Sexual dimorphism of hypothalamic serotonin release during systemic inflammation: Role of endothelin-1.

The hypothalamus receives serotonergic projections from the raphe nucleus in a sex-specific manner. During systemic inflammation, hypothalamic levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) decrease in male rats. The present study evaluated the involvement of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the febrile response, hypolocomotion, and changes in hypothalamic 5-HT levels during systemic inflammation in male and female rats. An intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced a febrile response and hypolocomotion in both male and female rats. However, although LPS reduced hypothalamic levels of 5-HT and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindol acetic acid (5-HIAA) in male rats, it increased these levels in female rats. An intracerebroventricular injection of the endothelin-B receptor antagonist BQ788 significantly reduced LPS-induced fever and hypolocomotion and changes in hypothalamic 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in both male and female rats. The i.c.v. administration of ET-1 induced a significant fever and hypolocomotion, but reduced the hypothalamic levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in both males and females. These results suggest an important sexual dimorphism during systemic inflammation regarding the release of 5-HT in the hypothalamus. Moreover, ET-1 arises as an important mediator involved in the changes in hypothalamic 5-HT levels in both male and female rats.

Riociguate para pacientes adultos com hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP ­ Grupo I) que não alcançaram resposta satisfatória com terapia dupla com PDE5i e ERA, como alternativa à terapia tripla com selexipague / Riociguate for adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH ­ Group I) who do not reach satisfactory response with dual therapy with PDE5i and ERA, as an alternative to triple therapy with selexipague

INTRODUÇÃO: Hipertensão pulmonar (HP) é definida pela presença de uma pressão arterial pulmonar média (PAPm) em repouso ≥25 mmHg. O Grupo 1 da HP é o mais bem caracterizado dos cinco grupos, engloba uma variedade de distúrbios, incluindo pacientes com HP idiopática, HP hereditária, HP induzida por medicamentos ou associada a distúrbios sistêmicos de colágeno, doenças cardíacas congênitas, doença hepática, esquistossomose ou vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). Doença rara, estima-se mundialmente uma prevalência de aproximadamente 15 casos/1.000.000 indivíduos, com uma incidência anual de 2 a 5 casos/1.000.000 adultos (1,2). Doença grave, com sobrevida mediana de 2,8 anos, possui tratamento no SUS estabelecido em PCDT, que inclui além de bloqueadores do canal de cálcio, inibidores da fosfodiesterase 5 (PDE5i) ­ sildenafila; antagonistas de receptor da endotelina 1 (ERA) ­ ambrisentana e bosentana; prostanoides ­ iloprosta e selexipague. Pacientes que mantém um risco intermediário ou alto apesar de terapia dupla com ERA e PDE5i devem associar ao tratamento preferencialmente selexipague, tendo o iloprosta como alternativa. Riociguate é um estimulador de guanilato ciclase solúvel (sGC) administrado por via oral que não está incorporado no PCDT para o tratamento da HP grupo 1, apesar de aprovado em bula para esta indicação. PERGUNTA: A terapia dupla (riociguate + ERA) é eficaz e segura no tratamento de pacientes com HAP do grupo 1 que não alcançaram resposta satisfatória com terapia dupla com PDE5i + ERA em comparação à terapia tripla (PDE5i + ERA + selexipague)? EVIDÊNCIAS CLÍNICAS: O demandante localizou apenas evidências que suportam a eficácia e segurança da substituição do PDE5i pelo riociguate, em monoterapia ou em combinação com ERA. Não há evidência para a proposta terapia dupla (riociguate + ERA) versus tripla (ERA + PDE5i + selexipague). AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA: O demandante conduziu uma avaliação de custo-minimização com base na ausência de comprovação de superioridade entre as opções de tratamento. A economia de recursos seria entre R$ 113,15 (cenário considerando menor preço BPS) a R$ 11.092,35 (cenário preços SIGTAP) a favor da terapia dupla (riociguate + ERA) por paciente-ano. Porém, ao considerar o uso de iloprosta ao invés de selexipague na composição da terapia tripla, haveria um incremento de R$ 26.685,15 por paciente-ano. ANÁLISE DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: Para a estimativa do impacto orçamentário foram combinados dados epidemiológicos com demanda aferida (pacientes tratados com bosentena, ambrisentana, sildenafila e iloprosta no SUS), valores projetados (tendência linear) para 2025, onde haveria 5.958 pacientes, sendo então considerados um percentual (75%) (3) de falha à terapia dupla e um percentual (24,8%) de elegíveis à terapia combinada tripla (4). Para o cenário alternativo, com a incorporação do riociguate, o market share da terapia dupla foi estimado entre 15% até 42% ao longo de cinco anos. Estimou-se, com base no cenário de preços SIGTAP e com 100% dos pacientes em terapia tripla fazendo uso do selexipague, uma economia de cerca de 18 milhões de reais em cinco anos. EXPERIÊNCIAS INTERNACIONAIS: Foram pesquisadas diversas agências de avaliação de tecnologias em saúde e outros institutos, mas não foi encontrado nenhum posicionamento em relação à incorporação do riociguate versus selexipague. MONITORAMENTO DO HORIZONTE TECNOLÓGICO: Foram identificadas 07 tecnologias para compor o esquema terapêutico de pessoas adultas com hipertensão arterial pulmonar HAP I, que atenda às características desta demanda. Uma em fase 3 e em pré-registro na EMA e FDA: sotatercepte. Duas em fase 3 de desenvolvimento seralutinibe e ralinepag. Todas estas 3 envolveram centros de pesquisa no Brasil. E quatro em fase 2 de desenvolvimento: imatinibe, KER-012, LTP001 e MK-5475. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Os estudos RESPITE e REPLACE apresentam evidências de que pacientes com HAP em uso de PDE5i com resposta insuficiente podem se beneficiar da substituição do tratamento pelo riociguate. Não há evidências sobre a comparação entre a terapia dupla (riociguate + ERA) versus tripla (selexipague + PDE5i + ERA). O demandante apresentou comparações indiretas que consideraram populações diferentes e análises de subgrupos sem poder estatístico, concluindo que, por não haver diferença estatística, as opções dupla e tripla teriam igual eficácia. Tal conclusão é inadequada, pois não há dados que corroborem para superioridade ou equivalência de eficácia entre as opções. Não foram localizadas evidências de comparação de riociguate versus selexipague com qualquer combinação de medicamentos. O parecerista considera relevante o risco de que se incorporado o riociguate, que este seja utilizado em monoterapia, em substituição ao PDE5i, e que o demandante não apresentou análises econômicas para esta comparação. Pela falta de evidência atual, um modelo que compare a terapia dupla versus a tripla terá limitações importantes, pois faltam dados de eficácia. Em uma análise de custo-minimização, observa-se economia de recursos a favor da terapia dupla, exceto se a terapia tripla for composta de iloprosta, ao invés de selexipague. PERSPECTIVA DO PACIENTE: A Chamada Pública nº 50/2023 esteve aberta entre 29/12/2023 e 21/01/2024, recebendo 16 inscrições. A participante relatou que, em 2021, apresentou sintomas como cansaço, falta de ar, desmaios e edemas, os quais foram se agravando. Consultou diferentes especialistas e teve repetidos episódios de internamento até que recebeu o diagnóstico de HAP primária idiopática veno-oclusiva. Iniciou o tratamento com sildenafila e ambrisentana. Posteriormente, foi acrescentado iloprosta ao esquema, retirado após poucos meses de uso em virtude dos eventos adversos. Em janeiro de 2023, iniciou o uso do riociguate, em substituição à sildenafila, pois a terapia estava dando pouco resultado. Considerou que, com a utilização do riociguate, houve melhora do seu estado de saúde e da qualidade de vida, conseguindo respirar sem suporte de oxigênio, assim como realizar atividades cotidianas. Atualmente, utiliza um esquema composto por ambrisentana, riociguate e selexipague. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR DA CONITEC: Diante do exposto, os membros do Comitê de Medicamentos da Conitec, em sua 128ª Reunião ordinária, realizada em 10 de abril de 2024, deliberaram que a matéria fosse disponibilizada em consulta pública com recomendação preliminar desfavorável à incorporação do riociguate associado a ERA para tratamento de pacientes adultos com hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP ­ Grupo I) que não alcançaram resposta satisfatória com terapia dupla com PDE5i e ERA, como alternativa à terapia tripla com selexipague. Para essa recomendação, a Conitec considerou principalmente a escassez de dados sobre a eficácia e segurança comparativa dos tratamentos, cujas evidências restringem-se ao uso dos tratamentos em monoterapia ou em terapia dupla para cerca de 70% da amostra. Ainda, a Comissão ponderou que as análises apresentadas estavam baseadas em desfechos secundários e análises de subgrupos, o que gerou um intervalo de credibilidade amplo, inadequadamente utilizado para afirmar igualdade de eficácia. Considerou ainda questionável o modelo de custo-minimização e a economia de recursos apresentada, pois apesar de o selexipague ser a opção de preferência quando necessária a terapia tripla, o uso de iloprosta em terapia tripla associado ao ERA e PDE5i também é indicado no PCDT e seria uma opção de menor custo que a terapia dupla de riociguate com ERA. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: A Consulta Pública nº 26 foi realizada entre os dias 24/05/2024 e 12/06/2024, recebendo o total de 334 contribuições. Dentre estas, 331 discordaram da recomendação preliminar da Conitec, uma concordou e duas expressaram não ter opinião formada. Entretanto, examinando essas contribuições, notase que esses participantes, na verdade, também discordam da recomendação inicial, uma vez que enviaram comentários defendendo e justificando a importância da incorporação do riociguate. Os principais argumentos em prol da incorporação abordaram a importância do acesso público ao medicamento e da ampliação das opções de tratamento, a possibilidade de manter a terapia dupla e o incremento à qualidade de vida trazido pela utilização do medicamento em avaliação. Sobre os resultados positivos e facilidades referentes ao uso tecnologia em avaliação, os participantes com experiência com o riociguate indicaram os benefícios para a saúde e o aumento da qualidade de vida. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: Os membros do Comitê de Medicamentos da Conitec, em sua 131ª Reunião Ordinária, no dia 04 de julho de 2024, deliberaram, por maioria simples, recomendar a não incorporação do riociguate associado a ERA para tratamento de pacientes adultos com hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP ­ Grupo I) que não alcançaram resposta satisfatória com terapia dupla com PDE5i e ERA, como alternativa à terapia tripla com selexipague. Para essa recomendação, os membros do Comitê de Medicamentos consideraram que as incertezas na síntese de evidências e na avaliação econômica da recomendação inicial foram mantidas. Assim, foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº 910/2024. DECISÃO: não incorporar, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS, o riociguate associado a ERA para o tratamento de pacientes adultos com hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP - Grupo I) que não alcançaram resposta satisfatória com terapia dupla com PDE5i e ERA, como alternativa à terapia tripla com selexipague, publicada no Diário Oficial da União número 163, seção 1, página 140, em 23 de agosto de 2024.

Bosentan attenuates sickle cell disease erythrocyte HbS polymerization and impaired deformability induced by endothelin-1.

The effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on erythrocytes from sickle cell disease (SCD) patients have been described, but mechanisms of ET-1 regarding primary erythrocyte functions remain unknown. ET-1 is a vasoconstrictor peptide produced by endothelial cells, and the expression of ET-1 is increased in SCD. The present study used ex vivo experiments with sickle cell erythrocytes, ET-1, and bosentan, a dual antagonist of ETA and ETB receptors. We performed a hemoglobin S (HbS) polymerization assay with three concentrations of ET-1 (1, 20, and 50 pg/mL) and bosentan (100 nmol/L). ET-1 increased HbS polymerization at all concentrations, and this effect was suppressed by bosentan. For the deformability assay, red blood cells (RBCs) were incubated on a Sephacryl column with the same concentrations of ET-1 and bosentan. ET-1 decreased deformability, and this effect was reversed by bosentan. To observe erythrocyte adhesion, ET-1 and bosentan were incubated with RBCs in thrombospondin-coated 96-well plate, which demonstrated that ET-1 decreased adhesion but that bosentan enhanced adhesion. We also assessed erythrocyte apoptosis and observed decreased eryptosis induced by ET-1, and these effects were inhibited bosentan. Thus, these findings demonstrated that ET-1 modulates HbS polymerization, erythrocyte deformability, adhesion to thrombospondin, and eryptosis, and these effects were suppressed or enhanced by bosentan.

NLRP3 activation contributes to endothelin-1-induced erectile dysfunction.

In the present study, we hypothesized that endothelin (ET) receptors (ETA and ETB ) stimulation, through increased calcium and ROS formation, leads to Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain-Like Receptor Family, Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) activation. Intracavernosal pressure (ICP/MAP) was measured in C57BL/6 (WT) mice. Functional and immunoblotting assays were performed in corpora cavernosa (CC) strips from WT, NLRP3-/- and caspase-/- mice in the presence of ET-1 (100 nM) and vehicle, MCC950, tiron, BAPTA AM, BQ123, or BQ788. ET-1 reduced the ICP/MAP in WT mice, and MCC950 prevented the ET-1 effect. ET-1 decreased CC ACh-, sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced relaxation, and increased caspase-1 expression. BQ123 an ETA receptor antagonist reversed the effect. The ETB receptor antagonist BQ788 also reversed ET-1 inhibition of ACh and SNP relaxation. Additionally, tiron, BAPTA AM, and NLRP3 genetic deletion prevented the ET-1-induced loss of ACh and SNP relaxation. Moreover, BQ123 diminished CC caspase-1 expression, while BQ788 increased caspase-1 and IL-1ß levels in a concentration-dependent manner (100 nM-10 µM). Furthermore, tiron and BAPTA AM prevented ET-1-induced increase in caspase-1. In addition, BAPTA AM blocked ET-1-induced ROS generation. In conclusion, ET-1-induced erectile dysfunction depends on ETA - and ETB -mediated activation of NLRP3 in mouse CC via Ca2+ -dependent ROS generation.

Role of endothelin in the pathophysiology of migraine: A new view on an old player.

There is cumulating evidence that endothelin-1 (ET-1) may play a role in migraine, however controversial findings still impede a conclusion to be drawn. Herein we tested the hypothesis that endothelin ETB receptors are major contributors to migraine-like responses. ET-1, IRL-1620 (selective ETB receptor agonist) or CGRP were injected into the trigeminal ganglion (TG) of female Wistar rats, and the development of periorbital mechanical allodynia was assessed hourly with von Frey hairs. Twenty-four hours later, rats were exposed to an aversive light for 1 h, after which the reactivation of periorbital mechanical allodynia (indicating photic sensitivity) was assessed up to 4 h. Moreover, the effect of systemic Bosentan (ETA/ETB receptors antagonist) or the selective antagonists of ETA (BQ-123) and ETB (BQ-788) receptors injected into the TG were evaluated against CGRP-induced responses. ET-1 and IRL-1620 injection into the TG induced periorbital mechanical allodynia and photic sensitivity. Bosentan attenuated periorbital mechanical allodynia but failed to affect photic sensitivity induced by CGRP. Selective blockade of ETB receptors in the TG fully prevented the development of periorbital mechanical allodynia and photic sensitivity induced by CGRP, but ETA receptor blockade caused only a slight reduction of periorbital mechanical allodynia without affecting photic sensitivity. ETB receptor-operated mechanisms in the TG may contribute to migraine-like responses in female rats.

Endothelial and vascular smooth muscle dysfunction in hypertension.

The development of essential hypertension involves several factors. Vascular dysfunction, characterized by endothelial dysfunction, low-grade inflammation and structural remodeling, plays an important role in the initiation and maintenance of essential hypertension. Although the mechanistic pathways by which essential hypertension develops are poorly understood, several pharmacological classes available on the clinical settings improve blood pressure by interfering in the cardiac output and/or vascular function. This review is divided in two major sections. The first section depicts the major molecular pathways as renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS), endothelin, nitric oxide signalling pathway and oxidative stress in the development of vascular dysfunction. The second section describes the role of some pharmacological classes such as i) RAAS inhibitors, ii) dual angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, iii) endothelin-1 receptor antagonists, iv) soluble guanylate cyclase modulators, v) phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and vi) sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in the context of hypertension. Some classes are already approved in the treatment of hypertension, but others are not yet approved. However, due to their potential benefits these classes were included.

Collaborative registry of pulmonary hypertension in Argentina (RECOPILAR). Final analysis / Registro colaborativo de hipertensión pulmonar en Argentina (RECOPILAR): análisis final

Abstract The epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH), especially pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), has not been evaluated in our country, therefore there is no reference parameter to establishing the representativeness of this information in the national order. This registry represents the first collaborative effort to provide a knowledge base of this disease, including 5 scientific societies that represent different specialties (pediatrics, rheumatology, pulmonology and cardiology) with data from 23 Argentine provinces. These efforts involved five societies of various adult (cardiology, rheumatology, and pulmonology) and pediatric (cardiology) specialties. Subjects were grouped (1-5) in accord with the 2013 Nice classification. A total of 627 patients (mean age, 50.8±18 years; women, 69.2%) were recruited. Incident cases accounted for 53%. Functional class III-IV accounted for 69% at time of diagnosis and 33.4% at time of inclusion. Distributions in groups 1-5 were 63.6%, 15.9%, 8.3%, 9.7%, and 2.4%, respectively. Treatment consisted of diuretics (51.2%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (44.7%), digoxin (16.6%), anticoagulants (39.2%), renin-angiotensin antagonists (15.5%), beta blockers (15.6%), and calcium channel blockers (8%). Rates of specific therapies usage in PAH vs. non-PAH group were 80.5% vs. 40.8% (phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: 71% vs. 38.6%; endothelin receptor antagonists: 54.4% vs. 14.5%; prostanoids: 14.3 vs. 3.1%; all p < 0.001). Three-year survival in PAH and non-PAH differed significantly (82.8% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.001). In the Argentine RECOPILAR registry, the clinic-epidemiologic profile was that of advanced-stage disease. Diagnostic workups and therapeutics interventions, including use of specific therapy for PAH, were consistent with current recommendations. Despite delays in diagnosis, survival was aligned with other contemporary registries.

Resumen La epidemiología de la hipertensión pulmonar (HP), especialmente la arterial (HAP), no ha sido evaluada en nuestro país, por lo cual no existe un parámetro de referencia para establecer la representatividad de esta información en el orden nacional. El presente registro representa el primer esfuerzo colaborativo para una base de conocimiento de esta enfermedad, incluyendo 5 sociedades científicas que representan a distintas especiali dades médicas (pediatría, reumatología, neumonología y cardiología) con datos de 23 provincias argentinas. Los sujetos se agruparon (1-5) de acuerdo con la clasificación de Niza de 2013. El seguimiento se completó en 583 pacientes (93%) un año después del final de la inscripción. Se incluyeron 627 pacientes (edad media, 50.8 ± 18 años; mujeres, 69.2%). Los casos incidentes representaron el 53%. La clase funcional III-IV representaba 69% en el momento del diagnóstico y 33.4% en el momento de la inclusión. Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron disnea (81.8%), fatiga (54.1%), síncope (10.8%), dolor torácico (14.7%), palpitaciones (20.9%) e insuficiencia cardíaca (20.4%). Las tasas de uso de terapias específicas en la hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) frente al grupo sin HAP fueron del 80.5% frente al 40.8%. La supervivencia a tres años en los subconjuntos de HAP y no HAP difirió significativamente (82.8% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.001). En el registro RECOPILAR argentino, que aborda principalmente la HAP, el perfil clínico-epidemiológico fue el d e una enfermedad en estadios avanzados. El diag nóstico y las intervenciones terapéuticas, incluido el uso de terapia específica para la HAP, fueron consistentes con las recomendaciones actuales.

Collaborative registry of pulmonary hypertension in Argentina (RECOPILAR). Final analysis.

The epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH), especially pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), has not been evaluated in our country, therefore there is no reference parameter to establishing the representativeness of this information in the national order. This registry represents the first collaborative effort to provide a knowledge base of this disease, including 5 scientific societies that represent different specialties (pediatrics, rheumatology, pulmonology and cardiology) with data from 23 Argentine provinces. These efforts involved five societies of various adult (cardiology, rheumatology, and pulmonology) and pediatric (cardiology) specialties. Subjects were grouped (1-5) in accord with the 2013 Nice classification. A total of 627 patients (mean age, 50.8 ± 18 years; women, 69.2%) were recruited. Incident cases accounted for 53%. Functional class III-IV accounted for 69% at time of diagnosis and 33.4% at time of inclusion. Distributions in groups 1-5 were 63.6%, 15.9%, 8.3%, 9.7%, and 2.4%, respectively. Treatment consisted of diuretics (51.2%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (44.7%), digoxin (16.6%), anticoagulants (39.2%), renin-angiotensin antagonists (15.5%), beta blockers (15.6%), and calcium channel blockers (8%). Rates of specific therapies usage in PAH vs. non-PAH group were 80.5% vs. 40.8% (phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: 71% vs. 38.6%; endothelin receptor antagonists: 54.4% vs. 14.5%; prostanoids: 14.3 vs. 3.1%; all p < 0.001). Three-year survival in PAH and non-PAH differed significantly (82.8% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.001). In the Argentine RECOPILAR registry, the clinic-epidemiologic profile was that of advanced-stage disease. Diagnostic workups and therapeutics interventions, including use of specific therapy for PAH, were consistent with current recommendations. Despite delays in diagnosis, survival was aligned with other contemporary registries.

La epidemiología de la hipertensión pulmonar (HP), especialmente la arterial (HAP), no ha sido evaluada en nuestro país, por lo cual no existe un parámetro de referencia para establecer la representatividad de esta información en el orden nacional. El presente registro representa el primer esfuerzo colaborativo para una base de conocimiento de esta enfermedad, incluyendo 5 sociedades científicas que representan a distintas especialidades médicas (pediatría, reumatología, neumonología y cardiología) con datos de 23 provincias argentinas. Los sujetos se agruparon (1-5) de acuerdo con la clasificación de Niza de 2013. El seguimiento se completó en 583 pacientes (93%) un año después del final de la inscripción. Se incluyeron 627 pacientes (edad media, 50.8 ± 18 años; mujeres, 69.2%). Los casos incidentes representaron el 53%. La clase funcional III-IV representaba 69% en el momento del diagnóstico y 33.4% en el momento de la inclusión. Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron disnea (81.8%), fatiga (54.1%), síncope (10.8%), dolor torácico (14.7%), palpitaciones (20.9%) e insuficiencia cardíaca (20.4%). Las tasas de uso de terapias específicas en la hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) frente al grupo sin HAP fueron del 80.5% frente al 40.8%. La supervivencia a tres años en los subconjuntos de HAP y no HAP difirió significativamente (82.8% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.001). En el registro RECOPILAR argentino, que aborda principalmente la HAP, el perfil clínico-epidemiológico fue el d e una enfermedad en estadios avanzados. El diagnóstico y las intervenciones terapéuticas, incluido el uso de terapia específica para la HAP, fueron consistentes con las recomendaciones actuales.

Use of medical therapies before pulmonary endarterectomy in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients with severe hemodynamic impairment.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare complication of acute pulmonary embolism, characterized by non-resolving fibro-thrombotic obstructions of large pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the treatment of choice for the disease, significantly improving survival. Patients with worse hemodynamic profile have worse prognosis after surgery, raising the question of whether the use of medical therapy prior to surgery to optimize hemodynamics could improve outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of medical therapy pre-PEA, according to the hemodynamic profile at the diagnosis. We retrospectively analyzed all patients submitted to PEA, from January 2013 to December 2017. Functional, clinical and hemodynamic data were collected to evaluate the main prognostic determinants. Patients were stratified according to the hemodynamic severity and use of targeted therapies prior to surgery. A total of 108 patients were included. Thirty-five patients (32,4%) used targeted therapy pre-PEA. The use of medical therapy delayed the surgical procedure by about 7 months. There was no difference in overall survival between patients that received targeted therapy and those treated only with supportive therapy (87.8% vs 80.3%, respectively, p = 0.426). Nevertheless, when analyzing the group of patients with severe hemodynamic impairment, defined by low cardiac output(<3.7L/min) at baseline, patients treated with targeted therapies presented a significantly better one-year survival. In higher-risk CTEPH patients, characterized by the presence of low cardiac output, the use of targeted therapies prior to PEA was associated with better outcome, suggesting a potential role for pre-operative use of medical treatment in this particular subgroup.

Antagonistas do receptor de endotelina para o tratamento de pacientes com COVID-19 / Endothelin receptor antagonists for or treatment of patients with COVID-19

CONTEXTO: Dada a pandemia do COVID-19, identificou-se a necessidade de pesquisar medicamentos que atuem na função pulmonar como possíveis tratamentos para a doença, entre eles os antagonistas de endotelina. Por inibirem os receptores de endotelina (um neuro hormônio de concentração elevada no tecido pulmonar), localizados principalmente nas células do músculo liso vascular pulmonar e nas células endoteliais vasculares pulmonares, estes agentes bloqueiam a vasoconstrição e a proliferação celular local, diminuindo o remodelamento tecidual e a resistência pulmonar e aumentando o débito cardíaco. Desta forma, estes agentes podem representar um alvo terapêutico para a doença. OBJETIVOS: Identificar, avaliar sistematicamente e sumarizar as melhores evidências científicas disponíveis sobre a eficácia e a segurança dos antagonistas do receptor de endotelina para COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Revisão sistemática rápida (rapid review methodology). RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 2.051 estudos, dos quais nenhum foi incluído após o processo de seleção. Não foram identificados estudos finalizados ou em andamento que pesquisassem a classe como um possível alvo para o tratamento da COVID-19. CONCLUSÃO: Esta revisão sistemática rápida não identificou estudos que avaliassem os efeitos dos antagonistas do receptor de endotelina para o tratamento da COVID-19. Deste modo, até que resultados de estudos clínicos com esta finalidade estejam disponíveis, não é possível estimar a eficácia e a segurança desses medicamentos no tratamento de pacientes com COVID-19, tampouco recomendar seu uso rotineiro para esta situação.(AU)

Inhibition of Endothelin system during the postnatal nephrogenic period in the rat. Its relationship with hypertension and renal disease in adulthood.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of a high sodium (HS) diet on blood pressure and renal function in male adult rats that have been treated with a dual Endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) during their early postnatal period (day 1 to 20 of life). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in four groups: CNS: control rats with normosodic diet; ERANS: ERA-treated rats with normosodic diet; CHS: control rats with high sodium diet; ERAHS: ERA-treated rats with HS diet. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was recorded before and after the diet and 24-hour metabolic cage studies were performed. AQP2 and α-ENac expressions were measured by western blot and real time PCR in the renal medulla. Vasopressin (AVP) pathway was evaluated by measuring V2 receptor and adenylyl cyclase 6 (AC6) expression and cAMP production in the renal medulla. Pre-pro ET-1mRNA was also evaluated in the renal medulla. Only rats that had been treated with an ERA during their postnatal period increased their SBP after consumption of a HS diet, showing an impaired capacity to excrete sodium and water, i.e. developing salt sensitivity. This salt sensitivity would be mediated by an increase in renomedullary expression and activity of AQP2 and α-ENaC as a consequence of increased AC6 expression and cAMP production and/or a decreased ET-1 production in the renal medulla. The knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the perinatal programming of salt sensitive hypertension will allow the development of reprogramming strategies in order to avoid this pathology.

Brazilian guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Official document of the Brazilian Thoracic Association based on the GRADE methodology

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a form of chronic interstitial lung disease of unknown cause, which predominantly affects elderly men who are current or former smokers. Even though it is an uncommon disease, it is of great importance because of its severity and poor prognosis. In recent decades, several pharmacological treatment modalities have been investigated for the treatment of this disease, and the classic concepts have therefore been revised. The purpose of these guidelines was to define evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of pharmacological agents in the treatment of IPF in Brazil. We sought to provide guidance on the practical issues faced by clinicians in their daily lives. Patients of interest, Intervention to be studied, Comparison of intervention and Outcome of interest (PICO)-style questions were formulated to address aspects related to the use of corticosteroids, N-acetylcysteine, gastroesophageal reflux medications, endothelin-receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, pirfenidone, and nintedanib. To formulate the PICO questions, a group of Brazilian specialists working in the area was assembled and an extensive review of the literature on the subject was carried out. Previously published systematic reviews with meta-analyses were analyzed for the strength of the compiled evidence, and, on that basis, recommendations were developed by employing the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The authors believe that the present document represents an important advance to be incorporated in the approach to patients with IPF, aiming mainly to improve its management, and can become an auxiliary tool for defining public policies related to IPF.

Antioxidant effect of endothelin-1 receptor antagonist protects the rat kidney against chronic injury induced by hypertension and hyperglycemia / Efeito antioxidante de antagonista dos receptores de endotelina-1 protege ratos contra lesão renal crônica induzida por hipertensão e hiperglicemia

ABSTRACT Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus are the two main causes of chronic kidney disease that culminate in the final stage of kidney disease. Since these two risk factors are common and can overlap, new approaches to prevent or treat them are needed. Macitentan (MAC) is a new non-selective antagonist of the endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic blockade of ET-1 receptor with MAC on the alteration of renal function observed in hypertensive and hyperglycemic animals. Genetically hypertensive rats were divided into control hypertensive (HT-CTL) group, hypertensive and hyperglycemic (HT+DIAB) group, and hypertensive and hyperglycemic group that received 25 mg/kg macitentan (HT-DIAB+MAC25) via gavage for 60 days. Kidney function and parameters associated with oxidative and nitrosative stress were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry for neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), ET-1, and catalase in the renal cortex was performed. The HT+DIAB group showed a decrease in kidney function and an increase in NGAL expression in the renal cortex, as well as an increase in oxidative stress. MAC treatment was associated with attenuated ET-1 and NGAL production and increases in antioxidant defense (catalase expression) and nitric oxide production. In addition, MAC prevented an increase in oxidant injury (as measured by urinary hydroperoxide and lipid peroxidation), thus improving renal function. Our results suggest that the antioxidant effect of the ET-1 receptor antagonist MAC is involved in the improvement of kidney function observed in hypertensive and hyperglycemic rats.

RESUMO Hipertensão e Diabetes Mellitus figuram como as duas principais causas de doença renal crônica que culmina em doença renal terminal. Uma vez que os dois fatores de risco são comuns e podem se sobrepor, novas abordagens preventivas e terapêuticas se fazem necessárias. O macitentan (MAC) é um novo antagonista não-seletivo dos receptores da endotelina-1 (ET-1). O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do bloqueio crônico dos receptores da ET-1 com MAC sobre a alteração da função renal em animais hipertensos e hiperglicêmicos. Ratos geneticamente hipertensos foram divididos em grupos com animais hipertensos de controle (HT-CTL), hipertensos e hiperglicêmicos (HT+DIAB) e hipertensos e hiperglicêmicos tratados com 25 mg/kg de macitentan (HT-DIAB+MAC25) via gavagem por 60 dias. Foram avaliados função renal e parâmetros associados ao estresse oxidativo e nitrosativo. Exames de imunoistoquímica foram realizados para lipocalina associada à gelatinase neutrofílica (NGAL), ET-1 e catalase no córtex renal. O grupo HT+DIAB exibiu diminuição da função renal e aumento na expressão de NGAL no córtex renal, bem como estresse oxidativo aumentado. O tratamento com MAC foi associado a atenuação da produção de ET-1 e NGAL e maior ativação das defesas antioxidantes (expressão de catalase) e elevação da produção de óxido nítrico. Além disso, o MAC evitou exacerbação da lesão oxidante (medida por hidroperóxidos urinários e peroxidação lipídica), melhorando assim a função renal. Nossos resultados sugerem que o efeito antioxidante do antagonista dos receptores da ET-1 MAC esteja imbricado no aprimoramento da função renal observada em ratos hipertensos e hiperglicêmicos.

Involvement of Endothelin Receptors in Peripheral Sensory Neuropathy Induced by Oxaliplatin in Mice.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the participation of the endothelin ETA and ETB receptors and the effects of bosentan in oxaliplatin-induced peripheral sensory neuropathy (OIN) in mice. Adult male Swiss mice received 1 mg/kg of oxaliplatin intravenously, twice a week for 5 weeks. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cords were removed for evaluation of the endothelin ETA and ETB receptor expression. Afterwards, selective (BQ-123 and BQ-788; 10 nmol in 30 µL, intraplantarly) and non-selective (bosentan, 100 mg/kg, orally) antagonists were administered in order to evaluate the involvement of the endothelin receptors in OIN. Mechanical and thermal nociception tests were performed once a week for 56 days. Oxaliplatin induced mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity and increased the endothelin ETA receptor expression in both the DRG and spinal cord (P < 0.05). Endothelin ETB receptor expression was increased in the DRG (P < 0.05) but not in the spinal cord. Both endothelin ETA and ETB receptor selective antagonists partially prevented mechanical hyperalgesia in mice with OIN (P < 0.05). Moreover, bosentan prevented mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in oxaliplatin-treated mice (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both endothelin ETA and ETB receptors seem to be involved in the OIN in mice and they should be considered possible targets for the management of this clinical feature.

[Pulmonary arterial hypertension from the risk assessment to combined treatment]. / Hipertensión arterial pulmonar desde la evaluación del riesgo al tratamiento combinado.

This paper shows the importance of the guideline clinical practice as well as the centers for comprehensive care of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The current treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension is analyzed according to its severity, stratified through the evaluation of the multiple parameters of risk and its mortality to 1 year. The prognosis of the disease is considered and the place of the combined treatment indicated in sequential manner or from the beginning.

En este trabajo se señala la importancia de las guías de actuación clínica, así como de los centros de atención integral de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar. Se analiza el tratamiento actual de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar de acuerdo a su severidad, estratificado a través de la evaluación de parámetros múltiples de riesgo y su mortalidad a 1 año. Además, se considera el pronóstico de la enfermedad y el lugar que tiene el tratamiento combinado indicado en forma secuencial o desde un inicio.

Blockade of endothelin receptors reduces tumor-induced ongoing pain and evoked hypersensitivity in a rat model of facial carcinoma induced pain.

Pain reported by patients with head and neck cancer is characterized as persistent pain with mechanical allodynia. Pain management is inadequate for many patients, highlighting the need for improved therapies. We examined the hypothesis that the mixed endothelin ETA and ETB receptor antagonist, bosentan, reduces tumor-induced ongoing pain and evoked hypersensitivity in a rat model of facial cancer pain. Facial cancer was induced by inoculating a suspension of Walker-256 cells into the rat's right vibrissal pad. Tumor-bearing rats developed heat and tactile hypersensitivity along with increased spontaneous grooming behavior. Systemic morphine (2.5mg/kg, s.c.) blocked tumor-induced thermal and tactile hypersensitivity, with a lower dose (0.625mg/kg, s.c.) effective only against thermal hypersensitivity. Systemic bosentan blocked tumor-induced thermal hypersensitivity only at a high (300mg/kg, p.o.) dose, but failed to modify tactile hypersensitivity. Co-administration of the low doses of bosentan and morphine resulted in improved reduction of the tumor-induced heat and tactile hypersensitivity compared to either dose alone. Bosentan (100mg/kg, p.o.) reduced spontaneous grooming and induced conditioned place preference (CPP) selectively in tumor-bearing rats, suggesting that bosentan reduces tumor-induced ongoing pain at a lower dose than required to block tumor-induced hypersensitivity. This study provides evidence that endothelins may mediate tumor-induced ongoing pain and thermal hypersensitivity. In addition, bosentan enhanced morphine's effects on blocking tumor-induced heat and tactile hypersensitivity indicating that endothelin antagonists may be beneficial therapeutic targets that can be used to manage cancer-induced facial pain with opioid-sparing effects.

Informe de evaluación científica en la evidencia disponible: hipertensión arterial pulmonar / Scientific evaluation report on the available evidence: pulmonary arterial hypertension

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Hipertensión Arterial Pulmonar (HAP) es una enfermedad crónica y progresiva, de baja prevalencia, pero con un alto impacto debido a su curso grave y potencialmente letal. Esta condición de salud implica una sustantiva pérdida de capacidad física y sobrecarga del ventrículo derecho, resultando en falla cardiaca y mortalidad temprana. Desde el punto de vista hemodinámico, la HAP se define como el aumento de la presión media de la arteria pulmonar ≥ 25 mmHg, (PAPm ≥ 25 mmHg) con presión capilar pulmonar ≤ 15 mmHg. La Organización Mundial de la Salud la ha clasificado en 5 grupos en base a criterios fisiopatológicos, hemodinámicos y estrategias de manejo. El grupo 1 es aquel en que la hipertensión pulmonar se caracteriza por hipertensión precapilar y resistencia vascular pulmonar y no se explica por enfermedades cardiacas, pulmonares o enfermedad tromboembólica. Por su parte, el grupo 4 denominado hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica es una enfermedad producida por el remodelado obstructivo de la arteria pulmonar como consecuencia de tromboembolia en grandes vasos. En el caso de HAP grupo 1, se indica que las estimaciones más bajas de prevalencia son 15 por millón de adultos, mientras que las tasas de incidencias más bajas son de 2,4 casos por millón de adultos al año. Por otro lado, se estima para HAP grupo 4 una prevalencia de 3,2 por millón y una incidencia de 0,9 por millón de personas. Este informe evalúa el uso de macitentán y riociguat para el tratamiento de pacientes adultos con HAP (Grupo 1 y 4). Esta condición de salud cuenta con cobertura para los medicamentos iloprost inhalatorio, ambrisentán y bosentán en el contexto de Ley N° 20.850 (Ley Ricarte Soto) para pacientes con Hipertensión Arterial Pulmonar Grupo I. TECNOLOGÍAS SANITARIA DE INTERÉS: Macitentán es un antagonista dual de los receptores de la endotelina que se administra por vía oral. Riociguat es un estimulador de la guanilato-ciclasa soluble (GCs), un enzima presente en el sistema cardiopulmonar y el receptor del óxido nítrico (NO). EFICACIA DE LOS TRATAMIENTOS: Macitentán - HAP Grupo 1: No se identificó evidencia directa que evaluara el efecto de macitentán en comparación con el mejor tratamiento disponible (bosentán) en personas con hipertensión arterial pulmonar grupo 1, por lo que se recurrió a comparaciones indirectas, seleccionándose una revisión sistemática que utilizó la técnica metaanálisis en red para comparar ambos fármacos. De acuerdo a esta evidencia, el uso de macitentán podría ser menos efectivo que bosentán en reducir la mortalidad, en reducir el empeoramiento clínico, en mejorar el test de caminata en 6 minutos y podría asociarse a menos efectos adversos severos que bosentán, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja. Riociguat - HAP Grupo 1: No se identificó evidencia directa que evaluaba el efecto de riociguat en comparación con el mejor tratamiento disponible (bosentán) en personas con hipertensión arterial pulmonar grupo 1, por lo que se recurrió a comparaciones indirectas, seleccionándose una revisión sistemática que utilizó la técnica metaanálisis en red para comparar ambos fármacos. De acuerdo a esta evidencia, no está claro si existen diferencias en mortalidad, en empeoramiento clínico, en el test de caminata en 6 minutos y en la mejoría en capacidad funcional entre riociguat y antagonistas de endotelina, porque la certeza de la evidencia es muy baja. Además, riociguat podría tener menos efectos adversos severos que los antagonistas de endotelina, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja. Riociguat - HAP: Grupo 4 Se identificó un ensayo clínico que comparaba riociguat con placebo en personas con hipertensión arterial pulmonar grupo 4. De acuerdo a esta evidencia, riociguat aumenta levemente el número de metros en test de marcha de 6 minutos y probablemente mejora la funcionalidad, esto con una calidad de evidencia alta y moderada, respectivamente. ALTERNATIVAS DISPONIBLES: Terapia Farmacológica: Después de ser realizado el diagnóstico de HAP, el paciente recibe un tratamiento dependiendo de su capacidad funcional, etiología y estratificación del riesgo. De esta forma, los pacientes reciben diversos medicamentos de acuerdo criterios establecidos. Entre los medicamentos se puede citar a Ambrisentan, Bosentan e Iloprost, los cuales se encuentran actualmente cubiertos por Ley 20.850 para Grupo 1 de HAP (10). Tratamiento no farmacológico: Tienen como objetivo, de manera coadyuvante, beneficiar la calidad de vida y sobrevida de pacientes. Entre las medidas que se recomienda se encuentran: rehabilitación, terapia anticoagulante, terapia diurética, oxigenoterapia y apoyo psicológico, entre otras. Cirugía: En caso de que los pacientes resulten refractarios a terapias farmacológicas o en ciertos subgrupos de pacientes Hipertensión Arterial Pulmonar, se plantea como alternativa terapéutica el trasplante de pulmón, trasplante de pulmón/corazón y la tromboendarterectomía pulmonar. RESULTADOS DE LA BÚSQUEDA DE EVIDENCIA: Se identificaron múltiples revisiones sistemáticas evaluando la intervención de interés, sin embargo, ninguna de ellas identificó ensayos que aborden la comparación pertinente a este informe (ambrisentán o bosentán). Tampoco se identificaron ensayos relevantes en la búsqueda adicional, por lo tanto, se llevó a cabo una estimación del efecto mediante evidencia indirecta, a partir de la mejor revisión sistemática disponible con metaanálisis en red, para responder la pregunta CONCLUSIÓN: Para dar cumplimiento al artículo 28° del Reglamento que establece el proceso destinado a determinar los diagnósticos y tratamientos de alto costo con Sistema de Protección Financiera, según lo establecido en los artículos 7°y 8° de la ley N°20.850, aprobado por el decreto N°13 del Ministerio de Salud, se concluye que el presente informe de evaluación se considera favorable, de acuerdo a lo establecido en el Título III. de las Evaluaciones Favorables de la Norma Técnica N° 0192 de este mismo ministerio.

Endothelin-1 receptor antagonists protect the kidney against the nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporine-A in normotensive and hypertensive rats

Cyclosporin-A (CsA) is an immunosuppressant associated with acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Nephrotoxicity associated with CsA involves the increase in afferent and efferent arteriole resistance, decreased renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor blockade with bosentan (BOS) and macitentan (MAC) antagonists on altered renal function induced by CsA in normotensive and hypertensive animals. Wistar and genetically hypertensive rats (SHR) were separated into control group, CsA group that received intraperitoneal injections of CsA (40 mg/kg) for 15 days, CsA+BOS and CsA+MAC that received CsA and BOS (5 mg/kg) or MAC (25 mg/kg) by gavage for 15 days. Plasma creatinine and urea, mean arterial pressure (MAP), RBF and renal vascular resistance (RVR), and immunohistochemistry for ET-1 in the kidney cortex were measured. CsA decreased renal function, as shown by increased creatinine and urea. There was a decrease in RBF and an increase in MAP and RVR in normotensive and hypertensive animals. These effects were partially reversed by ET-1 antagonists, especially in SHR where increased ET-1 production was observed in the kidney. Most MAC effects were similar to BOS, but BOS seemed to be better at reversing cyclosporine-induced changes in renal function in hypertensive animals. The results of this work suggested the direct participation of ET-1 in renal hemodynamics changes induced by cyclosporin in normotensive and hypertensive rats. The antagonists of ET-1 MAC and BOS reversed part of these effects.

Treatment of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis: Case series study of thirteen patients and discussion on outcome.

INTRODUCTION:: In systemic sclerosis (SSc), digital ulcers (DU) are debilitating and recurrent. They are markers of prognosis and are associated with disability and mortality. Treatment strategies have been developed to block the proposed mechanisms of this complication. OBJECTIVE:: Clinical description of a population of SSc patients with DU, treatment, complications and outcome. METHOD:: Analysis of 48 SSc patients meeting 2013 ACR-EULAR criteria, followed between 1999-2015; 13 patients had DU. Treatment protocol applied included cycles of 21 days of alprostadil, which can be repeated in the absence of DU healing. After DU healing, bosentan was initiated. RESULTS:: DU healing was achieved with intravenous prostanoid in 12 patients; seven patients required repeated treatment for DU healing. Twelve patients were later treated with bosentan; three of them experienced recurrence of DU, while one was anti-B2-GPI positive. Four patients had soft tissue loss and three other suffered digital amputation, these being late diagnosis. CONCLUSION:: Younger patients and early referrals had better outcomes. Endothelin receptor antagonist toxicity should be monitored, particularly in patients previously exposed to hepatotoxic drugs.