The two enantiomers of 2-hydroxyglutarate differentially regulate cytotoxic T cell function.

2-Hydroxyglutarate (2HG) is a byproduct of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and is readily detected in the tissues of healthy individuals. 2HG is found in two enantiomeric forms: S-2HG and R-2HG. Here, we investigate the differential roles of these two enantiomers in cluster of differentiation (CD)8+ T cell biology, where we find they have highly divergent effects on proliferation, differentiation, and T cell function. We show here an analysis of structural determinants that likely underlie these differential effects on specific α-ketoglutarate (αKG)-dependent enzymes. Treatment of CD8+ T cells with exogenous S-2HG, but not R-2HG, increased CD8+ T cell fitness in vivo and enhanced anti-tumor activity. These data show that S-2HG and R-2HG should be considered as two distinct and important actors in the regulation of T cell function.

Mechanisms of Atrial Fibrillation in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a strong independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). Emerging clinical data cite adverse effects of OSA on AF induction, maintenance, disease severity, and responsiveness to treatment. Prevention using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is effective in some groups but is limited by its poor compliance. Thus, an improved understanding of the underlying arrhythmogenic mechanisms will facilitate the development of novel therapies and/or better selection of those currently available to complement CPAP in alleviating the burden of AF in OSA. Arrhythmogenesis in OSA is a multifactorial process characterised by a combination of acute atrial stimulation on a background of chronic electrical, structural, and autonomic remodelling. Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), a key feature of OSA, is associated with long-term adaptive changes in myocyte ion channel currents, sensitising the atria to episodic bursts of autonomic reflex activity. CIH is also a potent driver of inflammatory and hypoxic stress, leading to fibrosis, connexin downregulation, and conduction slowing. Atrial stretch is brought about by negative thoracic pressure (NTP) swings during apnoea, promoting further chronic structural remodelling, as well as acutely dysregulating calcium handling and electrical function. Here, we provide an up-to-date review of these topical mechanistic insights and their roles in arrhythmia.

Are Multiple Mitochondrial Related Signalling Pathways Involved in Carotid Body Oxygen Sensing?

It is generally acknowledged that the carotid body (CB) type I cell mitochondria are unique, being inhibited by relatively small falls in PaO2 well above those known to inhibit electron transport in other cell types. This feature is suggested to allow for the CB to function as an acute O2 sensor, being stimulated and activating systemic protective reflexes before the metabolism of other cells becomes compromised. What is less clear is precisely how a fall in mitochondrial activity links to type I cell depolarisation, a process that is required for initiation of the chemotransduction cascade and post-synaptic action potential generation. Multiple mitochondrial/metabolic signalling mechanisms have been proposed including local generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS), a change in mitochondrial/cellular redox status, a fall in MgATP and an increase in lactate. Although each mechanism is based on compelling experimental evidence, they are all not without question. The current review aims to explore the importance of each of these signalling pathways in mediating the overall CB response to hypoxia. We suggest that there is unlikely to be a single mechanism, but instead multiple mitochondrial related signalling pathways are recruited at different PaO2s during hypoxia. Furthermore, it still remains to be determined if mitochondrial signalling acts independently or in partnership with extra-mitochondrial O2-sensors.

ß-Adrenoceptor blockade prevents carotid body hyperactivity and elevated vascular sympathetic nerve density induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia.

Carotid body (CB) hyperactivity promotes hypertension in response to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). The plasma concentration of adrenaline is reported to be elevated in CIH and our previous work suggests that adrenaline directly activates the CB. However, a role for chronic adrenergic stimulation in mediating CB hyperactivity is currently unknown. This study evaluated whether beta-blocker treatment with propranolol (Prop) prevented the development of CB hyperactivity, vascular sympathetic nerve growth and hypertension caused by CIH. Adult male Wistar rats were assigned into 1 of 4 groups: Control (N), N + Prop, CIH and CIH + Prop. The CIH paradigm consisted of 8 cycles h-1, 8 h day-1, for 3 weeks. Propranolol was administered via drinking water to achieve a dose of 40 mg kg-1 day-1. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of both ß1 and ß2-adrenoceptor subtypes on the CB type I cell. CIH caused a 2-3-fold elevation in basal CB single-fibre chemoafferent activity and this was prevented by chronic propranolol treatment. Chemoafferent responses to hypoxia and mitochondrial inhibitors were attenuated by propranolol, an effect that was greater in CIH animals. Propranolol decreased respiratory frequency in normoxia and hypoxia in N and CIH. Propranolol also abolished the CIH mediated increase in vascular sympathetic nerve density. Arterial blood pressure was reduced in propranolol groups during hypoxia. Propranolol exaggerated the fall in blood pressure in most (6/7) CIH animals during hypoxia, suggestive of reduced sympathetic tone. These findings therefore identify new roles for ß-adrenergic stimulation in evoking CB hyperactivity, sympathetic vascular hyperinnervation and altered blood pressure control in response to CIH.

G-Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Signaling in the Carotid Body: Roles in Hypoxia and Cardiovascular and Respiratory Disease.

The carotid body (CB) is an important organ located at the carotid bifurcation that constantly monitors the blood supplying the brain. During hypoxia, the CB immediately triggers an alarm in the form of nerve impulses sent to the brain. This activates protective reflexes including hyperventilation, tachycardia and vasoconstriction, to ensure blood and oxygen delivery to the brain and vital organs. However, in certain conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, heart failure and essential/spontaneous hypertension, the CB becomes hyperactive, promoting neurogenic hypertension and arrhythmia. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are very highly expressed in the CB and have key roles in mediating baseline CB activity and hypoxic sensitivity. Here, we provide a brief overview of the numerous GPCRs that are expressed in the CB, their mechanism of action and downstream effects. Furthermore, we will address how these GPCRs and signaling pathways may contribute to CB hyperactivity and cardiovascular and respiratory disease. GPCRs are a major target for drug discovery development. This information highlights specific GPCRs that could be targeted by novel or existing drugs to enable more personalized treatment of CB-mediated cardiovascular and respiratory disease.