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Nucera S, Serra M, Caminiti R, Ruga S, Passacatini LC, Macrì R, Scarano F, Maiuolo J, Bulotta R, Mollace R, Bosco F, Guarnieri L, Oppedisano F, Ilari S, Muscoli C, Palma E, Mollace V. Non-essential heavy metal effects in cardiovascular diseases: an overview of systematic reviews. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1332339. [PMID: 38322770 PMCID: PMC10844381 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1332339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most important cause of premature death and disability worldwide. Environmental degradation and cardiovascular diseases are two keys to health challenges, characterized by a constant evolution in an industrialized world that exploits natural resources regardless of the consequences for health. The etiological risk factors of CVDs are widely known and include dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and chronic cigarette consumption. However, one component that is often underestimated is exposure to heavy metals. The biological perspective explains that different metals play different roles. They are therefore classified into essential heavy metals, which are present in organisms where they perform important vital functions, especially in various physiological processes, or non-essential heavy metals, with a no biological role but, nonetheless, remain in the environment in which they are absorbed. Although both types of metal ions are many times chemically similar and can bind to the same biological ligands, the attention given today to nonessential metals in several eukaryotic species is starting to raise strong concerns due to an exponential increase in their concentrations. The aim of this systematic review was to assess possible correlations between exposure to nonessential heavy metals and increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, reporting the results of studies published in the last 5 years through March 2023. Methods The studies includes reviews retrieved from PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases, in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement and following the PICO (Population Intervention Comparison Outcome Population) framework. Results Eight reviews, including a total of 153 studies, were identified. Seven of these review enlighted the association between CVDs and non-essential heavy metals chronic exposure. Discussion It is evident that exposure to heavy metals represent a risk factor for CVDs onset. However, further studies are needed to better understand the effects caused by these metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Nucera
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Serra
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Caminiti
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Ruga
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Macrì
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federica Scarano
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Jessica Maiuolo
- Department of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rocco Mollace
- Department of Systems Medicine, University “Tor Vergata” of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bosco
- Science of Health Department, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lorenza Guarnieri
- Science of Health Department, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Oppedisano
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sara Ilari
- Physiology and Pharmacology of Pain, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Muscoli
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Physiology and Pharmacology of Pain, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Department of Health Sciences, Instituteof Research for Food Safety and Health (IRC-FSH), University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Renato Dulbecco Institute, Catanzaro, Italy
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Bello KAS, Wilke MCB, Simões RP, Landim-Vieira M, Langa P, Stefanon I, Vassallo DV, Fernandes AA. Chronic exposure to mercury increases arrhythmia and mortality post-acute myocardial infarction in rats. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1260509. [PMID: 37929206 PMCID: PMC10622797 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1260509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that causes a variety of toxic effects in eukaryotic cells. Previous studies have reported detrimental effects of mercury toxicity in the cardiovascular system. Given the importance of understanding the relationship between Hg and cardiovascular disease, we sought to investigate if the Hg could worsen the myocardial repercussions following ischemic injury. We demonstrated that once mercury toxicity is established, it can influence the outcome of myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Male Wistar rats received intramuscular injections of either saline (NaCl 0.9%) or mercuric chloride (HgCl2, first dose of 4.6 μg/kg, and subsequent doses of 0.07 μg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Three weeks post-exposure, we induced transmural infarction in the left ventricle free wall through coronary artery occlusion surgery. Results: ECG recordings obtained from MI groups demonstrated alterations in the rhythm of the heartbeat/heart electrical activity, as expected, including ventricular extrasystoles and ventricular tachycardia. However, the MI group exposed to Hg (MI-Hg) exhibited augmented ventricular extrasystoles and ventricular tachycardia compared to the MI group. Also, Basckó coefficient revealed that the arrhythmic events-after MI-were aggravated by Hg exposure. Discussion: Our results indicate that the significantly increased mortality in MI-Hg groups when compared to MI (21%, MI vs 32%, MI-Hg) is correlated with greater occurrence of arrhythmias. In conclusion, this study further supports the idea that exposure to mercury (Hg) should be recognized as a significant risk factor that exacerbates the impact of cardiac ischemic injury, potentially leading to an increased mortality rate among patients experiencing acute MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren A. S. Bello
- Department of Physiological Sciences of the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara B. Wilke
- Department of Physiological Sciences of the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Rakel P. Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences of the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Maicon Landim-Vieira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Paulina Langa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ivanita Stefanon
- Department of Physiological Sciences of the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences of the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Aurélia Araújo Fernandes
- Department of Physiological Sciences of the Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Espirito Santo, Brazil
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Li Q, Feng Y, Wang R, Liu R, Ba Y, Huang H. Recent insights into autophagy and metals/nanoparticles exposure. Toxicol Res 2023; 39:355-372. [PMID: 37398566 PMCID: PMC10313637 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-023-00184-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Some anthropogenic pollutants, such as heavy metals and nanoparticles (NPs), are widely distributed and a major threat to environmental safety and public health. In particular, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) have systemic toxicity even at extremely low concentrations, so they are listed as priority metals in relation to their significant public health burden. Aluminum (Al) is also toxic to multiple organs and is linked to Alzheimer's disease. As the utilization of many metal nanoparticles (MNPs) gradually gain traction in industrial and medical applications, they are increasingly being investigated to address potential toxicity by impairing certain biological barriers. The dominant toxic mechanism of these metals and MNPs is the induction of oxidative stress, which subsequently triggers lipid peroxidation, protein modification, and DNA damage. Notably, a growing body of research has revealed the linkage between dysregulated autophagy and some diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. Among them, some metals or metal mixtures can act as environmental stimuli and disturb basal autophagic activity, which has an underlying adverse health effect. Some studies also revealed that specific autophagy inhibitors or activators could modify the abnormal autophagic flux attributed to continuous exposure to metals. In this review, we have gathered recent data about the contribution of the autophagy/mitophagy mediated toxic effects and focused on the involvement of some key regulatory factors of autophagic signaling during exposure to selected metals, metal mixtures, as well as MNPs in the real world. Besides this, we summarized the potential significance of interactions between autophagy and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative damage in the regulation of cell survival response to metals/NPs. A critical view is given on the application of autophagy activators/inhibitors to modulate the systematic toxicity of various metals/MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Yajing Feng
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruike Wang
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Rundong Liu
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Ba
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Environmental Health and Environment and Health Innovation Team, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001 Henan People’s Republic of China
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Arrifano GDP, Augusto-Oliveira M, Lopes-Araújo A, Santos-Sacramento L, Macchi BM, do Nascimento JLM, Crespo-Lopez ME. Global Human Threat: The Potential Synergism between Mercury Intoxication and COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20054207. [PMID: 36901217 PMCID: PMC10001942 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic affected billions of people worldwide, and exposure to toxic metals has emerged as an important risk factor for COVID-19 severity. Mercury is currently ranked as the third toxic substance of global concern for human health, and its emissions to the atmosphere have increased globally. Both COVID-19 and mercury exposure present a high prevalence in similar regions: East and Southeast Asia, South America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Since both factors represent a multiorgan threat, a possible synergism could be exacerbating health injuries. Here, we discuss key aspects in mercury intoxication and SARS-CoV-2 infection, describing the similarities shared in clinical manifestations (especially neurological and cardiovascular outcomes), molecular mechanisms (with a hypothesis in the renin-angiotensin system) and genetic susceptibility (mainly by apolipoprotein E, paraoxonase 1 and glutathione family genes). Literature gaps on epidemiological data are also highlighted, considering the coincident prevalence. Furthermore, based on the most recent evidence, we justify and propose a case study of the vulnerable populations of the Brazilian Amazon. An understanding of the possible adverse synergism between these two factors is crucial and urgent for developing future strategies for reducing disparities between developed and underdeveloped/developing countries and the proper management of their vulnerable populations, particularly considering the long-term sequelae of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela de Paula Arrifano
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Correspondence: (G.d.P.A.); (M.E.C.-L.)
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Amanda Lopes-Araújo
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Letícia Santos-Sacramento
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Barbarella Matos Macchi
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Martins do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Correspondence: (G.d.P.A.); (M.E.C.-L.)
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Dantas ADO, Castro TDSDSD, Câmara VDM, Santos ADSE, Asmus CIRF, Vianna ADS. Maternal Mercury Exposure and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA : REVISTA DA FEDERACAO BRASILEIRA DAS SOCIEDADES DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA 2022; 44:1126-1133. [PMID: 36580940 PMCID: PMC9800149 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present review aimed to synthesize the evidence regarding mercury (Hg) exposure and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). DATA SOURCES The PubMed, BVS/LILACS, SciELO and UFRJ's Pantheon Digital Library databases were systematically searched through June 2021. STUDY SELECTION Observational analytical articles, written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, without time restriction. DATA COLLECTION We followed the PICOS strategy, and the methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. DATA SYNTHESIS We retrieved 77 articles, of which 6 met the review criteria. They comprised 4,848 participants, of which 809 (16.7%) had HDP and 4,724 (97.4%) were environmentally exposed to Hg (fish consumption and dental amalgam). Mercury biomarkers evaluated were blood (four studies) and urine (two studies). Two studies found a positive association between Hg and HDP in the group with more exposure, and the other four did not present it. The quality assessment revealed three satisfactory and three good-rated studies (mean: 19.3 ± 1.6 out 28 points). The absence or no proper adjustment for negative confounding factor, such as fish consumption, was observed in five studies. CONCLUSION We retrieved only six studies, although Hg is a widespread toxic metal and pregnancy is a period of heightened susceptibility to environmental threats and cardiovascular risk. Overall, our review showed mixed results, with two studies reporting a positive association in the group with more exposure. However, due to the importance of the subject, additional studies are needed to elucidate the effects of Hg on HDP, with particular attention to adjusting negative confounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline de Oliveira Dantas
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,Address for correspondence Aline de Oliveira Dantas, medical student Universidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroAv. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, 2° andar, Sala 49, 21044-020, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJBrazil
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Ronchetti GZ, Simões MR, Schereider IRG, Leal MAS, Peçanha GAW, Padilha AS, Vassallo DV. Oxidative Stress Induced by 30 Days of Mercury Exposure Accelerates Hypertension Development in Prehypertensive Young SHRs. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2022; 22:929-939. [DOI: 10.1007/s12012-022-09769-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Mishra M, Nichols L, Dave AA, Pittman EH, Cheek JP, Caroland AJV, Lotwala P, Drummond J, Bridges CC. Molecular Mechanisms of Cellular Injury and Role of Toxic Heavy Metals in Chronic Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11105. [PMID: 36232403 PMCID: PMC9569673 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease that affects millions of adults every year. Major risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which affect millions of adults worldwide. CKD is characterized by cellular injury followed by permanent loss of functional nephrons. As injured cells die and nephrons become sclerotic, remaining healthy nephrons attempt to compensate by undergoing various structural, molecular, and functional changes. While these changes are designed to maintain appropriate renal function, they may lead to additional cellular injury and progression of disease. As CKD progresses and filtration decreases, the ability to eliminate metabolic wastes and environmental toxicants declines. The inability to eliminate environmental toxicants such as arsenic, cadmium, and mercury may contribute to cellular injury and enhance the progression of CKD. The present review describes major molecular alterations that contribute to the pathogenesis of CKD and the effects of arsenic, cadmium, and mercury on the progression of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Mishra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - Larry Nichols
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Sciences Education, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - Aditi A. Dave
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - Elizabeth H Pittman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - John P. Cheek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - Anasalea J. V. Caroland
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - Purva Lotwala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - James Drummond
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - Christy C. Bridges
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
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Pagan LU, Gomes MJ, Okoshi MP. Overview of Recent Advances in Experimental Cardiovascular Research. Arq Bras Cardiol 2020; 115:593-594. [PMID: 33111852 PMCID: PMC8386960 DOI: 10.36660/abc.20200835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luana U Pagan
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP - Brasil
| | - Mariana J Gomes
- Brigham and Women's Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA - EUA
| | - Marina P Okoshi
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, SP - Brasil
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Simões RP, Fardin PBA, Simões MR, Vassallo DV, Padilha AS. Long-term Mercury Exposure Accelerates the Development of Hypertension in Prehypertensive Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Inducing Endothelial Dysfunction: the Role of Oxidative Stress and Cyclooxygenase-2. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 196:565-578. [PMID: 31745719 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01952-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mercury is a metal widely dispersed in nature that when in contact with human organism, it damages the cardiovascular system. Long-term mercury exposure for 30 days induces endothelial dysfunction without blood pressure changes in normotensive adult rats. However, it is not known whether exposure to mercury can exacerbate endothelial dysfunction and hypertension development in predisposed animals. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of long-term mercury exposure on the blood pressure (BP) and in the isolated aortas of young normotensive and prehypertensive spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Four-week-old male Wistar rats and SHRs were treated daily with mercury chloride (HgCl2) (1st dose, 4.6 μg/kg; subsequent dose, 0.07 μg/kg/day, im, 30 days) or vehicle. BP was assessed weekly and the vascular reactivity to phenylephrine was evaluated in isolated aorta from rats exposed or not to mercury. Mercury exposure did not affect BP in young Wistar rats but accelerated the development of hypertension in young SHRs. Vascular reactivity to phenylephrine increased only in the aorta from mercury-exposed SHRs. While HgCl2 exposure in SHRs did not alter nitric oxide production, we observed increased superoxide anion production and decreased superoxide dismutase-1 protein expression, and enhanced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) participation with increased prostaglandin (PGE2) production and decreased prostacyclin. In the Wistar group, mercury exposure did not alter superoxide anion production or the COX-2 pathway. Mercury exposure accelerated the natural course of hypertension in young SHRs and increased oxidative stress associated with reduced participation of antioxidant enzymes, an activated COX-2 pathway, thereby producing endothelial dysfunction, which is a risk factor in prehypertensive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakel Passos Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, ES, 29040-091, Brazil
| | - Paloma Batista Almeida Fardin
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, ES, 29040-091, Brazil
| | - Maylla Ronacher Simões
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, ES, 29040-091, Brazil
| | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, ES, 29040-091, Brazil
- School of Sciences of Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitoria- EMESCAM, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Simão Padilha
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos, 1468, Vitória, ES, 29040-091, Brazil.
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The FAAH Inhibitor URB597 Modulates Lipid Mediators in the Brain of Rats with Spontaneous Hypertension. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10071022. [PMID: 32664225 PMCID: PMC7407381 DOI: 10.3390/biom10071022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is accompanied by oxidative stress, which can be modified by the functioning of the endocannabinoid system playing a prominent modulatory role in the brain. The present study tested whether chronic administration of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor [3-(3-carbamoylphenyl) phenyl]N-cyclohexylcarbamate (URB597) to rats with primary hypertension (SHR) can modify redox balance and consequently brain phospholipid metabolism. Experiments were conducted using SHRs and normotensive control Wistar–Kyoto rats treated by intraperitoneal injection with URB597 for 14 days. The biochemical parameters were assayed in the rats’ brains. Inhibition of FAAH activity by URB597 resulted in an increase in anandamide and GPR55 receptor levels, as well as a decrease in CB2 receptor expression. However, there was a simultaneous increase in Nrf2 expression, as well as Cu, Zn-SOD, GSH-Px, glutathione reductase activity, and vitamin E levels in brain tissue of SHR rats. Consequently, URB597 caused a decrease in levels of phospholipid fatty acids and MDA, and an increase in free fatty acids. Given the importance of maintaining redox balance for brain function, the results of this study point to endocannabinoids as a potential therapeutic target for preventing brain metabolic disorders in hypertension.
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