Effects of a new advanced glycation inhibitor,LR-90, on mitigating arterial stiffening and improving arterial elasticity and compliance in a diabetic rat model: aortic impedance analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We determined the effects of treatment with LR-90, an inhibitor of advanced glycation end products, on the mechanical properties of the arterial system in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats, using aortic impedance analysis, and further investigated the effects of LR-90 on the progression of aortic pathology.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

STZ-induced diabetic rats were treated with or without LR-90 (50 mg L^-1 in drinking water) for 8 weeks and compared with control groups. Arterial BP measurements, various metabolic parameters, aortic histopathology, collagen cross-linking, AGE accumulation, and RAGE protein expression in aortic tissue were determined. Pulsatile parameters were evaluated using a standard Fourier series expansion technique and impulse response function of the filtered aortic input impedance spectra.

KEY RESULTS

LR-90 reduced glycated haemoglobin and triglycerides levels, although it had no effect on the glycaemic status. LR-90 did not affect arterial BP, but prevented the diabetes-induced increase in peripheral resistance and variations in aortic distensibility, as it reduced aortic characteristic impedance by 21%. LR-90 also prevented the elevation in wave reflection factor, as indicated by a 22.5% reduction and an associated increase of 23.5% in wave transit time, suggesting it prevents the augmentation of the systolic load of the left ventricle. Moreover, LR-90 inhibited collagen cross-linking and the accumulation of AGE and RAGE in the vasculature of diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Treatment with LR-90 may impart significant protection against diabetes-induced aortic stiffening and cardiac hypertrophy and provides an additional therapeutic option for treatment of AGE associated diabetic complications.     

C-reactive protein stimulates RAGE expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells in vitro via ROS generation and ERK/NF-κB activation

Aim:

The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) plays an important role in development of atherosclerosis, and C-reactive protein (CRP) has been found to stimulate its expression in endothelial cells. In this study we investigated how CRP regulated the expression of RAGE in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs).

Methods:

HCAECs were treated in vitro with CRP (50 μg/mL) in combination with a variety of inhibitors. ROS generation was determined by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. The RAGE expression and phosphorylation of relevant signaling proteins were measured using Western blot analyses.

Results:

CRP stimulated the expression of RAGE in the cells, accompanied by markedly increased ROS generation, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB p65, as well as translocation of NF-κB p65 to the nuclei. CRP also stimulated phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. Pretreatment of the cells with the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine, ERK inhibitor PD98059 or NF-κB inhibitor PDTC blocked CRP-stimulated RAGE expression, but pretreatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor DPI, JNK inhibitor SP600125 or p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 did not significantly alter CRP-stimulated RAGE expression.

Conclusion:

CRP stimulates RAGE expression in HCAECs in vitro via ROS generation and activation of the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.     

Rosiglitazone via upregulation of Akt/eNOS pathways attenuates dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells,induced by advanced glycation end products

Background and purpose:

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play key roles in pathogenesis of diabetes-related vascular complications. AGEs can induce dysfunction in EPCs. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) agonists are widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and it remains unknown if they could attenuate EPC dysfunction induced by AGEs.

Experimental approach:

EPCs isolated from healthy adults were cultured with various concentrations of AGEs (0, 50, 100 and 200 mg·L⁻¹) with or without rosiglitazone (10 nM), antibody for the receptors for AGE-human serum albumin (anti-receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE); 50 µg·mL⁻¹), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor ({"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"LY294002","term_id":"1257998346","term_text":"LY294002"}}LY294002, 5 µM), nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor (L-N^G-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 100 µM) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 25 µM). Proliferation, apoptosis, cell adhesion, migration and NO production in EPCs were assessed, and expressions of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and Akt were determined.

Key results:

Number, proliferation/migration capacities, eNOS and Akt phosphorylation as well as NO synthesized by EPCs were increased by rosiglitazone and reduced by AGEs. AGEs promoted while rosiglitazone reduced EPC apoptosis. The AGE-induced effects were significantly ameliorated by pre-incubation with rosiglitazone, RAGE antibody and SNP. The beneficial effects of rosiglitazone could be blocked by pretreatment with L-NAME and {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"LY294002","term_id":"1257998346","term_text":"LY294002"}}LY294002.

Conclusions and implications:

The PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone increased EPC function and attenuated EPC dysfunction induced by AGEs via upregulating the Akt-eNOS signal pathways of EPCs.     

金钗石斛对糖尿病大鼠肾组织中糖基化终产物表达的干预作用

目的研究金钗石斛对糖尿病(DM)大鼠肾组织中肾脏糖基化终产物受体(RAGE)表达的干预作用。方法将W istar大鼠随机分3组,用链脲佐菌素(STZ)建立DM模型,金钗石斛水煎剂10 g/(kg.d)灌胃给药12周后,肾组织病理切片HE染色观察肾组织病理变化;生化法测定血糖、尿蛋白、肌酐浓度;荧光光谱法测定尿液和血清糖基化终产物(AGE)含量;免疫组化检测肾组织RAGE蛋白;实时荧光定量PCR检测肾组织RAGE mRNA表达。结果金钗石斛可降低DM模型大鼠血糖,减轻肾脏损害,降低血清中AGE以及肾组织RAGE mRNA和蛋白表达水平。结论金钗石斛干预减轻DM肾脏功能损害可能通过降低血清中AGE和下调肾组织中RAGE表达而实现。     

Prevention of arterial stiffening by pyridoxamine in diabetes is associated with inhibition of the pathogenic glycation on aortic collagen

Background and purpose:

Our team previously demonstrated that diabetes induces a deterioration in vascular dynamics, in parallel with the enhanced formation of advanced glycation end products. The aim of this study was to determine whether prevention of the arterial stiffening by pyridoxamine in diabetes is associated with inhibition of the pathogenic glycation on aortic collagen.

Experimental approach:

Diabetes was induced in rats by a single tail vein injection with 55 mg·kg⁻¹ steptozotocin (STZ). After induction of hyperglycaemia, animals were treated for 8 weeks with pyridoxamine (1 g·L⁻¹ in drinking water) and compared with the age-matched untreated diabetic controls. Pulse wave reflection along the vasculature was derived using the impulse response function of the filtered aortic input impedance spectra.

Key results:

Treatment of this experimental diabetes with pyridoxamine resulted in a significant increase in wave transit time and a decrease in wave reflection factor, indicating that pyridoxamine attenuates the diabetes-induced augmentation in systolic load of the left ventricle coupled to its arterial system. Meanwhile, pyridoxamine therapy ameliorated the diabetes-related cardiac hypertrophy, as evidenced by the reduction in ratio of the left ventricular weight to body weight. Glycation-derived modification of aortic collagen was also found to be attenuated by administration of pyridoxamine to the STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Conclusions and implications:

Pyridoxamine imparts significant protection against the diabetes-induced deterioration in pulsatile arterial load imposed on the heart, at least partly through inhibition of the formation of advanced glycation end products and their accumulation on aortic collagen of the STZ-treated rats.     

Ciprofloxacin inhibits advanced glycation end products-induced adhesion molecule expression on human monocytes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) subtypes, proteins or lipids that become glycated after exposure to sugars, can induce complications in diabetes. Among the various AGE subtypes, glyceraldehyde-derived AGE (AGE-2) and glycolaldehyde-derived AGE (AGE-3) are involved in inflammation in diabetic patients; monocytes are activated by these AGEs. Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a fluorinated 4-quinolone, is often used clinically to treat infections associated with diabetis due to its antibacterial properties. It also modulates immune responses in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) therefore we investigated the involvement of AGEs in these effects.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, B7.1, B7.2 and CD40 was examined by flow cytometry. The production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and cAMP were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression was determined by Western blot analysis. Lymphocyte proliferation was determined by [³H]-thymidine uptake.

KEY RESULTS

CIP induced PGE₂ production in monocytes, irrespective of the presence of AGE-2 and AGE-3, by enhancing COX-2 expression; this led to an elevation of intracellular cAMP in monocytes. Non-selective and selective COX-2 inhibitors, indomethacin and NS398, inhibited CIP-induced PGE₂ and cAMP production. In addition, CIP inhibited AGE-2- and AGE-3-induced expressions of ICAM-1, B7.1, B7.2 and CD40 in monocytes, the production of TNF-α and IFN-γ and lymphocyte proliferation in PBMC. Indomethacin, NS398 and a protein kinase A inhibitor, H89, inhibited the actions of CIP.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

CIP exerts immunomodulatory activity via PGE₂, implying therapeutic potential of CIP for the treatment of AGE-2- and AGE-3-induced inflammatory responses.     

The effect of resveratrol on glycation and oxidation products in plasma and liver of chronic methylglyoxal-treated rats

Background

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound. It is produced by processes like glycolysis, glucose autooxidation, lipid peroxidation, and protein glycation. It is a major precursor of advanced glycation end products (AGE). It also exacerbates oxidative stress in the organism. Although there are some in vitro studies investigating the effect of resveratrol (RES) as an antioxidant and antiglycating agent on MG-induced toxicity, in vivo effect of RES is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the efficiency of RES in chronic MG-treated rats.

Histamine inhibits adhesion molecule expression in human monocytes, induced by advanced glycation end products, during the mixed lymphocyte reaction

Background and purpose:

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus is a frequent complication among transplant recipients. Ligation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with their receptor on monocytes/macrophages plays important roles in the genesis of diabetic complications. The enhancement of adhesion molecule expression on monocytes/macrophages activates T-cells, reducing allograft survival. Out of four distinct AGE subtypes (AGE-2, AGE-3, AGE-4 and AGE-5), only AGE-2 and AGE-3 induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs), output of cytokines and proliferation of lymphocytes, during the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Here we have assessed the role of histamine in the actions of AGEs during the MLR.

Experimental approach:

Human peripheral blood cells were used in these experiments. Flow cytometry was used to examine the expression of the ICAM-1, B7.1, B7.2 and CD40. Production of the cytokine interferon-γ, and levels of cAMP were determined by elisa. Lymphocyte proliferation was determined by [³H]-thymidine uptake.

Key results:

Histamine concentration dependently inhibited the action of AGE-2 and AGE-3. The actions of histamine were antagonized by an H₂-receptor antagonist, famotidine, and mimicked by H₂/H₄-receptor agonists, dimaprit and 4-methylhistamine. The effects of histamine were reversed by a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H89, and mimicked by dibutyryl cAMP and an adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin.

Conclusions and implications:

Histamine down-regulated AGE-2- and AGE-3-induced expression of adhesion molecules, cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation via histamine H₂ receptors and the cAMP/PKA pathway.     

Curcumin inhibits gene expression of receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) in hepatic stellate cells in vitro by elevating PPARγ activity and attenuating oxidative stress

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia, which facilitates the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Type 2 diabetes mellitus is commonly accompanied by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which could lead to hepatic fibrosis. Receptor for AGEs (RAGE) mediates effects of AGEs and is associated with increased oxidative stress, cell growth and inflammation. The phytochemical curcumin inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the major effectors during hepatic fibrogenesis. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms of curcumin in the elimination of the stimulating effects of AGEs on the activation of HSCs. We hypothesize that curcumin eliminates the effects of AGEs by suppressing gene expression of RAGE.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Gene promoter activities were evaluated by transient transfection assays. The expression of rage was silenced by short hairpin RNA. Gene expression was analysed by real-time PCR and Western blots. Oxidative stress was evaluated.

KEY RESULTS

AGEs induced rage expression in cultured HSCs, which played a critical role in the AGEs-induced activation of HSCs. Curcumin at 20 µM eliminated the AGE effects, which required the activation of PPARγ. In addition, curcumin attenuated AGEs-induced oxidative stress in HSCs by elevating the activity of glutamate-cysteine ligase and by stimulating de novo synthesis of glutathione, leading to the suppression of gene expression of RAGE.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Curcumin suppressed gene expression of RAGE by elevating the activity of PPARγ and attenuating oxidative stress, leading to the elimination of the AGE effects on the activation of HSCs.

LINKED ARTICLE

This article is commented on by Stefanska, pp. 2209–2211 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01959.x     

Pioglitazone ameliorates memory deficits in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by reducing brain β-amyloid through PPARγ activation

Aim:

To examine the effects of pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, on memory performance and brain amyloidogenesis in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice.

Methods:

ICR male mice were injected with STZ (150 mg/kg, iv) to induce experimental diabetes. Pioglitazone (9 and 18 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, po) was administered for 6 weeks. Passive avoidance and Morris water maze (MWM) tests were used to evaluate cognitive function. The blood glucose and serum insulin levels were detected using the glucose oxidase method and an ELISA assay, respectively. β-amyloid (Aβ), β-amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), NF-κB p65, the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and PPARγ in the brains were analyzed using Western blotting assays.

Results:

The STZ-induced diabetic mice characterized by hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia performed poorly in both the passive avoidance and MWM tests, accompanied by increased Aβ_1–40/Aβ_1–42, APP, BACE1, NF-κB p65 and RAGE levels and decreased PPARγ level in the hippocampus and cortex. Chronic pioglitazone treatment significantly ameliorated the memory deficits and amyloidogenesis of STZ-induced diabetic mice, and suppressed expression of APP, BACE1, RAGE and NF-κB p65, and activated PPARγ in the hippocampus and cortex. However, pioglitazone did not significantly affect blood glucose and insulin levels.

Conclusion:

Pioglitazone ameliorates memory deficits in STZ-induced diabetic mice by reducing brain Aβ level via activation of PPARγ, which is independent of its effects on blood glucose and insulin levels. The results suggest that pioglitazone may be used for treating the cognitive dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus.     

Tissue-specific up-regulation of arginase I and II induced by p38 MAPK mediates endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background and Purpose

Emerging evidence suggests a selective up-regulation of arginase I in diabetes causing coronary artery disease; however, the mechanisms behind this up-regulation are still unknown. Activated p38 MAPK has been reported to increase arginase II in various cardiovascular diseases. We therefore tested the role of p38 MAPK in the regulation of arginase I and II expression and its effect on endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.

Experimental Approach

Endothelial function was determined in septal coronary (SCA), left anterior descending coronary (LAD) and mesenteric (MA) arteries from healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats by wire myographs. Arginase activity and protein levels of arginase I, II, phospho-p38 MAPK and phospho-endothelial NOS (eNOS) (Ser¹¹⁷⁷) were determined in these arteries from diabetic and healthy rats treated with a p38 MAPK inhibitor in vivo.

Key Results

Diabetic SCA and MA displayed impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation, which was prevented by arginase and p38 MAPK inhibition while LAD relaxation was not affected. Arginase I, phospho-p38 MAPK and eNOS protein expression was increased in diabetic coronary arteries. In diabetic MA, however, increased expression of arginase II and phospho-p38 MAPK, increased arginase activity and decreased expression of eNOS were observed. All these effects were reversed by p38 MAPK inhibition.

Conclusions and Implications

Diabetes-induced activation of p38 MAPK causes endothelial dysfunction via selective up-regulation of arginase I expression in coronary arteries and arginase II expression in MA. Therefore, regional differences appear to exist in the arginase isoforms contributing to endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus.     

Exhaustive swimming differentially inhibits P2X1 receptor- and α1-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction in isolated rat arteries

Aim:

To investigate the effects of exhaustive swimming exercise on P2X1 receptor- and α1-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction of different types of arteries in rats.

Methods:

Male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: the sedentary control group (SCG) and the exhaustive swimming exercise group (ESEG). The rats in the ESEG were subjected to a swim to exhaustion once a day for 2 weeks. Internal carotid, caudal, pulmonary, mesenteric arteries and aorta were dissected out. Isometric vasoconstrictive responses of the arteries to α,β-methylene ATP (α,β-MeATP) or noradrenaline (NA) were recorded using a polygraph.

Results:

The exhaustive swimming exercise did not produce significant change in the EC₅₀ values of α,β-MeATP or NA in vasoconstrictive response of most of the arteries studied. The exhaustive swimming exercise inhibited the vasoconstrictive responses to P2X1 receptor activation in the internal carotid artery, whereas it reduced the maximal vasoconstrictive responses to α1-adrenoceptor stimulation in the caudal, pulmonary, mesenteric arteries and aorta. The rank order of the reduction of the maximal vasoconstriction was as follows: mesenteric, pulmonary, caudal, aorta.

Conclusion:

Exhaustive swimming exercise differentially affects the P2X1 receptor- and α1-adrenoceptor-regulated vasoconstriction in internal carotid artery and peripheral arteries. The ability to preserve purinergic vasoconstriction in the peripheral arteries would be useful to help in maintenance of the basal vascular tone during exhaustive swimming exercise.     

Role of vascular K(ATP) channels in blood pressure variability after sinoaortic denervation in rats

Aim:

To investigate the role of ATP-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channels on blood pressure variability (BPV) in sinoaortic denervated (SAD) rats.

Methods:

SAD was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats 4 weeks before the study. mRNA expression of Kir6.1, Kir6.2 and SUR2 in aorta and mesenteric artery was determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and confirmed at the protein level using Western blotting and laser confocal immunofluorescence assays. Concentration-response curves of isolated aortic and mesenteric arterial rings to adenosine and pinacidil were established. Effects of K_ATP channel openers and blocker on BPV were examined in conscious SAD rats.

Results:

Aortic SUR2 expression was significantly greater, while Kir6.1 was lower, in SAD rats than in sham-operated controls. In contrast, in the mesenteric artery both SUR2 and Kir6.1 expression were markedly lower in SAD rats than controls. For both arteries, Kir6.2 expression was indistinguishable between sham-operated and SAD rats. These findings were confirmed at the protein level. Responses of the aorta to both adenosine and pinacidil were enhanced after SAD, while the mesenteric response to adenosine was attenuated. Pinacidil, diazoxide, nicorandil, and glibenclamide significantly decreased BPV.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that expression of vascular K_ATP channels is altered by chronic SAD. These alterations influence vascular reactivity, and may play a role in the increased BPV in chronic SAD rats.     

Anti-RAGE antibody ameliorates severe thermal injury in rats through regulating cellular immune function

Aim:

The receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) participates in a variety of pathophysiological processes and inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of an anti-RAGE neutralizing antibody for severe thermal injury in rats, and to determine whether the treatment worked via modulating cellular immune function.

Methods:

Full-thickness scald injury was induced in Wistar rats, which were treated with the anti-RAGE antibody (1 mg/kg, iv) at 6 h and 24 h after the injury. The rats were sacrificed on d 1, 3, 5, and 7. Blood and spleen samples were harvested to monitor organ function and to analyze dendritic cell (DC) and T cell cytokine profiles. The survival rate was analyzed up to d 7 after the injury.

Results:

Administration of the antibody significantly increased the 7 d survival rate in thermally injured rats (6.67% in the model group; 33.33% in anti-RAGE group). Treatment with the antibody also attenuated the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) following the thermal injury, as shown by significant decreases in the organ dysfunction markers, including serum ALT, AST, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and CK-MB. Moreover, treatment with the antibody significantly promoted DC maturation and T cell activation in the spleens of thermally injured rats.

Conclusion:

Blockade of the RAGE axis by the antibody effectively ameliorated MODS and improved the survival rate in thermally injured rats, which may be due to modulation of cellular immune function.     

D-Carnosine octylester attenuates atherosclerosis and renal disease in ApoE null mice fed a Western diet through reduction of carbonyl stress and inflammation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Lipoxidation-derived reactive carbonyl species (RCS) such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) react with proteins to form advanced lipoxidation end products (ALEs), which have been implicated in both atherosclerosis and renal disease. L-carnosine acts as an endogenous HNE scavenger, but it is rapidly inactivated by carnosinase. This study aimed at assessing the effect of the carnosinase-resistant, D-carnosine, on HNE-induced cellular injury and of its bioavailable prodrug D-carnosine octylester on experimental atherosclerosis and renal disease.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were exposed to HNE or H₂O₂ plus D-carnosine. ApoE null mice fed a Western, pro-atherogenic diet were treated with D-carnosine octylester for 12 weeks.

KEY RESULTS

In vitro, D-carnosine attenuated the effect of HNE, but not of H₂O₂, on VSMCs. In vivo, D-carnosine octylester-treated mice showed reduced lesion area and a more stable plaque phenotype compared with untreated animals, with reduced foam cell accumulation, inflammation and apoptosis and increased clearance of apoptotic bodies and collagen deposition, resulting in decreased necrotic core formation. Likewise, renal lesions were attenuated in D-carnosine octylester-treated versus untreated mice, with lower inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis. This was associated with increased urinary levels of HNE-carnosine adducts and reduced protein carbonylation, circulating and tissue ALEs, expression of receptors for these products, and systemic and tissue oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These data indicate RCS quenching with a D-carnosine ester was highly effective in attenuating experimental atherosclerosis and renal disease by reducing carbonyl stress and inflammation and that this may represent a promising therapeutic strategy in humans.     

BENAZEPRIL, AN ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITOR, ALLEVIATES RENAL INJURY IN SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS BY INHIBITING ADVANCED GLYCATION END-PRODUCT-MEDIATED PATHWAYS

• 1 Advanced glycation end‐products (AGE) and their receptors (RAGE) have been implicated in renal damage in diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of benazepril, an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), on the formation of AGE, the expression RAGE and other associated components in the oxidative stress pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).
• 2 Groups of SHR were treated with or without 10 mg/kg per day benazepril for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and angiotensin (Ang) II levels were evaluated in SHR and control Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats. Renal function was investigated by determining levels of proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rat renal cortex were analysed using an H₂O₂‐based hydroxyl radical‐detection assay and the renal content of AGE, RAGE, NADPH oxidase p47phox, nuclear factor (NF)‐κB p65, phosphorylated (p‐) NF‐κB p65, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 was determined by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis.
• 3 Treatment with benazepril inhibited the formation of AngII, reduced SBP and alleviated renal lesions in SHR compared with both untreated SHR and control WKY rats. Benazepril treatment significantly suppressed the accumulation of AGE and expression of RAGE in the kidney of SHR. In addition, benazepril treatment reduced the upregulation of NADPH oxidase p47phox, ROS generation and NF‐κB p65, p‐NF‐κB p65, VCAM‐1 and TGF‐β1 expression in the kidney of SHR compared with both untreated SHR and control WKY rats.
• 4 The results of the present study provide new insights into the regulation by the renin–angiotensin system of AGE–RAGE, oxidative stress and nephropathy, increasing our understanding of the role of the RAS in nephropathy.

     

Impairment of both nitric oxide-mediated and EDHF-type relaxation in small mesenteric arteries from rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To investigate whether diabetes affects either or both nitric oxide (NO)-mediated and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-type relaxation in endothelium-dependent relaxation of mesenteric arteries from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Wire myography was employed to examine endothelial function of mesenteric arteries. Superoxide levels were measured by L-012 and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. Western blotting was used to quantify protein expression levels.

KEY RESULTS

Superoxide levels were significantly increased in diabetic mesenteric arteries compared with normal arteries. Diabetes significantly reduced the sensitivity to the endothelium-dependent relaxant, acetylcholine (ACh) in mesenteric arteries. When the contribution of NO to relaxation was abolished by N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) + a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (ODQ), the sensitivity to ACh was significantly decreased in the diabetic arteries compared with normal arteries, indicating an impaired EDHF-type relaxation despite increased expression of intermediate- and small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels. Conversely, when the contribution of EDHF was inhibited with TRAM-34 + apamin + iberiotoxin, maximum relaxations to ACh were significantly decreased in diabetic compared with normal arteries, suggesting that the contribution of NO was also impaired by diabetes. Basal levels of NO release, indicated by contraction to L-NNA, were also significantly decreased in diabetic arteries. Western blot analysis demonstrated that diabetic arteries had an increased expression of Nox2, decreased pSer⁴⁷³Akt and a reduced proportion of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expressed as a dimer, indicating uncoupling.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The contribution of both NO and EDHF-type relaxations was impaired in diabetes and was caused by increased oxidative stress, decreased pSer⁴⁷³Akt and/or eNOS uncoupling.     

Rosuvastatin restored adrenergic and nitrergic function in mesenteric arteries from obese rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We investigated whether high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity was associated with changed function of components of the mesenteric innervation (adrenergic, sensory and nitrergic), the mechanisms involved and the possible effects of rosuvastatin on these changes.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. (i) rats fed a standard diet (control group); (ii) rats fed a HFD (33.5% fat) for 7 weeks; and (iii) rats fed a HFD and treated with rosuvastatin (15 mg·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹) for 7 weeks. Segments of isolated mesenteric arteries were exposed to electric field stimulation (EFS) with or without tetrodotoxin, phentolamine, 7-nitroindazole (7NI) or N^ω nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Noradrenaline, ATP and NO release, and nNOS expression were also measured.

KEY RESULTS

EFS induced a greater frequency-dependent contraction in obese than in control rats. In HFD rats, phentolamine reduced contractions elicited by EFS, but noradrenaline release was greater and ATP release decreased. L-NAME and 7NI increased contractions to EFS in segments from control rats, but not in those from HFD rats. NO release and nNOS expression were lower in arterial segments from HFD rats than in control rats. All these changes in HFD rats were reversed by treatment with rosuvastatin.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Neural control of mesenteric vasomotor tone was altered in HFD rats. Enhanced adrenergic and diminished nitrergic components both contributed to increased vasoconstrictor responses to EFS. All these changes were reversed by rosuvastatin, indicating novel mechanisms of statins in neural regulation of vascular tone.     

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) activate mast cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) represent one of the many types of chemical modifications that occur with age in long-lived proteins. AGEs also accumulate in pathologies such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration and cancer. Mast cells are major effectors of acute inflammatory responses that also contribute to the progression of chronic diseases. Here we investigated interactions between AGEs and mast cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES

Histamine secretion from AGEs-stimulated mast cells was measured. Involvement of a receptor for AGEs, RAGE, was assessed by PCR, immunostaining and use of inhibitors of RAGE. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines was measured.

KEY RESULTS

Advanced glycation endproducts dose-dependently induced mast cell exocytosis with maximal effects being obtained within 20 s. RAGE mRNA was detected and intact cells were immunostained by a specific anti-RAGE monoclonal antibody. AGEs-induced exocytosis was inhibited by an anti-RAGE antibody and by low molecular weight heparin, a known RAGE antagonist. RAGE expression levels were unaltered after 3 h treatment with AGEs. AGE-RAGE signalling in mast cells involves Pertussis toxin-sensitive G_i-proteins and intracellular Ca²⁺ increases as pretreatment with Pertussis toxin, caffeine, 2-APB and BAPTA-AM inhibited AGE-induced exocytosis. AGEs also rapidly stimulated ROS production. After 6 h treatment with AGEs, the pattern of cytokine secretion was unaltered compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Advanced glycation endproducts activated mast cells and may contribute to a vicious cycle involving generation of ROS, increased formation of AGEs, activation of RAGE and to the increased low-grade inflammation typical of chronic diseases.     

葛根素对STZ诱导的糖尿病大鼠视网膜的保护作用及机制研究

目的探讨葛根素对糖尿病大鼠视网膜的保护作用及可能机制。方法 40只♂SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、糖尿病(DM)模型组、DM+葛根素低剂量组(Pue1组)、DM+葛根素高剂量组(Pue2组)。给药后4周,行视网膜组织病理学检查,荧光法检测视网膜晚期糖基化终末产物(ad-vanced glycation end products,AGEs)含量、Real-time PCR法、Western blot法分别检测视网膜组织晚期糖基化终末产物受体(receptor of advanced glycation end products,RAGE)、血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)mR-NA表达和蛋白水平。结果 DM组视网膜外核层细胞厚度明显变薄,Pue2组较DM组有所好转。DM大鼠视网膜中VEGF的mRNA和蛋白表达水平均明显高于正常对照组(P<0.01);Pue1、Pue2组VEGF的mRNA和蛋白表达水平均明显下降(P<0.01)。DM大鼠视网膜内AGEs水平较正常对照组明显上调(P<0.05),高剂量葛根素能抑制AGEs形成(P<0.05)。RT-PCR与Western blot结果显示,DM大鼠视网膜中RAGE的mRNA水平和蛋白表达均高于正常对照组(P<0.05),高剂量葛根素可使之下调(P<0.05)。结论葛根素可抑制DM大鼠视网膜AGEs形成及RAGE的表达,抑制视网膜VEGF的表达,起到保护糖尿病大鼠视网膜的作用。