scholarly journals Role of the vascular endothelial sodium channel activation in the genesis of pathologically increased cardiovascular stiffness

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A Hill ◽  
Frederic Jaisser ◽  
James R Sowers

Abstract Cardiovascular (CV) stiffening represents a complex series of events evolving from pathological changes in individual cells of the vasculature and heart which leads to overt tissue fibrosis. While vascular stiffening occurs naturally with ageing it is accelerated in states of insulin (INS) resistance, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. CV stiffening is clinically manifested as increased arterial pulse wave velocity and myocardial fibrosis-induced diastolic dysfunction. A key question that remains is how are these events mechanistically linked. In this regard, heightened activation of vascular mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and hyperinsulinaemia occur in obesity and INS resistance states. Further, a downstream mediator of MR and INS receptor activation, the endothelial cell Na+ channel (EnNaC), has recently been identified as a key molecular determinant of endothelial dysfunction and CV fibrosis and stiffening. Increased activity of the EnNaC results in a number of negative consequences including stiffening of the cortical actin cytoskeleton in endothelial cells, impaired endothelial NO release, increased oxidative stress-meditated NO destruction, increased vascular permeability, and stimulation of an inflammatory environment. Such endothelial alterations impact vascular function and stiffening through regulation of vascular tone and stimulation of tissue remodelling including fibrosis. In the case of the heart, obesity and INS resistance are associated with coronary vascular endothelial stiffening and associated reductions in bioavailable NO leading to heart failure with preserved systolic function (HFpEF). After a brief discussion on mechanisms leading to vascular stiffness per se, this review then focuses on recent findings regarding the role of INS and aldosterone to enhance EnNaC activity and associated CV stiffness in obesity/INS resistance states. Finally, we discuss how coronary artery-mediated EnNaC activation may lead to cardiac fibrosis and HFpEF, a condition that is especially pronounced in obese and diabetic females.

2021 ◽  
Vol 129 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Stratton ◽  
Ashley Francois ◽  
Oscar Bermeo-Blanco ◽  
Alessandro Canella ◽  
Lynn Marcho ◽  
...  

Over 6 million Americans suffer from heart failure (HF) while the 5-year mortality rate following first admission for HF is over 40%. Cardiac fibrosis is a clinical hallmark of HF, regardless of the initiating pathology and is thought to contribute to disease progression. Using an epigenomics discovery approach, we uncovered a nuclear protein, Sertad4, as a potential anti-fibrotic target. Our data indicate that Sertad4 is a positive regulator of fibroblast activation. Specifically, cultured cardiac fibroblast experiments demonstrate that Sertad4 targeting with shRNAs blocks fibroblast proliferation and causes cells to arrest in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Also, shRNA targeting of Sertad4 dramatically blocked activation of myofibroblast differentiation genes (αSMA/POSTN/COL1A1). Mechanistically, these effects appear to be mediated by Sertad4 regulation of SMAD2 protein stability in the presence of TGF-β1 stimulation as demonstrated by proteasome inhibition experiments. RNA-seq analysis indicate that Sertad4 also regulates the expression of genes involved in ubiquitination and proteasome degradation. Next, we sought to determine the effect of global Sertad4 knockout on post-myocardial infarct (MI) remodeling and cardiac function in mice. After 4 weeks of permanent LAD ligation, echocardiography was performed to measure systolic function. Relative to wild-type (WT) controls, the Sertad4 KO mice showed preserved systolic function as evident by improved ejection fraction (WT 14.4 +/- 3.6 vs. KO 33.9+/-5.9, p=0.035) and fractional shortening (WT 6.5 +/- 1.7 vs. KO 16.4 +/- 3.4, p=0.046). β-gal staining in the Sertad4/LacZ reporter mouse subjected to MI showed robust Sertad4/LacZ expression in the ischemic scar and boarder-zone with almost no expression in control hearts. This data supports the notion that Sertad4 has a key role in cardiac remodeling in response to ischemic injury.


2009 ◽  
Vol 116 (9) ◽  
pp. 731-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Wilson ◽  
James Morgan ◽  
John W. Funder ◽  
Peter J. Fuller ◽  
Morag J. Young

Coronary, vascular and perivascular inflammation in rats following MR (mineralocorticoid receptor) activation plus salt are well-characterized precursors for the appearance of cardiac fibrosis. Endogenous corticosterone, in the presence of the 11βHSD2 (11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2) inhibitor CBX (carbenoxolone) plus salt, produces similar inflammatory responses and tissue remodelling via activation of MR. MR-mediated oxidative stress has previously been suggested to account for these responses. In the present study we thus postulated that when 11βHSD2 is inhibited, endogenous corticosterone bound to unprotected MR in the vessel wall may similarly increase early biomarkers of oxidative stress. Uninephrectomized rats received either DOC (deoxycorticosterone), CBX or CBX plus the MR antagonist EPL (eplerenone) together with 0.9% saline to drink for 4, 8 or 16 days. Uninephrectomized rats maintained on 0.9% saline for 8 days served as controls. After 4 days, both DOC and CBX increased both macrophage infiltration and mRNA expression of the p22phox subunit of NADPH oxidase, whereas CBX, but not DOC, increased expression of the NOX2 (gp91phox) subunit. eNOS [endothelial NOS (NO synthase)] mRNA expression significantly decreased from 4 days for both treatments, and iNOS (inducible NOS) mRNA levels increased after 16 days of DOC or CBX; co-administration of EPL inhibited all responses to CBX. The responses characterized over this time course occurred before measurable increases in cardiac hypertrophy or fibrosis. The findings of the present study support the hypothesis that endogenous corticosterone in the presence of CBX can activate vascular MR to produce both inflammatory and oxidative tissue responses well before the onset of fibrosis, that the two MR ligands induce differential but overlapping patterns of gene expression, and that elevation of NOX2 subunit levels does not appear necessary for full expression of MR-mediated inflammatory and fibrogenic responses.


Hypertension ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bojun Zhang ◽  
Sriram Ayyaswamy ◽  
Robert M Bryan ◽  
David J Durgan

Recent studies have demonstrated a causal role of gut dysbiosis in the development of hypertension in several animal models. However, our understanding of the mechanisms linking gut dysbiosis to blood pressure (BP) regulation of the host is still lacking. One key mechanism by which the microbiota influences the host is through the generation/modification of metabolites, such as bile acids (BAs). BA signaling has been shown to influence many pathways involved in BP regulation, including systemic inflammation and vascular function. We previously observed that spontaneously hypertensive stroke prone rat (SHRSP) exhibited dysbiotic cecal microbiome, which included a significant increase in the genus Lactobacillus , known to sequester BAs within its cytosol and reduce BAs availability, when compared to WKY. Thus, we hypothesized that gut dysbiosis contributes to the development of hypertension by reducing bile acid signaling. We observed a significant reduction in 9 of 18 plasma BAs in SHRSPs, as compared to WKY. This included a 72% reduction in cholic acid (CA), a primary BA (n=7-8, p<0.05). We next examined the effects of CA supplementation (0.5% CA diet for 16 weeks) on systolic BP (SBP) in WKY and SHRSP. Within the 9 BAs that were reduced in SHRSP, CA and hyocholic acid were restored by CA treatment in SHRSP plasma to similar levels of that observed in WKY control plasma. Furthermore, CA treatment decreased SBP by 18 ±7mmHg at 20 weeks in SHRSP (n=7-8, p<0.05), but had no effect on SBP in WKY rats. Acetylcholine-induced vasodilation of the aorta was significantly impaired in SHRSP control by 40% (10 -6 μM ACh, 59.5% vs. 99.3%) as compared to WKY control (n=3-4, p<0.01). CA treatment significantly improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the aorta of SHRSP rats similar to that in WKY rats (n=3-4, p<0.05). CA treatment also altered a number of bacteria in the gut including restoration of relative abundance of Lactobacillus in SHRSP to the level of WKY controls. We conclude that reduced BA signaling contributes to the development of hypertension in SHRSP, and that CA treatment may be a potential therapeutic approach to attenuate vascular endothelial dysfunction and associated hypertension.


2020 ◽  
Vol 127 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priya Aujla ◽  
Sayantan Jana ◽  
Michael Chute ◽  
Zamaneh Kassiri

Introduction: Disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) are membrane-bound cell surface enzymes that are capable of both proteolytic functions (via the metalloproteinase domain) and adhesive functions (via the disintegrin domain), whereby they can influence cell function and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling in the heart. ADAM15 is unique among the ADAMs, as it is also capable of degrading ECM proteins. ADAM12 and ADAM17 have been reported to regulate cardiac hypertrophy, but the role of ADAM15 in cardiac hypertrophy is not known. This study investigates the role of ADAM15 in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis following pressure overload. Methods & Results: Genetically modified male ADAM15-deficient ( Adam15 -/- ) and wildtype (WT) mice were subjected to cardiac pressure overload by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Cardiac function and structural remodelling were assessed using echocardiography at 2-, and 6-wks post-TAC. Hearts were excised at 2-, or 6-wks post-TAC. Adam15 -/- hearts presented greater hypertrophy and decreased cardiac systolic function at 6wks post-TAC, but no difference at 2wks post-TAC compared to WT-TAC mice. Adam15 -/- hearts also showed exacerbated fibrosis at 6wks post-TAC, but not at 2wks post-TAC, compared to WT. Mechanical strain (i.e. pressure overload) triggers two temporally activated pathways leading to an initial compensatory hypertrophy, which can culminate to decompensation and dilated cardiomyopathy. Consistent with the greater hypertrophy, phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK1/2/3, and GSK3β was increased in Adam15 -/- mice. The calcineurin-NFAT pathways can mediate pressure overload-induced hypertrophy, but we found that Adam15-deficiency did not impact this pathway. The mechanism responsible for this function of ADAM15 requires further investigation. Conclusion: This study reports a novel cardioprotective function for ADAM15 in pressure overload, where loss of ADAM15 promotes cardiac fibrosis and decompensated cardiac hypertrophy but does not alter the compensated hypertrophic response.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alina-Andreea Zimta ◽  
Oana Baru ◽  
Mandra Badea ◽  
Smaranda Buduru ◽  
Ioana Berindan-Neagoe

Dental surgeries can result in traumatic wounds that provoke major discomfort and have a high risk of infection. In recent years, density research has taken a keen interest in finding answers to this problem by looking at the latest results made in regenerative medicine and adapting them to the specificities of oral tissue. One of the undertaken directions is the study of angiogenesis as an integrative part of oral tissue regeneration. The stimulation of this process is intended to enhance the local availability of stem cells, oxygen levels, nutrient supply, and evacuation of toxic waste. For a successful stimulation of local angiogenesis, two major cellular components must be considered: the stem cells and the vascular endothelial cells. The exosomes are extracellular vesicles, which mediate the communication between two cell types. In regenerative dentistry, the analysis of exosome miRNA content taps into the extended communication between these cell types with the purpose of improving the regenerative potential of oral tissue. This review analyzes the stem cells available for the dentistry, the molecular cargo of their exosomes, and the possible implications these may have for a future therapeutic induction of angiogenesis in the oral wounds.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Preeti Kumari Chaudhary ◽  
Sanggu Kim ◽  
Youngheun Jee ◽  
Seung-Hun Lee ◽  
Kyung-Mee Park ◽  
...  

Platelet G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate platelet function by mediating the response to various agonists, including adenosine diphosphate (ADP), thromboxane A2, and thrombin. Although GPCR kinases (GRKs) are considered to have the crucial roles in most GPCR functions, little is known regarding the regulation of GPCR signaling and mechanisms of GPCR desensitization by GRKs in platelets. In this study, we investigated the functional role of GRK6 and the molecular basis for regulation of specific GPCR desensitization by GRK6 in platelets. We used GRK6 knockout mice to evaluate the functional role of GRK6 in platelet activation. Platelet aggregation, dense- and α-granule secretion, and fibrinogen receptor activation induced by 2-MeSADP, U46619, thrombin, and AYPGKF were significantly potentiated in GRK6−/− platelets compared to the wild-type (WT) platelets. However, collagen-related peptide (CRP)-induced platelet aggregation and secretion were not affected in GRK6−/− platelets. Interestingly, platelet aggregation induced by co-stimulation of serotonin and epinephrine which activate Gq-coupled 5HT2A and Gz-coupled α2A adrenergic receptors, respectively, was not affected in GRK6−/− platelets, suggesting that GRK6 was involved in specific GPCR regulation. In addition, platelet aggregation in response to the second challenge of ADP and AYPGKF was restored in GRK6−/− platelets whereas re-stimulation of the agonist failed to induce aggregation in WT platelets, indicating that GRK6 contributed to P2Y1, P2Y12, and PAR4 receptor desensitization. Furthermore, 2-MeSADP-induced Akt phosphorylation and AYPGKF-induced Akt, extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), and protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) phosphorylation were significantly potentiated in GRK6−/− platelets. Finally, GRK6−/− mice exhibited an enhanced and stable thrombus formation after FeCl3 injury to the carotid artery and shorter tail bleeding times, indicating that GRK6−/− mice were more susceptible to thrombosis and hemostasis. We conclude that GRK6 plays an important role in regulating platelet functional responses and thrombus formation through selective GPCR desensitization.


Biomolecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Gorini ◽  
Vincenzo Marzolla ◽  
Caterina Mammi ◽  
Andrea Armani ◽  
Massimiliano Caprio

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was first identified as a blood pressure regulator, modulating renal sodium handling in response to its principal ligand aldosterone. The mineralocorticoid receptor is also expressed in many tissues other than the kidney, such as adipose tissue, heart and vasculature. Recent studies have shown that MR plays a relevant role in the control of cardiovascular and metabolic function, as well as in adipogenesis. Dysregulation of aldosterone/MR signaling represents an important cause of disease as high plasma levels of aldosterone are associated with hypertension, obesity and increased cardiovascular risk. Aldosterone displays powerful vascular effects and acts as a potent pro-fibrotic agent in cardiovascular remodeling. Mineralocorticoid receptor activation regulates genes involved in vascular and cardiac fibrosis, calcification and inflammation. This review focuses on the role of novel potential biomarkers related to aldosterone/MR system that could help identify cardiovascular and metabolic detrimental conditions, as a result of altered MR activation. Specifically, we discuss: (1) how MR signaling regulates the number and function of different subpopulations of circulating and intra-tissue immune cells; (2) the role of aldosterone/MR system in mediating cardiometabolic diseases induced by obesity; and (3) the role of several MR downstream molecules as novel potential biomarkers of cardiometabolic diseases, end-organ damage and rehabilitation outcome.


2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (16) ◽  
pp. C80
Author(s):  
Junyan Wu ◽  
Cong Zhang ◽  
Meng Ma ◽  
Aijun Yang ◽  
Yanling Zhang

2015 ◽  
Vol 308 (11) ◽  
pp. H1336-H1342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manabu Shibasaki ◽  
Yasunori Umemoto ◽  
Tokio Kinoshita ◽  
Ken Kouda ◽  
Tomoyuki Ito ◽  
...  

The mechanism(s) for the changes in cardiac function during heat stress remain unknown. This study tested two unique hypotheses. First, sympathetic innervation to the heart is required for increases in cardiac systolic function during heat stress. This was accomplished by comparing responses during heat stress between paraplegics versus tetraplegics, with tetraplegics having reduced/absent cardiac sympathetic innervation. Second, stimulation of skin thermoreceptors contributes to cardiovascular adjustments that occur during heat stress in humans. This was accomplished by comparing responses during leg only heating between paraplegic versus able-bodied individuals. Nine healthy able-bodied, nine paraplegics, and eight tetraplegics participated in this study. Lower body (i.e., nonsensed area for para/tetraplegics) was heated until esophageal temperature had increased by ∼1.0°C. Echocardiographic indexes of diastolic and systolic function were performed before and at the end of heat stress. The heat stress increased cardiac output in all groups, but the magnitude of this increase was attenuated in the tetraplegics relative to the able-bodied (1.3 ± 0.4 vs. 2.3 ± 1.0 l/min; P < 0.05). Diastolic function was maintained in all groups. Indexes of left atrial and ventricular systolic function were enhanced in the able-bodied, but did not change in tetraplegics, while these changes in paraplegics were attenuated relative to the able-bodied. These data suggest that the cardiac sympathetic innervation is required to achieve normal increases in cardiac systolic function during heat stress but not required to maintain diastolic function during this exposure. Second, elevated systolic function during heat stress primarily occurs as a result of increases in internal temperature, although stimulation of skin thermoreceptors may contribute.


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