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Gharbaran R, Sayibou Z, Atamturktur S, Ofosu-Mensah JJ, Soto J, Boodhan N, Kolya S, Onwumere O, Chang L, Somenarain L, Redenti S. Diminazene aceturate-induced cytotoxicity is associated with the deregulation of cell cycle signaling and downregulation of oncogenes Furin, c-MYC, and FOXM1 in human cervical carcinoma Hela cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23527. [PMID: 37681557 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Diminazene aceturate (DIZE) is an FDA-listed small molecule known for the treatment of African sleeping sickness. In vivo studies showed that DIZE may be beneficial for a range of human ailments. However, there is very limited information on the effects of DIZE on human cancer cells. The current study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic responses of DIZE, using the human carcinoma Hela cell line. WST-1 cell proliferation assay showed that DIZE inhibited the viability of Hela cells in a dose-dependent manner and the observed response was associated with the downregulation of Ki67 and PCNA cell proliferation markers. DIZE-treated cells stained with acridine orange-ethidium and JC-10 dye revealed cell death and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψm), compared with DMSO (vehicle) control, respectively. Cellular immunofluorescence staining of DIZE-treated cells showed upregulation of caspase 3 activities. DIZE-treated cells showed downregulation of mRNA for G1/S genes CCNA2 and CDC25A, S-phase genes MCM3 and PLK4, and G2/S phase transition/mitosis genes Aurka and PLK1. These effects were associated with decreased mRNA expression of Furin, c-Myc, and FOXM1 oncogenes. These results suggested that DIZE may be considered for its effects on other cancer types. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effect of DIZE on human cervical cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Gharbaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bronx Community College/City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College/City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Zouberou Sayibou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bronx Community College/City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Seher Atamturktur
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bronx Community College/City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jeithy Jason Ofosu-Mensah
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bronx Community College/City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - John Soto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College/City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Nicholas Boodhan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College/City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Saaimah Kolya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College/City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Onyekwere Onwumere
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College/City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
- Biology Doctoral Program, The Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lynne Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College/City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Latchman Somenarain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bronx Community College/City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Stephen Redenti
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College/City University of New York, Bronx, New York, USA
- Biology Doctoral Program, The Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
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Suleimani YA, Maskari RA, Ali BH, Ali H, Manoj P, Al-Khamiyasi A, Abdelrahman AM. Nephroprotective effects of diminazene on doxorubicin-induced acute kidney injury in rats. Toxicol Rep 2023; 11:460-468. [PMID: 38053572 PMCID: PMC10693989 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of diminazene, an activator of angiotensin II converting enzyme (ACE2), on kidney function and structure in rats with acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The impact of diminazene was compared to that of two other drugs: the ACE inhibitor lisinopril and the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker valsartan. Rats were subjected to a single intraperitoneal injection of DOX (13.5 mg/kg) on the 5th day, either alone or in combination with diminazene (15 mg/kg/day), lisinopril (10 mg/kg/day), or valsartan (30 mg/kg/day) for 8 consecutive days. Various markers related to kidney function, oxidative stress, and inflammation were measured in plasma and urine. Additionally, kidney tissues were assessed histopathologically. DOX-induced nephrotoxicity was confirmed by elevated levels of plasma urea, creatinine, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). DOX also led to increased urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity and decreased creatinine clearance, albumin levels, and osmolality. Moreover, DOX caused a reduction in renal oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and catalase activities, while increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. It also raised plasma inflammatory markers, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β). Concurrently administering diminazene significantly mitigated these DOX-induced changes, including histopathological alterations like renal tubule necrosis, tubular casts, shrunken glomeruli, and increased renal fibrosis. Similar protective effects were observed with lisinopril and valsartan. These protective effects, at least in part, appear to result from the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of these drugs. In summary, this study suggests that the administration of diminazene, lisinopril, or valsartan had comparable effects in ameliorating the biochemical and histopathological aspects of DOX-induced acute kidney injury in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousuf Al Suleimani
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 35, Al Khod 123, Oman
| | - Raya Al Maskari
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 35, Al Khod 123, Oman
| | - Badreldin H. Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 35, Al Khod 123, Oman
| | - Haytham Ali
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Priyadarsini Manoj
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 35, Al Khod 123, Oman
| | - Ali Al-Khamiyasi
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 35, Al Khod 123, Oman
| | - Aly M. Abdelrahman
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 35, Al Khod 123, Oman
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Habib YH, Sheta E, Khattab M, Gowayed MA. Diminazene aceturate or losartan ameliorates the functional, radiological and histopathological alterations in knee osteoarthritis rodent model: repurposing of the ACE2/Ang1-7/MasR cascade. J Exp Orthop 2023; 10:107. [PMID: 37878123 PMCID: PMC10600085 DOI: 10.1186/s40634-023-00673-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Current therapies for osteoarthritis (OA) are limited to analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Considering the importance of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in OA etiology, we tested the hypothesis that targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) can improve OA anomalies. Diminazene (DIZE), an activator of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and the angiotensin 2 type-1 receptor blocker losartan (LOS) were used for this purpose. METHODS OA was induced by a single intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate. The effects of exposure to DIZE or LOS for 21 days on OA anomalies in rats' knees were investigated. Evaluation of motor function, nociception, and inflammatory response was done using rotarod, knee bend and knee swelling tests. Markers of knee joint inflammation, and cellular oxidation in addition to the RAAS biomarkers, were assessed in knee tissues, along with radiological and histopathological investigations. RESULTS Elevations in inflammatory and oxidative markers in knee tissues of OA rats were mostly improved by the two therapeutic drugs. Such effect was also reflected in the rotarod, knee bend and knee swelling tests. Treatment with DIZE has shown a more prominent effect than LOS in controlling OA-associated inflammation and cellular oxidation. Markers of RAAS have also shown better responsiveness to DIZE over LOS. CONCLUSIONS DIZE has shown a prominent increase in the angiotensin 1-7 amount, highlighting the involvement of the signaling pathway in the immunomodulatory effect. The radiological and histopathology examination came to confirm the outcome of biochemical markers, nominating diminazene aceturate as a possible therapeutic option for OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser H Habib
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman Sheta
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Khattab
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mennatallah A Gowayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Canal El- Mahmoudia Str., Smouha, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Kim D, Jeong W, Kim Y, Lee J, Cho SW, Oh CM, Park R. Pharmacologic Activation of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme II Alleviates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in db/db Mice by Reducing Reactive Oxidative Stress. Diabetes Metab J 2023; 47:487-499. [PMID: 37096378 PMCID: PMC10404524 DOI: 10.4093/dmj.2022.0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGRUOUND Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a phenomenon characterized by a deterioration in cardiac function and structure, independent of vascular complications. Among many possible causes, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and angiotensin II have been proposed as major drivers of DCM development. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of pharmacological activation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on DCM. METHODS The ACE2 activator diminazene aceturate (DIZE) was administered intraperitoneally to male db/db mice (8 weeks old) for 8 weeks. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess cardiac mass and function in mice. Cardiac structure and fibrotic changes were examined using histology and immunohistochemistry. Gene and protein expression levels were examined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Additionally, RNA sequencing was performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the effects of DIZE and identify novel potential therapeutic targets for DCM. RESULTS Echocardiography revealed that in DCM, the administration of DIZE significantly improved cardiac function as well as reduced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Transcriptome analysis revealed that DIZE treatment suppresses oxidative stress and several pathways related to cardiac hypertrophy. CONCLUSION DIZE prevented the diabetes mellitus-mediated structural and functional deterioration of mouse hearts. Our findings suggest that the pharmacological activation of ACE2 could be a novel treatment strategy for DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Wooju Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Yumin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jibeom Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sung Woo Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Goyang, Korea
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Smart Marine Therapeutics Center, Inje University, Busan, Korea
| | - Chang-Myung Oh
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Raekil Park
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
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Hulme J. COVID-19 and Diarylamidines: The Parasitic Connection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6583. [PMID: 37047556 PMCID: PMC10094973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants (Omicron) continue to outpace and negate combinatorial vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies targeting the spike protein (S) receptor binding domain (RBD), the appetite for developing similar COVID-19 treatments has significantly diminished, with the attention of the scientific community switching to long COVID treatments. However, treatments that reduce the risk of "post-COVID-19 syndrome" and associated sequelae remain in their infancy, particularly as no established criteria for diagnosis currently exist. Thus, alternative therapies that reduce infection and prevent the broad range of symptoms associated with 'post-COVID-19 syndrome' require investigation. This review begins with an overview of the parasitic-diarylamidine connection, followed by the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and associated angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSSR2) involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Subsequently, the ability of diarylamidines to inhibit S-protein binding and various membrane serine proteases associated with SARS-CoV-2 and parasitic infections are discussed. Finally, the roles of diarylamidines (primarily DIZE) in vaccine efficacy, epigenetics, and the potential amelioration of long COVID sequelae are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Hulme
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Sungnam-daero, Sujung-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Republic of Korea
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Kim Y, Kim J, Han SJ. Diminazene aceturate exacerbates renal fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction in female mice. Kidney Res Clin Pract 2023; 42:188-201. [PMID: 37037481 PMCID: PMC10085718 DOI: 10.23876/j.krcp.22.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Diminazene aceturate (DIZE), an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activator, exerts anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in a variety of human chronic diseases. However, the role of DIZE in kidney fibrosis and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of DIZE on the progression of renal fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), a well-established model of chronic kidney disease. Methods: C57BL/6 female or male mice were subjected to right UUO. Mice received 15 mg/kg DIZE or vehicle (saline) daily. On the 7th day after UUO, kidneys were collected for analysis of renal fibrosis (α-smooth muscle actin, phosphorylated SMAD3, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, Masson’s trichrome, and Sirius red staining), inflammation (macrophage infiltration, proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines), apoptosis/necrotic cell death (TUNEL and periodic acid-Schiff staining), and ACE2 activity and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression.Results: Treatment with DIZE exacerbated renal fibrosis by upregulating the profibrotic TGF-β/SMAD3 pathway, proinflammatory cytokine/chemokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2) levels, M2 macrophage accumulation (CD206, IL-4, IL-10, and CX3CL1), and apoptotic/necrotic cell death in the obstructed kidneys of female mice but not male mice. However, DIZE treatment had no effect on ACE2 activity or mRNA expression.Conclusion: DIZE exacerbates UUO-induced renal fibrosis by aggravating tubular damage, apoptosis, and inflammation through independent of Ang (1–7), Ang 2 levels, and ACE2 expression/activity, rather than protecting against renal fibrosis after UUO. DIZE also has powerful effects on recruiting macrophages, including the M2-polarized subtype, in female UUO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosep Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongwan Kim
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dong-Eui Institute of Technology, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Jongwan Kim Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dong-Eui Institute of Technology, 54 Yangji-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47230, Republic of Korea. E-mail:
| | - Sang Jun Han
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: Sang Jun Han Department of Biotechnology, College of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea. E-mail:
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Kate Gadanec L, Qaradakhi T, Renee McSweeney K, Matsoukas JM, Apostolopoulos V, Burrell LM, Zulli A. Diminazene aceturate uses different pathways to induce relaxation in healthy and atherogenic blood vessels. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115397. [PMID: 36566945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Diminazene aceturate (DIZE), a putative angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activator, elicits relaxation in various animal models. This study aimed to determine the relaxing mechanisms in internal iliac arteries utilised by DIZE in healthy and atherogenic rabbit models. Studies were conducted on internal iliac artery rings retrieved from male New Zealand White rabbits fed a 4-week healthy control (n = 24) or atherogenic diet (n = 20). To investigate pathways utilised by DIZE to promote arterial relaxation, a DIZE dose response [10-9.0 M - 10-5.0 M] was performed on pre-contracted rings incubated with pharmaceuticals that target: components of the renin-angiotensin system; endothelial- and vascular smooth muscle-dependent mechanisms; protein kinases; and potassium channels. ACE2 expression was quantified by immunohistochemistry analysis following a 2 hr or 4 hr DIZE incubation. DIZE significantly enhanced vessel relaxation in atherogenic rings at doses [10-5.5 M] (p < 0.01) and [10-5.0 M] (p < 0.0001), when compared to healthy controls. Comprehensive results from functional isometric studies determined that DIZE causes relaxation via different mechanisms depending on pathology. For the first time, we report that in healthy blood vessels DIZE exerts its direct relaxing effect through ACE2/AT2R and NO/sGC pathways; however, in atherogenesis this switches to MasR, arachidonic acid pathway (i.e., COX1/2, EET and DHET), MCLP, Ca2+ activated voltage channels, AMPK and ERK1/2. Moreover, quantitative immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that DIZE increases artery ACE2 expression in a time dependent manner. We provide a detailed investigation of DIZE's mechanisms and demonstrate for the first time that in healthy and atherogenic arteries DIZE provides beneficial effects through directly inducing relaxation, albeit via different pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Tawar Qaradakhi
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | - John M Matsoukas
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Victoria, Australia; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada; NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26500 Patras, Greece.
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Victoria, Australia; Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne 3021, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Louise M Burrell
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Victoria, Australia.
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Hartl L, Rumpf B, Domenig O, Simbrunner B, Paternostro R, Jachs M, Poglitsch M, Marculescu R, Trauner M, Reindl-Schwaighofer R, Hecking M, Mandorfer M, Reiberger T. The systemic and hepatic alternative renin-angiotensin system is activated in liver cirrhosis, linked to endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:953. [PMID: 36653504 PMCID: PMC9849268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28239-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assess the systemic and hepatic renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) fingerprint in advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). This prospective study included 13 compensated (cACLD) and 12 decompensated ACLD (dACLD) patients undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement. Plasma components (all patients) and liver-local enzymes (n = 5) of the RAS were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Patients with dACLD had significantly higher angiotensin (Ang) I, Ang II and aldosterone plasma levels. Ang 1-7, a major mediator of the alternative RAS, was almost exclusively detectable in dACLD (n = 12/13; vs. n = 1/13 in cACLD). Also, dACLD patients had higher Ang 1-5 (33.5 pmol/L versus cACLD: 6.6 pmol/L, p < 0.001) and numerically higher Ang III and Ang IV levels. Ang 1-7 correlated with HVPG (ρ = 0.655; p < 0.001), von Willebrand Factor (ρ = 0.681; p < 0.001), MELD (ρ = 0.593; p = 0.002) and interleukin-6 (ρ = 0.418; p = 0.047). Considerable activity of ACE, chymase, ACE2, and neprilysin was detectable in all liver biopsies, with highest chymase and ACE2 activity in cACLD patients. While liver-local classical and alternative RAS activity was already observed in cACLD, systemic activation of alternative RAS components occurred only in dACLD. Increased Ang 1-7 was linked to severe liver disease, portal hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Hartl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Rumpf
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rafael Paternostro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Jachs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Rodrig Marculescu
- Department for Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roman Reindl-Schwaighofer
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Hecking
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria. .,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,Christian Doppler Lab for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Esfahani SH, Jayaraman S, Karamyan VT. Is Diminazene an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Activator? Experimental Evidence and Implications. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 383:149-156. [PMID: 36507848 PMCID: PMC9553104 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiprotozoal veterinary drug diminazene aceturate (DIZE) has been proposed to be an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activator. Since then, DIZE was used in dozens of experimental studies, but its mechanism of action attributed to ACE2 activation and enhanced formation of angiontensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] from Ang II was not carefully verified. The aim of this study was to confirm the effect of DIZE on catalytic activity of ACE2 and extend it to other peptidases involved in formation and degradation of Ang-(1-7). Concentration-dependent effect of DIZE on the initial rate of a fluorogenic substrate hydrolysis by human and mouse recombinant ACE2 was measured at assay conditions imitating that of the original report, but no activation of ACE2 was documented. Similar results were obtained with a more physiologically relevant assay buffer. In addition, DIZE did not affect activity of recombinant neprilysin, neurolysin, thimet oligopeptidase, and ACE. Efficiency of the fluorogenic substrate hydrolysis (Vmax/Km value) by ACE2 in response to different concentrations of DIZE was also measured, but no substantial effects were documented. Likewise, DIZE failed to enhance the hydrolysis of ACE2 endogenous substrate Ang II. Identity of the commercial recombinant ACE2 variants used in these experiments was confirmed by inhibition with two well characterized inhibitors (DX600 and MLN4760), activation by NaCl, and Western Blotting using validated antibodies. These observations challenge the widely accepted notion about the molecular mechanism of DIZE action and call for not ascribing this molecule as an ACE2 activator. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: DIZE has been proposed and widely used in experimental studies as an ACE2 activator. The detailed in vitro pharmacological studies failed to confirm that DIZE is an ACE2 activator. In addition, DIZE did not substantially affect the activity of other peptidases involved in formation and degradation of angiotensin-(1-7). Researchers should refrain from calling DIZE an ACE2 activator. Other mechanisms are responsible for the therapeutic benefits attributed to DIZE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Hadi Esfahani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas
| | - Srinidhi Jayaraman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas
| | - Vardan T Karamyan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas
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10
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Gnilopyat S, DePietro PJ, Parry TK, McLaughlin WA. The Pharmacorank Search Tool for the Retrieval of Prioritized Protein Drug Targets and Drug Repositioning Candidates According to Selected Diseases. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1559. [PMID: 36358909 PMCID: PMC9687941 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We present the Pharmacorank search tool as an objective means to obtain prioritized protein drug targets and their associated medications according to user-selected diseases. This tool could be used to obtain prioritized protein targets for the creation of novel medications or to predict novel indications for medications that already exist. To prioritize the proteins associated with each disease, a gene similarity profiling method based on protein functions is implemented. The priority scores of the proteins are found to correlate well with the likelihoods that the associated medications are clinically relevant in the disease's treatment. When the protein priority scores are plotted against the percentage of protein targets that are known to bind medications currently indicated to treat the disease, which we termed the pertinency score, a strong correlation was observed. The correlation coefficient was found to be 0.9978 when using a weighted second-order polynomial fit. As the highly predictive fit was made using a broad range of diseases, we were able to identify a general threshold for the pertinency score as a starting point for considering drug repositioning candidates. Several repositioning candidates are described for proteins that have high predicated pertinency scores, and these provide illustrative examples of the applications of the tool. We also describe focused reviews of repositioning candidates for Alzheimer's disease. Via the tool's URL, https://protein.som.geisinger.edu/Pharmacorank/, an open online interface is provided for interactive use; and there is a site for programmatic access.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - William A. McLaughlin
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine Street, Scranton, PA 18509, USA
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11
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Zafferani M, Martyr JG, Muralidharan D, Montalvan NI, Cai Z, Hargrove AE. Multiassay Profiling of a Focused Small Molecule Library Reveals Predictive Bidirectional Modulation of the lncRNA MALAT1 Triplex Stability In Vitro. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2437-2447. [PMID: 35984959 PMCID: PMC9741926 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly accelerating characterization of RNA tertiary structures has revealed their pervasiveness and active roles in human diseases. Small molecule-mediated modulation of RNA tertiary structures constitutes an attractive avenue for the development of tools for therapeutically targeting and/or uncovering the pathways associated with these RNA motifs. This potential has been highlighted by targeting of the triple helix present at the 3'-end of the noncoding RNA MALAT1, a transcript implicated in several human diseases. This triplex has been reported to decrease the susceptibility of the transcript to degradation and promote its cellular accumulation. While small molecules have been shown to bind to and impact the stability of the MALAT1 triple helix, the small molecule properties that lead to these structural modulations are not well understood. We designed a library utilizing the diminazene scaffold, which is underexplored but precedented for nucleic acid binding, to target the MALAT1 triple helix. We employed multiple assays to holistically assess what parameters, if any, could predict the small molecule affinity and effect on triplex stability. We designed and/or optimized competition, calorimetry, and thermal shift assays as well as an enzymatic degradation assay, the latter of which led to the discovery of bidirectional modulators of triple helix stability within the scaffold-centric library. Determination of quantitative structure-activity relationships afforded predictive models for both affinity- and stability-based assays. This work establishes a suite of powerful orthogonal biophysical tools for the evaluation of small molecule:RNA triplex interactions that generate predictive models and will allow small molecule interrogation of the growing body of disease-associated RNA triple helices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Zafferani
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
| | - Justin G Martyr
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Nanaline H. Duke, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
| | - Dhanasheel Muralidharan
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
| | - Nadeska I Montalvan
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
| | - Zhengguo Cai
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
| | - Amanda E Hargrove
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, 124 Science Drive, Durham, North Carolina 27705, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Nanaline H. Duke, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
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12
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Gasperetti T, Sharma GP, Frei AC, Pierce L, Veley D, Szalewski N, Narayanan J, Fish BL, Himburg HA. Mitigation of Multi-Organ Radiation Injury with ACE2 Agonist Diminazene Aceturate. Radiat Res 2022; 198:325-335. [PMID: 35904437 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00055.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is known to regulate the pathogenesis of radiation-induced injury as inhibitors of the RAS enzyme angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) have established function as mitigators of multi-organ radiation injury. To further elucidate the role of RAS signaling during both the acute and delayed syndromes of radiation exposure, we have evaluated whether pharmacologic modulation of alternate RAS enzyme angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) reduces the pathogenesis of multi-organ radiation-induced injuries. Here, we demonstrate pharmacologic ACE2 activation with the small molecule ACE2 agonist diminazene aceturate (DIZE) improves survival in rat models of both hematologic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) and multi-organ delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE). In the H-ARS model, DIZE treatment increased 30-day survival by 30% compared to vehicle control rats after a LD50/30 total-body irradiation (TBI) dose of 7.75 Gy. In the mitigation of DEARE, ACE2 agonism with DIZE increased median survival by 30 days, reduced breathing rate, and reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels compared to control rats after partial-body irradiation (PBI) of 13.5 Gy. DIZE treatment was observed to have systemic effects which may explain the multi-organ benefits observed including mobilization of hematopoietic progenitors to the circulation and a reduction in plasma TGF-beta levels. These data suggest the ACE2 enzyme plays a critical role in the RAS-mediated pathogenesis of radiation injury and may be a potential therapeutic target for the development of medical countermeasures for acute radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Gasperetti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Guru Prasad Sharma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Anne C Frei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Lauren Pierce
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Dana Veley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Nathan Szalewski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Jayashree Narayanan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Brian L Fish
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Heather A Himburg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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13
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Matsoukas JM, Gadanec LK, Zulli A, Apostolopoulos V, Kelaidonis K, Ligielli I, Moschovou K, Georgiou N, Plotas P, Chasapis CT, Moore G, Ridgway H, Mavromoustakos T. Diminazene Aceturate Reduces Angiotensin II Constriction and Interacts with the Spike Protein of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071731. [PMID: 35885036 PMCID: PMC9312513 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diminazene aceturate (DIZE) is a putative angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activator and angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonist (AT1R). Its simple chemical structure possesses a negatively charged triazene segment that is homologous to the tetrazole of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), which explains its AT1R antagonistic activity. Additionally, the activation of ACE2 by DIZE converts the toxic octapeptide angiotensin II (AngII) to the heptapeptides angiotensin 1–7 and alamandine, which promote vasodilation and maintains homeostatic balance. Due to DIZE’s protective cardiovascular and pulmonary effects and its ability to target ACE2 (the predominant receptor utilized by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to enter host cells), it is a promising treatment for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). To determine DIZE’s ability to inhibit AngII constriction, in vitro isometric tension analysis was conducted on rabbit iliac arteries incubated with DIZE or candesartan and constricted with cumulative doses of AngII. In silico docking and ligand interaction studies were performed to investigate potential interactions between DIZE and other ARBs with AT1R and the spike protein/ACE2 complex. DIZE, similar to the other ARBs investigated, was able to abolish vasoconstriction in response to AngII and exhibited a binding affinity for the spike protein/ACE2 complex (PDB 6LZ6). These results support the potential of DIZE as a treatment for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Matsoukas
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26500 Patras, Greece;
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Correspondence: (J.M.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (A.Z.); (V.A.)
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | | | - Irene Ligielli
- Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (K.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Kalliopi Moschovou
- Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (K.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Nikitas Georgiou
- Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (K.M.); (N.G.)
| | - Panagiotis Plotas
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Christos T. Chasapis
- NMR Facility, Instrumental Analysis Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology, Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Graham Moore
- Pepmetics Incorporated, 772 Murphy Pace, Victoria, BC V8Y 3H4, Canada;
| | - Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Zographou, 15784 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (K.M.); (N.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.M.); (T.M.)
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14
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Rajapaksha IG, Gunarathne LS, Asadi K, Laybutt R, Andrikopoulous S, Alexander IE, Watt MJ, Angus PW, Herath CB. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 Therapy Improves Liver Fibrosis and Glycemic Control in Diabetic Mice With Fatty Liver. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1056-1072. [PMID: 34951153 PMCID: PMC9035567 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and is frequently associated with type 2 diabetes. However, there is no specific medical therapy to treat this condition. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) of the protective renin angiotensin system generates the antifibrotic peptide angiotensin-(1-7) from profibrotic angiotensin II peptide. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of ACE2 in diabetic NAFLD mice fed a high-fat (20%), high-cholesterol (2%) diet for 40 weeks. Mice were given a single intraperitoneal injection of ACE2 using an adeno-associated viral vector at 30 weeks of high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (15 weeks after induction of diabetes) and sacrificed 10 weeks later. ACE2 significantly reduced liver injury and fibrosis in diabetic NAFLD mice compared with the control vector injected mice. This was accompanied by reductions in proinflammatory cytokine expressions, hepatic stellate cell activation, and collagen 1 expression. Moreover, ACE2 therapy significantly increased islet numbers, leading to an increased insulin protein content in β-cells and plasma insulin levels with subsequent reduction in plasma glucose levels compared with controls. Conclusion: We conclude that ACE2 gene therapy reduces liver fibrosis and hyperglycemia in diabetic NAFLD mice and has potential as a therapy for patients with NAFLD with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indu G Rajapaksha
- Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneAustin HealthHeidelbergVICAustralia
| | - Lakmie S Gunarathne
- Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneAustin HealthHeidelbergVICAustralia
| | | | - Ross Laybutt
- Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyNSWAustralia.,St. Vincent's Clinical SchoolUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Sof Andrikopoulous
- Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneAustin HealthHeidelbergVICAustralia
| | - Ian E Alexander
- School of MedicineUniversity of SydneyChildren's Medical Research InstituteSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Mathew J Watt
- Department Anatomy and PhysiologyThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Peter W Angus
- Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneAustin HealthHeidelbergVICAustralia.,Department GastroenterologyAustin HealthHeidelbergVICAustralia
| | - Chandana B Herath
- Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneAustin HealthHeidelbergVICAustralia.,South Western Sydney Clinical SchoolFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical ResearchLiverpoolNSWAustralia
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15
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Coutinho DCO, Santos-Miranda A, Joviano-Santos JV, Foureaux G, Santos A, Rodrigues-Ferreira C, Martins-Júnior PA, Resende RR, Medei E, Vieyra A, Santos RAS, Cruz JS, Ferreira AJ. Diminazene Aceturate, an angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activator, promotes cardioprotection in ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiac injury. Peptides 2022; 151:170746. [PMID: 35033621 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether the Diminazene Aceturate (DIZE), an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activator, can revert cardiac dysfunction in ischemia reperfusion-induced (I/R) injury in animals and examine the mechanism underlying this effect. Wistar rats systemically received DIZE (1 mg/kg) for thirty days. Cardiac function in isolated rat hearts was evaluated using the Langendorff technique. After I/R, ventricular non-I/R and I/R samples were used to evaluate ATP levels. Mitochondrial function was assessed using cardiac permeabilized fibers and isolated cardiac mitochondria. Cardiac cellular electrophysiology was evaluated using the patch clamp technique. DIZE protected the heart after I/R from arrhythmia and cardiac dysfunction by preserving ATP levels, independently of any change in coronary flow and heart rate. DIZE improved mitochondrial function, increasing the capacity for generating ATP and reducing proton leak without changing the specific citrate synthase activity. The activation of the ACE2 remodeled cardiac electrical profiles, shortening the cardiac action potential duration at 90 % repolarization. Additionally, cardiomyocytes from DIZE-treated animals exhibited reduced sensibility to diazoxide (KATP agonist) and a higher KATP current compared to the controls. DIZE was able to improve mitochondrial function and modulate cardiac electrical variables with a cardio-protective profile, resulting in direct myocardial cell protection from I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Artur Santos-Miranda
- Laboratory of CardioBiology, Department of Biophysics, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Giselle Foureaux
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Anderson Santos
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clara Rodrigues-Ferreira
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulo A Martins-Júnior
- Department of Child and Adolescent Oral Health, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo R Resende
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Emiliano Medei
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adalberto Vieyra
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Robson A S Santos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jader S Cruz
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
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16
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Esfahani SH, Karamyan VT. Challenges with the proposed ACE2 activation mechanism of diminazene aceturate. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2022; 49:608-610. [PMID: 35199858 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Hadi Esfahani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas, USA
| | - Vardan T Karamyan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas, USA.,Center for Blood Brain Barrier Research, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas, USA
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17
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Fiorillo B, Marchianò S, Moraca F, Sepe V, Carino A, Rapacciuolo P, Biagioli M, Limongelli V, Zampella A, Catalanotti B, Fiorucci S. Discovery of Bile Acid Derivatives as Potent ACE2 Activators by Virtual Screening and Essential Dynamics. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:196-209. [PMID: 34914393 PMCID: PMC8691454 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) is a key molecular player in the regulation of vessel contraction, inflammation, and reduction of oxidative stress. In addition, ACE2 has assumed a prominent role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic-causing virus SARS-CoV-2, as it is the very first receptor in the host of the viral spike protein. The binding of the spike protein to ACE2 triggers a cascade of events that eventually leads the virus to enter the host cell and initiate its life cycle. At the same time, SARS-CoV-2 infection downregulates ACE2 expression especially in the lung, altering the biochemical signals regulated by the enzyme and contributing to the poor clinical prognosis characterizing the late stage of the COVID-19 disease. Despite its important biological role, a very limited number of ACE2 activators are known. Here, using a combined in silico and experimental approach, we show that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) derivatives work as ACE2 activators. In detail, we have identified two potent ACE2 ligands, BAR107 and BAR708, through a docking virtual screening campaign and elucidated their mechanism of action from essential dynamics of the enzyme observed during microsecond molecular dynamics calculations. The in silico results were confirmed by in vitro pharmacological assays with the newly identified compounds showing ACE2 activity comparable to that of DIZE, the most potent ACE2 activator known so far. Our work provides structural insight into ACE2/ligand-binding interaction useful for the design of compounds with therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2 infection, inflammation, and other ACE2-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Fiorillo
- Department
of Pharmacy, Università di Napoli
“Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchianò
- Department
of Medicine and Surgery, Università
di Perugia School of Medicine, Piazza L. Severi, I-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Federica Moraca
- Department
of Pharmacy, Università di Napoli
“Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
- Net4Science
S.r.l., University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Campus Universitario “S.
Venuta”, I-88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Sepe
- Department
of Pharmacy, Università di Napoli
“Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Adriana Carino
- Department
of Medicine and Surgery, Università
di Perugia School of Medicine, Piazza L. Severi, I-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Rapacciuolo
- Department
of Pharmacy, Università di Napoli
“Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Michele Biagioli
- Department
of Medicine and Surgery, Università
di Perugia School of Medicine, Piazza L. Severi, I-06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Limongelli
- Department
of Pharmacy, Università di Napoli
“Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
- Faculty
of Biomedical Sciences, Euler Institute, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), via G. Buffi 13, CH-6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Angela Zampella
- Department
of Pharmacy, Università di Napoli
“Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Bruno Catalanotti
- Department
of Pharmacy, Università di Napoli
“Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano Fiorucci
- Department
of Medicine and Surgery, Università
di Perugia School of Medicine, Piazza L. Severi, I-06132 Perugia, Italy
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18
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Oliveira LCG, Cruz NAN, Ricelli B, Tedesco-Silva H, Medina-Pestana JO, Casarini DE. Interactions amongst inflammation, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and kallikrein-kinin systems: suggestive approaches for COVID-19 therapy. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200181. [PMID: 34925477 PMCID: PMC8651214 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapid-spread infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can culminate in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) and kallikrein-kinin (KKS) systems imbalance, and in serious consequences for infected patients. This scoping review of published research exploring the RAAS and KKS was undertaken in order to trace the history of the discovery of both systems and their multiple interactions, discuss some aspects of the viral-cell interaction, including inflammation and the system imbalance triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their consequent disorders. Furthermore, we correlate the effects of continued use of the RAAS blockers in chronic diseases therapies with the virulence and physiopathology of COVID-19. We also approach the RAAS and KKS-related proposed potential therapies for treatment of COVID-19. In this way, we reinforce the importance of exploring both systems and the application of their components or their blockers in the treatment of coronavirus disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bruna Ricelli
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Helio Tedesco-Silva
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José Osmar Medina-Pestana
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Dulce Elena Casarini
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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19
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Brain angiotensin converting enzyme-2 in central cardiovascular regulation. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 134:2535-2547. [PMID: 33016313 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in the regulation of autonomic and neuroendocrine functions, and maintains cardiovascular homeostasis. Ang-II is the major effector molecule of RAS and exerts most of its physiological functions, including blood pressure (BP) regulation, via activation of AT1 receptors. Dysregulation of brain RAS in the central nervous system results in increased Ang-II synthesis that leads to sympathetic outflow and hypertension. Brain angiotensin (Ang) converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) was discovered two decades ago as an RAS component, exhibiting a counter-regulatory role and opposing the adverse cardiovascular effects produced by Ang-II. Studies using synthetic compounds that can sustain the elevation of ACE2 activity or genetically overexpressed ACE2 in specific brain regions found various beneficial effects on cardiovascular function. More recently, ACE2 has been shown to play critical roles in neuro-inflammation, gut dysbiosis and the regulation of stress and anxiety-like behaviors. In the present review, we aim to highlight the anatomical locations and functional implication of brain ACE2 related to its BP regulation via modulation of the sympathetic nervous system and discuss the recent developments and future directions in the ACE2-mediated central cardiovascular regulation.
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20
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da Silva Oliveira GL, da Silva APDSCL. Evaluation of the non-clinical toxicity of an antiparasitic agent: diminazene aceturate. Drug Chem Toxicol 2021; 45:2003-2013. [PMID: 33685320 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2021.1894741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The diminazene aceturate (C14H15N7.2C4H7NO3) is a chemotherapeutic agent with more than six decades of use, however more studies regarding its toxicity still need to be performed. Thus, the present study determined the acute toxicity (14 days) of diminazene acetate (DIZE) in male and female swiss mice by changes in body mass, food consumption, biochemical and hematological parameters, locomotor activity and motor coordination. DIZE was administered at a single dose (1000 and 2000 mg/kg) orally. In addition, in vitro antioxidant capacity, hemolytic activity, toxicity in Artemia salina and in silico evaluation were also performed. The results obtained include several signs of toxicity (hypoactivity, loss of the straightening reflex and tachycardia), reduction of behavioral activity (locomotor activity and motor coordination) and significant changes (p < 0.05) in biochemical and hematological parameters. According to the in silico study, the DIZE can be classified based on the mean lethal dose (LD50) in category 4 (300 mg/kg < LD50 ≤ 2000 mg/kg, ProTox-II) or 3 (50 mg/kg < LD50 ≤ 300 mg/kg, AdmetSAR 1.0). Additionally, DIZE (30.3-969.9 nM) was not toxic to A. salina in the first 48 hours of treatment and was not cytotoxic to rat red blood cells after induced hemolysis. In vitro results indicated low antioxidant capacity against DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals. Therefore, DIZE induces several adverse effects with influence on the central nervous system, changes in hematological and biochemical parameters and even mortality at the highest dose. However, absence of toxicity was observed in A. salina and rats red blood cells.
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21
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ACE2 and energy metabolism: the connection between COVID-19 and chronic metabolic disorders. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:535-554. [PMID: 33533405 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has currently attracted increasing attention due to its potential function in regulating energy homeostasis, other than the actions on cellular growth, blood pressure, fluid, and electrolyte balance. The existence of RAS is well established in metabolic organs, including pancreas, liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue, where activation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) - angiotensin II pathway contributes to the impairment of insulin secretion, glucose transport, fat distribution, and adipokines production. However, the activation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) - angiotensin (1-7) pathway, a novel branch of the RAS, plays an opposite role in the ACE pathway, which could reverse these consequences by improving local microcirculation, inflammation, stress state, structure remolding, and insulin signaling pathway. In addition, new studies indicate the protective RAS arm possesses extraordinary ability to enhance brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity and induces browning of white adipose tissue, and consequently, it leads to increased energy expenditure in the form of heat instead of ATP synthesis. Interestingly, ACE2 is the receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is threating public health worldwide. The main complications of SARS-CoV-2 infected death patients include many energy metabolism-related chronic diseases, such as diabetes. The specific mechanism leading to this phenomenon is largely unknown. Here, we summarize the latest pharmacological and genetic tools on regulating ACE/ACE2 balance and highlight the beneficial effects of the ACE2 pathway axis hyperactivity on glycolipid metabolism, as well as the thermogenic modulation.
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22
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Update on New Aspects of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Hepatic Fibrosis and Portal Hypertension: Implications for Novel Therapeutic Options. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040702. [PMID: 33670126 PMCID: PMC7916881 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is considerable experimental evidence that the renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in both hepatic fibrogenesis and portal hypertension. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), a key enzyme of the classical RAS, converts angiotensin I (Ang I) to angiotensin II (Ang II), which acts via the Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) to stimulate hepatic fibrosis and increase intrahepatic vascular tone and portal pressure. Inhibitors of the classical RAS, drugs which are widely used in clinical practice in patients with hypertension, have been shown to inhibit liver fibrosis in animal models but their efficacy in human liver disease is yet to be tested in adequately powered clinical trials. Small trials in cirrhotic patients have demonstrated that these drugs may lower portal pressure but produce off-target complications such as systemic hypotension and renal failure. More recently, the alternate RAS, comprising its key enzyme, ACE2, the effector peptide angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-(1–7)) which mediates its effects via the putative receptor Mas (MasR), has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. This system is activated in both preclinical animal models and human chronic liver disease and it is now well established that the alternate RAS counter-regulates many of the deleterious effects of the ACE-dependent classical RAS. Work from our laboratory has demonstrated that liver-specific ACE2 overexpression reduces hepatic fibrosis and liver perfusion pressure without producing off-target effects. In addition, recent studies suggest that the blockers of the receptors of alternate RAS, such as the MasR and Mas related G protein-coupled receptor type-D (MrgD), increase splanchnic vascular resistance in cirrhotic animals, and thus drugs targeting the alternate RAS may be useful in the treatment of portal hypertension. This review outlines the role of the RAS in liver fibrosis and portal hypertension with a special emphasis on the possible new therapeutic approaches targeting the ACE2-driven alternate RAS.
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23
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ACE2 in the renin-angiotensin system. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:3063-3078. [PMID: 33264412 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In 2020 we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) discovery. This event was a landmark that shaped the way that we see the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) today. ACE2 is an important molecular hub that connects the RAS classical arm, formed mainly by the octapeptide angiotensin II (Ang II) and its receptor AT1, with the RAS alternative or protective arm, formed mainly by the heptapeptides Ang-(1-7) and alamandine, and their receptors, Mas and MrgD, respectively. In this work we reviewed classical and modern literature to describe how ACE2 is a critical component of the protective arm, particularly in the context of the cardiac function, coagulation homeostasis and immune system. We also review recent literature to present a critical view of the role of ACE2 and RAS in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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24
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Sharma N, Gaikwad AB. Ameliorative effect of AT2R and ACE2 activation on ischemic renal injury associated cardiac and hepatic dysfunction. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 80:103501. [PMID: 32979558 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the role of the depressor arm of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on ischemic renal injury (IRI)-associated cardio-hepatic sequalae under non-diabetic (ND) and diabetes mellitus (DM) conditions. Firstly, rats were injected with Streptozotocin (55 mg/kg i.p.) to develop DM. ND and DM rats underwent Bilateral IRI followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Further, ND and DM rats were subjected to AT2R agonist-Compound 21 (C21) (0.3 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or ACE2 activator- Diminazene Aceturate (Dize), (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) per se or its combination therapy. As results, IRI caused cardio-hepatic injuries via altered oxidant/anti-oxidant levels, elevated inflammatory events, and altered protein expressions of ACE, ACE2, Ang II, Ang-(1-7) and urinary AGT. However, concomitant therapy of AT2R agonist and ACE2 activator exerts a protective effect in IRI-associated cardio-hepatic dysfunction as evidenced by inhibited oxidative stress, downregulated inflammation, and enhanced cardio-hepatic depressor arm of RAS under ND and DM conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Sharma
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Anil Bhanudas Gaikwad
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, 333031, India.
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25
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Therapeutic Effect of Diminazene Aceturate on Parasitic Blood Fluke Schistosoma mansoni Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01372-20. [PMID: 32816737 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01372-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Praziquantel is currently the only drug available to treat schistosomiasis, a disease of enormous public health significance caused by a blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma Diminazene, a drug approved by the FDA, has been successfully used to treat diseases caused by blood protozoan parasites. In this study, we evaluated the antiparasitic properties of diminazene against Schistosoma mansoni ex vivo and in mice harboring either chronic or early S. mansoni infections. In vitro, we monitored phenotypic and tegumental changes as well as the effects of the drug on pairing and egg production. In mice infected with either adult (chronic infection) or immature (early infection) worms, diminazene was administered intraperitoneally (10 to 100 mg/kg of body weight) or by oral gavage (100 to 400 mg/kg), and we studied the influence of the drug on worm burden and egg production. Liver and spleen pathologies and serum aminotransferase levels were also analyzed. In vitro, 50% effective concentrations (EC50) and EC90 revealed that diminazene is able to kill both immature and adult parasites, and its effect was time and concentration dependent. In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy showed morphological alterations in the teguments of schistosomes. In an animal model, the influence of the drug on worm burden, egg production, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly depended on the dosing regimen applied and the route of administration. Diminazene also caused a significant reduction in aminotransferase levels. Comparatively, diminazene treatment was more effective in chronic infection than in early infection. In tandem, our study revealed that diminazene possesses anthelmintic properties and inhibits liver injury caused by Schistosoma eggs.
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26
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Silva CC, Correa AMB, Kushmerick C, Sharma NM, Patel KP, de Almeida JFQ, Moreira FA, Ferreira AJ, Fontes MAP. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activator, DIZE in the basolateral amygdala attenuates the tachycardic response to acute stress by modulating glutamatergic tone. Neuropeptides 2020; 83:102076. [PMID: 32800589 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is critical in the control of the sympathetic output during stress. Studies demonstrated the involvement of the renin-angiotensin system components in the BLA. Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], acting through Mas receptors, reduces stress effects. Considering that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the principal enzyme for the production of Ang-(1-7), here we evaluate the cardiovascular reactivity to acute stress after administration of the ACE2 activator, diminazene aceturate (DIZE) into the BLA. We also tested whether systemic treatment with DIZE could modify synaptic activity in the BLA and its effect directly on the expression of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in NG108 neurons in-vitro. Administration of DIZE into the BLA (200 pmol/100 nL) attenuated the tachycardia to stress (ΔHR, bpm: vehicle = 103 ± 17 vs DIZE = 49 ± 7 p = 0.018); this effect was inhibited by Ang-(1-7) antagonist, A-779 (ΔHR, bpm: DIZE = 49 ± 7 vs A-779 + DIZE = 100 ± 15 p = 0.04). Systemic treatment with DIZE attenuated the excitatory synaptic activity in the BLA (Frequency (Hz): vehicle = 2.9 ± 0.4 vs. DIZE =1.8 ± 0.3 p < 0.04). NG108 cells treated with DIZE demonstrated decreased expression of l subunit NMDAR-NR1 (NR1 expression (a.u): control = 0.534 ± 0.0593 vs. DIZE = 0.254 ± 0.0260) of NMDAR and increases of Mas receptors expression. These data demonstrate that DIZE attenuates the tachycardia evoked by acute stress. This effect results from a central action in the BLA involving activation of Mas receptors. The ACE2 activation via DIZE treatment attenuated the frequency of excitatory synaptic activity in the basolateral amygdala and this effect can be related with the decreases of the NMDAR-NR1 receptor expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Cunha Silva
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Bernal Correa
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Christopher Kushmerick
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Neeru M Sharma
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, United States
| | - Kaushik P Patel
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, United States
| | | | - Fabrício A Moreira
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Anderson José Ferreira
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio Peliky Fontes
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil..
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27
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Mai ZH, Huang Y, Huang D, Huang ZS, He ZX, Li PL, Zhang S, Weng JF, Gu WL. Reversine and herbal Xiang-Sha-Liu-Jun-Zi decoction ameliorate thioacetamide-induced hepatic injury by regulating the RelA/NF-κB/caspase signaling pathway. Open Life Sci 2020; 15:696-710. [PMID: 33817258 PMCID: PMC7747499 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2020-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the anti-fibrotic effects of reversine and Chinese medicine Xiang–Sha–Liu–Jun–Zi decoction (XSLJZD) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally administered with TAA, then injected with reversine intraperitoneally, and/or orally provided with XSLJZD. TAA resulted in liver injury with increases in the liver index and levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase. Reversine alleviated the liver index and AST level and improved TAA-induced pathological changes but decreased TAA-induced collagen deposition, and α-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor-β1 expression. Reversine also modulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as RelA, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-22, IL-1β, IL-6, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3, platelet-derived growth factor, and monocyte chemoattractant protein, and suppressed nuclear factor (NF)-κB (p65) phosphorylation and caspase 1 activation. Meanwhile, XSLJZD protected TAA-injured liver without increasing fibrosis and enhanced the regulating effect of reversine on RelA, IL-17A, IL-1β, and MCP-1 cytokines. In conclusion, reversine ameliorates liver injury and inhibits inflammation reaction by regulating NF-κB, and XSLJZD protects the liver through its synergistic effect with reversine on regulating inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Hao Mai
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Sheng Huang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Xiang He
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei-Lin Li
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Feng Weng
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Li Gu
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, No.1 Panfu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 518180, People's Republic of China.,Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, People's Republic of China
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28
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Nicolau LAD, Nolêto IRSG, Medeiros JVR. Could a specific ACE2 activator drug improve the clinical outcome of SARS-CoV-2? A potential pharmacological insight. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:807-811. [PMID: 32686527 PMCID: PMC7441754 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1798760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A. D. Nicolau
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Parnaíba Delta, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Isabela R. S. G Nolêto
- Biotechnology and Biodiversity Center Research (BIOTEC), Federal University of Parnaíba Delta, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Jand V. R. Medeiros
- Biotechnology and Biodiversity Center Research (BIOTEC), Federal University of Parnaíba Delta, Parnaíba, Brazil
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29
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Chen L, Sun Y, Hu X, Xing Y, Kwee S, Na G, Zhang G. Colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic strip assay for the rapid detection of diminazene in milk. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2020; 37:1667-1677. [DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2020.1778185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Chen
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory for Animal Immunology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaning Sun
- Key Laboratory for Animal Immunology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Hu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Immunology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yunrui Xing
- Key Laboratory for Animal Immunology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sharon Kwee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Guanqiong Na
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory for Animal Immunology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
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30
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Hasan HF, Elgazzar EM, Mostafa DM. Diminazene aceturate extenuate the renal deleterious consequences of angiotensin-II induced by γ-irradiation through boosting ACE2 signaling cascade. Life Sci 2020; 253:117749. [PMID: 32380079 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM This work aims to explore the role of diminazene aceturate (DIZE) in the enhancement of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) to prevent the inflammatory and fibrotic response induced by γ-irradiation through activating the protective axis ACE2/angiotensin (1-7)/Mas receptor (ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas). METHODS Male rats were injected i.p. with 15 mg/kg DIZE daily for 7 days pre and post-irradiation, where 7.5 Gy of γ-radiation as a single dose was used. KEY FINDINGS Gamma radiation induced a significant elevation of renal biochemical parameters: urea, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in serum with a significant disturbance in oxidative stress markers: elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) associated with a depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Beside elevation in the level of angiotensin II (AngII) that lead to remarkably increases in the levels of the renal inflammatory mediators: tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) as well as renal fibrogenic markers: transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and hydroxyproline content in the renal tissues. DIZE caused marked expansion in the expression of ACE2 consequently decreased the expression of AngII and increased the expression of Ang(1-7) which through its Mas receptor ameliorates the biochemical and histopathological damage induced by radiation. SIGNIFICANCE DIZE-induced stimulation of ACE2 subdues the renal deleterious consequences induced by γ-radiation via activation of ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas axis in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham Farouk Hasan
- Radiation Biology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Atomic Energy Authority, Egypt.
| | - Eman M Elgazzar
- Health Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dalia M Mostafa
- Radiation Biology Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Atomic Energy Authority, Egypt
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31
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Le G, Yuan X, Hou L, Ge L, Liu S, Muhmood A, Liu K, Lin Z, Liu D, Gan F, Song S, Pan C, Chen X, Huang K. Ochratoxin A induces glomerular injury through activating the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 143:111516. [PMID: 32615238 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) was reported to induce proximal tubules nephrotoxicity in humans and animals. However, the toxicity of OTA on glomeruli has rarely been studied. We investigated OTA-induced glomerular injury and the underlying mechanisms. Mice were intraperitoneally treated with OTA (0, 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 mg/kg b.w.) on alternate day for 3 weeks. OTA exposure decreased the weight gain ratio, the kidney index and increased the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. It induced also fragmentation and atrophy in glomeruli, and increased the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, TGF-β, α-SMA and vimentin in a dose-dependent manner. Human mesangial cells (HMC) were treated with OTA (0-8 μM) for 48 h. Treatment of HMC cells with OTA increased cell inhibition rate, up-regulated the expression of IL-6, TGF-β, α-SMA and vimentin in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, it enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p65, degradation of IκB-α and translocation of p65 into the nucleus. OTA-induced toxicity was attenuated by NF-κB and ERK1/2 inhibitors. In conclusion, these results suggest that OTA exposure induces glomerular injury via activation of the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway, and provide novel insights into the research of OTA induced nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guannan Le
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xin Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lili Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lei Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shuiping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Azhar Muhmood
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kai Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ziman Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dandan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fang Gan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Suquan Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Cuilin Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xingxiang Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kehe Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Polidoro RB, Hagan RS, de Santis Santiago R, Schmidt NW. Overview: Systemic Inflammatory Response Derived From Lung Injury Caused by SARS-CoV-2 Infection Explains Severe Outcomes in COVID-19. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1626. [PMID: 32714336 PMCID: PMC7344249 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Most SARS-CoV2 infections will not develop into severe COVID-19. However, in some patients, lung infection leads to the activation of alveolar macrophages and lung epithelial cells that will release proinflammatory cytokines. IL-6, TNF, and IL-1β increase expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and VEGF, thereby increasing permeability of the lung endothelium and reducing barrier protection, allowing viral dissemination and infiltration of neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes. In the blood, these cytokines will stimulate the bone marrow to produce and release immature granulocytes, that return to the lung and further increase inflammation, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This lung-systemic loop leads to cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). Concurrently, the acute phase response increases the production of platelets, fibrinogen and other pro-thrombotic factors. Systemic decrease in ACE2 function impacts the Renin-Angiotensin-Kallikrein-Kinin systems (RAS-KKS) increasing clotting. The combination of acute lung injury with RAS-KKS unbalance is herein called COVID-19 Associated Lung Injury (CALI). This conservative two-hit model of systemic inflammation due to the lung injury allows new intervention windows and is more consistent with the current knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael B. Polidoro
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Robert S. Hagan
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Nathan W. Schmidt
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Li S, Li Y, Xu H, Wei Z, Yang Y, Jin F, Zhang M, Wang C, Song W, Huo J, Zhao J, Yang X, Yang F. ACE2 Attenuates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in MLE-12 Cells Induced by Silica. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:1547-1559. [PMID: 32368013 PMCID: PMC7183338 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s252351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in silicosis remains unknown, although previous studies have suggested that ACE2 may be beneficial. We, therefore, investigated the effect of ACE2 on silicosis, particularly with regard to its role in regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by silica, with the aim to uncover a new potential target for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Materials and Methods We employed wild-type mice treated with diminazene aceturate (DIZE, an ACE2 activator, 15 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks), hACE2-transgenic mice (overexpress the ACE2 gene), and the mouse lung type II epithelial cell line treated with DIZE (10-7 M for 48 h) or angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] (10-4 M for 48 h), following induced fibrotic responses to determine the protective potential of ACE2. Silicosis models were established by orotracheal instillation of SiO2 (2.5 mg/mouse). Immunostaining was used to determine α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. The activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 and the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1-7) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression of ACE and ACE2, and protein expression of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components and EMT indicators were studied by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results DIZE treatment and overexpression of ACE2 markedly inhibited the formation of silica-induced lung fibrosis and increased the level of E-cadherin, with concomitant downregulation of pro-collagen, vimentin, and α-SMA via RAS signaling. Furthermore, DIZE and Ang-(1-7) attenuated the EMT and collagen deposition induced by silica in MLE-12 cells. Moreover, these effects were abrogated by MLN-4760 (a specific ACE2 inhibitor) and A779 (a specific Mas receptor blocker). Conclusion The overexpression of ACE2 and treatment with DIZE can ameliorate EMT in silicotic mice via activation of the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis, and these changes are accompanied by suppression of the ACE-Ang II-AT1 receptor axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqian Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Yang
- Academic Affairs Office, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxiong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingchen Huo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyuan Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuhong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
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Liao YSJ, Kuan SP, Guevara MV, Collins EN, Atanasova KR, Dadural JS, Vogt K, Schurmann V, Bravo L, Eken E, Sponchiado M, Reznikov LR. Acid exposure disrupts mucus secretion and impairs mucociliary transport in neonatal piglet airways. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2020; 318:L873-L887. [PMID: 32160007 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00025.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tenacious mucus produced by tracheal and bronchial submucosal glands is a defining feature of several airway diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF). Airway acidification as a driving force of CF airway pathology has been controversial. Here we tested the hypothesis that transient airway acidification produces pathologic mucus and impairs mucociliary transport. We studied pigs challenged with intra-airway acid. Acid had a minimal effect on mucus properties under basal conditions. However, cholinergic stimulation in acid-challenged pigs revealed retention of mucin 5B (MUC5B) in the submucosal glands, decreased concentrations of MUC5B in the lung lavage fluid, and airway obstruction. To more closely mimic a CF-like environment, we also examined mucus secretion and transport following cholinergic stimulation under diminished bicarbonate and chloride transport conditions ex vivo. Under these conditions, airways from acid-challenged pigs displayed extensive mucus films and decreased mucociliary transport. Pretreatment with diminazene aceturate, a small molecule with ability to inhibit acid detection through blockade of the acid-sensing ion channel (ASIC) at the doses provided, did not prevent acid-induced pathologic mucus or transport defects but did mitigate airway obstruction. These findings suggest that transient airway acidification early in life has significant impacts on mucus secretion and transport properties. Furthermore, they highlight diminazene aceturate as an agent that might be beneficial in alleviating airway obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shin J Liao
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Shin Ping Kuan
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Maria V Guevara
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Emily N Collins
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Kalina R Atanasova
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Joshua S Dadural
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Kevin Vogt
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Veronica Schurmann
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Laura Bravo
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Eda Eken
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mariana Sponchiado
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Leah R Reznikov
- Department of Physiological Sciences University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Sansoè G, Aragno M, Wong F. Pathways of hepatic and renal damage through non-classical activation of the renin-angiotensin system in chronic liver disease. Liver Int 2020; 40:18-31. [PMID: 31580514 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In liver cirrhosis, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation sustains renal sodium retention and hepatic fibrogenesis. New information has recently enlivened the traditional concept of RAS. For instance, renin and prorenin bind their ubiquitous receptors, resulting in the local production of angiotensin (Ang) II; increased serum calcium and calcimimetic agents, through stimulation of extracellular calcium-sensing receptors (CaSR), blunt renin production and lead to natriuretic effects in human and experimental cirrhosis. Alongside systemic production, there is Ang II tissue production within various organs through RAS enzymes different from angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), that is chymase, tissue plasminogen activator and several cathepsins. In experimental cirrhosis, inhibition of chymase leads to natriuretic and hepatic antifibrotic effects, without changes in systemic haemodynamics. In the kidney, local RAS coordinates proximal and distal tubular sodium reabsorption. However, renalase, whose plasma and tissue levels are severely altered in experimental cirrhosis, degrades systemic and renal tubule catecholamines, antagonizing the effects of renal RAS. Angiotensinogen-derived natriuretic and vasodilating peptides (Ang1-9, Ang1-7, Ang3-8) and their receptors have been described. Receptor agonists or antagonists are available to affect portal hypertension and sodium retention in cirrhosis. ACE2-dependent generation of Ang1-7 may inhibit experimental liver fibrosis. inhibition of Ang1-7 clearance by means of neprilysin blockade has portal hypotensive and natriuretic effects. Ang1-12, whose production renin does not regulate, is converted to several different angiotensin peptides via chymase. Finally, Ang II behaves as either an antinatriuretic or a natriuretic agent, based on the tissue content of AT1 R and AT2 R receptors, their ratio being prone to pharmacological modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sansoè
- Division of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Gradenigo Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Manuela Aragno
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Florence Wong
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Rajapaksha IG, Gunarathne LS, Asadi K, Cunningham SC, Sharland A, Alexander IE, Angus PW, Herath CB. Liver-Targeted Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 Therapy Inhibits Chronic Biliary Fibrosis in Multiple Drug-Resistant Gene 2-Knockout Mice. Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:1656-1673. [PMID: 31832573 PMCID: PMC6887688 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a large unmet need for effective therapies for cholestatic disorders, including primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a disease that commonly results in liver failure. Angiotensin (Ang) II of the renin Ang system (RAS) is a potent profibrotic peptide, and Ang converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) of the alternate RAS breaks down Ang II to antifibrotic peptide Ang‐(1‐7). In the present study, we investigated long‐term effects of ACE2 delivered by an adeno‐associated viral vector and short‐term effects of Ang‐(1‐7) peptide in multiple drug‐resistant gene 2‐knockout (Mdr2‐KO) mice. These mice develop progressive biliary fibrosis with pathologic features closely resembling those observed in PSC. A single intraperitoneal injection of ACE2 therapy markedly reduced liver injury (P < 0.05) and biliary fibrosis (P < 0.01) at both established (3‐6 months of age) and advanced (7‐9 months of age) disease compared to control vector‐injected Mdr2‐KO mice. This was accompanied by increased hepatic Ang‐(1‐7) levels (P < 0.05) with concomitant reduction in hepatic Ang II levels (P < 0.05) compared to controls. Moreover, Ang‐(1‐7) peptide infusion improved liver injury (P < 0.05) and biliary fibrosis (P < 0.0001) compared to saline‐infused disease controls. The therapeutic effects of both ACE2 therapy and Ang‐(1‐7) infusion were associated with significant (P < 0.01) reduction in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and collagen expression. While ACE2 therapy prevented the loss of epithelial characteristics of hepatocytes and/or cholangiocytes in vivo, Ang‐(1‐7) prevented transdifferentiation of human cholangiocytes (H69 cells) into the collagen‐secreting myofibroblastic phenotype in vitro. We showed that an increased ratio of hepatic Ang‐(1‐7) to Ang II levels by ACE2 therapy results in the inhibition of HSC activation and biliary fibrosis. Conclusion: ACE2 therapy has the potential to treat patients with biliary diseases, such as PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indu G Rajapaksha
- Department of Medicine University of Melbourne Austin Health Heidelberg Australia
| | - Lakmie S Gunarathne
- Department of Medicine University of Melbourne Austin Health Heidelberg Australia
| | | | - Sharon C Cunningham
- Children's Medical Research Institute School of Medicine University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Alexandra Sharland
- Central Clinical School School of Medicine University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Children's Medical Research Institute School of Medicine University of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Peter W Angus
- Department of Medicine University of Melbourne Austin Health Heidelberg Australia
| | - Chandana B Herath
- Department of Medicine University of Melbourne Austin Health Heidelberg Australia
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37
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Malek V, Sharma N, Sankrityayan H, Gaikwad AB. Concurrent neprilysin inhibition and renin-angiotensin system modulations prevented diabetic nephropathy. Life Sci 2019; 221:159-167. [PMID: 30769114 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and natriuretic peptides system (NPS) perturbations govern the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Hence, in search of a novel therapy against DN, present study targeted both, NPS and RAS simultaneously using a neprilysin inhibitor (NEPi) in combination with either angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) or angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activator. METHODS We induced diabetes in male Wistar rats by a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.). After four weeks, we treated diabetic rats with thiorphan, telmisartan or diminazene aceturate (Dize) 0.1, 10, 5 mg/kg/day, p.o. alone as monotherapy, or both thiorphan/telmisartan or thiorphan/Dize as combination therapy, for four weeks. Then, plasma and urine biochemistry were performed, and kidneys from all the groups were collected and processed separately for histopathology, ELISA and Western blotting. KEY FINDINGS Proposed combination therapies attenuated metabolic perturbations, prevented renal functional decline, and normalised adverse alterations in renal ACE, ACE2, Ang-II, Ang-(1-7), neprilysin and cGMP levels in diabetic rats. Histopathological evaluation revealed a significant reduction in glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis by combination therapies. Importantly, combination therapies inhibited inflammatory, profibrotic and apoptotic signalling, way better than respective monotherapies, in preventing DN. CONCLUSION Renoprotective potential of thiorphan (NEPi)/telmisartan (ARB) and thiorphan/Dize (ACE2 activator) combination therapies against the development of DN is primarily attributed to normalisation of RAS and NPS components and inhibition of pathological signalling related to inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis. Hence, we can conclude that NEPi/ARB and NEPi/ACE2 activator combination therapies might be new therapeutic strategies in preventing DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajir Malek
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Nisha Sharma
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Himanshu Sankrityayan
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Anil Bhanudas Gaikwad
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan 333031, India.
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