Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0020538 (hypertension)
170,190 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Chronic hypertension is associated with remodeling of small arteries. There is evidence that the high pressure itself may cause these structural changes, but the responsible mechanisms are not clearly defined. Previously we showed that pressure-induced c-fos expression in intact cannulated rat mesenteric small arteries was inhibited by genistein, a general tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The purpose of this study was to further unravel the underlying signal transduction mechanisms, and we particularly tested the involvement of src tyrosine kinases and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Rat mesenteric small arteries were cannulated in a dual-vessel chamber. After a 60-minute equilibration period, the pressure in 1 artery was increased to 140 mm Hg, while the other artery remained at 90 mm Hg. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine c-fos expression, and Western blotting was used to examine levels of ERK phosphorylation. The involvement of src and ERK was tested with the inhibitors herbimycin A (1 micromol/L), PP1 (10 micromol/L), PP2 (10 micromol/L), and PD98059 (30 micromol/L). One-hour exposure to 140 mm Hg increased the c-fos/cyclophilin ratio 3.6-fold, from 0.29+/-0.07 to 1.06+/-0.25. All the tested inhibitors suppressed the pressure-induced increase of c-fos expression. A 5-minute exposure period to 140 mm Hg increased ERK phosphorylation, and this was abolished in the presence of PP1. The results suggest that pressure-induced c-fos expression in intact cannulated rat mesenteric small arteries may be mediated, at least in part, by src tyrosine kinases and ERK.
Hypertension 2001 Mar
PMID:Src tyrosine kinases and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases mediate pressure-induced c-fos expression in cannulated rat mesenteric small arteries. 1124 24

Systemic hypertension exacerbates diabetic retinopathy and other coexisting ocular disorders through mechanisms that remain largely unknown. Increased vascular permeability and intraocular neovascularization characterize these conditions and are complications primarily mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Because systemic hypertension increases vascular stretch, we evaluated the expression of VEGF, VEGF-R2 (kinase insert domain-containing receptor [KDR]), and VEGF-R1 (fms-like tyrosine kinase [Flt]) in bovine retinal endothelial cells (BRECs) undergoing clinically relevant cyclic stretch and in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) retina. A single exposure to 20% symmetric static stretch increased KDR mRNA expression 3.9 +/- 1.1-fold after 3 h (P = 0.002), with a gradual return to baseline within 9 h. In contrast, BRECs exposed to cardiac-profile cyclic stretch at 60 cpm continuously accumulated KDR mRNA in a transcriptionally mediated, time-dependent and stretch-magnitude-dependent manner. Exposure to 9% cyclic stretch increased KDR mRNA expression 8.7 +/- 2.9-fold (P = 0.011) after 9 h and KDR protein concentration 1.8 +/- 0.3-fold (P = 0.005) after 12 h. Stretched-induced VEGF responses were similar. Scatchard binding analysis demonstrated a 180 +/- 40% (P = 0.032) increase in high-affinity VEGF receptor number with no change in affinity. Cyclic stretch increased basal thymidine uptake 60 +/- 10% (P < 0.001) and VEGF-stimulated thymidine uptake by 2.6 +/- 0.2-fold (P = 0.005). VEGF-NAb reduced cyclic stretch-induced thymidine uptake by 65%. Stretched-induced KDR expression was not inhibited by AT1 receptor blockade using candesartan. Hypertension increased retinal KDR expression 67 +/- 42% (P < 0.05) in SHR rats compared with normotensive WKY control animals. When hypertension was reduced using captopril or candesartan, retinal KDR expression returned to baseline levels. VEGF reacted similarly, but Flt expression did not change. These data suggest a novel molecular mechanism that would account for the exacerbation of diabetic retinopathy by concomitant hypertension, and may partially explain the principal clinical manifestations of hypertensive retinopathy itself. Furthermore, these data imply that anti-VEGF therapies may prove therapeutically effective for hypertensive retinopathy and/or ameliorating the deleterious effects of coexistent hypertension on VEGF-associated disorders such as diabetic retinopathy.
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PMID:Cyclic stretch and hypertension induce retinal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2: potential mechanisms for exacerbation of diabetic retinopathy by hypertension. 1127 59

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a vasoactive hormone with critical roles in vascular smooth muscle cell growth, an important feature of hypertension and atherosclerosis. Many of these effects are dependent on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ang II induces phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGF-R), which serves as a scaffold for various signaling molecules. Here, we provide novel evidence that ROS are critical mediators of EGF-R transactivation by Ang II. Pretreatment of vascular smooth muscle cells with the antioxidants diphenylene iodonium, Tiron, N-acetylcysteine, and ebselen significantly inhibited ( approximately 80% to 90%) tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF-R by Ang II but not by EGF. Of the 5 autophosphorylation sites on the EGF-R, Ang II mainly phosphorylated Tyr1068 and Tyr1173 in a redox-sensitive manner. The Src family kinase inhibitor PP1, overexpression of kinase-inactive c-Src, or chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) attenuated EGF-R transactivation. Although antioxidants had no effects on the Ca(2+) mobilization or phosphorylation of Ca(2+)-dependent tyrosine kinase Pyk2, they inhibited c-Src activation by Ang II, suggesting that c-Src is 1 signaling molecule that links ROS and EGF-R phosphorylation. Furthermore, Ang II-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the autophosphorylation site and the SH2 domain of c-Src was redox sensitive. These findings emphasize the importance of ROS in specific Ang II-stimulated growth-related signaling pathways and suggest that redox-sensitive EGF-R transactivation may be a potential target for antioxidant therapy in vascular disease.
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PMID:Epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation by angiotensin II requires reactive oxygen species in vascular smooth muscle cells. 2436 72

We had previously established that in a model of Ang II-induced hypertension, administration of an anti-TNF-alpha antibody caused additional increases in mean arterial pressure. Production of vasodilator prostanoids (i.e. PGI2 and PGE2) is increased by Ang II in vascular smooth muscle and is part of a counter-regulatory mechanism that opposes increases in vascular tone. We, therefore, examined the effects of TNF-alpha on Ang II-induced increases in PGI2 production in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Addition of Ang II caused an increase in the production of PGI2, while addition of TNF-alpha had no effect. However, pretreatment with TNF-alpha potentiated the stimulatory effects of Ang II. The potentiating effect of TNF-alpha was neither at the level of prostacyclin synthetase nor at the level of acyl hydrolase activity. This potentiation was dependent on tyrosine kinase activity, as preincubation with genistein completely abolished the effect of TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha upregulated AA-induced PGI2 synthesis, indicating that the effect of TNF-alpha is at the level of cyclooxygenase (COX). These data suggest that TNF-alpha potentiates Ang II-induced synthesis of PGI2 and PGE2 in a tyrosine kinase-dependent manner, an effect that may contribute to the counter-regulatory influence of prostaglandins on the pressor effects of Ang II in the vasculature.
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PMID:Regulation of prostacyclin synthesis by angiotensin II and TNF-alpha in vascular smooth muscle. 1130 95

Most solid malignancies display interstitial hypertension and a poor uptake of anticancer drugs. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and the cognate tyrosine kinase receptors are expressed in many tumors. Signaling through PDGFbeta receptors was shown recently to increase interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) in dermis after anaphylaxis-induced lowering of IFP. In this study, we show that treatment with the selective PDGF receptor kinase inhibitor, STI571, formerly known as CGP57148B, decreased the interstitial hypertension and increased capillary-to-interstitium transport of 51Cr-EDTA in s.c. growing rat PROb colonic carcinomas. Furthermore, treatment with an antagonistic PDGF-B oligonucleotide aptamer decreased interstitial hypertension in these tumors. PDGFbeta receptors were expressed in blood vessels and stromal cells but not in the tumor cells of PROb colonic carcinomas. Our study indicates a previously unrecognized role of PDGF receptors in tumor biology, although similar effects of PDGF on IFP have been demonstrated previously in the dermis. The data suggest interference with PDGF receptors, or their ligands, as a novel strategy to increase drug uptake and therapeutic effectiveness of cancer chemotherapy.
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PMID:Inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor receptors reduces interstitial hypertension and increases transcapillary transport in tumors. 1130 70

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) plays an integral role not only in the regulation of fibrinolytic activity but also in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and hypertension. We investigated the signaling pathways of angiotensin II (Ang II) leading to PAI-1 gene expression. Ang II increased the PAI-1 mRNA and protein levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner through the Ang II type 1 receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells. PAI-1 gene promoter activity measured by luciferase assay was significantly increased by Ang II. PAI-1 mRNA stability was also increased by Ang II. Ang II-induced PAI-1 mRNA upregulation was inhibited by BAPTA-AM, genistein, and AG1478, suggesting that intracellular calcium, tyrosine kinase, and epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation are involved. Furthermore, PD98059, an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK), almost completely suppressed Ang II-induced PAI-1 upregulation. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of the dominant-negative form of Rho-kinase or Y27632, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, also completely prevented PAI-1 induction by Ang II without affecting Ang II-induced ERK activation. These data suggest that activation of MEK/ERK and Rho-kinase pathways plays a pivotal role in PAI-1 gene upregulation by Ang II. The Rho-kinase pathway may be a novel target to inhibit Ang II signaling, and its inhibition may be useful in the treatment of hypertension as well as atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Critical role of Rho-kinase and MEK/ERK pathways for angiotensin II-induced plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 gene expression. 1134 89

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) binds to numerous cognate receptors to initiate its biological effects. In this review, we have focused on the 5-HT2B receptor to address how signaling and expression of this receptor is specifically implicated in embryonic development and adult health and disease. Transduction of the 5-HT2B signaling is complex, including phospholipase C and A2 stimulation, cGMP production and a mitogenic signal that integrates the tyrosine kinase-signaling pathway. Furthermore, 5-HT, through the 5-HT2B receptors, has the ability to control serotonergic differentiation of committed neuron-like cells. In addition, 5-HT2B receptors are actively involved in the transient action of 5-HT during embryonic morphogenesis. Our recent data presented the first genetic evidence that 5-HT via 5-HT2B receptors regulates cardiac embryonic development and adult functions and suggested that this receptor subtype may be involved in other physiopathological situations. In particular, 5-HT-dependent molecular mechanisms may be involved in embryonic development and postnatal maturation of the enteric nervous system. Also, the involvement of the 5-HT2B receptor in the vascular growth often observed in hypertension is likely. These probably result from reactivation of developmentally regulated receptors in pathological situations. Finally, embryonic functions of 5-HT2 receptors observed in Drosophila gastrulation suggest evolutionary conserved mechanisms.
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PMID:Developmentally regulated serotonin 5-HT2B receptors. 1137 96

The use of viral vectors for vascular gene therapy targeted at the endothelium is limited by the promiscuous tropism of vectors and nonspecificity of viral promoters, resulting in high-level transgene expression in multiple tissues. To evaluate suitable endothelial cell (EC)-specific promoters for vascular gene therapy, we directly compared the ability of the fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (FLT-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-2 (ICAM-2), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) promoters to drive EC-restricted transcription after cloning into adenoviral vectors upstream of lacZ. Vastly different expression profiles were observed. Whereas both FLT-1 and ICAM-2 promoters generated transgene expression levels similar to cytomegalovirus in ECs in vitro, vWF expression levels were extremely low. Analysis of non-EC types revealed that ICAM-2 but not FLT-1 evoked leaky transgene expression, thus identifying FLT-1 as the most selective promoter. With an ex vivo human gene therapy model, the FLT-1 promoter demonstrated EC-specific transgene expression in intact human vein but no detectable expression from infected exposed smooth muscle cells in EC-denuded vein. Furthermore, when adenoviruses were systemically administered to mice, the FLT-1 promoter demonstrated extremely low-level gene expression in the liver, the major target organ for adenoviral transduction in vivo. This study highlights the potential of using the FLT-1 promoter for local and systemic human gene therapy in hypertension and its complications.
Hypertension 2001 Jul
PMID:Analysis of cell-specific promoters for viral gene therapy targeted at the vascular endothelium. 1146 61

Angiotensin II (ANG II) is a pleiotropic vasoactive peptide that binds to two distinct receptors: the ANG II type 1 (AT(1)) and type 2 (AT(2)) receptors. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) results in vascular hypertrophy, vasoconstriction, salt and water retention, and hypertension. These effects are mediated predominantly by AT(1) receptors. Paradoxically, other ANG II-mediated effects, including cell death, vasodilation, and natriuresis, are mediated by AT(2) receptor activation. Our understanding of ANG II signaling mechanisms remains incomplete. AT(1) receptor activation triggers a variety of intracellular systems, including tyrosine kinase-induced protein phosphorylation, production of arachidonic acid metabolites, alteration of reactive oxidant species activities, and fluxes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations. AT(2) receptor activation leads to stimulation of bradykinin, nitric oxide production, and prostaglandin metabolism, which are, in large part, opposite to the effects of the AT(1) receptor. The signaling pathways of ANG II receptor activation are a focus of intense investigative effort. We critically appraise the literature on the signaling mechanisms whereby AT(1) and AT(2) receptors elicit their respective actions. We also consider the recently reported interaction between ANG II and ceramide, a lipid second messenger that mediates cytokine receptor activation. Finally, we discuss the potential physiological cross talk that may be operative between the angiotensin receptor subtypes in relation to health and cardiovascular disease. This may be clinically relevant, inasmuch as inhibitors of the RAS are increasingly used in treatment of hypertension and coronary heart disease, where activation of the RAS is recognized.
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PMID:Angiotensin receptors: signaling, vascular pathophysiology, and interactions with ceramide. 1170

Cyclic strain regulates many vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) functions through changing gene expression. This study investigated the effects of cyclic strain on protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) expression in VSMCs and the possible signaling pathways involved, on the basis of the hypothesis that cyclic strain would enhance PAR-1 expression, reflecting increased thrombin activity. Uniaxial cyclic strain (1 Hz, 20%) of cells cultured on elastic membranes induced a 2-fold increase in both PAR-1 mRNA and protein levels. Functional activity of PAR-1, as assessed by cell proliferation in response to thrombin, was also increased by cyclic strain. In addition, treatment of cells with antioxidants or an NADPH oxidase inhibitor blocked strain-induced PAR-1 expression. Preincubation of cells with protein kinase inhibitors (staurosporine or Ro 31-8220) enhanced strain-increased PAR-1 expression, whereas inhibitors of NO synthase, tyrosine kinase, and mitogen-activated protein kinases had no effect. Cyclic strain in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor induced PAR-1 mRNA levels beyond the effect of cyclic strain alone, whereas no additive effect was observed between cyclic strain and platelet-derived growth factor-AB. Our findings that cyclic strain upregulates PAR-1 mRNA expression but that shear stress downregulates this gene in VSMCs provide an opportunity to elucidate signaling differences by which VSMCs respond to different mechanical forces.
Hypertension 2001 Nov
PMID:Cyclic strain increases protease-activated receptor-1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. 1171 94


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