Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Published: August 2014
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
Elevation of serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies suggested that Hcy interferes with copper (Cu) metabolism in vascular endothelial cells. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that Hcy-induced disturbance of Cu homeostasis leads to endothelial cell injury. Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to concentrations of Hcy at 0.01, 0.1 or 1 mM resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability and an increase in necrotic cell death. Pretreatment of the cells with a final concentration of 5 µM Cu in cultures prevented the effects of Hcy. Hcy decreased intracellular Cu concentrations. HPLC-ICP-MS analysis revealed that Hcy caused alterations in the distribution of intracellular Cu; more Cu was redistributed to low molecular weight fractions. ESI-Q-TOF detected the formation of Cu-Hcy complexes. Hcy also decreased the protein levels of Cu chaperone COX17, which was accompanied by a decrease in the activity of cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) and a collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. These effects of Hcy were all preventable by Cu pretreatment. The study thus demonstrated that Hcy disturbs Cu homeostasis and limits the availability of Cu to critical molecules such as COX17 and CCO, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and endothelial cell injury.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease characterized by vascular reHypoxiaing, endothelial cell dysfunction, and inflammation. Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1, also known as STK11) is a central regulator of cell polarity and energy homeostasis. However, its specific role and mechanism of action in PH remain unclear.
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has emerged as a potential treatment, shown to enhance blood flow and angiogenesis. However, specific effects and mechanisms of HBO on limb ischaemia responding to a hypoxic environment remain largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of HBO in the treatment of limb ischaemia.
Müller cells are the most abundant glial cells in the mammalian retina. Their morphology and metabolism enable them to be in close contact and interact biochemically and physically with almost all retinal cell types, including neurons, pericytes, endothelial cells, and other glial cells, influencing their physiology by releasing bioactive molecules. Studies indicate that Müller glial cells are the primary source of angiogenic growth factor secretion in the neuroretina.
POEMS syndrome is a complex and rare hematological disease involving multiple physiological systems. According to the currently accepted diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome, polyneuropathy is one of the primary mandatory criteria. A patient presented with M protein, Castleman disease (CD), elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), extravascular volume overload, and endocrinopathy.
