Diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction involves arginase I.

Arginase can cause vascular dysfunction by competing with nitric oxide synthase for l-arginine and by increasing cell proliferation and collagen formation, which promote vascular fibrosis/stiffening. We have shown that increased arginase expression/activity contribute to vascular endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction. Here, we examined the roles of the two arginase isoforms, arginase I and II (AI and AII, respectively), in this process.

Diabetes-induced coronary vascular dysfunction involves increased arginase activity.

Increases in arginase activity have been reported in a variety of disease conditions characterized by vascular dysfunction. Arginase competes with NO synthase for their common substrate arginine, suggesting a cause and effect relationship. We tested this concept by experiments with streptozotocin diabetic rats and high glucose (HG)-treated bovine coronary endothelial cells (BCECs).

Therapeutic use of citrulline in cardiovascular disease.

L-citrulline is the natural precursor of L-arginine, substrate for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the production of NO. Supplemental administration L-arginine has been shown to be effective in improving NO production and cardiovascular function in cardiovascular diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction, such as hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis, diabetic vascular disease and ischemia-reperfusion injury, but the beneficial actions do not endure with chronic therapy. Substantial intestinal and hepatic metabolism of L-arginine to ornithine and urea by arginase makes oral delivery very ineffective.

Peroxynitrite increases VEGF expression in vascular endothelial cells via STAT3.

Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been correlated with increased oxidative stress and formation of peroxynitrite in numerous disease conditions, including diabetic microangiopathy, tumor angiogenesis, and atherosclerosis. In this study we tested the hypothesis that peroxynitrite stimulates VEGF expression. Treatment of microvascular endothelial cells with exogenous peroxynitrite induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in VEGF mRNA, which peaked within 1 h of treatment at a concentration of 100 muM.

Inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase activity blocks vascular endothelial growth factor overexpression and neovascularization during ischemic retinopathy.

Because oxidative stress has been strongly implicated in up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in ischemic retinopathy, we evaluated the role of NAD(P)H oxidase in causing VEGF overexpression and retinal neovascularization. Dihydroethidium imaging analyses showed increased superoxide formation in areas of retinal neovascularization associated with relative retinal hypoxia in a mouse model for oxygen-induced retinopathy. The effect of hypoxia in stimulating superoxide formation in retinal vascular endothelial cells was confirmed by in vitro chemiluminescence assays.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and diabetic retinopathy: role of oxidative stress.

Retinal neovascularization and macular edema are central features of diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of blindness in working age adults. The currently established treatment for diabetic retinopathy targets the vascular pathology by laser photocoagulation. This approach is associated with significant adverse effects due the destruction of neural tissue and is not always effective.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and diabetic retinopathy: pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment perspectives.

Retinal neovascularization and macular edema are central features of diabetic retinopathy, the major cause of blindness in the developed world. Current treatments are limited in their efficacy and are associated with significant adverse effects. Characterization of the molecular and cellular processes involved in vascular growth and permeability has led to the recognition that the angiogenic growth factor and vascular permeability factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a pivotal role in the retinal microvascular complications of diabetes.