Increased Dietary Salt Changes Baroreceptor Sensitivity and Intrarenal Renin-Angiotensin System in Goldblatt Hypertension

Renal nerves and hypertension contribute to impaired proximal tubule megalin-mediated albumin uptake in renovascular hypertensive rats

Proteinuria, especially albuminuria, serves as an independent risk factor for progression in cardiovascular and renal diseases. Clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated that renal nerves contribute to renal dysfunction in arterial hypertension (AH). This study hypothesizes that renal nerves mediate the mechanisms of protein endocytosis by proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTEC) and glomerular function; with dysregulation of the renal nerves contributing to proteinuria in Wistar rats with renovascular hypertension (2-kidney, 1-clip model, 2K-1C). Reduced albumin uptake and increased internalization of endocytic receptor megalin in PTEC were found in both the clipped and contralateral kidneys of 2K-1C rats. Renal denervation (DNx) or hydralazine treatment restored these parameters. Moreover, DNx, but not hydralazine, reduced serum creatinine and recovered podocyte numbers in the contralateral kidney of 2K-1C rats. Thus, our data suggest that renal nerves and high arterial pressure contribute to decreased albumin reabsorption by cellular redistribution of megalin in PTEC, while renal nerves remarkably drive glomerular dysfunction in renovascular hypertension, independently of their effect on blood pressure. Created with BioRender.com.

Chronic cannabidiol treatment induces cardiovascular improvement in renovascular hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND

Cannabidiol (CBD) is increasingly studied for its therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases. Previous research on acute CBD administration has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in hypertensive rats, including reduced mean blood pressure and oxidative stress.

AIM

To investigate the long-term cardiovascular effects of chronic CBD treatment in renovascular hypertension induced by the 2-kidney-1-clip (2K1C) model.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats (180-200 g, 8 weeks old) underwent 2K1C or SHAM surgery. Six weeks later, rats received chronic CBD treatment (20 mg/kg, twice daily for 14 days). A combination of ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo methods was used to assess CBD's cardiovascular effects in 2K1C hypertensive rats.

RESULTS

Chronic CBD treatment significantly reduced blood pressure and the depressor response to hexamethonium (a ganglionic blocker). It also normalized variability in low-frequency (LF) power and LF/high-frequency (HF) ratio. CBD enhanced vasodilation and reduced vasoconstriction in the mesenteric artery of 2K1C rats, accompanied by decreased expression of aortic reactive oxygen species (ROS).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that chronic CBD treatment exerts antihypertensive effects by improving baroreflex sensitivity and vascular function while decreasing arterial ROS levels and sympathetic nerve activity. These results underscore CBD's potential therapeutic role in managing cardiovascular complications associated with renovascular hypertension.

Sodium chloride-induced changes in oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysbiosis in experimental multiple sclerosis

Objectives: The high-salt diet (HSD) has been associated with cognitive dysfunction by attacking the cerebral microvasculature, through an adaptive response, initiated in the intestine and mediated by Th17 cells. In the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), it has been described that NaCl causes an increase in T cell infiltration in the central nervous system. NaCl also promotes macrophage response and Th17 cell differentiation, worsening the course of the disease. HSD may trigger an activation of the immune system and enhance inflammation. However, certain studies not only do not support this possibility, but support the opposite, as the effect of salt on immune cells may not necessarily be pathogenic. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of an over intake of salt in rats with EAE, based on the clinical course, oxidative stress, markers of inflammation and the gut dysbiosis.Methods: 15 Dark Agouti rats were used, which were divided into control group, EAE group and EAE + NaCl group. Daily 0.027 g of NaCl dissolved in 300 μl of H2O was administered through a nasogastric tube for 51 days.Results: NaCl administration produced an improvement in clinical status and a decrease in biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysbiosis.Conclusion: The underlying mechanism by which NaCl causes these effects could involve the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which is blocked by high doses of salt.

Increased cerebral vascular resistance underlies preserved cerebral blood flow in response to orthostasis in humans on a high-salt diet

Cerebral blood flow autoregulation protects brain tissue from blood pressure variations and maintains cerebral perfusion pressure by changes in vascular resistance. High salt (HS) diet impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation in many vascular beds, including cerebral microcirculation, and may affect vascular resistance. The aim of present study was to determine if 7-day HS diet affected the reactivity of middle cerebral artery (MCA) to orthostatic challenge in healthy human individuals, and if autoregulatory mechanisms and sympathetic neural regulation were involved in this phenomenon.Twenty-seven persons participated in study (F:21, M:6, age range 19-24). Participants consumed 7-day low-salt (LS) diet (< 2.3 g kitchen salt/day) and afterwards 7-day HS diet (> 11.2 g kitchen salt/day). Blood and urine analysis and anthropometric measurements were performed after each diet. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate and heart rate variability, and cerebral and systemic hemodynamic parameters were recorded simultaneously with transcranial Doppler ultrasound and The Task Force® Monitor in response to orthostatic test.Participants remained normotensive during HS diet. Following both, the LS and HS dietary protocols, mean cerebral blood flow (CBF), as well as the velocity time integral and diastolic blood pressure decreased, and cerebral pulsatility index increased after rising up. Importantly, cerebrovascular resistance significantly increased in response to orthostasis only after HS diet. Urine concentration of noradrenaline and vanillylmandelic acid, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and sympathetic neural control was significantly decreased in HS diet.Results suggest that CBF in response to orthostatic test was preserved in HS condition due to altered vascular reactivity of MCA, with increased cerebrovascular resistance and blunted BRS and sympathetic activity.

Dietary fructose and high salt in young male Sprague Dawley rats induces salt-sensitive changes in renal function in later life

Dietary fructose and salt are associated with hypertension and renal disease. Dietary input during critical postnatal periods may impact pathophysiology in maturity. The highest consumption of fructose occurs during adolescence. We hypothesized that a diet high in fructose with or without high salt in young male Sprague Dawley rats will lead to salt-sensitive hypertension, albuminuria, and decreased renal function in maturity. Four groups were studied from age 5 weeks: 20% glucose + 0.4% salt (GCS-GCS) or 20% fructose + 4% salt throughout (FHS-FHS). Two groups received 20% fructose + 0.4% salt or 20% fructose + 4% salt for 3 weeks (Phase I) followed by 20% glucose + 0.4% salt (Phase II). In Phase III (age 13-15 weeks), these two groups were challenged with 20% glucose + 4% salt, (FCS-GHS) and (FHS-GHS), respectively. Each group fed fructose in Phase I exhibited significantly higher MAP than GCS-GCS in Phase III. Net sodium balance, unadjusted, or adjusted for caloric intake and urine flow rate, and cumulative sodium balance were positive in FHS during Phase I and were significantly higher in FCS-GHS, FHS-GHS, and FHS-FHS vs GCS-GCS during Phase III. All three groups fed fructose during Phase I displayed significantly elevated albuminuria. GFR was significantly lower in FHS-FHS vs GCS-GCS at maturity. Qualitative histology showed mesangial expansion and hypercellularity in FHS-FHS rats. Thus, fructose ingestion during a critical period in rats, analogous to human preadolescence and adolescence, results in salt-sensitive hypertension and albuminuria in maturity. Prolonged dietary fructose and salt ingestion lead to a decline in renal function with evidence suggestive of mesangial hypercellularity.

Role of alginate in the mechanism by which brown seaweed Saccharina japonica intake alleviates an increase in blood pressure in 2-kidney, 1-clip renovascular hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND

The intake of Saccharina japonica (SJ), a widely consumed brown seaweed, has been reported to decrease blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive rats. It has been suggested that this effect is related to an increase in fecal sodium excretion (SE) by alginate (Alg) to the gastrointestinal tract; however, the mechanism is still unclear. This study investigated how different seaweeds with different amounts of Alg suppressed BP increase and enhanced fecal SE in 2-kidney, 1-clip renovascular hypertensive (2K1C) rats given SJ diet.

METHODS

Rats with 2K1C or sham operation were fed a normal-/high-salt diet with some kinds of seaweeds (5.0%, w/w) or SJ extract with different Alg contents for 6 weeks. We measured systolic BP every week and mean arterial pressure at the end, and measured the total and molecular weights of Alg in each seaweed. Then, we evaluated the relationship of the Alg amount in each seaweed with the suppression of BP increase in 2K1C rats. Finally, urinary and fecal SE for 24 h was measured.

RESULTS

The intake of SJ, SJ extract, Saccharina ochotensis (SO) blades and SO roots suppressed BP increase in 2K1C rats, but the strength was not proportional to the amounts of Alg contained in the seaweeds. Although SJ intake increased fecal SE in 2K1C rats fed a high-salt diet, the fecal SE was much less than urinary SE.

CONCLUSION

The sodium excretion in feces by Alg in SJ may not be one of the major mechanisms by which SJ intake attenuates hypertension in 2K1C rats.

New perspectives on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and its related diseases

Since the worldwide outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has received widespread attention as the cell receptor of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus. At the same time, as a key enzyme in the renin-angiotensin-system, ACE2 is considered to be an endogenous negative regulator of vasoconstriction, proliferation, fibrosis, and proinflammation caused by the ACE-angiotensin II-angiotensin type 1 receptor axis. ACE2 is now implicated as being closely connected to diabetes, cardiovascular, kidney, and lung diseases, and so on. This review covers the available information on the host factors regulating ACE2 and discusses its role in a variety of pathophysiological conditions in animal models and humans.

Effects of renal denervation on cardiovascular, metabolic and renal functions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes promotes renal sympathetic hyperactivity, autonomic imbalance, and cardiovascular and renal dysfunction. Bilateral renal denervation (BRD) has emerged as a treatment for diabetes; however, the mechanisms that underlie the beneficial effects of BRD are unknown.

AIMS

The present study evaluated the effects of BRD on autonomic, cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal function in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

MAIN METHODS

Wistar rats were separated into three experimental groups: control (CTR), diabetic (DM), and diabetic that underwent BRD (DM BRD). BRD was performed two weeks after STZ-diabetes induction, the experiments were performed four weeks after DM induction. This study evaluated sympathetic vasomotor nerve activity in different territories (renal, lumbar and splanchnic), arterial baroreceptor reflex, metabolic and renal function.

KEY FINDINGS

BRD significantly reduced glycemia, glycosuria, albuminuria, and SGLT2 gene expression in the kidney in DM rats. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (rSNA) was significantly increased and splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity (sSNA) was significantly decreased in DM rats, without changes in lumbar sympathetic nerve activity (lSNA). BRD was able to normalize sSNA and significantly increase lSNA in DM rats compared to control rats. Additionally, cardiac baroreceptor sensitivity was impaired in DM rats, and BRD significantly improved baroreflex sensitivity.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our data suggest that renal nerves play an important role in autonomic, cardiovascular, and renal dysfunction in STZ-DM rats. Thus, sympathetic renal hyperactivity should be considered a possible therapeutic target in diabetic patients.

Chinese Traditional Fermented Soy Sauce Exerts Protective Effects against High-Fat and High-Salt Diet-Induced Hypertension in Sprague-Dawley Rats by Improving Adipogenesis and Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Activity

Although high-fat and high-salt diets are considered risk factors for hypertension, the intake of salty soybean-based fermented foods has beneficial effects. This study explored the potential of Chinese traditional fermented soy sauce (CTFSS) in preventing hypertension by analyzing its effects on adipogenesis and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HD), high-fat diet with saline (HDS, NaCl-8%), and high-fat diet with Chinese traditional soy sauce (HDCTS, NaCl-8%). Each group is administrated 12 weeks by oral gavage as 10 mL/kg dose, respectively. CTFSS supplementation resulted in significantly lower body weight, epididymal fat weight, and systolic blood pressure. Additionally, it decreased the serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), renin, angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and aldosterone levels. It also increased the urinary volume and improved sodium and potassium ion balance. The gene levels showed significant enhancements in the mRNA levels of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system-related and adipogenesis-related genes. In addition, CTFSS may prevent hypertension-associated kidney injury. Therefore, this study demonstrates that CTFSS has no harmful effects on hypertension. In contrast, the beneficial effects of CTFSS intake in ameliorating hypertension were shown.

Aliskiren Reduces the Adrenal Zona Glomerulosa Apoptosis and Autophagy in Wistar Rats with 2K1C Hypertension

Hypertension is a disease classified as primary or secondary, manifested not only by elevation of blood pressure but also involved in structural and functional changes of target organs. Renal artery stenosis is a leading factor of secondary hypertension, and its progress is associated with overactivation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Aliskiren is a renin inhibiting drug that suppresses RAAS and culminates in decreased renin release, plasma angiotensin II concentration, and inhibition of aldosterone secretion. In this sense, the aim of the present study was to analyze the structural and ultrastructural morphophysiology of the adrenal glomerular zone, after treatment with aliskiren in Wistar rats with 2K1C hypertension. Parameters as structure and ultrastructure of the adrenal glomerular zone, cellular apoptosis, nuclear cell proliferation, and AT1 receptor expression were analyzed by immunostaining and electron microscopy. Our results showed that the hypertensive animals treated with aliskiren presented a reestablishment of AT1 receptor expression and decrease in apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, treatment with aliskiren improves the cell aspects in the adrenal glomerular zone, evidenced by ultrastructural analysis through preserved nuclei and well-developed mitochondria. Therefore, our evidence suggests that aliskiren has a beneficial effect on the adrenal glomerular zone remodeling in animals with renovascular hypertension.

GABAA receptor, KATP channel and L-type Ca2+ channel is associated with facilitation effect of H2S on the baroreceptor reflex in spontaneous hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate whether the facilitating effect of H₂S on the baroreceptor reflex is associated with the GABA_A receptor, K_ATP channel and L-type Ca²⁺ channel pathway.

METHODS

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were used to investigate the facilitating effect of H₂S on the baroreceptor reflex by perfusing the isolated carotid sinus. The mechanism by which H₂S facilitated the baroreceptor reflex was determined by using Bay K8644 (an agonist of calcium channels), glibenclamide (Gli, a K_ATP channel blocker), and picrotoxin (PIC, a blocker of γ-aminobutyric acid [GABA]_A receptor).

RESULTS

As compared with WKY rats, SHRs showed impaired baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, as demonstrated by a right and upward shift of the functional curve for the intrasinus pressure-arterial blood pressure relation. H₂S perfusion (25, 50, or 100 μmol/L) dose-dependently ameliorated the impaired sensitivity of the baroreceptor reflex. Bay K8644 (500 nmol/L), Gli (20 μmol/L) and PIC (50 μmol/L) all prevented H₂S ameliorating the impaired baroreceptor reflex.

CONCLUSIONS

H₂S facilitating the baroreceptor reflex might be associated with activating the GABA_A receptor, opening the K_ATP channel, and closing the L-type Ca²⁺ channel. These areas should provide new targets for preventing and treating hypertension.

Renal denervation reduces sympathetic overactivation, brain oxidative stress, and renal injury in rats with renovascular hypertension independent of its effects on reducing blood pressure

The underlying mechanisms by which renal denervation (RD) decreases blood pressure (BP) remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of ischemic kidney denervation on different sympathetic outflows, brain and renal expression of angiotensin-II receptors, oxidative stress and renal function markers in the 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K-1C) rat model. Surgical RD was performed in Wistar male rats 4-5 weeks after clip implantation. After 10 days of RD, BP, and the activity of sympathetic nerves projecting to the contralateral kidney (rSNA) and splanchnic region were partially reduced in 2K-1C rats, with no change in systemic renin-angiotensin system (RAS). To distinguish the effects of RD from the reduction in BP, 2K-1C rats were treated with hydralazine by oral gavage (25 mg/kg/day for 1 week). RD, but not hydralazine, normalized oxidative stress in the sympathetic premotor brain regions and improved intrarenal RAS, renal injury, and proteinuria. Furthermore, different mechanisms led to renal injury and oxidative stress in the ischemic and contralateral kidneys of 2K-1C rats. Injury and oxidative stress in the ischemic kidney were driven by the renal nerves. Although RD attenuated rSNA, injury and oxidative stress persisted in the contralateral kidney, probably due to increased BP. Therefore, nerves from the ischemic kidney at least partially contribute to the increase in BP, sympathetic outflows, brain oxidative stress, and renal alterations in rats with renovascular hypertension. Based on these findings, the reduction in oxidative stress in the brain is a central mechanism that contributes to the effects of RD on Goldblatt hypertension.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Arterial Baroreceptor Remodeling in Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes

Clinical trials and animal experimental studies have demonstrated an association of arterial baroreflex impairment with the prognosis and mortality of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. As a primary part of the arterial baroreflex arc, the pressure sensitivity of arterial baroreceptors is blunted and involved in arterial baroreflex dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Changes in the arterial vascular walls, mechanosensitive ion channels, and voltage-gated ion channels contribute to the attenuation of arterial baroreceptor sensitivity. Some endogenous substances (such as angiotensin II and superoxide anion) can modulate these morphological and functional alterations through intracellular signaling pathways in impaired arterial baroreceptors. Arterial baroreceptors can be considered as a potential therapeutic target to improve the prognosis of patients with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Differential effects of renal denervation on arterial baroreceptor function in Goldblatt hypertension model

Sympathetic vasomotor activity is significantly increased in renovascular hypertension. Renal denervation (DnX) has emerged as a novel therapy for resistant hypertension to drug therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms regarding the reduction in blood pressure (BP) after DnX remain unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of DnX of a clipped kidney on the baseline and baroreceptor reflex control of post-ganglionic sympathetic activity to the contralateral kidney (rSNA) and lumbar (lSNA) nerves in Goldblatt hypertensive rats (2K1C). Renal denervation of an ischaemic kidney (DxX - all visible bundles of nerves were dissected - 10% phenol) was performed 5weeks after clipping (gap width: 0.2mm). Ten days after DnX, BP was significantly reduced (16%) in the 2K1C compared with the undenervated 2K1C (p<0.05). DnX significantly reduced basal rSNA (control group (CT): 110±8, n=14; 2K1C: 150±8, n=12; 2K1C DnX: 89±7, spikes per second (spikes/s); p<0.05, n=8) and lSNA (CT: 137±8, n=8; 2K1C: 202±7, n=11; 2K1C DnX: 131±7, spikes/s; p<0.05, n=8) only in 2K1C rats. DnX significantly improved the arterial baroreceptor sensitivity of rSNA (CT: -2.3±0.2, n=11; 2K1C: -0.7±0.1, n=8; 2K1C DnX: -1.5±0.2, spikes/s/mmHg; p<0.05, n=5) and heart rate for tachycardic response (CT: -3.9±0.5, n=7; 2K1C: -1.9±0.1, n=8; 2K1C DnX: -3.3±0.4, bpm/mmHg; p<0.05, n=8), but not for lSNA in 2K1C rats. The results show that DnX normalized baseline sympathetic vasomotor activity to the lumbar and renal nerves, followed by a differential improvement in the arterial baroreceptor sensitivity. Whether the baroreceptor function sensitivity improvement induced by DnX is a cause or a consequence of BP reduction remains to be determined.