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Metabolic reprogramming is considered important in the pathogenesis of the occlusive vasculopathy observed in pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the mechanisms that link reprogrammed metabolism to aberrant expression of genes, which modulate functional phenotypes of cells in PH, remain enigmatic. Herein, we demonstrate that, in mice, hypoxia-induced PH was prevented by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDDef), and further show that established severe PH in Cyp2c44-/- mice was attenuated by knockdown with G6PD shRNA or by G6PD inhibition with an inhibitor (N-ethyl-N′-[(3β,5α)-17-oxoandrostan-3-yl]urea, NEOU). Mechanistically, G6PDDef, knockdown and inhibition in lungs: 1) reduced hypoxia-induced changes in cytoplasmic and mitochondrial metabolism, 2) increased expression of Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (Tet2) gene, and 3) upregulated expression of the coding genes and long noncoding (lnc) RNA Pint, which inhibits cell growth, by hypomethylating the promoter flanking region downstream of the transcription start site. These results suggest functional TET2 is required for G6PD inhibition to increase gene expression and to reverse hypoxia-induced PH in mice. Furthermore, the inhibitor of G6PD activity (NEOU) decreased metabolic reprogramming, upregulated TET2 and lncPINT, and inhibited growth of control and diseased smooth muscle cells isolated from pulmonary arteries of normal individuals and idiopathic-PAH patients, respectively. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a previously unrecognized function for G6PD as a regulator of DNA methylation. These findings further suggest that G6PD acts as a link between reprogrammed metabolism and aberrant gene regulation and plays a crucial role in regulating the phenotype of cells implicated in the pathogenesis of PH, a debilitating disorder with a high mortality rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal steroid hormone, which has the highest serum concentration among steroid hormones with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). DHEA possesses inhibitory action on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the first pentose-phosphate pathway (PPP) enzyme that reduces NADP+ to NADPH. DHEA induced relaxation of high K+-induced contraction in rat arterial strips, while DHEAS barely induced it. We studied the effects of DHEA on L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) of A7r5 arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) and compared the mechanism of inhibition with that produced by 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) competitive inhibitor of G6PD. DHEA moderately inhibited the ICa,L that was elicited from the holding potential (HP) of -80 mV (voltage-independent inhibition, VIDI) and accelerated decay of ICa,L during the depolarization pulse (voltage-dependent inhibition, VDI). DHEA-induced VDI decreased ICa,Lpeak at the depolarized HPs. By applying repetitive depolarization pulses from multiple HPs, novel HP-dependent steady-state inactivation curves (f∞ -HP) were constructed. DHEA shifted f∞ -HP to the left and inhibited the window current (IWD), which was recorded at depolarized HPs and obtained as product of I-V and f∞ -HP. IC50 of inhibition was much higher than serum concentration. DHEA-induced VDI was down-regulated by the dialysis of GDP-β-S, which shifted f∞ -V to the right prior to the application of DHEA. 6-AN gradually and irreversibly inhibited ICa,L by VIDI, suggesting that the inhibition of G6PD is involved in DHEA-induced VIDI. In 6-AN-pretreated cells, DHEA induced additional inhibition by increasing VIDI and generating VDI. The inhibition of G6PD underlies DHEA-induced VIDI, and DHEA additionally induces VDI as described for Ca2+ channel blockers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal steroid hormone, which has the highest serum concentration among steroid hormones with DHEA sulfate (DHEAS). DHEA possesses an inhibitory action on glucose- 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the first pentose-phosphate pathway enzyme that reduces NADP+ to NADPH. DHEA induced relaxation of high K+-induced contraction in rat arterial strips, whereas DHEAS barely induced it. We studied the effects of DHEA on L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) of A7r5 arterial smooth muscle cells and compared the mechanism of inhibition with that produced by the 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN) competitive inhibitor of G6PD. DHEA moderately inhibited ICa,L that was elicited from a holding potential (HP) of -80 mV [voltage-independent inhibition (VIDI)] and accelerated decay of ICa,L during the depolarization pulse [voltage-dependent inhibition (VDI)]. DHEA-induced VDI decreased peak ICa,L at depolarized HPs. By applying repetitive depolarization pulses from multiple HPs, novel HP-dependent steady-state inactivation curves (f∞- HP) were constructed. DHEA shifted f∞-HP to the left and inhibited the window current, which was recorded at depolarized HPs and obtained as a product of current-voltage relationship and f∞-HP. The IC50 value of ICa,L inhibition was much higher than serum concentration. DHEA-induced VDI was downregulated by the dialysis of guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), which shifted f∞-voltage to the right before the application of DHEA. 6-AN gradually and irreversibly inhibited ICa,L by VIDI, suggesting that the inhibition of G6PD is involved in DHEA-induced VIDI. In 6-AN-pretreated cells, DHEA induced additional inhibition by increasing VIDI and generating VDI. The inhibition of G6PD underlies DHEA-induced VIDI, and DHEA additionally induces VDI as describe for Ca2+ channel blockers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraeonic acid (20-HETE) produced by cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases in NADPH- dependent manner is proinflammatory, and it contributes to the pathogenesis of systemic and pulmonary hypertension. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), a major source of NADPH in the cell, prevents 20-HETE synthesis and 20-HETE-induced proinflammatory signaling that promotes secretory phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells. Lipidomic analysis indicated that G6PD inhibition and knockdown decreased 20-HETE levels in pulmonary arteries as well as 20-HETEinduced 1) mitochondrial superoxide production, 2) activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 and 3, 3) phosphorylation of ETS domain-containing protein Elk-1 that activate transcription of tumor necrosis factor-α gene (Tnfa), and 4) expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Moreover, inhibition of G6PD increased protein kinase G1α activity, which, at least partially, mitigated superoxide production and Elk-1 and TNF-α expression. Additionally, we report here for the first time that 20-HETE repressed miR-143, which suppresses Elk-1 expression, and miR-133a, which is known to suppress synthetic/secretory phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells. In summary, our findings indicate that 20-HETE elicited mitochondrial superoxide production and promoted secretory phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells by activating MAPK1-Elk-1, all of which are blocked by inhibition of G6PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe pulmonary hypertension is a debilitating disease with an alarmingly low 5-yr life expectancy. Hypoxia, one of the causes of pulmonary hypertension, elicits constriction and remodeling of the pulmonary arteries. We now know that pulmonary arterial remodeling is a consequence of hyperplasia and hypertrophy of pulmonary artery smooth muscle (PASM), endothelial, myofibroblast, and stem cells. However, our knowledge about the mechanisms that cause these cells to proliferate and hypertrophy in response to hypoxic stimuli is still incomplete, and, hence, the treatment for severe pulmonary arterial hypertension is inadequate. Here we demonstrate that the activity and expression of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway, are increased in hypoxic PASM cells and in lungs of chronic hypoxic rats. G6PD overexpression and -activation is stimulated by H2O2. Increased G6PD activity contributes to PASM cell proliferation by increasing Sp1 and hypoxiainducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), which directs the cells to synthesize less contractile (myocardin and SM22α) and more proliferative (cyclin A and phospho-histone H3) proteins. G6PD inhibition with dehydroepiandrosterone increased myocardin expression in remodeled pulmonary arteries of moderate and severe pulmonary hypertensive rats. These observations suggest that altered glucose metabolism and G6PD overactivation play a key role in switching the PASM cells from the contractile to synthetic phenotype by increasing Sp1 and HIF-1a, which suppresses myocardin, a key cofactor that maintains smooth muscle cell in contractile state, and increasing hypoxiainduced PASM cell growth, and hence contribute to pulmonary arterial remodeling and pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although hypoxia is detrimental to most cell types, it aids survival of progenitor cells and is associated with diseases like cancer and pulmonary hypertension in humans. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms that promote survival of progenitor cells in hypoxia and then developing novel therapies to stop their growth in hypoxiaassociated human diseases is important. Here we demonstrate that the proliferation and growth of human CD133+ progenitor cells, which contribute to tumorigenesis and the development of pulmonary hypertension, are increased when cultured under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity was increased threefold in hypoxic CD133+ cells. The increased G6PD activity was required for CD133+ cell proliferation, and their growth was arrested by G6PD inhibition or knockdown. G6PD activity upregulated expression of HIF1α, cyclin A, and phospho-histone H3, thereby promoting CD133+ cell dedifferentiation and self-renewal and altering cell cycle regulation. When CD133+ cells were cocultured across a porous membrane from pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), G6PD-dependent H2O2 production and release by PASMCs recruited CD133+ cells to the membrane, where they attached and expressed smooth muscle markers (α-actin and SM22α). Inhibition of G6PD reduced smooth muscle marker expression in CD133+ cells under normoxia but not hypoxia. In vivo, CD133+ cells colocalized with G6PD+ cells in the perivascular region of lungs from rats with hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Finally, inhibition of G6PD by dehydroepiandrosterone in pulmonary arterial hypertensive rats nearly abolished CD133+ cell accumulation around pulmonary arteries and the formation of occlusive lesions. These observations suggest G6PD plays a key role in increasing hypoxia-induced CD133+ cell survival in hypertensive lungs that differentiate to smooth muscle cells and contribute to pulmonary arterial remodeling during development of pulmonary hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently demonstrated that a 17-ketosteroid, epiandrosterone, attenuates L-type Ca2+ currents (ICa-L) in cardiac myocytes and inhibits myocardial contractility. Because 17-ketosteroids are known to inhibit glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the rate-limiting enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, and to reduce intracellular NADPH levels, we hypothesized that inhibition of G6PD could be a novel signaling mechanism which inhibit ICa-L and, therefore, cardiac contractile function. We tested this idea by examining myocardial function in isolated hearts and Ca2+ channel activity in isolated cardiac myocytes. Myocardial function was tested in Langendorff perfused hearts and ICa-L were recorded in the whole-cell patch configuration by applying double pulses from a holding potential of 280 mV and then normalized to the peak amplitudes of control currents. 6-Aminonicotinamide, a competitive inhibitor of G6PD, increased pCO2 and decreased pH. Additionally, 6-aminonicotinamide inhibited G6PD activity, reduced NADPH levels, attenuated peak ICa-L amplitudes, and decreased left ventricular developed pressure and ±dp/dt. Finally, dialyzing NADPH into cells from the patch pipette solution attenuated the suppression of ICa-L by 6-aminonicotinamide. Likewise, in G6PD-deficient mice, G6PD insufficiency in the heart decreased GSH-to-GSSG ratio, superoxide, cholesterol and acetyl CoA. In these mice, M-mode echocardiographic findings showed increased diastolic volume and end-diastolic diameter without changes in the fraction shortening. Taken together, these findings suggest that inhibiting G6PD activity and reducing NADPH levels alters metabolism and leads to inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channel activity. Notably, this pathway may be involved in modulating myocardial contractility under physiological and pathophysiological conditions during which the pentose phosphate pathway-derived NADPH redox is modulated (e.g., ischemia-reperfusion and heart failure). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway that provides the majority of NADPH required for lipid biosynthesis. G6PD overexpression has been implicated in insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and increased oxidative stress in animals. This study examines G6PD expression in obese diabetic and nondiabetic subjects pre- and post-laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Methods: Patients undergoing LRYGB were recruited for the IRB-approved study and placed in either the diabetic ( n = 11) or nondiabetic group ( n = 16) (diabetic, HbA1c > 6.5%; nondiabetic, HbA1c < 6.0%). Blood samples were collected at baseline and throughout the first 3 postoperative months. Liver, adipose, and omental samples were taken during surgery. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM and were compared statistically using the Mann-Whitney test. Results: The two groups were not significantly different at baseline except for fasting glucose and HbA1c. G6PD activity (nm/min/mg protein) was significantly higher in red blood cells (RBCs) (3.12 ± 1.39 vs. 0.67 ± 0.14) and liver (17.23 ± 2.40 vs. 9.74 ± 2.18) in diabetics compared to nondiabetics. There was good correlation between increased liver G6PD activity and the severity of diabetes as measured by HbA1c ( r = 0.525) and fasting glucose ( r = 0.542). No significant difference was found in the adipose or omental G6PD expression. Both groups experienced a significant increase in G6PD blood activity shortly following surgery (1 week) followed by a reduction 3 months after surgery. Conclusion: These results are the first ever seen in human subjects and demonstrate increased G6PD activity in diabetics compared to nondiabetics. These results suggest a correlation between G6PD activity and the severity of type 2 diabetes. The early increases in G6PD activity after LRYGB were unexpected and longer follow-up is needed to determine the effects of LRYGB on G6PD activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: We previously found that higher NADPH levels produced by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) can enhance myocardial superoxide generation by NAD(P)H oxidase in a dog model of dilated cardiomyopathy. Therefore, we tested whether G6PD activity is elevated and enhances NADPH level and increases NAD(P)H oxidase-derived superoxide production in the myocardium from patients with heart failure from ischemic cardiomyopathy. Methods and Results: Surgical discards of left ventricle were collected from 8 congestive heart failure patients undergoing surgical ventricular restoration procedures, whereas control left ventricle tissue was obtained from 5 normal donor hearts deemed not suitable for transplantation. Biochemical assays were performed in tissue homogenates. We found that superoxide and hydrogen peroxide were elevated, respectively, by 9- and 3-fold in failing versus normal hearts (P < .05). The NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors gp91ds-tat, apocynin, and diphenyleneiodonium, significantly inhibited superoxide generation by approximately 75%, 89%, and 91%, respectively. Superoxide production by NAD(P)H oxidase increased 10- and 3-fold by adding NADPH (100 ?mol/L) and NADH (100 ?mol/L), respectively, in a DPI- and gp91ds-tat–inhibitable manner. Interestingly, chelerythrine, a PKC inhibitor, and PP2, a Src kinase family inhibitor, reduced G6PD activity (0.29 ± 0.04 nM·min·mg protein) by 50% and 51% and these inhibitors also decreased myocardial superoxide by 99% and 79%, respectively. Furthermore, 6-aminonicotinamide, a G6PD inhibitor, decreased myocardial superoxide production by 71%. Conclusions: These data suggest that high NAD(P)H oxidase, fueled by G6PD-derived NADPH, generates most of the superoxide in failing hearts of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. In addition, PKC-Src kinase signaling pathways seem to coordinate the activation of both G6PD and NAD(P)H oxidase in human cardiac muscle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Because systems controlled by basal NAD(P)H oxidase activity appear to contribute to differences in responses of endothelium-removed bovine coronary (BCA) and pulmonary (BPA) arteries to hypoxia, we characterized rite Nox oxidases activities present in these vascular segments and how cytosolic NAD(P)H redox systems could be controlling oxidase activity. BPA generated ∼60–80% more lucigenin (5 μM) chemiluminescence detectable superoxide than BCA. Apocynin (10 μM), a NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor, and 6-aminonicotinamide (1 mM), a pentose phosphate inhibitor (PPP), both attenuated (approximately by 50–70%) superoxide detected in BPA and BCA. There was no significant difference in the expression of Nox2 or Nox4 mRNA or protein detected by Western blot analysis. NADPH and NADH increased superoxide in homogenates and isolated microsomal membrane fractions in a manner consistent with BPA and BCA having similar levels of oxidase activity. BPA had 4.2-fold higher levels of NADPH than BCA. The activity and protein levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the rate limiting PPP enzyme generating cytosolic NADPH, were 1.5-fold higher in BPA than BCA. Thus BPA differ from BCA in that they have higher levels of G6PD activity, NADPH. and superoxide. Because both arteries have similar levels of Nox expression and activity, elevated levels of cytosolic NADPII may contribute to increased superoxide in BPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation potentially contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the role of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs: 1, 3a, and 3b), the epige- netic writers, in modulating DNA methylation observed in PH remains elusive. Our objective was to determine DNMT activity and expression in the lungs of experimental rat models of PH. Because the activity of DNMTs is metabolically driven, another objective was to determine the role of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in regulating DNMT expression and activity in the lungs of novel loss-of-function Mediterranean G6PD variant (G6PDS188F) rats. As outlined for modeling PH, rats injected with sugen5416 (SU) were placed in a hypoxia (Hx) chamber set at 10% oxygen for 3 weeks and then returned to normoxia (Nx) for 5 weeks (SU/Hx/Nx). Rats kept in atmospheric oxygen and treated with SU were used as controls. We assessed the activity and expression of DNMTs in the lungs of rats exposed to SU/Hx/Nx. WT rats exposed to SU/Hx/Nx developed hypertension and exhibited increased DNMT activity and Dnmtl and Dnmt3b expression. In G6PDS188F rats, which developed less of a SU/Hx/Nx-induced increase in right ventricle pressure and hypertrophy than WT rats, we observed a diminished increase in expression and activity of DNMTs, DNA hypomethylation, increased histone acetylation and methylation, and increased expression of genes encoding NOS3 and SOD2--vascular-protective proteins. Collectively, increased DNMTs contribute to reduced expression of protective genes and to the pathogenesis of SU/Hx/Nx-induced experimental PH. Notably, G6PD regulates the expression of DNMTs and protective proteins in the lungs of hypertensive rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies suggest that individuals in the Mediterranean region with deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) are less susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. However, our knowledge regarding the effects of G6PD deficiency on pathogenesis of vascular diseases caused by factors, like angiotensin II (Ang-II), which stimulate synthesis of inflammatory cytokines and vascular inflammation, is lacking. Furthermore, to-date the effect of G6PD deficiency on vascular health has been controversial and difficult to experimentally prove due to a lack of good animal model. To determine the effect of Ang-II-induced hypertension (HTN) and stiffness in a rat model of the Mediterranean G6PD (G6PDS188F) variant and in wild-type (WT) rats. Our findings revealed that infusion of Ang-II (490 ng/kg/min) elicited less HTN and medial hypertrophy of carotid artery in G6PDS188F than in WT rats. Additionally, Ang-II induced less glomerular and tubular damage in the kidneys – a consequence of elevated pressure – in G6PDS188F than WT rats. However, Ang-II-induced arterial stiffness increased in G6PDS188F and WT rats, and there were no differences between the groups. Mechanistically, we found aorta of G6PDS188F as compared to WT rats produced less sustained contraction and less inositol-1,2,3-phosphate (IP3) and superoxide in response to Ang-II. Furthermore, aorta of G6PDS188F as compared to WT rats expressed lower levels of phosphorylated extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK). Interestingly, the aorta of G6PDS188F as compared to WT rats infused with Ang-II transcribed more (50-fold) myosin heavy chain-11 (MYH11) gene, which encodes contractile protein of smooth muscle cell (SMC), and less (2.3-fold) actin-binding Rho-activating gene, which encodes a protein that enhances SMC proliferation. A corresponding increase in MYH11 and Leiomodin-1 (LMOD1) staining was observed in arteries of Ang-II treated G6PDS188F rats. However, G6PD deficiency did not affect the accumulation of CD45+ cells and transcription of genes encoding interleukin-6 and collagen-1a1 by Ang-II. The G6PDS188F loss-of-function variant found in humans protected rats from Ang-II-induced HTN and kidney damage, but not from vascular inflammation and arterial stiffness. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (H PV) is a physiological response to a decrease in airway O2 tension, but the underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. We studied the contribution of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (GIc-6-PD), an important regulator of NADPH redox and production of reactive oxygen species, to the development of HPV. We found that hypoxia (95% N2, 5% CO2) increased contraction of bovine pub monary artery (PA) precontracted with KCl or serotonin. Depletion of extracellular glucose reduced NADPH, NADH, and HPV, substantiating the idea that glucose metabolism and Glc-6-PD play roles in the response of PA to hypoxia. Our data also show that inhibition of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration (indicated by an increase in NAD+ and decrease in the ATP-to-ADP ratio) by hypoxia, or by inhibitors of pyruvate dehydrogenase or electron transport chain complexes I or III, increased generation of reactive oxygen species, which in turn activated Glc-6-PD. Inhibition of Glc-6-PD decreased Ca2+ sensitivity to the myofilaments and diminished Ca2+-independent and -dependent myosin light chain phosphorylation otherwise increased by hypoxia. Silencing Glc-6-PD expression in PA using a targeted small interfering RNA abolished HPV and decreased extracellular Ca2+-dependent PA contraction increased by hypoxia. Similarly, Glc-6-PD expression and activity were significantly reduced in lungs from Glc-6-PDmut(-/-) mice, and there was a corresponding reduction in HPV. Finally, regression analysis relating Glc-6-PD activity and the NADPH-to-NADP+ ratio to the HPV response clearly indicated a positive linear relationship between Glc-6-PD activity and HPV. Based on these findings, we propose that Glc-6-PD and NADPH redox are crucially involved in the mechanism of HPV and, in turn, may play a key role in increasing pulmonary arterial pressure, which is involved in the development of pulmonary hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glucose metabolism through the glycolysis and hexosamine pathway has been shown to be altered in type 2 diabetes. However, the fate of glucose through the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is currently unclear. In this study, we determined whether the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the rate-limiting enzyme in the PPP, is modulated in the liver of Zucker obese fa/fa rats (9–11 weeks of age). We found that G6PD expression and activity, NADPH levels, and 6-phosphogluconate generation were significantly increased in the liver of fa/fa rats. Inhibition of PI3 kinase and Src kinases decreased (p <0.05) G6PD activity in the fa/fa but not in the lean rat liver, suggesting that G6PD activity is regulated by PI3/Src kinase signaling pathways. G6PD-derived NADPH increased (p <0.05) superoxide anion levels by 70–90% in fa/fa vs lean rat liver, which was inhibited by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor gp91 ds−tat (50 μM) and G6PD inhibitors 6-aminonicotinamide (1 mM) and dehydroepiandrosterone (100 μM), therefore indicating that elevated G6PD activity may be responsible for mediating superoxide generation. Interestingly, we also found a positive correlation between liver hypertrophy/increased G6PD activity (r 2 =0.77; p =0.0009) and liver hypertrophy/superoxide production (r 2 =0.51; p =0.0091) in fa/fa rats. Increased G6PD and NADPH oxidase expression and activity, in young hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic rats before the development of diabetes, seems to be a contributing factor in the induction of oxidative stress. Because inhibition of G6PD activity decreases oxidative stress, we conclude that G6PD behaves as a pro-oxidant in the fa/fa rat liver in type 2 diabetes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a multi-cellular disease with a high mortality rate. Some studies have incriminated and other studies have exonerated stem cells in the remodeling of pulmonary arteries in various types of PH. Thus, the role of stem cells in the genesis of PH is yet unsettled. Hypothesis and Objective: Our one objective was to determine whether: 1) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are increased in peripheral blood of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); and 2) bone marrow-derived HSCs contribute to the remodeling of pulmonary arteries in mice with hypoxia-induced PH, and another objective was to determine the mechanism of HSC production and differentiation to inflammatory cell-types in hypoxic mice. Methods and Results: Our results demonstrated that pluripotent CD34+ and CD117+ HSCs are increased (>3-fold) in the peripheral circulation, and CD117+ and CD133+ HSCs are increased in the plexiform lesions of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension as compared normal individuals. Consequently, in experimental model of hypoxia-induced PH, we showed that pluripotent HSCs (CD34+, CD117+, and CD133+) and HSCs-derived macrophages (F4/80+CD11b+) are increased in the bone marrow and peripheral blood of hypoxic mice in a time-dependent manner that coincides with a sudden rise in large artery and ventricle stiffness, and heart failure. Also, CD133+cells in the PA wall and HSCs-derived CD41+platelets in lungs of hypoxic mice are increased. Intriguingly, we discovered that loss of cytochrome P450 2C44 (CYP2C44), eicosanoid producing enzyme, exacerbated and inhibition or knockdown/deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase significantly alleviated increase of HSCs and immunogenic cells in bone marrow, blood, and lungs of mice established hypoxia-induced PH. Finally, inhibition of G6PD reduced HSCs (CD117+) and HSCs-derived macrophages (F4/80+and CD11b+) by concomitantly up-regulating Bmpr1a and down-regulating Csf2 and Cxcl12 , the cytokines implicated in regulating the fate of HSCs, in the bone marrow cell cultures. Conclusions: In all, we uncovered, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time that bone marrow-derived HSCs and immunogenic cells, increased in PAH patients and in hypoxia-induced PH mice in time-dependent manner, contribute to pulmonary artery remodeling, and the CYP2C44- and G6PD-dependent mechanisms exacerbate and alleviate, respectively, pluripotent and differentiated HSC production and release from the bone marrow in response to hypoxic stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]