells was more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of HNE than the esterolytic activity. Moreover, immunoblotting analysis using HNE antibodies confirmed that several cellular proteins were adducted by HNE following treatment of intact THP1 monocytes, albeit at relatively high HNE concentrations (>50μM). Unexpectedly, in contrast to CES1, the treatment of a recombinant human CES2 with HNE enhanced its enzymatic activity ∼3-fold compared to untreated enzyme. In addition, THP1 monocytes/macrophages can efficiently metabolize HNE, and glutathione conjugation of HNE is responsible for ∼43% of its catabolism. The functional importance of HNE-mediated inactivation of cellular hydrolytic enzymes with respect to atherogenesis remains obscure, although this study has taken a first step toward addressing this important issue by examining the potential of HNE to inhibit this biochemical activity in a human monocyte/macrophage cell line.

Topics: Aldehydes; Atherosclerosis; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; Cell Line; Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Activation; Humans; Inflammation; Lipid Metabolism; Macrophages; Monocytes; Time Factors

Berberine, a botanical alkaloid purified from Coptidis rhizoma, is reported to activate the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Whether AMPK is required for the protective effects of berberine in cardiovascular diseases remains unknown. This study was designed to determine whether AMPK is required for berberine-induced reduction of oxidative stress and atherosclerosis in vivo.. ApoE (ApoE⁻/⁻) mice and ApoE⁻/⁻/AMPK alpha 2⁻/⁻ mice that were fed Western diets were treated with berberine for 8 weeks. Atherosclerotic aortic lesions, expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and markers of oxidative stress were evaluated in isolated aortas.. In ApoE⁻/⁻ mice, chronic administration of berberine significantly reduced aortic lesions, markedly reduced oxidative stress and expression of adhesion molecules in aorta, and significantly increased UCP2 levels. In contrast, in ApoE⁻/⁻/AMPK alpha 2⁻/⁻ mice, berberine had little effect on those endpoints. In cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), berberine significantly increased UCP2 mRNA and protein expression in an AMPK-dependent manner. Transfection of HUVECs with nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1)-specific siRNA attenuated berberine-induced expression of UCP2, whereas transfection with control siRNA did not. Finally, berberine promoted mitochondrial biogenesis that contributed to up-regulation of UCP2 expression.. We conclude that berberine reduces oxidative stress and vascular inflammation, and suppresses atherogenesis via a mechanism that includes stimulation of AMPK-dependent UCP2 expression.

Topics: Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase; Aldehydes; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Animals; Aorta; Apolipoproteins E; Atherosclerosis; Berberine; Blood Glucose; Cholesterol; Enzyme Activation; Humans; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Ion Channels; Mice; Mitochondrial Proteins; Phosphorylation; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Protein Transport; Serine; Threonine; Transcription, Genetic; Triglycerides; Tyrosine; Uncoupling Protein 2; Up-Regulation; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

Oxidative stress contributes to lipid peroxidation and decreases nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in atherosclerosis. While long-chain (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are easily oxidized in vitro, they improve endothelial function. Hence, this study postulates that long-chain (n-3) PUFA decrease atherogenic oxidative stress in vivo. To test this, apoE(-/-) mice were fed a corn oil- or a fish oil (FO)-rich diet for 8, 14 or 20 weeks and parameters related to NO and superoxide (O(2)(.-)) plus markers of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative damage in the aortic root were evaluated. The FO-rich diet increased NO production and endothelial NO synthase (NOS) expression and lowered inducible NOS, p22(phox) expression and O(2)(.-)production after 14 and 20 weeks of diet. Protein lipoxidative damage (including 4-hydroxynonenal) was decreased after a long-term FO-diet. This supports the hypothesis that a FO-rich diet could counteract atherogenic oxidative stress, showing beneficial effects of long-chain (n-3) PUFA.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Aorta; Apolipoproteins E; Atherosclerosis; Corn Oil; Cytochrome b Group; Endothelium, Vascular; Fish Oils; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; NADPH Oxidases; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Oxidative Stress

To investigate the effect of the GPx1-mimetic ebselen on diabetes-associated atherosclerosis and renal injury in a model of increased oxidative stress.. The study was performed using diabetic apolipoprotein E/GPx1 (ApoE(-/-)GPx1(-/-))-double knockout (dKO) mice, a model combining hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia with increased oxidative stress. Mice were randomized into two groups, one injected with streptozotocin, the other with vehicle, at 8 weeks of age. Groups were further randomized to receive either ebselen or no treatment for 20 weeks.. Ebselen reduced diabetes-associated atherosclerosis in most aortic regions, with the exception of the aortic sinus, and protected dKO mice from renal structural and functional injury. The protective effects of ebselen were associated with a reduction in oxidative stress (hydroperoxides in plasma, 8-isoprostane in urine, nitrotyrosine in the kidney, and 4-hydroxynonenal in the aorta) as well as a reduction in VEGF, CTGF, VCAM-1, MCP-1, and Nox2 after 10 weeks of diabetes in the dKO aorta. Ebselen also significantly reduced the expression of proteins implicated in fibrosis and inflammation in the kidney as well as reducing related key intracellular signaling pathways.. Ebselen has an antiatherosclerotic and renoprotective effect in a model of accelerated diabetic complications in the setting of enhanced oxidative stress. Our data suggest that ebselen effectively repletes the lack of GPx1, and indicate that ebselen may be an effective therapeutic for the treatment of diabetes-related atherosclerosis and nephropathy. Furthermore, this study highlights the feasibility of addressing two diabetic complications with one treatment regimen through the unifying approach of targeted antioxidant therapy.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Antioxidants; Apolipoproteins E; Atherosclerosis; Azoles; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Angiopathies; Diabetic Nephropathies; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Peroxidase GPX1; Isoindoles; Kidney; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Organoselenium Compounds; Reactive Oxygen Species; Tyrosine; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDLs) trigger various biological responses potentially involved in atherogenesis. Disturbing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function results in ER stress and unfolded protein response, which tends to restore ER homeostasis but switches to apoptosis when ER stress is prolonged. We aimed to investigate whether ER stress is induced by oxLDLs and can be prevented by the ER-associated chaperone ORP150 (150-kDa oxygen-regulated protein). oxLDLs and the lipid oxidation products 7-ketocholesterol and 4-hydroxynonenal induce ER stress in human endothelial cells (HMEC-1), characterized by the activation of ER stress sensors (phosphorylation of Ire1alpha and PERK, nuclear translocation of ATF6) and of their subsequent pathways (eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha phosphorylation, expression of XBP1/spliced XBP1, CHOP, and KDEL chaperones GRP78, GRP94, ORP150). ER stress was inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. In advanced atherosclerotic lesions, phospho-Ire1alpha, KDEL, and ORP150 staining were localized in lipid-rich areas with 4-hydroxynonenal adducts and CD68-positive macrophagic cells. By comparison, staining for 4-hydroxynonenal, phospho-Ire1alpha, KDEL, and ORP were faint and more diffuse in intimal hyperplasia. ER stress takes part in the apoptotic effect of oxLDLs, through the Ire1alpha/c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway, as assessed by the protective effect of specific small interfering RNAs and c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor. Forced expression of the chaperone ORP150 reduced both oxLDL-induced ER stress and apoptosis. ER stress markers and ORP150 chaperone are expressed in areas containing oxLDLs in atherosclerotic lesions and are induced by oxLDLs and oxidized lipids in cultured cells. The forced expression of ORP150 highlights its new protective role against oxLDL-induced ER stress and subsequent apoptosis.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Aldehydes; Apoptosis; Atherosclerosis; Biomarkers; Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP; Endothelial Cells; Enzyme Inhibitors; Free Radical Scavengers; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Ketocholesterols; Lipoproteins, LDL; Oxygen; Proteins; Stress, Physiological

Increased levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) coexist in atherosclerotic lesions but their relationship in atherogenesis is unclear. This study investigated the role of 5-LO in HNE-induced CD36 expression and macrophage foam cell formation, and the link between HNE and 5-LO. In J774A.1 murine macrophages, HNE (10 microM) enhanced CD36 expression in association with an increased uptake of oxLDL, which was blunted by inhibition of 5-LO with MK886, a 5-LO inhibitor, or with 5-LO siRNA. In peritoneal macrophages from 5-LO-deficient mice, HNE-induced CD36 expression was markedly attenuated, confirming a pivotal role of 5-LO in HNE-induced CD36 expression. In an assay for 5-LO activity, stimulation of macrophages with HNE led to increased leukotriene B(4) production in the presence of exogenous arachidonic acid in association with an increased association of 5-LO to the nuclear membrane. Among the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways involved in 5-LO phosphorylation, HNE predominantly activated p38 MAPK in macrophages, and the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, but not an extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor, suppressed HNE-induced LTB(4) production. Collectively, these data suggest that p38 MAPK-mediated activation of 5-LO by HNE might enhance CD36 expression, consequently leading to the formation of macrophage foam cells.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase; Atherosclerosis; CD36 Antigens; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Endocytosis; Enzyme Activation; Foam Cells; Imidazoles; Leukotriene B4; Macrophages, Peritoneal; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Oxidative Stress; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Phosphorylation; Pyridines; RNA, Small Interfering; Signal Transduction

The aim of this work was to study the metabolic fate of 4-hydroxy- trans-2-nonenal (HNE) in human plasma, which represents the main vascular site of reactive carbonyl species (RCS) formation and where the main pro-atherogenic target proteins are formed. When HNE was spiked in human plasma, it rapidly disappeared (within 40 s) and no phase I metabolites were detected, suggesting that the main fate of HNE is due to an adduction mechanism. HNE consumption was then monitored in two plasma fractions: low molecular weight plasma protein fractions (<10 kDa; LMWF) and high molecular weight plasma protein fractions (>10 kDa; HMWF). HNE was almost stable in LMWF, while in HMWF it was consumed by almost 70% within 5 min. Proteomics identified albumin (HSA) as the main protein target, as further confirmed by a significantly reduced HNE quenching of dealbuminated plasma. LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis identified Cys34 and Lys199 as the most reactive adduction sites of HSA, through the formation of a Michael and Schiff base adducts, respectively. The rate constant of HNE trapping by albumin was 50.61 +/- 1.89 M (-1) s (-1) and that of Cys34 (29.37 M (-1) s (-1)) was 1 order of magnitude higher with respect to that of GSH (3.81 +/- 0.17 M (-1) s (-1)), as explained by molecular modeling studies. In conclusion, we suggest that albumin, through nucleophilic residues, and in particular Cys34, can act as an endogenous detoxifying agent of circulating RCS.

Topics: Adult; Aldehydes; Atherosclerosis; Cysteine; Humans; Lysine; Peptides; Protective Agents; Serum Albumin

Aldose reductase (AR) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway. In diabetes, it is related to microvascular complications. We discovered AR expression in foam cells by gene chip screening and hypothesized that it may be relevant in atherosclerosis.. AR gene expression and activity were found to be increased in human blood monocyte-derived macrophages during foam cell formation induced by oxidized LDL (oxLDL, 100 microg/mL). AR activity as photometrically determined by NADPH consumption was effectively inhibited by the AR inhibitor epalrestat. oxLDL-dependent AR upregulation was further increased under hyperglycemic conditions (30 mmol/L D-glucose) as compared to osmotic control, suggesting a synergistic effect of hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. AR was also upregulated by 4-hydroxynonenal, a constituent of oxLDL. Upregulation was blocked by an antibody to CD36. AR inhibition resulted in reduction of oxLDL-induced intracellular oxidative stress as determined by 2'7'-dichlorofluoresceine diacetate (H2DCFDA) fluorescence, indicating that proinflammatory effects of oxLDL are partly mediated by AR. Immunohistochemistry showed AR expression in CD68+ human atherosclerotic plaque macrophages.. These data show that oxLDL-induced upregulation of AR in human macrophages is proinflammatory in foam cells and may represent a potential link among hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and diabetes mellitus.

Topics: Adult; Aldehyde Reductase; Aldehydes; Atherosclerosis; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Enzyme Inhibitors; Female; Foam Cells; Humans; Hyperlipidemias; Lipoproteins, LDL; Male; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Oxidative Stress; Rhodanine; Risk Factors; Thiazolidines; Up-Regulation

Effects of potent free radical scavenger, edaravone, on oxidative stress-induced endothelial damage and early atherosclerosis were investigated using animal models and cultured cells.. Endothelial apoptosis was induced by 5-min intra-arterial exposure of a rat carotid artery with 0.01 mmol/L H(2)O(2). Edaravone treatment (10mg/kg i.p.) for 3 days suppressed endothelial apoptosis, as evaluated by chromatin staining of en face specimens at 24h, by approximately 40%. Similarly, edaravone dose-dependently inhibited H(2)O(2)-induce apoptosis of cultured endothelial cells in parallel with the inhibition of 8-isoprostane formation, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) accumulation and VCAM-1 expression. Next, apolipoprotein-E knockout mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet for 4 weeks with edaravone (10mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle treatment. Edaravone treatment decreased atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic sinus (0.18+/-0.01 to 0.09+/-0.01 mm(2), P<0.001) and descending aorta (5.09+/-0.86 to 1.75+/-0.41 mm(2), P<0.05), as evaluated by oil red O staining without influence on plasma lipid concentrations or blood pressure. Dihydroethidium labeling and cytochrome c reduction assay showed that superoxide anions in the aorta were suppressed by edaravone. Also, plasma 8-isoprostane concentrations and aortic nitrotyrosine, 4-HNE and VCAM-1 contents were decreased by edaravone treatment.. These results suggest that edaravone may be a useful therapeutic tool for early atherosclerosis, pending the clinical efficacy.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Antipyrine; Apolipoproteins E; Apoptosis; Atherosclerosis; Cells, Cultured; Cholesterol, Dietary; Dinoprost; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Edaravone; Endothelial Cells; Free Radical Scavengers; Hydrogen Peroxide; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Oxidants; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reactive Oxygen Species; Time Factors; Tyrosine; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

The platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRbeta) signaling pathway regulates smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and proliferation in the vascular wall. Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDLs) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) induce a dual effect on PDGFRbeta signaling. Short-term incubation of SMCs with oxLDLs and 4-HNE induced PDGFRbeta activation. Long-term incubation triggered a desensitization of PDGFR to its own agonist, with a progressive inhibition of PDGFRbeta phosphorylation, associated with increased formation of HNE-PDGFR adducts in SMC and in vivo, in the aortae of apoE-deficient mice. Hydralazine used as carbonyl scavenger prevented PDGFRbeta inhibition in vitro and in vivo In conclusion, PDGFRbeta is a target for 4-HNE, acrolein and oxidative stress and its progressive inhibition may contribute to defective SMC proliferation and decrease the stability of a vulnerable plaque.

Topics: Acrolein; Aldehydes; Animals; Atherosclerosis; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipoproteins, LDL; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Oxidative Stress; Phosphorylation; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta

Several lines of evidence indicate that the nonenzymatic oxidative modification of proteins and the subsequent accumulation of the modified proteins have been found in cells during aging and oxidative stress and in various pathological states, including premature diseases, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis. Our previous work suggested the existence of molecular mimicry between antibodies raised against hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE)-modified protein and anti-DNA autoantibodies, a serologic hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the present study, we investigated the possible involvement of HNE-modified proteins as the endogenous source of the anti-DNA antibodies. Accumulation of the antigen recognized by the antibody against the HNE-modified protein was observed in the nucleus of almost all of the epidermal cells from patients with autoimmune diseases, including SLE. The SLE patients also showed significantly higher serum levels of the anti-HNE titer than healthy individuals. To determine if a specific anti-DNA response could be initiated by the HNE-derived epitopes, we immunized BALB/c mice with the HNE-modified protein and observed a progressive increase in the anti-DNA response. Moreover, we generated the monoclonal antibodies, showing recognition specificity toward DNA, and found that they can bind to two structurally distinct antigens (i.e. the native DNA and protein-bound 4-oxo-2-nonenal). The findings in this study provide evidence to suspect an etiologic role for lipid peroxidation in autoimmune diseases.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Antibodies, Antinuclear; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Atherosclerosis; Autoantigens; Cattle; Cellular Senescence; Epitopes; Female; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Molecular Mimicry; Muscular Dystrophies; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Serum Albumin, Bovine

Several lines of evidence suggest that an increase in aldehyde-modified proteins is associated with development of atherosclerosis. Acrolein and 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) are reactive aldehydes generated during active inflammation as a consequence of lipid peroxidation; both react with protein thiols, including thioredoxin-1 (Trx1), a protein recently found to regulate antioxidant function in endothelial cells. The present study examined whether acrolein or HNE modification of Trx1 could potentiate monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, an early event of atherosclerosis. We examined the function of acrolein and HNE-modified Trx1 in the regulation of the early events of atherosclerosis using cultured aortic endothelial cells as a vascular model system, for in vitro enzymatic assay, and in mass spectrometry analysis. Our data show that acrolein and HNE at 1:1 ratios with Trx1 modified Cys-73 and inhibited activity. In endothelial cells, adducts were detected at concentrations as low as 1 mumol/L including conditions in which there was no detectable change in glutathione. Acrolein and HNE modification of Trx1 was associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species. Microinjection of acrolein- and HNE-modified Trx1 into endothelial cells stimulated monocyte adhesion. Chemical modification of Trx1 by common environmental and endogenously generated reactive aldehydes can contribute to atherosclerosis development by interfering with antioxidant and redox signaling functions of Trx1.

Topics: Acrolein; Aldehydes; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Aorta; Atherosclerosis; Cattle; Cell Adhesion; Cell Line; Endothelial Cells; Glutathione; Humans; Inflammation; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Molecular Sequence Data; Monocytes; NF-kappa B; Oxidation-Reduction; Phosphorylation; Reactive Oxygen Species; Thioredoxins

Unsaturated fatty acids are known to have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. They are very sensitive to oxidation caused by excess free oxygen radicals and the consequent oxidative status, and it is well known that lipid and lipoprotein metabolism is markedly altered in postmenopausal women. Oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and our study aim was to assess the presence of such stress in postmenopausal women.. One hundred and one women were enrolled in the study. Fifty were fertile (32.5+/-1.1 years) with regular menses and fifty-one were postmenopausal women (52.1+/-1.3 years). None of the study cohort had ever used hormone replacement therapy. Malonaldehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynenal (4-HNE), oxidized lipoproteins (ox LDL) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) values were determined as we believe they reveal oxidative stress.. MDA, 4-HNE and ox LDL concentrations were higher in postmenopausal than fertile women (p<0.001), while GSH-PX concentrations were significantly higher in fertile women than in postmenopausal subjects (p<0.001).. Our data revealed the presence of oxidative stress in postmenopausal women.

Topics: Adult; Aldehydes; Analysis of Variance; Atherosclerosis; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Female; Fertility; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Lipoproteins, LDL; Malondialdehyde; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Postmenopause

The platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRbeta) signaling pathway regulates smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and proliferation and plays a role in the vascular wall response to injury. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in atherosclerotic lesions can activate the PDGFRbeta pathway, but the long-term effects of oxLDL on PDGFRbeta function are not well understood. We found that oxLDL induced a dual effect on PDGFRbeta signaling. Initial activation of the PDGFR was followed by desensitization of the receptor. PDGFRbeta desensitization was not attributable to PDGFRbeta degradation or changes in localization to the caveolae but instead resulted from decreased PDGF binding and inhibition of PDGFRbeta tyrosine kinase activity. This inhibition was associated with formation of (4HNE)- and acrolein-PDGFRbeta adducts and was mimicked by preincubation of cells with 4HNE. These PDGFRbeta adducts were also detected in aortae of apolipoprotein-deficient mice and hypercholesterolemic rabbits and in human carotid plaques. The aldehyde scavengers DNPH and Hydralazine prevented both oxLDL- and 4HNE-induced structural modification and PDGFRbeta signaling dysfunction in cells and in vivo. OxLDL inhibition of PDGF signaling may contribute to defective SMC proliferation and decrease the stability of a vulnerable plaque.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Atherosclerosis; Cells, Cultured; DNA; Hydralazine; Hydrazines; Lipoproteins, LDL; Male; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; Rabbits; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta; Signal Transduction

The atherogenic oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) induces the formation of carbonyl-protein adducts and activates the epidermal [corrected] growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway, which is now regarded as a central element for signal transduction. We aimed to investigate whether and by which mechanism the anti-atherogenic high-density lipoprotein (HDL) prevents these effects of oxLDL.. In vascular cultured cells, HDL and apolipoprotein A-I inhibit oxLDL-induced EGFR activation and subsequent signaling by acting through 2 separate mechanisms. First, HDL, like the aldehyde scavenger dinitrophenyl hydrazine, prevented the formation of oxLDL-induced carbonyl-protein adducts and 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE)-EGFR adducts. Secondly, HDL enhanced the cellular antioxidant defenses by preventing (through a scavenger receptor class B-1 (SR-BI)-dependent mechanism) the increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent EGFR activation triggered by oxLDL or H2O2. A pharmacological approach suggests that this protective effect of HDL is independent of cellular glutathione level and glutathione peroxidase activity, but it requires catalase activity. Finally, we report that oxLDL upregulates both membrane type 1 (MT1)-matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP) and MMP-2 through an EGFR-dependent mechanism and that HDL inhibits these events.. HDLs block in vitro oxLDL-induced EGFR signaling and subsequent MMP-2 activation by inhibiting carbonyl adducts formation and cellular oxidative stress. These effects of HDL may participate to reduce cell activation, excessive remodeling, and alteration of the vascular wall.

Topics: Aldehydes; Apolipoprotein A-I; Atherosclerosis; Catalase; CD36 Antigens; Cell Line; Drug Interactions; ErbB Receptors; Hydrogen Peroxide; Lipoproteins, HDL; Lipoproteins, LDL; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Oxidative Stress; Protein Carbonylation; Reactive Oxygen Species; Signal Transduction; Up-Regulation