Obesity is an increasing health problem which is causally associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Oxidative stress, i.e. overproduction of reactive oxygen species, is associated with insulin resistance and obesity and may be a major risk factor in the onset and progression of diabetes. Bernlohr Lab at University of Minnesota have study oxidative stress in adipocytes by silencing the enzyme glutathione S-transferase A-4 (GSTA4), an enzyme detoxifying 4-hydroxynonenal formed during oxidative stress. Their results indicate that lysine acetylation, an important post-translational modification, may be involved during oxidative stress. In this study lysine acetylation has been investigated in condition of oxidative stress in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and subcutaneous adipose tissue from mice using SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and western blot. Lysine acetylation was analyzed in different compartments of the cell such as in cytoplasm, mitochondria as well as in whole cell extracts. Silencing of GSTA4 and stimulation by TNF-α in 3T3-L1 adipocytes resulted in an increase of lysine acetylation in cytoplasm. Furthermore, stimulation by IL-6 did not have any effect on lysine acetylation. Surprisingly, subcutaneous adipose tissue from mice fed on a high-fat diet showed a decrease of lysine acetylation in cytoplasm compare to mice fed on a chow diet. In conclusion, lysine acetylation seems to change during oxidative stress and may be an important factor during insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Therefore, studying lysine acetylation and enzymes modulating acetylation may potentially increase our understanding of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and obesity and could lead to new therapies.

The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) are unequivocally useful for lowering cholesterol levels in patients with dyslipidemias. In addition to cholesterol lowering properties, statins exert a number of pleiotropic, vascular-protective effects include improvement of endothelial function, increased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, antioxidant properties. Since endothelial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important pathophysiological determinants of essential hypertension, these actions of statins raise the possibility that statin therapy may be useful for simultaneously clinical hypertension management. However, the signaling mechanisms of statins that improve hypertension remain unclear. Our previous study showed, in the NTS, insulin may decrease blood pressure and heart rates through PI3K-Akt-eNOS pathway, and NTS integrates convergent information from peripheral baroreceptors and central cardiovascular regulatory center. Statins also prevent the synthesis of other important isoprenoid intermediates of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, members of the Ras and Rac1 GTPase family are major substrates for posttranslational modification by isoprenylation and may be important targets for inhibition by statins. Statins could inhibit Rac1 isoprenylation and Rac1-mediated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity attenuates reactive oxygen species production. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible signaling pathways involved in simvastatin-mediated blood pressure regulation in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). Male 20-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into two groups: control group and intracerebroventricular injection with simvastatin group for three days. We found that systolic blood pressure measured with tail-cuff method of the simvastatin-treated rats decreased significantly, and the NO level in the NTS was significantly increased. In addition, we observed that simvastatin could lower the ROS level and increase Ras GTPase activity in the NTS. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry analysis further showed that simvastatin increased the phosphorylation ratio of ERK1/2, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the NTS. Taken together, these results suggest that eNOS signaling in the NTS may play an important role in simvastatin-induced blood pressure lowering effects. Keywords: statins, nucleus tractus solitarii, nitric oxide, oxidative stress, central cardiovascular regulatory, isoprenylation

Based on the ‘free radical theory of aging,’ I hypothesized that hypoxia caused by the mammalian dive response induces free radical production which could modulate or accelerate cellular aging. On the other hand, to prevent free radical “stress” (pro- /antioxidant imbalance), divers could display elevated protective mechanisms. Additionally, the unusual connection between diving physiology and foraging ecology implies that aging physiology is significant to our understanding of ecology for divers. This study examines three aspects of aging in representative diving mammals. First, gracilis muscle morphology was analyzed for old/young shrews (water shrew, Sorex palustris (diver); short-tailed shrew, Blarina brevicauda (non-diver)). Extracellular space was elevated in old animals (10% diver, ~70% non-diver; P=0.021), which corresponded to a larger extracellular collagen component of old muscle (~60%; P=0.008). Muscle was dominated by Type I collagen, and the ratio of collagen Type I: III more than doubled with age (P=0.001). Second, oxidative stress markers, protective antioxidant enzymes and apoptosis were examined in muscle of the two shrew species. The activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase were statistically identical at each age in both species. The Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase isoform was, however, elevated in older animals (115% diver, 83% non-diver, P=0.054). Only one indicator of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation) increased with age (P=0.009), whereas the other markers declined (4-hydroxynonenal content, P=0.008, dihydroethidium oxidation, P=0.025). Apoptosis occurred in <1% of myocytes, and did not change with age. On balance, diving water shrews did not have adaptations to combat oxidative stress, yet they do not display excessive oxidative tissue damage. Apoptosis was similar between species. The third study component was the development of a predictive simulation model for the energetics of old/young foraging Weddell seals, Leptonychotes weddellii. With advancing age, the model predicts declining net energy gain associated with a decrease in muscle contractile efficiency. The effects of age are exacerbated when good prey patches are scarce. In such cases, declines in old seal energy gain caused by increased buoyancy and decreased aerobic dive limit become apparent. The model also addresses the idea that behavioral plasticity may allow older animals to compensate for age-related performance constraints.

Neurogenic inflammatory responses can be induced by antidromic electrical stimulation or intravenous capsaicin injection. These responses were thought to be caused by neuropeptides released from the sensory axon of C-fiber nerve endings. The relation of tachykinins, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) on electrical stimulation of thoracic vagus nerve (TVNS) or capsaicin-evoked neurogenic inflammation in respiratory tract of atropine-treated rats was not clear. In the present studies, the role of ROS and RNS on neurogenic inflammation were investigated in TVNS and capsaicin injected rats. The experiments were divided into two parts. In the first part, TVNS was performed by thoracotomy, non-cholinergic regulation of neurogenic plasma extravasation in the trachea and bronchi were examined, and whether TVNS via NK receptor facilitates neurogenic inflammation by nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-£eB) activation and ROS production were expored. Our results in this part showed that TVNS evoked substance P release, hypotension, bronchoconstriction (as shown by increases in smooth muscle electromyographic activity and total pulmonary resistance), trachea plasma extravasation as well as increases in blood O2- and H2O2 ROS amount in a frequency-dependent manner. Histopathological examination demonstrated silver-stained leaky venules, India-ink labeled plasma extravasation, and accumulations of inflammatory cells in the right lower trachea after TVNS. L-732138 (NK1 receptor antagonist), SR-48968 (NK2 receptor antagonist), dimethylthiourea (H2O2 scavenger) or catechins (O2- and H2O2 scavenger) pretreatment reduced TVNS-enhanced hypotension, bronchoconstriction, and plasma extravasation. TVNS upregulated the expression of NF-£eB in nuclear protein and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in total protein of the lower respiratory tract tissue in a frequency-dependent manner. The upregulation of NF-£eB and ICAM-1 was attenuated by NK receptor antagonist and antioxidants. In the second part, the contribution of nitric oxide (NO) to capsaicin-evoked airway responses was investigated in rats. The measurement of plasma NO level, airway dynamics, airway smooth muscle electromyogram, and plasma extravasation by India ink and Evans blue leakage technique was adapted. Our results in this part showed that capsaicin injection evoked hypotension, bronchoconstriction, trachea plasma extravasation as well as increases in plasma NO level in a dose-dependent manner. L-732138 or SR-48968 pretreatment reduced capsaicin-enhanced hypotension, bronchoconstriction, plasma extravasation, and plasma NO level. Inhibition of a non-selective NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor (NG-nitro-L-Arginine methyl ester, L-NAME), or a selective inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibitor (aminoguanidine), reduced capsaicin-induced increases in plasma NO level and protected against capsaicin-induced plasma extravasation, whereas L-arginine (a NO precursor), enhances capsaicin-evoked plasma NO level and plasma extravasation. L-Arginine pretreatment ameliorated capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction, whereas L-NAME and aminoguanidine exaggerated capsaicin-induced bronchoconstriction. In summary, both TVNS and capsaicin injection may increase oxidative stress responses. TVNS enhances proinflammatory NF-£eB and ICAM-1 expression, increases the production of O2- and H2O2 activity in the respiratory tract of atropine-treated rats. Pretreatment with antioxidants and selective NK receptor antagonists attenuate TVNS evoked airway hyperactivity, proinflammatory response, and oxidative stress. Capsaicin injection stimulates the release of tachykinins, which act on NK1 and NK2 receptors located on the smooth muscles of airways and blood vessels. The interaction of NK receptors with tachykinin enhances furtherly the NO formation, bronchoconstriction, vasodilation, and plasma extravasation in the trachea. The released tachykinins also increase the production of NO via iNOS, and iNOS -evoked NO counteracts tachykinin-mediated bronchoconstriction, but exacerbates tachykinin-mediated plasma extravasation.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is produced in the kidney and in fetal liver in response to hypoxia as well as to CoCl2. The EPO protein and mRNA can be induced in response to both stimuli in the human hepatoma cell (HCC) lines Hep 3B and Hep G2. An oxygen sensing mechanism in which a ligand dependent conformational change in the heme protein produces H2O2 in respone to either hypoxia or Cobalt has been demonstrated. However, an intriguing question can be raised as to why some HCC sublines, such as Hep G2 and Hep 3B are capable of expressing EPO gene, whereas in other HCC sublines, such as J5 and SK-Hep-I are completely devoid of the ability to express EPO gene. Along this line, does ¡§differentiation status¡¨ of these HCC cells play a pivotal role in regulating the expression of EPO gene? Next in line, how a differentiation-associated upregulation of g-glutemylcysteine synthetase (g-GCS), which tightly regulating the biosynthesis of endogenous glutathione(GSH) can modulate the expression of EPO. The objective of this research project was designed to address all these questions. Reported herein are several lines of evidence to demonstrate that endogenous GSH contents do play a pivotal role in the control and regulation of the expression of EPO gene. Firstly, using a group of five HCC lines with varying degrees of differentiation as the experimental model, we demonstrated that the endogenous GSH contents of these HCC cells were differentially upregulated depending on the degree of differentiation with an order of abundance being Hep G2> Hep 3B> J5> Mahlavu> SK-Hep-I. Coincidently, we also found that g-GCS heavy subunit activities as well as its mRNA correlated precisely with this order. Among these HCC cell lines tested, only two well-differentiated sublines, Hep G2 and Hep 3B expressed EPO gene implying that the latter process was dependent upon GSH and suggested a notion that a threshold level might be required for its optimal reactivation. Secondly, to further obtain the evidence to substantiate this possible role of GSH, we then supplemented to the cell culture media with an excessive quantity of nonlethal N-acetylcysteine for the purpose of reinforcing the endogenous GSH biosynthesis. Interestingly, we found that this manipulation could revert the reactivation of EPO gene in cell lines, such as J5 and SK-Hep-I, in which their EPO gene expressions were ortherwise shut down under a normal circumstance. Finally, we were able to demonstrated using RT-PCR and western blotting that the expression of EPO gene was reverted in GCS30, a SK-Hep-I subline that was permanently transfected with g-GCSh and is capable of overly expressing endogenous GSH. Taken together, we demonstrated herein for the first time that, besides hypoxia and CoCl2, endogenous GSH contents can also act as a positive regulator for the expression of EPO gene. The underlying mechanism of how GSH exerts its action in the regulation of EPO expression awaits further clarification.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-81).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2001. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 84 p. : ill. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 58-84).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-115).

An association between major surgery in the elderly and precipitation of Alzheimers disease (AD) has been reported. Hyperoxia (100%) oxygen is commonly administered after surgery to increase the oxygen content of blood. However, hyperoxia is a potent cerebral vasoconstrictor and generator of free radicals, as is [beta]amyloid (A[beta];). This study was aimed at examining behavioral, neuropathological, and neurochemical effects of hyperoxia treatments in APPsw transgenic mice (Tg+), which have elevated brain A[beta]; levels by 3-4 months of age but are not yet cognitively-impaired. At 3 months of age, Tg+ mice were pre-tested in the radial arm water maze (RAWM) task of working memory and found to be unimpaired. At 4.5 months of age, half of the Tg+ mice received the first of 3 equally-spaced hyperoxia sessions (3 hrs each) given over the ensuing 3 months. The other half of the Tg+ mice were exposed to compressed air during these 3 sessions. RAWM testing performed immediately following the final gas session at 7.5 months of age revealed significant working memory impairment in Tg+ mice exposed to hyperoxia. The Tg+ group that was exposed to placebo treatment showed a trend towards impairment, however, was not significantly different from the non-transgenic group. Hyperoxia-induced memory impairment in Tg+ mice did not involve changes in brain A[beta] deposition, degenerative cell numbers in hippocampus, neocortical lipid peroxidation, or hippocampal levels of APP, ApoE, COX-2, or GFAP. The combination of excess A[beta] and hyperoxia could have induced greater oxidative stress and cerebral vasoconstriction than either one alone, resulting in a pathologic cerebral hypoperfusion that triggered subsequent cognitive impairment.

 Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) commonly occurs in premature babies, with the first phase of vessel cessation followed by a second phase of vessel proliferation. In addition to vascular changes, neuronal abnormalities have also been observed. However, evidence for morphological changes of retinal neurons at the cellular level is lacking. Oxidative stress has been highly indicated in the pathogenesis of ROP. Increased oxidative stress level was demonstrated in preterm babies expecially in those with ROP. The activity of aldose reductase (AR), the first enzyme in the polyol pathway, has been found to contribute to oxidative stress. Therefore, the role of AR in ROP was examined using a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), which was a well-established model to mimic human ROP. Studies in examining the effects of AR on retinal vasculature showed that genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of AR reduced vaso-obliteration and neovascularization, possibly through regulating VEGF-induced pathway. In addition, morphological changes of various retinal neurons at different time points in the mouse model of OIR were also demonstrated. The degree of effects from hyperoxic and hypoxic exposure appeared to depend on the different stages of maturation of various retinal neurons. AR deficiency showed protective effects on retinal neurons including horizontal cells, rod bipolar cells and amacrine cells, possibly through attenuating the damage on blood vessels as well as facilitating blood vessel re-growth in the avascular area which provide more nutrients and supply to the retinal neurons. To elucidate the protective role of AR deficiency in ROP, the changes in oxidative stress and oxygen-dependent gene expression including HIF-1α and iNOS were investigated. AR deficiency attenuated oxidative stress induction to protect the neonatal retina. In addition, AR deficiency also showed attenuated HIF-1α expression and enhanced iNOS expression. This served to strictly control the HIF-1α level which in turn can tightly regulate VEGF induction in the mouse retinae after OIR. In order to further elucidate the role of AR in the pathogenesis of ROP, effects of AR deficiency on glial cells and microglia were investigated. AR deficiency reduced retinal astrocytic activation in hyperoxia and induced early M?ller cell gliosis in hypoxia. In addition, AR deficiency enhanced the specific function of microglia in different areas with facilitation of revascularization in avascular area and promotion of tufts regression in neovascular area. Moreover, AR deficiency also reduced the activation of a key inflammatory mediator NF-κB, which was considered to contribute to neovascularization. Therefore, AR deficiency demonstrated regulatory roles in reponses of glial cells, microglia and inflammation, contributing to the protective effects on neonatal retina in the mouse model of OIR. Taken together, AR deficiency reduced the vascular and neuronal changes possibly through attenuating oxidative stress and glial responses as well as modulating inflammatory responses, indicating a beneficial role of AR inhibition in OIR. These findings highly suggest the therapeutic potential of AR inhibition in the treatment of ROP. / published_or_final_version / Anatomy / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy