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Charles Steenbergen

Publications and source records attributed to Charles Steenbergen.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Dose dependent effects of cardiac beta2 adrenoceptor gene therapy.

BACKGROUND: Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) achieves efficient myocardial transgene expression. The optimal vector dose required to produce not only increased beta adrenoceptor (betaAR) density but, more importantly, enhanced left ventricular (LV) function is unknown. In addition, it is unclear if absent extracardiac expression in preliminary studies represented cardiac specific, as opposed to selective gene delivery, as a consequence of low vector doses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adenoviral vector encoding the human beta(2) adrenoceptor (Adeno-beta(2)AR) was delivered to cardioplegic arrested hearts of neonatal piglets during CPB in three doses ranging from 5 x 10(11) total viral particles (tvp) to 2 x 10(12) tvp. Control animals received adenoviral vector encoding beta galactosidase (Adeno-betagal) or PBS (PBS). LV and liver betaAR density and in vivo LV function were assessed 5 days later. RESULTS: Elevated LV betaAR density was present after delivery of Adeno-beta(2)AR at all doses. Piglets which received 5 x 10(11) tvp and 1 x 10(12) tvp Adeno-beta(2)AR demonstrated enhanced LV dP/dt(max) but in those receiving 2 x 10(12) tvp LV dP/dt(max) was unchanged. Moreover, at this higher dose of adenoviral vector the detrimental effects of cardiac inflammation and extracardiac gene overexpression became apparent. CONCLUSIONS: Although the highest increase in cardiac betaAR density occurred after high-dose Adeno-beta(2)AR, LV dP/dt(max) was not enhanced. Moreover, significant extracardiac gene expression was present at this dose, emphasizing the need for careful dose response studies in gene therapy. However, cardiac selective beta(2)AR overexpression does occur following adenoviral vector delivery during CPB and cardioplegic arrest resulting in enhanced LV dP/dt(max).

Adenoviridae↗

Male/female differences in intracellular Na+ regulation during ischemia/reperfusion in mouse heart.

We previously showed that beta-adrenergic stimulation revealed male/female differences in susceptibility to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. To explore whether altered [Na(+)](i) regulation is involved in the mechanism of this sex difference, we measured [Na(+)](i) by (23)Na NMR spectroscopy in isolated perfused mouse hearts. [Na(+)](i) increased to 195 +/- 3% (mean +/- S.E.) of the pre-ischemic level at 20 min of ischemia in male hearts, whereas [Na(+)](i) accumulation was slightly less in female hearts (176 +/- 2%, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the recovery of contractile function after reperfusion (male: 30.6 +/- 3.8%; female: 35.0 +/- 1.9%; P > 0.05). If hearts were treated with isoproterenol (ISO, 10 nmol/l), males exhibited significantly poorer recovery of post-ischemic contractile function than females (male: 13.0 +/- 1.9%; female: 28.1 +/- 1.2%; P < 0.05), and a significantly higher [Na(+)](i) accumulation during ischemia (male: 218 +/- 8%; female: 171 +/- 2%; P < 0.05). This ISO-induced male/female difference in [Na(+)](i) accumulation or contractile function was blocked by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (1 micromol/l). Furthermore, in ISO-treated hearts, the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, ouabain (200 micromol/l) did not abolish the male/female difference in [Na(+)](i) accumulation during I/R or functional protection. Thus the data show that the sex difference in the [Na(+)](i) regulation is mediated through a NO-dependent mechanism, and the difference in susceptibility to I/R injury appears to result from a difference in Na(+) influx.

Animals↗

Gender differences in sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium loading after isoproterenol.

Males exhibit enhanced myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury versus females under hypercontractile conditions associated with increased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+. We therefore examined whether there were gender differences in SR Ca2+. We used NMR Ca2+ indicator 1,2-bis(2-amino-5,6-difluorophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid to measure SR Ca2+ in perfused rabbit hearts. Isoproterenol increased SR Ca2+ in males from a baseline of 1.13 +/- 0.07 to 1.52 +/- 0.24 mM (P < 0.05). Female hearts had basal SR Ca2+ that was not significantly different from males (1.04 +/- 0.03 mM), and addition of isoproterenol to females resulted in a time-averaged SR Ca2+ (0.97 +/- 0.07 mM) that was significantly less than in males. To confirm this difference, we measured caffeine-induced release of SR Ca2+ with fura-2 in isolated ventricular myocytes. Ca2+ release after caffeine in untreated male myocytes was 377 +/- 41 nM and increased to 650 +/- 55 nM in isoproterenol-treated myocytes (P < 0.05). Ca2+ release after caffeine addition in untreated females was 376 +/- 27 nM and increased to 503 +/- 49 nM with isoproterenol, significantly less than in male myocytes treated with isoproterenol (P < 0.05). Treatment of female myocytes with NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), resulted in higher SR Ca2+ release than that measured in females treated only with isoproterenol and was not significantly different from that measured in males with isoproterenol. Female myocytes also have significantly higher levels of neuronal NOS. This gender difference in SR Ca2+ handling may contribute to reduced ischemia-reperfusion injury observed in females.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Activation of the prolyl hydroxylase oxygen-sensor results in induction of GLUT1, heme oxygenase-1, and nitric-oxide synthase proteins and confers protection from metabolic inhibition to cardiomyocytes.

Recently an oxygen-sensing/transducing mechanism has been identified as a family of O2-dependent prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing enzymes (PHD). In normoxia, PHD hydroxylates a specific proline residue that directs the degradation of constitutively synthesized hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha. During hypoxia, the cessation of hydroxylation of this proline results in less degradation and thus increases hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha protein levels. In this study we have examined the consequences of activating the PHD oxygen-sensing pathway in cultured neonatal myocytes using ethyl-3,4 dihydroxybenzoate and dimethyloxalylglycine, inhibitors that, similar to hypoxia, inhibit this family of O2-dependent PHD enzymes. Increased glucose uptake and enhanced glycolytic metabolism are classical cellular responses to hypoxia. Ethyl-3,4 dihydroxybenzoate treatment of cardiomyocyte cultures for 24 h increased [3H]deoxy-4-glucose uptake concurrent with an induction of GLUT1 protein. In addition, ethyl-3,4 dihydroxybenzoate, dimethyloxalylglycine, and hypoxia treatments were found to induce protein levels of nitricoxide synthase-2 and heme oxygenase-1, two important cardioregulatory proteins whose expression in response to hypoxic conditions is poorly understood. In conjunction with these changes in gene expression, activation of the PHD oxygen-sensing mechanism was found to preserve myocyte viability in the face of metabolic inhibition with cyanide and 2-deoxyglucose. These results point to a key role for the PHD pathway in the phenotypic changes that are observed in a hypoxic myocyte and may suggest a strategy to pharmacologically induce protection in heart.

Animals↗

Cause of death and sudden cardiac death after heart transplantation. An autopsy study.

Postmortem findings in 39 patients following cardiac transplantation are presented. Causes of death were right-sided heart failure after transplantation (6 [15%]), infection (5 [13%]), multisystem organ failure (4[10%]), complications of noncardiac surgery (3 [8%]), acute rejection (3 [8%]), malignant neoplasm (3 [8%]), graft vascular disease (3 [8%]), preservation procurement injury (3 [8%]), cardiac arrhythmia (2 [5%]), other (4 [10%]), and unclear (3 [8%]). Seven patients in medically stable condition died after a sudden cardiac arrest, and these constituted 27% (7/26) of deaths more than 1 month after transplant. The 7 sudden cardiac arrests were due to graft vascular disease (2 [29%]), acute rejection (2 [29%]), cardiac arrhythmias (2 [29%]), and hyperkalemia during an exacerbation of acute renal failure (1 [14%]). In 3 of the 5 patients who died of sudden cardiac arrest not due to acute rejection, hemodialysis and plasmapheresis were triggers of the event. Pulmonary hypertensive arteriopathy was associated with early death and right-sided heart failure, and 6 of 8 patients with these changes died perioperatively or postoperatively.

Adolescent↗

Ablation of PLB exacerbates ischemic injury to a lesser extent in female than male mice: protective role of NO.

Recent studies suggest a role for phospholamban phosphorylation during ischemia and reperfusion. The role of phospholamban in ischemia was studied by subjecting hearts from male and female wild-type (MWT/FWT) and phospholamban-knockout (MKO/FKO) mice to 20 min of ischemia-40 min of reperfusion while (31)P NMR spectra were acquired. ATP and pH values fell lower during ischemia, and postischemic contractility was less, in MKO and FKO versus WT hearts. After shorter ischemia (15 min), recoveries of contraction, ATP, and pH were greater in FKO than MKO hearts. To examine the role of nitric oxide (NO) synthases (NOS) in the protection in FKO versus MKO hearts, we utilized 1 microM l-NAME, a NOS inhibitor, or 100 microM S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), an NO donor. Recoveries of function, ATP, and pH were less in l-NAME-treated FKO than untreated FKO hearts and greater in SNAP-treated MKO than untreated MKO hearts. In conclusion, phospholamban ablation increased ischemic injury in both males and females; however, female hearts were less susceptible than male hearts. Protection in females was decreased by a NOS inhibitor and mimicked in males by an NO donor, implying that protection was NOS mediated.

Animals↗

Alterations in apoptotic signaling in human idiopathic cardiomyopathic hearts in failure.

Dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of unknown etiology and pathogenesis, is associated with heart failure and compensatory hypertrophy. Although cell and animal models suggest a role for altered gene expression in the transition to heart failure, there is a paucity of data derived from the study of human heart tissue. In this study, we used DNA microarray profiling to investigate changes in the expression of genes involved in apoptosis that occur in human idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathic hearts that had progressed to heart failure. We observed altered gene expression consistent with a proapoptotic shift in the TNF-alpha signaling pathway. Specifically, we found decreased expression of TNF-alpha- and NF-kappaB-induced antiapoptotic genes such as growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible (GADD)45beta, Flice inhibitory protein (FLIP), and TNF-induced protein 3 (A20). Consistent with a role for apoptosis in heart failure, we also observed a significant decrease in phosphorylation of BAD at Ser-112. This study identifies several pathways that are altered in human heart failure and provides new targets for therapy.

Adult↗

Overexpression of A(3) adenosine receptors decreases heart rate, preserves energetics, and protects ischemic hearts.

To determine whether A(3) adenosine receptor (A(3)AR) signaling modulates myocardial function, energetics, and cardioprotection, hearts from wild-type and A(3)AR-overexpressor mice were subjected to 20-min ischemia and 40-min reperfusion while (31)P NMR spectra were acquired. Basal heart rate and left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) were lower in A(3)AR-overexpressor hearts than wild-type hearts. Ischemic ATP depletion was delayed and postischemic recoveries of contractile function, ATP, and phosphocreatine were greater in A(3)AR-hearts. To determine the role of depressed heart rate and to confirm A(3)AR-specific signaling, hearts were paced at 480 beats/min with or without 60 nmol/l MRS-1220 (A(3)AR-specific inhibitor) and then subjected to ischemia-reperfusion. LVDP was similar in paced A(3)AR-overexpressor and paced wild-type hearts. Differences in ischemic ATP depletion and postischemic contractile and energetic dysfunction remained in paced A(3)AR-overexpressor hearts versus paced wild-type hearts but were abolished by MRS-1220. In summary, A(3)AR overexpression decreased basal heart rate and contractility, preserved ischemic ATP, and decreased postischemic dysfunction. Pacing abolished the decreased contractility but not the ATP preservation or cardioprotection. Therefore, A(3)AR overexpression results in cardioprotection via a specific A(3)AR effect, possibly involving preservation of ATP during ischemia.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta during preconditioning through a phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase--dependent pathway is cardioprotective.

We previously reported that activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3-kinase) is involved in ischemic preconditioning (PC). Our goal was to determine downstream targets of PI3-kinase. In perfused rat hearts, PC (4 cycles of 5 minutes of ischemia and 5 minutes of reflow) increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), a downstream target of PI3-kinase and protein kinase B (PKB), an effect that was blocked by wortmannin. Because phosphorylation inactivates GSK-3beta, we examined whether PC-induced phosphorylation and inhibition of GSK-3beta is important in PC by using two inhibitors of GSK-3beta, lithium and SB 216763. Pretreatment of perfused rat hearts with lithium or SB 216763, before ischemia, mimicked the protective effects of PC; hearts treated with either lithium or SB 216763 had improved postischemic function and reduced infarct size. These findings indicate that inhibition of GSK-3beta is protective and that this PI3-kinase--dependent signaling pathway may play an important role in ischemic preconditioning.

Androstadienes↗

Male and female mice overexpressing the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor exhibit differences in ischemia/reperfusion injury: role of nitric oxide.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac overexpression of beta(2)-adrenergic receptors (beta(2)ARs) in male mice (MTG4) results in increased contractility and increased ischemic injury. Considering recent clinical data indicating that premenopausal women are protected from cardiovascular injury, we assessed the consequences of beta(2)AR overexpression in females (FTG4). Since protection in females is mediated via estrogen, which activates endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases (eNOS and iNOS) we also examined the role of NOS in ischemia/reperfusion injury in male and female TG4 and wild-type (WT) mice. METHODS: Hearts from MTG4, FTG4, MWT and FWT mice were isolated and perfused in the Langendorff mode. Hearts were pretreated with either 1 micromol/l of the nonspecific NOS inhibitor, L-NAME, or 100 nmol/l of the specific iNOS inhibitor, 1400W. Control hearts received no treatment. All hearts were subjected to 20 min ischemia and 40 min reperfusion while 31P-NMR spectra were acquired. RESULTS: During ischemia, ATP and pH fell lower in MTG4 hearts than in FTG4 or WT hearts. Hearts from MTG4 mice exhibited increased ischemia/reperfusion injury as indicated by lower recoveries of postischemic contractile function, ATP and PCr than WT. Despite contractility being elevated in FTG4 hearts to the same level as MTG4 hearts, ischemia/reperfusion injury was not increased, as indicated by similar postischemic recoveries of contractile function, ATP and PCr in FTG4 hearts compared to WT. ATP and pH fell lower during ischemia in L-NAME-treated FTG4 hearts than in untreated FTG4 hearts, falling as low as untreated MTG4s. Recoveries of contractile function, ATP and PCr were as low in L-NAME-treated FTG4 hearts as in untreated MTG4 hearts and lower than untreated FTG4 hearts. In contrast, 1400W had no effect on FTG4 hearts. MTG4 hearts were unaffected by L-NAME or 1400W. CONCLUSIONS: beta(2)AR overexpression increased ischemia/reperfusion injury in males but not females, thus females were protected from the detrimental effects of beta(2)AR overexpression. Protection was abolished by treatment with L-NAME, but not 1400W, implying that protection was mediated by eNOS not iNOS.

Amidines↗

Expression of activated PKC epsilon (PKC epsilon) protects the ischemic heart, without attenuating ischemic H(+) production.

PKC epsilon is a PKC isoform that translocates during preconditioning and may mediate cardioprotection. To investigate whether PKC epsilon activation is cardioprotective, Langendorff-perfused hearts from wild-type (WT) mice and from mice expressing constitutively active mutant PKC epsilon were subjected to 20 min ischemia and 40 min reperfusion while(31)P NMR spectra were acquired. Pre-ischemic glycogen levels were similar in WT and PKC epsilon hearts. During ischemia, ATP fell less in PKC epsilon than in WT hearts. Ischemic intracellular pH, however, was similar in WT and PKC epsilon hearts. During reperfusion, recovery of contractile function and ATP were greater in PKC epsilon than WT hearts. In conclusion, expression of activated PKC epsilon protected hearts from post-ischemic energetic and contractile dysfunction, consistent with the proposed cardioprotective role of PKC epsilon. Protection occurred in the PKC epsilon hearts without attenuation of ischemic H(+) production, implying that, at least in this ischemic model, reduced acidification during ischemia is not necessary for cardioprotection.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

The role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury; relationship to ischemic preconditioning.

Myocardial mitogen-activated protein kinases can be activated by ischemia and reperfusion, and they may play important roles in the evolution of ischemic injury. Considerable work has been performed to evaluate the role of different MAPK signaling pathways in ischemia/reperfusion injury. The focus of this review is the p38 MAPK pathway, specifically whether activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway is beneficial or detrimental. Different studies have come to conflicting conclusions. This review will examine the literature on the role of p38 MAPK in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, highlight areas of controversy and areas of general agreement, examine possible downstream targets of p38 during acute ischemia, and attempt to draw some conclusions.

Animals↗

Is Na/Ca exchange during ischemia and reperfusion beneficial or detrimental?

Cytosolic calcium increases to approximately 3 micro M after 15 min of global ischemia. Manipulations that attenuate this increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) reduce myocyte death and dysfunction. The increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) during ischemia is dependent on an increase in intracellular Na(+), suggesting a role for Na/Ca exchange. Typical ischemic values for ionized intra- and extracellular Na(+), Ca(2+), and membrane potential are consistent with the Na/Ca exchanger operating near equilibrium during ischemia. Studies were undertaken using hearts from mice that overexpress the Na/Ca exchanger to determine if Na/Ca exchanger overexpression enhances or reduces ischemic injury. These studies suggest that overexpression of the Na/Ca exchanger enhances injury in males, but females are protected by a gender-related mechanism.

Animals↗

Ca(2+) loading and adrenergic stimulation reveal male/female differences in susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion injury.

To compare ischemia-reperfusion injury in males versus females under hypercontractile conditions, perfused hearts from 129J mice pretreated with 3 mmol/l Ca(2+) or 10(-8) mol/l isoproterenol +/- 10(-6) mol/l N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) were subjected to 20 min of ischemia and 40 min of reperfusion while (31)P NMR spectra were acquired. Basal contractility increased equivalently in female versus male hearts with isoproterenol- or Ca(2+) treatment. Injury was equivalent in untreated male versus female hearts but was greater in isoproterenol or Ca(2+)-treated male than female hearts, as indicated by lower postischemic contractile function, ATP, and PCr. Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) expression was higher in female than male hearts, neuronal NOS (nNOS) did not differ, and inducible NOS (iNOS) was undetectable. Ischemic NO production was higher in female than male hearts, and L-NAME increased injury in female isoproterenol-treated hearts. In summary, isoproterenol or high Ca(2+) pretreatment increased ischemia-reperfusion injury in males more than females. eNOS expression and NO production were higher in female than male hearts, and L-NAME blocked female protection. Females were therefore protected from the detrimental effects of adrenergic stimulation and Ca(2+) loading via a NOS-mediated mechanism.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

S-nitrosylation: NO-related redox signaling to protect against oxidative stress.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular function. S-nitrosylation, the covalent attachment of an NO moiety to sulfhydryl residues of proteins, resulting in the formation of S-nitrosothiols (SNOs), is a prevalent posttranslational protein modification involved in redox-based cellular signaling. Under physiologic conditions, protein S-nitrosylation and SNOs provide protection preventing further cellular oxidative and nitrosative stress. However, oxidative stress and the resultant dysfunction of NO signaling have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.

Animals↗