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Luo Y, Zhu Y, Basang W, Wang X, Li C, Zhou X. Roles of Nitric Oxide in the Regulation of Reproduction: A Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:752410. [PMID: 34867795 PMCID: PMC8640491 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.752410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) has attracted significant attention as a stellar molecule. Presently, the study of NO has penetrated every field of life science, and NO is widely distributed in various tissues and organs. This review demonstrates the importance of NO in both male and female reproductive processes in numerous ways, such as in neuromodulation, follicular and oocyte maturation, ovulation, corpus luteum degeneration, fertilization, implantation, pregnancy maintenance, labor and menstrual cycle regulation, spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and reproduction. However, the mechanism of action of some NO is still unknown, and understanding its mechanism may contribute to the clinical treatment of some reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Luo
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanbin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley and Yak Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Lhasa, China
| | - Wangdui Basang
- State Key Laboratory of Hulless Barley and Yak Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Lhasa, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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2
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Shi Y, Leung SWS. Long-term nitric oxide synthase inhibition prevents 17β-estradiol-induced suppression of cyclooxygenase-dependent contractions and enhancement of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization-like relaxation in mesenteric arteries of ovariectomized rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 882:173275. [PMID: 32535100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173275] [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: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is associated with a reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). In this study, the effects of 17β-estradiol supplement on endothelial function were examined in ovariectomized (OVX) rats following long-term inhibition of NO synthases with L-NAME. Female Sprague Dawley rats were ovariectomized at 12 weeks old. They were supplemented with 17β-estradiol (25 μg/kg/day, intramuscularly) or its vehicle (olive oil) until they were killed. At 18 weeks old, they were administered daily with NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (60 mg/kg, by gavage) or its vehicle (distilled water) for 6 weeks. Rats were then anesthetized for blood pressure measurement and for isolation of mesenteric arteries and aortae for isometric tension measurement. Long-term L-NAME-treatment, without or with 17β-estradiol supplement, resulted in reduced plasma nitrite/nitrate level without causing an increase in blood pressure in OVX rats. Acute inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) with indomethacin improved relaxations of mesenteric arteries to the calcium ionophore A23187 in OVX rats, and in those with long-term L-NAME-treatment without or with 17β-estradiol supplement, but not in those with female hormone supplement only. 17β-estradiol supplement or long-term L-NAME-treatment resulted in a greater endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization-like relaxation in mesenteric arteries. In the quiescent aorta, 17β-estradiol supplement or long-term L-NAME-treatment unmasked the COX-dependent components of A23187-induced contractions, but prevented that of the smooth muscle contractions to U46619 in OVX rats. In summary, long-term 17β-estradiol-supplement results in differential effects in different blood vessel types, and its beneficial vascular effects are masked under the conditions with NO synthase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shi
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, PR China
| | - Susan Wai Sum Leung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
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Trombetta-Lima M, Krabbendam IE, Dolga AM. Calcium-activated potassium channels: implications for aging and age-related neurodegeneration. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 123:105748. [PMID: 32353429 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Population aging, as well as the handling of age-associated diseases, is a worldwide increasing concern. Among them, Alzheimer's disease stands out as the major cause of dementia culminating in full dependence on other people for basic functions. However, despite numerous efforts, in the last decades, there was no new approved therapeutic drug for the treatment of the disease. Calcium-activated potassium channels have emerged as a potential tool for neuronal protection by modulating intracellular calcium signaling. Their subcellular localization is determinant of their functional effects. When located on the plasma membrane of neuronal cells, they can modulate synaptic function, while their activation at the inner mitochondrial membrane has a neuroprotective potential via the attenuation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in conditions of oxidative stress. Here we review the dual role of these channels in the aging phenotype and Alzheimer's disease pathology and discuss their potential use as a therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Trombetta-Lima
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands; Medical School, Neurology Department, University of São Paulo (USP), 01246903 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Inge E Krabbendam
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Amalia M Dolga
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Fischer A, Lüersen K, Schultheiß G, de Pascual-Teresa S, Mereu A, Ipharraguerre IR, Rimbach G. Supplementation with nitrate only modestly affects lipid and glucose metabolism in genetic and dietary-induced murine models of obesity. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2019; 66:24-35. [PMID: 32001953 PMCID: PMC6983433 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.19-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To gain a better understanding of how nitrate may affect carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, female wild-type mice were fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet supplemented with either 0, 400, or 800 mg nitrate/kg diet for 28 days. Additionally, obese female db/db mice were fed a 5% fat diet supplemented with the same levels and source of nitrate. Nitrate decreased the sodium-dependent uptake of glucose by ileal mucosa in wild-type mice. Moreover, nitrate significantly decreased triglyceride content and mRNA expression levels of Pparγ in liver and Glut4 in skeletal muscle. Oral glucose tolerance as well as plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin, leptin, glucose and the activity of ALT did not significantly differ between experimental groups but was higher in db/db mice than in wild-type mice. Nitrate changed liver fatty acid composition and mRNA levels of Fads only slightly. Further hepatic genes encoding proteins involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were not significantly different between the three groups. Biomarkers of inflammation and autophagy in the liver were not affected by the different dietary treatments. Overall, the present data suggest that short-term dietary supplementation with inorganic nitrate has only modest effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in genetic and dietary-induced mouse models of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Fischer
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science, University of Kiel, Hermann-Rodewald-Strasse 6, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Kai Lüersen
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science, University of Kiel, Hermann-Rodewald-Strasse 6, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Gerhard Schultheiß
- Animal Welfare Officer, University of Kiel, Hermann-Rodewald-Strasse 12, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Sonia de Pascual-Teresa
- Department of Metabolism and Nutrition, Institute of Food Science, Food Technology and Nutrition (ICTAN-CSIC), José Antonio Novais 10, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessandro Mereu
- Yara Iberian, C/ Infanta Mercedes 31 - 2nd floor, 28020 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio R Ipharraguerre
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science, University of Kiel, Hermann-Rodewald-Strasse 6, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Gerald Rimbach
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Food Science, University of Kiel, Hermann-Rodewald-Strasse 6, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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Chen H, Vanhoutte PM, Leung SWS. Acute activation of endothelial AMPK surprisingly inhibits endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization-like relaxations in rat mesenteric arteries. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:2905-2921. [PMID: 31116877 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations (EDHs) contribute to the regulation of peripheral resistance. They are initiated through opening of endothelial calcium-activated potassium channels (KCa ); the potassium ions released then diffuse to the underlying smooth muscle cells, causing hyperpolarization and thus relaxation. The present study aimed to examine whether or not AMPK modulates EDH-like relaxations in rat mesenteric arteries. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Arterial rings were isolated for isometric tension recording. AMPK activity and protein level were measured by ELISA and western blotting respectively. KEY RESULTS The AMPK activator, AICAR, reduced ACh-induced EDH-like relaxations and increased AMPK activity in preparations with endothelium; these responses were prevented by compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. AICAR inhibited relaxations induced by SKA-31 (opener of endothelial KCa ) but did not affect potassium-induced, hyperpolarization-attributable relaxations or increase AMPK activity in preparations without endothelium. A769662, another AMPK activator, not only caused a similar inhibition of relaxations to ACh and SKA-31 in preparations with endothelium but also inhibited hyperpolarization-attributable relaxations and augmented AMPK activity in rings without endothelium. Protein levels of total AMPKα, AMPKα1, or AMPKβ1/2 were comparable between preparations with and without endothelium. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Activation of endothelial AMPK, by either AICAR or A769662, acutely inhibits EDH-like relaxations of rat mesenteric arteries. Furthermore, A769662 inhibits signalling downstream of smooth muscle hyperpolarization. In view of the major blunting effect of AMPK activation on EDH-like relaxations, caution should be applied when administering therapeutic agents that activate AMPK in patients with endothelial dysfunction characterized by reduced production and/or bioavailability of NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Paul M Vanhoutte
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Susan W S Leung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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Davel AP, Lu Q, Moss ME, Rao S, Anwar IJ, DuPont JJ, Jaffe IZ. Sex-Specific Mechanisms of Resistance Vessel Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Cardiometabolic Risk Factors. J Am Heart Assoc 2018; 7:JAHA.117.007675. [PMID: 29453308 PMCID: PMC5850194 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.007675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background The incidence of obesity is rising, particularly among women. Microvascular dysfunction is more common with female sex, obesity, and hyperlipidemia and predicts adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but the molecular mechanisms are unclear. Because obesity is associated with mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation, we tested the hypothesis that MR in endothelial cells contribute to sex differences in resistance vessel dysfunction in response to cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods and Results Male and female endothelial cell–specific MR knockout mice and MR‐intact littermates were randomized to high‐fat‐diet–induced obesity or obesity with hyperlipidemia induced by adeno‐associated virus–based vector targeting transfer of the mutant stable form (DY mutation) of the human PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) gene and compared with control diet. Female but not male mice were sensitive to obesity‐induced endothelial dysfunction, whereas endothelial function was impaired in obese hyperlipidemic males and females. In males, obesity or hyperlipidemia decreased the nitric oxide component of vasodilation without altering superoxide production or endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression or phosphorylation. Decreased nitric oxide content in obese males was overcome by enhanced endothelium‐derived hyperpolarization–mediated relaxation along with increased SK3 expression. Conversely, in females, endothelium‐derived hyperpolarization was significantly impaired by obesity with lower IK1 expression and by hyperlipidemia with lower IK1 and SK3 expression, loss of H2O2‐mediated vasodilation, and increased superoxide production. Endothelial cell–MR deletion prevented endothelial dysfunction induced by risk factors only in females. Rather than restoring endothelium‐derived hyperpolarization in females, endothelial cell–MR deletion enhanced nitric oxide and prevented hyperlipidemia‐induced oxidative stress. Conclusions These data reveal distinct mechanisms driving resistance vessel dysfunction in males versus females and suggest that personalized treatments are needed to prevent the progression of vascular disease in the setting of obesity, depending on both the sex and the metabolic profile of each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Davel
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA.,Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Qing Lu
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - M Elizabeth Moss
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Sitara Rao
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Imran J Anwar
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer J DuPont
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Iris Z Jaffe
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
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Estrogenic vascular effects are diminished by chronological aging. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12153. [PMID: 28939871 PMCID: PMC5610317 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12153-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The beneficial role of estrogen in the vascular system may be due, in part, through reduction of peripheral vascular resistance. The use of estrogen therapy to prevent cardiovascular disease in post-menopausal women remains contentious. This study investigated the influence of aging and the menopause on the acute vasodilatory effects of estrogen using ex vivo human and murine resistance arteries. Vessels were obtained from young (2.9 ± 0.1 months) and aged (24.2 ± 0.1 and 28.9 ± 0.3 months) female mice and pre- (42.3 ± 0.5 years) and post-menopausal (61.9 ± 0.9 years) women. Aging was associated with profound structural alterations of murine uterine arteries, including the occurrence of outward hypertrophic remodeling and increased stiffness. Endothelial and smooth muscle function were diminished in uterine (and tail) arteries from aged mice and post-menopausal women. The acute vasodilatory effects of 17β-estradiol (non-specific estrogen receptor (ER) agonist), PPT (ERα-specific agonist) and DPN (ERβ-specific agonist) on resistance arteries were attenuated by aging and the menopause. However, the impairment of estrogenic relaxation was evident after the occurrence of age-related endothelial dysfunction and diminished distensibility. The data indicate, therefore, that chronological resistance arterial aging is a prominent factor leading to weakened vasodilatory action of estrogenic compounds.
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Leung SWS, Vanhoutte PM. Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization: age, gender and blood pressure, do they matter? Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2017; 219:108-123. [PMID: 26548576 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Under physiological conditions, the endothelium generates vasodilator signals [prostacyclin, nitric oxide NO and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH)], for the regulation of vascular tone. The relative importance of these two signals depends on the diameter of the blood vessels: as the diameter of the arteries decreases, the contribution of EDH to the regulation of vascular tone increases. The mechanism involved in EDH varies with species and blood vessel types; nevertheless, activation of endothelial intermediate- and small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (IKCa and SKCa , respectively) is characteristic of the EDH pathway. IKCa - and SKCa -mediated EDH are reduced with endothelial dysfunction, which develops with ageing and hypertension, and is less pronounced in female than in age-matched male until after menopause. Impaired EDH-mediated relaxation is related to a reduced involvement of SKCa , so that the response becomes more dependent on IKCa . The latter depends on the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1), proteins associated with the process of cellular senescence and vascular signalling in response to the female hormone. An understanding of the role of AMPK and/or SIRT1 in EDH-like responses may help identifying effective pharmacological strategies to prevent the development of vascular complications of different aetiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. W. S. Leung
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy; University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
| | - P. M. Vanhoutte
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy; University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
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