Dysregulation of vascular TRPM7 and Annexin-1 is associated with endothelial dysfunction in inherited hypomagnesemia

Inadequate magnesium intake and hypomagnesemia may contribute to chronic diseases, such as hypertension. The novel magnesium transporter TRPM7 is a critical regulator of magnesium homeostasis in vascular cells, but its role in pathophysiology is unclear. In a model of hypomagnesemia, we examined microvascular structure and function, TRPM7 expression, and vascular inflammatory status using inbred mice selected for normal-high intracellular magnesium levels or low intracellular magnesium levels (MgLs). Blood pressure was significantly increased in MgLs compared with normal-high intracellular magnesium levels. Pressurized myography of mesenteric resistance arteries showed that MgLs had significantly impaired endothelial function together with decreased plasma nitrate levels and endothelial NO synthase expression when compared with normal-high intracellular magnesium levels. Significant differences in vascular structure were also evident in both mesenteric arteries and aortas from MgLs. Aortas from MgLs had increased medial cross-sectional areas, whereas mesenteric arteries from MgLs had increased lumen diameters with increased medial cross-sectional areas, indicating outward hypertrophic remodeling. Expression of the magnesium transporter TRPM7 was significantly elevated in the vasculature of MgLs, whereas expression of a TRPM7 downstream target, the anti-inflammatory molecule annexin-1, was reduced. MgLs had increased expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, indicating vascular inflammation. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the inherited magnesium status of MgLs and normal-high intracellular magnesium levels mice affects magnesium transporter expression, endothelial function, vascular structure, and inflammation. Our findings suggest a potential regulatory role for TRPM7 signaling in the maintenance of vascular integrity. Alterations in magnesium status and/or TRPM7 signaling may contribute to vascular injury in conditions associated with hypomagnesemia

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Reduced Oxidase 5 (Nox5) Regulation by Angiotensin II and Endothelin-1 Is Mediated via Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent, Rac-1-Independent Pathways in Human Endothelial Cells

Rationale: Although Nox5 (Nox2 homolog) has been identified in the vasculature, its regulation and functional significance remain unclear. Objectives: We sought to test whether vasoactive agents regulate Nox5 through Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent processes and whether Ca2+-sensitive Nox5, associated with Rac-1, generates superoxide (O2·−) and activates growth and inflammatory responses via mitogen-activated protein kinases in human endothelial cells (ECs). Methods and Results: Cultured ECs, exposed to angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin (ET)-1 in the absence and presence of diltiazem (Ca2+ channel blocker), calmidazolium (calmodulin inhibitor), and EHT1864 (Rac-1 inhibitor), were studied. Nox5 was downregulated with small interfering RNA. Ang II and ET-1 increased Nox5 expression (mRNA and protein). Effects were inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide and blunted by diltiazem, calmidazolium and low extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e). Ang II and ET-1 activated NADPH oxidase, an effect blocked by low [Ca2+]e, but not by EHT1864. Nox5 knockdown abrogated agonist-stimulated O2·− production and inhibited phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, but not p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) or SAPK/JNK (stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase). Nox5 small interfering RNA blunted Ang II-induced, but not ET-1-induced, upregulation of proliferating-cell nuclear antigen and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, important in growth and inflammation. Conclusions: Human ECs possess functionally active Nox5, regulated by Ang II and ET-1 through Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent, Rac-1-independent mechanisms. Nox5 activation by Ang II and ET-1 induces ROS generation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Nox5 is involved in ERK1/2-regulated growth and inflammatory signaling by Ang II but not by ET-1. We elucidate novel mechanisms whereby vasoactive peptides regulate Nox5 in human ECs and demonstrate differential Nox5-mediated functional responses by Ang II and ET-1. Such phenomena link Ca2+/calmodulin to Nox5 signaling, potentially important in the regulation of endothelial function by Ang II and ET-1