RESUMO
Increases in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) have been implicated in obesity-induced risk for cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension. Previous studies indicate that oxidative stress in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), a key brain stem region that regulates sympathetic outflow to peripheral tissues, plays a pathogenic role in obesity-mediated sympathoexcitation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not clear. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory genes and confers cytoprotection against oxidative stress. The present study was designed to investigate whether Nrf2 dysfunction was associated with obesity-induced oxidative stress in the RVLM and sympathoexcitation. C57BL/6J mice were fed with chow or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 wk. Blood pressure parameters were assessed by radiotelemeters in conscious freely moving mice. SNA was measured by heart rate variability analysis and also through assessment of depressor response to ganglionic blockade. The RVLM was microdissected for gene expression and protein analysis (Western blot analysis and activity assay) related to Nrf2 signaling. Our results showed that HFD-induced obesity resulted in significant increases in SNA, although we only observed a mild increase in mean arterial pressure. Obesity-induced oxidative stress in the RVLM was associated with impaired Nrf2 signaling marked by decreased Nrf2 activity, downregulation of Nrf2 mRNA, its target genes [NAD(P)H quinone dehyrogenase 1 (Nqo1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2)], and inflammation. Our findings suggest that obesity results in Nrf2 dysfunction, which likely causes maladaptation to oxidative stress and inflammation in the RVLM. These mechanisms could potentially contribute to obesity-induced sympathoexcitation.
Assuntos
Pressão Arterial , Sistema Cardiovascular/inervação , Frequência Cardíaca , Bulbo/metabolismo , Fator 2 Relacionado a NF-E2/metabolismo , Obesidade/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo , Sistema Nervoso Simpático/fisiopatologia , Animais , Citocinas/genética , Citocinas/metabolismo , Dieta Hiperlipídica , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Mediadores da Inflamação/metabolismo , Masculino , Bulbo/fisiopatologia , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , NAD(P)H Desidrogenase (Quinona)/genética , NAD(P)H Desidrogenase (Quinona)/metabolismo , Fator 2 Relacionado a NF-E2/genética , Obesidade/etiologia , Obesidade/genética , Obesidade/fisiopatologia , Superóxido Dismutase/genética , Superóxido Dismutase/metabolismoRESUMO
Chronic sympathetic nervous system overactivity is a hallmark of aging and obesity and contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and heart failure. The cause of this chronic sympathoexcitation in aging and obesity is multifactorial and centrally mediated. In this mini-review, we have provided an overview of the key and emerging central mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of sympathoexcitation in obesity and healthy aging, specifically focusing on hypertension. A clear understanding of these mechanisms will pave way for targeting the sympathetic nervous system for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in obesity and aging.