NBR1-mediated autophagic degradation of caspase 8 protects vascular endothelial cells against arsenite-induced apoptotic cell death

Vascular endothelial cells play a critical role in maintaining the health of blood vessels, but dysfunction can lead to cardiovascular diseases. The impact of arsenite exposure on cardiovascular health is a significant concern due to its potential adverse effects. This study aims to explore how NBR1-mediated autophagy in vascular endothelial cells can protect against oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by arsenite. Initially, our observations revealed that arsenite exposure increased oxidative stress and triggered apoptotic cell death in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). However, treatment with the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK notably reduced arsenite-induced apoptosis. Additionally, arsenite activated the autophagy pathway and enhanced autophagic flux in HUVECs. Interestingly, inhibition of autophagy exacerbated arsenite-induced apoptotic cell death. Our findings also demonstrated the importance of autophagy receptor NBR1 in arsenite-induced cytotoxicity, as it facilitated the recruitment of caspase 8 to autophagosomes for degradation. The protective effect of NBR1 against arsenite-induced apoptosis was compromised when autophagy was inhibited using pharmacological inhibitors or through genetic knockdown of essential autophagy genes. Conversely, overexpression of NBR1 facilitated caspase 8 degradation and reduced apoptotic cell death in arsenite-treated HUVECs. In conclusion, our study highlights the vital role of NBR1-mediated autophagic degradation of caspase 8 in safeguarding vascular endothelial cells from arsenite-induced oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death. Targeting this pathway could offer a promising therapeutic approach to mitigate cardiovascular diseases associated with arsenite exposure.