Systemic and renal oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of hypertension: modulation of long-term control of arterial blood pressure by resveratrol

Role of Phytonutrients in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases: A Concrete Review

Delving into the intricate role of phytonutrients is paramount to effectively preventing and treating chronic diseases. Phytonutrients are "plant-based nutrients" that positively affect human health. Phytonutrients perform primary therapeutic functions in the management and treatment of various diseases. It is reported that different types of pathogenesis occur due to the excessive production of oxidants (reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species). The literature shows that a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based food is inversely related to treating different chronic diseases. Due to many phytonutrients (antioxidants) in fruits, vegetables, and other medicinal plants, they are considered major therapeutic agents for various diseases. The main purpose of this review is to summarize the major phytonutrients involved in preventing and treating diseases. Fourteen major phytonutrients are discussed in this review, such as polyphenols, anthocyanin, resveratrol, phytosterol (stigmasterol), flavonoids, isoflavonoids, limonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids, lycopene, quercetin, phytoestrogens, glucosinolates, and probiotics, which are well-known for their beneficial effects on the human body and treatment of different pathological conditions. It is concluded that phytonutrients play a major role in the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, other types of cancers, neurological disorders, age-related diseases, and inflammatory disorders and are also involved in various biological activities.

Protective Effect of Resveratrol on Kidney Disease and Hypertension Against Microplastics Exposure in Male Juvenile Rats

Global pollution stems from the degradation of plastic waste, leading to the generation of microplastics (MPs). While environmental pollutants increase the risk of developing hypertension and kidney disease, the effects of MP exposure on these conditions in children remain unclear. Resveratrol, a phenolic compound known for its antihypertensive and renoprotective properties, has gained attention as a potential nutraceutical. This study investigates the effects of resveratrol on kidney disease and hypertension induced by MP exposure in a juvenile rat model. Three-week-old male Sprague--Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 8 per group): a control group, a low-dose MP group (1 mg/L), a high-dose MP group (10 mg/L), and a high-dose MP group receiving resveratrol (50 mg/L). By 9 weeks of age, MP exposure resulted in elevated blood pressure and increased creatinine levels, both of which were mitigated by resveratrol treatment. The hypertension and kidney damage induced by high-dose MP exposure were linked to oxidative stress, which resveratrol effectively prevented. Additionally, resveratrol's protective effects against hypertension and kidney damage were associated with increased acetic acid levels, reduced renal expression of Olfr78, and decreased expression of various components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Low- and high-dose MP exposure, as well as resveratrol treatment, differentially influence gut microbiota composition. Our findings suggest that targeting oxidative stress, gut microbiota, and the RAS through resveratrol holds therapeutic potential for preventing kidney disease and hypertension associated with MP exposure. However, further research is needed to translate these results into clinical applications.

Incidence and predictors of acute kidney injury among adults admitted to the medical intensive care unit of a Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Central Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury is a prevalent complication in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and a significant global public health concern. It affects approximately 13 million individuals and contributes to nearly two million deaths worldwide. Acute kidney injury among Intensive Care Unit patients is closely associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to assess the incidence of acute kidney injury and identify predictors among adult patients admitted to the medical Intensive Care Unit.

METHOD

A retrospective follow-up study was conducted by reviewing charts of 317 systematically selected patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit from September 1, 2018, to August 30, 2022, in Wachemo University Nigist Ellen Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. The extraction tool was used for the data collection, Epi-data version 4.6.0 for data entry, and STATA version 14 for data cleaning and analysis. The Kaplan-Meier, log-rank test, and life table were used to describe the data. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Among the total study participants, 128 (40.4%) developed Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). The incidence rate of Acute Kidney Injury was 30.1 (95% CI: 25.33, 35.8) per 1000 person-days of observation, with a median survival time of 23 days. It was found that patients with invasive mechanical ventilation (AHR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.46-4.78), negative fluid balance (AHR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.30-3.03), hypertension (AHR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.05-2.38), and a vasopressor (AHR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.10-2.63) were independent predictors of acute kidney injury.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of Acute Kidney Injury was a major concern in the ICU of the study area. In the intensive care unit (ICU), it was found that patients with vasopressors, invasive mechanical ventilation, negative fluid balance, and chronic hypertension were independent predictors of developing AKI. It would be better if clinicians in the ICU provided targeted interventions through close monitoring and evaluation of those patients with invasive ventilation, chronic hypertension, negative fluid balance, and vasopressors.

Resveratrol Reverses Endothelial Colony-Forming Cell Dysfunction in Adulthood in a Rat Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Individuals born after intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Endothelial dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of CVDs; and endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) have been identified as key factors in endothelial repair. In a rat model of IUGR induced by a maternal low-protein diet, we observed an altered functionality of ECFCs in 6-month-old males, which was associated with arterial hypertension related to oxidative stress and stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS). Resveratrol (R), a polyphenol compound, was found to improve cardiovascular function. In this study, we investigated whether resveratrol could reverse ECFC dysfunctions in the IUGR group. ECFCs were isolated from IUGR and control (CTRL) males and were treated with R (1 μM) or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for 48 h. In the IUGR-ECFCs, R increased proliferation (5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, p < 0.001) and improved capillary-like outgrowth sprout formation (in Matrigel), nitric oxide (NO) production (fluorescent dye, p < 0.01), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression (immunofluorescence, p < 0.001). In addition, R decreased oxidative stress with reduced superoxide anion production (fluorescent dye, p < 0.001); increased Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase expression (Western blot, p < 0.05); and reversed SIPS with decreased beta-galactosidase activity (p < 0.001), and decreased p16^ink4a (p < 0.05) and increased Sirtuin-1 (p < 0.05) expressions (Western blot). No effects of R were observed in the CTRL-ECFCs. These results suggest that R reverses long-term ECFC dysfunctions related to IUGR.

Resveratrol Butyrate Ester Supplementation Blunts the Development of Offspring Hypertension in a Maternal Di-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate Exposure Rat Model

Resveratrol (REV) is a plant polyphenol with a plethora of beneficial properties. We previously enhanced the efficacy of REV via esterification of REV with butyrate to form resveratrol butyrate ester (RBE). Compared with REV, RBE exhibits higher bioavailability and better antioxidant effects. Hypertension can originate in early life because of maternal toxic chemical exposure. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of RBE in the protection of offspring hypertension induced by maternal di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) exposure and to explore the underlying mechanisms. DEHP (10 mg/kg/day) was used as oral gavage to pregnant rats during gestation and lactation. The control group received the vehicle. Three groups of DEHP-exposed dams received REV (6.67 mg/kg/day), or low-dose (3.33 mg/kg/day) or high-dose (6.67 mg/kg/day) RBE in drinking water during gestation and lactation. Perinatal DEHP exposure resulted in hypertension and bodyweight gain in adult male offspring, which was prevented by high-dose RBE. REV supplementation attenuated DEHP exposure-induced increases in blood pressure but not bodyweight. High-dose RBE decreased renal oxidative damage, increased plasma butyrate concentrations, and altered short chain fatty acid receptor (SCFA) expression. Low-dose RBE treatment reduced downstream mediators of the acryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway. Moreover, DEHP exposure, REV and RBE treatment differentially shaped the offspring's gut microbiota. In particular, high-dose RBE increased the abundance of the genus Duncaniella. The beneficial effects of RBE treatment were related to reducing oxidative damage, increasing plasma butyrate concentrations, downregulating SCFA receptor expression, antagonizing AHR signaling, and altering the gut microbiota. This study provides the first evidence of RBE as a novel plant polyphenol bioproduct targeting the oxidative stress and gut microbiota to protect against maternal DEHP exposure-primed offspring hypertension.

Joint effect of blood pressure and glycemic variation on the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in persons with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Few studies have explored the association of visit-to-visit variation in blood pressure (BP) and glycemic factors with cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to examine the independent and joint effect of visit-to-visit BP and glycemic variation on CVD morbidity and mortality in persons with T2DM.

METHODS

The present study consisted of two retrospective cohort studies. The Taiwan Diabetes Study was based on a database of the National Diabetes Care Management Program (DCMP) and linked with cardiovascular morbidity incidence. The Taichung Diabetes Study was based on the DCMP database of a medical center, which can be linked with the National Death Registry dataset. The outcomes were analyzed by using Cox's proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

A total of 13,280 and 10,894 persons with T2DM in Taiwan and Taichung Diabetes Study, respectively, were included. SBP-CV, FPG-CV, and HbA1c-CV were significant predictors of stroke, CVD event or death, all-cause mortality, and expanded CVD mortality, whereas DBP-CV was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality and expanded and non-expanded CVD mortality. The joint effect of SBP, FPG, and HbA1c predicted the incidence of stroke and CVD event or death with increased risks of 16 %-35 %. In addition, the joint effect of SBP, DBP, FPG, and HbA1c was associated with all-cause and expanded CVD mortality with increased risks of 29 %-81 %.

CONCLUSIONS

The joint effect of BP and glucose variation improved the prediction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Moreover, simultaneous measurement of visit-to-visit BP and glycemic variation may stratify persons with cardiovascular risks and may be regarded as important therapeutic goals in the care of T2DM.

Resveratrol (RV): A pharmacological review and call for further research

Resveratrol (RV) is a well-known polyphenolic compound in various plants, including grape, peanut, and berry fruits, which is quite famous for its association with several health benefits such as anti-obesity, cardioprotective neuroprotective, antitumor, antidiabetic, antioxidants, anti-age effects, and glucose metabolism. Significantly, promising therapeutic properties have been reported in various cancer, neurodegeneration, and atherosclerosis and are regulated by several synergistic pathways that control oxidative stress, cell death, and inflammation. Similarly, RV possesses a strong anti-adipogenic effect by inhibiting fat accumulation processes and activating oxidative and lipolytic pathways, exhibiting their cardioprotective effects by inhibiting platelet aggregation. The RV also shows significant antibacterial effects against various food-borne pathogens (Listeria, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli) by inhibiting an electron transport chain (ETC) and F0F1-ATPase, which decreases the production of cellular energy that leads to the spread of pathogens. After collecting and analyzing scientific literature, it may be concluded that RV is well tolerated and favorably affects cardiovascular, neurological, and diabetic disorders. As such, it is possible that RV can be considered the best nutritional additive and a complementary drug, especially a therapeutic candidate. Therefore, this review would increase knowledge about the blend of RV as well as inspire researchers around the world to consider RV as a pharmaceutical drug to combat future health crises against various inhumane diseases. In the future, this article will be aware of discoveries about the potential of this promising natural compound as the best nutraceuticals and therapeutic drugs in medicine.

Ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis improves vasoreactivity by modulation of eNOS expression and oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND

Endothelial dysfunction is related to the reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and plays a significant role in developing hypertension. The intake of a diet rich in antioxidants decreases the threat of hypertension. Cissus quadrangularis possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities. However, to date, no studies have been performed to explore this plant's antihypertensive and vasorelaxant activity. Herein, we investigated the chronic effect of C. quadrangularis on blood pressure as well as vascular function in hypertensive rats.

METHODS

Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were randomly divided into two groups. Normotensive Wistar rats were taken as the control group. The treatment was done using ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis (EECQ) at a dose of 200 mg/kg.

RESULTS

The administration of EECQ for six weeks reduced the systolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, and heart rate. It also alleviated the cardiac and renal hypertrophy indices. Supplementation of EECQ improved the endothelium-dependent aortic vasodilation induced by acetylcholine. It restored the NO level and endothelial NO synthase expression in the aorta. Subsequently, the extract alleviates the oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in SHR rats.

CONCLUSION

Thus, in the present study, the chronic treatment of EECQ to genetically hypertensive rats improved endothelium-dependent relaxation in addition to its antihypertensive effect by eNOS activation and inhibition of ROS production, inflammation.

Three-year trajectories of metabolic risk factors predict subsequent long-term mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

This study aims to evaluate the associations between 3-year trajectories of metabolic risk factors and subsequent mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

A total of 6400 persons aged ≥ 30 years with type 2 diabetes and ≥ 3 years of follow-up period were included. The cluster analysis determined the patterns of 3-year trajectories, and Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the associations between patterns and mortality.

RESULTS

Three trajectory subgroups of metabolic risk factors, namely, cluster 1, normal; cluster 2, high-stable or reducing with high level at baseline; and cluster 3, fluctuation: elevated and decreasing, were generated. The clusters 2 and 3 of body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and triglyceride (TG) trajectories were associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality compared with cluster 1 (hazard ratio = 1.27, 95% confidence interval = 1.06-1.51 and 1.45, 1.19-1.78 for BMI; 1.41, 1.22-1.62 and 1.81, 1.38-2.38 for FPG; 1.42, 1.23-1.64 and 1.47, 1.23-1.75 for HbA1c; 1.34, 1.10-1.63 and 2.40, 1.30-4.37 for TG, respectively). For the systolic blood pressure trajectory, only cluster 3 was associated with an increased mortality risk relative to cluster 1 (1.76, 1.13-2.77).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term metabolic risk factor trajectories may be associated with subsequent mortality.

Natural Polyphenols in Metabolic Syndrome: Protective Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a chronic disease, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. It should be noted that the occurrence of MetS is closely related to oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, ectopic fat accumulation, and the impairment of the antioxidant system, which in turn further aggravates the intracellular oxidative imbalance and inflammatory response. As enriched anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components in plants, natural polyphenols exhibit beneficial effects, including improving liver fat accumulation and dyslipidemia, reducing blood pressure. Hence, they are expected to be useful in the prevention and management of MetS. At present, epidemiological studies indicate a negative correlation between polyphenol intake and MetS incidence. In this review, we summarized and discussed the most promising natural polyphenols (including flavonoid and non-flavonoid drugs) in the precaution and treatment of MetS, including their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as their regulatory functions involved in glycolipid homeostasis.

Malondialdehyde in dried blood spots: a biomarker of systemic lipid peroxidation linked to cardiopulmonary symptoms and risk factors

Background

There are few oxidative biomarkers that can be used in resource-limited settings (e.g., rural Africa) where blood collection facilities are lacking. This study aims to evaluate the potential of malondialdehyde (MDA) in dried blood spots (DBS) as a useful biomarker to monitor cardiopulmonary health.

Methods

We first conducted a cross-validation comparison of matched capillary DBS, plasma, and whole venous blood collected from nine healthy volunteers for the measurement of total MDA (free + conjugated) and C-reactive protein (CRP), a well-established biomarker of systemic inflammation. Then a field study was conducted in a rural Senegal with a population of 441 women routinely exposed to severe household air pollution, examining associations of MDA and CRP levels in 882 DBS with self-reported cardiopulmonary symptoms.

Results

In the cross-validation study, CRP levels were strongly correlated across DBS, plasma, and whole blood. MDA levels were correlated between DBS and whole blood and were 1–2 orders of magnitude lower in plasma, suggesting that DBS MDA may reflect total oxidation levels in intracellular and extracellular compartments. In the field study, we observed significantly higher MDA levels in women with secondhand smoke exposure. An interquartile range increase in MDA concentration was associated with 27.0% (95% CI: 3.1–56.5%) and 21.1% (95% CI: −3.5% to 52.0%) increases in the incidence of chest tightness and breath difficulty, respectively. In contrast, CRP levels were not associated with worse outcomes or risk factors.

Conclusions

These results support the use of DBS as a convenient alternative to venous blood when MDA is measured as a biomarker for cardiopulmonary health risk.

Hypertension-related risk for dementia: A summary review with future directions

Chronic hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most prevalent vascular risk factor that accelerates cognitive aging and increases risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. Decades of observational and clinical trials have demonstrated that midlife hypertension is associated with greater gray matter atrophy, white matter damage commiserate with demyelination, and functional deficits as compared to normotension over the adult lifespan. Critically, hypertension is a modifiable dementia risk factor: successful blood pressure control with antihypertensive treatment improves outcomes as compared to uncontrolled hypertension, but does not completely negate the risk for dementia. This suggests that hypertension-related risk for neural and cognitive decline in aging cannot be due to elevations in blood pressure alone. This summary review describes three putative pathways for hypertension-related dementia risk: oxidative damage and metabolic dysfunction; systemic inflammation; and autonomic control of heart rate variability. The same processes contribute to pre-clinical hypertension, and therefore hypertension may be an early symptom of an aging nervous system that then exacerbates cumulative and progressive neurodegeneration. Current evidence is reviewed and future directions for research are outlined, including blood biomarkers and novel neuroimaging methods that may be sensitive to test the specific hypotheses.

Mechanism of herbal medicine on hypertensive nephropathy (Review)

Hypertensive nephropathy is the most common complication of hypertension, and is one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in numerous countries. The basic pathological feature of hypertensive nephropathy is arteriolosclerosis followed by renal parenchymal damage. The etiology of this disease is complex, and its pathogenesis is mainly associated with renal hemodynamic changes and vascular remodeling. Despite the increased knowledge on the pathogenesis of hypertensive nephropathy, the current clinical treatment methods are still not effective in preventing the development of the disease to ESRD. Herbal medicine, which is used to relieve symptoms, can improve hypertensive nephropathy through multiple targets. Since there are few clinical studies on the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy with herbal medicine, this article aims to review the progress on the basic research on the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy with herbal medicine, including regulation of the renin angiotensin system, inhibition of sympathetic excitation, antioxidant stress and anti-inflammatory protection of endothelial cells, and improvement of obesity-associated factors. Herbal medicine with different components plays a synergistic and multi-target role in the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy. The description of the mechanism of herbal medicine in the treatment of hypertensive nephropathy will contribute towards the progress of modern medicine.

Direct and Indirect Effect of Honey as a Functional Food Against Metabolic Syndrome and Its Skeletal Complications

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to the simultaneous presence of hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and/or visceral obesity, which predisposes a person to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Evidence suggesting the presence of direct and indirect associations between MetS and osteoporosis is growing. Many studies have reported the beneficial effects of polyphenols in alleviating MetS in in vivo and in vitro models through their antioxidant and anti-inflammation actions. This review aims to summarize the effects of honey (based on unifloral and multi-floral nectar sources) on bone metabolism and each component of MetS. A literature search was performed using the PubMed and Scopus databases using specific search strings. Original studies related to components of MetS and bone, and the effects of honey on components of MetS and bone were included. Honey polyphenols could act synergistically in alleviating MetS by preventing oxidative damage and inflammation. Honey intake is shown to reduce blood glucose levels and prevent excessive weight gain. It also improves lipid metabolism by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein, as well as increasing high-density lipoprotein. Honey can prevent bone loss by reducing the adverse effects of MetS on bone homeostasis, apart from its direct action on the skeletal system. In conclusion, honey supplementation could be integrated into the management of MetS and MetS-induced bone loss as a preventive and adjunct therapeutic agent.

Novel therapeutics for the treatment of hypertension and its associated complications: peptide- and nonpeptide-based strategies

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is responsible for maintaining blood pressure and vascular tone. Modulation of the RAAS, therefore, interferes with essential cellular processes and leads to high blood pressure, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. Consequently, these conditions cause fatal cardiovascular and renal complications. Thus, the primary purpose of hypertension treatment is to diminish or inhibit overactivated RAAS. Currently available RAAS inhibitors have proven effective in reducing blood pressure; however, beyond hypertension, they have failed to treat end-target organ injury. In addition, RAAS inhibitors have some intolerable adverse effects, such as hyperkalemia and hypotension. These gaps in the available treatment for hypertension require further investigation of the development of safe and effective therapies. Current research is focused on the combination of existing and novel treatments that neutralize the angiotensin II type I (AT1) receptor-mediated action of the angiotensin II peptide. Preclinical studies of peptide- and nonpeptide-based therapeutic agents demonstrate their conspicuous impact on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in animal models. In this review, we will discuss novel therapeutic agents being developed as RAAS inhibitors that show prominent effects in both preclinical and clinical studies. In addition, we will also highlight the need for improvement in the efficacy of existing drugs in the absence of new prominent antihypertensive drugs.

The Associations of Perceived and Oxidative Stress with Hypertension in a Cohort of Police Officers

PURPOSE

Associations between perceived stress and oxidative stress marker and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components were investigated in a cohort of police officers.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from a cohort of non-diabetic subjects (n=233; 19F), median [interquartile range] age 50 [37-44] years, were analysed. MetS was construed in line with International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and perceived stress with Cohen's 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. Plasma oxidative stress marker (free 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α; 8-iso-PGF_2α), presence of coronary plaque, carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT), and physical activity level were also determined.

RESULTS

Obesity was established in 100 (42.92%), hypertension in 111 (47.64), whereas MetS was identified in 104 (44.63%) of the study subjects. A significant difference (p=0.003) in plasma 8-iso-PGF_2α level, depending on the MetS components status, was noted. The associations of perceived stress with plasma 8-iso-PGF_2α level and the select study variables were gender-specific. In multivariate analysis (adjusted for age and current smoking), positive associations of plasma 8-iso-PGF_2α levels with PSS score (B=0.108, 95% CI [0.008, 0.209], p=0.03) and systolic blood pressure (B=0.029, 95% CI [0.003, 0.057], p=0.02) in men only were established. Both the perceived stress (OR 1.101, 95% CI [1.001-1.202], p=0.03) and plasma 8-iso-PGF_2α levels (OR 1.223, 95% CI [1.046-1.432], p=0.01) impacted the prevalence of hypertension. Out of the MetS components, the effect of waist circumference (OR=1.138, 95% CI [1.064-1.218], p=0.0001) and glucose (B=2.696, 95% CI [1.081-6.725], p=0.03) were also encountered. No such associations were noted in women, though, neither in univariate nor in multivariate analyses. The prevalence of coronary plaque (0.001), obesity (p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001) and median cIMT value (p=0.005), as well as leisure-time (p=0.04) and total walking physical activity (p=0.03), differed significantly between the subgroups stratified by MetS components status.

CONCLUSION

Both the perceived and oxidative stress were found instrumental in promoting hypertension in a cohort of police officers under study, whereas all study outcomes were conclusively gender-related.

Effects of trans- versus cis-resveratrol on adrenergic contractions of the rat tail artery and role of endothelium

The health benefits of the natural polyphenol trans‐resveratrol may play an important role in preventing a variety of diseases. Resveratrol has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Our previous studies examined the role of K⁺ channels in the vasorelaxation responses to trans‐resveratrol in the rat tail artery. During these studies, we uncovered a novel transient contraction prior to the sustained relaxation effect of trans‐resveratrol. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the role of the endothelium in these vascular contraction and relaxation responses to trans‐resveratrol. We additionally sought to determine if the cis‐isomer of resveratrol exerts any of the same vascular effects as the trans‐isomer. The vascular responses to trans‐resveratrol were examined in rat tail arteries with intact or denuded endothelium over a 2‐hr period. Additionally, the vascular responses to trans‐ and cis‐resveratrol were compared in rat tail arteries with intact endothelium. Both the transient contractile response and the persistent relaxation response to trans‐resveratrol were similar in the arterial rings with intact or denuded endothelium. There was a significant correlation between the initial contraction‐enhancing action of trans‐resveratrol and the magnitude of the sustained relaxation for vessels with both intact and denuded endothelium. Moreover, we demonstrated that cis‐resveratrol produced a significantly greater relaxation response as compared to trans‐resveratrol without the initial contractile response. These data demonstrate the role of the vascular smooth muscle in the vascular responses to resveratrol and the potential clinical benefits of the cis‐isomer of resveratrol as compared to the trans‐isomer.

Maternal exposure to high-fat and high-cholesterol diet induces arterial hypertension and oxidative stress along the gut-kidney axis in rat offspring

AIMS

Evaluate the effects of maternal high fat and high cholesterol (HFHC) diet consumption on blood pressure (BP), renal function and oxidative stress along the gut-kidney axis in male and female rat offspring.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pregnant rats were fed with a control (CTL) or HFHC diet during pregnancy and lactation. At 90 days, BP was assessed by tail-cuff plethysmography, and urinary and biochemical variables were measured. Biomarkers for oxidative stress, enzymatic antioxidant defense (activity of superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase-GST) and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense (thiols content) were evaluated in the colon and renal cortex.

KEY FINDINGS

Male and female offspring from dams fed with a HFHC diet presented increased BP when compared to their respective CTL group. Male offspring from dams fed with HFHC diet showed reduced GST activity and thiols content in the colon, reduced SOD activity in the renal cortex and decreased urinary creatinine excretion when compared to the CTL group. Regarding female offspring, catalase activity and thiols content were reduced in the colon when compared to CTL group. Although lipid peroxidation had been increased in the renal cortex of HFHC female offspring, the CAT and SOD enzymatic antioxidant acitivities (CAT and SOD) were increased in the renal cortex of female offspring when compared with male offspring; and the renal function was not impaired by maternal HFHC diet consumption.

SIGNIFICANCE

HFHC diet during pregnancy and lactation induces sex-specific oxidative stress along the gut-kidney axis in offspring, which might induce renal dysfunction and arterial hypertension in later life.

Vitis vinifera L. Grape Skin Extract Prevents Development of Hypertension and Altered Lipid Profile in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Role of Oxidative Stress

This study investigated the protective effect of a Vitis vinifera L. grape skin extract (ACH09) on blood pressure, lipid profile, and oxidative status in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels, as well as oxidative damage and antioxidant activity in the plasma and kidney, were evaluated in four experimental groups: control Wistar rats (W-C) and SHR-C that received water, and Wistar rats and SHR treated with ACH09 (200 mg/kg/d) in drinking water for 12 weeks (W-ACH09 and SHR-ACH09, respectively). SBP increased in the SHR group compared with the W groups and the treatment with ACH09 prevented the development of hypertension. Plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels increased in SHR compared with W-C rats; these changes prevented by treatment with ACH09. Glucose levels did not differ between the groups. The SHR group had increased oxidative damage in plasma, as expressed by 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels, and this prevented by ACH09. Levels of TBARS in the kidneys were lower in the SHR-ACH09 group than in the SHR-C group. Further, ACH09 increased the superoxide dismutase activity in both the plasma and kidneys of both SHR and Wistar rats. These results suggest that ACH09 is protective against disruption of blood pressures, oxidant status, and lipid profile in SHR, and provide important evidence on the benefits of ACH09 on hypertension and associated cardiovascular complications.

Sex differences in redox homeostasis in renal disease

Sex differences in redox signaling in the kidney present new challenges and opportunities for understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of the kidney. This review will focus on reactive oxygen species, immune-related signaling pathways and endothelin-1 as potential mediators of sex-differences in redox homeostasis in the kidney. Additionally, this review will highlight male-female differences in redox signaling in several major cardiovascular and renal disorders namely acute kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, kidney stone disease and salt-sensitive hypertension. Furthermore, we will discuss the contribution of redox signaling in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal hypertension and preeclampsia.

Vasorelaxant effect of 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene (resveratrol) and its underlying mechanism

Resveratrol is found in numerous plant-based foods and beverages and is known to have an impact on the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of resveratrol and its underlying mechanisms by employing an aortic ring assay model. Resveratrol caused relaxation of aortic rings that had been precontracted with phenylephrine in the presence of endothelium or with potassium chloride in endothelium-intact aortic rings. The vasorelaxant effect was decreased in the absence of an endothelium. The mechanisms underlying the vasorelaxant effect of resveratrol were determined through the addition of antagonists. In the presence of the endothelium, indomethacin (a nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor), methylene blue (cyclic guanosine monophosphate lowering agent), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, selective soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor), Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), tetraethylammonium (TEA, nonselective calcium activator potassium channel blocker), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, voltage-dependent K⁺ channel blocker), barium chloride (BaCl₂, inwardly rectifying K⁺ channel blocker), glibenclamide (non-specific ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel blocker) and propranolol (β-adrenergic receptor blocker) led to a significant reduction in the vasorelaxation effect induced by resveratrol. Resveratrol was also found to reduce Ca²⁺ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and block calcium channels. In conclusion, resveratrol targets multiple signalling pathways for exerting its vasorelaxant effects in the rat aortic ring model in both the presence and absence of endothelium.

The Effect of Resveratrol dose and Duration of Treatment on Blood Pressure in Patients with Cardiovascular Disorders: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Hypertension is an important risk factor that causes many deaths in the world every year. Researchers continue to undertake studies to find an effective drug for reducing blood pressure. One of the phytochemicals that recently attracted the attention of researchers is resveratrol-polyphenol, found in grapes. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the effect of resveratrol as a cardioprotective agent effective in reducing hypertension in patients with hypertension.

METHODS

Studies and clinical articles from databases Scopus, Pubmed, Ovid and Cochrane have been collected until September 2017; the keywords are Blood Pressure, Hypertension, Hypertensive, Cardiovascular, and Resveratrol.

RESULTS

Data from five studies with a total of 229 hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients (men and women) showed that resveratrol plays an important role in reducing blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol appears to have anti-hypertensive effects, depending on the dose and duration of treatment. Researchers attribute one of the important blood pressure reducing mechanisms of resveratrol to increasing levels of NO. Based on the results of this systematic review, it is suggested that more clinical studies be conducted to find the appropriate dose and duration of treatment.

Association between glucose variation and lower extremity amputation incidence in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a nationwide retrospective cohort study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Elevated glucose level is one of the risk factors for lower extremity amputation (LEA), but whether glycaemic variability confers independent risks of LEA remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the association between visit-to-visit glycaemic variability and minor and major LEA risks during 8 years of follow-up in type 2 diabetic individuals aged 50 years and older.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 27,574 ethnic Chinese type 2 diabetic individuals aged ≥50 years from the National Diabetes Care Management Program in Taiwan. Glycaemic variability measures were presented as the CVs of fasting plasma glucose (FPG-CV) and of HbA_1c (A_1c-CV). The effect of glycaemic variability on the incidence of LEA events was analysed using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 8.9 years, 541 incident cases of LEA with a crude incidence density rate of 2.4 per 1000 person-years were observed. After multivariate adjustment, FPG-CV and A_1c-CV were found to be significantly associated with minor LEA, with corresponding HRs of 1.53 (95% CI 1.15, 2.04) and 1.34 (95% CI 1.02, 1.77) for the third tertiles of FPG-CV and A_1c-CV, respectively. In addition, these associations were stronger amongst older adults with longer diabetes duration (≥3 years) than amongst those with shorter duration (<3 years) (p_interaction < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our study suggests that visit-to-visit variations in HbA_1c and FPG are important predictors of minor LEA amongst older adults with type 2 diabetes, particularly for those with more than 3 years of diabetes duration.

Therapeutic effect of resveratrol supplementation on oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Background

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol compound mainly found in grapes and red wine. The evidence has suggested that resveratrol has an antioxidant effect. However, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of resveratrol supplementation on markers of oxidative stress.

Methods

We searched PubMed, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochrane library up to December 2018 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing resveratrol supplementation effects on oxidative markers. Heterogeneity, publication bias, risk of bias and subgroup analysis were analysed. This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred ReportingItems for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).

Results

Meta-analysis of data from 12 RCTs did not support significant effect of resveratrol supplementation on circulating levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (standardized mean difference (SMD) (1.12), (95% CI −0.91 to 3.1), p=0.28), catalase (CAT) (SMD (−0.07), (95% CI −1.4 to 1.3), p=0.92) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (SMD (−0.76), (95% CI −2.56 to 1.04), p=0.40). Although, resveratrol supplementation increased significantly circulating total antioxidant capacity (TAC) concentrations (SMD (0.52), (95% CI −0.02 to 1.07), p=0.05). Severe heterogeneity was observed between studies, and no obvious publication bias was observed in included RCTs.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings of available RCTs did no show any benefit of resveratrol supplementation on SOD, CAT and GPx except for TAC. Well-designed RCTs are necessary to confirm these results.

Shared pathways for neuroprogression and somatoprogression in neuropsychiatric disorders

Activated immune-inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) pathways and consequent mitochondrial aberrations are involved in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders including major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. They offer independent and shared contributions to pathways underpinning medical comorbidities including insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, obesity and cardiovascular disease - herein conceptualized as somatoprogression. This narrative review of human studies aims to summarize relationships between IO&NS pathways, neuroprogression and somatoprogression. Activated IO&NS pathways, implicated in the neuroprogression of psychiatric disorders, affect the pathogenesis of comorbidities including insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, obesity and hypertension, and by inference, metabolic syndrome. These conditions activate IO&NS pathways, exacerbating neuroprogression in psychiatric disorders. The processes whereby proinflammatory cytokines, nitrosative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, NADPH oxidase isoforms, PPARγ inactivation, SIRT1 deficiency and intracellular signalling pathways impact lipid metabolism and storage are considered. Through associations between body mass index, chronic neuroinflammation and FTO expression, activation of IO&NS pathways arising from somatoprogression may contribute to neuroprogression. Early evidence highlights the potential of adjuvants targeting IO&NS pathways for treating somatoprogression and neuroprogression.

Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability and hip fracture risk in older persons

We investigated the association between blood pressure variability measured by the coefficient of variation (CV) of blood pressure and hip fracture in older persons with diabetes. After excluding patients with acute complications and comorbidities, a positive association with similar magnitude of strength was found between BP variability and hip fracture, compared with that in the original analysis.

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is a risk factor of osteoporosis and hip fracture, but studies have yet to investigate whether blood pressure variability measured by the CV of blood pressure can predict hip fracture in older persons with diabetes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 21,160 patients who suffered from type 2 diabetes (age ≥ 50 years) and participated in the National Diabetes Care Management Program in Taiwan. The patients' 1-year variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at the baseline and subsequent hip fracture incidence for 8.2 years were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 937 recorded incident hip fractures. SBP-CV and DBP-CV were classified based on their tertiles. After multivariate adjustment was conducted, SBP-CV found to be a predictor of hip fracture, and its hazard ratio was 1.18 (95% CI 1.00-1.40) for the third tertile compared with the first tertile.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests SBP stability is a predictor for hip fracture incidence in older persons with type 2 diabetes.

The roles of FGF21 in atherosclerosis pathogenesis

FGF21 is a peptide hormone that regulates homeostasis of lipid and glucose as well as energy metabolism. It is mainly expressed and secreted in liver and adipose tissues, and it is expressed in lower amounts in the aorta. Recent clinical and preclinical studies indicate increased serum FGF21 levels in atherosclerosis patients. Also, FGF21 therapy has been reported to reduce the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis in animal models and in vitro studies. Moreover, growing evidence indicates that administration of exogenous FGF21 induces anti-atherosclerotic effects, because of its ability to reduce lipid profile, alleviation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Therefore, FGF21 can not only be considered as a biomarker for predicting atherosclerosis, but also induce protective effects against atherosclerosis. Besides, serum levels of FGF21 increase in various diseases including in diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity, which may be related to initiating and exacerbating atherosclerosis. On the other hand, FGF21 therapy significantly improves lipid profiles, and reduces vascular inflammation and oxidative stress in atherosclerosis related diseases. Therefore, further prospective studies are needed to clarify whether FGF21 can be used as a prognostic biomarker to identify individuals at future risk of atherosclerosis in these atherosclerosis-associated diseases. In this review, we will discuss the possible mechanism by which FGF21 protects against atherosclerosis.

Effects of Resveratrol on the Renin-Angiotensin System in the Aging Kidney

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS), especially the angiotensin II (Ang II)/angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) axis, plays an important role in the aging process of the kidney, through increased tissue reactive oxygen species production and progressively increased oxidative stress. In contrast, the angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7)/Mas receptor (MasR) axis, which counteracts the effects of Ang II, is protective for end-organ damage. To evaluate the ability of resveratrol (RSV) to modulate the RAS in aging kidneys, eighteen-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into two groups that received either normal mouse chow or chow containing resveratrol, for six months. Renal expressions of RAS components, as well as pro- and antioxidant enzymes, were measured and mouse kidneys were isolated for histopathology. Resveratrol-treated mice demonstrated better renal function and reduced albuminuria, with improved renal histologic findings. Resveratrol suppressed the Ang II/AT1R axis and enhanced the AT2R/Ang 1-7/MasR axis. Additionally, the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, 3-nitrotyrosine, collagen IV, and fibronectin was decreased, while the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and superoxide dismutase 2 was increased by resveratrol treatment. These findings demonstrate that resveratrol exerts protective effects on aging kidneys by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, through Ang II suppression and MasR activation.

A Reduction in ADAM17 Expression Is Involved in the Protective Effect of the PPAR-α Activator Fenofibrate on Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) agonist fenofibrate ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy; however, its mechanism of action has not been completely determined. Our previous study indicated that a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-17 (ADAM17) is required for angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. This study aimed to determine whether ADAM17 is involved in the protective action of fenofibrate against cardiac hypertrophy. Abdominal artery constriction- (AAC-) induced hypertensive rats were used to observe the effects of fenofibrate on cardiac hypertrophy and ADAM17 expression. Primary cardiomyocytes were pretreated with fenofibrate (10 μM) for 1 hour before being stimulated with angiotensin II (100 nM) for another 24 hours. Fenofibrate reduced the ratios of left ventricular weight to body weight (LVW/BW) and heart weight to body weight (HW/BW), left ventricular anterior wall thickness (LVAW), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPW), and ADAM17 mRNA and protein levels in left ventricle in AAC-induced hypertensive rats. Similarly, in vitro experiments showed that fenofibrate significantly attenuated angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and diminished ADAM17 mRNA and protein levels in primary cardiomyocytes stimulated with angiotensin II. In summary, a reduction in ADAM17 expression is associated with the protective action of PPAR-α agonists against pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Cardiovascular Protective Effects and Clinical Applications of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phenol that is generated by plant species following injury or attack by bacterial and fungal pathogens. This compound was first described as the French Paradox in 1992. Later in 2003, resveratrol was reported to activate sirtuins in yeast cells. Recent experimental studies have found that resveratrol offers a variety of benefits that include both anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects in addition to the ability to reverse obesity, attenuate hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, protect heart and endothelial function, and increase the life span. Multiple molecular targets are associated with the cardioprotective capabilities of resveratrol, and therefore, resveratrol has potential for a wide range of new therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion, metabolic syndrome, cardiac failure, and inflammatory alterations during aging. Expectations for application in human patients, however, suffer from a lack of sufficient clinical evidence in support of these beneficial effects. This article reviews recently reported basic research results that describe the beneficial effects of resveratrol in an attempt to condense the evidence observed in clinical trials and provide support for the future development of novel clinical therapeutics in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Resveratrol rescues hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction via activation of Akt

Resveratrol (RSV), a phytoalexin, has shown to prevent endothelial dysfunction and reduce diabetic vascular complications and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the signaling mechanisms underlying the protecting effects of RSV against endothelial dysfunction during hyperglycemia in vitro and in vivo. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with RSV, and then exposed to high glucose (HG, 30 mmol/L). Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation, eNOS-Ser1177 phosphorylation, and PTEN protein levels in the cells were detected using Western blot. For in vivo studies, WT and Akt^-/- mice were fed a normal diet containing RSV (400 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) for 2 weeks, then followed by injection of STZ to induce hyperglycemia (300 mg/dL). Endothelial function was evaluated using aortic rings by assessing ACh-induced vasorelaxation. RSV (5-20 μmol/L) dose-dependently increased Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation, accompanied by increased eNOS-Ser1177 phosphorylation in HUVECs; these effects were more prominent under HG stimulation. Transfection with Akt siRNA abolished RSV-enhanced eNOS phosphorylation and NO release. Furthermore, RSV (5-20 μmol/L) dose-dependently decreased the levels of PTEN, which was significantly increased under HG stimulation, and PTEN overexpression abolished RSV-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in HG-treated HUVECs. Moreover, RSV dramatically increased 26S proteasome activity, which induced degradation of PTEN. In in vivo studies, pretreatment with RSV significantly increased Akt and eNOS phosphorylation in aortic tissues and ACh-induced vasorelaxation, and improved diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction in wild-type mice but not in Akt^-/- mice. RSV attenuates endothelial function during hyperglycemia via activating proteasome-dependent degradation of PTEN, which increases Akt phosphorylation, and consequentially upregulation of eNOS-derived NO production.

Effects of Hypobaric Hypoxia on Rat Retina and Protective Response of Resveratrol to the Stress

High-altitude retinopathy represents retinal functional changes associated with environmental challenges imposed by hypobaric hypoxia, but the detailed cellular and molecular mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. Our current investigation was to explore the effect of hypobaric hypoxia on the rat retina and determine whether resveratrol has a protective efficacy on the hypoxic damage to the retina. Experiment rats were randomly grouped as the control group, hypoxia group and resveratrol intervention group. The hypoxia group and the resveratrol intervention group were maintained in a low-pressure oxygen cabin, and the resveratrol intervention group was given daily intraperitoneal injections with resveratrol. We found that hypobaric hypoxia increased thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) and thioredoxin 2 (Trx2) expression in retinas, and resveratrol treatment significantly reversed these changes (P < 0.05, P < 0.05 respectively). In comparison with controls, hypoxia upregulated the mRNA expression levels of caspase3 (P < 0.001), caspase9 (P < 0.01), heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) (P < 0.05), heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) (P < 0.001) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) (P < 0.05). Resveratrol administration caused a significant decrease in the gene expression of caspase3 (P< 0.001), HSP90 (P < 0.05) and HIF-1 mRNA (P < 0.01) as well as an increase in HSP70 mRNA when compared with the hypoxia group. These findings indicated that resveratrol exerted an anti-oxidative role by modulating hypoxia stress- associated genes and an anti-apoptosis role by regulating apoptosis-related cytokines. In conclusion, hypobaric hypoxia may have a pathological impact on rat retinas. The intervention of resveratrol reverses the effect induced by hypobaric hypoxia and elicits a protective response to the stress.

Resveratrol

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in both men and women and has largely been attributed to genetic makeup and lifestyle factors. However, genetic regulation does not fully explain the pathophysiology. Recently, epigenetic regulation, the regulation of the genetic code by modifications that affect the transcription and translation of target genes, has been shown to be important. Silent information regulator-2 proteins or sirtuins are an epigenetic regulator family of class III histone deacetylases (HDACs), unique in their dependency on coenzyme NAD+, that are postulated to mediate the beneficial effects of calorie restriction, thus promoting longevity by reducing the incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and CVD. Emerging evidence shows that SIRT1 is ubiquitously expressed throughout the body. Resveratrol, a plant polyphenol, has cardioprotective effects and its mechanism of action is attributed to regulation of SIRT1. Incoproation of resveratrol into the diet may be a powerful therapeutic option for the prevention and treatment of CVD.

Modeling Disease Progression: Angiotensin II Indirectly Inhibits Nitric Oxide Production via ADMA Accumulation in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Nitric oxide (NO) production impairment is involved in the onset and development of hypertension. Although NO production impairment in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) has been reported in a variety of researches, the time course of this progressive procedure, as well as its relationship with asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and angiotensin II (Ang II), has not been quantified. The aim of this research is to establish a mechanism-based disease progression model to assess Ang II and ADMA's inhibition of NO production in SHR's disease progression with/without ramipril's intervention. SHR were randomly divided into three groups: one disease group (n = 8) and two treatment groups (n = 8 for each group): standard treatment group (receiving ramipril 2 mg/kg^*day) and intensive treatment group (receiving ramipril 10 mg/kg^*day). ADMA, Ang II, NO, and SBP were determined weekly. Intensive treatment with ramipril was found to have no further attenuation of plasma NO and ADMA than standard treatment beyond its significantly stronger antihypertensive effects. Four linked turnover models were developed to characterize the profiles of ADMA, Ang II, NO, and SBP during hypertensive disease progression with/without ramipril intervention. Our model described Ang II and ADMA's contribution to NO production impairment and their responses to ramipril treatment throughout the disease progression in SHR. Model simulations suggested that Ang II affected NO production mainly through inhibiting ADMA elimination rather than affecting nitric oxide synthase (NOS) directly.

WITHDRAWN: Resveratrol increases microRNA-130a expression to promote angiogenesis and improve heart functions in mice after myocardial infarction

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Homocysteine and hydrogen sulfide in epigenetic, metabolic and microbiota related renovascular hypertension

Over the past several years, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been shown to be an important player in a variety of physiological functions, including neuromodulation, vasodilation, oxidant regulation, inflammation, and angiogenesis. H₂S is synthesized primarily through metabolic processes from the amino acid cysteine and homocysteine in various organ systems including neuronal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and kidney. Derangement of cysteine and homocysteine metabolism and clearance, particularly in the renal vasculature, leads to H₂S biosynthesis deregulation causing or contributing to existing high blood pressure. While a variety of environmental influences, such as diet can have an effect on H₂S regulation and function, genetic factors, and more recently epigenetics, also have a vital role in H₂S regulation and function, and therefore disease initiation and progression. In addition, new research into the role of gut microbiota in the development of hypertension has highlighted the need to further explore these microorganisms and how they influence the levels of H₂S throughout the body and possibly exploiting microbiota for use of hypertension treatment. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the field of hypertension research emphasizing renal contribution and how H₂S physiology can be exploited as a possible therapeutic strategy to ameliorate kidney dysfunction as well as to control blood pressure.

Resveratrol attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced dysfunction of blood-brain barrier in endothelial cells via AMPK activation

Resveratrol, a phytoalexin, is reported to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in vascular cells. The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by specialized brain endothelial cells that are interconnected by tight junctions, strictly regulates paracellular permeability to maintain an optimal extracellular environment for brain homeostasis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of resveratrol and the role of AMPK in BBB dysfunction induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Exposure of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) to LPS (1 µg/ml) for 4 to 24 hours week dramatically increased the permeability of the BBB in parallel with lowered expression levels of occluding and claudin-5, which are essential to maintain tight junctions in HBMECs. In addition, LPS significantly increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) productions. All effects induced by LPS in HBVMCs were reversed by adenoviral overexpression of superoxide dismutase, inhibition of NAD(P) H oxidase by apocynin or gain-function of AMPK by adenoviral overexpression of constitutively active mutant (AMPK-CA) or by resveratrol. Finally, upregulation of AMPK by either AMPK-CA or resveratrol abolished the levels of LPS-enhanced NAD(P)H oxidase subunits protein expressions. We conclude that AMPK activation by resveratrol improves the integrity of the BBB disrupted by LPS through suppressing the induction of NAD(P)H oxidase-derived ROS in HBMECs.

Resveratrol via activation of LKB1-AMPK signaling suppresses oxidative stress to prevent endothelial dysfunction in diabetic mice

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol, a phytoalexin, is reported to activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in vascular cells. Whether resveratrol via activation of AMPK improves endothelial dysfunction in diabetes remains unknown. Here, we reported that activation of AMPK is required for resveratrol-induced improvement of endothelial function in diabetic mice.

METHODS

AMPK phosphorylation and activity, productions of reactive oxygen species, endothelium-dependent/independent relaxation were determined in vitro or in vivo.

RESULTS

Exposure of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to resveratrol activates AMPK by increasing the thr172 phosphorylation and its activities in time/dose-dependent manner. Loss function of liver kinase B1 by siRNA or mutant abolished resveratrol-induced AMPK activation. Incubation of endothelial cells with high glucose (HG) markedly induced oxidative stress of HUVECs, which was abolished by resveratrol in AMPK-dependent manner. In isolated mice aortas, resveratrol, AICAR or apocynin improved endothelium-dependent relaxation impaired by HG. In animal studies, streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia dramatically increased oxidative stress and caused endothelial dysfunction, which were reversed by administration of resveratrol.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that AMPK activation is required for resveratrol to improve endothelial function in diabetic mice.

Resveratrol lowers blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats via calcium-dependent endothelial NO production

OBJECTIVE

Resveratrol, a polyphenol of natural compounds, has beneficial cardiovascular effects, many of which are mediated by nitric oxide (NO). Resveratrol increases intracellular calcium and activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), all of which could increase NO production. We hypothesized that resveratrol via a calcium-dependent NO production lowers blood pressure (BP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

METHODS

Acetylcholine (Ach)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxations in rat aortas were examined by organ chamber. Blood pressures were determined by radiotelemetry methods.

RESULTS

Incubation of isolated aortas from SHR with resveratrol dramatically improved vasorelaxation induced by Ach. Preincubation of aortas with endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) inhibitor or calcium chelant blunted the effects of resveratrol on Ach-induced relaxation, as wells as NO production and eNOS phosphorylation. In animal studies, administration of resveratrol significantly lowered systemic BP in SHR.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol increases endothelial NO production to improve endothelial dysfunction and lowers BP in hypertensive rats, which depends on calcium-eNOS activation.

Therapeutic evaluation of rutin in two-kidney one-clip model of renovascular hypertension in rat

AIM

The current investigation, designed to investigate the role of rutin in two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) induced renovascular dysfunction associated with hypertension in rat.

MAIN METHODS

The renovascular hypertension was developed by the application of vascular clip on left renal artery in rats; the right kidney was kept as such throughout the experimental protocol. The rutin (200 and 300 mg/kg; p.o.) and aliskiren (50mg/kg; p.o.) were administered for 9 consecutive days. The battery of pathophysiological tests i.e., systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and heart rate were performed to assess the anti-hypertensive effect of rutin. In addition, changes of kidney weight/body weight (KW/BW) ratio along with plasma renin content and renal tissue biomarkers i.e., thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBAR) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were estimated.

KEY FINDINGS

The administration of rutin significantly (P<0.05) attenuated the 2K1C of left kidney induced elevated systolic and diastolic pressure in a dose dependent manner. In addition, it also reduces the ratio of KW/BW along with a decrease in plasma renin content, tissue TBARS and increase the GSH levels. There were no significant changes observed in heart rate. Similar results were observed in aliskiren treated group.

SIGNIFICANCE

The anti-hypertensive effect of rutin may be a useful herbal medicine for the management of hypertension due to its potential free radical scavenging, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and plasma renin inhibitory action.

Comparative biochemical responses and antioxidant activities of the rabbit urinary bladder to whole grapes versus resveratrol

The objective of this study is to compare the antioxidant activity of a whole-grape suspension with the antioxidant activity or pure resveratrol on the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on malondialdehyde (MDA) generation, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity, calcium ATPase activity, and sarcoendoplasmic reticular ATPase (SERCA) of the male rabbit urinary bladder. MDA was used as a model for the effect of H2O2 on lipid peroxidation. ChAT, SERCA, and calcium ATPase were evaluated based on their importance in urinary bladder physiology and pathology. Four male rabbit bladders were used. Each bladder was separated into muscle and mucosa, frozen under liquid nitrogen and stored at -80 °C for biochemical evaluation. The effect of H2O2 on the enzymes listed above was determined in the presence and absence of either resveratrol or a whole-grape suspension. (1) Resveratrol was significantly more effective than the grape suspension at protecting the bladder muscle and mucosa against peroxidation as quantitated by MDA formation. (2) The grape suspension was significantly more effective at protecting ChAT activity against oxidative stress of the muscle than resveratrol. (3) Neither the grape suspension nor resveratrol were particularly effective at protecting the bladder muscle or mucosa calcium ATPase or SERCA against oxidative stress. (4) ChAT was significantly more sensitive to oxidative stress than either calcium ATPase or SERCA. These data support the idea that the grape suspension protects the mitochondria and nerve terminals to a significantly greater degree than resveratrol which suggests that the activities of the grape suspension are due to the combination of active components found in the grape suspension and not just resveratrol alone.

Inflammation, oxidative stress and renin angiotensin system in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with cardiovascular dysfunction including myocardial infarction, unstable angina, sudden cardiac death, stroke and peripheral thromboses. It has been predicted that atherosclerosis will be the primary cause of death in the world by 2020. Atherogenesis is initiated by endothelial injury due to oxidative stress associated with cardiovascular risk factors including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cigarette smoking, dyslipidemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. The impairment of the endothelium associated with cardiovascular risk factors creates an imbalance between vasodilating and vasoconstricting factors, in particular, an increase in angiotensin II (Ang II) and a decrease in nitric oxide. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and its primary mediator Ang II, also have a direct influence on the progression of the atherosclerotic process via effects on endothelial function, inflammation, fibrinolytic balance, and plaque stability. Anti-inflammatory agents [statins, secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 inhibitor, 5-lipoxygenase activating protein, chemokine motif ligand-2, C-C chemokine motif receptor 2 pathway inhibitors, methotrexate, IL-1 pathway inhibitor and RAS inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)], Ang II receptor blockers and ranin inhibitors may slow inflammatory processes and disease progression. Several studies in human using anti-inflammatory agents and RAS inhibitors revealed vascular benefits and reduced progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with stable angina pectoris; decreased vascular inflammatory markers, improved common carotid intima-media thickness and plaque volume in patients with diagnosed atherosclerosis. Recent preclinical studies have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy of vitamin D analogs paricalcitol in ApoE-deficient atherosclerotic mice.

Effect of paricalcitol and enalapril on renal inflammation/oxidative stress in atherosclerosis

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of paricalcitol and enalapril on renal inflammation and oxidative stress in ApoE-knock out mice.

METHODS: Animals treated for 4 mo as group (1) ApoE-knock out plus vehicle, group (2) ApoE-knock out plus paricalcitol (200 ng thrice a week), (3) ApoE-knock out plus enalapril (30 mg/L), (4) ApoE-knock out plus paricalcitol plus enalapril and (5) normal. Blood pressure (BP) was recorded using tail cuff method. The kidneys were isolated for biochemical assays using spectrophotometer and Western blot analyses.

RESULTS: ApoE-deficient mice developed high BP (127 ± 3 mmHg) and it was ameliorated by enalapril and enalapril plus paricalcitol treatments but not with paricalcitol alone. Renal malondialdehyde concentrations, p22^phox, manganese-superoxide dismutase, inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-β1 levels significantly elevated but reduced glutathione, CuZn-SOD and eNOS levels significantly depleted in ApoE-knock out animals compared to normal. Administration of paricalcitol, enalapril and combined together ameliorated the renal inflammation and oxidative stress in ApoE-knock out animals.

CONCLUSION: Paricalcitol and enalapril combo treatment ameliorates renal inflammation as well as oxidative stress in atherosclerotic animals.

Anti-Inflammatory and Organ-Protective Effects of Resveratrol in Trauma-Hemorrhagic Injury

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound of grape and red wine, owns potential anti-inflammatory effects, which results in the reduction of cytokines overproduction, the inhibition of neutrophil activity, and the alteration of adhesion molecules expression. Resveratrol also possesses antioxidant, anti-coagulation and anti-aging properties, and it may control of cell cycle and apoptosis. Resveratrol has been shown to reduce organ damage following traumatic and shock-like states. Such protective phenomenon is reported to be implicated in a variety of intracellular signaling pathways including the activation of estrogen receptor, the regulation of the sirtuin 1/nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinases/hemeoxygenase-1 pathway, and the mediation of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species formation and reaction. In the recent studies, resveratrol attenuates hepatocyte injury and improves cardiac contractility due to reduction of proinflammatory mediator expression and ameliorates hypoxia-induced liver and kidney mitochondrial dysfunction following trauma and hemorrhagic injuries. Moreover, through anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant properties, the resveratrol is believed to protect organ function in trauma-hemorrhagic injury. In this review, the organ-protective and anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol in trauma-hemorrhagic injury will be discussed.

Chronic oxidative stress leads to malignant transformation along with acquisition of stem cell characteristics, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human renal epithelial cells

Oxidative injury to cellular macromolecules has been suggested as a common pathway shared by multiple etiological factors for kidney cancer. Whether the chronic oxidative stress alone is sufficient to induce malignant transformation in human kidney cells is not clear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of H2O2-induced chronic oxidative stress on growth, and malignant transformation of HK-2 normal kidney epithelial cells. This study revealed that chronic oxidative stress causes increased growth and neoplastic transformation in normal kidney epithelial cells at non-cytotoxic dose and increased adaptation to cytotoxic level. This was confirmed by gene expression changes, cell cycle analysis, anchorage independent growth assay and in vivo tumorigenicity in nude mice. Stem cells characteristics as revealed by up-regulation of stem cell marker genes, and morphological changes indicative of EMT with up regulation of mesenchymal markers were also observed in cells exposed to chronic oxidative stress. Antioxidant NAC did not reverse the chronic oxidative stress-induced growth, and adaptation suggesting that perturbed biological function in these cells are permanent. Partial reversal of oxidative stress-induced growth, and adaptation by silencing of Oct 4 and Snail1, respectively, suggest that these changes are mediated by acquisition of stem cell and EMT characteristics. In summary, this study for the first time suggests that chronic exposure to elevated levels of oxidative stress is sufficient to induce malignant transformation in kidney epithelial cells through acquisition of stem cell characteristics. Additionally, the EMT plays an important role in increased adaptive response of renal cells to oxidative stress.