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Pankova O, Korzh O. Significance of plasma relaxin-2 levels in patients with primary hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Wien Med Wochenschr 2024; 174:161-172. [PMID: 38451351 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-024-01035-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate plasma relaxin‑2 (RLN-2) levels in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and their relationships with clinical and laboratory parameters. METHODS The study involved 106 hypertensive patients, including 55 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and 30 control subjects. Plasma RLN-2 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS RLN-2 levels were reduced in patients with AH compared to healthy volunteers (p < 0.001), and hypertensive patients with T2DM had lower RLN-2 levels than those without impaired glucose metabolism (p < 0.001). RLN‑2 was negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p < 0.001) and anthropometric parameters such as body mass index (BMI; p = 0.027), neck (p = 0.045) and waist (p = 0.003) circumferences, and waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.011). RLN‑2 also had inverse associations with uric acid levels (p = 0.019) and lipid profile parameters, particularly triglycerides (p < 0.001) and non-HDL-C/HDL‑C (p < 0.001), and a positive relationship with HDL‑C (p < 0.001). RLN‑2 was negatively associated with glucose (p < 0.001), insulin (p = 0.043), HbA1c (p < 0.001), and HOMA-IR index (p < 0.001). Univariate binary logistic regression identified RLN‑2 as a significant predictor of impaired glucose metabolism (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Decreased RLN-2 levels in patients with AH and T2DM and established relationships of RLN‑2 with SBP and parameters of glucose metabolism and lipid profile suggest a diagnostic role of RLN‑2 as a biomarker for AH with T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Pankova
- Department of General Practice-Family Medicine, Kharkiv National Medical University, Heroiv Kharkova Ave., 275, 61106, Kharkiv, Ukraine.
| | - Oleksii Korzh
- Department of General Practice-Family Medicine, Kharkiv National Medical University, Heroiv Kharkova Ave., 275, 61106, Kharkiv, Ukraine
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Xiong S, He J, Qiu H, van Gestel CAM, He E, Qiao Z, Cao L, Li J, Chen G. Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics causes defective retinal development and function in progeny mice by disturbing metabolic profiles. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141513. [PMID: 38387657 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are widely spreading in our living environment, accumulating in the human body and potentially threating human health. The retina, which is a terminally differentiated extension of the central nervous system, is essential for the visual system. However, the effects and molecular mechanisms of MPs/NPs on retina development and function are still unclear. Here, we investigated the effects and modes of action of polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) on the retina using mice as a mammalian model species. Maternal PS-NP exposure (100 nm) at an environmentally realistic concentration of 10 mg L-1 (or 2.07 *1010 particles mL-1) via drinking water from the first day of pregnancy till the end of lactation (21 days after birth) caused defective neural retinal development in the neonatal mice, by depositing in the retinal tissue and reducing the number of retinal ganglion cells and bipolar cells. Exposure to PS-NPs retarded retinal vascular development, while abnormal electroretinogram (ERG) responses and an increased level of oxidative stress were also observed in the retina of the progeny mice after maternal PS-NP exposure. Metabolomics showed significant dysregulation of amino acids that are pivotal to neuron retinal function, such as glutamate, aspartate, alanine, glycine, serine, threonine, taurine, and serotonin. Transcriptomics identified significantly dysregulated genes, which were enriched in processes of angiogenesis, visual system development and lens development. Regulatory analysis showed that Fos gene mediated pathways could be a potential key target for PS-NP exposure in retinal development and function. Our study revealed that maternal exposure to PS-NPs generated detrimental effects on retinal development and function in progeny mice, offering new insights into the visual toxicity of PS-NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201204, China
| | - Jincan He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - ErKai He
- School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Zhengdong Qiao
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai International Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guangquan Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201204, China.
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Liu K, Sun T, Xu W, Song J, Chen Y, Ruan Y, Li H, Cui K, Zhang Y, Feng Y, Pan J, Liang E, Xin Z, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Luan Y. Relaxin-2 Prevents Erectile Dysfunction by Cavernous Nerve, Endothelial and Histopathological Protection Effects in Rats with Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Injury. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:434-445. [PMID: 36047071 PMCID: PMC10042645 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cavernous nerve injury induced erectile dysfunction (ED) is a refractory complication with high incidence in person under radical prostatectomy. Studies have shown that relaxin-2 (RLX-2) plays a vital role of endothelial protection, vasodilation, anti-fibrosis and neuroprotection in a variety of diseases. However, whether penile cavernous erection can benefit from RLX-2 remains unknown. The purpose of the experiment was to explore the effects of RLX-2 on ED in the rat suffering with bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). MATERIALS AND METHODS The rats were divided into three groups: Sham group was underwent sham operation, BCNI+RLX group or BCNI group was underwent bilateral cavernous nerve crush and then randomly treated with RLX-2 (0.4 mg/kg/d) or saline by continuous administration using a subcutaneously implanted micro pump for 4 weeks respectively. Then, erectile function was evaluated by electrical stimulation of cavernous nerves. Cavernous nerves and penile tissues and were collected for histological evaluation. RESULTS Erectile function of rats with BCNI was partially improved after RLX-2 treatment. The BCNI group had lower expression of relaxin family peptide receptor (RXFP) 1, p-AKT/AKT, p-eNOS/eNOS ratios than sham operation rats, but RLX-2 could partially reversed these changes. Histologically, the BCNI+RLX group had a significant effect on preservation of neurofilament, neuronal glial antigen 2 of penile tissue and nNOS of cavernous nerves when compared with BCNI group. RLX-2 could inhibited the lever of BCNI induced corporal fibrosis and apoptosis via regulating TGFβ1-Smad2/3-CTGF pathway and the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase3. CONCLUSIONS RLX-2 could improve erectile function of BCNI rats by protecting cavernous nerve and endothelial function and suppressing corporal fibrosis and apoptosis via RXFP1 and AKT/eNOS pathway. Our findings may provide a promising treatment for refractory BCNI induced ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Taotao Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenchao Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yinwei Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yajun Ruan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuhong Feng
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiancheng Pan
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Enli Liang
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongcheng Xin
- Male Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yang Luan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Prudencio CB, Nunes SK, Pinheiro FA, Filho CIS, Antônio FI, de Aquino Nava GT, Rudge MVC, Barbosa AMP. Relaxin-2 during pregnancy according to glycemia, continence status, and pelvic floor muscle function. Int Urogynecol J 2022; 33:3203-3211. [PMID: 35657397 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05245-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS To investigate relaxin-2 concentration comparing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and non-GDM patients during pregnancy according to urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic function status. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study evaluating 282 pregnant women from 24 weeks of gestation. The participants were divided into two groups, non-GDM and GDM, according to American Diabetes Association's diabetes mellitus gestational threshold. In addition, according to subanalysis, both groups were subdivided according to the presence of pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence: non-GDM continent, non-GDM incontinent, GDM continent, and GDM incontinent. All participants filled in questionnaires on clinical, obstetric, and urinary continence status (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, ICIQ-SF, and Incontinence Severity Index, ISI), followed by pelvic floor muscle evaluation by the PERFECT scheme in which strength, endurance, and speed of contractions were evaluated. RESULTS Serum relaxin-2 concentrations were significantly lower in pregnant women with pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence in both non-GDM and GDM patients, but GDM showed the lowest concentration. In addition, the stratification of the groups according to pelvic floor muscle strength showed that pregnant patients with GDM and modified Oxford scale 0-2 had significantly lower levels than those who were non-GDM and GDM with Modified Oxford Scale 3-5. Relaxin-2 level was much lower in GDM incontinent pregnant women with MOS 0-2 compared to the other three groups. CONCLUSIONS Lower relaxin-2 concentration was associated with the presence of pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence, but the combination of GDM, pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence, and lower levels of pelvic floor strength led to lower levels of relaxin-2 compared to the other three groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sthefanie Kenickel Nunes
- Postgraduate Program on Tocogynecology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Fabiane Affonso Pinheiro
- Postgraduate Program on Tocogynecology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | - Flávia Ignácio Antônio
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Guilherme Thomaz de Aquino Nava
- Department of Physical Education, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | | | - Angélica Mércia Pascon Barbosa
- Postgraduate Program on Tocogynecology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Botucatu, Brazil. .,School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Chunduri P, Patel SA, Levick SP. Relaxin/serelaxin for cardiac dysfunction and heart failure in hypertension. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2022; 94:183-211. [PMID: 35659372 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The pregnancy related hormone relaxin is produced throughout the reproductive system. However, relaxin also has important cardiovascular effects as part of the adaptation that the cardiovascular system undergoes in response to the extra demands of pregnancy. These effects are primarily mediated by the relaxin family peptide receptor 1, which is one of four known relaxin receptors. The effects of relaxin on the cardiovascular system during pregnancy, as well as its anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties, have led to extensive studies into the potential of relaxin therapy as an approach to treat heart failure. Cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and endothelial cells all possess relaxin family peptide receptor 1, allowing for direct effects of therapeutic relaxin on the heart. Many pre-clinical animal studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of exogenous relaxin on adverse cardiac remodeling including inflammation, fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis, as well as effects on cardiac contractile function. Despite this, clinical studies have yielded disappointing results for the synthetic seralaxin, even though seralaxin was well tolerated. This article will provide background on relaxin in the context of normal physiology, as well as the role of relaxin in pregnancy-related adaptations of the cardiovascular system. We will also present evidence from pre-clinical animal studies that demonstrate the potential benefits of relaxin therapy, as well as discussing the results from clinical trials. Finally, we will discuss possible reasons for the failure of these clinical trials as well as steps being taken to potentially improve relaxin therapy for heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Chunduri
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shrey A Patel
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott P Levick
- Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States.
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Chaudhari K, Choudhary M, Chaudhary K, Verma N, Kumar S, Madaan S, Talwar D. Advancement in Current Therapeutic Modalities in Postpartum Cardiomyopathy. Cureus 2022; 14:e22813. [PMID: 35382200 PMCID: PMC8976525 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is considered one of the most delicate conditions for the woman and her fetus, rendering physiological stress on her body. Sometimes, this leads to unwelcomed incidences of certain systemic disorders which further complicate the course of pregnancy. Cardiovascular conditions associated with pregnancy have major morbidity amongst the general population. Peripartum cardiomyopathy, one such condition associated with cardiac dysfunction during pregnancy, is one of the major causes of increased morbidity and mortality in pregnant women. It has been the leading cause of non-obstetric maternal mortality. Due to the stress on the cardiovascular system, further functioning of the body in the milieu gets compromised and thus, the occurrence of fetomaternal mortality is not rare in the prognosis of this condition. Certain studies have noted not only familial but also geographical variations in the prevalence of peripartum cardiomyopathy in certain areas. Although the occurrence of the condition is quite common, there still needs to be a better understanding of this topic for avoiding the abysmal prognosis of this pathology. A peculiar presentation on the electrogram is needed to make an accurate diagnosis of the condition. The therapeutic options of this condition, particularly incline towards medical management. Various new drugs have been formulated and are in clinical trials for testing their effectiveness. Bromocriptine therapy, along with the neoadjuvant combination of anticoagulant drugs and non-pharmacological measures, makes a good treatment regimen that helps avert the progressive pathology. In this article, we discuss the knowledge regarding the etiology, factors contributing to the severity, pathogenesis, treatment options, and the particular outcomes of the therapy.
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7
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Fu K, Hu Y, Zhang H, Wang C, Lin Z, Lu H, Ji X. Insights of Worsening Renal Function in Type 1 Cardiorenal Syndrome: From the Pathogenesis, Biomarkers to Treatment. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:760152. [PMID: 34970606 PMCID: PMC8712491 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.760152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Type-1 cardiorenal syndrome refers to acute kidney injury induced by acute worsening cardiac function. Worsening renal function is a strong and independent predictive factor for poor prognosis. Currently, several problems of the type-1 cardiorenal syndrome have not been fully elucidated. The pathogenesis mechanism of renal dysfunction is unclear. Besides, the diagnostic efficiency, sensitivity, and specificity of the existing biomarkers are doubtful. Furthermore, the renal safety of the therapeutic strategies for acute heart failure (AHF) is still ambiguous. Based on these issues, we systematically summarized and depicted the research actualities and predicaments of the pathogenesis, diagnostic markers, and therapeutic strategies of worsening renal function in type-1 cardiorenal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Fu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yue Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chen Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zongwei Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huixia Lu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoping Ji
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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van de Wouw J, Steenhorst JJ, Sorop O, van Drie RWA, Wielopolski PA, Kleinjan A, Hirsch A, Duncker DJ, Merkus D. Impaired pulmonary vasomotor control in exercising swine with multiple comorbidities. Basic Res Cardiol 2021; 116:51. [PMID: 34510273 PMCID: PMC8435524 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-021-00891-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension is common in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Here, we tested the hypothesis that comorbidities [diabetes mellitus (DM, streptozotocin), hypercholesterolemia (HC, high-fat diet) and chronic kidney disease (CKD, renal microembolization)] directly impair pulmonary vasomotor control in a DM + HC + CKD swine model. 6 months after induction of DM + HC + CKD, pulmonary arterial pressure was similar in chronically instrumented female DM + HC + CKD (n = 19) and Healthy swine (n = 18). However, cardiac output was lower both at rest and during exercise, implying an elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in DM + HC + CKD swine (153 ± 10 vs. 122 ± 9 mmHg∙L-1∙min∙kg). Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition and endothelin receptor antagonism decreased PVR in DM + HC + CKD (- 12 ± 12 and - 22 ± 7 mmHg∙L-1∙min∙kg) but not in Healthy swine (- 1 ± 12 and 2 ± 14 mmHg∙L-1∙min∙kg), indicating increased vasoconstrictor influences of phosphodiesterase 5 and endothelin. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase produced pulmonary vasoconstriction that was similar in Healthy and DM + HC + CKD swine, but unmasked a pulmonary vasodilator effect of endothelin receptor antagonism in Healthy (- 56 ± 26 mmHg∙L-1∙min∙kg), whereas it failed to significantly decrease PVR in DM + HC + CKD, indicating loss of nitric oxide mediated inhibition of endothelin in DM + HC + CKD. Scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) had no effect on PVR in either Healthy or DM + HC + CKD swine. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, under anesthesia, showed no right ventricular changes. Finally, despite an increased contribution of endogenous nitric oxide to vasomotor tone regulation in the systemic vasculature, systemic vascular resistance at rest was higher in DM + HC + CKD compared to Healthy swine (824 ± 41 vs. 698 ± 35 mmHg∙L-1∙min∙kg). ROS scavenging induced systemic vasodilation in DM + HC + CKD, but not Healthy swine. In conclusion, common comorbidities directly alter pulmonary vascular control, by enhanced PDE5 and endothelin-mediated vasoconstrictor influences, well before overt left ventricular backward failure or pulmonary hypertension develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens van de Wouw
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jarno J Steenhorst
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oana Sorop
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben W A van Drie
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Piotr A Wielopolski
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Kleinjan
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Hirsch
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J Duncker
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne Merkus
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Surgical Research, Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine (WBex), University Clinic Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.
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Transcriptome sequencing provides insights into the mechanism of hypoxia adaption in bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 40:100891. [PMID: 34404015 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia negatively affects the behavior, immunology, physiology, and growth of fish. Therefore, uncovering the genetic mechanisms underlying hypoxia adaptation and tolerance in fish prior to any genetic improvement is essential. Bighead carp is one of the most important freshwater fish species in aquaculture worldwide; however, this species does not have a strong ability to tolerate hypoxia. In this study, the dissolved oxygen level (0.6 mg/L) was maintained above the asphyxiation point of bighead carp for a long time to simulate hypoxia stress. The liver, gills, and heart were sampled before (0 h) and after (1 h, 2 h, 4 h) the hypoxia tests. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the liver were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated at 1 h after hypoxic stress. By observing tissue morphology, the cell structure of the liver and gill tissues was found to change to varying degrees before and after hypoxia stress. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on 36 samples of gill, liver, and heart at four time points, and a total of 293.55G of data was obtained. In the early phase (0-1 h), differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 807 genes upregulated, 654 genes downregulated) were mainly enriched in signal transduction, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions and ECM-receptor interactions. In the middle phase (0-2 h), DEGs (1201 genes upregulated and 2036 genes downregulated) were mainly enriched in regulation and adaptation, such as the MAPK and FoxO signaling pathways. Finally, in the later phase (0-4 h), DEGs (3975 genes upregulated and 4412 genes downregulated) were mainly enriched in tolerance and apoptosis, such as the VEGF signaling pathway and apoptosis. The genes with the most remarkable upregulation at different time points in the three tissues had some similarities. Genetic differences in these genes may be responsible for the differences in hypoxia tolerance among individuals. Altogether, our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of hypoxia adaptation in fish. Further, the key regulatory genes identified provide genetic resources for breeding hypoxia-tolerant bighead carp species.
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10
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Aragón-Herrera A, Feijóo-Bandín S, Moraña-Fernández S, Anido-Varela L, Roselló-Lletí E, Portolés M, Tarazón E, Lage R, Moscoso I, Barral L, Bani D, Bigazzi M, Gualillo O, González-Juanatey JR, Lago F. Relaxin has beneficial effects on liver lipidome and metabolic enzymes. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21737. [PMID: 34143495 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002620rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Relaxin is an insulin-like hormone with pleiotropic protective effects in several organs, including the liver. We aimed to characterize its role in the control of hepatic metabolism in healthy rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with human recombinant relaxin-2 for 2 weeks. The hepatic metabolic profile was analyzed using UHPLC-MS platforms. Hepatic gene expression of key enzymes of desaturation (Fads1/Fads2) of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) N-methyltransferase (Pemt), of fatty acid translocase Cd36, and of glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (Gpi) were quantified by Real Time-PCR. Activation of 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was analyzed by Western Blot. Relaxin-2 significantly modified the hepatic levels of 19 glycerophospholipids, 2 saturated (SFA) and 1 monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids (FA), 3 diglycerides, 1 sphingomyelin, 2 aminoacids, 5 nucleosides, 2 nucleotides, 1 carboxylic acid, 1 redox electron carrier, and 1 vitamin. The most noteworthy changes corresponded to the substantially decreased lysoglycerophospholipids, and to the clearly increased FA (16:1n-7/16:0) and MUFA + PUFA/SFA ratios, suggesting enhanced desaturase activity. Hepatic gene expression of Fads1, Fads2, and Pemt, which mediates lipid balance and liver health, was increased by relaxin-2, while mRNA levels of the main regulator of hepatic FA uptake Cd36, and of the essential glycolysis enzyme Gpi, were decreased. Relaxin-2 augmented the hepatic activation of the hepatoprotector and master regulator of energy homeostasis AMPK. Relaxin-2 treatment also rised FADS1, FADS2, and PEMT gene expression in cultured Hep G2 cells. Our results bring to light the hepatic metabolic features stimulated by relaxin, a promising hepatoprotective molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Aragón-Herrera
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS-SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Feijóo-Bandín
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS-SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Moraña-Fernández
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS-SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Cardiology Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela and Health Research Institute, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Anido-Varela
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS-SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Esther Roselló-Lletí
- CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiocirculatory Unit, Health Institute La Fe University Hospital (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Portolés
- CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiocirculatory Unit, Health Institute La Fe University Hospital (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Estefanía Tarazón
- CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiocirculatory Unit, Health Institute La Fe University Hospital (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Lage
- CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiology Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela and Health Research Institute, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Isabel Moscoso
- CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiology Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela and Health Research Institute, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Luis Barral
- Polymers Research Group, Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of A Coruña, Polytechnic University School of Serantes, Ferrol, Spain
| | - Daniele Bani
- Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Bigazzi
- Endocrine Section, Prosperius Institute, Florence, Italy
| | - Oreste Gualillo
- SERGAS (Servizo Galego de Saúde) and IDIS (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago) NEIRID Lab (Neuroendocrine Interactions in Rheumatology and Inflammatory Diseases), Research Laboratory 9, Santiago University Clinical Hospital, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Ramón González-Juanatey
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS-SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Lago
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, Institute of Biomedical Research of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS-SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,CIBERCV, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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11
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Martins RC, Pintalhão M, Leite-Moreira A, Castro-Chaves P. Relaxin and the Cardiovascular System: from Basic Science to Clinical Practice. Curr Mol Med 2021; 20:167-184. [PMID: 31642776 DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666191023121607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin was originally linked to reproductive physiology, where it is believed to mediate systemic and renal hemodynamic adjustments to pregnancy. Recently, its broad range of effects in the cardiovascular system has been the focus of intensive research regarding its implications under pathological conditions and potential therapeutic potential. An understanding of the multitude of cardioprotective actions prompted the study of serelaxin, recombinant human relaxin-2, for the treatment of acute heart failure. Despite early promising results from phase II studies, recently revealed RELAX-AHF-2 outcomes were rather disappointing and the treatment for acute heart failure remains an unmet medical need. This article reviews the physiologic actions of relaxin on the cardiovascular system and its relevance in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. We summarize the most updated clinical data and discuss future directions of serelaxin for the treatment of acute heart failure. This should encourage additional work to determine how can relaxin's beneficial effects be exploited for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Clara Martins
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Porto, Portugal.,Internal Medicine Department, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Pintalhão
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Porto, Portugal.,Internal Medicine Department, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - Adelino Leite-Moreira
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paulo Castro-Chaves
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, Porto, Portugal.,Internal Medicine Department, São João Hospital Centre, Porto, Portugal
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12
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Eftekhari A, Arjmand A, Asheghvatan A, Švajdlenková H, Šauša O, Abiyev H, Ahmadian E, Smutok O, Khalilov R, Kavetskyy T, Cucchiarini M. The Potential Application of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Liver Fibrosis Theranostics. Front Chem 2021; 9:674786. [PMID: 34055744 PMCID: PMC8161198 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.674786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide due to chronic liver damage and leading to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. To date, there is no effective and specific therapy for patients with hepatic fibrosis. As a result of their various advantages such as biocompatibility, imaging contrast ability, improved tissue penetration, and superparamagnetic properties, magnetic nanoparticles have a great potential for diagnosis and therapy in various liver diseases including fibrosis. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms and important factors for hepatic fibrosis and on potential magnetic nanoparticles-based therapeutics. New strategies for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis are also discussed, with a summary of the challenges and perspectives in the translational application of magnetic nanoparticles from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Eftekhari
- Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
- Polymer Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Russian Institute for Advanced Study, Moscow State Pedagogical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Department of Surface Engineering, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Ondrej Šauša
- Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Nuclear Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Huseyn Abiyev
- Department of Biochemistry, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Elham Ahmadian
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Oleh Smutok
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, United States
- Institute of Cell Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Rovshan Khalilov
- Russian Institute for Advanced Study, Moscow State Pedagogical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Baku State University, Baku, Azerbaijan
- Institute of Radiation Problems, National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Taras Kavetskyy
- Department of Surface Engineering, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
- Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Drohobych Ivan Franko State Pedagogical University, Drohobych, Ukraine
| | - Magali Cucchiarini
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
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13
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Ahmed MM, Tazyeen S, Alam A, Farooqui A, Ali R, Imam N, Tamkeen N, Ali S, Malik MZ, Ishrat R. Deciphering key genes in cardio-renal syndrome using network analysis. Bioinformation 2021; 17:86-100. [PMID: 34393423 PMCID: PMC8340714 DOI: 10.6026/97320630017086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardio-renal syndrome (CRS) is a rapidly recognized clinical entity which refers to the inextricably connection between heart and renal impairment, whereby abnormality to one organ directly promotes deterioration of the other one. Biological markers help to gain insight into the pathological processes for early diagnosis with higher accuracy of CRS using known clinical findings. Therefore, it is of interest to identify target genes in associated pathways implicated linked to CRS. Hence, 119 CRS genes were extracted from the literature to construct the PPIN network. We used the MCODE tool to generate modules from network so as to select the top 10 modules from 23 available modules. The modules were further analyzed to identify 12 essential genes in the network. These biomarkers are potential emerging tools for understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms for the early diagnosis of CRS. Ontological analysis shows that they are rich in MF protease binding and endo-peptidase inhibitor activity. Thus, this data help increase our knowledge on CRS to improve clinical management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Murshad Ahmed
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025, India
| | - Safia Tazyeen
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025, India
| | - Aftab Alam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025, India
| | - Anam Farooqui
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025, India
| | - Rafat Ali
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025, India
| | - Nikhat Imam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025, India
| | - Naaila Tamkeen
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025, India
| | - Shahnawaz Ali
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025, India
| | - Md Zubbair Malik
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-1100067, India
| | - Romana Ishrat
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025, India
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14
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Ersbøll AS, Goetze JP, Johansen M, Hauge MG, Sliwa K, Vejlstrup N, Gustafsson F, Damm P. Biomarkers and Their Relation to Cardiac Function Late After Peripartum Cardiomyopathy. J Card Fail 2021; 27:168-175. [PMID: 33422687 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenic imbalance involving the placental protein soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and cleavage of the nursing-hormone prolactin by the enzyme cathepsin D (CD) both play a role in the pathogenesis of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). We hypothesized that angiogenic imbalance and increased activity of CD have a long-lasting impact in women with PPCM. METHODS AND RESULTS A nationwide Danish cohort of women with PPCM (PPCM group, n = 28), age matched women with previous preeclampsia (n = 28) and uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 28) participated in a follow-up study including biomarker analysis, exercise testing and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The median time to follow-up was 91 months (range 27-137 months) for the PPCM group. Levels of sFlt-1, placental growth factor, N-terminal pro-natriuretic brain peptide, and copeptin were all significantly higher in the PPCM group. More women in the PPCM group had detectable CD activity (68%) compared with the preeclampsia group (29%) and uncomplicated pregnancies group (36%) (P = .0002). Levels of angiogenic factors and biomarkers correlated inversely with maximal exercise capacity and cardiac functional parameters assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSIONS Women with PPCM had higher biomarker levels and CD activity up to 7 years after diagnosis. Higher biomarker levels correlated inversely with maximal exercise capacity and markers of cardiac dysfunction suggesting that persistent angiogenic imbalance and increased CD activity is associated with residual cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens P Goetze
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Karen Sliwa
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Chris Barnard Building, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Niels Vejlstrup
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Finn Gustafsson
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Damm
- Department of Obstetrics; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Adipokines and Inflammation: Focus on Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207711. [PMID: 33081064 PMCID: PMC7589803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that adipose tissue, apart from its energy storage function, acts as an endocrine organ that produces and secretes a number of bioactive substances, including hormones commonly known as adipokines. Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, mainly due to a low grade of inflammation and the excessive fat accumulation produced in this state. The adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity leads to an aberrant release of adipokines, some of them with direct cardiovascular and inflammatory regulatory functions. Inflammation is a common link between obesity and cardiovascular diseases, so this review will summarise the role of the main adipokines implicated in the regulation of the inflammatory processes occurring under the scenario of cardiovascular diseases.
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16
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Papoutsis K, Kapelouzou A, Georgiopoulos G, Kontogiannis C, Kourek C, Mylonas KS, Patelis N, Cokkinos DV, Karavokyros I, Georgopoulos S. Tissue-specific relaxin-2 is differentially associated with the presence/size of an arterial aneurysm and the severity of atherosclerotic disease in humans. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:745-752. [PMID: 32024951 PMCID: PMC7471450 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-019-0350-5] [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: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating or tissue-related biomarkers are of clinical value for risk stratification in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Relaxin-2 (RL2) has been linked to the presence and size of arterial aneurysms, and to the extent of atherosclerosis in human subjects. Here, we assessed the expression levels of RL2 in aneurysmal (AA, n = 16) and atherosclerotic (ATH, n = 22) arteries, and established the correlation between RL2 levels and the presence/size of AA and the clinical severity of atherosclerosis. The expression levels of metalloproteinases (MMPs) and endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS) were also detected for correlations with different phenotypes of atherosclerosis and AA. Temporal artery biopsy specimens (n = 6) and abdominal aortic tissues harvested from accident victims during autopsy (n = 10) were used as controls. Quantitative tissue biomarker analysis revealed that tissue-specific RL2 was increased in patients with larger or symptomatic AA compared to subjects with atherosclerotic disease and healthy controls. In situ RL2 levels were proportional to the size and the severity of aneurysmatic disease, and were substantially elevated in patients with symptomatic aneurysm of any diameter or asymptomatic aneurysm of a diameter >350% of that of the normal artery. In contrast, tissue RL2 was inversely associated with the clinical severity of atherosclerotic lesions. Correlation between RL2 and MMP2 was different between ATH1 and ATH2, depending on atherosclerosis grade. Overall, tissue RL2 is differentially associated with discrete phenotypes of arterial disease and might exert multipotent biological effects on vascular wall integrity and remodeling in human subjects.
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17
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Levada K, Omelyanchik A, Rodionova V, Weiskirchen R, Bartneck M. Magnetic-Assisted Treatment of Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 8:E1279. [PMID: 31635053 PMCID: PMC6830324 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury can be induced by viruses, toxins, cellular activation, and metabolic dysregulation and can lead to liver fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis still remains a major burden on the global health systems. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are considered the main cause of liver fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells are key targets in antifibrotic treatment, but selective engagement of these cells is an unresolved issue. Current strategies for antifibrotic drugs, which are at the critical stage 3 clinical trials, target metabolic regulation, immune cell activation, and cell death. Here, we report on the critical factors for liver fibrosis, and on prospective novel drugs, which might soon enter the market. Apart from the current clinical trials, novel perspectives for anti-fibrotic treatment may arise from magnetic particles and controlled magnetic forces in various different fields. Magnetic-assisted techniques can, for instance, enable cell engineering and cell therapy to fight cancer, might enable to control the shape or orientation of single cells or tissues mechanically. Furthermore, magnetic forces may improve localized drug delivery mediated by magnetism-induced conformational changes, and they may also enhance non-invasive imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Levada
- Institute of Physics, Mathematics and Information Technology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia.
| | - Alexander Omelyanchik
- Institute of Physics, Mathematics and Information Technology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia.
| | - Valeria Rodionova
- Institute of Physics, Mathematics and Information Technology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia.
- National University of Science and Technology "MISiS", 119049 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Medicine III, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
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18
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Serelaxin (recombinant human relaxin-2) treatment affects the endogenous synthesis of long chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids and induces substantial alterations of lipidome and metabolome profiles in rat cardiac tissue. Pharmacol Res 2019; 144:51-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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19
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Nagórniewicz B, Mardhian DF, Booijink R, Storm G, Prakash J, Bansal R. Engineered Relaxin as theranostic nanomedicine to diagnose and ameliorate liver cirrhosis. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 17:106-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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20
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Warbrick I, Rabkin SW. Effect of the peptides Relaxin, Neuregulin, Ghrelin and Glucagon-like peptide-1, on cardiomyocyte factors involved in the molecular mechanisms leading to diastolic dysfunction and/or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Peptides 2019; 111:33-41. [PMID: 29807087 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) represents an important cardiac condition because of its increasing prevalence, resistance to treatment and high associated morbidity and mortality. Two of the major mechanisms responsible for HFpEF are impaired cardiomyocyte sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a), which is responsible for calcium reuptake into the SR, and cardiac fibroblasts/myofibroblasts that produce collagen or myocardial fibrosis. Phospholamban (PLB), in the SR and endoplasmic reticulum, is the primary regulator of SERCA2a in the heart and acts as a reversible inhibitor of SERCA2a. Glucagon-like peptide-1, a 30 amino acid peptide, improves diastolic function through increasing SERCA2a expression and activity as well as by decreasing phosphorylation of Ryanodine receptors. It also enhances collagen production through enhanced procollagen IalphaI/IIIalphaI, connective tissue growth factor, fibronectin, TGF-β3 as well as Interleukin -10, -1beta, and -6 gene expression. Relaxin-2, a two chain, 53 amino acid peptide, increases Ser16- and Thr17-phosphorylation levels of PLB, thereby relieving SERCA2a of its inhibition. H3 Relaxin inhibits TGF-β1-stimulated collagen deposition through H3 relaxin-induced increases in pSmad2. Neuregulin-1, an epidermal growth factor, induces nitric oxide and PI-3 kinase activation that enhance SERCA2 activity. Neuregulin-1 was associated with less myocardial macrophage infiltration and cytokine expression reducing collagen deposition. Ghrelin, a 28 amino acid peptide, improves SERCA2a function by inducing PLB phosphorylation. Ghrelin also reduces cardiac fibrosis. In summary, Glucagon-like peptide-1, Relaxin-2, Neuregulin-1, and Ghrelin each modify calcium dynamics, collagen expression, and myocardial fibrosis through attenuation of deleterious signaling cascades, and induction of adaptive pathways, representing potential therapeutic targets for HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon W Rabkin
- University of British Columbia, Canada; Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Canada.
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21
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Waza AA, Hamid Z, Bhat SA, Shah NUD, Bhat M, Ganai B. Relaxin protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxia-induced damage in in-vitro conditions: Involvement of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Life Sci 2018; 213:25-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.08.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Papoutsis K, Kapelouzou A, Tsilimigras DI, Patelis N, Kouvelos G, Schizas D, Karavokyros I, Georgopoulos S. Associations between serum relaxin 2, aneurysm formation/size and severity of atherosclerosis: a preliminary prospective analysis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2018; 39:1243-1248. [PMID: 29565035 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2018.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum relaxin 2 (RL2) is a pleiotropic hormone that acts on various organs and systems, particularly the cardiovascular system. Although RL2 seems to upregulate the synthesis of nitric monoxide (NO) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, current literature on its role in atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of serum RL2 in patients with an arterial aneurysm as well as in atherosclerotic patients, and correlate them with the severity of their related vascular disease. A total of 53 subjects were enrolled in this study: 37 patients were scheduled to undergo surgery: 21 patients for different forms of atherosclerotic disease (ATH), 16 patients for an arterial aneurysm (AA), 6 patients for undergoing temporal artery biopsy (TAB), and 10 healthy blood donors (HBD) served as the control groups. RL2 was measured using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. RL2 was significantly higher in AA patients compared to ATH (P<0.01), TAB (P<0.001) and HBD (P<0.01). No significant difference was found between the ATH and TAB groups (P>0.05). In addition, ATH and AA patients were further subdivided based on the severity of their disease. Serum RL2 was progressively increased in patients with arterial aneurysms, showing a positive relationship with the size of the aneurysmatic dilatation. By contrast, the RL2 level was inversely related to the severity of the atherosclerotic disease. Studies with a larger cohort incorporating a consistent study population are warranted to verify our results and shed light on the mechanistic background of these processes.
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