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Zheng X, Xu Z, Xu L, Wang L, Qin S, Ying L, Dong S, Tang L. Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Inhibits M1 Polarization and Apoptosis of Alveolar Macrophage and Protects Against Mechanical Ventilation-Induced Lung Injury. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-02037-y. [PMID: 38767784 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-02037-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) is associated with macrophage polarization and apoptosis, but the role of the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) in these processes remains controversial. However, the effect of AT2Rs on alveolar macrophages and mechanical ventilation-induced lung injury has not been determined. Mechanical ventilation-induced lung injury in Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats and LPS-stimulated rat alveolar macrophages (NR8383) were used to determine the effects of AT2Rs, selective AT2R agonists and selective AT1Rs or AT2R antagonists. Macrophage polarization, apoptosis, and related signaling pathways were assessed via western blotting, QPCR and flow cytometry. AT2R expression was decreased in LPS-stimulated rat alveolar macrophages (NR8383). Administration of the AT2R agonist CGP-42112 was associated with an increase in AT2R expression and M2 polarization, but no effect was observed upon administration of the AT2R antagonist PD123319 or the AT1R antagonist valsartan. In mechanical ventilation-induced lung injury in Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats, the administration of the AT2R agonist C21 was associated with attenuation of the pathological damage score, lung wet/dry weight, cell count and protein content in BALF. C21 can significantly reduce proinflammatory factor TNF-α, IL-1β levels, increase anti-inflammatory factor IL-4, IL-10 levels in BALF, compared with the model group (p < 0.01). Similarly, compared with those at the same time points, the M1/M2 ratios in alveolar macrophages and apoptosis in peritoneal macrophages at 4 h, 6 h and 8 h in the mechanical ventilation models were lower after C21 administration. These findings indicated that the expression of AT2Rs in alveolar macrophages mediates M1 macrophage polarization and apoptosis and that AT2Rs play a protective role in mediating mechanical ventilation-induced lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyang Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiguang Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihui Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingqiao Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyun Qin
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Liu Ying
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangyong Dong
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lanfang Tang
- Department of pulmonology, Affiliated Children's Hospital, School of medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Ávila-Martínez DV, Mixtega-Ruiz WK, Hurtado-Capetillo JM, Lopez-Franco O, Flores-Muñoz M. Counter-regulatory RAS peptides: new therapy targets for inflammation and fibrotic diseases? Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1377113. [PMID: 38666016 PMCID: PMC11044688 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1377113] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important cascade of enzymes and peptides that regulates blood pressure, volume, and electrolytes. Within this complex system of reactions, its counter-regulatory axis has attracted attention, which has been associated with the pathophysiology of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. This review article analyzes the impact of different components of the counter-regulatory axis of the RAS on different pathologies. Of these peptides, Angiotensin-(1-7), angiotensin-(1-9) and alamandine have been evaluated in a wide variety of in vitro and in vivo studies, where not only they counteract the actions of the classical axis, but also exhibit independent anti-inflammatory and fibrotic actions when binding to specific receptors, mainly in heart, kidney, and lung. Other functional peptides are also addressed, which despite no reports associated with inflammation and fibrosis to date were found, they could represent a potential target of study. Furthermore, the association of agonists of the counter-regulatory axis is analyzed, highlighting their contribution to the modulation of the inflammatory response counteracting the development of fibrotic events. This article shows an overview of the importance of the RAS in the resolution of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, offering an understanding of the individual components as potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana V Ávila-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
- Doctorado en Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Wendy K Mixtega-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Tlaxcala de Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | | | - Oscar Lopez-Franco
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
- Doctorado en Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Mónica Flores-Muñoz
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
- Doctorado en Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
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3
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Schwartz KS, Lang JA, Stanhewicz AE. Angiotensin II type 2 receptor-mediated dilation is greater in the cutaneous microvasculature of premenopausal women compared with men. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 135:1236-1242. [PMID: 37823205 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00382.2023] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) likely contributes to sex differences in cardiovascular outcomes in premenopausal women compared with age-matched men. Women demonstrate reduced activation of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) compared with men, and evidence suggests that women also likely have increased sensitivity of the vasodilatory angiotensin II type 2 receptors (AT2R). However, few in vivo studies have directly examined sex differences in AT2R-mediated dilation, or the balance between AT1R- and AT2R-mediated vascular responses in humans. Using the cutaneous microcirculation as a model, we hypothesized that AT2R-mediated dilation would be greater in premenopausal women compared with men, and that AT1R-blockade would augment AT2R-mediated dilation to a greater extent in men than in women. Twelve healthy women (22 ± 3 yr) and 12 men (23 ± 5 yr) had two intradermal microdialysis fibers placed in the ventral forearm for graded infusions of compound 21 (AT2R agonist; 10-12 to 10-8 M) in a control fiber site and a site treated with 43 µM losartan (AT1R antagonist). Red blood cell flux was measured continuously by laser-Doppler flowmetry, and cutaneous vascular conductance [CVC = flux/mean arterial pressure (MAP)] was normalized to maximum [%max; 28 mM sodium nitroprusside (SNP) + 43 °C]. Women had greater AT2R-mediated dilation compared with men (women: 25 ± 4 vs. men: 15 ± 2%max, P = 0.03). Local AT1R inhibition increased AT2R-mediated dilation in men (losartan: 26 ± 4 vs. control: 15 ± 2%max, P < 0.001) but had no effect in women (losartan: 27 ± 6 vs. control: 25 ± 4%max, P > 0.05). These data suggest that premenopausal women have a greater AT2R-mediated vasodilation response than men, and that AT1R activation inhibits AT2R-mediated dilation in men, but not in women.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Premenopausal women have greater protection against cardiovascular disease than age-matched men. However, the role of vasoconstrictor angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) and vasodilatory angiotensin II type 2 receptors (AT2R) in mediating these sex differences is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that women have greater AT2R-mediated vasodilation than men and that AT1R negates AT2R-mediated dilation in men, but not in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey S Schwartz
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
| | - James A Lang
- Department of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States
| | - Anna E Stanhewicz
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
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Quiroga DT, Narvaéz Pardo JA, Zubiría MG, Barrales B, Muñoz MC, Giovambattista A, Dominici FP. Acute In Vivo Administration of Compound 21 Stimulates Akt and ERK1/2 Phosphorylation in Mouse Heart and Adipose Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16839. [PMID: 38069161 PMCID: PMC10706736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor has a role in promoting insulin sensitivity. However, the mechanisms underlying the AT2 receptor-induced facilitation of insulin are still not completely understood. Therefore, we investigated whether acute in vivo administration of AT2 receptor agonist compound 21 (C21) could activate insulin signaling molecules in insulin-target tissues. We report that, in male C57BL/6 mice, an acute (5 min, 0.25 mg/kg; i.v.) injection of C21 induces the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 at activating residues (Ser473 and Thr202/Tyr204, respectively) in both epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) and heart tissue. In WAT, the extent of phosphorylation (p) of Akt and ERK1/2 induced by C21 was approximately 65% of the level detected after a bolus injection of a dose of insulin known to induce maximal activation of the insulin receptor (IR). In the heart, C21 stimulated p-Akt to a lesser extent than in WAT and stimulated p-ERK1/2 to similar levels to those attained by insulin administration. C21 did not modify p-IR levels in either tissue. We conclude that in vivo injection of the AT2 receptor agonist C21 activates Akt and ERK1/2 through a mechanism that does not involve the IR, indicating the participation of these enzymes in AT2R-mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego T. Quiroga
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Química Biológica and IQUIFIB (UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
| | - Jorge A. Narvaéz Pardo
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Química Biológica and IQUIFIB (UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
| | - María G. Zubiría
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), CICPBA-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata B1906APO, Argentina
| | - Benjamín Barrales
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Química Biológica and IQUIFIB (UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
| | - Marina C. Muñoz
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Química Biológica and IQUIFIB (UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
| | - Andrés Giovambattista
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular (IMBICE), CICPBA-CONICET-UNLP), La Plata B1906APO, Argentina
| | - Fernando P. Dominici
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Química Biológica and IQUIFIB (UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
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Li M, Nguyen L, Ferens D, Spizzo I, Wang Y, Denton KM, Del Borgo M, Kulkarni K, Aguilar MI, Qin CH, Samuel CS, Gaspari TA, Widdop RE. Novel AT 2R agonist, β-Pro 7Ang III, is cardio- and vaso-protective in diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115238. [PMID: 37536036 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Stimulation of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) evokes protective effects in various cardiovascular diseases. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of AT2R stimulation, with or without AT1R blockade, in a model of hypertension with concomitant type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were given either citrate or a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ; 55 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce diabetes. After 4 weeks of diabetes, animals were administered either a vehicle (saline), AT2R agonist, β-Pro7Ang III (0.1 mg/kg/day via osmotic mini-pump), AT1R blocker, candesartan (2 mg/kg/day via drinking water), or a combination of both for a further 8 weeks. β-Pro7Ang III treatment had no effect on blood pressure, but attenuated the significant increase in cardiac interstitial collagen and protein expression of fibrotic and inflammatory markers, and superoxide levels that was evident in diabetic SHRs. These effects were not observed with candesartan, despite its blood pressure lowering effects. Although β-Pro7Ang III had no effect on aortic fibrosis, it significantly attenuated MCP-1 protein expression and superoxide levels when compared to both the non-diabetic and diabetic SHRs, to a similar extent as candesartan. In both the heart and vasculature, the effects of β-Pro7Ang III in combination with candesartan were similar to those of β-Pro7Ang III alone, and superior to candesartan alone. It was concluded that in hypertension with concomitant diabetes, AT2R stimulation with a novel ligand alone, or in combination with AT1R blockade, improved the cardiac and vascular structural changes that were strongly associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, independent of blood pressure regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Li
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Levi Nguyen
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Dorota Ferens
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Iresha Spizzo
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Yan Wang
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate M Denton
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Del Borgo
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ketav Kulkarni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Marie-Isabel Aguilar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Chengxue Helena Qin
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Tracey A Gaspari
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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de Liyis BG, Sutedja JC, Kesuma PMI, Liyis S, Widyadharma IPE. A review of literature on Compound 21-loaded gelatin nanoparticle: a promising nose-to-brain therapy for multi-infarct dementia. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-023-00621-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractMulti-infarct dementia (MID) is described as a chronic progressive decline in cortical cognitive function due to the occurrence of multiple infarcts in the cerebral vascularization throughout the gray and white matter. Current therapies of MID mostly focus only on slowing down MID progression and symptomatic medications. A novel therapy which is able to provide both preventive and curative properties for MID is of high interest. The purpose of this review is to identify the potential of Compound 21 (C21) gelatin nanoparticle through the nose-to-brain route as therapy for MID. C21, an angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) agonist, has shown to reduce the size of cerebral infarct in rodent models, resulting in the preservation and improvement of overall cognitive function and prevention of secondary neurodegenerative effects. It is also shown that C21 decreases neuronal apoptosis, improves damaged axons, and encourage synapse development. The challenge remains in preventing systemic AT2R activation and increasing its low oral bioavailability which can be overcome through nose-to-brain administration of C21. Nose-to-brain drug delivery of C21 significantly increases drug efficiency and limits C21 exposure in order to specifically target the multiple infarcts located in the cerebral cortex. Adhering C21 onto gelatin nanoparticles may enable longer contact time with the olfactory and the trigeminal nerve endings, increasing the potency of C21. In summary, treatment of C21 gelatin nanoparticle through nose-to-brain delivery shows high potential as therapy for vascular dementia. However, clinical trials must be further studied in order to test the safety and efficacy of C21.
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Sehnert B, Valero-Esquitino V, Schett G, Unger T, Steckelings UM, Voll RE. Angiotensin AT2 Receptor Stimulation Alleviates Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Upregulation of Regulatory T Cell Numbers. Front Immunol 2022; 13:921488. [PMID: 35874732 PMCID: PMC9304956 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R) is a main receptor of the protective arm of the renin-angiotensin system and exerts for instance anti-inflammatory effects. The impact of AT2R stimulation on autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not yet known. We investigated the therapeutic potential of AT2R-stimulation with the selective non-peptide AT2R agonist Compound 21 (C21) in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), an animal model for inflammatory arthritis. Arthritis was induced by immunization of DBA/1J mice with collagen type II (CII). Prophylactic and therapeutic C21 treatment alleviates arthritis severity and incidence in CIA. Joint histology revealed significantly less infiltrates of IL-1 beta and IL-17A expressing cells and a well-preserved articular cartilage in C21- treated mice. In CIA, the number of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells significantly increased upon C21 treatment compared to vehicle. T cell differentiation experiments demonstrated increased expression of FoxP3 mRNA, whereas IL-17A, STAT3 and IFN-gamma mRNA expression were reduced upon C21 treatment. In accordance with the mRNA data, C21 upregulated the percentage of CD4+FoxP3+ cells in Treg polarizing cultures compared to medium-treated controls, whereas the percentage of CD4+IL-17A+ and CD4+IFN-gamma+ T cells was suppressed. To conclude, C21 exerts beneficial effects on T cell-mediated experimental arthritis. We found that C21-induced AT2R-stimulation promotes the expansion of CD4+ regulatory T cells and suppresses IL-17A production. Thus, AT2R-stimulation may represent an attractive treatment strategy for arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Sehnert
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Bettina Sehnert, ; Reinhard Edmund Voll,
| | | | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Unger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ulrike Muscha Steckelings
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM) – Department of Cardiovascular & Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Reinhard Edmund Voll
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) Freiburg, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Bettina Sehnert, ; Reinhard Edmund Voll,
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8
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AT2R activation increases in vitro angiogenesis in pregnant human uterine artery endothelial cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267826. [PMID: 35486619 PMCID: PMC9053770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is vital during pregnancy for remodeling and enhancing vasodilation of maternal uterine arteries, and increasing uterine blood flow. Abnormal angiogenesis is associated with decreased uteroplacental blood flow and development of pregnancy disorders such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery, stillbirth, and miscarriage. The mechanisms that contribute to normal angiogenesis remain obscure. Our previous studies demonstrated that expression of the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) is increased while the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) is unchanged in the endothelium of uterine arteries, and that AT2R-mediated pregnancy adaptation facilitates enhanced vasodilation and uterine arterial blood flow. However, the role of AT2R in regulating angiogenesis during pregnancy has never been studied. This study examines whether or not AT2R activation induces angiogenesis and, if so, what mechanisms are involved. To this end, we used primary human uterine artery endothelial cells (hUAECs) isolated from pregnant and nonpregnant women undergoing hysterectomy. The present study shows that Compound 21, a selective AT2R agonist, induced proliferation of pregnant-hUAECs, but not nonpregnant-hUAECs, in a concentration-dependent manner, and that this C21-induced mitogenic effect was blocked by PD123319, a selective AT2R antagonist. The mitogenic effects induced by C21 were inhibited by blocking JNK—but not ERK, PI3K, and p38—signaling pathways. In addition, C21 concentration dependently increased cell migration and capillary-like tube formation in pregnant-hUAECs. The membrane-based antibody array showed that C21 increased expression of multiple angiogenic proteins, including EGF, bFGF, leptin, PLGF, IGF-1, and angiopoietins. Our qPCR analysis demonstrates that C21-induced increase in expression of these angiogenic proteins correlates with a proportional increase in mRNA expression, indicating that AT2R activates angiogenic proteins at the transcriptional level. In summary, the present study shows that AT2R activation induces angiogenesis of hUAECs in a pregnancy-specific manner through JNK-mediated pathways with associated transcriptional upregulation of multiple proangiogenic proteins.
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9
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Samuel CS, Bennett RG. Relaxin as an anti-fibrotic treatment: Perspectives, challenges and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 197:114884. [PMID: 34968489 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to the scarring and hardening of tissues, which results from a failed immune system-coordinated wound healing response to chronic organ injury and which manifests from the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix components (ECM), primarily collagen. Despite being a hallmark of prolonged tissue damage and related dysfunction, and commonly associated with high morbidity and mortality, there are currently no effective cures for its regression. An emerging therapy that meets several criteria of an effective anti-fibrotic treatment, is the recombinant drug-based form of the human hormone, relaxin (also referred to as serelaxin, which is bioactive in several other species). This review outlines the broad anti-fibrotic and related organ-protective roles of relaxin, mainly from studies conducted in preclinical models of ageing and fibrotic disease, including its ability to ameliorate several aspects of fibrosis progression and maturation, from immune cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokine secretion, oxidative stress, organ hypertrophy, cell apoptosis, myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production, to its ability to facilitate established ECM degradation. Studies that have compared and/or combined these therapeutic effects of relaxin with current standard of care medication have also been discussed, along with the main challenges that have hindered the translation of the anti-fibrotic efficacy of relaxin to the clinic. The review then outlines the future directions as to where scientists and several pharmaceutical companies that have recognized the therapeutic potential of relaxin are working towards, to progress its development as a treatment for human patients suffering from various fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Robert G Bennett
- Research Service, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4130, USA.
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10
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Malek RJ, Bill CA, Vines CM. Clinical drug therapies and biologicals currently used or in clinical trial to treat COVID-19. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112276. [PMID: 34624681 PMCID: PMC8486678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants capable of escaping vaccine-generated immune responses poses a looming threat to vaccination efforts and will likely prolong the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the prevalence of beta coronaviruses circulating in animals and the precedent they have set in jumping into human populations indicates that they pose a continuous threat for future pandemics. Currently, only one therapeutic is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating COVID-19, remdesivir, although other therapies are authorized for emergency use due to this pandemic being a public health emergency. In this review, twenty-four different treatments are discussed regarding their use against COVID-19 and any potential future coronavirus-associated illnesses. Their traditional use, mechanism of action against COVID-19, and efficacy in clinical trials are assessed. Six treatments evaluated are shown to significantly decrease mortality in clinical trials, and ten treatments have shown some form of clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory J. Malek
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX 78705, United States
| | - Colin A. Bill
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso TX 79968, United States
| | - Charlotte M. Vines
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso TX 79968, United States,Corresponding author
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11
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Moreira FRC, de Oliveira TA, Ramos NE, Abreu MAD, Simões E Silva AC. The role of renin angiotensin system in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6619-6629. [PMID: 34417705 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06672-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), chronic inflammatory processes lead to progresive joint destruction. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the pathogenesis of RA and OA. The aim of this mini-review article is to summarize evidence on the role of RAS in RA and OA. METHODS A non-systematic search in Pubmed included terms as "rheumatoid arthritis", "renin angiotensin system", "osteopenia", "RANKL", "DKK-1", "MMP", "inflammation", "angiogenesis", "local renin-angiotensin system", "angiotensin converting enzyme", "AT2 receptor", "Ang-(1-7)", "VEGF", "angiotensine receptor blocker", "angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors", "renin inhibitors". RESULTS Both RAS axes, the classical one, formed by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin (Ang) II and AT1 receptor (AT1R) and the counter-regulatory one, composed by ACE2, Ang-(1-7) and the Mas receptor, modulate inflammation and tissue damage. Ang II activates pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress. Conversely, Ang-(1-7) exerts anti-inflammatory actions, decreasing cytokine release, leukocyte attraction, density of vessels, tissue damage and fibrosis. Angiogenesis facilitates inflammatory cells invasion, while osteopenia causes joint dysfunction. Up-regulated osteoclastogenisis and down-regulated osteoblastogeneses were associaed with the activation of the classical RAS axis. Three different pathways, RANKL, DKK-1 and MMPs are enhanced by classical RAS activation. The treatment of RA included methotrexate and corticosteroids, which can cause side effects. Studies with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and renin inhibitors have been conducted in experimental and clinical RA with promising results. CONCLUSION The classical RAS activation is an important mechanism in RA pathogenesis and the benefit of ARB and ACEi administration should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Rocha Chaves Moreira
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Alfredo Balena, 190, 2nd floor, room #281, Belo Horizonte, MG, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Tiago Almeida de Oliveira
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Alfredo Balena, 190, 2nd floor, room #281, Belo Horizonte, MG, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Nádia Eliza Ramos
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Alfredo Balena, 190, 2nd floor, room #281, Belo Horizonte, MG, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Maria Augusta Duarte Abreu
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Alfredo Balena, 190, 2nd floor, room #281, Belo Horizonte, MG, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Simões E Silva
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Alfredo Balena, 190, 2nd floor, room #281, Belo Horizonte, MG, 30130-100, Brazil.
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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12
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Laghlam D, Jozwiak M, Nguyen LS. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and Immunomodulation: A State-of-the-Art Review. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071767. [PMID: 34359936 PMCID: PMC8303450 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has long been described in the field of cardiovascular physiology as the main player in blood pressure homeostasis. However, other effects have since been described, and include proliferation, fibrosis, and inflammation. To illustrate the immunomodulatory properties of the RAS, we chose three distinct fields in which RAS may play a critical role and be the subject of specific treatments. In oncology, RAS hyperactivation has been associated with tumor migration, survival, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis; preliminary data showed promise of the benefit of RAS blockers in patients treated for certain types of cancer. In intensive care medicine, vasoplegic shock has been associated with severe macro- and microcirculatory imbalance. A relative insufficiency in angiotensin II (AngII) was associated to lethal outcomes and synthetic AngII has been suggested as a specific treatment in these cases. Finally, in solid organ transplantation, both AngI and AngII have been associated with increased rejection events, with a regional specificity in the RAS activity. These elements emphasize the complexity of the direct and indirect interactions of RAS with immunomodulatory pathways and warrant further research in the field.
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13
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Totomoch-Serra A, Domínguez-Cruz MG, Manterola C, Muñoz MDL. Variants in AGTR2 gene in Maya people with COVID-19. Gene 2021; 795:145794. [PMID: 34175388 PMCID: PMC8223127 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Armando Totomoch-Serra
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico; PhD Program in Medical Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Chile
| | - Miriam Givisay Domínguez-Cruz
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - C Manterola
- PhD Program in Medical Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Chile
| | - Maria de Lourdes Muñoz
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico.
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14
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Ekholm M, Kahan T. The Impact of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System on Inflammation, Coagulation, and Atherothrombotic Complications, and to Aggravated COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:640185. [PMID: 34220496 PMCID: PMC8245685 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.640185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is considered a disease caused by a chronic inflammation, associated with endothelial dysfunction, and several mediators of inflammation are up-regulated in subjects with atherosclerotic disease. Healthy, intact endothelium exhibits an antithrombotic, protective surface between the vascular lumen and vascular smooth muscle cells in the vessel wall. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between anti- and prooxidants, with a subsequent increase of reactive oxygen species, leading to tissue damage. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is of vital importance in the pathobiology of vascular disease. Convincing data indicate that angiotensin II accelerates hypertension and augments the production of reactive oxygen species. This leads to the generation of a proinflammatory phenotype in human endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells by the up-regulation of adhesion molecules, chemokines and cytokines. In addition, angiotensin II also seems to increase thrombin generation, possibly via a direct impact on tissue factor. However, the mechanism of cross-talk between inflammation and haemostasis can also contribute to prothrombotic states in inflammatory environments. Thus, blocking of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system might be an approach to reduce both inflammatory and thrombotic complications in high-risk patients. During COVID-19, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may be activated. The levels of angiotensin II could contribute to the ongoing inflammation, which might result in a cytokine storm, a complication that significantly impairs prognosis. At the outbreak of COVID-19 concerns were raised about the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blocker drugs in patients with COVID-19 and hypertension or other cardiovascular comorbidities. However, the present evidence is in favor of continuing to use of these drugs. Based on experimental evidence, blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system might even exert a potentially protective influence in the setting of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ekholm
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T Kahan
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Correcting the imbalanced protective RAS in COVID-19 with angiotensin AT2-receptor agonists. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:2987-3006. [PMID: 33210709 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that is responsible for the global corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic enters host cells via a mechanism that includes binding to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 (ACE2). Membrane-bound ACE2 is depleted as a result of this entry mechanism. The consequence is that the protective renin-angiotensin system (RAS), of which ACE2 is an essential component, is compromised through lack of production of the protective peptides angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin-(1-9), and therefore decreased stimulation of Mas (receptor Mas) and angiotensin AT2-receptors (AT2Rs), while angiotensin AT1-receptors (AT1Rs) are overstimulated due to less degradation of angiotensin II (Ang II) by ACE2. The protective RAS has numerous beneficial actions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulative, anti-fibrotic effects along with endothelial and neural protection; opposite to the deleterious effects caused by heightened stimulation of angiotensin AT1R. Given that patients with severe COVID-19 exhibit an excessive immune response, endothelial dysfunction, increased clotting, thromboses and stroke, enhancing the activity of the protective RAS is likely beneficial. In this article, we discuss the evidence for a dysfunctional protective RAS in COVID and develop a rationale that the protective RAS imbalance in COVID-19 may be corrected by using AT2R agonists. We further review preclinical studies with AT2R agonists which suggest that AT2R stimulation may be therapeutically effective to treat COVID-19-induced disorders of various organ systems such as lung, vasculature, or the brain. Finally, we provide information on the design of a clinical trial in which patients with COVID-19 were treated with the AT2R agonist Compound 21 (C21). This trial has been completed, but results have not yet been reported.
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16
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Wang X, Tu J, Jiang J, Zhang Q, Liu Q, Körner H, Wu J, Wu H, Wei W. Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Modulates Synovial Macrophage Polarization by Inhibiting GRK2 Membrane Translocation in a Rat Model of Collagen-Induced Arthritis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:3141-3153. [PMID: 33148713 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by an infiltration of activated proinflammatory immune cells into the joint that is accompanied by an overproduction of various mediators, leading to destruction of cartilage and bone erosion. Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) is involved in antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic responses. Synovial macrophages (SMs) are a type of tissue macrophages that are derived from bone marrow cells. SMs plays a central role in synovial regional immunization, which is significantly increased in both collagen-induced mice with arthritis mice and RA patients. AT2R activation caused a reversal of the polarization of SMs in the joint from the proinflammatory M1 SM to the tolerogenic, benign M2 SM. In consequence, this switch resulted in an attenuated form of the joint pathology in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis. These results were mechanistically linked to the observation that GRK2 was translocated into cytoplasm, and ERK1/2 and NF-κB activation were inhibited. These findings open the way to a new therapeutic approach using an activation of AT2R to subvert joint inflammation in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinming Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; and.,Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Jiajie Tu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; and
| | - Ji Jiang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; and
| | - Qiaolin Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; and
| | - Qi Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; and
| | - Heinrich Körner
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; and
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; and
| | - Huaxun Wu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; and
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; and
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17
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The Selective Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Agonist Compound 21 Reduces Abdominal Adhesions in Mice. J Surg Res 2020; 256:231-242. [PMID: 32711180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal adhesions (AAs) are post-traumatic fibrous bands that connect visceral and/or peritoneal surfaces, leading to possible long-term complications. The effect of a novel antifibrotic selective angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist, compound 21 (C21) on AA formation was assessed in a murine model. METHODS Female BALB/c mice were laparotomized and the cecum and overlying parietal peritoneum abraded. C21 (10 μg/kg) or saline (vehicle) were administered orally or intraperitoneally daily. Mice were sacrificed 8 days after surgery, adhesions graded, and peritoneal fluid collected for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β levels. Laparotomy incisions were excised for immunohistochemistry. In vitro, scratch assays were performed using primary parietal peritoneal fibroblasts and visceral mesothelial cells treated with C21 (10 μM), angiotensin II (1 μM), or both. Western blot analysis of primary cell lysates was performed for total and phosphorylated SMAD 2/3. RESULTS Oral and intraperitoneal C21 reduced AA formation and TGF-β levels in peritoneal fluid. Surgical incisions demonstrated decreased α-smooth muscle actin expression in C21-treated animals, but no difference in vascularity, macrophage infiltration, collagen I/III distribution and density, and dermal thickness. Migration and expression of phosphorylated SMAD 2/3 was reduced in parietal peritoneal fibroblasts and visceral mesothelial cells treated with C21. CONCLUSIONS Local and systemic C21 administration reduced or completely prevented AA formation. These findings may be attributed to decreased intraperitoneal TGF-β in vivo and decreased migration of peritoneal fibroblasts and visceral mesothelial cells. Importantly, C21 did not have histologically quantifiable effects on laparotomy wounds, suggesting C21 could reduce AA formation without compromising laparotomy healing.
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18
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Royea J, Hamel E. Brain angiotensin II and angiotensin IV receptors as potential Alzheimer's disease therapeutic targets. GeroScience 2020; 42:1237-1256. [PMID: 32700176 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-020-00231-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is multifactorial in nature. Yet, despite being the most common form of dementia in the elderly, AD's primary cause remains unknown. As such, there is currently little to offer AD patients as the vast majority of recently tested therapies have either failed in well-controlled clinical trials or inadequately treat AD. Recently, emerging preclinical and clinical evidence has associated the brain renin angiotensin system (RAS) to AD pathology. Accordingly, various components of the brain RAS were shown to be altered in AD patients and mouse models, including the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1R), angiotensin IV receptor (AT4R), and Mas receptors. Collectively, the changes observed within the RAS have been proposed to contribute to many of the neuropathological hallmarks of AD, including the neuronal, cognitive, and vascular dysfunctions. Accumulating evidence has additionally identified antihypertensive medications targeting the RAS, particularly angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), to delay AD onset and progression. In this review, we will discuss the emergence of the RAS's involvement in AD and highlight putative mechanisms of action underlying ARB's beneficial effects that may explain their ability to modify the risk of developing AD or AD progression. The RAS may provide novel molecular targets for recovering memory pathways, cerebrovascular function, and other pathological landmarks of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Royea
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Edith Hamel
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
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19
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Franco R, Rivas-Santisteban R, Serrano-Marín J, Rodríguez-Pérez AI, Labandeira-García JL, Navarro G. SARS-CoV-2 as a Factor to Disbalance the Renin–Angiotensin System: A Suspect in the Case of Exacerbated IL-6 Production. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:1198-1206. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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20
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21
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Wang C, Pinar AA, Widdop RE, Hossain MA, Bathgate RAD, Denton KM, Kemp-Harper BK, Samuel CS. The anti-fibrotic actions of relaxin are mediated through AT 2 R-associated protein phosphatases via RXFP1-AT 2 R functional crosstalk in human cardiac myofibroblasts. FASEB J 2020; 34:8217-8233. [PMID: 32297670 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902506r] [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: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a hallmark of several cardiovascular diseases. The relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) agonist, relaxin, has rapidly occurring anti-fibrotic actions which are mediated through RXFP1 and angiotensin II receptor crosstalk on renal and cardiac myofibroblasts. Here, we investigated whether this would allow relaxin to indirectly activate angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2 R)-specific signal transduction in primary human cardiac myofibroblasts (HCMFs). The anti-fibrotic effects of recombinant human relaxin (RLX; 16.8 nM) or the AT2 R-agonist, Compound 21 (C21; 1 μM), were evaluated in TGF-β1-stimulated HCMFs, in the absence or presence of an RXFP1 antagonist (1 μM) or AT2 R antagonist (0.1 μM) to confirm RXFP1-AT2 R crosstalk. Competition binding for RXFP1 was determined. Western blotting was performed to determine which AT2 R-specific protein phosphatases were expressed by HCMFs; then, the anti-fibrotic effects of RLX and/or C21 were evaluated in the absence or presence of pharmacological inhibition (NSC95397 (1 μM) for MKP-1; okadaic acid (10 nM) for PP2A) or siRNA-knockdown of these phosphatases after 72 hours. The RLX- or C21-induced increase in ERK1/2 and nNOS phosphorylation, and decrease in α-SMA (myofibroblast differentiation) and collagen-I expression by HCMFs was abrogated by pharmacological blockade of RXFP1 or the AT2 R, confirming RXFP1-AT2 R crosstalk in these cells. HCMFs were found to express AT2 R-dependent MKP-1 and PP2A phosphatases, while pharmacological blockade or siRNA-knockdown of either phosphatase also abolished RLX and/or C21 signal transduction in HCMFs (all P < .05 vs RLX or C21 alone). These findings demonstrated that RLX can indirectly activate AT2 R-dependent phosphatase activity in HCMFs by signaling through RXFP1-AT2 R crosstalk, which have important therapeutic implications for its anti-fibrotic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anita A Pinar
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohammed A Hossain
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate M Denton
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Barbara K Kemp-Harper
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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22
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Direct stimulation of angiotensin II type 2 receptor reduces nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide treated mouse macrophages. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 868:172855. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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23
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Wilkinson-Berka JL, Suphapimol V, Jerome JR, Deliyanti D, Allingham MJ. Angiotensin II and aldosterone in retinal vasculopathy and inflammation. Exp Eye Res 2019; 187:107766. [PMID: 31425690 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.107766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin II and aldosterone are the main effectors of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) and have a central role in hypertension as well as cardiovascular and renal disease. The localization of RAAS components within the retina has led to studies investigating the roles of angiotensin II, aldosterone and the counter regulatory arm of the pathway in vision-threatening retinopathies. This review will provide a brief overview of RAAS components as well as the vascular pathology that develops in the retinal diseases, retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy and neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The review will discuss pre-clinical and clinical evidence that modulation of the RAAS alters the development of vasculopathy and inflammation in the aforementioned retinopathies, as well as the emerging role of aldosterone and the mineralocorticoid receptor in central serous chorioretinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Wilkinson-Berka
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Diabetes, The Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Varaporn Suphapimol
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Diabetes, The Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jack R Jerome
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Diabetes, The Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Devy Deliyanti
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Diabetes, The Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Ishrat T, Fouda AY, Pillai B, Eldahshan W, Ahmed H, Waller JL, Ergul A, Fagan SC. Dose-response, therapeutic time-window and tPA-combinatorial efficacy of compound 21: A randomized, blinded preclinical trial in a rat model of thromboembolic stroke. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2019; 39. [PMID: 29537907 PMCID: PMC6681526 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x18764773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this translational, randomized, controlled, blinded preclinical trial was to determine the effect of compound 21 (C21) in embolic stroke. Rats were subjected to embolic-middle cerebral artery occlusion (eMCAO). They received C21 (0.01, 0.03 and 0.06 mg/kg/d) or saline (orally) for five days, with the first-dose given IV at 3 h post-eMCAO. For the time-window study, the optimal-dose of C21 was initiated at 3, 6 or 24 h post-eMCAO and continued for five days. For the combinatorial study, animals received IV-tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) at either 2 or 4 h, with IV-C21 (0.01 mg/kg) or saline at 3 h post-eMCAO and daily thereafter for five days. After performing the behavior tests, brains were collected for analyses. The dose-response study showed significant motor improvements with the lowest-dose (0.01 mg/kg) of C21. In the time-window study, this same dose resulted in improvements when given 6 h and 24 h post-eMCAO. Moreover, C21-treated animals performed better on the novel object recognition test. Neither the single treatment with C21 or tPA (4 h) nor the combination therapy was effective in reducing the hemorrhage or infarct size, although C21 alone lowered sensorimotor deficit scores post-eMCAO. Future studies should focus on the long-term cognitive benefits of C21, rather than acute neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tauheed Ishrat
- 1 Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis TN, USA
| | - Abdelrahman Y Fouda
- 2 Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, and Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Bindu Pillai
- 2 Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, and Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Wael Eldahshan
- 2 Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, and Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Heba Ahmed
- 2 Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, and Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Waller
- 3 Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Adviye Ergul
- 2 Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, and Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,4 Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Susan C Fagan
- 2 Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, and Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,5 Department of Neurology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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Laurent S, Boutouyrie P, Cunha PG, Lacolley P, Nilsson PM. Concept of Extremes in Vascular Aging. Hypertension 2019; 74:218-228. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.12655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Laurent
- From the Department of Pharmacology, INSERM U970, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, France (S.L., P.B.)
| | - Pierre Boutouyrie
- From the Department of Pharmacology, INSERM U970, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, France (S.L., P.B.)
| | - Pedro Guimarães Cunha
- Center for the Research and Treatment of Arterial Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk, Serviço de Medicina Interna do Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira, Guimarães, Portugal (P.G.C.)
- Life and Health Science Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal (P.G.C.)
| | | | - Peter M. Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden (P.M.N.)
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26
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Altara R, Didion SP, Booz GW. Conflicting mechanisms of AT2 cardioprotection revealed. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 112:426-8. [PMID: 27659501 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvw199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Altara
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St., Jackson, MS, 39216-4500 USA
| | - Sean P Didion
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St., Jackson, MS, 39216-4500 USA
| | - George W Booz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St., Jackson, MS, 39216-4500 USA
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27
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Escobales N, Nuñez RE, Javadov S. Mitochondrial angiotensin receptors and cardioprotective pathways. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 316:H1426-H1438. [PMID: 30978131 PMCID: PMC6620675 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00772.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of data provides strong evidence that intracellular angiotensin II (ANG II) plays an important role in mammalian cell function and is involved in the pathogenesis of human diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, inflammation, fibrosis, arrhythmias, and kidney disease, among others. Recent studies also suggest that intracellular ANG II exerts protective effects in cells during high extracellular levels of the hormone or during chronic stimulation of the local tissue renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Notably, the intracellular RAS (iRAS) described in neurons, fibroblasts, renal cells, and cardiomyocytes provided new insights into regulatory mechanisms mediated by intracellular ANG II type 1 (AT1Rs) and 2 (AT2Rs) receptors, particularly, in mitochondria and nucleus. For instance, ANG II through nuclear AT1Rs promotes protective mechanisms by stimulating the AT2R signaling cascade, which involves mitochondrial AT2Rs and Mas receptors. The stimulation of nuclear ANG II receptors enhances mitochondrial biogenesis through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α and increases sirtuins activity, thus protecting the cell against oxidative stress. Recent studies in ANG II-induced preconditioning suggest that plasma membrane AT2R stimulation exerts protective effects against cardiac ischemia-reperfusion by modulating mitochondrial AT1R and AT2R signaling. These studies indicate that iRAS promotes the protection of cells through nuclear AT1R signaling, which, in turn, promotes AT2R-dependent processes in mitochondria. Thus, despite abundant data on the deleterious effects of intracellular ANG II, a growing body of studies also supports a protective role for iRAS that could be of relevance to developing new therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes and discusses previous studies on the role of iRAS, particularly emphasizing the protective and counterbalancing actions of iRAS, mitochondrial ANG II receptors, and their implications for organ protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Escobales
- Department of Physiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine , San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Rebeca E Nuñez
- Department of Physiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine , San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Sabzali Javadov
- Department of Physiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine , San Juan, Puerto Rico
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28
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Zhou Z, Peters AM, Wang S, Janda A, Chen J, Zhou P, Arthur E, Kwartler CS, Milewicz DM. Reversal of Aortic Enlargement Induced by Increased Biomechanical Forces Requires AT1R Inhibition in Conjunction With AT2R Activation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2019; 39:459-466. [PMID: 30602301 PMCID: PMC6400319 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.118.312158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective- Pharmacological inhibition of the AT1R (angiotensin II type 1 receptor) with losartan can attenuate ascending aortic remodeling induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). In this study, we investigated the role of the AT2R (angiotensin II type 2 receptor) and MasR (Mas receptor) in TAC-induced ascending aortic dilation and remodeling. Approach and Results- Wild-type C57BL/6J mice were subjected to sham or TAC surgeries in the presence and absence of various drugs. Aortic diameters were assessed by echocardiography, central blood pressure was measured in the ascending aorta 2 weeks post-operation, and histology and gene expression analyses completed. An angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, decreased systolic blood pressure to the same level as losartan but did not attenuate aortic dilation, adventitial inflammation, medial collagen deposition, elastin breakage, or Mmp9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9) expression when compared with TAC mice. In contrast, co-administration of captopril with an AT2R agonist, compound 21, attenuated aortic dilation, medial collagen content, elastin breaks, and Mmp9 expression, whereas co-administration of captopril with a MasR agonist (AVE0991) did not reverse aortic dilation and led to aberrant aortic remodeling. An AT2R antagonist, PD123319, reversed the protective effects of losartan in TAC mice. Treatment with compound 21 alone showed no effect on TAC-induced aortic enlargement, blood pressure, elastin breakage, or Mmp9 expression. Conclusions- Our data indicate that when AT1R signaling is blocked, AT2R activation is a key modulator to prevent aortic dilation that occurs with TAC. These data suggest that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor may not be as effective as losartan for slowing aneurysm growth because losartan requires intact AT2R signaling to prevent aortic enlargement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhou
- From the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Z.Z., A.M.P., S.W., A.J., J.C., P.Z., E.A., C.S.K., D.M.M.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China (Z.Z.)
| | - Andrew M Peters
- From the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Z.Z., A.M.P., S.W., A.J., J.C., P.Z., E.A., C.S.K., D.M.M.)
| | - Shanzhi Wang
- From the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Z.Z., A.M.P., S.W., A.J., J.C., P.Z., E.A., C.S.K., D.M.M.)
| | - Alexandra Janda
- From the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Z.Z., A.M.P., S.W., A.J., J.C., P.Z., E.A., C.S.K., D.M.M.)
| | - Jiyuan Chen
- From the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Z.Z., A.M.P., S.W., A.J., J.C., P.Z., E.A., C.S.K., D.M.M.)
| | - Ping Zhou
- From the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Z.Z., A.M.P., S.W., A.J., J.C., P.Z., E.A., C.S.K., D.M.M.)
| | - Erin Arthur
- From the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Z.Z., A.M.P., S.W., A.J., J.C., P.Z., E.A., C.S.K., D.M.M.)
| | - Callie S Kwartler
- From the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Z.Z., A.M.P., S.W., A.J., J.C., P.Z., E.A., C.S.K., D.M.M.)
| | - Dianna M Milewicz
- From the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Z.Z., A.M.P., S.W., A.J., J.C., P.Z., E.A., C.S.K., D.M.M.)
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29
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Toedebusch R, Belenchia A, Pulakat L. Cell-Specific Protective Signaling Induced by the Novel AT2R-Agonist NP-6A4 on Human Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:928. [PMID: 30186168 PMCID: PMC6111462 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease incidence continues to rise and new treatment paradigms are warranted. We reported previously that activation of Angiotensin II receptor (encoded by the X-linked Agtr2 gene) by a new peptide agonist, NP-6A4, was more effective in protecting mouse cardiomyocyte HL-1 cells and human coronary artery vascular smooth muscle cells (hCAVSMCs) from acute nutrient deficiency than other drugs tested. To elucidate further the protective effects of NP-6A4 in human cells, we studied the effects of NP-6A4 treatment on functions of human coronary artery endothelial cells (hCAECs), and hCAVSMCs. In hCAVSMCs, NP-6A4 (1 μM) increased Agtr2 mRNA (sixfold, p < 0.05) after 12-h exposure, whereas in hCAECs, significant increase in Agtr2 mRNA (hCAECs: eightfold) was observed after prolonged exposure. Interestingly, NP-6A4 treatment (1 μM, 12 h) increased AT2R protein levels in all human cells tested. Pre-treatment with AT2R-antagonist PD123319 (20 μM) and anti-AT2R siRNA (1 μM) suppressed this effect. Thus, NP-6A4 activates a positive feedback loop for AT2R expression and signaling in hCAVSMCs and hCAECs. NP-6A4 (1–20 μM) increased cell index (CI) of hCAVSMCs as determined by real time cell analyzer (RTCA), indicating that high concentrations of NP-6A4 were not cytotoxic for hCAVSMCs, rather promoting better cell attachment and growth. Seahorse Extracellular Flux Assay revealed that NP-6A4 (1 μM) treatment for 7 days increased whole cell-based mitochondrial parameters of hCAVSMCs, specifically maximal respiration (p < 0.05), spare respiratory capacity (p < 0.05) and ATP production (p < 0.05). NP-6A4 (1 μM; 7 days) also suppressed Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in hCAVSMCs. Exposure to Doxorubicin (DOXO) (1 μM) increased ROS in hCAVSMCs and this effect was suppressed by NP-6A4 (1 μM). In hCAECs grown in complete medium, NP-6A4 (1 μM) and Ang II (1 μM) exerted similar changes in CI. Additionally, NP-6A4 (5 μM: 12 h) increased expression of eNOS (sixfold, p < 0.05) and generation of nitric oxide (1.3-fold, p < 0.05) in hCAECs and pre-treatment with PD123319 (20 μM) suppressed this effect partially (65%). Finally, NP-6A4 decreased phosphorylation of Jun-N-terminal kinase, implicated in apoptosis of ECs in atherosclerotic sites. Taken together, NP-6A4, through its ability to increase AT2R expression and signaling, exerts different cell-specific protective effects in human VSMCs and ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Toedebusch
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Anthony Belenchia
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Lakshmi Pulakat
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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30
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Yan F, Yuan Z, Wang N, Carey RM, Aylor KW, Chen L, Zhou X, Liu Z. Direct Activation of Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptors Enhances Muscle Microvascular Perfusion, Oxygenation, and Insulin Delivery in Male Rats. Endocrinology 2018; 159:685-695. [PMID: 29186390 PMCID: PMC5774251 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin II receptors regulate muscle microvascular recruitment and the delivery of nutrients, oxygen, and insulin to muscle. Although angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonism increases muscle microvascular perfusion and insulin action, angiotensin type 2 receptor blockade markedly restricts muscle microvascular blood volume and decreases muscle delivery of insulin. To examine the effects of direct type 2 receptor stimulation using Compound 21 (C21) on microvascular perfusion, insulin delivery and action, and tissue oxygenation in muscle, overnight-fasted adult male rats were infused with C21 systemically. C21 potently increased microvascular blood volume without altering microvascular flow velocity or blood pressure, resulting in a net increase in microvascular blood flow in muscle. This was associated with a substantial increase in muscle interstitial oxygen saturation and insulin delivery into the skeletal and cardiac muscle. These effects were neutralized by coinfusion of the type 2 receptor antagonist or nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. Superimposing C21 infusion on insulin infusion increased insulin-mediated whole body glucose disposal by 50%. C21 significantly relaxed the preconstricted distal saphenous artery ex vivo. We have concluded that direct type 2 receptor stimulation markedly increases muscle microvascular perfusion through nitric oxide biosynthesis and enhances insulin delivery and action in muscle. These findings provide a physiologic mechanistic insight into type 2 receptor modulation of insulin action and suggest that type 2 receptor agonists might have therapeutic potential in the management of diabetes and its associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Zhaoshun Yuan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Nasui Wang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
- Department of Endocrinology, Shantou University First Affiliated Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Robert M. Carey
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - Kevin W. Aylor
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, China
| | - Xinmin Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zhenqi Liu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
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31
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Saavedra JM, Armando I. Angiotensin II AT2 Receptors Contribute to Regulate the Sympathoadrenal and Hormonal Reaction to Stress Stimuli. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 38:85-108. [PMID: 28884431 PMCID: PMC6668356 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-017-0533-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin II, through AT1 receptor stimulation, mediates multiple cardiovascular, metabolic, and behavioral functions including the response to stressors. Conversely, the function of Angiotensin II AT2 receptors has not been totally clarified. In adult rodents, AT2 receptor distribution is very limited but it is particularly high in the adrenal medulla. Recent results strongly indicate that AT2 receptors contribute to the regulation of the response to stress stimuli. This occurs in association with AT1 receptors, both receptor types reciprocally influencing their expression and therefore their function. AT2 receptors appear to influence the response to many types of stressors and in all components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The molecular mechanisms involved in AT2 receptor activation, the complex interactions with AT1 receptors, and additional factors participating in the control of AT2 receptor regulation and activity in response to stressors are only partially understood. Further research is necessary to close this knowledge gap and to clarify whether AT2 receptor activation may carry the potential of a major translational advance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Saavedra
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Road, Bldg. D, Room 287, Washington, DC, 20007, USA.
| | - I Armando
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ross Hall Suite 738 2300 Eye Street, Washington, DC, USA
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32
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Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) as a novel modulator of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis synovium. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13293. [PMID: 29038523 PMCID: PMC5643391 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13746-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing evidence suggesting that angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) may regulate tissue inflammation, no study has yet analyzed its possible implication in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovitis. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of AT2R in synovial tissue and cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from RA patients. AT2R expression was strongly increased in RA compared with osteoarthritis (OA) synovium, as well as in in cultured RA-FLS respect to OA-FLS and healthy FLS. Treatment with pro-inflammatory cytokines was able not only to boost AT2R expression in RA-FLS and OA-FLS, but also to induce its de novo expression in healthy FLS. The stimulation of AT2R with the specific agonist CGP42112A significantly reduced gene expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 and activation of NF-κB in RA-FLS, while opposite effects were elicited by AT2R small interfering RNA. Moreover, AT2R agonism efficiently decreased RA-FLS proliferation and migration either at baseline or under pro-inflammatory cytokine challenge. In conclusion, AT2R is strongly expressed in key effector cells of rheumatoid synovitis, namely RA-FLS, and the activation of AT2R with a specific agonist may effectively dampen their pro-inflammatory and aggressive behavior. AT2R agonism might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with RA.
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33
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Sullivan JC, Gillis EE. Sex and gender differences in hypertensive kidney injury. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2017; 313:F1009-F1017. [PMID: 28724606 PMCID: PMC5668592 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00206.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a complex, multifaceted disorder, affecting ~1 in 3 adults in the United States. Although hypertension occurs in both men and women, there are distinct sex differences in the way in which they develop hypertension, with women having a lower incidence of hypertension until the sixth decade of life. Despite observed sex differences in hypertension, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of hypertension in females, primarily because of their underrepresentation in both clinical and experimental animal studies. The first goal of this review is to provide a concise overview of the participation of women in clinical trials, including a discussion of the importance of including females in basic science research, as recently mandated by the National Institutes of Health. The remaining portion of the review is dedicated to identifying clinical and experimental animal studies that concentrate on gender and sex differences in hypertensive kidney disease, ending with a proposed role for T cells in mediating sex differences in blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen E Gillis
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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34
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Pandey A, Gaikwad AB. AT 2 receptor agonist Compound 21: A silver lining for diabetic nephropathy. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 815:251-257. [PMID: 28943106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The currently available therapies for diabetic nephropathy, one of the leading causes of renal failure globally are based on inhibition of renin angiotensin system. However, recently, the focus has shifted towards activation of its protective arm rather than the inhibition of deteriorative axis, using specific agonists. Compound 21 (C21), a novel non-peptide Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2) agonist, recently granted orphan drug status for the treatment of a rare disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has also shown a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic potential in various diseases including heart failure, myocardial infarction, chronic inflammatory diseases, and neurological diseases such as ischemic stroke. A pool of evidences suggest that C21, either alone or in combination with angiotensin receptor blockers could be extremely beneficial in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, a chronic inflammatory condition sharing its pathogenesis with aforementioned diseases. The review analyses the new therapeutic tool, C21, its mechanisms of action for renoprotection in diabetic nephropathy, and its future perspectives and thereby provides an insight into the potential application of C21 as a novel therapeutic tool in the eradication of diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Pandey
- 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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35
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Wang Y, Del Borgo M, Lee HW, Baraldi D, Hirmiz B, Gaspari TA, Denton KM, Aguilar MI, Samuel CS, Widdop RE. Anti-fibrotic Potential of AT 2 Receptor Agonists. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:564. [PMID: 28912715 PMCID: PMC5583590 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There are a number of therapeutic targets to treat organ fibrosis that are under investigation in preclinical models. There is increasing evidence that stimulation of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) is a novel anti-fibrotic strategy and we have reviewed the published in vivo preclinical data relating to the effects of compound 21 (C21), which is the only nonpeptide AT2R agonist that is currently available for use in chronic preclinical studies. In particular, the differential influence of AT2R on extracellular matrix status in various preclinical fibrotic models is discussed. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that pharmacological AT2R stimulation using C21 decreases organ fibrosis, which has been most studied in the setting of cardiovascular and renal disease. In addition, AT2R-mediated anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to the beneficial AT2R-mediated anti-fibrotic effects seen in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, ClaytonVIC, Australia
| | - Mark Del Borgo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, ClaytonVIC, Australia
| | - Huey W Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, ClaytonVIC, Australia
| | - Dhaniel Baraldi
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, ClaytonVIC, Australia
| | - Baydaa Hirmiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, ClaytonVIC, Australia
| | - Tracey A Gaspari
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, ClaytonVIC, Australia
| | - Kate M Denton
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, ClaytonVIC, Australia
| | - Marie-Isabel Aguilar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, ClaytonVIC, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, ClaytonVIC, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, ClaytonVIC, Australia
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Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) in renal and cardiovascular disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 130:1307-26. [PMID: 27358027 DOI: 10.1042/cs20160243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) is well-considered to be the principal effector of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which binds with strong affinity to the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1R) and type 2 (AT2R) receptor subtype. However, activation of both receptors is likely to stimulate different signalling mechanisms/pathways and produce distinct biological responses. The haemodynamic and non-haemodynamic effects of Ang II, including its ability to regulate blood pressure, maintain water-electrolyte balance and promote vasoconstriction and cellular growth are well-documented to be mediated primarily by the AT1R. However, its biological and functional effects mediated through the AT2R subtype are still poorly understood. Recent studies have emphasized that activation of the AT2R regulates tissue and organ development and provides in certain context a potential counter-regulatory mechanism against AT1R-mediated actions. Thus, this review will focus on providing insights into the biological role of the AT2R, in particular its actions within the renal and cardiovascular system.
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Hjermitslev M, Grimm DG, Wehland M, Simonsen U, Krüger M. Azilsartan Medoxomil, an Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist for the Treatment of Hypertension. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 121:225-233. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Hjermitslev
- Department of Biomedicine, Pharmacology; Aarhus University; Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Daniela G. Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Pharmacology; Aarhus University; Aarhus C Denmark
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery; Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg; Magdeburg Germany
| | - Markus Wehland
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery; Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg; Magdeburg Germany
| | - Ulf Simonsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Pharmacology; Aarhus University; Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery; Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg; Magdeburg Germany
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Hallberg M, Sumners C, Steckelings UM, Hallberg A. Small-molecule AT2 receptor agonists. Med Res Rev 2017; 38:602-624. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Hallberg
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, BMC; Uppsala University; P.O. Box 591 SE751 24 Uppsala Sweden
| | - Colin Sumners
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida; College of Medicine and McKnight Brain Institute; Gainesville FL 32611
| | - U. Muscha Steckelings
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research; University of Southern Denmark; P.O. Box 5230 Odense Denmark
| | - Anders Hallberg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, BMC; Uppsala University; P.O. Box 574 SE-751 23 Uppsala Sweden
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Li XC, Zhang J, Zhuo JL. The vasoprotective axes of the renin-angiotensin system: Physiological relevance and therapeutic implications in cardiovascular, hypertensive and kidney diseases. Pharmacol Res 2017; 125:21-38. [PMID: 28619367 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is undisputedly one of the most prominent endocrine (tissue-to-tissue), paracrine (cell-to-cell) and intracrine (intracellular/nuclear) vasoactive systems in the physiological regulation of neural, cardiovascular, blood pressure, and kidney function. The importance of the RAS in the development and pathogenesis of cardiovascular, hypertensive and kidney diseases has now been firmly established in clinical trials and practice using renin inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, type 1 (AT1) angiotensin II (ANG II) receptor blockers (ARBs), or aldosterone receptor antagonists as major therapeutic drugs. The major mechanisms of actions for these RAS inhibitors or receptor blockers are mediated primarily by blocking the detrimental effects of the classic angiotensinogen/renin/ACE/ANG II/AT1/aldosterone axis. However, the RAS has expanded from this classic axis to include several other complex biochemical and physiological axes, which are derived from the metabolism of this classic axis. Currently, at least five axes of the RAS have been described, with each having its key substrate, enzyme, effector peptide, receptor, and/or downstream signaling pathways. These include the classic angiotensinogen/renin/ACE/ANG II/AT1 receptor, the ANG II/APA/ANG III/AT2/NO/cGMP, the ANG I/ANG II/ACE2/ANG (1-7)/Mas receptor, the prorenin/renin/prorenin receptor (PRR or Atp6ap2)/MAP kinases ERK1/2/V-ATPase, and the ANG III/APN/ANG IV/IRAP/AT4 receptor axes. Since the roles and therapeutic implications of the classic angiotensinogen/renin/ACE/ANG II/AT1 receptor axis have been extensively reviewed, this article will focus primarily on reviewing the roles and therapeutic implications of the vasoprotective axes of the RAS in cardiovascular, hypertensive and kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao C Li
- Laboratory of Receptor and Signal Transduction, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA
| | - Jianfeng Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jia L Zhuo
- Laboratory of Receptor and Signal Transduction, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA.
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Microvascular vasodilator properties of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45625. [PMID: 28361992 PMCID: PMC5374544 DOI: 10.1038/srep45625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes Mellitus is associated with severe cardiovascular disorders involving the renin-angiotensin system, mainly through activation of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). Although the type 2 receptor (AT2R) opposes the effects of AT1R, with vasodilator and anti-trophic properties, its role in diabetes is debatable. Thus we investigated AT2R-mediated dilatation in a model of type 1 diabetes induced by streptozotocin in 5-month-old male mice lacking AT2R (AT2R−/y). Glucose tolerance was reduced and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress (cyclooxygenase-2, gp91phox p22phox and p67phox) were increased in AT2R−/y mice compared to wild-type (WT) animals. Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia was higher in AT2R−/y than in WT mice. Arterial gp91phox and MnSOD expression levels in addition to blood 8-isoprostane and creatinine were further increased in diabetic AT2R−/y mice compared to diabetic WT mice. AT2R-dependent dilatation in both isolated mesenteric resistance arteries and perfused kidneys was greater in diabetic mice than in non-diabetic animals. Thus, in type 1 diabetes, AT2R may reduce glycaemia and display anti-oxidant and/or anti-inflammatory properties in association with greater vasodilatation in mesenteric arteries and in the renal vasculature, a major target of diabetes. Therefore AT2R might represent a new therapeutic target in diabetes.
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Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Activation With Compound 21 Augments Islet Function and Regeneration in Streptozotocin-Induced Neonatal Rats and Human Pancreatic Progenitor Cells. Pancreas 2017; 46:395-404. [PMID: 28099262 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the effects of compound 21 (C21), a nonpeptide angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist, on islet cell function and survival in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated neonatal rats and human pancreatic progenitor cells. METHODS Neonatal rats were randomized into 5 groups, including a control, an STZ (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), and 3 STZ + C21 (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg per day for 7 days, intraperitoneally) groups. Body weight and blood glucose were monitored daily. On the last experimental day, serum insulin levels and glucose tolerance were assessed, and the rat pups' pancreata were extracted for examination of islet cell function/mass and involvement of signaling pathways. RESULTS The C21-treated STZ rats, particularly in the 0.5- and 1 mg/kg-dosage groups, had significantly decreased blood glucose, increased serum insulin concentrations, higher glucose-stimulated insulin secretion activity, and greater islet-cell mass and up-regulated expression of insulin and Ngn3 in the pancreas than did the control groups; these rats also demonstrated increased β-cell proliferation, lower superoxide levels and enhanced SOD1 expression, and up-regulated phospho-AKT expression; consistently, similar results were also observed in human pancreatic progenitor cells. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that C21 has a beneficial effect on islet cell function and regeneration, probably via proliferative and antioxidative pathways.
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Stewart AG, Beart PM. Inflammation: maladies, models, mechanisms and molecules. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:631-4. [PMID: 26847725 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The continued focus of attention on the diversity of mechanisms underpinning inflammation has improved our understanding of the potential to target specific pathways in the inflammatory network to achieve meaningful therapeutic gains. In this themed issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology our scope was deliberately broad, ranging across both acute and chronic disease in various organs. Pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms receive attention as does the phenotype of macrophages. Whilst the manifestations of neuro-inflammation are less obvious than those in peripheral tissues, central innate and adaptive immunity in brain and the M1/M2 phenotypes of microglia are topics of special interest. The contributions to the inflammatory milieu of cytokines, chemokines and associated signalling cascades are considered. Overall, the coverage herein advances the basic science underpinning our understanding of inflammation and emphasizes its importance in different pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Stewart
- Lung health Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - P M Beart
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Paulis L, Foulquier S, Namsolleck P, Recarti C, Steckelings UM, Unger T. Combined Angiotensin Receptor Modulation in the Management of Cardio-Metabolic Disorders. Drugs 2016; 76:1-12. [PMID: 26631237 PMCID: PMC4700059 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-015-0509-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, such as hypertension, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia or obesity are linked with chronic low-grade inflammation and dysregulation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). Consequently, RAS inhibition by ACE inhibitors or angiotensin AT1 receptor (AT1R) blockers is the evidence-based standard for cardiovascular risk reduction in high-risk patients, including diabetics with albuminuria. In addition, RAS inhibition reduces the new onset of diabetes mellitus. Yet, the high and increasing prevalence of metabolic disorders, and the high residual risk even in properly treated patients, calls for additional means of pharmacological intervention. In the past decade, the stimulation of the angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R) has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve cardiac and vascular remodeling, enhance insulin sensitivity and increase adiponectin production. Therefore, a concept of dual AT1R/AT2R modulation emerges as a putative means for risk reduction in cardio-metabolic diseases. The approach employing simultaneous RAS blockade (AT1R) and RAS stimulation (AT2R) is distinct from previous attempts of double intervention in the RAS by dual blockade. Dual blockade abolishes the AT1R-linked RAS almost completely with subsequent risk of hypotension and hypotension-related events, i.e. syncope or renal dysfunction. Such complications might be especially prominent in patients with renal impairment or patients with isolated systolic hypertension and normal-to-low diastolic blood pressure values. In contrast to dual RAS blockade, the add-on of AT2R stimulation does not exert significant blood pressure effects, but it may complement and enhance the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic/de-stiffening effects of the AT1R blockade and improve the metabolic profile. Further studies will have to investigate these putative effects in particular for settings in which blood pressure reduction is not primarily desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovit Paulis
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathological Physiology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Sasinkova 4, 81108, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewiczova 1, 81371, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Sébastien Foulquier
- CARIM-School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Pawel Namsolleck
- CARIM-School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Recarti
- CARIM-School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrike Muscha Steckelings
- Institute of Molecular Medicine-Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Thomas Unger
- CARIM-School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Nitroxyl (HNO) reduces endothelial and monocyte activation and promotes M2 macrophage polarization. Clin Sci (Lond) 2016; 130:1629-40. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20160097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the effect of nitroxyl anion (HNO) donors on factors that precede atherosclerosis was examined. They reduced endothelial cell inflammation and monocyte activation and as such may be an effective treatment for coronary artery disease.
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Kukida M, Mogi M, Ohshima K, Nakaoka H, Iwanami J, Kanno H, Tsukuda K, Chisaka T, Min LJ, Wang XL, Bai HY, Shan BS, Higaki A, Yamauchi T, Okura T, Higaki J, Horiuchi M. Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Inhibits Vascular Intimal Proliferation With Activation of PPARγ. Am J Hypertens 2016; 29:727-36. [PMID: 26471325 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpv168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor stimulation could exert beneficial effects on vascular remodeling. Previously, we reported that AT2 receptor stimulation ameliorated insulin resistance in diabetic mice accompanied by PPARγ activation which also plays a variety of crucial roles in the vasculature. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the vascular protective effect of the AT2 receptor with activation of PPARγ involving AT2 receptor-interacting protein (ATIP). METHODS AND RESULTS Vascular injury was induced by polyethylene-cuff placement around the femoral artery in C57BL/6J mice. Treatment with compound 21 (C21), an AT2 receptor agonist, decreased neointimal formation, cell proliferation, and the mRNA levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin-1β, and phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B, and increased PPARγ DNA-binding activity in the injured artery, whereas these inhibitory effects of C21 were attenuated by co-treatment with a PPARγ antagonist, GW9662. Treatment of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) with C21 prepared from smAT2 transgenic mice, which highly express the AT2 receptor in VSMC, increased both PPARγ activity and its DNA-binding activity determined by dual-luciferase assay and electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA), respectively. We observed that ATIP was involved in PPARγ complex formation, and that transfection of siRNA of ATIP1 attenuated the AT2 receptor-mediated increase in PPARγ activity in VSMC. In response to AT2 receptor stimulation, ATIP was translocated from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a new mechanism by which AT2 receptor stimulation activates PPARγ, thereby resulting in amelioration of vascular intimal proliferation, and that ATIP plays an important role in AT2 receptor-mediated PPARγ activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayoshi Kukida
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan; Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, Hypertension and Nephrology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masaki Mogi
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan;
| | - Kousei Ohshima
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan; Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, Hypertension and Nephrology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Hirotomo Nakaoka
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Jun Iwanami
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Harumi Kanno
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Kana Tsukuda
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Chisaka
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Li-Juan Min
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Xiao-Li Wang
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Hui-Yu Bai
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Bao-Shuai Shan
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Akinori Higaki
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan; Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, Hypertension and Nephrology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Yamauchi
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Takafumi Okura
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, Hypertension and Nephrology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Jitsuo Higaki
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology, Hypertension and Nephrology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Horiuchi
- Department of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology and Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohon, Ehime, Japan
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Menk M, Graw JA, von Haefen C, Sifringer M, Schwaiberger D, Unger T, Steckelings U, Spies CD. Stimulation of the Angiotensin II AT2 Receptor is Anti-inflammatory in Human Lipopolysaccharide-Activated Monocytic Cells. Inflammation 2016; 38:1690-9. [PMID: 25758542 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-015-0146-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recently, AT2 receptors have been discovered on the surface of human immunocompetent cells such as monocytes. Data on regulative properties of this receptor on the cellular immune response are poor. We hypothesized that direct stimulation of the AT2 receptor mediates anti-inflammatory responses in these cells. Human monocytic THP-1 and U937 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the selective AT2 receptor agonist Compound 21 (C21). Expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and IL-1β were analyzed on both the transcriptional and the translational level over course of time. Treatment with C21 attenuated the expression of TNFα, IL-6, and IL-10 after LPS challenge in both cell lines in a time- and dose-dependent manner. We conclude that selective AT2 receptor stimulation acts anti-inflammatory in human monocytes. Modulation of cytokine response by AT2 receptor activation might be a beneficial and novel treatment concept in inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Menk
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Campus Charité Mitte and Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany,
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Bernardi S, Michelli A, Zuolo G, Candido R, Fabris B. Update on RAAS Modulation for the Treatment of Diabetic Cardiovascular Disease. J Diabetes Res 2016; 2016:8917578. [PMID: 27652272 PMCID: PMC5019930 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8917578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the advent of insulin, the improvements in diabetes detection and the therapies to treat hyperglycemia have reduced the mortality of acute metabolic emergencies, such that today chronic complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients. More than half of the mortality that is seen in the diabetic population can be ascribed to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes not only myocardial infarction due to premature atherosclerosis but also diabetic cardiomyopathy. The importance of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) antagonism in the prevention of diabetic CVD has demonstrated the key role that the RAAS plays in diabetic CVD onset and development. Today, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers represent the first line therapy for primary and secondary CVD prevention in patients with diabetes. Recent research has uncovered new dimensions of the RAAS and, therefore, new potential therapeutic targets against diabetic CVD. Here we describe the timeline of paradigm shifts in RAAS understanding, how diabetes modifies the RAAS, and what new parts of the RAAS pathway could be targeted in order to achieve RAAS modulation against diabetic CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bernardi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy
- Division of Medicina Clinica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste (ASUITS), Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy
- *Stella Bernardi:
| | - Andrea Michelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Zuolo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Candido
- Diabetes Centre, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste (ASUITS), Via Puccini, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Bruno Fabris
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy
- Division of Medicina Clinica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste (ASUITS), Cattinara Teaching Hospital, Strada di Fiume, 34100 Trieste, Italy
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Sampson AK, Irvine JC, Shihata WA, Dragoljevic D, Lumsden N, Huet O, Barnes T, Unger T, Steckelings UM, Jennings GL, Widdop RE, Chin-Dusting JPF. Compound 21, a selective agonist of angiotensin AT2 receptors, prevents endothelial inflammation and leukocyte adhesion in vitro and in vivo. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 173:729-40. [PMID: 25560767 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Angiotensin AT2 receptors are upregulated in disease states such as atherosclerosis and blockade of the AT2 receptors exacerbates plaque formation. Direct stimulation of these receptors is anti-atherogenic but the mechanisms and pathways involved remain unknown. We examined the effect of direct AT2 receptor stimulation with Compound 21 (C21) on the leukocyte adhesion cascade in vitro, right through to plaque formation in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of C21 on TNFα-induced inflammation were assessed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), activation of monocytes, polarisation of monocyte-derived macrophages and in intact mouse aortae. KEY RESULTS C21 attenuated TNFα-induced: monocyte adhesion to cultured HUVECs, adhesion molecule expression and abolished TNFα-induced ROS production. TNFα-induced NFκB translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, essential for cytokine production, was prevented by C21. C21 did not influence monocyte activation or macrophage polarisation but did reduce TNFα and IL-6 mRNA expression in M1 macrophages. The anti-inflammatory effects of C21 were abolished by an AT2 receptor antagonist confirming that the effects of C21 were AT2 receptor-mediated. Also, leukocyte adhesion and cytokine gene expression, induced by high-fat diet (HFD), was attenuated in ApoE(-/-) mice treated with C21. Plaque size and stability were improved with C21 treatment with increased smooth muscle cell composition and decreased lipid size, compared with HFD-saline treated mice. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS C21 prevented TNFα-induced and HFD-induced vascular inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Our data provide strong evidence that the anti-atherosclerotic actions of C21 were due to vascular anti-inflammatory effects, mediated by AT2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K Sampson
- Vascular Pharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jennifer C Irvine
- Vascular Pharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Waled A Shihata
- Vascular Pharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Dragana Dragoljevic
- Vascular Pharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Natalie Lumsden
- Vascular Pharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Olivier Huet
- Vascular Pharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Tyrone Barnes
- Vascular Pharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Thomas Unger
- CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrike M Steckelings
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Garry L Jennings
- Vascular Pharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jaye P F Chin-Dusting
- Vascular Pharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Mendoza A, Lazartigues E. The compensatory renin-angiotensin system in the central regulation of arterial pressure: new avenues and new challenges. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis 2015; 9:201-8. [PMID: 25801471 DOI: 10.1177/1753944715578056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a widespread condition that affects millions of people around the world and has a major impact in public health. The classic renin-angiotensin system is a complex system comprised of multiple peptides and pathways that have been the driver of drug development over the years to control hypertension. However, there are still patients whose hypertension is very difficult to control with current drugs and strategies, thus motivating further research in this field. In the past two decades, important discoveries have expanded our knowledge of this system and new pathways are emerging that are helping us understand the complex interaction taking place not only in the periphery, but also in the central nervous system where the renin-angiotensin system is also very active. A new arm, called the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis, was shown to exert antihypertensive properties and serve as a counterbalance to the classic ACE/angiotensin II/AT1 receptor axis, in this way modulating or even counteracting the negative effects of angiotensin II in blood pressure regulation and water retention. Modulation of this new axis through ACE2 activation, ADAM17 regulation or AT1 receptor internalization are some of the novel avenues and challenges that have the potential to become a target for new drug research and development for the treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Mendoza
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Neurosciences and Cardiovascular Centers of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Eric Lazartigues
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 1901 Perdido St, Rm 5218, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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