Cortisol resistance in the degu (Octodon degus).

Cortisol resistance has also been reported in the degu, Octodon degus, a New World hystricomorph endemic to central Chile. The degu is used as a model for studies of stress and diurnal rhythms, parental behaviour and female masculinization. Another New World hystricomorph, the guinea pig, also exhibits glucocorticoid resistance, a result of amino acid sequences that differ from other mammalian glucocorticoid receptors (GR). Mutations in the ligand-binding domain of the human GR have been identified in familial or sporadic generalised cortisol resistance as have variants in the guinea pig. To address the possibility that the high levels of cortisol observed in the degu are a result of the same or similar sequence variations observed in the guinea pig GR, we have cloned, expressed and characterised the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the degu GR. Somewhat unexpectedly, neither the amino acids nor the region involved in the resistance observed in the guinea pig GR are relevant in the degu GR. The relative resistance to cortisol observed in the degu GR is conferred by the substitution of two isoleucine residues, which are highly conserved in the GR across species, with a valine doublet. These amino acids lie in the region between helices 5 and 6 of the GR LBD, a region known to be important in determining the affinity of ligand-binding in steroid receptors.

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 and Adiponectin Are Associated With Metabolic Syndrome Components.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to study the associations of adipocytokines, endothelial damage markers, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) components. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 202 subjects categorized into MetS and No-MetS according to Harmonizing Adult Treatment Panel III. RESULTS: Subjects with MetS showed higher levels of proinflammatory molecules but significantly lower adiponectin levels than subjects with No-MetS. Among the studied adipocytokines, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and adiponectin showed the strongest associations with most MetS components. PAI-1 was associated with MetS (odds ratio (OR) 1.107 (1.065-1.151), P < 0.0001), whereas adiponectin was inversely associated with MetS (OR 0.710 (0.610-0.825), P < 0.0001). Following adjustment by sex, age, body mass index, and 24-hour urinary sodium excretion in a multivariate analysis, the association of PAI-1 (OR 1.090 (1.044-1.137), P < 0.0001) and adiponectin (OR 0.634 (0.519-0.775), P < 0.0001) with MetS remained significant. Multivariate analyses supported a model in which systolic blood pressure (BP) could be predicted by PAI-1, hs-CRP, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (R2 = 0.125; P = 0.04); diastolic BP (R2 = 0.218; P = 0.0001) and glucose (R2 = 0.074; P = 0.0001) could be predicted by PAI-1; waist circumference could be predicted by PAI-1 and hs-CRP (R2 = 0.28; P = 0.016). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a PAI-1 concentration had the best sensitivity and specificity for discriminating subjects with MetS. CONCLUSION: PAI-1 and adiponectin rendered the most robust associations with MetS components in a general population, indicating that unfavorable adipose tissue performance is a key contributor to these metabolic anomalies. Further prospective analyses should allow establishing whether these adipocytokines can anticipate the progress of MetS and cardiovascular risk.

Testosterona inhibe la actividad de la aldosterona sintasa silvestre y quimérica in vitro

Background: Familial hyperaldosteronism type I is caused by the generation of a chimeric aldosterone synthase enzyme (ASCE) which is regulated by ACTH instead of angiotensin II. We have reported that in vitro, the wild-type (ASWT) and chimeric aldosterone synthase (ASCE) enzymes are inhibited by progesterone and estradiol does not affect their activity. Aim: To explore the direct action of testosterone on ASWT and ASCE enzymes. Material and Methods: HEK-293 cells were transiently transfected with vectors containing the full ASWT or ASCE cDNAs. The effect of testosterone on AS enzyme activities was evaluated incubating HEK-cells transfected with enzyme vectors and adding deoxycorticosterone (DOC) alone or DOC plus increasing doses of testosterone. Aldosterone production was measured by HPLC-MS/MS. Docking of testosterone within the active sites of both enzymes was performed by modelling in silico. Results: In this system, testosterone inhibited ASWT (90% inhibition at five pM, 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) =1.690 pM) with higher efficacy andpotency than ASCE (80% inhibition at five pM, IC50=3.176 pM). Molecular modelling studies showed different orientation of testosterone in ASWT and ASCE crystal structures. Conclusions: The inhibitory effect of testosterone on ASWT or ASCE enzymes is a novel non-genomic testosterone action, suggesting that further clinical studies are needed to assess the role of testosterone in the screening and diagnosis of primary aldosteronism.

Novel metabolomic profile of subjects with non-classic apparent mineralocorticoid excess.

Nonclassic apparent mineralocorticoid excess (NC-AME) is proposed as a novel clinical condition with a mild phenotypic spectrum that ranges from normotension to severe hypertension. This condition is mainly characterized by a high serum cortisol to cortisone ratio (F/E) and concomitant low cortisone (E), however further metabolic changes in NC-AME have not been studied. A cross-sectional study was performed in a primary-care cohort of 396 Chilean subjects, which were classified in two groups: NC-AME (n = 28) and healthy controls (n = 27). A discovery study based in untargeted metabolomics assay in serum samples from both groups was performed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Global metabolomic variations were assayed by principal component analysis and further compared by orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). NC-AME subjects exhibited higher values of blood pressure, fractional excretion of potassium, and lower plasma renin activity and urinary sodium to potassium ratio. Metabolomic analyses showed 36 differentially regulated metabolites between NC-AME and control subjects. A ROC curve analyses identified eight metabolites with high discriminatory capacity between NC-AME and control subjects. Moreover, gamma-L-glutamyl-L-methionine sulfoxide and 5-sulfoxymethylfurfural, exhibited significant association with cortisone, which are potential biomarkers of NC-AME, however further assays should elucidate its biological role in setup and progression of this phenotype.

Proteomic Profile of Urinary Extracellular Vesicles Identifies AGP1 as a Potential Biomarker of Primary Aldosteronism.

CONTEXT: Primary aldosteronism (PA) represents 6% to 10% of all essential hypertension patients and is diagnosed using the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) and confirmatory studies. The complexity of PA diagnosis encourages the identification of novel PA biomarkers. Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) are a potential source of biomarkers, considering that their cargo reflects the content of the parent cell. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the proteome of uEVs from PA patients and identify potential biomarker candidates for PA. METHODS: Second morning spot urine was collected from healthy controls (n = 8) and PA patients (n = 7). The uEVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized. Proteomic analysis on uEVs was performed using LC-MS Orbitrap. RESULTS: Isolated uEVs carried extracellular vesicle markers, showed a round shape and sizes between 50 and 150 nm. The concentration of uEVs showed a direct correlation with urinary creatinine (r = 0.6357; P = 0.0128). The uEV size mean (167 ±â€…6 vs 183 ±â€…4nm) and mode (137 ±â€…7 vs 171 ±â€…11nm) was significantly smaller in PA patients than in control subjects, but similar in concentration. Proteomic analysis of uEVs from PA patients identified an upregulation of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (AGP1) in PA uEVs, which was confirmed using immunoblot. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.92 (0.82 to 1; P = 0.0055). CONCLUSION: Proteomic and further immunoblot analyses of uEVs highlights AGP1 as potential biomarker for PA.

[Testosterone inhibits human wild-type and chimeric aldosterone synthase activity in vitro]. / Testosterona inhibe la actividad de la aldosterona sintasa silvestre y quimérica in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Familial hyperaldosteronism type I is caused by the generation of a chimeric aldosterone synthase enzyme (ASCE) which is regulated by ACTH instead of angiotensin II. We have reported that in vitro, the wild-type (ASWT) and chimeric aldosterone synthase (ASCE) enzymes are inhibited by progesterone and estradiol does not affect their activity. AIM: To explore the direct action of testosterone on ASWT and ASCE enzymes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: HEK-293 cells were transiently transfected with vectors containing the full ASWT or ASCE cDNAs. The effect of testosterone on AS enzyme activities was evaluated incubating HEK-cells transfected with enzyme vectors and adding deoxycorticosterone (DOC) alone or DOC plus increasing doses of testosterone. Aldosterone production was measured by HPLC-MS/MS. Docking of testosterone within the active sites of both enzymes was performed by modelling in silico. RESULTS: In this system, testosterone inhibited ASWT (90% inhibition at five pM, 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) =1.690 pM) with higher efficacy andpotency than ASCE (80% inhibition at five pM, IC50=3.176 pM). Molecular modelling studies showed different orientation of testosterone in ASWT and ASCE crystal structures. CONCLUSIONS: The inhibitory effect of testosterone on ASWT or ASCE enzymes is a novel non-genomic testosterone action, suggesting that further clinical studies are needed to assess the role of testosterone in the screening and diagnosis of primary aldosteronism.

Eplerenone Implantation Improved Adipose Dysfunction Averting RAAS Activation and Cell Division.

Introduction: Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation within adipose tissue, triggers inflammation and metabolic syndrome development. The pharmacological blockade of MR provides beneficial effects for adipose tissue. Our study evaluates the impact of eplerenone implantation upon obesity. Experimental approach: A group of mice with implanted placebo pellets were fed using two types of diet, a normal (ND) or a high fat (HFD) diet. Additionally, a group of mice fed HFD were implanted with an eplerenone pellet. Metabolic and biochemical parameters were assessed in each animal group. Adipocyte size and lipid accumulation were investigated in the liver and adipose tissue. We evaluated the components of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) locally in adipose tissue. Key results: Eplerenone reduced HFD-induced body weight gain, fasting glucose levels, fat accumulation, HFD-induced adipocyte size and liver lipid accumulation and improved glucose tolerance. In the adipose tissue, HFD significantly increased the mRNA levels of the RAAS molecules relative to the ND group. Eplerenone lowered RAAS mRNA levels, components of lipid metabolism and markers of inflammation in HFD-fed animals. Conclusion: MR antagonism with eplerenone diminishes insulin resistance that is related to obesity partly via a reduction of RAAS activation, inflammatory progression and cytokines induction. This suggests that eplerenone should be further studied as a therapeutic option for obesity and overweight.

Classic and Nonclassic Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess Syndrome.

CONTEXT: Arterial hypertension (AHT) is one of the most frequent pathologies in the general population. Subtypes of essential hypertension characterized by low renin levels allowed the identification of 2 different clinical entities: aldosterone-mediated mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation and cortisol-mediated MR activation. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This review is based upon a search of Pubmed and Google Scholar databases, up to August 2019, for all publications relating to endocrine hypertension, apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) and cortisol (F) to cortisone (E) metabolism. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The spectrum of cortisol-mediated MR activation includes the classic AME syndrome to milder (nonclassic) forms of AME, the latter with a much higher prevalence (7.1%) than classic AME but different phenotype and genotype. Nonclassic AME (NC-AME) is mainly related to partial 11ßHSD2 deficiency associated with genetic variations and epigenetic modifications (first hit) and potential additive actions of endogenous or exogenous inhibitors (ie, glycyrrhetinic acid-like factors [GALFS]) and other factors (ie, age, high sodium intake) (second hit). Subjects with NC-AME are characterized by a high F/E ratio, low E levels, normal to elevated blood pressure, low plasma renin and increased urinary potassium excretion. NC-AME condition should benefit from low-sodium and potassium diet recommendations and monotherapy with MR antagonists. CONCLUSION: NC-AME has a higher prevalence and a milder phenotypical spectrum than AME. NC-AME etiology is associated to a first hit (gene and epigene level) and an additive second hit. NC-AME subjects are candidates to be treated with MR antagonists aimed to improve blood pressure, end-organ damage, and modulate the renin levels.

Downregulation of exosomal miR-192-5p and miR-204-5p in subjects with nonclassic apparent mineralocorticoid excess.

BACKGROUND: The "nonclassic" apparent mineralocorticoid excess (NC-AME) has been identified in approximately 7% of general population. This phenotype is characterized by low plasma renin activity (PRA), high serum cortisol (F) to cortisone (E) ratio, low cortisone, high Fractional Excretion of potassium (FEK) and normal-elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP). An early detection and/or identification of novel biomarkers of this phenotype could avoid the progression or future complications leading to arterial hypertension. Isolation of extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, in specific biofluids support the identification of tissue-specific RNA and miRNA, which may be useful as novel biomarkers. Our aim was to identify miRNAs within urinary exosomes associated to the NC-AME phenotype. METHODS: We perform a cross-sectional study in a primary care cohort of 127 Chilean subjects. We measured BP, serum cortisol, cortisone, aldosterone, PRA. According to the previous reported, a subgroup of subjects was classified as NC-AME (n = 10). Urinary exosomes were isolated and miRNA cargo was sequenced by Illumina-NextSeq-500. RESULTS: We found that NC-AME subjects had lower cortisone (p < 0.0001), higher F/E ratio (p < 0.0001), lower serum potassium (p = 0.009) and higher FEK 24 h (p = 0.03) than controls. We found miR-204-5p (fold-change = 0.115; p 0.001) and miR-192-5p (fold-change = 0.246; p 0.03) are both significantly downregulated in NC-AME. miR-192-5p expression was correlated with PRA (r = 0.45; p 0.028) and miR-204-5p expression with SBP (r = - 0.48, p 0.027) and F/E ratio (r = - 0.48; p 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: These findings could support a potential role of these miRNAs as regulators and novel biomarkers of the NC-AME phenotype.

The Aldosterone/Renin Ratio Predicts Cardiometabolic Disorders in Subjects Without Classic Primary Aldosteronism.

BACKGROUND: Aldosterone has been linked with obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), pro-inflammatory, and prothrombotic states; however, most studies relate these indicators with primary aldosteronism (PA), excluding non-PA patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether aldosterone, renin, or the plasma aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR) are associated with metabolic disorders and inflammatory/vascular biomarkers in a non-PA population. METHODS: We studied 275 patients including adolescents and adults of both genders and measured plasma and urinary aldosterone and determined the plasma renin activity. In all subjects, the presence of MetS was determined according to Adult Treatment Panel III. Renal, vascular, inflammatory, and mineralocorticoid activity biomarkers were evaluated. RESULTS: The ARR correlated with the number of variables of MetS (r = 0.191, P = 0.002), body mass index (BMI; r = 0.136, P = 0.026), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.183, P = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.1917, P = 0.0014), potassium excreted fraction (r = 0.174, P = 0.004), low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.156, P = 0.01), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (r = 0.158, P = 0.009), microalbuminuria (r = 0.136, P = 0.029), and leptin (r = 0.142, P = 0.019). In a linear regression model adjusted by age, BMI, and gender, only the ARR was still significant (r = 0.108, P = 0.05). In a logistic regression analysis, the ARR predicted MetS index (odds ratio (OR) = 1.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.011-1.131], P= 0.02) even after adjusting for age, BMI, and gender. On the other hand, aldosterone showed no association with MetS or inflammatory markers. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a continuum of cardiometabolic risk beyond the classic PA threshold screening. The ARR could be a more sensitive marker of obesity, MetS, and endothelial damage in non-PA patients than aldosterone or renin alone. Prospective studies are needed to develop future screening cutoff values.

Clinical, Biochemical, and Genetic Characteristics of "Nonclassic" Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess Syndrome.

Context: Classical apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) is a rare recessive disorder, caused by severe 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme (11ß-HSD2) deficiency. AME manifests as low-renin pediatric hypertension, hypokalemia and high cortisol/cortisone (F/E) ratio. Objective: To evaluate nonclassic AME (NC-AME) due to partial 11ß-HSD2 insufficiency and its association with hypertension, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation, and inflammatory parameters. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Primary care cohort. Participants: We recruited 127 adolescents and adults. Subjects with secondary hypertension were excluded. We measured clinical, biochemical, renal, vascular, and inflammatory variables. Sequencing of HSD11B2 gene was performed in all subjects. Main Outcome Measure: NC-AME. Results: Serum F/E ratio was positively associated with systolic blood pressure (BP), microalbuminuria, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Serum cortisone correlated with MR activation parameters even when adjusted for age, body mass index, and sex: lower cortisone with higher potassium excretion (partial r = -0.29, P = 0.002) and with lower plasma renin activity (PRA) (partial r = 0.29, P = 0.001). Consistently, we identified 9 in 127 subjects (7.1%) with high F/E ratios (first quartile) and low cortisone (last quartile), suggestive of NC-AME. These subjects had higher systolic BP, 141.4 ± 25.7 mm Hg vs 127.3 ± 18.1 mm Hg, P = 0.03; lower PRA, 0.36 ± 0.19 ng/L*s vs 0.64 ± 0.47 ng/L*s, P < 0.0001; and greater potassium excretion, microalbuminuria, hs-CRP, and plasminogen activator inhibitor. We only found in 2 out of 9 subjects with NC-AME heterozygous mutations in the HSD11B2 gene. Conclusions: These findings suggest a spectrum of partial 11ß-HSD2 insufficiency in a primary care cohort without the classic phenotype and genotype of AME. NC-AME may represent a phenotype of MR activation and cardiovascular risk, suggesting that these subjects could be treated with MR antagonists.

Depressive symptoms are associated with higher morning plasma cortisol in primary care subjects.

BACKGROUND: Cortisol dysregulation has a potential role in depression. AIM AND METHODS: We evaluated depressive symptoms using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression in 48 primary care subjects without history of previous or current depression and its association with cortisol dysregulation (morning plasma cortisol, 24-hour urinary free cortisol and cortisol metabolites). Presence of metabolic syndrome and inflammatory parameters were also assessed. RESULTS: Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression correlated significantly with morning cortisol, but not with urinary free cortisol or metabolites. A significant increase in morning cortisol by Hamilton groups (asymptomatic ≤8; mild to moderate: 9-18; moderate to severe: ≥19) was observed even when adjusted by age/gender. We observed no association of depressive symptoms with metabolic or inflammatory parameters. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms in primary care subjects not consulting for their mood are associated with higher morning plasma cortisol, but not urinary cortisol or its metabolites. These observations suggest that systemic hypercortisolism and related metabolic disorders are not observed in mild/initial states of depressive disorders.

Sodium Intake Is associated With Endothelial Damage Biomarkers and Metabolic Dysregulation.

BACKGROUND: Mounting evidence has associated high sodium (HS) intake with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. We investigated whether HS intake modulates the parameters of endothelial damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional study design including 223 Chilean subjects (6.9-65.0 years old). We measured aldosterone, renin activity, cortisol, cortisone, adiponectin, leptin, hsCRP, interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2 activity, and malondialdehyde. Sodium and creatinine were measured in 24-hour urine samples. The subjects were divided by sodium intake, high sodium (HS): ≥150 mEq/day, n = 118, and adequate sodium (AS): <150 mEq/day, n = 105. RESULTS: We observed a positive correlation between urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure (r = 0.1669, P = 0.0124 for systolic and r = 0.2416, P = 0.0003 for diastolic), glycemia (r = 0.2660, P < 0.0001), and triglycerides (r = 0.1604, P = 0.0175) and a highly significant correlation between sodium excretion and PAI-1 (r = 0.2701, P < 0.0001). An inverse correlation was observed between urinary sodium and HDL-cholesterol (r = -0.2093, P = 0.0018) and adiponectin (r = -0.2679, P < 0.0001). In a linear regression model, urinary sodium excretion remained significantly associated with PAI-1 values even after adjusting for age, gender, and BMI. The HS group had higher blood pressure, glycemia, HOMA-IR, atherogenic index of plasma, and PAI-1 values than the group with AS intake. CONCLUSIONS: HS intake is associated with endothelial damage (high PAI-1) and metabolic dysregulation. On the other hand, inflammation and oxidative stress parameters are not modified by sodium intake.

Serum Cortisol and Cortisone as Potential Biomarkers of Partial 11ß-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Pathogenic variations in HSD11B2 gene triggers the apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome (AME). There is scarce information regarding the phenotypes of subjects carrying heterozygous pathogenic variants in HSD11B2 gene. We investigated if serum cortisol/cortisone (F/E) ratio and cortisone are useful for identifying partial 11ßHSD2 deficiency in those heterozygous subjects. METHODS: We studied two patients diagnosed with AME and their families carrying either D223N or R213C mutation. We also evaluated 32 healthy control subjects (13 children and 19 adults) to obtain normal references ranges for all measured variables. Case 1: A boy carrying D223N mutation in HSD11B2 gene and Case 2: A girl carrying R213C mutation. We assessed serum F/E ratio and cortisone by HPLC-MS/MS, aldosterone, plasma-renin-activity(PRA), electrolytes, and HSD11B2 genetic analyses. RESULTS: The normal values (median [interquartile range]) in children for serum F/E and cortisone (µg/dl) were 2.56 [2.21-3.69] and 2.54 [2.35-2.88], and in adults were 4.42 [3.70-4.90] and 2.23 [1.92-2.57], respectively. Case 1 showed a very high serum F/E 28.8 and low cortisone 0.46 µg/dl. His mother and sister were normotensives and heterozygous for D223N mutation with high F/E (13.2 and 6.0, respectively) and low cortisone (2.0 and 2.2, respectively). Case 2 showed a very high serum F/E 175 and suppressed cortisone 0.11 µg/dl. Her parents and sister were heterozygous for the R213C mutation with normal phenotype, but high F/E and low cortisone. Heterozygous subjects showed normal aldosterone, PRA, but lower fractional excretion of sodium and urinary Na/K ratio than controls. CONCLUSION: Serum F/E ratio and cortisone allow to identify partial 11ßHSD2 deficiencies, as occurs in heterozygous subjects, who would be susceptible to develop arterial hypertension.

Estudio e identificación de microRNA en exosomas urinarios en hipertensión arterial mineralocorticoide / Study and identification of microRNA in urinary exosomes in mineralocorticoid arterial hypertension

About 15% of the essential hypertensive patients would have a low activity of the 11ßHSD2 enzyme, which inactivates cortisol (F) to cortisone (E). Gene expression can be negatively regulated by miRNA. Urinary exosomes and their specific content (miRNA/proteins) represent a valuable tool as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. Aim: To evaluate the expression of miRNA specific for 11ßHSD2 in samples of urinary exosomes and to determine its association with biochemical variables associated with mineralocorticoid metabolism. Subjects and Methods: Cross-sectional study in subjects between 10-60 years. They were classified into subjects with high F/E (> p75) and low cortisone (< p25) and control subjects. The urinary exosomes were isolated with the Invitrogen kit. Bioinformatic analysis was performed with Mir Walk to identify specific miRNAs of HSD11B2. The expression of miRNA was evaluated by qRT PCR. The comparisons were made with the Mann-Whitney test. Results: 7.1% of the subjects are suggestive of a partial deficiency of 11ßHSD2 (NC-AME). The expression of miR-488 was higher in NC-AME than in controls (5839 ± 1719 vs 3,437 ± 2,581; p = 0.01). We found positive associations between mir-615 and ARP; miR-488 and the sodium/potassium ratio; miR-1205 with age and urinary sodium excretion; miR-494 with age, activity MMP9 and NGAL. Conclusion: We identified high expression of miR488 in NC-AME subjects and associations of miRNAs with biochemical variables associated with mineralocorticoid metabolism. Thus, exosomes and their miRNA content could be potential regulators and biomarkers of 11ßHSD2 activity.

Cortisol/cortisone ratio and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity are associated with pediatric primary hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To identify novel biomarkers associated with pediatric primary hypertension. METHODS: We recruited 350 participants (4-16 years). Anthropometric parameters and aldosterone, plasma renin activity, cortisol, cortisone, Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, adiponectin, IL-6, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 levels and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-9 and MMP-2) activities were measured. Genomic DNA was isolated. Patients with altered glucose metabolism, severe obesity [BMI-SD score (BMI-SDS) > 2.5], renovascular disease, primary aldosteronism and apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome were excluded. RESULTS: In selected participants (n = 320), SBP was positively correlated with BMI-SDS (r = 0.382, P < 0.001), HOMA-IR (r = 0.211, P < 0.001), MMP-9 activity (r = 0.215, P < 0.001) and the cortisol/cortisone ratio (r = 0.231, P < 0.001). DBP showed similar correlations with these variables. No correlation was observed with aldosterone or plasma renin activity. Participants were categorized as hypertensive (n = 59) or nonhypertensive (n = 261). In the univariate analysis, hypertensive patients had higher BMI-SDS (P < 0.001), HOMA-IR (P < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P < 0.001), MMP-9 activity (P < 0.001), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (P < 0.001) and cortisol/cortisone ratio (P < 0.001) than nonhypertensive patients. Multiple regression analysis showed that the variables that remained associated with hypertension were higher BMI-SDS [odds ratio (OR) = 3.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.84-7.58], a higher cortisol/cortisone ratio (OR = 3.92; 95% CI = 1.98-7.71) and increased MMP-9 activity (OR = 4.23; 95% CI = 2.15-8.32). CONCLUSION: We report that MMP-9 activity and the cortisol/cortisone ratio were higher in pediatric primary hypertensive patients, and these associations were independent of the effect of obesity. The potential role of these novel biomarkers in predicting hypertension risk and blood pressure regulation warrants further investigation.

Usefulness and Pitfalls in Sodium Intake Estimation: Comparison of Dietary Assessment and Urinary Excretion in Chilean Children and Adults.

BACKGROUND: High sodium intake has been associated with various noncommunicable disease like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or stroke. To estimate accurately sodium intake is challenging in clinical practice. We investigate the usefulness and limitations of assessing sodium intake simultaneously by dietary assessment and urinary samples in both children and adults. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional study design inviting 298 Chilean subjects (74 children and 222 adults) aged between 9 and 66 years of both genders. Sodium intake by dietary assessment was obtained from Chilean food composition data, based on FAO tables. Sodium and creatinine excretion were measured in 24-hour urine samples, in all participants. RESULTS: Adequate urinary collection was obtained in 81% of children (59/74) and 61% of adults (135/222). The mean sodium intake by dietary assessment was similar to the sodium excretion in 24 hours (3,121±1,153mg/d vs. 3,114±1,353mg/24h, P = nonsignificant) in children but was significantly lower (3,208±1,284mg/d vs. 4,160±1,651mg/24h, P < 0.001) in adults. In both children and adults, sodium intake correlated with urinary sodium excretion (r = 0.456, P < 0.003 and r = 0.390, P < 0.001, respectively). Secondary analyses also suggested that the dietary assessment was more inaccurate in overweight adult subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that average sodium intake was higher than recommended in both children and adults (WHO ≤2,000mg/d). The sodium intake estimated by dietary assessment correlated with urinary excretion in all subjects, but in obese adults was more inaccurate than in children. Future studies to validate the appropriate test to assess sodium intake by age and nutritional status are warranted.

Role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System beyond Blood Pressure Regulation: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Involved in End-Organ Damage during Arterial Hypertension.

Arterial hypertension is a common condition worldwide and an important predictor of several complicated diseases. Arterial hypertension can be triggered by many factors, including physiological, genetic, and lifestyle causes. Specifically, molecules of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system not only play important roles in the control of blood pressure, but they are also associated with the genesis of arterial hypertension, thus constituting a need for pharmacological interventions. Chronic high pressure generates mechanical damage along the vascular system, heart, and kidneys, which are the principal organs affected in this condition. In addition to mechanical stress, hypertension-induced oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and the activation of reparative mechanisms lead to end-organ damage, mainly due to fibrosis. Clinical trials have demonstrated that renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system intervention in hypertensive patients lowers morbidity/mortality and inflammatory marker levels as compared to placebo patients, evidencing that this system controls more than blood pressure. This review emphasizes the detrimental effects that a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) imbalance has on health considerations above and beyond high blood pressure, such as fibrotic end-organ damage.

Expression Pattern of Scavenger Receptors and Amyloid-ß Phagocytosis of Astrocytes and Microglia in Culture are Modified by Acidosis: Implications for Alzheimer's Disease.

The pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are amyloid-ß (Aß) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and glia activation. The pathology also includes vascular amyloidosis and cerebrovascular disease. Vascular compromise can result in hypoperfusion, local tissue hypoxia, and acidosis. Activated microglia and astrocytes can phagocytose Aß through membrane receptors that include scavenger receptors. Changes in glial cells induced by extracellular acidosis could play a role in the development of AD. Here, we assess whether extracellular acidosis changes glial cell properties relevant for Aß clearance capacity. Incubation of glial cells on acidified culture medium (pH 6.9 or 6.5) for 24-48 h resulted in decreased cell diameter, with thinner branches in astrocytes, slight reduction in cell body size in microglia, a transient decrease in astrocyte adhesion to substrates, and a persistent decrease in microglia adhesion compared with control media (pH 7.4). Astrocyte Aß phagocytosis decreased at pH 6.9 and 6.5, whereas microglia phagocytosis only transiently decreased in acidified media. Scavenger receptors class B member I (SR-BI) increased and scavenger receptors-macrophage receptors with collagenous structures (SR-MARCO) decreased in astrocytes cultured at pH 6.5. In contrast, in microglia exposed to pH 6.5, expression of SR-BI and SR-MARCO increased and fatty acid translocase (CD-36) decreased. In conclusion, the acidic environment changed the adhesiveness and morphology of both microglia and astrocytes, but only astrocytes showed a persistent decrease in Aß clearance activity. Expression of scavenger receptors was affected differentially in microglia and astrocytes by acidosis. These changes in scavenger receptor patterns can affect the activation of glia and their contribution to neurodegeneration.

Aldosterone Production and Signaling Dysregulation in Obesity.

In the past decades, we have extended the view of aldosterone effects beyond epithelial tissues. New evidence regarding the aldosterone/mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) pathway in active metabolic tissues, including adipose tissue, has confirmed its pathogenic role in systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Obesity, a current epidemic worldwide, increases aldosterone production by several adipocyte factors such as leptin but is also associated with local aldosterone production. In addition, obesity can modulate MR activation leading to signaling dysregulation and a pro-inflammatory profile of adipocytes. Current knowledge have deciphered that this phenotypical differences of obesity may be explained, at least in part, by novel non-genomic activation of MR, new inducers of aldosterone synthesis, and probably by several epigenetic modifications. In addition, with the understanding of the complex interplay of obesity, hormones, and receptors, targeted pharmacological therapy is expected and is currently under active research.