Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:2.7.10.1 (ERK)
 95,504 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, is emerging as a key contributor for endothelial dysfunction associated with inflammation. Statins can inhibit vascular inflammatory reaction and improve endothelial function. The aim of this study was to investigate in human endothelial cells the signaling pathways of ADMA-induced inflammatory reaction and potential inhibitory effects of simvastatin. Endothelial cells were cultured and used for all of the studies. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-alpha) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) was assayed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including p38 MAPK and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK(1/2)), were characterized by Western blot analysis. Treatment with ADMA (3-30 micromol/L) increased the concentration of sICAM-1 in a dose-dependent manner. ADMA (30 micromol/L) significantly enhanced the concentrations of TNF-alpha and sICAM-1, the activity of NF-kappaB and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK(1/2). The increased secretion of TNF-alpha and sICAM-1 and the increased activity of NF-kappaB by ADMA were altered by SB203580 (5 micromol/L) or PD98059 (20 micromol/L), but not by LY294002 (20 micromol/L). Simvastatin (0.1, 0.5, or 2.5 micromol/L) markedly inhibited the elevated concentrations of TNF-alpha and sICAM-1, the activity of NF-kappaB, and the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK(1/2) induced by ADMA. Simvastatin inhibited ADMA-induced inflammatory reaction by p38 MAPK and ERK(1/2) pathways in cultured endothelial cells.
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PMID:The inhibitory effect of simvastatin on the ADMA-induced inflammatory reaction is mediated by MAPK pathways in endothelial cells. 1746 46

Ischemic preconditioning renders the heart resistant to infarction from ischemia/reperfusion. Over the past two decades a great deal has been learned about preconditioning's mechanism. Adenosine, bradykinin, and opioids act in parallel to trigger the preconditioned state and do so by activating PKC. While adenosine couples directly to PKC through the phospholipases, bradykinin and opioids do so through a complex pathway that includes in order: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase), Akt, nitric oxide synthase, guanylyl cyclase, PKG, opening of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels, and activation of PKC by redox signaling. There are even differences between the opioid and bradykinin coupling as the former activates PI3-kinase through transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor while the latter has an unknown coupling mechanism. Protection stems from inhibition of formation of mitochondrial permeability transition pores early in reperfusion through activation of the survival kinases, Akt and ERK. These kinases are activated as a result of PKC somehow promoting signaling from adenosine A(2) receptors early in reperfusion. The survival kinases are thought to inhibit pore formation by phosphorylating GSK-3beta. The reperfused heart requires the support of the protective signals for only about an hour after which the ischemic injury is repaired and the signals are no longer needed.
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PMID:Signaling pathways in ischemic preconditioning. 1751 69

We have previously established an ovariectomized (OVX) ewe model to study how steroid removal and replacement affects uterine blood vessel and tissue growth. Using this model, endometrial expression of mRNA for 14 angiogenic factors (7 genes and their respective receptors) in caruncular (CAR) and intercaruncular (ICAR) endometrium were evaluated by quantitative real time RT-PCR at 0 (control), 2, 4, 8, 16, or 24 h after treating OVX ewes with an estradiol-17beta (E2) implant. In CAR and ICAR, compared to 0 h, the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor (R)1, soluble guanylate cyclase (GUCY1B3; the R for nitric oxide [NO]), hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)1alpha, and placental growth factor (PlGF) increased by 4 h after E2-treatment, but basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), endothelial NO synthase (NOS3), angiopoietin (ANGPT)1, ANGPT2, ANGPT receptor Tie2 by 2 h after E2. Expression of mRNA for FGFR2 IIIc was increased at 2 h by E2-treatment in ICAR, but not in CAR. By contrast, expression of neuropilin (NP)1 mRNA was increased at 2 h in CAR, but not ICAR. The mRNA expression of VEGF, FGF2, HIF1 alpha, and PlGF was positively correlated with mRNA expression of NOS3, VEGFR1, and Tie2 suggesting some E2-stimulated interactions between these factors in promoting blood vessel growth. Thus, several major angiogenic factors and their receptors are increased within hours after E2-treatment, which indicates that E2 plays a role in regulation of angiogenesis in the uterus. By using the OVX ewe model, we may begin to understand the molecular basis of E2 effects on angiogenesis in the endometrium and, eventually, how angiogenesis is regulated in normal versus pathological conditions.
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PMID:Effects of estradiol-17beta on expression of mRNA for seven angiogenic factors and their receptors in the endometrium of ovariectomized (OVX) ewes. 1752 46

The study aimed to explore the regulatory effect of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), a novel gasotransmitter, on pulmonary vascular structure and gasotransmitters in rats with high pulmonary blood flow. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham group, shunt group, sham+PPG (propargylglycine, an inhibitor of cystathionine-gamma-lyase) group and shunt+PPG group. Rats in the shunt and shunt+PPG groups underwent abdominal aorta-inferior vena cava shunting. Rats in the shunt+PPG and sham+PPG groups were intraperitoneally injected with PPG. After 4 weeks of shunting, mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) and pulmonary vascular structural remodeling (PVSR) were evaluated. H(2)S, nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) contents were measured in lung tissues. Meanwhile, nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), heme oxygenase (HO-1) and proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expressions and ERK activation were evaluated. After 4 weeks of shunting, rats showed PVSR with increased lung tissue H(2)S and NO content but decreased CO content. After the PPG treatment, MPAP further increased and PVSR was aggravated. Meanwhile, PCNA expression and ERK activation were augmented with decreased lung tissue CO and HO-1 protein production but increased lung tissue NO production and eNOS expression. H(2)S exerted a protective effect on PVSR, and the inhibition of the NO/NOS pathway and the augmentation of the CO/HO pathway might be involved in the mechanisms by which H(2)S regulates PVSR in rats with high pulmonary flow.
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PMID:The regulatory effect of endogenous hydrogen sulfide on pulmonary vascular structure and gasotransmitters in rats with high pulmonary blood flow. 1771 36

Proinsulin connecting peptide (C-peptide) has been initially regarded as deprived of biological functions other than correct scaffolding of insulin. This was caused by the lack of evident effect of C-peptide administration to healthy subjects or animals. At present, in view of numerous studies concerning its structure, membrane binding and biological functions, C-peptide seems to constitute a crucial role in the pathogenesis of complications in diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1). Patients who maintain high remnant insulin secretion (and therefore also of C-peptide) develop complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy and later microangiopathy with a milder clinical course. In this article we have covered molecular and cellular aspects of C-peptide functioning, such as: activation of protein kinase C, Na+,K+- ATP-ase, nitric oxide synthase, MAP and ERK 1/2 kinases, improvement of nerve conduction velocity and interactions with exogenous and endogenous insulin. We also outline the clinical consequences of deficiency of this underestimated peptide along with its potential therapeutical possibilities in the primary and secondary prevention of DM1 complications.
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PMID:[Proinsulin C-peptide -- the bioactive peptide with a huge promise]. 1788 Aug 15

We previously showed that ANG II induces mesangial cell (MC) proliferation via the JNK-activator protein-1 pathway. The present study attempted to determine the upstream mediators of JNK activation, with emphasis on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR). In cultured human MCs (HMCs), as early as 3 min, ANG II time dependently increased intracellular ROS production, which was sensitive to 10 microM diphenyleneiodonium sulfate and 500 microM apocynin, two structurally distinct NADPH oxidase inhibitors. In contrast, inhibitors of other oxidant-producing enzymes, including the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone, the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, the lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguiaretic acid, the cytochrome P-450 oxygenase inhibitor ketoconazole, and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, were without effect. ANG II-induced ROS generation was inhibited by the angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist losartan (10 muM) but not the angiotensin type 2 receptor antagonist PD-123319 (10 microM). ANG II induced translocation of p47(phox) and p67(phox) from the cytosol to the membrane. The antioxidants almost abolished the ANG II mitogenic response, as assessed by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation and cell number, associated with a remarkable blockade of the activation of EGFR (90% inhibition) and JNK (83% inhibition). The EGFR inhibitor AG-1478 was able to mimic the effect of antioxidants, in that it inhibited the mitogenic response and the JNK activation following ANG II treatment. Together, these data suggest that the ROS-EGFR-JNK pathway is involved in transducing the proliferative effect of ANG II in cultured HMCs.
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PMID:ANG II induces c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation and proliferation of human mesangial cells via redox-sensitive transactivation of the EGFR. 1788 65

We showed previously that activation of A(1) adenosine receptors (AR) protects against renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rats and mice. In the heart, transient A(1)AR activation produces biphasic protective effects: acute protection wanes after several hours but protective effects return 24-72 h later (second window of protection). In this study, we determined whether A(1)AR activation produces delayed renal protection and elucidated the mechanisms of acute and delayed renal protection. A(1)AR wild-type mice were subjected to 30-min renal ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion to produce acute renal failure. Pretreatment with a selective A(1)AR agonist 2-chloro-N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA; 0.1 mg/kg bolus ip) either 15 min or 24 h before renal ischemia protected against renal IR injury and reduced renal corticomedullary necrosis, apoptosis, and inflammation. Transient A(1)AR activation led to phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK MAPK), Akt, and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). Moreover, induction of HSP27 and Akt occurred with CCPA treatment. Inhibition of PKC with chelerythrine prevented acute but not delayed renal protection with A(1)AR activation. Moreover, deletion of PI3Kgamma or inhibition of Akt, but not inhibition of ERK, prevented delayed and acute renal protection with A(1)AR activation. Inhibition of G(i/o) with pertussis toxin obliterated both acute and delayed A(1)AR-mediated renal protection. In contrast to renal protection with delayed ischemic preconditioning, nitric oxide synthase activity was not induced with delayed A(1)AR-mediated renal protection. Therefore, transient activation of renal A(1)AR led to acute as well as delayed protective effects against renal IR injury via distinct signaling pathways.
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PMID:Acute and delayed renal protection against renal ischemia and reperfusion injury with A1 adenosine receptors. 1792 14

Human 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LO-1) is an oxidizing enzyme capable of producing reactive lipid hydroperoxides. 15-LO-1 and its products have been suggested to be involved in many pathological conditions, such as inflammation, atherogenesis, and carcinogenesis. We used adenovirus-mediated gene transfers to study the effects of 15-LO-1 on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A165- and placental growth factor (PlGF)-induced angiogenesis in rabbit skeletal muscles. 15-LO-1 significantly decreased all angiogenic effects induced by these growth factors, including capillary perfusion, vascular permeability, vasodilatation, and an increase in capillary number. The effects are attributable to the reduction in the amount of VEGF-A165 and PlGF transcripts by 15-LO-1, resulting in reduced protein expression. The most likely mediator of the VEGF family-induced capillary vasodilatation is nitric oxide (NO), which is produced by NO synthases. Endothelial NO synthase protein expression and NO synthase activity were significantly induced by VEGF-A165, and these inductions were reduced by 15-LO-1. VEGF-A165 induces its angiogenic effects primarily via vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)2, and also PlGF mediates angiogenic signaling via VEGFR2, even though it binds to VEGFR1. VEGFR2 expression is induced by peroxisome proliferator-activating receptor . We showed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry that expression of endogenous rabbit peroxisome proliferator-activating receptor and VEGFR2 were significantly increased in the growth factor-transduced muscles, but these inductions were efficiently prevented by 15-LO-1. In conclusion, the results suggest that expression of 15-LO-1 has an efficient antiangiogenic effect in vivo via reduction in growth factor mRNA levels, NO bioactivity, and VEGFR2 expression.
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PMID:15-lipoxygenase-1 prevents vascular endothelial growth factor A- and placental growth factor-induced angiogenic effects in rabbit skeletal muscles via reduction in growth factor mRNA levels, NO bioactivity, and downregulation of VEGF receptor 2 expression. 1823 41

Various studies have suggested that the phytoestrogen genistein has beneficial cardioprotective and vascular effects. However, there has been scarce information regarding the primary effect of genistein on coronary blood flow and its mechanisms including estrogen receptors, autonomic nervous system, and nitric oxide (NO). The present study was planned to determine the primary effect of genistein on coronary blood flow and the mechanisms involved. In anesthetized pigs, changes in left anterior descending coronary artery caused by intracoronary infusion of genistein at constant heart rate and arterial pressure were assessed using ultrasound flowmeters. In 25 pigs, genistein infused at 0.075 mg/min increased coronary blood flow by about 16.3%. This response was graded in a further five pigs by increasing the infused dose of the genistein between 0.007 and 0.147 mg/min. In the 25 pigs, blockade of cholinergic receptors (iv atropine; five pigs) and alpha-adrenergic receptors (iv phentolamine; five pigs) did not abolish the coronary response to genistein, whose effects were prevented by blockade of beta(2)-adrenergic receptors (iv butoxamine; five pigs), nitric oxide synthase (intracoronary N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester; five pigs) and estrogenic receptors (ERs; ERalpha/ERbeta; intracoronary fulvestrant; five pigs). In porcine aortic endothelial cells, genistein induced the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and NO production through ERK 1/2, Akt, and p38 MAPK pathways, which was prevented by the concomitant treatment by butoxamine and fulvestrant. In conclusion, genistein primarily caused coronary vasodilation the mechanism of which involved ERalpha/ERbeta and the release of NO through vasodilatory beta(2)-adrenoreceptor effects.
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PMID:Intracoronary genistein acutely increases coronary blood flow in anesthetized pigs through beta-adrenergic mediated nitric oxide release and estrogenic receptors. 1820 36

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36 amino acid peptide widely present in the CNS, including the retina. Previous studies have demonstrated that NPY promotes cell proliferation of rat post-natal hippocampal and olfactory epithelium precursor cells. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of NPY on cell proliferation of rat retinal neural cells. For this purpose, primary retinal cell cultures expressing NPY, and NPY Y(1), Y(2), Y(4) and Y(5) receptors [Alvaro et al., (2007) Neurochem. Int., 50, 757] were used. NPY (10-1000 nM) stimulated cell proliferation through the activation of NPY Y(1), Y(2) and Y(5) receptors. NPY also increased the number of proliferating neuronal progenitor cells (BrdU(+)/nestin(+) cells). The intracellular mechanisms coupled to NPY receptors activation that mediate the increase in cell proliferation were also investigated. The stimulatory effect of NPY on cell proliferation was reduced by L-nitroarginine-methyl-esther (L-NAME; 500 microM), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4, 3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; 20 microM), a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor or U0126 (1 microM), an inhibitor of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2). In conclusion, NPY stimulates retinal neural cell proliferation, and this effect is mediated through nitric oxide-cyclic GMP and ERK 1/2 pathways.
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PMID:Neuropeptide Y stimulates retinal neural cell proliferation--involvement of nitric oxide. 1833 83


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