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Gawrys O, Kala P, Sadowski J, Melenovský V, Sandner P, Červenka L. Soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulators and activators: Promising drugs for the treatment of hypertension? Eur J Pharmacol 2025; 987:177175. [PMID: 39645219 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.177175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 10/21/2024] [Accepted: 12/02/2024] [Indexed: 12/09/2024]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO)-stimulated cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a key regulator of cardiovascular health, as NO-cGMP signalling is impaired in diseases like pulmonary hypertension, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. The development of NO-independent sGC stimulators and activators provide a novel therapeutic option to restore altered NO signalling. sGC stimulators have been already approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), and chronic heart failure (HFrEF), while sGC activators are currently in phase-2 clinical trials for CKD. The best characterized effect of increased cGMP via the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway is vasodilation. However, to date, none of the sGC agonists are in development for hypertension (HTN). According to WHO, the global prevalence of uncontrolled HTN continues to rise, contributing significantly to cardiovascular mortality. While there are effective antihypertensive treatments, many patients require multiple drugs, and some remain resistant to all therapies. Thus, in addition to improved diagnosis and lifestyle changes, new pharmacological strategies remain in high demand. In this review we explore the potential of sGC stimulators and activators as novel antihypertensive agents, starting with the overview of NO-sGC-cGMP signalling, followed by potential mechanisms by which the increase in cGMP may regulate vascular tone and BP. These effects may encompass not only acute vasodilation, but also mid-term and chronic effects, such as the regulation of salt and water balance, as well as mitigation of vascular ageing and remodelling. The main section summarizes the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the BP-lowering efficacy of sGC agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Gawrys
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Kala
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Cardiology, Motol University Hospital and Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Janusz Sadowski
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Melenovský
- Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Drug Discovery, Pharma Research Centre, 42113, Wuppertal, Germany; Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Luděk Červenka
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic; First Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Olomouc University Hospital and Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Červenka L, Husková Z, Kikerlová S, Gawrys O, Vacková Š, Škaroupková P, Sadowski J, Miklovič M, Molnár M, Táborský M, Melenovský V, Bader M. Transgenic rat with ubiquitous expression of angiotensin-(1-7)-producing fusion protein: a new tool to study the role of protective arm of the renin-angiotensin system in the pathophysiology of cardio-renal diseases. Hypertens Res 2025; 48:336-352. [PMID: 39537982 PMCID: PMC11700845 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-024-01995-y] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess systemic circulatory and tissue activities of both the classical arm and of the alternative arm of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in a new transgenic rat line (TG7371) that expresses angiotensin-(1-7) (ANG 1-7)-producing fusion protein; the results were compared with the activities measured in control transgene-negative Hannover Sprague-Dawley (HanSD) rats. Plasma and tissue concentrations of angiotensin II (ANG II) and ANG 1-7, and kidney mRNA expressions of receptors responsible for biological actions of ANG II and ANG 1-7 [i.e. ANG II type 1 and type 2 (AT1 and AT2) and Mas receptors] were assessed in TG7371 transgene-positive and in HanSD rats. We found that male TG7371 transgene-positive rats exhibited significantly elevated plasma, kidney, heart and lung ANG 1-7 concentrations as compared with control male HanSD rats; by contrast, there was no significant difference in ANG II concentrations and no significant differences in mRNA expression of AT1, AT2 and Mas receptors. In addition, we found that in male TG7371 transgene-positive rats blood pressure was lower than in male HanSD rats. These data indicate that the balance between the classical arm and the alternative arm of the RAS was in male TGR7371 transgene-positive rats markedly shifted in favor of the latter. In conclusion, TG7371 transgene-positive rats represent a new powerful tool to study the long-term role of the alternative arm of the RAS in the pathophysiology and potentially in the treatment of cardio-renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luděk Červenka
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Cardiology, University Hospital Olomouc and Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Zuzana Husková
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Soňa Kikerlová
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Gawrys
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Vacková
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Škaroupková
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Janusz Sadowski
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matúš Miklovič
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matej Molnár
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Táborský
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Cardiology, University Hospital Olomouc and Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Melenovský
- Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Bader
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Soares RR, Viggiani LF, Reis Filho JM, Joviano-Santos JV. Cardioprotection of Canagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, and Empagliflozin: Lessons from preclinical studies. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 403:111229. [PMID: 39244185 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111229] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical studies have elucidated the favorable effects of Inhibitors of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (iSGLT2) in patients and animal models with type 2 diabetes. Notably, these inhibitors have shown significant benefits in reducing hospitalizations and mortality among patients with heart failure. However, despite their incorporation into clinical practice for indications beyond diabetes, the decision-making process regarding their use often lacks a systematic approach. The selection of iSGLT2 remains arbitrary, with only a limited number of studies simultaneously exploring the different classes of them. Currently, no unique guideline establishes their application in both clinical and basic research. This review delves into the prevalent use of iSGLT2 in animal models previously subjected to induced cardiac stress. We have compiled key findings related to cardioprotection across various animal models, encompassing diverse dosages and routes of administration. Beyond their established role in diabetes management, iSGLT2 has demonstrated utility as agents for safeguarding heart health and cardioprotection can be class-dependent among the iSGLT2. These findings may serve as valuable references for other researchers. Preclinical studies play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of novel compounds or treatments for potential human use. By assessing side effects, toxicity, and optimal dosages, these studies offer a robust foundation for informed decisions, identifying interventions with the highest likelihood of success and minimal risk to patients. The insights gleaned from preclinical studies, which play a crucial role in highlighting areas of knowledge deficiency, can guide the exploration of novel mechanisms and strategies involving iSGLT2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayla Rodrigues Soares
- Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratório de Investigações NeuroCardíacas, Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (LINC CMMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Larissa Freitas Viggiani
- Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratório de Investigações NeuroCardíacas, Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (LINC CMMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliano Moreira Reis Filho
- Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Julliane V Joviano-Santos
- Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Laboratório de Investigações NeuroCardíacas, Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (LINC CMMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Hojná S, Malínská H, Hüttl M, Vaňourková Z, Marková I, Miklánková D, Hrdlička J, Papoušek F, Neckář J, Kujal P, Behuliak M, Rauchová H, Kadlecová M, Sedmera D, Neffeová K, Zábrodská E, Olejníčková V, Zicha J, Vaněčková I. Hepatoprotective and cardioprotective effects of empagliflozin in spontaneously hypertensive rats fed a high-fat diet. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116520. [PMID: 38581924 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116520] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
A combination of liver and heart dysfunction worsens the prognosis of human survival. The aim of this study was to investigate whether empagliflozin (a sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitor) has beneficial effects not only on cardiac and renal function but also on hepatic function. Adult (6-month-old) male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were fed a high-fat diet (60% fat) for four months to induce hepatic steatosis and mild heart failure. For the last two months, the rats were treated with empagliflozin (empa, 10 mg.kg-1.day-1 in the drinking water). Renal function and oral glucose tolerance test were analyzed in control (n=8), high-fat diet (SHR+HF, n=10), and empagliflozin-treated (SHR+HF+empa, n=9) SHR throughout the study. Metabolic parameters and echocardiography were evaluated at the end of the experiment. High-fat diet feeding increased body weight and visceral adiposity, liver triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations, and worsened glucose tolerance. Although the high-fat diet did not affect renal function, it significantly worsened cardiac function in a subset of SHR rats. Empagliflozin reduced body weight gain but not visceral fat deposition. It also improved glucose sensitivity and several metabolic parameters (plasma insulin, uric acid, and HDL cholesterol). In the liver, empagliflozin reduced ectopic lipid accumulation, lipoperoxidation, inflammation and pro-inflammatory HETEs, while increasing anti-inflammatory EETs. In addition, empagliflozin improved cardiac function (systolic, diastolic and pumping) independent of blood pressure. The results of our study suggest that hepatoprotection plays a decisive role in the beneficial effects of empagliflozin in preventing the progression of cardiac dysfunction induced by high-fat diet feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvie Hojná
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Malínská
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hüttl
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeňka Vaňourková
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Irena Marková
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Denisa Miklánková
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Hrdlička
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - František Papoušek
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Neckář
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Centre for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kujal
- 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Behuliak
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Rauchová
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kadlecová
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sedmera
- 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Neffeová
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Zábrodská
- 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Josef Zicha
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Vaněčková
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Li J, Zhou L, Gong H. New insights and advances of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:903902. [PMID: 36186974 PMCID: PMC9520058 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.903902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are newly emerging insulin-independent anti-hyperglycemic agents that work independently of β-cells. Quite a few large-scale clinical trials have proven the cardiovascular protective function of SGLT2is in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. By searching all relevant terms related to our topics over the previous 3 years, including all the names of agents and their brands in PubMed, here we review the mechanisms underlying the improvement of heart failure. We also discuss the interaction of various mechanisms proposed by diverse works of literature, including corresponding and opposing viewpoints to support each subtopic. The regulation of diuresis, sodium excretion, weight loss, better blood pressure control, stimulation of hematocrit and erythropoietin, metabolism remodeling, protection from structural dysregulation, and other potential mechanisms of SGLT2i contributing to heart failure improvement have all been discussed in this manuscript. Although some remain debatable or even contradictory, those newly emerging agents hold great promise for the future in cardiology-related therapies, and more research needs to be conducted to confirm their functionality, particularly in metabolism, Na+-H+ exchange protein, and myeloid angiogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juexing Li
- Department of Cardiology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Gong
- Department of Cardiology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Gong
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Heather LC, Hafstad AD, Halade GV, Harmancey R, Mellor KM, Mishra PK, Mulvihill EE, Nabben M, Nakamura M, Rider OJ, Ruiz M, Wende AR, Ussher JR. Guidelines on Models of Diabetic Heart Disease. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H176-H200. [PMID: 35657616 PMCID: PMC9273269 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00058.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including diabetic cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. As cardiovascular disease represents the number one cause of death in people with diabetes, there has been a major emphasis on understanding the mechanisms by which diabetes promotes cardiovascular disease, and how antidiabetic therapies impact diabetic heart disease. With a wide array of models to study diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), the field has made major progress in answering these questions. However, each model has its own inherent limitations. Therefore, the purpose of this guidelines document is to provide the field with information on which aspects of cardiovascular disease in the human diabetic population are most accurately reproduced by the available models. This review aims to emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of each model, and to highlight the practical challenges and technical considerations involved. We will review the preclinical animal models of diabetes (based on their method of induction), appraise models of diabetes-related atherosclerosis and heart failure, and discuss in vitro models of diabetic heart disease. These guidelines will allow researchers to select the appropriate model of diabetic heart disease, depending on the specific research question being addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C Heather
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anne D Hafstad
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ganesh V Halade
- Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Romain Harmancey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Paras K Mishra
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Erin E Mulvihill
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Miranda Nabben
- Departments of Genetics and Cell Biology, and Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, CARIM School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Michinari Nakamura
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Oliver J Rider
- University of Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Matthieu Ruiz
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Adam R Wende
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - John R Ussher
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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