Persistence of EDHF pathway and impairment of the nitric oxide pathway after chronic mercury chloride exposure in rats: Mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 1777-1784 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Omanwar ◽  
K Ravi ◽  
M Fahim

Chronic mercury exposure impairs vascular function, leading to the depression of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Loss of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway has been implicated, but little is known about effects on other endothelial mediators. This study investigated the mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in rats subjected to chronic mercury chloride exposure. The endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat aorta evoked by acetylcholine (ACh) and isoproterenol was impaired in a dose-dependent manner by chronic mercury chloride exposure. Endothelium-independent responses to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were not affected by chronic mercury chloride exposure. In healthy vessels, ACh-induced relaxation was inhibited by L-N-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 10–4M) and partially by glybenclamide (10–5M), indicating the involvement of NO and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). In vessels from mercury-exposed rats, responses to ACh were insensitive to L-NAME but were significantly reduced by glybenclamide, indicating selective loss of NO-mediated relaxation. In vessels from mercury-exposed rats, responses to ACh were partially restored after treatment with the antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, this effect was not seen when aorta from exposed group was incubated with L-NAME along with SOD and catalase indicating selective loss of NO-mediated vasodilatation and with no affect the EDHF-mediated component of relaxation. The results imply that chronic mercury exposure selectively impairs the NO pathway as a consequence of oxidative stress, while EDHF is able to maintain endothelium-dependent relaxation at a reduced level.

2006 ◽  
Vol 34 (04) ◽  
pp. 655-665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dae Gill Kang ◽  
Li Hua Cao ◽  
Jun Kyoung Lee ◽  
Deok Ho Choi ◽  
Seung Ju Kim ◽  
...  

The butanol extract of Phellinus igniarius (BPI) induced relaxation of the phenylephrin e-precontracted rat aorta in a dose-dependent manner, and its effect was abolished by the removal of functional endothelium. Pretreatment of the aortic tissues with NG -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), methylene blue, or 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazole-[4,3-α]-quinoxalin1-one (ODQ) inhibited the vascular relaxation induced by BPI. BPI-induced vascular relaxations were also markedly attenuated by the addition of verapamil or diltiazem, while the relaxant effect of BPI was not blocked by pretreatment with indomethacine, glibenclamide, tetraethylammonium (TEA), atropine, or propranolol. Incubation of endothelium-intact rat aorta with BPI increased the production of cGMP in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that BPI dilates vascular smooth muscle via endothelium-dependent nitric oxide-cGMP signaling pathway, with the possible involvement of L-type Ca 2+ channels.


2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 24-33
Author(s):  
O. I. Dzjuba ◽  
M. V. Yatsenko

The article deals with the history of the study and the current state of research of physiological and biochemical properties of the plant genus Sedum that are useful for human and has been used in folk medicine for many years. It was noticed that antioxidant properties of extracts from plants S. sarmentosum, S. sempervivoides, S. takesimense were caused by the presence of phenolic compounds. Methanol extract of plants S. takesimense exhibited strong scavenging activities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radicals as well as significant inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation and low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation induced by a metal ion Cu2+. Various immunomodulatory activities of various fractions of plants extracts (S. dendroideum, S. kamtschaticum, S. sarmentosum, S. telephium) are observed. It was shown that the ethanol extract of S. sarmentosum and it’s fractions suppressed specific antibody and cellular responses to ovalbumin in mice. The methanol extract of plants S. sarmentosum reduced the levels of anti-inflammatory markers, such as volume of exudates, number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, suppressed nitric oxide synthesis in activated macrophages via suppressed induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Polysaccharides fractions from plants S. telephium inducing productions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), increasing the intensity of phagocytosis in vitro and in vivo. Methanol extract from the whole part of S. kamtschaticum strongly inhibit PGE2 production from lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells, a mouse macrophage cell line via modulating activity in gene expression of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The methanol extract of plants S. sarmentosum and the major kaempferol glycosides from S. dendroideum have antinociceptive activity. It was noticed that anti-adipogenic activity of extracts from plants S. kamtschaticum were caused by inhibition of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression and it’s dependent target genes, such as genes encoding adipocyte protein 2 (аР2), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), adiponectin and CD36. Polysaccharides fractions from S. telephium cause inhibition of cell adhesion of human fibroblast (MRC5) to laminin and fibronectin via interfere with integrin-mediated cell behaviour and they contributed to the role of polysaccharides in cell-matrix interaction. The methanol extract of plants S. sarmentosum exhibited a significant inhibitory activity in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. The crude alkaloid fraction of S. sarmentosum caused a dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation on murine hepatoma cell line BNL CL.2 and human hepatoma cell line HepG2 without necrosis or apoptosis. Alkaloids from plants S. sarmentosum may improve survival of hepatoma patients via the inhibition of excessive growth of tumor cells. Plant’s juices have antiviral activity (S. sarmentosum, S. spurium, S. stahlii). Crude ethanol extract S. praealtum have spermicidal activity of the in mice and a relevant inhibitory effect of aqueous extract on human spermatozoa motility as well as an anti-fertilizing activity in rats. Hepatoprotective triterpenes, e.g., δ-amyrone, 3-epi-δ-amyrin, δ-amyrin and sarmentolin were isolated from S. sarmentosum. 2- and 2,6-substituted piperidine alkaloids (e.g., norsedamine, allosedridine, sedamine, allosedamine) are observed in plants S. acre, which in the presence of data on the use of pyridine and piperidine derivatives for treating neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), points on the promising research in this area. Taking into account that biologically active compounds are accumulated in the aboveground vegetative organs of plants of Sedum, the prospects of further study of the use of Sedum for the purposes of biotechnology and in the pharmaceutical industry becomes apparent. This work extends the existing views regarding the use of plants Sedum.


This trial research was performed to discuss the immune-influence of Melaleuca leucadendra ‘paper-bark tree’ dried leaves which is an important medical plant known in many regions in the world. The leaves were dissolved in a mixture of (ethanol + water) (3:1) mixture, then filtered, evaporated and dried under reduced pressure to obtain leaves extract. The macrophages of blood derived origin were provided from rats and mixed with three different leaves extracts doses in tissue culture plates and incubated then stained with fluorescent acridine orange and examined under fluorescent microscope to assess the phagocytic and killing potency. The wells contents were aspirated and assayed for nitric oxide and interleukin-2 levels. The results displayed an obvious increase in phagocytic, killing performance as well as nitric oxide and IL-2 level production than control in a dose dependent manner. The obtained results suggested the immune-stimulant impact of the paper-bark tree leaves.


2020 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 882-889
Author(s):  
Yan Liang ◽  
Shijiao Zha ◽  
Masanobu Tentaku ◽  
Takasi Okimura ◽  
Zedong Jiang ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT In this study, we found that a sulfated polysaccharide isolated from the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum, ascophyllan, showed suppressive effects on stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Ascophyllan significantly inhibited expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA and excessive production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner without affecting the viability of RAW264.7 cells. Ascophyllan also reduced the elevated level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, preincubation with ascophyllan resulted in concentration-dependent decrease in ROS production in phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Our results suggest that ascophyllan can exhibit anti-inflammatory effects on stimulated macrophages mainly through the attenuation of NO and ROS productions.


Author(s):  
Theresa Chikopela ◽  
Douglas C. Heimburger ◽  
Longa Kaluba ◽  
Pharaoh Hamambulu ◽  
Newton Simfukwe ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Endothelial function is dependent on the balance between vasoconstrictive and vasodilatory substances. The endothelium ability to produce nitric oxide is one of the most crucial mechanisms in regulating vascular tone. An increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase contributes to endothelial dysfunction in overweight persons, while oxidative stress contributes to the conversion of nitric oxide to peroxynitrite (measured as nitrotyrosine in vivo) in underweight persons. The objective of this study was to elucidate the interaction of body composition and oxidative stress on vascular function and peroxynitrite. This was done through an experimental design with three weight groups (underweight, normal weight and overweight), with four treatment arms in each. Plasma nitrotyrosine levels were measured 15–20 h post lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, as were aortic ring tension changes. Acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) challenges were used to observe endothelial-dependent and endothelial-independent vascular relaxation after pre-constriction of aortic rings with phenylephrine. Results Nitrotyrosine levels in saline-treated rats were similar among the weight groups. There was a significant increase in nitrotyrosine levels between saline-treated rats and those treated with the highest lipopolysaccharide doses in each of the weight groups. In response to ACh challenge, Rmax (percentage reduction in aortic tension) was lowest in overweight rats (112%). In response to SNP, there was an insignificantly lower Rmax in the underweight rats (106%) compared to the normal weight rats (112%). Overweight rats had a significant decrease in Rmax (83%) in response to SNP, signifying involvement of a more chronic process in tension reduction changes. A lower Rmax accompanied an increase in peroxynitrite after acetylcholine challenge in all weight groups. Conclusions Endothelial dysfunction, observed as an impairment in the ability to reduce tension, is associated with increased plasma peroxynitrite levels across the spectrum of body mass. In higher-BMI rats, an additional role is played by vascular smooth muscle in the causation of endothelial dysfunction.


2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 300-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Swati Omanwar ◽  
M. Fahim

Vascular endothelium plays a vital role in the organization and function of the blood vessel and maintains homeostasis of the circulatory system and normal arterial function. Functional disruption of the endothelium is recognized as the beginning event that triggers the development of consequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. There is a growing data associating mercury exposure with endothelial dysfunction and higher risk of CVD. This review explores and evaluates the impact of mercury exposure on CVD and endothelial function, highlighting the interplay of nitric oxide and oxidative stress.


2010 ◽  
Vol 105 (9) ◽  
pp. 1287-1293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Menendez ◽  
Rosario Jimenez ◽  
Laura Moreno ◽  
Pilar Galindo ◽  
Angel Cogolludo ◽  
...  

Due to their ubiquitous distribution, flavonoids from different classes are commonly present together in foods. However, little is known about the interactions between them. The flavonol quercetin and the flavan-3-ol (+)-catechin are among the most abundant flavonoids in the diet. In the present study, we have analysed the interactions between these two flavonoids on vascular function using two pure compounds and mixtures of these flavonoids in 1:0·1, 1:1 or 1:10 proportions. Quercetin induced a more potent concentration-dependent relaxant effect than catechin in the isolated rat aorta, and the isobolographic analysis of the mixtures showed no synergistic or antagonistic effects between them, i.e. their effects were additive. Quercetin was more potent in mesenteric than in pulmonary arteries. Catechin had weak effects in these vessels and did not modify the effects of quercetin. Endothelial dysfunction induced by increased oxidative stress by the superoxide dismutase inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamate was prevented by quercetin, whereas catechin showed a weak effect and the 1:1 mixture an intermediate effect compared with the pure compounds. Quercetin but not catechin showed a pro-oxidant and NO-scavenging effect, which was not prevented by catechin. In conclusion, catechin was less potent than quercetin as a vasodilator, pro-oxidant or to prevent endothelial dysfunction, and there were no synergistic interactions between quercetin and catechin.


1999 ◽  
Vol 344 (3) ◽  
pp. 837-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsushi MITSUMOTO ◽  
Kwi-Ryeon KIM ◽  
Genichiro OSHIMA ◽  
Manabu KUNIMOTO ◽  
Katsuya OKAWA ◽  
...  

To clarify the molecular mechanisms of nitric oxide (NO) signalling, we examined the NO-responsive proteins in cultured human endothelial cells by two-dimensional (2D) PAGE. Levels of two proteins [NO-responsive proteins (NORPs)] with different pI values responded to NO donors. One NORP (pI 5.2) appeared in response to NO, whereas another (pI 5.0) disappeared. These proteins were identified as a native form and a modified form of human glyoxalase I (Glox I; EC 4.4.1.5) by peptide mapping, microsequencing and correlation between the activity and the isoelectric shift. Glox I lost activity in response to NO, and all NO donors tested inhibited its activity in a dose-dependent manner. Activity and normal electrophoretic mobility were restored by dithiothreitol and by the removal of sources of NO from the culture medium. Glox I was selectively inactivated by NO; compounds that induce oxidative stress (H2O2, paraquat and arsenite) failed to inhibit this enzyme. Our results suggest that NO oxidatively modifies Glox I and reversibly inhibits the enzyme's activity. The inactivation of Glox I by NO was more effective than that of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), another NO-sensitive enzyme. Thus Glox I seems to be a novel NO-responsive protein that is more sensitive to NO than G3PDH.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dafeng Yang ◽  
Shenglan Tan ◽  
Zhousheng Yang ◽  
Pei Jiang ◽  
Caie Qin ◽  
...  

Accumulating studies demonstrate that dihydromyricetin (DMY), a compound extracted from Chinese traditional herb, Ampelopsis grossedentata, attenuates atherosclerotic process by improvement of endothelial dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the potential mechanism behind the attenuating effects of DMY on tumor necrosis factor alpha- (TNF-α-) induced endothelial dysfunction. In response to TNF-α, microRNA-21 (miR-21) expression was significantly increased in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), in line with impaired endothelial dysfunction as evidenced by decreased tube formation and migration, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) (ser1177) phosphorylation, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases 1 (DDAH1) expression and metabolic activity, and nitric oxide (NO) concentration as well as increased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels. In contrast, DMY or blockade of miR-21 expression ameliorated endothelial dysfunction in HUVECs treated with TNF-α through downregulation of miR-21 expression, whereas these effects were abolished by overexpression of miR-21. In addition, using a nonspecific NOS inhibitor, L-NAME, also abrogated the attenuating effects of DMY on endothelial dysfunction. Taken together, these data demonstrated that miR-21-mediated DDAH1/ADMA/NO signal pathway plays an important role in TNF-α-induced endothelial dysfunction, and DMY attenuated endothelial dysfunction induced by TNF-α in a miR-21-dependent manner.


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