RESUMO
Endothelial dysfunction is one of the major factors in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and its molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. The present study aimed to examine the connection between nuclear factor2-related factor2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in people with MetS. Participants in the study were as follows: with MetS (n = 30) and without MetS (Control) (n = 14). Expression of Nrf2, NF-kB, and HO-1 was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Plasma ADMA was determined using the ELISA technique and MDA via the thiobarbituric acid method. Our study showed that mRNA of NF-kB, Nrf2, and HO-1 levels in PBMCs in the MetS group were significantly higher than in the controls by 53%, 130%, and 185% (p < 0.05), respectively. Similarly, elevated levels of MDA (by 78%, p < 0.001) and ADMA (by 18.7%, p < 0.001) were established in the MetS group. Our findings show the importance of transcription factor Nrf2, playing an integral role in the protection of the endothelium, and of NF-κB, a transcription factor mediating the inflammatory response in MetS. Knowledge of complex cellular-molecular mechanisms would allow the use of biomarkers such as Nrf2, NF-kB, HO-1, and ADMA for the assessment of endothelial dysfunction in clinical practice.
Assuntos
Síndrome Metabólica , NF-kappa B , Humanos , Heme Oxigenase-1/genética , Heme Oxigenase-1/metabolismo , Inflamação/metabolismo , Leucócitos Mononucleares/metabolismo , Síndrome Metabólica/genética , Síndrome Metabólica/metabolismo , Fator 2 Relacionado a NF-E2/genética , Fator 2 Relacionado a NF-E2/metabolismo , NF-kappa B/metabolismo , Estresse OxidativoRESUMO
The present cross-sectional clinical study aimed to examine the connection between statin exposure, coronary artery calcification (CAC), and vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs) in patients with cardiovascular (CV) conditions. Two groups of patients were studied: patients with established CV disease (CVD) and healthy patients at moderate risk for CVD (a control group). The groups were also split into statin users and non-users. The following VKDPs were measured in plasma: uncarboxylated Matrix Gla-protein (ucMGP), undercarboxylated (ucOC), and carboxylated osteocalcin (cOC), Gla-rich protein (GRP). CAC score (CACS) was determined by multislice computed tomography. Among all the participants in the study, CACS was more pronounced in statin users compared to non-users; the same was found also among the CVD patients and among the controls. While the levels of ucMGP and GRP did not differ between statin users and non-users, ucOC and ucOC/cOC were significantly elevated in statin users, indicating vitamin K deficiency. There was a positive correlation between the levels of ucOC and CACS in the entire population and in the group of statin users, but not in statin non-users. No association was found between ucMGP or GRP and CACS. Statins had also an impact on the international normalized ratio and interacted with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Our results are in agreement with the existing evidence about positive association between statins and vascular calcification. They enlighten to a certain extent the possible mechanisms through which statins may enhance calcium accumulation in arterial wall, namely, by inhibition of vitamin K dependent proteins and functions involved in vascular protection.
Assuntos
Doenças Cardiovasculares/metabolismo , Inibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Redutases/efeitos adversos , Calcificação Vascular/metabolismo , Deficiência de Vitamina K/metabolismo , Vitamina K/química , Idoso , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Proteínas de Ligação ao Cálcio/metabolismo , Doenças Cardiovasculares/complicações , Doenças Cardiovasculares/tratamento farmacológico , Doença da Artéria Coronariana , Estudos Transversais , Proteínas da Matriz Extracelular/metabolismo , Feminino , Humanos , Pacientes Internados , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Osteocalcina/metabolismo , Análise de Regressão , Risco , Fatores de Risco , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Calcificação Vascular/complicações , Calcificação Vascular/tratamento farmacológico , Deficiência de Vitamina K/complicações , Deficiência de Vitamina K/tratamento farmacológico , Proteína de Matriz GlaRESUMO
CONTEXT: Sulphurous mineral waters (SMW) have a wide range of applications. Sulphur content of mineral waters is considered as possible determinant for their anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory effects. OBJECTIVE: To explore the healing properties of Varna basin mineral water by analysing possible antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An intervention with Varna SMW intake was performed with healthy volunteers. Total thiols, total glutathione and its fractions, reactive oxygen metabolites, malondialdehyde, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) were measured. Expression of γ-gluthamyl-cysteinyl ligase (GCL) and sICAM-1 genes was also analysed. RESULTS: A significantly increased total glutathione and total thiols were observed at the end of the intervention. GCL and sICAM-1 gene expressions were increased after the intervention. CONCLUSION: SMW consumption improved redox status of the body. We suggested that these beneficial effects may be attributed to the established high levels of sulphur-containing compounds in Varna mineral water.