Immune checkpoint expression as prognostic biomarker candidates in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Cancer immunotherapy has had an important role in oncologic therapeutics for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using checkpoint inhibitors. We will explore the possible prognosis biomarker candidates such as: soluble OX40 (sOX40), OX40L (sOX40L), Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related receptor (GITR), and their ligand (GITRL), 4-1BB or tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 9 (TNFRS9) and inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) in peripheral blood of NSCLC patients. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients were diagnosed with advanced NSCLC between January 2019 and March 2020. RESULTS: High sOX40 and low s4-1BB levels in smokers compared non-smoker NSCLC patients. Lower sOX40L levels were found in the male than female (p < 0.05). High sOX40 and sGITRL in stage III compared to the stage IV (p < 0.05). With follow-up at 21.4 months, 44.1% and 91.1% were alive in the sGITRhigh and sGITRlow groups, respectively (p = 0.02), and 73.3% and 27.7% were alive in the sGITRLhigh and sGITRLlow groups, respectively (p = 0.02). At 22 months, 38.7% and 92.3% were alive in the sOX40Lhigh and sOX40Llow groups, respectively (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: sGITR, sGITRL, and sOX40L levels were potential prognostic biomarkers and could have an important role as new targets of immunotherapy in NSCLC patients. sGITR, sGITRL, sOX40L, and sOX40 levels were associated with smoking, sex, stage, and age in NSCLC.

Angiotensin-converting enzymes 1 and 2 in the feces: presence and catalytic activity in the rat 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced model of colitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Inflammatory bowel disease is challenging to diagnose. Fecal biomarkers offer noninvasive solutions. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is implicated in intestinal inflammation. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) regulate its activity, but conflicting findings on these enzymes in colitis require further investigation. We aimed to assess ACE and ACE2 presence and activities in the feces, serum, and colon of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced rats. METHODS: Colitis was induced in male rats by rectal instillation of a 21% ethanolic TNBS solution. After rats' sacrifice, colonic portions, serum, and feces were collected. ACE and ACE2 presence in the feces was analyzed by western Blot, and colonic and serum enzymes' concentrations were quantified using ELISA kits. ACE activity was assessed using Hippuryl-His-Leu and Z-Phe-His-Leu as substrates. ACE2 activity was assessed using Mca-APK (Dnp) as a substrate in the presence and absence of DX600 (ACE2 inhibitor). RESULTS: An ACE isoform of ~70 kDa was found only in the feces of TNBS-induced rats. ACE concentration was higher than that of ACE2 in the serum and the inflamed colon. ACE N-domain activity was higher than that of the C-domain in all matrices. ACE2 activity was higher in the feces of TNBS-induced animals compared to controls. CONCLUSION: A 70 kDa ACE isoform only detected in the feces of TNBS-induced rats may have translational relevance. ACE N-domain seems to play a significant role in regulating colonic lesions. Further research using human samples is necessary to validate these findings.

Role of ACE2 in pregnancy and potential implications for COVID-19 susceptibility.

In times of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus (CoV)-2 infection on pregnancy is still unclear. The presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 (ACE2), the main receptor for SARS-CoV-2, in human placentas indicates that this organ can be vulnerable for viral infection during pregnancy. However, for this to happen, additional molecular processes are critical to allow viral entry in cells, its replication and disease manifestation, particularly in the placenta and/or feto-maternal circulation. Beyond the risk of vertical transmission, COVID-19 is also proposed to deplete ACE2 protein and its biological actions in the placenta. It is postulated that such effects may impair essential processes during placentation and maternal hemodynamic adaptations in COVID-19 pregnancy, features also observed in several disorders of pregnancy. This review gathers information indicating risks and protective features related to ACE2 changes in COVID-19 pregnancies. First, we describe the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection having ACE2 as a main entry door and current evidence of viral infection in the placenta. Further, we discuss the central role of ACE2 in physiological systems such as the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS), both active during placentation and hemodynamic adaptations of pregnancy. Significant knowledge gaps are also identified and should be urgently filled to better understand the fate of ACE2 in COVID-19 pregnancies and the potential associated risks. Emerging knowledge will be able to improve the early stratification of high-risk pregnancies with COVID-19 exposure as well as to guide better management and follow-up of these mothers and their children.

Sex differences in angiotensin II-induced hypertension and kidney injury: role of AT1a receptors in the proximal tubule of the kidney.

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that there are significant sex differences in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension and kidney injury using male and female wildtype (WT) and proximal tubule-specific AT1a receptor knockout mice (PT-Agtr1a-/-). Twelve groups (n=8-12 per group) of adult male and female WT and PT-Agtr1a-/- mice were infused with a pressor dose of Ang II via osmotic minipump for 2 weeks (1.5 mg/kg/day, i.p.) and simultaneously treated with or without losartan (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) to determine the respective roles of AT1a receptors in the proximal tubules versus systemic tissues. Basal systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure were approximately 13 ± 3 mmHg lower (P<0.01), while basal 24-h urinary Na+, K+, and Cl- excretion were significantly higher in both male and female PT-Agtr1a-/- mice than WT controls (P<0.01) without significant sex differences between different strains. Both male and female WT and PT-Agtr1a-/- mice developed hypertension (P<0.01), and the magnitudes of the pressor responses to Ang II were similar between male and female WT and PT-Agtr1a-/- mice (n.s.). Likewise, Ang II-induced hypertension was significantly attenuated in both male and female PT-Agtr1a-/- mice (P<0.01). Furthermore, losartan attenuated the hypertensive responses to Ang II to similar extents in both male and female WT and PT-Agtr1a-/- mice. Finally, Ang II-induced kidney injury was attenuated in PT-Agtr1a-/- mice (P<0.01). In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that deletion of AT1a receptors in the proximal tubules of the kidney attenuates Ang II-induced hypertension and kidney injury without revealing significant sex differences.

Cardioprotection Generated by Aerobic Exercise Training is Not Related to the Proliferation of Cardiomyocytes and Angiotensin-(1-7) Levels in the Hearts of Rats with Supravalvar Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The beneficial effect of aerobic exercise training (ET) on cardiac remodeling caused by supravalvar aortic stenosis (AS) has been demonstrated in experimental studies; however, the mechanisms responsible for improving cardiac function are not entirely understood. We evaluated whether ET-generated cardioprotection in pressure-overloaded rats is dependent on cardiomyocyte proliferation, increased angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-1-7) levels, and its receptor in the myocardium. METHODS: Eighteen weeks after ascending AS surgery, Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: sedentary control (C-Sed), exercised control (C-Ex), sedentary aortic stenosis (AS-Sed) and exercised aortic stenosis (AS-Ex) groups. The moderate treadmill exercise protocol was performed for ten weeks. The functional capacity was assessed by treadmill exercise testing. Cardiac structure and function were evaluated by echocardiogram. Cardiomyocyte proliferation was evaluated by flow cytometry. Expression of cell cycle regulatory genes as CCND2, AURKB, CDK1, and MEIS1 was verified by RT-qPCR. Cardiac and plasma angiotensin I (Ang I), angiotensin II (Ang II), and Ang-(1-7) levels were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity was assessed by the fluorometric method and protein expression of AT1 and Mas receptors by Western blot. RESULTS: The AS-Ex group showed reduced left ventricular wall relative thickness and improved ejection fraction; also, it showed decreased gene expression of myocyte cell cycle regulators, ACE, Ang I, Ang II and Ang II/Ang-(1-7) ratio levels compared to AS-Sed group. However, ET did not induce alterations in Ang-(1-7) and cardiac Mas receptor expression and myocyte proliferation. CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise training improves systolic function regardless of myocyte proliferation and Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor levels. However, the ET negatively modulates the vasoconstrictor/hypertrophic axis (ACE/Ang II) and decreases the expression of negative regulatory genes of the cell cycle in cardiomyocytes of rats with supravalvular aortic stenosis.

Study of serum and urinary markers of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in myelomeningocele patients with renal injury detected by DMSA.

INTRODUCTION: The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) has been suggested as a possible marker of renal injury in chronic diseases. This study proposes to analyze the serum and urinary markers of the RAAS in myelomeningocele patients with renal function abnormalities detected on DMSA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen patients followed in our institution that presented with renal injury on DMSA. We review nephrologic and urologic clinical aspects and evaluated ultrassonagraphy, voiding urethrocystography and urodynamics. Urinary and serum samples were collected to evaluate possible correlations of renal lesions with RAAS. Control group urine and serum samples were also sent for analysis. RESULTS: Serum ACE 2 activity means in relation to urodynamic findings were the only values that had a statistically significant difference (p = 0.040). Patients with normal bladder pattern presented higher ACE 2 levels than the high risk group. Statistical analysis showed that the study group (SG) had a significantly higher mean serum ACE than the CG. The means of ACE 2 and urinary ACE of the SG and CG were not statistically different. The ROC curve for serum ACE values had a statistically significant area for case and non-case differentiation, with 100% sensitivity and 53% specificity for values above 60.2 mg/dL. No statistically significant areas were observed in relation to ACE 2 and urinary ACE values between SG and CG. CONCLUSION: The analysis of serum ACE, ACE 2 and urinary ACE were not significant in patients with myelomeningocele and neurogenic bladder with renal injury previously detected by renal DMSA.

Blockade of AT1 type receptors for angiotensin II prevents cardiac microvascular fibrosis induced by chronic stress in Sprague-Dawley rats.

To test the effects of chronic-stress on the cardiovascular system, the model of chronic mild unpredictable stress (CMS) has been widely used. The CMS protocol consists of the random, intermittent, and unpredictable exposure of laboratory animals to a variety of stressors, during 3 consecutive weeks. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to the CMS protocol leads to left ventricle microcirculatory remodeling that can be attenuated by angiotensin II receptor blockade. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Control, Stress, Control + losartan, and Stress + losartan (N = 6, each group, losartan: 20 mg/kg/day). The rats were euthanized 15 days after CMS exposure, and blood samples and left ventricle were collected. Rats submitted to CMS presented increased glycemia, corticosterone, noradrenaline and adrenaline concentration, and losartan reduced the concentration of the circulating amines. Cardiac angiotensin II, measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was significantly increased in the CMS group, and losartan treatment reduced it, while angiotensin 1-7 was significantly higher in the CMS losartan-treated group as compared with CMS. Histological analysis, verified by transmission electron microscopy, showed that rats exposed to CMS presented increased perivascular collagen and losartan effectively prevented the development of this process. Hence, CMS induced a state of microvascular disease, with increased perivascular collagen deposition, that may be the trigger for further development of cardiovascular disease. In this case, CMS fibrosis is associated with increased production of catecholamines and with a disruption of renin-angiotensin system balance, which can be prevented by angiotensin II receptor blockade.

Adequacy of Initial Everolimus Dose, With and Without Calcineurin Inhibitors, in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the adequacy of initial everolimus (EVR) dose, with and without calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort analysis involved data from 305 kidney transplant recipients participating in 3 randomized trials receiving reduced dose cyclosporin A (CsA) combined with EVR 0.75 mg BID (CSA/EVR0.75, N = 32) or 1.5 mg BID (CSA/EVR1.5, N = 31), reduced dose tacrolimus (TAC) combined with EVR 1.5 mg BID (TAC0.05/EVR1.5, N = 83), standard dose TAC combined with EVR 1.5 mg BID (TAC0.1/EVR1.5, N = 93), and EVR 1.5 mg BID (EVR1.5, N = 66) with TAC introduction after day 5. The adequacy of the initial EVR dose, based on EVR whole blood trough between 3 and 8 ng/mL, was compared using first EVR blood concentrations obtained at day 3 after transplantation. RESULTS: Recipient age, proportion of patients with diabetes mellitus, and proportion of grafts from living donors were different among the groups. Dose-corrected EVR concentrations were higher in patients receiving CsA than in those receiving TAC or no calcineurin inhibitors (6.7 ± 5.9 versus 5.4 ± 2.2 versus 2.4 ± 0.8 versus 2.5 ± 0.9 versus 2.2 ± 0.7, P = 0.000). No differences were observed comparing dose adjusted EVR concentrations combined with TAC or alone (P = 0.073). The proportion of patients with EVR concentration below <3 ng/mL was lower when EVR was combined with CsA (25 versus 3 versus 43 versus 33 versus 50%, P = 0.000). Later introduction of TAC did not influence EVR concentrations. There were no differences in mean CsA concentrations comparing patients receiving EVR 0.75 or 1.5 mg BID (240 ± 143 versus 213 ± 105 ng/mL). On the other hand, mean TAC concentrations were higher according to the initial TAC dose regimen (6.4 ± 3.9 versus 9.8 ± 5.9 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: In de novo kidney transplant recipients, the choice of the initial dose of EVR should consider the type of calcineurin inhibitor to reach target EVR concentration within the first week in a higher proportion of patients, maximizing the efficacy/toxicity profile.

Renovascular remodeling and renal injury after extended angiotensin II infusion.

Chronic angiotensin II (ANG II) infusion for 1 or 2 wk leads to progressive hypertension and induces inward hypertrophic remodeling in preglomerular vessels, which is associated with increased renal vascular resistance (RVR) and decreased glomerular perfusion. Considering the ability of preglomerular vessels to exhibit adaptive responses, the present study was performed to evaluate glomerular perfusion and renal function after 6 wk of ANG II infusion. To address this study, male Wistar rats were submitted to sham surgery (control) or osmotic minipump insertion (ANG II 200 ng·kg(-1)·min(-1), 42 days). A group of animals was treated or cotreated with losartan (10 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)), an AT1 receptor antagonist, between days 28 and 42 Chronic ANG II infusion increased systolic blood pressure to 185 ± 4 compared with 108 ± 2 mmHg in control rats. Concomitantly, ANG II-induced hypertension increased intrarenal ANG II level and consequently, preglomerular and glomerular injury. Under this condition, ANG II enhanced the total renal plasma flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine flow and induced pressure natriuresis. These changes were accompanied by lower RVR and enlargement of the lumen of interlobular arteries and afferent arterioles, consistent with impairment of renal autoregulatory capability and outward preglomerular remodeling. The glomerular injury culminated with podocyte effacement, albuminuria, tubulointerstitial macrophage infiltration and intrarenal extracellular matrix accumulation. Losartan attenuated most of the effects of ANG II. Our findings provide new information regarding the contribution of ANG II infusion over 2 wk to renal hemodynamics and function via the AT1 receptor.

Alternative pathways for angiotensin II production as an important determinant of kidney damage in endotoxemia.

Sepsis is an uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response against an infection and a major public health issue worldwide. This condition affects several organs, and, when caused by Gram-negative bacteria, kidneys are particularly damaged. Due to the importance of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in regulating renal function, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of endotoxemia over the renal RAS. Wistar rats were injected with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (4 mg/kg), mimicking the endotoxemia induced by Gram-negative bacteria. Three days after treatment, body mass, blood pressure, and plasma nitric oxide (NO) were reduced, indicating that endotoxemia triggered cardiovascular and metabolic consequences and that hypotension was maintained by NO-independent mechanisms. Regarding the effects in renal tissue, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was diminished, but no changes in the renal level of NO were detected. RAS was also highly affected by endotoxemia, since renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and ACE2 activities were altered in renal tissue. Although these enzymes were modulated, only angiotensin (ANG) II was augmented in kidneys; ANG I and ANG 1-7 levels were not influenced by LPS. Cathepsin G and chymase activities were increased in the endotoxemia group, suggesting alternative pathways for ANG II formation. Taken together, our data suggest the activation of noncanonical pathways for ANG II production and the presence of renal vasoconstriction and tissue damage in our animal model. In summary, the systemic administration of LPS affects renal RAS, what may contribute for several deleterious effects of endotoxemia over kidneys.

Antihypertensive treatment of end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis does not alter circulating ACE and ACE2 activity and angiotensin peptides.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main causes of death in hemodialysis patients, representing a public health challenge. We investigated the effect of different antihypertensive treatments on circulating levels of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis. ESRD patients were grouped following the prescribed antihypertensive drugs: ß-blocker, ß-blocker+ACEi and ß-blocker+AT1R blocker. ESDR patients under no antihypertensive drug treatment were used as controls. Blood samples were collected before hemodialysis sessions. Enzymatic activities of the angiotensin-converting enzymes ACE and ACE2 were measured through fluorescence assays and plasma concentrations of the peptides Angiotensin II (Ang II) and Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] were quantified using mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). ACE activity was decreased only in the ß-blocker+ACEi group compared to the ß-blocker+AT1R, while ACE2 activity did not change according to the antihypertensive treatment. Both Ang II and Ang-(1-7) levels also did not change according to the antihypertensive treatment. We concluded that the treatment of ESRD patients on hemodialysis with different antihypertensive drugs do not alter the circulating levels of RAS components.

Aerobic training increases renal antioxidant defence and reduces angiotensin II levels, mitigating the high mortality in SHR-STZ model.

OBJECTVE: The purpose of the research was to investigate the effects of aerobic training on renal function, oxidative stress, intrarenal renin-angiotensin system, and mortality of hypertensive and diabetic (SHR-STZ) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood pressure, creatinine, urea levels, urinary glucose, urine volume, and protein excretion were reduced in trained SHR-STZ rats. RESULTS: Aerobic training not only attenuated oxidative stress but also elevated the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the kid'ney of SHR-STZ rats. Training increased intrarenal levels of angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE and ACE2) as well as the neprilysin (NEP) activity, along with decreased intrarenal angiotensin II (Ang II) levels. Aerobic training significantly improved the survival of STZ-SHR rats. CONCLUSION: The protective role of aerobic training was associated with improvements in the renal antioxidative capacity, reduced urinary protein excretion along with reduced intrarenal Ang II and increased NEP activity. These findings might reflect a better survival under the combined pathological conditions, hypertension, and diabetes.

Kinin B1 receptor modulates glucose homeostasis and physical exercise capacity by altering adrenal catecholamine synthesis and secretion.

Our group has shown in several papers that kinin B1 receptor (B1R) is involved in metabolic adaptations, mediating glucose homeostasis and interfering in leptin and insulin signaling. Since catecholamines are involved with metabolism management, we sought to evaluate B1R role in catecholamine synthesis/secretion. Using B1R global knockout mice, we observed increased basal epinephrine content, accompanied by decreased hepatic glycogen content and increased glucosuria. When these mice were challenged with maximal intensity exercise, they showed decreased epinephrine and norepinephrine response, accompanied by disturbed glycemic responses to effort and poor performance. This phenotype was related to alterations in adrenal catecholamine synthesis: increased basal epinephrine concentration and reduced norepinephrine content in response to exercise, as well decreased gene expression and protein content of tyrosine hydroxylase and decreased gene expression of dopamine beta hydroxylase and kinin B2 receptor. We conclude that the global absence of B1R impairs catecholamine synthesis, interfering with glucose metabolism at rest and during maximal exercise.

ACE and ACE2 catalytic activity in the fecal content along the gut.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 are two major enzymes of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which control the formation/degradation of angiotensin (Ang) II and Ang1-7, regulating their opposite effects. We aimed at evaluating the catalytic activity of ACE and ACE2 in the intestinal content and corresponding intestinal tissue along the gut of Wistar Han rats. METHODS: Portions of the ileum, cecum, proximal colon, and distal colon, and the corresponding intestinal content were collected from Wistar Han rats. Enzyme activity was evaluated by fluorometric assays using different substrates: Hippuryl-His-Leu for ACE-C-domain, Z-Phe-His-Leu for ACE-N-domain, and Mca-APK(Dnp) for ACE2. ACE and ACE2 concentration was assessed by ELISA. Ratios concerning concentrations and activities were calculated to evaluate the balance of the RAAS. Statistical analysis was performed using Friedman test followed by Dunn's multiple comparisons test or Wilcoxon matched-pairs test whenever needed. KEY RESULTS: ACE and ACE2 are catalytically active in the intestinal content along the rat gut. The ACE N-domain shows higher activity than the C-domain both in the intestinal content and in the intestinal tissue. ACE and ACE2 are globally more active in the intestinal content than in the corresponding intestinal tissue. There was a distal-to-proximal prevalence of ACE2 over ACE in the intestinal tissue. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: This work is the first to report the presence of catalytically active ACE and ACE2 in the rat intestinal content, supporting future research on the regulatory role of the intestinal RAAS on gut function and a putative link to the microbiome.

Pediatric dyslipidemia is associated with increased urinary ACE activity, blood pressure values, and carotidal-femoral pulse wave velocity.

This study aimed to evaluate the enzymatic activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in children and adolescents to investigate their relationship with dyslipidemia and other cardiometabolic alterations. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure (BP), and fasting lipid concentrations were taken from 360 subjects. Categorization was done according to the levels of each lipoprotein (total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, HDL-C, and non-HDL-C) into three groups: normolipidemic (NL), borderline (BL), and dyslipidemic (DL). Enzymatic activity in urine was measured using the substrates Z-FHL-OH and hippuryl-HL-OH (h-HL-OH) and the ACE activity ratio (Z-FHL-OH/h-HL-OH) was calculated. Dyslipidemic levels of HDL-C, TG, and LDL-C were observed in 23%, 9%, and 3% of the participants, respectively, and were more frequent in obese children (Chi-square, p < 0.001). ACE activity ratio was augmented in BL(HDL-C) when compared to NL(HDL-C) (5.06 vs. 2.39, p < 0.01), in DL(LDL-C) in comparison to BL(LDL-C) and NL(LDL-C) (8.7 vs. 1.8 vs. 3.0, p < 0.01), and in DL(non-HDL-C) than in BL(non-HDL-C) and in NL(non-HDL-C) (6.3 vs. 2.1 vs. 2.9, p = 0.02). The groups with impaired HDL-C and TG levels presented an increased diastolic BP percentile, and a higher systolic BP percentile was observed in BL(TG) and DL(TG). The carotidal-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was higher in the groups with DL levels of TG and LDL-C than in NL groups. Hypertriglyceridemia was associated with higher cfPWV. No direct impact of the ACE activity on BP values was observed in this cohort, however, there was an association between hyperlipidemia and ACE upregulation which can trigger mechanisms driving to early onset of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Graphical abstract exemplifying the cohort, categorization of subjects into the groups NL normolipidemic, BL borderline, DL dyslipidemic, methods, and main findings. Pediatric dyslipidemia was consistent with dyslipidemia secondary to obesity (DSO), associated with higher urinary angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity ratio, BP blood pressure values, and carotidal-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV).

Insulin infusion sets associated with adverse events: strategies for improved diabetes education.

Introduction: Insulin Infusion Sets (IIS) play a crucial role in ensuring the safe delivery of insulin through a Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Recent advancements in therapy have highlighted the need to address issues such as unexplained hyperglycemia and IIS occlusion. Objective: To investigate the adverse events (AEs) associated with IIS that impact the treatment of T1D, with a specific focus on promoting effective educational practices. Methods: One hundred and eighteen patients under treatment at the Diabetes Center Insulin Pump Ambulatory, Federal University of São Paulo responded to a semi-structured questionnaire. Over 6 months, a nurse researcher interviewed them via video calls. Results: Catheter-related adverse events (AEs) included catheter knots, folding, and accidental traction. AEs associated with cannula use were mainly related to cannula fixation adhesive, insulin leakage, bleeding episodes, and skin problems. The cannula patch tends to detach easily in hot conditions or when used for more than 3 days, leading to local itching. Adhesive glue can cause redness and pain. Insulin leakage typically occurs after the catheter disconnects from the cannula, accidental cannula traction, or beneath the cannula patch. Bleeding has been reported inside the cannula or at the insertion site, resulting in local pain and, in some cases, obstruction of insulin flow. When accidental cannula traction occurs, it is recommended to replace the entire IIS system. In situations involving bleeding, leakage, insulin odor, or unsuccessful attempts to correct hyperglycemic episodes with a "bolus" of insulin, it is advisable to change the IIS system and evaluate appropriate techniques for handling and infusing the device. Moreover, regular inspections of the device and reservoir/cartridge are essential. Conclusion: Serious AEs can occur even in cases where the occlusion alarm is not activated, leading to interruptions in insulin flow. Conversely, in less severe situations, alarm activation can occur even in the absence of insulin flow interruption. Accidental catheter traction and catheter bending are commonly encountered in everyday situations, while issues related to the cannula directly affect blood glucose levels. AEs related to the IIS cannula often involve insulin leakage into the skin, bleeding, and skin events attributed to adhesive issues with the cannula.

Low-dose enalapril reduces angiotensin II and attenuates diabetic-induced cardiac and autonomic dysfunctions.

Activation of renin-angiotensin system has been linked to cardiovascular and autonomic dysfunctions in diabetes. Experiments were performed to investigate the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), enalapril, on cardiac and autonomic functions in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (50 mg/kg), and rats were treated with enalapril (1 mg · kg(-1) · d(-1)). After 30 days, evaluations were performed in control, diabetic, and enalapril-treated groups. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography and through cannulation of the left ventricle (at baseline and in response to volume overload). Heart rate and systolic blood pressure variabilities were evaluated in the time and frequency domains. Streptozotocin rats had left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunctions, expressed by reduced ejection fraction and increased isovolumic relaxation time. The ACEI prevented these changes, improved diastolic cardiac responses to volume overload and total power of heart rate variability, reduced the ACE1 activity and protein expression and cardiac angiotensin (Ang) II levels, and increased angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activity, despite unchanged blood pressure. Correlations were obtained between Ang II content with systolic and diastolic functions and heart rate variability. These findings provide evidence that the low-dose ACEI prevents autonomic and cardiac dysfunctions induced by diabetes without changing blood pressure and associated with reduced cardiac Ang II and increased angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activity.

Overexpression of urinary N-domain ACE in chronic kidney dysfunction in Wistar rats.

Local activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several renal disorders. In this study we investigated how chronic kidney disease (CKD) modulates RAS components in an experimental model. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: sham, nephrectomized, and nephrectomized receiving losartan. Chronic kidney disease animals presented decreased renal N-domain angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity but overexpression of N-domain ACE in urine. Remnant kidneys presented high angiotensin II levels. Losartan treatment increased urine and tissue ACE activity and tissue levels of angiotensins, mainly angiotensin (1-7), and improved renal and histopathologic parameters. Taken together, the authors' results indicate that pathophysiological changes due to CKD could lead to an increased expression of somatic and N-domain ACE, mainly the 65 kDa isoform, suggesting that this enzyme could be used as a biological urinary marker in CKD.

Stress-induced cardiometabolic perturbations, increased oxidative stress and ACE/ACE2 imbalance are improved by endurance training in rats.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of endurance training on stress-induced cardiometabolic perturbations given the elevated release of stress hormones and subsequent glucose homeostasis perturbations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were randomized into non-trained rats, rats submitted to endurance training, non-trained rats submitted to stress, and trained rats submitted to stress. Endurance training was applied for 8 weeks, while chronic stress was applied at the 4th, 5th, and 6th weeks of the training period. Two weeks after the last stressor stimuli, rats were euthanized, and blood and heart were collected for biochemical tests. KEY FINDINGS: Exacerbated corticosterone levels were observed in both stressed groups, and chronic stress per se impaired glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Training reduced circulating adrenaline, even though noradrenaline levels were elevated in the blood and heart of trained rats. While stress-induced high circulating serotonin levels were further increased by endurance training, cardiac serotonin levels were attenuated in trained rats. Endurance training mitigated the stress-induced higher circulating lipids. Cardiac TBARs and GPx activity increased in trained rats while CAT and GPx were reduced in response to chronic stress. Endurance training not only attenuated the stress-induced higher circulating ACE/ACE2 ratio but also reduced ACE/ACE2 balance in the heart. Glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and altered stress hormones release were linked to impairment of cardiometabolic responses, elevated oxidative stress, and dysregulation of ACE/ACE2 ratio. SIGNIFICANCE: Endurance training mitigated the stress-related pathophysiological responses, which could be related to improvements in the antioxidant capacity and the balance of ACE/ACE2 activity.

Saccharomyces boulardii exerts renoprotection by modulating oxidative stress, renin angiotensin system and uropathogenic microbiota in a murine model of diabetes.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate whether Saccharomyces boulardii strain might exert renoprotective effects by modulating renal renin angiotensin system, oxidative stress and intestinal microbiota in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. MAIN METHODS: Thirty-six C57BL/6 male mice were divided into four groups: control (C), control + probiotic (CP), diabetes (D), diabetes + probiotic (DP). Diabetes was induced by one intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and Saccharomyces boulardii was administered by oral gavage for 8 weeks. Blood glucose, albuminuria and urinary volume were measured. Renal levels of angiotensin peptides (angiotensin I, II and 1-7) and the activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 were determined, besides that, renal morphology, serotonin and dopamine levels and also microbiota composition were analyzed. KEY FINDINGS: Probiotics significantly increased C-peptide secretion and reduced blood glucose of diabetic animals. Saccharomyces boulardii also improved renal antioxidant defense, restored serotonin and dopamine concentration, and activated the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) vasodilator and antifibrotic axis. The modulation of these markers was associated with a beneficial impact on glomerular structure and renal function of diabetic treated animals. The phenotypic changes induced by Saccharomyces boulardii were also related to modulation of intestinal microbiota, evidenced by the decreased abundance of Proteus and Escherichia-Shigella, considered diabetic nephropathy biomarkers. SIGNIFICANCE: Therefore, probiotic administration to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice improves kidney structure and function in a murine model and might represent a reasonable strategy to counteract nephropathy-associated maladaptive responses in diabetes.