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Şenyuva İ, Acar DB, Demirel HH, Tunç E. The effects of progesterone on the healing of obstetric anal sphincter damage in female rats. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230786. [PMID: 37693836 PMCID: PMC10487381 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0786] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effects of postpartum progesterone on obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) healing in female rats using an experimental OASI model. Twenty-eight female rats were divided into four groups after birth: sham-30, sham-90, progesterone (P4)-30, and P4-90. Moreover, OASI model was established in all groups. Subsequently, except for the sham groups, medroxyprogesterone acetate (0.15 mg) was intramuscularly injected into the P4 groups. After 30 and 90 days, the rats were euthanized under general anesthesia after recording the data. The anal sphincter region was collected for histopathological examination. Progesterone and thiol/disulfide homeostasis studies were performed on blood samples. No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the external anal sphincter (EAS), internal anal sphincter (IAS), or connective tissue thickness (p = 0.714, p = 0.135, and p = 0.314, respectively). No statistically significant differences in the total thiol, native thiol, disulfide, and progesterone levels were found between the groups (p = 0.917, p = 0.503, p = 0.361, and p = 0.294, respectively). The endometrial thickness was lower in the P4 groups than in the sham groups (p = 0.031). Postpartum progesterone administration did not affect IAS and EAS or connective tissue thickness or disrupt the thiol-disulfide balance. However, this administration led to endometrial thinning.
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Affiliation(s)
- İrem Şenyuva
- Medical Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uşak University, Uşak, Turkey
| | - Duygu Baki Acar
- Veterinary Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey
| | - Hasan Hüseyin Demirel
- Veterinary Faculty, Department of Pathology, Bayat Vocational School, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey
| | - Ece Tunç
- Veterinary Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey
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Cutini PH, Campelo AE, Massheimer VL. Vascular response to stress: Protective action of the bisphosphonate alendronate. Vasc Med 2022; 27:425-432. [PMID: 35879908 DOI: 10.1177/1358863x221112168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since several additional actions of bone bisphosphonates have been proposed, we studied the effect of the bisphosphonate alendronate (ALN) on the vascular response to environmental stress. METHODS Primary cultures of endothelial cells (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) exposed to strained conditions were employed for experimental evaluation. After ALN treatment, cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis assays were performed. The participation of signal transduction pathways in the biochemical action of ALN was also assessed. RESULTS In VSMC cultures, ALN counteracted the stimulation of cellular migration elicited by the proinflammatory agent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or by high levels of calcium and phosphorus (osteogenic medium). Indeed, ALN reduced the increase of VSMC proliferation evoked by the stressors. When LPS and osteogenic medium were added simultaneously, the enhancement of cell proliferation dropped to control values in the presence of ALN. The mechanism of action of ALN involved the participation of nitric oxide synthase, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathways. The study revealed that ALN exhibits a proangiogenic action. On EC, ALN enhanced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) synthesis, and induced capillary-like tube formation in a VEGF-dependent manner. The presence of vascular stress conditions (LPS or osteogenic medium) did not modify the proangiogenic action elicited by ALN. CONCLUSION The findings presented suggest an extra-bone biological action of ALN, which could contribute to the maintenance of vascular homeostasis avoiding cellular damage elicited by environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo H Cutini
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrián E Campelo
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Virginia L Massheimer
- Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Cutini PH, Massheimer VL. In vitro effects of progesterone and the synthetic progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate on vascular remodeling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 498:110543. [PMID: 31421164 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In this work we tested the hypothesis whether progesterone (Pg) or the synthetic progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) could be involved in the regulation of events involved in vascular remodeling. Results revealed an enhancement in the capillary-like tubes formation induced by both progestogens. Unlike MPA, Pg acts through VEGF, nitric oxide, PI3K and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. However, the MPA effect depends on platelet activation. Under stress conditions, the proangiogenic action of Pg and MPA was sustained. The progestogens exhibit the ability to prevent vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) osteogenic transdifferentiation. Besides this antiosteogenic action, on bone cells the progestogens induced osteoblast maturation and mineralization. The mechanism of action of both steroids on vascular and bone cells involves the participation of progesterone receptor. The data presented in this work provide evidence that the progestogens reduce osteogenic-like transdifferentiation of VSMC and promote angiogenesis with a slight different mechanism of action elicited by each steroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo H Cutini
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, UNS, San Juan 670, B8000ICN, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - Virginia L Massheimer
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, UNS, San Juan 670, B8000ICN, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
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4
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Pang Y, Thomas P. Progesterone induces relaxation of human umbilical cord vascular smooth muscle cells through mPRα (PAQR7). Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 474:20-34. [PMID: 29428395 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone effects on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) relaxation and the mechanism were investigated in cultured human umbilical vein VSMCs. Membrane progesterone receptors mPRα, mPRβ, and mPRγ were highly expressed in VSMCs, whereas nuclear progesterone receptor (nPR) had low expression. Progesterone (20 nM) and 02-0 (mPR-selective agonist), but not R5020 (nPR agonist), induced muscle relaxation in both a VSMC collagen gel disk contraction assay and an endothelium-denuded human umbilical artery ring tension assay. Progesterone and 02-0 increased ERK and Akt phosphorylation and decreased cAMP levels. These effects were blocked by preincubation with pertussis toxin. Progestin-induced muscle relaxation was blocked by pretreatment with mPRα, but not nPR, siRNAs, and by co-treatment with 8-Br-cAMP, AZD6244 (MAP kinase inhibitor), and wortmannin (PI3K inhibitor). Progestins reduced myosin light chain phosphorylation which was blocked with AZD6244 and wortmannin. These results demonstrate progesterone directly relaxes human VSMCs through mPRα/Gi and MAP kinase/ERK-, Akt/PI3K-, and cAMP-dependent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yefei Pang
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA.
| | - Peter Thomas
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA.
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5
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Cepeda SB, Sandoval MJ, Rauschemberger MB, Massheimer VL. Beneficial role of the phytoestrogen genistein on vascular calcification. J Nutr Biochem 2017; 50:26-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Wang B, Ge Z, Cheng Z, Zhao Z. Tanshinone IIA suppresses the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells and the proliferation and migration of macrophages induced by ox-LDL. Biol Open 2017; 6:489-495. [PMID: 28412716 PMCID: PMC5399561 DOI: 10.1242/bio.024133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The profound inhibitory effect of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on atherosclerosis has been demonstrated, whereas the latent mechanism is not completely cleared. This study aimed to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Tan IIA protecting against atherosclerosis. Oil Red O staining and ELISA assay showed that Tan IIA suppressed the progress of atherosclerosis and reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum of apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE -/- ) mice. Flow cytometry assay revealed that Tan IIA inhibited oxidized LDL (ox-LDL)-induced apoptosis of VSMCs. MTT and transwell assay indicated that Tan IIA suppressed the ox-LDL-stimulated proliferation and migration of RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, Tan IIA ameliorated inflammatory cytokine upregulation elicited by ox-LDL in RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, Tan IIA inhibited the apoptosis of VSMCs and decreased the levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 in ApoE-/- mice. In conclusion, our study demonstrated Tan IIA suppressed the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting vascular inflammation, apoptosis of VSMCs and proliferation and migration of macrophages induced by ox-LDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baocai Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenwei Ge
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoyun Cheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziniu Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, People's Republic of China
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7
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Cutini PH, Rauschemberger MB, Sandoval MJ, Massheimer VL. Vascular action of bisphosphonates: In vitro effect of alendronate on the regulation of cellular events involved in vessel pathogenesis. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2016; 100:83-92. [PMID: 27705747 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this work we investigate whether, despite the procalcific action of alendronate on bone, the drug would be able to regulate in vitro the main cellular events that take part in atherosclerotic lesion generation. Using endothelial cell cultures we showed that Alendronate (1-50μM) acutely enhances nitric oxide production (10-30min). This stimulatory action of the bisphosphonate involves the participation of MAPK signaling transduction pathway. Under inflammatory stress, the drug reduces monocytes and platelets interactions with endothelial cells induced by lipopolysaccharide. Indeed the bisphophonate exhibits a significant inhibition of endothelial dependent platelet aggregation. The molecular mechanism of alendronate (ALN) on leukocyte adhesion depends on the regulation of the expression of cell adhesion related genes (VCAM-1; ICAM-1); meanwhile the antiplatelet activity is associated with the effect of the drug on nitric oxide production. On vascular smooth muscle cells, the drug exhibits ability to decrease osteogenic transdifferentiation and extracellular matrix mineralization. When vascular smooth muscle cells were cultured in osteogenic medium for 21days, they exhibited an upregulation of calcification markers (RUNX2 and TNAP), high alkaline phosphatase activity and a great amount of mineralization nodules. ALN treatment significantly down-regulates mRNA levels of osteoblasts markers; diminishes alkaline phosphatase activity and reduces the extracellular calcium deposition. The effect of ALN on vascular cells differs from its own bone action. On calvarial osteoblasts ALN induces cell proliferation, enhances alkaline phosphatase activity, and increases mineralization, but does not affect nitric oxide synthesis. Our results support the hypothesis that ALN is an active drug at vascular level that regulates key processes involved in vascular pathogenesis through a direct action on vessel cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo H Cutini
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, San Juan 670, B8000ICN, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - María B Rauschemberger
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, San Juan 670, B8000ICN, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - Marisa J Sandoval
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, San Juan 670, B8000ICN, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - Virginia L Massheimer
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur (INBIOSUR), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, San Juan 670, B8000ICN, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
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8
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Lin J, Zhou S, Zhao T, Ju T, Zhang L. TRPM7 channel regulates ox-LDL-induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells via MEK-ERK pathways. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:520-32. [PMID: 26900082 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghan Lin
- Department of Neurology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University; China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- Department of Neurology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University; China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Department of Neurology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University; China
| | - Ting Ju
- Department of Neurology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University; China
| | - Liming Zhang
- Department of Neurology; The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University; China
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Harvey RE, Coffman KE, Miller VM. Women-specific factors to consider in risk, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 11:239-257. [PMID: 25776297 DOI: 10.2217/whe.14.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the era of individualized medicine, gaps in knowledge remain about sex-specific risk factors, diagnostic and treatment options that might reduce mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and improve outcomes for both women and men. In this review, contributions of biological mechanisms involving the sex chromosomes and the sex hormones on the cardiovascular system will be discussed in relationship to the female-specific risk factors for CVD: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, menopause and use of hormonal therapies for contraception and menopausal symptoms. Additionally, sex-specific factors to consider in the differential diagnosis and treatment of four prevalent CVDs (hypertension, stroke, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure) will be reviewed with emphasis on areas where additional research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronée E Harvey
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical, Engineering, Medical Sciences 4-20, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Kirsten E Coffman
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical, Engineering, Medical Sciences 4-20, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Virginia M Miller
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical, Engineering, Medical Sciences 4-20, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Department of Surgery, Medical Sciences, 4-20, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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10
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Cutini PH, Campelo AE, Massheimer VL. Differential regulation of endothelium behavior by progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate. J Endocrinol 2014; 220:179-93. [PMID: 24301615 DOI: 10.1530/joe-13-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is a synthetic progestin commonly used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The aim of this research was to study and compare the effect of progesterone (Pg) and MPA on the regulation of cellular events associated with vascular homeostasis and disease. Platelet adhesion to endothelial cells (ECs), nitric oxide (NO) production, and cell migration were studied using murine ECs in vitro exposed to the progestins. After 7 min of treatment, MPA significantly inhibited NO synthesis with respect to control values; meanwhile, Pg markedly increased vasoactive production. In senile ECs, the stimulatory action of Pg decreases; meanwhile, MPA maintained its ability to inhibit NO synthesis. The presence of RU486 antagonized the action of each steroid. When ECs were preincubated with PD98059 (MAPK inhibitor) or chelerythrine (protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor) before Pg or MPA treatment, the former totally suppressed the steroid action, but the PKC antagonist did not affect NO production. In the presence of a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), a partial reduction in Pg effect and a reversal of MPA action were detected. Using indomethacin, the contribution of the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway was also detected. On platelet adhesion assays, Pg inhibited and MPA stimulated platelet adhesion to ECs. Under inflammatory conditions, Pg prevented platelet adhesion induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS); meanwhile, MPA potentiated the stimulatory action of LPS. Finally, although both steroids enhanced migration of ECs, MPA exhibited a greater effect. In conclusion, the data presented in this research provide evidence of a differential regulation of vascular function by Pg and MPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo H Cutini
- Cátedra de Bioquímica Clínica II, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), San Juan 670, B8000ICN, Bahía Blanca, Argentina Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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11
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Gargiulo-Monachelli GM, Campos-Melo D, Droppelmann CA, Keller BA, Leystra-Lantz C, De Nicola AF, Gonzalez Deniselle MC, Volkening K, Strong MJ. Expression and cellular localization of the classical progesterone receptor in healthy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis affected spinal cord. Eur J Neurol 2013; 21:273-80.e11. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. M. Gargiulo-Monachelli
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry; Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental − CONICET and School of Medicine; University of Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
- Molecular Brain Research Group; Robarts Research Institute; Western University; London ON Canada
| | - D. Campos-Melo
- Molecular Brain Research Group; Robarts Research Institute; Western University; London ON Canada
| | - C. A. Droppelmann
- Molecular Brain Research Group; Robarts Research Institute; Western University; London ON Canada
| | - B. A. Keller
- Molecular Brain Research Group; Robarts Research Institute; Western University; London ON Canada
- Department of Pathology; Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; Western University; London ON Canada
| | - C. Leystra-Lantz
- Molecular Brain Research Group; Robarts Research Institute; Western University; London ON Canada
| | - A. F. De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry; Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental − CONICET and School of Medicine; University of Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - M. C. Gonzalez Deniselle
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry; Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental − CONICET and School of Medicine; University of Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - K. Volkening
- Molecular Brain Research Group; Robarts Research Institute; Western University; London ON Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences; Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; Western University; London ON Canada
| | - M. J. Strong
- Molecular Brain Research Group; Robarts Research Institute; Western University; London ON Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences; Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; Western University; London ON Canada
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Vassalle C, Simoncini T, Chedraui P, Pérez-López FR. Why sex matters: the biological mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. Gynecol Endocrinol 2012; 28:746-51. [PMID: 22329808 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2011.652720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading determinant of mortality and morbidity in women. However, a full understanding of the basic and clinical aspects of CVD in women is far from being accomplished. Sexual dimorphism in CVD has been reported both in humans and experimental animals. Menopause is a risk factor for CVD due to the reduction of endogenous estrogen, although the mechanisms underlying are poorly understood. Estrogens act through binding to vascular estrogen receptors and by non-genomic mechanisms. Advances in this field are essential to improve CVD diagnostic and clinical strategies in women, and to develop sex-specific prevention plans as much as female-oriented treatment algorithms. This paper reviews pathophysiology of CVD in women and its potential clinical implications. Particular emphasis is given to biochemical markers and to indicators of cardiovascular dysfunction and damage. Estimation of these parameters, central to cardiovascular pathophysiology, could represent a particularly relevant tool in female patients. More research is needed to identify women who will profit most of early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Vassalle
- G. Monasterio Foundation of the Toscana Region and Institute of Clinical Physiology-CNR, Pisa, Italy
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13
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Campelo AE, Cutini PH, Massheimer VL. Cellular actions of testosterone in vascular cells: mechanism independent of aromatization to estradiol. Steroids 2012; 77:1033-40. [PMID: 22728893 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2012.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
In this work we investigated the role of testosterone on cellular processes involved in vascular disease, and whether these effects depend on its local conversion to estradiol. Cultures of rat aortic endothelial and smooth muscle cells in vitro treated with physiological concentrations of testosterone were employed. Testosterone rapidly increased endothelial nitric oxide production. To evaluate whether this non genomic action was dependent on testosterone aromatization we used an aromatase inhibitor. Anastrozole compound did not modify the fast increase in nitric oxide production elicited by testosterone. The hormonal effect was completely blocked by an androgen receptor antagonist (flutamide); meanwhile it wasn't modified by the presence of an estrogen receptor antagonist (ICI182780).The possibility of intracellular estradiol synthesis was ruled out when no differences were found in estradiol measurements performed in culture incubation medium from control and testosterone treated cells. The 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride partially suppressed the enhancement in nitric oxide production, suggesting that the effect of testosterone was partially due to dihydrotestosterone conversion. Testosterone stimulated muscle cell proliferation independent of local conversion to estradiol. When cellular events that play key roles in vascular disease development were analyzed, testosterone prevented monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells induced by a proinflammatory stimulus (bacterial lipopolysaccharides), and prompted muscle cell migration in presence of a cell motility inducer. In summary, testosterone modulates vascular behavior through its direct action on vascular cells independent of aromatization to estradiol. The cellular actions exhibited by the steroid varied whether cells were under basal or inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián E Campelo
- Cátedra de Bioquímica Clínica II, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, San Juan 670, B8000ICN Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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14
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Lu D, Xia Y, Tong B, Zhang C, Pan R, Xu H, Yang X, Dai Y. In vitro anti-angiogenesis effects and active constituents of the saponin fraction from Gleditsia sinensis. Integr Cancer Ther 2012; 13:446-57. [PMID: 22505594 DOI: 10.1177/1534735412442377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anomalous fruits of Gleditsia sinensis Lam. (Leguminosae), a crude drug in China, have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of various diseases. The saponin fraction isolated from the fruits (SFGS) is considered as the active component for the antitumor activity of this crude drug. OBJECTIVES The present study was performed to investigate the anti-angiogenesis activities and active constituents of SFGS. METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with SFGS in the presence or absence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in vitro. The proliferation, migration, and tube formation were studied by MTT, Transwell, and 2D Matrigel assays, respectively. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and western blot analysis for caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 as well as Fas were performed. In addition, the effects of 13 saponin compounds isolated from SFGS on the tube formation of HUVECs were screened, and the structure-activity relationships were discussed. RESULTS SFGS, at concentrations (1, 3, and 10 µg/mL) without significant cytotoxicity on endothelial cells, significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs induced by bFGF (10 ng/mL). It moderately arrested the cell cycle to G1 phase but greatly induced cell apoptosis and increased the expressions of caspases-3, caspase-8, and Fas but not caspase-9 in HUVECs. Moreover, SFGS did not affect the bFGF-induced autosecretion of VEGF from endothelial cells. Among the 13 saponin compounds tested, gleditsiosides B, I, J, O, and Q showed inhibition of the tube formation at a concentration of 3 µM, and only gleditsioside B exerted significant inhibition at 1 µM. CONCLUSION SFGS is substantially able to prevent angiogenesis by interfering with multiple steps. The findings provide a new explanation for the antitumor effects of G sinensis fruits. Gleditsiosides B, I, J, O, and Q are probably the main active constituents of SFGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Lu
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - YuFeng Xia
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bei Tong
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Rong Pan
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huan Xu
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue Yang
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Dai
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Alvarez LD, Dansey MV, Martí MA, Bertucci PY, Di Chenna PH, Pecci A, Burton G. Biological activity and ligand binding mode to the progesterone receptor of A-homo analogues of progesterone. Bioorg Med Chem 2011; 19:1683-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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