Modulation of the heme oxygenase HO-1 expression by hyperosmolarity and betaine in primary rat hepatocytes

The influence of hyperosmotic shrinkage and the osmolyte betaine on heme oxygenase HO-1 expression was studied in cultured rat hepatocytes. Hyperosmolarity transiently suppressed HO-1 induction in response to hemin or medium addition at the levels of mRNA and protein expression. Pretreatment of the cells with betaine largely restored induction of both HO-1 mRNA and protein under hyperosmotic conditions. Exposure of HO-1-expressing hepatocytes to cycloheximide unraveled a hyperosmotic acceleration of HO-1 degradation which was counteracted by betaine and the proteolysis inhibitor MG-132. The HO-1 mRNA stability remained unaffected by hyperosmolarity and betaine as shown by application of the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D. The data suggest a modulation of HO-1 expression by hyperosmolarity and betaine at the transcriptional level and at the level of proteasomal degradation. Hyperosmotic suppression of HO-1 expression was accompanied by a moderate but significant loss of hepatocyte viability, which was prevented by betaine. The hyperosmotic impairment of hepatocyte viability was insensitive to betaine in presence of the heme oxygenase inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX. However, treatment of the hepatocytes with bilirubin or 8-Br-cGMP improved hepatocyte viability under hyperosmotic conditions to the control niveau. Thus, stabilizing HO-1 expression may contribute to hepatocyte protection against hyperosmotic stress by organic osmolytes.