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Bello KAS, Wilke MCB, Simões RP, Landim-Vieira M, Langa P, Stefanon I, Vassallo DV, Fernandes AA. Chronic exposure to mercury increases arrhythmia and mortality post-acute myocardial infarction in rats. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1260509. [PMID: 37929206 PMCID: PMC10622797 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1260509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that causes a variety of toxic effects in eukaryotic cells. Previous studies have reported detrimental effects of mercury toxicity in the cardiovascular system. Given the importance of understanding the relationship between Hg and cardiovascular disease, we sought to investigate if the Hg could worsen the myocardial repercussions following ischemic injury. We demonstrated that once mercury toxicity is established, it can influence the outcome of myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Male Wistar rats received intramuscular injections of either saline (NaCl 0.9%) or mercuric chloride (HgCl2, first dose of 4.6 μg/kg, and subsequent doses of 0.07 μg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Three weeks post-exposure, we induced transmural infarction in the left ventricle free wall through coronary artery occlusion surgery. Results: ECG recordings obtained from MI groups demonstrated alterations in the rhythm of the heartbeat/heart electrical activity, as expected, including ventricular extrasystoles and ventricular tachycardia. However, the MI group exposed to Hg (MI-Hg) exhibited augmented ventricular extrasystoles and ventricular tachycardia compared to the MI group. Also, Basckó coefficient revealed that the arrhythmic events-after MI-were aggravated by Hg exposure. Discussion: Our results indicate that the significantly increased mortality in MI-Hg groups when compared to MI (21%, MI vs 32%, MI-Hg) is correlated with greater occurrence of arrhythmias. In conclusion, this study further supports the idea that exposure to mercury (Hg) should be recognized as a significant risk factor that exacerbates the impact of cardiac ischemic injury, potentially leading to an increased mortality rate among patients experiencing acute MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren A. S. Bello
- Department of Physiological Sciences of the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara B. Wilke
- Department of Physiological Sciences of the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Rakel P. Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences of the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Maicon Landim-Vieira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Paulina Langa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ivanita Stefanon
- Department of Physiological Sciences of the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences of the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Aurélia Araújo Fernandes
- Department of Physiological Sciences of the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
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Ferroptosis as a mechanism of non-ferrous metal toxicity. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2391-2417. [PMID: 35727353 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03317-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of regulated cell death, implicated in multiple pathologies. Given that the toxicity elicited by some metals is linked to alterations in iron metabolism and induction of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, ferroptosis might be involved in such toxicity. Although direct evidence is insufficient, certain pioneering studies have demonstrated a crosstalk between metal toxicity and ferroptosis. Specifically, the mechanisms underlying metal-induced ferroptosis include induction of ferritinophagy, increased DMT-1 and TfR cellular iron uptake, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) generation, inhibition of Xc-system and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity, altogether resulting in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. In addition, there is direct evidence of the role of ferroptosis in the toxicity of arsenic, cadmium, zinc, manganese, copper, and aluminum exposure. In contrast, findings on the impact of cobalt and nickel on ferroptosis are scant and nearly lacking altogether for mercury and especially lead. Other gaps in the field include limited studies on the role of metal speciation in ferroptosis and the critical cellular targets. Although further detailed studies are required, it seems reasonable to propose even at this early stage that ferroptosis may play a significant role in metal toxicity, and its modulation may be considered as a potential therapeutic tool for the amelioration of metal toxicity.
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Schereider IRG, Vassallo DV, Simões MR. Chronic mercury exposure induces oxidative stress in female rats by endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling and cyclooxygenase-2 activation, without affecting oestrogen receptor function. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 129:470-485. [PMID: 34491608 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mercury has been shown to be a significant health risk factor and is positively associated with cardiovascular diseases. Evidence reveals that men are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases than women during reproductive age. However, the effects of mercury in females remain poorly investigated, despite the finding that female hormones demonstrate a cardioprotective role. In the present study, we evaluated whether chronic mercury chloride exposure could alter blood pressure and vascular function of the female rat aorta. Ten-week-old female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (vehicle) and mercury treated (first dose of 4.6 μg/kg, subsequent daily doses of 0.07 μg/kg), im. Mercury treatment did not modify systolic blood pressure (SBP) but increased vascular reactivity due to the reduction of nitric oxide bioavailability associated with the increase in reactive oxygen species from endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling. Furthermore, increased participation of the cyclooxygenase-2 pathway occurred through an imbalance in thromboxane 2 and prostacyclin 2. However, the oestrogen signalling pathway was not altered in either group. These results demonstrated that chronic exposure to mercury in females induced endothelial dysfunction and, consequently, increased aortic vascular reactivity, causing vascular damage to the female rat aorta and representing a risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil.,Health Science Center of Vitória, School of Sciences of Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória - EMESCAM, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Maylla Ronacher Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
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Escobar AG, Rizzetti DA, Piagette JT, Peçanha FM, Vassallo DV, Miguel M, Wiggers GA. Antioxidant Properties of Egg White Hydrolysate Prevent Mercury-Induced Vascular Damage in Resistance Arteries. Front Physiol 2020; 11:595767. [PMID: 33329045 PMCID: PMC7714919 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.595767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We investigated the antioxidant protective power of egg white hydrolysate (EWH) against the vascular damage induced by mercury chloride (HgCl2) exposure in resistance arteries. Methods: Male Wistar rats received for 60 days: (I) intramuscular injections (i.m.) of saline and tap water by gavage - Untreated group; (II) 4.6 μg/kg of HgCl2 i.m. for the first dose and subsequent doses of 0.07 μg/kg/day and tap water by gavage - HgCl2 group; (III) saline i.m. and 1 g/kg/day of EWH by gavage - EWH group, or (IV) the combination of the HgCl2 i.m. and EWH by gavage - EWH + HgCl2 group. Blood pressure (BP) was indirectly measured and dose-response curves to acetylcholine (ACh), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and noradrenaline (NE) were assessed in mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA), as in situ production of superoxide anion, nitric oxide (NO) release, vascular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant status. Results: Egg white hydrolysate prevented the elevation in BP and the vascular dysfunction after HgCl2 exposure; restored the NO-mediated endothelial modulation and inhibited the oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways induced by HgCl2. Conclusion: Egg white hydrolysate seems to be a useful functional food to prevent HgCl2-induced vascular toxic effects in MRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyne Goulart Escobar
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Multicentric Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
| | - Danize Aparecida Rizzetti
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Multicentric Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
| | - Janaina Trindade Piagette
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Multicentric Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
| | - Franck Maciel Peçanha
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Multicentric Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
| | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo and School of Medicine of Santa Casa de Misericórdia (EMESCAM), Vitória, Brazil
| | - Marta Miguel
- Bioactivity and Food Analysis Department, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giulia Alessandra Wiggers
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Multicentric Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brazil
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Chronic Mercury Exposure in Prehypertensive SHRs Accelerates Hypertension Development and Activates Vasoprotective Mechanisms by Increasing NO and H 2O 2 Production. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2020; 20:197-210. [PMID: 31338744 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-019-09545-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mercury is a heavy metal associated with cardiovascular diseases. Studies have reported increased vascular reactivity without changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) after chronic mercury chloride (HgCl2) exposure, an inorganic form of the metal, in normotensive rats. However, we do not know whether individuals in the prehypertensive phase, such as young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), are susceptible to increased arterial blood pressure. We investigated whether chronic HgCl2 exposure in young SHRs accelerates hypertension development by studying the vascular function of mesenteric resistance arteries (MRAs) and SBP in young SHRs during the prehypertensive phase. Four-week-old male SHRs were divided into two groups: the SHR control group (vehicle) and the SHR HgCl2 group (4 weeks of exposure). The results showed that HgCl2 treatment accelerated the development of hypertension; reduced vascular reactivity to phenylephrine in MRAs; increased nitric oxide (NO) generation; promoted vascular dysfunction by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); increased Gp91Phox protein levels and in situ levels of superoxide anion (O2·-); and reduced vasoconstrictor prostanoid production compared to vehicle treatment. Although HgCl2 accelerated the development of hypertension, the HgCl2-exposed animals also exhibited a vasoprotective mechanism to counterbalance the rapid increase in SBP by decreasing vascular reactivity through H2O2 and NO overproduction. Our results suggest that HgCl2 exposure potentiates this vasoprotective mechanism against the early establishment of hypertension. Therefore, we are concluding that chronic exposure to HgCl2 in prehypertensive animals could enhance the risk for cardiovascular diseases.
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Wang Z, Wu Y, Zhang S, Zhao Y, Yin X, Wang W, Ma X, Liu H. The role of NO-cGMP pathway inhibition in vascular endothelial-dependent smooth muscle relaxation disorder of AT1-AA positive rats: protective effects of adiponectin. Nitric Oxide 2019; 87:10-22. [PMID: 30831264 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibodies (AT1-AA) cause endothelial-dependent smooth muscle relaxation disorder. It is well understood that impairment of the NO-cGMP signaling pathway is one of the mechanisms of endothelial-dependent smooth muscle relaxation disorder. However, it is still unclear whether AT1-AA induces endothelial-dependent smooth muscle relaxation disorder via the impairment of the NO-cGMP signaling pathway. In addition, adiponectin exerts vascular endothelial protection through the NO-cGMP signaling pathway. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to assess the mechanism of vascular endothelial-dependent smooth muscle relaxation disorder induced by AT1-AA and the role of adiponectin in attenuating this dysregulation. Serum endothelin-1 (ET-1), adiponectin and AT1-AA were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In preeclamptic patients, there was an increased level of AT1-AA, which was positively correlated with ET-1 and negatively correlated with adiponectin, as elevated levels of ET-1 suggested endothelial injury. AT1-AA-positive animal models were actively immunized with the second extracellular loop of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R-ECII) for eight weeks. In thoracic aortas of AT1-AA positive rats, ET-1 was elevated, endothelium-dependent vasodilation was decreased. Paradoxically, as the upstream element of the NO-cGMP signaling pathway, NO production was not decreased but increased, and the ratio of p-VASP/VASP, an established biochemical endpoint of NO-cGMP signaling pathway, was reduced. Moreover, the levels of nitrotyrosine and gp91phox which indicate the presence of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) and superoxide anion (O2·-) were increased. Pretreatment with the ONOO- scavenger FeTMPyP or O2·-scavenger Tempol normalized vasorelaxation. Key enzymes responsible for NO synthesis were also assessed. iNOS protein expression was increased, but p-eNOS(Ser1177)/eNOS was reduced. Preincubation with the iNOS inhibitor 1400 W or eNOS agonist nebivolol restored vasorelaxation. Further experiments showed levels of p-AMPKα (Thr172)/AMPKα, which controls iNOS expression and eNOS activity, to have been reduced. Furthermore, levels of the upstream component of AMPK, adiponectin, was reduced in sera of AT1-AA positive rats and supplementation of adiponectin significantly decreased ET-1 contents, improved endothelial-dependent vasodilation, reduced NO production, elevated p-VASP/VASP, inhibited protein expression of nitrotyrosine and gp91phox, reduced iNOS overexpression, and increased eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 in the thoracic aorta of AT1-AA positive rats. These results established that impairment NO-cGMP pathway may aggravate the endothelial-dependent smooth muscle relaxation disorder in AT1-AA positive rats and adiponectin improved endothelial-dependent smooth muscle relaxation disorder by enhancing NO-cGMP pathway. This discovery may shed a novel light on clinical treatment of vascular diseases associated with AT1-AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ye Wu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Suli Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yuhui Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaochen Yin
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xinliang Ma
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadephia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Huirong Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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