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Feenstra RG, Jansen TP, Matthijs Boekholdt S, Brouwer JE, Klees MI, Appelman Y, Wittekoek ME, van de Hoef TP, de Winter RJ, Piek JJ, Damman P, Beijk MA. Efficacy and safety of the endothelin-1 receptor antagonist macitentan in epicardial and microvascular vasospasm; a proof-of-concept study. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2023; 47:101238. [PMID: 37576078 PMCID: PMC10422675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2023.101238] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Treatment of patients diagnosed with angina due to epicardial or microvascular coronary artery spasm (CAS) is challenging because patients often remain symptomatic despite conventional pharmacological therapy. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential cross-over proof-of-concept study, we compared the efficacy and safety of macitentan, a potent inhibitor of the endothelin-1 receptor, to placebo in symptomatic patients with CAS despite background pharmacological treatment. Methods Patients with CAS diagnosed by invasive spasm provocation testing with >3 anginal attacks per week despite pharmacological treatment were considered for participation. Participants received either 10 mg of macitentan or placebo daily for 28 days as add-on treatment. After a wash-out period patients were crossed over to the alternate treatment arm. The primary endpoint was the difference in anginal burden calculated as [1] the duration (in minutes) * severity (on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scale 1-10); and [2] the frequency of angina attacks * severity during medication use compared to the run-in phase. Results 28 patients of whom 22 females (79%) and a mean age of 55.3 ± 7.6 completed the entire study protocol (epicardial CAS n = 19 (68), microvascular CAS n = 9 (32)). Change in both indices of anginal burden were not different during treatment with add-on macitentan as compared to add-on placebo (duration*severity: -9 [-134 78] vs -45 [-353 11], p = 0.136 and frequency*severity: -1.7 [-5.8 1.2] vs -1.8 [-6.2 0.3], p = 0.767). The occurrence and nature of self-reported adverse events were closely similar between the treatment phase with macitentan and placebo. Conclusion In patients with angina due to epicardial or microvascular CAS despite background pharmacological treatment, 28 days of add-on treatment with the ET-1 receptor antagonist, macitentan 10 mg daily, did not reduce anginal burden compared to add-on treatment with placebo.Trial Registrationhttps://trialsearch.who.int/, Identifier: EUCTR2018-002623-42-NL. Registration date: 20 February 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rutger G.T. Feenstra
- Amsterdam UMC, Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tijn P.J. Jansen
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - S. Matthijs Boekholdt
- Amsterdam UMC, Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janet E. Brouwer
- Amsterdam UMC, Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Margriet I. Klees
- Amsterdam UMC, Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yolande Appelman
- Amsterdam UMC, Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tim P. van de Hoef
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Robbert J. de Winter
- Amsterdam UMC, Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan J. Piek
- Amsterdam UMC, Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Damman
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel A.M. Beijk
- Amsterdam UMC, Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Endothelin and the Cardiovascular System: The Long Journey and Where We Are Going. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050759. [PMID: 35625487 PMCID: PMC9138590 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In this review, we describe the basic functions of endothelin and related molecules, including their receptors and enzymes. Furthermore, we discuss the important role of endothelin in several cardiovascular diseases, the relevant clinical evidence for targeting the endothelin pathway, and the scope of endothelin-targeting treatments in the future. We highlight the present uses of endothelin receptor antagonists and the advancements in the development of future treatment options, thereby providing an overview of endothelin research over the years and its future scope. Abstract Endothelin was first discovered more than 30 years ago as a potent vasoconstrictor. In subsequent years, three isoforms, two canonical receptors, and two converting enzymes were identified, and their basic functions were elucidated by numerous preclinical and clinical studies. Over the years, the endothelin system has been found to be critical in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on endothelin and its role in cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we discuss how endothelin-targeting therapies, such as endothelin receptor antagonists, have been employed to treat cardiovascular diseases with varying degrees of success. Lastly, we provide a glimpse of what could be in store for endothelin-targeting treatment options for cardiovascular diseases in the future.
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Inagaki T, Pearson JT, Tsuchimochi H, Schwenke DO, Saito S, Higuchi T, Masaki T, Umetani K, Shirai M, Nakaoka Y. Evaluation of right coronary vascular dysfunction in severe pulmonary hypertensive rats using synchrotron radiation microangiography. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1021-H1036. [PMID: 33481696 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00327.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) causes cardiac hypertrophy in the right ventricle (RV) and eventually leads to RV failure due to persistently elevated ventricular afterload. We hypothesized that the mechanical stress on the RV associated with increased afterload impairs vasodilator function of the right coronary artery (RCA) in PH. Coronary vascular response was assessed using microangiography with synchrotron radiation (SR) in two well-established PH rat models, monocrotaline injection or the combined exposure to chronic hypoxia and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor blockade with Su5416 (SuHx model). In the SuHx model, the effect of the treatment with the nonselective endothelin-1 receptor antagonist (ERA), macitentan, was also examined. Myocardial viability was determined in SuHx model rats, using 18F-FDG Positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilator responses were significantly attenuated in the medium and small arteries of severe PH rats. ERA treatment significantly improved RCA vascular function compared with the untreated group. ERA treatment improved both the decrease in ejection fraction and the increased glucose uptake, and reduced RV remodeling. In addition, the upregulation of inflammatory genes in the RV was almost suppressed by ERA treatment. We found impairment of vasodilator responses in the RCA of severe PH rat models. Endothelin-1 activation in the RCA plays a major role in impaired vascular function in PH rats and is partially restored by ERA treatment. Treatment of PH with ERA may improve RV function in part by indirectly attenuating right heart afterload and in part by associated improvements in right coronary endothelial function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrated for the first time the impairment of vascular responses in the right coronary artery (RCA) of the dysfunctional right heart in pulmonary hypertensive rats in vivo. Treatment with an endothelin-1 receptor antagonist ameliorated vascular dysfunction in the RCA, enabled tissue remodeling of the right heart, and improved cardiac function. Our results suggest that impaired RCA function might also contribute to the early progression to heart failure in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The endothelium of the coronary vasculature might be considered as a potential target in treatments to prevent heart failure in severe patients with PAH.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antihypertensive Agents/pharmacology
- Coronary Angiography
- Coronary Vessels/diagnostic imaging
- Coronary Vessels/drug effects
- Coronary Vessels/metabolism
- Coronary Vessels/physiopathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelin Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Endothelin-1/genetics
- Endothelin-1/metabolism
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/diagnostic imaging
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/drug therapy
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/metabolism
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/physiopathology
- Hypoxia/complications
- Indoles
- Monocrotaline
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/diagnostic imaging
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/drug therapy
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/metabolism
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/physiopathology
- Pyrimidines/pharmacology
- Pyrroles
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Severity of Illness Index
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Synchrotrons
- Vasodilation/drug effects
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/diagnostic imaging
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/drug therapy
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/metabolism
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/physiopathology
- Ventricular Function, Right
- Ventricular Remodeling
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadakatsu Inagaki
- Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - James T Pearson
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Hirotsugu Tsuchimochi
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daryl O Schwenke
- Department of Physiology Heart-Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Shigeyoshi Saito
- Department of Bio_Medical Imaging, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Higuchi
- Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Takeshi Masaki
- Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiji Umetani
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Harima, Japan
| | - Mikiyasu Shirai
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Advanced Medical Research for Pulmonary Hypertension, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Nakaoka
- Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Abstract
Discovered in 1987 as a potent endothelial cell-derived vasoconstrictor peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), the predominant member of the endothelin peptide family, is now recognized as a multifunctional peptide with cytokine-like activity contributing to almost all aspects of physiology and cell function. More than 30 000 scientific articles on endothelin were published over the past 3 decades, leading to the development and subsequent regulatory approval of a new class of therapeutics-the endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs). This article reviews the history of the discovery of endothelin and its role in genetics, physiology, and disease. Here, we summarize the main clinical trials using ERAs and discuss the role of endothelin in cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension, preecclampsia, coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), Takotsubo syndrome, and heart failure. We also discuss how endothelins contributes to diabetic kidney disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, as well as cancer, immune disorders, and allograft rejection (which all involve ETA autoantibodies), and neurological diseases. The application of ERAs, dual endothelin receptor/angiotensin receptor antagonists (DARAs), selective ETB agonists, novel biologics such as receptor-targeting antibodies, or immunization against ETA receptors holds the potential to slow the progression or even reverse chronic noncommunicable diseases. Future clinical studies will show whether targeting endothelin receptors can prevent or reduce disability from disease and improve clinical outcome, quality of life, and survival in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Barton
- From Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, Switzerland (M.B.)
- Andreas Grüntzig Foundation, Zürich, Switzerland (M.B.)
| | - Masashi Yanagisawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS) and Life Science Center, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Japan (M.Y.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX (M.Y.)
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Sorop O, van den Heuvel M, van Ditzhuijzen NS, de Beer VJ, Heinonen I, van Duin RWB, Zhou Z, Koopmans SJ, Merkus D, van der Giessen WJ, Danser AHJ, Duncker DJ. Coronary microvascular dysfunction after long-term diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 311:H1339-H1351. [PMID: 27591223 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00458.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) has been proposed as an important component of diabetes mellitus (DM)- and hypercholesterolemia-associated coronary artery disease (CAD). Previously we observed that 2.5 mo of DM and high-fat diet (HFD) in swine blunted bradykinin (BK)-induced vasodilation and attenuated endothelin (ET)-1-mediated vasoconstriction. Here we studied the progression of CMD after 15 mo in the same animal model of CAD. Ten male swine were fed a HFD in the absence (HFD, n = 5) or presence of streptozotocin-induced DM (DM + HFD, n = 5). Responses of small (∼300-μm-diameter) coronary arteries to BK, ET-1, and the nitric oxide (NO) donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine were examined in vitro and compared with those of healthy (Normal) swine (n = 12). Blood glucose was elevated in DM + HFD (17.6 ± 4.5 mmol/l) compared with HFD (5.1 ± 0.4 mmol/l) and Normal (5.8 ± 0.6 mmol/l) swine, while cholesterol was markedly elevated in DM + HFD (16.8 ± 1.7 mmol/l) and HFD (18.1 ± 2.6 mmol/l) compared with Normal (2.1 ± 0.2 mmol/l) swine (all P < 0.05). Small coronary arteries showed early atherosclerotic plaques in HFD and DM + HFD swine. Surprisingly, DM + HFD and HFD swine maintained BK responsiveness compared with Normal swine due to an increase in NO availability relative to endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors. However, ET-1 responsiveness was greater in HFD and DM + HFD than Normal swine (both P < 0.05), resulting mainly from ETB receptor-mediated vasoconstriction. Moreover, the calculated vascular stiffness coefficient was higher in DM + HFD and HFD than Normal swine (both P < 0.05). In conclusion, 15 mo of DM + HFD, as well as HFD alone, resulted in CMD. Although the overall vasodilation to BK was unperturbed, the relative contributions of NO and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor pathways were altered. Moreover, the vasoconstrictor response to ET-1 was enhanced, involving the ETB receptors. In conjunction with our previous study, these findings highlight the time dependence of the phenotype of CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Sorop
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands; and
| | - Mieke van den Heuvel
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke S van Ditzhuijzen
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent J de Beer
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ilkka Heinonen
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard W B van Duin
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zhichao Zhou
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sietse J Koopmans
- Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research Center, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne Merkus
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wim J van der Giessen
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands; and
| | - A H Jan Danser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk Jan Duncker
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research School COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
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Jung C, Lichtenauer M, Wernly B, Franz M, Goebel B, Rafnsson A, Figulla HR, Pernow J. Effect of endothelin-1 and endothelin receptor blockade on the release of microparticles. Eur J Clin Invest 2016; 46:707-13. [PMID: 27322814 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased levels of endothelial cell microparticles (EMP) are known to reflect endothelial dysfunction (ED). In diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), the expression of endothelin (ET)-1 is increased. As treatment with an ET-1 antagonist significantly inhibited atherosclerosis in animal models, we sought to investigate whether treatment with ET-1 antagonists affects EMP levels in vitro and in vivo in patients with T2DM. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro study: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were stimulated with ET-1 alone and ET-1 in combination with a dual ET-A and ET-B endothelin receptor blocker. In vivo study: Patients with T2DM were randomized to treatment with the ET receptor antagonist bosentan or placebo. After 4 weeks, the patients were re-examined and blood samples were obtained. EMP counts in supernatants and plasma samples were determined using flow cytometry. RESULTS In vitro study: In supernatants of ET-1-stimulated HUVECs, the increased release of EMP was reduced significantly by co-incubation with an ET-1 receptor antagonist (e.g. CD31+/CD42b-EMP decreased from 37·1% ± 2·8 to 31·5% ± 2·8 SEM, P = 0·0078). In vivo study: No changes in EMP levels in blood samples of patients with T2DM were found after 4 weeks of bosentan treatment (n = 36, P = ns). CONCLUSIONS Our in vitro results suggest that ET-1 stimulates the release of EMP from HUVECs via a receptor-dependent mechanism. Co-incubation with an endothelin receptor blocker abolished ET-1-dependent EMP release. However, treatment with bosentan for 4 weeks failed to alter EMP levels in patients with T2DM. Other factors seem to have influenced EMP release in patients with T2DM independent of ET-1 receptor-mediated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Jung
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Lichtenauer
- Clinic of Internal Medicine II, Department of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Bernhard Wernly
- Clinic of Internal Medicine II, Department of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Marcus Franz
- Universitätsherzzentrum Thüringen, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Department of Cardiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Bjoern Goebel
- Universitätsherzzentrum Thüringen, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Department of Cardiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Arnar Rafnsson
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans-Reiner Figulla
- Universitätsherzzentrum Thüringen, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Department of Cardiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - John Pernow
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Toda N, Nakanishi S, Tanabe S. Aldosterone affects blood flow and vascular tone regulated by endothelium-derived NO: therapeutic implications. Br J Pharmacol 2013. [PMID: 23190073 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02194.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldosterone, in doses inappropriate to the salt status, plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular injury, including endothelial dysfunction, independent of its hypertensive effects. Acute non-genomic effects of aldosterone acting on mineralocorticoid receptors are inconsistent in healthy humans: vasoconstriction or forearm blood flow decrease via endothelial dysfunction, vasodilatation mediated by increased NO actions, or no effects. However, in studies with experimental animals, aldosterone mostly enhances vasodilatation mediated by endothelium-derived NO. Chronic exposure to aldosterone, which induces genomic responses, results in impairments of endothelial function through decreased NO synthesis and action in healthy individuals, experimental animals and isolated endothelial cells. Chronic aldosterone reduces NO release from isolated human endothelial cells only when extracellular sodium is raised. Oxidative stress is involved in the impairment of endothelial function by promoting NO degradation. Aldosterone liberates endothelin-1 (ET-1) from endothelial cells, which elicits ET(A) receptor-mediated vasoconstriction by inhibiting endothelial NO synthesis and action and through its own direct vasoconstrictor action. Ca(2+) flux through T-type Ca(2+) channels activates aldosterone synthesis and thus enhances unwanted effects of aldosterone on the endothelium. Mineralocorticoid receptor inhibitors, ET(A) receptor antagonists and T-type Ca(2) + channel blockers appear to diminish the pathophysiological participation of aldosterone in cardiovascular disease and exert beneficial actions on bioavailability of endothelium-derived NO, particularly in resistant hypertension and aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noboru Toda
- Toyama Institute for Cardiovascular Pharmacology Research, Osaka, Japan.
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8
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Pernow J, Shemyakin A, Böhm F. New perspectives on endothelin-1 in atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Life Sci 2012; 91:507-16. [PMID: 22483688 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Revised: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a vasoconstrictor, proinflammatory and proliferative endothelial cell-derived peptide that is of significant importance in the regulation of vascular function. It is involved in the development of endothelial dysfunction including important interactions with nitric oxide. The expression and functional effects of ET-1 and its receptors are markedly altered during development of cardiovascular disease. Increased production of ET-1 and its receptors mediate many pathophysiological events contributing to the development of atherosclerosis and vascular complications in diabetes mellitus. The present review focuses on the pathophysiological role of ET-1 and the potential importance of ET receptors as a therapeutic target for treatment of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Pernow
- Karolinska Institutet, Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Weil BR, Westby CM, Greiner JJ, Stauffer BL, DeSouza CA. Elevated endothelin-1 vasoconstrictor tone in prehypertensive adults. Can J Cardiol 2012; 28:347-53. [PMID: 22244775 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2011.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prehypertension (blood pressure [BP] 120-139/80-89 mm Hg) is an independent risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Currently, it is unknown whether endothelin (ET)-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone is elevated with BP in the prehypertensive range. The aims of this study were to determine whether ET-1 vasoconstrictor tone is elevated in prehypertensive adults and, if so, whether ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction contributes to endothelial vasodilator dysfunction in this population. METHODS Forearm blood flow responses to selective ET(A) receptor blockade (BQ-123; 100 nmol/min) were determined in 26 normotensive adults (age 55 ± 1 years; BP 112 ± 1/72 ± 1 mm Hg) and 30 prehypertensive adults (57 ± 1 years; BP 130 ± 1/80 ± 1 mm Hg). In a subset of participants, forearm blood flow responses to nonselective ET-1 receptor blockade (BQ-123 + BQ-788) were determined. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation to acetylcholine (8.0-32.0 μg/100 mL tissue/min) was measured in the absence and presence of selective ET(A) receptor blockade. RESULTS BQ-123 elicited a significantly greater increase in forearm blood flow in prehypertensive (approximately 20%) than in normotensive (approximately 5%) adults. Addition of BQ-788 resulted in a further increase (P < 0.05) in forearm blood flow in prehypertensive but not in normotensive adults. Forearm blood flow responses to acetylcholine were lower (P < 0.05) in prehypertensive (4.6 ± 0.3 to 12.6 ± 0.5 mL/100 mL tissue/min) than in normotensive (4.9 ± 0.3 to 14.7 ± 0.8 mL/100 mL tissue/min) adults. Co-infusion of BQ-123 did not affect acetylcholine-induced vasodilation in normotensive adults but resulted in an approximately 20% increase (P < 0.05) in prehypertensive adults. CONCLUSIONS ET-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone is elevated with prehypertension, contributing to impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation. ET-1 vasoconstriction may underlie the increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in prehypertensive adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R Weil
- Integrative Vascular Biology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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10
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Nguyen A, Thorin-Trescases N, Thorin E. Working under pressure: coronary arteries and the endothelin system. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2010; 298:R1188-94. [PMID: 20237301 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00653.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous endothelin-1-dependent (ET-1) tone in coronary arteries depends on the balance between ET(A) and ET(B) receptor-mediated effects and on parameters such as receptor distribution and endothelial integrity. Numerous studies highlight the striking functional interactions that exist between nitric oxide (NO) and ET-1 in the regulation of vascular tone. Many of the cardiovascular complications associated with cardiovascular risk factors and aging are initially attributable, at least in part, to endothelial dysfunction characterized by a dysregulation between NO and ET-1. The contribution of the imbalance between smooth muscle ET(A/B) and endothelial ET(B) receptors to this process is poorly understood. An increased contribution of ET-1 that is associated with a proportional decrease in that of NO accompanies the development of coronary endothelial dysfunction, coronary vasospasm, and atherosclerosis. These data form the basis for the rationale of testing therapeutic approaches counteracting ET-1-induced cardiovascular dysfunction. It remains to be determined whether the beneficial role of endothelial ET(B) receptors declines with age and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, revealing smooth muscle ET(B) receptors with proconstricting and proinflammatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Nguyen
- Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, centre de recherche, 5000 rue Bélanger, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Thorin E, Clozel M. The cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology of endothelin-1. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2010; 60:1-26. [PMID: 21081213 PMCID: PMC3693982 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385061-4.00001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
One year after the discovery in 1980 that the endothelium was obligatory for acetylcholine to relax isolated arteries, it was clearly shown that the endothelium could also promote contraction. In 1988, Dr Yanagisawa's group identified endothelin-1 (ET-1) as the first endothelium-derived contracting factor. The circulating levels of this short (21 amino acids) peptide were quickly determined in humans and it was reported that in most cardiovascular diseases, circulating levels of ET-1 were increased and ET-1 was then recognized as a likely mediator of pathological vasoconstriction in human. The discovery of two receptor subtypes in 1990, ET(A) and ET(B), permitted optimization of bosentan, which entered clinical development in 1993, and was offered to patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension in 2001. In this report, we discuss the physiological and pathophysiological role of endothelium-derived ET-1, the pharmacology of its two receptors, focusing on the regulation of the vascular tone and as much as possible in humans. The coronary bed will be used as a running example, but references to the pulmonary, cerebral, and renal circulation will also be made. Many of the cardiovascular complications associated with aging and cardiovascular risk factors are initially attributable, at least in part, to endothelial dysfunction, particularly dysregulation of the vascular function associated with an imbalance in the close interdependence of NO and ET-1, in which the implication of the ET(B) receptor may be central.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Thorin
- Department of Surgery, Montreal Heart Institute, Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Thorin E, Webb DJ. Endothelium-derived endothelin-1. Pflugers Arch 2009; 459:951-8. [PMID: 19967386 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-009-0763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2009] [Revised: 11/10/2009] [Accepted: 11/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
One year after the revelation by Dr. Furchgott in 1980 that the endothelium was obligatory for acetylcholine to relax isolated arteries, it was clearly shown that the endothelium could also promote contraction. In 1988, Dr. Yanagisawa's group identified endothelin-1 (ET-1) as the first endothelium-derived contracting factor. The circulating levels of this short (21-amino acid) peptide were quickly determined in humans, and it was reported that, in most cardiovascular diseases, circulating levels of ET-1 were increased, and ET-1 was then tagged as "a bad guy." The discovery of two receptor subtypes in 1990, ET(A) and ET(B), permitted optimization of the first dual ET-1 receptor antagonist in 1993 by Dr. Clozel's team, who entered clinical development with bosentan, which was offered to patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension in 2001. The revelation of Dr. Furchgott opened a Pandora's box with ET-1 as one of the actors. In this brief review, we will discuss the physiological and pathophysiological role of endothelium-derived ET-1 focusing on the regulation of the vascular tone, and as much as possible in humans. The coronary bed will be used as a running example in this review because it is the most susceptible to endothelial dysfunction, but references to the cerebral and renal circulation will also be made. Many of the cardiovascular complications associated with aging and cardiovascular risk factors are initially attributable, at least in part, to endothelial dysfunction, particularly dysregulation of the vascular function associated with an imbalance in the close interdependence of nitric oxide and ET-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Thorin
- Department of Surgery and Research Center, Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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