Eric R. Gross

All Publications

• COVID-19 pandemic impact on opioid overdose deaths among racial groups within the United States: an observational cross-sectional study. British journal of anaesthesia Chu, R., Sarnala, S., Doan, T., Cheng, T., Chen, A. W., Jamal, A., Kim, G., Huang, R., Srinivasan, M., Palaniappan, L., Gross, E. R. 2023

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2023.10.024

  View details for PubMedID 37977954

• Fixing a Broken Heart Opens the Door to Developing KATP Channel Agonists as Pain Relievers. The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics Zambelli, V. O., Gross, E. R. 2023; 387 (1): 15-17

  View details for DOI 10.1124/jpet.123.001716

  View details for PubMedID 37714690

• Effects of Short-term Electronic(e)-Cigarette Aerosol Exposure in the Mouse Larynx. The Laryngoscope Easwaran, M., Maria, C. S., Martinez, J. D., Hung, B., Yu, X., Soo, J., Kimura, A., Gross, E. R., Erickson-DiRenzo, E. 2023

  Abstract

  The effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) on the larynx are relatively unknown. This study examined the short-term effects of e-cigarette inhalation on cellular and inflammatory responses within the mouse laryngeal glottic and subglottic regions after exposure to pod-based devices (JUUL).Male C57BL6/J mice (8-9 weeks) were assigned to control (n = 9), JUUL flavors Mint (JMi; n = 10) or Mango (JMa; n = 10). JUUL mice were exposed to 2 h/day for 1, 5, and 10 days using the inExpose inhalation system. Control mice were in room air. Vocal fold (VF) epithelial thickness, cell proliferation, subglandular area and composition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and surface topography were evaluated in the harvested larynges. Mouse body weight and urinary nicotine biomarkers were also measured. Chemical analysis of JUUL aerosols was conducted using selective ion flow tube mass spectrometry.JUUL-exposed mice had reduced body weight after day 5. Urinary nicotine biomarker levels indicated successful JUUL exposure and metabolism. Quantitative analysis of JUUL aerosol indicated that chemical constituents differ between JMi and JMa flavors. VF epithelial thickness, cellular proliferation, glandular area, and surface topography remained unchanged after JUUL exposures. Acidic mucus content increased after 1 day of JMi exposure. VF macrophage and T-cell levels slightly increased after 10 days of JMi exposures.Short-term e-cigarette exposures cause minimal flavor- and region-specific cellular and inflammatory changes in the mouse larynx. This work provides a foundation for long-term studies to determine if these responses are altered with multiple e-cigarette components and concentrations.N/A Laryngoscope, 2023.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/lary.31043

  View details for PubMedID 37698394

• Statins improve endothelial function via suppression of epigenetic-driven EndMT. Nature cardiovascular research Liu, C., Shen, M., Tan, W. L., Chen, I. Y., Liu, Y., Yu, X., Yang, H., Zhang, A., Liu, Y., Zhao, M. T., Ameen, M., Zhang, M., Gross, E. R., Qi, L. S., Sayed, N., Wu, J. C. 2023; 2 (5): 467-485

  Abstract

  The pleiotropic benefits of statins in cardiovascular diseases that are independent of their lipid-lowering effects have been well documented, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here we show that simvastatin significantly improves human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cell functions in both baseline and diabetic conditions by reducing chromatin accessibility at transcriptional enhanced associate domain elements and ultimately at endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT)-regulating genes in a yes-associated protein (YAP)-dependent manner. Inhibition of geranylgeranyltransferase (GGTase) I, a mevalonate pathway intermediate, repressed YAP nuclear translocation and YAP activity via RhoA signaling antagonism. We further identified a previously undescribed SOX9 enhancer downstream of statin-YAP signaling that promotes the EndMT process. Thus, inhibition of any component of the GGTase-RhoA-YAP-SRY box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) signaling axis was shown to rescue EndMT-associated endothelial dysfunction both in vitro and in vivo, especially under diabetic conditions. Overall, our study reveals an epigenetic modulatory role for simvastatin in repressing EndMT to confer protection against endothelial dysfunction.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/s44161-023-00267-1

  View details for PubMedID 37693816

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10489108

• SGLT2 inhibitor ameliorates endothelial dysfunction associated with the common ALDH2 alcohol flushing variant. Science translational medicine Guo, H., Yu, X., Liu, Y., Paik, D. T., Justesen, J. M., Chandy, M., Jahng, J. W., Zhang, T., Wu, W., Rwere, F., Zhao, S. R., Pokhrel, S., Shivnaraine, R. V., Mukherjee, S., Simon, D. J., Manhas, A., Zhang, A., Chen, C. H., Rivas, M. A., Gross, E. R., Mochly-Rosen, D., Wu, J. C. 2023; 15 (680): eabp9952

  Abstract

  The common aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) alcohol flushing variant known as ALDH2*2 affects ∼8% of the world's population. Even in heterozygous carriers, this missense variant leads to a severe loss of ALDH2 enzymatic activity and has been linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction plays a determining role in all stages of CAD pathogenesis, including early-onset CAD. However, the contribution of ALDH2*2 to EC dysfunction and its relation to CAD are not fully understood. In a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) from Biobank Japan, ALDH2*2 was found to be one of the strongest single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with CAD. Clinical assessment of endothelial function showed that human participants carrying ALDH2*2 exhibited impaired vasodilation after light alcohol drinking. Using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ECs (iPSC-ECs) and CRISPR-Cas9-corrected ALDH2*2 iPSC-ECs, we modeled ALDH2*2-induced EC dysfunction in vitro, demonstrating an increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers and a decrease in nitric oxide (NO) production and tube formation capacity, which was further exacerbated by ethanol exposure. We subsequently found that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) such as empagliflozin mitigated ALDH2*2-associated EC dysfunction. Studies in ALDH2*2 knock-in mice further demonstrated that empagliflozin attenuated ALDH2*2-mediated vascular dysfunction in vivo. Mechanistically, empagliflozin inhibited Na+/H+-exchanger 1 (NHE-1) and activated AKT kinase and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) pathways to ameliorate ALDH2*2-induced EC dysfunction. Together, our results suggest that ALDH2*2 induces EC dysfunction and that SGLT2i may potentially be used as a preventative measure against CAD for ALDH2*2 carriers.

  View details for DOI 10.1126/scitranslmed.abp9952

  View details for PubMedID 36696485

• Exosomes as perioperative therapeutics to limit organ injury. British journal of anaesthesia Owen, A., Stary, C. M., Gross, E. R. 2023

  Abstract

  Perioperative organ injury is a frequent and major complication for the 240 million people undergoing surgery worldwide annually. Ischaemic preconditioning is a powerful technique that reduces organ injury in experimental models of heart, lung, gut, brain, and kidney ischaemia-reperfusion injury. However, ischaemic preconditioning has been a challenge to translate into clinical practice. We describe how utilising isolated pre-conditioned exosomes (secreted vesicles containing many cell-survival mediators), some of the translational hurdles of ischaemic preconditioning can be overcome. Delivery of exosomes in the perioperative period could become a promising new therapeutic strategy to prevent perioperative organ injury.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2022.12.014

  View details for PubMedID 36682935

• A human TRPV1 genetic variant within the channel gating domain regulates pain sensitivity in rodents. The Journal of clinical investigation He, S., Zambelli, V. O., Sinharoy, P., Brabenec, L., Bian, Y., Rwere, F., Hell, R. C., Stein Neto, B., Hung, B., Yu, X., Zhao, M., Luo, Z., Wu, C., Xu, L., Svensson, K. J., McAllister, S. L., Stary, C. M., Wagner, N. M., Zhang, Y., Gross, E. R. 2022

  Abstract

  Pain signals are relayed to the brain via a nociceptive system, and in rare situations, this nociceptive system contains genetic variants that can limit pain response. Here we questioned whether a human transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) missense variant causes a resistance to noxious stimuli and further if we can target this region by a cell-permeable peptide as a pain therapeutic. Initially using a computational approach, we identified a human K710N TRPV1 missense variant in an otherwise highly conserved region of mammalian TRPV1. After generating a TRPV1K710N knock-in mouse using CRISPR/Cas9, we discovered the K710N variant reduced capsaicin-induced calcium influx in dorsal root ganglion neurons. The TRPV1K710N rodents also had less acute behavioral response to chemical noxious stimuli and less hypersensitivity to nerve injury-induced pain, while leaving the response to noxious heat intact. Furthermore, blocking this K710 region in wild-type rodents by a cell-penetrating peptide limited acute behavioral responses to noxious stimuli and rescued pain hypersensitivity induced by nerve injury back to baseline. These findings identify K710 TRPV1 as a discrete site crucial for the control of nociception and provides new insights into how to leverage rare genetic variants in humans to uncover fresh strategies for developing pain therapeutics.

  View details for DOI 10.1172/JCI163735

  View details for PubMedID 36472910

• Spinal cord astrocytes regulate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Basic research in cardiology Wu, C., Liu, R., Luo, Z., Sun, M., Qile, M., Xu, S., Jin, S., Zhang, L., Gross, E. R., Zhang, Y., He, S. 2022; 117 (1): 56

  Abstract

  Astrocytes play a key role in the response to injury and noxious stimuli, but its role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury remains largely unknown. Here we determined whether manipulation of spinal astrocyte activity affected myocardial I/R injury and the underlying mechanisms. By ligating the left coronary artery to establish an in vivo I/R rat model, we observed a 1.7-fold rise in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) protein level in spinal cord following myocardial I/R injury. Inhibition of spinal astrocytes by intrathecal injection of fluoro-citrate, an astrocyte inhibitor, decreased GFAP immunostaining and reduced infarct size by 29% relative to the I/R group. Using a Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) chemogenetic approach, we bi-directionally manipulated astrocyte activity employing GFAP promoter-driven Gq- or Gi-coupled signaling. The Gq-DREADD-mediated activation of spinal astrocytes caused transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation and neuropeptide release leading to a 1.3-fold increase in infarct size, 1.2-fold rise in serum norepinephrine level and higher arrhythmia score relative to I/R group. In contrast, Gi-DREADD-mediated inhibition of spinal astrocytes suppressed TRPV1-mediated nociceptive signaling, resulting in 35% reduction of infarct size and 51% reduction of arrhythmia score from I/R group, as well as lowering serum norepinephrine level from 3158±108 to 2047±95pg/mL. Further, intrathecal administration of TRPV1 or neuropeptide antagonists reduced infarct size and serum norepinephrine level. These findings demonstrate a functional role of spinal astrocytes in myocardial I/R injury and provide a novel potential therapeutic approach targeting spinal cord astrocytes for the prevention of cardiac injury.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00395-022-00968-x

  View details for PubMedID 36367592

• Effect of race on opioid drug overdose deaths in the United States: an observational cross-sectional study. British journal of anaesthesia Le, A. D., Li, Y., Zhu, A., Singh, J., Xu, J. Y., Srinivasan, M., Palaniappan, L. P., Long, J., Gross, E. R. 2022

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2022.06.005

  View details for PubMedID 35787800

• E-cigarette aerosol exacerbates cardiovascular oxidative stress in mice with an inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 enzyme. Redox biology Yu, X., Zeng, X., Xiao, F., Chen, R., Sinharoy, P., Gross, E. R. 2022; 54: 102369

  Abstract

  E-cigarette aerosol containing aldehydes, including acetaldehyde, are metabolized by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). However, little is known how aldehyde exposure from e-cigarettes, when coupled with an inactivating ALDH2 genetic variant, ALDH2*2 (present in 8% of the world population), affects cardiovascular oxidative stress.The study was to determine how e-cigarette aerosol exposure, coupled with genetics, impacts cardiovascular oxidative stress in wild type ALDH2 and ALDH2*2 knock-in mice.Using selective ion flow mass spectrometry, we determined e-cigarette aerosol contains acetaldehyde levels 10-fold higher than formaldehyde or acrolein. Based on this finding, we tested how isolated ALDH2*2 primary cardiomyocytes respond to acetaldehyde and how intact ALDH2*2 knock-in rodents instrumented with telemeters respond physiologically and at the molecular level to 10 days of e-cigarette aerosol exposure relative to wild type ALDH2 rodents.For ALDH2*2 isolated cardiomyocytes, acetaldehyde (1 μM) caused a 4-fold greater peak calcium influx, 2-fold increase in ROS production and 2-fold increase in 4-HNE-induced protein adducts relative to wild-type ALDH2 cardiomyocytes. The heart rate in ALDH2*2 mice increased ∼200 beats/min, while, heart rate in ALDH2 mice increased ∼150 beats/min after 10 days of e-cigarette exposure, relative to air-exposed mice. E-cigarette aerosol exposure triggered ∼1.3 to 2-fold higher level of protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, and phosphorylation of NF-κB for both strains of mice, with this response exacerbated for ALDH2*2 mice.Our findings indicate people carrying an ALDH2*2 genetic variant may be more susceptible to increases in cardiovascular oxidative stress from e-cigarette aerosol exposure.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102369

  View details for PubMedID 35751982

• Aldehydes, Aldehyde Metabolism, and the ALDH2 Consortium. Biomolecules Rwere, F., Yu, X., Chen, C., Gross, E. R. 2022; 12 (6)

  Abstract

  The discovery of aldehydes dates back to 1774 when Carl Wilhelm Scheele synthesized acetaldehyde [...].

  View details for DOI 10.3390/biom12060763

  View details for PubMedID 35740888

• V1-Cal hydrogelation enhances its effects on ventricular remodeling reduction and cardiac function improvement post myocardial infarction. Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Wang, B., Wu, C., He, S., Wang, Y., Wang, D., Tao, H., Wang, C., Pang, X., Li, F., Yuan, Y., Gross, E. R., Liang, G., Zhang, Y. 2022; 433 (Pt 1)

  Abstract

  Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide. A cell permeable peptide V1-Cal has shown remarkable therapeutic effects on ML However, using V1-Cal to improve long-term cardiac function after MI is presently limited by its short half-life. Herein, we co-assembled V1-Cal with a well-known hydrogelator Nap-Phe-Phe-Tyr (NapFFY) to obtain a new supramolecular hydrogel V1-Cal/NapFFY. We found that the hydrogel could significantly enhance the therapeutic effects of V1-Cal on ventricular remodeling reduction and cardiac function improvement in a myocardial infarction rat model. In vitro experiments indicated that co-assembly of V1-Cal with NapFFY significantly increased mechanic strength of the hydrogel, enabling a sustained release of V1-Cal for more than two weeks. In vivo experiments supported that sustained release of V1-Cal from V1-Cal/NapFFY hydrogel could effectively decrease the expression and activation of TRPV1, reduce apoptosis and the release of inflammatory factors in a MI rat model. In particular, V1-Cal/NapFFY hydrogel significantly decreased infarct size and fibrosis, while improved cardiac function 28 days post MI. We anticipate that V1-Cal/NapFFY hydrogel could be used clinically to treat MI in the near future.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cej.2021.134450

  View details for PubMedID 36338580

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9634955

• TRP Channels as Sensors of Aldehyde and Oxidative Stress. Biomolecules Hellenthal, K. E., Brabenec, L., Gross, E. R., Wagner, N. 2021; 11 (10)

  Abstract

  The transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel superfamily comprises more than 50 channels that play crucial roles in physiological processes. TRP channels are responsive to several exogenous and endogenous biomolecules, with aldehydes emerging as a TRP channel trigger contributing to a cellular cascade that can lead to disease pathophysiology. The body is not only exposed to exogenous aldehydes via tobacco products or alcoholic beverages, but also to endogenous aldehydes triggered by lipid peroxidation. In response to lipid peroxidation from inflammation or organ injury, polyunsaturated fatty acids undergo lipid peroxidation to aldehydes, such as 4-hydroxynonenal. Reactive aldehydes activate TRP channels via aldehyde-induced protein adducts, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory mediators driving the pathophysiology caused by cellular injury, including inflammatory pain and organ reperfusion injury. Recent studies have outlined how aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 protects against aldehyde toxicity through the clearance of toxic aldehydes, indicating that targeting the endogenous aldehyde metabolism may represent a novel treatment strategy. An addition approach can involve targeting specific TRP channel regions to limit the triggering of a cellular cascade induced by aldehydes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of aldehydes, TRP channels, and their interactions, as well as their role in pathological conditions and the different therapeutical treatment options.

  View details for DOI 10.3390/biom11101401

  View details for PubMedID 34680034

• Topical analgesic BENGAY reduces myocardial infarct size in rodents. British journal of anaesthesia Goodnough, C. L., Wu, Y., Gross, E. R. 2021

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2021.07.029

  View details for PubMedID 34503834

• Anaesthetic depth and delirium: a challenging balancing act. British journal of anaesthesia Whitlock, E. L., Gross, E. R., King, C. R., Avidan, M. S. 2021

  Abstract

  This editorial highlights the findings of the Balanced Anaesthesia Delirium study, a 515-patient substudy of the 6644 patient Balanced Anaesthesia trial, which found that targeting deep anaesthesia in patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery was not associated with significantly increased postoperative death or major morbidity. The substudy found that using bispectral index (BIS) guidance with the intention of deliberately achieving deep volatile agent-based anaesthesia (target BIS reading 35 vs 50) significantly increased delirium incidence (28% vs 19%), although not subsyndromal delirium incidence (45% vs 49%). We discuss the implications of these findings for anaesthetic practice, and address whether the BIS should be used as a guide to deliver precision anaesthesia for delirium prevention. We posit that subpopulation-based differences within this multicentre substudy could have affected delirium occurrence, since the findings appeared to rest on outcomes in patients from East Asia. We conclude that questions of whether and for whom deep anaesthesia is deliriogenic remain unanswered.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2021.08.003

  View details for PubMedID 34503835

• Alcohol and analgesia: a fine wine getting better with age. British journal of anaesthesia Zambelli, V. O., Alcantara, Q. A., Gross, E. R. 2021

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bja.2021.05.003

  View details for PubMedID 34090680

• E-Cigarettes and Cardiopulmonary Health. Function (Oxford, England) Tarran, R., Barr, R. G., Benowitz, N. L., Bhatnagar, A., Chu, H. W., Dalton, P., Doerschuk, C. M., Drummond, M. B., Gold, D. R., Goniewicz, M. L., Gross, E. R., Hansel, N. N., Hopke, P. K., Kloner, R. A., Mikheev, V. B., Neczypor, E. W., Pinkerton, K. E., Postow, L., Rahman, I., Samet, J. M., Salathe, M., Stoney, C. M., Tsao, P. S., Widome, R., Xia, T., Xiao, D., Wold, L. E. 2021; 2 (2): zqab004

  Abstract

  E-cigarettes have surged in popularity over the last few years, particularly among youth and young adults. These battery-powered devices aerosolize e-liquids, comprised of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, typically with nicotine, flavors, and stabilizers/humectants. Although the use of combustible cigarettes is associated with several adverse health effects including multiple pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, the effects of e-cigarettes on both short- and long-term health have only begun to be investigated. Given the recent increase in the popularity of e-cigarettes, there is an urgent need for studies to address their potential adverse health effects, particularly as many researchers have suggested that e-cigarettes may pose less of a health risk than traditional combustible cigarettes and should be used as nicotine replacements. This report is prepared for clinicians, researchers, and other health care providers to provide the current state of knowledge on how e-cigarette use might affect cardiopulmonary health, along with research gaps to be addressed in future studies.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/function/zqab004

  View details for PubMedID 33748758

• Development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in type 2 diabetic mice is ameliorated by preserving vascular function. Life sciences Otto, M., Brabenec, L., Müller, M., Kintrup, S., Hellenthal, K. E., Holtmeier, R., Steinbuch, S. C., Karsten, O. S., Pryvalov, H., Rossaint, J., Gross, E. R., Wagner, N. M. 2021: 119925

  Abstract

  Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with endothelial dysfunction and is frequent in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In diabetic patients, increased levels of the eicosanoid 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) are linked to vascular dysfunction. Here, we aimed to identify the importance of 12-HETE in type 2 diabetic patients exhibiting diastolic dysfunction, and mice exhibiting HFpEF and whether targeting 12-HETE is a means to ameliorate HFpEF progression by improving vascular function in diabetes.Subjects with diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus and reported diastolic dysfunction or healthy controls were recruited and 12(S)-HETE levels determined by ELISA. 12(S)-HETE levels were determined in type 2 diabetic, leptin receptor deficient mice (LepRdb/db) and HFpEF verified by echocardiography. Mitochondrial function, endothelial function and capillary density were assessed using Seahorse technique, pressure myography and immunohistochemistry in LepRdb/db or non-diabetic littermate controls. 12/15Lo generation was inhibited using ML351 and 12(S)-HETE action by using the V1-cal peptide.Endothelium-dependent vasodilation and mitochondrial functional capacity both improved in response to either application of ML351 or the V1-cal peptide. Correlating to improved vascular function, mice treated with either pharmacological agent exhibited improved diastolic filling and left ventricular relaxation that correlated with increased myocardial capillary density.Our results suggest that 12-HETE may serve as biomarker indicating endothelial dysfunction and resulting cardiovascular consequences such as HFpEF in type 2 diabetic patients. Antagonizing 12-HETE is a potent means to causally control HFpEF development and progression in type 2 diabetes by preserving vascular function.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119925

  View details for PubMedID 34480933

• IcyHot analgesic topical cream limits cardiac injury in rodents. Translational research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine Wu, Y., Chen, A. W., Goodnough, C. L., Lu, Y., Zhang, Y., Gross, E. R. 2020

  Abstract

  Little is known whether topical analgesic creams, whose natural products enter the blood stream after application, affect myocardial infarct size. Here we tested whether topical analgesic creams can trigger remote cardioprotection and the mechanism involved. Male Sprague Dawley rats were used for an in vivo rodent model consisting of 30 minutes left anterior descending coronary artery ischemia and 2 hours of reperfusion followed by infarct size assessment. The topical analgesic IcyHot, applied to the abdomen prior to ischemia, reduced myocardial infarct size versus control (41±3* versus 62±1, n=6/group, *P<0.001). In contrast, the topical analgesic creams Preparation H, Aspercreme Heat, or Tiger Balm did not alter infarct size. IcyHot, unlike Preparation H, increased circulating methyl salicylate levels during reperfusion (3.0± 0.6 versus 0.4±0.2 mg/dL, n=6, *P<0.001, measured at the internal jugular vein). Methyl salicylate (10muM) applied to isolated adult cardiac myocytes during reoxygenation reduced cell death when compared to vehicle (21±2%* versus 30±2% of trypan blue positive cells, n=9/group, *P<0.01). Further, treatment with the TRPA1 inhibitors TCS-5861528 (1muM) or AP-18 (1muM) blocked the methyl salicylate-induced protective effect in isolated adult cardiomyocytes. In intact rodents, either of the TRPA1 inhibitors (1mg/kg, intravenous) given prior to IcyHot topical application blocked IcyHot-induced infarct size reduction. IcyHot also reduced infarct size when applied 24 hours prior to myocardial ischemia or during myocardial ischemia versus control. Together, these findings support IcyHot analgesic cream can trigger remote cardioprotection through releasing methyl salicylate into the bloodstream with cardioprotection occurring by a TRPA1-dependent mechanism.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.trsl.2020.06.009

  View details for PubMedID 32629175

• 12(S)-HETE mediates diabetes induced endothelial dysfunction by activating intracellular endothelial cell TRPV1. The Journal of clinical investigation Otto, M., Bucher, C., Liu, W., Muller, M., Schmidt, T., Kardell, M., Driessen, M. N., Rossaint, J., Gross, E. R., Wagner, N. 2020

  Abstract

  Diabetic patients develop endothelial dysfunction shortly after diabetes onset that progresses to vascular disease underlying the majority of diabetes associated comorbidities. Increased lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial calcium overload and mitochondrial dysfunction are characteristics of dysfunctional endothelial cells in diabetic patients. We here identified that targeting the lipid peroxidation product 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)-HETE) induced activation of the intracellularly located cation channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in endothelial cells is a means to causally control early stage vascular disease in type I diabetic mice. Mice with an inducible, endothelial specific 12/15 lipoxygenase (12/15Lo) knock out were similarly protected from type I diabetes induced endothelial dysfunction and impaired vascular regeneration following arterial injury as TRPV1 knock out mice. Both 12(S)-HETE in concentrations found in diabetic patients and TRPV1 agonists triggered mitochondrial calcium influx and mitochondrial dysfunction in endothelial cells and 12(S)-HETE effects were absent in endothelial cells from TRPV1 knock out mice. As a therapeutic consequence, we found that a peptide targeting 12(S)-HETE induced TRPV1 interaction at the TRPV1 TRP box ameliorated diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction and augmented vascular regeneration in diabetic mice. Our findings suggest that pharmacological targeting of increased endothelial lipid peroxidation can attenuate diabetes induced comorbidities related to vascular disease.

  View details for DOI 10.1172/JCI136621

  View details for PubMedID 32584793

• Aberrant reactive aldehyde detoxification by ALDH2 influences endometriosis development and pain-associated behaviors. Pain McAllister, S. L., Sinharoy, P., Vasu, M. 2020

  Abstract

  Endometriosis affects 176 million women worldwide, yet on average, women experience pain 10 years from symptom onset before being properly diagnosed. Standard treatments (drugs or surgery) often fail to provide long-term pain relief. Elevated levels of reactive aldehydes such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) have been implicated in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis and upon accumulation, reactive aldehydes can form protein-adducts and/or generate pain. A key enzyme in detoxifying reactive aldehydes to less reactive forms, is the mitochondrial enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2). Here, we tested the hypothesis that aberrant reactive aldehyde detoxification by ALDH2, underlies endometriosis and its associated pain. We determined, in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium of women with severe (stage IV) peritoneal endometriosis, that ALDH2 enzyme activity was decreased, which was associated with decreased ALDH2 expression and increased 4-HNE adduct formation compared to the eutopic endometrium of controls in the proliferative phase. Using a rodent model of endometriosis and an ALDH2*2 knock-in mouse with decreased ALDH2 activity, we determined that increasing ALDH2 activity with the enzyme activator Alda-1 could prevent endometriosis lesion development as well as alleviate pain-associated behaviors in proestrus. Overall, our findings suggest that targeting the ALDH2 enzyme in endometriosis may lead to better treatment strategies and in the proliferative phase, that increased 4-HNE adduct formation within the endometrium may serve as a less invasive diagnostic biomarker to reduce years of suffering in women.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001949

  View details for PubMedID 32541390

• Annals Graphic Medicine - Asian Flush. Annals of internal medicine Jiang, S., Bastov, D., Bharadwaj, A., Gross, E. R. 2019

  View details for DOI 10.7326/G18-0025

  View details for PubMedID 31404928

• A newly developed anesthetic based on a unique chemical core. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Cayla, N. S., Dagne, B. A., Wu, Y., Lu, Y., Rodriguez, L., Davies, D. L., Gross, E. R., Heifets, B. D., Davies, M. F., MacIver, M. B., Bertaccini, E. J. 2019

  Abstract

  Intravenous anesthetic agents are associated with cardiovascular instability and poorly tolerated in patients with cardiovascular disease, trauma, or acute systemic illness. We hypothesized that a new class of intravenous (IV) anesthetic molecules that is highly selective for the slow type of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) could have potent anesthetic efficacy with limited cardiovascular effects. Through in silico screening using our GABAAR model, we identified a class of lead compounds that are N-arylpyrrole derivatives. Electrophysiological analyses using both an in vitro expression system and intact rodent hippocampal brain slice recordings demonstrate a GABAAR-mediated mechanism. In vivo experiments also demonstrate overt anesthetic activity in both tadpoles and rats with a potency slightly greater than that of propofol. Unlike the clinically approved GABAergic anesthetic etomidate, the chemical structure of our N-arylpyrrole derivative is devoid of the chemical moieties producing adrenal suppression. Our class of compounds also shows minimal to no suppression of blood pressure, in marked contrast to the hemodynamic effects of propofol. These compounds are derived from chemical structures not previously associated with anesthesia and demonstrate that selective targeting of GABAAR-slow subtypes may eliminate the hemodynamic side effects associated with conventional IV anesthetics.

  View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1822076116

  View details for PubMedID 31308218

• Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Quality Control Mechanisms in Health and Disease OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY Ferreira, J. B., Mori, M. A., Gross, E. R. 2019; 2019

  View details for DOI 10.1155/2019/5406751

  View details for Web of Science ID 000482152700001

• Alcohol consumption and vascular disease: other points to consider. Lancet (London, England) Chen, C. H., Ferreira, J. C., Mochly-Rosen, D. n., Gross, E. R. 2019; 394 (10209): 1617–18

  View details for DOI 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31880-X

  View details for PubMedID 31690444

• Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Quality Control Mechanisms in Health and Disease. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity Ferreira, J. C., Mori, M. A., Gross, E. R. 2019; 2019: 5406751

  View details for PubMedID 30805083

• Environmental Aldehyde Sources and the Health Implications of Exposure. Advances in experimental medicine and biology Sinharoy, P., McAllister, S. L., Vasu, M., Gross, E. R. 2019; 1193: 35–52

  Abstract

  Aldehydes, which are present within the air as well as food and beverage sources, are highly reactive molecules that can be cytotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic. To prevent harm from reactive aldehyde exposure, the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) metabolizes reactive aldehydes to a less toxic form. However, the genetic variant of ALDH2, ALDH2*2, significantly reduces the ability to metabolize reactive aldehydes in humans. Therefore, frequent environmental aldehyde exposure, coupled with inefficient aldehyde metabolism, could potentially lead to an increased health risk for diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disease.Here, we discuss the environmental sources of reactive aldehydes and the potential health implications particularly for those with an ALDH2*2 genetic variant. We also suggest when considering the ALDH2*2 genetic variant the safety limits of reactive aldehyde exposure may have to be reevaluated. Moreover, the ALDH2*2 genetic variant can also be used as an example for how to implement precision medicine in the field of environmental health sciences.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/978-981-13-6260-6_2

  View details for PubMedID 31368096

• Risks of Impaired Organ Protection with Inhibiting Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1. Anesthesiology Wu, Y., Gross, E. R., Qian, J. 2018; 129 (2): 377–78

  View details for PubMedID 30020180

• Risks of Impaired Organ Protection with Inhibiting Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 ANESTHESIOLOGY Wu, Y., Gross, E. R., Qian, J. 2018; 129 (2): 377–78

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0000000000002293

  View details for Web of Science ID 000438922500033

• Aldehyde-Induced DNA and Protein Adducts as Biomarker Tools for Alcohol Use Disorder. Trends in molecular medicine Heymann, H. M., Gardner, A. M., Gross, E. R. 2018; 24 (2): 144–55

  Abstract

  Alcohol use disorder (AUD) screening frequently involves questionnaires complemented by laboratory work to monitor alcohol use and/or evaluate AUD-associated complications. Here we suggest that measuring aldehyde-induced DNA and protein adducts produced during alcohol metabolism may lead to earlier detection of AUD and AUD-associated complications compared with existing biomarkers. Use of aldehyde-induced adducts to monitor AUD may also be important when considering that approximately 540 million people bear a genetic variant of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) predisposing this population to aldehyde-induced toxicity with alcohol use. We posit that measuring aldehyde-induced adducts may provide a means to improve precision medicine approaches, taking into account lifestyle choices and genetics to evaluate AUD and AUD-associated complications.

  View details for PubMedID 29422263

• Association of Impaired Reactive Aldehyde Metabolism with Delayed Graft Function in Human Kidney Transplantation OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY Wijermars, L. M., Schaapherder, A. F., George, T., Sinharoy, P., Gross, E. R. 2018: 3704129

  Abstract

  Delayed graft function is an early complication following kidney transplantation with an unclear molecular mechanism. Here we determined whether impaired reactive aldehyde metabolism is associated with delayed graft function. Human kidney biopsies from grafts with delayed graft function were compared with grafts that did not develop delayed graft function by Ingenuity gene pathway analysis. A second series of grafts with delayed graft function (n = 10) were compared to grafts that did not develop delayed graft function (n = 10) by measuring reactive aldehyde metabolism, reactive aldehyde-induced protein adduct formation, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene and protein expression. In the first series of kidney biopsies, several gene families known for metabolizing reactive aldehydes, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), aldo-keto reductase (AKR), and glutathione-S transferase (GSTA), were upregulated in kidneys that did not develop delayed graft function versus those that did. In the second series of kidney grafts, we focused on measuring aldehyde-induced protein adducts and ALDH enzymatic activity. The reactive aldehyde metabolism by ALDH enzymes was reduced in kidneys with delayed graft function compared to those that did not (37 ± 12∗ vs. 79 ± 5 μg/min/mg tissue, ∗P < 0.005, respectively). ALDH enzymatic activity was also negatively correlated with length of hospital stay after a kidney transplant. Together, our study identifies a reduced ALDH enzymatic activity with kidneys developing delayed graft function compared to those that did not. Measuring ALDH enzymatic activity and reactive aldehyde-induced protein adducts can potentially be further developed as a biomarker to assess for delayed graft function and recovery from a kidney transplant.

  View details for PubMedID 30671169

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6323462

• Peptidomimetic therapeutics: scientific approaches and opportunities. Drug discovery today Qvit, N., Rubin, S. J., Urban, T. J., Mochly-Rosen, D., Gross, E. R. 2017; 22 (2): 454-462

  Abstract

  Natural endogenously occurring peptides exhibit desirable medicinal properties, but are often limited in application by rapid proteolysis and inadequate membrane permeability. However, editing naturally occurring peptide sequences to develop peptidomimetic analogs created a promising class of therapeutics that can augment or inhibit molecular interactions. Here, we discuss a variety of chemical modifications, including l to d isomerization, cyclization, and unnatural amino acid substitution, as well as design strategies, such as attachment to cell-penetrating peptides, which are used to develop peptidomimetics. We also provide examples of approved peptidomimetics and discuss several compounds in clinical trials.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.11.003

  View details for PubMedID 27856346

• Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 inhibitors block laparotomy- and opioid-induced infarct size reduction in rats. British journal of pharmacology Heymann, H. M., Wu, Y. n., Lu, Y. n., Qvit, N. n., Gross, G. J., Gross, E. R. 2017; 174 (24): 4826–35

  Abstract

  In light of the opioid epidemic, physicians are increasingly prescribing non-opioid analgesics to surgical patients. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) inhibitors are potentially alternative pain therapeutics for surgery. Here, we examined in rodents whether the cardioprotection conferred by two common procedures during surgery, a laparotomy or morphine delivery, is mediated by the TRPV1 channel. We further tested whether an experimental analgesic peptide (known as P5) targeted against the TRPV1 C-terminus region interferes with laparotomy- or morphine-induced cardioprotection.Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 30 min coronary occlusion followed by 120 min reperfusion. Before ischaemia, a laparotomy with or without capsaicin application (0.1% cream, a TRPV1 activator) was performed. Additional rats were given morphine (0.3 mg·kg-1) with or without capsaicin. In addition, capsazepine (3 mg·kg-1, a classical TRPV1 inhibitor), or P5 (3 mg·kg-1, a peptide analgesic and TRPV1 inhibitor), was given either alone or prior to a laparotomy or morphine administration. Myocardial infarct size was determined.A laparotomy, in addition to combining a laparotomy with capsaicin cream, reduced infarct size versus control. Morphine, in addition to combining morphine administration with capsaicin cream, also reduced infarct size versus control. When TRPV1 inhibitors capsazepine or P5 were given, either TRPV1 inhibitor abolished the infarct size reduction mediated by a laparotomy or morphine.Inhibiting the TRPV1 channel blocks laparotomy- or morphine-induced cardioprotection. Impaired organ protection may be a potential pitfall of using TRPV1 inhibitors for pain control.

  View details for PubMedID 28982207

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5727239

• Genetic variations of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and alcohol dehydrogenase 1B are associated with the etiology of atrial fibrillation in Japanese JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE Nakano, Y., Ochi, H., Onohara, Y., Sairaku, A., Tokuyama, T., Matsumura, H., Tomomori, S., Amioka, M., Hironomobe, N., Motoda, C., Oda, N., Chayama, K., Chen, C., Gross, E. R., Mochly-Rosen, D., Kihara, Y. 2016; 23

  Abstract

  Alcohol consumption and oxidative stress are well-known risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation (AF). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genes encoding enzymes of alcohol and reactive aldehyde metabolism, respectively, are prevalent among East Asians. Here, we examined whether these SNPs were associated with AF in Japanese patients.Five hundred seventy-seven Japanese patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation and 1935 controls at Hiroshima University Hospital were studied. Alcohol consumption habits, medical history, electrocardiogram (EKG), electrophysiology and cardiac echocardiography were reviewed. Patients were also genotyped for ALDH2 (rs671) and ADH1B (rs1229984). A significant linear correlation was found between ALDH2 genotype and mean alcohol intake (P = 1.7 × 10(-6)). Further, ALDH2 (rs671) was associated with AF (P = 7.6 × 10(-4), odds ratio [OR] = 0.6). Frequency of the ALDH2 SNP allele A which limits acetaldehyde metabolism was lower in patients with AF (18.8%) than in controls (23.5%). In contrast, we found that the frequencies of the ADH1B SNP genotypes were similar in patients with AF and in controls. Subset analysis among the 182 patients with lone AF and 914 controls (control II) (<60 years of age and without hypertension), both ALDH2 and ADH1B SNPs were significantly associated with AF (P = 0.013, OR = 0.7; P = 0.0007, OR = 1.4, respectively). The frequency of the dysfunctional allele A of ALDH2 was significantly lower and the dysfunctional allele G of ADH1B was significantly higher in patients with lone AF than in control II (ALDH2 A allele frequency = 0.176 vs 0.235, OR = 1.3, P = 0.013, ADH1B SNP G allele frequency = 0.286 vs 0.220, OR = 1.4, P = 0.0007).When considering all patients enrolled, the dysfunctional ALDH2 allele was negatively associated with AF. When examining a subset of patients with lone AF, the dysfunctional ALDH2 allele was negatively associated with AF and the slower metabolizing ADH1B allele was positively associated with AF. Hence, prolonged metabolic conversion of alcohol to acetaldehyde may be associated with the occurrence of AF in the Japanese and other East Asian populations.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s12929-016-0304-x

  View details for PubMedID 27927211

• Developing precision medicine for people of East Asian descent JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE McAllister, S. L., Sun, K., Gross, E. R. 2016; 23

  Abstract

  The goal of precision medicine is to separate patient populations into groups to ultimately provide customized care tailored to patients. In terms of precision medicine, ~540 million people in the world have a genetic variant of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) enzyme causing a flushing response and tachycardia after alcohol consumption. The genetic variant is identified as ALDH2*2 and originates from East Asian descendants of the Han Chinese. The variant is particularly important to consider when discussing lifestyle choices with patients in terms of risk for developing specific diseases, preventative screening, and selection of medications for treatment. Here we provide examples why patients with an ALDH2*2 variant need more individualized medical management which is becoming a more standard practice in the precision medicine era.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s12929-016-0299-3

  View details for Web of Science ID 000387622600001

  View details for PubMedID 27835996

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5106841

• Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 Activation within the Cardiac Myocyte Limits Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rodents. Anesthesiology Lu, Y., Piplani, H., McAllister, S. L., Hurt, C. M., Gross, E. R. 2016: -?

  Abstract

  Recent evidence suggests that cross talk exists between cellular pathways important for pain signaling and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Here, the authors address whether the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel, important in pain signaling, is present in cardiac myocytes and regulates cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury.For biochemical analysis of TRPA1, techniques including quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were used. To determine how TRPA1 mediates cellular injury, the authors used an in vivo model of rat cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury and adult rat-isolated cardiac myocytes subjected to hypoxia-reoxygenation.The authors' biochemical analysis indicates that TRPA1 is within the cardiac myocytes. Further, using a rat in vivo model of cardiac injury, the TRPA1 activators ASP 7663 and optovin reduce myocardial injury (45 ± 5%* and 44 ± 8%,* respectively, vs. control, 66 ± 6% infarct size/area at risk; n = 6 per group; mean ± SD; *P < 0.001). TRPA1 inhibition also blocked the infarct size-sparing effects of morphine. In isolated cardiac myocytes, the TRPA1 activators ASP 7663 and optovin reduce cardiac myocyte cell death when given during reoxygenation (20 ± 3%* and 22 ± 4%* vs. 36 ± 3%; percentage of dead cells per field, n = 6 per group; mean ± SD; *P < 0.05). For a rat in vivo model of cardiac injury, the infarct size-sparing effect of TRPA1 activators also occurs during reperfusion.The authors' data suggest that TRPA1 is present within the cardiac myocytes and is important in regulating myocardial reperfusion injury. The presence of TRPA1 within the cardiac myocytes may potentially explain why certain pain relievers that can block TRPA1 activation, such as cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors or some nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, could be associated with cardiovascular risk.

  View details for PubMedID 27748654

• Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Regulates Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Myocardial Reperfusion Injury. Journal of the American Heart Association Hurt, C. M., Lu, Y., M Stary, C., Piplani, H., Small, B. A., Urban, T. J., Qvit, N., Gross, G. J., Mochly-Rosen, D., Gross, E. R. 2016; 5 (9)

  Abstract

  The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) mediates cellular responses to pain, heat, or noxious stimuli by calcium influx; however, the cellular localization and function of TRPV1 in the cardiomyocyte is largely unknown. We studied whether myocardial injury is regulated by TRPV1 and whether we could mitigate reperfusion injury by limiting the calcineurin interaction with TRPV1.In primary cardiomyocytes, confocal and electron microscopy demonstrates that TRPV1 is localized to the mitochondria. Capsaicin, the specific TRPV1 agonist, dose-dependently reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and was blocked by the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine or the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine. Using in silico analysis, we discovered an interaction site for TRPV1 with calcineurin. We synthesized a peptide, V1-cal, to inhibit the interaction between TRPV1 and calcineurin. In an in vivo rat myocardial infarction model, V1-cal given just prior to reperfusion substantially mitigated myocardial infarct size compared with vehicle, capsaicin, or cyclosporine (24±3% versus 61±2%, 45±1%, and 49±2%, respectively; n=6 per group; P<0.01 versus all groups). Infarct size reduction by V1-cal was also not seen in TRPV1 knockout rats.TRPV1 is localized at the mitochondria in cardiomyocytes and regulates mitochondrial membrane potential through an interaction with calcineurin. We developed a novel therapeutic, V1-cal, that substantially reduces reperfusion injury by inhibiting the interaction of calcineurin with TRPV1. These data suggest that TRPV1 is an end-effector of cardioprotection and that modulating the TRPV1 protein interaction with calcineurin limits reperfusion injury.

  View details for PubMedID 27671317

• Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Regulates Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Myocardial Reperfusion Injury JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Hurt, C. M., Lu, Y., Stary, C. M., Piplani, H., Small, B. A., Urban, T. J., Qvit, N., Gross, G. J., Mochly-Rosen, D., Gross, E. R. 2016; 5 (9)

  View details for DOI 10.1161/JAHA.116.003774

  View details for Web of Science ID 000386716900038

• A Slick Way Volatile Anesthetics Reduce Myocardial Injury ANESTHESIOLOGY Wagner, N., Gross, E. R., Patel, H. H. 2016; 124 (5): 986–88

  View details for PubMedID 26845142

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5209752

• Reactive aldehydes: an initial path to develop precision medicine for pain control. Annals of translational medicine Zambelli, V. O., Chen, C., Gross, E. R. 2015; 3 (17): 258-?

  Abstract

  With the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and overdose, there is a need to identify new molecular targets contributing to pain sensation in order to develop directed treatments for pain. One mechanism to treat pain is to target reactive aldehydes either by limiting production or by increasing metabolism. In response to a recent editorial in the Annals of Translational Medicine (ATM), we discuss how reactive aldehyde production can trigger pain and how the enzyme mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) regulates inflammatory pain by reactive aldehyde metabolism. We also comment about the possible clinical impact caused by the inefficiency of reactive aldehyde metabolism for the ~540 million people with an ALDH2*2 variant. Further, we discuss how developing therapeutics specifically targeting ALDH2 may lead to the development of a pathway to potentially create precision medicine for pain control.

  View details for DOI 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2015.10.02

  View details for PubMedID 26605304

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4620088

• Happy 53rd Birthday GIK: Insulin, Cake, and Presents. Anesthesiology Cole, S. P., Gross, E. R. 2015; 123 (2): 249-250

  View details for DOI 10.1097/ALN.0000000000000724

  View details for PubMedID 26200177

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4521402

• A personalized medicine approach for asian americans with the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2*2 variant. Annual review of pharmacology and toxicology Gross, E. R., Zambelli, V. O., Small, B. A., Ferreira, J. C., Chen, C., Mochly-Rosen, D. 2015; 55: 107-127

  Abstract

  Asian Americans are one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States. A relatively large subset of this population carries a unique loss-of-function point mutation in aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), ALDH2*2. Found in approximately 560 million people of East Asian descent, ALDH2*2 reduces enzymatic activity by approximately 60% to 80% in heterozygotes. Furthermore, this variant is associated with a higher risk for several diseases affecting many organ systems, including a particularly high incidence relative to the general population of esophageal cancer, myocardial infarction, and osteoporosis. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology associated with the ALDH2*2 variant, describe why this variant needs to be considered when selecting drug treatments, and suggest a personalized medicine approach for Asian American carriers of this variant. We also discuss future clinical and translational perspectives regarding ALDH2*2 research.

  View details for DOI 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010814-124915

  View details for PubMedID 25292432

• Morphine Reduces Myocardial Infarct Size via Heat Shock Protein 90 in Rodents. BioMed research international Small, B. A., Lu, Y., Hsu, A. K., Gross, G. J., Gross, E. R. 2015; 2015: 129612-?

  Abstract

  Opioids reduce injury from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in humans. In experimental models, this mechanism involves GSK3β inhibition. HSP90 regulates mitochondrial protein import, with GSK3β inhibition increasing HSP90 mitochondrial content. Therefore, we determined whether morphine-induced cardioprotection is mediated by HSP90 and if the protective effect is downstream of GSK3β inhibition. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8-10 weeks, were subjected to an in vivo myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury protocol involving 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. Hemodynamics were continually monitored and myocardial infarct size determined. Rats received morphine (0.3 mg/kg), the GSK3β inhibitor, SB216763 (0.6 mg/kg), or saline, 10 minutes prior to ischemia. Some rats received selective HSP90 inhibitors, radicicol (0.3 mg/kg), or deoxyspergualin (DSG, 0.6 mg/kg) alone or 5 minutes prior to morphine or SB216763. Morphine reduced myocardial infarct size when compared to control (42 ± 2% versus 60 ± 1%). This protection was abolished by prior treatment of radicicol or DSG (59 ± 1%, 56 ± 2%). GSK3β inhibition also reduced myocardial infarct size (41 ± 2%) with HSP90 inhibition by radicicol or DSG partially inhibiting SB216763-induced infarct size reduction (54 ± 3%, 47 ± 1%, resp.). These data suggest that opioid-induced cardioprotection is mediated by HSP90. Part of this protection afforded by HSP90 is downstream of GSK3β, potentially via the HSP-TOM mitochondrial import pathway.

  View details for DOI 10.1155/2015/129612

  View details for PubMedID 26413502

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4564588

• Aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 regulates nociception in rodent models of acute inflammatory pain. Science translational medicine Zambelli, V. O., Gross, E. R., Chen, C., Gutierrez, V. P., Cury, Y., Mochly-Rosen, D. 2014; 6 (251): 251ra118-?

  Abstract

  Exogenous aldehydes can cause pain in animal models, suggesting that aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2), which metabolizes many aldehydes, may regulate nociception. To test this hypothesis, we generated a knock-in mouse with an inactivating point mutation in ALDH2 (ALDH2*2), which is also present in human ALDH2 of ~540 million East Asians. The ALDH2*1/*2 heterozygotic mice exhibited a larger response to painful stimuli than their wild-type littermates, and this heightened nociception was inhibited by an ALDH2-selective activator (Alda-1). No effect on inflammation per se was observed. Using a rat model, we then showed that nociception tightly correlated with ALDH activity (R(2) = 0.90) and that reduced nociception was associated with less early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) in the spinal cord and less reactive aldehyde accumulation at the insult site (including acetaldehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal). Further, acetaldehyde- and formalin-induced nociceptive behavior was greater in the ALDH2*1/*2 mice than in the wild-type mice. Finally, Alda-1 treatment was even beneficial when given after the inflammatory agent was administered. Our data in rodent models suggest that the mitochondrial enzyme ALDH2 regulates nociception and could serve as a molecular target for pain control, with ALDH2 activators, such as Alda-1, as potential non-narcotic, cardiac-safe analgesics. Furthermore, our results suggest a possible genetic basis for East Asians' apparent lower pain tolerance.

  View details for DOI 10.1126/scitranslmed.3009539

  View details for PubMedID 25163478

• TARGETING ALDEHYDE DEHYDROGENASE 2: NEW THERAPEUTIC OPPORTUNITIES PHYSIOLOGICAL REVIEWS Chen, C., Batista Ferreira, J. C., Gross, E. R., Mochly-Rosen, D. 2014; 94 (1): 1-34

  Abstract

  A family of detoxifying enzymes called aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) has been a subject of recent interest, as its role in detoxifying aldehydes that accumulate through metabolism and to which we are exposed from the environment has been elucidated. Although the human genome has 19 ALDH genes, one ALDH emerges as a particularly important enzyme in a variety of human pathologies. This ALDH, ALDH2, is located in the mitochondrial matrix with much known about its role in ethanol metabolism. Less known is a new body of research to be discussed in this review, suggesting that ALDH2 dysfunction may contribute to a variety of human diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and cancer. Recent studies suggest that ALDH2 dysfunction is also associated with Fanconi anemia, pain, osteoporosis, and the process of aging. Furthermore, an ALDH2 inactivating mutation (termed ALDH2*2) is the most common single point mutation in humans, and epidemiological studies suggest a correlation between this inactivating mutation and increased propensity for common human pathologies. These data together with studies in animal models and the use of new pharmacological tools that activate ALDH2 depict a new picture related to ALDH2 as a critical health-promoting enzyme.

  View details for DOI 10.1152/physrev.00017.2013

  View details for Web of Science ID 000329194000001

  View details for PubMedID 24382882

• Nociceptive-induced myocardial remote conditioning is mediated by neuronal gamma protein kinase C. Basic research in cardiology Gross, E. R., Hsu, A. K., Urban, T. J., Mochly-Rosen, D., Gross, G. J. 2013; 108 (5): 381-?

  Abstract

  Deciphering the remote conditioning molecular mechanism may provide targets to develop therapeutics that can broaden the clinical application. To further investigate this, we tested whether two protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes, the ubiquitously expressed epsilon PKC (εPKC) and the neuronal-specific gamma PKC (γPKC), mediate nociceptive-induced remote myocardial conditioning. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for both in vivo and ex vivo myocardial ischemia-reperfusion protocols. For the in vivo studies, using a surgical abdominal incision for comparison, applying only to the abdomen either bradykinin or the εPKC activator (ψεRACK) reduced myocardial infarct size (45 ± 1, 44 ± 2 %, respectively, vs. incision: 43 ± 2 %, and control: 63 ± 2 %, P < 0.001). Western blot showed only εPKC, and not γPKC, is highly expressed in the myocardium. However, applying a selective γPKC inhibitor (γV5-3) to the abdominal skin blocked remote protection by any of these strategies. Using an ex vivo isolated heart model without an intact nervous system, only selective εPKC activation, unlike a selective classical PKC isozyme activator (activating α, β, βII, and γ), reduced myocardial injury. Importantly, the classical PKC isozyme activator given to the abdomen in vivo (with an intact nervous system including γPKC) during myocardial ischemia reduced infarct size as effectively as an abdominal incision or ψεRACK (45 ± 1 vs. 45 ± 2 and 47 ± 1 %, respectively). The classical PKC activator-induced protection was also blocked by spinal cord surgical transection. These findings identified potential remote conditioning mimetics, with these strategies effective even during myocardial ischemia. A novel mechanism of nociceptive-induced remote conditioning, involving γPKC, was also identified.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00395-013-0381-x

  View details for PubMedID 23982492

• Factors Mediating Remote Preconditioning of Trauma in the Rat Heart: Central Role of the Cytochrome P450 Epoxygenase Pathway in Mediating Infarct Size Reduction JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS Gross, G. J., Hsu, A., Gross, E. R., Falck, J. R., Nithipatikom, K. 2013; 18 (1): 38-45

  Abstract

  The present study further identified factors involved in the cardioprotective phenomenon of remote preconditioning of trauma (RPCT) with special emphasis on the role of the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) in mediating this phenomenon. Remote preconditioning of trauma was produced by an abdominal incision only through the skin. Subsequently, all rats were subjected to 30 minutes of left coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 hours of reperfusion and the infarct size was determined. Remote preconditioning of trauma produced a reduction in infarct size expressed as a percentage of the area at risk from 63.0% ± 1.1% to 44.7% ± 1.4%; P < .01 versus control. To test the 3 major triggers of classical preconditioning in mediating RPCT, blockers of the bradykinin B2 receptor (B2BK), (S)-4-[2-[Bis(cyclohexylamino)methyleneamino]-3-(2-naphthalenyl)-1-oxopropylamino]benzyl tributyl phosphonium (WIN 64338, 1 mg/kg, iv), or HOE 140 (50 μg/kg, iv), the nonselective opioid receptor blocker, naloxone (3 mg/kg, iv), or the adenosine A1 receptor blocker, 8-Cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX, 1 mg/kg, iv) were administered 10 minutes prior to RPCT. Only the 2 B2BK selective antagonists blocked RPCT (60.2% ± 1.1%, WIN 64338; 62.3% ± 2.0%, HOE 140). To test EETs in RPCT, we administered the EET receptor antagonist 14,15-Epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE, 2.5 mg/kg, iv) or the EET synthesis inhibitor, N-(Methylsulfonyl)-2-(2-propynyloxy)-benzenehexanamide (MSPPOH, 3.0 mg/kg, iv) 10 minutes prior to RPCT. In both groups, the EET antagonists completely blocked RPCT (62.0% ± 0.8%, 14,15-EEZE; 61.8% ± 1.0%, MSPPOH). The EET antagonists also blocked the effect of B2BK activation. We also determined whether the sarcolemmal K(ATP) or the mitochondrial K(ATP) channel mediate RPCT by pretreating rats with 1-[5-[2-(5-Chloro-o-anisamido)ethyl]-2-methoxyphenyl]sulfonyl-3 methylthiourea, sodium salt (HMR 1098) or 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD), respectively. Interestingly, 5-HD blocked RPCT (64.7% ± 1.3%), whereas, HMR 1098 did not (50.3% ± 1.3%). The 2 EET antagonists completely blocked capsaicin-induced cardioprotection. These results clearly suggest that EETs mediate RPCT-, bradykinin- and capsaicin-induced cardioprotection in rat hearts.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/1074248412437586

  View details for Web of Science ID 000312306400005

  View details for PubMedID 22407888

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3449041

• Hunter Syndrome in an Adult: Beware of Tracheal Stenosis ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Gross, E. R., Lemmens, H. J. 2010; 110 (2): 642-643

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0b013e3181c539ce

  View details for Web of Science ID 000273922100069

  View details for PubMedID 20081146

• Acute Methadone Treatment Reduces Myocardial Infarct Size via the delta-Opioid Receptor in Rats During Reperfusion ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Gross, E. R., Hsu, A. K., Gross, G. J. 2009; 109 (5): 1395-1402

  Abstract

  Methadone is an opioid agonist often given to manage acute and chronic pain. We sought to determine whether methadone compared with morphine dose dependently reduces myocardial infarct size (IS) and whether the mechanism is delta-opioid receptor mediated. Furthermore, we examined whether myocardial IS reduction varies with the timing of methadone administration or duration of induced ischemia.After surgical instrumentation, we divided male Sprague-Dawley rats into 3 sets. The first set was divided into groups, which received methadone (0.03-3 mg/kg), morphine (0.03-3 mg/kg), or water (placebo) 30 min before ischemia. Some animals of the first set also received the delta-opioid antagonist naltrindole (5 mg/kg) before methadone (0.3 mg/kg), morphine (0.3 mg/kg), or placebo administration. The second set of animals was divided into groups that received methadone (0.3 mg/kg) 5 min before reperfusion or 10 s after reperfusion. These 2 sets of animals were subjected to 30 min of myocardial ischemia by left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and then 2 h of reperfusion. The third set of animals received placebo, methadone (0.3 mg/kg), or morphine (0.3 mg/kg) 5 min before reperfusion and were subjected to 45 min of ischemia by left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion with 2 h of reperfusion. Myocardial IS was assessed by staining myocardial tissue with triphenyltetrazolium chloride and expressed as a percentage of the area at risk (mean +/- sem).Methadone or morphine administered before ischemia reduced myocardial IS. The greatest effect was achieved at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg (methadone, 46% +/- 1%, P < 0.001 and morphine, 47% +/- 1%, P < 0.001 versus placebo, 61% +/- 1%, respectively). Naltrindole (5 mg/kg) blocked methadone-induced (0.3 mg/kg) and morphine-induced (0.3 mg/kg) cardioprotection (naltrindole + methadone, 58% +/- 1%, P < 0.001 versus methadone; and naltrindole + morphine, 58 +/- 1%, P < 0.001 versus morphine). Methadone (0.3 mg/kg) reduced myocardial IS when given 5 min before reperfusion (46% +/- 1%, P < 0.001 versus placebo) but not 10 s after reperfusion (60% +/- 1%, P = 0.675 versus placebo). No significant myocardial IS differences were seen for placebo when comparing the 45-min ischemia group (64% +/- 1%) with the 30-min ischemia group (60% +/- 1%, P = 0.069). The longer ischemia time of 45 min abrogated methadone-induced IS reduction (64% +/- 2%, P = 0.867 versus 45-min ischemia placebo group) and morphine-induced IS reduction (65% +/- 1%, P = 0.836 versus 45-min ischemia placebo group).These findings demonstrate that methadone and morphine produce similar myocardial IS-sparing effects that are delta-opioid receptor mediated and that are dependent on the duration of myocardial ischemia.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0b013e3181b92201

  View details for Web of Science ID 000271032500010

  View details for PubMedID 19843777

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2877584

• Activation of kappa-opioid receptors at reperfusion affords cardioprotection in both rat and mouse hearts BASIC RESEARCH IN CARDIOLOGY Peart, J. N., Gross, E. R., Reichelt, M. E., Hsu, A., Headrick, J. P., Gross, G. J. 2008; 103 (5): 454-463

  Abstract

  The temporal properties of kappa-opioid receptor (kappa-OR) mediated cardioprotection are less well characterised than delta-opioid receptor (delta-OR) responses. This study was aimed at delineating the time course of kappa-OR-mediated protection in two experimental models: an in vivo rat model of regional myocardial infarction (30 min of left coronary artery occlusion with 120 min of reperfusion), and an in vitro perfused murine heart model (undergoing 25 min of global ischemia and 45 min of reperfusion). In the rat model, the selective kappa-OR agonist U50, 488 (0.1 mg/kg, IV bolus), administered either 10 min prior to ischemia or 5 min prior to reperfusion, significantly reduced infarct size (38 +/- 3% and 43 +/- 2% infarct size/area-at-risk (IS/AAR), respectively; P < 0.05) compared to untreated rats (56 +/- 1% IS/AAR). Administration of U50, 488 10 s after onset of reperfusion failed to elicit protection. Cardioprotection with U50,448 administered immediately prior to reperfusion was abolished by a kappa-OR antagonist, (0.1 mg/kg nor-BNI), given 10 min prior to reperfusion. In the in vitro murine model, untreated hearts exhibited 28 +/- 2% (IS/AAR) infarct size. Infusion of U50, 488 (at a final 100 nM concentration) significantly limited infarct size in mouse hearts when applied at the onset of reperfusion (15 +/- 2% IS/AAR; P < 0.05), yet failed to afford protection when infused prior to ischemia. Additionally, in both models studied, treatment with either wortmannin or 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD) abrogated the protective effects of U50,488 applied just prior to reperfusion. In summary, kappa-ORs afford cardioprotection primarily when activated prior to and not after reperfusion. This protection may involve activation of the PI3 kinase (PI3K) pathway and mitochondrial (mito) K (ATP) channels.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00395-008-0726-z

  View details for Web of Science ID 000258537700006

  View details for PubMedID 18500486

• Delayed cardioprotection afforded by the glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor SB-216763 occurs via a K-ATP- and MPTP-dependent mechanism at reperfusion AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY Gross, E. R., Hsu, A. K., Gross, G. J. 2008; 294 (3): H1497-H1500

  Abstract

  Previous studies in our laboratory suggest that an acute inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) by SB-216763 (SB21) is cardioprotective when administered just before reperfusion. However, it is unknown whether the GSK inhibitor SB21 administered 24 h before ischemia is cardioprotective and whether the mechanism involves ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered the GSK inhibitor SB21 (0.6 mg/kg) or vehicle 24 h before ischemia. Subsequently, the rats were acutely anesthetized with Inactin and underwent 30 min of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion followed by infarct size determination. Subsets of rats received either the sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel blocker HMR-1098 (6 mg/kg), the mitochondrial K(ATP) channel blocker 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD; 10 mg/kg), or the MPTP opener atractyloside (5 mg/kg) either 5 min before SB21 administration or 5 min before reperfusion 24 h later. The infarct size was reduced in SB21 compared with vehicle (44 +/- 2% vs. 61 +/- 2%, respectively; P < 0.01). 5-HD administered either before SB21 treatment or 5 min before reperfusion the following day abrogated SB21-induced protection (54 +/- 4% and 61 +/- 2%, respectively). HMR-1098 did not affect the SB21-induced infarct size reduction when administered before the SB21 treatment (43 +/- 1%); however, HMR-1098 partially abrogated the SB21-induced infarct size reduction when administered just before reperfusion 24 h later (52 +/- 1%). The MPTP opening either before SB21 administration or 5 min before reperfusion abrogated the infarct size reduction produced by SB21 (61 +/- 2% and 62 +/- 2%, respectively). Hence, GSK inhibition reduces infarct size when given 24 h before the administration via the opening K(ATP) channels and MPTP closure.

  View details for DOI 10.1152/ajpheart.01381.2007

  View details for Web of Science ID 000253818900048

  View details for PubMedID 18223186

• Pharmacologic therapeutics for cardiac reperfusion injury EXPERT OPINION ON EMERGING DRUGS Gross, E. R., Gross, G. J. 2007; 12 (3): 367-388

  Abstract

  Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrial societies, with myocardial infarction as the primary assassin. Pharmacologic agents, including the myocardial cell membrane receptor agonists adenosine, bradykinin/angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, opioids and erythropoietin or the mixed cell membrane and intracellular agonists, glucose insulin potassium, and volatile anesthetics, either clinically or experimentally reduce the extent of myocardial injury when administered just prior to reperfusion. Agents that specifically target proteins, transcription factors or ion channels, including PKC agonists/antagonists, PPAR, Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, 3-Hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase and the ATP-dependent potassium channel are also promising. However, no agent has been specifically approved to reduce reperfusion injury clinically. In this review, we will discuss the advantages and limitations of agents to combat reperfusion injury, their market development status and findings reported in both clinical and preclinical studies. The molecular pathways activated by these agents that preserve myocardium from reperfusion injury, which appear to commonly involve glycogen synthase kinase 3beta and mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibition, are also described.

  View details for DOI 10.1517/14728214.12.3.367

  View details for Web of Science ID 000249963400004

  View details for PubMedID 17874967

• Ischemic Preconditioning And Myocardial Infarction: An Update and Perspective. Drug discovery today. Disease mechanisms Gross, E. R., Gross, G. J. 2007; 4 (3): 165-174

  Abstract

  Myocardial infarction is the leading cause of mortality in Western societies with annual expenditures of $431.8 billion spent on coronary artery disease in man. Therapeutics to combat infarction from myocardial injury, based on studies of ischemic preconditioning (IPC), are currently in progress. Hence, this review provides an update on IPC, including general and molecular mechanisms responsible for IPC and the effects of IPC in models of aging or disease. A summary of therapeutics shown to possess efficacy in preclinical and clinical trials and future directions of studies regarding cardiac IPC are also discussed.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ddmec.2007.10.005

  View details for PubMedID 18701939

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2515553

• GSK3 beta inhibition and K-ATP channel opening mediate acute opioid-induced cardioprotection at reperfusion BASIC RESEARCH IN CARDIOLOGY Gross, E. R., Hsu, A. K., Gross, G. J. 2007; 102 (4): 341-349

  Abstract

  Both glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) and the ATP-dependant potassium channel (K(ATP)) mediate opioid-induced cardioprotection (OIC). However, whether direct K(ATP) channel openers induce cardioprotection prior to reperfusion and their signaling cascade position with respect to GSK3beta inhibition is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of K(ATP) channel opening at reperfusion in OIC, and the interaction between the GSK signaling axis and K(ATP) channels in cardioprotection.Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 30 minutes ischemia with 2 hours of reperfusion and infarct size was determined. Rats given the nonselective opioid agonist, morphine (0.3 mg/kg), or the selective delta opioid agonist, BW373U86 (1.0 mg/kg), 5 minutes prior to reperfusion reduced infarct size (40.3+/-1.6*, 39.7+/-1.9* versus 60.0+/-1.1%, respectively, * P<0.001%). This protection was abrogated with prior administration of the putative sarcolemmal K(ATP) antagonist, HMR-1098 (6 mg/kg), or the putative mitochondrial K(ATP) antagonist, 5-HD (10 mg/kg). The putative sK(ATP) channel opener, P-1075 (1microg/kg) or the putative mK(ATP) channel opener, BMS-191095 (1 mg/kg) given 5 minutes prior to reperfusion also reduced infarct size (41.8+/-2.4*, 43.4+/-1.4*) and protection was abrogated by prior administration of the PI3k inhibitor wortmannin (60.0+/-1.7, 64.0+/-2.6%, respectively, * P<0.001). Cardioprotection afforded by the GSK inhibitor SB216763 (0.6 mg/kg) given 5 minutes prior to reperfusion was also partially blocked by either HMR or 5-HD and completely blocked when HMR and 5-HD were given in combination (40.8+/-1.6*, 50.4+/-1.6;; 49.4+/-1.7;, 61.6+/-1.6%, respectively, * or ; P<0.001). These data indicate that both the sK(ATP) and mK(ATP) channel are involved in acute OIC and the GSK signaling axis regulates cardioprotection via K(ATP) channel opening.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00395-007-0651-6

  View details for Web of Science ID 000247172400007

  View details for PubMedID 17450314

• Impaired p38 MAPK/HSP27 signaling underlies aging-related failure in opioid-mediated cardioprotection JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR CARDIOLOGY Peart, J. N., Gross, E. R., Headrick, J. P., Gross, G. J. 2007; 42 (5): 972-980

  Abstract

  Cardioprotection and preconditioning mediated via G-protein-coupled receptors may be lost or impaired with advancing age, limiting ischemic tolerance and the ability to pharmacologically protect older hearts from ischemic injury. Our preliminary findings indicated a loss of delta-opioid receptor-mediated protection in aged vs. young mouse hearts, which may involve alterations in protective kinase signaling. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that aging-related loss of opioid-triggered cardioprotection involves failure to activate p38 MAPK and its distal signaling targets. Langendorff-perfused hearts from young (10-14 weeks) or aged (24-26 months) C57 mice underwent 25-min ischemia and 45-min reperfusion in the presence or absence of 1 micromol/l DPDPE (delta-opioid agonist) or 1 micromol/l anisomycin (activator of p38 MAPK), and functional recovery and protein activation/phosphorylation were assessed. Contractile recovery was similar in untreated young and aged hearts (50+/-2% and 53+/-5%, respectively), and was enhanced by DPDPE in young hearts only (67+/-3%). Immunoblot analysis revealed that DPDPE comparably activated or phosphorylated GRK2, Akt, ERK1/2 and p70S6 kinase in young and aged hearts, whereas aging abrogated the stimulatory effects of DPDPE on p38 MAPK and HSP27. Treatment with anisomycin elicited comparable activation of p38 MAPK and HSP27 in both young and aged hearts, coupled with a pronounced and equivalent cardioprotection in the two groups (73+/-3% and 77+/-2%, respectively), an effect abolished by the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580. These data indicate that aging-related loss of delta-opioid-mediated cardioprotection involves failure to activate p38 MAPK and HSP27. Direct targeting of this pathway elicits comparable protection in both age groups.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2007.02.011

  View details for Web of Science ID 000246909000009

  View details for PubMedID 17407780

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2497430

• Diabetes abolishes morphine-induced cardioprotection via multiple pathways upstream of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta DIABETES Gross, E. R., Hsu, A. K., Gross, G. J. 2007; 56 (1): 127-136

  Abstract

  The cardioprotective effect of opioids or glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) inhibitors given at reperfusion has not been investigated in diabetes models. Therefore, nondiabetic (NDBR) or streptozotocin-induced diabetic (DBR) rat hearts were subjected to 30 min of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion. Groups of NDBR or DBR were administered either vehicle, morphine (0.3 mg/kg), or the GSK inhibitor SB216763 (0.6 mg/kg) 5 min before reperfusion. SB216763 (but not morphine) reduced infarct size in DBRs (44 +/- 1* and 55 +/- 2%, respectively), while both agents reduced infarct size in NDBRs versus untreated NDBRs or DBRs (44 +/- 3*, 42 +/- 3*, 60 +/- 2, and 56 +/- 2%, respectively, *P < 0.001). Morphine-induced phospho- (P-)GSK3beta was reduced 5 min after reperfusion in DBRs compared with NDBRs (0.83 +/- 0.29 and 1.94 +/- 0.12 [P < 0.05] pg/microg tissue, respectively). The GSK3beta mediators, P-Akt, P-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)1, and P-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3, were also significantly reduced in untreated DBR compared with NDBR rats. Morphine-induced elevations of P-Akt, P-ERK1, P-p70s6, P-janus-activated kinase-2, and P-STAT3 in NDBRs were also blunted in DBRs. H9C2 cells raised in 25 mmol/l compared with 5.56 mmol/l glucose media also demonstrated reduced morphine-induced P-GSK3beta, P-Akt, P-STAT3, and P-ERK1 after 15 min. Hence, acute GSK inhibition may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetic patients during an acute myocardial infarction, whereas morphine is less effective due to signaling events that adversely affect GSK3beta.

  View details for DOI 10.2337/db06-0907

  View details for Web of Science ID 000243466900018

  View details for PubMedID 17192474

• The JAK/STAT pathway is essential for opioid-induced cardioprotection: JAK2 as a mediator of STAT3, Akt, and GSK-3 beta AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY Gross, E. R., Hsu, A. K., Gross, G. J. 2006; 291 (2): H827-H834

  Abstract

  We examined the role for the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in acute opioid-induced cardioprotection (OIC) and whether opioid-induced glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3 beta) inhibition is mediated by the JAK/STAT pathway. Rats underwent 30 min of ischemia and either 5 min or 2 h of reperfusion, followed by tissue isolation for molecular analysis or infarct size assessment, respectively. Rats were treated with vehicle, morphine (300 microg/kg), the delta-opioid agonist fentanyl isothiocynate (FIT, 10 microg/kg), or the GSK inhibitor SB-216763 (SB21, 600 microg/kg) 10 min before ischemia. Five minutes before opioid or SB21 treatment, some rats received the putative JAK2 inhibitor AG-490 (3 mg/kg) or the putative JAK3 inhibitor ZM-449829 (3 mg/kg). H9C2 cardiomyoblast cells were also used to investigate FIT-induced signaling (1 microM) in vitro via molecular analysis. Morphine induced the phosphorylation of JAK2, yet not JAK1, in the area at risk. Morphine, FIT, and SB21 also reduced infarct size compared with vehicle (water) when administered before ischemia [43.0 +/- 2.8, 39.1 +/- 3.1, and 42.1 +/- 2.5 (*P < 0.001, respectively) vs. 58.1 +/- 1.3%, respectively]. AG-490 abrogated OIC, whereas ZM-449829 had no effect on OIC. Cardioprotection was afforded by SB21 even in the presence of AG-490. Morphine phosphorylated STAT3, Akt, and GSK-3beta, and phosphorylation was abrogated by AG-490. FIT stimulation of H9C2 cells also caused a time-dependent phosphorylation of STAT3, Akt, and GSK-3beta, and this effect was abrogated by AG-490. STAT3 phosphorylation was also dependent on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activation in both tissue and H9C2 cells. These data suggest that OIC occurs via the JAK2 regulation of PI3K pathway-dependent STAT3, Akt, and GSK-3 beta, with GSK-3 beta contributing a central role in acute OIC.

  View details for DOI 10.1152/ajpheart.00003.2006

  View details for Web of Science ID 000239020300040

  View details for PubMedID 16517948

• Ligand triggers of classical preconditioning and postconditioning CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH Gross, E. R., Gross, G. J. 2006; 70 (2): 212-221

  Abstract

  The cardioprotection afforded by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and ischemic postconditioning (PC) are receptor mediated. In this review, we will focus on the major ligand classes and receptors that contribute to IPC and PC-induced cardioprotection. Ligand classes discussed include adenosine, bradykinin, opioids, erythropoietin, adrenergics and muscarinics. The cardioprotective therapeutic window of each ligand class will also be summarized, with particular focus as to whether ligands are protective when administered at or close to the time of reperfusion. Information will primarily be directed at studies in which infarct size reduction is the gold standard to assess the efficacy of IPC and PC. Myocardial stunning is a less robust endpoint for assessing cardioprotection and the use of this endpoint is only limited to studies with human tissue where infarct size assessment is not possible. Receptor cross-talk between ligands and the common signaling pathways involved for these ligands will also be briefly discussed.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.caridores.2005.12.019

  View details for Web of Science ID 000237622300007

  View details for PubMedID 16448635

• Association of intravenous morphine use and outcomes in acute coronary syndromes: results from the CRUSADE Quality Improvement Initiative. American heart journal Gross, G. J., Gross, E. R., Peart, J. N. 2005; 150 (6)

  View details for PubMedID 16338242

• Untitled AMERICAN HEART JOURNAL Gross, G. J., Gross, E. R., Peart, J. N. 2005; 150 (6)

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ahj.2005.07.034

  View details for Web of Science ID 000234485000030

• Cytochrome P450 and arachidonic acid metabolites: Role in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury revisited CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH Gross, G. J., Falck, J. R., Gross, E. R., Isbell, M., Moore, J., Nithipatikom, K. 2005; 68 (1): 18-25

  Abstract

  Ischemia-reperfusion of the heart and other organs results in the accumulation of unesterified arachidonic acid (AA) via the action of membrane-bound phospholipases, primarily phospholipase A2. AA can be metabolized by the classical cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways to well-characterized metabolites and their respective cardioprotective end products such as prostacyclin (PGI2) and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE). However, it has only been recently recognized that another less well-characterized pathway of AA metabolism, the cytochrome P450 (CYP) pathway, may have important cardiovascular effects. Several lines of data support the possibility that certain CYP metabolites resulting from the hydroxylation of AA such as 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) are potent vasoconstrictors and may produce detrimental effects in the heart during ischemia and pro-inflammatory effects during reperfusion. On the other hand, a group of regioisomers resulting from the epoxidation of AA, including 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12- and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EETs), have been shown to reduce ischemic and/or reperfusion injury in the heart and vasculature. This review will discuss the detrimental and beneficial actions, including the potential cellular mechanisms responsible as a result of stimulating or inhibiting the two arms of this novel CYP pathway. The therapeutic potential of increasing EET concentrations and/or reducing 20-HETE concentrations will also be addressed.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.cardiores.2005.06.007

  View details for Web of Science ID 000232236400005

  View details for PubMedID 15993870

• Extending the cardioprotective window using a novel delta-opioid agonist fentanyl isothiocyanate via the PI3-kinase pathway AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY Gross, E. R., Peart, J. N., Hsu, A. K., Auchampach, J. A., Gross, G. J. 2005; 288 (6): H2744-H2749

  Abstract

  Selective delta-opioid agonists produce delayed cardioprotection that lasts for 24-48 h in rats; however, the maximum length of the cardioprotective window is unclear. In this study, we attempted to prolong the cardioprotective window using a unique delta-opioid agonist, fentanyl isothiocyanate (FIT), which binds irreversibly to the delta-receptor, and determined the role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway as a trigger or end effector of FIT-induced cardioprotection. Initially, male rats were administered FIT (10 microg/kg) 10 min before hearts were subjected to 30 min of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion followed by infarct size (IS) assessment. Acute FIT administration reduced IS when given before ischemia, 5 min before reperfusion, or 10 s after reperfusion compared with control. IS reduction also occurred following a single dose of FIT at 48, 72, 96, and 120 h after administration vs. control, with the maximum effect observed at 96 h. FIT-induced IS reduction at 96 h was completely abolished when the irreversible PI3K inhibitor wortmannin (15 microg/kg) was given before FIT during the trigger phase; however, the effect was only partially abrogated when wortmannin was given 96 h later. These data suggest that FIT has a prolonged cardioprotective window greater than that of any previously described cardioprotective agent that requires PI3K primarily in the trigger phase but also partially, as a mediator or end effector.

  View details for DOI 10.1152/ajpheart.00918.2004

  View details for Web of Science ID 000229139900026

  View details for PubMedID 15653765

• Opioid-induced preconditioning: Recent advances and future perspectives VASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY Peart, J. N., Gross, E. R., Gross, G. J. 2005; 42 (5-6): 211-218

  Abstract

  Opioids, named by Acheson for compounds with morphine-like actions despite chemically distinct structures, have received much research interest, particularly for their central nervous system (CNS) actions involved in pain management, resulting in thousands of scientific papers focusing on their effects on the CNS and other organ systems. A more recent area which may have great clinical importance concerns the role of opioids, either endogenous or exogenous compounds, in limiting the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury in heart and brain. The role of endogenous opioids in hibernation provides tantalizing evidence for the protective potential of opioids against ischemia or hypoxia. Mammalian hibernation, a distinct energy-conserving state, is associated with depletion of energy stores, intracellular acidosis and hypoxia, similar to those which occur during ischemia. However, despite the potentially detrimental cellular state induced with hibernation, the myocardium remains resilient for many months. What accounts for the hypoxia-tolerant state is of great interest. During hibernation, circulating levels of opioid peptides are increased dramatically, and indeed, are considered a "trigger" of hibernation. Furthermore, administration of opioid antagonists can effectively reverse hibernation in mammals. Therefore, it is not surprising that activation of opioid receptors has been demonstrated to preserve cellular status following a hypoxic insult, such as ischemia-reperfusion in many model systems including the intestine [Zhang, Y., Wu, Y.X., Hao, Y.B., Dun, Y. Yang, S.P., 2001. Role of endogenous opioid peptides in protection of ischemic preconditioning in rat small intestine. Life Sci. 68, 1013-1019], skeletal muscle [Addison, P.D., Neligan, P.C., Ashrafpour, H., Khan, A., Zhong, A., Moses, M., Forrest, C.R., Pang, C.Y., 2003. Noninvasive remote ischemic preconditioning for global protection of skeletal muscle against infarction. Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. 285, H1435-H1443], the CNS [Borlongan, C.V., Wang, Y., Su, T.P., 2005. Delta opioid peptide (d-ala 2, d-leu 5) enkephalin: linking hiberation and neuroprotection. Front Biosci. 9, 3392-3398] and the myocardium [Romano, M.A., Seymour, E.M., Berry, J.A., McNish, R.A., Bolling, S.F., 2004. Relative contribution of endogenous opioids to myocardial ischemic tolerance. J Surg Res. 118, 32-37; Peart, J.N., Gross, G.J., 2004a. Exogenous activation of delta- and kappa-opioid receptors affords cardioprotection in isolated murine heart. Basic Res Cardiol. 99(1), 29-37]. For the purpose of this review, we will focus primarily on the protective effects of opioids against post-reperfusion myocardial stunning and infarction.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.vph.2005.02.003

  View details for Web of Science ID 000229815200003

  View details for PubMedID 15922254

• Sarcolemmal K-ATP channel triggers delayed ischemic preconditioning in rats AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY Patel, H. H., Gross, E. R., Peart, J. N., Hsu, A. K., Gross, G. J. 2005; 288 (1): H445-H447

  Abstract

  Previous work from our laboratory has shown that the sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel (sK(ATP)) is required as a trigger for delayed cardioprotection upon exogenous opioid administration. We also established that the mitochondrial K(ATP) (mK(ATP)) channel is not required for triggering delayed delta-opioid-induced infarct size reduction. Because mechanistic differences have been found among delta-opioids and that due to ischemic preconditioning (IPC), we determined whether the triggering mechanism of delayed IPC-induced infarct size reduction involves either the sK(ATP) or mK(ATP). Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either sham surgery or IPC (3- to 5-min cycles of ischemia and reperfusion) 24 h before being subjected to 30 min of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion. Infarct size was determined and expressed as a percentage of the area at risk, with significance compared with sham reported at P

  View details for DOI 10.1152/ajpheart.00031.2004

  View details for Web of Science ID 000225733000059

  View details for PubMedID 15563543

• Cytochrome P450 omega-hydroxylase inhibition reduces infarct size during reperfusion via the sarcolemmal K-ATP channel JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR CARDIOLOGY Gross, E. R., Nithipatikom, K., Hsu, A. K., Peart, J. N., Falck, J. R., Campell, W. B., Gross, G. J. 2004; 37 (6): 1245-1249

  Abstract

  Inhibition of 20-hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (20-HETE), by pretreatment with pharmacological inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) omega-hydroxylase, has been shown to reduce infarct size in canines when administered prior to ischemia. However, it is unknown whether these agents reduce infarct size when administered just prior to reperfusion and if the sarcolemmal and/or mitochondrial K(ATP) channels (sK(ATP) and mK(ATP)) contribute to cardioprotection. Therefore, we determined whether specific CYP inhibitors for epoxygenases and omega-hydroxylases are cardioprotective when given either prior to ischemia or prior to reperfusion and furthermore, if selective inhibition of the sK(ATP) by HMR-1098 or mK(ATP) by 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD) could abrogate this effect. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. Groups received either miconazole (MIC, non-selective CYP inhibitor, 3 mg/kg), 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA, CYP omega-hydroxylase inhibitor, 0,3 or 3 mg/kg), N-methylsulfonyl-12, 12-dibromododec-11-enamide (DDMS, CYP omega-hydroxylase inhibitor, 0,4 or 4 mg/kg), N-methanesulfonyl-6-(2-propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide (MS-PPOH, CYP epoxygenase inhibitor, 3 mg/kg), or vehicle either 10 minutes prior to ischemia or 5 minutes prior to reperfusion. Rats also received either HMR-1098 (6 mg/kg) or 5-HD (10 mg/kg) 10 minutes prior to reperfusion, with subsets of rats also receiving either MIC or 17-ODYA 5 minutes prior to reperfusion. DDMS and 17-ODYA dose dependently reduced infarct size. Rats treated with MIC, 17-ODYA and DDMS, but not MS-PPOH, produced comparable reductions in infarct size when administered prior to ischemia or reperfusion compared to vehicle. HMR-1098, but not 5-HD, also blocked the infarct size reduction afforded by MIC and 17-ODYA. These data suggest a novel cardioprotective pathway involving CYP omega-hydroxylase inhibition and subsequent activation of the sK(ATP) channel during reperfusion.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2004.10.008

  View details for Web of Science ID 000225905300016

  View details for PubMedID 15572055

• Inhibition of cytochrome P450 omega-hydroxylase - A novel endogenous cardioprotective pathway CIRCULATION RESEARCH Nithipatikom, K., Gross, E. R., Endsley, M. P., Moore, J. M., Isbell, M. A., Falck, J. R., Campbell, W. B., Gross, G. J. 2004; 95 (8): E65-E71

  Abstract

  Cytochrome P450s (CYP) and their arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites have important roles in regulating vascular tone, but their function and specific pathways involved in modulating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury have not been clearly established. Thus, we characterized the effects of several selective CYPomega-hydroxylase inhibitors and a CYPomega-hydroxylase metabolite of AA, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), on the extent of ischemia-reperfusion injury in canine hearts. During 60 minutes of ischemia and particularly after 3 hours of reperfusion, 20-HETE was produced at high concentrations. A nonspecific CYP inhibitor, miconazole, and 2 specific CYPomega-hydroxylase inhibitors, 17-octadecanoic acid (17-ODYA) and N-methylsulfonyl-12,12-dibromododec-11-enamide (DDMS), markedly inhibited 20-HETE production during ischemia-reperfusion and produced a profound reduction in myocardial infarct size (expressed as a percent of the area at risk) (19.6+/-1.7% [control], 8.4+/-2.5% [0.96 mg/kg miconazole], 5.9+/-2.2% [0.28 mg/kg 17-ODYA], and 10.8+/-1.8% [0.40 mg/kg DDMS], P<0.05, respectively). Conversely, exogenous 20-HETE administration significantly increased infarct size (26.9+/-1.9%, P<0.05). Several CYPomega-hydroxylase isoforms, which are known to produce 20-HETE such as CYP4A1, CYP4A2, and CYP4F, were demonstrated to be present in canine heart tissue and their activity was markedly inhibited by incubation with 17-ODYA. These results indicate an important endogenous role for CYPomega-hydroxylases and in particular their product, 20-HETE, in exacerbating myocardial injury in canine myocardium. The full text of this article is available online at http://circres.ahajournals.org.

  View details for DOI 10.1161/01.RES.0000146277.62128.6f

  View details for Web of Science ID 000224466300014

  View details for PubMedID 15388642

• Acute aspirin treatment abolishes, whereas acute ibuprofen treatment enhances morphine-induced cardioprotection: Role of 12-lipoxygenase JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS Gross, E. R., Hsu, A. K., Gross, G. J. 2004; 310 (1): 185-191

  Abstract

  Patients suffering an acute myocardial infarction routinely receive morphine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone or in combination. However, the importance of the dose, timing, or the combined administration of both on infarct size reduction has not been assessed. Additionally, it is not known whether morphine or NSAIDs require 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) to mediate infarct size reduction as found previously for ischemic preconditioning. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 30 min of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion, followed by infarct size assessment (mean +/- S.E.M.%, **P < 0.01). Morphine (0.3 mg/kg), ibuprofen (3 mg/kg), but not aspirin (3 mg/kg) reduced infarct size when administered 5 min before reperfusion compared with vehicle (42.3 +/- 1.5**, 40.8 +/- 2.8**, 60.7 +/- 2.3 versus 59.1 +/- 1.7%, respectively); however, none of these agents reduced infarct size when administered 10 s after reperfusion. Ibuprofen (3 mg/kg) administered with morphine (0.3 mg/kg) reduced infarct size (43.7 +/- 1.3%**), whereas aspirin (1 and 3 mg/kg) abolished morphine-induced infarct size reduction. Morphine (0.2 mg/kg) and ibuprofen (0.6 mg/kg) given at doses not effective individually reduced infarct size when given together (59.0 +/- 1.4, 57.6 +/- 2.8, and 43.9 +/- 1.6%**, respectively). Morphine- and ibuprofen-induced infarct size reduction was abolished by the 12-LO inhibitor baicalein (3 mg/kg) and mimicked by the 12-LO metabolite 12-(S)-hydroxyeicosa-5Z,8Z,10Z,14Z-tetraenoic acid (45.2 +/- 2.5%**). These data suggest that morphine and ibuprofen reduce infarct size individually or at subthreshold doses in combination by 12-LO when administered 5 min before reperfusion. Furthermore, acute aspirin administration has a detrimental interaction with morphine that abrogates morphine-induced infarct size reduction.

  View details for DOI 10.1124/jpet.103.064667

  View details for Web of Science ID 000222138300023

  View details for PubMedID 14993258

• Opioid-induced cardioprotection occurs via glycogen synthase kinase beta inhibition during reperfusion in intact rat hearts CIRCULATION RESEARCH Gross, E. R., Hsu, A. K., Gross, G. J. 2004; 94 (7): 960-966

  Abstract

  Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) inhibition produced by ischemic preconditioning has been previously shown to be regulated through phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K). Therefore, we determined whether opioid-induced cardioprotection (OIC) occurs during reperfusion by altering GSK phosphorylation through PI3K and target of rapamycin (TOR). Furthermore, we determined if selective GSK inhibitors, SB216763(SB21) or SB415286(SB41), emulate OIC. Rats were treated with the nonselective opioid agonist, morphine (MOR, 0.3 mg/kg), the delta-selective opioid agonist BW373U86 (BW, 1 mg/kg), or the GSK inhibitors, SB21 (0.6 mg/kg) or SB41(1.0 mg/kg), either 10 minutes before ischemia or 5 minutes before reperfusion. Five minutes before opioid or SB21 treatment, some rats received either the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin (15 microg/kg) or LY294002 (0.3 mg/kg) or the TOR inhibitor rapamycin (3 microg/kg). After 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 2 hours of reperfusion, infarct size was assessed. MOR, BW, SB41, and SB21 reduced infarct size compared with vehicle when administered before ischemia (42.9+/-2.6, 40.3+/-2.3, 46.6+/-1.6, 42.2+/-1.8 versus 60.0+/-1.1%, respectively; P<0.001) and showed similar protection when administered 5 minutes before reperfusion (43.6+/-2.3, 40.2+/-2.6, 44.8+/-2.8, 39.4+/-0.8%, respectively; P<0.001). Wortmannin, LY294002, and rapamycin were found to inhibit OIC; however, they did not abrogate SB21-induced infarct size reduction. At 5 minutes of reperfusion, both MOR and BW increased P-GSKbeta at Ser9 in the ischemic zone compared with vehicle (181+/-20, 178+/-15 versus 75+/-17 DU, respectively; P<0.05), and this effect was abrogated by prior administration of wortmannin or rapamycin in MOR-treated rats. Furthermore, no differences were seen in phosphorylation of GSKalpha (Ser21 or Tyr279) or phosphorylation of GSKbeta (Tyr216). These data indicate that OIC occurs via the phosphorylation of GSKbeta at Ser9 during reperfusion.

  View details for DOI 10.1161/01.RES.0000122392.33172.09

  View details for Web of Science ID 000221113400016

  View details for PubMedID 14976126

• Effect of exogenous kappa-opioid receptor activation in rat model of myocardial infarction JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY Peart, J. N., Gross, E. R., Gross, G. J. 2004; 43 (3): 410-415

  Abstract

  The involvement of opioid receptor activation during ischemia-reperfusion is somewhat controversial. While it is generally accepted that activation of the delta-opioid receptor (DOR) is cardioprotective, and may indeed be an important mediator of ischemic preconditioning, the role of the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) is less well understood. To this end, we examined three different KOR agonists and their effects upon infarct size and arrhythmia development. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 30 minutes of occlusion followed by 90 minutes of reperfusion. Opioid receptor agonists were administered 10 minutes before the onset of ischemia, while the opioid antagonists were given 20 minutes before occlusion. Untreated rats exhibited an infarct size (IS/AAR%) of 52.4 +/- 2.7%. Pretreatment with the DOR agonist, BW373U86, limited infarct development to 37.2 +/- 1.8%, which was reversed by the selective DOR antagonist, BNTX. All three KOR agonists studied, U50,488, ICI 204,448, and BRL 52537 significantly reduced infarct size to levels comparable to that of BW373U86. The infarct-sparing effects of U50,488 and ICI 204,448 were abolished by the selective KOR antagonist, nor-BNI. Nor-BNI failed to inhibit the cardioprotective effects of BRL 52537. Furthermore, U50,488 and BRL 52537, but not ICI 204,448, significantly reduced the incidence of arrhythmias. These effects were not blocked by nor-BNI. These data demonstrate that KOR activation provides a similar degree of infarct size reduction as DOR activation. KOR agonists also reduced arrhythmogenesis; however, these responses appear to be independent of KOR activation.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000189354000012

  View details for PubMedID 15076225

• K-ATP opener-induced delayed cardioprotection: involvement of sarcolemmal and mitochondrial K-ATP channels, free radicals and MEK1/2 JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR CARDIOLOGY Gross, E. R., Peart, J. N., Hsu, A. K., Grover, G. J., Gross, G. J. 2003; 35 (8): 985-992

  View details for DOI 10.1016/S0022-2828(03)00183-4

  View details for Web of Science ID 000184527400013

  View details for PubMedID 12878485

• Reactive oxygen species modulate coronary wall shear stress and endothelial function during hyperglycemia AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY Gross, E. R., LaDisa, J. F., Weihrauch, D., Olson, L. E., Kress, T. T., Hettrick, D. A., Pagel, P. S., Warltier, D. C., Kersten, J. R. 2003; 284 (5): H1552-H1559

  Abstract

  Hyperglycemia is associated with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and this action may contribute to accelerated atherogenesis. We tested the hypothesis that hyperglycemia produces alterations in left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) wall shear stress concomitant with endothelial dysfunction and ROS production in dogs (n = 12) instrumented for measurement of LAD blood flow, velocity, and diameter. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive vehicle (0.9% saline) or the superoxide dismutase mimetic 4- hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (tempol) and were administered intravenous infusions of d-glucose to achieve target blood glucose concentrations of 350 and 600 mg/dl (moderate and severe hyperglycemia, respectively). Endothelial function and ROS generation were assessed by coronary blood flow responses to acetylcholine (10, 30, and 100 ng/kg) and dihydroethidium fluorescence of myocardial biopsies, respectively. Indexes of wall shear stress were calculated with conventional fluid dynamics theory. Hyperglycemia produced dose-related endothelial dysfunction, increases in ROS production, and reductions in oscillatory shear stress that were normalized by tempol. The results suggest a direct association between hyperglycemia-induced ROS production, endothelial dysfunction, and decreases in oscillatory shear stress in vivo.

  View details for DOI 10.1152/ajpheart.01013.2002

  View details for Web of Science ID 000182023400008

  View details for PubMedID 12543642

• 12-lipoxygenase in opioid-induced delayed cardioprotection - Gene array, mass spectrometric, and pharmacological analyses CIRCULATION RESEARCH Patel, H. H., Fryer, R. M., Gross, E. R., Bundey, R. A., Hsu, A. K., Isbell, M., Eusebi, L. O., Jensen, R. V., Gullans, S. R., Insel, P. A., Nithipatikom, K., Gross, G. J. 2003; 92 (6): 676-682

  Abstract

  12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) has been shown to be a factor in acute ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in the isolated rat heart; however, no studies have been reported in delayed PC. We characterized the role of 12-LO in an intact rat model of delayed PC induced by a delta-opioid agonist SNC-121 (SNC). Rats were pretreated with SNC and allowed to recover for 24 hours. They were then treated with either baicalein or phenidone, 2 selective 12-LO inhibitors. In addition, SNC-pretreated rats had plasma samples isolated at different times after ischemia-reperfusion for liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of the major metabolic product of 12-LO, 12-HETE. Similar studies were conducted with inhibitors. Gene array data showed a significant induction of 12-LO message (P<0.05) after opioid pretreatment. This induction in 12-LO mRNA was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and 12-LO protein expression was enhanced by SNC pretreatment at 24 hours relative to vehicle treatment. Both baicalein and phenidone attenuated the protective effects of SNC pretreatment on infarct size (50+/-4% and 42+/-3% versus 29+/-2%, P<0.05, respectively). No significant differences were observed in 12-HETE concentrations between baseline control and SNC-treated rats. However, 12-HETE concentrations were increased significantly at both 15 minutes during ischemia and at 1 hour of reperfusion in the SNC-treated rats compared with controls. Baicalein and phenidone attenuated the increase in 12-HETE at 1 hour of reperfusion. These data suggest that SNC-121 appears to enhance message and subsequently the activity and expression of 12-LO protein during times of stress, resulting in delayed cardioprotection.

  View details for DOI 10.1161/01.RES.0000065167.52922.F6

  View details for Web of Science ID 000182013300017

  View details for PubMedID 12623876

• Stent implantation alters coronary artery hemodynamics and wall shear stress during maximal vasodilation JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY LaDisa, J. F., Hettrick, D. A., Olson, L. E., Guler, I., Gross, E. R., Kress, T. T., Kersten, J. R., Warltier, D. C., Pagel, P. S. 2002; 93 (6): 1939-1946

  Abstract

  Coronary stents improve resting blood flow and flow reserve in the presence of stenoses, but the impact of these devices on fluid dynamics during profound vasodilation is largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that stent implantation affects adenosine-induced alterations in coronary hemodynamics and wall shear stress in anesthetized dogs (n = 6) instrumented for measurement of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) blood flow, velocity, diameter, and radius of curvature. Indexes of fluid dynamics and shear stress were determined before and after placement of a slotted-tube stent in the absence and presence of an adenosine infusion (1.0 mg/min). Adenosine increased blood flow, Reynolds (Re) and Dean numbers (De), and regional and oscillatory shear stress concomitant with reductions in LAD vascular resistance and segmental compliance before stent implantation. Increases in LAD blood flow, Re, De, and indexes of shear stress were observed after stent deployment (P < 0.05). Stent implantation reduced LAD segmental compliance to zero and potentiated increases in segmental and coronary vascular resistance during adenosine. Adenosine-induced increases in coronary blood flow and reserve, Re, De, and regional and oscillatory shear stress were attenuated after the stent was implanted. The results indicate that stent implantation blunts alterations in fluid dynamics during coronary vasodilation in vivo.

  View details for DOI 10.1152/japplphysiol.00544.2002

  View details for Web of Science ID 000179244300007

  View details for PubMedID 12391052

• Heat shock protein 90 mediates the balance of nitric oxide and superoxide anion from endothelial nitric-oxide synthase JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY Pritchard, K. A., Ackerman, A. W., Gross, E. R., Stepp, D. W., Shi, Y. H., Fontana, J. T., Baker, J. E., Sessa, W. C. 2001; 276 (21): 17621-17624

  Abstract

  The balance of nitric oxide (.NO) and superoxide anion (O(2)) plays an important role in vascular biology. The association of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) with endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) is a critical step in the mechanisms by which eNOS generates.NO. As eNOS is capable of generating both.NO and O(2), we hypothesized that Hsp90 might also mediate eNOS-dependent O(2) production. To test this hypothesis, bovine coronary endothelial cells (BCEC) were pretreated with geldanamycin (GA, 10 microg/ml; 17.8 microm) and then stimulated with the calcium ionophore, (5 microm). GA significantly decreased -stimulated eNOS-dependent nitrite production (p < 0.001, n = 4) and significantly increased -stimulated eNOS-dependent O(2) production (p < 0.001, n = 8). increased phospho-eNOS(Ser-1179) levels by >1.6-fold over vehicle (V)-treated levels. Pretreatment with GA by itself or with increased phospho-eNOS levels. In unstimulated V-treated BCEC cultures low amounts of Hsp90 were found to associate with eNOS. Pretreatment with GA and/or increased the association of Hsp90 with eNOS. These data show that Hsp90 is essential for eNOS-dependent.NO production and that inhibition of ATP-dependent conformational changes in Hsp90 uncouples eNOS activity and increases eNOS-dependent O(2) production.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000168866500001

  View details for PubMedID 11278264

• Diabetes and hyperglycemia impair activation of mitochondrial K-ATP channels AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY Kersten, J. R., MONTGOMERY, M. W., Ghassemi, T., Gross, E. R., Toller, W. G., Pagel, P. S., Warltier, D. C. 2001; 280 (4): H1744-H1750

  Abstract

  Hyperglycemia is an important predictor of cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes. We investigated the hypothesis that diabetes or acute hyperglycemia attenuates the reduction of myocardial infarct size produced by activation of mitochondrial ATP-regulated potassium (K(ATP)) channels. Acutely instrumented barbiturate-anesthetized dogs were subjected to a 60-min period of coronary artery occlusion and 3 h of reperfusion. Myocardial infarct size (triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining) was 25 +/- 1, 28 +/- 3, and 25 +/- 1% of the area at risk (AAR) for infarction in control, diabetic (3 wk after streptozotocin-alloxan), and hyperglycemic (15% intravenous dextrose) dogs, respectively. Diazoxide (2.5 mg/kg iv) significantly decreased infarct size (10 +/- 1% of AAR, P < 0.05) but did not produce protection in the presence of diabetes (28 +/- 5%) or moderate hyperglycemia (blood glucose 310 +/- 10 mg/dl; 23 +/- 2%). The dose of diazoxide and the degree of hyperglycemia were interactive. Profound (blood glucose 574 +/- 23 mg/dl) but not moderate hyperglycemia blocked the effects of high-dose (5.0 mg/kg) diazoxide [26 +/- 3, 15 +/- 3 (P < 0.05), and 11 +/- 2% (P < 0.05), respectively]. There were no differences in systemic hemodynamics, AAR, or coronary collateral blood flow (by radioactive microspheres) between groups. The results indicate that diabetes or hyperglycemia impairs activation of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000167461700039

  View details for PubMedID 11247788

• Ethanol enhances the functional recovery of stunned myocardium independent of K-ATP channels in dogs ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Gross, E. R., Gare, M., Toller, W. G., Kersten, J. R., Warltier, D. C., Pagel, P. S. 2001; 92 (2): 299-305

  Abstract

  Chronic, intermittent exposure to small amounts of ethanol reduces myocardial infarct size in vivo. We tested the hypothesis that acute administration of ethanol enhances the functional recovery of stunned myocardium and that adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium (K(ATP)) channels mediate this beneficial effect. Barbiturate-anesthetized dogs were instrumented for measurement of aortic and left ventricular pressure, +dP/dt(max), and subendocardial segment shortening (%SS) and were subjected to five 5-min periods of coronary artery occlusion, each separated by 5 min of reperfusion followed by a 3-h final reperfusion. In four groups (n = 7 each), dogs received 0.9% saline or ethanol (0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 g/kg over 30 min) in a random manner before occlusions and reperfusions. In other groups (n = 7 each), dogs received the K(ATP) channel antagonist glyburide (0.3 mg/kg, IV) 30 min before saline or ethanol (0.25 g/kg) was administered. Dogs receiving saline or glyburide alone demonstrated poor recovery of contractile function during reperfusion (%SS = 0.9% +/- 2.0% and 1.6% +/- 1.2% at 3 h, respectively). Recovery of %SS was enhanced in dogs receiving the 0.25- and 0.5-g/kg doses of ethanol (10.0% +/- 1.8% and 8.6% +/- 2.2% at 3 h, respectively) independent of alterations in hemodynamics or coronary collateral blood flow (radioactive microspheres). Glyburide did not affect improvement of recovery of stunned myocardium produced by ethanol (11.8% +/- 2.2% at 3 h). The results indicate that ethanol enhances the functional recovery of stunned myocardium independent of K(ATP) channels in vivo.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000166649800003

  View details for PubMedID 11159220

• K-ATP channels mediate the beneficial effects of chronic ethanol ingestion AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY Pagel, P. S., Toller, W. G., Gross, E. R., Gare, M., Kersten, J. R., Warltier, D. C. 2000; 279 (5): H2574-H2579

  Abstract

  Chronic ingestion of low doses of ethanol protects the myocardium from ischemic injury by activating adenosine receptors and protein kinase C. We tested the hypothesis that ATP-dependent potassium (K(ATP)) channels mediate these beneficial effects. Dogs were fed with ethanol (1.5 g/kg) or water mixed with dry food twice per day for 12 wk. After they were acutely instrumented for measurement of hemodynamics, dogs received saline (vehicle) or glyburide (0.1 mg/kg iv) and were subjected to 60 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Infarct size (through triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining) was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced to 14 +/- 1% of the left ventricular area at risk in ethanol-pretreated dogs compared with controls (25 +/- 2%). Glyburide alone did not affect infarct size (25 +/- 3%) but abolished the protective effects of ethanol pretreatment (28 +/- 3%). No differences in hemodynamics or coronary collateral blood flow (through radioactive microspheres) were observed among groups. The results indicate that K(ATP) channels mediate the protective effects of chronic consumption of ethanol.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000090012600062

  View details for PubMedID 11045996

• Sarcolemmal and mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium channels - Mechanism of desflurane-induced cardioprotection ANESTHESIOLOGY Toller, W. G., Gross, E. R., Kersten, J. R., Pagel, P. S., Gross, G. J., Warltier, D. C. 2000; 92 (6): 1731-1739

  Abstract

  Volatile anesthetic-induced preconditioning is mediated by adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium (KATP) channels; however, the subcellular location of these channels is unknown. The authors tested the hypothesis that desflurane reduces experimental myocardial infarct size by activation of specific sarcolemmal and mitochondrial KATP channels.Barbiturate-anesthetized dogs (n = 88) were acutely instrumented for measurement of aortic and left ventricular pressures. All dogs were subjected to a 60-min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3-h reperfusion. In four separate groups, dogs received vehicle (0.9% saline) or the nonselective KATP channel antagonist glyburide (0.1 mg/kg intravenously) in the presence or absence of 1 minimum alveolar concentration desflurane. In four additional groups, dogs received 45-min intracoronary infusions of the selective sarcolemmal (HMR 1098; 1 microg. kg-1. min-1) or mitochondrial (5-hydroxydecanoate [5-HD]; 150 microg. kg-1. min-1) KATP channel antagonists in the presence or absence of desflurane. Myocardial perfusion and infarct size were measured with radioactive microspheres and triphenyltetrazolium staining, respectively.Desflurane significantly (P < 0.05) decreased infarct size to 10 +/- 2% (mean +/- SEM) of the area at risk as compared with control experiments (25 +/- 3% of area at risk). This beneficial effect of desflurane was abolished by glyburide (25 +/- 2% of area at risk). Glyburide (24 +/- 2%), HMR 1098 (21 +/- 4%), and 5-HD (24 +/- 2% of area at risk) alone had no effects on myocardial infarct size. HMR 1098 and 5-HD abolished the protective effects of desflurane (19 +/- 3% and 22 +/- 2% of area at risk, respectively).Desflurane reduces myocardial infarct size in vivo, and the results further suggest that both sarcolemmal and mitochondrial KATP channels could be involved.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000087389300029

  View details for PubMedID 10839925

• Isoflurane preconditions myocardium against infarction via activation of inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding proteins ANESTHESIOLOGY Toller, W. G., Kersten, J. R., Gross, E. R., Pagel, P. S., Warltier, D. C. 2000; 92 (5): 1400-1407

  Abstract

  Isoflurane-induced myocardial protection during ischemia is mediated by adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium (KATP) channels; however, the intracellular signal transduction cascade responsible for this process has been incompletely evaluated. The authors tested the hypothesis that isoflurane reduces myocardial infarct size through a Gi protein-mediated process.Forty-eight hours after pretreatment with vehicle (0.9% saline) or the Gi protein inhibitor pertussis toxin (10 microg/kg intravenously), barbiturate-anesthetized dogs (n = 43) were instrumented for measurement of aortic and left ventricular pressures and maximum rate of increase of left ventricular pressure. All dogs were subjected to a 60-min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3-h reperfusion. In four separate groups, vehicle- or pertussis toxin-pretreated dogs were studied with or without administration of 1 minimum alveolar concentration isoflurane. In two additional groups, dogs received the direct KATP channel agonist nicorandil (100 microg/kg bolus and 10 microg x kg-1 x min-1 intravenous infusion) in the presence or absence of pertussis toxin pretreatment. Myocardial perfusion and infarct size were measured with radioactive microspheres and triphenyltetrazolium staining, respectively.Isoflurane significantly (P < 0.05) decreased infarct size to 7 +/- 2% of the area at risk compared with control experiments (26 +/- 2%). Pertussis toxin pretreatment alone had no effects on myocardial infarct size (31 +/- 4%) but blocked the beneficial effects of isoflurane (21 +/- 3%). Nicorandil decreased infarct size (11 +/- 2%), but, in contrast to isoflurane, this effect was independent of pertussis toxin pretreatment (11 +/- 1%).Isoflurane reduces myocardial infarct size by a Gi protein-mediated mechanism in vivo.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000086867100027

  View details for PubMedID 10781287

• Diabetes abolishes ischemic preconditioning: role of glucose, insulin, and osmolality AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY Kersten, J. R., Toller, W. G., Gross, E. R., Pagel, P. S., Warltier, D. C. 2000; 278 (4): H1218-H1224

  Abstract

  Recent evidence indicates that hyperglycemia is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. We tested the hypothesis that myocardial infarct size is related to blood glucose concentration in the presence or absence of ischemic preconditioning (PC) stimuli in canine models of diabetes mellitus and acute hyperglycemia. Barbiturate-anesthetized dogs were subjected to a 60-min period of coronary artery occlusion and 3-h reperfusion. Infarct size was 24 +/- 2% of the area at risk (AAR) for infarction in control dogs. PC significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the extent of infarction in normal (8 +/- 2% of AAR), but not diabetic (22 +/- 4% of AAR), dogs. Infarct size was linearly related to blood glucose concentration during acute hyperglycemia (r = 0.96; P < 0.001) and during diabetes (r = 0.74; P < 0.002) in the presence or absence of PC stimuli. Increases in serum osmolality caused by administration of raffinose (300 g) did not increase infarct size (11 +/- 3% of AAR) or interfere with the ability of PC to protect against infarction (2 +/- 1% of AAR). The results indicate that hyperglycemia is a major determinant of the extent of myocardial infarction in the dog.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000086365600027

  View details for PubMedID 10749717