Anomalous AMPK-regulated angiotensin AT1R expression and SIRT1-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis at RVLM in hypertension programming of offspring to maternal high fructose exposure

Prenatal LPS leads to increases in RAS expression within the PVN and overactivation of sympathetic outflow in offspring rats

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) are two major blood pressure-regulating systems. The link between the renal and cerebral RAS axes was provided by reflex activation of renal afferents and efferent sympathetic nerves. There is a self-sustaining enhancement of the brain and the intrarenal RAS. In this study, prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) led to increased RAS activity in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and overactivation of sympathetic outflow, accompanied by increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disturbances between inhibitory and excitatory neurons in PVN. The AT1 receptor blocker losartan and α2 adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine in the PVN significantly decreased renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and synchronously reduced systolic blood pressure. Prenatal LPS stimulation caused H3 acetylation at H3K9 and H3K14 in the PVN, which suggested that epigenetic changes are involved in transmitting the prenatal adverse stimulative information to the next generation. Additionally, melatonin treatment during pregnancy reduced RAS activity and ROS levels in the PVN; balanced the activity of inhibitory and excitatory neurons in the PVN; increased urine sodium secretion; reduced RSNA and blood pressure. In conclusion, prenatal LPS leads to increased RAS expression within the PVN and overactivation of the sympathetic outflow, thereby contributing to hypertension in offspring rats. Melatonin is expected to be a promising agent for preventing prenatal LPS exposure-induced hypertension.

Protective Mechanisms of SGLTi in Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a common clinical cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. Sodium glucose cotransporter protein inhibitor (SGLTi) is a novel hypoglycemic drug. To date, both clinical trials and animal experiments have shown that SGLTi play a protective role in IHD, including myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). The protective effects may be involved in mechanisms of energy metabolic conversion, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, ionic homeostasis improvement, immune cell development, angiogenesis and functional regulation, gut microbiota regulation, and epicardial lipids. Thus, this review summarizes the above mechanisms and aims to provide theoretical evidence for therapeutic strategies for IHD.

A state-of-the-science review of using mitochondrial DNA copy number as a biomarker for environmental exposure

Mitochondria are bioenergetic, biosynthetic, and signaling organelles in eukaryotes, and contain their own genomes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), to supply energy to cells by generating ATP via oxidative phosphorylation. Therefore, the threat to mitochondria' integrity and health resulting from environmental exposure could induce adverse health effects in organisms. In this review, we summarized the association between mtDNA copy number (mtDNAcn), and environmental exposures as reported in the literature. We conducted a literature search in the Web of Science using [Mitochondrial DNA copy number] and [Exposure] as two keywords and employed three selection criteria for the final inclusion of 97 papers for review. The consensus of data was that mtDNAcn could be used as a plausible biomarker for cumulative exposures to environmental chemical and physical agents. In order to furtherly expand the application of mtDNAcn in ecological and environmental health research, we suggested a series of algorithms aiming to standardize the calculation of mtDNAcn based on the PCR results in this review. We also discussed the pitfalls of using whole blood/plasma samples for mtDNAcn measurements and regard buccal cells a plausible and practical alternative. Finally, we recognized the importance of better understanding the mechanistic analysis and regulatory mechanism of mtDNAcn, in particular the signals release and regulation pathways. We believe that the development of using mtDNAcn as an exposure biomarker will revolutionize the evaluation of chronic sub-lethal toxicity of chemicals to organisms in ecological and environmental health research that has not yet been implemented.

Nutritional Approaches Targeting Gut Microbiota in Oxidative-Stress-Associated Metabolic Syndrome: Focus on Early Life Programming

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) denotes a constellation of risk factors associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, with its roots potentially traced back to early life. Given the pivotal role of oxidative stress and dysbiotic gut microbiota in MetS pathogenesis, comprehending their influence on MetS programming is crucial. Targeting these mechanisms during the early stages of life presents a promising avenue for preventing MetS later in life. This article begins by examining detrimental insults during early life that impact fetal programming, ultimately contributing to MetS in adulthood. Following that, we explore the role of oxidative stress and the dysregulation of gut microbiota in the initiation of MetS programming. The review also consolidates existing evidence on how gut-microbiota-targeted interventions can thwart oxidative-stress-associated MetS programming, encompassing approaches such as probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and the modulation of bacterial metabolites. While animal studies demonstrate the favorable effects of gut-microbiota-targeted therapy in mitigating MetS programming, further clinical investigations are imperative to enhance our understanding of manipulating gut microbiota and oxidative stress for the prevention of MetS.

Melatonin Use during Pregnancy and Lactation Complicated by Oxidative Stress: Focus on Offspring's Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health in Animal Models

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome has emerged as a major global public health concern, posing a substantial threat to human health. Early-life exposure to oxidative stress may heighten vulnerability to the developmental programming of adult diseases, encompassing various aspects of CKM syndrome. Conversely, the initiation of adverse programming processes can potentially be thwarted through early-life antioxidant interventions. Melatonin, originally recognized for its antioxidant properties, is an endogenous hormone with diverse biological functions. While melatonin has demonstrated benefits in addressing disorders linked to oxidative stress, there has been comparatively less focus on investigating its reprogramming effects on CKM syndrome. This review consolidates the current knowledge on the role of oxidative stress during pregnancy and lactation in inducing CKM traits in offspring, emphasizing the underlying mechanisms. The multifaceted role of melatonin in regulating oxidative stress, mediating fetal programming, and preventing adverse outcomes in offspring positions it as a promising reprogramming strategy. Currently, there is a lack of sufficient information in humans, and the available evidence primarily originates from animal studies. This opens up new avenues for novel preventive intervention in CKM syndrome.

AMPK, a key molecule regulating aging-related myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Aging leads to the threat of more diseases to the biological anatomical structure and the decline of disease resistance, increasing the incidence and mortality of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI). Moreover, MI/RI promotes damage to an aging heart. Notably, 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates cellular energy metabolism, stress response, and protein metabolism, participates in aging-related signaling pathways, and plays an essential role in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury diseases. This study aims to introduce the aging theory, summarize the interaction between aging and MI/RI, and describe the crosstalk of AMPK in aging and MI/RI. We show how AMPK can offer protective effects against age-related stressors, lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking, and hypertension. We also review some of the clinical prospects for the development of interventions that harness the effect of AMPK to treat MI/RI and other age-related cardiovascular diseases.

Sirtuin 1 and Vascular Function in Healthy Women and Men: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing the Effects of Energy Restriction and Resveratrol

Background: Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has been associated with longevity and protection against cardiometabolic diseases, but little is known about how it influences human vascular function. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of SIRT1 activation by resveratrol and energy restriction on vascular reactivity in adults. Methods: A randomized trial allocated 48 healthy adults (24 women and 24 men), aged 55 to 65 years, to resveratrol supplementation or energy restriction for 30 days. Blood lipids, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, noradrenaline, SIRT1 (circulating and gene expression), and flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and nitrate-mediated vasodilation (NMD) were measured. Results: Both interventions increased circulating SIRT1 (p < 0.001). Pre- and post-tests changes of plasma noradrenaline were significant for both groups (resveratrol: p = 0.037; energy restriction: p = 0.008). Baseline circulating SIRT1 was inversely correlated with noradrenaline (r = -0.508; p < 0.01), and post-treatment circulating SIRT1 was correlated with NMD (r = 0.433; p < 0.01). Circulating SIRT1 was a predictor of FMD in men (p = 0.045), but not in women. SIRT1 was an independent predictor of NMD (p = 0.026) only in the energy restriction group. Conclusions: Energy restriction and resveratrol increased circulating SIRT1 and reduced sympathetic activity similarly in healthy adults. SIRT1 was independently associated with NMD only in the energy restriction group.

Ultrathin Niobium Carbide MXenzyme for Remedying Hypertension by Antioxidative and Neuroprotective Actions

Hypertension, as a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, is associated with oxidative stress and impairment of endogenous antioxidant mechanisms, but there is still a tremendous knowledge gap between hypertension treatment and nanomedicines. Herein, we report a specific nanozyme based on ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) niobium carbide (Nb2 C) MXene, termed Nb2 C MXenzyme, to fight against hypertension by achieving highly efficient reactive oxygen species elimination and inflammatory factors inhibition. The biocompatible Nb2 C MXenzyme displays multiple enzyme-mimicking activities, involving superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxidase, inducing cytoprotective effects by resisting oxidative stress, thereby alleviating inflammatory response and reducing blood pressure, which is systematically demonstrated in a stress-induced hypertension rat model. This strategy not only opens new opportunities for nanozymes to treat hypertension but also expands the potential biomedical applications of 2D MXene nanosystems.

VH-4-A Bioactive Peptide from Soybean and Exercise Training Constrict Hypertension in Rats through Activating Cell Survival and AMPKα1, Sirt1, PGC1α, and FoX3α

Hypertension is a chronic disease related to age, which affects tens of millions of people around the world. It is an important risk factor that causes myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, and kidney damage. Bioactive peptide VHVV (VH-4) from soybean has shown several biological activities. Physical exercise is a cornerstone of non-pharmacologic treatment for hypertension and has established itself as an effective and complementary strategy for managing hypertension. The present study evaluates the efficacy of VH-4 supplement and swimming exercise training in preventing hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR animals were treated with VH-4 (25 mg/kg by intraperitoneal administration) and swimming exercise (1 h daily) for eight weeks, and the hemodynamic parameters, histology, and cell survival pathway protein expression were examined. In SHR rats, increased heart weight, blood pressure, and histological aberrations were observed. Cell survival protein p-PI3K and p-AKT and antiapoptosis proteins Bcl2 and Bcl-XL expression decreased in SHR animals. SIRT1 and FOXO3 were decreased in hypertensive rats. Both bioactive peptide VH-4 treatment and swimming exercise training in hypertensive rats increased the cell survival proteins p-PI3K and p-AKT and AMPKα1, Sirt1, PGC1α, and FoX3α proteins. Soy peptide VH-4, along with exercise, acts synergistically and prevents hypertension by activating cell survival and AMPKα1, Sirt1, PGC1α, and FoX3α proteins.

Metabolic Syndrome Programming and Reprogramming: Mechanistic Aspects of Oxidative Stress

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a worldwide public health issue characterized by a set of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. MetS can originate in early life by developmental programming. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress, which is characterized as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and antioxidant systems, plays a decisive role in MetS programming. Results from human and animal studies indicate that maternal-derived insults induce MetS later in life, accompanied by oxidative stress programming of various organ systems. On the contrary, perinatal use of antioxidants can offset oxidative stress and thereby prevent MetS traits in adult offspring. This review provides an overview of current knowledge about the core mechanisms behind MetS programming, with particular focus on the occurrence of oxidative-stress-related pathogenesis as well as the use of potential oxidative-stress-targeted interventions as a reprogramming strategy to avert MetS of developmental origins. Future clinical studies should provide important proof of concept for the effectiveness of these reprogramming interventions to prevent a MetS epidemic.

Protection by -Biotics against Hypertension Programmed by Maternal High Fructose Diet: Rectification of Dysregulated Expression of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Receptors in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus of Adult Offspring

The role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the brain on the developmental programming of hypertension is poorly understood. The present study explored dysregulated tissue levels of SCFAs and expression of SCFA-sensing receptors in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a key forebrain region engaged in neural regulation of blood pressure of offspring to maternal high fructose diet (HFD) exposure. We further investigated the engagement of SCFA-sensing receptors in PVN in the beneficial effects of -biotics (prebiotic, probiotic, synbiotic, and postbiotic) on programmed hypertension. Maternal HFD during gestation and lactation significantly reduced circulating butyrate, along with decreased tissue level of butyrate and increased expression of SCFA-sensing receptors, GPR41 and olfr78, and tissue oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in PVN of HFD offspring that were rectified by oral supplement with -biotics. Gene silencing of GPR41 or olfr78 mRNA in PVN also protected adult HFD offspring from programmed hypertension and alleviated the induced oxidative stress and inflammation in PVN. In addition, oral supplement with postbiotic butyrate restored tissue butyrate levels, rectified expressions of GPR41 and olfr78 in PVN, and protected against programmed hypertension in adult HFD offspring. These data suggest that alterations in tissue butyrate level, expression of GPR41 and olfr78, and activation of SCFA-sensing receptor-dependent tissue oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in PVN could be novel mechanisms that underlie hypertension programmed by maternal HFD exposure in adult offspring. Furthermore, oral -biotics supplementation may exert beneficial effects on hypertension of developmental origin by targeting dysfunctional SCFA-sensing receptors in PVN to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in the brain.

Angiotensin II receptor type 1 blocker candesartan improves morphine tolerance by reducing morphine‑induced inflammatory response and cellular activation of BV2 cells via the PPARγ/AMPK signaling pathway

Morphine is the most common drug of choice in clinical pain management; however, morphine tolerance presents a significant clinical challenge. The pathogenesis of morphine tolerance is known to be closely associated with angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) in microglia. As an AT1R antagonist, candesartan may serve an important role in regulating morphine tolerance. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of candesartan in morphine tolerance, and to explore the underlying mechanism. To meet this aim, BV2 microglial cells were treated with morphine or candesartan alone, or as a combination, and the expression levels of AT1R in BV2 cells were detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR) and western blotting. The levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‑α, interleukin (IL)‑1β and IL‑6 were subsequently detected by ELISA and western blotting. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis, western blotting and RT‑qPCR were used to detect the expression levels of the BV2 cell activation marker, ionized calcium‑binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA‑1). Western blotting was also used to detect the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑γ/AMP‑activated protein kinase (PPARγ/AMPK) signaling pathway‑associated proteins. Finally, the cells were treated with the PPARγ antagonist GW9662 and the AMPK inhibitor compound C to further explore the mechanism underlying the effects of candesartan on improving morphine tolerance. The expression levels of AT1R were revealed to be significantly increased following morphine induction; however, candesartan treatment inhibited the expression levels of AT1R, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and the protein expression levels of IBA‑1 in morphine‑induced BV2 cells in a dose‑dependent manner. These processes may be associated with activation of the PPARγ/AMPK signaling pathway. Taken together, the present study revealed that treatment with candesartan reduced morphine‑induced inflammatory response and cellular activation of BV2 cells via PPARγ/AMPK signaling.

Disparate Roles of Oxidative Stress in Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla in Age-Dependent Susceptibility to Hypertension Induced by Systemic l-NAME Treatment in Rats

This study aims to investigate whether tissue oxidative stress in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), where sympathetic premotor neurons reside, plays an active role in age-dependent susceptibility to hypertension in response to nitric oxide (NO) deficiency induced by systemic l-NAME treatment, and to decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) in conscious rats were recorded, along with measurements of plasma and RVLM level of NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and expression of mRNA and protein involved in ROS production and clearance, in both young and adult rats subjected to intraperitoneal (i.p.) infusion of l-NAME. Pharmacological treatments were administered by oral gavage or intracisternal infusion. Gene silencing of target mRNA was made by bilateral microinjection into RVLM of lentivirus that encodes a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to knock down gene expression of NADPH oxidase activator 1 (Noxa1). We found that i.p. infusion of l-NAME resulted in increases in SBP, sympathetic neurogenic vasomotor activity, and plasma norepinephrine levels in an age-dependent manner. Systemic l-NAME also evoked oxidative stress in RVLM of adult, but not young rats, accompanied by augmented enzyme activity of NADPH oxidase and reduced mitochondrial electron transport enzyme activities. Treatment with L-arginine via oral gavage or infusion into the cistern magna (i.c.), but not i.c. tempol or mitoQ₁₀, significantly offset the l-NAME-induced hypertension in young rats. On the other hand, all treatments appreciably reduced l-NAME-induced hypertension in adult rats. The mRNA microarray analysis revealed that four genes involved in ROS production and clearance were differentially expressed in RVLM in an age-related manner. Of them, Noxa1, and GPx2 were upregulated and Duox2 and Ucp3 were downregulated. Systemic l-NAME treatment caused greater upregulation of Noxa1, but not Ucp3, mRNA expression in RVLM of adult rats. Gene silencing of Noxa1 in RVLM effectively alleviated oxidative stress and protected adult rats against l-NAME-induced hypertension. These data together suggest that hypertension induced by systemic l-NAME treatment in young rats is mediated primarily by NO deficiency that occurs both in vascular smooth muscle cells and RVLM. On the other hand, enhanced augmentation of oxidative stress in RVLM may contribute to the heightened susceptibility of adult rats to hypertension induced by systemic l-NAME treatment.

SIRT1 exerts anti-hypertensive effect via FOXO1 activation in the rostral ventrolateral medulla

The rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) is a pivotal region in the central regulation of blood pressure (BP). It has been documented that silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)-dependent multifunctional transcription regulatory factor, has many cardiovascular protective effects. However, the role and significance of SIRT1 in the central regulation of cardiovascular activity, especially in RVLM, remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the role and underlying mechanism of SIRT1 in the central regulation of cardiovascular activity in hypertension. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were given resveratrol (RSV) via intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion or injected with SIRT1-overexpressing lentiviral vectors into the RVLM. In vitro experiments, angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12 cells) were transfected with forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) small interfering RNA (siRNA) before treatment with RSV. Our results showed that SIRT1 activation with RSV or overexpression in the RVLM significantly decreased BP and sympathetic outflow of SHRs. Furthermore, SIRT1 overexpression in the RVLM significantly decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and facilitated the forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) activation, accompanied by upregulation of the ROS-detoxifying enzyme superoxide dismutases 1 (SOD1) in the RVLM of SHRs. In PC12 cells, it was found that Ang II could induce oxidative stress and downregulate the SIRT1-FOXO1-SOD1 signaling pathway, which indicated that the suppressed expression of SIRT1 in the RVLM of SHRs might relate to the elevated central Ang II level. Furthermore, the enhanced oxidative stress and decreased SIRT1-FOXO1-SOD1 axis induced by Ang II were restored by treatment with RSV. However, these favorable effects mediated by SIRT1 activation were blocked by FOXO1 knockdown. Based on these findings, we concluded that SIRT1 activation or overexpression in the RVLM exerts anti-hypertensive effect through reducing oxidative stress via SIRT1-FOXO1-SOD1 signaling pathway, which providing a new target for the prevention and intervention of hypertension.

Salvianolic Acid B Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia Injury by Suppressing NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via SIRT1-AMPK-PGC-1α Signaling Pathway

Salvianolic acid B (SalB) has been extensively investigated in our laboratory for myocardial ischemia (MI) disease. This study mainly aimed to illustrate the relationship between SIRT1 and the therapeutic effect of SalB on MI in rats and hypoxia damage in H9c2 cells. Furthermore, whether the antagonism of NLRP3 by SalB in the injuries mentioned above is related to SIRT1-AMPK-PGC-1α pathway-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis was further investigated. In vivo, 24 h after MI surgery, we found that SalB effectively reduced ST-segment elevation, myocardial infarct size enlargement, cardiac injury markers, myocardial structural abnormalities, and myocardial apoptotic cells in MI injury rats. In vitro, after 4 h of hypoxia exposure, SalB alleviated cell injury, inhibited the production of ROS and IL-1β, and prevented the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Besides, SalB downregulated the critical components of the NLRP3 inflammasome and upregulated the SIRT1-AMPK-PGC-1α signaling pathway-related molecules in myocardial tissues and H9c2 cells. However, all the above protective effects of SalB on MI could be offset by EX527. Taken together, our findings indicated that SalB could attenuate MI injury by targeting NLRP3, which is at least partially dependent on the SIRT1/AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Novel Insights on Dietary Polyphenols for Prevention in Early-Life Origins of Hypertension: A Review Focusing on Preclinical Animal Models

Polyphenols are the largest group of phytochemicals with health benefits. Early life appears to offer a critical window of opportunity for launching interventions focused on preventing hypertension, as increasing evidence supports the supposition that hypertension can originate in early life. Although polyphenols have antihypertensive actions, knowledge of the potential beneficial action of the early use of polyphenols to avert the development of hypertension is limited. Thus, in this review, we first provide a brief summary of the chemistry and biological function of polyphenols. Then, we present the current epidemiological and experimental evidence supporting the early-life origins of hypertension. We also document animal data on the use of specific polyphenols as an early-life intervention to protect offspring against hypertension in adulthood and discuss underlying mechanisms. Continued research into the use of polyphenols to prevent hypertension from starting early in life will have far-reaching implications for future health.

Developmental and Early Life Origins of Hypertension: Preventive Aspects of Melatonin

Hypertension represents a major disease burden worldwide. Abundant evidence suggests that hypertension can originate in early life. Adverse programming processes can be prevented by early life intervention-namely, reprogramming-to avoid developing chronic diseases later in life. Melatonin is an endogenously produced hormone with a multifaceted biological function. Although melatonin supplementation has shown benefits for human health, less attention has been paid to exploring its reprogramming effects on the early life origins of hypertension. In this review, first, we discuss the physiological roles of melatonin in pregnancy, fetal development, and the regulation of blood pressure. Then, we summarize the epidemiological and experimental evidence for the early life origins of hypertension. This is followed by a description of the animal models used to examine early melatonin therapy as a reprogramming strategy to protect against the early life origins of hypertension. A deeper understanding of the developmental programming of hypertension and recent advances in early melatonin intervention might provide a path forward in reducing the global burden of hypertension.

Sirtuin deficiency and the adverse effects of fructose and uric acid synthesis

Fructose metabolism and hyperuricemia have been shown to drive insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis, hypertension, inflammation, and innate immune reactivity in experimental studies. We suggest that these adverse effects are at least in part the result of suppressed activity of sirtuins, particularly Sirtuin1. Deficiency of sirtuin deacetylations is a consequence of reduced bioavailability of its cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Uric acid-induced inflammation and oxidative stress consume NAD+ and activation of the polyol pathway of fructose and uric acid synthesis also reduces the NAD+-to-NADH ratio. Variability in the compensatory regeneration of NAD+ could result in variable recovery of sirtuin activity that may explain the inconsistent benefits of treatments directed to reduce uric acid in clinical trials. Here, we review the pathogenesis of the metabolic dysregulation driven by hyperuricemia and their potential relationship with sirtuin deficiency. In addition, we discuss therapeutic options directed to increase NAD+ and sirtuins activity that may improve the adverse effects resulting from fructose and uric acid synthesis.

Oxidative Stress-Induced Hypertension of Developmental Origins: Preventive Aspects of Antioxidant Therapy

Hypertension remains the leading cause of disease burden worldwide. Hypertension can originate in the early stages of life. A growing body of evidence suggests that oxidative stress, which is characterized as a reactive oxygen species (ROS)/nitric oxide (NO) disequilibrium, has a pivotal role in the hypertension of developmental origins. Results from animal studies support the idea that early-life oxidative stress causes developmental programming in prime blood pressure (BP)-controlled organs such as the brain, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels, leading to hypertension in adult offspring. Conversely, perinatal use of antioxidants can counteract oxidative stress and therefore lower BP. This review discusses the interaction between oxidative stress and developmental programming in hypertension. It will also discuss evidence from animal models, how oxidative stress connects with other core mechanisms, and the potential of antioxidant therapy as a novel preventive strategy to prevent the hypertension of developmental origins.

Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Hypertension Development Induced by Fructose Consumption

During the past several decades, there has been a dramatic increase in fructose consumption worldwide in parallel with epidemics of metabolic diseases. Accumulating evidence has suggested that excessive fructose consumption...

Maternal fructose intake predisposes rat offspring to metabolic disorders via abnormal hepatic programming

Given that fructose consumption has increased by more than 10-fold in recent decades, it is possible that excess maternal fructose consumption causes harmful effects in the next generation. This study attempted to elucidate the mechanism of the harmful effects of excessive maternal fructose intake from the perspective of offspring liver function. Female rats during gestation and lactation were fed water containing fructose, and their offspring were fed normal water. We attempted to elucidate the mechanism of fructose-induced transgenerational toxicity by conducting a longitudinal study focusing on hepatic programming prior to disease onset. Impaired Insulin resistance and decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were observed at 160 days of age. However, metabolic disorders were not observed in 60-day-old offspring. Microarray analysis of 60-day-old offspring livers showed the reduction of hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 (Igf1) mRNA expression. This reduction continued until the rats were aged 160 days and attenuated Igf1 signaling. Hepatic microRNA-29 (miR-29a) and miR-130a, which target Igf1 mRNA, were also found to be upregulated. Interestingly, these miRNAs were upregulated in the absence of metabolic disorder. In this study, we found that maternal fructose intake resulted in dysregulated expression of Igf1 and its target miRNAs in the offspring liver, and that these offspring were more likely to develop metabolic disorders. Abnormal hepatic programming induced by an imbalanced maternal nutritional environment is maintained throughout life, implying that it may contribute to metabolic disorders.

[Angiotensin Ⅱ inhibits AMPK/SIRT1 pathway by inducing oxidative stress in RAW264.7 macrophages]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism by which angiotensin Ⅱ-induced oxidative stress response inhibits AMPK/ SIRT1 signaling in RAW264.7 macrophages.

OBJECTIVE

RAW264.7 cells were treated with 0.5, 1, 3, 10, or 20 μmol/L angiotensin Ⅱ for 24 h, and the changes in the expressions of AMPK, p-AMPK, and SIRT1 proteins were detected using Western blotting. The intracellular ROS release level was measured and the levels of SOD and MDA were detected. The effects of angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor (AT1R) gene silencing on the cell response to angiotensin Ⅱ treatment were examined by detecting the changes in AMPK, p-AMPK and SIRT1 protein levels. The effects of a ROS inhibitor on cellular AMPK and SIRT1 were also examined.

OBJECTIVE

Angiotensin Ⅱ stimulation at 20 μmol/L significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of AMPK protein and increased cellular ROS release (P < 0.05). Treatment with 0.5-10 μmol/L angiotensin Ⅱ did not cause significant changes in SOD activity or MDA expression, but angiotensin Ⅱ at the dose of 20 μmol/L significantly inhibited SOD activity in the cells (P < 0.05). In the macrophages with AT1R gene silencing, treatment with angiotensin Ⅱ did not obviously inhibit AMPK phosphorylation or down- regulate SIRT1 expression. In cells treated with the ROS inhibitor, angiotensin Ⅱ failed to lower the level of AMPK phosphorylation or the expression of SIRT1.

OBJECTIVE

Angiotensin Ⅱ induces oxidative stress to cause disturbance of AMPK/ SIRT1 signaling pathway in macrophages.

Sympathetic activation of splenic T-lymphocytes in hypertension of adult offspring programmed by maternal high fructose exposure

Whereas neuroimmune crosstalk between the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and immune cells in the pathophysiology of hypertension is recognized, the exact effect of SNS on T-lymphocyte in hypertension remains controversial. This study assessed the hypothesis that excitation of the SNS activates splenic T-lymphocytes through redox signaling, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the development of hypertension. Status of T-lymphocyte activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in the spleen were examined in a rodent model of hypertension programmed by maternal high fructose diet (HFD) exposure. Maternal HFD exposure enhanced SNS activity and activated both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-lymphocytes in the spleen of young offspring, compared to age-matched offspring exposed to maternal normal diet (ND). Maternal HFD exposure also induced tissue oxidative stress and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spleen of HFD offspring. All those cellular and molecular events were ameliorated following splenic nerve denervation (SND) by thermoablation. In contrast, activation of splenic sympathetic nerve by nicotine treatment resulted in the enhancement of tissue ROS level and activation of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cells in the spleen of ND offspring; these molecular events were attenuated by treatment with a ROS scavenger, tempol. Finally, the increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) programmed in adult offspring by maternal HFD exposure was diminished by SND, whereas activation of splenic sympathetic nerve increased basal SBP in young ND offspring. These findings suggest that excitation of the SNS may activate splenic T-lymphocytes, leading to hypertension programming in adult offspring induced by maternal HFD exposure. Moreover, tissue oxidative stress induced by the splenic sympathetic overactivation may serve as a mediator that couples the neuroimmune crosstalk to prime programmed hypertension in HFD offspring.