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McGrath MS, Wentworth BJ. The Renin-Angiotensin System in Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5807. [PMID: 38891995 PMCID: PMC11172481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115807] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a complex homeostatic entity with multiorgan systemic and local effects. Traditionally, RAS works in conjunction with the kidney to control effective arterial circulation, systemic vascular resistance, and electrolyte balance. However, chronic hepatic injury and resulting splanchnic dilation may disrupt this delicate balance. The role of RAS in liver disease, however, is even more extensive, modulating hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension. Recognition of an alternative RAS pathway in the past few decades has changed our understanding of RAS in liver disease, and the concept of opposing vs. "rebalanced" forces is an ongoing focus of research. Whether RAS inhibition is beneficial in patients with chronic liver disease appears to be context-dependent, but further study is needed to optimize clinical management and reduce organ-specific morbidity and mortality. This review presents the current understanding of RAS in liver disease, acknowledges areas of uncertainty, and describes potential areas of future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary S. McGrath
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
| | - Brian J. Wentworth
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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Wojnar-Lason K, Tyrankiewicz U, Kij A, Kurpinska A, Kaczara P, Kwiatkowski G, Wilkosz N, Giergiel M, Stojak M, Grosicki M, Mohaissen T, Jasztal A, Kurylowicz Z, Szymonski M, Czyzynska-Cichon I, Chlopicki S. Chronic heart failure induces early defenestration of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in mice. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14114. [PMID: 38391060 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
AIM Chronic heart failure (CHF) is often linked to liver malfunction and systemic endothelial dysfunction. However, whether cardio-hepatic interactions in heart failure involve dysfunction of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) is not known. Here we characterize LSECs phenotype in early and end stages of chronic heart failure in a murine model. METHODS Right ventricle (RV) function, features of congestive hepatopathy, and the phenotype of primary LSECs were characterized in Tgαq*44 mice, with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of the Gαq protein, at the age of 4- and 12-month representative for early and end-stage phases of CHF, respectively. RESULTS 4- and 12-month-old Tgαq*44 mice displayed progressive impairment of RV function and alterations in hepatic blood flow velocity resulting in hepatic congestion with elevated GGT and bilirubin plasma levels and decreased albumin concentration without gross liver pathology. LSECs isolated from 4- and 12-month-old Tgαq*44 mice displayed significant loss of fenestrae with impaired functional response to cytochalasin B, significant changes in proteome related to cytoskeleton remodeling, and altered vasoprotective function. However, LSECs barrier function and bioenergetics were largely preserved. In 4- and 12-month-old Tgαq*44 mice, LSECs defenestration was associated with prolonged postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and in 12-month-old Tgαq*44 mice with proteomic changes of hepatocytes indicative of altered lipid metabolism. CONCLUSION Tgαq*44 mice displayed right-sided HF and altered hepatic blood flow leading to LSECs dysfunction involving defenestration, shift in eicosanoid profile, and proteomic changes. LSECs dysfunction appears as an early and persistent event in CHF, preceding congestive hepatopathy and contributing to alterations in lipoprotein transport and CHF pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Wojnar-Lason
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Urszula Tyrankiewicz
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kij
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Kurpinska
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kaczara
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Kwiatkowski
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Natalia Wilkosz
- Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science, Department of Physics of Nanostructures and Nanotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Giergiel
- Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science, Department of Physics of Nanostructures and Nanotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marta Stojak
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marek Grosicki
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Tasnim Mohaissen
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jasztal
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Kurylowicz
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marek Szymonski
- Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science, Department of Physics of Nanostructures and Nanotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Izabela Czyzynska-Cichon
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Stefan Chlopicki
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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Souza-Silva IM, Peluso AA, Elsaafien K, Nazarova AL, Assersen KB, Rodrigues-Ribeiro L, Mohammed M, Rodrigues AF, Nawrocki A, Jakobsen LA, Jensen P, de Kloet AD, Krause EG, Borgo MD, Maslov I, Widdop R, Santos RA, Bader M, Larsen M, Verano-Braga T, Katritch V, Sumners C, Steckelings UM. Angiotensin-(1-5) is a Potent Endogenous Angiotensin AT 2 -Receptor Agonist. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.05.588367. [PMID: 38948791 PMCID: PMC11213140 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.05.588367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Background The renin-angiotensin system involves many more enzymes, receptors and biologically active peptides than originally thought. With this study, we investigated whether angiotensin-(1-5) [Ang-(1-5)], a 5-amino acid fragment of angiotensin II, has biological activity, and through which receptor it elicits effects. Methods The effect of Ang-(1-5) (1µM) on nitric oxide release was measured by DAF-FM staining in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC), or Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells stably transfected with the angiotensin AT 2 -receptor (AT 2 R) or the receptor Mas. A potential vasodilatory effect of Ang-(1-5) was tested in mouse mesenteric and human renal arteries by wire myography; the effect on blood pressure was evaluated in normotensive C57BL/6 mice by Millar catheter. These experiments were performed in the presence or absence of a range of antagonists or inhibitors or in AT 2 R-knockout mice. Binding of Ang-(1-5) to the AT 2 R was confirmed and the preferred conformations determined by in silico docking simulations. The signaling network of Ang-(1-5) was mapped by quantitative phosphoproteomics. Results Key findings included: (1) Ang-(1-5) induced activation of eNOS by changes in phosphorylation at Ser1177 eNOS and Tyr657 eNOS and thereby (2) increased NO release from HAEC and AT 2 R-transfected CHO cells, but not from Mas-transfected or non-transfected CHO cells. (3) Ang-(1-5) induced relaxation of preconstricted mouse mesenteric and human renal arteries and (4) lowered blood pressure in normotensive mice - effects which were respectively absent in arteries from AT 2 R-KO or in PD123319-treated mice and which were more potent than effects of the established AT 2 R-agonist C21. (5) According to in silico modelling, Ang-(1-5) binds to the AT 2 R in two preferred conformations, one differing substantially from where the first five amino acids within angiotensin II bind to the AT 2 R. (6) Ang-(1-5) modifies signaling pathways in a protective RAS-typical way and with relevance for endothelial cell physiology and disease. Conclusions Ang-(1-5) is a potent, endogenous AT 2 R-agonist.
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Wu HHL, Rakisheva A, Ponnusamy A, Chinnadurai R. Hepatocardiorenal syndrome in liver cirrhosis: Recognition of a new entity? World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:128-136. [PMID: 38312119 PMCID: PMC10835518 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i2.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence and perspectives have pointed towards the heart playing an important role in hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), outside of conventional understanding that liver cirrhosis is traditionally considered the sole origin of a cascade of pathophysiological mechanisms directly affecting the kidneys in this context. In the absence of established heart disease, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy may occur more frequently in those with liver cirrhosis and kidney disease. It is a specific form of cardiac dysfunction characterized by blunted contractile responsiveness to stress stimuli and altered diastolic relaxation with electrophysiological abnormalities. Despite the clinical description of these potential cardiac-related complications of the liver, the role of the heart has traditionally been an overlooked aspect of circulatory dysfunction in HRS. Yet from a physiological sense, temporality (prior onset) of cardiorenal interactions in HRS and positive effects stemming from portosystemic shunting demonstrated an important role of the heart in the development and progression of kidney dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. In this review, we discuss current concepts surrounding how the heart may influence the development and progression of HRS, and the role of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction causing circulatory dysfunction within this setting. The temporality of heart and kidney dysfunction in HRS will be discussed. For a subgroup of patients who receive portosystemic shunting, the dynamics of cardiorenal interactions following treatment is reviewed. Continued research to determine the unknowns in this topic is anticipated, hopefully to further clarify the intricacies surrounding the liver-heart-kidney connection and improve strategies for management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H L Wu
- Renal Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital & The University of Sydney, St. Leonards (Sydney) 2065, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amina Rakisheva
- Department of Cardiology, City Cardiological Center, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
| | - Arvind Ponnusamy
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston PR2 9HT, United Kingdom
| | - Rajkumar Chinnadurai
- Donal O’Donoghue Renal Research Centre & Department of Renal Medicine, Northern Care Alliance National Health Service Foundation Trust, Salford M6 8HD, United Kingdom
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Hartl L, Simbrunner B, Jachs M, Wolf P, Bauer DJM, Scheiner B, Balcar L, Semmler G, Schwarz M, Marculescu R, Dannenberg V, Trauner M, Mandorfer M, Reiberger T. Lower free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels in cirrhosis are linked to systemic inflammation, higher risk of acute-on-chronic liver failure, and mortality. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100954. [PMID: 38125301 PMCID: PMC10733101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) may affect thyroid hormone homeostasis. We aimed to analyze the pituitary-thyroid axis in ACLD and the prognostic value of free triiodothyronine (fT3). Methods Patients with ACLD (liver stiffness measurement [LSM] ≥10 kPa) undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement between June 2009 and September 2022 and available fT3 levels were included. Clinical stages of ACLD were defined as follows: probable ACLD (pACLD; LSM ≥10 kPa and HVPG ≤5 mmHg), S0 (mild portal hypertension [PH]; HVPG 6-9 mmHg), S1 (clinically significant PH), S2 (clinically significant PH with varices), S3 (past variceal bleeding), S4 (past/current non-bleeding hepatic decompensation), and S5 (further decompensation). Results Among 297 patients with ACLD, 129 were compensated (pACLD, n = 10; S0, n = 33; S1, n = 42; S2, n = 44), whereas 168 were decompensated (S3, n = 12; S4, n = 97; S5, n = 59). Median levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) numerically increased with progressive ACLD stage (from 1.2 μIU/ml [pACLD] to 1.5 μIU/ml [S5]; p = 0.152), whereas fT3 decreased (from 3.2 pg/ml [pACLD] to 2.5 pg/ml [S5]; p <0.001). Free thyroxin levels remained unchanged (p = 0.338). TSH (aB 0.45; p = 0.046) and fT3 (aB -0.17; p = 0.048) were independently associated with systemic C-reactive protein levels. Lower fT3 was linked to higher risk of (further) decompensation (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [asHR] 0.60; 95% CI 0.37-0.97; p = 0.037), acute-on-chronic liver failure (asHR 0.19; 95% CI 0.08-0.49; p <0.001) and liver-related death (asHR 0.14; 95% CI 0.04-0.51; p = 0.003). Conclusions Increasing TSH and declining fT3 levels are observed with progressive ACLD stages. The association of TSH and fT3 with systemic inflammation suggests a liver disease-associated non-thyroidal illness syndrome. Lower fT3 levels in patients with ACLD indicate increased risk for decompensation, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and liver-related death. Impact and Implications In a large well-characterized cohort of patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), we found a decline of free triiodothyronine (fT3) throughout the clinical stages of ACLD, paralleled by a numerical increase of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This suggests a progressive development of a non-thyroidal illness syndrome in association with ACLD severity. Importantly, C-reactive protein independently correlated with TSH and fT3, linking thyroid dysbalance in ACLD to systemic inflammation. Lower fT3 indicated an increased risk for subsequent development of hepatic decompensation, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and liver-related death. Clinical trial number Vienna Cirrhosis Study (VICIS; NCT: NCT03267615).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Hartl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Jachs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Wolf
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Josef Maria Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Balcar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Semmler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Schwarz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrig Marculescu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Varius Dannenberg
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Liu H, Nguyen HH, Hwang SY, Lee SS. Oxidative Mechanisms and Cardiovascular Abnormalities of Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16805. [PMID: 38069125 PMCID: PMC10706054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with portal hypertension, there are many complications including cardiovascular abnormalities, hepatorenal syndrome, ascites, variceal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy. The underlying mechanisms are not yet completely clarified. It is well known that portal hypertension causes mesenteric congestion which produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS has been associated with intestinal mucosal injury, increased intestinal permeability, enhanced gut bacterial overgrowth, and translocation; all these changes result in increased endotoxin and inflammation. Portal hypertension also results in the development of collateral circulation and reduces liver mass resulting in an overall increase in endotoxin/bacteria bypassing detoxication and immune clearance in the liver. Endotoxemia can in turn aggravate oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to a cycle of gut barrier dysfunction → endotoxemia → organ injury. The phenotype of cardiovascular abnormalities includes hyperdynamic circulation and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Oxidative stress is often accompanied by inflammation; thus, blocking oxidative stress can minimize the systemic inflammatory response and alleviate the severity of cardiovascular diseases. The present review aims to elucidate the role of oxidative stress in cirrhosis-associated cardiovascular abnormalities and discusses possible therapeutic effects of antioxidants on cardiovascular complications of cirrhosis including hyperdynamic circulation, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Samuel S. Lee
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada (H.H.N.); (S.Y.H.)
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Golubeva JA, Sheptulina AF, Elkina AY, Liusina EO, Kiselev AR, Drapkina OM. Which Comes First, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or Arterial Hypertension? Biomedicines 2023; 11:2465. [PMID: 37760906 PMCID: PMC10525922 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and arterial hypertension (AH) are widespread noncommunicable diseases in the global population. Since hypertension and NAFLD are diseases associated with metabolic syndrome, they are often comorbid. In fact, many contemporary published studies confirm the association of these diseases with each other, regardless of whether other metabolic factors, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellites, are present. This narrative review considers the features of the association between NAFLD and AH, as well as possible pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Golubeva
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Obesity, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, 101990 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna F. Sheptulina
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Obesity, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, 101990 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Therapy and Preventive Medicine, A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, 127473 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia Yu. Elkina
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Obesity, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, 101990 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Intermediate Level Therapy, Saratov State Medical University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
| | - Ekaterina O. Liusina
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Obesity, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, 101990 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton R. Kiselev
- Coordinating Center for Fundamental Research, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, 101990 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oxana M. Drapkina
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Obesity, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, 101990 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Therapy and Preventive Medicine, A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, 127473 Moscow, Russia
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Shoemaker R, Poglitsch M, Huang H, Vignes K, Srinivasan A, Cockerham C, Schadler A, Bauer JA, O’Brien JM. Activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Is Attenuated in Hypertensive Compared with Normotensive Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12728. [PMID: 37628909 PMCID: PMC10454898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, but the mechanisms of pregnancy hypertension are not precisely understood. Elevated plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentrations play an important role in the normal physiologic adaptation to pregnancy. These effectors are reduced in patients with pregnancy hypertension, creating an opportunity to define the features of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) that are characteristic of this disorder. In the current study, we used a novel LC-MS/MS-based methodology to develop comprehensive profiles of RAAS peptides and effectors over gestation in a cohort of 74 pregnant women followed prospectively for the development of gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia (HYP, 27 patients) versus those remaining normotensive (NT, 47 patients). In NT pregnancy, the plasma renin activity surrogate, (PRA-S, calculated from the sum of Angiotensin I + Angiotensin II) and aldosterone concentrations significantly increased from the first to the third trimester, accompanied by a modest increase in the concentrations of angiotensin peptide metabolites. In contrast, in HYP pregnancies, PRA-S and angiotensin peptides were largely unchanged over gestation, and third-trimester aldosterone concentrations were significantly lower compared with those in NT pregnancies. The results indicated that the predominant features of pregnancies that develop HYP are stalled or waning activation of the RAAS in the second half of pregnancy (accompanied by unchanging levels of angiotensin peptides) and the attenuated secretion of aldosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Shoemaker
- Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | | | - Hong Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Katherine Vignes
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Aarthi Srinivasan
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Cynthia Cockerham
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Aric Schadler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - John A. Bauer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - John M. O’Brien
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
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Hartl L, Simbrunner B, Jachs M, Wolf P, Bauer DJM, Scheiner B, Balcar L, Semmler G, Schwarz M, Marculescu R, Trauner M, Mandorfer M, Reiberger T. An impaired pituitary-adrenal signalling axis in stable cirrhosis is linked to worse prognosis. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100789. [PMID: 37484210 PMCID: PMC10362733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Inadequate adrenal function has been described in patients with cirrhosis. We investigated (i) the pituitary-adrenal axis at different clinical stages and (ii) the clinical impact of decreased serum cortisol levels in stable patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). Methods We included 137 outpatients with ACLD undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement in the prospective VICIS study (NCT03267615). Patients were stratified into six clinical stages: S0: subclinical portal hypertension (PH) (HVPG 6-9 mmHg), S1: clinically significant PH (HVPG ≥10 mmHg) without varices, S2: presence of varices, S3: previous variceal bleeding, S4: previous non-bleeding decompensation, and S5: further decompensation. Results Fifty-one patients had compensated ACLD (S0: n = 13; S1: n = 12; S2: n = 26), whereas 86 patients had decompensated ACLD (S3: n = 7; S4: n = 46; S5: n = 33). Serum total cortisol (t-Cort) showed a strong correlation with estimated serum free cortisol (f-Cort; Spearman's ρ: 0.889). With progressive clinical stage, median ACTH levels (from S0: 44.0 pg/ml to S5: 20.0 pg/ml; p = 0.006), t-Cort (from S0: 13.9 μg/dl to S5: 9.2 μg/dl; p = 0.091), and cortisol binding globulin (from S0: 49.3 μg/ml to S5: 38.9 μg/ml; p <0.001) decreased, whereas f-Cort (p = 0.474) remained unchanged. Lower t-Cort levels independently predicted bacterial infections (asHR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04-1.19; p = 0.002), further decompensation (asHR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02-1.12; p = 0.008), acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF; asHR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04-1.19; p = 0.002), and liver-related death (asHR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.01-1.18; p = 0.045). Conclusions The pituitary-ACTH-adrenal-cortisol axis is progressively suppressed with increasing severity of cirrhosis. Lower t-Cort is an independent risk factor for bacterial infections, further decompensation of ACLF, and liver-related mortality-even in stable outpatients with cirrhosis. Clinical trial number Vienna Cirrhosis Study (VICIS; NCT: NCT03267615). Impact and Implications In a cohort of stable outpatients, we observed progressive suppression of the pituitary-adrenal axis with increasing clinical stage of advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). Increased levels of bile acids and systemic inflammation (assessed by interleukin-6 levels) could be involved in this suppression. Serum total cortisol (t-Cort) was strongly correlated with serum free cortisol (f-Cort) and lower t-Cort levels were independently associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes, including bacterial infections, further decompensation, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and liver-related death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Hartl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Jachs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Wolf
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Josef Maria Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Balcar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Semmler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Schwarz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrig Marculescu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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