Evidence supporting abnormalities in nitric oxide synthase function induced by nitroglycerin in humans

Management of angina pectoris

Angina pectoris, a primary manifestation of ischemic heart disease, imposes a significant clinical and economic burden globally. This review highlights recent advancements in the management of angina, emphasizing a patient-centred approach that integrates pharmacological, interventional, and lifestyle strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk and improve patient outcomes. For obstructive coronary artery disease, optimal medical therapy represents the cornerstone of treatment. Individualized regimens should be tailored to clinical factors such as blood pressure, heart rate, left ventricular function, comorbidities like heart failure and diabetes, concomitant medications, patient preferences, and drug availability. Myocardial revascularization is reserved for select cases to alleviate symptoms or improve prognosis. For angina or ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA/INOCA), precise endotype classification, differentiating microvascular angina, vasospastic angina, mixed type and non-coronary chest pain, enables personalized treatment strategies. Lifestyle interventions, including smoking cessation, weight management, adherence to Mediterranean diet, and exercise therapy, are essential components of care, promoting improved cardiovascular outcomes and quality of life. Structured exercise programs, particularly within cardiac rehabilitation settings, have demonstrated efficacy in enhancing functional capacity and reducing adverse events. Emerging therapies, including pharmacological agents and novel interventional approaches such as the coronary sinus reducer, hold promise for addressing unmet needs in refractory angina and challenging ANOCA/INOCA cases. Future directions should prioritize the integration of precision medicine, digital health technologies, and multidisciplinary care to optimize outcomes and advance personalized angina management.

Vascular endothelial cell injury: causes, molecular mechanisms, and treatments

Vascular endothelial cells form a single layer of flat cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels, extending from large vessels to the microvasculature of various organs. These cells are crucial metabolic and endocrine components of the body, playing vital roles in maintaining circulatory stability, regulating vascular tone, and preventing coagulation and thrombosis. Endothelial cell injury is regarded as a pivotal initiating factor in the pathogenesis of various diseases, triggered by multiple factors, including infection, inflammation, and hemodynamic changes, which significantly compromise vascular integrity and function. This review examines the causes, underlying molecular mechanisms, and potential therapeutic approaches for endothelial cell injury, focusing specifically on endothelial damage in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, sepsis, and diabetes. It delves into the intricate signaling pathways involved in endothelial cell injury, emphasizing the roles of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory mediators, and barrier damage. Current treatment strategies-ranging from pharmacological interventions to regenerative approaches and lifestyle modifications-face ongoing challenges and limitations. Overall, this review highlights the importance of understanding endothelial cell injury within the context of various diseases and the necessity for innovative therapeutic methods to improve patient outcomes.

Protective role of nitric oxide donors on endothelium in ischemia-reperfusion injury: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Decreased bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) under hypoxic conditions can lead to endothelial dysfunction. NO supplementation may protect endothelial function in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Therefore, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to verify the protective effect of NO donors on endothelium in IR injury.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to April 1, 2023. The specific inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) RCTs; (2) trials comparing NO donors with placebo control groups; and (3) trials reporting the effects of these interventions on vascular endothelial functional outcomes in IR injury. Random-effects models were used to assess pooled effect sizes, which were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD).

RESULTS

Seven studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and consisted of a total of 149 participants. NO donors were protective of endothelial function in IR injury (SMD: - 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: - 2.33, - 0.88, P < 0.0001; heterogeneity [I² = 66%, P = 0.001]). Results of the subgroup analysis showed the following: absence of protective effect of NO donor use following ischemia on endothelial function in IR injury - 1.78 (95% CI: - 2.50, - 1.07) and loss of protective effect on endothelial function after prolonged NO donor use - 0.89 (95% CI: - 2.06, 0.28).

CONCLUSION

The short-period use of NO donors before the onset of ischemia can protect endothelial function in IR injury.

Vascular redox signaling, eNOS uncoupling and endothelial dysfunction in the setting of transportation noise exposure or chronic treatment with organic nitrates

SIGNIFICANCE

Cardiovascular disease and drug-induced health side effects are frequently associated with - or even caused by - an imbalance between the concentrations of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and antioxidants respectively determining the metabolism of these harmful oxidants.

RECENT ADVANCES

According to the "kindling radical" hypothesis, initial formation of RONS may further trigger the additional activation of RONS formation under certain pathological conditions. The present review will specifically focus on a dysfunctional, uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) caused by RONS in the setting of transportation noise exposure or chronic treatment with organic nitrates, especially nitroglycerin. We will further describe the various "redox switches" that are proposed to be involved in the uncoupling process of eNOS.

CRITICAL ISSUES

In particular, the oxidative depletion of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), and S-glutathionylation of the eNOS reductase domain will be highlighted as major pathways for eNOS uncoupling upon noise exposure or nitroglycerin treatment. In addition, oxidative disruption of the eNOS dimer, inhibitory phosphorylation of eNOS at threonine or tyrosine residues, redox-triggered accumulation of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and L-arginine deficiency will be discussed as alternative mechanisms of eNOS uncoupling.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The clinical consequences of eNOS dysfunction due to uncoupling on cardiovascular disease will be summarized also providing a template for future clinical studies on endothelial dysfunction caused by pharmacological or environmental risk factors.

Acute effects of sublingual nitroglycerin on cardiovagal and sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity

The effects of nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate, GTN) on baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) are incompletely understood. Moreover, there are no reports evaluating the acute responses in both the sympathetic BRS (SBRS) and the cardiovagal BRS (CBRS) to the administration of sublingual GTN. We hypothesized that sublingual GTN modulates both CBRS and SBRS. In 10 healthy subjects, beat-to-beat heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were recorded before and for 10 min after sublingual administration of GTN 0.4 mg. SBRS was evaluated from the relationship between spontaneous variations in diastolic BP and MSNA. CBRS was assessed with the sequence technique. These variables were assessed during baseline, during min 3^rd - 6^th (Post A) and 7^th -10^th min (Post B) after GTN administration. Two min after GTN administration, MSNA increased significantly and remained significantly elevated during recording. Compared to baseline, CBRS decreased significantly (Post A: 12.9 ± 1.6 to 7.1 ± 1.0 ms/mmHg, P < 0.05), while SBRS increased significantly (Post A: 0.8 ± 0.2 to 1.5 ± 0.2 units･beat^-1･mmHg^-1, P < 0.05) with an upward shift of the operating point. There were no differences in these variables between Post A and B. A clinical dose of GTN increased MSNA rapidly through effects on both CBRS and SBRS. These effects should be kept in mind when nitrates are used to clinically treat chest pain and acute coronary syndromes and used as vasodilators in experimental settings.

Direct comparison of inorganic nitrite and nitrate on vascular dysfunction and oxidative damage in experimental arterial hypertension

Arterial hypertension is one of the major health risk factors leading to coronary artery disease, stroke or peripheral artery disease. Dietary uptake of inorganic nitrite (NO₂^-) and nitrate (NO₃^-) via vegetables leads to enhanced vascular NO bioavailability and provides antihypertensive effects. The present study aims to understand the underlying vasoprotective effects of nutritional NO₂^- and NO₃^- co-therapy in mice with angiotensin-II (AT-II)-induced arterial hypertension. High-dose AT-II (1 mg/kg/d, 1w, s. c.) was used to induce arterial hypertension in male C57BL/6 mice. Additional inorganic nitrite (7.5 mg/kg/d, p. o.) or nitrate (150 mg/kg/d, p. o.) were administered via the drinking water. Blood pressure (tail-cuff method) and endothelial function (isometric tension) were determined. Oxidative stress and inflammation markers were quantified in aorta, heart, kidney and blood. Co-treatment with inorganic nitrite, but not with nitrate, normalized vascular function, oxidative stress markers and inflammatory pathways in AT-II treated mice. Of note, the highly beneficial effects of nitrite on all parameters and the less pronounced protection by nitrate, as seen by improvement of some parameters, were observed despite no significant increase in plasma nitrite levels by both therapies. Methemoglobin levels tended to be higher upon nitrite/nitrate treatment. Nutritional nitric oxide precursors represent a non-pharmacological treatment option for hypertension that could be applied to the general population (e.g. by eating certain vegetables). The more beneficial effects of inorganic nitrite may rely on superior NO bioactivation and stronger blood pressure lowering effects. Future large-scale clinical studies should investigate whether hypertension and cardiovascular outcome in general can be influenced by dietary inorganic nitrite therapy.

Molecules and Mechanisms to Overcome Oxidative Stress Inducing Cardiovascular Disease in Cancer Patients

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are molecules involved in signal transduction pathways with both beneficial and detrimental effects on human cells. ROS are generated by many cellular processes including mitochondrial respiration, metabolism and enzymatic activities. In physiological conditions, ROS levels are well-balanced by antioxidative detoxification systems. In contrast, in pathological conditions such as cardiovascular, neurological and cancer diseases, ROS production exceeds the antioxidative detoxification capacity of cells, leading to cellular damages and death. In this review, we will first describe the biology and mechanisms of ROS mediated oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease. Second, we will review the role of oxidative stress mediated by oncological treatments in inducing cardiovascular disease. Lastly, we will discuss the strategies that potentially counteract the oxidative stress in order to fight the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease, including that induced by oncological treatments.

Cardiovascular Therapeutic Potential of the Redox Siblings, Nitric Oxide (NO•) and Nitroxyl (HNO), in the Setting of Reactive Oxygen Species Dysregulation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) dysregulation is a hallmark of cardiovascular disease, characterised by an imbalance in the synthesis and removal of ROS. ROS such as superoxide (•O₂^-), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hydroxyl (OH•) and peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) have a marked impact on cardiovascular function, contributing to the vascular impairment and cardiac dysfunction associated with diseases such as angina, hypertension, diabetes and heart failure. Central to the vascular dysfunction is a reduction in bioavailability and/or physiological effects of vasoprotective nitric oxide (NO•), leading to vasoconstriction, inflammation and vascular remodelling. In a cardiac context, increased ROS generation can also lead to modification of key proteins involved in cardiac contractility. Whilst playing a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, ROS dysregulation also limits the clinical efficacy of current therapies, such as nitrosovasodilators. As such, alternate therapies are sought. This review will discuss the impact of ROS dysregulation on the therapeutic utility of NO• and its redox sibling, nitroxyl (HNO). Both nitric oxide (NO) and nitroxyl (HNO) donors signal through soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC). NO binds to the Fe(II) form of sGC and nitroxyl possibly to both sGC heme and thiol groups. In the vasculature, nitroxyl can also signal through voltage-dependent (K_v) and ATP-sensitive (K_ATP) K⁺ channels as well as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). In the heart, HNO directly targets critical thiols to increase myocardial contractility, an effect not seen with NO. The qualitative effects via elevation of cGMP are similar, i.e. lusitropic in the heart and inhibitory on vasoconstriction, inflammation, aggregation and vascular remodelling. Of pathophysiological significance is the fact the efficacy of NO donors is impaired by ROS, e.g. through chemical scavenging of NO, to generate reactive nitrogen oxide species (RNOS), whilst nitroxyl is apparently not.

Role of Mitochondrial Aldehyde Dehydrogenase in Nitroglycerin-Mediated Vasodilation: Observations Concerning the Dose-Response Relationship

The mechanism of the bioactivation of nitroglycerin has long been controversial, with a number of suggested enzymatic pathways. More recently, aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH-2) has been reported as the important enzyme involved in the bioactivation of nitroglycerin at therapeutically relevant concentrations. Other previously described enzyme systems can also bioactivate nitroglycerin, but only at concentrations, which are significantly higher than achieved in clinical practice. This study investigated the vascular response to nitroglycerin given over a wide range of concentrations in subjects with and without the ALDH-2 Glu504Lys polymorphism, a common genetic variant that greatly reduces the activity of ALDH-2 (n = 10 in both groups). Forearm blood flow (FBF) responses to a brachial artery infusion of nitroglycerin were assessed using venous occlusion plethysmography. Intra-arterial infusion of nitroglycerin caused a significant increase in FBF beginning at 0.464 µg/min with increasing responses seen in both groups at all infusion rates. However, there were no differences in the FBF responses to nitroglycerin in those with and without the ALDH-2 polymorphism, suggesting that ALDH-2 is not solely responsible for the bioactivation of nitroglycerin at either low (therapeutically relevant) or high concentrations of nitroglycerin.

The role of vascular endothelium in nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation

AIMS

Nitroglycerin (or glyceryl trinitrate, GTN) has been long considered an endothelium-independent vasodilator because GTN vasodilation is intact in the absence of the endothelium and in the presence of endothelial dysfunction. However, in animal and in vitro models, GTN has been shown to stimulate the release of certain endothelium-derived vasodilators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI₂ ). In addition, chronic GTN therapy leads to endothelial dysfunction. In this series of experiments, we explored how GTN might interact with the vascular endothelium in normal humans, without cardiovascular disease or risk factors associated with abnormalities in vascular function.

METHODS

We examined the effect of inhibition of NO, PGI₂ , and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs, a class of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor) on GTN-mediated vasodilation. We measured arterial blood flow responses to brachial artery infusions of GTN in the absence and presence of L-NMMA (n = 13), ketorolac (n = 14) and fluconazole (n = 16), which are inhibitors of endothelium-derived NO, PGI₂ and EETs, respectively, in healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate that inhibition of endothelium-dependent vasodilator mechanisms does not alter forearm resistance vessel responses to GTN.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that GTN-mediated dilation of forearm resistance vessels is largely independent of vascular endothelium.

Regulation of protein function by S-nitrosation and S-glutathionylation: processes and targets in cardiovascular pathophysiology

Decades of chemical, biochemical and pathophysiological research have established the relevance of post-translational protein modifications induced by processes related to oxidative stress, with critical reflections on cellular signal transduction pathways. A great deal of the so-called ‘redox regulation’ of cell function is in fact mediated through reactions promoted by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species on more or less specific aminoacid residues in proteins, at various levels within the cell machinery. Modifications involving cysteine residues have received most attention, due to the critical roles they play in determining the structure/function correlates in proteins. The peculiar reactivity of these residues results in two major classes of modifications, with incorporation of NO moieties (S-nitrosation, leading to formation of proteinS-nitrosothiols) or binding of low molecular weight thiols (S-thionylation, i.e. in particularS-glutathionylation,S-cysteinylglycinylation andS-cysteinylation). A wide array of proteins have been thus analyzed in detail as far as their susceptibility to either modification or both, and the resulting functional changes have been described in a number of experimental settings. The present review aims to provide an update of available knowledge in the field, with a special focus on the respective (sometimes competing and antagonistic) roles played by proteinS-nitrosations andS-thionylations in biochemical and cellular processes specifically pertaining to pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.

Advancements in pharmacotherapy for angina

Angina pectoris is the most prevalent symptomatic manifestation of ischemic heart disease, frequently leads to a poor quality of life, and is a major cause of medical resource consumption. Since the early descriptions of nitrite and nitrate in the 19th century, there has been considerable advancement in the pharmacologic management of angina. Areas covered: Management of chronic angina is often challenging for clinicians. Despite introduction of several pharmacological agents in last few decades, a significant proportion of patients continue to experience symptoms (i.e., refractory angina) with subsequent disability. For the purpose of this review, we searched PubMed and Cochrane databases from inception to August 2016 for the most clinically relevant publications that guide current practice in angina therapy and its development. In this article, we briefly review the pathophysiology of angina and mechanism-based classification of current therapy. This is followed by evidence-based insight into the traditional and novel pharmacotherapeutic agents, highlighting their clinical usefulness. Expert opinion: Considering the wide array of available therapies with different mechanism efficacy and limiting factors, a personalized approach is essential, particularly for patients with refractory angina. Ongoing research with novel pharmacologic modalities is likely to provide new options for management of angina.

Serelaxin Treatment Reduces Oxidative Stress and Increases Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2 to Attenuate Nitrate Tolerance

Background: Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is a commonly prescribed treatment for acute heart failure patients. However, prolonged GTN treatment induces tolerance, largely due to increased oxidative stress and reduced aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH-2) expression. Serelaxin has several vasoprotective properties, which include reducing oxidative stress and augmenting endothelial function. We therefore tested the hypothesis in rodents that serelaxin treatment could attenuate low-dose GTN-induced tolerance.

Methods and Results: Co-incubation of mouse aortic rings ex vivo with GTN (10 μM) and serelaxin (10 nM) for 1 h, restored GTN responses, suggesting that serelaxin prevented the development of GTN tolerance. Male Wistar rats were subcutaneously infused with ethanol (control), low-dose GTN+placebo or low-dose GTN+serelaxin via osmotic minipumps for 3 days. Aortic vascular function and superoxide levels were assessed using wire myography and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence assay respectively. Changes in aortic ALDH-2 expression were measured by qPCR and Western blot respectively. GTN+placebo infusion significantly increased superoxide levels, decreased ALDH-2 and attenuated GTN-mediated vascular relaxation. Serelaxin co-treatment with GTN significantly enhanced GTN-mediated vascular relaxation, reduced superoxide levels and increased ALDH-2 expression compared to GTN+placebo-treated rats.

Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that a combination of serelaxin treatment with low dose GTN attenuates the development of GTN-induced tolerance by reducing superoxide production and increasing ALDH-2 expression in the rat aorta. We suggest that serelaxin may improve nitrate efficacy in a clinical setting.

Isosorbide Dinitrate, With or Without Hydralazine, Does Not Reduce Wave Reflections, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, or Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Background

Wave reflections, which are increased in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, impair diastolic function and promote pathologic myocardial remodeling. Organic nitrates reduce wave reflections acutely, but whether this is sustained chronically or affected by hydralazine coadministration is unknown.

Methods and Results

We randomized 44 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in a double‐blinded fashion to isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN; n=13), ISDN+hydralazine (ISDN+hydral; n=15), or placebo (n=16) for 6 months. The primary end point was the change in reflection magnitude (RM; assessed with arterial tonometry and Doppler echocardiography). Secondary end points included change in left ventricular mass and fibrosis, measured with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and the 6‐minute walk distance. ISDN reduced aortic characteristic impedance (mean baseline=0.15 [95% CI, 0.14–0.17], 3 months=0.11 [95% CI, 0.10–0.13], 6 months=0.10 [95% CI, 0.08–0.12] mm Hg/mL per second; P=0.003) and forward wave amplitude (P_f, mean baseline=54.8 [95% CI, 47.6–62.0], 3 months=42.2 [95% CI, 33.2–51.3]; 6 months=37.0 [95% CI, 27.2–46.8] mm Hg, P=0.04), but had no effect on RM (P=0.64), left ventricular mass (P=0.33), or fibrosis (P=0.63). ISDN+hydral increased RM (mean baseline=0.39 [95% CI, 0.35–0.43]; 3 months=0.31 [95% CI, 0.25–0.36]; 6 months=0.44 [95% CI, 0.37–0.51], P=0.03), reduced 6‐minute walk distance (mean baseline=343.3 [95% CI, 319.2–367.4]; 6 months=277.0 [95% CI, 242.7–311.4] meters, P=0.022), and increased native myocardial T1 (mean baseline=1016.2 [95% CI, 1002.7–1029.7]; 6 months=1054.5 [95% CI, 1036.5–1072.3], P=0.021). A high proportion of patients experienced adverse events with active therapy (ISDN=61.5%, ISDN+hydral=60.0%; placebo=12.5%; P=0.007).

Conclusions

ISDN, with or without hydralazine, does not exert beneficial effects on RM, left ventricular remodeling, or submaximal exercise and is poorly tolerated. ISDN+hydral appears to have deleterious effects on RM, myocardial remodeling, and submaximal exercise. Our findings do not support the routine use of these vasodilators in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01516346.

The Nitrate-Nitrite-NO Pathway and Its Implications for Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction

The pathogenesis of exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is likely multifactorial. In addition to cardiac abnormalities (diastolic dysfunction, abnormal contractile reserve, chronotropic incompetence), several peripheral abnormalities are likely to be involved. These include abnormal pulsatile hemodynamics, abnormal arterial vasodilatory responses to exercise, and abnormal peripheral O2 delivery, extraction, and utilization. The nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway is emerging as a potential target to modify key physiologic abnormalities, including late systolic left ventricular (LV) load from arterial wave reflections (which has deleterious short- and long-term consequences for the LV), arterial vasodilatory reserve, muscle O2 delivery, and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. In a recently completed randomized trial, the administration of a single dose of exogenous inorganic nitrate has been shown to exert various salutary arterial hemodynamic effects, ultimately leading to enhanced aerobic capacity in patients with HFpEF. These effects have the potential for both immediate improvements in exercise tolerance and for long-term "disease-modifying" effects. In this review, we provide an overview of key mechanistic contributors to exercise intolerance in HFpEF, and of the potential therapeutic role of drugs that target the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway.

Nitrates as a Treatment of Acute Heart Failure

The purpose of this article is to review the clinical efficacy and safety of nitrates in acute heart failure (AHF) by examining various trials on nitrates in AHF. Management of AHF can be challenging due to the lack of objective clinical evidence guiding optimal management. There have been many articles suggesting that, despite a benefit, nitrates are underused in clinical practice. Nitrates, when appropriately dosed, have a favourable effect on symptoms, blood pressure, intubation rates, mortality and other parameters.

Effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist on the cardiovascular events, mortality, and prostaglandin E2 production by nitrate-induced tolerant rats with acute myocardial infarction

Background

Anti-ischemic effects of NO releasing by nitroglycerin (NTG) and the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are involved in the decrease of vascular remodeling in different cardiovascular diseases. Using a nitrate-free period is still generally required to prevent nitrate tolerance and should be used as the first-line option to maintain adequate symptom control and on an individual basis. Personalized anti-ischemic concerns require the urgent change of paradigm from interventional measures to predictive, preventive, and personalized treatment with organic nitrates and its combination with drugs that may improve prognosis and drugs that can be added for patients who remain symptomatic despite therapy with the other classes of agents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of human calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist (CGRP_8-37) on cardiohemodynamic events, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) plasma concentration, the severity of ventricular arrhythmias, and mortality occurring during acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in NTG-tolerant and nontolerant rats.

Methods

In the pilot study of efficacy of calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist (CGRP_8-37), 58 male Wistar rats were included. All procedures were performed according to protocols approved by the General Animal Care and Use Committee. Adult male rats underwent surgery to induce AMI by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery or SHAM. ECG was used to confirm myocardial ischemia. In each experiment, a rat was maintained under anesthesia for the duration of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, the rat was killed by an overdose of pentobarbital. All animals in accordance with the received pharmacological agent were randomized into three groups: I—received only NTG, 50 mg/kg daily, s.c. injections b.i.d. 3 days prior to AMI; II—received NTG by the same dose, route, and frequency of administration + CGRP antagonist (CGRP_8-37), 10 μg/kg two times daily by a similar period of administration; and III—served as control (C) group without preliminary tolerance to NTG.

Results

Subcutaneous injections of NTG (50 mg/kg) 30 min prior to AMI in NTG-tolerant animals (group I) and in NTG-tolerant rats + CGRP antagonist (group II) caused minor changes in blood pressure and heart period that was accompanied before NTG s.c. administration with blunted baroreflex sensitivity in response to i.v. administration of sodium nitroprusside in these groups of rats (0.66 ± 0.05 and 0.56 ± 0.04 ms/mmHg, P < 0.05, respectively) in comparison to C (group III) animals (0.9 ± 0.1 ms/mmHg). AMI 1 h duration was associated with a high incidence of ventricular arrhythmia and significant mortality in group I (70 %) and especially in group II (90 %) animals at 72 h after reperfusion as compared with group III rats (56 %), that correlated to a decrease of PGE₂ plasma content in group II (2.2 ± 0.4 ng/ml, P < 0.001) and group I (3.6 ± 0.2 ng/ml, P < 0.01) vs. control group of rats (4.8 ± 0.3 ng/ml).

Conclusions

CGRP could be involved in the mechanism of nitrate tolerance via the inhibition of release of the potent vasodilator CGRP leading to exacerbation of acute myocardial ischemia. The influence of CGRP antagonist could enhance this condition.

Organic Nitrate Therapy, Nitrate Tolerance, and Nitrate-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction: Emphasis on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress

Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin (GTN), isosorbide-5-mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate, and pentaerithrityl tetranitrate (PETN), when given acutely, have potent vasodilator effects improving symptoms in patients with acute and chronic congestive heart failure, stable coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndromes, or arterial hypertension. The mechanisms underlying vasodilation include the release of •NO or a related compound in response to intracellular bioactivation (for GTN, the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase [ALDH-2]) and activation of the enzyme, soluble guanylyl cyclase. Increasing cyclic guanosine-3',-5'-monophosphate (cGMP) levels lead to an activation of the cGMP-dependent kinase I, thereby causing the relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle by decreasing intracellular calcium concentrations. The hemodynamic and anti-ischemic effects of organic nitrates are rapidly lost upon long-term (low-dose) administration due to the rapid development of tolerance and endothelial dysfunction, which is in most cases linked to increased intracellular oxidative stress. Enzymatic sources of reactive oxygen species under nitrate therapy include mitochondria, NADPH oxidases, and an uncoupled •NO synthase. Acute high-dose challenges with organic nitrates cause a similar loss of potency (tachyphylaxis), but with distinct pathomechanism. The differences among organic nitrates are highlighted regarding their potency to induce oxidative stress and subsequent tolerance and endothelial dysfunction. We also address pleiotropic effects of organic nitrates, for example, their capacity to stimulate antioxidant pathways like those demonstrated for PETN, all of which may prevent adverse effects in response to long-term therapy. Based on these considerations, we will discuss and present some preclinical data on how the nitrate of the future should be designed.

Dietary nitrate provides sustained blood pressure lowering in hypertensive patients: a randomized, phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Single dose administration of dietary inorganic nitrate acutely reduces blood pressure (BP) in normotensive healthy volunteers, via bioconversion to the vasodilator nitric oxide. We assessed whether dietary nitrate might provide sustained BP lowering in patients with hypertension. We randomly assigned 68 patients with hypertension in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to receive daily dietary supplementation for 4 weeks with either dietary nitrate (250 mL daily, as beetroot juice) or a placebo (250 mL daily, as nitrate-free beetroot juice) after a 2-week run-in period and followed by a 2-week washout. We performed stratified randomization of drug-naive (n=34) and treated (n=34) patients with hypertension aged 18 to 85 years. The primary end point was change in clinic, ambulatory, and home BP compared with placebo. Daily supplementation with dietary nitrate was associated with reduction in BP measured by 3 different methods. Mean (95% confidence interval) reduction in clinic BP was 7.7/2.4 mm Hg (3.6-11.8/0.0-4.9, P<0.001 and P=0.050). Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP was reduced by 7.7/5.2 mm Hg (4.1-11.2/2.7-7.7, P<0.001 for both). Home BP was reduced by 8.1/3.8 mm Hg (3.8-12.4/0.7-6.9, P<0.001 and P<0.01) with no evidence of tachyphylaxis over the 4-week intervention period. Endothelial function improved by ≈20% (P<0.001), and arterial stiffness was reduced by 0.59 m/s (0.24-0.93; P<0.01) after dietary nitrate consumption with no change after placebo. The intervention was well tolerated. This is the first evidence of durable BP reduction with dietary nitrate supplementation in a relevant patient group. These findings suggest a role for dietary nitrate as an affordable, readily-available, adjunctive treatment in the management of patients with hypertension (funded by The British Heart Foundation).

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01405898.

Organic nitrates: update on mechanisms underlying vasodilation, tolerance and endothelial dysfunction

Given acutely, organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin (GTN), isosorbide mono- and dinitrates (ISMN, ISDN), and pentaerythrityl tetranitrate (PETN), have potent vasodilator and anti-ischemic effects in patients with acute coronary syndromes, acute and chronic congestive heart failure and arterial hypertension. During long-term treatment, however, side effects such as nitrate tolerance and endothelial dysfunction occur, and therapeutic efficacy of these drugs rapidly vanishes. Recent experimental and clinical studies have revealed that organic nitrates per se are not just nitric oxide (NO) donors, but rather a quite heterogeneous group of drugs considerably differing for mechanisms underlying vasodilation and the development of endothelial dysfunction and tolerance. Based on this, we propose that the term nitrate tolerance should be avoided and more specifically the terms of GTN, ISMN and ISDN tolerance should be used. The present review summarizes preclinical and clinical data concerning organic nitrates. Here we also emphasize the consequences of chronic nitrate therapy on the supersensitivity of the vasculature to vasoconstriction and on the increased autocrine expression of endothelin. We believe that these so far rather neglected and underestimated side effects of chronic therapy with at least GTN and ISMN are clinically important.

Aging aggravates nitrate-mediated ROS/RNS changes

Nitrates are the most frequently prescribed and utilized drugs worldwide. The elderly are a major population receiving nitrate therapy. Both nitrates and aging can increase in vivo reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). To date, the effects of aging upon nitrate-induced ROS/RNS alteration are unknown. The present study tested the effects of aging upon nitrate-induced ROS/RNS alteration in vivo. 32 adults and 43 elderly unstable angina (UA) patients were subjected to 48 hours of isosorbide dinitrate intravenous injection (50 μg/minutes) in this clinical study. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and conclusion. Outcome measures of oxidative stress included plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Plasma concentrations of NOx and nitrotyrosine served as markers of RNS. Because of the significant differences in basic clinical characters between adults and the elderly, we designed an additional experiment determining ROS/RNS stress in rat cardiac tissue. Additionally, rat thoracic aortic NOS activity served as a marker indicating endothelial function. Our study demonstrated that nitrate therapy significantly increased in vivo ROS/RNS stress in the elderly compared to adult patients, confirmed by animal data. Decreased NOS activity was observed in old rats. Taken together, the present study's data suggests a synergism between nitrate treatment and the aging process.

More answers to the still unresolved question of nitrate tolerance

Organic nitrates are traditionally felt to be a safe adjuvant in the chronic therapy of patients with coronary artery disease. Despite their long use, progress in the understanding of the pharmacology and mechanism of action of these drugs has been achieved only in the last two decades, with the identification of the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of nitrate tolerance, with, the discovery of the ancillary effects of nitrates, and with the demonstration that nitrate therapy has important chronic side effects that might modify patients' prognosis. These advances are however mostly confined to the molecular level or to studies in healthy volunteers, and the true impact of organic nitrates on clinical outcome remains unknown. Complicating this issue, evidence supports the existence of important differences among the different drugs belonging to the group, and there are reasons to believe that the nitrates should not be treated as a homogeneous class. As well, the understanding of the effects of alternative nitric oxide (NO) donors is currently being developed, and future studies will need to test whether the properties of these new medications may compensate and prevent the abnormalities imposed by chronic nitrate therapy. Intermittent therapy with nitroglycerin and isosorbide mononitrate is now established in clinical practice, but they should neither be considered a definitive solution to the problem of nitrate tolerance. Both these strategies are not deprived of complications, and should currently be seen as a compromise rather than a way fully to exploit the benefits of NO donor therapy.

Nitrate therapy and nitrate tolerance in patients with coronary artery disease

Despite the continuous development of newer drugs, the therapy of coronary artery disease remains challenging. Organic nitrates are among the oldest drugs, but they still remain a widely used adjuvant in the treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease. While their efficacy in relieving angina pectoris symptoms in acute settings and in preventing angina before physical or emotional stress is undisputed, the chronic use of nitrates has been associated with potentially important side effects such as tolerance and endothelial dysfunction. The identification of the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase as the enzyme responsible for the bioactivation of nitroglycerin has allowed the formulation of a complex but plausible hypothesis regarding the mechanism of action and the development of the side effects associated with nitrate therapy. Further, the discovery of important differences among nitrates suggests that these drugs should not be considered as a homogeneous class. Finally, the identification of nonhemodynamic properties of nitrates, and newer insight on the mechanism of nitrate tolerance, have led us to question the prognostic impact of these drugs.

Acute and chronic effects of glyceryl trinitrate therapy on insulin and glucose regulation in humans

This study examined the effect of acute and sustained transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) therapy on insulin and glucose regulation. Totally, 12 males (18-30 years) underwent a glucose tolerance test at baseline (visit 1), 90 minutes after acute transdermal GTN 0.6 mg/h (visit 2), following 7 days of continuous GTN (visit 3), and 2 to 3 days after stopping GTN (visit 4). At each visit, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured before and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after a 75-g oral glucose load. Indices of glucose metabolism that were examined included the insulin sensitivity index, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the insulinogenic index. The acute administration of GTN had no effect on glucose and insulin responses (visit 2). However, after 7 days of GTN exposure (visit 3) there was an increase in the mean glucose concentration measured after the oral glucose load. On visit 1, the mean glucose concentration (± standard deviation) following the 75 g oral glucose challenge was 5.7 ± 0.5 µmol/L. On visit 3, after 7 days of transdermal GTN therapy, the mean glucose concentration after the oral glucose was significantly higher; 6.2 ± 0.5 µmol/L (P < .015; 95% confidence intervals 0.25-0.77). There was also an increase in the HOMA-IR index; on visit 1, the median HOMA-IR (interquartile range) was 5.2 (3.9) versus 6.9 (6.8) on visit 3 (P < .015). Other indices of glucose metabolism did not change. These observations document that GTN therapy modifies glucose metabolism causing evidence of increased insulin resistance during sustained therapy in normal humans.

Arginase II inhibition prevents nitrate tolerance

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Nitrate tolerance, the loss of vascular responsiveness with continued use of nitrates, remains incompletely understood and is a limitation of these therapeutic agents. Vascular superoxide, generated by uncoupled endothelial NOS (eNOS), may play a role. As arginase competes with eNOS for L-arginine and may exacerbate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we hypothesized that arginase inhibition might reduce nitrate tolerance.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Vasodilator responses were measured in aorta from C57Bl/6 and arginase II knockout (argII -/-) mice using myography. Uncoupling of eNOS, determined as eNOS monomer : dimer ratio, was assessed using low-temperature SDS-PAGE and ROS levels were measured using L-012 and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence.

KEY RESULTS

Repeated application of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) on aorta isolated from C57Bl/6 mice produced a 32-fold rightward shift of the concentration-response curve. However this rightward shift (or resultant tolerance) was not observed in the presence of the arginase inhibitor (s)-(2-boronethyl)-L-cysteine HCl (BEC; 100 µM) nor in aorta isolated from argII -/- mice. Similar findings were obtained after inducing nitrate tolerance in vivo. Repeated administration of GTN in human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced uncoupling of eNOS from its dimeric state and increased ROS levels, which were reduced with arginase inhibition and exogenous L-arginine. Aortae from GTN tolerant C57Bl/6 mice exhibited increased arginase activity and ROS production, whereas vessels from argII -/- mice did not.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Arginase II removal prevents nitrate tolerance. This may be due to decreased uncoupling of eNOS and consequent ROS production.

Stable angina pectoris: the medical management of symptomatic myocardial ischemia

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality and is a serious public health problem. Over the last 4 decades there have been dramatic advances in the both the prevention and treatment of CAD. The management of CAD was revolutionized by the development of effective surgical and percutaneous revascularization techniques. In this review we discuss the importance of the medical management of symptomatic, stable angina. Medical management approaches to both the treatment and prevention of symptomatic myocardial ischemia are summarized. In Canada, organic nitrates, β-adrenergic blocking agents, and calcium channel antagonists have been available for the therapy of angina for more than 25 years. All 3 classes are of proven benefit in the improvement of symptoms and exercise capacity in patients with stable angina. Although there is no clear first choice within these classes of anti-anginal agents, the presence of prior or concurrent conditions (for example, prior myocardial infarction and/or hypertension) plays an important role in the choice of anti-anginal class in individual patients. For some patients, combinations of different anti-anginal agents can be effective; however it is recommended that this approach be individualized. Although not currently available in Canada, other classes of anti-anginal agents have been developed; their mechanism of action and clinical efficacy is discussed. Patients with stable angina have an excellent prognosis. Patients in this category who obtain relief from symptomatic myocardial ischemia may do well without invasive intervention.

Chronic therapy with isosorbide-5-mononitrate causes endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and a marked increase in vascular endothelin-1 expression

AIMS

Isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ISMN) is one of the most frequently used compounds in the treatment of coronary artery disease predominantly in the USA. However, ISMN was reported to induce endothelial dysfunction, which was corrected by vitamin C pointing to a crucial role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in causing this phenomenon. We sought to elucidate the mechanism how ISMN causes endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in vascular tissue.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male Wistar rats (n= 69 in total) were treated with ISMN (75 mg/kg/day) or placebo for 7 days. Endothelin (ET) expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in aortic sections. Isosorbide-5-mononitrate infusion caused significant endothelial dysfunction but no tolerance to ISMN itself, whereas ROS formation and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidephosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity in the aorta, heart, and whole blood were increased. Isosorbide-5-mononitrate up-regulated the expression of NADPH subunits and caused uncoupling of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) likely due to a down-regulation of the tetrahydrobiopterin-synthesizing enzyme GTP-cyclohydrolase-1 and to S-glutathionylation of eNOS. The adverse effects of ISMN were improved in gp91phox knockout mice and normalized by bosentan in vivo/ex vivo treatment and suppressed by apocynin. In addition, a strong increase in the expression of ET within the endothelial cell layer and the adventitia was observed.

CONCLUSION

Chronic treatment with ISMN causes endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress, predominantly by an ET-dependent activation of the vascular and phagocytic NADPH oxidase activity and NOS uncoupling. These findings may explain at least in part results from a retrospective analysis indicating increased mortality in post-infarct patients in response to long-term treatment with mononitrates.

Organic nitrates differentially modulate circulating endothelial progenitor cells and endothelial function in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease

Symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) is usually treated with organic nitrates. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a circulating cell population participating in vascular homeostasis in a nitric oxide-dependent manner. We investigated the effects of the nitric oxide donors isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) on EPC and endothelial function in patients with symptomatic CAD. We randomized 36 patients with angiographically proven CAD to treatment with either ISDN (40 mg retarded release orally two times per day; n = 18) or PETN (80 mg orally two times per day; n = 18) for 14 days (clinical trial number: NCT01030367). PETN treatment substantially increased numbers of circulating CD34(+)/KDR(+) EPCs (p = 0.02), whereas no effects were observed in patients treated with ISDN. EPC function assessed by formation of endothelial colonies was enhanced by twofold (p = 0.04) in patients treated with PETN. No changes were observed after ISDN treatment. Endothelial function, assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry, remained unchanged during PETN treatment, but was significantly impaired in patients treated with ISDN. Treatment of symptomatic CAD patients with PETN for 14 days significantly increased levels of circulating EPC and improved markers for EPC function, whereas ISDN was without effects on EPCs and worsened endothelial function.

Long-term oral nitrate therapy is associated with adverse outcome in diabetic patients following elective percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

To assess the impact of long-term oral nitrate therapy on clinical outcome following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with type II diabetes.

METHODS

The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) following elective PCI for stable coronary artery disease was evaluated in 108 patients with type II diabetes (age 64.6±10.5 years, 67.7% men). Major adverse cardiovascular events were defined as the need for revascularization, non-fatal myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of MACEs by clinical characteristics and the prescription of long-term nitrate therapy.

RESULTS

Isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) was prescribed to 46 patients with an average dose of 44.3±15.2 mg/day. After a mean follow up of 25.3±25 months, 16 patients developed MACEs. Patients who received ISMN were more likely to suffer from MACEs (26.1% vs. 6.5%, P=0.01), mainly driven by a higher rate of acute coronary syndrome (13.0 vs 0%, P=0.01). Average daily dose of nitrate and other cardiovascular medication was not associated with MACEs. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that prescription of only ISMN (Hazard Ratio 3.09, 95% CI 1.10-10.21, P=0.04) was an independent predictor for the development of MACEs.

CONCLUSION

Long-term oral nitrate therapy was associated with MACEs following elective coronary artery revascularization by PCI in patients with type II diabetes.

Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction: therapeutic implications

In a previous issue of Annals of Medicine, we presented evidence in support of the concept that an abnormally increased production of reactive oxygen species plays a central role in the genesis and progression of cardiovascular disease. While a number of preclinical lines of evidence support this concept, and despite the results of many studies suggesting a beneficial impact of antioxidant drugs on endothelial function, large clinical trials have failed to demonstrate a benefit of antioxidants on cardiovascular outcomes. Studies exploring the possibility that classical antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, or folic acid may improve the prognosis of patients with cardiac disease have substantially reported neutral-and occasionally negative-results. In contrast, medications such as statins, ACE inhibitors, certain β-blockers, or angiotensin I receptor blockers, which possess indirect 'ancillary' antioxidant properties, have been associated with beneficial effects in both preclinical studies and large clinical trials. The reasons for the failure of the 'direct' approach to antioxidant therapy, and for the success of the therapy with these drugs, are discussed in the present review.

Chronic administration of the HNO donor Angeli's salt does not lead to tolerance, cross-tolerance, or endothelial dysfunction: comparison with GTN and DEA/NO

Nitroxyl (HNO) displays distinct pharmacology to its redox congener nitric oxide (NO(•)) with therapeutic potential in the treatment of heart failure. It remains unknown if HNO donors are resistant to tolerance development following chronic in vivo administration. Wistar-Kyoto rats received a 3-day subcutaneous infusion of one of the NO(•) donors, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) or diethylamine/NONOate (DEA/NO), or the HNO donor Angeli's salt (AS). GTN infusion (10 μg/kg/min) resulted in significantly blunted depressor responses to intravenous bolus doses of GTN, demonstrating tolerance development. By contrast, infusion with AS (20 μg/kg/min) or DEA/NO (2 μg/kg/min) did not alter their subsequent depressor responses. Similarly, ex vivo vasorelaxation responses in isolated aortae revealed that GTN infusion elicited a significant 6-fold decrease in the sensitivity to GTN and reduction in the maximum response to acetylcholine (ACh). Chronic infusion of AS or DEA/NO had no effect on subsequent vasorelaxation responses to themselves or to ACh. No functional cross-tolerance between nitrovasodilators was evident, either in vivo or ex vivo, although an impaired ability of a nitrovasodilator to increase tissue cGMP content was not necessarily indicative of a reduced functional response. In conclusion, HNO donors may represent novel therapies for cardiovascular disease with therapeutic potential over clinically used organic nitrates.

Coadministration of atorvastatin prevents nitroglycerin-induced endothelial dysfunction and nitrate tolerance in healthy humans

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess whether concurrent administration of atorvastatin would modify the development of tolerance and endothelial dysfunction associated with sustained nitroglycerin (GTN) therapy in humans.

BACKGROUND

Animal studies have demonstrated that administration of 3-hydroxy-3 methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors can protect against GTN-induced endothelial dysfunction and tolerance, likely through an antioxidant mechanism.

METHODS

Thirty-six healthy male volunteers were randomized to receive continuous transdermal GTN (0.6 mg/h) and placebo, atorvastatin (80 mg/day) alone, or continuous transdermal GTN (0.6 mg/h) with concurrent atorvastatin (80 mg/day), all for 7 days. On the second visit, forearm blood flow was measured with venous-occlusion strain gauge plethysmography in response to incremental infusions of acetylcholine (7.5, 15, and 30 μg/min). Acetylcholine infusions were coinfused first with saline, and repeated during the coinfusion of vitamin C (24 mg/min). Blood pressure responses to sublingual GTN (400 μg) were assessed on both visits.

RESULTS

Acetylcholine responses in the GTN plus placebo group were significantly attenuated versus those in the GTN plus atorvastatin and atorvastatin groups (p < 0.01). Coinfusion of vitamin C completely restored acetylcholine responses in the GTN plus placebo group (p < 0.01 vs. saline coinfusion), but caused no change in either the atorvastatin or the GTN plus atorvastatin groups. Blood pressure responses to sublingual GTN did not significantly change between visits in subjects receiving GTN plus atorvastatin and atorvastatin alone, but were significantly blunted in the GTN plus placebo group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings demonstrate, for the first time in humans, that atorvastatin prevents both GTN-induced endothelial dysfunction and nitrate tolerance, likely by counteracting the GTN-induced increase in oxidative stress.

Daily low-dose folic acid supplementation does not prevent nitroglycerin-induced nitric oxide synthase dysfunction and tolerance: a human in vivo study

INTRODUCTION

Continuous treatment with nitroglycerin (GTN) causes tolerance and endothelial dysfunction, both of which may involve endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) dysfunction. eNOS dysfunction may be linked to depletion of tetrahydrobiopterin, and folic acid may be involved in the regeneration of this cofactor. It has been demonstrated that 10 mg⁄day folic acid supplementation prevents the development of GTN tolerance and GTN-induced endothelial dysfunction. However, the efficacy of daily lower-dose folic acid supplementation for preventing these phenomena has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of 1 mg⁄day folic acid supplementation on responses to sustained GTN therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

On visit 1, 20 healthy male volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either oral folic acid (1 mg⁄day) or placebo for one week in a double- blind study. All subjects also received continuous transdermal GTN (0.6 mg⁄h). On visit 2, forearm blood flow was measured using venous occlusion strain-gauge plethysmography in response to incremental intra-arterial infusions of acetylcholine, N-monomethyl-L-arginine and GTN. Subjects in both groups displayed significantly decreased responses to acetylcholine and N-monomethyl-L-arginine infusions compared with a control group that received no treatment. Responses to GTN were also significantly diminished in both groups (P<0.05 for all).

DISCUSSION

The present data demonstrate that daily supplementation with 1 mg folic acid does not prevent the development of GTN-induced eNOS dysfunction or tolerance.

Organic nitrates and nitrate resistance in diabetes: the role of vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress with emphasis on antioxidant properties of pentaerithrityl tetranitrate

Organic nitrates represent a class of drugs which are clinically used for treatment of ischemic symptoms of angina as well as for congestive heart failure based on the idea to overcome the impaired NO bioavailability by “NO” replacement therapy. The present paper is focused on parallels between diabetes mellitus and nitrate tolerance, and aims to discuss the mechanisms underlying nitrate resistance in the setting of diabetes. Since oxidative stress was identified as an important factor in the development of tolerance to organic nitrates, but also represents a hallmark of diabetic complications, this may represent a common principle for both disorders where therapeutic intervention should start. This paper examines the evidence supporting the hypothesis that pentaerithrityl tetranitrate may represent a nitrate for treatment of ischemia in diabetic patients. This evidence is based on the considerations of parallels between diabetes mellitus and nitrate tolerance as well as on preliminary data from experimental diabetes studies.

Coadministration of carvedilol attenuates nitrate tolerance by preventing cytochrome p450 depletion

BACKGROUND

Long-term administration of nitroglycerin (NTG) causes tolerance secondary to increased vascular formation of reactive oxygen species. Carvedilol, which has potent antioxidant activity in addition to functioning as an adrenergic blocker, prevents nitrate tolerance by a still to be elucidated mechanism. The present study investigated how carvedilol attenuates nitrate tolerance, particularly with reference to cytochrome P450 (CYP), an enzyme involved in the development of tolerance.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male Wistar rats were subjected to 48-h continuous infusion of NTG alone (0.5 mg/h) or NTG with concomitant carvedilol (20 or 100 microg/h), and then compared with vehicle-treated rats (4 groups; n=6 in each group). Following the continuous administration, nitrate tolerance, assessed by bolus NTG injections, was hemodynamically prevented by coadministration of carvedilol. Levels of CYP1A1/1A2, superoxide production, and phosphorylated vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein at serine 239 (P-VASP) were examined in the aortic wall and heart tissue. When NTG alone was continuously administered, vascular superoxide was produced, there was a decrease in the cardiac CYP1A1/1A2 level, and depletion of P-VASP. However, each of these changes induced by continuous NTG administration was significantly attenuated by coadministration of carvedilol and the extent of attenuation was more pronounced at the higher dose (100 microg/h).

CONCLUSIONS

Coadministration of carvedilol attenuates nitrate tolerance through maintenance of NO/cGMP pathway activity by preventing free radical generation and CYP depletion.

Continuous therapy with transdermal nitroglycerin does not affect biomarkers of vascular inflammation and injury in healthy volunteers

Continuous exposure to nitroglycerin (GTN) results in development of tolerance and is associated with increased free radical production and abnormal endothelial function. Elevated plasma biomarkers of inflammation have been shown to be associated with endothelial dysfunction in most cardiovascular conditions. It remains unclear whether exposure to GTN is also associated with increased biomarkers of endothelial and vascular injury or vascular inflammation. In an investigator-blind study, a total of 28 healthy volunteers were randomized to continuous therapy with GTN (0.6 mg/h 24 h/day for 7 days) or no therapy. Venous blood was collected on day 0 and day 7. Plasma levels of markers such as asymmetric dimethyl-arginine (ADMA), human soluble P-selectin, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and oxidized low-density lipoproteins were measured. The levels of blood markers on day 0 were similar in the control and GTN-treated groups. After 7 days of GTN exposure, there were no significant changes in the different markers of vascular inflammation and injury either in the GTN or control group (all p > 0.5). The present study documents that prolonged continuous therapy with transdermal GTN therapy is not associated with changes in markers of vascular inflammation and injury.

Evidence against tetrahydrobiopterin depletion of vascular tissue exposed to nitric oxide/superoxide or nitroglycerin

Several cardiovascular disorders, including atherosclerosis and tolerance to the antianginal drug nitroglycerin (GTN), may be associated with the generation of superoxide anions, which react with nitric oxide (NO) to yield peroxynitrite. According to a widely held view, oxidation of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) by peroxynitrite causes uncoupling of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), resulting in reduced NO bioavailability and endothelial dysfunction under conditions of oxidative stress. In this study we determined the levels of reduced biopterins and endothelial function in cultured cells exposed to peroxynitrite and GTN as well as in blood vessels isolated from GTN-tolerant guinea pigs and rats. BH(4) was rapidly oxidized by peroxynitrite and 3-morpholino sydnonimine (SIN-1) in buffer, but this was prevented by glutathione and not observed in endothelial cells exposed to SIN-1 or GTN. Prolonged treatment of the cells with 0.1 mM GTN caused slow N(G)-nitro-l-arginine-sensitive formation of reactive oxygen species without affecting eNOS activity. Endothelial function and BH(4)/BH(2) levels were identical in blood vessels of control and GTN-tolerant animals. Our results suggest that peroxynitrite-triggered BH(4) oxidation does not occur in endothelial cells or GTN-exposed blood vessels. GTN seems to trigger minor eNOS uncoupling that is unrelated to BH(4) depletion and without observable consequence on eNOS function.

Tolerance to nitroglycerin-induced preconditioning of the endothelium: a human in vivo study

Damage and dysfunction of the vascular endothelium critically influence clinical outcomes after ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Brief exposure to organic nitrates can protect the vascular endothelium from I/R injury via a mechanism that is similar to ischemic preconditioning and is independent of hemodynamic changes. The clinical relevance of these protective effects clearly depends on whether they can be sustained over time. Twenty-four healthy (age 25-32) male volunteers were randomized to receive 1) transdermal nitroglycerin (GTN; 0.6 mg/h) administered for 2 h on 1 day only, 2) transdermal GTN for 2 h/day for 7 days, or 3) continuous therapy with transdermal GTN for 7 days. Eight volunteers underwent continuous GTN therapy followed by intra-arterial infusion of the antioxidant vitamin C. Finally, five additional subjects underwent no therapy and served as controls. Endothelial function measurements were performed before and after induction of I/R of the arm. I/R caused a significant blunting of the flow responses to acetylcholine in the control group (P < 0.01 vs. before I/R). A single 2-h GTN dosage, given 24 h before I/R, prevented I/R-induced endothelial dysfunction [P = not significant (NS) vs. before I/R], but this protective effect was completely lost after 1 wk of GTN administration 2 h/day (P < 0.05 vs. before I/R; P = NS vs. control). In subjects who received continuous GTN, endothelial responses were blunted before I/R, and I/R did not cause further endothelial dysfunction. Finally, vitamin C normalized acetylcholine responses and prevented the loss of preconditioning associated with prolonged GTN. In a separate experimental model using isolated human endothelial cells, short-term incubation with GTN caused upregulation of heme oxygenase, an effect that was lost after prolonged GTN administration. Although a single administration of GTN is able to protect the endothelium from I/R-induced endothelial dysfunction, this protection is lost upon prolonged exposure, likely via an oxidative mechanism.

Non-hemodynamic effects of organic nitrates and the distinctive characteristics of pentaerithrityl tetranitrate

Organic nitrates are among the oldest and yet most commonly employed drugs in the long-term therapy of coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. While they have long been used in clinical practice, our understanding of their mechanism of action and side effects remains incomplete. For instance, recent findings provide evidence of previously unanticipated, non-hemodynamic properties that include potentially beneficial mechanisms (such as the induction of a protective phenotype that mimics ischemic preconditioning), but also toxic effects (such as endothelial and autonomic dysfunction, rebound angina, tolerance). To date, the most commonly employed organic nitrates are isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, and nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate). Another organic nitrate, pentaerithrityl tetranitrate (PETN), has long been employed in eastern European countries and is currently being reintroduced in Western countries. In light of their wide use, and of the (re)introduction of PETN in Western markets, the present review focuses on the novel effects of organic nitrates, describing their potential clinical implications and discussing differences among different compounds. We believe that these recent findings have important clinical implications. Since the side effects of organic nitrates such as nitroglycerin and isosorbides appear to be mediated by reactive oxygen species, care should be taken that drugs with antioxidant properties are co-administered. On the other hand, efforts should be made to clinically exploit the preconditioning effects of these drugs.

Effect of pioglitazone on nitroglycerin-induced impairment of nitric oxide bioavailability by a catheter-type nitric oxide sensor

BACKGROUND

We examined whether nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced impairment of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability could be modified by a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gammaagonist.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male New Zealand White rabbits were treated for 7 days with NTG patches, either alone or in combination with pioglitazone. Plasma NO concentration was measured with the catheter-type NO sensor located in the aorta. N(G)-methyl-L-arginine and acetylcholine (ACh) were infused into the aortic arch to measure the basal and ACh-induced plasma NO concentrations. Vascular nitrotyrosine and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, respectively. The negative effects of NTG, that is, the decrease in basal and ACh-induced NO production, were significantly suppressed by co-treatment with pioglitazone. NTG-induced increases in vascular nitrotyrosine and BH(4) concentrations were significantly decreased with co-treatment with pioglitazone.

CONCLUSIONS

NTG-induced impairment of basal and ACh-stimulated NO production might be prevented by the co-treatment with a PPAR gamma agonist, pioglitazone through suppressions of nitrosative stress.

Involvement of the endothelial DDAH/ADMA pathway in nitroglycerin tolerance: the role of ALDH-2

Previous studies have shown that nitroglycerin (GTN) tolerance is closely related to an oxidative stress-induced decrease in activity of mitochondrial isoforms of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH-2), and prolonged GTN treatment causes endothelial dysfunction. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a major endogenous NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, could inhibit NO production and induce oxidative stress in endothelial cells. ADMA and its major hydrolase dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) have recently been thought of as a novel regulatory system of endothelium function. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the DDAH/ADMA pathway is involved in the development of GTN tolerance in endothelial cells. Tolerance, reflected by the decrease in cyclic GMP (cGMP) production, was induced by exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to GTN (10 microM) for 16 h. While the treatment increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production/malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and decreased ALDH-2 activity as well as cGMP production, it markedly increased the level of ADMA in culture medium and decreased DDAH activity in endothelial cells. Exogenous ADMA significantly enhanced ROS production/MDA concentration and inhibited ALDH-2 activity, and overexpression of DDAH2 could significantly suppress GTN-induced oxidative stress and inhibition of ALDH-2 activity, which is also attenuated by L-arginine. Therefore, our results suggest for the first time that the endothelial DDAH/ADMA pathway plays an important role in the development/maintenance of GTN tolerance.

Effects of pioglitazone on nitric oxide bioavailability measured using a catheter-type nitric oxide sensor in angiotensin II-infusion rabbit

Recently, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) ligands have been reported to increase nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in vitro but not in vivo because of the difficulty of measuring plasma NO. Here, we investigated the effects of PPARgamma on plasma NO concentrations using the newly developed NO sensor in angiotensin II (Ang II)-infused rabbits. Male New Zealand rabbits were randomized for infusion with Ang II, either alone or in combination with pioglitazone (a PPARgamma agonist). Plasma NO concentration was measured using the catheter-type NO sensor placed in the aorta. We then infused N(G)-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) and acetylcholine (ACh) into the aortic arch to measure the basal and ACh-induced plasma NO concentration. Vascular nitrotyrosine levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Both an immunohistochemical study and Western blotting were performed to examine the PPARgamma and gp91phox expression. The cotreatment with pioglitazone significantly suppressed the negative effects of Ang II, that is, the decreases in basal and ACh-induced NO production and the increase in vascular nitrotyrosine levels. Both the immunohistochemical study and Western blotting demonstrated that pioglitazone treatment enhaced PPARgamma expression and greatly inhibited Ang II-induced up-regulation of gp91phox. In conclusion, the PPARgamma agonist pioglitazone significantly improved NO bioavailability in Ang II-infused rabbits, most likely by attenuating nitrosative stresses.

Effects of chronic in vivo administration of nitroglycerine on ACh-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation in rabbit cerebral arteries

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In the setting of nitrate tolerance, endothelium-dependent relaxation is reduced in several types of peripheral vessels. However, it is unknown whether chronic in vivo administration of nitroglycerine modulates such relaxation in cerebral arteries.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Isometric force and smooth muscle cell membrane potential were measured in endothelium-intact strips from rabbit middle cerebral artery (MCA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA).

KEY RESULTS

ACh (0.1-10 microM) concentration-dependently induced endothelium-dependent relaxation during the contraction induced by histamine in both MCA and PCA. Chronic (10 days) in vivo administration of nitroglycerine reduced the ACh-induced relaxation in PCA but not in MCA, in the presence of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor diclofenac (3 microM). In the presence of the NO-synthase inhibitor N (omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 0.1 mM) plus diclofenac, in MCA from both nitroglycerine-untreated control and -treated rabbits, ACh (0.1-10 microM) induced a smooth muscle cell hyperpolarization and relaxation, and these were blocked by the small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+)-channel inhibitor apamin (0.1 microM), but not by the large- and intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+)-channel inhibitor charybdotoxin (0.1 microM). In contrast, in PCA, ACh (<3 microM) induced neither hyperpolarization nor relaxation under these conditions, suggesting that the endothelium-derived relaxing factor is NO in PCA, whereas endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) plays a significant role in MCA.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

It is suggested that in rabbit cerebral arteries, the function of the endothelium-derived relaxing factor NO and that of EDHF may be modulated differently by chronic in vivo administration of nitroglycerine.