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Zhang R, Wang H, Cheng X, Fan K, Gao T, Qi X, Gao S, Zheng G, Dong H. High estrogen induces trans-differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells to a macrophage-like phenotype resulting in aortic inflammation via inhibiting VHL/HIF1a/KLF4 axis. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:9876-9898. [PMID: 38843385 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen is thought to have a role in slowing down aging and protecting cardiovascular and cognitive function. However, high doses of estrogen are still positively associated with autoimmune diseases and tumors with systemic inflammation. First, we administered exogenous estrogen to female mice for three consecutive months and found that the aorta of mice on estrogen develops inflammatory manifestations similar to Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Then, in vitro estrogen intervention was performed on mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (MOVAS cells). Stimulated by high concentrations of estradiol, MOVAS cells showed decreased expression of contractile phenotypic markers and increased expression of macrophage-like phenotypic markers. This shift was blocked by tamoxifen and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) inhibitors and enhanced by Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) interaction inhibitors. It suggests that estrogen-targeted regulation of the VHL/HIF-1α/KLF4 axis induces phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In addition, estrogen-regulated phenotypic conversion of VSMC to macrophages is a key mechanism of estrogen-induced vascular inflammation, which justifies the risk of clinical use of estrogen replacement therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Kruppel-Like Factor 4
- Animals
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/genetics
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Mice
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Female
- Estrogens/pharmacology
- Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein/metabolism
- Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein/genetics
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Cell Transdifferentiation/drug effects
- Phenotype
- Aorta/pathology
- Aorta/drug effects
- Inflammation/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xing Cheng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Keyi Fan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Tingting Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaotong Qi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Siqi Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Guoping Zheng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Honglin Dong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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Corbi G, Comegna M, Vinciguerra C, Capasso A, Onorato L, Salucci AM, Rapacciuolo A, Cannavo A. Age and sex mediated effects of estrogen and Β3-adrenergic receptor on cardiovascular pathophysiology. Exp Gerontol 2024; 190:112420. [PMID: 38588751 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Sex differences are consistently identified in determining the prevalence, manifestation, and response to therapies in several systemic disorders, including those affecting the cardiovascular (CV), skeletal muscle, and nervous system. Interestingly, such differences are often more noticeable as we age. For example, premenopausal women experience a lower risk of CV disease than men of the same age. While at an advanced age, with menopause, the risk of cardiovascular diseases and adverse outcomes increases exponentially in women, exceeding that of men. However, this effect appears to be reversed in diseases such as pulmonary hypertension, where women are up to seven times more likely than men to develop an idiopathic form of the disease with symptoms developing ten years earlier than their male counterparts. Explaining this is a complex question. However, several factors and mechanisms have been identified in recent decades, including a role for sex hormones, particularly estrogens and their related receptors. Furthermore, an emerging role in these sex differences has also been suggested for β-adrenergic receptors (βARs), which are essential regulators of mammalian physiology. It has in fact been shown that βARs interact with estrogen receptors (ER), providing further demonstration of their involvement in determining sexual differences. Based on these premises, this review article focused on the β3AR subtype, which shows important activities in adipose tissue but with new and interesting roles in regulating the function of cardiomyocytes and vascular cells. In detail, we examined how β3AR and ER signaling are intertwined and whether there would be sex- and age-dependent specific effects of these receptor systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziamaria Corbi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marika Comegna
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies - Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Vinciguerra
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessio Capasso
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Onorato
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Rapacciuolo
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cannavo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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Han Y, Zhang B, Qi X, Yuan G, Li X, Hao G, Liang G. Comparison of sex differences on outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a propensity score-matched analysis. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:153. [PMID: 38704548 PMCID: PMC11069223 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03659-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sex differences in outcomes of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remain controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the sex differences in the prognosis of patients with aSAH. METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of aSAH patients admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, from April 2020 to January 2022. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to evaluate outcomes at 3-month post-discharge. Baseline characteristics, in-hospital complications and outcomes were compared after 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS A total of 665 patients were included and the majority (63.8%) were female. Female patients were significantly older than male patients (59.3 ± 10.9 years vs. 55.1 ± 10.9 years, P < 0.001). After PSM, 141 male and 141 female patients were compared. Comparing postoperative complications and mRS scores, the incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and hydrocephalus and mRS ≥ 2 at 3-month were significantly higher in female patients than in male patients. After adjustment, the analysis of risk factors for unfavorable prognosis at 3-month showed that age, sex, smoking, high Hunt Hess grade, high mFisher score, DCI, and hydrocephalus were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION Female patients with aSAH have a worse prognosis than male patients, and this difference may be because females are more vulnerable to DCI and hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Han
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, NO.83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Bingying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, NO.83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin Qi
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, NO.83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Guanqian Yuan
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, NO.83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, NO.83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China.
| | - Guangzhi Hao
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, NO.83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China.
| | - Guobiao Liang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, NO.83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China.
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Maaliki D, Jaffa AA, Nasser S, Sahebkar A, Eid AH. Adrenoceptor Desensitization: Current Understanding of Mechanisms. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:358-387. [PMID: 38697858 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce a wide range of extracellular signals. They are key players in the majority of biologic functions including vision, olfaction, chemotaxis, and immunity. However, as essential as most of them are to body function and homeostasis, overactivation of GPCRs has been implicated in many pathologic diseases such as cancer, asthma, and heart failure (HF). Therefore, an important feature of G protein signaling systems is the ability to control GPCR responsiveness, and one key process to control overstimulation involves initiating receptor desensitization. A number of steps are appreciated in the desensitization process, including cell surface receptor phosphorylation, internalization, and downregulation. Rapid or short-term desensitization occurs within minutes and involves receptor phosphorylation via the action of intracellular protein kinases, the binding of β-arrestins, and the consequent uncoupling of GPCRs from their cognate heterotrimeric G proteins. On the other hand, long-term desensitization occurs over hours to days and involves receptor downregulation or a decrease in cell surface receptor protein level. Of the proteins involved in this biologic phenomenon, β-arrestins play a particularly significant role in both short- and long-term desensitization mechanisms. In addition, β-arrestins are involved in the phenomenon of biased agonism, where the biased ligand preferentially activates one of several downstream signaling pathways, leading to altered cellular responses. In this context, this review discusses the different patterns of desensitization of the α 1-, α 2- and the β adrenoceptors and highlights the role of β-arrestins in regulating physiologic responsiveness through desensitization and biased agonism. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A sophisticated network of proteins orchestrates the molecular regulation of GPCR activity. Adrenoceptors are GPCRs that play vast roles in many physiological processes. Without tightly controlled desensitization of these receptors, homeostatic imbalance may ensue, thus precipitating various diseases. Here, we critically appraise the mechanisms implicated in adrenoceptor desensitization. A better understanding of these mechanisms helps identify new druggable targets within the GPCR desensitization machinery and opens exciting therapeutic fronts in the treatment of several pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Maaliki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon (D.M.); School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (A.A.J.); Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom (S.N.); Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (A.S.); Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (A.S.); and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar (A.H.E.)
| | - Aneese A Jaffa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon (D.M.); School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (A.A.J.); Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom (S.N.); Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (A.S.); Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (A.S.); and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar (A.H.E.)
| | - Suzanne Nasser
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon (D.M.); School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (A.A.J.); Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom (S.N.); Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (A.S.); Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (A.S.); and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar (A.H.E.)
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon (D.M.); School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (A.A.J.); Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom (S.N.); Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (A.S.); Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (A.S.); and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar (A.H.E.)
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon (D.M.); School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina (A.A.J.); Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom (S.N.); Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (A.S.); Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (A.S.); and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar (A.H.E.)
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5
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Yaacoub S, Boudaka A, AlKhatib A, Pintus G, Sahebkar A, Kobeissy F, Eid AH. The pharmaco-epigenetics of hypertension: a focus on microRNA. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-04947-9. [PMID: 38424404 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-04947-9] [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: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Hypertension is a major harbinger of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It predisposes to higher rates of myocardial infarction, chronic kidney failure, stroke, and heart failure than most other risk factors. By 2025, the prevalence of hypertension is projected to reach 1.5 billion people. The pathophysiology of this disease is multifaceted, as it involves nitric oxide and endothelin dysregulation, reactive oxygen species, vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and vessel wall calcification, among others. With the advent of new biomolecular techniques, various studies have elucidated a gaping hole in the etiology and mechanisms of hypertension. Indeed, epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA-mediated translational silencing appear to play crucial roles in altering the molecular phenotype into a hypertensive profile. Here, we critically review the experimentally determined associations between microRNA (miRNA) molecules and hypertension pharmacotherapy. Particular attention is given to the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the physiological responses to antihypertensive drugs like candesartan, and other relevant drugs like clopidogrel, aspirin, and statins among others. Furthermore, how miRNA affects the pharmaco-epigenetics of hypertension is especially highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Yaacoub
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ammar Boudaka
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali AlKhatib
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Neurobiology, Center for Neurotrauma, Multiomics and Biomarkers (CNMB), Morehouse School of Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Zhao L, Xing E, Bai T, Cao T, Wang G, Banie L, Lin G, Tang Y, Lue T. Age-Related Changes in Urethral Structure and Responds to Injury: Single-Cell Atlas of a Rat Model of Vaginal Birth Injury induced Stress Urinary Incontinence. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3901406. [PMID: 38410468 PMCID: PMC10896383 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3901406/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) greatly affects the daily life of numerous women and is closely related to a history of vaginal delivery and aging. We used vaginal balloon dilation to simulate vaginal birth injury in young and middle-aged rats to produce a SUI animal model, and found that young rats restored urethral structure and function well, but not the middle-aged rats. To identify the characteristics of cellular and molecular changes in the urethral microenvironment during the repair process of SUI. We profiled 51,690 individual female rat urethra cells from 24 and 48 weeks old, with or without simulated vaginal birth injury. Cell interaction analysis showed that signal networks during repair process changed from resting to active, and aging altered the distribution but not the overall level of cell interaction in the repair process. Similarity analysis showed that muscle, fibroblasts, and immune cells underwent large transcriptional changes during aging and repair. In middle-aged rats, cell senescence occurs mainly in the superficial and middle urothelium due to cellular death and shedding, and the basal urothelium expressed many Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) genes. In conclusion, we established the aging and vaginal balloon dilation (VBD) model of female urethral cell anatomy and the signal network landscape, which provides an insight into the normal or disordered urethra repair process and the scientific basis for developing novel SUI therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tom Lue
- University of California San Francisco
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7
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Fardoun M, Kobeissy F, Eid AH. Estrogen Receptor and the Gender Bias in Raynaud's Phenomenon. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:133-137. [PMID: 36803760 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230220123237] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Manal Fardoun
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuroscience, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Fardoun M, Nasser SA, El-Yazbi AF, Eid AH. GPER Acts Through the cAMP/Epac/JNK/AP-1 Pathway to Induce Transcription of Alpha 2C Adrenoceptor in Human Microvascular Smooth Muscle Cells. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2023; 82:470-479. [PMID: 37773889 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Raynaud's phenomenon, which results from exaggerated cold-induced vasoconstriction, is more prevalent in females than males. We previously showed that estrogen increases the expression of alpha 2C-adrenoceptors (α 2C -AR), the sole mediator of cold-induced vasoconstriction. This effect of estrogen is reproduced by the cell-impermeable form of the hormone (E 2 :bovine serum albumin [BSA]), suggesting a role of the membrane estrogen receptor, G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor [GPER], in E 2 -induced α 2C -AR expression. We also previously reported that E 2 upregulates α 2C -AR in microvascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) via the cAMP/Epac/Rap/JNK/AP-1 pathway, and that E 2 :BSA elevates cAMP levels. We, therefore, hypothesized that E 2 uses GPER to upregulate α 2C -AR through the cAMP/Epac/JNK/AP-1 pathway. Our results show that G15, a selective GPER antagonist, attenuates the E 2 -induced increase in α 2C -AR transcription. G-1, a selective GPER agonist, induced α 2C -AR transcription, which was concomitant with elevated cAMP levels and JNK activation. Pretreatment with ESI09, an Epac inhibitor, abolished G-1-induced α 2C -AR upregulation and JNK activation. Moreover, pretreatment with SP600125, a JNK-specific inhibitor, but not H89, a PKA-specific inhibitor, abolished G-1-induced α 2C -AR upregulation. In addition, transient transfection of an Epac dominant negative mutant (Epac-DN) attenuated G-1-induced activation of the α 2C -AR promoter. This inhibitory effect of Epac-DN on the α 2C -AR promoter was overridden by the cotransfection of constitutively active JNK mutant. Furthermore, mutation of AP-1 site in the α 2C -AR promoter abrogated G1-induced expression. Collectively, these results indicate that GPER upregulates α 2C -AR through the cAMP/EPAC/JNK/AP-1 pathway. These findings unravel GPER as a new mediator of cold-induced vasoconstriction, and present it as a potential target for treating Raynaud's phenomenon in estrogen-replete females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Fardoun
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Ahmed F El-Yazbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Alamein International University, Alamein City, Egypt; and
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Rager C, Klöpper T, Pfeil U, Tasch S, Whittaker MR, Exintaris B, Mietens A, Middendorff R. Reference Gene U2 Enables Direct Comparison between Relative Gene Expression Levels of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Tissue and Culture Using Real-Time Quantitative PCR. Cells 2023; 12:2135. [PMID: 37681867 PMCID: PMC10487071 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In nearly every lab, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is used to quantify gene expression. However, a comparison of different samples requires the careful selection of suitable reference genes (RGs), sometimes referred to as housekeeping genes. In the case of vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs), it is important to know under which conditions gene expression in isolated and cultured vSMCs can be compared with vSMCs in a healthy blood vessel. We isolated the vSMC-containing layer of the rat aorta (tunica media) and used one (longitudinal) half for direct RNA extraction, while the other half served to isolate and culture vSMCs prior to RNA extraction. First, the expression of the routinely used RGs beta-actin (Actb) and Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gapdh) is investigated in intact media and corresponding cultured vSMCs. Significant differences in their Ct values show that these RGs could not be used for such direct comparisons; therefore, we select 15 different RGs. Only the gene expression of the small ribonuclear protein (snRNP) U2 shows no significant differences between the absolute Ct values of cultured vSMCs and the intact media; moreover, no differences were found between male and female rats in our experimental setup. In conclusion, U2 was shown to be an appropriate (sex-independent) RG to compare relative expression levels of vSMCs in culture to those vSMCs within their physiological tissue environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Rager
- Signalling Transduction Group, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (C.R.)
- Drug Discovery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Tobias Klöpper
- Signalling Transduction Group, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (C.R.)
| | - Uwe Pfeil
- Cardiopulmonary Neurobiology Group, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Tasch
- Signalling Transduction Group, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (C.R.)
| | - Michael Raymond Whittaker
- Drug Discovery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Andrea Mietens
- Signalling Transduction Group, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (C.R.)
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Signalling Transduction Group, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (C.R.)
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Fardoun M, Mondello S, Kobeissy F, Eid AH. G protein estrogen receptor as a potential therapeutic target in Raynaud’s phenomenon. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1061374. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1061374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Exaggerated cold-induced vasoconstriction can precipitate a pathogenesis called Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP). Interestingly, RP is significantly more prevalent in females than age-matched men, highlighting the potential implication of 17β-estradiol (E2) in the etio-pathogenesis of this disease. Indeed, we have previously reported that E2 stimulates the expression of vascular alpha 2C-adrenoceptors (α2C-AR), the sole mediator of cold-induced constriction of cutaneous arterioles. This induced expression occurs through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate → exchange protein activated by cAMP→ Ras-related protein 1→ c-Jun N-terminal kinase→ activator protein-1 (cAMP/Epac/Rap/JNK/AP-1 pathway). On the basis that estrogen-induced rapid cAMP accumulation and JNK activation occurs so rapidly we hypothesized that a non-classic, plasma membrane estrogen receptor was the mediator. We then showed that an impermeable form of E2, namely E2:BSA, mimics E2 effects suggesting a role for the membranous G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in E2-induced α2C-AR expression. Our current working hypothesis and unpublished observations further cement this finding, as G1, a GPER agonist, mimics while G15, a GPER antagonist, abrogates estrogen’s effect on the expression of vascular α2C-AR. These, and other observations, highlight the potential of GPER as a tractable target in the management of RP, particularly in pre-menopausal women.
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Crescioli C. The Role of Estrogens and Vitamin D in Cardiomyocyte Protection: A Female Perspective. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121815. [PMID: 34944459 PMCID: PMC8699224 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Women experience a dramatical raise in cardiovascular events after menopause. The decline in estrogens is pointed to as the major responsible trigger for the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Indeed, the menopausal transition associates with heart macro-remodeling, which results from a fine-tuned cell micro-remodeling. The remodeling of cardiomyocytes is a biomolecular response to several physiologic and pathologic stimuli, allowing healthy adaptation in normal conditions or maladaptation in an unfavorable environment, ending in organ architecture disarray. Estrogens largely impinge on cardiomyocyte remodeling, but they cannot fully explain the sex-dimorphism of CVD risk. Albeit cell remodeling and adaptation are under multifactorial regulation, vitamin D emerges to exert significant protective effects, controlling some intracellular paths, often shared with estrogen signaling. In post-menopause, the unfavorable association of hypoestrogenism-D hypovitaminosis may converge towards maladaptive remodeling and contribute to increased CVD risk. The aim of this review is to overview the role of estrogens and vitamin D in female cardiac health, speculating on their potential synergistic effect in cardiomyocyte remodeling, an issue that is not yet fully explored. Further learning the crosstalk between these two steroids in the biomolecular orchestration of cardiac cell fate during adaptation may help the translational approach to future cardioprotective strategies for women health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Crescioli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Section of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", 00135 Rome, Italy
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12
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Immuno-regenerative biomaterials for in situ cardiovascular tissue engineering - Do patient characteristics warrant precision engineering? Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 178:113960. [PMID: 34481036 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In situ tissue engineering using bioresorbable material implants - or scaffolds - that harness the patient's immune response while guiding neotissue formation at the site of implantation is emerging as a novel therapy to regenerate human tissues. For the cardiovascular system, the use of such implants, like blood vessels and heart valves, is gradually entering the stage of clinical translation. This opens up the question if and to what extent patient characteristics influence tissue outcomes, necessitating the precision engineering of scaffolds to guide patient-specific neo-tissue formation. Because of the current scarcity of human in vivo data, herein we review and evaluate in vitro and preclinical investigations to predict the potential role of patient-specific parameters like sex, age, ethnicity, hemodynamics, and a multifactorial disease profile, with special emphasis on their contribution to the inflammation-driven processes of in situ tissue engineering. We conclude that patient-specific conditions have a strong impact on key aspects of in situ cardiovascular tissue engineering, including inflammation, hemodynamic conditions, scaffold resorption, and tissue remodeling capacity, suggesting that a tailored approach may be required to engineer immuno-regenerative biomaterials for safe and predictive clinical applicability.
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13
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Sahebnasagh A, Saghafi F, Negintaji S, Hu T, Shabani-Boroujeni M, Safdari M, Ghaleno HR, Miao L, Qi Y, Wang M, Liao P, Sureda A, Simal-Gándara J, Nabavi SM, Xiao J. Nitric Oxide and Immune Responses in Cancer: Searching for New Therapeutic Strategies. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1561-1595. [PMID: 34238142 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210707194543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in understanding the mysterious functions of nitric oxide (NO) and how this pleiotropic signaling molecule contributes to tumorigenesis. This review attempts to expose and discuss the information available on the immunomodulatory role of NO in cancer and recent approaches to the role of NO donors in the area of immunotherapy. To address the goal, the following databases were searched to identify relevant literature concerning empirical evidence: The Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Medline, EMBASE from 1980 through March 2020. Valuable attempts have been made to develop distinctive NO-based cancer therapy. Although the data do not allow generalization, the evidence seems to indicate that low / moderate levels may favor tumorigenesis while higher levels would exert anti-tumor effects. In this sense, the use of NO donors could have an important therapeutic potential within immunotherapy, although there are still no clinical trials. The emerging understanding of NO-regulated immune responses in cancer may help unravel the recent features of this "double-edged sword" in cancer physiological and pathologic processes and its potential use as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment. In short, in this review, we discuss the complex cellular mechanism in which NO, as a pleiotropic signaling molecule, participates in cancer pathophysiology. We also debate the dual role of NO in cancer and tumor progression, and clinical approaches for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) based therapy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeleh Sahebnasagh
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saghafi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Sina Negintaji
- Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Tingyan Hu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mojtaba Shabani-Boroujeni
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Safdari
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hassan Rezai Ghaleno
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Lingchao Miao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Yaping Qi
- Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Mingfu Wang
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road. Hong Kong, China
| | - Pan Liao
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Jesus Simal-Gándara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo - Ourense Campus, E-32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo - Ourense Campus, E-32004 Ourense, Spain
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Phua TJ. The Etiology and Pathophysiology Genesis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer: A New Perspective. MEDICINES 2021; 8:medicines8060030. [PMID: 34208086 PMCID: PMC8230771 DOI: 10.3390/medicines8060030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: The etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are unknown, with ageing being the greatness risk factor. Methods: This new perspective evaluates the available interdisciplinary evidence regarding prostate ageing in terms of the cell biology of regulation and homeostasis, which could explain the timeline of evolutionary cancer biology as degenerative, inflammatory and neoplasm progressions in these multifactorial and heterogeneous prostatic diseases. Results: This prostate ageing degeneration hypothesis encompasses the testosterone-vascular-inflamm-ageing triad, along with the cell biology regulation of amyloidosis and autophagy within an evolutionary tumorigenesis microenvironment. Conclusions: An understanding of these biological processes of prostate ageing can provide potential strategies for early prevention and could contribute to maintaining quality of life for the ageing individual along with substantial medical cost savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teow J Phua
- Molecular Medicine, NSW Health Pathology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW 2305, Australia
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15
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El-Dahan KS, Machtoub D, Massoud G, Nasser SA, Hamam B, Kobeissy F, Zouein FA, Eid AH. Cannabinoids and myocardial ischemia: Novel insights, updated mechanisms, and implications for myocardial infarction. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1990-2010. [PMID: 34102966 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210608144818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely trafficked and abused illicit drug due to its calming psychoactive properties. It has been increasingly recognized as having potential health benefits and relatively less adverse health effects as compared to other illicit drugs; however, growing evidence clearly indicates that cannabis is associated with considerable adverse cardiovascular events. Recent studies have linked cannabis use to myocardial infarction (MI); yet, very little is known about the underlying mechanisms. A MI is a cardiovascular disease characterized by a mismatch in the oxygen supply and demand of the heart, resulting in ischemia and subsequent necrosis of the myocardium. Since cannabis is increasingly being considered a risk factor for MI, there is a growing need for better appreciating its potential health benefits and consequences. Here, we discuss the cellular mechanisms of cannabis that lead to an increased risk of MI. We provide a thorough and critical analysis of cannabinoids' actions, which include modulation of adipocyte biology, regional fat distribution, and atherosclerosis, as well as precipitation of hemodynamic stressors relevant in the setting of a MI. By critically dissecting the modulation of signaling pathways in multiple cell types, this paper highlights the mechanisms through which cannabis may trigger life-threatening cardiovascular events. This then provides a framework for future pharmacological studies which can identify targets or develop drugs that modulate cannabis' effects on the cardiovascular system as well as other organ systems. Cannabis' impact on the autonomic outflow, vascular smooth muscle cells, myocardium, cortisol levels and other hemodynamic changes are also mechanistically reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Seif El-Dahan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dima Machtoub
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Gaelle Massoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Suzanne A Nasser
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bassam Hamam
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, P.O. Box 146404, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fouad A Zouein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha. Qatar
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16
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Sex-related disparities in intervention rates and type of intervention in patients with aortic and peripheral arterial diseases in the National Inpatient Sample Database. J Vasc Surg 2021; 73:2081-2089.e7. [PMID: 33301865 PMCID: PMC9945691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2020.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The first annual Women's Vascular Summit highlighted sex- and gender-related knowledge gaps in vascular disease diagnosis and treatment. This finding suggests an opportunity for further research to improve care and outcomes in people who identify as women, specifically. The purpose of this study was to a large national dataset to identify all operations performed for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), carotid artery stenosis (CAS), and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the United States, and to provide data on sex-related disparities in treatment. METHODS All hospitalizations of adult patients (≥18 years old) diagnosed with AAA, CAS, or PAD who underwent vascular surgery from 2000 to 2016 were identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample. Sex-stratified U.S. Census data and sex-specific population disease prevalence estimates from the National Institute of Health and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality were used to calculate the number of U.S. adults with AAA, CAS, and PAD. Sex-stratified rates of surgery and incidence rate ratios were estimated using Poisson regression. Among those undergoing surgery, multivariable logistic regression was used to assess differences in endovascular vs open approach. RESULTS Over 16 years, there were 1,021,684 hospitalizations for vascular surgery: 13% AAA (21% female, 79% male), 40% CAS (42% female, 58% male), and 47% PAD (42% female, 58% male). Females were older than males at time of surgery (median age, 71.3 years vs 69.7 years) and less likely to have private insurance (18% vs 23%); minimal differences were seen across race/ethnicity, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics. After accounting for disease prevalence, females were still 25% less likely to undergo surgery for AAA and 30% less likely to undergo surgery for PAD compared with males with the same disease. These results were consistent over time. After adjustment, females, compared with males, were less likely to receive an endovascular procedure compared with open for AAA or CAS, and more likely to receive one for PAD. CONCLUSIONS From 2000 to 2016 in the United States, females were less likely to undergo intervention for AAA and PAD than males. This finding is particularly significant for PAD, because the prevalence is the same for both sexes, indicating that females are likely undertreated for PAD. Additionally, females were less likely to undergo endovascular surgery for AAA and more likely to undergo endovascular surgery for PAD than males. These findings suggest that improvement in AAA and PAD identification and management in females may improve outcomes.
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Niță AR, Knock GA, Heads RJ. Signalling mechanisms in the cardiovascular protective effects of estrogen: With a focus on rapid/membrane signalling. Curr Res Physiol 2021; 4:103-118. [PMID: 34746830 PMCID: PMC8562205 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In modern society, cardiovascular disease remains the biggest single threat to life, being responsible for approximately one third of worldwide deaths. Male prevalence is significantly higher than that of women until after menopause, when the prevalence of CVD increases in females until it eventually exceeds that of men. Because of the coincidence of CVD prevalence increasing after menopause, the role of estrogen in the cardiovascular system has been intensively researched during the past two decades in vitro, in vivo and in observational studies. Most of these studies suggested that endogenous estrogen confers cardiovascular protective and anti-inflammatory effects. However, clinical studies of the cardioprotective effects of hormone replacement therapies (HRT) not only failed to produce proof of protective effects, but also revealed the potential harm estrogen could cause. The "critical window of hormone therapy" hypothesis affirms that the moment of its administration is essential for positive treatment outcomes, pre-menopause (3-5 years before menopause) and immediately post menopause being thought to be the most appropriate time for intervention. Since many of the cardioprotective effects of estrogen signaling are mediated by effects on the vasculature, this review aims to discuss the effects of estrogen on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) with a focus on the role of estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ and GPER) in triggering the more recently discovered rapid, or membrane delimited (non-genomic), signaling cascades that are vital for regulating vascular tone, preventing hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Roberta Niță
- School of Bioscience Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, UK
| | - Greg A. Knock
- School of Bioscience Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, UK
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Richard J. Heads
- School of Bioscience Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, UK
- Cardiovascular Research Section, King’s BHF Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, UK
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18
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Sisi SZH, Azarbayjani MA, Vafaeenasab M, Peeri M, Dehghani M. The effect of regular resistance exercise, vitamin D, and calcium supplements on the gastrocnemius muscle in rats in the post-menopausal period: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2021; 19:283-292. [PMID: 33842825 PMCID: PMC8023002 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i3.8576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Menopause is the natural termination of menstruation which affects the quality and important aspects of women's life. Objective To evaluate the effect of regular resistance training (Ex) with vitamin D (Vit. D) and calcium (Ca) supplements in the postmenopausal period on muscle tissue in rats. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, 72 female Wistar rats (8-10-wk old) were randomly divided into control, placebo, Vit. D, Ca, Ex, Ca + Vit. D, Ex + Ca, Ex + Vit. D, and Ex + Ca + Vit. D groups. Control and placebo groups were fed with a standard diet and sesame oil, respectively. Two month after the ovariectomy, Ex, Ca (35 mg/kg), and Vit. D (10000 IU) were administred in all groups except the control. The number of muscle and inflammatory cells, fiber diameter, endomysium thickness, and degenerative collagen fiber area were assessed through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results Muscle cell number was increased in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca, Vit. D + Ex, and Vit. D groups compared to the control group; also, inflammatory cell number showed significant increase in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca (12 ± 5.46), Vit. D + Ex (14 ± 3.25), Ex (13 ± 4.08), Vit. D (11 ± 3.26), Ca + Vit. D (10 ± 1.01), and Ca + Ex (9 ± 2.87) groups. Muscle fiber diameter in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca and Vit. D + Ex groups was higher than the other groups. Endomysium thickness was significantly decreased in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca and Vit. D + Ex groups compared to the control and placebo groups (p < 0.001). Degenerative collagen fiber area showed a significant increase in the Ex + Vit. D + Ca and Vit. D + Ex groups (p ≤ 0.001) comparison with the control group. Conclusion Regular resistance exercise, Vit. D, and Ca supplements can improve muscle morphological features in the postmenopausal period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maghsoud Peeri
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Dehghani
- Yazd Medical Genetic Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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19
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Hsu SP, Lee WS. Effects of female sex hormones on the development of atherosclerosis. CHINESE J PHYSIOL 2021; 63:256-262. [PMID: 33380610 DOI: 10.4103/cjp.cjp_69_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis and associated pathologies, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke, are still the leading cause of death in Western society. The impact of female sex hormones on cardiovascular diseases has been studied intensively with conflicting findings. The controversy is mainly due to the differences in groups sampling, animal models used, hormonal treatment regimens, and the data analyzed. In the present article, the results of in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials are under review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Po Hsu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Sen Lee
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine; Cancer Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital; Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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20
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Reactive Oxygen Species: Modulators of Phenotypic Switch of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228764. [PMID: 33233489 PMCID: PMC7699590 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are natural byproducts of oxygen metabolism in the cell. At physiological levels, they play a vital role in cell signaling. However, high ROS levels cause oxidative stress, which is implicated in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and restenosis after angioplasty. Despite the great amount of research conducted to identify the role of ROS in CVD, the image is still far from being complete. A common event in CVD pathophysiology is the switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. Interestingly, oxidative stress is a major contributor to this phenotypic switch. In this review, we focus on the effect of ROS on the hallmarks of VSMC phenotypic switch, particularly proliferation and migration. In addition, we speculate on the underlying molecular mechanisms of these cellular events. Along these lines, the impact of ROS on the expression of contractile markers of VSMCs is discussed in depth. We conclude by commenting on the efficiency of antioxidants as CVD therapies.
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21
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Flavonoids in adipose tissue inflammation and atherosclerosis: one arrow, two targets. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:1403-1432. [PMID: 32556180 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables, in addition to beverages such as tea and coffee. Flavonoids are emerging as potent therapeutic agents for cardiovascular as well as metabolic diseases. Several studies corroborated an inverse relationship between flavonoid consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or adipose tissue inflammation (ATI). Flavonoids exert their anti-atherogenic effects by increasing nitric oxide (NO), reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, flavonoids alleviate ATI by decreasing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as by attenuating inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, flavonoids inhibit synthesis of fatty acids and promote their oxidation. In this review, we discuss the effect of the main classes of flavonoids, namely flavones, flavonols, flavanols, flavanones, anthocyanins, and isoflavones, on atherosclerosis and ATI. In addition, we dissect the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of action for these flavonoids. We conclude by supporting the potential benefit for flavonoids in the management or treatment of CVD; yet, we call for more robust clinical studies for safety and pharmacokinetic values.
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Wehbe N, Slika H, Mesmar J, Nasser SA, Pintus G, Baydoun S, Badran A, Kobeissy F, Eid AH, Baydoun E. The Role of Epac in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186489. [PMID: 32899451 PMCID: PMC7555121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to be a prime contributor to global mortality. Despite tremendous research efforts and major advances in cancer therapy, much remains to be learned about the underlying molecular mechanisms of this debilitating disease. A better understanding of the key signaling events driving the malignant phenotype of cancer cells may help identify new pharmaco-targets. Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) modulates a plethora of biological processes, including those that are characteristic of malignant cells. Over the years, most cAMP-mediated actions were attributed to the activity of its effector protein kinase A (PKA). However, studies have revealed an important role for the exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) as another effector mediating the actions of cAMP. In cancer, Epac appears to have a dual role in regulating cellular processes that are essential for carcinogenesis. In addition, the development of Epac modulators offered new routes to further explore the role of this cAMP effector and its downstream pathways in cancer. In this review, the potentials of Epac as an attractive target in the fight against cancer are depicted. Additionally, the role of Epac in cancer progression, namely its effect on cancer cell proliferation, migration/metastasis, and apoptosis, with the possible interaction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these phenomena, is discussed with emphasis on the underlying mechanisms and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Wehbe
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon; (N.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Hasan Slika
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon;
| | - Joelle Mesmar
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon; (N.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Suzanne A. Nasser
- Department of Pharmacology, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020 Beirut, Lebanon;
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272 Sharjah, UAE;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Serine Baydoun
- Department of Radiology, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon;
| | - Adnan Badran
- Department of Basic Sciences, University of Petra, P.O. Box 961343, Amman 11196, Jordan;
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon;
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon;
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon
- Correspondence: (A.H.E.); (E.B.); Tel.: +961-1-350-000 (ext. 4891) (A.H.E. & E.B.)
| | - Elias Baydoun
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon; (N.W.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.H.E.); (E.B.); Tel.: +961-1-350-000 (ext. 4891) (A.H.E. & E.B.)
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23
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EPAC in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145160. [PMID: 32708284 PMCID: PMC7404248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are major components of blood vessels. They regulate physiological functions, such as vascular tone and blood flow. Under pathological conditions, VSMCs undergo a remodeling process known as phenotypic switching. During this process, VSMCs lose their contractility and acquire a synthetic phenotype, where they over-proliferate and migrate from the tunica media to the tunica interna, contributing to the occlusion of blood vessels. Since their discovery as effector proteins of cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP), exchange proteins activated by cAMP (EPACs) have been shown to play vital roles in a plethora of pathways in different cell systems. While extensive research to identify the role of EPAC in the vasculature has been conducted, much remains to be explored to resolve the reported discordance in EPAC’s effects. In this paper, we review the role of EPAC in VSMCs, namely its regulation of the vascular tone and phenotypic switching, with the likely involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the interplay between EPAC and its targets/effectors.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a non-subsiding disease that remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. CVD has been associated with endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA). This review critically summarizes existing findings on BPA and hypertension, with particular attention to genomic, non-genomic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of action that render BPA as a cardiovascular estrogenic disruptor. RECENT FINDINGS Owing to its similar estrogenic structure, BPA has been shown to affect various phenotypes that are regulated by the natural hormone, estrogen. Indeed, BPA has been shown to interact with estrogen receptors, located both in the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm/nucleus. Given that estrogen plays an important role in cardiovascular physiology, a contributing role for BPA in CVD would not be unexpected. Existing literature, though limited, established BPA as a source of disruption in cardiovascular health, particularly hypertension. However, effects of BPA are largely dependent on the dose, patient gender, tissue, and developmental stage of the exposed tissue/organ. Accumulating evidence argues for an adverse effect of BPA on blood pressure, with this effect being gender, dose, and time specific. Thus, comprehensive studies which take these factors and other parameters, like epigenetic factors, into account are warranted before a thorough understanding is at hand.
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Monslow J, Todd L, Chojnowski JE, Govindaraju PK, Assoian RK, Puré E. Fibroblast Activation Protein Regulates Lesion Burden and the Fibroinflammatory Response in Apoe-Deficient Mice in a Sexually Dimorphic Manner. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:1118-1136. [PMID: 32084369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has been established as an inducible and mesenchymal cell-specific mediator of disease progression in cancer and fibrosis. Atherosclerosis is a fibroinflammatory disease, and FAP was previously reported to be up-regulated in human atherosclerotic plaques compared with normal vessel. We investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of Fap-expressing cells in a murine model of atherosclerosis and used a genetic approach to determine if and how Fap affected disease progression. Fap was found to be expressed predominantly on vascular smooth muscle cells in lesions of athero-prone Apoe-/- mice. Global deletion of Fap (Fap-/-) in Apoe-/- mice accelerated atherosclerotic disease progression in both males and females, with the effect observed earlier in males. Sex-specific effects on lesion morphology were observed. Relative levels of extracellular matrix, fibrotic, and inflammatory cell content were comparable in lesions in male mice regardless of Fap status. In contrast, lesions in Fap-/- female mice were characterized by a more fibrotic composition due to a reduction in inflammation, specifically a reduction in Mox macrophages. Combined, these data suggest that Fap restrains the progression of atherosclerosis and may contribute to the sexually dimorphic susceptibility to atherosclerosis by regulating the balance between inflammation (an indicator of vulnerability to plaque rupture) and fibrosis (an indicator of plaque stability).
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Affiliation(s)
- James Monslow
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania.
| | - Leslie Todd
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - John E Chojnowski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Priya K Govindaraju
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Richard K Assoian
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Ellen Puré
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania.
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7- O-methylpunctatin, a Novel Homoisoflavonoid, Inhibits Phenotypic Switch of Human Arteriolar Smooth Muscle Cells. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9110716. [PMID: 31717401 PMCID: PMC6920859 DOI: 10.3390/biom9110716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Remodeling of arterioles is a pivotal event in the manifestation of many inflammation-based cardio-vasculopathologies, such as hypertension. During these remodeling events, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) switch from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. The latter is characterized by increased proliferation, migration, and invasion. Compounds with anti-inflammatory actions have been successful in attenuating this phenotypic switch. While the vast majority of studies investigating phenotypic modulation were undertaken in VSMCs isolated from large vessels, little is known about the effect of such compounds on phenotypic switch in VSMCs of microvessels (microVSMCs). We have recently characterized a novel homoisoflavonoid that we called 7-O-methylpunctatin (MP). In this study, we show that MP decreased FBS-induced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and adhesion. MP also attenuated adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to microVSMCs, abolished FBS-induced expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and NF-κB, as well as reduced activation of ERK1/2 and FAK. Furthermore, MP-treated VSMCs showed an increase in early (myocardin, SM-22α, SM-α) and mid-term (calponin and caldesmon) differentiation markers and a decrease in osteopontin, a protein highly expressed in synthetic VSMCs. MP also reduced transcription of cyclin D1, CDK4 but increased protein levels of p21 and p27. Taken together, these results corroborate an anti-inflammatory action of MP on human microVSMCs. Therefore, by inhibiting the synthetic phenotype of microVSMCs, MP may be a promising modulator for inflammation-induced arteriolar pathophysiology.
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Fardoun M, Dehaini H, Shaito A, Mesmar J, El-Yazbi A, Badran A, Beydoun E, Eid AH. The hypertensive potential of estrogen: An untold story. Vascul Pharmacol 2019; 124:106600. [PMID: 31629918 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2019.106600] [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: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The implication of estrogen in this disease has been extensively studied. While the vast majority of published research argue for a cardioprotective role of estrogen in vascular inflammation such as in atherosclerosis, the role of estrogen in hypertension remains far from being resolved. The vasorelaxant effect of estrogen has already been well-established. However, emerging evidence supports a vasoconstrictive potential of this hormone. It has been proposed that the microenvironment dictates the effect of estrogen-induced type 1 nitric oxide synthase-1 (nNOS) on vasotone. Indeed, depending on nNOS product, nitric oxide or superoxide, estrogen can induce vasodilation or vasoconstriction, respectively. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the vasorelaxant effects of estrogen, and the molecular players involved. Furthermore, we shed light on recent reports revealing a vasoconstrictive role of estrogen, and speculate on the underlying signaling pathways. In addition, we identify certain factors that can account for the discrepant estrogenic effects. This review emphasizes a yin-yang role of estrogen in regulating blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Fardoun
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Dehaini
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abdallah Shaito
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, 1105 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joelle Mesmar
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ahmed El-Yazbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Adnan Badran
- Department of Nutrition, University of Petra, Amman, Jordan
| | - Elias Beydoun
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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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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Samaha AA, Fawaz M, Salami A, Baydoun S, Eid AH. Antihypertensive Indigenous Lebanese Plants: Ethnopharmacology and a Clinical Trial. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9070292. [PMID: 31330767 PMCID: PMC6681041 DOI: 10.3390/biom9070292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is highly prevalent among the Lebanese adult population and is indeed the major cause of mortality in Lebanon. Traditional use of antihypertensive medicinal plants has long been practiced. The aim of this study is to document this traditional knowledge and clinically test the antihypertensive capacity of three of the most commonly used wild plant species Mentha longifolia, Viola odorata and Urtica dioica. Ethno-pharmacological data was collected by personal interviews with herbalists and traditional healers using a semi structured survey questionnaire and assessing relative frequency of citation (RFC). The clinical study was conducted by a randomized, blind, placebo-controlled trial in 29 subjects with mild hypertension distributed in four groups, three plant extract treatments and one placebo. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP) as well as mean arterial blood pressures (MAP) were monitored at weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16 during the treatment with 300 mL/day of plant extract. Results showed that M. longifolia, U. dioica and V. odorata exhibited the highest values of RCF (0.95) followed by Allium ampeloprasum (0.94), Apium graveolens (0.92) and Crataegus azarolus (0.90). The clinical trial revealed dose- and duration-dependent significant reductions in SBP, DBP and MAP of subjects treated with M. longifolia, U. dioica or V. odorata. Our findings indicate that extracts of these plants present an effective, safe and promising potential as a phyto-therapuetical approach for the treatment of mild hypertension. More research on the phytochemistry, pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanisms is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Samaha
- Lebanese International University, Beirut, P.O. Box 146404, Lebanon
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, P.O. Box 11-5020, Lebanon
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Public Health IV, Zahle, P.O. Box 6573/14, Lebanon
- Rayak University Hospital, Rayak, P.O. Box 1200, Lebanon
| | - Mirna Fawaz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, P.O. Box 11-5020, Lebanon
| | - Ali Salami
- Lebanese University, Rammal Hassan Rammal Research Laboratory, Physio-toxicity (PhyTox) Research Group, Faculty of Sciences (V), Nabatieh, P.O. Box 6573/14, Lebanon
| | - Safaa Baydoun
- Research Center for Environment and Development, Beirut Arab University, Bekaa, P.O. Box 11-5020, Lebanon.
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, Qatar.
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Badran A, Baydoun E, Samaha A, Pintus G, Mesmar J, Iratni R, Issa K, Eid AH. Marjoram Relaxes Rat Thoracic Aorta Via a PI3-K/eNOS/cGMP Pathway. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9060227. [PMID: 31212721 PMCID: PMC6627793 DOI: 10.3390/biom9060227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite pharmacotherapeutic advances, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the primary cause of global mortality. Alternative approaches, such as herbal medicine, continue to be sought to reduce this burden. Origanum majorana is recognized for many medicinal values, yet its vasculoprotective effects remain poorly investigated. Here, we subjected rat thoracic aortae to increasing doses of an ethanolic extract of Origanum majorana (OME). OME induced relaxation in a dose-dependent manner in endothelium-intact rings. This relaxation was significantly blunted in denuded rings. N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) significantly reduced the OME-induced vasorelaxation. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were also increased by OME. Moreover, wortmannin or LY294002 significantly reduced OME-induced vasorelaxation. Blockers of ATP-sensitive or Ca2+-activated potassium channels such as glibenclamide or tetraethylamonium (TEA), respectively, did not significantly affect OME-induced relaxation. Similarly, verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, indomethacin, a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and pyrilamine, a H1 histamine receptor blocker, did not significantly modulate the observed relaxation. Taken together, our results show that OME induces vasorelaxation via an endothelium-dependent mechanism involving the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)/ endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS)/cGMP pathway. Our findings further support the medicinal value of marjoram and provide a basis for its beneficial intake. Although consuming marjoram may have an antihypertensive effect, further studies are needed to better determine its effects in different vascular beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Badran
- Department of Nutrition, University of Petra, Amman, P.O. Box 961343 Amman 11196, Jordan.
| | - Elias Baydoun
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon.
| | - Ali Samaha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, P.O. Box: 146404 Mazraa, Lebanon.
- Faculty of Public Health IV, Lebanese University, Beirut, P.O. Box 6573/14 Badaro, Lebanon.
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, Qatar.
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, Qatar.
| | - Joelle Mesmar
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon.
| | - Rabah Iratni
- Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Khodr Issa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon.
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon.
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