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Martins AC, Santos AAD, Lopes ACBA, Skalny AV, Aschner M, Tinkov AA, Paoliello MMB. Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Cadmium and Mercury and its Relationship to Hypertension. Curr Hypertens Rev 2021; 17:14-26. [PMID: 33475076 DOI: 10.2174/1573402117666210121102405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is an important public health concern that affects millions globally, leading to a large number of morbidities and fatalities. The etiology of hypertension is complex and multifactorial, and it involves environmental factors, including heavy metals. Cadmium and mercury are toxic elements commonly found in the environment, contributing to hypertension. We aimed to assess the role of cadmium and mercury-induced endothelial dysfunction in the development of hypertension. A narrative review was carried out through database searches. In this review, we discussed the critical roles of cadmium and mercury in the etiology of hypertension and provided new insights into potential mechanisms of their effect, focusing primarily on endothelial dysfunction. Although the mechanisms by which cadmium and mercury induce hypertension have yet to be completely elucidated, evidence for both implicates impaired nitric oxide signaling in their hypertensive etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airton C Martins
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Alessanda A D Santos
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Ana C B A Lopes
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Center of Health Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Anatoly V Skalny
- Medical Elementology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- Medical Elementology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Monica M B Paoliello
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
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Miguel M, Vassallo DV, Wiggers GA. Bioactive Peptides and Hydrolysates from Egg Proteins as a New Tool for Protection Against Cardiovascular Problems. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 26:3676-3683. [PMID: 32216734 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200327181458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present work is to review the potential beneficial effects of dietary supplementation with bioactive egg protein hydrolysates or peptides on cardiometabolic changes associated with oxidative stress. The development of nutritionally improved food products designed to address specific health concerns is of particular interest because many bioactive food compounds can be potentially useful in various physiological functions such as for reducing oxidative stress. The results presented suggest that egg hydrolysates or derived peptides could be included in the diet to prevent and/or reduce some cardiometabolic complications associated with oxidative stress-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Miguel
- Bioactivity and Food Analysis Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación em Ciencias de la Alimentación, Nicolás Cabrera, 9, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dalton V Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo and School of Medicine of Santa Casa de Misericordia (EMESCAM), Av. Marechal Campos 1468, Zip Code: 29040-090, Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Giulia A Wiggers
- Cardiovascular Physiology Research Group, Federal University of Pampa, BR 472 - Km 592 - PO box 118. Zip Code: 97500-970, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Simões RP, Fardin PBA, Simões MR, Vassallo DV, Padilha AS. Long-term Mercury Exposure Accelerates the Development of Hypertension in Prehypertensive Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Inducing Endothelial Dysfunction: the Role of Oxidative Stress and Cyclooxygenase-2. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 196:565-578. [PMID: 31745719 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01952-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mercury is a metal widely dispersed in nature that when in contact with human organism, it damages the cardiovascular system. Long-term mercury exposure for 30 days induces endothelial dysfunction without blood pressure changes in normotensive adult rats. However, it is not known whether exposure to mercury can exacerbate endothelial dysfunction and hypertension development in predisposed animals. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of long-term mercury exposure on the blood pressure (BP) and in the isolated aortas of young normotensive and prehypertensive spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Four-week-old male Wistar rats and SHRs were treated daily with mercury chloride (HgCl2) (1st dose, 4.6 μg/kg; subsequent dose, 0.07 μg/kg/day, im, 30 days) or vehicle. BP was assessed weekly and the vascular reactivity to phenylephrine was evaluated in isolated aorta from rats exposed or not to mercury. Mercury exposure did not affect BP in young Wistar rats but accelerated the development of hypertension in young SHRs. Vascular reactivity to phenylephrine increased only in the aorta from mercury-exposed SHRs. While HgCl2 exposure in SHRs did not alter nitric oxide production, we observed increased superoxide anion production and decreased superoxide dismutase-1 protein expression, and enhanced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) participation with increased prostaglandin (PGE2) production and decreased prostacyclin. In the Wistar group, mercury exposure did not alter superoxide anion production or the COX-2 pathway. Mercury exposure accelerated the natural course of hypertension in young SHRs and increased oxidative stress associated with reduced participation of antioxidant enzymes, an activated COX-2 pathway, thereby producing endothelial dysfunction, which is a risk factor in prehypertensive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakel Passos Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, ES, 29040-091, Brazil
| | - Paloma Batista Almeida Fardin
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, ES, 29040-091, Brazil
| | - Maylla Ronacher Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, ES, 29040-091, Brazil
| | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, ES, 29040-091, Brazil
- School of Sciences of Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitoria- EMESCAM, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Simão Padilha
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, ES, 29040-091, Brazil.
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Cordeiro ER, Filetti FM, Simões MR, Vassallo DV. Mercury induces nuclear estrogen receptors to act as vasoconstrictors promoting endothelial denudation via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 381:114710. [PMID: 31415774 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.114710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are more frequent among postmenopausal women due to the decline of estrogen concentration in plasma. However, the role of the vascular modulator effect of estrogen is controversial, since it occurs both in physiological and pathological conditions, increasing or reducing vascular reactivity. As mercury is widely associated with the development of CVD, we investigated putative hazardous effects on the mechanisms that modulate vascular reactivity in aortic rings of female Wistar rats promoted by acute mercury exposure. Mercury increased vascular reactivity and oxidative stress possibly due to NADPH oxidase participation, increased production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) formation. The metal also induced endothelial denudation in the aorta by reducing the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and enhancing the activity of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Mercury exposure also induced nuclear estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ) to act as vasoconstrictors. Our findings suggest that mercury might increase the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases in females and should be considered an important environmental risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evellyn Rodrigues Cordeiro
- Dept. of Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES CEP 29043-900, Brazil
| | - Filipe Martinuzo Filetti
- Dept. of Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES CEP 29043-900, Brazil
| | - Maylla Ronacher Simões
- Dept. of Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES CEP 29043-900, Brazil
| | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Dept. of Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES CEP 29043-900, Brazil; Health Science Center of Vitória-EMESCAM, Vitória, ES CEP 29045-402, Brazil.
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Rizzetti DA, Corrales P, Piagette JT, Uranga-Ocio JA, Medina-Gomez G, Peçanha FM, Vassallo DV, Miguel M, Wiggers GA. Chronic mercury at low doses impairs white adipose tissue plasticity. Toxicology 2019; 418:41-50. [PMID: 30807803 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The toxic effects of mercury (Hg) are involved in homeostasis of energy systems such as lipid and glucose metabolism, and white adipose tissue dysfunction is considered as a central mechanism leading to metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the effects of chronic inorganic Hg exposure at low doses on the lipid and glycemic metabolism. METHODS Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups and treated for 60 days with: saline solution, i.m. (Untreated) and mercury chloride, i.m. - 1st dose 4.6 μg/kg, subsequent doses 0.07 μg/kg/day - (Mercury). Histological analyses, Hg levels measurement and GRP78, CHOP, PPARα, PPARγ, leptin, adiponectin and CD11 mRNA expressions were performed in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). Glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and insulin plasma levels were also measured. RESULTS Hg exposure reduced the absolute and relative eWAT weights, adipocyte size, plasma insulin levels, glucose tolerance, antioxidant defenses and increased plasma glucose and triglyceride levels. In addition, CHOP, GRP78, PPARα, PPARγ, leptin and adiponectin mRNA expressions were increased in Hg-treated animals. No differences in Hg concentration were found in eWAT between the untreated and Hg groups. These results suggest that the reduction in adipocyte size is related to the impaired antioxidant defenses, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the disrupted PPARs and adipokines mRNA expression induced by the metal in eWAT. These disturbances possibly induced a decrease in circulating insulin levels, an imbalance between lipolysis and lipogenesis mechanisms in eWAT, with an increase in fatty acids mobilization, a reduction in glucose uptake and an activation of pro-apoptotic pathways, leading to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. CONCLUSIONS Hg is a powerful environmental WAT disruptor that influences signaling events and impairs metabolic activity and hormonal balance of adipocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danize Aparecida Rizzetti
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Polytechnic School, Federal University of Santa Maria, Av. Roraima, n° 1000, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Patricia Corrales
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Antenas s/n, Alcorcón, Spain.
| | - Janaina Trindade Piagette
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | | | - Gema Medina-Gomez
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Antenas s/n, Alcorcón, Spain.
| | - Franck Maciel Peçanha
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Cardiac Electromechanical and Vascular Reactivity Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil.
| | - Marta Miguel
- Bioactivity and Food Analysis Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, Nicolás Cabrera, 9, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Giulia Alessandra Wiggers
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Vassallo DV, Simões MR, Giuberti K, Azevedo BF, Ribeiro Junior RF, Salaices M, Stefanon I. Effects of Chronic Exposure to Mercury on Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activity and Oxidative Stress in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats. Arq Bras Cardiol 2019; 112:374-380. [PMID: 30624528 PMCID: PMC6459440 DOI: 10.5935/abc.20180271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury's deleterious effects are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. OBJECTIVE To determine whether chronic exposure to inorganic mercury increases the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme and its relationship with oxidative stress in several organs and tissues. METHODS We studied male Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) (3-month-old) exposed or not to HgCl2 for 30 days. At the end of treatment, we investigated the following: changes in body weight, hemodynamic parameters, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and oxidative stress in the heart, aorta, lung, brain and kidney in hypertensive compared to normotensive animals. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Chronic exposure to HgCl2 did not affect weight gain in either group. Systolic blood pressure, measured weekly, did not increase in Wistar rats but showed a small increase in SHR rats. We also observed increases in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and ACE activity in the plasma and hearts of normotensive rats. In the SHR+Hg group, ACE activity increased in plasma but decreased in kidney, lung, heart, brain and aorta. Oxidative stress was assessed indirectly by malondialdehyde (MDA) production, which increased in Hg-treated rats in both plasma and heart. In the SHR+Hg group, MDA increased in heart and aorta and decreased in lungs and brain. CONCLUSION These results suggest that chronic exposure to inorganic mercury aggravates hypertension and produces more expressive changes in ACE activity and oxidative stress in SHRs. Such exposure affects the cardiovascular system, representing a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disorders in normotensive rats and worsening of pre-existing risks for hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo,Vitória, ES - Brazil.,Centro de Ciências da Saúde de Vitória - Escola Superior de Ciências da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória (EMESCAM), Vitória, ES - Brazil
| | - Maylla Ronacher Simões
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo,Vitória, ES - Brazil
| | - Karina Giuberti
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo,Vitória, ES - Brazil
| | - Bruna Fernandes Azevedo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo,Vitória, ES - Brazil
| | | | - Mercedes Salaices
- Departamento de Farmacologia - Universidade Autônoma de Madri - Espanha Instituto de Investigación Sanitária Hospital La Paz, Madri - Spain.,CIBER de Enfermidades Cardiovasculares, Madri - Spain
| | - Ivanita Stefanon
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas - Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo,Vitória, ES - Brazil
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Botelho T, Marques VB, Simões MR, do Val Lima PR, Simões FV, Vassallo DV, dos Santos L. Impaired participation of potassium channels and Na+
/K+
-ATPase in vasodilatation due to reduced nitric oxide bioavailability in rats exposed to mercury. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2018; 124:190-198. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiani Botelho
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Brazil
| | - Vinícius B. Marques
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Brazil
| | - Maylla R. Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Brazil
| | | | - Fabiana V. Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Brazil
| | - Dalton V. Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Brazil
- Health Science Center of Vitória-EMESCAM; Vitória Brazil
| | - Leonardo dos Santos
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Brazil
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Reactive oxygen species impair the excitation-contraction coupling of papillary muscles after acute exposure to a high copper concentration. Toxicol In Vitro 2018; 51:106-113. [PMID: 29772264 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Copper is an essential metal for homeostasis and the functioning of living organisms. We investigated the effects of a high copper concentration on the myocardial mechanics, investigating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated effects. The developed force of papillary muscles was reduced after acute exposure to a high copper concentration and was prevented by co-incubation with tempol, DMSO and catalase. The reuptake of calcium by the sarcoplasmic reticulum was reduced by copper and restored by tempol. The contractile response to Ca2+ was reduced and reversed by antioxidants. The response to the β-adrenergic agonist decreased after exposure to copper and was restored by tempol and catalase. In addition, the in situ detection showed increased O2·- and OH·. Contractions dependent on the sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx were impaired by copper and restored by antioxidants. Myosin-ATPase activity decreased significantly after copper exposure. In conclusion, a high copper concentration can acutely impair myocardial excitation-contraction coupling, reduce the capacity to generate force, reduce the Ca2+ inflow and its reuptake, and reduce myosin-ATPase activity, and these effects are mediated by the local production of O2·-, OH· and H2O2. These toxicity effects of copper overload suggest that copper is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
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Gökçe G, Arun MZ, Ertuna E. Ergothioneine prevents endothelial dysfunction induced by mercury chloride. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:4697-4702. [PMID: 29805489 PMCID: PMC5958736 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to mercury has detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system, particularly the vascular endothelium. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ergothioneine (EGT) on endothelial dysfunction induced by low-dose mercury chloride (HgCl2). Agonist-induced contractions and relaxations were evaluated in isolated aortic rings from 3-month-old male Wistar rats treated by intra-muscular injection to caudal hind leg muscle with HgCl2 (first dose, 4.6 µg/kg; subsequent doses, 0.07 µg/kg/day for 15 days) and optionally with EGT (2 µg/kg for 30 days). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aortic rings were measured by means of lucigenin- and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence. The protein level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase was evaluated by ELISA. Blood glutathione (GSH) and catalase levels, lipid peroxidation and total nitrite were measured spectrophotometrically. The results indicated that low-dose HgCl2 administration impaired acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation and potentiated phenylephrine- and serotonin-induced contractions in rat aortas. In addition, HgCl2 significantly increased the levels of ROS in the aortic tissue. EGT prevented the loss of ACh-induced relaxations and the increase in contractile responses. These effects were accompanied by a significant decrease in ROS levels. EGT also improved the ratio of reduced GSH to oxidized GSH and catalase levels with a concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to report that EGT prevents endothelial dysfunction induced by low-dose HgCl2 administration. EGT may serve as a therapeutic tool to reduce mercury-associated cardiovascular complications via improving the antioxidant status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Göksel Gökçe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir 35040, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Zuhuri Arun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir 35040, Turkey
| | - Elif Ertuna
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir 35040, Turkey
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Rizzetti DA, da Silva TM, Escobar AG, Piagette J, Peçanha FM, Vassallo DV, Alonso MJ, Salaices M, Wiggers GA. Mercury-induced vascular dysfunction is mediated by angiotensin II AT-1 receptor upregulation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 162:287-296. [PMID: 29407760 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Low doses of mercury (Hg) promote deleterious effects on cardiovascular system, but the mechanisms implicated remain unclear. This study analyzed whether angiotensin II AT-1 receptors are involved in the vascular dysfunction caused by chronic exposure to low HgCl2 doses. For this, rats were divided into four groups and untreated (saline by im injections and tap water by gavage) or treated for 30 days as follows: Mercury (HgCl2im, first dose of 4.6 µg kg-1 and subsequent doses of 0.07 µg kg-1 day-1, and tap water by gavage); Losartan (saline im and losartan, 15 mg kg-1 day-1, by gavage); Losartan-Mercury (HgCl2im and Losartan by gavage). Systolic blood pressure was measured by tail plethysmography, vascular reactivity in aorta by isolated organ bath, oxidative stress by measuring the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and protein expression of AT-1 receptors by Western Blot. As results, co-treatment with losartan prevented the increased aortic vasoconstrictor responses to phenylephrine (Phe), the involvement of ROS and prostanoids on the response to Phe and the reduced negative endothelial modulation by nitric oxide on these responses. Moreover, this co-treatment avoided the increase in plasmatic and vascular oxidative stress and AT-1 protein expression in aorta. In conclusion, these results suggest that AT-1 receptors upregulation might play a key role in the vascular damage induced by Hg exposure by increasing oxidative stress and probably by reducing NO bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danize A Rizzetti
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Taiz M da Silva
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Alyne G Escobar
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Janaina Piagette
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Franck M Peçanha
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Dalton V Vassallo
- Cardiac Electromechanical and Vascular Reactivity Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Marechal Campos, 1468 Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Maria J Alonso
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/ Atenas s/n, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Mercedes Salaices
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giulia A Wiggers
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Egg white-derived peptides prevent cardiovascular disorders induced by mercury in rats: Role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and NADPH oxidase. Toxicol Lett 2017; 281:158-174. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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12
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Rizzetti DA, Torres JGD, Escobar AG, da Silva TM, Moraes PZ, Hernanz R, Peçanha FM, Castro MM, Vassallo DV, Salaices M, Alonso MJ, Wiggers GA. The cessation of the long-term exposure to low doses of mercury ameliorates the increase in systolic blood pressure and vascular damage in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 155:182-192. [PMID: 28222365 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to verify whether a prolonged exposure to low-level mercury promotes haemodynamic disorders and studied the reversibility of this vascular damage. Rats were divided into seven groups: three control groups received saline solution (im) for 30, 60 or 90 days; two groups received HgCl2 (im, first dose, 4.6μg/kg, subsequent doses 0.07μg/kg/day) for 30 or 60 days; two groups received HgCl2 for 30 or 60 days (im, same doses) followed by a 30-day washout period. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured, along with analysis of vascular response to acetylcholine (ACh) and phenylephrine (Phe) in the absence and presence of endothelium, a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, superoxide dismutase, a non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor and an AT1 receptor blocker. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and antioxidant power were measured in plasma. HgCl2 exposure for 30 and 60 days: a) reduced the endothelium-dependent relaxation; b) increased the Phe-induced contraction and the contribution of ROS, COX-derived vasoconstrictor prostanoids and angiotensin II acting on AT1 receptors to this response while the NO participation was reduced; c) increased the oxidative stress in plasma; d) increased the SBP only after 60 days of exposure. After the cessation of HgCl2 exposure, SBP, endothelium-dependent relaxation, Phe-induced contraction and the oxidative stress were normalised, despite the persistence of the increased COX-derived prostanoids. These results demonstrated that long-term HgCl2 exposure increases SBP as a consequence of vascular dysfunction; however, after HgCl2 removal from the environment the vascular function ameliorates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alyne Goulart Escobar
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Taiz Martins da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain; Bioactivity and Food Analysis Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, Madrid, Spain; Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paola Zambelli Moraes
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Raquel Hernanz
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Franck Maciel Peçanha
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Marta Miguel Castro
- Bioactivity and Food Analysis Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Mercedes Salaices
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Jesús Alonso
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
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Rizzetti DA, Martinez CS, Escobar AG, da Silva TM, Uranga-Ocio JA, Peçanha FM, Vassallo DV, Castro MM, Wiggers GA. Egg white-derived peptides prevent male reproductive dysfunction induced by mercury in rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2016; 100:253-264. [PMID: 28043836 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress in known to contribute to the male reproductive dysfunction induced by mercury (Hg). Our study tested the hypothesis that the egg white hydrolysate (EWH), a potent antioxidant in vitro, is able to prevent the effects of prolonged Hg exposure on male reproductive system in rats. For this, rats were treated for 60 days with: a) Untreated - saline solution (i.m.); b) Hydrolysate - EWH (1 g/kg/day, gavage); c) Mercury - HgCl2 (1st dose 4.6 μg/kg, subsequent doses 0.07 μg/kg/day, i.m.); d) Hydrolysate-Mercury. At the end of the treatment, sperm motility, count and morphological studies were performed; Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capacity, histological and immunohistochemical assays on testis and epididymis were also carried out. As results, HgCl2-treatment decreased sperm number, increased sperm transit time in epididymis and impaired sperm morphology. However, these harmful effects were prevented by EWH. HgCl2-treatment also increased ROS levels, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity in testis and epididymis as well as promoted testicular inflammation and histological changes in epididymis. EWH improved histological and immunohistochemical alterations, probably due to its antioxidant property. In conclusion, the EWH could represent a powerful natural alternative to protect the male reproductive system against Hg-induced sperm toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danize Aparecida Rizzetti
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Caroline Silveira Martinez
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Alyne Goulart Escobar
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Taiz Martins da Silva
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Franck Maciel Peçanha
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Cardiac Electromechanical and Vascular Reactivity Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Marta Miguel Castro
- Bioactivity and Food Analysis Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, Nicolás Cabrera, 9, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giulia Alessandra Wiggers
- Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 592, Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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14
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Rizzetti DA, Altermann CDC, Martinez CS, Peçanha FM, Vassallo DV, Uranga-Ocio JA, Castro MM, Wiggers GA, Mello-Carpes PB. Ameliorative effects of egg white hydrolysate on recognition memory impairments associated with chronic exposure to low mercury concentration. Neurochem Int 2016; 101:30-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Simões MR, Azevedo BF, Fiorim J, Jr Freire DD, Covre EP, Vassallo DV, dos Santos L. Chronic mercury exposure impairs the sympathovagal control of the rat heart. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2016; 43:1038-1045. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- MR Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espírito Santo; Vitória ES Brazil
| | - BF Azevedo
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espírito Santo; Vitória ES Brazil
| | - J Fiorim
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espírito Santo; Vitória ES Brazil
| | - DD Jr Freire
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espírito Santo; Vitória ES Brazil
| | - EP Covre
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espírito Santo; Vitória ES Brazil
| | - DV Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espírito Santo; Vitória ES Brazil
- Health Science Centre of Vitória; EMESCAM; Vitória ES Brazil
| | - L dos Santos
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espírito Santo; Vitória ES Brazil
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16
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Rizzetti DA, Fernandez F, Moreno S, Uranga Ocio JA, Peçanha FM, Vera G, Vassallo DV, Castro MM, Wiggers GA. Egg white hydrolysate promotes neuroprotection for neuropathic disorders induced by chronic exposure to low concentrations of mercury. Brain Res 2016; 1646:482-489. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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17
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Azevedo BF, Simões MR, Fiorim J, Botelho T, Angeli JK, Vieira JVA, Alonso MJ, Salaices M, dos Santos L, Vassallo DV. Chronic mercury exposure at different concentrations produces opposed vascular responses in rat aorta. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2016; 43:712-9. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- BF Azevedo
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Espirito Santo Brazil
| | - MR Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Espirito Santo Brazil
| | - J Fiorim
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Espirito Santo Brazil
| | - T Botelho
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Espirito Santo Brazil
| | - JK Angeli
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Espirito Santo Brazil
| | - JVA Vieira
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Espirito Santo Brazil
| | - MJ Alonso
- Department of Ciencias Básicas de la Salud; Universidad Rey Juan Carlos; Alcorcón Spain
| | - M Salaices
- Department of Pharmacology; Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ); Madrid Spain
| | - L dos Santos
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Espirito Santo Brazil
| | - DV Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences; Federal University of Espirito Santo; Vitória Espirito Santo Brazil
- Health Science of Vitória-EMESCAM; Vitória Espirito Santo Brazil
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Wildemann TM, Siciliano SD, Weber LP. The mechanisms associated with the development of hypertension after exposure to lead, mercury species or their mixtures differs with the metal and the mixture ratio. Toxicology 2016; 339:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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19
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Saghiri MA, Orangi J, Asatourian A, Sorenson CM, Sheibani N. Functional role of inorganic trace elements in angiogenesis part III: (Ti, Li, Ce, As, Hg, Va, Nb and Pb). Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2015; 98:290-301. [PMID: 26638864 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Many essential elements exist in nature with significant influence on human health. Angiogenesis is vital in developmental, repair, and regenerative processes, and its aberrant regulation contributes to pathogenesis of many diseases including cancer. Thus, it is of great importance to explore the role of these elements in such a vital process. This is third in a series of reviews that serve as an overview of the role of inorganic elements in regulation of angiogenesis and vascular function. Here we will review the roles of titanium, lithium, cerium, arsenic, mercury, vanadium, niobium, and lead in these processes. The roles of other inorganic elements in angiogenesis were discussed in part I (N, Fe, Se, P, Au, and Ca) and part II (Cr, Si, Zn, Cu, and S) of these series. The methods of exposure, structure, mechanisms, and potential activities of these elements are briefly discussed. An electronic search was performed on the role of these elements in angiogenesis from January 2005 to April 2014. These elements can promote and/or inhibit angiogenesis through different mechanisms. The anti-angiogenic effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles comes from the inhibition of angiogenic processes, and not from its toxicity. Lithium affects vasculogenesis but not angiogenesis. Nanoceria treatment inhibited tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis. Vanadium treatment inhibited cell proliferation and induced cytotoxic effects through interactions with DNA. The negative impact of mercury on endothelial cell migration and tube formation activities was dose and time dependent. Lead induced IL-8 production, which is known to promote tumor angiogenesis. Thus, understanding the impact of these elements on angiogenesis will help in development of new modalities to modulate angiogenesis under various conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Saghiri
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Angiogenesis and Regenerative Group, Dr. H. Afsar Lajevardi Research Cluster, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Jafar Orangi
- Angiogenesis and Regenerative Group, Dr. H. Afsar Lajevardi Research Cluster, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Armen Asatourian
- Angiogenesis and Regenerative Group, Dr. H. Afsar Lajevardi Research Cluster, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Christine M Sorenson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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Tinkov AA, Ajsuvakova OP, Skalnaya MG, Popova EV, Sinitskii AI, Nemereshina ON, Gatiatulina ER, Nikonorov AA, Skalny AV. Mercury and metabolic syndrome: a review of experimental and clinical observations. Biometals 2015; 28:231-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s10534-015-9823-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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21
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Faria TDO, Costa GP, Almenara CCP, Angeli JK, Vassallo DV, Stefanon I, Vassallo PF. Chronic exposure to low doses of HgCl2 avoids calcium handling impairment in the right ventricle after myocardial infarction in rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95639. [PMID: 24748367 PMCID: PMC3991698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Right ventricle systolic dysfunction is a major risk factor for death and heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI). Heavy metal exposure has been associated with the development of several cardiovascular diseases, such as MI. The aim of this study was to investigate whether chronic exposure to low doses of mercury chloride (HgCl2) enhances the functional deterioration of right ventricle strips after MI. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (vehicle); HgCl2 (exposure during 4 weeks- 1st dose 4.6 µg/kg, subsequent dose 0.07 µg/kg/day, i.m. to cover daily loss); MI surgery induced and HgCl2-MI groups. One week after MI, the morphological and hemodynamic measurements and isometric tension of right ventricle strips were investigated. The chronic HgCl2 exposure did not worsen the injury compared with MI alone in the morphological or hemodynamic parameters evaluated. At basal conditions, despite similar maximum isometric force at L-max, relaxation time was increased in the MI group but unaffected in the HgCl2-MI compared to the Control group. Impairment of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function and reduction in the sarcolemmal calcium influx were observed in MI group associated with SERCA2a reduction and increased PLB protein expression. Induction of MI in chronic HgCl2 exposed rats did not cause any alteration in the developed force at L-max, lusitropic function or -dF/dt except for a tendency of a reduction SR function. These findings could be partially explained by the normalization in the sarcolemmal calcium influx and the increase in NCX protein expression observed only in this group. These results suggest that chronic exposure to low doses of HgCl2 prevents the impaired SR function and the reduced sarcolemmal calcium influx observed in MI likely by acting on NCX, PLB and SERCA2a protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís de Oliveira Faria
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Pinto Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | | | - Jhuli Keli Angeli
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
- Escola de Ensino Superior da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória, EMESCAM, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Ivanita Stefanon
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Paula Frizera Vassallo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
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22
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Modulation of vasodilator response via the nitric oxide pathway after acute methyl mercury chloride exposure in rats. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:530603. [PMID: 24024199 PMCID: PMC3760274 DOI: 10.1155/2013/530603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mercury exposure induces endothelial dysfunction leading to loss of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation due to decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability via increased oxidative stress. Our aim was to investigate whether acute treatment with methyl mercury chloride changes the endothelium-dependent vasodilator response and to explore the possible mechanisms behind the observed effects. Wistar rats were treated with methyl mercury chloride (5 mg/kg, po.). The methyl mercury chloride treatment resulted in an increased aortic vasorelaxant response to acetylcholine (ACh). In methyl-mercury-chloride-exposed rats, the % change in vasorelaxant response of ACh in presence of Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME; 10−4 M) was significantly increased, and in presence of glybenclamide (10−5 M), the response was similar to that of untreated rats, indicating the involvement of NO and not of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD) + catalase treatment increased the NO modulation of vasodilator response in methyl-mercury-chloride-exposed rats. Our results demonstrate an increase in the vascular reactivity to ACh in aorta of rats acutely exposed to methyl mercury chloride. Methyl mercury chloride induces nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and increases the NO production along with inducing oxidative stress without affecting the EDHF pathway.
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23
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Rizzetti DA, Torres JGD, Escobar AG, Peçanha FM, Santos FW, Puntel RL, Alonso MJ, Briones AM, Salaices M, Vassallo DV, Wiggers GA. Apocynin prevents vascular effects caused by chronic exposure to low concentrations of mercury. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55806. [PMID: 23390552 PMCID: PMC3563583 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and oxidative stress and alters vascular reactivity. This metal elicits endothelial dysfunction causing decreased NO bioavailability via increased oxidative stress and contractile prostanoid production. NADPH oxidase is the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the vasculature. Our aim was to investigate whether treatment with apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, prevents the vascular effects caused by chronic intoxication with low concentrations of mercury. Three-month-old male Wistar rats were treated for 30 days with a) intramuscular injections (i.m.) of saline; b) HgCl2 (i.m. 1st dose: 4.6 µg/kg, subsequent doses: 0.07 µg/kg/day); c) Apocynin (1.5 mM in drinking water plus saline i.m.); and d) Apocynin plus HgCl2. The mercury treatment resulted in 1) an increased aortic vasoconstrictor response to phenylephrine and reduced endothelium-dependent responses to acetylcholine; 2) the increased involvement of ROS and vasoconstrictor prostanoids in response to phenylephrine, whereas the endothelial NO modulation of such responses was reduced; and 3) the reduced activity of aortic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and increased plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Treatment with apocynin partially prevented the increased phenylephrine responses and reduced the endothelial dysfunction elicited by mercury treatment. In addition, apocynin treatment increased the NO modulation of vasoconstrictor responses and aortic SOD activity and reduced plasma MDA levels without affecting the increased participation of vasoconstrictor prostanoids observed in aortic segments from mercury-treated rats. Conclusions: Mercury increases the vasoconstrictor response to phenylephrine by reducing NO bioavailability and increasing the involvement of ROS and constrictor prostanoids. Apocynin protects the vessel from the deleterious effects caused by NADPH oxidase, but not from those caused by prostanoids, thus demonstrating a two-way action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danize A. Rizzetti
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Alyne G. Escobar
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Franck M. Peçanha
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Francielli W. Santos
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Robson L. Puntel
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - María J. Alonso
- Department of Biochemistry, Physiology and Molecular Genetics, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Ana M. Briones
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Salaices
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dalton V. Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Giulia A. Wiggers
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Low mercury concentration produces vasoconstriction, decreases nitric oxide bioavailability and increases oxidative stress in rat conductance artery. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49005. [PMID: 23145049 PMCID: PMC3492199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury is an environmental pollutant that reduces nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and increases oxidative stress, having a close link with cardiovascular diseases, as carotid atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease and hypertension. One of the main sites affected by oxidative stress, which develops atherosclerosis, is the aorta. Under acute exposure to low mercury concentrations reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were only reported for resistance vessels but if low concentrations of mercury also affect conductance arteries it is still unclear. We investigated the acute effects of 6 nM HgCl(2) on endothelial function of aortic rings measuring the reactivity to phenylephrine in rings incubated, or not, with HgCl(2) for 45 min, the protein expression for cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and the AT1 receptor. HgCl(2) increased Rmax and pD2 to phenylephrine without changing the vasorelaxation induced by acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. Endothelial damage abolished the increased reactivity to phenylephrine. The increase of Rmax and pD2 produced by L-NAME was smaller in the presence of HgCl(2). Enalapril, losartan, indomethacin, furegrelate, the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS 398, superoxide dismutase and the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin reverted HgCl(2) effects on the reactivity to phenylephrine, COX-2 protein expression was increased, and AT1 expression reduced. At low concentration, below the reference values, HgCl(2) increased vasoconstrictor activity by reducing NO bioavailability due to increased ROS production by NADPH oxidase activity. Results suggest that this is due to local release of angiotensin II and prostanoid vasoconstrictors. Results also suggest that acute low concentration mercury exposure, occurring time to time could induce vascular injury due to endothelial oxidative stress and contributing to increase peripheral resistance, being a high risk factor for public health.
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Xu F, Farkas S, Kortbeek S, Zhang FX, Chen L, Zamponi GW, Syed NI. Mercury-induced toxicity of rat cortical neurons is mediated through N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptors. Mol Brain 2012; 5:30. [PMID: 22980357 PMCID: PMC3462706 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-5-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury is a well-known neurotoxin implicated in a wide range of neurological or psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, mood disorders and tremor. Mercury-induced neuronal degeneration is thought to invoke glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we examine the effects of various mercury concentrations (including pathological levels present in human plasma or cerebrospinal fluid) on cultured, rat cortical neurons. RESULTS We found that inorganic mercuric chloride (HgCl₂--at 0.025 to 25 μM) not only caused neuronal degeneration but also perturbed neuronal excitability. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of pyramidal neurons revealed that HgCl₂ not only enhanced the amplitude and frequency of synaptic, inward currents, but also increased spontaneous synaptic potentials followed by sustained membrane depolarization. HgCl₂ also triggered sustained, 2-5 fold rises in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]i). The observed increases in neuronal activity and [Ca²⁺]i were substantially reduced by the application of MK 801, a non-competitive antagonist of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Importantly, our study further shows that a pre incubation or co-application of MK 801 prevents HgCl₂-induced reduction of cell viability and a disruption of β-tubulin. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data show that HgCl₂-induced toxic effects on central neurons are triggered by an over-activation of NMDA receptors, leading to cytoskeleton instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglian Xu
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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26
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Vassallo DV, Simões MR, Furieri LB, Fioresi M, Fiorim J, Almeida EAS, Angeli JK, Wiggers GA, Peçanha FM, Salaices M. Toxic effects of mercury, lead and gadolinium on vascular reactivity. Braz J Med Biol Res 2011; 44:939-46. [PMID: 21845340 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2011007500098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals have been used in a wide variety of human activities that have significantly increased both professional and environmental exposure. Unfortunately, disasters have highlighted the toxic effects of metals on different organs and systems. Over the last 50 years, the adverse effects of chronic lead, mercury and gadolinium exposure have been underscored. Mercury and lead induce hypertension in humans and animals, affecting endothelial function in addition to their other effects. Increased cardiovascular risk after exposure to metals has been reported, but the underlying mechanisms, mainly for short periods of time and at low concentrations, have not been well explored. The presence of other metals such as gadolinium has raised concerns about contrast-induced nephropathy and, interestingly, despite this negative action, gadolinium has not been defined as a toxic agent. The main actions of these metals, demonstrated in animal and human studies, are an increase of free radical production and oxidative stress and stimulation of angiotensin I-converting enzyme activity, among others. Increased vascular reactivity, highlighted in the present review, resulting from these actions might be an important mechanism underlying increased cardiovascular risk. Finally, the results described in this review suggest that mercury, lead and gadolinium, even at low doses or concentrations, affect vascular reactivity. Acting via the endothelium, by continuous exposure followed by their absorption, they can increase the production of free radicals and of angiotensin II, representing a hazard for cardiovascular function. In addition, the actual reference values, considered to pose no risk, need to be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- D V Vassallo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brasil.
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Chronic HgCl2 treatment increases vasoconstriction induced by electrical field stimulation: role of adrenergic and nitrergic innervation. Clin Sci (Lond) 2011; 121:331-41. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20110072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we have investigated the possible changes in rat mesenteric artery vascular innervation function caused by chronic exposure to low doses of HgCl2 (mercuric chloride), as well as the mechanisms involved. Rats were divided into two groups: (i) control, and (ii) HgCl2-treated rats (30 days; first dose, 4.6 μg/kg of body weight; subsequent dose, 0.07 μg·kg−1 of body weight·day−1, intramuscularly). Vasomotor response to EFS (electrical field stimulation), NA (noradrenaline) and the NO donor DEA-NO (diethylamine NONOate) were studied, nNOS (neuronal NO synthase) and phospho-nNOS protein expression were analysed, and NO, O2− (superoxide anion) and NA release were also determined. EFS-induced contraction was higher in the HgCl2-treated group. Phentolamine (1 μmol/l) decreased the response to EFS to a greater extent in HgCl2-treated rats. HgCl2 treatment increased vasoconstrictor response to exogenous NA and NA release. L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester; 0.1 mmol/l) increased the response to EFS in both experimental groups, but the increase was greater in segments from control animals. HgCl2 treatment decreased NO release and increased O2− production. Vasodilator response to DEA-NO was lower in HgCl2-treated animals. Tempol increased DEA-NO-induced relaxation to a greater extent in HgCl2-treated animals. nNOS expression was similar in arteries from both experimental groups, whereas phospho-nNOS was decreased in segments from HgCl2-treated animals. HgCl2 treatment increased vasoconstrictor response to EFS as a result of, in part, reduced NO bioavailability and increased adrenergic function. These findings offer further evidence that mercury, even at low concentrations, is an environmental risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
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Angeli J, Ramos D, Casali E, Souza D, Sarkis J, Stefanon I, Vassallo D, Fürstenau C. Gadolinium increases the vascular reactivity of rat aortic rings. Braz J Med Biol Res 2011; 44:445-52. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2011007500044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J.K. Angeli
- Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brasil
| | - D.B. Ramos
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - E.A. Casali
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil; Centro Universitário Metodista do IPA, Brasil
| | - D.O.G. Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | | | - I. Stefanon
- Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brasil
| | - D.V. Vassallo
- Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brasil; EMESCAM, Brasil
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The dependence between urinary mercury concentration and carotid arterial intima-media thickness in workers occupationally exposed to mercury vapour. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2009; 22:135-42. [DOI: 10.2478/v10001-009-0017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Wiggers GA, Peçanha FM, Briones AM, Pérez-Girón JV, Miguel M, Vassallo DV, Cachofeiro V, Alonso MJ, Salaices M. Low mercury concentrations cause oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in conductance and resistance arteries. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2008; 295:H1033-H1043. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00430.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Increased cardiovascular risk after mercury exposure has been described, but the underlying mechanisms are not well explored. We analyzed the effects of chronic exposure to low mercury concentrations on endothelium-dependent responses in aorta and mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA). Wistar rats were treated with mercury chloride (1st dose 4.6 μg/kg, subsequent dose 0.07 μg·kg−1·day−1im, 30 days) or vehicle. Blood levels at the end of treatment were 7.97 ± 0.59 ng/ml. Mercury treatment: 1) did not affect systolic blood pressure; 2) increased phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction; 3) reduced acetylcholine-induced vasodilatation; and 4) reduced in aorta and abolished in MRA the increased phenylephrine responses induced by either endothelium removal or the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 100 μM). Superoxide dismutase (SOD, 150 U/ml) and the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (0.3 mM) decreased the phenylephrine-induced contraction in aorta more in mercury-treated rats than controls. In MRA, SOD did not affect phenylephrine responses; however, when coincubated with l-NAME, the l-NAME effect on phenylephrine response was restored in mercury-treated rats. Both apocynin and SOD restored the impaired acetylcholine-induced vasodilatation in vessels from treated rats. Endothelial NOS expression did not change in aorta but was increased in MRA from mercury-treated rats. Vascular O2−production, plasmatic malondialdehyde levels, and total antioxidant status increased with the mercury treatment. In conclusion, chronic exposure to low concentrations of mercury promotes endothelial dysfunction as a result of the decreased NO bioavailability induced by increases in oxidative stress. These findings offer further evidence that mercury, even at low concentrations, is an environmental risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
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