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Biomedical subjects

S G Eskin

Publications and source records attributed to S G Eskin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

DNA microarray reveals changes in gene expression of shear stressed human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Using DNA microarray screening (GeneFilter 211, Research Genetics, Huntsville, AL) of mRNA from primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), we identified 52 genes with significantly altered expression under shear stress [25 dynes/cm(2) for 6 or 24 h (1 dyne = 10 microN), compared with matched stationary controls]; including several genes not heretofore recognized to be shear stress responsive. We examined mRNA expression of nine genes by Northern blot analysis, which confirmed the results obtained on DNA microarrays. Thirty-two genes were up-regulated (by more than 2-fold), the most enhanced being cytochromes P450 1A1 and 1B1, zinc finger protein EZF/GKLF, glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper protein, argininosuccinate synthase, and human prostaglandin transporter. Most dramatically decreased (by more than 2-fold) were connective tissue growth factor, endothelin-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase. The changes observed suggest several potential mechanisms for increased NO production under shear stress in endothelial cells.

Blotting, Northern↗

Shear stress reduces protease activated receptor-1 expression in human endothelial cells.

Shear stress has been shown to regulate several genes involved in the thrombotic and proliferative functions of endothelial cells. Thrombin receptor (protease-activated receptor-1: PAR-1) increases at sites of vascular injury, which suggests an important role for PAR-1 in vascular diseases. However, the effect of shear stress on PAR-1 expression has not been previously studied. This work investigates effects of shear stress on PAR-1 gene expression in both human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs). Cells were exposed to different shear stresses using a parallel plate flow system. Northern blot and flow cytometry analysis showed that shear stress down-regulated PAR-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in both HUVECs and HMECs but with different thresholds. Furthermore, shear-reduced PAR-1 mRNA was due to a decrease of transcription rate, not increased mRNA degradation. Postshear stress release of endothelin-1 in response to thrombin was reduced in HUVECs and HMECs. Moreover, inhibitors of potential signaling pathways applied during shear stress indicated mediation of the shear-decreased PAR-1 expression by protein kinases. In conclusion, shear stress exposure reduces PAR-1 gene expression in HMECs and HUVECs through a mechanism dependent in part on protein kinases, leading to altered endothelial cell functional responses to thrombin.

Biomedical Engineering↗

Cyclic strain increases protease-activated receptor-1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Cyclic strain regulates many vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) functions through changing gene expression. This study investigated the effects of cyclic strain on protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) expression in VSMCs and the possible signaling pathways involved, on the basis of the hypothesis that cyclic strain would enhance PAR-1 expression, reflecting increased thrombin activity. Uniaxial cyclic strain (1 Hz, 20%) of cells cultured on elastic membranes induced a 2-fold increase in both PAR-1 mRNA and protein levels. Functional activity of PAR-1, as assessed by cell proliferation in response to thrombin, was also increased by cyclic strain. In addition, treatment of cells with antioxidants or an NADPH oxidase inhibitor blocked strain-induced PAR-1 expression. Preincubation of cells with protein kinase inhibitors (staurosporine or Ro 31-8220) enhanced strain-increased PAR-1 expression, whereas inhibitors of NO synthase, tyrosine kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinases had no effect. Cyclic strain in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor induced PAR-1 mRNA levels beyond the effect of cyclic strain alone, whereas no additive effect was observed between cyclic strain and platelet-derived growth factor-AB. Our findings that cyclic strain upregulates PAR-1 mRNA expression but that shear stress downregulates this gene in VSMCs provide an opportunity to elucidate signaling differences by which VSMCs respond to different mechanical forces.

Aorta↗

Fluid flow releases fibroblast growth factor-2 from human aortic smooth muscle cells.

This study tested the hypothesis that fluid shear stress regulates the release of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 from human aortic smooth muscle cells. FGF-2 is a potent mitogen that is involved in the response to vascular injury and is expressed in a wide variety of cell types. FGF-2 is found in the cytoplasm of cells and outside cells, where it associates with extracellular proteoglycans. To test the hypothesis that shear stress regulates FGF-2 release, cells were exposed to flow, and FGF-2 amounts were measured from the conditioned medium, pericellular fraction (extracted by heparin treatment), and cell lysate. Results from the present study show that after 15 minutes of shear stress at 25 dyne/cm(2) in a parallel-plate flow system, a small but significant fraction (17%) of the total FGF-2 was released from human aortic smooth muscle cells. FGF-2 levels in the circulating medium increased 10-fold over medium from static controls (P<0.01). A 50% increase in FGF-2 content versus control (P<0.01) was found in the pericellular fraction (extracted by heparin treatment). Furthermore, a significant decrease in FGF-2 was detected in the cell lysate, indicating that FGF-2 was released from inside the cell. Cell permeability studies with fluorescent dextran were performed to examine whether transient membrane disruption caused FGF-2 release. Flow cytometry detected a 50% increase in mean fluorescence of cells exposed to 25 dyne/cm(2) versus control cells. This indicates that the observed FGF-2 release from human aortic smooth muscle cells is likely due to transient membrane disruption on initiation of flow.

Aorta↗

Fluid shear stress as a regulator of gene expression in vascular cells: possible correlations with diabetic abnormalities.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased frequency, severity and more rapid progression of cardiovascular diseases. Metabolic perturbations from hyperglycemia result in disturbed endothelium-dependent relaxation, activation of coagulation pathways, depressed fibrinolysis, and other abnormalities in vascular homeostasis. Atherosclerosis is localized mainly at areas of geometric irregularity at which blood vessels branch, curve and change diameter, and where blood is subjected to sudden changes in velocity and/or direction of flow. Shear stress resulting from blood flow is a well known modulator of vascular cell function. This paper presents what is currently known regarding the molecular mechanisms responsible for signal transduction and gene regulation in vascular cells exposed to shear stress. Considering the importance of the hemodynamic environment of vascular cells might be vital to increasing our understanding of diabetes.

Animals↗

Differential regulation of protease activated receptor-1 and tissue plasminogen activator expression by shear stress in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Recent studies have demonstrated that vascular smooth muscle cells are responsive to changes in their local hemodynamic environment. The effects of shear stress on the expression of human protease activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) mRNA and protein were investigated in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Under conditions of low shear stress (5 dyn/cm2), PAR-1 mRNA expression was increased transiently at 2 hours compared with stationary control values, whereas at high shear stress (25 dyn/cm2), mRNA expression was decreased (to 29% of stationary control; P<0.05) at all examined time points (2 to 24 hours). mRNA half-life studies showed that this response was not due to increased mRNA instability. tPA mRNA expression was decreased (to 10% of stationary control; P<0.05) by low shear stress after 12 hours of exposure and was increased (to 250% of stationary control; P<0.05) after 24 hours at high shear stress. The same trends in PAR-1 mRNA levels were observed in rat smooth muscle cells, indicating that the effects of shear stress on human PAR-1 were not species-specific. Flow cytometry and ELISA techniques using rat smooth muscle cells and HASMCs, respectively, provided evidence that shear stress exerted similar effects on cell surface-associated PAR-1 and tPA protein released into the conditioned media. The decrease in PAR-1 mRNA and protein had functional consequences for HASMCs, such as inhibition of [Ca2+] mobilization in response to thrombin stimulation. These data indicate that human PAR-1 and tPA gene expression are regulated differentially by shear stress, in a pattern consistent with their putative roles in several arterial vascular pathologies.

Aorta, Abdominal↗

Angiogenesis induced by tumor necrosis factor-agr; is mediated by alpha4 integrins.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2 or bFGF) are potent stimulators of angiogenesis. TNF- alpha, but not FGF-2, can induce the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on the surface of endothelial cells. The soluble form of VCAM-1 has recently been demonstrated to function as an angiogenic mediator. Here we demonstrate that monoclonal antibodies directed against VCAM-1 or its alpha4 integrin counter- receptor inhibited TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell migration in vitro. Angiogenesis induced in vivo in rat corneas by TNF-alpha was inhibited by a neutralizing antibody directed against the rat alpha4 integrin subunit. A peptide antagonist of the a4 integrins blocked TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell migration in vitro and angiogenesis in rat corneas in vivo. No inhibition by the antibodies or peptide antagonist was observed either in vitro or in vivo when FGF-2 was used as the stimulus. The peptide antagonist did not inhibit TNF-a binding to its receptor nor did it block the function of alphavbeta3, an integrin previously implicated in TNF-a and FGF- 2 mediated angiogenesis. These results demonstrate that angiogenic processes induced by TNF-alpha are mediated in part by agr;4 integrins possibly by a mechanism involving the induction of soluble VCAM-1.

Journal Article↗

Nitric oxide production by cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells: stimulation by fluid flow.

This study demonstrated that exposure of cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) to fluid flow resulted in nitric oxide (NO) production, monitored by nitrite and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate production. A rapid burst in nitrite production rate was followed by a more gradual increase throughout the period of flow exposure. Neither the initial burst nor the prolonged nitrite production was dependent on the level of shear stress in the range of 1.1-25 dyn/cm2. Repeated exposure to shear stress after a 30-min static period restimulated nitrite production similar to the initial burst. Ca(2+)-calmodulin antagonists blocked the initial burst in nitrite release. An inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blocked nitrite production, indicating that changes in nitrite reflect NO production. Treatment with dexamethasone or cycloheximide had no effect on nitrite production. Monoclonal antibodies directed against the inducible and endothelial NOS isoforms showed no immunoreactivity on Western blots, whereas monoclonal antibodies directed against the neuronal NOS gave specific products. These findings suggest that human aortic SMC express a constitutive neuronal NOS isoform, the enzymatic activity of which is modulated by flow.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Inhibition of smooth muscle cell growth in vitro by an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide released from poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles.

We fabricated poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) 50:50 microparticles loaded with an antisense (AS) oligodeoxy-nucleotide (ODN) against the rat tenascin mRNA and determined the effect in vitro of the AS-ODN released on smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and migration. AS-ODN was entrapped using a double-emulsion-solvent-extraction technique with high efficiency. Release of AS-ODN was characterized by a small initial-burst effect followed by a period of controlled AS-ODN release for up to 20 days. SMC proliferation studies exhibited dose-dependent growth inhibition with AS-ODN-loaded microparticles. Microparticles loaded with scrambled (SC) ODN showed less growth inhibition than AS-ODN. Moreover, only the AS-ODN-loaded microparticles inhibited migration. These results demonstrate the feasibility of entrapping an AS-ODN to rat tenascin in PLGA microparticles for controlled delivery to inhibit SMC proliferation and migration.

Animals↗

Degradation of polydispersed poly(L-lactic acid) to modulate lactic acid release.

Polydispersed poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) membranes comprised of blends of monodispersed PLLA of weight average molecular weight of 82,500 and 7600 were fabricated to investigate the effect of polydispersity on degradation characteristics. The PLLA blends exhibited large spherulites of high molecular weight chains embedded in a low molecular weight matrix. During degradation in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C for 28 d, the release rate of lactic acid increased as the percentage of the low molecular weight component in the blend was increased. For low molecular weight compositions larger than 50%, voids were created in the degrading blends due to the degradation of low molecular weight chains and the concurrent dissolution of lactic acid, and also the release of undegraded particles of high molecular weight. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of modulating lactic acid release during in vivo degradation of PLLA implants by adjusting the polymer polydispersity.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗

Effect of shear stress on 86Rb+ efflux from calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

The effect of flow-induced shear stress on membrane K+ permeability was investigated by measuring 86Rb+ efflux in cultured calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Cells were subjected to step changes in shear stress from 1 dyn/cm2 to 2.4, 4.8, or 10 dyn/cm2 in a parallel-plate flow chamber. Increasing shear stress produced a graded, transient increase in 86Rb+ efflux which peaked within 1 min and subsequently declined rapidly toward pre-stimulus levels. Upon returning shear stress to 1 dyn/cm2, 86Rb+ efflux initially decreased, but returned slowly to basal values. In contrast, application of bradykinin at a constant shear stress of 1 dyn/cm2 produced a transient increase in 86Rb+ efflux that was followed by a sustained elevated phase during which time efflux gradually returned to pre-stimulus levels. In order to exclude the possibility that the transient increase in 86Rb+ efflux with shear stress simply reflects a flow-dependent change in the washout of radiotracer, the transient convection-diffusion equation was solved using finite element simulation. When the flux of 86Rb+ from the cell monolayer was assumed to be constant with time, the mathematical model predicted an increase in efflux rate coefficients upon step increases in flow that were only 7-19% of that observed experimentally. The numerical predictions correlated well with the experimentally obtained peaks when the flux of 86Rb+ from the cell monolayer was simultaneously increased with flow to a new steady value. These simulations however, could not predict the transient nature of the response to increased shear stress.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Immunochemical identification of human endothelial cells on the lining of a ventricular assist device.

We are studying the biologic (pseudointimal) lining that forms in the HeartMate (Thermo Cardiosystems, Inc.; Woburn, Massachusetts, USA), a left ventricular assist device with a pusher-plate blood pump, housed in solid titanium with uniquely textured blood-contacting surfaces. Sintered titanium microspheres cover the rigid surface, and integrally textured polyurethane lines the flexing diaphragm. The texture of the blood-contacting surfaces is designed to encourage formation of a biologic pseudointimal lining, which greatly reduces the risk of thromboembolic complications. We performed immunochemical analyses to characterize precisely the pseudointimal lining. Samples were taken from 2 explanted pumps; 1 had supported a patient for 132 days and the other, 189 days. The samples were cultured to detect factor-VIII-related antigen (von Willebrand factor), acetyl low-density lipoprotein receptors, smooth-muscle-cell actin, and surface adhesion molecules specific for monocytes/macrophages. Macrophage cells were predominant in both pumps, but in the 2nd pump, cultures from the center of the diaphragm were positive for acetyl low-density lipoprotein receptor and von Willebrand factor, indicating the presence of endothelial cells. We believe that blood-borne endothelial cells or endothelial cell precursors were deposited on the blood-contacting surfaces, which is an important clinical finding with regard to lowering the risk of thromboembolic complications and reducing the need for systemic anticoagulation in long-term left ventricular assist device patients.

Actins↗

Cyclical strain effects on production of vasoactive materials in cultured endothelial cells.

Mechanical forces due to fluid flow and cyclical strain can alter endothelial cell morphology and function, including the release of vasoactive materials endothelin, prostacyclin (PGI2), and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). In this study, effects of cyclical strain were modeled by culturing bovine aortic endothelial cells on fibronectin-coated elastic membranes of silicone rubber (Silastic) or poly-etherurethane urea (Mitrathane). After growing to confluence under static conditions of 37 degrees C in humidified air with 5% CO2, cells were strained cyclically at membrane elongations of 5% or 10% for 24 hours at 1 Hz. Controls were maintained under static conditions or were exposed to fluid motions similar to the strained cells but without stretching. Secretion rates were constant throughout experiments in the strain chamber with no initial burst in metabolism associated with the initiation of strain. Secretion rates were not altered by choice of elastic membrane. At a physiological level of 10% cyclical strain, prostacyclin and endothelian secretion rates were increased by 2.5-fold and 1.7-fold, respectively, above stationary controls. Endothelin production demonstrated a dose-dependent response with cyclical strain, while PGI2 appeared to require a threshold strain before an increase in secretion occurred. No significant differences in t-PA levels were seen in cyclically strained cells compared with controls. These results indicate that endothelial cells respond metabolically to cyclical strain and suggest that mechanical strain may modulate secretion of selective vasoactive materials by vascular endothelial cells.

Animals↗

Effect of shear stress on cytosolic Ca2+ of calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

The purpose of the present study was to determine if hemodynamic shear stress increases free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells exposed to steady laminar fluid flow in a parallel plate chamber. Average [Ca2+]i was estimated by measuring cell-associated fura-2 fluorescence using microfluorimetric analysis. To determine [Ca2+]i close to the membrane surface, 86Rb+ efflux via Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels was measured. Upon initiation of flow or upon step increases in flow, no change in [Ca2+]i was observed using fura-2. However, increases in shear stress produced a large, transient increase in 86Rb+ efflux. The shear stress-dependent increase in 86Rb+ efflux was not blocked by either tetrabutylammonium ions (20 mM) or by charybdotoxin (10 nM), two specific inhibitors of the Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channel of vascular endothelial cells. These results demonstrate that shear stress per se has little effect on either the average cytosolic [Ca2+]i as measured by fura-2 or on [Ca2+]i close to the cytoplasmic surface of the plasmalemma as measured by the activity of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels.

Animals↗

Synthesis of 1-acyl-2-[3H]acetyl-SN-glycero-3-phosphocholine, a structural analog of platelet activating factor, by vascular endothelial cells.

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECS) were challenged with thrombin in the presence of [3H]acetate to stimulate the production of radiolabeled platelet activating factor (PAF, 1-O-alkyl-2-[3H]acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1-O-alkyl-2-[3H]acetyl-GPC). The 3H-product was isolated by thin-layer chromatography, and 1-radyl-2[3H],3- diacetylglycerols were prepared by phospholipase C digestion and subsequent acetylation at the sn-3 position. When the 1-radyl-2[3H],3-diacetylglycerols were analyzed by zonal thin-layer chromatography, 96-97% of the radiolabeled derivative migrated with 1-acyl-2,3-diacetylglycerol standard. Only minor amounts (3-4%) of 1-alkyl-2[3H],3-diacetylglycerol were observed, demonstrating that the predominant acetylated product synthesized by thrombin-stimulated HUVECS was 1-acyl-2-[3H]acetyl-GPC. This relative abundance of 1-acyl-2-[3H]-acetyl-GPC was not significantly affected by thrombin dose, incubation time, or cell passage, and was also observed in HUVECS challenged with ionophore A23187. In addition, the acetylated product from ionophore A23187- or bradykinin-stimulated bovine aortic endothelial cells contained 90% 1-acyl-2-[3H]acetyl-GPC, suggesting that the synthesis of the 1-acyl PAF analog is not unique to HUVECS. These findings demonstrate that PAF is a minor synthetic component of HUVECS and bovine aortic endothelial cells. In light of the integral role which the vascular endothelial cell plays in the regulation of thrombosis, these findings also suggest that the production of 1-acyl-2-acetyl-GPC may be biologically important.

Acetates↗

Flow-induced changes in Ca2+ signaling of vascular endothelial cells: effect of shear stress and ATP.

The effect of hemodynamic flow on apparent cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells was examined in the absence and presence of adenine nucleotides using microfluorimetric analysis of fura-2 fluorescence. In the absence of adenine nucleotides, flow-induced shear stress produced little change (less than 10 nM) in [Ca2+]i. Similar results were obtained using calf pulmonary artery and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. However, addition of the adenine nucleotides ATP, ADP, or AMP under flow conditions produced a transient peak increase in [Ca2+]i that was followed by a sustained elevation. The rank order of potency for the peak response was ADP greater than or equal to ATP much much greater than AMP. Adenosine was without effect on [Ca2+]i. Washout of ATP resulted in the immediate return of [Ca2+]i to basal values, indicating that the effect of ATP was rapidly reversible. Decreasing the flow rate to zero during the sustained phase also resulted in an immediate decrease of [Ca2+]i. Similar results were obtained with ADP and AMP but not with the nonhydrolyzable adenine nucleotide analogues alpha,beta-methyleneadenosine-5'-diphosphate, beta,gamma-imidoadenosine-5'-triphosphate, or beta,gamma-methyleneadenosine-5'-triphosphate. Furthermore, the rate of [Ca2+]i decrease upon cessation of flow during the sustained phase of the response to ATP was inversely proportional to the ATP concentration. These results suggest that hydrolysis of ATP to adenosine by the ectonucleotidase is responsible for the termination of the ATP response under zero-flow conditions. Evaluation of the dose- and flow-dependent response of the cells to ATP indicates that convective-diffusive transport of ATP may play an important role in regulation of endothelial cell [Ca2+]i in presence of ectonucleotidase activity and could have important consequences for the regulation of blood flow in the vasculature.

Adenine↗