Aldose reductase mediates endothelial cell dysfunction induced by high uric acid concentrations

BACKGROUND: Uric acid (UA) is an antioxidant found in human serum. However, high UA levels may also have pro-oxidant functions. According to previous research, aldose reductase (AR) plays a vital role in the oxidative stress-related complications of diabetes. We sought to determine the mechanism by which UA becomes deleterious at high concentrations as well as the effect of AR in this process. METHOD: Endothelial cells were divided into three groups cultured without UA or with 300 μM or 600 μM UA. The levels of total reactive oxygen species (ROS), of four ROS components, and of NO and NOX4 expression were measured. Changes in the above molecules were detected upon inhibiting NOX4 or AR, and serum H(2)O(2) and vWF levels were measured in vivo. RESULTS: Increased AR expression in high UA-treated endothelial cells enhanced ROS production by activating NADPH oxidase. These effects were blocked by the AR inhibitor epalrestat. 300 μM UA decreased the levels of the three major reactive oxygen species (ROS) components: O(2)•-, •OH, and (1)O(2). However, when the UA concentration was increased, both O(2)•- levels and downstream H(2)O(2) production significantly increased. Finally, an AR inhibitor reduced H(2)O(2) production in hyperuricemic mice and protected endothelial cell function. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that inhibiting AR or degrading H(2)O(2) could protect endothelial function and maintain the antioxidant activities of UA. These findings provide new insight into the role of UA in chronic kidney disease. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12964-016-0158-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.