Blockade of AT1 receptor restore the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in high sodium medium.

The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that increased sodium concentration affects the migratory phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) independently of the haemodynamic factors. Cell migration was evaluated by wound-healing assay under the following conditions: high sodium (HS, 160 mM) and control (CT, 140 mM). Cell viability was assessed by annexin V and propidium iodide labeling. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression was analysed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was assessed by western blot. Exposure of VSMCs to HS reduced migration, and AT1R blockade prevented this response. HS increased COX-2 gene expression, and COX-2 blockade prevented the reduction in VSMC migration induced by HS. HS also increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and ERK1/2 inhibition recovered VSMC migration as well as blocked COX-2 gene expression. The TXA2 receptor blocker, but not the prostacyclin receptor blocker, prevented the HS-induced VSMCs migration decrease. HS reduces the migration of VSMCs by increasing COX-2 gene expression via AT1R-ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In addition, increased COX-2 by HS seems to modulate the reduction of VSMCs migration by the TXA2 receptor.

Aluminum exposure at human dietary levels promotes vascular dysfunction and increases blood pressure in rats: A concerted action of NAD(P)H oxidase and COX-2.

Aluminum (Al) is a non-essential metal and a significant environmental contaminant and is associated with a number of human diseases including cardiovascular disease. We investigated the effects of Al exposure at doses similar to human dietary levels on the cardiovascular system over a 60day period. Wistar male rats were divided into two major groups and received orally: 1) Low aluminum level - rats were subdivided and treated for 60days as follows: a) Untreated - ultrapure water; b) AlCl3 at a dose of 8.3mg/kg bw for 60days, representing human Al exposure by diet; and 2) High aluminum level - rats were subdivided and treated for 42days as follows: C) Untreated - ultrapure water; d) AlCl3 at 100mg/kg bw for 42days, representing a high level of human exposure to Al. Effects on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and vascular function of aortic and mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA) were studied. Endothelium and smooth muscle integrity were evaluated by concentration-response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside. Vasoconstrictor responses to phenylephrine (Phe) in the presence and absence of endothelium and in the presence of the NOS inhibitor L-NAME, the potassium channels blocker TEA, the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor apocynin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), the non-selective COX inhibitor indomethacin and the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS 398 were analyzed. Vascular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity, were measured. The mRNA expressions of eNOS, NAD(P)H oxidase 1 and 2, SOD1, COX-2 and thromboxane A2 receptor (TXA-2 R) were also investigated. Al exposure at human dietary levels impaired the cardiovascular system and these effects were almost the same as Al exposure at much higher levels. Al increased SBP, decreased ACh-induced relaxation, increased response to Phe, decreased endothelial modulation of vasoconstrictor responses, the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), the involvement of potassium channels on vascular responses, as well as increased ROS production from NAD(P)H oxidase and contractile prostanoids mainly from COX-2 in both aorta and mesenteric arteries. Al exposure increased vascular ROS production and lipid peroxidation as well as altered the antioxidant status in aorta and MRA. Al decreased vascular eNOS and SOD1 mRNA levels and increased the NAD(P)H oxidase 1, COX-2 and TXA-2 R mRNA levels. Our results point to an excess of ROS mainly from NAD(P)H oxidase after Al exposure and the increased vascular prostanoids from COX-2 acting in concert to decrease NO bioavailability, thus inducing vascular dysfunction and increasing blood pressure. Therefore, 60-day chronic exposure to Al, which reflects common human dietary Al intake, appears to pose a risk for the cardiovascular system.

Mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice.

Vascular disorders have a direct link to mortality in the acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. However, the underlying mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in this phase are largely unknown. We hypothesize that T. cruzi invades endothelial cells causing dysfunction in contractility and relaxation of the mouse aorta. Immunodetection of T. cruzi antigen TcRBP28 was observed in endothelial cells. There was a decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived NO-dependent vascular relaxation, and increased vascular contractility accompanied by augmented superoxide anions production. Endothelial removal, inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), blockade of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) TP receptors, and scavenger of superoxide normalized the contractile response. COX-2, thromboxane synthase, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), p65 NFκB subunit and p22(phox) of NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX) subunit expressions were increased in vessels of chagasic animals. Serum TNF-α was augmented. Basal NO production, and nitrotyrosine residue expression were increased. It is concluded that T. cruzi invades mice aorta endothelial cells and increases TXA2/TP receptor/NOX-derived superoxide formation. Alongside, T. cruzi promotes systemic TNF-α increase, which stimulates iNOS expression in vessels and nitrosative stress. In light of the heart failure that develops in the chronic phase of the disease, to understand the mechanism involved in the increased contractility of the aorta is crucial.

[Association and interaction of AGT, AGTR1, ACE, ADRB2, DRD1, ADD1, ADD2, ATP2B1, TBXA2R and PTGS2 genes on the risk of hypertension in Antioquian population]. / Asociación y efectos de interacción en los genes AGT , AGTR1 , ACE , ADRB2 , DRD1 , ADD1, ADD2, ATP2B1, TBXA2R y PTGS2 sobre la hipertensión en la población antioqueña.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a multifactorial disease influenced by genetic and environmental components, with its prevalence varying across ethnic groups. Manifold studies on blood pressure regulatory system genes have been carried out -such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, the sympathetic nervous system, endothelial factor, and sodium balance-, but the results yielded were inconsistent among populations. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of both variants in genes AGT, AGTR1, ACE, ADRB2, DRD1, ADD1, ADD2, ATP2B1, TBXA2R PTGS2, and the result of the individual ancestry component on hypertension and blood pressure levels among population in Antioquia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: 107 cases and 253 controls were genotyped for 12 variants on genes AGT, AGTR1, ACE, ADRB2, DRD1, ADD1, ADD2, ATP2B1, TBXA2R y PTGS2, and for 20 ancestry informative markers. The association of polymorphisms and their interactions, and the association of ancestral genetic composition with hypertension and blood pressure levels were examined. RESULTS: Genes ADD2, rs4852706 (OR=3.0; p=0.023); DRD1, rs686 (OR=0.38; p=0.012) and ADRB2, rs1042718 (OR=10.0; p=0.008); as well as genotypic combinations of DRD1 and AGTR1; AGT and ADD1; and ADD1 to ATP2B1 and PTGS2 were associated to hypertension. The Amerindian ancestry component was associated to some decrease in diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Variants on genes ADD2, DRD1, ADRB2, AGTR1, AGT, ADD1, ATP2B1 and PTGS2 individually or interacting, are associated to hypertension. The Amerindian ancestry component has an effect on blood pressure.

Chronic methionine load-induced hyperhomocysteinemia impairs the relaxation induced by bradykinin in the isolated rat carotid.

This study investigates the effects of chronic methionine intake on bradykinin (BK)-relaxation. Vascular reactivity experiments were performed on carotid rings from male Wistar rats. Treatment with methionine (0.1, 1 or 2 g kg(-1) per day) for 8 and 16 weeks, but not for 2 and 4 weeks, reduced the relaxation induced by BK. Indomethacin, a non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, and SQ29548, a selective thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2))/prostaglandin H(2) (PGH(2)) receptor antagonist prevented the reduction in BK-relaxation observed in the carotid from methionine-treated rats. Conversely, AH6809, a selective prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) receptor antagonist did not alter BK-relaxation in the carotid from methionine-treated rats. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors L-NAME, L-NNA and 7-nitroindazole reduced the relaxation induced by BK in carotids from control and methionine-treated rats. In summary, we found that chronic methionine intake impairs the endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by BK and this effect is due to an increased production of endothelial vasoconstrictor prostanoids (possibly TXA(2)) that counteracts the relaxant action displayed by the peptide.

Equol is more active than soy isoflavone itself to compete for binding to thromboxane A(2) receptor in human platelets.

INTRODUCTION: Several dietary intervention studies examining the health effect of soy isoflavones allude to the importance of equol in establishing the cardiovascular response to soy protein. Although, the specific mechanism by which this action occurs has not been established. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of soy-isoflavones and the metabolite of daidzein, equol, on agonist-induced platelet responses dependent on thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) receptor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Competitive radioligand binding assay was used to screen for affinity of these compounds to the TxA(2) receptor. The effect of equol on platelet activation, evaluate through of release of the ATP, by analogs of TxA(2) was analyzed. The effect of equol on platelet aggregation was investigated with ADP, U46619 (a TxA(2) mimic) and the calcium ionophore A23187. RESULTS: The data showed that aglycone isoflavones and equol bind to TxA(2) receptor in the micromol/L range, whereas their glucoside derivates had very low binding activity for this receptor. Under equilibrium conditions, the following order of the relative affinity in inhibiting [(3)H]-SQ29585 binding was: equol>genistein>daidzein>glycitein>>genistin, daidzin, glycitin. Equol interaction was reversible and competitive for labeled-SQ29548 with not apparent decrease in the number of TxA(2) binding sites. In addition, from platelet activation studies, equol effectively inhibited ATP secretion elicited by the TxA(2) analog U46619. On the other hand, equol inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by U46619 and A23187, while it failed to inhibit that induced by ADP. CONCLUSIONS: The aglycone isoflavones from soy, and particularly equol, have been found to have biological effects attributable to thromboxane A(2) receptor antagonism. These findings may help elucidate how dietary isoflavone modulate platelet function and explain why soy-rich foods are claimed to have beneficial effects in the prevention of thrombotic events.

Soy isoflavones affect platelet thromboxane A2 receptor density but not plasma lipids in menopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: It has been suggested that isoflavones protect the cardiovascular system, in part by improving lipid profile. The purpose of the present research was to examine the effect of a 12-week soy isoflavone supplementation on lipoprotein status and platelet thromboxane A2 receptor density. METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy postmenopausal women were invited to take part in a randomised study to receive either 100 mg/day isoflavone supplement (n=15) or identical placebo capsules (n=14). Blood samples obtained at baseline and after 12 weeks were analysed for isoflavones, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, estradiol, testosterone, gonadotrophins, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and platelet thromboxane A2 receptor density. Blood pressure measurements, body mass index, subcutaneous fat at entrance and at the end of treatment were also registered. Changes in variables between groups were compared by ANOVA for repeated measures. RESULTS: Blood pressure, body mass index, subcutaneous fat, insulin, serum lipoprotein, sex hormones and SHBG did not differ among groups. However, platelet thromboxane A2 receptor density declined significantly (from 181.9+/-30.9 to 115.2+/-16.2 fmol/10(8) platelets) in the experimental group, remaining mostly unchanged in the placebo group (176.3+/-27.3 to 170.4+/-28.2 fmol/10(8) platelets). The dissociation constant (Kd) values were unchanged. The change in platelet thromboxane A2 receptors correlated negatively with isoflavones serum concentration (r=-0.59, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study we demonstrated that the beneficial effects of isoflavones in menopausal women could be more related to platelet function than to improving classical cardiovascular risk factors.

The role of thromboxane A2 in the altered microvascular reactivity in two-kidney, one-clip hypertension.

To investigate the nature of the arachidonic acid metabolite involved in the altered reactivity of microvessels of two-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rats and the possible contribution of this product to the elevated blood pressure levels found in two-kidney, one-clip hypertension, mesenteric arterioles either perfused in vitro or studied in vivo were used along with blood pressure determinations. The decreased response to acetylcholine observed was normalized by ridogrel, a thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, and dazoxiben, a thromboxane A2 synthase inhibitor. The smooth muscle response to nitric oxide, tested with sodium nitroprusside, was unaltered in two-kidney, one-clip hypertensive microvessels. Neither ridogrel nor dazoxiben modified the response to this vasodilator. In contrast, the potentiated response to noradrenaline was corrected by ridogrel and dazoxiben in vitro but not in vivo. Noradrenaline and acetylcholine increased the release of thromboxane A2 from the mesenteric microvessels of two-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rats. Ridogrel and dazoxiben decreased but did not normalize the elevated blood pressure of hypertensive rats. Based on these results, we concluded that: 1) the decreased responsiveness of smooth muscle to acetylcholine resulted from an increase in thromboxane A2 formation rather than a decrease in sensitivity to nitric oxide; 2) thromboxane A2 contributes to the increased noradrenaline response in mesenteric microvessels perfused in vitro while in in vivo other blood borne vasoactive agents may also be involved since the potentiated noradrenaline response was not corrected by inhibiting thromboxane A2 synthesis or receptors; 3) in addition to thromboxane A2, another as yet unidentified factor, may contribute to the elevated blood pressure in two-kidney, one-clip hypertension.