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Lemini C, Silveyra P, Segovia-Mendoza M. Cardiovascular disrupting effects of bisphenols, phthalates, and parabens related to endothelial dysfunction: Review of toxicological and pharmacological mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 107:104407. [PMID: 38428705 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. CVDs are promoted by the accumulation of lipids and immune cells in the endothelial space resulting in endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial cells are important components of the vascular endothelium, that regulate the vascular flow. The imbalance in the production of vasoactive substances results in the loss of vascular homeostasis, leading the endothelial dysfunction. Thus, endothelial dysfunction plays an essential role in the development of atherosclerosis and can be triggered by different cardiovascular risk factors. On the other hand, the 17β-estradiol (E2) hormone has been related to the regulation of vascular tone through different mechanisms. Several compounds can elicit estrogenic actions similar to those of E2. For these reasons, they have been called endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). This review aims to provide up-to-date information about how different EDCs affect endothelial function and their mechanistic roles in the context of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lemini
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University Bloomington, School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Mariana Segovia-Mendoza
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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2
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Moreau KL, Clayton ZS, DuBose LE, Rosenberry R, Seals DR. Effects of regular exercise on vascular function with aging: Does sex matter? Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H123-H137. [PMID: 37921669 PMCID: PMC11208002 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00392.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Vascular aging, featuring endothelial dysfunction and large elastic artery stiffening, is a major risk factor for the development of age-associated cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Vascular aging is largely mediated by an excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased inflammation leading to reduced bioavailability of the vasodilatory molecule nitric oxide and remodeling of the arterial wall. Other cellular mechanisms (i.e., mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired stress response, deregulated nutrient sensing, cellular senescence), termed "hallmarks" or "pillars" of aging, may also contribute to vascular aging. Gonadal aging, which largely impacts women but also impacts some men, modulates the vascular aging process. Regular physical activity, including both aerobic and resistance exercise, is a first-line strategy for reducing CVD risk with aging. Although exercise is an effective intervention to counter vascular aging, there is considerable variation in the vascular response to exercise training with aging. Aerobic exercise improves large elastic artery stiffening in both middle-aged/older men and women and enhances endothelial function in middle-aged/older men by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and preserving nitric oxide bioavailability; however, similar aerobic exercise training improvements are not consistently observed in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women. Sex differences in adaptations to exercise may be related to gonadal aging and declines in estrogen in women that influence cellular-molecular mechanisms, disconnecting favorable signaling in the vasculature induced by exercise training. The present review will summarize the current state of knowledge on vascular adaptations to regular aerobic and resistance exercise with aging, the underlying mechanisms involved, and the moderating role of biological sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie L Moreau
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
- Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Zachary S Clayton
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Lyndsey E DuBose
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Ryan Rosenberry
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Douglas R Seals
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
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3
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Abstract
Endothelial cells are important constituents of blood vessels and play a critical role in vascular homeostasis. They do not only control the exchanges between the blood and the surrounding tissues, but are also essential in regulating blood flow, modulating immune-cell trafficking and controlling vascular growth and repair. Endothelial dysfunction leads to cardiovascular diseases and is characterized by deficiency in secretion of vasodilator molecules, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), expression of adhesion molecules and excretion of proinflammatory cytokines. The sex hormones, estrogens, androgens and progestogens, regulate endothelial functions. Because cardiovascular disease risk increases after menopause, it is believed that female hormones, estrogens and progestogens promote endothelial cell health and function whereas androgens, the male hormones, might be detrimental. However, as illustrated in the present review, the picture might not be that simple. In addition, sex influences endothelial cell physiology independently of sex hormones but at genetic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Robert
- University Hospital of Zurich, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Wagistrasse 14, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland.
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4
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Bernstein SR, Kelleher C, Khalil RA. Gender-based research underscores sex differences in biological processes, clinical disorders and pharmacological interventions. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115737. [PMID: 37549793 PMCID: PMC10587961 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115737] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Earlier research has presumed that the male and female biology is similar in most organs except the reproductive system, leading to major misconceptions in research interpretations and clinical implications, with serious disorders being overlooked or misdiagnosed. Careful research has now identified sex differences in the cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, immune, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. Also, several cardiovascular, immunological, and neurological disorders have shown differences in prevalence and severity between males and females. Genetic variations in the sex chromosomes have been implicated in several disorders at young age and before puberty. The levels of the gonadal hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone and their receptors play a role in the sex differences between adult males and premenopausal women. Hormonal deficiencies and cell senescence have been implicated in differences between postmenopausal and premenopausal women. Specifically, cardiovascular disorders are more common in adult men vs premenopausal women, but the trend is reversed with age with the incidence being greater in postmenopausal women than age-matched men. Gender-specific disorders in females such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hypertension-in-pregnancy and gestational diabetes have attained further research recognition. Other gender-related research areas include menopausal hormone therapy, the "Estrogen Paradox" in pulmonary arterial hypertension being more predominant but less severe in young females, and how testosterone may cause deleterious effects in the kidney while having vasodilator effects in the coronary circulation. This has prompted the National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative to consider sex as a biological variable in research. The NIH and other funding agencies have provided resources to establish state-of-the-art centers for women health and sex differences in biology and disease in several academic institutions. Scientific societies and journals have taken similar steps to organize specialized conferences and publish special issues on gender-based research. These combined efforts should promote research to enhance our understanding of the sex differences in biological systems beyond just the reproductive system, and provide better guidance and pharmacological tools for the management of various clinical disorders in a gender-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia R Bernstein
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Caroline Kelleher
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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5
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Lazaro CM, Victorio JA, Davel AP, Oliveira HCF. CETP expression ameliorates endothelial function in female mice through estrogen receptor-α and endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H592-H600. [PMID: 37539470 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00365.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is an early manifestation of atherosclerosis. The cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) has been considered proatherogenic by reducing plasma HDL levels. However, CETP may exhibit cell- or tissue-specific effects. We have previously reported that male mice expressing the human CETP gene show impaired endothelium-mediated vascular relaxation associated with oxidative stress. Although sexual dimorphisms on the metabolic role of CETP have been proposed, possible sex differences in the vascular effects of CETP were not previously studied. Thus, here we investigated the endothelial function of female CETP transgenic mice as compared with nontransgenic controls (NTg). Aortas from CETP females presented preserved endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine and an endothelium-dependent reduction of phenylephrine-induced contraction. eNOS phosphorylation (Ser1177) and calcium-induced NO levels were enhanced, whereas reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NOX2 and SOD2 expression were reduced in the CETP female aortas. Furthermore, CETP females exhibited increased aortic relaxation to 17β-estradiol (E2) and upregulation of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and caveolin-1, proteins that stabilize estrogen receptor (ER) in the caveolae. Indeed, CETP females showed an increased E2-induced relaxation in a manner sensitive to estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and HSP90 inhibitors methylpiperidinopyrazole (MPP) and geldanamycin, respectively. MPP also impaired the relaxation response to acetylcholine in CETP but not in NTg females. Altogether, the study indicates that CETP expression ameliorates the anticontractile endothelial effect and relaxation to E2 in females. This was associated with less ROS production, and increased eNOS-NO and E2-ERα pathways. These results highlight the need for considering the sex-specific effects of CETP on cardiovascular risk.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here we demonstrated that CETP expression has a sex-specific impact on the endothelium function. Contrary to what was described for males, CETP-expressing females present preserved endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine and improved relaxation response to 17β-estradiol. This was associated with less ROS production, increased eNOS-derived NO, and increased expression of proteins that stabilize estrogen receptor-α (ERα), thus increasing E2-ERα signaling sensitivity. These results highlight the need for considering the sex-specific effects of CETP on cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina M Lazaro
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Jamaira A Victorio
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Davel
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Helena C F Oliveira
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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6
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Cook CM, Craddock VD, Ram AK, Abraham AA, Dhillon NK. HIV and Drug Use: A Tale of Synergy in Pulmonary Vascular Disease Development. Compr Physiol 2023; 13:4659-4683. [PMID: 37358518 PMCID: PMC10693986 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, with the advent and adoption of highly active anti-retroviral therapy, HIV-1 infection, a once fatal and acute illness, has transformed into a chronic disease with people living with HIV (PWH) experiencing increased rates of cardio-pulmonary vascular diseases including life-threatening pulmonary hypertension. Moreover, the chronic consequences of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use are increasingly seen in older PWH. Drug use, specifically, can have pathologic effects on the cardiovascular health of these individuals. The "double hit" of drug use and HIV may increase the risk of HIV-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (HIV-PAH) and potentiate right heart failure in this population. This article explores the epidemiology and pathophysiology of PAH associated with HIV and recreational drug use and describes the proposed mechanisms by which HIV and drug use, together, can cause pulmonary vascular remodeling and cardiopulmonary hemodynamic compromise. In addition to detailing the proposed cellular and signaling pathways involved in the development of PAH, this article proposes areas ripe for future research, including the influence of gut dysbiosis and cellular senescence on the pathobiology of HIV-PAH. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:4659-4683, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Cook
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Vaughn D Craddock
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Anil K Ram
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Ashrita A Abraham
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Navneet K Dhillon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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7
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DuBose LE, Ozemek C, Wick T, Richardson V, Hildreth KL, Moreau KL. Role of BH 4 deficiency as a mediator of oxidative stress-related endothelial dysfunction in menopausal women. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H975-H982. [PMID: 36149770 PMCID: PMC9621706 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00435.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial function (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation [FMD]) is reduced in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women, mediated, in part, by reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, secondary to tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency and oxidative stress. FMD is increased, but not fully restored, in postmenopausal women after acute intravenous vitamin C (VITC; superoxide scavenger) or oral BH4 supplementation. In vitro studies demonstrate that coadministration of VITC with BH4 prevents endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling and reductions in NO by peroxynitrite. To investigate mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in women, we assessed the separate and combined effects of VITC and BH4 to determine whether coadministration of VITC + BH4 improves FMD in healthy postmenopausal women (n = 19, 58 ± 5 yr) to premenopausal (n = 14, 36 ± 9 yr) levels, with exploratory testing in perimenopausal women (n = 8, 51 ± 3 yr). FMD was measured during acute intravenous infusions of saline (control) and VITC (∼2-3 g) ∼3 h after a single dose of oral BH4 (KUVAN, 10 mg/kg body wt) or placebo (randomized crossover, separated by ∼1 mo). Under the placebo condition, FMD was reduced in postmenopausal compared with premenopausal women during the saline infusion (5.6 ± 0.7 vs. 11.6 ± 0.9%, P < 0.001) and increased in postmenopausal women during VITC (+3.5 [1.4, 5.6]%, P = 0.001) and acute BH4 (+1.8 [0.37, 3.2]%, P = 0.01) alone. Coadministration of VITC + BH4 increased FMD in postmenopausal women (+3.0 [1.7, 4.3]%, P < 0.001), but FMD remained reduced compared with premenopausal women (P = 0.02). Exploratory analyses revealed that VITC + BH4 did not restore FMD in perimenopausal women to premenopausal levels (P = 0.045). Coadministration of VITC + BH4 does not restore FMD in menopausal women, suggesting that additional mechanisms may be involved.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Endothelial function is reduced across the menopausal stages related to increased oxidative stress associated with estrogen deficiency. In vitro studies demonstrate that coadministration of VITC with BH4 prevents endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling and reductions in NO by peroxynitrite; however, this remains untested in humans. We demonstrate that the coadministration of BH4 + VITC does not restore endothelial function in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women to the level of premenopausal women, suggesting that other mechanisms contribute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey E DuBose
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Cemal Ozemek
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tyler Wick
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Vanessa Richardson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kerry L Hildreth
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado
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8
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Topiramate treatment in Wistar rats during childhood induces sex-specific vascular dysfunction in adulthood. Life Sci 2022; 288:120189. [PMID: 34863798 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120189] [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: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study determined whether treatment during childhood with topiramate (TPM), a new generation antiepileptic drug, results in altered aortic reactivity in adult male and female rats. We also sought to understand the role of endothelium-derived contractile factors in TPM-induced vascular dysfunction. Male and female Wistar rats were treated with TPM (41 mg/kg/day) or water (TPM vehicle) by gavage during childhood (postnatal day, 16-28). In adulthood, thoracic aorta reactivity to phenylephrine (phenyl), as well as aortic thickness and expression of cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), NOX2, and p47phox were evaluated. The aortic response to phenyl was increased in male and female rats from the TPM group when compared with the control group. In TPM male rats, the hyperreactivity to phenyl was abrogated by the inhibition of NADPH oxidase and COX-2, while in female rats, responses were restored only by inhibition of COX-2. In addition, TPM male rats presented aortic hypertrophy and increased expression of NOX-2 and p47phox, while TPM female rats showed increased COX-2 aortic expression. Taken together, for the first-time, the present study provides evidence that treatment with TPM during childhood causes vascular dysfunction in adulthood, and that the mechanism underlying the vascular effects of TPM is sex-specific.
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9
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Schereider IRG, Vassallo DV, Simões MR. Chronic mercury exposure induces oxidative stress in female rats by endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling and cyclooxygenase-2 activation, without affecting oestrogen receptor function. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 129:470-485. [PMID: 34491608 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13655] [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: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mercury has been shown to be a significant health risk factor and is positively associated with cardiovascular diseases. Evidence reveals that men are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases than women during reproductive age. However, the effects of mercury in females remain poorly investigated, despite the finding that female hormones demonstrate a cardioprotective role. In the present study, we evaluated whether chronic mercury chloride exposure could alter blood pressure and vascular function of the female rat aorta. Ten-week-old female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (vehicle) and mercury treated (first dose of 4.6 μg/kg, subsequent daily doses of 0.07 μg/kg), im. Mercury treatment did not modify systolic blood pressure (SBP) but increased vascular reactivity due to the reduction of nitric oxide bioavailability associated with the increase in reactive oxygen species from endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling. Furthermore, increased participation of the cyclooxygenase-2 pathway occurred through an imbalance in thromboxane 2 and prostacyclin 2. However, the oestrogen signalling pathway was not altered in either group. These results demonstrated that chronic exposure to mercury in females induced endothelial dysfunction and, consequently, increased aortic vascular reactivity, causing vascular damage to the female rat aorta and representing a risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil.,Health Science Center of Vitória, School of Sciences of Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória - EMESCAM, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Maylla Ronacher Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
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10
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Biswas S, Maitra S. Altered redox homeostasis in steroid-depleted follicles attenuates hCG regulation of follicular events: Cross-talk between endocrine and IGF axis in maturing oocytes. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 172:675-687. [PMID: 34289395 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Steroids and insulin-like growth factors (Igfs) are indispensable for folliculogenesis and reproductive fitness in the vertebrate ovary. The intrafollicular redox balance is also of immense importance for ovarian follicles wherein low levels of ROS are being utilized for cell signalling and regulation of gene expression; its excess may interfere with normal physiological processes leading to ovotoxicity. However, the functional relevance of ovarian steroidogenesis in maintaining the follicular microenvironment with coordinated redox homeostasis and intra-ovarian growth factors axis is relatively less understood. Using zebrafish full-grown (FG) ovarian follicles in vitro, our study shows that blocking steroid biosynthesis with anti-steroidal drugs, DL-aminoglutethimide (AG) or Trilostane (Trilo), prevents hCG (LH analogue)-induced StAR expression concomitant with a robust increase in intrafollicular ROS levels. Congruent with heightened intracellular levels of superoxide anions (O2•-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), priming with AG or Trilo abrogates the transcript abundance of major antioxidant enzyme genes (SOD1, SOD2, and CAT) in hCG-stimulated follicles. Significantly, blocking steroidogenesis attenuates transcript abundance of HSP70 but elevates NOX4 expression potentially through ERα-mediated pathway. Importantly, disrupted redox balance in AG/Trilo pre-incubated FG follicles negatively impacts hCG-mediated activation of PKA/CREB signaling and transcriptional activation of igf ligands. Elevated ROS attenuation of antioxidant defense parameters and impaired endocrine and autocrine/paracrine homeostasis converge upon reduced p34cdc2 (Thr-161) phosphorylation, a reliable marker for MPF activation, and resumption of meiotic G2-M1 transition in hCG-treated follicles. Collectively, altered redox homeostasis in steroid-depleted follicles has a significant negative influence on GTH (LH) regulation of follicular events, specifically Igf synthesis, meiotic maturational competence and ovarian fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhasri Biswas
- Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, 731235, India
| | - Sudipta Maitra
- Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, 731235, India.
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11
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Delgado NTB, Rouver WDN, Freitas-Lima LC, Vieira-Alves I, Lemos VS, dos Santos RL. Sex Differences in the Vasodilation Mediated by G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) in Hypertensive Rats. Front Physiol 2021; 12:659291. [PMID: 34393807 PMCID: PMC8359777 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.659291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protective effect of estrogen on the vasculature cannot be explained only by its action through the receptors ERα and ERβ. G protein-coupled estrogen receptors (GPER)-which are widely distributed throughout the cardiovascular system-may also be involved in this response. However, little is known about GPER actions in hypertension. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the vascular response mediated by GPER using a specific agonist, G-1, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We hypothesized that G-1 would induce a relaxing response in resistance mesenteric arteries from SHR of both sexes. METHODS G-1 concentration-response curves (1 nM-10 μM) were performed in mesenteric arteries from SHR of both sexes (10-12-weeks-old, weighing 180-250 g). The effects of G-1 were evaluated before and after endothelial removal and incubation for 30 min with the inhibitors L-NAME (300 μM) and indomethacin (10 μM) alone or combined with clotrimazole (0.75 μM) or catalase (1,000 units/mL). GPER immunolocalization was also investigated, and vascular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ROS were evaluated using dichlorofluorescein (DCF) and dihydroethidium (DHE) staining, respectively. RESULTS GPER activation promoted a similar relaxing response in resistance mesenteric arteries of female and male hypertensive rats, but with the participation of different endothelial mediators. Males appear to be more dependent on the NO pathway, followed by the H2O2 pathway, and females on the endothelium and H2O2 pathway. CONCLUSION These findings show that the GPER agonist G-1 can induce a relaxing response in mesenteric arteries from hypertensive rats of both sexes in a similar way, albeit with differential participation of endothelial mediators. These results contribute to the understanding of GPER activation on resistance mesenteric arteries in essential hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wender do Nascimento Rouver
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil
| | | | - Ildernandes Vieira-Alves
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Virgínia Soares Lemos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Roger Lyrio dos Santos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil
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12
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Protective Effects of Estrogen on Cardiovascular Disease Mediated by Oxidative Stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:5523516. [PMID: 34257804 PMCID: PMC8260319 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5523516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Perimenopause is an important stage of female senescence. Epidemiological investigation has shown that the incidence of cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women is lower than that in men, and the incidence of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women is significantly higher than that in men. This phenomenon reveals that estrogen has a definite protective effect on the cardiovascular system. In the cardiovascular system, oxidative stress is considered important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, myocardial dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and myocardial ischemia. From the perspective of oxidative stress, estrogen plays a regulatory role in the cardiovascular system through the estrogen receptor, providing strategies for the treatment of menopausal women with cardiovascular diseases.
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13
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Aguayo-Cerón KA, Gutiérrez-Iglesias G, Parra-Barrera A, Ocharan-Hernández ME, Romero-Nava R, Jiménez-Zamarripa CA, Calzada-Mendoza CC. Antisclerothic effect of tibolone by reducing proinflammatory cytokines expression, ROS production and LDL-ox uptake in THP-1 macrophages. Steroids 2021; 167:108779. [PMID: 33383063 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2020.108779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is more frequent in menopausal women, which has been related to factor such as weight gain, altered fat distribution, and increased inflammation markers including adipokines (MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6) and cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) produced by macrophages. In addition to their phagocytic activity, macrophages secrete cytokines and chemokines that induces cell recruitment, which is a process related to vascular damage that favors the formation of atheromatous plaques. Tibolone (Tb) therapy is used to reduce the symptoms of menopause as well as osteoporosis and it has been shown to decreases the risk of fractures. METHODS To investigate the effect of tibolone in macrophage enzymatic activity, gene expression of cytokines, and its effect on foam cells formation. We use phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated THP-1 cells. The cells were incubated 24 h and 48 h using pre and post-treatment schemes. We evaluated total ROS determination by NBT assay, expression of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NOS2, ARG1, TGFβ) by RT-qPCR and foam cell formation in THP-1 differentiated macrophages stimulated with PMA. RESULTS It was observed that the minor levels of total ROS determination were obtained with tibolone at 48 h in post-treatment scheme. Also, in a long term we found decrease the proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α). Finally, with treatment for 24 h with P4 y Tb we observed fewer LDL vesicles into macrophages cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that tibolone reduces the inflammatory process, also inhibits the foam cells formation; suggesting a possible role in reducing cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla A Aguayo-Cerón
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional-Escuela Superior de Medicina, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gisela Gutiérrez-Iglesias
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional-Escuela Superior de Medicina, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Alberto Parra-Barrera
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional-Escuela Superior de Medicina, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - María E Ocharan-Hernández
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional-Escuela Superior de Medicina, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Romero-Nava
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional-Escuela Superior de Medicina, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Laboratorio de Investigación en Farmacología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Carlos A Jiménez-Zamarripa
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional-Escuela Superior de Medicina, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Hospital Psiquiátrico "Dr. Samuel Ramírez Moreno", Secretaria de Salud, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Claudia C Calzada-Mendoza
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional-Escuela Superior de Medicina, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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NERY LUDMILLACDOESPÍRITOSANTO, BRAZ LESLIEC, FERREIRA LETICIAL, VIEIRA FLÁVIAP, SILVA LEANDROLDA, BLANC HELENEN, RAIMUNDO JULIANAM. A combined injectable contraceptive improves plasma redox status and does not induce vascular changes in female rats. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202020201924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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15
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Liu W, Tang Q, Jin J, Zhu T, Dai Y, Shi Y. Sex differences in cardiovascular risk factors for myocardial infarction. Herz 2020; 46:115-122. [PMID: 32377778 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-020-04911-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. This study investigated the effects of sex on traditional cardiovascular risk factors for remote myocardial infarction in a community. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed comprising 20,899 participants who underwent physical examination from 2013 to 2015, including systemic blood pressure and 12-lead electrocardiogram monitoring. Fasting blood samples were collected for blood cell counts and biochemistry tests. Remote myocardial infarction was diagnosed on the basis of electrocardiogram findings. RESULTS A total of 71 male and 21 female patients aged over 50 years were identified with remote myocardial infarction. In the female cohort, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), as well as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were negatively correlated with myocardial infarction after adjusting for age. In the male cohort, after adjusting for age, serum levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting glucose were positively correlated with myocardial infarction, but the lipid profile, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), was negatively correlated with remote myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION In the male population, dyslipidemia and abnormal glucose metabolism play a role in myocardial infarction. In the female population, dyslipidemia is independent of glucose metabolism. This study highlights sex differences in the regulation of lipids and glucose metabolism in patients with remote myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Liu
- Biomedical Research Center, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Fenglin Road 180, CN-200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Qunye Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangjun Jin
- Biomedical Research Center, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Fenglin Road 180, CN-200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Tongyu Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Dai
- The Hospital Office, Tongji Hospital Branch, Tongji University, Chifeng Road 50, CN-200092, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Shi
- Biomedical Research Center, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Fenglin Road 180, CN-200032, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Transplantation, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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16
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The Impact of Estrogen Receptor in Arterial and Lymphatic Vascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093244. [PMID: 32375307 PMCID: PMC7247322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases in pre-menopausal women compared to men is well-known documented. This protection has been largely attributed to the protective effect of estrogens, which exert many beneficial effects against arterial diseases, including vasodilatation, acceleration of healing in response to arterial injury, arterial collateral growth and atheroprotection. More recently, with the visualization of the lymphatic vessels, the impact of estrogens on lymphedema and lymphatic diseases started to be elucidated. These estrogenic effects are mediated not only by the classic nuclear/genomic actions via the specific estrogen receptor (ER) α and β, but also by rapid extra-nuclear membrane-initiated steroid signaling (MISS). The ERs are expressed by endothelial, lymphatic and smooth muscle cells in the different vessels. In this review, we will summarize the complex vascular effects of estrogens and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) that have been described using different transgenic mouse models with selective loss of ERα function and numerous animal models of vascular and lymphatic diseases.
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17
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Agarwal S, Sharma H, Chen L, Dhillon NK. NADPH oxidase-mediated endothelial injury in HIV- and opioid-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2020; 318:L1097-L1108. [PMID: 32233792 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00480.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that the combined exposure of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) to morphine and viral protein(s) results in the oxidative stress-mediated induction of autophagy, leading to shift in the cells from early apoptotic to apoptosis-resistant proliferative status associated with the angioproliferative remodeling observed in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In this study, we tried to delineate the major source of HIV-1 protein Tat and morphine induced oxidative burst in HPMECs and its consequences on vascular remodeling and PAH in an in vivo model. We observed switch from the initial increased expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX) 2 in response to acute treatment of morphine and HIV-Tat to later increased expression of NOX4 on chronic treatment in the endoplasmic reticulum of HPMECs without any alterations in the mitochondria. Furthermore, NOX-dependent induction of autophagy was observed to play a pivotal role in regulating the endothelial cell survival. Our in vivo findings showed significant increase in pulmonary vascular remodeling, right ventricular systolic pressure, and Fulton index in HIV-transgenic rats on chronic administration of morphine. This was associated with increased oxidative stress in lung tissues and rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. Additionally, endothelial cells from morphine-treated HIV-transgenic rats demonstrated increased expression of NOX2 and NOX4 proteins, inhibition of which ameliorated their increased survival upon serum starvation. In conclusion, this study describes NADPH oxidases as one of the main players in the oxidative stress-mediated endothelial dysfunction on the dual hit of HIV-viral protein(s) and opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuti Agarwal
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Himanshu Sharma
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Ling Chen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Navneet K Dhillon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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18
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Ozemek C, Hildreth KL, Blatchford PJ, Hurt KJ, Bok R, Seals DR, Kohrt WM, Moreau KL. Effects of resveratrol or estradiol on postexercise endothelial function in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2020; 128:739-747. [PMID: 32134713 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00488.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Regular exercise enhances endothelial function in older men, but not consistently in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women. Estradiol treatment improves basal endothelial function and restores improvements in endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation, FMD) to aerobic exercise training in postmenopausal women; however, estradiol treatment is controversial. Resveratrol, an estrogen receptor ligand, enhances exercise training effects on cardiovascular function and nitric oxide (NO) release in animal models, but impairs exercise training effects in men. We conducted a randomized cross-over, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study to determine whether acute (single dose) resveratrol (250-mg tablet) or estradiol (0.05 mg/day transdermal patch) treatment enhances FMD at rest and after a single bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in healthy estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women (n = 15, 58.1 ± 3.2 yr). FMD was measured before and after (30, 60, and 120 min) a 40-min bout of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise (60-75% peak heart rate) under the respective conditions (separated by 1-2 wk). FMD was higher (P < 0.05) before exercise and at all post-exercise time points in the resveratrol and estradiol conditions compared to placebo. FMD was increased from baseline by 120 min postexercise in the estradiol condition (P < 0.001), but not resveratrol or PL conditions. Consistent with our previous findings, estradiol also enhances endothelial function in response to acute endurance exercise. Although resveratrol improved basal FMD, there was no apparent enhancement of FMD to acute exercise and, therefore, may not act as an estradiol mimetic.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The benefits of endurance exercise training on endothelial function are diminished in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women, but estradiol treatment appears to restore improvements in endothelial function in this group. We show that basal endothelial function is enhanced with both acute estradiol and resveratrol treatments in estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women, but endothelial function is only enhanced following acute endurance exercise with estradiol treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemal Ozemek
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kerry L Hildreth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Patrick J Blatchford
- Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Denver, Colorado.,Colorado Biostatistical Consortium, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - K Joseph Hurt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Rachael Bok
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Douglas R Seals
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Wendy M Kohrt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Denver, Colorado
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Denver, Colorado
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Cardioprotective Effects of Dietary Phytochemicals on Oxidative Stress in Heart Failure by a Sex-Gender-Oriented Point of View. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:2176728. [PMID: 31998434 PMCID: PMC6975222 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2176728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Dietary phytochemicals are considered an innovative strategy that helps to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Some phytochemicals have been shown to play a beneficial role in lipid metabolism, to improve endothelial function and to modify oxidative stress pathways in experimental and clinical models of cardiovascular impairment. Importantly, investigation on phytochemical effect on cardiac remodeling appears to be promising. Nowadays, drug therapy and implantation of devices have demonstrated to ameliorate survival. Of interest, sex-gender seems to influence the response to HF canonical therapies. In fact, starting by the evidence of the feminization of world population and the scarce efficacy and safety of the traditional drugs in women, the search of alternative therapeutic tools has become mandatory. The aim of this review is to summarize the possible role of dietary phytochemicals in HF therapy and the evidence of a different sex-gender-oriented response.
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20
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Zhao XJ, Chen L, Zhao Y, Pan Y, Yang YZ, Sun Y, Jiao RQ, Kong LD. Polygonum cuspidatum extract attenuates fructose-induced liver lipid accumulation through inhibiting Keap1 and activating Nrf2 antioxidant pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 63:152986. [PMID: 31310912 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polygonum cuspidatum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat liver disorders associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and lipid accumulation for centuries in patients. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine whether P. cuspidatum extract (PCE) prevented against fructose-induced liver lipid accumulation via regulating Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. METHOD PCE was administered orally to male Sprague-Dawley rats given 10% fructose drinking water for 6 weeks at 80 and 160 mg/kg once daily for 11 weeks. RESULTS PCE significantly alleviated liver lipid accumulation in fructose-fed rats with metabolic syndrome. It also inhibited Keap1, activated Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, resulting in the suppression of oxidative stress, evidenced by reducing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxy radical (OH•) levels, and increasing glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio as well as superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in the liver of fructose-fed rats. Additionally, PCE up-regulated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), and down-regulated sterol regulatory element binging protein 1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) in this animal model, being consistent with its reduction of triglyceride (TG) levels. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that PCE reduces oxidative stress, and prevent lipid accumulation in the liver of fructose-fed rats possibly by targeting the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. PCE may be a promising therapeutic strategy for fructose-associated liver lipid accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Juan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Yue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Ying Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Yan-Zi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Yang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Rui-Qing Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Ling-Dong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
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Shin YW, Park KI, Moon J, Lee ST, Chu K, Lee SK, Roh JK, Jung KH. Association of Bone Mineral Density With the Risk of Intracranial Aneurysm. JAMA Neurol 2019; 75:179-186. [PMID: 29049519 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2017.3431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance Disruption of extracellular matrix integrity is critically involved in both intracranial aneurysm and bone fragility. Furthermore, both intracranial aneurysm and osteoporosis have a female predominance, and sex hormones are considered to affect this discrepancy. Objective To evaluate the association between bone mineral density and intracranial aneurysm. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional study conducted with 14 328 patients who underwent brain magnetic resonance angiography and bone mineral densitometry as a part of a health examination at a specialized center for comprehensive health examination in Seoul, the largest metropolitan area in the Republic of Korea, between December 2004 and November 2015. After excluding patients with insufficient clinical information (n = 1102) and with ambiguous intracranial arterial lesion (n = 441), 12 785 were included in the analysis. Exposures Bone mineral density was measured at the lumbar vertebrae (L1 to L4), femur neck, and total hip using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Main Outcomes and Measures Multiple logistic regression or linear regression was used to examine the association between tertiles of bone mineral density and the presence, size, and multiplicity of intracranial aneurysms. In secondary analyses, we analyzed postmenopausal women and men 50 years and older (n = 8722) because they are particularly at risk of decreased bone mineral density. Results Among 12 785 patients in the study (7242 women [56.6%]; mean [SD] age, 54.8 [10.1] years) intracranial aneurysms were found in 472 patients (3.7%). Lower bone mineral density was associated with an increased risk of harboring intracranial aneurysm. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, odds ratios for the highest compared with the lowest bone mineral density tertile were 1.30 (95% CI, 1.03-1.64) in the lumbar spine, 1.30 (95% CI, 1.03-1.64) in the femoral neck, and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.01-1.60) in the total hip after adjusting for age, sex, and vascular risk factors. In a linear regression model adjusted for age, sex, and vascular risk factors, the lowest tertile of bone mineral density in the lumbar spine was associated with an increased log-transformed size of aneurysm (β, 0.196; SE, 0.047). In secondary analyses, these associations were more definite and a low T score (<-1 SD) was additionally associated with multiple aneurysms (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.05-3.30) after adjusting for age, sex, and vascular risk factors. Conclusions and Relevance Bone mineral density may be associated with the presence, size, and multiplicity of intracranial aneurysm. The study findings provide evidence for shared pathophysiology between intracranial aneurysm and bone fragility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Won Shin
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Yeongjusi Health Center, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Il Park
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jangsup Moon
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Tae Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kon Chu
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Kun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Kyu Roh
- Department of Neurology, The Armed Forces Capital Hospital, Sungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Hwa Jung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Ramesh SS, Christopher R, Indira Devi B, Bhat DI. The vascular protective role of oestradiol: a focus on postmenopausal oestradiol deficiency and aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:1897-1917. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shruthi S. Ramesh
- Department of NeurochemistryNational Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Bengaluru‐560029 Karnataka India
| | - Rita Christopher
- Department of NeurochemistryNational Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Bengaluru‐560029 Karnataka India
| | - Bhagavatula Indira Devi
- Department of NeurosurgeryNational Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Bengaluru‐560029 Karnataka India
| | - Dhananjaya I. Bhat
- Department of NeurosurgeryNational Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Bengaluru‐560029 Karnataka India
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Wang T, Sun H, Ge H, Liu X, Yu F, Han H, Wang J, Li W. Association between vitamin D and risk of cardiovascular disease in Chinese rural population. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217311. [PMID: 31120983 PMCID: PMC6532968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that vitamin D is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), however, the relationship between vitamin D levels and CVD risk is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) with CVD in rural residents of Henan province of China. Basic information and medical history were gathered through face-to-face surveys from July 2013 to August 2015, and biochemical indicators were gathered in a laboratory setting. Logistic and restricted cubic splines regression analyses were used to estimate odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of CVD. A total of 1078 participants were included, the mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was determined to be 25 ± 18 ng/ml, with 54.45% of the participants presenting vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL]. Moreover, the prevalence of CVD was 59.28% in the vitamin D deficient group, which was higher than in the insufficient (48.55%) and sufficient groups (52.78%). After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with the deficient group, the ORs (95%CI) of CVDs were 0.68 (0.50, 0.91) in the insufficient group and 0.81 (0.56, 1.16) in the sufficient group. A nonlinear (U-shaped) association was observed between the risk of CVD and 25(OH)D concentration. Further research suggested that the risk of CVD was higher in males than in females. In conclusion, a U-shape association between serum levels of 25(OH)D and the risk of CVD was identified in our study, suggesting a nonlinear relationship between vitamin D with the prevalence of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wang
- Department of Nutrition and food hygiene, college of Public health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hualei Sun
- Department of Nutrition and food hygiene, college of Public health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huina Ge
- Department of Nutrition and food hygiene, college of Public health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- Department of Nutrition and food hygiene, college of Public health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fei Yu
- Department of Nutrition and food hygiene, college of Public health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Han Han
- Department of Nutrition and food hygiene, college of Public health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Nutrition and food hygiene, college of Public health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Li
- Department of Nutrition and food hygiene, college of Public health of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Wu WZ, Hu DJ, Wang ZY, Liao LS, Li CC. Endothelial progenitor cell impairment mediated vasodilation dysfunction via diminishing nitric oxide production in postmenopausal females. Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:2449-2457. [PMID: 30747212 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.9888] [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: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial dysfunction is the major contributing factor to hypertension. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are essential for endogenous vascular endothelial renovation. The activity and number of circulating EPCs are preserved in prehypertensive premenopausal females according to our previous research. However, the changes of EPCs in prehypertensive postmenopausal females are poorly understood, and the mechanisms responsible for the loss of the gender protection advantage of cardiovascular disease remain unexplored. In order to determine the effects of EPCs in prehypertensive postmenopausal females, the number and activity of circulating EPCs were tested in the present study. Next, the function of EPCs secreting nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and granulocyte‑macrophage colony‑stimulating factor (GM‑CSF), as well as their concentration in the plasma, were measured. The association between flow‑mediated dilation (FMD) and EPC secretion was also assessed. Attenuation of proliferation and migration of EPCs was observed in prehypertensive patients in comparison with normotensive subjects. In addition, a reduced NO production secreted by EPCs was detected in prehypertensive patients as compared with that in normotensive patients. There was no significant difference in EPC function between postmenopausal females and age‑matched males. Finally, the association between FMD and NO production was validated. Collectively, these data indicated that impaired EPCs mediated vasodilation dysfunction via decreasing NO production. Therefore, EPC function enhancement and NO level augmentation are emerging as novel therapeutic strategies for prehypertension therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Zhou Wu
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Da-Jun Hu
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Zhen-Yu Wang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Long-Sheng Liao
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
| | - Chuan-Chang Li
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, P.R. China
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25
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Abstract
This review summarizes a presentation given during the "Countermeasures to Cardiovascular Aging Symposium" that was part of the American Physiological Society Conference on Cardiovascular Aging: New Frontiers and Old Friends held in Westminster, CO, in August 2017. Endothelial dysfunction, a characteristic of vascular aging, is a major risk factor for age-associated cardiovascular diseases. In women, the decline in endothelial function is attenuated until menopause, whereafter the rate of decline accelerates to match that seen in men. Sex differences in the decline in endothelial function have been attributed to changes in sex hormones with aging. Women have a progressive impairment in endothelial function across the stages of the menopause transition, related in part to declining estradiol levels. In contrast to women, little is known about the impact of declining testosterone levels on endothelial function in men. Some evidence suggests greater endothelial dysfunction in men with low testosterone compared with men with higher testosterone. The underlying causes of endothelial dysfunction with sex hormone deficiency are unknown but may be related to endothelial nitric oxide synthase dysfunction and oxidative stress. Lifestyle behaviors, including habitual endurance exercise, attenuates and reverses the age-associated decline in endothelial function in older men. However, in older women, these exercise adaptations are diminished or absent, possibly related to estrogen deficiency. Understanding how declines in sex hormones contribute to the vascular aging process in both women and men will inform effective sex-specific intervention strategies to preserve vascular health and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie L Moreau
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Denver Veterans Administration Medical Center, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center , Aurora, Colorado
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26
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Robison LS, Gannon OJ, Salinero AE, Zuloaga KL. Contributions of sex to cerebrovascular function and pathology. Brain Res 2018; 1710:43-60. [PMID: 30580011 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences exist in how cerebral blood vessels function under both physiological and pathological conditions, contributing to observed sex differences in risk and outcomes of cerebrovascular diseases (CBVDs), such as vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and stroke. Throughout most of the lifespan, women are protected from CBVDs; however, risk increases following menopause, suggesting sex hormones may play a significant role in this protection. The cerebrovasculature is a target for sex hormones, including estrogens, progestins, and androgens, where they can influence numerous vascular functions and pathologies. While there is a plethora of information on estrogen, the effects of progestins and androgens on the cerebrovasculature are less well-defined. Estrogen decreases cerebral tone and increases cerebral blood flow, while androgens increase tone. Both estrogens and androgens enhance angiogenesis/cerebrovascular remodeling. While both estrogens and androgens attenuate cerebrovascular inflammation, pro-inflammatory effects of androgens under physiological conditions have also been demonstrated. Sex hormones exert additional neuroprotective effects by attenuating oxidative stress and maintaining integrity and function of the blood brain barrier. Most animal studies utilize young, healthy, gonadectomized animals, which do not mimic the clinical conditions of aging individuals likely to get CBVDs. This is also concerning, as sex hormones appear to mediate cerebrovascular function differently based on age and disease state (e.g. metabolic syndrome). Through this review, we hope to inspire others to consider sex as a key biological variable in cerebrovascular research, as greater understanding of sex differences in cerebrovascular function will assist in developing personalized approaches to prevent and treat CBVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Robison
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Olivia J Gannon
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Abigail E Salinero
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
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27
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Role of miRNA in the Regulatory Mechanisms of Estrogens in Cardiovascular Ageing. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:6082387. [PMID: 30671171 PMCID: PMC6317101 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6082387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are a worldwide health problem and are the leading cause of mortality in developed countries. Together with experimental data, the lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases in women than in men of reproductive age points to the influence of sex hormones at the cardiovascular level and suggests that estrogens play a protective role against cardiovascular disease and that this role is also modified by ageing. Estrogens affect cardiovascular function via their specific estrogen receptors to trigger gene expression changes at the transcriptional level. In addition, emerging studies have proposed a role for microRNAs in the vascular effects mediated by estrogens. miRNAs regulate gene expression by repressing translational processes and have been estimated to be involved in the regulation of approximately 30% of all protein-coding genes in mammals. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of the role of estrogen-sensitive miRNAs, and their influence in regulating vascular ageing.
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28
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Tremblay JC, Stimpson TV, Pyke KE. Evidence of sex differences in the acute impact of oscillatory shear stress on endothelial function. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 126:314-321. [PMID: 30382805 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00729.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acutely imposed oscillatory shear stress (OSS) reduces reactive hyperemia flow-mediated dilation (RH-FMD) in conduit arteries of men; however, whether a similar impairment occurs in women or with FMD in response to a controlled, sustained shear stress stimulus (SS-FMD) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of OSS on RH-FMD and SS-FMD in men and women. OSS was provoked in the brachial artery using a 30-min forearm cuff inflation (70 mmHg). Healthy men [ n = 16, 25 yr (SD 3)] and women [ n = 16, 21 yr (SD 2)] completed the OSS intervention twice (separate days). Brachial artery endothelial function was assessed pre- and postintervention via either RH-FMD or 6 min of handgrip SS-FMD using Duplex ultrasound. The RH-FMD stimulus was calculated as shear rate area under the curve 60 s postdeflation (SRAUC60), whereas SS-FMD shear rate was targeted to produce a similar stimulus pre- and postintervention. The OSS intervention decreased RH-FMD in both sexes [men: 6.2% (SD 3.4) to 5.2% (SD 3.0); women: 5.4% (SD 2.0) to 3.1% (SD 1.8), P < 0.001), although this was accompanied by a reduced SRAUC60. There was no significant effect of the intervention on RH-FMD with SRAUC60 as a covariate ( P = 0.310). Handgrip exercise elicited a similar stimulus before and after the intervention ( P = 0.287) in men and women ( P = 0.873). Men demonstrated blunted SS-FMD [4.8% (SD 1.9) to 3.2% (SD 1.9), P < 0.001], whereas women displayed preserved SS-FMD following the intervention [3.5% (SD 1.9) to 4.0% (SD 1.9), P = 0.061]. The lower SS-FMD in men but not women following OSS provides evidence of sex differences in the effects of OSS on conduit artery endothelial function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Acute exposure to oscillatory shear stress induces transient endothelial dysfunction in men; however, whether women experience similar impairments is unknown. Following acutely imposed oscillatory shear stress, there was a decrease in flow-mediated dilation stimulated by a physiologically relevant sustained increase in shear stress in men but not in premenopausal women. These findings demonstrate, for the first time in humans that there are sex differences in the impact of oscillatory shear stress on endothelial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua C Tremblay
- Cardiovascular Stress Response Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
| | - Taylor V Stimpson
- Cardiovascular Stress Response Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
| | - Kyra E Pyke
- Cardiovascular Stress Response Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
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29
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Peixoto P, da Silva JF, Aires RD, Costa ED, Lemos VS, Bissoli NS, dos Santos RL. Sex difference in GPER expression does not change vascular relaxation or reactive oxygen species generation in rat mesenteric resistance arteries. Life Sci 2018; 211:198-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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30
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Huxley VH, Kemp SS, Schramm C, Sieveking S, Bingaman S, Yu Y, Zaniletti I, Stockard K, Wang J. Sex differences influencing micro- and macrovascular endothelial phenotype in vitro. J Physiol 2018; 596:3929-3949. [PMID: 29885204 DOI: 10.1113/jp276048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Endothelial dysfunction is an early hallmark of multiple disease states that also display sex differences with respect to age of onset, frequency and severity. Results of in vivo studies of basal and stimulated microvascular barrier function revealed sex differences that are difficult to ascribe to specific cells or environmental factors. The present study evaluated endothelial cells (EC) isolated from macro- and/or microvessels of reproductively mature rats under the controlled conditions of low-passage culture aiming to test the assumption that EC phenotype would be sex independent. The primary finding was that EC, regardless of where they are derived, retain a sex-bias in low-passage culture, independent of varying levels of reproductive hormones. The implications of the present study include the fallacy of expecting a universal set of mechanisms derived from study of EC from one sex and/or one vascular origin to apply uniformly to all EC under unstimulated conditions, and no less in disease. ABSTRACT Vascular endothelial cells (EC) are heterogeneous with respect to phenotype, reflecting at least the organ of origin, location within the vascular network and physical forces. As an independent influence on EC functions in health or aetiology, susceptibility, and progression of dysfunction in numerous disease states, sex has been largely ignored. The present study focussed on EC isolated from aorta (macrovascular) and skeletal muscle vessels (microvascular) of age-matched male and female rats under identical conditions of short-term (passage 4) culture. We tested the hypothesis that genomic sex would not influence endothelial growth, wound healing, morphology, lactate production, or messenger RNA and protein expression of key proteins (sex hormone receptors for androgen and oestrogens α and β; platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and vascular endothelial cadherin mediating barrier function; αv β3 and N-cadherin influencing matrix interactions; intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 mediating EC/white cell adhesion). The hypothesis was rejected because the EC origin (macro- vs. microvessel) and sex influenced multiple phenotypic characteristics. Statistical model analysis of EC growth demonstrated an hierarchy of variable importance, recapitulated for other phenotypic characteristics, with predictions assuming EC homogeneity < sex < vessel origin < sex and vessel origin. Furthermore, patterns of EC mRNA expression by vessel origin and by sex did not predict protein expression. Overall, the present study demonstrated that accurate assessment of sex-linked EC dysfunction first requires an understanding of EC function by position in the vascular tree and by sex. The results from a single EC tissue source/species/sex cannot provide universal insight into the mechanisms regulating in vivo endothelial function in health, and no less in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia H Huxley
- National Center for Gender Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Scott S Kemp
- National Center for Gender Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Christine Schramm
- National Center for Gender Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Steve Sieveking
- National Center for Gender Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Susan Bingaman
- National Center for Gender Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Yang Yu
- National Center for Gender Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Isabella Zaniletti
- Department of Statistics, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Kevin Stockard
- National Center for Gender Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jianjie Wang
- National Center for Gender Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, USA
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31
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. There is a dramatic rise in risk factors for cardiovascular disease during the menopausal transition that is independent of aging. Endothelial dysfunction is an early hallmark of developing cardiovascular disease and has been shown to increase across the stages of menopause. Exercise is considered one of the most effective lifestyle therapies to maintain and improve endothelial function. However, accumulating evidence suggests that exercise does not have the same benefit on endothelial function in menopausal women as it does in other populations, and factors associated with menopause likely influence the endothelial responsiveness to exercise. This review will detail the current available evidence on endothelial dysfunction, exercise, and menopause, including mechanisms that may mediate the accumulating endothelial dysfunction in women with menopause, the impact of exercise on endothelial function in women, and whether regular exercise is an effective therapeutic and prevention strategy to maintain endothelial function with menopause. We conclude that the effect of exercise on endothelial function differs according to menopausal stage and cardiovascular disease risk burden. Finally, we will address critical gaps in the literature with the goal of identifying future research directions to improve healthy aging in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Witkowski
- a Department of Exercise and Sport Studies , Smith College , Northampton , MA , USA
| | - C Serviente
- b Department of Kinesiology , University of Massachusetts Amherst , Amherst , MA , USA
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32
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Pérez-Cremades D, Mompeón A, Vidal-Gómez X, Hermenegildo C, Novella S. miRNA as a New Regulatory Mechanism of Estrogen Vascular Action. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020473. [PMID: 29415433 PMCID: PMC5855695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The beneficial effects of estrogen on the cardiovascular system have been reported extensively. In fact, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in women is lower than in age-matched men during their fertile stage of life, a benefit that disappears after menopause. These sex-related differences point to sexual hormones, mainly estrogen, as possible cardiovascular protective factors. The regulation of vascular function by estrogen is mainly related to the maintenance of normal endothelial function and is mediated by both direct and indirect gene transcription through the activity of specific estrogen receptors. Some of these mechanisms are known, but many remain to be elucidated. In recent years, microRNAs have been established as non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of a high percentage of protein-coding genes in mammals and are related to the correct function of human physiology. Moreover, within the cardiovascular system, miRNAs have been related to physiological and pathological conditions. In this review, we address what is known about the role of estrogen-regulated miRNAs and their emerging involvement in vascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pérez-Cremades
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Ana Mompeón
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Xavier Vidal-Gómez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Carlos Hermenegildo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Susana Novella
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
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33
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Meyer MR, Barton M. GPER blockers as Nox downregulators: A new drug class to target chronic non-communicable diseases. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 176:82-87. [PMID: 28343901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a hallmark of chronic non-communicable diseases such as arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and chronic renal disease. Cardiovascular diseases are characterized by increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by NAPDH oxidase 1 (Nox1) and additional Nox isoforms among other sources. Activation of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) can mediate multiple salutary effects on the cardiovascular system. However, GPER also has constitutive activity, e.g. in the absence of specific agonists, that was recently shown to promote hypertension and aging-induced tissue damage by promoting Nox1-derived production of ROS. Furthermore, the small molecule GPER blocker (GRB) G36 reduces blood pressure and vascular ROS production by selectively down-regulating Nox1 expression. These unexpected findings revealed GRBs as first in class Nox downregulators capable to selectively reduce the increased expression and activity of Nox1 in disease conditions. Here, we will discuss the paradigm shift from selective GPER activation to ligand-independent, constitutive GPER signaling as a key regulator of Nox-derived oxidative stress, and the surprising identification of GRBs as the first Nox downregulators for the treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias R Meyer
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Division of Cardiology, Triemli City Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Matthias Barton
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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34
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Boese AC, Chang L, Yin KJ, Chen YE, Lee JP, Hamblin MH. Sex differences in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 314:H1137-H1152. [PMID: 29350999 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00519.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular disorder with a high case fatality rate in the instance of rupture. AAA is a multifactorial disease, and the etiology is still not fully understood. AAA is more likely to occur in men, but women have a greater risk of rupture and worse prognosis. Women are reportedly protected against AAA possibly by premenopausal levels of estrogen and are, on average, diagnosed at older ages than men. Here, we review the present body of research on AAA pathophysiology in humans, animal models, and cultured cells, with an emphasis on sex differences and sex steroid hormone signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin C Boese
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Lin Chang
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ke-Jie Yin
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Y Eugene Chen
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jean-Pyo Lee
- Department of Physiology, Tulane University School of Medicine , New Orleans, Louisiana.,Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Milton H Hamblin
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine , New Orleans, Louisiana
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35
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Khalifa ARM, Abdel-Rahman EA, Mahmoud AM, Ali MH, Noureldin M, Saber SH, Mohsen M, Ali SS. Sex-specific differences in mitochondria biogenesis, morphology, respiratory function, and ROS homeostasis in young mouse heart and brain. Physiol Rep 2017; 5:5/6/e13125. [PMID: 28325789 PMCID: PMC5371549 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex-specific differences in mitochondrial function and free radical homeostasis are reported in the context of aging but not well-established in pathogeneses occurring early in life. Here, we examine if sex disparity in mitochondria function, morphology, and redox status starts early and hence can be implicated in sexual dimorphism in cardiac as well as neurological disorders prevalent at young age. Although mitochondrial activity in the heart did not significantly vary between sexes, female brain exhibited enhanced respiration and higher reserve capacity. This was associated with lower H2O2 production in female cardiac and brain tissues. Using transmission electron microscopy, we found that the number of female cardiac mitochondria is moderately greater (117 ± 3%, P = 0.049, N = 4) than male's, which increased significantly for cortical mitochondria (134 ± 4%, P = 0.001, N = 4). However, male's cardiac mitochondria exhibited fragmented, circular, and smaller mitochondria relative to female's mitochondria, while no morphologic sex-dependent differences were observed in cortical mitochondria. No sex differences were detected in Nox2 and Nox4 proteins or O2-consuming/H2O2-producing activities in brain homogenate or synaptosomes. However, a strong trend of increased EPR-detected NOX superoxide in male synaptosomes hinted at higher superoxide dismutase activity in female brains, which was confirmed by two independent protocols. We also provide direct evidence that respiring mitochondria generally produce an order-of-magnitude lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) proportions than currently estimated. Our results indicate that sex differences in mitochondrial biogenesis, bioenergetics, and morphology may start at young age and that sex-dependent SOD capacity may be responsible for differences in ROS homeostasis in heart and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel Rahman M Khalifa
- Center for Aging and Associated Diseases, Helmy Institute of Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Engy A Abdel-Rahman
- Center for Aging and Associated Diseases, Helmy Institute of Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ali M Mahmoud
- Center for Aging and Associated Diseases, Helmy Institute of Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H Ali
- Center for Aging and Associated Diseases, Helmy Institute of Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maha Noureldin
- Center for Aging and Associated Diseases, Helmy Institute of Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Saber H Saber
- Center for Aging and Associated Diseases, Helmy Institute of Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Mohsen
- Center for Aging and Associated Diseases, Helmy Institute of Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sameh S Ali
- Center for Aging and Associated Diseases, Helmy Institute of Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
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36
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Estrogen attenuates AGTR1 expression to reduce pancreatic β-cell death from high glucose. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16639. [PMID: 29192236 PMCID: PMC5709427 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15237-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure of pancreatic β-cells to high glucose levels results in β-cell dysfunction and death. These effects can be protected by estrogen. The local pancreatic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been shown as a novel pathological pathway of high-glucose-induced cell death. The effect of estrogen on pancreatic RAS is still unknown. This study examines whether estrogen protects against pancreatic β-cell death caused by glucotoxicity via a decrease in the pancreatic β-cell RAS pathway. When INS-1 cells were cultured in a high glucose medium, cell death was significantly higher than when the cells were cultured in a basal glucose medium; similarly, there were also higher levels of AGTR1 and p47ph°x mRNA, and protein expression. Moreover, the addition of 10−8 M 17β-estradiol to INS-1 cells cultured in a high glucose medium markedly reduced cell death, AGTR1 and p47ph°x mRNA levels, and protein expression. Similar results were demonstrated in the pancreatic islets. The presence of 10−8 M 17β-estradiol, losartan, or a combination of both, in a high glucose medium had similar levels of reduction of p47ph°x mRNA and protein expression, compared with those cultured in high glucose. Taken together, estrogen protected pancreatic β-cells from high-glucose-induced cell death by reducing the AGTR1 pathway.
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37
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Zhang H, Liu J, Dong Z, Ding Y, Qian Q, Zhou J, Ma Y, Mei Z, Chen X, Li Y, Yuan Z, Zhang J, Yang Y, Chen X, Jin L, Zou H, Wang X, Wang J. Elevated serum urate is a potential factor in reduction of total bilirubin: a Mendelian randomization study. Oncotarget 2017; 8:103864-103873. [PMID: 29262606 PMCID: PMC5732772 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim A Mendelian randomization study (MRS) can be linked to a "natural" randomized controlled trial in order to avoid potential bias of observational epidemiology. We aimed to study the possible association between serum urate (SU) and total bilirubin (TBIL) using MRS. Materials and Methods An observational epidemiological study using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and MRS using two-stage least square (TLS) regression was conducted to assess the effect of SU on TBIL. The comparison between the OLS regression and the TLS regression was analyzed by the Durbin-Hausman test. If the p value is significant, it suggests that the OLS regression cannot evaluate the relationship between exposure and outcome, and the TLS regression is precise; while if the p value is not significant, there would be no significant difference between the two regressions. Results A total of 3,753 subjects were analyzed. In OLS regression, there was no significant association between SU and TBIL in all subjects and subgroup analysis (all p > 0.05). However, MRS revealed a negative correlation between SU and TBIL after adjustment for confounders (beta = -0.021, p = 0.010). Further analysis was conducted in different SU subgroups, and results show that elevated SU was associated with a significant reduction in TBIL after adjustment for hyperuricemic subjects (beta = -0.053, p = 0.027). In addition, the results using the Durbin-Hausman test further confirmed a negative effect of SU on TBIL (p = 0.002 and 0.010, respectively). Conclusions This research shows for the first time that elevated SU was a potential causal factor in the reduction of TBIL and it provides strong evidence to resolve the controversial association between SU and TBIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Ding
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoxia Qian
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingru Zhou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyun Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhendong Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangxiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyu Yuan
- Fudan-Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Fudan-Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yajun Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan-Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingdong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan-Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan-Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hejian Zou
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan-Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Fudan-Taizhou Institute of Health Sciences, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Florijn BW, Bijkerk R, van der Veer EP, van Zonneveld AJ. Gender and cardiovascular disease: are sex-biased microRNA networks a driving force behind heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in women? Cardiovasc Res 2017; 114:210-225. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death among men and women worldwide. Nevertheless, our comprehension of how CVD progresses in women and elicits clinical outcomes is lacking, leading CVD to be under-diagnosed and under-treated in women. A clear example of this differential presentation of CVD pathophysiologies in females is the strikingly higher prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Women with a history of pre-eclampsia or those who present with co-morbidities such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of developing HFpEF. Long understood to be a critical CVD risk factor, our understanding of how gender differentially affects the development of CVD has been greatly expanded by extensive genomic and transcriptomic studies. These studies uncovered a pivotal role for differential microRNA (miRNA) expression in response to systemic inflammation, where their co-ordinated expression forms a post-transcriptional regulatory network that instigates microcirculation defects. Importantly, the potential sex-biased expression of the given miRNAs may explain sex-specific cardiovascular pathophysiologies in women, such as HFpEF. Sex-biased miRNAs are regulated by oestrogen (E2) in their transcription and processing or are expressed from loci on the X-chromosome due to incomplete X-chromosome inactivation. Interestingly, while E2-induced miRNAs predominantly appear to serve protective functions, it could be argued that many X-linked miRNAs have been found to challenge microvascular and myocardial integrity. Therefore, menopausal E2 deficiency, resulting in protective miRNA loss, and the augmentation of X-linked miRNA expression, may well contribute to the molecular mechanisms that underlie the female-specific cardiovascular aetiology in HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barend W Florijn
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Bijkerk
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eric P van der Veer
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anton Jan van Zonneveld
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
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Babic GM, Markovic SD, Varjacic M, Djordjevic NZ, Nikolic T, Stojic I, Jakovljevic V. Estradiol decreases blood pressure in association with redox regulation in preeclampsia. Clin Exp Hypertens 2017; 40:281-286. [PMID: 28920713 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2017.1368538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we tested a hypothesis that a short-term estradiol therapy may reduce blood pressure in preeclampsia by modulating plasma oxidative stress. The intramuscular injections of 10 mg 17-beta-estradiol were prescribed to preeclamptic pregnant women during the 3-day therapy before a labor induction. The analyses of mean arterial pressure (MAP), serum estradiol concentrations, plasma superoxide anion (O2.), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitrites (NO2-), and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) were conducted before and during the therapy. We found that the plasma concentrations of oxidative stress markers, such as O2- and H2O2, are higher in preeclampsia and positively correlated with the MAP value. Moreover, it was shown that the plasma concentration of NO2- as an indicator of NO levels is higher in preeclampsia. A short-term intramuscular application of estradiol decreases the MAP value and the plasma concentration of O.-, H2O2, NO2-, and ONOO- in preeclampsia. A positive correlation between the decrease of MAP values and the decrease of plasma concentrations of O2-, H2O2, and ONOO- was found in preeclampsia during a short-term estradiol therapy. We conclude that the short-term estradiol therapy decreases the MAP value in preeclampsia by modulating the plasma oxidative stress. We speculate that the estradiol metabolism in preeclampsia is an important mechanism that contributes to vascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran M Babic
- a Faculty of Medical Sciences , University of Kragujevac , Kragujevac , Serbia.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Clinical Centre "Kragujevac" , Serbia
| | - Snezana D Markovic
- c Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science , University of Kragujevac , Kragujevac , Serbia
| | - Mirjana Varjacic
- a Faculty of Medical Sciences , University of Kragujevac , Kragujevac , Serbia.,b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Clinical Centre "Kragujevac" , Serbia
| | - Natasa Z Djordjevic
- d Department of Biomedical Sciences , State University of Novi Pazar , Novi Pazar , Serbia
| | - Tamara Nikolic
- e Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences , University of Kragujevac , Kragujevac , Serbia
| | - Isidora Stojic
- e Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences , University of Kragujevac , Kragujevac , Serbia
| | - Vladimir Jakovljevic
- f Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences , University of Kragujevac , Kragujevac , Serbia.,g Department of Human Pathology , 1st Moscow State Medical University IM Sechenov , Moscow , Russia
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Estrogens Protect Calsequestrin-1 Knockout Mice from Lethal Hyperthermic Episodes by Reducing Oxidative Stress in Muscle. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:6936897. [PMID: 29062464 PMCID: PMC5610815 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6936897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been proposed to play a key role in malignant hyperthermia (MH), a syndrome caused by excessive Ca2+ release in skeletal muscle. Incidence of mortality in male calsequestrin-1 knockout (CASQ1-null) mice during exposure to halothane and heat (a syndrome closely resembling human MH) is far greater than that in females. To investigate the possible role of sex hormones in this still unexplained gender difference, we treated male and female CASQ1-null mice for 1 month, respectively, with Premarin (conjugated estrogens) and leuprolide (GnRH analog) and discovered that during exposure to halothane and heat Premarin reduced the mortality rate in males (79-27% and 86-20%), while leuprolide increased the incidence of mortality in females (18-73% and 24-82%). We then evaluated the (a) responsiveness of isolated muscles to temperature and caffeine, (b) sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release in single fibers, and (c) oxidative stress and the expression levels of main enzymes involved in the regulation of the redox balance in muscle. Premarin treatment reduced the temperature and caffeine sensitivity of EDL muscles, normalized SR Ca2+ release, and reduced oxidative stress in males, suggesting that female sex hormones may protect mice from lethal hyperthermic episodes by reducing both the SR Ca2+ leak and oxidative stress.
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Lan XF, Zhang XJ, Lin YN, Wang Q, Xu HJ, Zhou LN, Chen PL, Li QY. Estradiol Regulates Txnip and Prevents Intermittent Hypoxia-Induced Vascular Injury. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10318. [PMID: 28871193 PMCID: PMC5583380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10442-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH) contributes to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-related cardiovascular diseases through increasing oxidative stress. It has been widely recognized that estradiol decreases the risk for cardiovascular disease, but the estrogen replacement therapy is limited for its side effects. Thioredoxin (Trx) and its endogenous inhibitor, thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip), are associated with the protective effect of estradiol in some conditions. In this study, we aimed to explore whether estradiol could protect against IH-induced vascular injury, and the possible effect of Trx-1/Txnip in this process. Forty-eight adult female C57/BL6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, ovariectomy combined with IH group, sham operation combined with IH group, IH group and the control group. The mice treated with IH for 8 hrs/day, and 28 days. IH induced the injury of aorta, and ovariectomized mice were more prone to the IH-induced aortic injury, with higher level of oxidative stress. In vitro, estradiol increased Trx-1 level, but decreased the level of Txnip and oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with IH for 16 hrs. Knock-down of Txnip by specific siRNA rescued oxidative stress and apoptosis. In conclusion, estradiol protects against IH-induced vascular injury, partially through the regulation of Trx-1/Txnip pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Fei Lan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 1111 West Xianxia Road, Shanghai, 200335, China
| | - Xiu Juan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, No.12 Middle, Urumqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Ying Ni Lin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Hua Jun Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Department of Otolaryngology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Otolaryngology Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Li Na Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Pei Li Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qing Yun Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Boese AC, Kim SC, Yin KJ, Lee JP, Hamblin MH. Sex differences in vascular physiology and pathophysiology: estrogen and androgen signaling in health and disease. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2017. [PMID: 28626075 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00217.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences between women and men are often overlooked and underappreciated when studying the cardiovascular system. It has been long assumed that men and women are physiologically similar, and this notion has resulted in women being clinically evaluated and treated for cardiovascular pathophysiological complications as men. Currently, there is increased recognition of fundamental sex differences in cardiovascular function, anatomy, cell signaling, and pathophysiology. The National Institutes of Health have enacted guidelines expressly to gain knowledge about ways the sexes differ in both normal function and diseases at the various research levels (molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ system). Greater understanding of these sex differences will be used to steer future directions in the biomedical sciences and translational and clinical research. This review describes sex-based differences in the physiology and pathophysiology of the vasculature, with a special emphasis on sex steroid receptor (estrogen and androgen receptor) signaling and their potential impact on vascular function in health and diseases (e.g., atherosclerosis, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, cerebral aneurysms, and stroke).
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin C Boese
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Seong C Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Ke-Jie Yin
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jean-Pyo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana; and.,Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Milton H Hamblin
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana;
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Funato S, Yasuhara R, Yoshimura K, Miyamoto Y, Kaneko K, Suzawa T, Chikazu D, Mishima K, Baba K, Kamijo R. Extracellular matrix loss in chondrocytes after exposure to interleukin-1β in NADPH oxidase-dependent manner. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 368:135-144. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2551-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Mompeón A, Lázaro-Franco M, Bueno-Betí C, Pérez-Cremades D, Vidal-Gómez X, Monsalve E, Gironacci MM, Hermenegildo C, Novella S. Estradiol, acting through ERα, induces endothelial non-classic renin-angiotensin system increasing angiotensin 1-7 production. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 422:1-8. [PMID: 26562171 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can operate independently of the circulating RAS. Estrogens provide protective effects by modulating the RAS. Our aim was to investigate the effect of estradiol (E2) on angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) 1 and ACE2 expression and activities in human endothelial cells (HUVEC), and the role of estrogen receptors (ER). The results confirmed the presence of active intracellular RAS in HUVEC. Physiological concentrations of E2 induced a concentration-dependent increase of ACE1 and ACE2 mRNA expression and ACE1, but not ACE2, protein levels. ACE1 and ACE2 enzymatic activities were also induced with E2. These effects were mediated through ERα activation, since ER antagonists ICI 182780 and MPP completely abolished the effect of E2. Moreover, the ERα agonist PPT mirrored the E2 effects on ACE1 and ACE2 protein expression and activity. Exposure of endothelial cells to E2 significantly increased Ang-(1-7) production. In conclusion, E2 increases Ang-(1-7) production, through ERα, involving increased ACE1 and ACE2 mRNA expression and activity and ACE1 protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mompeón
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia and INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Macarena Lázaro-Franco
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia and INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Bueno-Betí
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia and INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel Pérez-Cremades
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia and INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Xavier Vidal-Gómez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia and INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Monsalve
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia and INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mariela M Gironacci
- Departament de Química Biológica, IQUIFIB-CONICET, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Hermenegildo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia and INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Susana Novella
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia and INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
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Underwood EL, Thompson LT. High-fat diet impairs spatial memory and hippocampal intrinsic excitability and sex-dependently alters circulating insulin and hippocampal insulin sensitivity. Biol Sex Differ 2016; 7:9. [PMID: 26823968 PMCID: PMC4730722 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-016-0060-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-fat diets promoting obesity/type-2 diabetes can impair physiology and cognitive performance, although sex-dependent comparisons of these impairments are rarely made. Transient reductions in Ca(2+)-dependent afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs) occur during memory consolidation, enhancing intrinsic excitability of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. In rats fed standard diets, insulin can enhance memory and reduce amplitude and duration of AHPs. METHODS Effects of chronic high-fat diet (HFD) on memory, circulating insulin, and neuronal physiology were compared between young adult male and female Long-Evans rats. Rats fed for 12 weeks (from weaning) a HFD or a control diet (CD) were then tested in vivo prior to in vitro recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurons. RESULTS The HFD significantly impaired spatial memory in both males and females. Significant sex differences occurred in circulating insulin and in the insulin sensitivity of hippocampal neurons. Circulating insulin significantly increased in HFD males but decreased in HFD females. While the HFD significantly reduced hippocampal intrinsic excitability in both sexes, CA1 neurons from HFD females remained insulin-sensitive but those from HFD males became insulin-insensitive. CONCLUSIONS Findings consistent with these have been characterized previously in HFD or senescent males, but the effects observed here in young females are unique. Loss of CA1 neuronal excitability, and sex-dependent loss of insulin sensitivity, can have significant cognitive consequences, over both the short term and the life span. These findings highlight needs for more research into sex-dependent differences, relating systemic and neural plasticity mechanisms in metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L. Underwood
- Cognition & Neuroscience Program, School of Behavioral & Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080 USA
| | - Lucien T. Thompson
- Cognition & Neuroscience Program, School of Behavioral & Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080 USA
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Effect of tamoxifen and fulvestrant long-term treatments on ROS production and (pro/anti)-oxidant enzymes mRNA levels in a MCF-7-derived breast cancer cell line. Breast Cancer 2015; 23:692-700. [DOI: 10.1007/s12282-015-0626-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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48
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Kong BWC, Vanhoutte PM, Man RYK, Leung SWS. 17β-estradiol potentiates endothelium-dependent nitric oxide- and hyperpolarization-mediated relaxations in blood vessels of male but not female apolipoprotein-E deficient mice. Vascul Pharmacol 2015; 71:166-73. [PMID: 25869512 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the influence of gender on the changes underlying endothelial dysfunction in hyperlipidemia during aging. Isometric tension in rings (with endothelium) of the aortae and superior mesenteric arteries from apolipoprotein-E deficient mice was determined in wire myographs. Nitric oxide (NO)- and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH)-mediated relaxations were smaller in the aortae and mesenteric arteries of 32weeks old males than eight weeks old males. In females, NO- and EDH-mediated relaxations were impaired only at 84weeks of age. The levels of reactive oxygen species were elevated in the blood vessels of 32weeks old males, but not females. Acute in vitro treatment with 17β-estradiol and apocynin improved NO- and EDH-mediated relaxations in 32weeks old males but not in 84weeks old males. Relaxations to SKA-31, activator of intermediate (IKCa) and small (SKCa) conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, were attenuated in the mesenteric arteries of 32weeks old males. Such impairment was restored by acute treatment with apocynin. These findings suggest that male hyperlipidemic mice develop endothelial dysfunction at an earlier age than females. This endothelial dysfunction is associated with impaired NO bioavailability and reduced IKCa and SKCa activity. Apocynin and 17β-estradiol restore the endothelial function only in younger male animals but not in older male or female animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy W C Kong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Paul M Vanhoutte
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ricky Y K Man
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Susan W S Leung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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49
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Zhen Y, Xiao S, Ren Z, Shen H, Su H, Tang Y, Zeng H. Increased endothelial progenitor cells and nitric oxide in young prehypertensive women. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2015; 17:298-305. [PMID: 25688720 PMCID: PMC8031957 DOI: 10.1111/jch.12493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of sex differences on circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in prehypertension and its underlying mechanism. The authors found that premenopausal women show increased number and activity of circulating EPCs when compared with men, which was similar to enhanced nitric oxide (NO) level in plasma or culture medium. There was no difference in the number and activity of circulating EPCs and NO level between normotensive and prehypertensive premenopausal women. There was also no difference seen in levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Both number and activity of circulating EPCs were correlated with the level of NO. The present study firstly demonstrated that the number and activity of circulating EPCs were preserved in prehypertensive premenopausal women, which was related to the restoration of NO production. The sex differences in EPCs in prehypertension may be involved in the mechanism underlying vascular protection in premenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhen
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Songhua Xiao
- Department of NeurologySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuanzhouChina
| | - Zi Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyGuangdong General HospitalGuangdong Academy of Medical SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Hong‐wei Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese MedicineInstitute of Chinese Medical SciencesUniversity of MacauMacauChina
| | - Yong‐Bo Tang
- Department of PharmacologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Haitao Zeng
- Center for Reproductive MedicineThe Sixth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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50
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Activin and NADPH-oxidase in preeclampsia: insights from in vitro and murine studies. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 212:86.e1-12. [PMID: 25046804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2014.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clinical management of preeclampsia has remained unchanged for almost 5 decades. We now understand that maternal endothelial dysfunction likely arises because of placenta-derived vasoactive factors. Activin A is one such antiangiogenic factor that is released by the placenta and that is elevated in maternal serum in women with preeclampsia. Whether activin has a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia is not known. STUDY DESIGN To assess the effects of activin on endothelial cell function, we cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells in the presence of activin or serum from normal pregnant women or pregnant women with preeclampsia, with or without follistatin, a functional activin antagonist or apocynin, a NADPH oxidase (Nox2) inhibitor. We also administered activin to pregnant C57Bl6 mice, with or without apocynin, and studied maternal and fetal outcomes. Last, we assessed endothelial cell Nox2 and nitric oxide synthase expression in normal pregnant women and pregnant women with preeclampsia. RESULTS Activin and preeclamptic serum induced endothelial cell oxidative stress by Nox2 up-regulation and endothelial cell dysfunction, which are effects that are mitigated by either follistatin or apocynin. The administration of activin to pregnant mice induced endothelial oxidative stress, hypertension, proteinuria, fetal growth restriction, and preterm littering. Apocynin prevented all of these effects. Compared with normal pregnant women, women with preeclampsia had increased endothelial Nox2 expression. CONCLUSION An activin-Nox2 pathway is a likely link between an injured placenta, endothelial dysfunction, and preeclampsia. This offers opportunities that are not novel therapeutic approaches to preeclampsia.
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