Reduced Expression of Glutathione S-Transferase α 4 Promotes Vascular Neointimal Hyperplasia in CKD

Neointima formation is the leading cause of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. We have shown that CKD accelerates this process by transforming the vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) lining the AVF from a contractile to the synthetic phenotype. However, the underlying mechanisms affecting this transformation are not clear. Previous studies have shown that the α-class glutathione transferase isozymes have an important role in regulating 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)-mediated proliferative signaling of cells. Here, using both the loss- and gain-of-function approaches, we investigated the role of glutathione S-transferase α4 (GSTA4) in modulating cellular 4-HNE levels for the transformation and proliferation of SMCs. Compared with non-CKD controls, mice with CKD had downregulated expression of GSTA4 at the mRNA and protein levels, with concomitant increase in 4-HNE in arteries and veins. This effect was associated with upregulated phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathway proteins in proliferating SMCs. Overexpressing GSTA4 blocked 4-HNE-induced SMC proliferation. Additionally, inhibitors of MAPK signaling inhibited the 4-HNE-induced responses. Compared with wild-type mice, mice lacking GSTA4 exhibited increased CKD-induced neointima formation in AVF. Transient expression of an activated form of GSTA4, achieved using a combined Tet-On/Cre induction system in mice, lowered levels of 4-HNE and reduced the proliferation of SMCs. Together, these results demonstrate the critical role of GSTA4 in blocking CKD-induced neointima formation and AVF failure.