Association between plasma aldosterone concentration and intraglomerular hemodynamics in primary aldosteronism.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In primary aldosteronism (PA), aldosterone could affect glomerular hemodynamics by elevating renal vascular resistance and glomerular capillary pressure. However, the relationship between plasma aldosterone concentrations (PAC) and glomerular hemodynamics including efferent arteriolar resistance (Re), afferent arteriolar resistance (Ra) in humans is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of PAC with intraglomerular hemodynamic parameters in patients with PA. METHODS: An observational study of glomerular hemodynamics was performed using simultaneous measurements of plasma clearance of para-aminohippurate and inulin (Cin; glomerular filtration rate (GFR)) in 17 patients with PA. Kidney function was evaluated by Cin, estimated GFR based on serum creatine (eGFRcre) and serum cystatin C (eGFRcys) and creatine clearance (Ccr). Intraglomerular hemodynamic parameters, including Re, Ra, and intraglomerular hydrostatic pressure (Pglo) were calculated using Gomez's formulae. RESULTS: In the 17 PA cases, PAC was significantly correlated with Cin (rho=0.752, p=0.001) and eGFRcys (rho=0.567, p=0.018), but was not correlated witheGFRcreand Ccr. PAC was also significantly correlated with Pglo, Re, and urinary protein/day (rho=0.775, p=0.0004, rho=0.625, p=0.009, and rho=0.625, p=0.007, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis showed that PAC was significantly associated with Cin and Re. In comparing aldosterone producing adenoma (APA) and non-APA cases, Cin was significantly elevated in APA (p=0.037), whereas eGFRcre, eGFRcys, and Ccr were not. Re tended to be higher in APA (p=0.064). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest high aldosterone cause glomerular hyperfiltration by constricting Re. Cin, but not eGFRcre and Ccr, may be useful for evaluating kidney function in PA.

Gold-Catalyzed Tandem Oxidative Coupling Reaction between ß-Ketoallenes and Electron-Rich Arenes to 2-Furylmethylarenes.

A tandem oxidative coupling reaction of ß-ketoallenes and arenes was developed, which leads to the formation of 2-furylmethylarenes using AuCl3 and phenyliodine diacetate. The AuIII salt catalyzed the cyclization of ß-ketoallenes to form a 2-furylmethyl gold intermediate, and the subsequent C-H functionalization of arenes proceeded smoothly. During the oxidative coupling, nucleophilic additions occurred at the center and terminal carbon atoms of the allene moiety to form C-O and C-C bonds.

Effects of fetuin-A-containing calciprotein particles on posttranslational modifications of fetuin-A in HepG2 cells.

Fetuin-A is an inhibitor of ectopic calcification that is expressed mainly in hepatocytes and is secreted into the circulation after posttranslational processing, including glycosylation and phosphorylation. The molecular weight (MW) of fully modified fetuin-A (FM-fetuin-A) is approximately 60 kDa in an immunoblot, which is much higher than the estimated MW by amino acid sequence. Under conditions of calcification stress such as advanced stage chronic kidney disease, fetuin-A prevents calcification by forming colloidal complexes, which are referred to as calciprotein particles (CPP). Since the significance of CPP in this process is unclear, we investigated the effect of synthetic secondary CPP on the level of FM-fetuin-A in HepG2 cells. Secondary CPP increased the level of FM-fetuin-A in dose- and time-dependent manners, but did not affect expression of mRNA for fetuin-A. Treatment with O- and/or N-glycosidase caused a shift of the 60 kDa band of FM-fetuin-A to a lower MW. Preincubation with brefeldin A, an inhibitor of transport of newly synthesized proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus, completely blocked the secondary CPP-induced increase in FM-fetuin-A. Treatment with BAPTA-AM, an intracellular calcium chelating agent, also inhibited the CPP-induced increase in the FM-fetuin-A level. Secondary CPP accelerate posttranslational processing of fetuin-A in HepG2 cells.

Copper-Catalyzed Aqueous N-O Bond Cleavage of 2-Oxa-3-Azabicyclo Compounds to Cyclic cis-1,4-Amino Alcohols.

The N-O bond cleavage of 2-oxa-3-azabicyclo substrates, which are readily prepared by the hetero Diels-Alder reaction between nitroso dienophiles and cyclic 1,3-dienes, was effectively catalyzed by heterogeneous copper-on-carbon (Cu/C) under aqueous conditions to give the corresponding cyclic cis-1,4-amino alcohol derivatives. The present method was applied to the direct incorporation of the hydroxy and amino groups derived from a nitroso substrate into cyclic 1,3-dienes with cis-selectivity by the combination of the in situ formation of 2-oxa-3-azabicyclo compounds and following Cu/C-catalyzed N-O bond cleavage. The obtained cis-4-aminocyclohexenols, derived from cyclohexadiene as a cyclic 1,3-diene, could be selectively oxidized by using the ruthenium-on-carbon (Ru/C) catalyst under oxygen atmosphere to the corresponding 4-aminocyclohexenones at 50-65 °C or para-iminoquinones at 100-110 °C as useful reactive synthetic precursors.

Adenosine Attenuates Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification through A3 Adenosine Receptor.

Vascular calcification is a typical feature of atherosclerosis and is associated with adverse cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Several studies have suggested that adenosine, an ATP metabolite may function as an endogenous regulator of arterial calcification. However, its effects on vascular smooth muscle cell calcification have not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of adenosine on vascular calcification in vitro by utilizing the culture of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Osteoblastic differentiation of HASMCs was induced by the treatment with oncostatin M and osteogenic differentiation medium. Adenosine and its metabolically stable analogue, 2-chloroadenosine (CADO) significantly reduced matrix mineralization and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in HASMCs. The mRNA expression of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) was down-regulated by adenosine and CADO, but the mRNA expression of other osteoblastic differentiation markers, such as Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and bone sialoprotein (BSP)-II, was not significantly affected by these two reagents. Among the adenosine receptor (AR) subtype-selective agonists used, only IB-MECA (A3 AR-selective agonist) significantly decreased in vitro mineralization and ALP activities in HASMCs, but not with CCPA (A1 AR-selective agonist), CGS21680 (A2a AR-selective agonist), or BAY60-6583 (A2b AR-selective agonist). Importantly, IB-MECA also down-regulated expression of TNAP mRNA. Finally, knockdown of A3 AR, but not A1 AR, A2a AR, or A2b AR, significantly reversed the inhibitory actions of adenosine, CADO, or IB-MECA on in vitro calcification and ALP activities in HASMCs. These data suggest that adenosine attenuates HASMC calcification through A3 AR.

Oncostatin M induces C2C12 myotube atrophy by modulating muscle differentiation and degradation.

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a cytokine of the interleukin-6 family and plays a role in various disorders such as cancer and inflammatory diseases, which are often accompanied by skeletal muscle atrophy, or sarcopenia. However, the role of OSM in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass remains to be identified. In this study, we investigated the effect of OSM on C2C12 myotube formation in vitro. C2C12 myoblasts were induced to differentiate into myotubes for 3 days and then treated with OSM for 24 or 48 h. The diameter of differentiated C2C12 myotubes were reduced by 18.7% and 23.3% compared to control cells after treatment with OSM for 24 and 48 h, respectively. The expression levels of MyoD and myogenin were decreased, while those of atrogin-1, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein δ, and OSM receptor were increased in C2C12 myotubes treated with OSM for 24 h compared to control cells. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of OSM on myotube formation was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with an inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 or by knockdown of Stat3. Finally, the OSM-induced changes in the expression levels of MyoD, myogenin, and atrogin-1 were reversed by pretreatment with an inhibitor of STAT3 or by Stat3 knockdown in C2C12 myotubes. In conclusion, OSM induces C2C12 myotube atrophy by inhibiting myogenic differentiation and activating muscle degradation in a STAT3-dependent manner.

Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein is associated with arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) is an acute-phase reactant that mediates immune responses triggered by LPS. Recent evidence indicates the association of circulating LBP levels with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum LBP levels and arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A total of 196 patients with type 2 diabetes, including 101 men and 95 women, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Fasting serum LBP levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Arterial stiffness was assessed by measuring the aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV). RESULTS: The mean values of serum LBP and aortic PWV were 18.2 µg/mL and 1194 cm/s, respectively. Serum LBP levels were positively correlated with body mass index, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and insulin resistance index and were negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. They were, however, not significantly correlated with aortic PWV in univariate analyses. Multivariate analysis revealed that serum LBP levels were independently and positively associated with aortic PWV (ß = 0.135, p = 0.026) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, albumin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and other cardiovascular risk factors. Further analyses revealed that the impact of serum LBP levels on aortic PWV was modified by sex, and the association between serum LBP levels and aortic PWV was found to be significant only in men. CONCLUSIONS: Serum LBP levels are associated with arterial stiffness, independent of obesity and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, especially in men with type 2 diabetes. This study indicates a potential role of the LPS/LBP-induced innate immunity in the development and progression of arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes.

Copper-Catalyzed Regioselective Ring-Opening Hydroamination of Methylenecyclopropanes.

A copper-catalyzed ring-opening hydroamination of methylenecyclopropanes with polymethylhydrosiloxane and O-benzoylhydroxylamines has been developed. The cyclopropane C-C bond cleavage occurs selectively at the more congested proximal position, and the corresponding homoallylamines are obtained in good to excellent yields. The umpolung electrophilic amination strategy with the hydroxylamine derivatives can provide a new reaction mode of methylenecyclopropanes in the catalytic hydroamination reaction.

Antagonistic effects of atipamezole, yohimbine, and prazosin on xylazine-induced diuresis in clinically normal cats.

This study aimed to investigate and compare the antagonistic effects of atipamezole, yohimbine, and prazosin on xylazine-induced diuresis in clinically normal cats. Five cats were repeatedly used in each of the 9 groups. One group was not medicated. Cats in the other groups received 2 mg/kg BW xylazine intramuscularly, and saline (as the control); 160 µg/kg BW prazosin; or 40, 160, or 480 µg/kg BW atipamezole or yohimbine intravenously 0.5 h later. Urine and blood samples were collected 10 times over 8 h. Urine volume, pH, and specific gravity; plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentration; and creatinine, osmolality, and electrolyte values in both urine and plasma were measured. Both atipamezole and yohimbine antagonized xylazine-induced diuresis, but prazosin did not. The antidiuretic effect of atipamezole was more potent than that of yohimbine but not dose-dependent, in contrast to the effect of yohimbine at the tested doses. Both atipamezole and yohimbine reversed xylazine-induced decreases in both urine specific gravity and osmolality, and the increase in free water clearance. Glomerular filtration rate, osmolar clearance, and plasma electrolyte concentrations were not significantly altered. Antidiuresis of either atipamezole or yohimbine was not related to the area under the curve for AVP concentration, although the highest dose of both atipamezole and yohimbine increased plasma AVP concentration initially and temporarily, suggesting that this may in part influence antidiuretic effects of both agents. The diuretic effect of xylazine in cats may be mediated by α2-adrenoceptors but not α1-adrenoceptors. Atipamezole and yohimbine can be used as antagonistic agents against xylazine-induced diuresis in clinically normal cats.

La présente étude visait à examiner et comparer les effets antagonistes de l'atipamezole, la yohimbine et le prazosin sur la diurèse induite par la xylazine chez des chats cliniquement normaux. Cinq chats furent utilisés de manière répétée dans chacun des neuf groupes. Un groupe n'était pas médicamenté. Les chats dans les autres groupes reçurent de la xylazine par voie intramusculaire à un dosage de 2 mg/kg de poids corporel (PC), et de la saline (comme témoin); 160 µg/kg PC de prazosin; ou 40, 160, ou 480 µg/kg PC d'atipamezole ou de yohimbine par voie intraveineuse 0,5 h plus tard. Des échantillons d'urine et de sang furent prélevés 10 fois sur une période de 8 h. On mesura le volume, le pH, et la gravité spécifique de l'urine; la concentration plasmatique d'arginine vasopressine (AVP); les valeurs de créatinine, d'osmolalité, et d'électrolytes dans l'urine et le plasma ont également été mesurées. Autant l'atipamezole que la yohimbine ont antagonisé la diurèse induite par la xylazine, mais pas le prazosin. L'effet antidiurétique de l'atipamezole était plus puissant que celui de la yohimbine mais n'était pas dose-dépendant, contrairement à l'effet de la yohimbine aux doses testées. Autant l'atipamezole que la yohimbine ont renversé les diminutions induites par la xylazine de la gravité spécifique et l'osmolalité de l'urine, et l'augmentation de la clairance de l'eau libre. Le taux de filtration glomérulaire, la clairance osmolaire, et les concentrations d'électrolytes plasmatiques n'étaient pas affectés de manière significative. L'antidiurèse de l'atipamezole ou la yohimbine n'était pas liée à la surface sous la courbe de la concentration d'AVP, bien que les doses les plus élevées d'atipamezole et de yohimbine augmentèrent initialement et de manière temporaire la concentration d'AVP plasmatique, suggérant ainsi que ceci pourrait influencer partiellement les effets antidiurétiques de ces deux agents. L'effet diurétique de la xylazine chez les chats peut être médié par des adrénorécepteurs-α2 mais pas par des adrénorécepteurs-α1. L'atipamezole et la yohimbine peuvent être utilisés comme agents antagonistes contre la diurèse induite par la xylazine chez des chats cliniquement normaux.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Copper-catalyzed enantioselective formal hydroamination of oxa- and azabicyclic alkenes with hydrosilanes and hydroxylamines.

A CuCl/(R,R)-Ph-BPE-catalyzed enantioselective formal hydroamination of oxa- and azabicyclic alkenes with polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) and O-benzoylhydroxylamines has been developed. The efficient and stereoselective net addition of hydrogen and nitrogen atoms provides the corresponding optically active oxa- and azanorbornenyl- and -norbornanylamines in good yields and good enantiomeric ratios.

Antagonistic effects of atipamezole, yohimbine and prazosin on medetomidine-induced diuresis in healthy cats.

This study aimed to investigate and compare the antagonistic effects of atipamezole, yohimbine and prazosin on medetomidine-induced diuresis in healthy cats. Five cats were repeatedly used in each of the 9 groups. One group was not medicated. Cats in the other groups received 40 µg/kg medetomidine intramuscularly and saline (as the control), 160 µg/kg prazosin, or 40, 160 or 480 µg/kg atipamezole or yohimbine intravenously 0.5 hr later. Volume, pH and specific gravity of urine; plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) level; and creatinine, osmolality and electrolyte levels in both urine and plasma were measured. Both atipamezole and yohimbine, but not prazosin, antagonized medetomidine-induced diuresis. The antidiuretic effect of atipamezole was more potent than that of yohimbine, but was not dose dependent, in contrast to the effect of yohimbine at the tested doses. Both atipamezole and yohimbine reversed medetomidine-induced decreases in both urine specific gravity and osmolality and increases in plasma osmolality and free-water clearance. Antidiuresis of either atipamezole or yohimbine was not related to the area under the curve for AVP level, although the highest dose of both atipamezole and yohimbine initially and temporarily increased plasma AVP levels, suggesting that this may partly influence the antidiuretic effects of both agents. The diuretic effect of medetomidine in cats may be mediated by α2-adrenoceptors, but not α1-adrenoceptors. Atipamezole and yohimbine can be used as antagonistic agents against medetomidine-induced diuresis in healthy cats.

Copper-catalyzed electrophilic amination of arylsilanes with hydroxylamines.

A copper-catalyzed electrophilic amination of aryl[(2-hydroxymethyl)phenyl]dimethylsilanes with O-acylated hydroxylamines has been developed to afford the corresponding anilines in good yields. The catalytic reaction proceeds very smoothly under mild conditions and tolerates a wide range of functional groups.