Circulating angiotensin-(1-7) is decreased in patients with isolated nocturnal hypertension.

Isolated nocturnal hypertension (INHT), defined as nighttime elevated blood pressure (BP) with normal daytime BP assessed by ambulatory BP monitoring, is associated with higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that an alteration in the circulating renin-angiotensin system (RAS) contributes to INHT development. We examined circulating levels of angiotensin (Ang) (1-7) and Ang II and ACE2 activity in 26 patients that met the INHT criteria, out of 50 that were referred for BP evaluation (62% women, 45 ±â€Š16 years old). Those with INHT were older, had a higher BMI, lower circulating Ang-(1-7) (P = 0.002) and Ang II levels (P = 0.02) and no change in ACE2 activity compared to those normotensives. Nighttime DBP was significantly correlated with Ang-(1-7) and Ang II levels. Logistic regression showed significant association in Ang-(1-7) and Ang II levels with INHT. Our study reveals differences in circulating RAS in individuals with INHT.

Acute In Vivo Administration of Compound 21 Stimulates Akt and ERK1/2 Phosphorylation in Mouse Heart and Adipose Tissue.

The angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor has a role in promoting insulin sensitivity. However, the mechanisms underlying the AT2 receptor-induced facilitation of insulin are still not completely understood. Therefore, we investigated whether acute in vivo administration of AT2 receptor agonist compound 21 (C21) could activate insulin signaling molecules in insulin-target tissues. We report that, in male C57BL/6 mice, an acute (5 min, 0.25 mg/kg; i.v.) injection of C21 induces the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 at activating residues (Ser473 and Thr202/Tyr204, respectively) in both epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) and heart tissue. In WAT, the extent of phosphorylation (p) of Akt and ERK1/2 induced by C21 was approximately 65% of the level detected after a bolus injection of a dose of insulin known to induce maximal activation of the insulin receptor (IR). In the heart, C21 stimulated p-Akt to a lesser extent than in WAT and stimulated p-ERK1/2 to similar levels to those attained by insulin administration. C21 did not modify p-IR levels in either tissue. We conclude that in vivo injection of the AT2 receptor agonist C21 activates Akt and ERK1/2 through a mechanism that does not involve the IR, indicating the participation of these enzymes in AT2R-mediated signaling.

Liver impact of growth hormone (GH) intermittent treatment during the growth period in mice.

Liver impact of prolonged GH-treatment given to non-GH-deficient growing mice between the third and eighth week of life was evaluated in both sexes. Tissues were collected 6 h after last dose or four weeks later. Somatometric, biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, RT-qPCR and immunoblotting determinations were performed. Five-week GH intermittent administration induced body weight gain and body and bone length increase, augmented organ weight, higher hepatocellular size and proliferation, and increased liver IGF1 gene expression. Phosphorylation of signaling mediators and expression of GH-induced proliferation-related genes was decreased in GH-treated mice liver 6h after last injection, reflecting active sensitization/desensitization cycles. In females, GH elicited EGFR expression, associated to higher EGF-induced STAT3/5 phosphorylation. Four weeks after treatment, increased organ weight concomitant to body weight gain was still observed, whereas hepatocyte enlargement reverted. However, basal signaling for critical mediators was lower in GH-treated animals and in male controls compared to female ones, suggesting signaling declination.

Novel Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Gene Mutation: Broadening of the Phenotype and Implications for Insulin Resistance.

CONTEXT: Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)1 gene mutations are extremely rare causes of pre- and postnatal growth retardation. Phenotype can be heterogenous with varying degrees of neurosensory deafness, cognitive defects, glucose metabolism impairment and short stature. OBJECTIVE: This study describes a 12.6-year-old girl presenting with severe short stature and insulin resistance, but with normal hearing and neurological development at the lower limit of normal. METHODS: DNA was obtained from the proband and both parents for whole exome sequencing (WES). In silico analysis was performed to predict the impact of the IGF1 variant on IGF1 and insulin receptors (IGF1R and IR) signaling. Phosphorylation of the IGF1R at activating Tyr residues and cell proliferation analyses were used to assess the ability of each subject's IGF1 to bind and activate IGF1R. RESULTS: The proband had low immunoreactive IGF1 in serum and WES revealed a novel homozygous IGF1 missense variant (c.247A>T), causing a change of serine 83 for cysteine (p.Ser83Cys; p.Ser35Cys in mature peptide). The proband's parents were heterozygous for this mutation. In silico analyses indicated the pathogenic potential of the variant with electrostatic variations with the potential of hampering the interaction with the IGF1R but strengthening the binding to IR. The mutant IGF1 protein had a significantly reduced activity on in vitro bioassays. CONCLUSION: We describe a novel IGF1 mutation leading to severe loss of circulating IGF1 immunoreactivity and bioactivity. In silico modeling predicts that the mutant IGF1 could interfere with IR signaling, providing a possible explanation for the severe insulin resistance observed in the patient. The absence of significant hearing and neurodevelopmental involvement in the present case is unusual and broadens the clinical spectrum of IGF1 mutations.

Insulin signaling in the heart is impaired by growth hormone: a direct and early event.

Growth hormone (GH) exerts major actions in cardiac growth and metabolism. Considering the important role of insulin in the heart and the well-established anti-insulin effects of GH, cardiac insulin resistance may play a role in the cardiopathology observed in acromegalic patients. As conditions of prolonged exposure to GH are associated with a concomitant increase of circulating GH, IGF1 and insulin levels, to dissect the direct effects of GH, in this study, we evaluated the activation of insulin signaling in the heart using four different models: (i) transgenic mice overexpressing GH, with chronically elevated GH, IGF1 and insulin circulating levels; (ii) liver IGF1-deficient mice, with chronically elevated GH and insulin but decreased IGF1 circulating levels; (iii) mice treated with GH for a short period of time; (iv) primary culture of rat cardiomyocytes incubated with GH. Despite the differences in the development of cardiomegaly and in the metabolic alterations among the three experimental mouse models analyzed, exposure to GH was consistently associated with a decreased response to acute insulin stimulation in the heart at the receptor level and through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Moreover, a blunted response to insulin stimulation of this signaling pathway was also observed in cultured cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats incubated with GH. Therefore, the key novel finding of this work is that impairment of insulin signaling in the heart is a direct and early event observed as a consequence of exposure to GH, which may play a major role in the development of cardiac pathology.

Growth Hormone Modulation of Hepatic Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling has a central role in the regenerative response of the liver upon injury and is involved in cellular transformation linked to chronic damage. Hepatic EGFR expression, trafficking, and signaling are regulated by growth hormone (GH). Chronically elevated GH levels are associated with liver cancer development and progression in mice. Studies in different in vivo experimental models indicate that EGF and GH mutually crossregulate in a complex manner. Several factors, such as the extent of exposure to supraphysiological GH levels and the pattern of GH administration, are important variables to be considered in exploring the interplay between the two hormones in connection with the progression of hepatic tumors.

Renal Inflammation Induces Salt Sensitivity in Male db/db Mice through Dysregulation of ENaC.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is considered a major risk factor for the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased renal sodium reabsorption and salt-sensitive hypertension. Clinical studies show that men have higher risk than premenopausal women for the development of diabetic kidney disease. However, the renal mechanisms that predispose to salt sensitivity during diabetes and whether sexual dimorphism is associated with these mechanisms remains unknown. METHODS: Female and male db/db mice exposed to a high-salt diet were used to analyze the progression of diabetic kidney disease and the development of hypertension. RESULTS: Male, 34-week-old, db/db mice display hypertension when exposed to a 4-week high-salt treatment, whereas equivalently treated female db/db mice remain normotensive. Salt-sensitive hypertension in male mice was associated with no suppression of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in response to a high-salt diet, despite downregulation of several components of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system. Male db/db mice show higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines and more immune-cell infiltration in the kidney than do female db/db mice. Blocking inflammation, with either mycophenolate mofetil or by reducing IL-6 levels with a neutralizing anti-IL-6 antibody, prevented the development of salt sensitivity in male db/db mice. CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory response observed in male, but not in female, db/db mice induces salt-sensitive hypertension by impairing ENaC downregulation in response to high salt. These data provide a mechanistic explanation for the sexual dimorphism associated with the development of diabetic kidney disease and salt sensitivity.

Activation of AT2 receptors prevents diabetic complications in female db/db mice by NO-mediated mechanisms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The AT2 receptor plays a role in metabolism by opposing the actions triggered by the AT1 receptors. Activation of AT2 receptors has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity in both normal and insulin resistance animal models. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which AT2 receptors activation improves metabolism in diabetic mice. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Female diabetic (db/db) and non-diabetic (db/+) mice were treated for 1 month with the selective AT2 agonist, compound 21 (C21, 0.3 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 , s.c.). To evaluate whether the effects of C21 depend on NO production, a subgroup of mice was treated with C21 plus a sub-pressor dose of the NOS inhibitor l-NAME (0.1 mg·ml-1 , drinking water). KEY RESULTS: C21-treated db/db mice displayed improved glucose and pyruvate tolerance compared with saline-treated db/db mice. Also, C21-treated db/db mice showed reduced liver weight and decreased hepatic lipid accumulation compared with saline-treated db/db mice. Insulin signalling analysis showed increased phosphorylation of the insulin receptor, Akt and FOXO1 in the livers of C21-treated db/db mice compared with saline-treated counterparts. These findings were associated with increased adiponectin levels in plasma and adipose tissue and reduced adipocyte size in inguinal fat. The beneficial effects of AT2 receptors activation were associated with increased eNOS phosphorylation and higher levels of NO metabolites and were abolished by l-NAME. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Chronic C21 infusion exerts beneficial metabolic effects in female diabetic db/db mice, alleviating type 2 diabetes complications, through a mechanism that involves NO production.

Mice lacking angiotensin type 2 receptor exhibit a sex-specific attenuation of insulin sensitivity.

The renin-angiotensin system modulates insulin action. Pharmacological stimulation of angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) was shown to have beneficial metabolic effects in various animal models of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes and also to increase insulin sensitivity in wild type mice. In this study we further explored the role of the AT2R on insulin action and glucose homeostasis by investigating the glycemic profile and in vivo insulin signaling status in insulin-target tissues from both male and female AT2R knockout (KO) mice. When compared to the respective wild-type (WT) group, glycemia and insulinemia was unaltered in AT2RKO mice regardless of sex. However, female AT2RKO mice displayed decreased insulin sensitivity compared to their WT littermates. This was accompanied by a compensatory increase in adiponectinemia and with a specific attenuation of the activity of main insulin signaling components (insulin receptor, Akt and ERK1/2) in adipose tissue with no apparent alterations in insulin signaling in either liver or skeletal muscle. These parameters remained unaltered in male AT2RKO mice as compared to male WT mice. Present data show that the AT2R has a physiological role in the conservation of insulin action in female but not in male mice. Our results suggest a sexual dimorphism in the control of insulin action and glucose homeostasis by the AT2R and reinforce the notion that pharmacological modulation of the balance between the AT1R and AT2R receptor could be important for treatment of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Participation of Gαi-Adenylate Cyclase and ERK1/2 in Mas Receptor Signaling Pathways.

The MasR receptor (MasR) is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor proposed as a candidate for mediating the angiotensin (Ang)-converting enzyme 2-Ang-(1-7) protective axis of renin-angiotensin system. This receptor has been suggested to participate in several physiological processes including cardio- and reno-protection and regulation of the central nervous system function. Although the knowledge of the signaling mechanisms associated with MasR is essential for therapeutic purposes, these are still poorly understood. Accordingly, in the current study we aimed to characterize the signaling pathways triggered by the MasR. To do that, we measured cAMP and Ca2+ levels in both naïve and MasR transfected cells in basal conditions and upon incubation with putative MasR ligands. Besides, we evaluated activation of ERK1/2 by Ang-(1-7) in MasR transfected cells. Results indicated the existence of a high degree of MasR constitutive activity toward cAMP modulation. This effect was not mediated by the PDZ-binding motif of the MasR but by receptor coupling to Gαi-adenylyl cyclase signaling pathway. Incubation of MasR transfected cells with Ang-(1-7) or the synthetic ligand AVE 0991 amplified MasR negative modulation of cAMP levels. On the other hand, we provided evidence for lack of MasR-associated modulation of Ca2+ levels by Ang-(1-7). Finally, it was determined that the MasR attenuated Ang-(1-7)-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation mediated by AT1R. We provided further characterization of MasR signaling mechanisms regarding its constitutive activity and response to putative ligands. This information could prove useful to better describe MasR physiological role and development of therapeutic agents that could modulate its action.

Dietary Fructose Increases the Sensitivity of Proximal Tubules to Angiotensin II in Rats Fed High-Salt Diets.

Dietary fructose causes salt-sensitive hypertension. Proximal tubules (PTs) reabsorb 70% of the filtered NaCl. Angiotensin II (Ang II), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and norepinephrine (NE) regulate this process. Although Ang II signaling blockade ameliorates fructose-induced salt-sensitive hypertension, basal PT Na⁺ reabsorption and its sensitivity to the aforementioned factors have not been studied in this model. We hypothesized consuming fructose with a high-salt diet selectively enhances the sensitivity of PT transport to Ang II. We investigated the effects of Ang II, ANP and NE on PT Na reabsorption in rats fed a high-salt diet drinking tap water (HS) or 20% fructose (HS-FRU). Oxygen consumption (QO2) was used as a measure of all ATP-dependent transport processes. Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and Na⁺/H⁺-exchange (NHE) activities were studied because they represent primary apical and basolateral transporters in this segment. The effect of 10-12 mol/L Ang II in QO2 by PTs from HS-FRU was larger than HS (p < 0.02; n = 7). In PTs from HS-FRU 10-12 mol/L Ang II stimulated NHE activity by 2.6 ± 0.7 arbitrary fluorescence units/s (p < 0.01; n = 5) but not in those from HS. The stimulatory effect of Ang II on PT Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity was not affected by HS-FRU. Responses of QO2 and NHE activity to ANP did not differ between groups. The response of QO2 to NE was unaltered by HS-FRU. We concluded that the sensitivity of PT Na⁺ reabsorption specifically to Ang II is enhanced by HS-FRU. This maintains high rates of transport even in the presence of low concentrations of the peptide, and likely contributes to the hypertension.

Chronic administration of the angiotensin type 2 receptor agonist C21 improves insulin sensitivity in C57BL/6 mice.

The renin-angiotensin system modulates insulin action. Angiotensin type 1 receptor exerts a deleterious effect, whereas the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) appears to have beneficial effects providing protection against insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. To further explore the role of the AT2R on insulin action and glucose homeostasis, in this study we administered C57Bl/6 mice with the synthetic agonist of the AT2R C21 for 12 weeks (1 mg/kg per day; ip). Vehicle-treated animals were used as control. Metabolic parameters, glucose, and insulin tolerance, in vivo insulin signaling in main insulin-target tissues as well as adipose tissue levels of adiponectin, and TNF-α were assessed. C21-treated animals displayed decreased glycemia together with unaltered insulinemia, increased insulin sensitivity, and increased glucose tolerance compared to nontreated controls. This was accompanied by a significant decrease in adipocytes size in epididymal adipose tissue and significant increases in both adiponectin and UCP-1 expression in this tissue. C21-treated mice showed an increase in both basal Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels in the liver, and increased insulin-stimulated Akt activation in adipose tissue. This positive modulation of insulin action induced by C21 appeared not to involve the insulin receptor. In C21-treated mice, adipose tissue and skeletal muscle became unresponsive to insulin in terms of ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels. Present data show that chronic pharmacological activation of AT2R with C21 increases insulin sensitivity in mice and indicate that the AT2R has a physiological role in the conservation of insulin action.

Vagal stimulation mimics preconditioning and postconditioning of ischemic myocardium in mice by activating different protection mechanisms.

Vagal stimulation (VS) during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion has beneficial effects. However, it is not known whether short-term VS applied before ischemia or at the onset of reperfusion protects the ischemic myocardium. This study was designed to determine whether short-term VS applied before ischemia or at the onset of reperfusion reduces myocardial infarct size (IS), mimicking classic preconditioning and postconditioning. A second objective was to study the participation of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors in the protection of both preischemic and reperfusion stimulation. FVB mice were subjected to 30 min of regional myocardial ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion without VS, with 10-min preischemic VS (pVS), or with VS during the first 10 min of reperfusion (rVS). pVS reduced IS, and this effect was abolished by atropine and wortmannin. rVS also reduced IS in a similar manner, and this effect was abolished by the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor blocker methyllycaconitine. pVS increased Akt and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3ß phosphorylation. No changes in Akt and GSK-3ß phosphorylation were observed in rVS. Stimulation-mediated IS protection was abolished with the JAK2 blocker AG490. rVS did not modify IL-6 and IL-10 levels in the plasma or myocardium. Splenic denervation and splenectomy did not abolish the protective effect of rVS. In conclusion, pVS and rVS reduced IS by different mechanisms: pVS activated the Akt/GSK-3ß muscarinic pathway, whereas rVS activated α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and JAK2, independently of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our data suggest, for the first time, that vagal stimulation applied briefly either before ischemia or at the beginning of reperfusion mimics classic preconditioning and postconditioning and reduces myocardial infarction, activating different mechanisms. We also infer an important role of α7-nicotinic receptors for myocardial protection independent of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

Markers of oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammation in lung tissue of rats exposed to different intravenous iron compounds.

Iron deficiency anemia is a frequent complication in clinical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and excessive blood loss. Given the ability of iron to catalyze redox reactions, iron therapy can be associated with oxidative stress. The lung is uniquely susceptible to oxidative stress, and little is known about the effects of intravenous iron treatment in this organ. This study characterized changes in markers of oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammation in the lung of non-iron deficient, non-anemic rats treated with five weekly doses (40 mg iron per kg body weight) of low molecular weight iron dextran (LMWID), iron sucrose (IS), ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), ferumoxytol (FMX), iron isomaltoside 1000 (IIM), or saline (control). Rats treated with LMWID, FMX, or IIM showed significant changes in most measures of oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, and iron deposition compared to the saline-treated controls, with greatest changes in the LMWID treatment group. Increases in products of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and protein nitrosation (nitrotyrosine) were consistent with increases in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, Cu,Zn-SOD, GPx), decreases in antioxidative capacity (reduced:oxidized GSH ratio), increased levels of transcription factors involved in the inflammatory pathway (NF-κB, HIF-1α), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), adhesion molecules (VCAM-1), markers of macrophage infiltration (ED-1), and iron deposition (Prussian blue, ferritin). Since changes in measured parameters in FCM- or IS-treated rats were generally modest, the results suggest that FCM and IS have a low propensity to induce lung inflammation. The relevance of these findings to clinical safety profiles of the tested intravenous iron products requires further investigation.

Dietary Fructose Enhances the Ability of Low Concentrations of Angiotensin II to Stimulate Proximal Tubule Na⁺ Reabsorption.

Fructose-enriched diets cause salt-sensitive hypertension. Proximal tubules (PTs) reabsorb 70% of the water and salt filtered through the glomerulus. Angiotensin II (Ang II) regulates this process. Normally, dietary salt reduces Ang II allowing the kidney to excrete more salt, thereby preventing hypertension. We hypothesized that fructose-enriched diets enhance the ability of low concentrations of Ang II to stimulate PT transport. We measured the effects of a low concentration of Ang II (10-12 mol/L) on transport-related oxygen consumption (QO2), and Na/K-ATPase and Na/H-exchange (NHE) activities and expression in PTs from rats consuming tap water (Control) or 20% fructose (FRUC). In FRUC-treated PTs, Ang II increased QO2 by 14.9 ± 1.3 nmol/mg/min (p < 0.01) but had no effect in Controls. FRUC elevated NHE3 expression by 19 ± 3% (p < 0.004) but not Na/K-ATPase expression. Ang II stimulated NHE activity in FRUC PT (Δ + 0.7 ± 0.1 Arbitrary Fluorescent units (AFU)/s, p < 0.01) but not in Controls. Na/K-ATPase activity was not affected. The PKC inhibitor Gö6976 blocked the ability of FRUC to augment the actions of Ang II. FRUC did not alter the inhibitory effect of dopamine on NHE activity. We conclude that dietary fructose increases the ability of low concentrations of Ang II to stimulate PT Na reabsorption via effects on NHE.

Intravenous iron sucrose reverses anemia-induced cardiac remodeling, prevents myocardial fibrosis, and improves cardiac function by attenuating oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammation.

BACKGROUND: According to recent clinical trial data, correction of iron deficiency with intravenous (i.v.) iron has favorable outcomes on cardiac function. We evaluated whether i.v. iron treatment of anemic rats has favorable effect on the left ventricular (LV) performance and remodeling and the role of oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammation in the process. METHODS: After weaning, Sprague-Dawley rats were fed low iron diet for 16weeks, after which the treatment group received five weekly doses of i.v. iron sucrose (10mg Fe/kg body weight). Echocardiography of LV was performed and hematology parameters were assessed before treatment (baseline, day 0) and at the end of the study (day 29). On day 29, rats were sacrificed and extracellular expansion and fibrosis in LV and interventricular septum were evaluated together with oxidative/nitrosative stress, pro-inflammatory, and repair process markers. RESULTS: Although iron sucrose treatment did not fully correct the anemia, it reversed anemia-induced cardiac remodeling as indicated by echocardiographic and tissue Doppler parameters. Treatment with iron sucrose also prevented anemia-induced myocardial fibrosis as indicated by extracellular expansion and fibrosis markers. Anemia-induced inflammation was prevented by iron sucrose as indicated by the levels of proinflammatory (TNF-α, NF-κB65) and repair process markers (HSP27, HSP70). In addition, iron sucrose treatment significantly reduced (p<0.01) anemia-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress. CONCLUSION: Intravenous iron sucrose treatment reversed anemia-induced remodeling of LV, prevented myocardial fibrosis, and improved cardiac function by attenuating oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammation in the heart.

Loss of myocardial protection against myocardial infarction in middle-aged transgenic mice overexpressing cardiac thioredoxin-1.

Thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) protects the heart from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Given that the age at which the first episode of coronary disease takes place has considerably decreased, life at middle-aged (MA) emerges as a new field of study. The aim was determine whether infarct size, Trx1 expression and activity, Akt and GSK-3ß were altered in young (Y) and MA mice overexpressing cardiac Trx1, and in a dominant negative (DN-Trx1) mutant of Trx1. Langendorff-perfused hearts were subjected to 30 minutes of ischemia and 120 minutes of reperfusion (R). We used 3 and 12 month-old male of wild type (WT), Trx1, and DN-Trx1. Trx1 overexpression reduced infarct size in young mice (WT-Y: 46.8±4.1% vs. Trx1-Y: 27.6±3.5%, p < 0.05). Trx1 activity was reduced by 52.3±3.2% (p < 0.05) in Trx1-MA, accompanied by an increase in nitration by 17.5±0.9%, although Trx1 expression in transgenic mice was similar between young and middle-aged. The expression of p-Akt and p-GSK-3ß increased during reperfusion in Trx1-Y. DN-Trx1 mice showed neither reduction in infarct size nor Akt and GSK-3ß phosphorylation. Our data suggest that the lack of protection in Trx1 middle-aged mice even with normal Trx1 expression may be associated to decreased Trx1 activity, increased nitration and inhibition of p-Akt and p-GSK-3ß.

Angiotensin II stimulates superoxide production by nitric oxide synthase in thick ascending limbs.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) causes nitric oxide synthase (NOS) to become a source of superoxide (O2 (-)) via a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent process in endothelial cells. Ang II stimulates both NO and O2 (-) production in thick ascending limbs. We hypothesized that Ang II causes O2 (-) production by NOS in thick ascending limbs via a PKC-dependent mechanism. NO production was measured in isolated rat thick ascending limbs using DAF-FM, whereas O2 (-) was measured in thick ascending limb suspensions using the lucigenin assay. Consistent stimulation of NO was observed with 1 nmol/L Ang II (P < 0.001; n = 9). This concentration of Ang II-stimulated O2 (-) production by 50% (1.77 ± 0.26 vs. 2.62 ± 0.36 relative lights units (RLU)/s/µg protein; P < 0.04; n = 5). In the presence of the NOS inhibitor L-NAME, Ang II-stimulated O2 (-) decreased from 2.02 ± 0.29 to 1.10 ± 0.11 RLU/s/µg protein (P < 0.01; n = 8). L-arginine alone did not change Ang II-stimulated O2 (-) (2.34 ± 0.22 vs. 2.29 ± 0.29 RLU/s/µg protein; n = 5). In the presence of Ang II plus the PKC α/ß1 inhibitor Gö 6976, L-NAME had no effect on O2 (-) production (0.78 ± 0.23 vs. 0.62 ± 0.11 RLU/s/µg protein; n = 7). In the presence of Ang II plus apocynin, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, L-NAME did not change O2 (-) (0.59 ± 0.04 vs. 0.61 ± ×0.08 RLU/s/µg protein; n = 5). We conclude that: (1) Ang II causes NOS to produce O2 (-) in thick ascending limbs via a PKC- and NADPH oxidase-dependent process; and (2) the effect of Ang II is not due to limited substrate.

Downregulation of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis in transgenic mice overexpressing GH.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a crucial role in the regulation of physiological homeostasis and diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and chronic renal failure. In this cascade, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin II (Ang II)/AT1 receptor axis induces pathological effects, such as vasoconstriction, cell proliferation, and fibrosis, while the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis is protective for end-organ damage. The altered function of the RAS could be a contributing factor to the cardiac and renal alterations induced by GH excess. To further explore this issue, we evaluated the consequences of chronic GH exposure on the in vivo levels of Ang II, Ang-(1-7), ACE, ACE2, and Mas receptor in the heart and the kidney of GH-transgenic mice (bovine GH (bGH) mice). At the age of 7-8 months, female bGH mice displayed increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), a high degree of both cardiac and renal fibrosis, as well as increased levels of markers of tubular and glomerular damage. Angiotensinogen abundance was increased in the liver and the heart of bGH mice, along with a concomitant increase in cardiac Ang II levels. Importantly, the levels of ACE2, Ang-(1-7), and Mas receptor were markedly decreased in both tissues. In addition, Ang-(1-7) administration reduced SBP to control values in GH-transgenic mice, indicating that the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis is involved in GH-mediated hypertension. The data indicate that the altered expression profile of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis in the heart and the kidney of bGH mice could contribute to the increased incidence of hypertension, cardiovascular, and renal alterations observed in these animals.

Modulation of the action of insulin by angiotensin-(1-7).

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus is predicted to increase dramatically over the coming years and the clinical implications and healthcare costs from this disease are overwhelming. In many cases, this pathological condition is linked to a cluster of metabolic disorders, such as obesity, systemic hypertension and dyslipidaemia, defined as the metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance has been proposed as the key mediator of all of these features and contributes to the associated high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although the molecular mechanisms behind insulin resistance are not completely understood, a negative cross-talk between AngII (angiotensin II) and the insulin signalling pathway has been the focus of great interest in the last decade. Indeed, substantial evidence has shown that anti-hypertensive drugs that block the RAS (renin-angiotensin system) may also act to prevent diabetes. Despite its long history, new components within the RAS continue to be discovered. Among them, Ang-(1-7) [angiotensin-(1-7)] has gained special attention as a counter-regulatory hormone opposing many of the AngII-related deleterious effects. Specifically, we and others have demonstrated that Ang-(1-7) improves the action of insulin and opposes the negative effect that AngII exerts at this level. In the present review, we provide evidence showing that insulin and Ang-(1-7) share a common intracellular signalling pathway. We also address the molecular mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of Ang-(1-7) on AngII-mediated insulin resistance. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic approaches leading to modulation of the ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2)/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis as a very attractive strategy in the therapy of the metabolic syndrome and diabetes-associated diseases.