Homocysteine induces VCAM-1 gene expression through NF-{kappa}B and NAD(P)H oxidase activation - protective role of Mediterranean diet polyphenolic antioxidants.

Laboratory of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics, CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Lecce, Italy.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a recognized risk factor for vascular disease, but pathogenetic mechanisms involved in its vascular actions are largely unknown. Because VCAM-1 expression is crucial in monocyte adhesion and early atherogenesis, we evaluated the NF-kappaB-related induction of VCAM-1 by homocysteine (Hcy) and the possible inhibitory effect of dietary polyphenolic antioxidants, such as trans-resveratrol (RSV) and hydroxytyrosol (HT), which are known inhibitors of NF-kappaB-mediated VCAM-1 induction. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), Hcy, at 100 micromol/L, but not cysteine, induced VCAM-1 expression at the protein and mRNA levels, at enzyme immunoassay and Northern analysis, respectively. Transfection studies with deletional VCAM-1 promoter constructs demonstrated that the two tandem NF-kappaB motifs in the VCAM-1 promoter are necessary for Hcy-induced VCAM-1 gene expression. Hcy-induced NF-kappaB activation was confirmed by EMSA, by the nuclear translocation of its p65 (Rel A) subunit, and the degradation of both inhibitors(I)kappaB-alpha and -beta at Western analysis. Hcy also increased intracellular ROS by NAD(P)H oxidase activation, assessed by the membrane translocation of its p47(phox) subunit. NF-kappaB inhibitors decreased Hcy-induced intracellular ROS and VCAM-1 expression. Finally, we found that nutritionally relevant concentrations of RSV and HT, but not folate and vitamin B6, reduce (by >60% at 10(-6) mol/L) Hcy-induced VCAM-1 expression and monocytoid cell adhesion to the endothelium. These data indicate that pathophysiologically relevant Hcy concentrations induce VCAM-1 expression through a pro-oxidant mechanism involving NF-kappaB. Natural Mediterranean diet antioxidants can inhibit such activation, suggesting their possible therapeutic role in Hcy-induced vascular damage. Key words: atherosclerosis, endothelial activation, reactive oxygen species, gene expression, homocysteine.