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Di Pietro P, Salviati E, Damato A, Prete V, Abate AC, Campiglia P, Vecchione C, Sommella E, Carrizzo A. α acid fraction from Hop extract exerts an endothelium-derived hyperpolarization vasorelaxant effect through TRPV4 employing the feedforward mechanism of PKCα. Food Funct 2024; 15:4180-4192. [PMID: 38506030 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo00058g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Until now, the beneficial vascular properties of Hop reported in the literature have been mainly attributed to specific compound classes, such as tannins and phenolic acids. However, the potential vascular action of a Hop subfraction containing a high amount of α or β acids remains completely understood. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the vascular effects of the entire Hop extract and to fraction the Hop extract to identify the main bioactive vascular compounds. A pressure myograph was used to perform vascular reactivity studies on mouse resistance arteries. Phytocomplex fractionation was performed on a semi-prep HPLC system and characterized by UHPLC-PDA-MS/MS coupled to mass spectrometry. Western blot analysis was performed to characterize the phosphorylation site enrolled. The entire Hop extract exerts a direct dose-dependent endothelial vascular action. The B1 subfraction, containing a high concentration of α acids, recapitulates the vascular effect of the crude extract. Its vasorelaxant action is mediated by the opening of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4), potentiated by PKCα, and subsequent involvement of endothelial small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SKCa) and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (IKCa) that drives endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) through heterocellular myoendothelial gap junctions (MEGJs). This is the first comprehensive investigation of the vascular function of Hop-derived α acids in resistance arteries. Overall, our data suggest that the B1 subfraction from Hop extracts, containing only α acids, has great potential to be translated into the useful armamentarium of natural bioactive compounds with cardiovascular benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Di Pietro
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi, SA, 84081, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Salviati
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, 84084, Italy
| | - Antonio Damato
- IRCCS Neuromed, Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, Pozzilli, IS, 86077, Italy
| | - Valeria Prete
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi, SA, 84081, Italy.
| | - Angela Carmelita Abate
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi, SA, 84081, Italy.
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, 84084, Italy
| | - Carmine Vecchione
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi, SA, 84081, Italy.
- IRCCS Neuromed, Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, Pozzilli, IS, 86077, Italy
| | - Eduardo Sommella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, SA, 84084, Italy
| | - Albino Carrizzo
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi, SA, 84081, Italy.
- IRCCS Neuromed, Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, Pozzilli, IS, 86077, Italy
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Abstract
Isoflavones are polyphenols primarily contained in soybean. As phytoestrogens, isoflavones exert beneficial effects on various chronic diseases. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of death due to arteriosclerosis in individuals with various pathological conditions, including obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Although the health benefits of soybean-derived isoflavones are widely known, their beneficial effects on the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome are incompletely understood. This review aims to describe the association between soybean-derived isoflavone intake and the risk of metabolic syndrome development. We reviewed studies on soy isoflavones, particularly daidzein and genistein, and metabolic syndrome, using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. We describe the pathological characteristics of metabolic syndrome, including those contributing to multiple pathological conditions. Furthermore, we summarize the effects of soybean-derived daidzein and genistein on metabolic syndrome reported in human epidemiological studies and experiments using in vitro and in vivo models. In particular, we emphasize the role of soy isoflavones in metabolic syndrome-induced cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, this review focuses on the potential of soy isoflavones to prevent metabolic syndrome by influencing the onset of hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and arteriosclerosis and discusses the anti-inflammatory effects of isoflavones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Yamagata
- Department of Food Bioscience & Biotechnology, College of Bioresource Science, Nihon University (UNBS), Fujisawa 282-8510, Japan
| | - Yukio Yamori
- Institute for World Health Development, Mukogawa Women’s University, Nishinomiya 663-8143, Japan;
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Fardoun MM, Maaliki D, Halabi N, Iratni R, Bitto A, Baydoun E, Eid AH. Flavonoids in adipose tissue inflammation and atherosclerosis: one arrow, two targets. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:1403-32. [PMID: 32556180 DOI: 10.1042/CS20200356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables, in addition to beverages such as tea and coffee. Flavonoids are emerging as potent therapeutic agents for cardiovascular as well as metabolic diseases. Several studies corroborated an inverse relationship between flavonoid consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or adipose tissue inflammation (ATI). Flavonoids exert their anti-atherogenic effects by increasing nitric oxide (NO), reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, flavonoids alleviate ATI by decreasing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as by attenuating inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, flavonoids inhibit synthesis of fatty acids and promote their oxidation. In this review, we discuss the effect of the main classes of flavonoids, namely flavones, flavonols, flavanols, flavanones, anthocyanins, and isoflavones, on atherosclerosis and ATI. In addition, we dissect the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of action for these flavonoids. We conclude by supporting the potential benefit for flavonoids in the management or treatment of CVD; yet, we call for more robust clinical studies for safety and pharmacokinetic values.
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Malekmohammad K, Sewell RD, Rafieian-Kopaei M. Mechanisms of Medicinal Plant Activity on Nitric Oxide (NO) Bioavailability as Prospective Treatments for Atherosclerosis. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:2591-2601. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200318152049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and objective:
Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of human morbidity globally
and reduced bioavailability of vascular nitric oxide (NO) has a critical role in the progression and development of
the atherosclerotic disease. Loss of NO bioavailability, for example via a deficiency of the substrate (L-arginine)
or cofactors for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), invariably leads to detrimental vascular effects such as
impaired endothelial function and increased smooth muscle cell proliferation, deficiency of the substrate (Larginine)
or cofactors for eNOS. Various medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds or secondary metabolites
with fewer side effects are potentially implicated in preventing cardiovascular disease by increasing NO
bioavailability, thereby ameliorating endothelial dysfunction. In this review, we describe the most notable medicinal
plants and their bioactive compounds that may be appropriate for enhancing NO bioavailability, and
treatment of atherosclerosis.
Methods:
The material in this article was obtained from noteworthy scientific databases, including Web of Science,
PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar.
Results:
Medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds influence NO production through diverse mechanisms
including the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, activating protein kinase C
(PKC)-α, stimulating protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), reducing the conversion of nitrite to NO via nitrate-nitrite
reduction pathways, induction of eNOS, activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine threonine
protein kinase B (AKT) (PI3K/AKT/eNOS/NO) pathway and decreasing oxidative stress.
Conclusion:
Medicinal plants and/or their constituent bioactive compounds may be considered as safe therapeutic
options for enhancing NO bioavailability and prospective preventative therapy for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert D.E. Sewell
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3NB. Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Abstract
Soybeans are among the most popular foods worldwide, and intake of soy-containing foods has been associated with many health benefits in part because of it structure similar to estrogen. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that soy consumption improves serum profiles of hypercholesterolemic patients. Several studies have also indicated an inverse relationship between the consumption of soy isoflavones and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Soy is a rich dietary source of isoflavones. The main soy isoflavones are daidzein and genistein; equol, another isoflavone and a major intestinal bacterial metabolite of daidzein, is generated by enterobacterial effects. Many isoflavones have antioxidative effects and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as induce nitric oxide production to maintain a healthy endothelium and prevent endothelial cell dysfunction. These effects may limit the development of atherosclerosis and CVD and restore healthy endothelial function in altered endothelia. Although the evidence supporting the benefits of soy isoflavones in CVD prevention continues to increase, the association between soy isoflavones and disease is not fully understood. This review summarized recent progress in identifying the preventive mechanisms of action of dietary soybean isoflavones on vascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, it describes the beneficial roles that these isoflavones may have on endothelial dysfunction-related atherosclerosis.
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Mansour DF, Saleh DO, Mostafa RE. Genistein Ameliorates Cyclophosphamide - Induced Hepatotoxicity by Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2017; 5:836-843. [PMID: 29362606 PMCID: PMC5771282 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2017.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: The present study investigated the protective effect of the phytoestrogen, genistein (GEN), against (CP)-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male adult rats were randomly assigned into five groups. Normal control group received the vehicles; CP group received a single dose of CP (200 mg/kg, i.p). The other three groups received subcutaneous GEN at doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg/day, respectively, for 15 consecutive days prior CP injection. Sera and liver tissues were collected forty-eight hours after CP injection for assessment of liver function enzymes (ALT and AST) in rat sera, the hepatic oxidative/nitrosative biomarkers (GSH, MDA and NOx), hepatic interleukin-1β, and myeloperoxidase activity. Immunohistochemistry of cyclooxygenase-2 and histopathological examination of liver tissues were also conducted. RESULTS: The CP-induced acute liver damage was evidenced by elevated serum ALT and AST accompanied by increased hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. Immunohistochemical outcomes revealed hepatic cyclooxygenase-2 expression in CP group with distortion of liver architecture. GEN-pretreatment significantly ameliorated the deterioration of liver function and exerted significant anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity with a marked decline in hepatic cyclooxygenase-2 expression in a dose dependent-manner. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of GEN might contribute to its protective effects against CP-induced liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina F Mansour
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, (ID: 60014618), Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dalia O Saleh
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, (ID: 60014618), Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rasha E Mostafa
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, (ID: 60014618), Dokki, Giza, Egypt
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Saleh DO, Mansour DF. Ovario-protective effects of genistein against cyclophosphamide toxicity in rats: Role of anti-müllerian hormone and oestradiol. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 789:163-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Forte M, Conti V, Damato A, Ambrosio M, Puca AA, Sciarretta S, Frati G, Vecchione C, Carrizzo A. Targeting Nitric Oxide with Natural Derived Compounds as a Therapeutic Strategy in Vascular Diseases. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2016; 2016:7364138. [PMID: 27651855 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7364138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Within the family of endogenous gasotransmitters, nitric oxide (NO) is the smallest gaseous intercellular messenger involved in the modulation of several processes, such as blood flow and platelet aggregation control, essential to maintain vascular homeostasis. NO is produced by nitric oxide synthases (NOS) and its effects are mediated by cGMP-dependent or cGMP-independent mechanisms. Growing evidence suggests a crosstalk between the NO signaling and the occurrence of oxidative stress in the onset and progression of vascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart failure, ischemia, and stroke. For these reasons, NO is considered as an emerging molecular target for developing therapeutic strategies for cardio- and cerebrovascular pathologies. Several natural derived compounds, such as polyphenols, are now proposed as modulators of NO-mediated pathways. The aim of this review is to highlight the experimental evidence on the involvement of nitric oxide in vascular homeostasis focusing on the therapeutic potential of targeting NO with some natural compounds in patients with vascular diseases.
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Abstract
Inflammation, a biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, is also known to be involved in a host of diseases, such as obesity, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. Isoflavones are a class of flavonoids that exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Increasing evidence has highlighted the potential for isoflavones to prevent the chronic diseases in which inflammation plays a key role, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Recently, some studies have raised concerns about isoflavones induced negative effects like carcinogenesis, thymic involution, and immunosuppression. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the anti-inflammatory effects of isoflavones, unravel the underlying mechanisms, and present the potential health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Xiaojuan Bi
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Bing Yu
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Daiwen Chen
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
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Sun L, Zhao T, Ju T, Wang X, Li X, Wang L, Zhang L, Yu G. A Combination of Intravenous Genistein Plus Mg2+ Enhances Antihypertensive Effects in SHR by Endothelial Protection and BKCa Channel Inhibition. Am J Hypertens 2015; 28:1114-20. [PMID: 25714131 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpv005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of combining genistein (GST) plus magnesium (Mg) upon the development of hypertension were examined in 28 twelve-week-old male spontaneous hypertension rats (SHRs). Four experimental groups were tested: SHR (0.9% NaCl and DMSO), SHR + GST (0.9% NaCl and GST 5mg/kg/day), SHR + Mg (Mg(2+) 0.75 mmol/kg/day and DMSO), and SHR + GST + Mg (Mg(2+) 0.75 mmol/kg/day and GST 5mg/kg/day). A group of normotensive genetic control, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were also included for comparison. Drugs were administrated intravenously daily for 30 days. METHODS Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate were measured by tail-cuff plethysmography every five days. Vascular tone of mesenteric arteries was examined by an isometric force transducer. Big-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BKCa) currents were detected by whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. RESULTS SBP in SHRs was significantly elevated vs. that in WKY rats. GST or Mg lowered SBP of SHRs. Their combination enhanced antihypertensive effects, as indicated by significantly lowered SBP and shorter onset times. GST or Mg individually improved endothelial dysfunction of SHRs. However, again their combination enhanced endothelial protection, nearly restoring maximal relaxation responses to those seen in WKY. BKCa currents in SHRs were increased compared with WKY rats. GST, Mg, and their combination restored BKCa currents to those of WKY rats. CONCLUSIONS The combination of GST and Mg produces antihypertensive effects and improvement of endothelial dysfunction, which are substantially greater than that when either is used individually. These results suggest a novel and feasible protocol for the prevention and treatment of hypertension and related cardio- and cerebro-vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ting Ju
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Liming Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China;
| | - Guichun Yu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
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Cui J, Gao L, Yang H, Wang F, Jiang C, Gao Y. Potential beneficial effects of oral administration of isoflavones in patients with chronic mountain sickness. Exp Ther Med 2013; 7:275-279. [PMID: 24348805 PMCID: PMC3861529 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2013.1388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Soy isoflavones (Ifs), which are natural phytoestrogens, have beneficial effects in cardiovascular disease. We have previously shown that genistein, the most active component of Ifs, inhibits pulmonary vascular structural remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy induced by chronic hypoxia in male Wistar rats. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ifs on right ventricular and pulmonary hemodynamics in individuals with chronic mountain sickness (CMS). Twenty-eight male patients living on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau (5,200 m) who were suffering from CMS were treated orally with Ifs (20 mg, twice daily) for 45 days. Physiological and plasma biochemical indices, hematology and echocardiography were investigated. It was observed that 45 days of treatment with Ifs significantly increased blood oxygen saturation and markedly decreased the CMS score and heart rate (all P<0.05) of the subjects. Following treatment with Ifs, hematocrit (P<0.05), hemoglobin concentration (P<0.01) and plasma levels of malondialdehyde (P<0.05) were significantly decreased, while plasma levels of nitric oxide (P<0.01) and the plasma activity of nitric oxide synthase (P<0.01) and superoxide dismutase (P<0.01) were markedly increased compared with the respective values obtained prior to treatment with Ifs. The echocardiography results showed that Ifs significantly decreased the main pulmonary artery diameter (P<0.05), right ventricular end-diastolic anteroposterior diameter (P<0.01), right ventricular end-diastolic trans diameter (P<0.01), right ventricular anterior wall (P<0.01) and right ventricular outflow tract (P<0.01). These results indicate the potential beneficial effects of Ifs in the reduction of excessive erythrocytosis, the alleviation of oxidative damage and the amelioration of right ventricular index and pulmonary hemodynamics in CMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Cui
- Research Center of PLA for Prevention and Treatment of High Mountain Sickness, The 18th Hospital of PLA, Yecheng, Xinjiang 844900, P.R. China
| | - Liang Gao
- Research Center of PLA for Prevention and Treatment of High Mountain Sickness, The 18th Hospital of PLA, Yecheng, Xinjiang 844900, P.R. China
| | - Haijun Yang
- Research Center of PLA for Prevention and Treatment of High Mountain Sickness, The 18th Hospital of PLA, Yecheng, Xinjiang 844900, P.R. China
| | - Fuling Wang
- Research Center of PLA for Prevention and Treatment of High Mountain Sickness, The 18th Hospital of PLA, Yecheng, Xinjiang 844900, P.R. China
| | - Chunhua Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Physiology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine, PLA, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Yuqi Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology and High Altitude Physiology, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine, PLA, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
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Abstract
The study evaluates the effects of genistein on blood pressure (BP) and ultrastructural changes in kidney of fructose-fed hypertensive rats. Male Wistar rats were fed a diet containing 60 % starch or 60 % fructose as the source of carbohydrate. After 15 d, rats in each dietary group were divided into two groups and were treated with either genistein (1 mg/kg per d) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or 30 % DMSO alone. BP, pressor mechanisms, protein kinase C-βII (PKC-βII) expression, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression and renal ultrastructural changes were evaluated after 60 d. Fructose-fed rats displayed significant elevation in BP and heart rate. Significant increase in plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, alterations in renal lipid profile, nitrite and kallikrein activity, enhanced expression of membrane-associated PKC-βII and decreased expression of eNOS were observed in them. Histology and electron microscopic studies showed structural changes in the kidney. Genistein administration lowered BP, restored ACE, PKC-βII and eNOS expression and preserved renal ultrastructural integrity. These findings demonstrate that genistein has effects on eNOS activity in renal cells, leading to eNOS activation and NO synthesis. These effects could have been mediated by activation of PKC-βII. The observed benefits of genistein make it a promising candidate for therapy of diabetic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nallasamy Palanisamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Zhang Z, Lam TN, Zuo Z. RadixPuerariae: An overview of Its Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, and Clinical Use. J Clin Pharmacol 2013; 53:787-811. [DOI: 10.1002/jcph.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Shatin; New Territories; Hong Kong, SAR, P.R.; China
| | - Tai-Ning Lam
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Shatin; New Territories; Hong Kong, SAR, P.R.; China
| | - Zhong Zuo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Shatin; New Territories; Hong Kong, SAR, P.R.; China
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Lin AHY, Li RWS, Ho EYW, Leung GPH, Leung SWS, Vanhoutte PM, Man RYK. Differential ligand binding affinities of human estrogen receptor-α isoforms. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63199. [PMID: 23646196 PMCID: PMC3639985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid non-genomic effects of 17β-estradiol are elicited by the activation of different estrogen receptor-α isoforms. Presence of surface binding sites for estrogen have been identified in cells transfected with full-length estrogen receptor-α66 (ER66) and the truncated isoforms, estrogen receptor-α46 (ER46) and estrogen receptor-α36 (ER36). However, the binding affinities of the membrane estrogen receptors (mERs) remain unknown due to the difficulty of developing of stable mER-transfected cell lines with sufficient mER density, which has largely hampered biochemical binding studies. The present study utilized cell-free expression systems to determine the binding affinities of 17β-estradiol to mERs, and the relationship among palmitoylation, membrane insertion and binding affinities. Saturation binding assays of human mERs revealed that [³H]-17β-estradiol bound ER66 and ER46 with Kd values of 68.81 and 60.72 pM, respectively, whereas ER36 displayed no specific binding within the tested concentration range. Inhibition of palmitoylation or removal of the nanolipoprotein particles, used as membrane substitute, reduced the binding affinities of ER66 and ER46 to 17β-estradiol. Moreover, ER66 and ER46 bound differentially with some estrogen receptor agonists and antagonists, and phytoestrogens. In particular, the classical estrogen receptor antagonist, ICI 182,780, had a higher affinity for ER66 than ER46. In summary, the present study defines the binding affinities for human estrogen receptor-α isoforms, and demonstrates that ER66 and ER46 show characteristics of mERs. The present data also indicates that palmitoylation and membrane insertion of mERs are important for proper receptor conformation allowing 17β-estradiol binding. The differential binding of ER66 and ER46 with certain compounds substantiates the prospect of developing mER-selective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda H. Y. Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Rachel W. S. Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Eva Y. W. Ho
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - George P. H. Leung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Susan W. S. Leung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Paul M. Vanhoutte
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Ricky Y. K. Man
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR
- * E-mail:
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Cheng CP, Tsai SW, Chiu CP, Pan TM, Tsai TY. The effect of probiotic-fermented soy milk on enhancing the NO-mediated vascular relaxation factors. J Sci Food Agric 2013; 93:1219-1225. [PMID: 22996620 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.5880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soy milk is one of the common soy-based foods in Asia. In this study the effects of soy milk fermented with selected probiotics on nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vascular relaxation factors in cell model systems were investigated. RESULTS Soy milk fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10 or Streptococcus thermophilus BCRC 14085 for 48 h showed a greater transformation of glucoside isoflavones to aglycone isoflavones (P < 0.05). An increase in aglycone isoflavones in ethanol extracts from fermented soy milk stimulated NO production and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. It also had a stimulating effect on superoxide anion scavenging and prostaglandin E₂ production. In addition, it enhanced mRNA expression of the E-prostanoid 4 receptor in rat thoracic aorta smooth muscle cells. Moreover, a small amount of O₂⁻ induced by water extracts from fermented soy milk at low concentration (1 mg mL⁻¹) increased the content of calcium ions and activated eNOS, thereby promoting NO production and the coupling state of eNOS. CONCLUSION Soy milk fermented with selected probiotics promotes the relaxation factors of vascular endothelial cells and can be applied in the development of functional foods.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Line
- Cells, Cultured
- Dinoprostone/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Endothelium, Vascular/enzymology
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Fermentation
- Glucosides/metabolism
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/cytology
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/enzymology
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Humans
- Isoflavones/metabolism
- Lactobacillus plantarum/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/enzymology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/chemistry
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism
- Probiotics/metabolism
- Rats
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype/genetics
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype/metabolism
- Soy Milk/metabolism
- Streptococcus thermophilus/metabolism
- Taiwan
- Up-Regulation
- Vasodilation
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Affiliation(s)
- Chein-Pang Cheng
- Department of Food Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan
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16
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Gencel VB, Benjamin MM, Bahou SN, Khalil RA. Vascular effects of phytoestrogens and alternative menopausal hormone therapy in cardiovascular disease. Mini Rev Med Chem 2012; 12:149-74. [PMID: 22070687 DOI: 10.2174/138955712798995020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Phytoestrogens are estrogenic compounds of plant origin classified into different groups including isoflavones, lignans, coumestans and stilbenes. Isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein are the most studied and most potent phytoestrogens, and are found mainly in soy based foods. The effects of phytoestrogens are partly mediated via estrogen receptors (ERs): ERα, ERβ and possibly GPER. The interaction of phytoestrogens with ERs is thought to induce both genomic and non-genomic effects in many tissues including the vasculature. Some phytoestrogens such as genistein have additional non-ER-mediated effects involving signaling pathways such as tyrosine kinase. Experimental studies have shown beneficial effects of phytoestrogens on endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle, and extracellular matrix. Phytoestrogens may also affect other pathophysiologic vascular processes such as lipid profile, angiogenesis, inflammation, tissue damage by reactive oxygen species, and these effects could delay the progression of atherosclerosis. As recent clinical trials showed no vascular benefits or even increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CV events with conventional menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), phytoestrogens are being considered as alternatives to pharmacologic MHT. Epidemiological studies in the Far East population suggest that dietary intake of phytoestrogens may contribute to the decreased incidence of postmenopausal CVD and thromboembolic events. Also, the WHO-CARDIAC study supported that consumption of high soybean diet is associated with lower mortalities from coronary artery disease. However, as with estrogen, there has been some discrepancy between the experimental studies demonstrating the vascular benefits of phytoestrogens and the data from clinical trials. This is likely because the phytoestrogens clinical trials have been limited in many aspects including the number of participants enrolled, the clinical end points investigated, and the lack of long-term follow-up. Further investigation of the cellular mechanisms underlying the vascular effects of phytoestrogens and careful evaluation of the epidemiological evidence and clinical trials of their potential vascular benefits would put forward the use of phytoestrogens as an alternative MHT for the relief of menopausal symptoms and amelioration of postmenopausal CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- V B Gencel
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratory, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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17
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Al-Nakkash L, Martin JB, Petty D, Lynch SM, Hamrick C, Lucy D, Robinson J, Peterson A, Rubin LJ, Broderick TL. Dietary genistein induces sex-dependent effects on murine body weight, serum profiles, and vascular function of thoracic aortae. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 9:295-308. [PMID: 22863843 DOI: 10.1016/j.genm.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The influence on, or interaction of, sex and dietary genistein on serum markers of cardiovascular health and cardiovascular function remain unclear. OBJECTIVES Our purpose was to examine the effects of a genistein-containing diet (600 mg/kg food) (600G) and a genistein-free diet (0G), on cardiovascular risk parameters of male and female mice. METHODS C57BL/6J mice were fed the diets for 1 month, after which time blood pressure, serum markers, and in vitro vascular reactivity was measured. RESULTS Males fed the 600G diet gained significantly less weight than males fed the 0G diet (by 1.71 g); diet had no effect on female weight gain. Males fed the 600G diet also exhibited significantly elevated serum insulin (2.9 [0.5] vs 1.8 [0.4] ng/dL), and decreased serum glucose (0.15 [0.01] vs 0.24 [0.02] ng/dL) levels, resulting in a significant increase in the ratio of insulin to glucose; insulin and glucose levels were not changed by dietary genistein in females. Arterial pressure measurements from 0G-fed males were lower than other groups. However, basal vascular reactivity of isolated aortic rings was significantly increased by the 600G diet in both males (from 0.55 [0.03] to 0.94 [0.18] g) and females (from 0.45 [0.04] to 0.78 [0.09] g). Aortic wall thickness was not affected by diet. Norepinephrine-mediated contractility was also greater in aortic rings of male and female mice fed the 600G diet, and differences from the 0G diet persisted in the presence of L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester but were completely accounted for by increased basal reactivity. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that 1 month of a 600G or 0G diet significantly alters vascular function independent of sex. In contrast, sex-dependent differences exist in well-established serum markers of cardiovascular health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Al-Nakkash
- Department of Physiology, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, USA.
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18
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Tilley AJ, Zanatta SD, Qin CX, Kim IK, Seok YM, Stewart A, Woodman OL, Williams SJ. 2-Morpholinoisoflav-3-enes as flexible intermediates in the synthesis of phenoxodiol, isophenoxodiol, equol and analogues: vasorelaxant properties, estrogen receptor binding and Rho/RhoA kinase pathway inhibition. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:2353-61. [PMID: 22377671 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Revised: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Isoflavone consumption correlates with reduced rates of cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological studies and clinical data provide evidence that isoflavone metabolites, such as the isoflavan equol, contribute to these beneficial effects. In this study we developed a new route to isoflavans and isoflavenes via 2-morpholinoisoflavenes derived from a condensation reaction of phenylacetaldehydes, salicylaldehydes and morpholine. We report the synthesis of the isoflavans equol and deoxygenated analogues, and the isoflavenes 7,4'-dihydroxyisoflav-3-ene (phenoxodiol, haganin E) and 7,4'-dihydroxyisoflav-2-ene (isophenoxodiol). Vascular pharmacology studies reveal that all oxygenated isoflavans and isoflavenes can attenuate phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction, which was unaffected by the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780. Furthermore, the compounds inhibited U46619 (a thromboxane A(2) analogue) induced vasoconstriction in endothelium-denuded rat aortae, and reduced the formation of GTP RhoA, with the effects being greatest for equol and phenoxodiol. Ligand displacement studies of rat uterine cytosol estrogen receptor revealed the compounds to be generally weak binders. These data are consistent with the vasorelaxation activity of equol and phenoxodiol deriving at least in part by inhibition of the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway, and along with the limited estrogen receptor affinity supports a role for equol and phenoxodiol as useful agents for maintaining cardiovascular function with limited estrogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Tilley
- School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Ng CF, Koon CM, Cheung DWS, Lam MY, Leung PC, Lau CBS, Fung KP. The anti-hypertensive effect of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and Gegen (Pueraria lobata) formula in rats and its underlying mechanisms of vasorelaxation. J Ethnopharmacol 2011; 137:1366-1372. [PMID: 21855622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae (Danshen) and Radix Puerariae lobatae (Gegen) have long been used in traditional Chinese Medicine and serve as the principal herbs in treating cardiovascular disease. AIMS OF THE STUDY In the present study, an aqueous extract comprising Danshen and Gegen in the ratio of 7:3 (DG) was investigated for its anti-hypertension in vivo and vasodilative activities ex vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-hypertensive effect of DG extract was investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) by measuring systolic blood pressure (SBP). Oral administration of DG extract was started at age of 6 weeks and 14 weeks for the preventive and therapeutic studies, respectively. Blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff method biweekly for 12 weeks. The ex vivo vasodilative activities of DG extract, its dependency on endothelium and the involvement of nitric oxide, prostacyclin and potassium channels were investigated using isolated rat aorta ring in organ bath. RESULTS For in vivo study, systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in DG extract-treated groups (90.2 and 300 mg/kg) as compared with the SHR control in both preventive and therapeutic studies. However, DG extract was unable to suppress or delay the onset of hypertension in the preventive study. For ex vivo study, the results showed that DG extract induced a concentration-dependent relaxation in aorta and persisted response was observed with the removal of endothelium. Besides, pretreatment with a non-selective potassium channel inhibitor tetraethylammonium (TEA) also significantly inhibited DG extract-induced vasodilation. Further investigations on specific potassium channel blockers revealed that ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel inhibitor glibenclamide, inward rectifier potassium (Kir) inhibitor barium chloride and voltage-dependent potassium (K(v)) channel inhibitor 4-aminopyridine, but not BK(Ca) channel inhibitor iberiotoxin, exerted significant inhibition on DG extract-induced vasodilation. CONCLUSIONS The results of in vivo SHR animal model suggested that DG aqueous extract possessed blood pressure lowering effect on both pre- and post-hypertensive rats, which could be explained by its endothelium-independent vasodilation via the opening of K(ATP), Kir and K(v) channels.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Oral
- Animals
- Antihypertensive Agents/administration & dosage
- Antihypertensive Agents/isolation & purification
- Antihypertensive Agents/pharmacology
- Aorta, Thoracic/drug effects
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aorta, Thoracic/physiopathology
- Blood Pressure/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology
- Epoprostenol/metabolism
- Hypertension/drug therapy
- Hypertension/metabolism
- Hypertension/physiopathology
- Hypertension/prevention & control
- KATP Channels/drug effects
- KATP Channels/metabolism
- Male
- Nitric Oxide/metabolism
- Plants, Medicinal
- Potassium Channel Blockers/pharmacology
- Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying/drug effects
- Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying/metabolism
- Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated/drug effects
- Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated/metabolism
- Pueraria/chemistry
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred SHR
- Rats, Inbred WKY
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry
- Time Factors
- Vasodilation/drug effects
- Vasodilator Agents/administration & dosage
- Vasodilator Agents/isolation & purification
- Vasodilator Agents/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- C F Ng
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
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20
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Jankowski M, Wang D, Danalache B, Gangal M, Gutkowska J. Cardiac oxytocin receptor blockade stimulates adverse cardiac remodeling in ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2010; 299:H265-74. [PMID: 20671291 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00487.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
An increasing amount of evidence demonstrates the beneficial role of oxytocin (OT) in the cardiovascular system. Similar actions are attributed to genistein, an isoflavonic phytoestrogen. The treatment with genistein activates the OT system in the aorta of ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of low doses of genistein on the OT-induced effects in rat hypertension. The hypothesis tested was that treatment of OVX spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) with genistein improves heart structure and heart work through a mechanism involving the specific OT receptor (OTR). OVX SHRs or SD rats were treated with genistein (in microg/g body wt sc, 10 days) in the presence or absence of an OT antagonist (OTA) [d(CH(2))(5), Tyr(Me)(2), Orn(8)]-vasotocin or a nonspecific estrogen receptor antagonist (ICI-182780). Vehicle-treated OVX rats served as controls. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that left ventricular (LV) OTR, downregulated by ovariectomy, increased in response to genistein. In SHRs or SD rats, this effect was blocked by OTA or ICI-182780 administration. The OTR was mainly localized in microvessels expressing the CD31 marker and colocalized with endothelial nitric oxide synthase. In SHRs, the genistein-stimulated OTR increases were associated with improved fractional shortening, decreased blood pressure (12 mmHg), decreased heart weight-to-body weight ratio, decreased fibrosis, and lowered brain natriuretic peptide in the LV. The prominent finding of the study is the detrimental effect of OTA treatment on the LV of SHRs. OTA treatment of OVX SHRs resulted in a dramatic worsening of ejection fractions and an augmented fibrosis. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that cardiac OTRs are involved in the regulation of cardiac function of OVX SHRs. The decreases of OTRs may contribute to cardiac pathology following menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Jankowski
- Centre de recherche, CHUM-Hôtel-Dieu Pav. De Boulion, 3840, rue Saint-Urbain, Montréal, QC, H2W 1T8, Canada.
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21
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Schini-Kerth VB, Auger C, Kim JH, Etienne-Selloum N, Chataigneau T. Nutritional improvement of the endothelial control of vascular tone by polyphenols: role of NO and EDHF. Pflugers Arch 2010; 459:853-62. [PMID: 20224869 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-010-0806-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2009] [Revised: 02/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/13/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies indicate that regular intake of polyphenol-rich beverages (red wine and tea) and foods (chocolate, fruit, and vegetables) is associated with a protective effect on the cardiovascular system in humans and animals. Beyond the well-known antioxidant properties of polyphenols, several other mechanisms have been shown to contribute to their beneficial cardiovascular effects. Indeed, both experimental and clinical studies indicate that polyphenols improve the ability of endothelial cells to control vascular tone. Experiments with isolated arteries have shown that polyphenols cause nitric oxide (NO)-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxations and increase the endothelial formation of NO. The polyphenol-induced NO formation is due to the redox-sensitive activation of the phosphatidylinositol3-kinase/Akt pathway leading to endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activation subsequent to its phosphorylation on Ser 1177. Besides the phosphatidylinositol3-kinase/Akt pathway, polyphenols have also been shown to activate eNOS by increasing the intracellular free calcium concentration and by activating estrogen receptors in endothelial cells. In addition to causing a rapid and sustained activation of eNOS by phosphorylation, polyphenols can increase the expression level of eNOS in endothelial cells leading to an increased formation of NO. Moreover, the polyphenol-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation also involves endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, besides NO, in several types of arteries. Altogether, polyphenols have the capacity to improve the endothelial control of vascular tone not only in several experimental models of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension but also in healthy and diseased humans. Thus, these experimental and clinical studies highlight the potential of polyphenol-rich sources to provide vascular protection in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie B Schini-Kerth
- UMR CNRS 7213, Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 74, route du Rhin, 67401, Illkirch, France.
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22
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Abstract
The Mediterranean diet has been associated with greater longevity and quality of life in epidemiological studies. Indeed, because of the abundance of fruits and vegetables and a moderate consumption of wine, the Mediterranean diet provides high amounts of polyphenols thought to be essential bioactive compounds that might provide health benefits in terms of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Several polyphenol-rich sources, such as grape-derived products, cocoa, and tea, have been shown to decrease mean blood pressure in patients with hypertension. The improvement of the endothelial function is likely to be one of the mechanisms by which polyphenols may confer cardiovascular protection. Indeed, polyphenols are able to induce nitric oxide (NO)-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxations in a large number of arteries including the coronary artery; they can also induce endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated relaxations in some of these arteries. Altogether, these mechanisms might contribute to explain the antihypertensive and cardio-protective effects of polyphenols in vivo. The aim of this review was to provide a nonexhaustive analysis of the effect of several polyphenol-rich sources and isolated compounds on the endothelium in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models as well as in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie B Schini-Kerth
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
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23
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Santini SE, Basini G, Bussolati S, Grasselli F. The phytoestrogen quercetin impairs steroidogenesis and angiogenesis in swine granulosa cells in vitro. J Biomed Biotechnol 2009; 2009:419891. [PMID: 19704917 DOI: 10.1155/2009/419891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence documents that nutritional phytoestrogens may interact with reproductive functions but the exact mechanism of action is still controversial. Since quercetin is one of the main flavonoids in livestock nutrition, we evaluated its possible effects on cultured swine granulosa cell proliferation, steroidogenesis, and redox status. Moreover, since angiogenesis is essential for follicle development, the effect of the flavonoid on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor output by granulosa cells was also taken into account. Our data evidence that quercetin does not affect granulosa cell growth while it inhibits progesterone production and modifies estradiol 17beta production in a dose-related manner. Additionally, the flavonoid interferes with the angiogenic process by inhibiting VEGF production as well as by altering redox status. Since steroidogenesis and angiogenesis are strictly involved in follicular development, these findings appear particularly relevant, pointing out a possible negative influence of quercetin on ovarian physiology. Therefore, the possible reproductive impact of the flavonoid should be carefully considered in animal nutrition.
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Wu J, Muir AD. Isoflavone content and its potential contribution to the antihypertensive activity in soybean Angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitory peptides. J Agric Food Chem 2008; 56:9899-904. [PMID: 18921974 DOI: 10.1021/jf801181a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A soybean angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide fraction was reported to have antihypertensive activity in a rat study. The purpose of the present study was to examine if the presence of isoflavones in the soybean ACE inhibitory peptide fraction may contribute to the blood-pressure-lowering property. The isoflavone concentration in soybean samples was analyzed on a C 18 reverse-phase column using a two-step gradient solvent system. Producing soybean hydrolysate led to a nearly 40% loss of isoflavones compared with the original soybean flour, but the isoflavone composition did not change and the dominant isoflavone chemicals remained as 6''-O-malonylgenistin and 6''-O-malonyldaidzin. Ion exchange chromatography affected significantly both the content and the composition of the isoflavones. The dominant isoflavones in the ion-exchanged fraction were aglycones and nonacylated isoflavones, accounting for 95.8% of the total amount of 987.7 microg/g. It was calculated that the isoflavone content in the soybean ACE inhibitory peptide fraction was 25 times less than the minimal effective isoflavone dose reported. In vitro study also showed that adding isoflavones into both soybean flour hydrolysate and soybean ACE inhibitory peptide samples to a concentration of as high as 31.5% (w/w) did not affect ACE inhibitory activity (IC 50 values). The findings along with previously published results indicated that the contribution of isoflavones in soybean ACE inhibitory peptide fraction to the blood-pressure-lowering property in a short-term feeding study might be negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Wu
- Saskatoon Research Station, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 0X2.
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25
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Seok YM, Baek I, Kim YH, Jeong YS, Lee IJ, Shin DH, Hwang YH, Kim IK. Isoflavone attenuates vascular contraction through inhibition of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008; 326:991-8. [PMID: 18577703 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.108.138529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoflavones decrease blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, and restore vascular function. We hypothesized that isoflavone attenuates vascular contraction by inhibiting RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway. Rat aortic rings were denuded of endothelium, mounted in organ baths, and contracted with 11,9 epoxymethano-prostaglandin F(2alpha) (U46619), a thromboxane A2 analog, or KCl 30 min after the pretreatment with genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone), daidzein (4',7-dihydroxyisoflavone), or vehicle. We determined the phosphorylation level of the myosin light chain (MLC(20)), myosin phosphatase-targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1), and protein kinase C-potentiated inhibitory protein for heterotrimeric myosin light-chain phosphatase of 17 kDa (CPI17) by means of the Western blot. We also measured the amount of GTP RhoA as a marker regarding RhoA activation. The cumulative additions of U46619 or KCl increased vascular tension in a concentration-dependent manner, which were inhibited by pretreatment with genistein or daidzein. Both U46619 (30 nM) and KCl (50 mM) increased MLC(20) phosphorylation levels, which were inhibited by genistein and daidzein. Furthermore, both genistein and daidzein decreased the amount of GTP RhoA activated by either U46619 or KCl. U46619 (30 nM) increased phosphorylation of the MYPT1(Thr855) and CPI17(Thr38), which were also inhibited by genistein or daidzein. However, neither genistein nor daidzein inhibited phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate-induced vascular contraction and CPI17 phosphorylation. In conclusion, isoflavone attenuates vascular contraction, at least in part, through inhibition of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Mi Seok
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-422, Republic of Korea
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26
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López-Sepúlveda R, Jiménez R, Romero M, Zarzuelo MJ, Sánchez M, Gómez-Guzmán M, Vargas F, O’Valle F, Zarzuelo A, Pérez-Vizcaíno F, Duarte J. Wine Polyphenols Improve Endothelial Function in Large Vessels of Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Hypertension 2008; 51:1088-95. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.107.107672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rocío López-Sepúlveda
- From the Department of Pharmacology (R.L.-S., R.J., M.R, M.J.Z., M.S., M.G.-G., A.Z., J.D.), School of Pharmacy, University of Granada; the Department of Physiology (F.V.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; the Department of Pathological Anatomy (F.O.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; and the Department of Pharmacology (F.P.-V.), School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, CIBERES, Spain
| | - Rosario Jiménez
- From the Department of Pharmacology (R.L.-S., R.J., M.R, M.J.Z., M.S., M.G.-G., A.Z., J.D.), School of Pharmacy, University of Granada; the Department of Physiology (F.V.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; the Department of Pathological Anatomy (F.O.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; and the Department of Pharmacology (F.P.-V.), School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, CIBERES, Spain
| | - Miguel Romero
- From the Department of Pharmacology (R.L.-S., R.J., M.R, M.J.Z., M.S., M.G.-G., A.Z., J.D.), School of Pharmacy, University of Granada; the Department of Physiology (F.V.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; the Department of Pathological Anatomy (F.O.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; and the Department of Pharmacology (F.P.-V.), School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, CIBERES, Spain
| | - Maria José Zarzuelo
- From the Department of Pharmacology (R.L.-S., R.J., M.R, M.J.Z., M.S., M.G.-G., A.Z., J.D.), School of Pharmacy, University of Granada; the Department of Physiology (F.V.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; the Department of Pathological Anatomy (F.O.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; and the Department of Pharmacology (F.P.-V.), School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, CIBERES, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez
- From the Department of Pharmacology (R.L.-S., R.J., M.R, M.J.Z., M.S., M.G.-G., A.Z., J.D.), School of Pharmacy, University of Granada; the Department of Physiology (F.V.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; the Department of Pathological Anatomy (F.O.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; and the Department of Pharmacology (F.P.-V.), School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, CIBERES, Spain
| | - Manuel Gómez-Guzmán
- From the Department of Pharmacology (R.L.-S., R.J., M.R, M.J.Z., M.S., M.G.-G., A.Z., J.D.), School of Pharmacy, University of Granada; the Department of Physiology (F.V.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; the Department of Pathological Anatomy (F.O.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; and the Department of Pharmacology (F.P.-V.), School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, CIBERES, Spain
| | - Félix Vargas
- From the Department of Pharmacology (R.L.-S., R.J., M.R, M.J.Z., M.S., M.G.-G., A.Z., J.D.), School of Pharmacy, University of Granada; the Department of Physiology (F.V.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; the Department of Pathological Anatomy (F.O.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; and the Department of Pharmacology (F.P.-V.), School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, CIBERES, Spain
| | - Francisco O’Valle
- From the Department of Pharmacology (R.L.-S., R.J., M.R, M.J.Z., M.S., M.G.-G., A.Z., J.D.), School of Pharmacy, University of Granada; the Department of Physiology (F.V.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; the Department of Pathological Anatomy (F.O.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; and the Department of Pharmacology (F.P.-V.), School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, CIBERES, Spain
| | - Antonio Zarzuelo
- From the Department of Pharmacology (R.L.-S., R.J., M.R, M.J.Z., M.S., M.G.-G., A.Z., J.D.), School of Pharmacy, University of Granada; the Department of Physiology (F.V.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; the Department of Pathological Anatomy (F.O.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; and the Department of Pharmacology (F.P.-V.), School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, CIBERES, Spain
| | - Francisco Pérez-Vizcaíno
- From the Department of Pharmacology (R.L.-S., R.J., M.R, M.J.Z., M.S., M.G.-G., A.Z., J.D.), School of Pharmacy, University of Granada; the Department of Physiology (F.V.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; the Department of Pathological Anatomy (F.O.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; and the Department of Pharmacology (F.P.-V.), School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, CIBERES, Spain
| | - Juan Duarte
- From the Department of Pharmacology (R.L.-S., R.J., M.R, M.J.Z., M.S., M.G.-G., A.Z., J.D.), School of Pharmacy, University of Granada; the Department of Physiology (F.V.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; the Department of Pathological Anatomy (F.O.), School of Medicine, University of Granada; and the Department of Pharmacology (F.P.-V.), School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, CIBERES, Spain
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Figard H, Girard C, Mougin F, Demougeot C, Berthelot A. Effects of aqueous hop (Humulus Lupulus L.) extract on vascular reactivity in rats: mechanisms and influence of gender and hormonal status. Phytomedicine 2008; 15:185-193. [PMID: 17951040 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2007.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2007] [Accepted: 07/25/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Phytoestrogens, naturally occurring plant compounds having oestrogenic and/or anti-oestrogenic activity, are present in many human foodstuffs including hop. Moderate intakes of isoflavonoid phytoestrogens have been associated with a reduction in cardiovascular diseases incidence. So, it is possible that hop (Humulus Lupulus L.) might similarly contribute to the reported health-beneficial effects of moderate beer consumption. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate in vitro effects of aqueous hop extract on thoracic vascular reactivity in Sprague Dawley male and female rats. Endothelium-intact thoracic arterial rings from male rats (MALE, n=8), sham-ovariectomized (Sham OVX) female (n=8) and ovariectomized (OVX) female rats (n=8) were used. We assessed the relaxation induced by aqueous hop extract (10(-9), 10(-2)g/l) in aortic rings precontracted with norepinephrine (10(-7)M), in the absence or in the presence of l-NAME (10(-4)M), indomethacin (10(-5)M), thapsigargin (10(-4)M), iberiotoxin (3.10(-8)M), apamin (3.10(-8)M) and TEA (3.10(-4)M). Aqueous hop extract induced relaxation of endothelium-intact thoracic arterial rings in MALE and Sham OVX rats, whereas a weak effect was observed in OVX rats. This vasorelaxation was strongly inhibited in presence of l-NAME, indomethacin and thapsigargin. These data indicated that aqueous hop extract-induced vasodilation, in male and intact female rats, is mediated by NOS activation, cyclooxygenase products and Ca(2+) pathways. Moreover, our results suggested that effect of hop in enhancing vascular reactivity was independent of gender but strongly related to hormonal status.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Figard
- UFR STAPS Besançon, 31 chemin de l'Epitaphe, Université de Franche - Comté, 25000 Besançon, France.
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Si H, Liu D. Genistein, a soy phytoestrogen, upregulates the expression of human endothelial nitric oxide synthase and lowers blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Nutr 2008; 138:297-304. [PMID: 18203895 PMCID: PMC2263007 DOI: 10.1093/jn/138.2.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genistein, a soy phytoestrogen, may improve vascular function, but the mechanism of this effect is unclear. Endothelial-derived nitric oxide (NO) is a key regulator of vascular tone and atherogenesis. Previous studies have established that estrogen can act directly on vascular endothelial cells (EC) to enhance NO synthesis through genomic stimulation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression. However, it is unknown whether genistein has a similar effect. We therefore investigated whether genistein directly regulates NO synthesis in primary human aortic EC (HAEC) and human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC). Genistein, at physiologically achievable concentrations in individuals consuming soy products, enhanced the expression of eNOS and subsequently elevated NO synthesis in both HAEC and HUVEC, with 1-10 micromol/L genistein inducing the maximal effects. However, the effects of genistein on eNOS and NO were not mediated by activation of estrogen signaling or inhibition of tyrosine kinases, 2 known biological actions of genistein. Genistein (1-10 micromol/L) increased eNOS gene expression (1.8- to 2.6-fold of control) and significantly increased eNOS promoter activity of the human eNOS gene in HAEC and HUVEC, suggesting that genistein activates eNOS transcription. Dietary supplementation of genistein to spontaneously hypertensive rats restored aortic eNOS levels, improved aortic wall thickness, and alleviated hypertension, confirming the biological relevance of the in vitro findings. Our data suggest that genistein has direct genomic effects on the vascular wall that are unrelated to its known actions, leading to increased eNOS expression and NO synthesis, thereby improving hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Si
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
| | - Dongmin Liu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
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Ng WW, Keung W, Xu YC, Ng KF, Leung GP, Vanhoutte PM, Choy PC, Man RY. Genistein potentiates protein kinase A activity in porcine coronary artery. Mol Cell Biochem 2008; 311:37-44. [PMID: 18165926 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-007-9691-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2007] [Accepted: 12/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Soy consumption is associated with a lower risk of atherosclerotic disease in the oriental population. Genistein is a soy isoflavone bearing estrogenic properties. Previous experiments in our laboratory demonstrated the potentiation of endothelium-independent relaxation of coronary artery by both estrogen and genistein. The potentiating effects of both estrogen and genistein were mediated through the cAMP-signaling pathway. We hypothesize that genistein could enhance protein kinase A (PKA) activity in porcine coronary artery smooth muscle, thereby offering a mechanism for the potentiation of vascular relaxation by genistein. In our study, a high concentration of genistein (10(-4.5) M) significantly increased PKA activity in porcine coronary artery rings. While genistein at 10(-5.5) M and forskolin at 10(-7) M had no effect on PKA activity, the combination of the two compounds at the prescribed concentrations caused a significant increase in PKA activity. The increase in PKA activity by genistein was abolished by SQ 22536 (adenylate cyclase blocker), but not by NF 449 (Gs protein blocker) or ICI 182780 (estrogen receptor antagonist). Our results suggest that the action of genistein is mediated via adenylate cyclase, but does not appear to involve Gs protein or ICI 182780-sensitive estrogen receptor.
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Vera R, Jiménez R, Lodi F, Sánchez M, Galisteo M, Zarzuelo A, Pérez-Vizcaíno F, Duarte J. Genistein restores caveolin-1 and AT-1 receptor expression and vascular function in large vessels of ovariectomized hypertensive rats. Menopause 2007; 14:933-40. [PMID: 17667142 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31802d9785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The soy-derived phytoestrogen genistein improves endothelial function in postmenopausal women and ovariectomized (OVX) normotensive rats. We hypothesized that genistein would improve vascular reactivity involving changes in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression and its regulatory proteins (caveolin and calmodulin), angiotensin II receptor, and/or oxidative status in OVX spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). DESIGN After ovariectomy or sham operation, 23-week-old female SHRs received either 17beta-estradiol (2 mg/kg/wk SC), genistein (10 mg/kg/d by gavage), or placebo. RESULTS In OVX rats, final body weight was increased and uterus weight was decreased, and these values were reduced and increased, respectively, by 17beta-estradiol but unaffected by genistein. Acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was significantly blunted in aortas from OVX placebo SHRs. The contractions induced by the NOS inhibitor L-NAME and angiotensin II in OVX placebo were lower and higher, respectively, than in sham rats. Estradiol and genistein restored these functional changes. Aortic endothelial NOS and calmodulin-1 expression were unchanged, whereas caveolin-1 and angiotensin II receptor expression was increased in OVX rats. Estradiol and genistein treatment did not modify endothelial NOS, but normalized caveolin-1 and angiotensin II receptor and increased calmodulin-1 expression. Vascular superoxide production was increased in OVX placebo and normalized by both estradiol and genistein. CONCLUSIONS Genistein prevented all cardiovascular changes induced by estrogen depletion in SHRs to a similar extent as estradiol but had no uterotrophic effect. The present findings may help to explain the potential benefits of genistein as a therapeutic agent for preventing menopausal vascular complications, especially in hypertensive women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Vera
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Vera R, Sánchez M, Galisteo M, Villar IC, Jimenez R, Zarzuelo A, Pérez-Vizcaíno F, Duarte J. Chronic administration of genistein improves endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats: involvement of eNOS, caveolin and calmodulin expression and NADPH oxidase activity. Clin Sci (Lond) 2007; 112:183-91. [PMID: 17007611 DOI: 10.1042/cs20060185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The soya-derived phytoestrogen genistein has been suggested to be protective in cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we have analysed whether chronic oral genistein might influence endothelial function in male SHRs (spontaneously hypertensive rats) via ERs (oestrogen receptors), changes in eNOS (endothelial NO synthase) activity and vascular O(2)(-) (superoxide) production. Rats (23-weeks old) were divided into the following groups: WKY (Wistar-Kyoto)-vehicle, SHR-vehicle, WKY-genistein (10 mg.kg(-1) of body weight.day(-1)); SHR-genistein; SHR-genistein-faslodex (ICI 182780; 2.5 mg.kg(-1) of body weight.day(-1)). Vascular expression of eNOS, caveolin-1 and calmodulin-1 were analysed by Western blotting, eNOS activity by conversion of [(3)H]arginine into L-[(3)H]citrulline and O(2)(-) production by chemoluminescence of lucigenin. In SHRs, after 5 weeks of treatment, genistein reduced systolic blood pressure and enhanced endothelium-dependent aortic relaxation to acetylcholine, but had no effect on the vasodilator responses to sodium nitroprusside. Compared with WKY rats, SHRs had up-regulated eNOS and down-regulated caveolin-1 and calmodulin-1 expression, increased NADPH-induced O(2)(-) production, but reduced eNOS activity. Genistein increased aortic calmodulin-1 protein abundance and eNOS activity, and reduced NADPH-induced O(2)(-) production in SHRs. The pure ERalpha and ERbeta antagonist faslodex did not modify any of the changes induced by genistein in SHRs, suggesting that these effects are unrelated to ER stimulation. In conclusion, genistein reduced the elevated blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction in SHRs. This latter effect appears to be related to increased eNOS activity associated with increased calmodulin-1 expression and decreased O(2)(-) generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Vera
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Abstract
Endocrine disrupters (EDs) are environmental pollutants of industrial or agricultural origin (e.g. herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, industrial chemicals) that may influence health of wildlife and human. Endocrine-disrupting effect is obtained by mimicking the action of the steroid hormones and has been associated with several reproductive disorders as well as cancerogenesis both in animals and humans. EDs can also influence synthesis of cytokines, immunoglobulins, and cell mediators as well as immune cell activation and survival. Modulation by EDs of interleukin-4 production, Th1/Th2 balance and IgE production suggest their potential effect on allergic immune responses. The aim of this review was to summarize data indicating a potential effect of EDs exposure on the immune system and allergic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chalubinski
- Department of Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergy, Chair of Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Joy S, Siow RCM, Rowlands DJ, Becker M, Wyatt AW, Aaronson PI, Coen CW, Kallo I, Jacob R, Mann GE. The Isoflavone Equol Mediates Rapid Vascular Relaxation. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:27335-45. [PMID: 16840783 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m602803200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported that soy isoflavones increase gene expression of endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (eNOS) and antioxidant defense enzymes, resulting in improved endothelial function and lower blood pressure in vivo. In this study, we establish that equol (1-100 nM) causes acute endothelium- and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent relaxation of aortic rings and rapidly (2 min) activates eNOS in human aortic and umbilical vein endothelial cells. Intracellular Ca2+ and cyclic AMP levels were unaffected by treatment (100 nM, 2 min) with equol, daidzein, or genistein. Rapid phosphorylation of ERK1/2, protein kinase B/Akt, and eNOS serine 1177 by equol was paralleled by association of eNOS with heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and NO synthesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, expressing estrogen receptors (ER)alpha and ERbeta. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and ERK1/2 inhibited eNOS activity, whereas pertussis toxin and the ER antagonists ICI 182,750 and tamoxifen had negligible effects. Our findings provide the first evidence that nutritionally relevant plasma concentrations of equol (and other soy protein isoflavones) rapidly stimulate phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, leading to the activation of NOS and increased NO production at resting cytosolic Ca2+ levels. Identification of the nongenomic mechanisms by which equol mediates vascular relaxation provides a basis for evaluating potential benefits of equol in the treatment of postmenopausal women and patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeja Joy
- Cardiovascular Division, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
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Abstract
The blood-brain barrier, which is formed by the endothelial cells that line cerebral microvessels, has an important role in maintaining a precisely regulated microenvironment for reliable neuronal signalling. At present, there is great interest in the association of brain microvessels, astrocytes and neurons to form functional 'neurovascular units', and recent studies have highlighted the importance of brain endothelial cells in this modular organization. Here, we explore specific interactions between the brain endothelium, astrocytes and neurons that may regulate blood-brain barrier function. An understanding of how these interactions are disturbed in pathological conditions could lead to the development of new protective and restorative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Joan Abbott
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, UK.
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