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Đukanović Đ, Suručić R, Bojić MG, Trailović SM, Škrbić R, Gagić Ž. Design of Novel TRPA1 Agonists Based on Structure of Natural Vasodilator Carvacrol-In Vitro and In Silico Studies. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:951. [PMID: 39065648 PMCID: PMC11280049 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Considering the escalating global prevalence and the huge therapeutic demand for the treatment of hypertension, there is a persistent need to identify novel target sites for vasodilator action. This study aimed to investigate the role of TRPA1 channels in carvacrol-induced vasodilation and to design novel compounds based on carvacrol structure with improved activities. In an isolated tissue bath experiment, it was shown that 1 µM of the selective TRPA1 antagonist A967079 significantly (p < 0.001) reduced vasodilation induced by 3 mM of carvacrol. A reliable 3D-QSAR model with good statistical parameters was created (R2 = 0.83; Q2 = 0.59 and Rpred2 = 0.84) using 29 TRPA1 agonists. Obtained results from this model were used for the design of novel TRPA1 activators, and to predict their activity against TRPA1. Predicted pEC50 activities of these molecules range between 4.996 to 5.235 compared to experimental pEC50 of 4.77 for carvacrol. Molecular docking studies showed that designed molecules interact with similar amino acid residues of the TRPA1 channel as carvacrol, with eight compounds showing lower binding energies. In conclusion, carvacrol-induced vasodilation is partly mediated by the activation of TRPA1 channels. Combining different in silico approaches pointed out that the molecule D27 (2-[2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-methylphenyl]acetamide) is the best candidate for further synthesis and experimental evaluation in in vitro conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Đorđe Đukanović
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.G.B.); (R.Š.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (R.S.); (Ž.G.)
| | - Relja Suručić
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (R.S.); (Ž.G.)
| | - Milica Gajić Bojić
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.G.B.); (R.Š.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Saša M. Trailović
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Ranko Škrbić
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.G.B.); (R.Š.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Žarko Gagić
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (R.S.); (Ž.G.)
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2
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Khazdair MR, Moshtagh M, Anaeigoudari A, Jafari S, Kazemi T. Protective effects of carvacrol on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction - A comprehensive review. Food Sci Nutr 2024; 12:3137-3149. [PMID: 38726397 PMCID: PMC11077248 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4014] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a class of illnesses that affect the heart or blood vessels, leading to the most common causes of death worldwide. In 2017, CVD caused approximately 17.8 million deaths that were increased approximately to 20.5 million deaths in 2021, globally. Also, nearly 80% of worldwide CVD deaths occur in some countries. Some herbs and their constituents due to their several pharmacological activities have been used for medicinal purposes. Carvacrol is a phenolic mono-terpenoid found in the oils of aromatic herbs with several biological properties. The possible therapeutic effects of carvacrol on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction were summarized in the current study. The data from this review article were obtained by searching the terms including; "Carvacrol", "Hypertension", Hypotensive, "Cardiac dysfunction", "Ischemia", "Lipid profile", and Oxidative stress in several web databases such as Web of Sciences, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar, until November 2023. The results of the reviewed studies revealed that carvacrol inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity and alters lipid profiles, reducing heart rate as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). Carvacrol also decreased the proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β), while increasing secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Moreover, carvacrol improved oxidative stress and mitigated the number of apoptotic cells. The pharmacological effects of carvacrol on CVD might be through its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. The mentioned therapeutic effects of carvacrol on lipid profile, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction indicate the possible remedy effect of carvacrol for the treatment of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Khazdair
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research CenterBirjand University of Medical SciencesBirjandIran
| | - Mozhgan Moshtagh
- Social Determinants of Health Research CenterBirjand University of Medical SciencesBirjandIran
| | - Akbar Anaeigoudari
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineJiroft University of Medical SciencesJiroftIran
| | - Shima Jafari
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research CenterBirjand University of Medical SciencesBirjandIran
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of PharmacyBirjand University of Medical SciencesBirjandIran
| | - Toba Kazemi
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research CenterBirjand University of Medical SciencesBirjandIran
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Emre E, Ogeturk M, Aydın S, Kuloglu T, Aksu F, Kavakli A. Carvacrol protects rat liver exposed to formaldehyde by regulating oxidative stress, and asprosin and subfatin hormones. Biotech Histochem 2023:1-10. [PMID: 36912062 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2023.2187462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxic doses of formaldehyde (FA) can cause oxidative damage and impair energy metabolism. Asprosin (ASP) and subfatin (SUB) are adipokines produced by adipose tissue that help regulate energy metabolism. We investigated the effects of carvacrol (CAR), an antioxidant with hepatoprotective properties, on ASP and SUB in rats exposed to FA using immunohistochemistry and biochemistry. We used 42 male Wistar albino rats divided into six groups of seven: group 1, untreated control; group 2, FA (10 ppm FA by inhalation 8 h/day, 5 days/week); group 3, CAR-20 (20 mg/kg); group 4, CAR-40; group 5, FA (10 ppm FA by inhalation 8 h/day, 5 days/week) + CAR-20 (20 mg/kg); group 6, FA (10 ppm FA by inhalation 8 h/day, 5 days/week) + CAR-40 (40 mg/kg). Levels of ASP and SUB, and total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) in blood and liver tissue were measured using ELISA. ASP and SUB immunoreactivity was assessed using immunohistochemistry. The number of apoptotic cells was determined using the TUNEL method. The number of apoptotic cells in group 2 was increased compared to group 1. TOS in group 2 was increased compared to group 1. The numbers of apoptotic cells and TOS in group 3 were decreased compared to group 1. TOS was decreased in group 6 compared to group 2, but TOS was increased compared to group 1. We found ASP and SUB immunoreactivity in the liver. All alterations were reversed by addition of CAR. It appears that FA disrupts energy metabolism and CAR ameliorates the destructive effects of FA when used at appropriate doses, although CAR might be harmful at high doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Emre
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Firat University, Elazig, Turkiye
| | - M Ogeturk
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Firat University, Elazig, Turkiye
| | - S Aydın
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry (Firat Hormones Research Group) Medical School, Firat University, Elazig, Turkiye
| | - T Kuloglu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Firat University, Elazig, Turkiye
| | - F Aksu
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Firat University, Elazig, Turkiye
| | - A Kavakli
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Firat University, Elazig, Turkiye
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Đukanović Đ, Gajic Bojic M, Marinkovic S, Trailovic SM, Stojiljković MP, Škrbić R. Vasorelaxant effect of monoterpene carvacrol on isolated human umbilical artery. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2022; 100:755-762. [PMID: 35507953 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2021-0736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Carvacrol is the main compound of essential oils extracted primarily from Thymus and Origanum species. Its various biological activities were confirmed: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-tumour, antinematodal and vasorelaxant action. Although vasodilation mediated by carvacrol was previously described, the exact mechanism of its action has not yet been established. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate carvacrol vasoactivity on human umbilical arteries (HUA) and different pathways involved in its mechanism of action using tissue bath methodology. Carvacrol caused a significant decrease in vascular tension of 5-HT-pre-contracted umbilical arteries, with EC50 of 442.13 ± 33.8 µM (mean ± standard error of the mean - SEM). At 300 µM, carvacrol shifted downward the 5-HT concentration-response curve with statistical significance of p < 0.001 obtained for the four highest concentrations. At concentration of 1 mM, carvacrol completely abolished BaCl2-induced contraction in Ca2+-free Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution (p < 0.001). Isopentenyl pyrophosphate, the antagonist of TRPV3 channel, was able to decrease the efficacy of carvacrol (p < 0.001). The vasorelaxant effect of carvacrol seems to involve the blocking of L-type of Ca2+ channels on smooth muscle cells. However, the role of TRPV3 channels in carvacrol-induced vasodilation of HUA cannot be excluded either.
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Affiliation(s)
- Đorđe Đukanović
- University of Banja Luka Faculty of Medicine, 469576, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Milica Gajic Bojic
- University of Banja Luka Faculty of Medicine, 469576, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Sonja Marinkovic
- University of Banja Luka Faculty of Medicine, 469576, Centre for Biomedical Research, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Sasa M Trailovic
- University of Belgrade, 54801, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, Beograd, Serbia, 11000;
| | - Miloš P Stojiljković
- University of Banja Luka Faculty of Medicine, 469576, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 78000;
| | - Ranko Škrbić
- University of Banja Luka Faculty of Medicine, 469576, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 78000;
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Costa HA, Dias CJM, Martins VDA, de Araujo SA, da Silva DP, Mendes VS, de Oliveira MNS, Mostarda CT, Borges ACR, Ribeiro RM, Filho NS. Effect of treatment with carvacrol and aerobic training on cardiovascular function in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Exp Physiol 2021; 106:891-901. [PMID: 33595154 DOI: 10.1113/ep089235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Can two non-drug therapies, carvacrol and aerobic physical training, together have additive effects on the reduction of cardiovascular risks and control of arterial hypertension? What is the main finding and its importance? The oral use of carvacrol (20 mg/kg/day) can control sustained hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats, and when this use is associated with aerobic physical training, there is a more pronounced effect on the reduction of blood pressure values, making these therapies an adjunct option in the drug treatment of hypertension. ABSTRACT Systemic arterial hypertension is considered the foremost cardiovascular risk factor, and it is important to examine different therapies that help prevent and treat it, especially when associated with other cardiovascular risk factors. In this context, it is known that both carvacrol and aerobic physical training benefit the cardiovascular system. This study investigated the effects of treatment with carvacrol combined with aerobic exercise on hypertensive rats with cardiovascular risk parameters. We used an experimental design with six groups: normotensive control (Wistar rats); hypertensive control (spontaneously hypertensive rats, SHR); positive control rats treated with amlodipine (Aml-20 mg); rats treated with carvacrol (Carv-20 mg); rats trained with exercise (Exer); and rats treated with carvacrol and exercise (ExerCarv). The treatment lasted for 4 weeks, monitoring heart rate and systolic blood pressure (SBP). At the end of the treatment, vascular reactivity tests were performed in addition to biochemical measurements of urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherogenic indexes, relative heart weight and histopathological analysis of cardiac perivascular tissue. Significant reductions in SBP were observed after the training period, with the ExerCarv group showing a greater magnitude of reduction (∆SBP = 88 ± 10.0 mmHg, 42%). This group also experienced reductions in atherogenic indices and improvement in all analysed lipid parameters, with no differences observed in the Exer group. The findings indicated that the interaction between aerobic exercise and carvacrol offers a greater BP reduction. Exercise is particularly effective for controlling biochemical parameters of cardiovascular risk, regardless of carvacrol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herikson Araujo Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.,Núcleo de Atividade Física e Saúde (NAFS) and Laboratório de Adaptações Cardiorrenais ao Exercício Físico (LACE), Federal University of Maranhão, Pinheiro, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Carlos José Moraes Dias
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Educação Física, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação de Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia (Renorbio), Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.,Núcleo de Atividade Física e Saúde (NAFS) and Laboratório de Adaptações Cardiorrenais ao Exercício Físico (LACE), Federal University of Maranhão, Pinheiro, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Vicenilma de Andrade Martins
- Programa de Pós-graduação de Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia (Renorbio), Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Sandra Alves de Araujo
- Programa de Pós-graduação de Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia (Renorbio), Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Daiane Pereira da Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Educação Física, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Vinícius S Mendes
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Science, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiano Teixeira Mostarda
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Educação Física, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação de Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia (Renorbio), Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Antônio Carlos Romão Borges
- Programa de Pós-graduação de Rede Nordeste de Biotecnologia (Renorbio), Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.,Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Science, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Rachel Melo Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Educação Física, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.,Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Science, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Natalino Salgado Filho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
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6
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Munoz-Perez VM, Ortiz MI, Gerardo-Munoz LS, Carino-Cortes R, Salas-Casas A. Tocolytic effect of the monoterpenic phenol isomer, carvacrol, on the pregnant rat uterus. CHINESE J PHYSIOL 2020; 63:204-210. [PMID: 33109786 DOI: 10.4103/cjp.cjp_56_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the wide application of carvacrol (CAR) in different biological and medical areas, there is still insufficient electrophysiological data on the mechanisms of action of CAR, particularly in the pregnant uterine function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro tocolytic effect of CAR on the contractility of isolated pregnant rat uterus in the presence of a calcium channel antagonist (nifedipine) and a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin). The uteri were isolated from pregnant Wistar rats at 16-18 days of pregnancy and suspended in an isolated organ bath chamber containing a Ringer's physiological solution and aerated with 95% O2and 5% CO2. Samples were used in functional tests to evaluate the inhibitory effect of CAR at increasing concentrations on the rhythmic spontaneous, oxytocin-induced phasic, K+-induced tonic, and Ca2+-induced contractions. The differences in inhibitory concentration-50 and Emaxamong the compounds were determined using the one-way ANOVA followed by a post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls or Bonferroni test, in all casesP < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Nifedipine was used as positive controls where required. CAR caused a significant concentration-dependent inhibition of the uterine contractions induced by the pharmaco- and electro-mechanic stimuli. We showed that the inhibitory effects of CAR depends on the type of muscle contraction stimuli, and that it acts stronger in spontaneous rhythmic activity and in contractions of isolated rat uterus induced by Ca2+. Nifedipine was more potent than CAR and indomethacin on the uterine contractility (P < 0.05), but none of them was more effective than nifedipine. Therefore, the tocolytic effect induced by CAR was associated with the blockade of the calcium channels in the pregnant rat uterus. This property placed CAR as a potentially safe and effective adjuvant agent in cases of preterm labor, an area of pharmacological treatment that requires urgent improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Manuel Munoz-Perez
- Department of Pharmacology, Academic Area of Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, México
| | - Mario I Ortiz
- Department of Pharmacology, Academic Area of Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, México
| | - Lilian S Gerardo-Munoz
- Department of Pharmacology, Academic Area of Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, México
| | - Raquel Carino-Cortes
- Department of Pharmacology, Academic Area of Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, México
| | - Andrés Salas-Casas
- Department of Geriatrics, Academic Area of Gerontology, Institute of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, México
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Barreto da Silva L, Camargo SB, Moraes RDA, Medeiros CF, Jesus ADM, Evangelista A, Villarreal CF, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Silva DF. Antihypertensive effect of carvacrol is improved after incorporation in β-cyclodextrin as a drug delivery system. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:1798-1807. [PMID: 32568422 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Carvacrol (CARV), has been shown to possess various pharmacological properties, especially in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. We evaluated the antihypertensive effect of the CARV free and encapsulation of CARV in β-cyclodextrin (CARV/β-CD), and whether CARV/β-CD is able to improve the antihypertensive effects of CARV free in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The rats were randomly divided into four groups, each treated daily for 21 days and the mean arterial pressure and heart rate was measured every 5 days: group 1, Wistar-vehicle solution; group 2, SHR-vehicle; group 3, SHR-CARV 50 mg/kg/d; and group 4, CARV/β-CD 50 mg/kg/d. After 21 days of treatment, the mesenteric artery from treated animals was tested for phenylephrine (Phe) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) sensitivity. In addition, administration of CARV/β-CD induced important antihypertensive activity when compared with the uncomplexed form, reducing the progression of arterial hypertension in SHR. Moreover, pharmacological potency to Phe in the SHR-CARV and CARV/β-CD groups was increased, approaching values expressed in the Wistar-vehicle. Furthermore, CARV/β-CD reduced the production of the pro-inflammatory mediator, IL-1β, and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Together, these results produced evidence that the encapsulation of CARV in β-CD can improve cardiovascular activity, showing potential anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliane Barreto da Silva
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Samuel Barbosa Camargo
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Raiana Dos Anjos Moraes
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Carla Fiama Medeiros
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Anderson de Melo Jesus
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Darízy Flávia Silva
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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Liu Y, Wei J, Ma KT, Li CL, Mai YP, Qiu XX, Wei H, Hou N, Luo JD. Carvacrol protects against diabetes-induced hypercontractility in the aorta through activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 125:109825. [PMID: 32036208 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.109825] [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] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular complications induced by diabetes constitute the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. It has been reported that carvacrol (CAR) possesses a wide range of biological activities. The effects of CAR on diabetes-induced vasculopathy remain unknown. In this study, diabetic mice were created by the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in male C57BL/6 J mice to investigate whether CAR provided a protective effect against diabetes-induced vasculopathy and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. We found that CAR decreased blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. Moreover, CAR ameliorated diabetes-induced aortic morphological alterations, as evidenced by an increased thickness in the intima-media width and an increased number of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) layers. Further studies revealed that CAR inhibited hypercontractility in the aortas of diabetic mice and VSMCs in response to hyperglycemia, as evidenced by the relaxation of phenylephrine(PE)-induced vasoconstriction, the decreased expression of smooth muscle (SM)-α-actin, and the increased expression of Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Furthermore, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was inhibited in the aortas of diabetic mice and VSMCs in response to hyperglycemia, while CAR treatment activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In conclusion, our results strongly suggest that CAR plays a protective role in diabetes-induced aortic hypercontractility, possibly by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CAR is a potential drug for the treatment of diabetic vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Jie Wei
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Kai-Ting Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Cong-Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Yun-Pei Mai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Xiao-Xia Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Han Wei
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Ning Hou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, PR China.
| | - Jian-Dong Luo
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, PR China.
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Badran A, Baydoun E, Samaha A, Pintus G, Mesmar J, Iratni R, Issa K, Eid AH. Marjoram Relaxes Rat Thoracic Aorta Via a PI3-K/eNOS/cGMP Pathway. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9060227. [PMID: 31212721 PMCID: PMC6627793 DOI: 10.3390/biom9060227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite pharmacotherapeutic advances, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the primary cause of global mortality. Alternative approaches, such as herbal medicine, continue to be sought to reduce this burden. Origanum majorana is recognized for many medicinal values, yet its vasculoprotective effects remain poorly investigated. Here, we subjected rat thoracic aortae to increasing doses of an ethanolic extract of Origanum majorana (OME). OME induced relaxation in a dose-dependent manner in endothelium-intact rings. This relaxation was significantly blunted in denuded rings. N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3,-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) significantly reduced the OME-induced vasorelaxation. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were also increased by OME. Moreover, wortmannin or LY294002 significantly reduced OME-induced vasorelaxation. Blockers of ATP-sensitive or Ca2+-activated potassium channels such as glibenclamide or tetraethylamonium (TEA), respectively, did not significantly affect OME-induced relaxation. Similarly, verapamil, a Ca2+ channel blocker, indomethacin, a non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and pyrilamine, a H1 histamine receptor blocker, did not significantly modulate the observed relaxation. Taken together, our results show that OME induces vasorelaxation via an endothelium-dependent mechanism involving the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)/ endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS)/cGMP pathway. Our findings further support the medicinal value of marjoram and provide a basis for its beneficial intake. Although consuming marjoram may have an antihypertensive effect, further studies are needed to better determine its effects in different vascular beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Badran
- Department of Nutrition, University of Petra, Amman, P.O. Box 961343 Amman 11196, Jordan.
| | - Elias Baydoun
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon.
| | - Ali Samaha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, P.O. Box: 146404 Mazraa, Lebanon.
- Faculty of Public Health IV, Lebanese University, Beirut, P.O. Box 6573/14 Badaro, Lebanon.
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, Qatar.
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, Qatar.
| | - Joelle Mesmar
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon.
| | - Rabah Iratni
- Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Khodr Issa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon.
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon.
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