1
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Jiang X, Shao Y, Liao Y, Zheng X, Peng M, Cai Y, Wang M, Liu H, Zeng C, Lin Y, Zhang W, Liu L. Mechanisms underlying the efficacy and limitation of dopa and tetrahydrobiopterin therapies for the deficiency of GTP cyclohydrolase 1 revealed in a novel mouse model. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176379. [PMID: 38342361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Dopa and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) supplementation are recommended therapies for the dopa-responsive dystonia caused by GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1, also known as GTPCH) deficits. However, the efficacy and mechanisms of these therapies have not been intensively studied yet. In this study, we tested the efficacy of dopa and BH4 therapies by using a novel GTPCH deficiency mouse model, Gch1KI/KI, which manifested infancy-onset motor deficits and growth retardation similar to the patients. First, dopa supplementation supported Gch1KI/KI mouse survival to adulthood, but residual motor deficits and dwarfism remained. Interestingly, RNAseq analysis indicated that while the genes participating in BH4 biosynthesis and regeneration were significantly increased in the liver, no significant changes were observed in the brain. Second, BH4 supplementation alone restored the growth of Gch1KI/KI pups only in early postnatal developmental stage. High doses of BH4 supplementation indeed restored the total brain BH4 levels, but brain dopamine deficiency remained. While total brain TH levels were relatively increased in the BH4 treated Gch1KI/KI mice, the TH in the striatum were still almost undetectable, suggesting differential BH4 requirements among brain regions. Last, the growth of Gch1KI/KI mice under combined therapy outperformed dopa or BH4 therapy alone. Notably, dopamine was abnormally high in more than half, but not all, of the treated Gch1KI/KI mice, suggesting the existence of variable synergetic effects of dopa and BH4 supplementation. Our results provide not only experimental evidence but also novel mechanistic insights into the efficacy and limitations of dopa and BH4 therapies for GTPCH deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Jiang
- Department of Genetics and Endocrine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China
| | - Yongxian Shao
- Department of Genetics and Endocrine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China
| | - Yongqiang Liao
- Department of Genetics and Endocrine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China
| | - Xiaoning Zheng
- Department of Genetics and Endocrine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China
| | - Minzhi Peng
- Department of Genetics and Endocrine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China
| | - Yanna Cai
- Department of Genetics and Endocrine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China
| | - Meiyi Wang
- Department of Genetics and Endocrine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China
| | - Huazhen Liu
- Department of Genetics and Endocrine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China
| | - Chunhua Zeng
- Department of Genetics and Endocrine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China
| | - Yunting Lin
- Department of Genetics and Endocrine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Endocrine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China.
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Genetics and Endocrine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510623, China.
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Chen L, Zhou X, Deng Y, Yang Y, Chen X, Chen Q, Liu Y, Fu X, Kwan HY, You Y, Jin W, Zhao X. Zhenwu decoction ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy through activating sGC (soluble guanylate cyclase) - cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) - PKG (protein kinase G) pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 300:115705. [PMID: 36099983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Zhenwu Decoction (ZWD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula which has wide scope of indications related to Yang deficiency and dampness retention in TCM syndrome. Cardiac hypertrophy can induce similar symptoms and signs to the clinical features of Yang deficiency and dampness retention syndrome. ZWD can increase the left ventricular ejection fraction, reduce cardiac hypertrophy of patients with chronic heart failure. However, its underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aimed to confirm the protective effects of ZWD on cardiac hypertrophy and explore the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The potential targets and pathways of ZWD in cardiac hypertrophy were highlighted by network pharmacology and validated by mechanistic and functional studies. RESULTS Our network pharmacology analysis suggests that the protective effects of ZWD on cardiac hypertrophy are related to cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) - protein kinase G (PKG) pathway. Subsequent animal studies showed that ZWD significantly ameliorated cardiac function decline, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. To explore the underlying mechanisms of action, we performed Western blotting, immunohistochemical analysis, and detection of inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Our results showed that ZWD activated the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) - cGMP - PKG signaling pathway. The sGC inhibitor ODQ that blocks the sGC-cGMP-PKG signaling pathway in zebrafish abolished the protective effects of ZWD, suggesting sGC-cGMP-PKG is the main signaling pathway mediates the protective effect of ZWD in cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, three major ingredients from ZWD, poricoic acid C, hederagenin and dehydrotumulosic acid, showed a high binding energy with prototype sGC. CONCLUSION ZWD reduces oxidative stress and inflammation and exerts cardioprotective effects by activating the sGC-cGMP-PKG signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqian Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Xinghong Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Yijian Deng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Xiaohu Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Qinghong Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Yanyan Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Xiuqiong Fu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yanting You
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Wen Jin
- Department of Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Cardiovascular Hospital, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510317, China.
| | - Xiaoshan Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
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da Silva FC, de Araújo BJ, Cordeiro CS, Arruda VM, Faria BQ, Guerra JFDC, Araújo TGD, Fürstenau CR. Endothelial dysfunction due to the inhibition of the synthesis of nitric oxide: Proposal and characterization of an in vitro cellular model. Front Physiol 2022; 13:978378. [PMID: 36467706 PMCID: PMC9714775 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.978378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelium plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis, mediated by vasoactive molecules produced by endothelial cells. The balance between vasoconstrictor and vasodilator biomolecules is what guarantees this equilibrium. Therefore, an increase in the bioavailability of vasoconstrictors along with a reduction in vasodilators may indicate a condition known as endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is marked by an inflammatory process and reduced activity of vasoprotective enzymes, being characterized by some factors like the reduction of the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), pro-inflammatory and vasoconstrictor molecules. This condition is a predictive marker of several cardiovascular diseases (e.g., atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes). Research is affected by the scarcity of suitable in vitro models that simulate endothelial dysfunction. The goal of this study was to induce an in vitro condition to mimic endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting NO synthesis in cells. Thymus-derived endothelial cells (tEnd.1) were treated with different concentrations of L-NAME (from 1 to 1,000 μM) for different times (12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h without and with retreatment every 24 h). Cell viability, nitrite concentration, p22phox, NOX2, NOX4, IL-6, and ACE genes expression and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. The results indicate that the treatment with 100 μM L-NAME for 72 h without retreatment reduced NO concentration and NOX4 gene expression while increasing ACE expression, thus mimicking reduced vascular protection and possibly increased vasoconstriction. On the other hand, treatment with 100 μM L-NAME for 96 h with retreatment reduced the concentration of NO and the expression of the p22phox gene while increasing the expression of the IL-6 and ACE genes, mimicking the increase in inflammation and vasoconstriction parameters. Based on these results, we thus propose that both 100 μM L-NAME for 72 h without retreatment and 100 μM L-NAME for 96 h with retreatment may be used as models for in vitro endothelial dysfunction according to the purpose of the study to be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Cardoso da Silva
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
- Laboratory of Vascular Biochemistry, Center for Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruna Juber de Araújo
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
- Laboratory of Vascular Biochemistry, Center for Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Carina Santos Cordeiro
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Marques Arruda
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruno Quintanilha Faria
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
| | - Joyce Ferreira Da Costa Guerra
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
| | - Thaise Gonçalves De Araújo
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Patos de Minas, MG, Brazil
| | - Cristina Ribas Fürstenau
- Laboratory of Vascular Biochemistry, Center for Natural and Human Sciences (CCNH), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André, SP, Brazil
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Suvorava T, Metry S, Pick S, Kojda G. Alterations in endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and their relevance to blood pressure. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 205:115256. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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5
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Ameer OZ. Hypertension in chronic kidney disease: What lies behind the scene. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:949260. [PMID: 36304157 PMCID: PMC9592701 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.949260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a frequent condition encountered during kidney disease development and a leading cause in its progression. Hallmark factors contributing to hypertension constitute a complexity of events that progress chronic kidney disease (CKD) into end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Multiple crosstalk mechanisms are involved in sustaining the inevitable high blood pressure (BP) state in CKD, and these play an important role in the pathogenesis of increased cardiovascular (CV) events associated with CKD. The present review discusses relevant contributory mechanisms underpinning the promotion of hypertension and their consequent eventuation to renal damage and CV disease. In particular, salt and volume expansion, sympathetic nervous system (SNS) hyperactivity, upregulated renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), oxidative stress, vascular remodeling, endothelial dysfunction, and a range of mediators and signaling molecules which are thought to play a role in this concert of events are emphasized. As the control of high BP via therapeutic interventions can represent the key strategy to not only reduce BP but also the CV burden in kidney disease, evidence for major strategic pathways that can alleviate the progression of hypertensive kidney disease are highlighted. This review provides a particular focus on the impact of RAAS antagonists, renal nerve denervation, baroreflex stimulation, and other modalities affecting BP in the context of CKD, to provide interesting perspectives on the management of hypertensive nephropathy and associated CV comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Z. Ameer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Omar Z. Ameer,
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6
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Spinelli S, Guida L, Vigliarolo T, Passalacqua M, Begani G, Magnone M, Sturla L, Benzi A, Ameri P, Lazzarini E, Bearzi C, Rizzi R, Zocchi E. The ABA-LANCL1/2 Hormone-Receptors System Protects H9c2 Cardiomyocytes from Hypoxia-Induced Mitochondrial Injury via an AMPK- and NO-Mediated Mechanism. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182888. [PMID: 36139463 PMCID: PMC9496903 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates plant responses to stress, partly via NO. In mammals, ABA stimulates NO production by innate immune cells and keratinocytes, glucose uptake and mitochondrial respiration by skeletal myocytes and improves blood glucose homeostasis through its receptors LANCL1 and LANCL2. We hypothesized a role for the ABA-LANCL1/2 system in cardiomyocyte protection from hypoxia via NO. The effect of ABA and of the silencing or overexpression of LANCL1 and LANCL2 were investigated in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts under normoxia or hypoxia/reoxygenation. In H9c2, hypoxia induced ABA release, and ABA stimulated NO production. ABA increased the survival of H9c2 to hypoxia, and L-NAME, an inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS), abrogated this effect. ABA also increased glucose uptake and NADPH levels and increased phosphorylation of Akt, AMPK and eNOS. Overexpression or silencing of LANCL1/2 significantly increased or decreased, respectively, transcription, expression and phosphorylation of AMPK, Akt and eNOS; transcription of NAMPT, Sirt1 and the arginine transporter. The mitochondrial proton gradient and cell vitality increased in LANCL1/2-overexpressing vs. -silenced cells after hypoxia/reoxygenation, and L-NAME abrogated this difference. These results implicate the ABA-LANCL1/2 hormone-receptor system in NO-mediated cardiomyocyte protection against hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Spinelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Tiziana Vigliarolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Mario Passalacqua
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Begani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Mirko Magnone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Sturla
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Benzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Pietro Ameri
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Biology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Edoardo Lazzarini
- Cardiovascular Theranostics, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Laboratories for Translational Research, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Via Tesserete 48, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Bearzi
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council of Italy (ITB-CNR), Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054 Milan, Italy
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Rizzi
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, C.so della Repubblica 79, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Elena Zocchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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7
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Lansdell TA, Chambers LC, Dorrance AM. Endothelial Cells and the Cerebral Circulation. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3449-3508. [PMID: 35766836 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells form the innermost layer of all blood vessels and are the only vascular component that remains throughout all vascular segments. The cerebral vasculature has several unique properties not found in the peripheral circulation; this requires that the cerebral endothelium be considered as a unique entity. Cerebral endothelial cells perform several functions vital for brain health. The cerebral vasculature is responsible for protecting the brain from external threats carried in the blood. The endothelial cells are central to this requirement as they form the basis of the blood-brain barrier. The endothelium also regulates fibrinolysis, thrombosis, platelet activation, vascular permeability, metabolism, catabolism, inflammation, and white cell trafficking. Endothelial cells regulate the changes in vascular structure caused by angiogenesis and artery remodeling. Further, the endothelium contributes to vascular tone, allowing proper perfusion of the brain which has high energy demands and no energy stores. In this article, we discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the cerebral endothelium. Where appropriate, we discuss the detrimental effects of high blood pressure on the cerebral endothelium and the contribution of cerebrovascular disease endothelial dysfunction and dementia. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3449-3508, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A Lansdell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Laura C Chambers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Anne M Dorrance
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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8
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Hallman M, Ronkainen E, Saarela TV, Marttila RH. Management Practices During Perinatal Respiratory Transition of Very Premature Infants. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:862038. [PMID: 35620146 PMCID: PMC9127974 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.862038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present review considers some controversial management practices during extremely premature perinatal transition. We focus on perinatal prevention and treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in immature infants. New concerns regarding antenatal corticosteroid management have been raised. Many fetuses are only exposed to potential adverse effects of the drug. Hence, the formulation and the dosage may need to be modified. Another challenge is to increase the fraction of the high-risk fetuses that benefit from the drug and to minimize the harmful effects of the drug. On the other hand, boosting anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of surfactant requires further attention. Techniques of prophylactic surfactant administration to extremely immature infants at birth may be further refined. Also, new findings suggest that prophylactic treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) of a high-risk population rather than later selective closure of PDA may be preferred. The TREOCAPA trial (Prophylactic treatment of the ductus arteriosus in preterm infants by acetaminophen) evaluates, whether early intravenous paracetamol decreases the serious cardiorespiratory consequences following extremely premature birth. Lastly, is inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) used in excess? According to current evidence, iNO treatment of uncomplicated RDS is not indicated. Considerably less than 10% of all very premature infants are affected by early persistence of pulmonary hypertension (PPHN). According to observational studies, effective ventilation combined with early iNO treatment are effective in management of this previously fatal disease. PPHN is associated with prolonged rupture of fetal membranes and birth asphyxia. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immunotolerance and hypoxia-reperfusion-induced oxidant stress may inactivate NO-synthetases in pulmonary arterioles and terminal airways. Prospective trials on iNO in the management of PPHN are indicated. Other pulmonary vasodilators may be considered as comparison drugs or adjunctive drugs. The multidisciplinary challenge is to understand the regulation of pregnancy duration and the factors participating the onset of extremely premature preterm deliveries and respiratory adaptation. Basic research aims to identify deficiencies in maternal and fetal tissues that predispose to very preterm births and deteriorate the respiratory adaptation of immature infants. Better understanding on causes and prevention of extremely preterm births would eventually provide effective antenatal and neonatal management practices required for the intact survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Hallman
- PEDEGO Research Unit, MRC Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Eveliina Ronkainen
- PEDEGO Research Unit, MRC Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Timo V. Saarela
- PEDEGO Research Unit, MRC Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Riitta H. Marttila
- PEDEGO Research Unit, MRC Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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9
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Sandner P, Follmann M, Becker-Pelster E, Hahn MG, Meier C, Freitas C, Roessig L, Stasch JP. Soluble GC stimulators and activators: Past, present and future. Br J Pharmacol 2021. [PMID: 34600441 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of soluble GC (sGC) stimulators and sGC activators provided valuable tools to elucidate NO-sGC signalling and opened novel pharmacological opportunities for cardiovascular indications and beyond. The first-in-class sGC stimulator riociguat was approved for pulmonary hypertension in 2013 and vericiguat very recently for heart failure. sGC stimulators enhance sGC activity independent of NO and also act synergistically with endogenous NO. The sGC activators specifically bind to, and activate, the oxidised haem-free form of sGC. Substantial research efforts improved on the first-generation sGC activators such as cinaciguat, culminating in the discovery of runcaciguat, currently in clinical Phase II trials for chronic kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy. Here, we highlight the discovery and development of sGC stimulators and sGC activators, their unique modes of action, their preclinical characteristics and the clinical studies. In the future, we expect to see more sGC agonists in new indications, reflecting their unique therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sandner
- Pharmaceuticals Research & Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Markus Follmann
- Pharmaceuticals Research & Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Michael G Hahn
- Pharmaceuticals Research & Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Christian Meier
- Pharmaceuticals Medical Affairs and Pharmacovigilance, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cecilia Freitas
- Pharmaceuticals Research & Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Lothar Roessig
- Pharmaceuticals Research & Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Johannes-Peter Stasch
- Pharmaceuticals Research & Development, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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10
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Salvatore T, Pafundi PC, Galiero R, Rinaldi L, Caturano A, Vetrano E, Aprea C, Albanese G, Di Martino A, Ricozzi C, Imbriani S, Sasso FC. Can Metformin Exert as an Active Drug on Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetic Subjects? Biomedicines 2020; 9:biomedicines9010003. [PMID: 33375185 PMCID: PMC7822116 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular mortality is a major cause of death among in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a well-known important risk factor for the development of diabetes cardiovascular complications. Therefore, the prevention of diabetic macroangiopathies by preserving endothelial function represents a major therapeutic concern for all National Health Systems. Several complex mechanisms support ED in diabetic patients, frequently cross-talking each other: uncoupling of eNOS with impaired endothelium-dependent vascular response, increased ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, activation of polyol pathway, generation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), activation of protein kinase C (PKC), endothelial inflammation, endothelial apoptosis and senescence, and dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs). Metformin is a milestone in T2DM treatment. To date, according to most recent EASD/ADA guidelines, it still represents the first-choice drug in these patients. Intriguingly, several extraglycemic effects of metformin have been recently observed, among which large preclinical and clinical evidence support metformin’s efficacy against ED in T2DM. Metformin seems effective thanks to its favorable action on all the aforementioned pathophysiological ED mechanisms. AMPK pharmacological activation plays a key role, with metformin inhibiting inflammation and improving ED. Therefore, aim of this review is to assess metformin’s beneficial effects on endothelial dysfunction in T2DM, which could preempt development of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Salvatore
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via De Crecchio 7, I-80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Pia Clara Pafundi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (L.R.); (A.C.); (E.V.); (C.A.); (G.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.R.); (S.I.)
| | - Raffaele Galiero
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (L.R.); (A.C.); (E.V.); (C.A.); (G.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.R.); (S.I.)
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (L.R.); (A.C.); (E.V.); (C.A.); (G.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.R.); (S.I.)
| | - Alfredo Caturano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (L.R.); (A.C.); (E.V.); (C.A.); (G.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.R.); (S.I.)
| | - Erica Vetrano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (L.R.); (A.C.); (E.V.); (C.A.); (G.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.R.); (S.I.)
| | - Concetta Aprea
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (L.R.); (A.C.); (E.V.); (C.A.); (G.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.R.); (S.I.)
| | - Gaetana Albanese
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (L.R.); (A.C.); (E.V.); (C.A.); (G.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.R.); (S.I.)
| | - Anna Di Martino
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (L.R.); (A.C.); (E.V.); (C.A.); (G.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.R.); (S.I.)
| | - Carmen Ricozzi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (L.R.); (A.C.); (E.V.); (C.A.); (G.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.R.); (S.I.)
| | - Simona Imbriani
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (L.R.); (A.C.); (E.V.); (C.A.); (G.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.R.); (S.I.)
| | - Ferdinando Carlo Sasso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, I-80138 Naples, Italy; (P.C.P.); (R.G.); (L.R.); (A.C.); (E.V.); (C.A.); (G.A.); (A.D.M.); (C.R.); (S.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-566-5010
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