MYDGF Governs Endothelial Homeostasis in Hypertension

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is recognized as a crucial initiating factor for hypertension and associated cardiovascular/renal injury. Although MYDGF (myeloid-derived growth factor) is mainly derived from bone marrow cells, recent studies have also found the expression of MYDGF in different parenchymal cells. However, the expression pattern and the role of endothelial MYDGF in hypertension remain unclear. METHODS: mice and recombinant MYDGF were used to examine the role of MYDGF in hypertension and associated cardiovascular/renal injury. RESULTS: deficiency in the endothelium aggravated endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular/renal injury in hypertensive mice, which was attenuated by the overexpression of MYDGF or recombinant MYDGF. Functionally, MYDGF maintained endothelial homeostasis via pleiotropic protective effects, including anti-inflammation, antiapoptosis, inhibiting aberrant endothelial permeability and senescence, and inducing NO generation. Mechanistically, MYDGF promoted the activation of HMOX1 (heme oxygenase-1) transcription by mediating STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) phosphorylation, thereby reestablishing endothelial homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS: MYDGF governs endothelial homeostasis in hypertension through regulating HMOX1 expression. Targeting MYDGF may offer an innovative approach for treating hypertension and its cardiovascular complications.