Christophe Heymes

INSERM, GIP CYCERON, Caen, Basse-Normandie, France

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Publications (35)247.23 Total impact

  • Article: C/EBP homologous protein-10 (CHOP-10) limits postnatal neovascularization through control of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene expression.
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    ABSTRACT: C/EBP homologous protein-10 (CHOP-10) is a novel developmentally regulated nuclear protein that emerges as a critical transcriptional integrator among pathways regulating differentiation, proliferation, and survival. In the present study, we analyzed the role of CHOP-10 in postnatal neovascularization. Ischemia was induced by right femoral artery ligation in wild-type and CHOP-10(-/-) mice. In capillary structure of skeletal muscle, CHOP-10 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated by ischemia and diabetes mellitus. Angiographic score, capillary density, and foot perfusion were increased in CHOP-10(-/-) mice compared with wild-type mice. This effect was associated with a reduction in apoptosis and an upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels in ischemic legs of CHOP-10(-/-) mice compared with wild-type mice. In agreement with these results, eNOS mRNA and protein levels were significantly upregulated in CHOP-10 short interfering RNA-transfected human endothelial cells, whereas overexpression of CHOP-10 inhibited basal transcriptional activation of the eNOS promoter. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we also showed that CHOP-10 was bound to the eNOS promoter. Interestingly, enhanced postischemic neovascularization in CHOP-10(-/-) mice was fully blunted in CHOP-10/eNOS double-knockout animals. Finally, we showed that induction of diabetes mellitus is associated with a marked upregulation of CHOP-10 that substantially inhibited postischemic neovascularization. This study identifies CHOP-10 as an important transcription factor modulating vessel formation and maturation.
    Circulation 02/2012; 125(8):1014-26. · 14.74 Impact Factor
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    Article: Decreased expression and activity of cAMP phosphodiesterases in cardiac hypertrophy and its impact on beta-adrenergic cAMP signals.
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    ABSTRACT: Multiple cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) degrade cAMP in cardiomyocytes but the role of PDEs in controlling cAMP signaling during pathological cardiac hypertrophy is poorly defined. Evaluate the beta-adrenergic regulation of cardiac contractility and characterize the changes in cardiomyocyte cAMP signals and cAMP-PDE expression and activity following cardiac hypertrophy. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced in rats by thoracic aortic banding over a time period of 5 weeks and was confirmed by anatomic measurements and echocardiography. Ex vivo myocardial function was evaluated in Langendorff-perfused hearts. Engineered cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels were expressed in single cardiomyocytes to monitor subsarcolemmal cAMP using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of the associated CNG current (I(CNG)). PDE variant activity and protein level were determined in purified cardiomyocytes. Aortic stenosis rats exhibited a 67% increase in heart weight compared to sham-operated animals. The inotropic response to maximal beta-adrenergic stimulation was reduced by approximately 54% in isolated hypertrophied hearts, along with a approximately 32% decrease in subsarcolemmal cAMP levels in hypertrophied myocytes. Total cAMP hydrolytic activity as well as PDE3 and PDE4 activities were reduced in hypertrophied myocytes, because of a reduction of PDE3A, PDE4A, and PDE4B, whereas PDE4D was unchanged. Regulation of beta-adrenergic cAMP signals by PDEs was blunted in hypertrophied myocytes, as demonstrated by the diminished effects of IBMX (100 micromol/L) and of both the PDE3 inhibitor cilostamide (1 micromol/L) and the PDE4 inhibitor Ro 201724 (10 micromol/L). Beta-adrenergic desensitization is accompanied by a reduction in cAMP-PDE and an altered modulation of beta-adrenergic cAMP signals in cardiac hypertrophy.
    Circulation Research 10/2009; 105(8):784-92. · 9.49 Impact Factor
  • Article: Red wine polyphenols prevent metabolic and cardiovascular alterations associated with obesity in Zucker fatty rats (Fa/Fa).
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    ABSTRACT: Obesity is associated with increased risks for development of cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiological studies report an inverse association between dietary flavonoid consumption and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. We studied the potential beneficial effects of dietary supplementation of red wine polyphenol extract, Provinols, on obesity-associated alterations with respect to metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular functions in Zucker fatty (ZF) rats. ZF rats or their lean littermates received normal diet or supplemented with Provinols for 8 weeks. Provinols improved glucose metabolism by reducing plasma glucose and fructosamine in ZF rats. Moreover, it reduced circulating triglycerides and total cholesterol as well as LDL-cholesterol in ZF rats. Echocardiography measurements demonstrated that Provinols improved cardiac performance as evidenced by an increase in left ventricular fractional shortening and cardiac output associated with decreased peripheral arterial resistances in ZF rats. Regarding vascular function, Provinols corrected endothelial dysfunction in aortas from ZF rats by improving endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine (Ach). Provinols enhanced NO bioavailability resulting from increased nitric oxide (NO) production through enhanced endothelial NO-synthase (eNOS) activity and reduced superoxide anion release via decreased expression of NADPH oxidase membrane sub-unit, Nox-1. In small mesenteric arteries, although Provinols did not affect the endothelium-dependent response to Ach; it enhanced the endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor component of the response. Use of red wine polyphenols may be a potential mechanism for prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic alterations associated with obesity.
    PLoS ONE 02/2009; 4(5):e5557. · 4.09 Impact Factor
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    Article: Involvement of beta 3-adrenoceptor in altered beta-adrenergic response in senescent heart: role of nitric oxide synthase 1-derived nitric oxide.
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    ABSTRACT: In senescent heart, beta-adrenergic response is altered in parallel with beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptor down-regulation. A negative inotropic effect of beta3-adrenoceptor could be involved. In this study, the authors tested the hypothesis that beta3-adrenoceptor plays a role in beta-adrenergic dysfunction in senescent heart. beta-Adrenergic responses were investigated in vivo (echocardiography-dobutamine, electron paramagnetic resonance) and in vitro (isolated left ventricular papillary muscle, electron paramagnetic resonance) in young adult (3-month-old) and senescent (24-month-old) rats. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunolabeling (confocal microscopy), nitric oxide production (electron paramagnetic resonance) and beta-adrenoceptor Western blots were performed in vitro. Data are mean percentages of baseline +/- SD. An impaired positive inotropic effect (isoproterenol) was confirmed in senescent hearts in vivo (117 +/- 23 vs. 162 +/- 16%; P < 0.05) and in vitro (127 +/- 10 vs. 179 +/- 15%; P < 0.05). In the young adult group, the positive inotropic effect was not significantly modified by the nonselective NOS inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME; 183 +/- 19%), the selective NOS1 inhibitor vinyl-L-N-5(1-imino-3-butenyl)-L-ornithine (L-VNIO; 172 +/- 13%), or the selective NOS2 inhibitor 1400W (183 +/- 19%). In the senescent group, in parallel with beta3-adrenoceptor up-regulation and increased nitric oxide production, the positive inotropic effect was partially restored by L-NAME (151 +/- 8%; P < 0.05) and L-VNIO (149 +/- 7%; P < 0.05) but not by 1400W (132 +/- 11%; not significant). The positive inotropic effect induced by dibutyryl-cyclic adenosine monophosphate was decreased in the senescent group with the specific beta3-adrenoceptor agonist BRL 37344 (167 +/- 10 vs. 142 +/- 10%; P < 0.05). NOS1 and NOS2 were significantly up-regulated in the senescent rat. In senescent cardiomyopathy, beta3-adrenoceptor overexpression plays an important role in the altered beta-adrenergic response via induction of NOS1-nitric oxide.
    Anesthesiology 01/2009; 109(6):1045-53. · 5.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: Preservation of the positive lusitropic effect of beta-adrenoceptors stimulation in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
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    ABSTRACT: In diabetic cardiomyopathy, diastolic dysfunction results in part from sarcoplasmic reticulum abnormalities affecting both phospholamban and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake (SERCA2a). Consequently, the positive lusitropic effect of beta-adrenoceptors stimulation could be altered, and beta3-adrenoceptor over-expression may play a role, as previously demonstrated with an altered positive inotropic effect. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the beta-adrenergic positive lusitropic effect is altered in diabetic cardiomyopathy, and that beta3-adrenoceptor over-expression is involved. beta-adrenergic responses were investigated in vivo (dobutamine-echocardiography) and in vitro (papillary muscle preparation) in healthy and diabetic rats killed 4 (4W) and 12 (12W) wk after IV streptozotocin injection. The effect of beta3-adrenoceptor pathway inhibition by S-cyanopindolol (selective beta3-adrenoceptor antagonist) or by NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) on the lusitropic response to isoproterenol (nonselective beta-adrenoceptors agonist) was studied in vitro. Western blots were performed to quantify the protein expressions of beta1- and beta3-adrenoceptors, phospholamban, and SERCA2a. Data are presented as mean percentages of baseline+/-sd. Despite the increased phospholamban/SERCA2a protein ratio and documented diastolic dysfunction, the positive lusitropic effect of beta-adrenoceptors stimulation was preserved in vivo (dobutamine) and in vitro (isoproterenol) in 4W and 12W diabetic, compared with healthy, rats. The beta3-adrenoceptor was up-regulated whereas beta1-adrenoceptor was down-regulated in 4W and 12W diabetic, compared with healthy, rats. Nevertheless, S-cyanopindolol or NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester had no lusitropic effect. The positive lusitropic effect of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation was preserved in diabetic cardiomyopathy. beta3-adrenoceptor over-expression does not seem to affect this process.
    Anesthesia and analgesia 11/2008; 107(4):1130-8. · 3.08 Impact Factor
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    Article: Endothelial dysfunction caused by circulating microparticles from patients with metabolic syndrome.
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    ABSTRACT: Microparticles are membrane vesicles that are released during cell activation and apoptosis. Elevated levels of microparticles occur in many cardiovascular diseases; therefore, we characterized circulating microparticles from both metabolic syndrome (MS) patients and healthy patients. We evaluated microparticle effects on endothelial function; however, links between circulating microparticles and endothelial dysfunction have not yet been demonstrated. Circulating microparticles and their cellular origins were examined by flow cytometry of blood samples from patients and healthy subjects. Microparticles were used either to treat human endothelial cells in vitro or to assess endothelium function in mice after intravenous injection. MS patients had increased circulating levels of microparticles compared with healthy patients, including microparticles from platelet, endothelial, erythrocyte, and procoagulant origins. In vitro treatment of endothelial cells with microparticles from MS patients reduced both nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion production, resulting in protein tyrosine nitration. These effects were associated with enhanced phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase at the site of inhibition. The reduction of O2(-) was linked to both reduced expression of p47 phox of NADPH oxidase and overexpression of extracellular superoxide dismutase. The decrease in NO production was triggered by nonplatelet-derived microparticles. In vivo injection of MS microparticles into mice impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation and decreased endothelial NO synthase expression. These data provide evidence that circulating microparticles from MS patients influence endothelial dysfunction.
    American Journal Of Pathology 10/2008; 173(4):1210-9. · 4.89 Impact Factor
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    Article: Circulating microparticles from patients with septic shock exert protective role in vascular function.
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    ABSTRACT: Sepsis is an archetypal condition with molecular links between inflammation and coagulation. Both events can be orchestrated by the interaction between circulating and vascular cells that under activation release microparticles. We characterized circulating microparticles from both nonseptic subjects and patients with septic shock and evaluated their contribution to vascular function. Circulating microparticles and their cell origin were measured in blood from 36 patients with septic shock and 18 nonseptic subjects by flow cytometry. Microparticles were then injected intravenously into mice and vascular reactivity was assessed in aorta. Expression and activity of enzymes involved in nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase metabolite production were analyzed. Circulating levels of microparticles and platelet- and endothelial-derived microparticles were increased in septic patients. Surprisingly, septic microparticles enhanced the sensitivity of contraction of mouse aorta in response to serotonin. Interestingly, septic microparticles enhanced the contraction of aorta from lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. This effect was linked neither to increased calcium entry nor to Rho kinase inhibitor-sensitive mechanisms. In addition, the effect of septic microparticles was not modified either by NO-synthase or cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, and was not associated with NO or O2- overproduction. The nonselective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor indomethacin reduced, and the specific thromboxane A2 antagonist SQ-29548 abolished, aortic contraction in mice treated with nonseptic and septic microparticles. The effect of septic microparticles was associated with increased thromboxane A2 production, and was sensitive to a selective thromboxane A2 antagonist. We provide evidence that increased circulating microparticles are protective against vascular hyporeactivity accounting for hypotension in patients with septic shock.
    American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 09/2008; 178(11):1148-55. · 11.08 Impact Factor
  • Article: Cardiomyocyte overexpression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase delays transition toward heart failure in response to pressure overload by preserving calcium cycling.
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    ABSTRACT: Defects in cardiomyocyte Ca(2+) cycling are a signature feature of heart failure (HF) that occurs in response to sustained hemodynamic overload, and they largely account for contractile dysfunction. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) influences myocyte excitation-contraction coupling through modulation of Ca(2+) cycling, but the potential relevance of this in HF is unknown. We generated a transgenic mouse with conditional, cardiomyocyte-specific NOS1 overexpression (double-transgenic [DT]) and studied cardiac remodeling, myocardial Ca(2+) handling, and contractility in DT and control mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). After TAC, control mice developed eccentric hypertrophy with evolution toward HF as revealed by a significantly reduced fractional shortening. In contrast, DT mice developed a greater increase in wall thickness (P<0.0001 versus control+TAC) and less left ventricular dilatation than control+TAC mice (P<0.0001 for both end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions). Thus, DT mice displayed concentric hypertrophy with fully preserved fractional shortening (43.7+/-0.6% versus 30.3+/-2.6% in control+TAC mice, P<0.05). Isolated cardiomyocytes from DT+TAC mice had greater shortening, intracellular Ca(2+) transients, and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) load (P<0.05 versus control+TAC for all parameters). These effects could be explained, at least in part, through modulation of phospholamban phosphorylation status. Cardiomyocyte NOS1 may be a useful target against cardiac deterioration during chronic pressure-overload-induced HF through modulation of calcium cycling.
    Circulation 07/2008; 117(25):3187-98. · 14.74 Impact Factor
  • Article: Constitutive nitric oxide synthases in the heart from hypertrophy to failure.
    Xavier Loyer, Christophe Heymes, Jane-Lise Samuel
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    ABSTRACT: 1. Endogenous myocardial nitric oxide (NO) may modulate the transition from adaptive to maladaptive hypertrophy leading to heart failure. This review summarizes the information on the interrelations between the precise localization of NO synthases (NOS) and their regulatory functions within different compartments of the heart. 2. In rodent models of pressure overload or myocardial infarction, the three NOS isoforms (NOS1, NOS2, NOS3) were shown to play a neutral, protective, or even adverse role in myocardial remodelling, depending on the NOS activity, the location of each NOS and their regulators. 3. The analysis of conditions that modulate the expression of NOS1 and NOS3 in the heart according to physiopathological situations, indicated that, beside the level of total NOS activity, unique changes in NO compartmentation secondary to NOS1 or NOS3 subcellular location might be involved in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and failure. 4. Thus, different circuits in NO-signalling pathways in myocardium might be activated and this principle is a key to understand contradictions existing in NO biology in the heart. Unravelling the mechanisms behind the NO, NOS and cardiac function is still an ongoing challenge.
    Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology 05/2008; 35(4):483-8. · 1.85 Impact Factor
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    Article: Epac mediates beta-adrenergic receptor-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
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    ABSTRACT: Cardiac hypertrophy is promoted by adrenergic overactivation and can progress to heart failure, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Although cAMP is among the most well-known signaling molecules produced by beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation, its mechanism of action in cardiac hypertrophy is not fully understood. The identification of Epac (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP) proteins as novel sensors for cAMP has broken the dogma surrounding cAMP and protein kinase A. However, their role and regulation in the mature heart remain to be defined. Here, we show that cardiac hypertrophy induced by thoracic aortic constriction increases Epac1 expression in rat myocardium. Adult ventricular myocytes isolated from banded animals display an exaggerated cellular growth in response to Epac activation. At the molecular level, Epac1 hypertrophic effects are independent of its classic effector, Rap1, but rather involve the small GTPase Ras, the phosphatase calcineurin, and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. Importantly, we find that in response to beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation, Epac1 activates Ras and induces adult cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in a cAMP-dependent but protein kinase A-independent manner. Knockdown of Epac1 strongly reduces beta-adrenergic receptor-induced hypertrophic program. Finally, we report for the first time that Epac1 is mainly expressed in human heart as compared with Epac2 isoform and is increased in heart failure. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Epac1 contributes to the hypertrophic effect of beta-adrenergic receptor in a protein kinase A-independent fashion and may, therefore, represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiac disorders.
    Circulation Research 05/2008; 102(8):959-65. · 9.49 Impact Factor
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    Article: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and xanthine oxidase regulate nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species productions by apoptotic lymphocyte microparticles in endothelial cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Microparticles (MPs) are membrane vesicles released during cell activation and apoptosis. We have previously shown that MPs from apoptotic T cells induce endothelial dysfunction, but the mechanisms implicated are not completely elucidated. In this study, we dissect the pathways involved in endothelial cells with respect to both NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Incubation of endothelial cells with MPs decreased NO production that was associated with overexpression and phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). Also, MPs enhanced expression of caveolin-1 and decreased its phosphorylation. Microparticles enhanced ROS by a mechanism sensitive to xanthine oxidase and P-IkappaBalpha inhibitors. PI3K inhibition reduced the effects of MPs on eNOS, but not on caveolin-1, whereas it enhanced the effects of MPs on ROS production. Microparticles stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation via a PI3K-depedent mechanism. Inhibition of MEK reversed eNOS phosphorylation but had no effect on ROS production induced by MPs. In vivo injection of MPs in mice impaired endothelial function. In summary, MPs activate pathways related to NO and ROS productions through PI3K, xanthine oxidase, and NF-kappaB pathways. These data underscore the pleiotropic effects of MPs on NO and ROS, leading to an increase oxidative stress that may account for the deleterious effects of MPs on endothelial function.
    The Journal of Immunology 05/2008; 180(7):5028-35. · 5.79 Impact Factor
  • Article: Tissue kallikrein deficiency aggravates cardiac remodelling and decreases survival after myocardial infarction in mice.
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    ABSTRACT: Tissue kallikrein (TK) is a major kinin-releasing enzyme present in arteries. TK is involved in cardioprotection in the setting of acute myocardial ischaemia but its role in post-ischaemic heart failure (HF), a major cause of delayed mortality after myocardial infarction (MI), is unknown. To determine whether TK deficiency in the mouse influences survival and cardiac remodelling after MI. MI was induced in 10 week-old male TK-deficient mice and wild-type littermates. Survival was assessed up to 14 months. Cardiac morphological and functional parameters were serially measured by echocardiography. In another experiment, myocardial capillary density and NOS content were evaluated at 3 months. Infarct size was similar in both genotypes. MI resulted in severe cardiac dysfunction. Up to 12 months after MI, TK(-/-) mice displayed an increased mortality rate (P<0.05, relative risk of death=3.41) and aggravation of left ventricular hypertrophy and dilatation by comparison with TK(+/+) (+18% and +27% respectively, both P<0.05). NOS1 and NOS3 were abnormally regulated in the heart of TK(-/-) mice after MI. TK exerts a protective role in HF in mice. Coronary effects are probably involved. As partial genetic deficiency in TK activity occurs in humans, TK-deficient subjects may be at increased risk of mortality in HF.
    European Journal of Heart Failure 04/2008; 10(4):343-51. · 4.90 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effect of long-term heart rate reduction by If current inhibition on pressure overload-induced heart failure in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: We investigated the effects of long-term heart rate reduction (HRR) on pressure overload-induced heart failure. Pressure overload of the left ventricle was induced in 21-day-old rats by banding the ascending aorta. HRR was induced for 3 months with ivabradine (n = 44), a selective I(f) current inhibitor, at 10 mg/kg/day, starting 14 days after banding. Thirty-six control banded rats and 16 sham-operated rats received standard chow. Banding resulted in severe left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (+55% versus shams; p < 0.001) and fibrosis, together with a 34% decrease (p < 0.01) in the LV shortening fraction. Heart rate decreased by 19% in ivabradine-treated rats (p < 0.005 versus controls). Stroke volume increased (by 17%; p < 0.01), whereas cardiac output did not change with HRR. In contrast, HRR resulted in 1) a marked increase in LV filling pressure (p < 0.01) and in atrial, lung, and right ventricular weights (38, 30, and 54%, respectively; p < 0.001); 2) a 50% increase in the incidence of pleural/abdominal effusion (p < 0.001); 3) 7 and 26% increases in LV hypertrophy and fibrosis, respectively (p < 0.05); and 4) a 53% increase in the atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA level compared with controls (p < 0.001). After 3 months of treatment, ivabradine withdrawal normalized the heart rate and reduced LV size and LV filling pressure (p < 0.05). In conclusion, pure longstanding HRR showed no beneficial effect on LV dysfunction in a rat model of pressure overload-induced LV hypertrophy, and it seemed to favor adverse LV remodeling and its congestive consequences.
    Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 02/2008; 324(1):43-9. · 3.83 Impact Factor
  • Article: Effects of sex differences on constitutive nitric oxide synthase expression and activity in response to pressure overload in rats.
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    ABSTRACT: Clinical studies have documented sex differences in left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy patterns, but the mechanisms are so far poorly defined. This study aimed to determine whether 1) severe pressure overload altered expression and/or activity of cardiac constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS1 and NOS3) and 2) these changes were modulated according to sex. Analyses were performed 0.4-20 wk after thoracic aortic constriction (TAC) in male and female Wistar rats. Male rats with TAC exhibited early signs of cardiac dysfunction, as shown by echocardiographic and LV end-diastolic pressure measurements, whereas females with TAC exhibited higher LV hypertrophy (+96% vs. males at 20 wk; P < 0.05). After TAC, cardiac NOS1 expression was rapidly induced (0.4 wk) and stable afterward in males (P < 0.05 vs. sham groups), whereas it was delayed in females. Accordingly, specific NOS1 activity was increased by 2 wk in male rats with TAC (+122%; P < 0.001 vs. sham groups) and only by 20 wk in females (+220%; P < 0.001 vs. sham groups). NOS1 activity was correlated with NOS1 level. Regarding cardiac NOS3, expression was unaffected by TAC, and the decrease in activity observed at early and late times in male and female rats with TAC, respectively, is shown to be related to NOS3 allosteric regulator caveolin-1 level. The data demonstrated a unique sex-dependent regulation of the constitutive NOSs in response to TAC in rats; such a difference might play a role in the sex-dependent adaptability of the heart in response to pressure overload.
    AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology 11/2007; 293(5):H2650-8. · 3.71 Impact Factor
  • Article: 17beta-estradiol regulates constitutive nitric oxide synthase expression differentially in the myocardium in response to pressure overload.
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    ABSTRACT: Estrogens [E(2)] exert direct and indirect effects that can modulate the development of cardiac disease. However, the precise mechanisms that are involved remain undefined. Our objective was to investigate whether E(2) affected the activity and expression of constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms (NOS3 and NOS1) in cardiac hypertrophy induced by thoracic aortic constriction (TAC). Ovariectomized (Ovx) and nonovariectomized Wistar rats were subjected to TAC. Ovx animals received E(2) or placebo 3 wk after surgery for 11 wk. Afterward cardiac function and degree of left ventricular hypertrophy were assessed by echocardiography. NOS activity and expression were studied by biochemical techniques. TAC led to significant left ventricular hypertrophy (>90%) irrespective of hormonal status. Cardiac performance declined more in TAC+Ovx (-20%, P < 0.015) than in the two other TAC groups [TAC and TAC+Ovx+E(2)]. Total NOS activity decreased significantly in the Ovx groups. In response to TAC, total NOS activity increased whatever the E(2) status. Specific NOS3 activity dramatically decreased in the Ovx groups (-55%, P < 0.009) and was unaltered by TAC. By using coimmunoprecipitation assays, we showed that NOS3/caveolin-1 complexes negatively regulated NOS3 activity as a function of E(2) status. On the other hand, NOS1 expression and activity were markedly increased in hypertrophied myocardium (P < 0.003), irrespective of E(2) status. This study demonstrates a differential regulation of NOS expression and activity in response to pressure overload and E(2) status, the former being mainly involved in the induction of NOS1, whereas the latter regulated NOS3 activity and in turn cardiac function.
    Endocrinology 10/2007; 148(10):4579-84. · 4.46 Impact Factor
  • Article: Altered contractile response due to increased beta3-adrenoceptor stimulation in diabetic cardiomyopathy: the role of nitric oxide synthase 1-derived nitric oxide.
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    ABSTRACT: In the diabetic heart, the positive inotropic response to beta-adrenoceptor stimulation is altered and beta1 and beta2 adrenoceptors are down-regulated, whereas beta3 adrenoceptor is up-regulated. In heart failure, beta3-adrenoceptor stimulation induces a negative inotropic effect that results from endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3)-derived nitric oxide production. The objective of our study was to investigate the role of beta3-adrenoceptor in diabetic cardiomyopathy. beta-Adrenergic responses were investigated in vivo (dobutamine echocardiography) and in vitro (left ventricular papillary muscle) in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The effect of beta3-adrenoceptor inhibition on the inotropic response was studied in vitro. Immunoblots and NOS activities were performed in heart homogenates (electron paramagnetic resonance) and isolated cardiomyocytes. Data are mean percentage of baseline +/- SD. The impaired positive inotropic effect was confirmed in diabetes both in vivo (121 +/- 15% vs. 160 +/- 16%; P < 0.05) and in vitro (112 +/- 5% vs. 179 +/- 15%; P < 0.05). In healthy rat, the positive inotropic effect was not significantly modified in presence of beta3-adrenoceptor antagonist (174 +/- 20%), nonselective NOS inhibitor (N -nitro-l-arginine methylester [l-NAME]; 183 +/- 19%), or selective NOS1 inhibitor (vinyl-l-N-5-(1-imino-3-butenyl)-l-ornithine [l-VNIO]; 172 +/- 13%). In diabetes, in parallel with the increase in beta3-adrenoceptor protein expression, the positive inotropic effect was partially restored by beta3-adrenoceptor antagonist (137 +/- 8%; P < 0.05), l-NAME (133 +/- 11%; P < 0.05), or l-VNIO (130 +/- 13%; P < 0.05). Nitric oxide was exclusively produced by NOS1 within diabetic cardiomyocytes. NOS2 and NOS3 proteins were undetectable. beta3-Adrenoceptor is involved in altered positive inotropic response to beta-adrenoceptor stimulation in diabetic cardiomyopathy. This effect is mediated by NOS1-derived nitric oxide in diabetic cardiomyocyte.
    Anesthesiology 09/2007; 107(3):452-60. · 5.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: Levosimendan restores both systolic and diastolic cardiac performance in lipopolysaccharide-treated rabbits: comparison with dobutamine and milrinone.
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    ABSTRACT: Current treatment strategies for severe septic conditions (i.e., intravenous fluids, vasopressors, and cardiac inotropes) reestablish fluid balance and improve cardiac systole but do not address diastolic dysfunction. Our study aimed to fully characterize both systolic and diastolic abnormalities of sepsis-associated heart failure and to identify treatment that would support full-cycle cardiac improvement. Endotoxin-injected rabbits, an animal model of abnormal cardiac function in human sepsis, were used to delineate cardiac abnormalities and to examine effects of drug treatments on heart systolic and diastolic function (n = 30); saline-injected animals served as comparators (n = 17). As treatment, three inotropes commonly used for treatment of cardiac failure were infused for 45 mins in separate animal groups-milrinone, dobutamine, and levosimendan. Variables of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function were assessed with a pressure conductance catheter. Measurements were made before and after endotoxin/saline injection and before and after inotrope treatment. Pressure-volume analyses of the left ventricle showed marked impairment in systolic function and in all indices of diastolic function (isovolumic relaxation time constant, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship) in endotoxin-treated rabbits. The inotropes, milrinone, dobutamine, and levosimendan, could each partially or completely restore systolic function in the lipopolysaccharide-treated rabbits. However, only levosimendan therapy led to additional beneficial effects on left ventricular relaxation and diastolic function. Cardiac failure in severe sepsis results from impairments in both systolic and diastolic functions. Treatment with the calcium sensitizer levosimendan improved both systolic and diastolic cardiac functions in septic animals, but cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent inotropes milrinone and dobutamine only improved systolic function.
    Critical Care Medicine 06/2007; 35(5):1376-82. · 6.33 Impact Factor
  • Article: RhoA activation and interaction with Caveolin-1 are critical for pressure-induced myogenic tone in rat mesenteric resistance arteries.
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    ABSTRACT: Myogenic tone, which has a major role in the regulation of local blood flow, refers to the ability of vascular smooth muscle to adapt its contractility to changes in transmural pressure. Although Rho-kinase is involved in myogenic tone, the pathway involved remains unclear, especially concerning translocation to the plasma membrane and activation of RhoA. As caveolae have a key role in the signal transduction of membrane-bound proteins, we tested the hypothesis that RhoA might be activated by pressure and that its activation might involve caveolin-1, which has been shown to be involved in vascular functions. Myogenic tone was studied in isolated rat mesenteric resistance arteries (118+/-15 microm internal diameter with a pressure of 75 mmHg) submitted to pressure steps (25, 75, and 150 mmHg). Pharmacological blockade of caveolae or RhoA-Rho-kinase pathway was assessed by confocal microscopy in pressurized arteries to analyze protein co-localization and by co-immunoprecipitation in order to confirm protein interactions. Caveolin-1-deficient mice were used to confirm the role of the protein in myogenic tone. Pressure-induced myogenic tone was significantly reduced by RhoA inactivation with TAT-C3 (90.5% inhibition at 150 mmHg) and by the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y27632 (91.8% inhibition at 150 mmHg). In arteries pressurized at 150 mmHg, RhoA was localized to the plasma membrane (localization by confocal microscopy and increased quantity of RhoA in the membrane fraction after protein extraction). Thus, translocation of RhoA to the plasma membrane was associated with pressure-induced tone. In addition, caveolae disruption with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin reduced myogenic tone by 66% at 150 mmHg. Further, myogenic tone was significantly reduced to 24% of control in caveolin-1-deficient mice (active tone was 32.3+/-2.8 microm and 9.1+/-3.7 microm in +/+ and -/- mice, respectively, n = 5 per group), suggesting a key role of caveolin-1 in myogenic tone. Finally, RhoA and caveolin-1 co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization significantly increased when myogenic tone developed at 150 mmHg (co-localization showed 26+/-13% merging at 25 mmHg versus 97+/-21% at 150 mmHg, n = 5). Co-immunoprecipitation was prevented by TAT-C3 and by methyl beta-cyclodextrin. RhoA activation is critical for the development of myogenic tone in resistance arteries. This activation induced translocation of RhoA to the plasma membrane within caveolae, where the interaction of RhoA with caveolin-1 leads selectively to the activation of a Rho-kinase-dependent force development.
    Cardiovascular Research 02/2007; 73(1):190-7. · 6.06 Impact Factor
  • Article: NADPH oxidase-derived overproduction of reactive oxygen species impairs postischemic neovascularization in mice with type 1 diabetes.
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    ABSTRACT: We hypothesized that diabetes-induced oxidative stress may affect postischemic neovascularization. The response to unilateral femoral artery ligation was studied in wild-type or gp91(phox)-deficient control or type 1 diabetic mice or in animals treated with the anti-oxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) or with in vivo electrotransfer of a plasmid encoding dominant-negative Rac1 (50 microg) for 21 days. Postischemic neovascularization was reduced in diabetic mice in association with down-regulated vascular endothelial growth factor-A protein levels. In diabetic animals vascular endothelial growth factor levels and postischemic neovascularization were restored to nondiabetic levels by the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by NAC administration or the inhibition of ROS generation by gp91(phox) deficiency or by administration of dominant-negative Rac1. Finally, diabetes reduced the ability of adherent bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) to differentiate into endothelial progenitor cells. Treatment with NAC (3 mmol/L), apocynin (200 micromol/L), or the p38MAPK inhibitor LY333351 (10 micromol/L) up-regulated the number of endothelial progenitor cell colonies derived from diabetic BM-MNCs by 1.5-, 1.6-, and 1.5-fold, respectively (P < 0.05). In the ischemic hindlimb model, injection of diabetic BM-MNCs isolated from NAC-treated or gp91(phox)-deficient diabetic mice increased neovascularization by approximately 1.5-fold greater than untreated diabetic BM-MNCs (P < 0.05). Thus, inhibition of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS overproduction improves the angiogenic and vasculogenic processes and restores postischemic neovascularization in type 1 diabetic mice.
    American Journal Of Pathology 08/2006; 169(2):719-28. · 4.89 Impact Factor
  • Chapter: Trophic Effects of Aldosterone
    02/2006: pages 161 - 177; , ISBN: 9780470032107