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Oliveira TS, Campos HM, Costa RM, Georg RC, Leite JA, Tostes RC, Costa EA, Santos FCA, Lobato NS, Filgueira FP, Ghedini PC. Estrone-mediated lowering of ROS and NOX4 improves endothelial function in ovariectomized wistar rats. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:7103-7115. [PMID: 38643455 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03106-7] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Estrone (E1) constitutes the primary component in oral conjugated equine estrogens (CEEs) and serves as the principal estrogen precursor in the female circulation in the post-menopause. E1 induces endothelium-dependent vasodilation and activate PI3K/NO/cGMP signaling. To assess whether E1 mitigates vascular dysfunction associated with postmenopause and explore the underlying mechanisms, we examined the vascular effects of E1 in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, a postmenopausal experimental model. Blood pressure was measured using tail-cuff plethysmography, and aortic rings were isolated to assess responses to phenylephrine, acetylcholine (ACh), and sodium nitroprusside. Responses to ACh in rings pre-incubated with superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), or apocynin were also evaluated. Protein expression of SOD, CAT, NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 was determined by Western blotting. E1 treatment resulted in decreased body weight and retroperitoneal fat, increased uterine weight, and prevented elevated blood pressure in the OVX group. Furthermore, E1 improved endothelium-dependent ACh vasodilation, activated compensatory antioxidant mechanisms - i.e. increased SOD and CAT antioxidant enzymes activity, and decreased NOX4 expression. This, in turn, helped prevent oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in OVX rats. Additionally, E1 treatment reversed the increased total LDL cholesterol observed in the OVX group. The findings underscore protective effects of E1 on the cardiovascular system, counteracting OVX-related oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in Wistar rats. E1 exhibits promising therapeutic benefits for managing cardiovascular health, particularly in postmenopausal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago S Oliveira
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, FCBS, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, MG, Brazil
| | - Hericles M Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Rafael M Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Jataí, Jataí, Brazil
| | - Raphaela C Georg
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline A Leite
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Rita C Tostes
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Elson A Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cristina A Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Núbia S Lobato
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Jataí, Jataí, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo César Ghedini
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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Situmorang JH, Lin HH, Islam MS, Lai CC. Ovariectomy Exacerbates Acute Ethanol-Induced Tachycardia: Role of Nitric Oxide and NMDA Receptors in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5087. [PMID: 36982161 PMCID: PMC10049173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethanol consumption influences cardiovascular functions. In humans, acute consumption of ethanol causes dose-dependent tachycardia. Our previous study showed that ethanol-induced tachycardia might involve decreased nitric oxide (NO) signaling in the brain's medulla. NMDA receptors, another important target of ethanol, are one of the upstream signals of nitric oxide. Reports showed the modulation of NMDA receptor function by estrogen or estrogen receptors. The present study aims to examine the hypothesis that depletion of estrogen by ovariectomy (OVX) might modulate ethanol-induced tachycardia by regulating NMDA receptor function and NO signaling in the cardiovascular regulatory nucleus of the brain. Ethanol (3.2 g/kg, 40% v/v, 10 mL/kg) or saline (10 mL/kg) was administered by oral gavage in sham or OVX female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured using the tail-cuff method. The levels of phosphoserine 896 of the GluN1 subunit (pGluN1-serine 896) and NMDA GluN1 subunits (GluN1) were determined by immunohistochemistry. The expressions of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and estrogen receptors in the tissue were measured by Western blotting. Nitric oxide contents were measured as total nitrate-nitrite by colorimetric assay kit. In a 2-h observation, there was no significant change in BP between the saline and ethanol groups. However, compared with saline, ethanol caused an increase in HR (tachycardia) in sham control or OVX rats. Interestingly, ethanol produced more significant tachycardia in the OVX group than in the sham control group. Nitric oxide levels were lower in the area of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) 60 min following ethanol administration in OVX compared with sham control, without significant changes in the expression of NOS and estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ). In addition, a decrease in the immunoreactivity of pGluN1-serine 896, without significant changes in GluN1, was found in neurons of RVLM 40 min following ethanol administration in OVX compared with sham control. Our results suggest that depletion of estradiol (E2) by OVX might exacerbate the tachycardia following ethanol administration, the underlying mechanism of which might be associated with decreased NMDA receptor function and NO level in the RVLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiro Hasegawa Situmorang
- Master and PhD Programs in Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970374, Taiwan
- Center for Biomedical Research, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong 16915, Indonesia
| | - Hsun-Hsun Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970374, Taiwan
| | - Md Sharyful Islam
- Master and PhD Programs in Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970374, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chia Lai
- Master and PhD Programs in Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970374, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970374, Taiwan
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Heart Failure in Menopause: Treatment and New Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315140. [PMID: 36499467 PMCID: PMC9735523 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is an important risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF) and half of patients with HF have preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) which is more common in elderly women. In general, sex differences that lead to discrepancies in risk factors and to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been attributed to the reduced level of circulating estrogen during menopause. Estrogen receptors adaptively modulate fibrotic, apoptotic, inflammatory processes and calcium homeostasis, factors that are directly involved in the HFpEF. Therefore, during menopause, estrogen depletion reduces the cardioprotection. Preclinical menopause models demonstrated that several signaling pathways and organ systems are closely involved in the development of HFpEF, including dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), chronic inflammatory process and alteration in the sympathetic nervous system. Thus, this review explores thealterations observed in the condition of HFpEF induced by menopause and the therapeutic targets with potential to interfere with the disease progress.
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4
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Estrogen Dampens Central Cannabinoid Receptor 1-mediated Neuroexcitation and Pressor Response in Conscious Female Rats. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 201:115102. [PMID: 35617998 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115102] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1R) causes nNOS-dependent increases in sympathetic activity, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in male rats. However, it remains unknown if the CB1R-mediated neurochemical and cardiovascular responses are influenced by the ovarian sex hormones, particularly estrogen (E2). Therefore, we studied the effects of intra-RVLM CB1R activation (WIN 55,212-2) on BP and HR in conscious female rats under the following hormonal states: (1) highest E2 level (proestrus sham-operated, SO); (2) E2-deprivation (ovariectomized, OVX); (3) OVX with E2 replacement (OVXE2). Intra-RVLM WIN55,212-2 elicited dose (100-400 pmol) dependent pressor and tachycardic responses, in OVX rats, which replicated the reported responses in male rats. However, in SO and OVXE2 rats, the CB1R-mediated pressor response was attenuated and the tachycardic response reverted to bradycardic response. The neurochemical findings suggested a key role for the upregulated RVLM sympathoexcitatory molecules phosphorated protein kinase B, phosphorated neuronal nitric oxide synthase and reactive oxygen species in the exaggerated CB1R-mediated BP and HR responses in OVX rats, and an E2-dependent dampening of these responses. The intra-RVLM WIN55212-2-evoked cardiovascular and neurochemical responses were CB1R-mediated because they were attenuated by prior CB1R blockade (AM251). Our findings suggest that attenuation of RVLM neuroexcitation and oxidative stress underlies the protection conferred by E2, in female rats, against the CB1R-mediated adverse cardiovascular effects.
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Yao F, Abdel-Rahman AA. Tetrahydrobiopterin paradoxically mediates cardiac oxidative stress and mitigates ethanol-evoked cardiac dysfunction in conscious female rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 909:174406. [PMID: 34364878 PMCID: PMC8434968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Oxidation of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a cofactor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), by reactive oxidative species (ROS), leads to NOS uncoupling and superoxide production instead of NO. Further, oxidative stress plays a major role in ethanol-evoked cardiac dysfunction in proestrus female rats, and acute ethanol administration reduces brain BH4 level. Therefore, we discerned the unknown role of BH4 in ethanol-evoked cardiac dysfunction by pharmacologically increasing BH4 levels or inhibiting its effect in proestrus female rats. Acute ethanol (1.5 g/kg, i.v, 30 min) caused myocardial dysfunction (lowered dP/dtmax and LVDP) and hypotension, along with increases in myocardial: (i) levels of NO, ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA), (ii) activities of catalase, ALDH2 and NADPH oxidase (Nox), and (iii) phosphorylation of eNOS, nNOS. Further, ethanol suppressed myocardial arginase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and enhanced eNOS uncoupling. While ethanol had no effect on cardiac BH4 levels, BH4 (19 mg/kg, i.v) supplementation paradoxically caused cardiac oxidative stress, but mitigated the cardiac dysfunction/hypotension and most of the adverse molecular responses caused by ethanol. Equally important, the BH4 inhibitor DAHP (1 g/kg, i.p) exacerbated the adverse molecular and cardiovascular effects caused by ethanol. Our pharmacological studies support a protective role for the NOS co-factor BH4 against ethanol-evoked cardiac dysfunction and hypotension in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanrong Yao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Abdel A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA.
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Fouda MA, Leffler KE, Abdel-Rahman AA. Estrogen-dependent hypersensitivity to diabetes-evoked cardiac autonomic dysregulation: Role of hypothalamic neuroinflammation. Life Sci 2020; 250:117598. [PMID: 32243927 PMCID: PMC7202046 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate if autonomic dysregulation is exacerbated in female rats, subjected to diabetes mellitus (DM), via a paradoxical estrogen (E2)-evoked provocation of neuroinflammation/injury of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). MAIN METHODS We measured cardiac autonomic function and conducted subsequent PVN neurochemical studies, in DM rats, and their respective controls, divided as follows: male, sham operated (SO), ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX with E2 supplementation (OVX/E2). KEY FINDINGS Autonomic dysregulation, expressed as sympathetic dominance (higher low frequency, LF, band), only occurred in DM E2-replete (SO and OVX/E2) rats, and was associated with higher neuronal activity (c-Fos) and higher levels of TNFα and phosphorylated death associated protein kinase-3 (p-DAPK3) in the PVN. These proinflammatory molecules likely contributed to the heightened PVN oxidative stress, injury and apoptosis. The PVN of these E2-replete DM rats also exhibited upregulations of estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, and proinflammatory adenosine A1 and A2a receptors. SIGNIFICANCE The E2-dependent autonomic dysregulation likely predisposes DM female rats and women to hypersensitivity to cardiac dysfunction. Further, upregulations of proinflammatory mediators including adenosine A1 and A2 receptors, TNFα and DAPK3, conceivably explain the paradoxical hypersensitivity of DM females to PVN inflammation/injury and the subsequent autonomic dysregulation in the presence of E2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Fouda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Korin E Leffler
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Abdel A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, United States of America.
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Leffler KE, Abdel-Rahman AA. Restoration of Adiponectin-Connexin43 Signaling Mitigates Myocardial Inflammation and Dysfunction in Diabetic Female Rats. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2020; 75:259-267. [PMID: 31868825 PMCID: PMC7537147 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ur preclinical findings replicated women's hypersensitivity to type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-evoked cardiac dysfunction along with demonstrating estrogen (E2)-dependent disruption of the cardiac adiponectin (APN)-connexin43 (Cx43) signaling. Whether the latter molecular anomaly underlies this women's cardiovascular health problem remains unknown. We hypothesized that restoration of the disrupted APN-Cx43 signaling alleviates this sex/E2-dependent cardiac dysfunction in diabetic female rats. To test this hypothesis, we administered the adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) agonist AdipoRon (30 mg/kg/d for 10 days) to female sham operated (SO) and ovariectomized (OVX) rats, which exhibited and lacked the T2DM left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, respectively, when fed high-fat diet and received low dose streptozotocin regimen; nondiabetic control SO and OVX rats received control diet and vehicle for streptozotocin. In T2DM SO rats, LV dysfunction, AdipoRon mitigated: (1) LV hypertrophy, (2) reductions in fractional shortening, LV developed pressure, dP/dtmax, dP/dtmin, and Tau. In LV tissues of the same rats, AdipoRon reversed reduction in Cx43 and elevations in TNFα, heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and circulating cardiovascular risk factor asymmetric dimethylarginine. The findings also revealed ovarian hormones independent effects of AdipoRon, which included dampening of the pro-oxidant enzyme HO-1. These novel findings yield new insight into a causal role for compromised APN-Cx43 signaling in the E2-dependent hypersensitivity to T2DM-evoked cardiac inflammation and dysfunction. Equally important, the findings identify restoration of Cx43 signaling as a viable therapeutic modality for alleviating this women's cardiovascular health-related problem.
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MESH Headings
- Adiponectin/metabolism
- Animals
- Arginine/analogs & derivatives
- Arginine/metabolism
- Connexin 43/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/physiopathology
- Diabetic Cardiomyopathies/etiology
- Diabetic Cardiomyopathies/metabolism
- Diabetic Cardiomyopathies/physiopathology
- Diabetic Cardiomyopathies/prevention & control
- Estradiol/metabolism
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/metabolism
- Female
- Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)/metabolism
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/etiology
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/metabolism
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/physiopathology
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/prevention & control
- Ovariectomy
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Adiponectin/agonists
- Receptors, Adiponectin/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/etiology
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/metabolism
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/physiopathology
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/prevention & control
- Ventricular Function, Left/drug effects
- Ventricular Remodeling/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Korin E Leffler
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC
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El-Lakany MA, Fouda MA, El-Gowelli HM, El-Mas MM. Ovariectomy provokes inflammatory and cardiovascular effects of endotoxemia in rats: Dissimilar benefits of hormonal supplements. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 393:114928. [PMID: 32092384 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.114928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The female gender is protected against immunological complications of endotoxemia. Here we investigated whether gonadal hormone depletion by ovariectomy (OVX) uncovers inflammatory and cardiovascular effects of endotoxemia and whether these effects are reversed by hormone replacement therapies. Changes in inflammatory cytokines, blood pressure (BP), left ventricular (LV) function, and cardiac autonomic activity caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in conscious female rats with different hormonal states were determined. In contrast to no effects in sham-operated females, treatment of OVX rats with LPS (i) decreased BP, (ii) increased spectral low-frequency/high-frequency ratio of HRV, denoting enhanced cardiac sympathetic dominance, (iii) attenuated reflex tachycardic responses to sodium nitroprusside, and (iv) increased systolic contractility (dP/dtmax). The developed hypotension was (i) fully eliminated in estrogen (E2)-pretreated OVX rats, (ii) partially counteracted after selective activation of estrogen receptor-α (PPT) or β (DPN). All estrogenic compounds abrogated LPS enhancement of cardiac sympathetic drive. However, PPT was more successful than E2 or DPN in compromising LPS depression in baroreflex activity and elevation in dP/dtmax. Molecular studies showed that PPT was most effective in attenuating the upregulated myocardial expressions of NF-κB and iNOS in endotoxic OVX rats. Myocardial expression of the defensive HSP70 was comparably increased by all estrogenic products. Except for improved cardiac spectral activity, none of these functional or molecular entities was affected by medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Overall, our data suggest diverse therapeutic advantages for gonadal hormones in the worsened endotoxic complications in rats with surgical menopause, with probably more favorable role for ERα agonism within this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A El-Lakany
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Fouda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hanan M El-Gowelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M El-Mas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Casin KM, Kohr MJ. An emerging perspective on sex differences: Intersecting S-nitrosothiol and aldehyde signaling in the heart. Redox Biol 2020; 31:101441. [PMID: 32007450 PMCID: PMC7212482 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of the death for both men and women. Although baseline heart physiology and the response to disease are known to differ by sex, little is known about sex differences in baseline molecular signaling, especially with regard to redox biology. In this review, we describe current research on sex differences in cardiac redox biology with a focus on the regulation of nitric oxide and aldehyde signaling. Furthermore, we argue for a new perspective on cardiovascular sex differences research, one that focuses on baseline redox biology without the elimination or disruption of sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Casin
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Mark J Kohr
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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10
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Yao F, Abdel-Rahman AA. Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibition Ameliorates Cardiac Dysfunction and Exacerbates Hypotension Caused by Alcohol in Female Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:45-55. [PMID: 31693194 PMCID: PMC6980931 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) protects against alcohol-evoked cardiac dysfunction in male rodents, but its role in the estrogen (E2 )-dependent hypersensitivity of female rats to alcohol-evoked myocardial oxidative stress and dysfunction is not known. METHODS We addressed this question by studying the effect of cyanamide (ALDH2 inhibitor) on cardiac function, blood pressure, alcohol-metabolizing enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase, cytochrome P450 2E1, catalase, and ALDH2) activities, and cardiac redox status (reactive oxygen species, ROS; malondialdehyde, MDA) in the absence or presence of ethanol (EtOH) in female sham-operated (SO) and ovariectomized (OVX) rats. RESULTS Cyanamide attenuated the EtOH-evoked myocardial dysfunction (reduced dP/dtmax and LVDP) in SO rats. EtOH, cyanamide, or their combination did not alter dP/dtmax or LVDP in OVX rats. Cyanamide induced cardiac oxidative stress and abrogated the subsequent alcohol-evoked increases in ROS and MDA levels in SO rats. Neither EtOH nor cyanamide influenced ROS or MDA levels in OVX rats. Importantly, cyanamide exaggerated EtOH-evoked hypotension in SO and uncovered this hypotensive response in OVX rats, which implicates ALDH2 in the vasodilating effect of EtOH. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to our hypothesis, cyanamide attenuated the E2 -dependent cardiac dysfunction caused by alcohol, likely by preconditioning the heart to oxidative stress, while exacerbating the vasodilating effect of alcohol. The latter might predispose to syncope when cyanamide and alcohol are combined in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanrong Yao
- From the, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Abdel A Abdel-Rahman
- From the, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
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11
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El-Mas MM, Abdel-Rahman AA. Role of Alcohol Oxidative Metabolism in Its Cardiovascular and Autonomic Effects. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1193:1-33. [PMID: 31368095 PMCID: PMC8034813 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-6260-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several review articles have been published on the neurobehavioral actions of acetaldehyde and other ethanol metabolites as well as in major alcohol-related disorders such as cancer and liver and lung disease. However, very few reviews dealt with the role of alcohol metabolism in the adverse cardiac and autonomic effects of alcohol and their potential underlying mechanisms, particularly in vulnerable populations. In this chapter, following a brief overview of the dose-related favorable and adverse cardiovascular effects of alcohol, we discuss the role of ethanol metabolism in its adverse effects in the brainstem and heart. Notably, current knowledge dismisses a major role for acetaldehyde in the adverse autonomic and cardiac effects of alcohol because of its low tissue level in vivo. Contrary to these findings in men and male rodents, women and hypertensive individuals are more sensitive to the adverse cardiac effects of similar amounts of alcohol. To understand this discrepancy, we discuss the autonomic and cardiac effects of alcohol and its metabolite acetaldehyde in a model of hypertension, the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and female rats. We present evidence that enhanced catalase activity, which contributes to cardioprotection in hypertension (compensatory) and in the presence of estrogen (inherent), becomes detrimental due to catalase catalysis of alcohol metabolism to acetaldehyde. Noteworthy, studies in SHRs and in estrogen deprived or replete normotensive rats implicate acetaldehyde in triggering oxidative stress in autonomic nuclei and the heart via (i) the Akt/extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)/nitric oxide synthase (NOS) cascade and (ii) estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) mediation of the higher catalase activity, which generates higher ethanol-derived acetaldehyde in female heart. The latter is supported by the ability of ERα blockade or catalase inhibition to attenuate alcohol-evoked myocardial oxidative stress and dysfunction. More mechanistic studies are needed to further understand the mechanisms of this public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M El-Mas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Abdel A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
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12
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Leffler KE, Abdel-Rahman AA. Estrogen-Dependent Disruption of Adiponectin-Connexin43 Signaling Underlies Exacerbated Myocardial Dysfunction in Diabetic Female Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 368:208-217. [PMID: 30523063 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.254029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The reasons for the higher severity of type 2 diabetes (T2DM)-associated cardiomyopathy in women, despite their inherent estrogen (E2)-dependent cardioprotection, remain unknown. We hypothesized that the reliance of the healthy females' hearts on augmented adiponectin (APN)-connexin 43 (Cx43) signaling becomes paradoxically detrimental when disrupted by T2DM in an E2-dependent manner. We tested this hypothesis in high-fat, low- dose streptozotocin diabetic rats and their controls with the following designations: 1) sham-operated (SO), 2) ovariectomized (OVX), 3) ovariectomized with E2 supplementation (OVX + E2), and 4) male. E2-replete (SO or OVX + E2) diabetic rats exhibited higher mortality and greater increases in left ventricular (LV) mass and reduced LV developed pressure, LV contractility, and fractional shortening but preserved ejection fraction. Further, compared with respective nondiabetic counterparts, the hearts of these E2-replete diabetic rats exhibited greater upregulation of cardiac estrogen receptor α and reductions in Cx43 expression and in the phosphorylation levels of the survival molecules extracellular regulating kinases 1/2 and phosphorylated AKT (pAKT). Whereas serum APN was reduced, independent of sex and ovarian hormone status in all DM rats, cardiac APN was most drastically reduced in DM SO rats. The present translational findings are the first to implicate ovarian hormones/E2 in the exacerbated myocardial dysfunction in female diabetic subjects and to suggest a pivotal role for malfunctioning cardiac APN-Cx43 signaling in this sex/E2-specific clinical problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korin E Leffler
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Abdel A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina
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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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Steagall RJ, Yao F, Shaikh SR, Abdel-Rahman AA. Estrogen receptor α activation enhances its cell surface localization and improves myocardial redox status in ovariectomized rats. Life Sci 2017; 182:41-49. [PMID: 28599865 PMCID: PMC5535783 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Little is known about the role of subcellular trafficking of estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes in the acute estrogen (E2)-mediated alleviation of oxidative stress. We tested the hypothesis that ERα migration to the cardiac myocyte membrane mediates the acute E2-dependent improvement of cellular redox status. MAIN METHODS Myocardial distribution of subcellular ERα, ERβ and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) was determined in proestrus sham-operated (SO) and in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, acutely treated with E2 (1μg/kg) or a selective ERα (PPT), ERβ (DPN) or GPER (G1) agonist (10μg/kg), by immunofluorescence and Western blot. We measured ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities to evaluate myocardial antioxidant/redox status. KEY FINDINGS Compared with SO, OVX rats exhibited higher myocardial ROS and MDA levels, reduced catalase and SOD activities, along with diminished ERα, and enhanced ERβ and GPER, localization at cardiomyocyte membrane. Acute E2 or an ERα (PPT), but not ERβ (DPN) or GPER (G1), agonist reversed these responses in OVX rats and resulted in higher ERα/ERβ and ERα/GPER ratios at the cardiomyocytes membrane. PPT or DPN enhanced myocardial Akt phosphorylation. We present the first evidence that preferential aggregation of ERα at the cardiomyocytes plasma membrane is ERα-dependent, and underlies E2-mediated reduction in oxidative stress, at least partly, via the enhancements of myocardial catalase and SOD activities in OVX rats. SIGNIFICANCE The findings highlight ERα agonists as potential therapeutics for restoring the myocardial redox status following E2 depletion in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Steagall
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Fanrong Yao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Saame Raza Shaikh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina Diabetes & Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Abdel A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
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Yao F, Abdel-Rahman AA. Combined Catalase and ADH Inhibition Ameliorates Ethanol-Induced Myocardial Dysfunction Despite Causing Oxidative Stress in Conscious Female Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2017; 41:1541-1550. [PMID: 28667748 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol (EtOH)-evoked oxidative stress, which contributes to myocardial dysfunction in proestrus rats, is mediated by increases in NADPH oxidase (Nox) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Whether these biochemical responses, which are triggered by alcohol-derived acetaldehyde in noncardiac tissues, occur in proestrus rats' hearts remains unknown. Therefore, we elucidated the roles of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), and catalase, which catalyze alcohol oxidation to acetaldehyde, in these alcohol-evoked biochemical and hemodynamic responses in proestrus rats. METHODS Conscious proestrus rats prepared for measurements of left ventricular (LV) function and blood pressure (BP) received EtOH (1.5 g/kg, intravenous [i.v.] infusion over 30 minutes) or saline 30 minutes after an ADH and CYP2E1 inhibitor, 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP) (82 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), a catalase inhibitor, 3-AT (0.5 g/kg, i.v.), their combination, or vehicle. LV function and BP were monitored for additional 60 minutes after EtOH or saline infusion before collecting the hearts for ex vivo measurements of LV reactive oxygen species (ROS), Nox activity, MDA, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. RESULTS EtOH reduced LV function (dP/dtmax and LV developed pressure) and BP, and increased cardiac Nox activity, ROS and MDA levels, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Either inhibitor partially, and their combination significantly, attenuated these responses despite the substantially higher blood EtOH level, and the increased cardiac oxidative stress and reduced BP caused by 3-AT alone or with 4-MP. The inhibitors reduced cardiac MDA level and reversed EtOH effect on cardiac and plasma MDA. CONCLUSIONS EtOH oxidative metabolism plays a pivotal role in the EtOH-evoked LV oxidative stress and dysfunction in proestrus rats. Notably, catalase inhibition (3-AT) caused cardiac oxidative stress and hypotension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanrong Yao
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (FY, AAA-R), Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Abdel A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology (FY, AAA-R), Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
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Abdel-Rahman AA. Influence of sex on cardiovascular drug responses: role of estrogen. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2017; 33:1-5. [PMID: 28340373 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In this review we discuss the sex/estrogen-specific modulation of cardiovascular function and responses to current therapeutics. We discuss how anatomical differences such as a smaller kidney size, and lower glomerular filtration rate in females, reduce the clearance and increase the toxicity of some drugs in females. Other important sex differences include the dampening effect of estrogen on central sympathetic and renin angiotensin systems. Further, we discuss how a shift in myocardial redox status leads to paradoxical transformation of estrogen into a pro-inflammatory hormone. Finally, the review, along with cited recent publications, identify some areas that need further investigation to advance our understanding of the sex differences in cardiovascular disease outcomes to help develop female specific interventions for these anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
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