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Fantone S, Ermini L, Piani F, Di Simone N, Barbaro G, Giannubilo SR, Gesuita R, Tossetta G, Marzioni D. Downregulation of argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) is associated with hypoxia in placental development. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1190-1198. [PMID: 36995581 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00901-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Argininosuccinate synthase (ASS1) is involved in nitric oxide production, which has a key role in placental development improving pregnancy outcomes. Syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast differentiations are milestones of placental development and their impairment can cause pathologies, such as preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to localize and quantify ASS1 in first trimester (8.2 ± 1.8 weeks), third trimester (38.6 ± 1.1 weeks), and PE (36.3 ± 1.5 weeks) placentas. In addition, cell cultures were used to evaluate ASS1 expression under hypoxic conditions and the syncytialization process. Our data showed that ASS1 is localized in the villous cytotrophoblast of first trimester, third trimester, and PE placentas, while the villous cytotrophoblast adjacent to the extravillous trophoblast of cell columns as well as the extravillous trophoblast were negative for ASS1 in first trimester placentas. In addition, ASS1 was decreased in third trimester compared to the first trimester placentas (p = 0.003) and no differences were detected between third trimester and PE placentas. Moreover, ASS1 expression was decreased in hypoxic conditions and syncytialized cells compared to those not syncytialized. In conclusion, we suggest that the expression of ASS1 in villous cytotrophoblast is related to maintaining proliferative phenotype, while ASS1 absence may be involved in promoting the differentiation of villous cytotrophoblast in extravillous cytotrophoblast of cell columns in first trimester placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Fantone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Leonardo Ermini
- Department of Life Science, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Piani
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40128, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Greta Barbaro
- Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Raffaele Giannubilo
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rosaria Gesuita
- Centre of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tossetta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy.
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, 60126, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Daniela Marzioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
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Karlsson WK, Sørensen CG, Kruuse C. l-arginine and l-NMMA for assessing cerebral endothelial dysfunction in ischaemic cerebrovascular disease: A systematic review. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2017; 44:13-20. [PMID: 27704594 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction (ED), in particular cerebral ED, may be an essential biomarker for ischaemic cerebrovascular disease. However, there is no consensus on methods to best estimate cerebral ED. In this systematic review, we evaluate the use of l-arginine and NG -monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA) for assessment of cerebral ED. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was done. We included studies investigating cerebrovascular response to l-arginine or l-NMMA in human subjects with vascular risk factors or ischaemic cerebrovascular disease. Seven studies (315 subjects) were eligible according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies investigated the effect of age (n=2), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (n=1), cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) (n=1), leukoaraiosis (n=1), and prior ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) (n=2) on cerebral ED. Most studies applied transcranial Doppler to quantify cerebral ED. Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDV) induced by l-arginine was impaired in elderly and subjects with leukoaraiosis, but enhanced in CADASIL patients. Studies including subjects with prior ischaemic stroke or TIA reported both enhanced and impaired EDV to l-arginine. Responses to l-NMMA deviated between subjects with type 2 DM and the elderly. We found only few studies investigating cerebral endothelial responses to l-arginine and l-NMMA in subjects with vascular risk factors or ischaemic cerebrovascular disease. Inconsistencies in results were most likely due to variations in methods and included subject populations. In order to use cerebral ED as a prognostic marker, further studies are required to evaluate the association to cerebrovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- William K Karlsson
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Herlev Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caspar G Sørensen
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Herlev Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Kruuse
- Neurovascular Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Herlev Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Affandi MMRMM, Tripathy M, Majeed ABA. Conductometric and volumetric studies of atorvastatin in aqueous solution of arginine from 298.15 to 313.15 K. J Adv Pharm Technol Res 2016; 7:80-6. [PMID: 27429926 PMCID: PMC4932810 DOI: 10.4103/2231-4040.184589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Categorized as a Biopharmaceutics Classification System Class II drugs, atorvastatin (ATV) exhibits low aqueous solubility and bioavailability thus presenting an obstacle and great challenge to formulation researchers. Numerous studies are available in regard to the solubility enhancement of ATV, but very few actually describe this phenomenon in terms of thermodynamics and the solute-solvent interaction. Arginine (ARG) is an amino acid that has been reported to enhance the solubility of the highly insoluble wheat protein gluten through hydrogen bonding and π electron-cation interaction. To our knowledge, ARG has never been investigated as a solubility enhancement agent of aqueous insoluble drugs. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the solute-solvent and solute-cosolute interactions and derive thermodynamic parameters that bolstered the solubility of ATV in the presence of ARG. We examined the electrolytic conductance and densities of ATV-ARG binary system covering the temperature ranging from 298.15 K to 313.15 K. Conductometric and volumetric parameters such as limiting molar conductance, association constants, limiting partial molar volumes, and expansibility values were calculated. Additionally, thermodynamic parameters (ΔG0, ΔH0, ΔS0, and Es) involved in the association process of the solute in the aqueous solution of ARG were also determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M R Meor Mohd Affandi
- Laboratory Fundamental of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Core, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Minaketan Tripathy
- Laboratory Fundamental of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Core, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - A B A Majeed
- Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Core, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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Garcia VP, Rocha HN, Silva GM, Amaral TA, Secher NH, Nóbrega AC, Vianna LC, Rocha NG. Exogenous l-arginine reduces matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities and oxidative stress in patients with hypertension. Life Sci 2016; 157:125-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Carlström M, Brown RD, Edlund J, Sällström J, Larsson E, Teerlink T, Palm F, Wåhlin N, Persson AEG. Role of nitric oxide deficiency in the development of hypertension in hydronephrotic animals. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2008; 294:F362-70. [DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00410.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydronephrotic animals develop renal injury and hypertension, which is associated with an abnormal tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). The TGF sensitivity is coupled to nitric oxide (NO) in the macula densa. The involvement of reduced NO availability in the development of hypertension in hydronephrosis was investigated. Hydronephrosis was induced by ureteral obstruction in young rats. Blood pressure and renal excretion were measured in adulthood, under different sodium conditions, and before and after chronic administration of either NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) or l-arginine. Blood samples for ADMA, SDMA, and l-arginine analysis were taken and the renal tissue was used for histology and determination of NO synthase (NOS) proteins. TGF characteristics were determined by stop-flow pressure technique before and after administration of 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) or l-arginine. Hydronephrotic animals developed salt-sensitive hypertension, which was associated with pressure natriuresis and diuresis. The blood pressure response to l-NAME was attenuated and l-arginine supplementation decreased blood pressure in hydronephrotic animals, but not in the controls. Under control conditions, reactivity and sensitivity of the TGF response were greater in the hydronephrotic group. 7-NI administration increased TGF reactivity and sensitivity in control animals, whereas, in hydronephrotic animals, neuronal NOS (nNOS) inhibition had no effect. l-Arginine attenuated TGF response more in hydronephrotic kidneys than in controls. The hydronephrotic animals displayed various degrees of histopathological changes. ADMA and SDMA levels were higher and the renal expressions of nNOS and endothelial NOS proteins were lower in animals with hydronephrosis. Reduced NO availability in the diseased kidney in hydronephrosis, and subsequent resetting of the TGF mechanism, plays an important role in the development of hypertension.
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Siasos G, Tousoulis D, Antoniades C, Stefanadi E, Stefanadis C. l-Arginine, the substrate for NO synthesis: An alternative treatment for premature atherosclerosis? Int J Cardiol 2007; 116:300-8. [PMID: 16860889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2006.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2005] [Revised: 04/03/2006] [Accepted: 04/28/2006] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
L-Arginine is the substrate of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the main precursor of nitric oxide (NO) in the vascular endothelium. L-Arginine improves endothelial function in patients with hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and smokers, while its role in diabetes remains unclear. Oral supplementation of L-arginine leads to a significant improvement of endothelium-dependent forearm vasodilation in hypercholesterolemic patients, while intravenous infusion of L-arginine improves endothelial function in healthy smokers. L-Arginine has anti-hypertensive properties, although its effects on endothelial function in hypertensive patients needs further evaluation. In conclusion, L-arginine administration may be useful in patients with premature atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Siasos
- Cardiology Unit, Hippokration Hospital, Athens University Medical School, S. Karagiorga 69, Glifada, 16 675, Athens, Greece
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Villalpando S, Gopal J, Balasubramanyam A, Bandi VP, Guntupalli K, Jahoor F. In vivo arginine production and intravascular nitric oxide synthesis in hypotensive sepsis. Am J Clin Nutr 2006; 84:197-203. [PMID: 16825696 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/84.1.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arginine is important in the response to infections and is a precursor for the synthesis of the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO). Low plasma arginine is correlated with a worse prognosis in patients with sepsis, and increased NO has been implicated in the hypotension of sepsis. Data on in vivo arginine and NO kinetics are lacking in hypotensive septic adults. OBJECTIVE We aimed to measure in vivo arginine production and the intravascular NO synthesis rate in hypotensive septic patients. DESIGN Arginine flux and the fractional and absolute synthesis rates of plasma NO were measured in fasted healthy (n = 10) and hypotensive septic (n = 6) adults by using a 6-h constant infusion of [15N2-guanidino]arginine. Urinary excretion of the NO metabolites nitrite and nitrate (NOx) and plasma concentrations of NOx, arginine, and creatinine were also measured. RESULTS All patients had hyperdynamic septic shock and impaired renal function. Compared with the control subjects, the patients had slower arginine flux (99 +/- 8 compared with 50 +/- 7 micromol x kg(-1) x h(-1); P < 0.01), lower plasma arginine concentrations (75 +/- 8 compared with 40 +/- 11 micromol/L; P < 0.01), higher plasma NOx concentrations (30 +/- 4 compared with 65 +/- 1.8 micromol/L), and a slower fractional synthesis rate of NOx. There was no significant difference in the absolute synthesis rate of NOx between groups. In patients with sepsis, the plasma NOx concentration correlated with the glomerular filtration rate and plasma creatinine but not with mean arterial pressure. CONCLUSIONS Patients with septic shock have a shortage in the availability of arginine associated with a slower production. Impaired renal excretion of NOx is a contributor to the high plasma NOx in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Villalpando
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, and Medical Services, Ben Taub General Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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Kernohan AFB, McIntyre M, Hughes DM, Tam SW, Worcel M, Reid JL. An oral yohimbine/L-arginine combination (NMI 861) for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction: a pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and interaction study with intravenous nitroglycerine in healthy male subjects. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2005; 59:85-93. [PMID: 15606445 PMCID: PMC1884955 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2004.02243.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Interaction of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction with organic nitrates could lead to severe hypotension. NMI 861 is a combination of 7.7 mg yohimbine tartrate and 6 g l-arginine glutamate. A similar oral combination, which contains the same amount of yohimbine and L-arginine, has been shown to improve erectile function in previous studies. METHODS In two placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, two-way crossover design studies we aimed to assess first the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single oral dose of NMI 861 administered in 16 healthy male subjects, and then the pharmacodynamics of orally administered NMI 861 in combination with intravenous nitroglycerine (GTN) in 12 healthy male subjects. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures, pulse rate and adverse events were measured in each study. RESULTS NMI 861 was well tolerated by all subjects with no significant adverse reactions reported. For L-arginine, mean C(max) +/- SEM (range) was 42 +/- 2.2 (28-63) microg ml(-1) and t(max) (range) was 0.88 (0.50-1.5) h. AUC and t(1/2) were not calculated for L-arginine because of the presence of endogenous concentrations and the contribution from food sources. For yohimbine, mean C(max) was 42 +/- 11 (2.8-128) ng ml(-1); t(max) was 0.57 (0.25-1.0) h; mean AUC(0,8 h) was 65 +/- 24 (5.4-332), ng ml(-1) h and t(1/2) was 1.0 +/- 0.34 (0.40-6.0) h. There was a small but significant difference in the mean change from baseline for SBP from 0 to 6 h after NMI 861 treatment compared with placebo (0.8 +/- 1.4 vs-4.1 +/- 2.1 mmHg, respectively; 95% CI 0.0, 9.8 mmHg (P = 0.047)). There was no significant difference in SBP between treatments for the studied periods 6-12 h and 12-24 h. There was no significant difference in DBP or pulse between NMI 861 and placebo treatments for the three studied time periods. In the study designed to investigate the interaction of organic nitrate with NMI 861, subjects were infused intravenously with increasing doses of GTN (15 min each dose) at 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 microg min(-1) starting 40 min after a single oral dose of either NMI 861 or placebo. There was no significant difference in the hypotensive response induced by GTN between the NMI 861 and placebo treatments. The mean maximum changes from baseline during GTN infusion for subjects administered with either NMI 861 or placebo were a decrease of 16.9 +/- 3.4 vs 13.6 +/- 2.4 mmHg (mean difference between treatments -3.3 mmHg, 95% CI -12.7, 6.0 mmHg (P = 0.460)) for SBP, a decrease of 14.7 +/- 2.0 vs 14.0 +/- 2.0 mmHg for DBP (mean difference -0.7 mmHg, 95% CI -8.2, 6.8 mmHg (P = 0.835)), and an increase of 11.8 +/- 1.9 vs 14.1 +/- 2.4 beats min(-1) for pulse, respectively (mean difference -2.3 beats min(-1), 95% CI -9.3, 4.5 beats min(-1) (P = 0.464)). CONCLUSIONS Acute oral administration of NMI 861 was found to be well tolerated and bioavailable in healthy male subjects and no significant hypotensive interaction with intravenous GTN was detected at the doses investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F B Kernohan
- University Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Western Infirmary, Glasgow G11 6NT, Scotland, UK.
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Lustberg ME, Schwartz BS, Lee BK, Todd AC, Silbergeld EK. The G894-T894 Polymorphism in the Gene for Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Blood Pressure in Lead-Exposed Workers From Korea. J Occup Environ Med 2004; 46:584-90. [PMID: 15213521 DOI: 10.1097/01.jom.0000128158.32391.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated whether the G -T polymorphism in exon 7 of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene is associated with blood pressure or modifies the relation between lead dose and blood pressure in 803 lead workers in Korea. A total of 84.9% of individuals were homozygous GG, 14.4% heterozygous GT, and 0.8% homozygous TT. The T allele was not significantly associated with systolic or diastolic blood pressure. The prevalence of hypertension did not differ by T status (OR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.50-1.37). There was no evidence of effect modification by eNOS genotype on relations of lead dose with blood pressure. These data provide no evidence that the T allele is associated with higher blood pressure or modifies the association of lead dose with blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Lustberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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Scuteri A, Stuehlinger MC, Cooke JP, Wright JG, Lakatta EG, Anderson DE, Fleg JL. Nitric oxide inhibition as a mechanism for blood pressure increase during salt loading in normotensive postmenopausal women. J Hypertens 2003; 21:1339-46. [PMID: 12817182 DOI: 10.1097/00004872-200307000-00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO), which plays an important role in natriuresis. We determined whether changes in endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDD) and plasma ADMA predict changes in blood pressure (BP) after salt loading in normotensive postmenopausal women (PMW). METHODS In 15 normotensive PMW (age 50-60 years), not receiving estrogen, ambulatory 24-h BP, plasma lipids, and ADMA were measured after 4 days of a low-salt diet (70 mEq/day) and following 7 days of high-salt intake (260 mEq/day). Brachial artery diameter at rest, during reactive hyperemia, i.e. EDD, and after sublingual nitroglycerin, i.e. non-EDD, were measured by ultrasound. The 24-h urinary NO metabolite (NOx) was measured by Griess reaction. Plasma ADMA was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. RESULTS During low-salt, 24-h BP levels averaged 121 +/- 11 and 69 +/- 7 mmHg for systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), respectively. After salt loading, average 24-h BP increases were: 7.6 mmHg for SBP, 2.2 mmHg for DBP, and 5.5 mmHg for pulse pressure (PP). Increases of 24-h SBP and 24-h PP after salt loading correlated directly with changes in ADMA (partial R2 = 0.16 for 24-h SBP and 0.17 for 24-h PP, P < 0.05 for both) and inversely with changes in EDD (partial R2 = 0.13, P = 0.09 for 24 h SBP and partial R2 = 0.15, P = 0.07 for 24-h PP), after adjustment for age and cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of NO bioavailability by ADMA and a subsequent reduction in EDD contribute to the increase in BP during high-salt intake in normotensive PMW not receiving estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Scuteri
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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12
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Abstract
L-Arginine (Arg) is classified as an essential amino acid for birds, carnivores and young mammals and a conditionally essential amino acid for adults. It is converted by arginase to L-ornithine, a precursor of polyamines and urea, which is important in the urea cycle. Arg serves as a precursor for creatine, which plays an essential role in the energy metabolism of muscle, nerve and testis and accounts for Arg catabolism and for the synthesis of agmatine and proteins. Via its ability to increase growth hormone secretion it influences immune function. Depending on nutritional status and developmental stage, normal plasma Arg concentrations in humans and animals range from 95 to 250 micromol/l. Systemic or oral Arg administration has been shown to improve cardiovascular function and reduce myocardial ischemia in coronary artery disease patients. It reduces blood pressure and renal vascular resistance in essential hypertensive patients with normal or insufficient renal function. Although Arg plasma concentrations are not altered in hypercholesterolemic individuals, oral or intravenous Arg administration can reverse endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic patients and in cigarette smokers. The main importance of Arg is attributed to its role as a precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), a free radical molecule that is synthesized in all mammalian cells from L-Arg by NO synthase (NOS). NO appears to be a major form of the endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). NO and EDRF share similar chemical and pharmacological properties and are derived from the oxidation of a terminal guanidine group of L-Arg. Various mechanisms have been implicated in the defect in vascular relaxation. These include, increased diffusional barrier for NO, L-Arg depletion, altered levels of reactive oxygen, inactivation of NO by superoxide anions (O2-). The independent reactions of O2-, NO and their reaction yielding peroxynitrite are critical in the initiation and maintenance of the atherosclerotic state and contribute to the defect in vasorelaxation. NO also plays a role as a neurotransmitter, mediator of immune response and as signaling molecule. The NO synthesized by iNOS in macrophages contributes to their cytotoxic activity against tumor cells, bacteria and protozoa. Our aim here is to review on some amino acids with high functional priority such as Arg and to define their effective activity in human health and pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tapiero
- Faculté de pharmacie, université de Paris, CNRS UMR 8612, 5, rue Jean-Baptiste-Clément, 94200 Chatenay-Malabry, France.
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Tousoulis D, Antoniades C, Tentolouris C, Goumas G, Stefanadis C, Toutouzas P. L-arginine in cardiovascular disease: dream or reality? Vasc Med 2002; 7:203-11. [PMID: 12553744 DOI: 10.1191/1358863x02vm434ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
L-arginine is the substrate for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and the precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). This amino acid exerts a number of actions in the cardiovascular system, mainly through the production of NO. However, it also has a number of NO-independent properties, such as the ability to regulate blood and intracellular pH and the effect on the depolarization of endothelial cell membranes. It also has antihypertensive and antioxidant properties, it influences blood viscosity and the coagulation/fibrinolysis system, and it affects the metabolism of glucose, lipids and proteins. L-arginine influences a number of atherosclerosis risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and smoking, improving endothelial function in these patients. However, it does not affect endothelial function in patients with diabetes mellitus. The role of L-arginine in coronary artery disease is still controversial, but it seems that oral or parenteral administration of this amino acid restores endothelial function in the brachial artery and improves coronary microcirculation. The role of L-arginine in heart failure is currently under investigation, and the first results are rather hopeful. In conclusion, L-arginine seems to provide a hopeful prospect for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, more data derived from large-scale prospective studies evaluating the effects of long-term treatment with L-arginine are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Tousoulis
- Cardiology Unit, Hippokration Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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Andersen JL, Sandgaard NCF, Bie P. Volume expansion during NOS substrate donation with L-arginine: regulatory offsetting of renal response? Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2002; 282:R1149-55. [PMID: 11893620 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00666.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The responses to infusion of nitric oxide synthase substrate (L-arginine 3 mg.kg(-1).min(-1)) and to slow volume expansion (saline 35 ml/kg for 90 min) alone and in combination were investigated in separate experiments. L-Arginine left blood pressure and plasma ANG II unaffected but decreased heart rate (6 +/- 2 beats/min) and urine osmolality, increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) transiently, and caused sustained increases in sodium excretion (fourfold) and urine flow (0.2 +/- 0.0 to 0.7 +/- 0.1 ml/min). Volume expansion increased arterial blood pressure (102 +/- 3 to 114 +/- 3 mmHg), elevated GFR persistently by 24%, and enhanced sodium excretion to a peak of 251 +/- 31 micromol/min, together with marked increases in urine flow, osmolar and free water clearances, whereas plasma ANG II decreased (8.1 +/- 1.7 to 1.6 +/- 0.3 pg/ml). Combined volume expansion and L-arginine infusion tended to increase arterial blood pressure and increased GFR by 31%, whereas peak sodium excretion was enhanced to 335 +/- 23 micromol/min at plasma ANG II levels of 3.0 +/- 1.1 pg/ml; urine flow and osmolar clearance were increased at constant free water clearance. In conclusion, L-arginine 1) increases sodium excretion, 2) decreases basal urine osmolality, 3) exaggerates the natriuretic response to volume expansion by an average of 50% without persistent changes in GFR, and 4) abolishes the increase in free water clearance normally occurring during volume expansion. Thus L-arginine is a natriuretic substance compatible with a role of nitric oxide in sodium homeostasis, possibly by offsetting/shifting the renal response to sodium excess.
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Raj DSC, Vincent B, Simpson K, Sato E, Jones KL, Welbourne TC, Levi M, Shah V, Blandon P, Zager P, Robbins RA. Hemodynamic changes during hemodialysis: role of nitric oxide and endothelin. Kidney Int 2002; 61:697-704. [PMID: 11849413 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.2002.00150.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Etiology of dialysis induced hypotension and hypertension remains speculative. There is mounting evidence that nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET-1) may play a vital role in these hemodynamic changes. We examined the intradialytic dynamic changes in NO and ET-1 levels and their role in the pathogenesis of hypotension and rebound hypertension during hemodialysis (HD). METHODS The serum nitrate + nitrite (NT), fractional exhaled NO concentration (FENO), L-arginine (L-Arg), NGNG-dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA) and endothelin (ET-1) profiles were studied in 27 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on HD and 6 matched controls. The ESRD patients were grouped according to their hemodynamic profile; Group I patients had stable BP throughout HD, Group II had dialysis-induced hypotension, and Group III had intradialytic rebound hypertension. RESULTS Pre-dialysis FENO was significantly lower in the dialysis patients compared to controls (19.3 +/- 6.3 vs. 28.6 +/- 3.4 ppb, P < 0.002). Between the experimental groups, pre-dialysis FENO was significantly higher in Group II (24.1 +/- 6.7 ppb) compared to Group I (17.8 +/- 5.6 ppb) and Group III (16.1 +/- 4.2 ppb; P < 0.05). Post-dialysis, FENO increased significantly from the pre-dialysis values (19.3 +/- 6.3 vs. 22.6 +/- 7.9 ppb; P=0.001). Pre-dialysis NT (34.4 +/- 28.2 micromol/L/L) level was not significantly different from that of controls (30.2 +/- 12.3 micromol/L/L). Serum NT decreased from 34.4 +/- 28.2 micromol/L/L at initiation of dialysis to 10.0 +/- 7.4 micormol/L/L at end of dialysis (P < 0.001). NT concentration was comparable in all the three groups at all time points. Pre-dialysis L-Arg (105.3 +/- 25.2 vs. 93.7 +/- 6.0 micromol/L/L; P < 0.05) and ADMA levels were significantly higher in ESRD patients (4.0 +/- 1.8 vs. 0.9 +/- 0.2 micromol/L/L; P < 0.001) compared to controls. Dialysis resulted in significant reduction in L-Arg (105.3 +/- 25.2 vs. 86.8 +/- 19.8 micromol/L/L; P < 0.005) and ADMA (4.0 +/- 1.8 vs. 1.6 +/- 0.7 micromol/L/L; P < 0.001) concentrations. Pre-dialysis ET-1 levels were significantly higher in ESRD patients compared to the controls (8.0 +/- 1.9 vs. 12.7 +/- 4.1 pg/mL; P < 0.002), but were comparable in the three study groups. Post-dialysis ET-1 levels did not change significantly in Group I compared to pre-dialysis values (14.3 +/- 4.3 vs.15.0 +/- 2.4 pg/mL, P=NS). However, while the ET-1 concentration decreased significantly in Group II (12.0 +/- 4.0 vs. 8.7 +/- 1.8 pg/mL, P < 0.05), it increased in Group III from pre-dialysis levels (12.8 +/- 3.8 vs. 16.7 +/- 4.5 pg/mL, P=0.06). CONCLUSION Pre-dialysis FENO is elevated in patients with dialysis-induced hypotension and may be a more reliable than NT as a marker for endogenous NO activity in dialysis patients. Altered NO/ET-1 balance may be involved in the pathogenesis of rebound hypertension and hypotension during dialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic S C Raj
- Division of Nephrology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-5271, USA.
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Dumont Y, D'Amours M, Lebel M, Larivière R. Supplementation with a low dose of L-arginine reduces blood pressure and endothelin-1 production in hypertensive uraemic rats. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2001; 16:746-54. [PMID: 11274268 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/16.4.746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We documented recently that increased endothelin-1 (ET-1) production in blood vessels and glomeruli of uraemic rats plays a crucial role in the development of hypertension and the progression of chronic renal failure. Normally, biological effects and local production of ET-1 are attenuated by the immediate release of nitric oxide (NO). Increasing evidence suggest, however, that NO release is impaired in chronic renal failure. We investigated whether supplementation with L-arginine, the natural precursor of NO, improves NO synthesis in uraemic rats with reduced renal mass and modulates vascular and renal ET-1 production as well as blood pressure and renal failure progression. METHODS One week after surgical renal mass reduction, the uraemic and sham-operated animals received either no treatment or 0.1% L-arginine in drinking water for 5 weeks. In another series of experiments, uraemic rats received 1% L-arginine for 5 weeks. Immunoreactive-ET-1 (ir-ET-1) levels in plasma, urine, and vascular and renal tissue preparations was measured by radioimmunoassay after sample extraction and purification. RESULTS Before treatment, systolic blood pressure was significantly elevated in uraemic animals compared to sham-operated controls (156+/-7 vs 111+/-3 mmHg, respectively; P<0.01). Thereafter, systolic blood pressure increased further in uraemic-untreated rats (systolic blood pressure at week 5; 199+/-9 mmHg, P<0.01), whereas it remained similar in uraemic rats supplemented with 0.1% L-arginine (171+/-9 mmHg, NS). At the end of the study, serum creatinine and urea, proteinuria and ir-ET-1 excretion were significantly augmented, while creatinine clearance was reduced in uraemic animals compared to the controls. Ir-ET-1 level was also increased in glomeruli as well as in thoracic aorta, mesenteric arterial bed, and pre-glomerular arteries, and was associated with vascular hypertrophy as assessed by tissue weight. In contrast, ir-ET-1 level was diminished in the renal papilla of uraemic rats. Treatment with 0.1% L-arginine significantly reduced proteinuria and urinary ir-ET-1 excretion (P<0.05) as well as ir-ET-1 level in glomeruli (P<0.01) and in thoracic aorta (P<0.05). These changes were associated with increased plasma NO metabolites NO2/NO3 levels in L-arginine-treated animals (P<0.01) and reduced aortic hypertrophy (P<0.05). In contrast, supplementation with 1% L-arginine had no effect on systolic blood pressure in uraemic rats, but exacerbated proteinuria and urinary ir-ET-1 excretion and increased serum urea (P<0.05) were observed. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that improvement of NO release with a low dose but not with a high dose of L-arginine significantly attenuates the development of hypertension and the progression of renal insufficiency in rats with reduced renal mass. These protective effects may be mediated in part by the reduction of vascular and renal ET-1 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Dumont
- Research Center and Division of Nephrology, CHUQ, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, and Department of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
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Zhou MS, Kosaka H, Tian RX, Abe Y, Chen QH, Yoneyama H, Yamamoto A, Zhang L. L-Arginine improves endothelial function in renal artery of hypertensive Dahl rats. J Hypertens 2001; 19:421-9. [PMID: 11288812 DOI: 10.1097/00004872-200103000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To clarify whether endothelium-derived contracting factor (EDCF) is developed in renal artery of hypertensive Dahl rats and whether prolonged oral L-arginine treatments prevent development of EDCF and hypertension. DESIGN The effect of prolonged salt treatment with or without L-arginine on the renal artery was examined. METHODS AND RESULTS Dahl salt-sensitive and -resistant rats were fed a 0.4 or an 8% NaCl diet for 4 weeks. High sodium intake increased arterial pressure in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. The rings of renal arteries were suspended for isometric tension recording. Only in the hypertensive rats, more than 1 micromol/l acetylcholine induced an endothelium-dependent contraction response. The contraction was completely inhibited by indomethacin or ONO-3708 [prostaglandin H2 (PGH2)/thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor antagonist], and partially inhibited by OKY-046 (TXA2 synthetase inhibitor). Acetylcholine-induced relaxation was significantly depressed in hypertensive rats, which was partially improved by SQ29548 (PGH2/TXA2 receptor antagonist). Oral L-arginine, but not ONO-8809 (orally active PGH2/TXA2 receptor antagonist) treatment, inhibited the contraction and amended the relaxation. The endothelium-independent contraction to TXA2 receptor agonist U46619 and relaxation to nitroprusside were not altered by L-arginine treatment The L-Arginine treatment reduced blood pressure and sodium retention with increases in urinary NO2-/NO3- and cGMP excretion. Hydralazine treatment also inhibited development of EDCF. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest that impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine is caused in part by induction of EDCF synthesis/release in renal arteries of hypertensive Dahl rats. L-arginine can attenuate sodium retention and development of hypertension, which lead to a decrease in EDCF synthesis in renal arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Zhou
- The Second Department of Physiology, Kagawa Medical University, Japan
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Abstract
L-Arginine (Arg) is the substrate for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), the endothelium-derived relaxing factor essential for regulating vascular tone and hemodynamics. NO stimulates angiogenesis, but inhibits endothelin-1 release, leukocyte adhesion, platelet aggregation, superoxide generation, the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecules and monocyte chemotactic peptides, and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Arg exerts its vascular actions also through NO-independent effects, including membrane depolarization, syntheses of creatine, proline and polyamines, secretion of insulin, growth hormone, glucagon and prolactin, plasmin generation and fibrinogenolysis, superoxide scavenging and inhibition of leukocyte adhesion to nonendothelial matrix. Compelling evidence shows that enteral or parenteral administration of Arg reverses endothelial dysfunction associated with major cardiovascular risk factors (hypercholesterolemia, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity/insulin resistance and aging) and ameliorates many common cardiovascular disorders (coronary and peripheral arterial disease, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and heart failure). Dietary Arg supplementation may represent a potentially novel nutritional strategy for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Wu
- Department of Animal Science and Faculty of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843, USA
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Marx S, Vedernikov Y, Saade GR, Garfield RE. Citrulline does not relax isolated rat and rabbit vessels. Br J Pharmacol 2000; 130:713-6. [PMID: 10864875 PMCID: PMC1572130 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0703372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The study was prompted by the report of Ruiz E. & Tejerina T., 1998 describing endothelium-independent relaxation by L-citrulline via activation of particulate guanylate cyclase. We compared the effects of L-citrulline and L-arginine in isolated aortic rings of rats and in isolated aortic, carotid and femoral artery rings of rabbits. No significant relaxation to either L-citrulline or L-arginine was found in the concentration range of 10(-12) to 10(-3) M, while 3-morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN-1, 10(-6) M) relaxed vascular tissues. This study does not support the conclusion that L-citrulline has direct vasorelaxing action on vascular smooth muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Marx
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Divisions of Reproductive Sciences and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas, TX 77555-1062, USA
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