Cenário Disfuncional dos Principais Componentes Responsáveis pelo Equilíbrio do Trânsito de Cálcio Miocárdico na Insuficiência Cardíaca Induzida por Estenose Aórtica / The Dysfunctional Scenario of the Major Components Responsible for Myocardial Calcium Balance in Heart Failure Induced by Aortic Stenosis

Resumo Fundamento O remodelamento cardíaco patológico se caracteriza por disfunção diastólica e sistólica, levando à insuficiência cardíaca. Neste contexto, o cenário disfuncional do trânsito de cálcio miocárdico (Ca2+) tem sido pouco estudado. Um modelo experimental de estenose aórtica tem sido extensamente utilizado para aprimorar os conhecimentos sobre os principais mecanismos do remodelamento patológico cardíaco. Objetivo Entender o processo disfuncional dos principais componentes responsáveis pelo equilíbrio do cálcio miocárdico e sua influência sobre a função cardíaca na insuficiência cardíaca induzida pela estenose aórtica. Métodos Ratos Wistar de 21 dias de idade foram distribuídos em dois grupos: controle (placebo; n=28) e estenose aórtica (EaO; n=18). A função cardíaca foi analisada com o ecocardiograma, músculo papilar isolado e cardiomiócitos isolados. No ensaio do músculo papilar, SERCA2a e a atividade do canal de Ca2+ do tipo L foram avaliados. O ensaio de cardiomiócitos isolados avaliou o trânsito de cálcio. A expressão proteica da proteínas do trânsito de cálcio foi analisada com o western blot. Os resultados foram estatisticamente significativos quando p <0,05. Resultados Os músculos papilares e cardiomiócitos dos corações no grupo EaO demonstraram falhas mecânicas. Os ratos com EaO apresentaram menor tempo de pico do Ca2+, menor sensibilidade das miofibrilas do Ca2+, prejuízos nos processos de entrada e recaptura de cálcio pelo retículo sarcoplasmático, bem como disfunção no canal de cálcio do tipo L (CCTL). Além disso, os animais com EaO apresentaram maior expressão de SERCA2a, CCTL e trocador de Na+/Ca2+. Conclusão Insuficiência cardíaca sistólica e diastólica devido à estenose aórtica supravalvular acarretou comprometimento da entrada de Ca2+ celular e inibição da recaptura de cálcio pelo retículo sarcoplasmático devido à disfunção no CCTL e SERCA2a, assim como mudanças no trânsito de cálcio e na expressão das principais proteínas responsáveis pela homeostase de Ca2+ celular.

Abstract Background Maladaptive cardiac remodelling is characterized by diastolic and systolic dysfunction, culminating in heart failure. In this context, the dysfunctional scenario of cardiac calcium (Ca2+) handling has been poorly studied. An experimental model of aortic stenosis has been extensively used to improve knowledge about the key mechanisms of cardiac pathologic remodelling. Objective To understand the dysfunctional process of the major components responsible for Ca2+ balance and its influence on cardiac function in heart failure induced by aortic stenosis. Methods Male 21-day-old Wistar rats were distributed into two groups: control (sham; n= 28) and aortic stenosis (AoS; n= 18). Cardiac function was analysed by echocardiogram, isolated papillary muscle, and isolated cardiomyocytes. In the papillary muscle assay, SERCA2a and L-type Ca2+ channel activity was evaluated. The isolated cardiomyocyte assay evaluated Ca2+ handling. Ca2+ handling protein expression was analysed by western blot. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Results Papillary muscles and cardiomyocytes from AoS hearts displayed mechanical malfunction. AoS rats presented a slower time to the Ca2+ peak, reduced Ca2+ myofilament sensitivity, impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ influx and reuptake ability, and SERCA2a and L-type calcium channel (LTCC) dysfunction. Moreover, AoS animals presented increased expression of SERCA2a, LTCCs, and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Conclusion Systolic and diastolic heart failure due to supravalvular aortic stenosis was paralleled by impairment of cellular Ca2+ influx and inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ reuptake due to LTCC and SERCA2a dysfunction, as well as changes in Ca2+ handling and expression of the major proteins responsible for cellular Ca2+ homeostasis.

Calcium homeostasis behavior and cardiac function on left ventricular remodeling by pressure overload

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) and sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) structures are involved in heart cell Ca2+ homeostasis. Previous studies have shown discrepancies in their function and expression in heart failure. The goal of this study was to evaluate heart function and hypertrophied muscle Ca2+-handling protein behavior under pressure overload. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Aortic stenosis (AoS), induced by a clip placed at the beginning of the aorta, and Control (Sham). After 18 weeks, heart function and structure were evaluated by echocardiogram. Myocardial function was analyzed by isolated papillary muscle (IPM) at basal condition and Ca2+ protein functions were evaluated after post-pause contraction and blockage with cyclopiazonic acid in IPM. Ca2+-handling protein expression was studied by western blot (WB). Echocardiogram showed that AoS caused concentric hypertrophy with enhanced ejection fraction and diastolic dysfunction inferred by dilated left atrium and increased relative wall thickness. IPM study showed developed tension was the same in both groups. AoS showed increased stiffness revealed by enhanced resting tension, and changes in Ca2+ homeostasis shown by calcium elevation and SERCA2a blockage maneuvers. WB revealed decreased NCX1, SERCA2a, and phosphorylated phospholambam (PLB) on serine-16 in AoS. AoS had left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction compared to Sham; this could be related to our findings regarding calcium homeostasis behavior: deficit in NCX1, SERCA2a, and phosphorylated PLB on serine-16.

Melatonin-Induced Protective Effects on Cardiomyocytes Against Reperfusion Injury Partly Through Modulation of IP3R and SERCA2a Via Activation of ERK1 / Efeitos Protetores Induzidos pela Melatonina nos Cardiomiócitos Contra Lesões de Reperfusão Parcialmente Através da Modulação Dde IP3R e SERCA por Meio da Ativação de ERK1

Resumo Background: Melatonin is a neuroendocrine hormone synthesized primarily by the pineal gland that is indicated to effectively prevent myocardial reperfusion injury. It is unclear whether melatonin protects cardiac function from reperfusion injury by modulating intracellular calcium homeostasis. Objective: Demonstrate that melatonin protect against myocardial reperfusion injury through modulating IP3R and SERCA2a to maintain calcium homeostasis via activation of ERK1 in cardiomyocytes. Methods: In vitro experiments were performed using H9C2 cells undergoing simulative hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) induction. Expression level of ERK1, IP3R and SERCA2a were assessed by Western Blots. Cardiomyocytes apoptosis was detected by TUNEL. Phalloidin-staining was used to assess alteration of actin filament organization of cardiomyocytes. Fura-2 /AM was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Performing in vivo experiments, myocardial expression of IP3R and SERCA2a were detected by immunofluorescence staining using myocardial ischemia/ reperfusion (I/R) model in rats. Results: In vitro results showed that melatonin induces ERK1 activation in cardiomyocytes against H/R which was inhibited by PD98059 (ERK1 inhibitor). The results showed melatonin inhibit apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and improve actin filament organization in cardiomyocytes against H/R, because both could be reversed by PD98059. Melatonin was showed to reduce calcium overload, further to inhibit IP3R expression and promote SERCA2a expression via ERK1 pathway in cardiomyocytes against H/R. Melatonin induced lower IP3R and higher SERCA2a expression in myocardium that were reversed by PD98059. Conclusion: melatonin-induced cardioprotection against reperfusion injury is at least partly through modulation of IP3R and SERCA2a to maintain intracellular calcium homeostasis via activation of ERK1.

Resumo Fundamento: A melatonina é um hormônio neuroendócrino sintetizado principalmente pela glândula pineal que é indicado para prevenir efetivamente a lesão de reperfusão miocárdica. Não está claro se a melatonina protege a função cardíaca da lesão de reperfusão através da modulação da homeostase do cálcio intracelular. Objetivo: Demonstrar que a melatonina protege contra a lesão de reperfusão miocárdica através da modulação de IP3R e SERCA para manter a homeostase de cálcio por meio da ativação de ERK1 em cardiomiócitos. Métodos: Foram realizados experimentos in vitro usando células H9C2 submetidas a indução de hipoxia / reoxigenação simulada (H/R). O nível de expressão de ERK1, IP3R e SERCA foi avaliado por Western Blots. A apoptose de cardiomiócitos foi detectada por TUNEL. A coloração de faloidina foi utilizada para avaliar a alteração da organização de filamentos de actina dos cardiomiócitos. Fura-2 / AM foi utilizado para medir a concentração intracelular de Ca2+. Realizando experiências in vivo, a expressão miocárdica de IP3R e SERCA foi detectada por coloração com imunofluorescência usando modelo de isquemia miocárdica / reperfusão (I/R) em ratos. Resultados: resultados in vitro mostraram que a melatonina induz a ativação de ERK1 em cardiomiócitos contra H/R que foi inibida por PD98059 (inibidor de ERK1). Os resultados mostraram que a melatonina inibe a apoptose dos cardiomiócitos e melhora a organização do filamento de actina em cardiomiócitos contra H/R, pois ambas poderiam ser revertidas pela PD98059. A melatonina mostrou reduzir a sobrecarga de cálcio, além de inibir a expressão de IP3R e promover a expressão de SERCA através da via ERK1 em cardiomiócitos contra H/R. A melatonina induziu menor IP3R e maior expressão de SERCA no miocárdio que foram revertidas pela PD98059. Conclusão: a cardioproteção induzida pela melatonina contra lesão de reperfusão é pelo menos parcialmente através da modulação de IP3R e SERCA para manter a homeostase de cálcio intracelular via ativação de ERK1.

Importance of SERCA2a on early isolated diastolic dysfunction induced by supravalvular aortic stenosis in rats

Cardiac remodeling is defined as changes in shape and function of the heart in response to aggression (pressure overload). The sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase cardiac isoform 2a (SERCA2a) is a known factor that influences function. A wide spectrum of studies report a decrease in SERCA2a in heart failure, but none evaluate it's the role in early isolated diastolic dysfunction in supravalvular aortic stenosis (AoS). Our hypothesis was that SERCA2a participates in such dysfunction. Thirty-day-old male Wistar rats (60-80 g) were divided into AoS and Sham groups, which were submitted to surgery with or without aorta clipping, respectively. After 6 weeks, the animals were submitted to echocardiogram and functional analysis by isolated papillary muscle (IPM) in basal condition, hypoxia, and SERCA2a blockage with cyclopiazonic acid at calcium concentrations of 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 mM. Western-blot analyses were used for SERCA2a and phospholamban detection. Data analysis was carried out with Student's t-test and ANOVA. AoS enhanced left atrium and E and A wave ratio, with preserved ejection fraction. Basal condition in IPM showed similar increases in developed tension (DT) and resting tension (RT) in AoS, and hypoxia was similar between groups. After cyclopiazonic acid blockage, final DT was equally decreased and RT was similar between groups, but the speed of relaxation was decreased in the AoS group. Western-blot was uniform in all evaluations. The hypothesis was confirmed, since functional parameters regarding SERCA2a were changed in the AoS group.

Rat vas deferens SERCA2 is modulated by Ca2+/calmodulin protein kinase II-mediated phosphorylation

Ca2+ pumps are important players in smooth muscle contraction. Nevertheless, little information is available about these pumps in the vas deferens. We have determined which subtype of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase isoform (SERCA) is expressed in rat vas deferens (RVD) and its modulation by calmodulin (CaM)-dependent mechanisms. The thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+-ATPase from a membrane fraction containing the highest SERCA levels in the RVD homogenate has the same molecular mass (∼115 kDa) as that of SERCA2 from the rat cerebellum. It has a very high affinity for Ca2+ (Ca0.5 = 780 nM) and a low sensitivity to vanadate (IC50 = 41 µM). These facts indicate that SERCA2 is present in the RVD. Immunoblotting for CaM and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) showed the expression of these two regulatory proteins. Ca2+ and CaM increased serine-phosphorylated residues of the 115-kDa protein, indicating the involvement of CaMKII in the regulatory phosphorylation of SERCA2. Phosphorylation is accompanied by an 8-fold increase of thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ accumulation in the lumen of vesicles derived from these membranes. These data establish that SERCA2 in the RVD is modulated by Ca2+ and CaM, possibly via CaMKII, in a process that results in stimulation of Ca2+ pumping activity.

An Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Prevents Arrhythmogenic Left Atrial Remodeling in a Rat Post Myocardial Infarction Induced Heart Failure Model

This study investigated the role of angiotensin II receptor blocker in atrial remodeling in rats with atrial fibrillation (AF) induced by a myocardial infarction (MI). MIs were induced by a ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Two days after, the rats in the losartan group were given losartan (10 mg/kg/day for 10 weeks). Ten weeks later, echocardiography and AF induction studies were conducted. Ejection fraction was significantly lower in the MI rats. Fibrosis analysis revealed much increased left atrial fibrosis in the MI group than sham (2.22 +/- 0.66% vs 0.25 +/- 0.08%, P = 0.001) and suppression in the losartan group (0.90 +/- 0.27%, P 0.001) compared with the MI group. AF inducibility was higher in the MI group than sham (39.4 +/- 43.0% vs 2.0 +/- 6.3%, P = 0.005) and significantly lower in losartan group (12.0 +/- 31.6%, P = 0.029) compared with the MI. The left atrial endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase levels were lower in the MI group and higher in the losartan group significantly. The atrial inducible NOS and sodium-calcium exchanger levels were higher in the MI and lower in the losartan group significantly. Losartan disrupts collagen fiber formation and prevents the alteration of the tissue eNOS and iNOS levels, which prevent subsequent AF induction.

Remodelamento miocárdico após grandes infartos converte potenciação pós-pausa em decaimento da força em ratos / Myocardial remodeling after large infarcts in rat converts post rest-potentiation in force decay / Miocárdio remodelado después de grandes infartos en ratas convierte potenciación post-pausa en disminucion de la fuerza

FUNDAMENTO: A Contração Pós-Repouso (CPR) do músculo cardíaco fornece informações indiretas sobre a manipulação de cálcio intracelular. OBJETIVO: Nosso objetivo foi estudar o comportamento da CPR e seus mecanismos subjacentes em camundongos com infarto do miocárdio. MÉTODOS: Seis semanas após a oclusão coronariana, a contratilidade dos Músculos Papilares (MP) obtidos a partir de camundongos submetidos à cirurgia sham (C, n = 17), com infarto moderado (MMI, n = 10) e grande infarto (LMI, n = 14), foi avaliada após intervalos de repouso de 10 a 60 segundos antes e depois da incubação com cloreto de lítio (Li+) em substituição ao cloreto de sódio ou rianodina (Ry). A expressão proteica de SR Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA2), trocador Na+/Ca2+ (NCX), fosfolambam (PLB) e fosfo-Ser (16)-PLB foi analisada por Western blotting. RESULTADOS: Os camundongos MMI apresentaram potenciação de CPR reduzida em comparação aos camundongos C. Em oposição à potenciação normal para camundongos C, foram observadas degradações de força pós-repouso nos músculos de camundongos LMI. Além disso, a Ry bloqueou a degradação ou potenciação de PRC observada em camundongos LMI e C; o Li+ inibiu o NCX e converteu a degradação em potenciação de CPR em camundongos LMI. Embora os camundongos MMI e LMI tenham apresentado diminuição no SERCA2 (72 ± 7% e 47 ± 9% de camundongos controle, respectivamente) e expressão protéica de fosfo-Ser16-PLB (75 ± 5% e 46 ± 11%, respectivamente), a superexpressão do NCX (175 ± 20%) só foi observada nos músculos de camundongos LMI. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados mostraram, pela primeira vez, que a remodelação miocárdica pós-IAM em camundongos pode mudar a potenciação regular para degradação pós-repouso, afetando as proteínas de manipulação de Ca(2+) em miócitos.

BACKGROUND: Post-rest contraction (PRC) of cardiac muscle provides indirect information about the intracellular calcium handling. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to study the behavior of PRC, and its underlying mechanisms, in rats with myocardial infarction. METHODS: Six weeks after coronary occlusion, the contractility of papillary muscles (PM) obtained from sham-operated (C, n=17), moderate infarcted (MMI, n=10) and large infarcted (LMI, n=14) rats was evaluated, following rest intervals of 10 to 60 seconds before and after incubation with lithium chloride (Li+) substituting sodium chloride or ryanodine (Ry). Protein expression of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA2), Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), phospholamban (PLB) and phospho-Ser(16)-PLB were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: MMI exhibited reduced PRC potentiation when compared to C. Opposing the normal potentiation for C, post-rest decays of force were observed in LMI muscles. In addition, Ry blocked PRC decay or potentiation observed in LMI and C; Li+ inhibited NCX and converted PRC decay to potentiation in LMI. Although MMI and LMI presented decreased SERCA2 (72±7% and 47±9% of Control, respectively) and phospho-Ser16-PLB (75±5% and 46±11%, respectively) protein expression, overexpression of NCX (175±20%) was only observed in LMI muscles. CONCLUSION: Our results showed, for the first time ever, that myocardial remodeling after MI in rats may change the regular potentiation to post-rest decay by affecting myocyte Ca(2+) handling proteins.

FUNDAMENTO: La Contracción pos pausa (CPP) del músculo cardíaco provee informaciones indirectas sobre la manejo del calcio intracelular. OBJETIVO: Nuestro objetivo fue estudiar el comportamiento de la CPP y sus mecanismos subyacentes en Ratas con infarto de miocardio. MÉTODOS: Seis semanas después de la oclusión coronaria, la contractilidad de los Músculos Papilares (MP) obtenidos a partir de Ratas sometidos a falsa cirurgia (C, n = 17), con infarto moderado (MMI, n = 10) y gran infarto (LMI, n = 14), fue evaluada después de pausas de estímulos de 10 a 60 segundos antes y después de la incubación con cloruro de litio (Li+) en substitución del cloruro de sodio o rianodina (Ry). La expresión proteica de SR Ca(2+)-ATPasa (SERCA2), intercambiador Na+/Ca2+ (NCX), fosfolamban (PLB) y fosfo-Ser (16)-PLB fue analizada por Western blotting. RESULTADOS: Los Ratas MMI presentaron potenciación de CPP reducida en comparación a los Ratas C. En oposición a la potenciación normal para Ratas C, fueron observadas decaimientos de fuerza post-reposo en los músculos de Ratas LMI. Además de eso, la Ry bloqueó la decaimiento o potenciación de PRC observada en Ratas LMI y C; el Li+ inhibió el NCX y convirtió la decaimiento en potenciación de CPP en Ratas LMI. Aunque los Ratas MMI y LMI hayan presentado disminución en el SERCA2 (72 ± 7% y 47 ± 9% de Ratas control, respectivamente) y expresión proteica de fosfo-Ser16-PLB (75 ± 5% y 46 ± 11%, respectivamente), la superexpresión del NCX (175 ± 20%) sólo fue observada en los músculos de Ratas LMI. CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestros resultados mostraron, por primera vez, que el remodelado miocárdico post-IAM en Ratas puede cambiar la potenciación regular para decaimiento post-reposo, afectando las proteínas de manejo del Ca(2+) en miocitos.

Exercício e restrição alimentar aumentam o RNAm de proteínas do trânsito de Ca2+ miocárdico em ratos / Upregulation of mRNA myocardium calcium handling in rats submitted to exercise and food restriction / Ejercicio y restricción alimenticia aumentan el rnam de proteínas del tránsito de Ca2+ miocárdico en ratones

FUNDAMENTO: Treinamento físico (TF) aumenta a sensibilidade dos hormônios tireoidianos (HT) e a expressão gênica de estruturas moleculares envolvidas no movimento intracelular de cálcio do miocárdio, enquanto a restrição alimentar (RIA) promove efeitos contrários ao TF. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da associação TF e RIA sobre os níveis plasmáticos dos HT e a produção de mRNA dos receptores HT e estruturas moleculares do movimento de cálcio do miocárdio de ratos. MÉTODOS: Utilizaram-se ratos Wistar Kyoto divididos em: controle (C, n = 7), RIA (R50, n = 7), exercício físico (EX, n = 7) e exercício físico + RIA (EX50, n = 7). A RIA foi de 50 por cento e o TF foi natação (1 hora/dia, cinco sessões/semana, 12 semanas consecutivas). Avaliaram-se as concentrações séricas de triiodotironina (T3), tiroxina (T4) e hormônio tireotrófico (TSH). O mRNA da bomba de cálcio do retículo sarcoplasmático (SERCA2a), fosfolamban (PLB), trocador Na+/Ca+2 (NCX), canal lento de cálcio (canal-L), rianodina (RYR), calsequestrina (CQS) e receptor de HT (TRα1 e TRβ1) do miocárdio foram avaliados por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) em tempo real. RESULTADOS: RIA reduziu o T4, TSH e mRNA do TRα1 e aumentou a expressão da PLB, NCX e canal-L. TF aumentou a expressão do TRβ1, canal-L e NCX. A associação TF e RIA reduziu T4 e TSH e aumentou o mRNA do TRβ1, SERCA2a, NCX, PLB e correlação do TRβ1 com a CQS e NCX. CONCLUSÃO: Associação TF e RIA aumentou o mRNA das estruturas moleculares cálcio transiente, porém o eixo HT-receptor não parece participar da transcrição gênica dessas estruturas.

BACKGROUND: Chronic exercise and food restriction (FR) have directionally opposite changes in transcription of molecular structures of calcium handling and thyroid hormone (TH) status. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the association of chronic exercise and FR on serum thyroid hormones and gene transcription of molecular structures of intracellular calcium transients and thyroid receptors in myocardium of rats. METHODS: Male Wistar Kyoto rats, divided into two groups: control (C, n = 7), FR (R50, n = 7), chronic exercise (EX, n = 7) and chronic exercise + FR (EX50, n = 7). FR was of 50 percent and exercise was swimming (1 hour/day, 5 days/week, during 12 weeks). Serum concentrations of T3, T4 and TSH were determined. The mRNA gene expression of the sarcoplasmatic reticulum calcium pump (SERCA2a), phospholamban (PLB), Na+/Ca+2 exchanger (NCX), calcium channel L-type (L-channel), ryanodine (RYR), calsequestrin (CQS) and HT receptor (TRα1 and TRβ1) of the myocardium was performed by PCR real-time. RESULTS: FR reduced serum levels of T4 and TSH and TRα1 mRNA and increased the expression of PLB, NCX and L-channel. Exercise increased the TRβ1 receptor, L-channel and NCX. The association of exercise and FR reduced plasma T4 and TSH, TRβ1 mRNA increase, SERCA2a, NCX and PLB, and there was a significant correlation of TRβ1 with CQS and NXC. CONCLUSION: Chronic exercise and food restriction increased the mRNA of transient Ca2+ proteins; however, TH-receptor axis cannot participate in the transcription of mRNA of myocardial calcium transient proteins.

FUNDAMENTO: Entrenamiento físico (EF) aumenta la sensibilidad de las hormonas tiroideas (HT) y la expresión génica de estructuras moleculares envueltas en el movimiento intracelular de calcio del miocardio, mientras que la restricción alimenticia (RA) promueve efectos contrarios al EF. OBJETIVO: Evaluar los efectos de la asociación EF y RA sobre los niveles plasmáticos de los HT y la producción de ARNm de los receptores HT y estructuras moleculares del movimiento de calcio del miocardio de ratones. MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron ratones Wistar Kyoto divididos en: control (C, n = 7), RA (R50, n = 7), ejercicio físico (EX, n = 7) y ejercicio físico + RA (EX50, n = 7). La RA fue de 50 por ciento y el EF fue natación (1 hora/día, cinco sesiones/semana, 12 semanas consecutivas). Se evaluaron las concentraciones séricas de triyodotironina (T3), tiroxina (T4) y hormona tireotrófico (TSH). El ARNm de la bomba de calcio del retículo sarcoplasmático (SERCA2a), fosfolamban (PLB), intercambiador Na+/Ca+2 (NCX), canal lento de calcio (canal-L), rianodina (RYR), calsequestrina (CQS) y receptor de HT (TRα1 y TRβ1) del miocardio fueron evaluados por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) en tiempo real. RESULTADOS: RA redujo el T4, TSH y ARNm del TRα1 y aumentó la expresión de la PLB, NCX y canal-L. EF aumentó la expresión del TRβ1, canal-L y NCX. La asociación EF y RA redujo T4 y TSH y aumentó el ARNm del TRβ1, SERCA2a, NCX, PLB y correlación del TRβ1 con la CQS y NCX. CONCLUSIÓN: Asociación EF y RA aumentó el ARNm de las estructuras moleculares calcio transiente, sin embargo el eje HT-receptor no parece participar de la transcripción génica de esas estructuras.

Obesity induces upregulation of genes involved in myocardial Ca2+ handling

Obesity is a complex multifactorial disorder that is often associated with cardiovascular diseases. Research on experimental models has suggested that cardiac dysfunction in obesity might be related to alterations in myocardial intracellular calcium (Ca2+) handling. However, information about the expression of Ca2+-related genes that lead to this abnormality is scarce. We evaluated the effects of obesity induced by a high-fat diet in the expression of Ca2+-related genes, focusing the L-type Ca2+ channel (Cacna1c), sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a), ryanodine receptor (RyR2), and phospholamban (PLB) mRNA in rat myocardium. Male 30-day-old Wistar rats were fed a standard (control) or high-fat diet (obese) for 15 weeks. Obesity was defined as increased percent of body fat in carcass. The mRNA expression of Ca2+-related genes in the left ventricle was measured by RT-PCR. Compared with control rats, the obese rats had increased percent of body fat, area under the curve for glucose, and leptin and insulin plasma concentrations. Obesity also caused an increase in the levels of SERCA2a, RyR2 and PLB mRNA (P < 0.05) but did not modify the mRNA levels of Cacna1c and NCX. These findings show that obesity induced by high-fat diet causes cardiac upregulation of Ca2+ transport_related genes in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Probing the SERCA1a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase phosphorylation-site mutant D351E with inorganic phosphate

The expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum SERCA1a Ca2+-ATPase wild-type and D351E mutants was optimized in yeast under the control of a galactose promoter. Fully active wild-type enzyme was recovered in yeast microsomal membrane fractions in sufficient amounts to permit a rapid and practical assay of ATP hydrolysis and phosphoenzyme formation from ATP or Pi. Mutant and wild-type Ca2+-ATPase were assayed for phosphorylation by Pi under conditions that are known to facilitate this reaction in the wild-type enzyme, including pH 6.0 or 7.0 at 25°C in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide. Although glutamyl (E) and aspartyl (D) residue side chains differ by only one methylene group, no phosphoenzyme could be detected in the D351E mutant, even upon the addition of 40 percent dimethylsulfoxide and 1 mM 32Pi in the presence of 10 mM EGTA and 5 mM MgCl2. These results show that in the D351E mutant, increasing hydrophobicity of the site with inorganic solvent was not a sufficient factor for the required abstraction of water in the reaction of E351 with Pi to form a glutamylphosphate (P-E351) phosphoenzyme moiety. Mutation D351E may disrupt the proposed alignment of the reactive water molecule with the aspartylphosphate (P-D351) moiety in the phosphorylation site, which may be an essential alignment both in the forward reaction (hydrolysis of aspartylphosphate) and in the reverse reaction (abstraction of water upon formation of an aspartylphosphate intermediate).

Down-regulation of the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum ryanodine channel in severely food-restricted rats

We have shown that myocardial dysfunction induced by food restriction is related to calcium handling. Although cardiac function is depressed in food-restricted animals, there is limited information about the molecular mechanisms that lead to this abnormality. The present study evaluated the effects of food restriction on calcium cycling, focusing on sarcoplasmic Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2), phospholamban (PLB), and ryanodine channel (RYR2) mRNA expressions in rat myocardium. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats, 60 days old, were submitted to ad libitum feeding (control rats) or 50 percent diet restriction for 90 days. The levels of left ventricle SERCA2, PLB, and RYR2 were measured using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Body and ventricular weights were reduced in 50 percent food-restricted animals. RYR2 mRNA was significantly decreased in the left ventricle of the food-restricted group (control = 5.92 ± 0.48 vs food-restricted group = 4.84 ± 0.33, P < 0.01). The levels of SERCA2 and PLB mRNA were similar between groups (control = 8.38 ± 0.44 vs food-restricted group = 7.96 ± 0.45, and control = 1.52 ± 0.06 vs food-restricted group = 1.53 ± 0.10, respectively). Down-regulation of RYR2 mRNA expressions suggests that chronic food restriction promotes abnormalities in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release.

The importance of the Thr17 residue of phospholamban as a phosphorylation site under physiological and pathological conditions

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) is under the control of an SR protein named phospholamban (PLN). Dephosphorylated PLN inhibits SERCA2a, whereas phosphorylation of PLN at either the Ser16 site by PKA or the Thr17 site by CaMKII reverses this inhibition, thus increasing SERCA2a activity and the rate of Ca2+ uptake by the SR. This leads to an increase in the velocity of relaxation, SR Ca2+ load and myocardial contractility. In the intact heart, ß-adrenoceptor stimulation results in phosphorylation of PLN at both Ser16 and Thr17 residues. Phosphorylation of the Thr17 residue requires both stimulation of the CaMKII signaling pathways and inhibition of PP1, the major phosphatase that dephosphorylates PLN. These two prerequisites appear to be fulfilled by ß-adrenoceptor stimulation, which as a result of PKA activation, triggers the activation of CaMKII by increasing intracellular Ca2+, and inhibits PP1. Several pathological situations such as ischemia-reperfusion injury or hypercapnic acidosis provide the required conditions for the phosphorylation of the Thr17 residue of PLN, independently of the increase in PKA activity, i.e., increased intracellular Ca2+ and acidosis-induced phosphatase inhibition. Our results indicated that PLN was phosphorylated at Thr17 at the onset of reflow and immediately after hypercapnia was established, and that this phosphorylation contributes to the mechanical recovery after both the ischemic and acidic insults. Studies on transgenic mice with Thr17 mutated to Ala (PLN-T17A) are consistent with these results. Thus, phosphorylation of the Thr17 residue of PLN probably participates in a protective mechanism that favors Ca2+ handling and limits intracellular Ca2+ overload in pathological situations.