Long-term cyclic strain downregulates endothelial Nox4 - PubMed (original) (raw)

. 2009 Oct;11(10):2385-97.

doi: 10.1089/ars.2009.2561.

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Long-term cyclic strain downregulates endothelial Nox4

Claudia Goettsch et al. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2009 Oct.

Abstract

Endothelial cells in vivo are constantly exposed to mechanical forces such as cyclic strain. In endothelial cells, Nox4-containing NAD(P)H oxidase complexes have been identified as major sources of superoxide anion (.O(2)(-)) formation. In this study, we analyzed the effect of cyclic strain on endothelial ROS formation by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, cytochrome c assay, and dihydroethidium fluorescence, on NO formation by Griess reaction and on gene expression by RT-PCR and Western blot. Primary cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to 2-18% cyclic strain for up to 24 h using the Flexercell system. Long-term application of 5-12% cyclic strain downregulated Nox4 expression and ROS formation in a time-dependent manner. Downregulation of Nox4 was further confirmed by promoter analysis using dual-luciferase assay. Cu/Zn SOD, MnSOD, and catalase expression was decreased after application of chronic 12% cyclic strain. In contrast, endothelial NO formation and eNOS were increased by cyclic strain. Strain-dependent Nox4 downregulation was abolished by eNOS inhibition with L-NAME. In conclusion, physiological levels of cyclic strain downregulate Nox4 expression and superoxide anion formation. This novel mechanism might contribute to a vasoprotective balance between NO and superoxide anions in response to physiological mechanical stimulation of endothelial cells.

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