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Brazão SC, Lima GF, Autran LJ, Mendes ABA, Dos Santos BA, Magliano DC, de Brito FCF, Motta NAV. Subacute administration of cilostazol modulates PLC-γ/PKC-α/p38/NF-kB pathway and plays vascular protective effects through eNOS activation in early stages of atherosclerosis development. Life Sci 2023; 332:122082. [PMID: 37722587 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor for development of cardiovascular disturbances, such as atherosclerosis, and its treatment remains challenging in modern medicine. Cilostazol is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 clinically prescribed for intermittent claudication treatment. Due to its pleiotropic properties, such as lipid lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, the therapeutic repurposing of cilostazol has become a strategic approach for atherosclerosis treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of subacute administration of cilostazol on the aortas of hypercholesterolemic rats, focusing on the signaling pathways involved in these actions. MAIN METHODS A murine model of hypercholesterolemia was employed to mimic the early stages of atherosclerosis development. Vascular reactivity assays were performed on thoracic aorta rings to assess the vascular response, as well as the non-invasive blood pressure was evaluated by plethysmography method. Pro-inflammatory markers and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of cilostazol. Western Blot analysis was performed in aortas homogenates to evaluate the role of cilostazol on PLC-γ/PKC-α/p38-MAPK/IκB-α/NF-кB and PKA/eNOS/PKG pathways. KEY FINDINGS The hypercholesterolemic diet induced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, TXB2, VCAM, and worsened vascular function, marked by increased contractile response, decreased maximum relaxation, and elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Cilostazol seems to counteract the deleterious effects promoted by hypercholesterolemic diet, showing important anti-inflammatory and vasculoprotective properties possibly through the inhibition of the PLC-γ/PKC-α/p38-MAPK/IκB-α/NF-кB pathway and activation of the PKA/eNOS/PKG pathway. SIGNIFICANCE Cilostazol suppressed hypercholesterolemia-induced vascular dysfunction and inflammation. Our data suggest the potential repurposing of cilostazol as a pharmacological treatment for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani Correia Brazão
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 310, Valonguinho, 24020-150 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Ferreira Lima
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 310, Valonguinho, 24020-150 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lis Jappour Autran
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 310, Valonguinho, 24020-150 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz Araújo Mendes
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 310, Valonguinho, 24020-150 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Alexandre Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Morphological and Metabolic Analyses, Department of Morphology Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Brazil
| | - Dangelo Carlo Magliano
- Laboratory of Morphological and Metabolic Analyses, Department of Morphology Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Brazil
| | - Fernanda Carla Ferreira de Brito
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 310, Valonguinho, 24020-150 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Nadia Alice Vieira Motta
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology (LAFE), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Room 310, Valonguinho, 24020-150 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
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