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Almeida-Pinto N, Dschietzig TB, Brás-Silva C, Adão R. Cardiovascular effects of relaxin-2: therapeutic potential and future perspectives. Clin Res Cardiol 2024; 113:1137-1150. [PMID: 37721595 PMCID: PMC11269324 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-023-02305-1] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The hormone relaxin-2 has emerged as a promising player in regulating the physiology of the cardiovascular system. Through binding to the relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), this hormone elicits multiple physiological responses including vasodilation induction, reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, and angiogenesis stimulation. The role of relaxin-2, or its recombinant human form known as serelaxin, has been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies as a potential therapy for cardiovascular diseases, especially heart failure, whose current therapy is still unoptimized. However, evidence from past clinical trials has been inconsistent and further research is needed to fully understand the potential applications of relaxin-2. This review provides an overview of serelaxin use in clinical trials and discusses future directions in the development of relaxin-2 mimetics, which may offer new therapeutic options for patients with heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nísia Almeida-Pinto
- Cardiovascular R&D Centre-UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Carmen Brás-Silva
- Cardiovascular R&D Centre-UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Adão
- Cardiovascular R&D Centre-UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain.
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Gabris-Weber B, Forghani R, Bernd Dschietzig T, Romero G, Salama G. Periodic injections of Relaxin 2, its pharmacokinetics and remodeling of rat hearts. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116136. [PMID: 38494063 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Relaxin-2 (RLX), a critical hormone in pregnancy, has been investigated as a therapy for heart failure. In most studies, the peptide was delivered continuously, subcutaneously for 2 weeks in animals or intravenously for 2-days in human subjects, for stable circulating [RLX]. However, pulsatile hormone levels may better uncover the normal physiology. This premise was tested by subcutaneously injecting Sprague Dawley rats (250 g, N = 2 males, 2 females/group) with human RLX (0, 30, 100, or 500 µg/kg), every 12 h for 1 day, then measuring changes in Nav1.5, connexin43, and β-catenin, 24 h later. Pulsatile RLX was measured by taking serial blood draws, post-injection. After an injection, RLX reached a peak in ∼ 60 min, fell to 50 % in 5-6 h; injections of 0, 30, 100 or 500 µg/kg yielded peak levels of 0, 11.26 ± 3.52, 58.33 ± 16.10, and 209.42 ± 29.04 ng/ml and residual levels after 24-hrs of 0, 4.9, 45.1 and 156 pg/ml, respectively. The 30 µg/kg injections had no effect and 100 µg/kg injections increased Nav1.5 (25 %), Cx43 (30 %) and β-catenin (90 %). The 500 µg/kg injections also increased Nav1.5 and Cx43 but were less effective at upregulating β-catenin (up by 25 % vs. 90 %). Periodic injections of 100 µg/kg were highly effective at increasing the expression of Nav1.5 and Cx43 which are key determinants of conduction velocity in the heart and the suppression of arrhythmias. Periodic RLX is effective at eliciting changes in cardiac protein expression and may be a better strategy for its longer-term delivery in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Gabris-Weber
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Rameen Forghani
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Thomas Bernd Dschietzig
- Relaxera Pharmazeutische Gesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, Stubenwald-Allee 8a, 64625 Bensheim, Germany
| | - Guillermo Romero
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States; University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Guy Salama
- University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
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Zizi V, Becatti M, Bani D, Nistri S. Serelaxin Protects H9c2 Cardiac Myoblasts against Hypoxia and Reoxygenation-Induced Damage through Activation of AMP Kinase/Sirtuin1: Further Insight into the Molecular Mechanisms of the Cardioprotection of This Hormone. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:163. [PMID: 38397761 PMCID: PMC10886064 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020163] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Serelaxin (RLX), namely the human recombinant Relaxin-2 hormone, protects the heart from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced damage due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant properties. RLX acts by binding to its specific RXFP1 receptor whereby it regulates multiple transduction pathways. In this in vitro study, we offer the first evidence for the involvement of the AMP kinase/Sirtuin1 (AMPK/SIRT1) pathway in the protection by RLX against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced damage in H9c2 cells. The treatment of the H/R-exposed cells with RLX (17 nmol L-1) enhanced SIRT1 expression and activity. The inhibition of SIRT1 signaling with EX527 (10 µmol L-1) reduced the beneficial effect of the hormone on mitochondrial efficiency and cell apoptosis. Moreover, RLX upregulated the AMPK pathway, as shown by the increase in the expression of phospho-AMPK-activated protein. Finally, AMPK pathway inhibition by Compound C (10 and 20 μmol L-1) abrogated the increase in SIRT1 expression induced by RLX, thus suggesting the involvement of the AMPK pathway in this effect of RLX. These results strengthen the concept that RLX exerts its cardioprotective effects against H/R-induced injury through multiple pathways which also include AMPK/SIRT1. These new findings support the use of RLX or RLX-derived molecules as a promising therapeutic for those diseases in which I/R and oxidative stress play a pathogenic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Zizi
- Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (V.Z.); (D.B.)
| | - Matteo Becatti
- Department of Experimental & Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Section of Biochemical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (V.Z.); (D.B.)
| | - Silvia Nistri
- Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (V.Z.); (D.B.)
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Leo CH, Ou JLM, Ong ES, Qin CX, Ritchie RH, Parry LJ, Ng HH. Relaxin elicits renoprotective actions accompanied by increasing bile acid levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114578. [PMID: 36996678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The peptide hormone relaxin has potent anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties in various organs, including the kidneys. However, the protective effects of relaxin in the context of diabetic kidney complications remain controversial. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of relaxin treatment on key markers of kidney fibrosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation and their subsequent impact on bile acid metabolism in the streptozotocin-induced diabetes mouse model. METHODS AND RESULTS Male mice were randomly allocated to placebo-treated control, placebo-treated diabetes or relaxin-treated diabetes groups (0.5 mg/kg/d, final 2 weeks of diabetes). After 12 weeks of diabetes or sham, the kidney cortex was harvested for metabolomic and gene expression analyses. Diabetic mice exhibited significant hyperglycaemia and increased circulating levels of creatine, hypoxanthine and trimethylamine N-oxide in the plasma. This was accompanied by increased expression of key markers of oxidative stress (Txnip), inflammation (Ccl2 and Il6) and fibrosis (Col1a1, Mmp2 and Fn1) in the diabetic kidney cortex. Relaxin treatment for the final 2 weeks of diabetes significantly reduced these key markers of renal fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in diabetic mice. Furthermore, relaxin treatment significantly increased the levels of bile acid metabolites, deoxycholic acid and sodium glycodeoxycholic acid, which may in part contribute to the renoprotective action of relaxin in diabetes. CONCLUSION In summary, this study shows the therapeutic potential of relaxin and that it may be used as an adjunctive treatment for diabetic kidney complications.
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Hu Y, Qi S, Zhuang H, Zhuo Q, Liang Y, Kong H, Zhao C, Zhang S. Proteotranscriptomic analyses reveal distinct interferon-beta signaling pathways and therapeutic targets in choroidal neovascularization. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1163739. [PMID: 37025993 PMCID: PMC10071000 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1163739] [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: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the onset of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Methods Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of retinas in mice with laser-induced CNV were performed using RNA sequencing and tandem mass tag. In addition, the laser-treated mice received systemic interferon-β (IFN-β) therapy. Measurements of CNV lesions were acquired by the confocal analysis of stained choroidal flat mounts. The proportions of T helper 17 (Th17) cells were determined by flow cytometric analysis. Results A total of differentially expressed 186 genes (120 up-regulated and 66 down-regulated) and 104 proteins (73 up-regulated and 31 down-regulated) were identified. The gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that CNV was mainly associated with immune and inflammatory responses, such as cellular response to IFN-β and Th17 cell differentiation. Moreover, the key nodes of the protein-protein interaction network mainly involved up-regulated proteins, including alpha A crystallin and fibroblast growth factor 2, and were verified by Western blotting. To confirm the changes in gene expression, real-time quantitative PCR was performed. Furthermore, levels of IFN-β in both the retina and plasma, as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), were significantly lower in the CNV group than in the control group. IFN-β treatment significantly reduced CNV lesion size and promoted the proliferation of Th17 cells in laser-treated mice. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the occurrence of CNV might be associated with the dysfunction of immune and inflammatory processes and that IFN-β could serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Chen Zhao
- *Correspondence: Chen Zhao, ; Shujie Zhang,
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Tasić T, Tadić M, Lozić M. Hypertension in Women. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:905504. [PMID: 35722103 PMCID: PMC9203893 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.905504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the human population. Nevertheless, the intricate network of pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the development of hypertension in women still awaits to be fully understood. From young age to maturity and senescence, the female body transits through different stages, each of them characterized with specific physiological features and disposition to particular pathological conditions, and that is exactly what makes the understanding of the genesis and adequate treatment of hypertension in women so challenging. Clinical and experimental findings emphasize the role of sex hormones, autonomic nervous system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and arterial stiffness in the development of chronically elevated blood pressure in females. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize the knowledge of the mechanisms and treatment of hypertension in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Tasić
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marijana Tadić
- Clinic for Internal Medicine II, Cardiology Department, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- *Correspondence: Marijana Tadić
| | - Maja Lozić
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Barsha G, Walton SL, Kwok E, Mirabito Colafella KM, Pinar AA, Hilliard Krause LM, Gaspari TA, Widdop RE, Samuel CS, Denton KM. Relaxin Attenuates Organ Fibrosis via an Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor Mechanism in Aged Hypertensive Female Rats. KIDNEY360 2021; 2:1781-1792. [PMID: 35373008 PMCID: PMC8785838 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0002722021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background The antifibrotic effects of recombinant human relaxin (RLX) in the kidney are dependent on an interaction between its cognate receptor (RXFP1) and the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) in male models of disease. Whether RLX has therapeutic effects, which are also mediated via AT2R, in hypertensive adult and aged/reproductively senescent females is unknown. Thus, we determined whether treatment with RLX provides cardiorenal protection via an AT2R-dependent mechanism in adult and aged female stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSPs). Methods In 6-month-old (6MO) and 15-month-old ([15MO]; reproductively senescent) female SHRSP, systolic BP (SBP), GFR, and proteinuria were measured before and after 4 weeks of treatment with vehicle (Veh), RLX (0.5 mg/kg per day s.c.), or RLX+PD123319 (AT2R antagonist; 3 mg/kg per day s.c.). Aortic endothelium-dependent relaxation and fibrosis of the kidney, heart, and aorta were assessed. Results In 6MO SHRSP, RLX significantly enhanced GFR by approximately 25% (P=0.001) and reduced cardiac fibrosis (P=0.01) as compared with vehicle-treated counterparts. These effects were abolished or blunted by PD123319 coadministration. In 15MO females, RLX reduced interstitial renal (P=0.02) and aortic (P=0.003) fibrosis and lowered SBP (13±3 mm Hg; P=0.04) relative to controls. These effects were also blocked by PD123319 cotreatment (all P=0.05 versus RLX treatment alone). RLX also markedly improved vascular function by approximately 40% (P<0.001) in 15MO SHRSP, but this was not modulated by PD123319 cotreatment. Conclusions The antifibrotic and organ-protective effects of RLX, when administered to a severe model of hypertension, conferred cardiorenal protection in adult and reproductively senescent female rats to a great extent via an AT2R-mediated mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giannie Barsha
- Cardiovascular Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah L. Walton
- Cardiovascular Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Edmund Kwok
- Cardiovascular Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina M. Mirabito Colafella
- Cardiovascular Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anita A. Pinar
- Cardiovascular Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lucinda M. Hilliard Krause
- Cardiovascular Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracey A. Gaspari
- Cardiovascular Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert E. Widdop
- Cardiovascular Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chrishan S. Samuel
- Cardiovascular Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate M. Denton
- Cardiovascular Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Nienhuijs SW, Berkvens EHM, de Vries Reilingh TS, Mommers EHH, Bouvy ND, Wegdam J. The male rectus diastasis: a different concept? Hernia 2021; 25:951-956. [PMID: 34297251 DOI: 10.1007/s10029-021-02467-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE More interest in the treatment of rectus diastasis has been evoked lately. Following the postpartum females from a great distance, the middle-aged males living with obesity are the second most common group of rectus diastasis patients. Although gender differences are considered frequently in regard to cosmetic appearance and symptoms, it is less obvious in classifications and subsequent treatment strategies. Is a unisex approach of rectus diastasis still applicable? The lack of a firm answer warrants this review of the current literature. METHODS An explorative free-text multi-database bibliographic search (Pubmed/CENTRAL/EMBASE/PEDro/Scholar) was performed with the focus on the rectus diastasis in males. Anticipating the limited references, the design was a non-systematic review. All studies, regardless of study type, language or time period, describing etiology, symptoms, classification and/or treatment options were eligible for inclusion. From the articles retrieved out of this search, additional references were identified by a manual search among the cited references. RESULTS The multi-database search resulted in a total of 7633 records. Based on the title and abstract 95 records were full text assessed for eligibility. Eleven studies were identified as relevant, six by cross-reference and another four by hand-search were added to provide an insight in gender-specific aspects in rectus diastase. Hereditary causes are differences in collagen-like composition of types and concomitant abdominal aneurysm as well as gender differences in the linea alba architecture. Acquired etiology is distributed into both absolute pressure by visceral obesity and relative pressure caused by weight lifting or improper exercises. Furthermore, the impact of muscle thickness and age are considered as influencers of biomechanics. Gender differences can also play a role in symptoms of body image and core stability. It is known that there are anatomical differences between male and female persons; more transverse fibers are found in infra-umbilical region in women. In classifications the awareness of male rectus diastasis is limited, treatment outcome studies are scarce on males. CONCLUSION An overview of male-specific aspects of rectus diastasis is provided, underlining that key aspects surrounding rectus diastasis in males differ from females. Although males are the minority of rectus diastasis patients, we recommend that the male rectus diastasis as a concept should be specifically acknowledged in classifications systems and study outcome reporting to evaluate this subgroup more accurately in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Nienhuijs
- Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, Michelangelolaan 2, Eindhoven, 5623 EJ, The Netherlands.
| | - E H M Berkvens
- Department of Physiotherapy, Elkerliek Hospital Helmond, Helmond, The Netherlands
| | | | - E H H Mommers
- Department of Radiology, Maastricht University Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - N D Bouvy
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J Wegdam
- Department of Surgery, Elkerliek Hospital Helmond, Helmond, The Netherlands
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Fournier SB, D'Errico JN, Stapleton PA. Uterine Vascular Control Preconception and During Pregnancy. Compr Physiol 2021; 11:1871-1893. [PMID: 34061977 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c190015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Successful pregnancy and reproduction are dependent on adequate uterine blood flow, placental perfusion, and vascular responsivity to fetal demands. The ability to support pregnancy centers on systemic adaptation and endometrial preparation through decidualization, embryonic implantation, trophoblast invasion, arterial/arteriolar reactivity, and vascular remodeling. These adaptations occur through responsiveness to endocrine signaling and local uteroplacental mediators. The purpose of this article is to highlight the current knowledge associated with vascular remodeling and responsivity during uterine preparation for and during pregnancy. We focus on maternal cardiovascular systemic and uterine modifications, endometrial decidualization, implantation and invasion, uterine and spiral artery remodeling, local uterine regulatory mechanisms, placentation, and pathological consequences of vascular dysfunction during pregnancy. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-23, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Fournier
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jeanine N D'Errico
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Phoebe A Stapleton
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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10
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Florio KL, DeZorzi C, Williams E, Swearingen K, Magalski A. Cardiovascular Medications in Pregnancy: A Primer. Cardiol Clin 2020; 39:33-54. [PMID: 33222813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2020.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease-related disorders remain among the most common causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Due to increased rates of obesity, delayed childbearing, and improvements in medical technology, greater numbers of women are entering pregnancy with preexisting medical comorbidities. Use of cardiovascular medications in pregnancy continues to increase, and medical management of cardiovascular conditions in pregnancy will become increasingly common. Obstetricians and cardiologists must familiarize themselves with the pharmacokinetics of the most commonly used cardiovascular medications in pregnancy and how these medications respond to the physiologic changes related to pregnancy, embryogenesis, and lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Florio
- Heart Disease in Pregnancy Program, Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, 4401 Wornall Road PEET Center, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA; University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, 4401 Wornall Road PEET Center, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA.
| | - Christopher DeZorzi
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, 4401 Wornall Road PEET Center, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA; Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Emily Williams
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, 4401 Wornall Road PEET Center, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
| | - Kathleen Swearingen
- Heart Disease in Pregnancy Program, Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, 4401 Wornall Road PEET Center, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
| | - Anthony Magalski
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, 4401 Wornall Road PEET Center, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA; Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, MO, USA
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Dela Justina V, Priviero F, Dos Passos RR, Webb RC, Lima VV, Giachini FR. O-GlcNAc impairs endothelial function in uterine arteries from virgin but not pregnant rats: The role of GSK3β. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 880:173133. [PMID: 32343970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Increased O-Linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is observed in several pathologies, and unbalanced O-GlcNAcylation levels favor endothelial dysfunction. Whether augmented O-GlcNAc impacts the uterine artery (UA) function and how it affects the UA during pregnancy remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that glucosamine treatment increases O-GlcNAc, leading to uterine artery dysfunction and this effect is prevented by pregnancy. Pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP) Wistar rats were treated with glucosamine (300 mg/kg; i.p.) for 21 days. Concentration response-curves (CRC) to acetylcholine (in the presence or absence of L-NAME) and sodium nitroprusside were performed in UAs. In NP rats, glucosamine treatment increased O-GlcNAc expression in UAs accompanied by decreased endothelium-dependent relaxation, which was abolished by L-NAME. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and total Akt expression were decreased by glucosamine-treatment in NP rats. Further, NP rats treated with glucosamine displayed increased glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) activation and O-GlcNAc-transferase (OGT) expression in the UA. P rats treated with glucosamine displayed decreased O-GlcNAc in UAs and it was accompanied by improved relaxation to acetylcholine, whereas eNOS and GSK3β activity and total Akt and OGT expression were unchanged. Sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation was not changed in all groups, indicating that glucosamine treatment led to endothelial dysfunction in NP rats. The underlying mechanism is, at least in part, dependent on Akt/GSK3β/OGT modulation. We speculate that during pregnancy, hormonal alterations play a protective role in preventing O-GlcNAcylation-induced endothelial dysfunction in the UAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Dela Justina
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Rinaldo Rodrigues Dos Passos
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
| | - R Clinton Webb
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Victor Vitorino Lima
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R Giachini
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil.
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12
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The Novel Small-molecule Annexin-A1 Mimetic, Compound 17b, Elicits Vasoprotective Actions in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041384. [PMID: 32085666 PMCID: PMC7073122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The formyl peptide receptor (FPR) family are a group of G-protein coupled receptors that play an important role in the regulation of inflammatory processes. It is well-established that activation of FPRs can have cardioprotective properties. Recently, more stable small-molecule FPR1/2 agonists have been described, including both Compound 17b (Cmpd17b) and Compound 43 (Cmpd43). Both agonists activate a range of signals downstream of FPR1/2 activation in human-engineered FPR-expressing cells, including ERK1/2 and Akt. Importantly, Cmpd17b (but not Cmpd43) favours bias away from intracellular Ca2+ mobilisation in this context, which has been associated with greater cardioprotection in response to Cmpd17b over Cmpd43. However, it is unknown whether these FPR agonists impact vascular physiology and/or elicit vasoprotective effects in the context of diabetes. First, we localized FPR1 and FPR2 receptors predominantly in vascular smooth muscle cells in the aortae of male C57BL/6 mice. We then analysed the vascular effects of Cmpd17b and Cmpd43 on the aorta using wire-myography. Cmpd17b but not Cmpd43 evoked a concentration-dependent relaxation of the mouse aorta. Removal of the endothelium or blockade of endothelium-derived relaxing factors using pharmacological inhibitors had no effect on Cmpd17b-evoked relaxation, demonstrating that its direct vasodilator actions were endothelium-independent. In aortae primed with elevated K+ concentration, increasing concentrations of CaCl2 evoked concentration-dependent contraction that is abolished by Cmpd17b, suggesting the involvement of the inhibition of Ca2+ mobilisation via voltage-gated calcium channels. Treatment with Cmpd17b for eight weeks reversed endothelial dysfunction in STZ-induced diabetic aorta through the upregulation of vasodilator prostanoids. Our data indicate that Cmpd17b is a direct endothelium-independent vasodilator, and a vasoprotective molecule in the context of diabetes.
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Leo CH, Ng HH, Marshall SA, Jelinic M, Rupasinghe T, Qin C, Roessner U, Ritchie RH, Tare M, Parry LJ. Relaxin reduces endothelium-derived vasoconstriction in hypertension: Revealing new therapeutic insights. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 177:217-233. [PMID: 31479151 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endothelium-derived vasoconstriction is a hallmark of vascular dysfunction in hypertension. In some cases, an overproduction of endothelium-derived prostacyclin (PGI2 ) can cause contraction rather than relaxation. Relaxin is well known for its vasoprotective actions, but the possibility that this peptide could also reverse endothelium-derived vasoconstriction has never been investigated. We tested the hypothesis that short-term relaxin treatment mitigates endothelium-derived vasoconstriction in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and SHR were subcutaneously infused with either vehicle (20 mmol·L-1 sodium acetate) or relaxin (13.3 μg·kg-1 ·hr-1 ) using osmotic minipumps for 3 days. Vascular reactivity to the endothelium-dependent agonist ACh was assessed in vitro by wire myography. Quantitative PCR and LC-MS were used to identify changes in gene expression of prostanoid pathways and PG production, respectively. KEY RESULTS Relaxin treatment ameliorated hypertension-induced endothelial dysfunction by increasing NO-dependent relaxation and reducing endothelium-dependent contraction. Notably, short-term relaxin treatment up-regulated mesenteric PGI2 receptor (IP) expression, permitting PGI2 -IP-mediated vasorelaxation. In the aorta, reversal of contraction was accompanied by suppression of the hypertension-induced increase in prostanoid-producing enzymes and reduction in PGI2 -evoked contractions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Relaxin has region-dependent vasoprotective actions in hypertension. Specifically, relaxin has distinct effects on endothelium-derived contracting factors and their associated vasoconstrictor pathways in mesenteric arteries and the aorta. Taken together, these observations reveal the potential of relaxin as a new therapeutic agent for vascular disorders that are associated with endothelium-derived vasoconstriction including hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Huei Leo
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hooi Hooi Ng
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Heart Failure Pharmacology, Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah A Marshall
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Maria Jelinic
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Thusitha Rupasinghe
- Metabolomics Australia, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Chengxue Qin
- Heart Failure Pharmacology, Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ute Roessner
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Metabolomics Australia, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca H Ritchie
- Heart Failure Pharmacology, Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Diabetes, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Marianne Tare
- Monash Rural Health, Monash University, Churchill, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura J Parry
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Recent developments in relaxin mimetics as therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2019; 45:42-48. [PMID: 31048209 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for almost 50% of all deaths globally. Vascular endothelial dysfunction and fibrosis are critical in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Relaxin, an insulin-like peptide, is known to have beneficial actions in the cardiovascular system through its vasoprotective and anti-fibrotic effects. However, relaxin has several limitations of peptide-based drugs such as poor oral bioavailability, laborious, and expensive to synthesize. This review will focus on recent developments in relaxin mimetics, their pharmacology, associated signalling mechanisms, and their therapeutic potential for the management and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Tare M. Microcirculation at Mooloolaba. Microcirculation 2019; 26:e12533. [PMID: 30703277 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Tare
- Monash Rural Health, Monash University, Churchill, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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