The pregnane X receptor and its microbiota-derived ligand indole 3-propionic acid regulate endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

We proposed that circulating metabolites generated by the intestinal microbiota can affect vascular function. One such metabolite, indole 3-propionic acid (IPA), can activate the pregnane X receptor(PXR), a xenobiotic-activated nuclear receptor present in many tissues, including the vascular endothelium. We hypothesized that IPA could regulate vascular function by modulating PXR activity. To test this, Pxr mice were administered broad-spectrum antibiotics for 2 wk with IPA supplementation. Vascular function was evaluated by bioassay using aorta and pulmonary artery ring tissue from antibiotic-treated Pxr and Pxrmice, supplemented with IPA, and using aorta tissue maintained in organ culture for 24 h in the presence of IPA. Endothelium-dependent, nitric oxide(NO)-mediated muscarinic and proteinase-activated receptor 2(PAR2)-stimulated vasodilation was assessed. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) abundance was evaluated in intact tissue or in aorta-derived endothelial cell cultures from Pxr and Pxr mice, and vascular Pxr levels were assessed in tissues obtained from Pxr mice treated with antibiotics and supplemented with IPA. Antibiotic-treated Pxr mice exhibited enhanced agonist-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation, which was phenocopied by tissues from either Pxr or germ-free mice. IPA exposure reduced the vasodilatory responses in isolated and cultured vessels. No effects of IPA were observed for tissues obtained from Pxr mice. Serum nitrate levels were increased in antibiotic-treated Pxrand Pxr mice. eNOS abundance was increased in aorta tissues and cultured endothelium from Pxr mice. PXR stimulation reduced eNOS expression in cultured endothelial cells from Pxr but not Pxr mice. The microbial metabolite IPA, via the PXR, plays a key role in regulating endothelial function. Furthermore, antibiotic treatment changes PXR-mediated vascular endothelial responsiveness by upregulating eNOS.