Integrated systems biology approach identifies gene targets for endothelial dysfunction.

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is critical in the development and progression of cardiovascular (CV) disorders, yet effective therapeutic targets for ED remain elusive due to limited understanding of its underlying molecular mechanisms. To address this gap, we employed a systems biology approach to identify potential targets for ED. Our study combined multi omics data integration, with siRNA screening, high content imaging and network analysis to prioritise key ED genes and identify a pro- and anti-ED network. We found 26 genes that, upon silencing, exacerbated the ED phenotypes tested, and network propagation identified a pro-ED network enriched in functions associated with inflammatory responses. Conversely, 31 genes ameliorated ED phenotypes, pointing to potential ED targets, and the respective anti-ED network was enriched in hypoxia, angiogenesis and cancer-related processes. An independent screen with 17 drugs found general agreement with the trends from our siRNA screen and further highlighted DUSP1, IL6 and CCL2 as potential candidates for targeting ED. Overall, our results demonstrate the potential of integrated system biology approaches in discovering disease-specific candidate drug targets for endothelial dysfunction.

Sildenafil attenuates oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in lead-induced hypertension.

Lead (Pb) reduces NO bioavailability, impairs the antioxidant system, and increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pb-induced oxidative stress may be responsible for the associated endothelial dysfunction. Sildenafil has shown nitric oxide (NO)-independent action, including antioxidant effects. Therefore, we examined the effects of sildenafil on oxidative stress, reductions of NO and endothelial dysfunction in Pb-induced hypertension. Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: Pb, Pb + sildenafil and Sham. Blood pressure and endothelium-dependent vascular function were recorded. We also examined biochemical determinants of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant function. ROS levels, NO metabolites and NO levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were also evaluated. Sildenafil prevents impairment of endothelium-dependent NO-mediated vasodilation and attenuates Pb-induced hypertension, reduces ROS formation, enhances superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and antioxidant capacity in plasma and increases NO metabolites in plasma and HUVECs culture supernatants, while no changes were found on measurement of NO released from HUVECs incubated with plasma of the Pb and Pb + sildenafil groups compared with the sham group. In conclusion, sildenafil protects against ROS-mediated inactivation of NO, thus preventing endothelial dysfunction and attenuating Pb-induced hypertension, possibly through antioxidant effects.

NLRP3 Activation and Its Relationship to Endothelial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress: Implications for Preeclampsia and Pharmacological Interventions.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a specific syndrome of human pregnancy, being one of the main causes of maternal death. Persistent inflammation in the endothelium stimulates the secretion of several inflammatory mediators, activating different signaling patterns. One of these mechanisms is related to NLRP3 activation, initiated by high levels of danger signals such as cholesterol, urate, and glucose, producing IL-1, IL-18, and cell death by pyroptosis. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS), act as an intermediate to activate NLRP3, contributing to subsequent inflammatory cascades and cell damage. Moreover, increased production of ROS may elevate nitric oxide (NO) catabolism and consequently decrease NO bioavailability. NO has many roles in immune responses, including the regulation of signaling cascades. At the site of inflammation, vascular endothelium is crucial in the regulation of systemic inflammation with important implications for homeostasis. In this review, we present the important role of NLRP3 activation in exacerbating oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Considering that the causes related to these processes and inflammation in PE remain a challenge for clinical practice, the use of drugs related to inhibition of the NLRP3 may be a good option for future solutions for this disease.