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Vieira Pimentel RL, Braga JF, Velloso EPP, Lautner RQ, de Oliveira ML, Todiras M, Alenina N, Bader M, de Sousa FG, Beier SL, Santos R. G-protein-coupled receptor MAS deletion produces a preeclampsia-like phenotype in FVB/N mice. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:1249-1263. [PMID: 37527493 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220819] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An unbalance in the renin-angiotensin (Ang) system (RAS) between the Ang II/AT1 and Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis appears to be involved in preeclampsia (PE), in which a reduction in Ang-(1-7) was observed. Here, we tested whether the reduction in the activity of the Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis could be a contributing factor for the development of PE, using Mas-deficient (Mas-/-) mice. METHODS AND RESULTS Cardiovascular parameters were evaluated by telemetry before, during pregnancy and 4 days postpartum in 20-week-old Mas-/- and wild-type (WT) female mice. Mas-/- mice presented reduced arterial blood pressure (BP) at baseline (91.3 ± 0.8 in Mas-/- vs. 94.0 ± 0.9 mmHg in WT, Diastolic, P<0.05). However, after the 13th day of gestation, BP in Mas-/- mice started to increase, time-dependently, and at day 19 of pregnancy, these animals presented a higher BP in comparison with WT group (90.5 ± 0.7 in Mas-/- vs. 80.3 ± 3.5 mmHg in WT, Diastolic D19, P<0.0001). Moreover, pregnant Mas-/- mice presented fetal growth restriction, increase in urinary protein excretion as compared with nonpregnant Mas-/-, oliguria, increase in cytokines, endothelial dysfunction and reduced ACE, AT1R, ACE2, ET-1A, and eNOS placental mRNA, similar to some of the clinical manifestations found in the development of PE. CONCLUSIONS These results show that Mas-deletion produces a PE-like state in FVB/N mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Lúcia Vieira Pimentel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Janaína Félix Braga
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Portugal Pimenta Velloso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Roberto Queiroga Lautner
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marilene Luzia de Oliveira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mihail Todiras
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Natalia Alenina
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Bader
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Felipe Gaia de Sousa
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Suzane Lilian Beier
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ras Santos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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SARS- CoV-2 infection and oxidative stress in early-onset preeclampsia. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166321. [PMID: 34920081 PMCID: PMC8668602 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also in pregnant women. Infection in pregnancy leads to maternal and placental functional alterations. Pregnant women with vascular defects such as preeclampsia show high susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection by undefined mechanisms. Pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 show higher rates of preterm birth and caesarean delivery, and their placentas show signs of vasculopathy and inflammation. It is still unclear whether the foetus is affected by the maternal infection with this virus and whether maternal infection associates with postnatal affections. The SARS-CoV-2 infection causes oxidative stress and activation of the immune system leading to cytokine storm and next tissue damage as seen in the lung. The angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 expression is determinant for these alterations in the lung. Since this enzyme is expressed in the human placenta, SARS-CoV-2 could infect the placenta tissue, although reported to be of low frequency compared with maternal lung tissue. Early-onset preeclampsia (eoPE) shows higher expression of ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17) causing an imbalanced renin-angiotensin system and endothelial dysfunction. A similar mechanism seems to potentially account for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review highlights the potentially common characteristics of pregnant women with eoPE with those with COVID-19. A better understanding of the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its impact on the placenta function is determinant since eoPE/COVID-19 association may result in maternal metabolic alterations that might lead to a potential worsening of the foetal programming of diseases in the neonate, young, and adult.
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Abel T, Moodley J, Naicker T. The Involvement of MicroRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 Infection Comorbid with HIV-Associated Preeclampsia. Curr Hypertens Rep 2021; 23:20. [PMID: 33847825 PMCID: PMC8042355 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-021-01138-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This review investigated the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the synergy of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, preeclampsia (PE), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Maternal health is a great concern when treating pregnant women fighting this triad of diseases, which is highly prevalent in South Africa. MicroRNAs are involved in fine-tuning of physiological processes. Disruptions to the balance of this minute protein can lead to various physiological changes that are sometimes pathological. Recent Findings MicroRNAs have recently been implicated in PE and have been linked to the anti-angiogenic imbalance evident in PE. Recent in silico studies have identified potential host miRNAs with anti-viral properties against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studies have demonstrated dysregulated expression of several miRNAs in HIV-1 infection along with the ability of HIV-1 to downregulate anti-viral host microRNAs. Summary This review has highlighted the significant gap in literature on the potential of miRNAs in women with HIV-associated PE in synergy with the novel SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, this review has provided evidence of the critical role that the epigenetic regulatory mechanism of miRNA plays in viral infections and PE, thereby providing a foundation for further research investigating the potential of therapeutic miRNA development with fewer side-effects for pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tashlen Abel
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institution, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- Women's Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institution, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin-(1-7) and Mas receptor in gonadal and reproductive functions. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 134:2929-2941. [PMID: 33196086 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) is an active peptide formed from Ang I or Ang-(1-9) by multiple proteolytic steps involving angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 1 and other peptidases, or by a single cleavage of Ang II catalyzed chiefly by ACE2. The effects of Ang-(1-7) are mediated by the G protein-coupled receptor Mas (or Mas1), encoded by the protooncogene MAS. The reproductive system expresses ACE2 quite abundantly and therefore is able to generate Ang-(1-7) using precursor peptides produced locally or taken from circulation. In several mammalian species, Ang-(1-7) stimulates ovarian follicle growth, oocyte maturation and ovulation. The peptide is found in human endometrium, mostly during the secretory phase of menstrual cycle when the uterus is receptive to embryo implantation. Rat models and human observational studies suggest that Ang-(1-7) is part of the maternal adaptive response to pregnancy and its deficiency is associated with poor circulation in the placental bed. Knockout mice revealed a relevant participation of Mas-mediated stimulus to the maintenance of normal spermatogenesis, even though the animal can still reproduce without it. In addition, the vasorelaxant effect of Ang-(1-7) participates in the physiological mechanism of corpus cavernosum blood influx and penile erection. We conclude that preclinical evidence encourages the pursuit of treatments for female and male reproductive dysfunctions based on Mas agonists, starting with its natural ligand Ang-(1-7).
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Brosnihan KB, Merrill DC, Yamaleyeva LM, Chen K, Neves L, Joyner J, Givner C, Lanier K, Moorefield C, Westwood B. Longitudinal study of angiotensin peptides in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancy. Endocrine 2020; 69:410-419. [PMID: 32319014 PMCID: PMC10519175 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02296-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To address whether differential regulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system occurs in pre-eclampsia, we performed an analysis of the time course of circulating and urinary profiles of the vasoconstrictor (Ang II) and the vasodilator [Ang-(1-7)] peptides in normal pregnant (NP) and pre-eclamptic (PE) women. METHODS Urine and plasma samples from 86 nulliparous women were collected prospectively; 67 subjects continued as NP and 19 developed PE. Subjects were enrolled prior to 12 weeks of gestation and plasma and spot urine samples were obtained throughout gestation. Control samples were obtained at 6 weeks postpartum (PP). RESULTS Mean blood pressure (p < 0.001) was elevated at 31-37 weeks of gestation in PE subjects as compared with NP subjects. Plasma Ang I and Ang II levels were elevated in NP subjects as early as 16 weeks of gestation and maintained throughout gestation. In PE subjects both plasma Ang I and Ang II were elevated at 16-33 weeks as compared with PP levels. PE subjects showed reduced plasma Ang I and Ang II (at 35-37 weeks of gestation) compared with NP subjects. Plasma Ang-(1-7) was unchanged in both groups. All three urinary peptides increased throughout gestation in NP subjects. In PE subjects urinary Ang I was increased at 23-26 weeks and was maintained throughout gestation. Urinary Ang II was increased at 27-29 and 31-33 weeks of gestation. PE subjects had no change in urinary Ang-(1-7). CONCLUSION The activation of the RAS, particularly Ang II throughout normal gestation may contribute to the maintenance of vascular tone during normal pregnancy. However higher sensitivity to Ang II in pre-eclampsia may be potentiated by the higher circulating and urinary levels of Ang II, unopposed by local renal Ang-(1-7), and thus may contribute to the development of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bridget Brosnihan
- Department of Surgery/Hypertension and Vascular Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
| | | | - Liliya M Yamaleyeva
- Department of Surgery/Hypertension and Vascular Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Kai Chen
- Aspirus Wausau Medical Center, Wausau, WI, 54401, USA
| | - Liomar Neves
- Department of Surgery/Hypertension and Vascular Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - JaNae Joyner
- Department of Surgery/Hypertension and Vascular Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Courtney Givner
- Department of Surgery/Hypertension and Vascular Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Kristy Lanier
- Department of Surgery/Hypertension and Vascular Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Cheryl Moorefield
- Department of Surgery/Hypertension and Vascular Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Brian Westwood
- Department of Surgery/Hypertension and Vascular Research, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
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Stanhewicz AE, Alexander LM. Local angiotensin-(1-7) administration improves microvascular endothelial function in women who have had preeclampsia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 318:R148-R155. [PMID: 31577152 PMCID: PMC6985799 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00221.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite remission of clinical symptoms postpartum, women who have had preeclampsia demonstrate microvascular endothelial dysfunction, mediated in part by increased sensitivity to angiotensin II (ANG II). Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is an endogenous inhibitor of the actions of ANG II and plausible druggable target in women who had preeclampsia. We therefore examined the therapeutic potential of Ang-(1-7) in the microvasculature of women with a history of preeclampsia (PrEC; n = 13) and parity-matched healthy control women (HC; n = 13) hypothesizing that administration of Ang-(1-7) would increase endothelium-dependent dilation and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent dilation and decrease ANG II-mediated constriction in PrEC. Using the cutaneous microcirculation, we assessed endothelium-dependent vasodilator function in response to graded infusion of acetylcholine (ACh; 10-7 to 102 mmol/L) in control sites and sites treated with 15 mmol/L NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; NO-synthase inhibitor), 100 µmol/L Ang-(1-7), or 15 mmol/L l-NAME + 100 µmol/L Ang-(1-7). Vasoconstrictor function was measured in response to ANG II (10-20-10-4 mol/L) in control sites and sites treated with 100 µmol/L Ang-(1-7). PrEC had reduced endothelium-dependent dilation (P < 0.001) and NO-dependent dilation (P = 0.04 vs. HC). Ang-(1-7) coinfusion augmented endothelium-dependent dilation (P < 0.01) and NO-dependent dilation (P = 0.03) in PrEC but had no effect in HC. PrEC demonstrated augmented vasoconstrictor responses to ANG II (P < 0.01 vs. HC), which was attenuated by coinfusion of Ang-(1-7) (P < 0.001). Ang-(1-7) increased endothelium-dependent vasodilation via NO synthase-mediated pathways and attenuated ANG II-mediated constriction in women who have had preeclampsia, suggesting that Ang-(1-7) may be a viable therapeutic target for improved microvascular function in women who have had a preeclamptic pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Stanhewicz
- Noll Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Lacy M Alexander
- Noll Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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Miziołek B, Bergler-Czop B, Kucharz E, Kotyla P, Kopeć-Mędrek M, Widuchowska M, Sieńczyk M, Brzezińska-Wcisło L. Significance of the angiotensin I/angiotensin II/angiotensin-(1-7) axis in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 34:558-564. [PMID: 31746507 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystemic disease with an extensive microvasculopathy. Previously, disturbances in plasma levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and its antagonistic angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) were found in patients with SSc. Their significance in a pathogenesis of SSc stays unclear due to discrepancies of earlier studies. OBJECTIVES To evaluate a significance of disturbances in production pathway of angiotensins in a development of SSc. METHODS There were enrolled 27 patients with established SSc, 23 subjects with very early SSc and 23 healthy controls. The diagnosis of SSc was established in patients who met EULAR/ACR 2013 classification criteria. Very early SSc described patients with Raynaud's phenomenon having SSc-specific antinuclear antibodies and SSc-like abnormalities in nailfold videocapillaroscopy. Patients were submitted to evaluation of internal organ involvement and blood sampling to assay plasma levels of angiotensin I, angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7) with ELISA technique. RESULTS Plasma level of angiotensin-(1-7) was significantly reduced in both SSc group (median = 47.2 pg/mL; P < 0.001) and ones with very early SSc (median = 102.7 pg/mL; P = 0.002) when compared to healthy controls (median = 176.1 pg/mL). A tendency to higher than in control group (median = 214 pg/mL) plasma level of angiotensin I was seen in SSc group (median = 392 pg/mL; P = 0.059). Differences in plasma level of angiotensin II were insignificant between all study groups. Those disturbances produced unfavourable angiotensin-(1-7)/angiotensin II (%) ratio in both groups of patients, which achieved statistical significance in subjects with established SSc (P < 0.001). Production pathway of angiotensins showed a dependence on a subtype of SSc, immune profile and a presence of interstitial lung disease. CONCLUSIONS Production of angiotensin-(1-7) was significantly reduced in both SSc patients and those ones with very early SSc, although a significant imbalance between angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7) occurred only in subjects with established disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Miziołek
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - B Bergler-Czop
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - E Kucharz
- Department of Internal Medicine Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - P Kotyla
- Department of Internal Medicine Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - M Kopeć-Mędrek
- Department of Internal Medicine Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - M Widuchowska
- Department of Internal Medicine Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - M Sieńczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Microbiology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - L Brzezińska-Wcisło
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Novella S, Pérez‐Cremades D, Mompeón A, Hermenegildo C. Mechanisms underlying the influence of oestrogen on cardiovascular physiology in women. J Physiol 2019; 597:4873-4886. [DOI: 10.1113/jp278063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Susana Novella
- Department of PhysiologyFaculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of Valenciaand INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute Valencia Spain
| | - Daniel Pérez‐Cremades
- Department of PhysiologyFaculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of Valenciaand INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute Valencia Spain
| | - Ana Mompeón
- Department of PhysiologyFaculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of Valenciaand INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute Valencia Spain
| | - Carlos Hermenegildo
- Department of PhysiologyFaculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of Valenciaand INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute Valencia Spain
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9
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Chen G, Jin X, Zhang L, Niu J, Gu Y. Decreased Ang-(1-7) and Downregulated Intrarenal RAS May Contribute to the Direct Podocyte Injury With Proteinuria in Preeclampsia. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:1146-1157. [PMID: 30595084 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118813200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms of proteinuria development in preeclampsia (PE) are still enigmatic. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components may play a role. Maternal serum and urinary concentrations of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], angiotensin II (Ang II), and angiotensinogen in women with PE (n = 14), gestational hypertension (n = 14), and normal pregnancy were quantified. The alteration in these concentrations was used to evaluate their relationships with podocyturia and proteinuria in PE. In addition, the podocytes cultured in vitro were interfered in serum of preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women, with or without Ang-(1-7). The morphologic change in podocyte was observed using a microscope. The changes in podocyte-specific proteins (nephrin, CD2-associated protein [CD2AP]), the cytoskeletal protein F-actin, the tight junction protein (ZO-1), and Mas receptor (MasR) were examined by immunofluorescence. Western blot was used to examine the expression and variation of MasR. We found that the concentrations of RAS components were associated with prepartal urinary podocyte number, random urine albumin/creatinine ratio, blood pressure, and renal function. The expression of nephrin, F-actin, ZO-1, and MasR on podocytes interfered in serum of PE was significantly decreased compared to normal control and normal pregnant serum group in vitro, yet their expression was significantly increased after coculture by 10-6 mol/L Ang-(1-7) and the preeclamptic serum. The expression of CD2AP had no significant difference. We concluded that decreased Ang-(1-7) and downregulated intrarenal RAS contributed to the direct podocyte injury with proteinuria in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixiang Chen
- 1 Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 Division of Nephrology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai JiaoTong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Jin
- 1 Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- 1 Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianying Niu
- 1 Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Gu
- 1 Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,3 Division of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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10
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Stanhewicz AE, Wenner MM, Stachenfeld NS. Sex differences in endothelial function important to vascular health and overall cardiovascular disease risk across the lifespan. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H1569-H1588. [PMID: 30216121 PMCID: PMC6734083 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00396.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diseases of the cardiovascular system are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in men and women in developed countries, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is becoming more prevalent in developing countries. The prevalence of atherosclerotic CVD in men is greater than in women until menopause, when the prevalence of CVD increases in women until it exceeds that of men. Endothelial function is a barometer of vascular health and a predictor of atherosclerosis that may provide insights into sex differences in CVD as well as how and why the CVD risk drastically changes with menopause. Studies of sex differences in endothelial function are conflicting, with some studies showing earlier decrements in endothelial function in men compared with women, whereas others show similar age-related declines between the sexes. Because the increase in CVD risk coincides with menopause, it is generally thought that female hormones, estrogens in particular, are cardioprotective. Moreover, it is often proposed that androgens are detrimental. In truth, the relationships are more complex. This review first addresses female and male sex hormones and their receptors and how these interact with the cardiovascular system, particularly the endothelium, in healthy young women and men. Second, we address sex differences in sex steroid receptor-independent mechanisms controlling endothelial function, focusing on vascular endothelin and the renin-angiotensin systems, in healthy young women and men. Finally, we discuss sex differences in age-associated endothelial dysfunction, focusing on the role of attenuated circulating sex hormones in these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Stanhewicz
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Megan M Wenner
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware
| | - Nina S Stachenfeld
- The John B. Pierce Laboratory, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Yale School of Public Health, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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11
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Dyson RM, Palliser HK, Wilding N, Kelly MA, Chwatko G, Glowacki R, Berry MJ, Ni X, Wright IMR. Microvascular circulatory dysregulation driven in part by cystathionine gamma-lyase: A new paradigm for cardiovascular compromise in the preterm newborn. Microcirculation 2018; 26:e12507. [PMID: 30276964 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE H2 S may explain the dysregulation of microvascular tone associated with poor outcome following preterm birth. In adult vasculature, H2 S is predominantly produced by CSE. We hypothesized that vascular CSE activity contributes to microvascular tone regulation during circulatory transition. METHODS Preterm (GA62) and full-term (GA69) guinea pig fetuses and neonates were studied. Microvascular blood flow was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry. Thiosulfate, primary urinary metabolite of H2 S, was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Real-time H2 S production was assessed using a microrespiration system in fetal and postnatal (10, 24 hours) skin and heart samples. CSE contribution was investigated by inhibition via propargylglycine. RESULTS In preterm animals, postnatal H2 S production capacity in peripheral vasculature increased significantly and was significantly reduced by the inhibition of CSE. Urinary thiosulfate correlated with both microvascular blood flow and capacity of the vasculature to produce H2 S. H2 S produced via CSE did not correlate directly with microvascular blood flow. CONCLUSIONS In preterm neonates, H2 S production increases during fetal-to-neonatal transition and CSE contribution to total H2 S increases postnatally. CSE-dependent mechanisms may therefore underpin the increase in H2 S production over the first 72 hours of life in preterm human neonates, associated with both central and peripheral cardiovascular instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Dyson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health Research, Graduate Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Wilding
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health Research, Graduate Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Megan A Kelly
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health Research, Graduate Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Grazyna Chwatko
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Rafal Glowacki
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Mary J Berry
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Xin Ni
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ian M R Wright
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health Research, Graduate Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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12
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Ghadhanfar E, Alsalem A, Al-Kandari S, Naser J, Babiker F, Al-Bader M. The role of ACE2, angiotensin-(1-7) and Mas1 receptor axis in glucocorticoid-induced intrauterine growth restriction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:97. [PMID: 29321064 PMCID: PMC6389120 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0316-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma and urine levels of the potent vasodilator Ang-(1-7) are elevated in mid and late pregnancy and are correlated with elevated placental angiogenesis, fetal blood flow, and rapid fetal growth. We hypothesized that Ang-(1-7), its receptor (Mas1) and the enzymes involved in Ang-(1-7) production (ACE2 and Membrane metallo-endopeptidase; MME) are down regulated in response to glucocorticoid administration contributing to IUGR. METHODS Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with dexamethasone (DEX; 0.4 mg/kg/day) starting from 14 day gestation (dg) till sacrifice at 19 or 21 dg while control groups were injected with saline (n = 6/group). The gene and protein expression of ACE2, MME, Ang-(1-7) and Mas1 receptor in the placental labyrinth (LZ) and basal zones (BZ) were studied. RESULTS DEX administration caused a reduction in LZ weight at 19 and 21 dg (p < 0.001). IUGR, as shown by decreased fetal weights, was evident in DEX treated rats at 21 dg (p < 0.01). ACE2 gene expression was elevated in the LZ of control placentas at 21 dg (p < 0.01) compared to 19 dg and DEX prevented this rise at both gene (p < 0.01) and protein levels (p < 0.05). In addition, Ang-(1-7) protein expression in LZ was significantly reduced in DEX treated rats at 21 dg (p < 0.05). On the other hand, Mas1 and MME were upregulated in LZ at 21 dg in both groups (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate that a reduced expression of ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) in the placenta by DEX treatment may be responsible for IUGR and consequent disease programming later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Ghadhanfar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Aseel Alsalem
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | | | - Jumana Naser
- Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Fawzi Babiker
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Maie Al-Bader
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
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13
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Angiotensin II/Angiotensin (1-7) ratio and 24-h blood pressure throughout the menstrual cycle and in women using oral contraceptives. J Hypertens 2017; 35:1178-1186. [PMID: 28234675 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000001310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women using oral contraceptives have higher ambulatory blood pressures (BPs) than other women. We sought to learn whether this was associated with an alteration in the balance of angiotensin II (Ang)/Ang (1-7) and whether this ratio and BP remained constant throughout the menstrual cycle. METHOD In total, 30 (15 ovulatory, 15 taking oral contraceptives) healthy, normotensive women aged 18-30 years were studied. The ovulatory group was assessed within days 1-5 (follicular phase) and 19-23 (luteal phase) and the oral contraceptive group within days 19-23. Peripheral, central and 24-h BP, vascular wall stiffness, and body composition were measured along with plasma estradiol, progesterone, renin, aldosterone, Ang II, and Ang (1-7) concentrations. RESULTS In ovulatory women plasma renin activity (P < 0.001), renin concentration (P < 0.01) and aldosterone (P < 0.05) were higher in the luteal than follicular phase, whereas BP, Ang II and the Ang II/Ang (1-7) ratio remained constant. In women taking oral contraceptives, plasma renin activity (P < 0.001) and concentration (P < 0.01) were higher than in follicular phase ovulatory women whereas 24-h BP, Ang II, Ang (1-7), and the Ang II/Ang (1-7) ratio (P < 0.01) were higher than in both phases of the ovulatory group. However, there was no significant correlation between BP and the Ang II/Ang (1-7) ratio. CONCLUSION This study confirms that BP is constant throughout the normal menstrual cycle along with a constant balance between the vasoconstrictor (Ang II) and vasodilator [Ang (1-7)] arms of the renin-Ang-aldosterone system. Women taking oral contraceptives have a higher Ang II/Ang (1-7) ratio associated with their BP elevation although no causal relationship has been found.
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14
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies show that preterm birth is associated with hypertension in later life. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) during pregnancy influences fetal growth and development. In the current study, we investigated the impact of fetal as well as maternal angiotensin (1-7) [Ang (1-7)] and angiotensin II (Ang II) plasma concentrations on the risk of preterm birth. METHODS Three hundred and nine pregnant women were prospectively included into the study. The pregnant women were divided into two groups, for example, preterm birth of lower than 37 gestational weeks (n = 17) and full-term birth of 37 gestational weeks or more (n = 292). Maternal and neonatal plasma Ang (1-7) and Ang II concentrations were analyzed at birth from maternal venous blood and umbilical cord blood, respectively. Risk factors for premature birth were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Fetal and maternal plasma Ang (1-7) concentrations in the preterm group were lower than those of the term group fetal Ang (1-7) preterm birth: 486.15 ± 337.34 ng/l and fetal Ang (1-7) term birth: 833.84 ± 698.12 ng/l and maternal Ang (1-7) preterm birth: 399.86 ± 218.93 ng/l; maternal Ang (1-7) term birth: 710.34 ± 598.22 ng/l. Multiple logistic regression analysis considering confounding factors revealed that preeclampsia (P < 0.001), premature rupture of membranes (P = 0.001), lower concentration of maternal Ang (1-7) (P = 0.013) and fetal plasma Ang (1-7) (P = 0.032) were independently associated with preterm birth. We could furthermore demonstrate that the maternal Ang (1-7)/Ang II ratio is independently associated with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, factors causing preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS Lower concentrations of maternal and fetal Ang (1-7) are independently associated with preterm birth - a risk factor of hypertension in later life.
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15
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Mirabito KM, Hilliard LM, Wei Z, Tikellis C, Widdop RE, Vinh A, Denton KM. Role of Inflammation and the Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor in the Regulation of Arterial Pressure During Pregnancy in Mice. Hypertension 2014; 64:626-31. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.114.03189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
During normal pregnancy the renin–angiotensin system is activated, yet pregnant women are resistant to the pressor effects of angiotensin II. Our aim was to determine the role of the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT
2
R) in the regulation of arterial pressure, natriuresis, and immune cell infiltration during pregnancy. Mean arterial pressure was measured via telemetry, and flow cytometry was used to enumerate immune cell infiltration in 14-week-old wild-type and AT
2
R knockout mice during gestation. In wild-type mice, mean arterial pressure decreased during gestation, reaching a nadir at gestational day 9 (–6±2 mm Hg) and returned to near preconception levels during late gestation. In AT
2
R-deficient mice, the midgestational decrease in mean arterial pressure was absent. Furthermore, mean arterial pressure was significantly increased during late gestation compared with wild-type mice (≈10 mm Hg). As expected, circulating immune cell activation was suppressed during pregnancy. However, this response was absent in AT
2
R-deficient mice. While renal immune cell infiltration was similar between the genotypes, there was a significant T cell phenotypic switch toward a proinflammatory T-helper 1 phenotype in AT
2
R-deficient mice. These data indicate that the AT
2
R plays an important role in arterial pressure regulation and may modulate T cell activation and renal cytokine production during pregnancy. Therefore, deficits in AT
2
R expression may contribute to pregnancy-induced hypertension and thus represents a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina M. Mirabito
- From the Department of Physiology (K.M.M., L.M.H., K.M.D.) and Department of Pharmacology (Z.W., R.E.W., A.V.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; and Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.T.)
| | - Lucinda M. Hilliard
- From the Department of Physiology (K.M.M., L.M.H., K.M.D.) and Department of Pharmacology (Z.W., R.E.W., A.V.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; and Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.T.)
| | - Zihui Wei
- From the Department of Physiology (K.M.M., L.M.H., K.M.D.) and Department of Pharmacology (Z.W., R.E.W., A.V.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; and Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.T.)
| | - Chris Tikellis
- From the Department of Physiology (K.M.M., L.M.H., K.M.D.) and Department of Pharmacology (Z.W., R.E.W., A.V.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; and Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.T.)
| | - Robert E. Widdop
- From the Department of Physiology (K.M.M., L.M.H., K.M.D.) and Department of Pharmacology (Z.W., R.E.W., A.V.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; and Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.T.)
| | - Antony Vinh
- From the Department of Physiology (K.M.M., L.M.H., K.M.D.) and Department of Pharmacology (Z.W., R.E.W., A.V.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; and Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.T.)
| | - Kate M. Denton
- From the Department of Physiology (K.M.M., L.M.H., K.M.D.) and Department of Pharmacology (Z.W., R.E.W., A.V.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; and Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.T.)
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16
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Tian J, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Xiao J, Li S, Chen Y, Qiao Z, Niu J, Gu Y. Angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates damage to podocytes induced by preeclamptic serum through MAPK pathways. Int J Mol Med 2014; 34:1057-64. [PMID: 25092178 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms of proteinuria, a main characteristic of preeclampsia (PE), have not yet been fully elucidated. Evidence indicates that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the pathogenesis of this disease, including decreased angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] levels in the circulation and urine. In the present study, we examined the damage to podocytes induced by preeclamptic serum and the effects of Ang-(1-7) on podocytes treated with preeclamptic serum, as well as the underlying mechanisms. The podocytes were incubated with serum obtained from women with PE or with serum from women with normal pregnancies for different periods of time. Cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay. The cells were treated with various concentrations of Ang-(1-7) and A779 [an (Ang-(1-7) antagonist]. The effects of Ang-(1-7) on the expression of podocyte-specific proteins [nephrin, Wilms tumor‑1 (WT-1) and podocin] and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were investigated by western blot analysis. Changes in F-actin rearrangement were determined by immunofluorescence. Podocyte apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The results revealed that in the cultured podocytes incubated with preeclamptic serum, there was a decrease in the expression of podocyte-specific proteins (nephrin and WT-1 but not podocin), a rearrangement of F-actin and apoptosis compared with the control group. However, treatment with Ang-(1-7) attenuated podocyte injury in the preeclamptic group, which may be mediated through the downregulation of MAPK (p38, ERK1/2 and JNK) phosphorylation. Thus, our data suggest that Ang-(1-7) plays a protective role in PE through the downregulation of MAPK phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimei Tian
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yunjiao Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Sheran Li
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yaping Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhongdong Qiao
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jianying Niu
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yong Gu
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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17
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Palei ACT, Granger JP, Tanus-Santos JE. Matrix metalloproteinases as drug targets in preeclampsia. Curr Drug Targets 2013; 14:325-34. [PMID: 23316964 DOI: 10.2174/1389450111314030004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is an important syndrome complicating pregnancy. While the pathogenesis of preeclampsia is not entirely known, poor placental perfusion leading to widespread maternal endothelial dysfunction is accepted as a major mechanism. It has been suggested that altered placental expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may cause shallow cytotrophoblastic invasion and incomplete remodeling of the spiral arteries. MMPs are also thought to link placental ischemia to the cardiovascular alterations of preeclampsia. In fact, MMPs may promote vasoconstriction and surface receptors cleavage affecting the vasculature. Therefore, the overall goal of this review article is to provide an overview of the pathophisiology of preeclampsia, more specifically regarding the role of MMPs in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and the potential of MMP inhibitors as therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C T Palei
- aDepartment of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St., Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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18
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Yang J, Shang J, Zhang S, Li H, Liu H. The role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in preeclampsia: genetic polymorphisms and microRNA. J Mol Endocrinol 2013; 50:R53-66. [PMID: 23369849 DOI: 10.1530/jme-12-0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The compensatory alterations in the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contribute to the salt-water balance and sufficient placental perfusion for the subsequent well-being of the mother and fetus during normal pregnancy and is characterized by an increase in almost all the components of RAAS. Preeclampsia, however, breaks homeostasis and leads to a disturbance of this delicate equilibrium in RAAS both for circulation and the uteroplacental unit. Despite being a major cause for maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, the pathogenesis of preeclampsia remains elusive, where RAAS has been long considered to be involved. Epidemiological studies have indicated that preeclampsia is a multifactorial disease with a strong familial predisposition regardless of variations in ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic features. The heritable allelic variations, especially the genetic polymorphisms in RAAS, could be the foundation for the genetics of preeclampsia and hence are related to the development of preeclampsia. Furthermore, at a posttranscriptional level, miRNA can interact with the targeted site within the 3'-UTR of the RAAS gene and thereby might participate in the regulation of RAAS and the pathology of preeclampsia. In this review, we discuss the recent achievements of genetic polymorphisms, as well as the interactions between maternal and fetal genotypes, and miRNA posttranscriptional regulation associated with RAAS in preeclampsia. The results are controversial but utterly inspiring and attractive in terms of potential prognostic significance. Although many studies suggest positive associations with genetic mutations and increased risk for preeclampsia, more meticulously designed large-scale investigations are needed to avoid the interference from different variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, People's Republic of China
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19
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Castelo-Branco RC, Leite-Delova DCA, de Mello-Aires M. Dose-dependent effects of angiotensin-(1-7) on the NHE3 exchanger and [Ca(2+)](i) in in vivo proximal tubules. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2013; 304:F1258-65. [PMID: 23515716 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00401.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The acute direct action of angiotensin-(1-7) [ANG-(1-7)] on bicarbonate reabsorption (JHCO(3)(-)) was evaluated by stationary microperfusions on in vivo middle proximal tubules in rats using H ion-sensitive microelectrodes. The control JHCO(3)(-) is 2.82 ± 0.078 nmol·cm(-2)·s(-1) (50). ANG-(1-7) (10(-12) or 10(-9) M) in luminally perfused tubules decreases JHCO(3)(-) (36 or 60%, respectively), but ANG-(1-7) (10(-6) M) increases it (80%). A779 increases JHCO(3)(-) (30%) and prevents both the inhibitory and the stimulatory effects of ANG-(1-7) on it. S3226 decreases JHCO(3)(-) (45%) and changes the stimulatory effect of ANG-(1-7) to an inhibitory effect (30%) but does not affect the inhibitory effect of ANG-(1-7). Our results indicate that in the basal condition endogenous ANG-(1-7) inhibits JHCO(3)(-) and that the biphasic dose-dependent effect of ANG-(1-7) on JHCO(3)(-) is mediated by the Mas receptors via the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3). The control value of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), as monitored using fura-2 AM, is 101 ± 2 nM (6), and ANG-(1-7) (10(-12), 10(-9), or 10(-6)M) transiently (3 min) increases it (by 151, 102, or 52%, respectively). A779 increases the [Ca(2+)](i) (25%) but impairs the stimulatory effect of all doses of ANG-(1-7) on it. The use of BAPTA or thapsigargin suggests a correlation between the ANG-(1-7) dose-dependent effects on [Ca(2+)](i) and JHCO(3)(-). Therefore, the interaction of the opposing dose-dependent effects of ANG II and ANG-(1-7) on [Ca(2+)](i) and JHCO(3)(-) may represent an physiological regulatory mechanism of extracellular volume and/or pH changes. However, whether [Ca(2+)](i) modification is an important direct mechanism for NHE3 activation by these peptides or is a side effect of other signaling pathways will require additional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regiane C Castelo-Branco
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Sykes SD, Pringle KG, Zhou A, Dekker GA, Roberts CT, Lumbers ER. The balance between human maternal plasma angiotensin II and angiotensin 1-7 levels in early gestation pregnancy is influenced by fetal sex. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2013; 15:523-31. [DOI: 10.1177/1470320313477174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shane D Sykes
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Australia
- Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kirsty G Pringle
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Ang Zhou
- Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gustaaf A Dekker
- Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, Australia
- Women’s and Children’s Division, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Australia
| | | | - Eugenie R Lumbers
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Australia
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21
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Valdés G, Corthorn J, Bharadwaj MS, Joyner J, Schneider D, Brosnihan KB. Utero-placental expression of angiotensin-(1-7) and ACE2 in the pregnant guinea-pig. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:5. [PMID: 23339712 PMCID: PMC3567991 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In humans, trophoblast invasion, vascular remodeling and placental development are critical to determine the fate of pregnancy. Since guinea-pigs (GP) and humans share common pregnancy features including extensive trophoblast invasion, transformation of the uterine spiral arteries and a haemomonochorial placenta, the GP animal model was deemed suitable to extend our knowledge on the spatio-temporal immunoreactive expression of the vasodilator arpeptide of the renin-angiotensin system, angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] and its main generating enzyme, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). METHODS Utero-placental units were collected in days 15, 20, 40 and 60 of a 64-67 day long pregnancy in 25 Pirbright GP. Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 expression in utero-placental units were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 were detected in the endothelium and syncytiotrophoblast of the labyrinthine placenta, interlobium, subplacenta, giant cells, syncytial sprouts, syncytial streamers, and myometrium throughout pregnancy. In late pregnancy, perivascular or intramural trophoblasts in spiral and mesometrial arteries expressed both factors. Immunoreactive Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 were present in decidua and in the vascular smooth muscle of spiral, myometrial and mesometrial arteries, which also express kallikrein (Kal), the bradykinin receptor 2 (B2R), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its type 2 receptor (KDR), but no endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In addition, the signal of Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 was especially remarkable in giant cells, which also show Kal, B2R. eNOS, VEGF and KDR. CONCLUSIONS The spatio-temporal expression of Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 in GP, similar to that of humans, supports a relevant evolutionary conserved function of Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 in decidualization, trophoblast invasion, vascular remodeling and placental flow regulation, as well as the validity of the GP model to understand the local adaptations of pregnancy. It also integrates Ang-(1-7) to the utero-placental vasodilatory network. However, its antiangiogenic effect may counterbalance the proangiogenic activity of some of the other vasodilator components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Valdés
- Centro de Investigaciones Médicas y Departamento de Nefrología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jenny Corthorn
- Centro de Investigaciones Médicas y Departamento de Nefrología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manish S Bharadwaj
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - JaNae Joyner
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Daniela Schneider
- Centro de Investigaciones Médicas y Departamento de Nefrología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile
| | - K Bridget Brosnihan
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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22
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J Spaan J, A Brown M. Renin-angiotensin system in pre-eclampsia: everything old is new again. Obstet Med 2012; 5:147-153. [PMID: 30705695 DOI: 10.1258/om.2012.120007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This review presents an update of the role of the renin-angiotensin system in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. We have known for years that the circulatory renin-angiotensin system in pre-eclampsia is suppressed. We now know that the circulating renin-angiotensin system does not only have a vasoconstrictor arm, but also a vasodilator arm, which is upregulated in normal pregnancy; this balance is probably disturbed in pre-eclampsia. Recent studies show the importance of the local renin-angiotensin system in the uteroplacental unit for early placentation and regulation of placental blood flow. We discuss the possible role of autoantibodies against the AT1-receptor in pre-eclampsia and the suggestion that activation of the AT1-receptor in the placenta may lead to placental dysfunction and the clinical syndrome of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia J Spaan
- Departments of Medicine and Renal Medicine, St George Hospital, University of NSW, Kogarah, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark A Brown
- Departments of Medicine and Renal Medicine, St George Hospital, University of NSW, Kogarah, NSW, Australia
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23
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Abstract
Preeclampsia is an important obstetric complication that arises in 5% of women after the 20(th) week of gestation, for which there is no specific therapy and no cure. Although much of the recent investigation in this field has focused on soluble forms of the angiogenic membrane receptor tyrosine kinase Flt1 and the transforming growth factor β co-receptor Endoglin, there is significant clinical potential for several GPCR targets and their agonists or antagonists in preeclampsia. In this review, we discuss several of the most promising candidates in this category, including calcitonin receptor-like receptor / receptor activity modifying protein 1 complexes, the angiotensin AT1, 2 and Mas receptors, and the relaxin receptor RXFP1. We also address some of the controversies surrounding the roles and therapeutic potential of these GPCRs and their (ant)agonists in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jt McGuane
- D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Outcomes Research Program, and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610
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Siddiqui N, Hladunewich M. Understanding the Link Between the Placenta and Future Cardiovascular Disease. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2011; 21:188-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2012.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Abstract
In primates, adequate growth of the fetus depends on the development of the uteroplacental unit. On the fetal side, this is achieved by the creation of the vascular network of the placenta. On the maternal side, the transformation of the spiral arteries into saccular nonreactive vessels by the trophoblast provides high blood flow to the intervillous space. Apart from the changes in the uterine arteries, the mother expands her plasma volume – at the expense of stimulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system – and her cardiac output. In the maintaining of normotension in the face of an increased cardiac output and plasma volume, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system requires an enhanced vasodilator synthesis. Finally, in the late stages of pregnancy, a normal endothelial function is required to provide an ample margin to the activation provoked by deportation of syncytiotrophoblast fragments/factors to the maternal circulation. These four adaptative processes require various interrelated vasodilator systems. Deficient adaptations cause isolated or proteinuric arterial hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery, and stillbirths, among others. Moreover, a normal or a defective adaptation to pregnancy influences maternal cardiovascular health in later life, as evidenced by various studies, most of them epidemiological; thus, pregnancy is now considered a stress test to the maternal cardiovascular system. Because of this, women planning to become pregnant should be screened for clinical and biochemical cardiovascular risks. Inversely, women presenting with hypertension in pregnancy should be thoroughly studied to detect and correct cardiovascular risks. The incorporation of the predictive value of a hypertensive pregnancy should help reduce cardiovascular disease in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Valdés
- Centro de Investigaciones Médicas y Departamento Nefrología, Escuela Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile
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Abstract
Complicating up to 8% of pregnancies, preeclampsia is, in fact, the most common glomerular disease worldwide. In this article, we review the effect of normal pregnancy on the kidney as well as the role of the kidney in preeclampsia. We discuss blood pressure in pregnancy and preeclampsia, followed by the physiology of hyperfiltration in normal pregnancy as well as the pathophysiology of hypofiltration and proteinuria in preeclampsia. Recent studies have suggested that the clinical syndrome of preeclampsia, which recovers rapidly after delivery of the placenta, is caused by impaired vascular endothelial growth factor signaling that disturbs the status of vascular dilatation as well as the symbiosis between the glomerular endothelium and the podocytes. Finally, we discuss the intriguing association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and preeclampsia. We hypothesize that the imbalance between angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors, which may be common to both preeclampsia and CKD, might explain why CKD predisposes pregnant women to develop preeclampsia.
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Anton L, Merrill DC, Neves LAA, Gruver C, Moorefield C, Brosnihan KB. Angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7) decrease sFlt1 release in normal but not preeclamptic chorionic villi: an in vitro study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2010; 8:135. [PMID: 21050477 PMCID: PMC2989977 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-8-135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During preeclampsia, placental angiogenesis is impaired. Factors released from the placenta including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PLGF), soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sFlt1), and soluble endoglin (sEng) are regulatory molecules of placental development and function. While the renin angiotensin system has been shown to regulate angiogenic factors in other research fields, these mechanisms have not been extensively studied during pregnancy. METHODS We evaluated the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] on the release of VEGF, PLGF, sFlt1, and sEng from placental chorionic villi (CV). CV were collected from nulliparous third-trimester normotensive and preeclamptic subjects. CV were incubated for 0, 2, 4, and 16 hours with or without Ang II (1 nM and 1 microM) or Ang-(1-7) (1 nM and 1 microM). The release of VEGF, PLGF, sFlt1, sEng, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and human placenta lactogen (HPL) was measured by ELISA. RESULTS The release of sFlt1, PLGF, sEng from normal and preeclamptic CV increased over time. Release of sFlt1 and sEng was significantly higher from preeclamptic CV. VEGF was below the detectable level of the assay in normal and preeclamptic CV. After 2 hours, sFlt1 release from normal CV was significantly inhibited with Ang II (1 nM and 1 microM) and Ang-(1-7) (1 nM and 1 microM). There was a time-dependent increase in HPL indicating that the CV were functioning normally. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates a critical inhibitory role of angiotensin peptides on sFlt1 in normal pregnancy. Loss of this regulation in preeclampsia may allow sFlt1 to increase resulting in anti-angiogenesis and end organ damage in the mother.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Anton
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - David C Merrill
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Liomar AA Neves
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Courtney Gruver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cheryl Moorefield
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - K Bridget Brosnihan
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Ferrario CM, Ahmad S, Joyner J, Varagic J. Advances in the renin angiotensin system focus on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin-(1-7). ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2010; 59:197-233. [PMID: 20933203 PMCID: PMC5863743 DOI: 10.1016/s1054-3589(10)59007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of the renin angiotensin system to physiology and pathology is undergoing a rapid reconsideration of its mechanisms from emerging new concepts implicating angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin-(1-7) as new elements negatively influencing the vasoconstrictor, trophic, and pro-inflammatory actions of angiotensin II. This component of the system acts to oppose the vasoconstrictor and proliferative effects on angiotensin II through signaling mechanisms mediated by the mas receptor. In addition, a reduced expression of the vasodepressor axis composed by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin-(1-7) may contribute to the expression of essential hypertension, the remodeling of heart and renal function associated with this disease, and even the physiology of pregnancy and the development of eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Ferrario
- Hypertension and Vascular Disease Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Clapp C, Thebault S, Jeziorski MC, Martínez De La Escalera G. Peptide hormone regulation of angiogenesis. Physiol Rev 2009; 89:1177-215. [PMID: 19789380 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00024.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now apparent that regulation of blood vessel growth contributes to the classical actions of hormones on development, growth, and reproduction. Endothelial cells are ideally positioned to respond to hormones, which act in concert with locally produced chemical mediators to regulate their growth, motility, function, and survival. Hormones affect angiogenesis either directly through actions on endothelial cells or indirectly by regulating proangiogenic factors like vascular endothelial growth factor. Importantly, the local microenvironment of endothelial cells can determine the outcome of hormone action on angiogenesis. Members of the growth hormone/prolactin/placental lactogen, the renin-angiotensin, and the kallikrein-kinin systems that exert stimulatory effects on angiogenesis can acquire antiangiogenic properties after undergoing proteolytic cleavage. In view of the opposing effects of hormonal fragments and precursor molecules, the regulation of the proteases responsible for specific protein cleavage represents an efficient mechanism for balancing angiogenesis. This review presents an overview of the actions on angiogenesis of the above-mentioned peptide hormonal families and addresses how specific proteolysis alters the final outcome of these actions in the context of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Clapp
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico.
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Valdes G, Kaufmann P, Corthorn J, Erices R, Brosnihan KB, Joyner-Grantham J. Vasodilator factors in the systemic and local adaptations to pregnancy. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009; 7:79. [PMID: 19646248 PMCID: PMC2739214 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2009] [Accepted: 07/31/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We postulate that an orchestrated network composed of various vasodilatory systems participates in the systemic and local hemodynamic adaptations in pregnancy. The temporal patterns of increase in the circulating and urinary levels of five vasodilator factors/systems, prostacyclin, nitric oxide, kallikrein, angiotensin-(1-7) and VEGF, in normal pregnant women and animals, as well as the changes observed in preeclamptic pregnancies support their functional role in maintaining normotension by opposing the vasoconstrictor systems. In addition, the expression of these vasodilators in the different trophoblastic subtypes in various species supports their role in the transformation of the uterine arteries. Moreover, their expression in the fetal endothelium and in the syncytiotrophoblast in humans, rats and guinea-pigs, favour their participation in maintaining the uteroplacental circulation. The findings that sustain the functional associations of the various vasodilators, and their participation by endocrine, paracrine and autocrine regulation of the systemic and local vasoactive changes of pregnancy are abundant and compelling. However, further elucidation of the role of the various players is hampered by methodological problems. Among these difficulties is the complexity of the interactions between the different factors, the likelihood that experimental alterations induced in one system may be compensated by the other players of the network, and the possibility that data obtained by manipulating single factors in vitro or in animal studies may be difficult to translate to the human. In addition, the impossibility of sampling the uteroplacental interface along normal pregnancy precludes obtaining longitudinal profiles of the various players. Nevertheless, the possibility of improving maternal blood pressure regulation, trophoblast invasion and uteroplacental flow by enhancing vasodilation (e.g. L-arginine, NO donors, VEGF transfection) deserves unravelling the intricate association of vasoactive factors and the systemic and local adaptations to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Valdes
- Centro Investigaciones Médicas y Departamento Nefrología, Escuela Medicina Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile
| | - Peter Kaufmann
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Technology, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jenny Corthorn
- Centro Investigaciones Médicas y Departamento Nefrología, Escuela Medicina Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rafaela Erices
- Centro Investigaciones Médicas y Departamento Nefrología, Escuela Medicina Pontificia Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile
| | - K Bridget Brosnihan
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - JaNae Joyner-Grantham
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, USA
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Joyner J, Neves L, Ferrario C, Brosnihan K. Administration of D-Alanine-[Ang-(1-7)] (A-779) Prior to Pregnancy in Sprague Dawley Rats Produces Antidiuresis in Late Gestation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 2:425-430. [PMID: 19198668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jash.2008.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], which is increased in the kidney and urine during pregnancy, influences normal fluid expansion of pregnancy. These previous studies were completed by chronic administration of the Ang-(1-7) receptor antagonist D-Alanine-[Ang-(1-7)] (A-779) at a dose of 48 μg/kg/hr after the start of pregnancy (gestational days 11-19). To further explore the role of Ang-(1-7) on kidney function during early, middle, and late pregnancy, Sprague Dawley rats were chronically pretreated 8 days prior to pregnancy and throughout pregnancy (gestational days 0-19) with vehicle or A-779 at a dose of 24 μg/kg/hr. Metabolic studies were completed in virgin animals and throughout pregnancy (gestational days 4-5, 14-15, and 18-19). Chow consumption and water intake increased throughout pregnancy while the difference between intake and output (balance) was increased only at late (day 19) pregnancy with both vehicle and A-779 administration. Urine volume and urinary osmolality were significantly increased and decreased respectively throughout pregnancy in vehicle treated rats only. In late (19 day) pregnancy, A-779 administration significantly decreased chow consumption and water intake. In virgin animals, A-779 administration significantly increased urine volume, while during late pregnancy (19 day), urine volume was significantly decreased with A-779 administration. These studies using pretreatment with a lower dose of A-779 prior to pregnancy confirm results of higher dose A-779 administration after the start of pregnancy. These studies show that Ang-(1-7) produces antidiuresis in virgin rats and diuresis in late gestation. Ang-(1-7) also contributes to the enhanced water intake during pregnancy allowing maintenance of the normal volume expanded state despite diuresis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Joyner
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina USA
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Levy A, Yagil Y, Bursztyn M, Barkalifa R, Scharf S, Yagil C. ACE2 expression and activity are enhanced during pregnancy. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2008; 295:R1953-61. [PMID: 18945956 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.90592.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the current study, we investigated the expression and activity of ACE2 during pregnancy in normotensive and hypertensive rats, focusing on the relative contribution of the uterus and the placentas, the kidney serving as a reference. We used the Sabra rat model of salt-sensitive hypertension. We confirmed a systemic vasodilatory state during the third trimester of pregnancy, as evidenced by a reduction in blood pressure, both in normotensive and hypertensive rats. At the time that blood pressure was reduced, ACE2 was expressed abundantly in the reproductive organs. The relative levels of ACE2 mRNA in the pregnant animal were placenta > kidneys > or = uterus and of ACE2 activity kidney > placenta > uterus. In the uterus and the placenta, ACE2 expression was unaffected by strain, salt-loading, or the level of blood pressure. ACE2 activity in the uterus of the nonpregnant rat was not affected by any of these variables either, but during pregnancy increased in salt-loaded animals. When estimating the total contribution of the uterus to ACE2 mRNA and activity during pregnancy, we found that the amount of ACE2 mRNA increased in both strains irrespective of diet, but that ACE2 activity increased only in salt-loaded animals. We further estimated the relative total contribution of the uterus, placentas, and kidneys to ACE2 expression and activity during pregnancy by adjusting for mass and number of organs and found that the placentas were the major contributors, followed by the kidney and the uterus. We conclude that during pregnancy, the placentas, in particular, but also the uterus, constitute important sources of ACE2, in addition to its normal production in the kidney, leading to an estimated twofold increase in total ACE2 activity. These data are consistent the hypothesis that transient ACE2 overexpression and increased activity during pregnancy may be important in modulating systemic, as well as local hemodynamics in the uteroplacental unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Levy
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Barzilai Medical Center Campus, Ashkelon 78306, Israel
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Anton L, Brosnihan KB. Systemic and uteroplacental renin--angiotensin system in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis 2008; 2:349-62. [PMID: 19124433 PMCID: PMC2692864 DOI: 10.1177/1753944708094529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is characterized by an increase in many of the different components of the circulating renin-angiotensin system (RAS). However, the physiological mechanisms of stimulated RAS activity during pregnancy are unknown. Even less understood is how this system may be altered in pre-eclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Additional studies have shown the presence of a local tissue specific RAS in the uteroplacental unit of normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Differences in normal pregnant and pre-eclamptic RAS component regulation may provide insight into the mechanisms responsible for the clinical pathological features of pre-eclampsia. Specifically, this review summarizes the key findings in the circulating and uteroplacental RAS in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Anton
- Hypertension and Vascular, Research Center, Wake, Forest University School, of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - K. Bridget Brosnihan
- Hypertension and Vascular, Research Center, Wake, Forest University School, of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA,
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Varagic J, Trask AJ, Jessup JA, Chappell MC, Ferrario CM. New angiotensins. J Mol Med (Berl) 2008; 86:663-71. [PMID: 18437333 PMCID: PMC2713173 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-008-0340-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2008] [Revised: 02/28/2008] [Accepted: 02/29/2008] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of a large body of evidence during the past two decades testifies to the complexity of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). The incorporation of novel enzymatic pathways, resulting peptides, and their corresponding receptors into the biochemical cascade of the RAS provides a better understanding of its role in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function. Hence, in recent years, it became apparent that the balance between the two opposing effector peptides, angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7), may have a pivotal role in determining different cardiovascular pathophysiologies. Furthermore, our recent studies provide evidence for the functional relevance of a newly discovered rat peptide, containing two additional amino acid residues compared to angiotensin I, first defined as proangiotensin-12 [angiotensin-(1-12)]. This review focuses on angiotensin-(1-7) and its important contribution to cardiovascular function and growth, while introducing angiotensin-(1-12) as a potential novel angiotensin precursor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Varagic
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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Herse F, Staff AC, Hering L, Müller DN, Luft FC, Dechend R. AT1-receptor autoantibodies and uteroplacental RAS in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. J Mol Med (Berl) 2008; 86:697-703. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-008-0332-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2008] [Revised: 02/20/2008] [Accepted: 02/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Anton L, Merrill DC, Neves LAA, Stovall K, Gallagher PE, Diz DI, Moorefield C, Gruver C, Ferrario CM, Brosnihan KB. Activation of local chorionic villi angiotensin II levels but not angiotensin (1-7) in preeclampsia. Hypertension 2008; 51:1066-72. [PMID: 18259034 PMCID: PMC2705753 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.107.103861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The chorionic villi in the placenta are responsible for the regulation of fetal oxygen and nutrient transport. Although the peripheral renin-angiotensin system is activated during normal pregnancy, the regulation of the local chorionic villi renin-angiotensin system remains unknown. Therefore, placental chorionic villous tissue was collected from nulliparous third-trimester normotensive or preeclamptic subjects and was analyzed for angiotensin peptide content, angiotensinogen, renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, neprilysin, angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)), angiotensin II type 2, Mas receptor mRNAs, and angiotensin receptor density and subtype. Angiotensin II in chorionic villi was significantly higher in preeclamptic subjects, whereas angiotensin (1-7) was not different. Angiotensinogen and AT(1) receptor gene expression was significantly higher in preeclamptic subjects. No differences were observed in renin, ACE, ACE2, or neprilysin gene expression. Mas receptor mRNA in preeclamptic subjects was decreased. The AT(1) receptor was the predominant receptor subtype in normal and preeclamptic chorionic villi. There was no difference in the density of the AT(1,) angiotensin II type 2, and angiotensin (1-7) receptors. These results indicate that enhanced chorionic villous expression of angiotensin II may result from increased angiotensinogen. Elevated angiotensin II, acting through the AT(1) receptor, may favor vasoconstriction in placental chorionic villi and contribute to impaired fetal blood flow and decreased fetal nutrition observed during preeclampsia.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Angiotensin I/metabolism
- Angiotensin II/metabolism
- Angiotensinogen/genetics
- Angiotensinogen/metabolism
- Chorionic Villi/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Neprilysin/genetics
- Neprilysin/metabolism
- Peptide Fragments/metabolism
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/genetics
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism
- Placenta/physiology
- Pre-Eclampsia/metabolism
- Pregnancy
- Proto-Oncogene Mas
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/metabolism
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/genetics
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Renin-Angiotensin System/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Anton
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1032, USA
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Joyner J, Neves LAA, Stovall K, Ferrario CM, Brosnihan KB. Angiotensin-(1-7) serves as an aquaretic by increasing water intake and diuresis in association with downregulation of aquaporin-1 during pregnancy in rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2008; 294:R1073-80. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00572.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that kidney and urine levels of angiotensin-(1-7) [ANG-(1-7)] were increased in pregnancy. To explore the role of ANG-(1-7) on fluid and electrolyte homeostasis during pregnancy, we evaluated the effect of the ANG-(1-7) antagonist d-alanine-[ANG-(1-7)] (A-779) on kidney function. Virgin and pregnant rats received infusion of vehicle or A-779 (48 μg·kg−1·h−1) for 8 days by osmotic minipumps. Metabolic studies were done on treatment day 7–8. Virgin and pregnant rats at day 15 and 19 were killed, and blood and kidneys were collected. Kidneys were prepared for Western blot analysis for aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and aquaporin-2. In virgin female rats, A-779 increased urine volume and decreased urinary osmolality and AQP1 with no change in water intake. In 19-day pregnant rats, A-779 significantly decreased water intake and urine volume and increased urinary osmolality and kidney AQP1 expression. Only in late gestation did A-779 treatment decrease the difference between intake and output (balance). A-779 treatment increased plasma vasopressin in late gestation but did not change vasopressin in virgins. In virgin and pregnant animals, A-779 administration had no effect on blood pressure, plasma volume, blood volume, or urinary electrolytes. These results suggest that ANG-(1-7) produces antidiuresis associated with upregulation of AQP1 in virgin rats, whereas ANG-(1-7) produces diuresis in late gestation with downregulation of AQP1. ANG-(1-7) contributes to the enhanced water intake during pregnancy, allowing maintenance of the normal volume-expanded state despite diuresis produced in part by decreased AVP and AQP1.
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Ji H, Menini S, Zheng W, Pesce C, Wu X, Sandberg K. Role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin(1-7) in 17beta-oestradiol regulation of renal pathology in renal wrap hypertension in rats. Exp Physiol 2008; 93:648-57. [PMID: 18296494 DOI: 10.1113/expphysiol.2007.041392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
17beta-Oestradiol (E2)-mediated inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) protects the E2-replete kidney from the progression of hypertensive renal disease. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a homologue of ACE, counters the actions of ACE by catalysing the conversion of angiotensin II (Ang II) to angiotensin(1-7) [Ang(1-7)]. We investigated E2 regulation of ACE2 in the renal wrap (RW) model of hypertension in rats. After 6 weeks on a high-sodium diet (4% NaCl), the activity of ACE2 was reduced in the renal cortex by 31%, which was mirrored by similar decreases in ACE2 protein (30%) and mRNA expression (36%) in the ovariectomized RW rat (RW-OVX); E2 replacement prevented these effects. The RW-OVX rats exhibited greater renal injury, including 1.7-fold more tubulointerstitial fibrosis and 1.6-fold more glomerulosclerosis than E2-replete females (RW-Intact and RW-OVX+E2). Angiotensin(1-7) infusion prevented these exacerbating effects of ovariectomy on renal pathology; no differences in indicators of renal injury were observed between RW-OVX-Ang(1-7) and RW-Intact rats. These renal protective effects of Ang(1-7) infusion were not attributable to increased ACE2 activity or to changes in heart rate or body weight, since these parameters were unchanged by Ang(1-7) infusion. Furthermore, Ang(1-7) infusion did not attenuate renal injury by reducing mean arterial pressure (MAP), since infusion of the peptide did not lower MAP but rather caused a slight increase during a 6 week chronic treatment for Ang(1-7). These results suggest that E2-mediated upregulation of renal ACE2 and the consequent increased Ang(1-7) production contribute to E2-mediated protection from hypertensive renal disease. These findings have implications for E2-deficient women with hypertensive renal disease and suggest that therapeutics targeted towards increasing ACE2 activity and Ang(1-7) levels will be renal protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ji
- Center for the Study of Sex Differences in Health, Aging and Disease, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
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Sullivan JC. Sex and the renin-angiotensin system: inequality between the sexes in response to RAS stimulation and inhibition. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2008; 294:R1220-6. [PMID: 18287217 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00864.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to examine sex differences in response to stimulation and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The RAS plays a prominent role in the development of chronic renal disease, and there are known sex differences not only in the expression level of components of the RAS but also in how males and females respond to perturbations of the RAS. In men, renal injury increases in parallel with increased activation of the RAS, while in women, increases in ANG II do not necessarily translate into increases in renal injury. Moreover, both epidemiological and experimental studies have noted sex differences in the therapeutic benefits following angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker treatment. Despite these differences, RAS inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of chronic renal disease, irrespective of sex. This review will examine how males and females respond to stimulation and inhibition of the RAS, with a focus on renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Sullivan
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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Neves LAA, Stovall K, Joyner J, Valdés G, Gallagher PE, Ferrario CM, Merrill DC, Brosnihan KB. ACE2 and ANG-(1-7) in the rat uterus during early and late gestation. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 294:R151-61. [PMID: 17977916 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00514.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to determine ANG peptide content [ANG I, ANG II, ANG-(1-7)], ACE2 mRNA, and the immunocytochemical distribution of ANG-(1-7) and ACE2 in the uteroembryonic unit during early and late gestation in Sprague-Dawley rats and in a rat model of pregnancy-induced hypertension, the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model. At early pregnancy ANG-(1-7) and ACE2 staining were localized in the primary and secondary decidual zone and luminal and glandular epithelial cells. During late gestation, ANG-(1-7) and ACE2 staining was visualized in the labyrinth placenta and amniotic and yolk sac epithelium. Uterine ANG II concentration at early pregnancy was significantly decreased by 21-55% in the implantation and interimplantation sites compared with virgin rats, whereas ANG-(1-7) levels were maintained at prepregnancy levels. At late gestation, uterine concentrations of ANG I and ANG II were significantly increased (30% and 25%, respectively). In RUPP animals, ANG-(1-7) concentration is significantly reduced in the uterus (181 +/- 16 vs. 372 +/- 74 fmol/g of tissue) and placenta (143 +/- 26 vs. 197 +/- 20 fmol/g of tissue). ACE2 mRNA increased in the uterus of early pregnant compared with virgin rats, yet within the implantation site it was downregulated. At late pregnancy, ACE2 mRNA is elevated by 58% in the uterus and decreased by 59% in RUPP animals. The regulation of ANG-(1-7) and ACE2 in early and late pregnancy supports the hypothesis that ANG-(1-7) and ACE2 may act as a local autocrine/paracrine regulator throughout pregnancy, participating in the early (angiogenesis, apoptosis, and growth) and late (uteroplacental blood flow) events of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liomar A A Neves
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1032, USA
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Anton L, Merrill DC, Neves LAA, Brosnihan KB. Angiotensin-(1-7) inhibits in vitro endothelial cell tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through the AT(1-7) receptor. Endocrine 2007; 32:212-8. [PMID: 18008188 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-007-9022-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2007] [Revised: 09/24/2007] [Accepted: 10/26/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-(1-7) is increased in the circulation during human pregnancy, but its functional role is unknown. Recent studies suggested that it opposes angiotensin II mediated vascular growth. Because angiogenesis is critical to normal embryonic development during human pregnancy, this study assessed the in vitro effects of angiotensin-(1-7) on human umbilical vein endothelial cell tube formation. The blocking effects of the angiotensin-(1-7) receptor antagonist, D-[Alanine7]-Ang-(1-7), and angiotensin II receptor AT1 and AT2 antagonists, losartan and PD123319, on tube formation were measured by counting tube branch points. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured in EGM-2 medium and treated with angiotensin-(1-7) (0.17 nM-17 microM) for 18 h. Angiotensin-(1-7) inhibited tube formation by 24% (P < 0.01) at all doses tested. Treatment with 1.7 microM angiotensin-(1-7) plus 17 microM D-[Alanine7]-Ang-(1-7) resulted in the reversal of angiotensin-(1-7) mediated inhibition of tube formation (P < 0.05). Losartan (17 microM) also reversed the angiotensin-(1-7) mediated inhibition of tube formation (P < 0.05). Tube formation was unaffected by PD123319. These results suggest that angiotensin-(1-7) has an anti-angiogenic effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells through a unique AT(1-7) receptor that is sensitive to losartan, indicating that angiotensin-(1-7) may play an important role in the regulation of vascular growth in the placenta during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Anton
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1032, USA
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Trask AJ, Ferrario CM. Angiotensin-(1-7): pharmacology and new perspectives in cardiovascular treatments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 25:162-74. [PMID: 17614938 DOI: 10.1111/j.1527-3466.2007.00012.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Many advances have been made in the cardiovascular field in the last several decades. Among them is the progress completed to date on the heptapeptide member of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]. The peptide's beneficial actions against pathophysiological processes, such as cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, hypertension, renal disease, preeclampsia, and even cancer are continuously being uncovered. This review encompasses the pharmacology of Ang-(1-7) and expounds upon the peptide's potential as a therapeutic agent against pathological processes both within and outside the cardiovascular continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Trask
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University Health Science Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.
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Joyner J, Neves LAA, Granger JP, Alexander BT, Merrill DC, Chappell MC, Ferrario CM, Davis WP, Brosnihan KB. Temporal-spatial expression of ANG-(1-7) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in the kidney of normal and hypertensive pregnant rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 293:R169-77. [PMID: 17428896 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00387.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) overactivity during late gestation in rats is associated with increased kidney and urine levels of ANG-(1-7) and enhanced kidney immunostaining of ANG-(1-7) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). To understand the temporal-spatial changes in normal and hypertensive pregnancies, the renal distribution of ANG-(1-7) and ACE2 in association with kidney angiotensin peptides and ACE2 activity was examined in virgin, normal pregnant (NP; gestational days 5, 15, and 19) and reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP at day 19) pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. ANG-(1-7) and ACE2 immunocytochemical staining increased 1.8- and 1.9-fold and 1.7- and 1.8-fold, respectively, at days 15 and 19 of NP, compared with virgin rats. ANG-(1-7) and ANG II concentrations were increased in the kidney at 19 days of gestation. ACE2 activity measured using a fluorescent substrate was increased 1.9- and 1.9-fold in the cortex and 1.9- and 1.8-fold in the medulla at days 15 and 19 of NP. In the RUPP animals, ANG-(1-7) immunostaining and concentration were significantly decreased compared with 19-day NP rats. ACE2 activity was unchanged in the cortex and medulla of RUPP rats. In conclusion, during NP, the concurrent changes of ACE2 and ANG-(1-7) suggest that ACE2 plays an important role in regulating the renal levels of ANG-(1-7) at mid to late gestation. However, the decrease in renal ANG-(1-7) content in the absence of a concomitant decrease in ACE2 implicates the participation of other ANG-(1-7) forming or degrading enzymes during hypertensive pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Joyner
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston Salem, NC 27157-1032, USA
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Hladunewich M, Karumanchi SA, Lafayette R. Pathophysiology of the clinical manifestations of preeclampsia. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2007; 2:543-9. [PMID: 17699462 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.03761106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Velloso EP, Vieira R, Cabral AC, Kalapothakis E, Santos RAS. Reduced plasma levels of angiotensin-(1-7) and renin activity in preeclamptic patients are associated with the angiotensin I- converting enzyme deletion/deletion genotype. Braz J Med Biol Res 2007; 40:583-90. [PMID: 17401503 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2007000400018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2005] [Accepted: 01/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between preeclampsia and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is poorly understood. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key RAS component and plays an important role in blood pressure homeostasis by generating angiotensin II (Ang II) and inactivating the vasodilator angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)). ACE (I/D) polymorphism is characterized by the insertion (I) or deletion (D) of a 287-bp fragment, leading to changes in ACE activity. In the present study, ACE (I/D) polymorphism was correlated with plasma Ang-(1-7) levels and several RAS components in both preeclamptic (N = 20) and normotensive pregnant women (N = 20). The percentage of the ACE DD genotype (60%) in the preeclamptic group was higher than that for the control group (35%); however, this percentage was not statistically significant (Fisher exact test = 2.86, d.f. = 2, P = 0.260). The highest plasma ACE activity was observed in the ACE DD preeclamptic women (58.1 +/- 5.06 vs 27.6 +/- 3.25 nmol Hip-His Leu(-1) min(-1) mL(-1) in DD control patients; P = 0.0005). Plasma renin activity was markedly reduced in preeclampsia (0.81 +/- 0.2 vs 3.43 +/- 0.8 ng Ang I mL plasma(-1) h(-1) in DD normotensive patients; P = 0.0012). A reduced plasma level of Ang-(1-7) was also observed in preeclamptic women (15.6 +/- 1.3 vs 22.7 +/- 2.5 pg/mL in the DD control group; P = 0.0146). In contrast, plasma Ang II levels were unchanged in preeclamptic patients. The selective changes in the RAS described in the present study suggest that the ACE DD genotype may be used as a marker for susceptibility to preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P Velloso
- Departamento de Fsiologia [corrected] Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG [corrected] Brasil
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Regulation of Cardiovascular Control Mechanisms by Angiotensin-(1–7) and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2. HYPERTENSION AND HORMONE MECHANISMS 2007. [PMCID: PMC7120586 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59259-987-5_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Among the molecular forms of angiotensin peptides generated by the action of renin on angiotensinogen (Aogen), both angiotensin II (Ang II) and the amino terminal heptapeptide angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)] are critically involved in the long-term control of tissue perfusion, cell-cell communication, development, and growth. Whereas an impressive body of literature continues to uncover pleiotropic effects of Ang II in the regulation of cell function, research on Ang-(1–7) has a shorter history as it was only 16 yr ago that a biological function for this heptapeptide was first demonstrated in the isolated rat neuro-hypophysial explant preparation (1). On the contrary, the synthesis of angiotonin/ hypertensin (now Ang II) was first obtained in 1957 (2), three decades ahead of the discovery of Ang-(1–7) biological properties.
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Ferrario CM, Trask AJ, Jessup JA. Advances in biochemical and functional roles of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin-(1-7) in regulation of cardiovascular function. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2005; 289:H2281-90. [PMID: 16055515 PMCID: PMC7203566 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00618.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the first human homologue of ACE to be described. ACE2 is a type I integral membrane protein that functions as a carboxypeptidase, cleaving a single hydrophobic/basic residue from the COOH-terminus of its substrates. Because ACE2 efficiently hydrolyzes the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II to angiotensin (1-7), this has changed our overall perspective about the classical view of the renin angiotensin system in the regulation of hypertension and heart and renal function, because it represents the first example of a feedforward mechanism directed toward mitigation of the actions of angiotensin II. This paper reviews the new data regarding the biochemistry of angiotensin-(1-7)-forming enzymes and discusses key findings such as the elucidation of the regulatory mechanisms participating in the expression of ACE2 and angiotensin-(1-7) in the control of the circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Ferrario
- Hypertension and Vascular Disease Center, Wake Forest Univ. School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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Valdés G, Neves LAA, Anton L, Corthorn J, Chacón C, Germain AM, Merrill DC, Ferrario CM, Sarao R, Penninger J, Brosnihan KB. Distribution of angiotensin-(1-7) and ACE2 in human placentas of normal and pathological pregnancies. Placenta 2005; 27:200-7. [PMID: 16338465 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2005.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2004] [Revised: 02/03/2005] [Accepted: 02/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This work was designed to study the expression of the vasodilator peptide angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] and its generating enzyme (ACE2) in the uteroplacental interface. Placentas were obtained from 11 early pregnancy failures (5 miscarriages and 6 ectopic pregnancies), 15 normotensive, and 10 preeclamptic gestations. In placental villi, the main sites of immunocytochemical expression of Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 were the syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast, endothelium and vascular smooth muscle of primary and secondary villi. Syncitial Ang-(1-7) expression in samples obtained from miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies was increased compared to normal term pregnancy [2.0 (2.0-2.25 for the 25 and 75% interquartile range) vs 1.3 (1.0-1.9), p<0.01]. In the maternal stroma, Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 were expressed in the invading and intravascular trophoblast and in decidual cells in all 3 groups. Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 staining was also found in arterial and venous endothelium and smooth muscle of the umbilical cord. The expression of Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 was similar in samples obtained from normal term or preeclamptic pregnancies, except for increased expression of ACE2 in umbilical arterial endothelium in preeclampsia [0.5 (0.5-0.8) vs 0.0 (0.0-0.0), p<0.01]. The uteroplacental location of Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 in pregnancy suggests an autocrine function of Ang-(1-7) in the vasoactive regulation that characterizes placentation and established pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Valdés
- Departamento Nefrología, Facultad Medicina Universidad Católica Santiago, Chile
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Brosnihan KB, Neves LAA, Anton L, Joyner J, Valdes G, Merrill DC. Enhanced expression of Ang-(1-7) during pregnancy. Braz J Med Biol Res 2004; 37:1255-62. [PMID: 15273828 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2004000800017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a physiological condition characterized by a progressive increase of the different components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The physiological consequences of the stimulated RAS in normal pregnancy are incompletely understood, and even less understood is the question of how this system may be altered and contribute to the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Findings from our group have provided novel insights into how the RAS may contribute to the physiological condition of pregnancy by showing that pregnancy increases the expression of both the vasodilator heptapeptide of the RAS, angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], and of a newly cloned angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) homolog, ACE2, that shows high catalytic efficiency for Ang II metabolism to Ang-(1-7). The discovery of ACE2 adds a new dimension to the complexity of the RAS by providing a new arm that may counter-regulate the activity of the vasoconstrictor component, while amplifying the vasodilator component. The studies reviewed in this article demonstrate that Ang-(1-7) increases in plasma and urine of normal pregnant women. In preeclamptic subjects we showed that plasma Ang-(1-7) was suppressed as compared to the levels found in normal pregnancy. In addition, kidney and urinary levels of Ang-(1-7) were increased in pregnant rats coinciding with the enhanced detection and expression of ACE2. These findings support the concept that in normal pregnancy enhanced ACE2 may counteract the elevation in tissue and circulating Ang II by increasing the rate of conversion to Ang-(1-7). These findings provide a basis for the physiological role of Ang-(1-7) and ACE2 during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K B Brosnihan
- The Hypertension and Vascular Disease Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Wiston-Salem, NC, USA.
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50
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Brosnihan KB, Neves LAA, Joyner J, Averill DB, Chappell MC, Sarao R, Penninger J, Ferrario CM. Enhanced renal immunocytochemical expression of ANG-(1-7) and ACE2 during pregnancy. Hypertension 2003; 42:749-53. [PMID: 12874086 DOI: 10.1161/01.hyp.0000085220.53285.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Previously we demonstrated that kidney concentration and urinary excretion of angiotensin-(1-7) are increased during normal pregnancy in rats. Since this finding may reflect local kidney production of angiotensin-(1-7), we determined the immunocytochemical distribution of angiotensin-(1-7) and its newly described processing enzyme, ACE2, in kidneys of virgin and 19-day-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were killed at the 19th day of pregnancy, and tissues were prepared for immunocytochemical by using a polyclonal antibody to angiotensin- (1-7) or a monoclonal antibody to ACE2. Angiotensin-(1-7) immunostaining was predominantly localized to the renal tubules traversing both the inner cortex and outer medulla. ACE2 immunostaining was localized throughout the cortex and outer medulla and was visualized in the renal tubules of both virgin and pregnant rats. The quantification of angiotensin-(1-7) and ACE2 immunocytochemical staining showed that in pregnant animals, the intensity of the staining increased by 56% and 117%, respectively (P<0.05). This first demonstration of the immunocytochemical distribution of angiotensin-(1-7) and ACE2 in kidneys of pregnant rats shows that pregnancy increases angiotensin-(1-7) immunocytochemical expression in association with increased ACE2 intensity of staining. The findings suggest that ACE2 may contribute to the local production and overexpression of angiotensin-(1-7) in the kidney during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bridget Brosnihan
- The Hypertension and Vascular Disease Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1032, USA.
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