The kinin system in hypertensive pathophysiology

Farnesoid X receptor regulates vasoreactivity via Angiotensin II type 2 receptor and the kallikrein-kinin system in vascular endothelial cells

Vascular farnesoid X receptor (FXR) ligands have been shown previously to regulate vascular tension. This study investigated whether FXR activation regulates vasoreactivity via the angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 receptor (AT2 R) and the kallikrein-kinin system in rat aortic vascular endothelial cells (RAECs). Protein abundances of Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1 R), AT2 R, bradykinin type 1/2 receptor (B1 R, B2 R), small heterodimer partner-1 (SHP-1) and the endothelial and inducible NO synthases (eNOS/iNOS) were analysed by Western blotting. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyse expression of eNOS and iNOS mRNA. Kallikrein activity and bradykinin content were assayed using spectrophotometry and a bradykinin assay kit, respectively. Aortic vasoconstriction and vasodilation were also investigated following FXR activation in the presence or absence of AT2 R and B2 R blockade. It was found that the FXR agonists GW4064 and INT-747, in a dose-dependent manner, increased the protein abundance of AT2 R, B2 R and SHP-1 and decreased that of AT1 R. AT2 R blockade with PD123319 reversed effects of FXR agonists on kallikrein activity and levels of SHP-1, B2 R and bradykinin. Moreover, it was found that GW4064 and INT-747 upregulated expression of eNOS and enhanced NOS activity, which attenuated vasoconstriction and induced vasodilation, respectively. These effects were partially reversed by PD123319 and by B2 R blockade with HOE140. The current work suggests that FXR regulates vascular tension by controlling the eNOS-NO system via activation of a pathway mediated by AT2 R-B2 R pathway in RAECs.

Altered activities of kininase II, an angiotensin converting enzyme, prekallikrein, and nitric oxide in Kuwaiti patients with type 2 diabetes

The current investigation was conducted to examine kininase II or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), plasma prekallikrein (PK), and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in healthy Kuwaiti subjects and newly diagnosed Kuwaiti type 2 diabetic patients before and after treatment for 6 weeks with metformin hydrochloride 500 mg twice daily after meal. With the consent of volunteers, blood and urine samples were collected after an overnight fasting. Samples were collected from the diabetic patients before and after treatment for 6 weeks. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out on the aliquoted samples to measure the concentration of kininase II. NO was detected via colorimetry. Plasma Kininase II or ACE levels were significantly ( P <0.01) increased by 18% in untreated diabetics when compared with healthy volunteers. However, after treatment there was a significant decrease of 20% in their ACE levels. Plasma prekallikrein levels were raised significantly ( P <0.01) by 28% in diabetic patients in contrast with the control subjects and the levels were significantly reduced ( P <0.0001) by 44% after treatment with metformin hydrochloride. NO levels were found to be significantly decreased in plasma by 56% and in urine by 62% in untreated diabetic patients as compared with the healthy subjects. However, when the treated diabetic patients were compared with untreated diabetics, there was an increase of 50% in plasma and 37% in urine samples. The high levels of kininase II, prekallikrein, and reduced NO may be partly responsible for the induction of renal, cardiac, and hypertensive complications associated with type 2 diabetes. Reduced NO level is an indication of endothelial dysfunction resulting in increased blood pressure. Oral anti-diabetic treatment is associated with protective effects through the reduction of kininase II (ACE), prekallikrein, and elevation of NO levels.