Losartan prevents the elevation of blood pressure in adipose-PRR deficient female mice while elevated circulating sPRR activates the renin-angiotensin system

Apelin-13: a novel approach to suppressing renin production in RVHT

Renovascular hypertension (RVHT) is characterized by renal artery stenosis and overactivated renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Apelin, known for its negative modulation of RAS, has protective effects against cardiovascular diseases. The role and mechanisms of the primary active form of apelin, apelin-13, in RVHT are unclear. In this study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) model, and 2K1C with apelin-13 treatment groups. Renin expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques. Full-length (pro)renin receptor (fPRR) and soluble PRR (sPRR) levels were assessed via Western blotting, and cAMP levels were measured using ELISA. Plasma renin content, plasma renin activity (PRA), angiotensin II (ANG II), and sPRR levels were determined by ELISA. Human Calu-6 and mouse As4.1 cells were used to investigate renin production mechanisms. The 2K1C model exhibited increased systolic blood pressure, plasma renin content, PRA, sPRR, and ANG II levels, while apelin-13 treatment reduced these elevations. Apelin-13 inhibited cAMP production, renin mRNA expression, protein synthesis, and PRR/sPRR protein expression in renal tissue. In Calu-6 cells, cAMP-induced fPRR and site-1 protease (S1P)-derived sPRR expression, which was blocked by cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) inhibition. Apelin-13 suppressed cAMP elevation, CREB phosphorylation, fPRR/sPRR protein expression, and renin production. Recombinant sPRR (sPRR-His) stimulated renin production, which was inhibited by the PRR decoy peptide PRO20 and S1P inhibitor PF429242. These findings suggest that apelin-13 inhibits plasma renin expression through the cAMP/PKA/sPRR pathway, providing a potential therapeutic approach for RVHT. Understanding the regulation of renin production is crucial for developing effective treatments.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our research elucidated that apelin-13 inhibits renin production through the cAMP/PKA/soluble (pro)renin receptor pathway, presenting a promising therapeutic approach for renovascular hypertension (RVHT) by targeting renin expression mechanisms. These findings underscore the potential of apelin-13 as a novel strategy to address RVHT.

Human soluble prorenin receptor expressed in mouse renal collecting duct shows sex-specific effect on cardiorenal function

Soluble prorenin receptor (sPRR), a component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), has been identified as a plasma biomarker for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in humans. Despite studies showing that sPRR in the kidney is produced by tubular cells in the renal collecting duct (CD), its biological actions modulating cardiorenal function in physiological conditions remain unknown. Therefore, the objective of our study was to investigate whether CD-derived human sPRR (HsPRR) expression influences cardiorenal function and examine sex and circadian differences. Thus, we investigated the status of the intrarenal RAS, water and electrolyte balance, renal filtration capacity, and blood pressure (BP) regulation in CD-HsPRR and control (CTL) mice. CD-HsPRR mice were generated by breeding human sPRR-Myc-tag mice with Hoxb7/Cre mice. Renal sPRR expression increased in CD-HsPRR mice, but circulating sPRR and RAS levels were unchanged compared with CTL mice. Only female littermates expressing CD-HsPRR showed 1) increased 24-h BP, 2) an impaired BP response to an acute dose of losartan and attenuated angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced hypertension, 3) reduced angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and ANG II content in the renal cortex, and 4) decreased glomerular filtration rate, with no changes in natriuresis and kaliuresis despite upregulation of the β-subunit of the epithelial Na+ channel in the renal cortex. These cardiorenal alterations were displayed only during the active phase of the day. Taken together, these data suggest that HsPRR could interact with ANG II type 1 receptors mediating sex-specific, ANG II-independent renal dysfunction and a prohypertensive phenotype in a sex-specific manner.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We successfully generated a humanized mouse model that expresses human sPRR in the collecting duct. Collecting duct-derived human sPRR did not change circulating sPRR and RAS levels but increased daytime BP in female mice while showing an attenuated angiotensin II-dependent pressor response. These findings may aid in elucidating the mechanisms by which women show uncontrolled BP in response to antihypertensive treatments targeting the RAS, improving approaches to reduce uncontrolled BP and chronic kidney disease incidences in women.

Inhibition of intrarenal PRR-RAS pathway by Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptides in proteinuric nephropathy

Excessive proteinuria leads to renal dysfunction and damage. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide (GL-PP) and Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide 2 (GL-PP2) are biologically active compounds extracted from Ganoderma lucidum. GL-PP has a relative molecular weight of 37,121 with 76.39 % polysaccharides and 16.35 % polypeptides, while GL-PP2 has a relative molecular weight of 31,130, composed of 64.14 % polysaccharides and 17.73 % polypeptides. The xylose: mannose: glucose monosaccharide ratios in GL-PP and GL-PP2 were 4.83:1:7.03 and 2.35:1:9.38, respectively. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of GL-PP and GL-PP2 on proteinuria-induced renal dysfunction and damage using rat and cell models. Both compounds reduced kidney injury, proteinuria, and inhibited the (pro)renin receptor (PRR)-renin-angiotensin system (RAS) pathway, inflammatory cell infiltration, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. GL-PP2 showed stronger inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase proteins compared to GL-PP. In cell models, both compounds displayed anti-inflammatory properties and improved cellular viability by inhibiting the PRR-RAS pathway. GL-PP2 has higher feasibility and productivity than GL-PP in pharmacology and industrial production. It shows promise in treating proteinuria-induced renal disease with superior anti-inflammatory effects and economic, safe industrial application prospects. Further research is needed to compare efficacy, mechanisms, clinical applications, and commercial feasibility of GL-PP and GL-PP2.

Therapeutic potential of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide in Doxorubicin-induced nephropathy: modulation of renin-angiotensin system and proteinuria

Introduction: In the Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced nephropathy model, proteinuria is a manifestation of progressive kidney injury. The pathophysiology of renal illness is heavily influenced by the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). To reduce renal RAS activation and proteinuria caused by DOX, this study evaluated the effectiveness of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide (GL-PP), a new glycopeptide produced from Ganoderma lucidum grown on grass. Methods: Three groups of BALB/c male mice were created: control, DOX, and DOX + GL-PP. GL-PP (100 mg/kg) was administered to mice by intraperitoneal injection for 4 weeks following a single intravenous injection of DOX (10 mg/kg via the tail vein). Results: After 4 weeks, full-length and soluble pro(renin) receptor (fPRR/sPRR) overexpression in DOX mouse kidneys, which is crucial for the RAS pathway, was dramatically inhibited by GL-PP therapy. Additionally, GL-PP successfully reduced elevation of urinary renin activity and angiotensin II levels, supporting the idea that GL-PP inhibits RAS activation. Moreover, GL-PP showed a considerable downregulation of nicotinamide adenine nucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression and a decrease in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. GL-PP treatment effectively reduced glomerular and tubular injury induced by DOX, as evidenced by decreased proteinuria, podocyte damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Discussion: GL-PP inhibits intrarenal PRR/sPRR-RAS activation and upregulation of NOX4 and H2O2, suggesting potential therapeutic approaches against DOX-induced nephropathy.

Genetic Ablation of Prorenin Receptor in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Influences Blood Pressure and Hydromineral Balance in Deoxycorticosterone-Salt Hypertension

Non-enzymatic activation of renin via its interaction with prorenin receptor (PRR) has been proposed as a key mechanism of local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation. The presence of renin and angiotensinogen has been reported in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Overactivation of bulbospinal neurons in the RVLM is linked to hypertension (HTN). Previous studies have shown that the brain RAS plays a role in the pathogenesis of the deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-salt HTN model. Thus, we hypothesized that PRR in the RVLM is involved in the local activation of the RAS, facilitating the development of DOCA-salt HTN. Selective PRR ablation targeting the RVLM (PRRRVLM-Null mice) resulted in an unexpected sex-dependent and biphasic phenotype in DOCA-salt HTN. That is, PRRRVLM-Null females (but not males) exhibited a significant delay in achieving maximal pressor responses during the initial stage of DOCA-salt HTN. Female PRRRVLM-Null subsequently showed exacerbated DOCA-salt-induced pressor responses during the "maintenance" phase with a maximal peak at 13 d on DOCA-salt. This exacerbated response was associated with an increased sympathetic drive to the resistance arterioles and the kidney, exacerbated fluid and sodium intake and output in response to DOCA-salt, and induced mobilization of fluids from the intracellular to extracellular space concomitant with elevated vasopressin. Ablation of PRR suppressed genes involved in RAS activation and catecholamine synthesis in the RVLM but also induced expression of genes involved in inflammatory responses. This study illustrates complex and sex-dependent roles of PRR in the neural control of BP and hydromineral balance through autonomic and neuroendocrine systems. Graphical abstract.

High-plasma soluble prorenin receptor is associated with vascular damage in male, but not female, mice fed a high-fat diet

Plasma soluble prorenin receptor (sPRR) displays sexual dimorphism and is higher in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the contribution of plasma sPRR to the development of vascular complications in T2DM remains unclear. We investigated if plasma sPRR contributes to sex differences in the activation of the systemic renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and vascular damage in a model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced T2DM. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed either a normal fat diet (NFD) or an HFD for 28 wk to assess changes in blood pressure, cardiometabolic phenotype, plasma prorenin/renin, sPRR, and ANG II. After completing dietary protocols, tissues were collected from males to assess vascular reactivity and aortic reactive oxygen species (ROS). A cohort of male mice was used to determine the direct contribution of increased systemic sPRR by infusion. To investigate the role of ovarian hormones, ovariectomy (OVX) was performed at 32 wk in females fed either an NFD or HFD. Significant sex differences were found after 28 wk of HFD, where only males developed T2DM and increased plasma prorenin/renin, sPRR, and ANG II. T2DM in males was accompanied by nondipping hypertension, carotid artery stiffening, and aortic ROS. sPRR infusion in males induced vascular thickening instead of material stiffening caused by HFD-induced T2DM. While intact females were less prone to T2DM, OVX increased plasma prorenin/renin, sPRR, and systolic blood pressure. These data suggest that sPRR is a novel indicator of systemic RAAS activation and reflects the onset of vascular complications during T2DM regulated by sex.NEW & NOTEWORTHY High-fat diet (HFD) for 28 wk leads to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) phenotype, concomitant with increased plasma soluble prorenin receptor (sPRR), nondipping blood pressure, and vascular stiffness in male mice. HFD-fed female mice exhibiting a preserved cardiometabolic phenotype until ovariectomy revealed increased plasma sPRR and blood pressure. Plasma sPRR may indicate the status of systemic renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation and the onset of vascular complications during T2DM in a sex-dependent manner.

Soluble (Pro)Renin Receptor Level in Patients with Severe Obesity Is Associated with Visceral Adiposity and Is Involved with Insulin Resistance and Renal Injury

INTRODUCTION

High soluble (pro)renin receptor (s[P]RR) level in circulation is reported in obese patients; however, it is unclear which body composition components are responsible for it. In this study, the authors examined blood s(P)RR levels and ATP6AP2 gene expression levels in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT, SAT) in severely obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), with the aim of clarifying the relationship with body composition and metabolic factors.

METHODS

Seventy five cases who underwent LSG between 2011 and 2015 and were postoperatively followed-up for 12 months at the Toho University Sakura Medical Center were included in the analysis of the cross-sectional survey at baseline, and 33 cases were included in the analysis of the longitudinal survey during the 12 months after LSG. We evaluated body composition, glycolipid parameters, liver/renal function, as well as serum s(P)RR level and ATP6AP2 mRNA expression level in VAT and SAT.

RESULTS

The mean serum s(P)RR level at baseline was 26.1 ng/mL, this value was considered higher than values in healthy subjects. There was no significant difference in the expression level of ATP6AP2 mRNA between VAT and SAT. At baseline, multiple regression analysis for the association between s(P)RR and variables identified that visceral fat area, HOMA2-IR, and UACR showed the independent relationships with s(P)RR. During the 12 months after LSG, body weight, serum s(P)RR level showed a significant decrease (from 30.0 ± 7.0 to 21.9 ± 4.3). Multiple regression analysis for the association between the change in s(P)RR and variables showed that changes in visceral fat area, and alanine transaminase were independently related to the change in s(P)RR.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that blood s(P)RR level was high in severely obese patients, decreased with weight loss by LSG, and was associated with visceral fat area in both pre- and postoperative changes. The results suggest that blood s(P)RR levels in obese patients may reflect the involvement of visceral adipose (P)RR in insulin resistance and renal damage mechanisms associated with obesity.

The Role of (Pro)Renin Receptor in the Metabolic Syndrome

The prorenin receptor (PRR) is a complex multi-functional single transmembrane protein receptor that is ubiquitously expressed in organs and tissues throughout the body. PRR is involved in different cellular mechanisms that comprise the generation of Angiotensin II, the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, the stimulation of ERK 1/2 pathway, and the proper functioning of the vacuolar H+-ATPase. Evidence supports the role of PRR and its soluble form, sPRR, in the classical features of the metabolic syndrome, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and disruption of lipid homeostasis. This review summarizes our current knowledge and highlights new advances in the pathophysiological function of PRR and sPRR in adipogenesis, adipocyte differentiation, lipolysis, glucose and insulin resistance, lipid homeostasis, energy metabolism, and blood pressure regulation.

Cardiovascular aspects of the (pro)renin receptor: Function and significance

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including all types of disorders related to the heart or blood vessels, are the major public health problems and the leading causes of mortality globally. (Pro)renin receptor (PRR), a single transmembrane protein, is present in cardiomyocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. PRR plays an essential role in cardiovascular homeostasis by regulating the renin-angiotensin system and several intracellular signals such as mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and wnt/β-catenin signaling in various cardiovascular cells. This review discusses the current evidence for the pathophysiological roles of the cardiac and vascular PRR. Activation of PRR in cardiomyocytes may contribute to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac hypertrophy, diabetic or alcoholic cardiomyopathy, salt-induced heart damage, and heart failure. Activation of PRR promotes vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, endothelial cell dysfunction, neovascularization, and the progress of vascular diseases. In addition, phenotypes of animals transgenic for PRR and the hypertensive actions of PRR in the brain and kidney and the soluble PRR are also discussed. Targeting PRR in local tissues may offer benefits for patients with CVDs, including heart injury, atherosclerosis, and hypertension.

(Pro)renin Receptor and Blood Pressure Regulation: A Focus on the Central Nervous System

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is classically described as a hormonal system in which angiotensin II (Ang II) is one of the main active peptides. The action of circulating Ang II on its cognate Ang II type-1 receptor (AT1R) in circumventricular organs has important roles in regulating the autonomic nervous system, blood pressure (BP) and body fluid homeostasis, and has more recently been implicated in cardiovascular metabolism. The presence of a local or tissue RAS in various tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS), is well established. However, because the level of renin, the rate-limiting enzyme in the systemic RAS, is very low in the brain, how endogenous angiotensin peptides are generated in the CNS-the focus of this review-has been the subject of considerable debate. Notable in this context is the identification of the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) as a key component of the brain RAS in the production of Ang II in the CNS. In this review, we highlight cellular and anatomical locations of the PRR in the CNS. We also summarize studies using gain- and loss-of function approaches to elucidate the functional importance of brain PRR-mediated Ang II formation and brain RAS activation, as well as PRR-mediated Ang II-independent signaling pathways, in regulating BP. We further discuss recent developments in PRR involvement in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and present perspectives for future directions.

Vascular endothelial adiponectin signaling across the life span

Cardiovascular disease risk increases with age regardless of sex. Some of this risk is attributable to alterations in natural hormones throughout the life span. The quintessential example of this being the dramatic increase in cardiovascular disease following the transition to menopause. Plasma levels of adiponectin, a "cardioprotective" adipokine released primarily by adipose tissue and regulated by hormones, also fluctuate throughout one's life. Plasma adiponectin levels increase with age in both men and women, with higher levels in both pre- and postmenopausal women compared with men. Younger cohorts seem to confer cardioprotective benefits from increased adiponectin levels yet elevated levels in the elderly and those with existing heart disease are associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. Here, we review the most recent data regarding adiponectin signaling in the vasculature, highlight the differences observed between the sexes, and shed light on the apparent paradox regarding increased cardiovascular disease risk despite rising plasma adiponectin levels over time.

Perivascular Adipose Tissue in Vascular Function: Does Locally Synthesized Angiotensinogen Play a Role?

ABSTRACT

In recent years, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) research has gained special attention in an effort to understand its involvement in vascular function. PVAT is recognized as an important endocrine organ that secretes procontractile and anticontractile factors, including components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, particularly angiotensinogen (AGT). This review critically addresses the occurrence of AGT in PVAT, its release into the blood stream, and its contribution to the generation and effects of angiotensins (notably angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin II) in the vascular wall. It describes that the introduction of transgenic animals, expressing AGT at 0, 1, or more specific location(s), combined with the careful measurement of angiotensins, has revealed that the assumption that PVAT independently generates angiotensins from locally synthesized AGT is incorrect. Indeed, selective deletion of AGT from adipocytes did not lower circulating AGT, neither under a control diet nor under a high-fat diet, and only liver-specific AGT deletion resulted in the disappearance of AGT from blood plasma and adipose tissue. An entirely novel scenario therefore develops, supporting local angiotensin generation in PVAT that depends on the uptake of both AGT and renin from blood, in addition to the possibility that circulating angiotensins exert vascular effects. The review ends with a summary of where we stand now and recommendations for future research.

The Soluble (Pro)Renin Receptor in Health and Diseases: Foe or Friend?

The (pro)renin receptor (PRR) is a single-transmembrane protein that regulates the local renin-angiotensin system and participates in various intracellular signaling pathways, thus exhibiting a significant physiopathologic relevance in cellular homeostasis. A soluble form of PRR (sPRR) is generated through protease-mediated cleavage of the full-length PRR and secreted into extracellular spaces. Accumulating evidence indicates pivotal biologic functions of sPRR in various physiopathological processes. sPRR may be a novel biomarker for multiple diseases. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Circulating sPRR concentrations are elevated in patients and animals under various physiopathological conditions. This minireview highlights recent advances in sPRR functions in health and pathophysiological conditions. Results suggest that sPRR may be a novel biomarker for multiple diseases, but further studies are needed to determine the diagnostic value of sPRR.

The mechanisms of renin-angiotensin system in hepatocellular carcinoma: From the perspective of liver fibrosis, HCC cell proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis, and corresponding protection measures

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, of which the occurrence and development involve a variety of pathophysiological processes, such as liver fibrosis, hepatocellular malignant proliferation, metastasis, and tumor angiogenesis. Some important cytokines, such as TGF-β, PI3K, protein kinase B (Akt), VEGF and NF-κB, can regulate the growth, proliferation, diffusion, metastasis, and apoptosis of HCC cells by acting on the corresponding signaling pathways. Besides, many studies have shown that the formation of HCC is closely related to the main components of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), such as Ang II, ACE, ACE2, MasR, AT1R, and AT2R. Therefore, this review focused on liver fibrosis, HCC cell proliferation, metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and corresponding protective measures. ACE-Ang II-AT1 axis and ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-MasR axis were taken as the main lines to introduce the mechanism of RAS in the occurrence and development of HCC, so as to provide references for future clinical work and scientific research.

Loss of Soluble (Pro)renin Receptor Attenuates Angiotensin-II Induced Hypertension and Renal Injury

[Figure: see text].

The prorenin receptor and its soluble form contribute to lipid homeostasis

Obesity is associated with alterations in hepatic lipid metabolism. We previously identified the prorenin receptor (PRR) as a potential contributor to liver steatosis. Therefore, we aimed to determine the relative contribution of PRR and its soluble form, sPRR, to lipid homeostasis. PRR-floxed male mice were treated with an adeno-associated virus with thyroxine-binding globulin promoter-driven Cre to delete PRR in the liver [liver PRR knockout (KO) mice]. Hepatic PRR deletion did not change the body weight but increased liver weights. The deletion of PRR in the liver decreased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and triglyceride levels, but liver PRR KO mice exhibited higher plasma cholesterol levels and lower hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and Sortilin 1 (SORT1) proteins than control (CTL) mice. Surprisingly, hepatic PRR deletion elevated hepatic cholesterol, and up-regulated hepatic sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG CoA-R) genes. In addition, the plasma levels of sPRR were significantly higher in liver PRR KO mice than in controls. In vitro studies in HepG2 cells demonstrated that sPRR treatment upregulated SREBP2, suggesting that sPRR could contribute to hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis. Interestingly, PRR, total cleaved and noncleaved sPRR contents, furin, and Site-1 protease (S1P) were elevated in the adipose tissue of liver PRR KO mice, suggesting that adipose tissue could contribute to the circulating pool of sPRR. Overall, this work supports previous works and opens a new area of investigation concerning the function of sPRR in lipid metabolism and adipose tissue-liver cross talk.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hepatic PRR and its soluble form, sPRR, contribute to triglyceride and cholesterol homeostasis and hepatic inflammation. Deletion of hepatic PRR decreased triglyceride levels through a PRR-PPARγ-dependent mechanism but increased hepatic cholesterol synthesis through sPRR-medicated upregulation of SREBP-2. Our study highlighted a new paradigm of cross talk between the liver and the adipose tissue involving cholesterol and sPRR.

(Pro)renin receptor in the kidney: function and significance

(Pro)renin receptor (PRR), a 350-amino acid receptor initially thought of as a receptor for the binding of renin and prorenin, is multifunctional. In addition to its role in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), PRR transduces several intracellular signaling molecules and is a component of the vacuolar H⁺-ATPase that participates in autophagy. PRR is found in the kidney and particularly in great abundance in the cortical collecting duct. In the kidney, PRR participates in water and salt balance, acid-base balance, and autophagy and plays a role in development and progression of hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and kidney fibrosis. This review highlights the role of PRR in the development and function of the kidney, namely, the macula densa, podocyte, proximal and distal convoluted tubule, and the principal cells of the collecting duct, and focuses on PRR function in body fluid volume homeostasis, blood pressure regulation, and acid-base balance. This review also explores new advances in the molecular mechanism involving PRR in normal renal health and pathophysiological states.

Soluble (pro)renin receptor promotes the fibrotic response in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells in vitro via the Akt/β-catenin/Snail signaling pathway

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis has been regarded as a critical event in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease. The soluble form of (pro)renin receptor (sPRR), generated by site-1 protease (S1P) cleavage of full-length PRR, can be detected in biological fluid and elevated under certain pathological conditions. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential role of sPRR in the regulation of the fibrotic response in a cultured human renal proximal tubular cell line (HK-2 cells) in the setting of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β or sPRR-His treatment. The TGF-β-induced fibrotic response of HK-2 cells was indicated by upregulation of fibronectin (FN) expression; meanwhile, TGF-β could also induce the generation of sPRR, due to enhanced cleavage of full-length PRR. To explore the role of sPRR in the fibrotic response of HK-2 cells, we blocked the production of sPRR with a the S1P inhibitor PF429242 and found that PF429242 remarkably suppressed TGF-β-induced sPRR generation and FN expression in HK-2 cells. Administration of sPRR-His restored the PF429242-attenuated FN expression in HK-2 cells, indicating that sPRR could promote the TGF-β-induced fibrotic response. Furthermore, sPRR-His alone also increased the abundance of FN in HK-2 cells. These data suggested that sPRR was sufficient and necessary for the TGF-β-induced fibrotic response of HK-2 cells. Mechanistically, sPRR activated the AKT and β-catenin pathway in HK-2 cells, and blockade of the AKT or β-catenin pathway significantly abrogated sPRR-induced FN and Snail expression. Taking together, sPRR promoted the fibrotic response of HK-2 cells by activating Akt/β-catenin/Snail signaling, and it may serve as a potential therapeutic target in renal fibrosis.

Sex differences in cardiovascular actions of the renin-angiotensin system

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a worldwide public health concern despite decades of research and the availability of numerous targeted therapies. While the intrinsic physiological mechanisms regulating cardiovascular function are similar between males and females, marked sex differences have been established in terms of CVD onset, pathophysiology, manifestation, susceptibility, prevalence, treatment responses and outcomes in animal models and clinical populations. Premenopausal females are generally protected from CVD in comparison to men of similar age, with females tending to develop cardiovascular complications later in life following menopause. Emerging evidence suggests this cardioprotection in females is, in part, attributed to sex differences in hormonal regulators, such as the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). To date, research has largely focused on canonical RAS pathways and shown that premenopausal females are protected from cardiovascular derangements produced by activation of angiotensin II pathways. More recently, a vasodilatory arm of the RAS has emerged that is characterized by angiotensin-(1-7) [(Ang-(1-7)], angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and Mas receptors. Emerging studies provide evidence for a shift towards these cardioprotective Ang-(1-7) pathways in females, with effects modulated by interactions with estrogen. Despite well-established sex differences, female comparison studies on cardiovascular outcomes are lacking at both the preclinical and clinical levels. Furthermore, there are no specific guidelines in place for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in men versus women, including therapies targeting the RAS. This review summarizes current knowledge on sex differences in the cardiovascular actions of the RAS, focusing on interactions with gonadal hormones, emerging data for protective Ang-(1-7) pathways and potential clinical implications for established and novel therapies.

The Elabela in hypertension, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and preeclampsia: an update

: Although considerable success has been shown for antihypertensive medications, the resistant hypertension and hypertension-related organ damages are still the important clinical issues and pose as high health and economic pressure. Therefore, novel therapeutic techniques and antihypertensive drugs are needed to advance more effective therapy of hypertension and hypertension-related disease to ameliorate mortality and healthcare costs worldwide. In this review, we highlight the latest progress in supporting the therapeutic potential of Elabela (ELA), a recently discovered early endogenous ligand for G-protein-coupled receptor apelin peptide jejunum, apelin receptor. Systemic administration of ELA exerts vasodilatory, antihypertensive, cardioprotective, and renoprotective effects, whereas central application of ELA increases blood pressure and causes cardiovascular remodeling primarily secondary to the hypertension. In addition, ELA drives extravillous trophoblast differentiation and prevents the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (a gestational hypertensive syndrome) by promoting placental angiogenesis. These findings strongly suggest peripheral ELA's therapeutic potential in preventing and treating hypertension and hypertension-related diseases including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and preeclampsia. Since therapeutic use of ELA is mainly limited by its short half-life and parenteral administration, it may be a clinical application candidate for the therapy of hypertension and its complications when fused with a large inert chemicals (e.g. polyethylene glycol, termed polyethylene glycol-ELA-21) or other proteins (e.g. the Fc fragment of IgG and albumin, termed Fc-ELA-21 or albumin-ELA-21), and new delivery methods are encouraged to develop to improve the efficacy of ELA fragments on apelin peptide jejunum or alternative unknown receptors.

The Renin-Angiotensin System in the Central Nervous System and Its Role in Blood Pressure Regulation

Purpose of the Review

The main goal of this article is to discuss how the development of state-of-the-art technology has made it possible to address fundamental questions related to how the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) operates within the brain from the neurophysiological and molecular perspective.

Recent Findings

The existence of the brain RAS remains surprisingly controversial. New sensitive in situ hybridization techniques and novel transgenic animals expressing reporter genes have provided pivotal information of the expression of RAS genes within the brain. We discuss studies using genetically engineered animals combined with targeted viral microinjections to study molecular mechanisms implicated in the regulation of the brain RAS. We also discuss novel drugs targeting the brain RAS that have shown promising results in clinical studies and trials.

Summary

Over the last 50 years, several new physiological roles of the brain RAS have been identified. In the coming years, efforts to incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, and single-cell RNA sequencing will lead to dramatic advances in our full understanding of how the brain RAS operates at molecular and neurophysiological levels.

Recent advances in understanding lipodystrophy: a focus on lipodystrophy-associated cardiovascular disease and potential effects of leptin therapy on cardiovascular function

Lipodystrophy is a disease characterized by a partial or total absence of adipose tissue leading to severe metabolic derangements including marked insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and steatohepatitis. Lipodystrophy is also a source of major cardiovascular disorders which, in addition to hepatic failure and infection, contribute to a significant reduction in life expectancy. Metreleptin, the synthetic analog of the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin and current therapy of choice for patients with lipodystrophy, successfully improves metabolic function. However, while leptin has been associated with hypertension, vascular diseases, and inflammation in the context of obesity, it remains unknown whether its daily administration could further impair cardiovascular function in patients with lipodystrophy. The goal of this short review is to describe the cardiovascular phenotype of patients with lipodystrophy, speculate on the etiology of the disorders, and discuss how the use of murine models of lipodystrophy could be beneficial to address the question of the contribution of leptin to lipodystrophy-associated cardiovascular disease.

Soluble Prorenin Receptor Increases Blood Pressure in High Fat-Fed Male Mice

Obesity-related hypertension is a major public health concern. We recently demonstrated that plasma levels of the soluble form of the prorenin receptor (sPRR) were elevated in obesity-associated hypertension. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the contribution of sPRR to blood pressure (BP) elevation in the context of obesity. High fat-fed C57BL/6 male mice were infused with vehicle or sPRR (30 µg/kg per day) via subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipump for 4 weeks. BP parameters were recorded using radiotelemetry devices. Male mice infused with sPRR exhibited higher systolic BP and mean arterial pressure and lower spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity than mice infused with vehicle. To define mechanisms involved in systolic BP elevation, mice were injected with an AT1R (Ang II [angiotensin II] type 1 receptor) antagonist (losartan), a muscarinic receptor antagonist (atropine), a β-adrenergic antagonist (propranolol), and a ganglionic blocker (chlorisondamine). Losartan did not blunt sPRR-induced elevation in systolic BP. Chlorisondamine treatment exacerbated the decrease in mean arterial pressure in male mice infused with sPRR. These results demonstrated that sPRR induced autonomic nervous dysfunction. Interestingly, plasma leptin levels were increased in high fat-fed C57BL/6 male mice infused with sPRR. Overall, our results indicated that sPRR increased systolic BP through an impairment of the baroreflex sensitivity and an increase in the sympathetic tone potentially mediated by leptin in high fat-fed C57BL/6 male mice.

Sex differences in the metabolic effects of the renin-angiotensin system

Obesity is a global epidemic that greatly increases risk for developing cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. Sex differences in the obese phenotype are well established in experimental animal models and clinical populations. While having higher adiposity and obesity prevalence, females are generally protected from obesity-related metabolic and cardiovascular complications. This protection is, at least in part, attributed to sex differences in metabolic effects of hormonal mediators such as the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Previous literature has predominantly focused on the vasoconstrictor arm of the RAS and shown that, in contrast to male rodent models of obesity and diabetes, females are protected from metabolic and cardiovascular derangements produced by angiotensinogen, renin, and angiotensin II. A vasodilator arm of the RAS has more recently emerged which includes angiotensin-(1-7), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), mas receptors, and alamandine. While accumulating evidence suggests that activation of components of this counter-regulatory axis produces positive effects on glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and energy balance in male animal models, female comparison studies and clinical data related to metabolic outcomes are lacking. This review will summarize current knowledge of sex differences in metabolic effects of the RAS, focusing on interactions with gonadal hormones and potential clinical implications.