Association of natriuretic peptides and receptor activity with cardio-metabolic health at middle age.

Natriuretic peptides (NP) have multiple actions benefitting cardiovascular and metabolic health. Although many of these are mediated by Guanylyl Cyclase (GC) receptors NPR1 and NPR2, their role and relative importance in vivo is unclear. The intracellular mediator of NPR1 and NPR2, cGMP, circulates in plasma and can be used to examine relationships between receptor activity and tissue responses targeted by NPs. Plasma cGMP was measured in 348 participants previously recruited in a multidisciplinary community study (CHALICE) at age 50 years at a single centre. Associations between bio-active NPs and bio-inactive aminoterminal products with cGMP, and of cGMP with tissue response, were analysed using linear regression. Mediation of associations by NPs was assessed by Causal Mediation Analysis (CMA). ANP's contribution to cGMP far exceed those of other NPs. Modelling across three components (demographics, NPs and cardiovascular function) shows that ANP and CNP are independent and positive predictors of cGMP. Counter intuitively, findings from CMA imply that in specific tissues, NPR1 responds more to BNP stimulation than ANP. Collectively these findings align with longer tissue half-life of BNP, and direct further therapeutic interventions towards extending tissue activity of ANP and CNP.

Structural insight into hormone recognition by the natriuretic peptide receptor-A.

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) plays a central role in the regulation of blood pressure and volume. ANP activities are mediated by natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A), a single-pass transmembrane receptor harboring intrinsic guanylate cyclase activity. This study investigated the mechanism underlying NPR-A-dependent hormone recognition through the determination of the crystal structures of the NPR-A extracellular hormone-binding domain complexed with full-length ANP, truncated mutants of ANP, and dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP) isolated from the venom of the green Mamba snake, Dendroaspis angusticeps. The bound peptides possessed pseudo-two-fold symmetry, despite the lack of two-fold symmetry in the primary sequences, which enabled the tight coupling of the peptide to the receptor, and evidently contributes to guanylyl cyclase activity. The binding of DNP to the NPR-A was essentially identical to that of ANP; however, the affinity of DNP for NPR-A was higher than that of ANP owing to the additional interactions between distinctive sequences in the DNP and NPR-A. Consequently, our findings provide valuable insights that can be applied to the development of novel agonists for the treatment of various human diseases.

Paracrine and endocrine pathways of natriuretic peptides assessed by ligand-receptor mapping in the Japanese eel brain.

The natriuretic peptide (NP) family consists of cardiac NPs (ANP, BNP, and VNP) and brain NPs (CNPs) in teleosts. In addition to CNP1-4, a paralogue of CNP4 (named CNP4b) was recently discovered in basal teleosts including Japanese eel. Mammals have lost most Cnps during the evolution, but teleost cnps were conserved and diversified, suggesting that CNPs are important hormones for maintaining brain functions in teleost. The present study evaluated the potency of each Japanese eel CNP to their NP receptors (NPR-A, NPR-B, NPR-C, and NPR-D) overexpressed in CHO cells. A comprehensive brain map of cnps- and nprs-expressing neurons in Japanese eel was constructed by integrating the localization results obtained by in situ hybridization. The result showed that CHO cells expressing NPR-A and NPR-B induced strong cGMP productions after stimulation by cardiac and brain NPs, respectively. Regarding brain distribution of cnps, cnp1 is engaged in the ventral telencephalic area and periventricular area including the parvocellular preoptic nucleus (Pp), anterior/posterior tuberal nuclei, and periventricular gray zone of the optic tectum. cnp3 is found in the habenular nucleus and prolactin cells in the pituitary. cnp4 is expressed in the ventral telencephalic area, while cnp4b is expressed in the motoneurons in the medullary area. Such CNP isoform-specific localizations suggest that function of each CNP has diverged in the eel brain. Furthermore, the Pp lacking the blood-brain barrier expressed both npra and nprb, suggesting that endocrine and paracrine NPs interplay for regulating the Pp functions in Japanese eels.

Exercise performance is not improved in mice with skeletal muscle deletion of natriuretic peptide clearance receptor.

Natriuretic peptides (NP), including atrial, brain, and C-type natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP, and CNP), play essential roles in regulating blood pressure, cardiovascular homeostasis, and systemic metabolism. One of the major metabolic effects of NP is manifested by their capacity to stimulate lipolysis and the thermogenesis gene program in adipocytes, however, in skeletal muscle their effects on metabolism and muscle function are not as well understood. There are three NP receptors (NPR): NPRA, NPRB, and NPRC, and all three NPR genes are expressed in skeletal muscle and C2C12 myocytes. In C2C12 myocytes treatment with either ANP, BNP, or CNP evokes the cGMP signaling pathway. Since NPRC functions as a clearance receptor and the amount of NPRC in a cell type determines the signaling strength of NPs, we generated a genetic model with Nprc gene deletion in skeletal muscle and tested whether enhancing NP signaling by preventing its clearance in skeletal muscle would improve exercise performance in mice. Under sedentary conditions, Nprc skeletal muscle knockout (MKO) mice showed comparable exercise performance to their floxed littermates in terms of maximal running velocity and total endurance running time. Eight weeks of voluntary running-wheel training in a young cohort significantly increased exercise performance, but no significant differences were observed in MKO compared with floxed control mice. Furthermore, 6-weeks of treadmill training in a relatively aged cohort also increased exercise performance compared with their baseline values, but again there were no differences between genotypes. In summary, our study suggests that NP signaling is potentially important in skeletal myocytes but its function in skeletal muscle in vivo needs to be further studied in additional physiological conditions or with new genetic mouse models.

Augmentation of natriuretic peptide (NP) receptor A and B (NPR-A and NPR-B) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signalling as a therapeutic strategy in heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure is a complex, debilitating condition and despite advances in treatment, it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, the need for alternative treatment strategies is essential. In this review, we explore the therapeutic strategies of augmenting natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR-A and NPR-B) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in heart failure. AREAS COVERED: We aim to provide an overview of the evidence of preclinical and clinical studies on novel heart failure treatment strategies. Papers collected in this review have been filtered and screened following PubMed searches. This includes epigenetics, modulating enzyme activity in natriuretic peptide (NP) synthesis, gene therapy, modulation of downstream signaling by augmenting soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition, nitrates, c-GMP-dependent protein kinase, synthetic and designer NP and RNA therapy. EXPERT OPINION: The novel treatment strategies mentioned above have shown great potential, however, large randomized controlled trials are still lacking. The biggest challenge is translating the results seen in preclinical trials into clinical trials. We recommend a multi-disciplinary team approach with cardiologists, geneticist, pharmacologists, bioengineers, researchers, regulators, and patients to improve heart failure outcomes. Future management can involve telemedicine, remote monitoring, and artificial intelligence to optimize patient care.

LncRNA NONRATT014888.2 contributes to cancer-induced bone pain through downregulation of natriuretic peptide receptor 3 in rats.

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is implicated in both cancer development and pain process. However, the role of lncRNA in the development of cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is unclear. LncRNA NONRATT014888.2 is highly expressed in tibia related dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) in CIBP rats which function is unknown. CIBP was induced by injection of Walker 256 mammary gland tumor cells into the tibia canal of female SD rats. Paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) of rats were measured. Down-regulation of NONRATT014888.2 by siRNA in CIBP rats markedly attenuated hind-paw mechanical pain hypersensitivity. LncRNA-predicted target mRNAs analysis and mRNA sequencing results cued Socs3, Npr3 were related with NONRATT014888.2. Intrathecal injection of NONRATT014888.2-siR206 upregulated Npr3 both in mRNA and protein level. Npr3 was co-expressed in NONRATT014888.2-positive DRGs neurons and mainly located in cytoplasm, but not in Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cells. Intrathecal injection of ADV-Npr3 upregulated Npr3 expression and enhanced the PWT of CIBP rats. Our results suggest that upregulated lncRNA NONRATT014888.2 contributed to hyperalgesia in CIBP rats, and the mechanism may through downregulation of Npr3.

CEBPD REGULATES OXIDATIVE STRESS AND INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES IN HYPERTENSIVE CARDIAC REMODELING.

ABSTRACT: Hypertension seems to inevitably cause cardiac remodeling, increasing the mortality of patients. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta (CEBPD)-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation in hypertensive cardiac remodeling. The hypertensive murine model was established through angiotensin-II injection, and hypertensive mice underwent overexpressed CEBPD vector injection, cardiac function evaluation, and observation of histological changes. The cell model was established by angiotensin-II treatment and transfected with overexpressed CEBPD vector. Cell viability and surface area and oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species/superoxide dismutase/lactate dehydrogenase/malondialdehyde) were assessed, and inflammatory factors (TNF-α/IL-1ß/IL-6/IL-10) were determined both in vivo and in vitro . The levels of CEBPD, miR-96-5p, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 1 (IP3R), natriuretic peptide B, and natriuretic peptide A, collagen I, and collagen III in tissues and cells were determined. The binding relationships of CEBPD/miR-96-5p/IP3R 3' untranslated region were validated. CEBPD was reduced in cardiac tissue of hypertensive mice, and CEBPD upregulation improved cardiac function and attenuated fibrosis and hypertrophy, along with reductions of reactive oxygen species/lactate dehydrogenase/malondialdehyde/TNF-α/IL-1ß/IL-6 and increases in superoxide dismutase/IL-10. CEBPD enriched on the miR-96-5p promoter to promote miR-96-5p expression, whereas CEBPD and miR-96-5p negatively regulated IP3R. miR-96-5p silencing/IP3R overexpression reversed the alleviative role of CEBPD overexpression in hypertensive mice. In summary, CEBPD promoted miR-96-5p to negatively regulate IP3R expression to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby alleviating hypertensive cardiac remodeling.

Developmental roles of natriuretic peptides and their receptors.

Natriuretic peptides and their receptors are implicated in the physiological control of blood pressure, bone growth, and cardiovascular and renal homeostasis. They mediate their action through the modulation of intracellular levels of cGMP and cAMP, two second-messengers that have broad biological roles. In this review, we briefly describe the major players of this signaling pathway and their physiological roles in the adult, and discuss several reports describing their activity in the control of various aspects of embryonic development in several species. While the core components of this signaling pathway are well conserved, their functions have diverged in the embryo and the adult to control a diverse array of biological processes.

Natriuretic Peptide Signaling in Uterine Biology and Preeclampsia.

Endometrial decidualization is a uterine process essential for spiral artery remodeling, embryo implantation, and trophoblast invasion. Defects in endometrial decidualization and spiral artery remodeling are important contributing factors in preeclampsia, a major disorder in pregnancy. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiac hormone that regulates blood volume and pressure. ANP is also generated in non-cardiac tissues, such as the uterus and placenta. In recent human genome-wide association studies, multiple loci with genes involved in natriuretic peptide signaling are associated with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. In cellular experiments and mouse models, uterine ANP has been shown to stimulate endometrial decidualization, increase TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand expression and secretion, and enhance apoptosis in arterial smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. In placental trophoblasts, ANP stimulates adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase and the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling, leading to autophagy inhibition and protein kinase N3 upregulation, thereby increasing trophoblast invasiveness. ANP deficiency impairs endometrial decidualization and spiral artery remodeling, causing a preeclampsia-like phenotype in mice. These findings indicate the importance of natriuretic peptide signaling in pregnancy. This review discusses the role of ANP in uterine biology and potential implications of impaired ANP signaling in preeclampsia.

Natriuretic Peptides: It Is Time for Guided Therapeutic Strategies Based on Their Molecular Mechanisms.

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are the principal expression products of the endocrine function of the heart. They exert several beneficial effects, mostly mediated through guanylate cyclase-A coupled receptors, including natriuresis, diuresis, vasorelaxation, blood volume and blood pressure reduction, and regulation of electrolyte homeostasis. As a result of their biological functions, NPs counterbalance neurohormonal dysregulation in heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. NPs have been also validated as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease, as well as in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy and severe cardiac remodeling. Serial measurements of their levels may be used to contribute to more accurate risk stratification by identifying patients who are more likely to experience death from cardiovascular causes, heart failure, and cardiac hospitalizations and to guide tailored pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies with the aim to improve clinical outcomes. On these premises, multiple therapeutic strategies based on the biological properties of NPs have been attempted to develop new targeted cardiovascular therapies. Apart from the introduction of the class of angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitors to the current management of heart failure, novel promising molecules including M-atrial natriuretic peptide (a novel atrial NP-based compound) have been tested for the treatment of human hypertension with promising results. Moreover, different therapeutic strategies based on the molecular mechanisms involved in NP regulation and function are under development for the management of heart failure, hypertension, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Dose-dependent Effects of PRC2 and HDAC Inhibitors on Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy Induced by Phenylephrine.

INTRODUCTION: Postnatal cardiomyocytes respond to stress signals by hypertrophic growth and fetal gene reprogramming, which involves epigenetic remodeling mediated by histone methyltransferase polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). However, it remains unclear to what extent these histone modifiers contribute to the development of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. METHODS: Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) were stimulated by phenylephrine (PE; 50µM) to induce hypertrophy in the presence or absence of the PRC2 inhibitor GSK126 or the HDACs inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA). Histone methylation and acetylation were measured by Western blot. Cell size was determined by wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining. Cardiac hypertrophy markers were quantified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: PE treatment induced the expression of cardiac hypertrophy markers, including natriuretic peptide A (Nppa), natriuretic peptide B (Nppb), and myosin heavy chain 7 (Myh7), in a time-dependent manner in NRVMs. Histone modifications, including H3K27me3, H3K9ac, and H3K27ac, were dynamically altered after PE treatment. Treatment with TSA and GSK126 dose-dependently repressed histone acetylation and methylation, respectively. While TSA reversed the PE-induced cell size enlargement in a wide range of concentrations, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was only inhibited by GSK126 at a higher dose (1µM). Consistently, TSA dose-dependently suppressed the induction of Nppa, Nppb, and Myh7/Myh6 ratio, while these indexes were only inhibited by GSK126 at 1µM. However, TSA, but not GSK126, caused pro-hypertrophic expression of pathological genes at the basal level. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate diversified effects of TSA and GSK126 on PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and shed light on epigenetic reprogramming in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy.

The Mature COC Promotes the Ampullary NPPC Required for Sperm Release from Porcine Oviduct Cells.

Porcine spermatozoa are stored in the oviductal isthmus after natural mating, and the number of spermatozoa is increased in the oviductal ampulla when the mature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) are transferred into the ampulla. However, the mechanism is unclear. Herein, natriuretic peptide type C (NPPC) was mainly expressed in porcine ampullary epithelial cells, whereas its cognate receptor natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) was located on the neck and the midpiece of porcine spermatozoa. NPPC increased sperm motility and intracellular Ca2+ levels, and induced sperm release from oviduct isthmic cell aggregates. These actions of NPPC were blocked by the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-sensitive cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel inhibitor l-cis-Diltiazem. Moreover, porcine COCs acquired the ability to promote NPPC expression in the ampullary epithelial cells when the immature COCs were induced to maturation by epidermal growth factor (EGF). Simultaneously, transforming growth factor-ß ligand 1 (TGFB1) levels were dramatically increased in the cumulus cells of the mature COCs. The addition of TGFB1 promoted NPPC expression in the ampullary epithelial cells, and the mature COC-induced NPPC was blocked by the transforming growth factor-ß type 1 receptor (TGFBR1) inhibitor SD208. Taken together, the mature COCs promote NPPC expression in the ampullae via TGF-ß signaling, and NPPC is required for the release of porcine spermatozoa from the oviduct isthmic cells.

Endocrine functions of the heart: from bench to bedside.

Heart has a recognized endocrine function as it produces several biologically active substances with hormonal properties. Among these hormones, the natriuretic peptide (NP) system has been extensively characterized and represents a prominent expression of the endocrine function of the heart. Over the years, knowledge about the mechanisms governing their synthesis, secretion, processing, and receptors interaction of NPs has been intensively investigated. Their main physiological endocrine and paracrine effects on cardiovascular and renal systems are mostly mediated through guanylate cyclase-A coupled receptors. The potential role of NPs in the pathophysiology of heart failure and particularly their counterbalancing action opposing the overactivation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems has been described. In addition, NPs are used today as key biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases with both diagnostic and prognostic significance. On these premises, multiple therapeutic strategies based on the biological properties of NPs have been attempted to develop new cardiovascular therapies. Apart from the introduction of the class of angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitors in the current management of heart failure, novel promising molecules, including M-atrial natriuretic peptide (a novel atrial NP-based compound), have been tested for the treatment of human hypertension. The development of new drugs is currently underway, and we are probably only at the dawn of novel NPs-based therapeutic strategies. The present article also provides an updated overview of the regulation of NPs synthesis and secretion by microRNAs and epigenetics as well as interactions of cardiac hormones with other endocrine systems.

Pharmacologic blockade of the natriuretic peptide clearance receptor promotes weight loss and enhances insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.

While natriuretic peptides (NPs) are primarily known for their renal and cardiovascular actions, NPs stimulate lipolysis in adipocytes and induce a thermogenic program in white adipose tissue (WAT) that resembles brown fat. The biologic effects of NPs are negatively regulated by the NP clearance receptor (NPRC), which binds and degrades NPs. Knockout (KO) of NPRC protects against diet induced obesity and improves insulin sensitivity in obese mice. To determine if pharmacologic blockade of NPRC enhanced the beneficial metabolic actions of NPs in type 2 diabetes, we blocked NP clearance in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes using the specific NPRC ligand ANP(4-23). We found that treatment with ANP(4-23) caused a significant decrease in body weight by increasing energy expenditure and reducing fat mass without a change in lean body mass. The decrease in fat mass was associated with a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity and reduced serum insulin levels. These beneficial effects were accompanied by a decrease in infiltrating macrophages in adipose tissue, and reduced expression of inflammatory markers in both serum and WAT. These data suggest that inhibiting NP clearance may be an effective pharmacologic approach to promote weight loss and enhance insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. Optimizing the therapeutic approach may lead to useful therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Natriuretic peptide pathways in heart failure: further therapeutic possibilities.

The discovery of the heart as an endocrine organ resulted in a remarkable recognition of the natriuretic peptide system (NPS). Specifically, research has established the production of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) from the heart, which exert pleiotropic cardiovascular, endocrine, renal, and metabolic actions via the particulate guanylyl cyclase A receptor (GC-A) and the second messenger, cGMP. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is produced in the endothelium and kidney and mediates important protective auto/paracrine actions via GC-B and cGMP. These actions, in part, participate in the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure (HF) due to the augmentation of the NPS. Here, we will review important insights into the biology of the NPS, the role of precision medicine, and focus on the phenotypes of human genetic variants of ANP and BNP in the general population and the relevance to HF. We will also provide an update of the existence of NP deficiency states, including in HF, which provide the rationale for further therapeutics for the NPS. Finally, we will review the field of peptide engineering and the development of novel designer NPs for the treatment of HF. Notably, the recent discovery of a first-in-class small molecule GC-A enhancer, which is orally deliverable, will be highlighted. These innovative designer NPs and small molecule possess enhanced and novel properties for the treatment of HF and cardiovascular diseases.

C Type Natriuretic Peptide Receptor Activation Inhibits Sodium Channel Activity in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells by Activating the Diacylglycerol-Protein Kinase C Pathway.

The C-type natriuretic peptide receptor (NPRC) is expressed in many cell types and binds all natriuretic peptides with high affinity. Ligand binding results in the activation or inhibition of various intracellular signaling pathways. Although NPRC ligand binding has been shown to regulate various ion channels, the regulation of endothelial sodium channel (EnNaC) activity by NPRC activation has not been studied. The objective of this study was to investigate mechanisms of EnNaC regulation associated with NPRC activation in human aortic endothelial cells (hAoEC). EnNaC protein expression and activity was attenuated after treating hAoEC with the NPRC agonist cANF compared to vehicle, as demonstrated by Western blotting and patch clamping studies, respectively. NPRC knockdown studies using siRNA's corroborated the specificity of EnNaC regulation by NPRC activation mediated by ligand binding. The concentration of multiple diacylglycerols (DAG) and the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) was augmented after treating hAoEC with cANF compared to vehicle, suggesting EnNaC activity is down-regulated upon NPRC ligand binding in a DAG-PKC dependent manner. The reciprocal cross-talk between NPRC activation and EnNaC inhibition represents a feedback mechanism that presumably is involved in the regulation of endothelial function and aortic stiffness.

Role of Cardiac Natriuretic Peptides in Heart Structure and Function.

Cardiac natriuretic peptides (NPs), atrial NP (ANP) and B-type NP (BNP) are true hormones produced and released by cardiomyocytes, exerting several systemic effects. Together with C-type NP (CNP), mainly expressed by endothelial cells, they also exert several paracrine and autocrine activities on the heart itself, contributing to cardiovascular (CV) health. In addition to their natriuretic, vasorelaxant, metabolic and antiproliferative systemic properties, NPs prevent cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies, counteracting the development and progression of heart failure (HF). Moreover, recent studies revealed that a protein structurally similar to NPs mainly produced by skeletal muscles and osteoblasts called musclin/osteocrin is able to interact with the NPs clearance receptor, attenuating cardiac dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis and promoting heart protection during pathological overload. This narrative review is focused on the direct activities of this molecule family on the heart, reporting both experimental and human studies that are clinically relevant for physicians.

SphK-produced S1P in somatic cells is indispensable for LH-EGFR signaling-induced mouse oocyte maturation.

Germ cell division and differentiation require intimate contact and interaction with the surrounding somatic cells. Luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factors to promote oocyte maturation and developmental competence by activating EGF receptor (EGFR) in somatic cells. Here, we showed that LH-EGFR signaling-activated sphingosine kinases (SphK) in somatic cells. The activation of EGFR by EGF increased S1P and calcium levels in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), and decreased the binding affinity of natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) for natriuretic peptide type C (NPPC) to release the cGMP-mediated meiotic arrest. These functions of EGF were blocked by the SphK inhibitor SKI-II, which could be reversed by the addition of S1P. S1P also activated the Akt/mTOR cascade reaction in oocytes and promoted targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) accumulation and oocyte developmental competence. Specifically depleting Sphk1/2 in somatic cells reduced S1P levels and impaired oocyte meiotic maturation and developmental competence, resulting in complete female infertility. Collectively, SphK-produced S1P in somatic cells serves as a functional transmitter of LH-EGFR signaling from somatic cells to oocytes: acting on somatic cells to induce oocyte meiotic maturation, and acting on oocytes to improve oocyte developmental competence.

Natriuretic Peptides-New Targets for Neurocontrol of Blood Pressure via Baroreflex Afferent Pathway.

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) induce vasodilation, natriuresis, and diuresis, counteract the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and autonomic nervous system, and are key regulators of cardiovascular volume and pressure homeostasis. Baroreflex afferent pathway is an important reflex loop in the neuroregulation of blood pressure (BP), including nodose ganglion (NG) and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Dysfunction of baroreflex would lead to various hypertensions. Here, we carried out functional experiments to explore the effects of NPs on baroreflex afferent function. Under physiological and hypertensive condition (high-fructose drinking-induced hypertension, HFD), BP was reduced by NPs through NG microinjection and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was enhanced via acute intravenous NPs injection. These anti-hypertensive effects were more obvious in female rats with the higher expression of NPs and its receptor A/B (NPRA/NPRB) and lower expression of its receptor C (NPRC). However, these effects were not as obvious as those in HFD rats compared with the same gender control group, which is likely to be explained by the abnormal expression of NPs and NPRs in the hypertensive condition. Our data provide additional evidence showing that NPs play a crucial role in neurocontrol of BP regulation via baroreflex afferent function and may be potential targets for clinical management of metabolic-related hypertension.

Evaluation of statins as a new therapy to alleviate chronotropic dysfunction in cirrhotic rats.

AIMS: Liver cirrhosis defines by regenerative nodules and fibrotic septa, causing a complication called cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) with chronotropic hypo-responsiveness. In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, statins yield antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In liver diseases animal models, statins have been shown to decrease hepatic inflammation, fibrogenesis, and portal pressure (PP). Therefore, we evaluated the atorvastatin effect on the heart in cirrhotic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bile duct ligation (BDL) or sham operation performed on male Wistar rats and grouped as cirrhotic; BDL/Saline, BDL/Ator-7d(days) (Atorvastatin 15 mg/kg/day), and BDL/Ator-14d groups, or control; Sham/Saline, Sham/Ator-7d, and Sham/Ator-14d groups. Corrected QT interval (QTc interval), chronotropic responses, serum brain natriuretic peptides (BNP), heart tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were studied along with atrial Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression. KEY FINDINGS: The chronotropic responses decreased in BDL/Saline and increased in BDL/Ator-7d group. The QTc interval, BNP, TNF-α, and MDA levels increased in BDL/Saline and decreased in BDL/Ator-14d group. The Nrf2 level did not change in BDL/Saline and increased in BDL/Ator-14d group. The liver inflammation and fibrosis increased in BDL/Saline and did not affect BDL/Ator-7d and BDL/Ator-14d groups. The RhoA expression was down-regulated in BDL/Saline, BDL/Ator-7d, and BDL/Ator-14d groups. The eNOS expression did not change in BDL/Saline and down-regulated in BDL/Ator-14d group. SIGNIFICANCE: Atorvastatin alleviates the chronotropic hypo-responsiveness and down-regulates the atrial RhoA and eNOS gene expression along with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-stress effects in CCM.