Caspase inhibition via A3 adenosine receptors: A new cardioprotective mechanism against myocardial infarction

Afthab Hussain, Ahmed Mayel Gharanei, Aarondeep Singh Nagra, Helen L. Maddock

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    Abstract

    Purpose 2-CL-IB-MECA, (A3 adenosine receptor agonist)(A3AR) mediated cardioprotection is well documented although the associated intracellular signalling pathways remain unclear. Here we demonstrate a role of the pro-survival signalling pathways MEK1/2-ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT and their effect on modifying Caspase-3 activity in A3AR mediated cardioprotection. Methods Isolated perfused rat hearts or primary adult rat cardiac myocytes were subjected to ischaemia/hypoxia and reperfusion/reoxygenation, respectively. 2-CL-IB-MECA (1 nM) was administered at the onset of reperfusion/reoxygenation in the presence and absence of either the PI3K inhibitor Wortmannin (5 nM) or MEK1/2 inhibitor UO126 (10 μM). Heart tissues were harvested for assessment of p-ERK1/2(Thr202/Tyr204) or p-AKT (Ser-473) status or underwent infarct size assessment. Cardiac myocytes underwent flow-cytometric analysis for apoptosis, necrosis, cleaved-caspase 3/p-BAD (Ser-112 and Ser-136) activity post-reoxygenation. Results 2-CL-IB-MECA significantly reduced infarct size compared to non-treated controls, where co-administration with either of the kinase inhibitors abolished the infarct sparing effects. Administration of 2-CL-IB-MECA at reperfusion significantly upregulated the status of p-ERK1/2 and p-AKT compared to time matched controls in a UO126 and Wortmannin sensitive manner respectively. 2-CL-IB-MECA when administered throughout reoxygenation significantly reduced apoptosis, necrosis, cleaved-caspase 3 activity and increased p-BAD (Ser-112) and p-BAD (Ser-136) activity in myocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. The cytoprotective effect was abolished by co-administration with the kinase inhibitors Wortmannin and/or UO126. Conclusions We have described the molecular mechanisms associated with A3AR mediated cardioprotection indicating a role for the pro-survival signalling pathways that decrease caspase-3 activity. These observations provide novel insight into the pharmacological effects of A3ARs in ameliorating myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)19-32
    JournalCardiovascular Drugs and Therapy
    Volume28
    Issue number1
    Early online date14 Nov 2013
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Feb 2014

    Bibliographical note

    “The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10557-013-6500-y"

    Keywords

    • A3 adenosine receptor
    • Apoptosis
    • BAD
    • Caspase
    • MEK1/2
    • PI3K
    • Reperfusion injury

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