Six Decades of History of Hypertension Research at the University of Toledo: Highlighting Pioneering Contributions in Biochemistry, Genetics, and Host-Microbiota Interactions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The study aims to capture the history and lineage of hypertension researchers from the University of Toledo in Ohio and showcase their collective scientific contributions dating from their initial discoveries of the physiology of adrenal and renal systems and genetics regulating blood pressure (BP) to its more contemporary contributions including microbiota and metabolomic links to BP regulation.

RECENT FINDINGS

The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences (UTCOMLS), previously known as the Medical College of Ohio, has contributed significantly to our understanding of the etiology of hypertension. Two of the scientists, Patrick Mulrow and John Rapp from UTCOMLS, have been recognized with the highest honor, the Excellence in Hypertension award from the American Heart Association for their pioneering work on the physiology and genetics of hypertension, respectively. More recently, Bina Joe has continued their legacy in the basic sciences by uncovering previously unknown novel links between microbiota and metabolites to the etiology of hypertension, work that has been recognized by the American Heart Association with multiple awards. On the clinical research front, Christopher Cooper and colleagues lead the CORAL trials and contributed importantly to the investigations on renal artery stenosis treatment paradigms. Hypertension research at this institution has not only provided these pioneering insights, but also grown careers of scientists as leaders in academia as University Presidents and Deans of Medical Schools. Through the last decade, the university has expanded its commitment to Hypertension research as evident through the development of the Center for Hypertension and Precision Medicine led by Bina Joe as its founding Director. Hypertension being the top risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which is the leading cause of human mortality, is an important area of research in multiple international universities. The UTCOMLS is one such university which, for the last 6 decades, has made significant contributions to our current understanding of hypertension. This review is a synthesis of this rich history. Additionally, it also serves as a collection of audio archives by more recent faculty who are also prominent leaders in the field of hypertension research, including John Rapp, Bina Joe, and Christopher Cooper, which are cataloged at Interviews .

Vaduvur and Sitheri lakes, Tamil Nadu, India: conservation and management perspective

Wetlands are declining globally.  Hence, it is reasonable to assume that most existing wetlands are impacted to some degree by human land-use that in turn caused population declines in many wetland-dependent taxa.  The National Wetland Atlas has classified Tamil Nadu as a wetland-rich state as they occupy 6.92% of geographic area.  However, studies on wetlands are limited in Tamil Nadu.  Hence, an attempt was made to identify the threats to the Vaduvur and Sitheri lakes and their associated fauna.  In total, 118 species of birds belonging to 87 genera, 48 families and 18 orders in Vaduvur Lake and 87 species of birds belonging to 71 genera, 48 families and 16 orders in Sitheri Lake were recorded.  A total of 28 zooplankton species were recorded in both the lakes comprising 14 species of rotifers, six species of cladocerans, five species of copepods, two species of ostracods, and one species of protozoa.  A total of 15 species of fishes were identified from the sellers who catch fishes from the Sitheri Lake.  The physico-chemical parameters of water varied according to the seasonal fluctuations in rainfall pattern.  In general, wetland management for waterbirds of these two lakes should focus on providing suitable nesting habitats and available food resources for dependant avifauna.  Management of invertebrates, amphibians, and fishes in these two lakes is one technique that can be used to provide foraging opportunities for waterbirds.  An integrated approach and increased co-operation would result in the rational use of this freshwater resource leading to improved standards of living around this lake. 

Impact of Nutritional Epigenetics in Essential Hypertension: Targeting microRNAs in the Gut-Liver Axis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the current knowledge on interactions between dietary factors and microRNAs (miRNAs) in essential hypertension (EH) pathogenesis.

RECENT FINDINGS

There exists an integration of maintenance signals generated by genetic, epigenetic, immune, and environmental (e.g., dietary) factors that work to sustain balance in the gut-liver axis. It is well established that an imbalance in this complex, intertwined system substantially increases the risk for EH. As such, pertinent research has been taken to decipher how each signal operates in isolation and together in EH progression. Recent literature indicates that both macro- and micronutrients interrupt regulatory miRNA expressions and thus, alter multiple cellular processes that contribute to EH and its comorbidities. We highlight how carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, salt, and potassium modify miRNA signatures during EH. The disruption in miRNA expression can negatively impact communication systems such as over activating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, modulating the vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype, and promoting angiogenesis to favor EH. We also delineate the prognostic value of miRNAs in EH and discuss the pros and cons of surgical vs dietary prophylactic approaches in EH prevention. We propose that dietary-dependent perturbation of the miRNA profile is one mechanism within the gut-liver axis that dictates EH development.