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Liu J, Chen H, Li X, Song C, Wang L, Wang D. Micro-Executor of Natural Products in Metabolic Diseases. Molecules 2023; 28:6202. [PMID: 37687031 PMCID: PMC10488769 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176202] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are the major chronic metabolic diseases that threaten human health. In order to combat these epidemics, there remains a desperate need for effective, safe, and easily available therapeutic strategies. Recently, the development of natural product research has provided new methods and options for these diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of metabolic diseases, and natural products can improve lipid and glucose metabolism disorders and cardiovascular diseases by regulating the expression of miRNAs. In this review, we present the recent advances involving the associations between miRNAs and natural products and the current evidence showing the positive effects of miRNAs for natural product treatment in metabolic diseases. We also encourage further research to address the relationship between miRNAs and natural products under physiological and pathological conditions, thus leading to stronger support for drug development from natural products in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Liu
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, Xuchang 461000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.)
| | - Huanwen Chen
- Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255000, China;
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Zibo Digital Agriculture and Rural Development Center, Zibo 255000, China;
| | - Chunmei Song
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, Xuchang 461000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.)
| | - Li Wang
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Deguo Wang
- Food and Pharmacy College, Xuchang University, Xuchang 461000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Biomarker Based Rapid-Detection Technology for Food Safety of Henan Province, Xuchang University, Xuchang 461000, China
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Wang L, Wang W, Han R, Liu Y, Wu B, Luo J. Protective effects of melatonin on myocardial microvascular endothelial cell injury under hypertensive state by regulating Mst1. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:179. [PMID: 37005605 PMCID: PMC10068162 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03159-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explored the protective effects of melatonin on the hypertensive model in myocardial microvascular endothelial cells. METHODS Mouse myocardial microvascular endothelial cells were intervened with angiotensin II to establish hypertensive cell model and divided into control, hypertension (HP), hypertension + adenovirus negative control (HP + Ad-NC), hypertension + adenovirus carrying Mst1 (HP + Ad-Mst1), hypertension + melatonin (HP + MT), hypertension + adenovirus negative control + melatonin (HP + Ad-NC + MT), and hypertension + adenovirus carrying Mst1 + melatonin (HP + Ad-Mst1 + MT) groups. Autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscope. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 staining. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Oxidative stress markers of MDA, SOD and GSH-PX were measured. The expression of LC3 and p62 was detected by immunofluorescence. Expression levels of Mst1, p-Mst1, Beclin1, LC3, and P62 were detected with Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the autophagosomes in HP, HP + Ad-Mst1, and HP + Ad-NC groups were significantly reduced. Compared with HP group, the autophagosomes in HP + Ad-Mst1 group were significantly reduced. The apoptosis of HP + MT group was significantly lower than HP group. Compared with HP + Ad-Mst1 group, the apoptosis of HP + Ad-Mst1 + MT group was significantly reduced. The ratio of JC-1 monomer in HP + MT group was significantly lower than HP group. Compared with HP + Ad-Mst1 group, the mitochondrial membrane potential of HP + Ad-Mst1 + MT group was also significantly reduced. MDA content in HP + MT group was significantly reduced, but SOD and GSH-PX activities were significantly increased. Compared with HP + Ad-Mst1 group, MDA content in HP + Ad-Mst1 + MT group was significantly reduced, whereas SOD and GSH-PX activities were increased significantly. Mst1 and p-Mst1 proteins in HP + MT group were significantly reduced. Compared with HP + Ad-Mst1 group, Mst1 and p-Mst1 in HP + Ad-Mst1 + MT group were reduced. P62 level was significantly decreased, while Beclin1 and LC3II levels were significantly increased. P62 in HP + MT group was significantly reduced, while Beclin1 and LC3II were significantly increased. Compared with HP + Ad-Mst1 group, P62 in HP + Ad-Mst1 + MT group was significantly reduced, but Beclin1 and LC3II were significantly increased. CONCLUSION Melatonin may inhibit apoptosis, increase mitochondrial membrane potential, and increase autophagy of myocardial microvascular endothelial cells under hypertensive state via inhibiting Mst1 expression, thereby exerting myocardial protective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingpeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830000, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, Liyushan South Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830000, China
| | - Ruimei Han
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, Liyushan South Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830000, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, Xinjiang Military General Hospital, 359 Youhao North Street, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830000, China.
| | - Jian Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, Liyushan South Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830000, China.
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Zhang R, Wu F, Cheng B, Wang C, Bai B, Chen J. Apelin-13 prevents the effects of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion on bEnd.3 cells by inhibiting AKT-mTOR signaling. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:146-156. [PMID: 36573455 PMCID: PMC10041053 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221139186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy plays works by degrading misfolded proteins and dysfunctional organelles and maintains intracellular homeostasis. Apelin-13 has been investigated as an agent that might protect the blood-brain barrier (BBB) from cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this study, we examined whether apelin-13 protects cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, important components of the BBB, from I/R injury by regulating autophagy. To mimic I/R injury, the mouse cerebral microvascular endothelia l cell line bEnd 3 undergoes the process of oxygen and glucose deprivation and re feeding in the process of culture. Cell viability was detected using a commercial kit, and cell migration was monitored by in vitro scratch assay. The tight junction (TJ) proteins ZO-1 and occludin; the autophagy markers LC3 II, beclin 1, and p62; and components of the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. To confirm the role of autophagy in OGD/R and the protective effect of apelin-13, we treated the cells with 3-methyladenine (3-MA), a pharmacological inhibitor of autophagy. Our results demonstrated that OGD/R increased autophagic activity but decreased viability, abundance of TJs, and migration. Viability and TJ abundance were further reduced when the OGD/R group was treated with 3-MA. These results indicated that bEnd.3 upregulates autophagy to ameliorate the effects of OGD/R injury on viability and TJs, but that the autophagy induced by OGD/R alone is not sufficient to protect against the effect on cell migration. Treatment of OGD/R samples with apelin-13 markedly increased viability, TJ abundance, and migration, as well as autophagic activity, whereas 3-MA inhibited this increase, suggesting that apelin-13 exerted its protective effects by upregulating autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumin Zhang
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Fei Wu
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Baohua Cheng
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Bo Bai
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Neurobiology Key Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
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Jia J, Tao X, Tian Z, Liu J, Ye X, Zhan Y. Vitamin D receptor deficiency increases systolic blood pressure by upregulating the renin‑angiotensin system and autophagy. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:314. [PMID: 35369533 PMCID: PMC8943549 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11243] [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: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The vitamin D receptor (VDR) may regulate blood pressure via multiple pathways. The present study investigated the underlying mechanism by which VDR deficiency increases blood pressure. A total of 16 8-week-old male littermate mice were randomly divided into the VDR knockout and wild-type groups (VDR-/- and VDR+/+, respectively). Blood pressure was measured using a four-channel PowerLab data acquisition and ADI software analysis system. After euthanasia, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were isolated from the VDR-/- and VDR+/+ mice. Oxidative stress, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation and autophagy markers were measured in the isolated VSMCs using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), western blotting and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) assays. Mean systolic pressure was significantly higher in the VDR-/- mice compared with the VDR+/+ mice. RT-qPCR and western blotting analyses indicated that RAS markers (angiotensin II and II type 1 receptor) were significantly upregulated, oxidative stress was increased (evidenced by reduced superoxide dismutase and peroxiredoxin-4) and autophagy was activated (upregulation of autophagy related protein 7, Beclin 1 and microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3A) in the VDR-/- VSMCs compared with the VDR+/+ VSMCs. TEM demonstrated that there were more autophagy bodies in the VDR-/- VSMCs compared with the VDR+/+ VSMCs. In conclusion, VDR deficiency was associated with high blood pressure. The mechanism underlying the increase in blood pressure caused by VDR deficiency may involve activation of the RAS, as well as increased oxidative stress and autophagy of VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Jia
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Xu Tao
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Zhouning Tian
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Jing Liu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoman Ye
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Yiyang Zhan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
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Dong Q, Xing W, Li K, Zhou X, Wang S, Zhang H. Tetrahydroxystilbene glycoside improves endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in obese rats: The role of omentin-1. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 186:114489. [PMID: 33647262 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Hypertension in obesity has become a major threat for public health. Omentin-1, a novel adipokine, is down-regulated in obesity. Tetrahydroxystilbene glycoside (TSG) is the main ingredient extracted from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (PMT), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb safely used for protecting cardiovascular systems over bimillennium. This study aims to examine (i) the impact of omentin-1 downregulation on obesity-related hypertension in murine models and the underlying mechanisms; (ii) whether tetrahydroxystilbene glycoside (TSG) improved endothelial dysfunction and obesity-associated hypertension via the increase of omentin-1. METHODS (TSG-treated) male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and omentin-1 knockout (OMT-/-) mice were used. In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mature adipocytes differentiated from human visceral preadipocyte (HPA-v) were maintained in a co-culture system. RESULTS TSG was the main active component of PMT reducing systolic blood pressure and improving endothelial vasodilation. Fortnight-TSG treatment (100 mg/kg/day) increased serum omentin-1 level, also activated Akt/eNOS signaling and enhanced NO bioactivity; decreased expression of NOX2 and p22phox, suppressed production of superoxide and peroxynitrite anion. OMT-/- mice showed elevated blood pressure and impaired endothelial vasorelaxation, whereas hypotensive effect of TSG was blunted. In co-culture system, TSG incubation promoted binding of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and Itln-1 promoter in adipocytes, activated Akt/eNOS/NO signaling and attenuated oxidative/nitrative stress in HUVECs. Suppression of Itln-1 with siRNA significantly blocked the protective effect of TSG in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Down-regulation of omentin-1 induces endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in obesity. TSG treatment (at least partially) increases omentin-1 via promoting binding of PPAR-γ and Itln-1 promoter in adipose tissues, subsequently exerts protective effects on endothelial function via activating Akt/eNOS/NO signaling and attenuating oxidative/nitrative stress. These results suggest that TSG could be developed as a promising anti-hypertension agent that protects against endothelial dysfunction and obesity-associated cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Dong
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Teaching Experiment Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenjuan Xing
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Kaifeng Li
- Teaching Experiment Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuanxuan Zhou
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Siwang Wang
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Teaching Experiment Center, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Sabaratnam R, Svenningsen P. Adipocyte-Endothelium Crosstalk in Obesity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:681290. [PMID: 34456860 PMCID: PMC8387580 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.681290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is characterized by pathological adipose tissue (AT) expansion. While healthy AT expansion enhances systemic insulin sensitivity, unhealthy AT expansion through increased adipocyte size is associated with insulin resistance, fibrosis, hypoxia, and reduced adipose-derived adiponectin secretion. The mechanisms causing the unhealthy AT expansion are not fully elucidated; yet, dysregulated crosstalk between cells within the AT is an important contributor. Evidence from animal and human studies suggests a crucial role of the crosstalk between vascular endothelium (the innermost cell type in blood vessels) and adipocytes for metabolic homeostasis. Arterial endothelial cells are directly involved in maintaining normal organ functions through local blood flow regulation. The endothelial-dependent regulation of blood flow in AT is hampered in obesity, which negatively affects the adipocyte. Moreover, endothelial cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that target adipocytes in vivo. The endothelial EVs secretion is hampered in obesity and may be affected by the adipocyte-derived adipokine adiponectin. Adiponectin targets the vascular endothelium, eliciting organ-protective functions through binding to T-cadherin. The reduced obesity-induced adiponectin binding of T-cadherin reduces endothelial EV secretion. This affects endothelial health and cell-cell communication between AT cells and distant organs, influencing systemic energy homeostasis. This review focuses on the current understanding of endothelial and adipocyte crosstalk. We will discuss how obesity changes the AT environment and how these changes contribute to obesity-associated metabolic disease in humans. Particularly, we will describe and discuss the EV-dependent communication and regulation between adipocytes, adiponectin, and the endothelial cells regulating systemic energy homeostasis in health and metabolic disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rugivan Sabaratnam
- Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Section of Molecular Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Per Svenningsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Per Svenningsen,
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Song W, Gao K, Huang P, Tang Z, Nie F, Jia S, Guo R. Bazedoxifene inhibits PDGF-BB induced VSMC phenotypic switch via regulating the autophagy level. Life Sci 2020; 259:118397. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Ait-Aissa K, Nguyen QM, Gabani M, Kassan A, Kumar S, Choi SK, Gonzalez AA, Khataei T, Sahyoun AM, Chen C, Kassan M. MicroRNAs and obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction: key paradigms in molecular therapy. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2020; 19:136. [PMID: 32907629 PMCID: PMC7488343 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-020-01107-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The endothelium plays a pivotal role in maintaining vascular health. Obesity is a global epidemic that has seen dramatic increases in both adult and pediatric populations. Obesity perturbs the integrity of normal endothelium, leading to endothelial dysfunction which predisposes the patient to cardiovascular diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that play important roles in a variety of cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and stress response; their alteration contributes to the development of many pathologies including obesity. Mediators of obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction include altered endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), oxidative stress, autophagy machinery and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. All of these factors have been shown to be either directly or indirectly caused by gene regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive description of the therapeutic potential of miRNAs to treat obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction. This may lead to the identification of new targets for interventions that may prevent or delay the development of obesity-related cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karima Ait-Aissa
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, and Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Quynh My Nguyen
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Mohanad Gabani
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, and Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Adam Kassan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Coast University, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, and Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Soo-Kyoung Choi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Alexis A Gonzalez
- Instituto de Química, Pontificia, Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Tahsin Khataei
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, and Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Amal M Sahyoun
- Department of Food Science and Agriculture Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of emergency and Critical Care, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Modar Kassan
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, and Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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Lin X, Han T, Fan Y, Wu S, Wang F, Wang C. Quercetin improves vascular endothelial function through promotion of autophagy in hypertensive rats. Life Sci 2020; 258:118106. [PMID: 32682916 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of hypertension. Herein, we assessed the effect of quercetin, a common dietary antioxidant, on endothelial function of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. MAIN METHODS The Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and SHR rats were administered vehicle (1% w/v methyl cellulose) or quercetin (10 mg/kg body weight) by oral gavage once a day for 6 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured with a tail-cuff system. Functional of rat mesenteric arterioles was assessed by the temperature-controlled myograph. A dose-response curve was generated by the cumulative addition of acetylcholine (ACh) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP). NO production in the culture medium was assessed by measuring the concentration of nitrite, a stable metabolite of NO, using a modified Griess reagent. KEY FINDINGS Quercetin improved endothelial function and decreased blood pressure in SHRs. Endothelial autophagy, an important cellular homeostatic process, was increased in the early phase of treatment, and decreased in the late phase of treatment. Quercetin promoted autophagy in cultured endothelial cells under both normal and oxidative stress conditions. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy aggravated endothelial dysfunction in quercetin-treated endothelial cells under oxidative stress, and attenuated the antihypertensive and endothelial protective effects of quercetin in SHRs. SIGNIFICANCE Quercetin protects endothelial function in hypertensive rats through promotion of autophagy. Thus, autophagy could serve as a potential therapeutic target for hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Lin
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, Xiwu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, China; Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Xi'an, No. 30, Fengxiang Road, South Street, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tuo Han
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, Xiwu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yajie Fan
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, Xiwu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Songdi Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Xi'an, No. 30, Fengxiang Road, South Street, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Xi'an, No. 30, Fengxiang Road, South Street, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi, China
| | - Congxia Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, Xiwu Road, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, China.
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Wang X, Zeng J, Wang X, Li J, Chen J, Wang N, Zhang M, Feng Y, Guo H. 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside induces autophagy of liver by activating PI3K/Akt and Erk pathway in prediabetic rats. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:177. [PMID: 32513151 PMCID: PMC7278085 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-02949-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG) is an active compound derived from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., a Chinese Taoist herbal medicine, which exerts lipid lowering, anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. However, its role in protecting hepatocytes under pre-diabetic condition remains unclear. METHODS In this study, we developed prediabetic SD rats by feeding high-fat and high-sugar diet. The body weight, blood lipid, blood glucose, and fasting insulin (FINS) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were detected and calculated to assess the potential risk of prediabetes. HE and Oil Red O staining was used, and blood level of biochemical index was detected to observe the liver injury. The autophagic cell death-associated signaling proteins, and the potential signaling factors p-Akt/Akt and p-Erk/Erk were detected using western blot to explore the potential effects of TSG on pre-diabetic liver and the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS The results showed that the body weight in TSG-treated group was significantly decreased vs. the model group. The blood glucose, the level of FINS and HOMA-IR, TC and TG were decreased in TSG-treated group as well. Furthermore, TSG treatment significantly ameliorated lipid droplet accumulation, enhanced liver anti-oxidative response which may be associated with an increased activity of SOD and GSH-Px, and a decrease of LDLC and MDA. The autophagic cell death-associated proteins, p-AMPK, ATG12, LC3 II, and Beclin 1 were up-regulated in the TSG-treated group, while the upstream signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt and Erk, were activated. CONCLUSIONS TSG induced liver autophagic cell death to protect liver from prediabetic injury by activating PI3K/Akt and Erk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanbin Wang
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital; Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research; Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei University of Medicine, 39 Middle Chaoyang Road, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, 32 South Renmin Road, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- School of Public Health and Management, Hubei University of Medicine, 30 South Renmin Road, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ju Li
- School of Public Health and Management, Hubei University of Medicine, 30 South Renmin Road, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jin Chen
- School of Public Health and Management, Hubei University of Medicine, 30 South Renmin Road, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, 442000, Hong Kong S.A.R, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- School of Public Health and Management, Hubei University of Medicine, 30 South Renmin Road, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, 442000, Hong Kong S.A.R, China.
| | - Huailan Guo
- School of Public Health and Management, Hubei University of Medicine, 30 South Renmin Road, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China. .,Center for Environment and Health in Water Source Area of South-to-North Water Diversion, Hubei University of Medicine, 32 South Renmin Road, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China.
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Abstract
Homeostasis is maintained within organisms through the physiological recycling process of autophagy, a catabolic process that is intricately involved in the mobilization of nutrients during starvation, recycling of cellular cargo, as well as initiation of cellular death pathways. Specific to the cardiovascular system, autophagy responds to both chemical (e.g. free radicals) and mechanical stressors (e.g. shear stress). It is imperative to note that autophagy is not a static process, and measurement of autophagic flux provides a more comprehensive investigation into the role of autophagy. The overarching themes emerging from decades of autophagy research are that basal levels of autophagic flux are critical, physiological stressors may increase or decrease autophagic flux, and more importantly, aberrant deviations from basal autophagy may elicit detrimental effects. Autophagy has predominantly been examined within cardiac or vascular smooth muscle tissue within the context of disease development and progression. Autophagic flux within the endothelium holds an important role in maintaining vascular function, demonstrated by the necessary role for intact autophagic flux for shear-induced release of nitric oxide however the underlying mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Within this review, we theorize that autophagy itself does not solely control vascular homeostasis, rather, it works in concert with mitochondria, telomerase, and lipids to maintain physiological function. The primary emphasis of this review is on the role of autophagy within the human vasculature, and the integrative effects with physiological processes and diseases as they relate to the vascular structure and function.
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Luo L, Wang Y, Hu P, Wu J. Long Non-Coding RNA Metastasis Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1) Promotes Hypertension by Modulating the Hsa-miR-124-3p/Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3, Group C, Member 2 (NR3C2) and Hsa-miR-135a-5p/NR3C2 Axis. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e920478. [PMID: 32222724 PMCID: PMC7139186 DOI: 10.12659/msm.920478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study was designed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in the proliferation as well as apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), to offer a basis for therapy of hypertension. Material/Methods The lncRNA MALAT1 expression, hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-135a-5p, hsa-miR-135b-5p, and hsa-miR-455-5p in plasma were measured from 230 patients with hypertension and 230 non-hypertensive controls. The mechanism for lncRNA MALAT1 modulating the proliferation and apoptosis of HUVECs was explored by cell transfection, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Results The expression of hsa-miR-124-3p and hsa-miR-135a-5p was reduced and the expression of lncRNA MALAT1 was increased in the plasma of hypertensive patients. Moreover, the plasma levels of hsa-miR-124-3p and hsa-miR-135a-5p of hypertensive patients were negatively correlated with lncRNA MALAT1 (r=−0.64, −0.72; P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively). The level of nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 2 (NR3C2) protein was negatively correlated with hsa-miR-124-3p and hsa-miR-135a-5p (r=−0.74, −0.84; P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively). The proliferation of HUVECs was inhibited after the inhibition of MALAT. Additionally, after knocking down MALAT, the levels of hsa-miR-124-3p and hsa-miR-135a-5p in HUVECs were markedly increased, while the expression level of NR3C2 protein was decreased. The apoptotic rate of HUVECs after the transfection of MALAT1 small interfering RNA (si-MALAT1) (3.64±0.21%) was significantly reduced compared to that of transfected si-MALAT1 no template control (NC) (3.76±0.19%) and the control group (10.51±1.24%). Conclusions LncRNA MALAT1 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of HUVECs through the hsa-miR-124-3p/NR3C2 and/or hsa-miR-135a-5p/NR3C2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liju Luo
- Department of Geratology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Yueqing Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Pengfei Hu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Jiale Wu
- Department of Geratology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
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De Munck DG, De Meyer GR, Martinet W. Autophagy as an emerging therapeutic target for age-related vascular pathologies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:131-145. [PMID: 31985292 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1723079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The incidence of age-related vascular diseases such as arterial stiffness, hypertension and atherosclerosis, is rising dramatically and is substantially impacting healthcare systems. Mounting evidence suggests that there is an important role for autophagy in maintaining (cardio)vascular health. Impaired vascular autophagy has been linked to arterial aging and the initiation of vascular disease.Areas covered: The function and implications of autophagy in vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells are discussed in healthy blood vessels and arterial disease. Furthermore, we discuss current treatment options for vascular disease and their links with autophagy. A literature search was conducted in PubMed up to October 2019.Expert opinion: Although the therapeutic potential of inducing autophagy in age-related vascular pathologies is considerable, several issues should be addressed before autophagy induction can be clinically used to treat vascular disease. These issues include uncertainty regarding the most effective drug target as well as the lack of potency and selectivity of autophagy inducing drugs. Moreover, drug tolerance or autophagy mediated cell death have been reported as possible adverse effects. Special attention is required for determining the cause of autophagy deficiency to optimize the treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien G De Munck
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido Ry De Meyer
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Martinet
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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14
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Zhang Y, Whaley-Connell AT, Sowers JR, Ren J. Autophagy as an emerging target in cardiorenal metabolic disease: From pathophysiology to management. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 191:1-22. [PMID: 29909238 PMCID: PMC6195437 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Although advances in medical technology and health care have improved the early diagnosis and management for cardiorenal metabolic disorders, the prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and kidney disease remains high. Findings from numerous population-based studies, clinical trials, and experimental evidence have consolidated a number of theories for the pathogenesis of cardiorenal metabolic anomalies including resistance to the metabolic action of insulin, abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, oxidative and nitrosative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial damage, and inflammation. Accumulating evidence has recently suggested a pivotal role for proteotoxicity, the unfavorable effects of poor protein quality control, in the pathophysiology of metabolic dysregulation and related cardiovascular complications. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy-lysosomal pathways, two major although distinct cellular clearance machineries, govern protein quality control by degradation and clearance of long-lived or damaged proteins and organelles. Ample evidence has depicted an important role for protein quality control, particularly autophagy, in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. To this end, autophagy offers promising targets for novel strategies to prevent and treat cardiorenal metabolic diseases. Targeting autophagy using pharmacological or natural agents exhibits exciting new strategies for the growing problem of cardiorenal metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingmei Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Center for Cardiovascular Research and Alternative Medicine, University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
| | - Adam T Whaley-Connell
- Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA; Diabetes and Cardiovascular Center, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - James R Sowers
- Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA; Diabetes and Cardiovascular Center, Department of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jun Ren
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Center for Cardiovascular Research and Alternative Medicine, University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences, Laramie, WY 82071, USA.
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15
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Abstract
Obesity poses a severe threat to human health, including the increased prevalence of hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, cancer, inflammation, sleep apnoea and other chronic diseases. Current therapies focus mainly on suppressing caloric intake, but the efficacy of this approach remains poor. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of obesity will be essential for the management of obesity and its complications. Knowledge gained over the past three decades regarding the aetiological mechanisms underpinning obesity has provided a framework that emphasizes energy imbalance and neurohormonal dysregulation, which are tightly regulated by autophagy. Accordingly, there is an emerging interest in the role of autophagy, a conserved homeostatic process for cellular quality control through the disposal and recycling of cellular components, in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and organ function by selectively ridding cells of potentially toxic proteins, lipids and organelles. Indeed, defects in autophagy homeostasis are implicated in metabolic disorders, including obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. In this Review, the alterations in autophagy that occur in response to nutrient stress, and how these changes alter the course of obesogenesis and obesity-related complications, are discussed. The potential of pharmacological modulation of autophagy for the management of obesity is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingmei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China.
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Alternative Medicine, University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences, Laramie, WY, USA.
| | - James R Sowers
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China.
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Alternative Medicine, University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences, Laramie, WY, USA.
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16
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Kim KA, Shin D, Kim JH, Shin YJ, Rajanikant GK, Majid A, Baek SH, Bae ON. Role of Autophagy in Endothelial Damage and Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in Ischemic Stroke. Stroke 2018; 49:1571-1579. [PMID: 29724893 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.117.017287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyeong-A Kim
- From the College of Pharmacy Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea (K.-A.K., D.S., J.-H.K., Y.-J.S., O.-N.B.)
| | - Donggeun Shin
- From the College of Pharmacy Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea (K.-A.K., D.S., J.-H.K., Y.-J.S., O.-N.B.)
| | - Jeong-Hyeon Kim
- From the College of Pharmacy Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea (K.-A.K., D.S., J.-H.K., Y.-J.S., O.-N.B.)
| | - Young-Jun Shin
- From the College of Pharmacy Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea (K.-A.K., D.S., J.-H.K., Y.-J.S., O.-N.B.)
| | - G K Rajanikant
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kerala, India (G.K.R.)
| | - Arshad Majid
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, England (A.M.)
| | - Seung-Hoon Baek
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea (S.-H.B.)
| | - Ok-Nam Bae
- From the College of Pharmacy Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea (K.-A.K., D.S., J.-H.K., Y.-J.S., O.-N.B.)
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Han F, Li K, Pan R, Xu W, Han X, Hou N, Sun X. Calycosin directly improves perivascular adipose tissue dysfunction by upregulating the adiponectin/AMPK/eNOS pathway in obese mice. Food Funct 2018; 9:2409-2415. [PMID: 29595858 DOI: 10.1039/c8fo00328a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) loses its anti-contractile activity in obesity. Calycosin, the major bioactive isoflavonoid, was shown to protect endothelial function. However, effects of calycosin on PVAT function in obesity remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of calycosin on the anti-contractile activity of PVAT in obese mice and its potential mechanisms. Obesity in mice was induced with a high-fat diet, with or without calycosin treatment. Thoracic aorta responses to phenylephrine were determined. AMP protein kinase (AMPK) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels were analyzed by western blotting. Adiponectin, TNF-α levels and superoxide production were measured in the PVAT. Calycosin treatment significantly increased the anti-contractile response of PVAT, which was impaired in obese mice. This beneficial effect of calycosin was eliminated by treatments of blocking adiponectin, AMPK or eNOS. Similar results were observed for calycosin treatment ex vivo. Treatment of obese mice with calycosin significantly increased adiponectin levels, activated AMPK and eNOS phosphorylation and reduced superoxide production and TNF-α levels in PVAT. Our results indicated that calycosin restored PVAT induced anti-contractile activity and affected PVAT function through the adiponectin/AMPK/eNOS pathway in obese mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Han
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Maternal Melatonin Therapy Attenuated Maternal High-Fructose Combined with Post-Weaning High-Salt Diets-Induced Hypertension in Adult Male Rat Offspring. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23040886. [PMID: 29641494 PMCID: PMC6017187 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumption of food high in fructose and salt is associated with the epidemic of hypertension. Hypertension can originate from early life. Melatonin, a pleiotropic hormone, regulates blood pressure. We examined whether maternal melatonin therapy can prevent maternal high-fructose combined with post-weaning high-salt diet-induced programmed hypertension in adult offspring. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received either a normal diet (ND) or a 60% fructose diet (HF) during pregnancy and the lactation period. Male offspring were on either the ND or a high-salt diet (HS, 1% NaCl) from weaning to 12 weeks of age and were assigned to five groups (n = 8/group): ND/ND, HF/ND, ND/HS, HF/HS, and HF/HS+melatonin. Melatonin (0.01% in drinking water) was administered during pregnancy and lactation. We observed that maternal HF combined with post-weaning HS diets induced hypertension in male adult offspring, which was attenuated by maternal melatonin therapy. The beneficial effects of maternal melatonin therapy on HF/HS-induced hypertension related to regulating several nutrient-sensing signals, including Sirt1, Sirt4, Prkaa2, Prkab2, Pparg, and Ppargc1a. Additionally, melatonin increased protein levels of mammalian targets of rapamycin (mTOR), decreased plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine levels, and increased the l-arginine-to-ADMA ratio. The reprogramming effects by which maternal melatonin therapy protects against hypertension of developmental origin awaits further elucidation.
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