Chronic GPER activation prevents ischemia/reperfusion injury in ovariectomized rats.

During menopause women are exposed to an increase in cardiovascular risk. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is known to mediate several of the protective effects of such hormones. G1 was described as a selective and synthetic agonist for GPER. The aim of the present research is to evaluate the effect of a chronic treatment with G1 in ovariectomized (OVX) rats exposed to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Considering the hypothesis that an impaired mitochondrial state could be involved in the alterations produced in OVX rats, other objective of this study was to investigate it in an isolated preparation. Three months old rats were assigned to undergo either bilateral ovariectomy or sham operation. The OVX rats were randomly treated during one month with either G1 or vehicle. Cardiac mitochondria from OVX rats showed a depolarized membrane potential and a decreased calcium retention capacity in comparison with Sham rats, which were prevented by chronic G1 treatment. I/R caused a higher decrease of left ventricular developed pressure and a higher increase of left ventricular end diastolic pressure in OVX compared to Sham hearts. These altered mechanical parameters were prevented by G1. The induced infarct size was significantly higher in OVX, which was reduced by G1 treatment. These results indicate that the mitochondrial state in OVX rats is impaired, accompanied by an altered mechanical response after ischemia and reperfusion injury, which was effectively prevented with chronic treatment with G1. The present study may provide further insights for the potential development of a therapy based on the GPER modulation.

El SRAA y el SARS-CoV-2: el acertijo a resolver / The RAAS and SARS-CoV-2: ariddle to solve

El 31 de diciembre de 2019 se reportó el primer caso de COVID-19 en Wuhan, China, y desde entonces ha habido un interés creciente y sin precedentes por conocer todos los aspectos vinculados con esta nueva enfermedad. Uno de los temas que ha generado debate se vincula con la asociación entre la terapia antihipertensiva con inhibidores del sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona (SRAA) y la infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Si bien muchas preguntas siguen hoy día sin poder ser respondidas, la intención de este comunicado es informar a los profesionales de la salud acerca del estado actual de conocimiento. Dado que este es un tema en constante evolución, se recomienda su actualización a medida que se presenten nuevas evidencias. A continuación, daremos revisión a los estudios preclínicos y clínicos que relacionan el coronavirus con el SRAA

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on 31 December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Ever since there has been unprecedented and growing interest in learning about all aspects of this new disease. Debate has been generated as tothe association between antihypertensive therapy with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors and SARS-CoV-2 infection. While many questions as yet remain unanswered, the aim of this report is to inform healthprofessionals about the current state of knowledge. Because this is an ever-evolvingtopic, the recommendation is that it be updated as new evidence becomes available. Below, we provide a review of pre-clinical and clinical studies that link coronavirus to the RAAS

Regulation of Intracellular pH is Altered in Cardiac Myocytes of Ovariectomized Rats.

Background It is well known that after menopause women are exposed to a greater cardiovascular risk, but the intracellular modifications are not properly described. The sodium/proton exchanger (NHE) and the sodium/bicarbonate cotransporter (NBC) regulate the intracellular pH and, indirectly, the intracellular sodium concentration ([Na+]). There are 2 isoforms of NBC in the heart: the electrogenic (1Na+/2[Formula: see text]; NBCe1) and the electroneutral (1Na+/1[Formula: see text]; NBCn1). Because NHE and NBCn1 hyperactivity as well as the NBCe1 decreased activity have been associated with several cardiovascular pathologies, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential alterations of the alkalinizing transporters during the postmenopausal period. Methods and Results Three-month ovariectomized rats (OVX) were used. The NHE activity and protein expression are significantly increased in OVX. The NBCe1 activity is diminished, and the NBCn1 activity becomes predominant in OVX rats. p-Akt levels showed a significant diminution in OVX. Finally, NHE activity in platelets from OVX rats is also higher in comparison to sham rats, resulting in a potential biomarker of cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions Our results demonstrated for the first time that in the cardiac ventricular myocytes of OVX rats NHE and NBC isoforms are altered, probably because of the decreased level of p-Akt, compromising the ionic intracellular homeostasis.

Aligned ovine diaphragmatic myoblasts overexpressing human connexin-43 seeded on poly (L-lactic acid) scaffolds for potential use in cardiac regeneration.

Diaphragmatic myoblasts (DMs) are precursors of type-1 muscle cells displaying high exhaustion threshold on account that they contract and relax 20 times/min over a lifespan, making them potentially useful in cardiac regeneration strategies. Besides, it has been shown that biomaterials for stem cell delivery improve cell retention and viability in the target organ. In the present study, we aimed at developing a novel approach based on the use of poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds seeded with DMs overexpressing connexin-43 (cx43), a gap junction protein that promotes inter-cell connectivity. DMs isolated from ovine diaphragm biopsies were characterized by immunohistochemistry and ability to differentiate into myotubes (MTs) and transduced with a lentiviral vector encoding cx43. After confirming cx43 expression (RT-qPCR and Western blot) and its effect on inter-cell connectivity (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching), DMs were grown on fiber-aligned or random PLLA scaffolds. DMs were successfully isolated and characterized. Cx43 mRNA and protein were overexpressed and favored inter-cell connectivity. Alignment of the scaffold fibers not only aligned but also elongated the cells, increasing the contact surface between them. This novel approach is feasible and combines the advantages of bioresorbable scaffolds as delivery method and a cell type that on account of its features may be suitable for cardiac regeneration. Future studies on animal models of myocardial infarction are needed to establish its usefulness on scar reduction and cardiac function.

Hypotonic swelling promotes nitric oxide release in cardiac ventricular myocytes: impact on swelling-induced negative inotropic effect.

AIMS: Cardiomyocyte swelling occurs in multiple pathological situations and has been associated with contractile dysfunction, cell death, and enhanced propensity to arrhythmias. We investigate whether hypotonic swelling promotes nitric oxide (NO) release in cardiomyocytes, and whether it impacts on swelling-induced contractile dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Superfusing rat cardiomyocytes with a hypotonic solution (HS; 217 mOsm), increased cell volume, reduced myocyte contraction and Ca(2+) transient, and increased NO-sensitive 4-amino-5-methylamino-2',7'-difluorofluorescein diacetate (DAF-FM) fluorescence. When cells were exposed to HS + 2.5 mM of the NO synthase inhibitor l-NAME, cell swelling occurred in the absence of NO release. Swelling-induced NO release was also prevented by the nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) inhibitor, nitroguanidine, and significantly reduced in NOS1 knockout mice. Additionally, colchicine (inhibitor of microtubule polymerization) prevented the increase in DAF-FM fluorescence induced by HS, indicating that microtubule integrity is necessary for swelling-induced NO release. The swelling-induced negative inotropic effect was exacerbated in the presence of either l-NAME, nitroguandine, the guanylate cyclase inhibitor, ODQ, or the PKG inhibitor, KT5823, suggesting that NOS1-derived NO provides contractile support via a cGMP/PKG-dependent mechanism. Indeed, ODQ reduced Ca(2+) wave velocity and both ODQ and KT5823 reduced the HS-induced increment in ryanodine receptor (RyR2, Ser2808) phosphorylation, suggesting that in this context, cGMP/PKG may contribute to preserve contractile function by enhancing sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a novel mechanism for NO release in cardiomyocytes with putative pathophysiological relevance determined, at least in part, by its capability to reduce the extent of contractile dysfunction associated with hypotonic swelling.

Gender differences in cardiac left ventricular mass and function: Clinical and experimental observations.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate gender-associated impact on left ventricular mass (LVM) and on left ventricular function (LVF) in humans and rats with aging. METHODS: Myocyte area and collagen volume fraction (CVF) were studied in rats. LVM and LVF were evaluated in animals and humans by echocardiography and LVM index (LVMI) was obtained. RESULTS: LVMI, myocyte area and CVF were similar in males and females of 1-month-old rats. LVMI in children was similar in both genders. In contrast, in 6-month-old rats (5 males and 5 females), LVMI (17.7 ± 0.7 mg/mm vs. 10.1 ± 0.2 mg/mm; p < 0.01), and myocyte area (4572.5 ± 72.6 µm² vs. 3293.85 ± 57.8 µm², p < 0.01) were higher in male animals without differences in CVF. Men (n = 25) exhibited greater LVMI than women (n = 25) (77.4 ± 3.2 g/m² vs. 63.3 ± 1.8 g/m², p < 0.01), whereas the LVF was higher in women (105.9 ± 2.9% vs. 95.3 ± 3.5%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear gender-associated impact on LVM with aging in humans and rats. Similar CVF and LVF associated to greater myocyte size and LVM in male rats suggest a process of physiological response. However, the increase in cardiac mass without an associated improved cardiac function in men in comparison to women could likely represent a potential disadvantage in the adaptive response during growth.

Regulation of the cardiac sodium/bicarbonate cotransporter by angiotensin II: potential Contribution to structural, ionic and electrophysiological myocardial remodelling.

The sodium/ bicarbonate cotransporter (NBC) is, with the Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE), an important alkalinizing mechanism that maintains cellular intracellular pH (pHi). In the heart exists at least three isoforms of NBC, one that promotes the co-influx of 1 molecule of Na+ per 1molecule of HCO3-(electroneutral isoform; nNBC) and two others that generates the co-influx of 1 molecule of Na+ per 2 molecules of HCO3- (electrogenic isoforms; eNBC). In addition, the eNBC generates an anionic repolarizing current that modulate the cardiac action potential (CAP), adding to such isoforms the relevance to modulate the electrophysiological function of the heart. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is one of the main hormones that regulate cardiac physiology. The alkalinizing mechanisms (NHE and NBC) are stimulated by Ang II, increasing pHi and intracellular Na+ concentration, which indirectly, due to the stimulation of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) operating in the reverse form, leads to an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Interestingly, it has been shown that Ang II exhibits an opposite effect on NBC isoforms: it activates the nNBC and inhibits the eNBC. This inhibition generates a CAP prolongation, which could directly increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The regulation of the intracellular Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations is crucial for the cardiac cellular physiology, but these ions are also involved in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and the damage produced by ischemia-reperfusion, suggesting a potential role of NBC in cardiac diseases.

Endothelin-1 stimulates the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger reverse mode through intracellular Na+ (Na+i)-dependent and Na+i-independent pathways.

This study aimed to explore the signaling pathways involved in the positive inotropic effect (PIE) of low doses of endothelin-1 (ET-1). Cat papillary muscles were used for force and intracellular Na(+) concentration (Na(+)(i)) measurements, and isolated cat ventricular myocytes for patch-clamp experiments. ET-1 (5 nmol/L) induced a PIE and an associated increase in Na(+)(i) that were abolished by Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) inhibition with HOE642. Reverse-mode Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) blockade with KB-R7943 reversed the ET-1-induced PIE. These results suggest that the ET-1-induced PIE is totally attributable to the NHE-mediated Na(+)(i) increase. However, an additional direct stimulating effect of ET-1 on NCX after the necessary increase in Na(+)(i) could occur. Thus, the ET-1-induced increase in Na(+)(i) and contractility was compared with that induced by partial inhibition of the Na(+)/K(+) ATPase by lowering extracellular K(+) (K(+)(o)). For a given Na(+)(i), ET-1 induced a greater PIE than low K(+)(o). In the presence of HOE642 and after increasing contractility and Na(+)(i) by low K(+)(o), ET-1 induced an additional PIE that was reversed by KB-R7943 or the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine. ET-1 increased the NCX current and negatively shifted the NCX reversal potential (E(NCX)). HOE642 attenuated the increase in NCX outward current and abolished the E(NCX) shift. These results indicate that whereas the NHE-mediated ET-1-induced increase in Na(+)(i) seems to be mandatory to drive NCX in reverse and enhance contractility, Na(+)(i)-independent and PKC-dependent NCX stimulation appears to additionally contribute to the PIE. However, it is important to stress that the latter can only occur after the primary participation of the former.

Acumulacion de calcio en fibras hipermeabilizadas de musculo liso vascular, esqueletico y cardiaco de rata / Calcium accumulation in hypermeabilizated fibers of vascular smooth , skeletal and cardiac muscles of the rats

Este trabajo presenta resultados sobre la capacidad para acumular calcio de las preparaciones multicelulares hiperpermeabilizadas de músculo liso aórtico, músculo esquelético y músculo ventricular de rata. La supresión de la fundación de la membrana plasmática como barrera de permeabilidad a los iones, permitió exponer el retículo sarcoplásmico (RS) a soluciones conteniendo "buffers" de 45Ca-EGTA y medir la cantidad de 45Ca acumulado por las preparaciones durante un período de 30 minutos y a la temperatura ambiente. El 45Ca cargado fue atribuido a la actividad de la bomba de calcio del RS dado que aquél dependió de los valores de pCa en los medios de incubación y fue estimulado por oxalato de K. Este método permitió discriminar la capacidad para acumular calcio del RS en diferentes tipos musculares. Los valores de 45Ca acumulado en ausencia de oxalto de K fueron: 5.16 ñ 0.08, 7.02 ñ 0.38 y 2.59 ñ 0.15 µmoles Ca2+/gm de proteína tisular en músculo liso aórtico, músculo esquelético y músculo ventriuclar respectivamente. Los valores obtenidos en presencia de 10 mM de oxalato de K evidenciaron el siguiente orden creciente de l as capacidades de acumulación de calcio: músculo esquelético > músculo ventricular > ou = músculo liso aórtico. Teniendo en cuenta el contenido de proteína de cada tipo muscular, la cantidad de calcio acumulado por el RS que se puede calcular excede la necesaria para producir la activación máxima de la concentracción

Acumulacion de calcio en fibras hipermeabilizadas de musculo liso vascular, esqueletico y cardiaco de rata / Calcium accumulation in hypermeabilizated fibers of vascular smooth , skeletal and cardiac muscles of the rats

Este trabajo presenta resultados sobre la capacidad para acumular calcio de las preparaciones multicelulares hiperpermeabilizadas de músculo liso aórtico, músculo esquelético y músculo ventricular de rata. La supresión de la fundación de la membrana plasmática como barrera de permeabilidad a los iones, permitió exponer el retículo sarcoplásmico (RS) a soluciones conteniendo "buffers" de 45Ca-EGTA y medir la cantidad de 45Ca acumulado por las preparaciones durante un período de 30 minutos y a la temperatura ambiente. El 45Ca cargado fue atribuido a la actividad de la bomba de calcio del RS dado que aquél dependió de los valores de pCa en los medios de incubación y fue estimulado por oxalato de K. Este método permitió discriminar la capacidad para acumular calcio del RS en diferentes tipos musculares. Los valores de 45Ca acumulado en ausencia de oxalto de K fueron: 5.16 ñ 0.08, 7.02 ñ 0.38 y 2.59 ñ 0.15 Amoles Ca2+/gm de proteína tisular en músculo liso aórtico, músculo esquelético y músculo ventriuclar respectivamente. Los valores obtenidos en presencia de 10 mM de oxalato de K evidenciaron el siguiente orden creciente de l as capacidades de acumulación de calcio: músculo esquelético > músculo ventricular > ou = músculo liso aórtico. Teniendo en cuenta el contenido de proteína de cada tipo muscular, la cantidad de calcio acumulado por el RS que se puede calcular excede la necesaria para producir la activación máxima de la concentracción (AU)