Ashok K Srivastava

Centre de recherche du diabète de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada

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Publications (37)99.03 Total impact

  • Article: Insulin-like growth-factor-1-induced PKB signaling and Egr-1 expression is inhibited by curcumin in A-10 vascular smooth muscle cells.
    Viktoria Youreva, Georgia Kapakos, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a mitogenic factor that stimulates the signaling pathways responsible for inducing hypertrophic and proliferative responses in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). We have previously demonstrated that IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) plays a key role in transducing the hypertrophic and proliferative responses of angiotensin II (Ang-II) and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from the spice turmeric is known to possess antiproliferative properties and exerts vasculoprotective effects. However, the ability of curcumin to modulate IGF-1-induced signaling responses in VSMC remains to be investigated. In this study, we determined the effect of curcumin on IGF-1-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and IGF-1R in VSMC. Curcumin inhibited IGF-1-induced phosphorylation of PKB and GSK-3β as well as the IGF-1R β subunit in a dose-dependent fashion. In addition, IGF-1-induced expression of early growth response protein 1 (Egr-1) which plays a pathogenic role in vascular dysfunctions, was also attenuated by curcumin. In conclusion, these results indicate that curcumin is a potent inhibitor of key components of the IGF-1-induced mitogenic and proliferative signaling system in VSMC, and suggest that curcumin-induced attenuation of these signaling components may constitute a potential mechanism for its vasculoprotective effects.
    Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 03/2013; 91(3):241-7. · 1.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Insulino-mimetic and anti-diabetic effects of zinc.
    George Vardatsikos, Nihar R Pandey, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: While it has long been known that zinc (Zn) is crucial for the proper growth and maintenance of normal biological functions, Zn has also been shown to exert insulin-mimetic and anti-diabetic effects. These insulin-like properties have been demonstrated in isolated cells, tissues, and different animal models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Zn treatment has been found to improve carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in rodent models of diabetes. In isolated cells, it enhances glucose transport, glycogen and lipid synthesis, and inhibits gluconeogenesis and lipolysis. The molecular mechanism responsible for the insulin-like effects of Zn compounds involves the activation of several key components of the insulin signaling pathways, which include the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/protein kinase B/Akt (PKB/Akt) pathways. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which Zn triggers the activation of these pathways remain to be clarified. In this review, we provide a brief history of zinc, and an overview of its insulin-mimetic and anti-diabetic effects, as well as the potential mechanisms by which zinc exerts these effects.
    Journal of inorganic biochemistry 12/2012; 120C:8-17. · 3.25 Impact Factor
  • Article: Cardiovascular protection by curcumin: molecular aspects.
    Georgia Kapakos, Viktoria Youreva, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: Curcumin is the active component in turmeric--a spice that has been extensively used as a culinary agent and a home remedy to prevent and treat many diseases in India and other countries for hundreds of years. However, systematic studies to understand the molecular basis of disease preventing or therapeutic properties of curcumin began to appear in the scientific literature only during the last 40 years. As a result of these studies, substantial evidence has accumulated to suggest that curcumin can affect signaling pathways linked to cellular growth, proliferation, survival, inflammation and transcription. In addition, curcumin has also been shown to exert anti-atherosclerotic, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in animal models of various diseases and in human subjects. In this article, we highlight the cardiovascular protective role of curcumin with an emphasis on the molecular basis of this effect.
    Indian journal of biochemistry & biophysics 10/2012; 49(5):306-15. · 1.14 Impact Factor
  • Article: Attenuation of endothelin-1-induced PKB and ERK1/2 signaling, as well as Egr-1 expression, by curcumin in A-10 vascular smooth muscle cells.
    Georgia Kapakos, Viktoria Youreva, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular abnormalities through the hyperactivation of growth promoting pathways, including protein kinase B (PKB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling. ET-1 has been shown to elicit its responses through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Curcumin, the main constituent of the spice turmeric, exhibits cardio-protective, anti-proliferative, and antioxidant properties; however, the precise molecular mechanism of its action is unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of curcumin on ET-1-induced PKB and ERK1/2 signaling, as well as insulin-like growth factor type receptor (IGF-1R) phosphorylation. Curcumin dose-dependently inhibited ET-1-induced phosphorylation of PKB, ERK1/2, c-Raf, and insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-1R), in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Furthermore, curcumin also attenuated ET-1-induced expression of early growth response (Egr)-1, a transcription factor downstream of ERK1/2 that plays a regulatory role in several cardiovascular pathological processes. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that curcumin is a potent inhibitor of ET-1-induced mitogenic and proliferative signaling events in VSMC and suggest that the ability of curcumin to attenuate these events may contribute as a potential mechanism for its cardiovascular protective response.
    Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 08/2012; 90(9):1277-85. · 1.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Cell-type-specific roles of IGF-1R and EGFR in mediating Zn2+-induced ERK1/2 and PKB phosphorylation
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    ABSTRACT: Zn2+ exerts insulin-mimetic and antidiabetic effects in rodent models of insulin resistance, and activates extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (PKB), key components of the insulin signaling pathway. Zn2+-induced signaling has been shown to be associated with an increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR), as well as of insulin-like growth factor1 receptor (IGF-1R) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in several cell types. However, the specific contribution of these receptor protein tyrosine kinases (R-PTKs) in mediating Zn2+-induced responses in a cell-specific fashion remains to be established. Therefore, using a series of pharmacological inhibitors and genetically engineered cells, we have investigated the roles of various R-PTKs in Zn2+-induced ERK1/2 and PKB phosphorylation. Pretreatment of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells overexpressing a human IR (CHO-HIR cells) with AG1024, an inhibitor for IR protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) and IGF-1R-PTK, blocked Zn2+-induced ERK1/2 and PKB phosphorylation, but AG1478, an inhibitor for EGFR, was without effect in CHO cells. On the other hand, both of these inhibitors were able to attenuate Zn2+-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and PKB in A10 vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, in CHO cells overexpressing tyrosine kinase deficient IR, Zn2+ was still able to induce the phosphorylation of these two signaling molecules, whereas the insulin effect was significantly attenuated. Furthermore, both Zn2+ and insulin-like growth factor1 failed to stimulate ERK1/2 and PKB phosphorylation in IGF-1R knockout cells. Also, Zn2+-induced responses in CHO-HIR cells were not associated with an increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of the IR β-subunit and insulin receptor substrate1 in CHO-HIR cells. Taken together, these data suggest that distinct R-PTKs mediate Zn2+-evoked ERK1/2 and PKB phosphorylation in a cell-specific manner. KeywordsInsulin signaling-Zinc-Extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2-Protein kinase B-Protein tyrosine kinases-IGF-1R-EGFR
    JBIC Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry 05/2012; 15(3):399-407. · 3.29 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Modulatory Role of Nitric Oxide/cGMP System in Endothelin-1-Induced Signaling Responses in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Nitric oxide (NO) is an important vasoprotective molecule that serves not only as a vasodilator but also exerts antihypertrophic and antiproliferative effects in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The precise mechanism by which the antihypertrophic and antiproliferative responses of NO are mediated remains obscure. However, recent studies have suggested that one of the mechanisms by which this may be achieved includes the attenuation of signal transduction pathways responsible for inducing the hypertrophic and proliferative program in VSMC. Endothelin-1 is a powerful vasoconstrictor peptide with mitogenic and growth stimulatory properties and exerts its effects by activating multiple signaling pathways which include ERK 1/2, PKB and Rho-ROCK. Both cGMP-dependent and independent events have been reported to mediate the effect of NO on these pathways leading to its vasoprotective response. This review briefly summarizes some key studies on the modulatory effect of NO on these signaling pathways and discusses the possible role of cGMP system in this process.
    Current Cardiology Reviews 11/2010; 6(4):247-54.
  • Article: Involvement of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor transactivation in endothelin-1-induced signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells.
    Ali Bouallegue, George Vardatsikos, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoactive peptide that exerts hypertrophic, migratory, and mitogenic effects in vascular smooth muscle cells. ET-1-induced activation of several signaling events has been shown to mediate the cellular effects of ET-1. In the past several years, transactivation of growth factor receptor has gained much recognition in transducing the signaling responses of ET-1. Among various growth factor receptors studied, the involvement of epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation in triggering ET-1-induced responses has been studied in some detail. However, recent studies have implicated insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor transactivation in this process. There are also some suggestions for a role of the Src family of nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases, such as c-Src, in transducing the signaling responses of vasoactive peptides. In this review, we will examine the contribution of both insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and c-Src in mediating ET-1-induced signaling responses in vascular smooth muscle cells.
    Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 05/2010; 88(5):501-9. · 1.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Role of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and c-Src in endothelin-1- and angiotensin II-induced PKB phosphorylation, and hypertrophic and proliferative responses in vascular smooth muscle cells.
    Ali Bouallegue, George Vardatsikos, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (Ang II) are vasoactive peptides believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular abnormalities such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, hypertrophy, and restenosis. The concept of transactivation of growth factor receptors, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), in triggering vasoactive peptide-induced signaling events has gained much recognition during the past several years. We have demonstrated that insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-1R) plays a role in transducing the effect of H2O2, leading to protein kinase B (PKB) phosphorylation. Since vasoactive peptides elicit their responses through generation of reactive oxygen species, including H2O2, we investigated whether IGF-1R transactivation plays a similar role in ET-1- and Ang II-induced PKB phosphorylation and hypertrophic responses in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). AG1024, a specific inhibitor of IGF-1R protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), attenuated both ET-1- and Ang II-induced PKB phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. ET-1 and Ang II treatment also induced the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in the autophosphorylation sites of IGF-1R, which were blocked by AG1024. In addition, both ET-1 and Ang II evoked tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Src, a nonreceptor PTK, whereas pharmacological inhibition of c-Src PTK activity by PP2, a specific inhibitor of Src-family tyrosine kinase, significantly reduced PKB phosphorylation as well as tyrosine phosphorylation of IGF-1R induced by the 2 vasoactive peptides. Furthermore, protein and DNA synthesis enhanced by ET-1 and Ang II were attenuated by AG1024 and PP2. In conclusion, these data suggest that IGF-1R PTK and c-Src PTK play a critical role in mediating PKB phosphorylation as well as hypertrophic and proliferative responses induced by ET-1 and Ang II in A10 VSMC.
    Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 12/2009; 87(12):1009-18. · 1.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Bis(maltolato)-oxovanadium (IV)-induced phosphorylation of PKB, GSK-3 and FOXO1 contributes to its glucoregulatory responses (review).
    George Vardatsikos, Mohamad Z Mehdi, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: Over the last several decades, a large body of evidence has accumulated to suggest that organo-vanadium compounds (OVC) are more potent than inorganic vanadium salts in regulating hyperglycemia and insulin-resistance in rodent models of both type I and type II diabetes. Among these OVC, vanadium (IV) oxo bis(maltolato) (BMOV) was the first to be investigated for its higher potency over inorganic vanadium salts in eliciting insulin-like properties in both in vitro and in vivo systems. While the precise molecular mechanism by which BMOV exerts its insulin-mimetic effects remains poorly defined, studies have shown that BMOV is a potent activator of several key components of the insulin signaling pathways, such as phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), and its downstream effector, protein kinase B (PKB). In addition, BMOV-induced phosphorylation of PKB has also been associated with the enhanced phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and forkhead box protein 1 (FOXO1). Since PKB is instrumental in mediating the effects of insulin on glucose transport, glycogen synthesis and gluconeogenesis, it is reasonable to suggest that activation of this pathway by BMOV serves as a mechanism for its insulin-like effects.
    International Journal of Molecular Medicine 10/2009; 24(3):303-9. · 1.98 Impact Factor
  • Article: CaMKII knockdown attenuates H2O2-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, PKB/Akt, and IGF-1R in vascular smooth muscle cells.
    Ali Bouallegue, Nihar R Pandey, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: We have shown earlier a requirement for Ca(2+) and calmodulin (CaM) in the H(2)O(2)-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (PKB), key mediators of growth-promoting, proliferative, and hypertrophic responses in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Because the effect of CaM is mediated through CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), we have investigated here the potential role of CaMKII in H(2)O(2)-induced ERK1/2 and PKB phosphorylation by using pharmacological inhibitors of CaM and CaMKII, a CaMKII inhibitor peptide, and siRNA knockdown strategies for CaMKII alpha. Calmidazolium and W-7, antagonists of CaM, as well as KN-93, a specific inhibitor of CaMKII, attenuated H(2)O(2)-induced responses of ERK1/2 and PKB phosphorylation in a dose-dependent fashion. Similar to H(2)O(2), calmidazolium and KN-93 also exhibited an inhibitory effect on glucose/glucose oxidase-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and PKB in these cells. Transfection of VSMC with CaMKII autoinhibitory peptide corresponding to the autoinhibitory domain (aa 281-309) of CaMKII and with siRNA of CaMKII alpha attenuated the H(2)O(2)-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and PKB. In addition, calmidazolium and KN-93 blocked H(2)O(2)-induced Pyk2 and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) phosphorylation. Moreover, treatment of VSMC with CaMKII alpha siRNA abolished the H(2)O(2)-induced IGF-1R phosphorylation. H(2)O(2) treatment also induced Thr(286) phosphorylation of CaMKII, which was inhibited by both calmidazolium and KN-93. These results demonstrate that CaMKII plays a critical upstream role in mediating the effects of H(2)O(2) on ERK1/2, PKB, and IGF-1R phosphorylation.
    Free radical biology & medicine 07/2009; 47(6):858-66. · 5.42 Impact Factor
  • Article: Tissue- and fibre-specific modifications of insulin-signalling molecules in cardiac and skeletal muscle of diabetic rats.
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    ABSTRACT: 1. Levels of insulin-signalling molecules are altered in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, a model of Type 1 diabetes. However, the tissue-specific regulation of these changes and the effect of insulin supplementation on signalling molecule protein levels have not been well characterized. 2. In the present study, we evaluated the level of proximal insulin-signalling intermediates in the heart and in red and white gastrocnemius muscles of 2 week diabetic rats and diabetic rats supplemented with insulin. 3. Diabetes augmented levels of the insulin receptor and the p85 regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the red gastrocnemius, but not in the white gastrocnemius or the heart. Furthermore, diabetes reduced insulin receptor substrate-1 levels in both the red and white gastrocnemius, but not in the heart. Examination of the levels and basal activities of distal insulin-signalling intermediates (protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)) also failed to reveal a specific pattern in these changes. Thus, diabetes reduced basal ERK1/2 and PKB/Akt phosphorylation in the heart and white gastrocnemius, respectively, whereas it augmented basal p38 MAPK activity in the red gastrocnemius. Insulin supplementation normalized the levels and activities of some but not all proteins. 4. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that adaptation to STZ-induced diabetes varies among skeletal muscle fibre types and the heart, emphasizing the complex tissue-specific responses to diabetes.
    Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology 05/2008; 35(8):971-8. · 1.85 Impact Factor
  • Chapter: Role of Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation in Vasoactive Peptide-Induced Signaling Pathways in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
    Ali Bouallegue, Ashok K. Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: Vasoactive peptides, such as endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (AngII), are believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular abnormalities such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, hypertrophy, and restenosis. These peptides elicit their biological effects through the activation of transmembrane guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCR activation results in the stimulation of several signaling pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), and protein kinase B. During the last several years, the concept of transactivation of growth factor receptors such as EGF-R, PDGF-R, and IGF-1R in triggering vasoactive peptide signaling has gained much recognition. Activation of these pathways is intimately linked to the regulation of cellular hypertrophy, growth, proliferation, migration, and cell survival. In this chapter, we provide an overview on the role of growth factor receptor transactivation in mediating AngII and ET-1-induced signaling events in vascular smooth muscle cells and their potential implication in vascular pathophysiology.
    12/2007: pages 211-228;
  • Article: Nitric oxide attenuates endothelin-1-induced activation of ERK1/2, PKB, and Pyk2 in vascular smooth muscle cells by a cGMP-dependent pathway.
    Ali Bouallegue, Grace Bou Daou, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: Nitric oxide (NO), in addition to its vasodilator action, has also been shown to antagonize the mitogenic and hypertrophic responses of growth factors and vasoactive peptides such as endothelin-1 (ET-1) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, the mechanism by which NO exerts its antimitogenic and antihypertrophic effect remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether NO generation would modify ET-1-induced signaling pathways involved in cellular growth, proliferation, and hypertrophy in A-10 VSMCs. Treatment of A-10 VSMCs with S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP), two NO donors, attenuated the ET-1-enhanced phosphorylation of several key components of growth-promoting and hypertrophic signaling pathways such as ERK1/2, PKB, and Pyk2. On the other hand, inhibition of the endogenous NO generation with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, increased the ET-1-induced phosphorylation of these signaling components. Since NO mediates its effect principally through a cGMP-soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) pathway, we investigated the role of these molecules in NO action. 8-Bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, a nonmetabolizable and cell-permeant analog of cGMP, exhibited a effect similar to that of SNAP and SNP. Furthermore, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), an inhibitor of sGC, reversed the inhibitory effect of NO on ET-1-induced responses. SNAP treatment also decreased the protein synthesis induced by ET-1. Together, these data demonstrate that NO, in a cGMP-dependent manner, attenuated ET-1-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, PKB, and Pyk2 and also antagonized the hypertrophic effects of ET-1. It may be suggested that NO-induced generation of cGMP contributes to the inhibition of ET-1-induced mitogenic and hypertrophic responses in VSMCs.
    AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology 11/2007; 293(4):H2072-9. · 3.71 Impact Factor
  • Article: Insulin-like growth factor type-1 receptor transactivation in vasoactive peptide and oxidant-induced signaling pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells.
    Zeina M Azar, Mohamad Z Mehdi, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: Transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a well-documented mechanism by which vasoactive peptides and H2O2 elicit their cellular responses. However, a role for the insulin-like growth factor type-1 receptor (IGF-1R) transactivation in mediating the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) and H2O2 in vascular smooth muscle cells from different artery types have also been recently recognized. By using a series of pharmacological inhibitors of various growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases and a direct analysis of the phosphorylation status of the beta-subunit of IGF-1R, a requirement of this growth factor receptor in Ang II and H2O2 response has been demonstrated. This review discusses some of the studies that highlight the importance of IGF-1R transactivation in mediating Ang II- and H2O2-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase and protein kinase B signaling pathways.
    Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 02/2007; 85(1):105-11. · 1.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Role of receptor and nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases in H2O2-induced PKB and ERK1/2 signaling.
    Mohamad Z Mehdi, Zeina M Azar, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and vascular complications of diabetes. However, the precise mechanisms by which ROS contribute to the development of these diseases are not fully characterized. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a ROS, has been shown to activate several signaling protein kinases, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and protein kinase B (PKB) in different cell types, notably in vascular smooth muscle cells. Because these pathways regulate cellular mitogenesis, migration, proliferation, survival, and death responses, their aberrant activation has been suggested to be a potential mechanism of ROS-induced pathologies. The upstream elements responsible for H2O2-induced ERK1/2 and PKB activation remain poorly characterized, but a potential role of receptor and nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) as triggers that initiate such events has been postulated. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight the involvement of receptor and nonreceptor PTKs in modulating H2O2-induced ERK1/2 and PKB signaling.
    Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics 02/2007; 47(1):1-10. · 3.74 Impact Factor
  • Source
    Article: Endothelin-1-induced signaling pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells.
    Ali Bouallegue, Grace Bou Daou, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a vasoactive peptide, is believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular abnormalities such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, hypertrophy and restenosis. ET-1 elicits its biological effects through the activation of two receptor subtypes, ET-A and ET-B that belong to a large family of transmembrane guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). ET-1 receptor activation results in the stimulation of several signaling pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) and protein kinase B (PKB). An intermediary role of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMK), protein kinase C (PKC) as well as receptor and non-receptor protein tyrosine kinases in triggering the activation of MAPK and PI3-K/PKB signaling in response to ET-1 has been suggested. Activation of these pathways by ET-1 is intimately linked with the regulation of cellular hypertrophy, growth, proliferation and cell survival. Here we provide an overview of these signaling pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with an emphasis on their potential role in vascular pathophysiology.
    Current Vascular Pharmacology 02/2007; 5(1):45-52. · 2.90 Impact Factor
  • Chapter: Oxidative Stress in the Development of Diabetes and its Complications
    10/2006: pages 381-397;
  • Article: Involvement of insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor and protein kinase Cdelta in bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV)-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase B in HepG2 cells.
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    ABSTRACT: Vanadium(IV) oxo-bis(maltolato) (BMOV), an organovanadium compound, is a potent insulinomimetic agent and improves glucose homeostasis in various models of diabetes. We have shown previously that BMOV stimulates the phosphorylation of PKB which may contribute as one of the mechanisms for the insulinomimetic effect of this compound. However, the upstream mechanism of BMOV-induced PKB phosphorylation remains elusive. Therefore, in this study, we examine the upstream events leading to BMOV-induced PKB phosphorylation in HepG2 cells. Since BMOV is an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatases and through enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation may activate various protein tyrosine kinases (PTK), we have investigated the potential role of different receptor or nonreceptor PTK in mediating BMOV-induced PKB phosphorylation. Among several pharmacological inhibitors that were tested, only AG1024, a selective inhibitor of IGF-1R-PTK, almost completely blocked BMOV-stimulated phosphorylation of PKB. In contrast, AG1295 and AG1478, specific inhibitors of PDGFR and EGFR, respectively, were unable to block the BMOV response. Moreover, efficient reduction of the level of IGF-1R protein expression by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) attenuated BMOV-induced PKB phosphorylation. BMOV-induced PKB phosphorylation was associated with an increased level of tyrosine phosphorylation of the IRbeta subunit, IGF-1Rbeta subunit, IRS-1, and p85alpha subunit of PI3-kinase. However, this response was independent of IR-PTK activity because in cells overexpressing a PTK-inactive form of IR, insulin response was attenuated while the effect of BMOV remained intact. A role of PKC in BMOV-induced response was also tested. Pharmacological inhibition with chelerythrine, a nonselective PKC inhibitor, or rottlerin, a PKCdelta inhibitor, as well as chronic treatment with PMA attenuated BMOV-induced PKB phosphorylation. In contrast, GO6976 and RO31-8220 PKCalpha/beta selective inhibitors failed to alter the BMOV effect. Taken together, these data suggest that IGF-1R and PKCdelta are required to stimulate PKB phosphorylation in response to BMOV in HepG2 cells and provide new insights into the molecular mechanism by which this compound exerts its insulinomimetic effects.
    Biochemistry 10/2006; 45(38):11605-15. · 3.42 Impact Factor
  • Article: Activation of insulin-like growth factor type-1 receptor is required for H2O2-induced PKB phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle cells.
    Zeina M Azar, Mohamad Z Mehdi, Ashok K Srivastava
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    ABSTRACT: Evidence accumulated in recent years has revealed a potential role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. However, the precise mechanisms by which ROS contribute to the development of these diseases are not fully established. Previous work from our laboratory has indicated that exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) activates several signaling protein kinases, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (PKB) in A10 vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). However, the upstream elements responsible for this activation remain unclear. Although a role for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) in H2O2-induced ERK1/2 signaling has been suggested, the contribution of this PTK or other receptor or nonreceptor PTKs to PKB activation is not well defined in VSMC. In this study, we used pharmacological inhibitors to investigate the role of receptor and Src-family-PTKs in H2O2-induced PKB phosphorylation. AG1478, a specific inhibitor of EGFR, failed to attenuate the H2O2-induced increase in PKB Ser473 phosphorylation, whereas AG1024, an inhibitor of insulin-like growth factor type1 receptor (IGF-1R)-PTK, almost completely blocked this response. H2O2 treatment also enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of the IGF-1Rbeta subunit, which was significantly inhibited by AG1024 pretreatment of cells. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of Src by PP2 (4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazole(3,4-d) pyrimidine) decreased PKB phosphorylation. Moreover, H2O2-induced PKB phosphorylation was associated with increased tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Src and Pyk2 in an AG1024- and PP2-inhibitable manner. In conclusion, these data provide evidence of the contribution of IGF-1R-PTK in initiating H2O2-evoked PKB phosphorylation in A10 VSMC, with an intermediary role for c-Src and Pyk2 in this process.
    Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 08/2006; 84(7):777-86. · 1.95 Impact Factor
  • Article: Insulin signal mimicry as a mechanism for the insulin-like effects of vanadium.
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    ABSTRACT: Among several metals, vanadium has emerged as an extremely potent agent with insulin-like properties. These insulin-like properties have been demonstrated in isolated cells, tissues, different animal models of type I and type II diabetes as well as a limited number of human subjects. Vanadium treatment has been found to improve abnormalities of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and of gene expression in rodent models of diabetes. In isolated cells, it enhances glucose transport, glycogen and lipid synthesis, and inhibits gluconeogenesis and lipolysis. The molecular mechanism responsible for the insulin-like effects of vanadium compounds have been shown to involve the activation of several key components of insulin-signaling pathways that include the mitogen-activated-protein kinases (MAPKs) extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38MAPK, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/protein kinase B (PKB). It is interesting that the vanadium effect on these signaling systems is independent of insulin receptor protein tyrosine kinase activity, but it is associated with enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1. These actions seem to be secondary to vanadium-induced inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatases. Because MAPK and PI3-K/PKB pathways are implicated in mediating the mitogenic and metabolic effects of insulin, respectively, it is plausible that mimicry of these pathways by vanadium serves as a mechanism for its insulin-like responses.
    Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics 02/2006; 44(1):73-81. · 3.74 Impact Factor