Chymase inhibition improves vascular dysfunction and survival in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of chymase in hypertension, we evaluated the effect of a chymase inhibitor, TY-51469, on vascular dysfunction and survival in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP). METHODS: SHR-SP were treated with TY-51469 (1 mg/kg per day) or placebo from 4 to 12 weeks old or until death. Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as a normal group. RESULTS: SBP was significantly higher in both the placebo and TY-51469 groups than in the normal group, but there was no significant difference between the two treatment groups. Plasma renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and angiotensin II levels were not different between the placebo and TY-51469 groups. In contrast, vascular chymase-like activity was significantly higher in the placebo than in the normal group, but it was reduced by TY-51469. Acetylcholine-induced vascular relaxation was significantly higher in the TY-51469 group than in the placebo group. There was significant augmentation of the number of monocytes/macrophages and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in aortic tissue from the placebo group compared with the normal group, and these changes were attenuated by TY-51469. There were also significant increases in mRNA levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the placebo group that were attenuated by TY-51469. Cumulative survival was significantly prolonged in the TY-51469 group compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Chymase might play an important role in vascular dysfunction via augmentation both of matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and monocyte/macrophage accumulation in SHR-SP, and its inhibition may be useful for preventing vascular remodeling and prolonging survival.

Significance of matrix metalloproteinase-9 inhibition by imidapril for prevention of abdominal aortic aneurysms in angiotensin II type 1 receptor-knockout mice.

To clarify the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 inhibitory effect of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor in vivo, we evaluated the effect of an ACE inhibitor against elastase-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression in mice. Molecular models showed that imidapril bound directly to the mouse MMP-9 active center. An active form of imidapril, imidaprilat, dose-dependently inhibited MMP-9 activity in the extract from elastase-induced AAA in wild-type mice. Imidapril (10 mg/kg per day) was administered to wild-type or angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor knockout mice. Blood pressure was significantly lower in AT1 receptor-knockout mice than in wild-type mice, but imidapril did not affect blood pressure in AT1 receptor-knockout mice. The aortic diameter was significantly expanded after elastase application, but the expansion was significantly lower in AT1 receptor-knockout mice than in wild-type mice. In AT1 receptor-knockout mice, the aortic expansion was further attenuated by imidapril. MMP-9 activity in aorta was significantly augmented after elastase application. The MMP-9 activity was significantly lower in AT1 receptor-knockout mice than in wild-type mice, and it was further attenuated by imidapril. In conclusion, MMP-9 inhibition by imidapril might contribute to the attenuation of AAA progression in AT1 receptor-knockout mice.

Powerful vascular protection by combining cilnidipine with valsartan in stroke-prone, spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Cilnidipine is an L- and N-type calcium channel blocker (CCB), and amlodipine is an L-type CCB. Valsartan (10 mg kg(-1)), valsartan (10 mg kg(-1)) and amlodipine (1 mg kg(-1)), and valsartan (10 mg kg(-1)) and cilnidipine (1 mg kg(-1)) were administered once daily for 2 weeks to stroke-prone, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SPs). Blood pressure was significantly reduced by valsartan, and it was further reduced by the combination therapies. Vascular endothelial dysfunction was significantly attenuated in all therapeutic groups, and further significant attenuation was observed in the valsartan+cilnidipine-treated group, but not in the valsartan+amlodipine-treated group. Vascular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunit NOX1 gene expression was significantly attenuated in all therapeutic groups, and significantly greater attenuation was observed in the valsartan+cilnidipine-treated group than in the valsartan-treated group. Compared with the valsartan-treated group, the positive areas for 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal were significantly lower only in the valsartan+cilnidipine-treated group. Plasma renin activity was significantly augmented in the valsartan-treated group, and it was significantly attenuated in the valsartan+cilnidipine-treated group. A significant increase in the ratio of plasma angiotensin-(1-7) to angiotensin II was observed only in the valsartan+cilnidipine-treated group. Vascular angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression was significantly attenuated only in the valsartan+cilnidipine-treated group, but ACE2 gene expression was significantly higher in all of the therapeutic groups. Thus, valsartan and cilnidipine combination therapy might have a powerful protective effect in the vascular tissues via increases in the angiotensin-(1-7)/angiotensin II ratio in plasma.

Outside fibroblasts play a key role in the development of inner neointima after the implantation of polytetrafluoroethylene grafts.

The neointima formation inside of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts may be associated with the migration of outside fibroblasts to the luminal surfaces. This study aimed to verify whether blockade of fibroblast migration can prevent neointima formation by testing two types of prosthetic vessels, the porous PTFE graft and the impermeable Grasil graft, respectively. After implantation of the PTFE graft in dogs, a time-dependent migration of outside fibroblasts to the luminal side occurred. Compared with the PTFE grafts, the total neointima formation in the Grasil grafts was significantly less. Although the neointima formation at the arterial or venous anastomotic regions did not significantly differ between the two grafts, the neointima at the middle region of the PTFE grafts was significantly evident than the Grasil grafts. The components of the renin­angiotensin system (RAS), such as angiotensin II and its receptor AT1, as well as the forming enzymes of the RAS (angiotensin-converting enzyme and chymase), were all detectable in the grafts' surrounding tissues. Neointima formation at the middle region of the prosthetic vessels could be suppressed almost completely by the blockade of outside fibroblast migration, indicating that outside fibroblasts play a key role in the formation of neointima in this region.

Cisplatin-induced acute renal failure in mice is mediated by chymase-activated angiotensin-aldosterone system and interleukin-18.

Mechanism(s) of cisplatin-induced acute renal failure, as manifested by increases in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, was evaluated in relation to production and activation of endogenous mediator(s) in mice. In interleukin (IL)-18-deficient (IL-18KO) mice, cisplatin failed to induce acute renal failure. Administration of recombinant IL-18 prior to cisplatin restored acute renal failure in IL-18KO mice. Accumulation of cisplatin in the kidney was not different in IL-18KO and wild-type (WT) mice, but, clearance of cisplatin was more rapid in IL-18KO mice than in WT mice. Cisplatin increased serum levels of aldosterone and angiotensin II in WT mice, but only angiotensin II levels in IL-18 KO mice. Administration of IL-18 augmented plasma levels of aldosterone and angiotensin II in WT mice. Eplerenone, an aldosterone receptor blocker, TY-51469, a chymase inhibitor and PD123319, a selective angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor antagonist, but not benazepril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, and candesartan, a selective angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist improved acute renal failure caused by cisplatin, confirming involvement of IL-18, aldosterone and angiotensin II in cisplatin-induced, chymase-dependent acute renal failure in mice. These results show that IL-18, aldosterone and angiotensin II synergistically act to prolong the accumulation of cisplatin in the kidney, leading to acute renal failure. Combined therapy with inhibitors for chymase and aldosterone receptors or AT2 receptors might reduce acute renal failure induced by cisplatin.

Multiple mechanisms for the action of chymase inhibitors.

Angiotensin II plays an important role in regulating blood pressure. Moreover, angiotensin II directly promotes organ damage by inducing expression of various genes, such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 precursors. Blockade of angiotensin II has been shown to not only lower blood pressure, but also to prevent cardiovascular and renal dysfunction and fibrosis. Inhibition of TGF-ß and MMP-9 has also been shown to prevent cardiovascular and renal damage. A mast cell-produced enzyme, chymase, generates angiotensin II and also converts precursors of TGF-ß and MMP-9 to their active forms. Chymase also strongly promotes accumulation of inflammatory cells. These multiple functions of chymase may play an important role in the development and promotion of various diseases. In fact, chymase inhibitors have been shown to prevent nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, intestinal inflammation, and adhesion formation after surgery and cardiovascular and renal damage. On the other hand, chymase inhibitors, unlike angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II blockers, have no blood pressure-lowering effect despite blocking angiotensin II formation. Thus, chymase inhibitors may be useful for preventing damage to various organs via multiple mechanisms without lowering blood pressure.

Irbesartan prevents metabolic syndrome in rats via activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ.

Irbesartan, an angiotensin-receptor blocker, is a known agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ. In this study, thirteen-week-old spontaneously hypertensive (SHR)/NDmcr-cp rats, representing a genetic model of metabolic syndrome, were treated daily with placebo, irbesartan (30 mg/kg), valsartan (10 mg/kg), or pioglitazone (10 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Significant reductions in systolic blood pressure were seen in the irbesartan- and valsartan-treated groups, but not in the pioglitazone-treated group. Compared with the placebo group, plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index, and plasma triglyceride levels were significantly lower while plasma adiponectin levels were significantly higher in the pioglitazone- and irbesartan-treated groups, but not in the valsartan-treated group. Significant increases in the gene expression of adiponectin and GLUT4 within adipose tissue were also observed in the pioglitazone- and irbesartan-treated groups, but not in the valsartan-treated group. These findings suggest that through PPARγ stimulation along with angiotensin II inhibition, irbesartan may be an optimal treatment option in the prevention of metabolic syndrome as well as hypertension.

Targets of chymase inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION: Chymase converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II and it can also convert precursors of TGF-ß and MMP-9 to their active forms. Therefore, diseases related to angiotensin II TGF-ß, and MMP-9 could potentially be treated with chymase inhibitors. AREAS COVERED: This review discusses the appropriate targets and safety of chymase inhibitors. Six diseases with notable mortality or morbidity as targets of chymase inhibitors are focused on; abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), nephropathy and retinopathy, cardiomyopathy, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), organ fibrosis and intestinal diseases. EXPERT OPINION: If chymase inhibition proves to be a useful strategy for the attenuation of angiotensin II, TGF-ß and MMP-9 in vivo, the application of chymase inhibitors is likely to become widespread in various diseases in the clinical setting. Chymase inhibitors are anticipated not to interfere with the homeostasis of resting tissues, that is, those not affected by injury or inflammation.

Candesartan and amlodipine combination therapy provides powerful vascular protection in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The vascular protective effects of placebo, candesartan (1 mg kg(-1) per day) monotherapy, candesartan (1 mg kg(-1) per day) and amlodipine (1 mg kg(-1) per day) combination therapy, and candesartan (1 mg kg(-1) per day) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (10 mg kg(-1) per day) combination therapy for 2 weeks were compared in stroke-prone, spontaneously hypertensive rats. Candesartan monotherapy significantly reduced blood pressure, and both combination therapies were equally and significantly lower than the monotherapy. Acetylcholine-induced vascular relaxation was significantly stronger in all therapeutic groups than in the placebo-treated group. Furthermore, the relaxation was significantly stronger in the candesartan plus amlodipine-treated group than in the candesartan-treated group; however, there was no significant difference between the candesartan- and candesartan plus HCTZ-treated groups. Vascular gene expressions of the NADPH oxidase subunits p22(phox), gp91(phox), NOX1 and NOX4 were significantly attenuated in all therapeutic groups compared with the placebo-treated group, and there were no significant differences among those groups. However, a significant augmentation of vascular superoxide dismutase activity was observed in the candesartan plus amlodipine-treated group, but not in other groups. Malondialdehyde levels in the vascular tissues were significantly attenuated in all therapeutic groups. Compared with the candesartan-treated group, significant attenuation was observed in the candesartan plus amlodipine-treated group, but not in the candesartan plus HCTZ-treated group. Immunohistological analysis showed that areas positive for 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal were significantly reduced in all therapeutic groups, but this reduction was significantly greater for the candesartan plus amlodipine-treated group than for the candesartan-treated group. Thus, candesartan and amlodipine combination therapy could have a powerful protective effect in vascular tissues via the reduction of oxidative stress.

New approaches to blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: chymase as an important target to prevent organ damage.

Chymase plays a crucial role in angiotensin II formation in various tissues. Angiotensin II induces gene expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 precursors, and chymase can convert precursors of TGF-beta and MMP-9 to their active forms. In cultured fibroblasts, significant increases in cell growth and TGF-beta levels were observed after chymase injection; these increases were inhibited by a chymase inhibitor, but not by an angiotensin II-receptor blocker. In apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development depends on an increase in MMP-9 activities induced by angiotensin II infusion, but the inhibition of MMP-9 activation by a chymase inhibitor resulted in attenuation of the angiotensin II-induced AAA development. The upregulation of MMP-9 and TGF-beta levels is involved in damage to various organs, but these gene expressions are not completely induced by angiotensin II alone. Therefore, chymase inhibition may be useful for attenuating MMP-9 and TGF-beta levels, in addition to reducing angiotensin II formation, and this function may provide powerful organ protection. In this review, we propose the possible use of chymase inhibitors as agents to prevent organ damage.

Chymase inhibition attenuates tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in hamsters.

AIM: Chymase converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which may promote the development of liver fibrosis. In this study, whether a chymase inhibitor TY-51469 attenuated tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver fibrosis was examined. METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced by the s.c. injection of 1 mL/kg of CCl(4) twice weekly for 8 weeks, and each hamster was given TY-51469 (1 mg/kg per day) or placebo. Untreated hamsters were used as a control group. RESULTS: Significant increases of serum alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and hyaluronic acid levels were observed in the placebo-treated group compared with the control group, but these levels were significantly attenuated in the TY-51469-treated group. Liver chymase activity was significantly higher in the placebo-treated group than in the control group, whereas the activity in the TY51469-treated group was not. Total angiotensin II-forming activity in the liver was also significantly higher in the placebo-treatedgroup than in the control group or the TY-51469-treated group. The ratio of the fibrotic area to the total area in the liver was significantly higher in the placebo-treated group than in the control group, but the ratio was significantly lower in the TY-51469-treated group than in the placebo-treated group. A significant decrease in the number of alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-positive cells was seen in the TY-51469-treated group compared to the placebo-treated group. CONCLUSION: Significant correlations between the number of chymase-positive cells and the degree of fibrosis and between the numbers of chymase-positive cells and alpha-SMA-positive cells were observed. Thus, chymase inhibition may be a useful strategy for preventing liver fibrosis.

Combination therapy with irbesartan and efonidipine for attenuation of proteinuria in Dahl salt-sensitive rats.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or T- and L-type calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are useful for glomerular protection; however, the protective effects of combination therapy remain unclear. In this study, Dahl salt-sensitive rats were fed a high-salt diet and were treated daily with placebo, irbesartan (60 mg kg(-1)), efonidipine (30 mg kg(-1)), irbesartan (60 mg kg(-1))+efonidipine (30 mg kg(-1)), amlodipine (3 mg kg(-1)), or irbesartan (60 mg kg(-1))+amlodipine (3 mg kg(-1)) for 4 weeks. Significant reductions in systolic blood pressure were seen in the irbesartan-, efonidipine- and amlodipine-treated groups compared with the placebo-treated group; a further significant reduction was seen in the irbesartan+efonidipine-treated group compared with the irbesartan-treated group. Compared with the placebo-treated group, proteinuria was significantly lower in the irbesartan- and efonidipine-treated groups, but not in the amlodipine-treated group. Furthermore, a significant attenuation of proteinuria in the irbesartan+efonidipine-treated group compared with the irbesartan-treated group was observed; this effect was not observed in the irbesartan+amlodipine-treated group. The glomerulosclerosis index was significantly attenuated by all active treatments except amlodipine. The glomerulosclerosis index in the irbesartan+efonidipine-treated group, but not in the irbesartan+amlodipine-treated group, was significantly lower than that in the irbesartan-treated group. Significant attenuations of gene expressions of p22(phox), transforming growth factor-beta, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and collegen I were observed in the irbesartan- and efonidipine-treated groups, but not in the amlodipine-treated group. Values for these parameters were reduced to control levels in the irbesartan+efonidipine-treated group. Combination therapy with ARB and T- and L-type CCB might produce a powerful renal protective effect.

Chymase inhibitor prevents the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in hamsters fed a methionine- and choline-deficient diet.

AIM: Mast cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The mast cell protease chymase contributes to the formation of angiotensin II and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, both of which are intimately involved in liver fibrosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that chymase plays an important role in the development of NASH. METHODS: Hamsters were fed a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 8 weeks. These animals were divided into two groups and received either TY-51469 (1 mg/kg per day) or placebo. A third group was fed a normal diet as a control. RESULTS: Total plasma bilirubin, triglycerides, and hyaluronic acid levels were significantly higher in the MCD diet-fed hamsters than in the normal diet-fed hamsters, but the levels were significantly lower in chymase inhibitor-treated MCD diet-fed hamsters than in placebo-treated MCD diet-fed hamsters. Using histological analysis, marked steatosis and fibrosis were observed in MCD diet-fed hamsters, but these changes were significantly attenuated by treatment with the chymase inhibitor. Increases in mast cells and chymase-positive cells were observed in the liver after the MCD diet, but the increases disappeared in the chymase inhibitor-treated group. The significant increase observed in chymase activity in liver tissue extract from the MCD diet-fed group was also reduced by treatment with the chymase inhibitor. Chymase inhibition significantly reduced not only angiotensin II expression but also matrix metallopeptidase 9 activity in MCD diet-fed hamsters. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that the mast cell protease chymase may play a crucial role in the development of NASH in hamsters.

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor on matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in patients with Kawasaki disease.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is thought to be involved in coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD); however, MMP-9 inhibitors are not used clinically. This study investigated whether the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril could inhibit serum MMP-9 activity using serum from KD patients in an in vitro experiment. METHODS: In 7 KD patients, serum MMP-9 activity was measured using the MMP-9 assay kit 3 times: before and after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, and during the convalescent phase. The effect of captopril on MMP-9 activity was also assessed using serum obtained before IVIG treatment. RESULTS: Serum MMP-9 activity was significantly higher during the pre-treatment phase than during the post-treatment and convalescent phases. MMP-9 activity during the pre-treatment phase was dose-dependently inhibited by captopril, and the IC(50) for MMP-9 was 500nM. The potency of captopril for MMP-9 inhibition was comparable to that for ACE inhibition. CONCLUSION: ACE inhibitor may be effective for preventing CAA formation in KD patients, especially IVIG non-responders.

Effects of mitomycin C on the expression of chymase and mast cells in the conjunctival scar of a monkey trabeculectomy model.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of mitomycin C (MMC) on the expression of chymase and mast cells in the conjunctival scar after trabeculectomy. METHODS: Ten eyes of five monkeys were used. Three eyes underwent trabeculectomy with MMC (MMC-treated), four eyes had trabeculectomy without MMC (placebo-treated), and three eyes served as control eyes. Intraocular pressure was measured before and three weeks after surgery. The scores of the degree of conjunctival adhesion were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the densities of proliferative cell nuclear antigen-positive cells, chymase-positive cells, and mast cells. The ratio of collagen fiber areas to conjunctival and scleral lesions was analyzed by Mallory-Azan staining. RESULTS: After trabeculectomy, the intraocular pressure reduction of MMC-treated eyes was significantly different from placebo-treated and control eyes (p=0.032, 0.035). The adhesion score of MMC-treated eyes was also significantly lower than that of placebo-treated eyes (p=0.034). Densities of proliferative cell nuclear antigen-positive cells, chymase-positive cells, and areas of collagen fiber in conjunctival and scleral lesions were significantly decreased in MMC-treated eyes, compared with placebo-treated eyes (p=0.034, 0.034, 0.049, respectively). There was a tendency for the density of mast cells to be suppressed in MMC-treated eyes (p=0.157). CONCLUSIONS: Chymase might be involved in one of the mechanisms by which MMC suppresses scar formation after trabeculectomy.

Anti-atherosclerotic effects of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid in ApoE-deficient mice.

AIM: Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) is an n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid that is mainly metabolized to an anti-inflammatory eicosanoid, prostaglandin (PG) E1, via the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. We evaluated the effect of DGLA on atherosclerosis in apoE-deficient mice and studied the mechanism of the anti-atherosclerotic effect. METHODS: ApoE-deficient mice were fed a normal diet supplemented with 0.5% DGLA or vehicle for 6 months. ApoE-deficient mice were also fed a high-cholesterol diet supplemented with 0.5% DGLA or vehicle for 1 month. To clarify the influence of a COX inhibitor, naproxen, on the anti-atherosclerotic effect of DGLA, age-matched apoE-deficient mice fed a high-cholesterol diet supplemented with 0.5% DGLA were given oral naproxen for 1 month. RESULTS: In normal diet-fed mice, acetylcholine-induced vascular relaxation was significantly greater in the DGLA group than in the vehicle group. NADPH oxidase subunits, p22phox and gp91phox, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 were significantly lower in the DGLA group than in the vehicle group, and DGLA significantly prevented atherosclerosis. In high-cholesterol diet-fed mice, DGLA also significantly prevented atherosclerosis, but the anti-atherosclerotic effect was attenuated by naproxen. CONCLUSION: DGLA may have an anti-atherosclerotic effect in apoE-deficient mice via PGE1 formation.

Significance of angiotensin II receptor blockers with high affinity to angiotensin II type 1 receptors for vascular protection in rats.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) vary in their binding affinities to angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptors in in vitro experiments. We compared a high-affinity ARB, olmesartan, and a low-affinity ARB, valsartan, in terms of their vascular protective effects in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP). Blood pressure was equally reduced by placebo, olmesartan (1 mg kg(-1)) and valsartan (3 mg kg(-1)) daily for 2 weeks. In another experiment, 12-week-old SHR-SP were fed 8% salt, and olmesartan (1 mg kg(-1)), valsartan (3 mg kg(-1)) or placebo were administered daily until a survival rate of 60% was reached. In the experiment using SHR-SP, the reduction of acetylcholine-induced vascular relaxation and the increase of p22(phox) expression in the placebo-treated group were significantly attenuated by olmesartan and valsartan, but this attenuation was significantly greater for olmesartan. In immunohistological analysis, all areas positive for angiotensin II, p22(phox) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal were significantly reduced by olmesartan and valsartan, but again this reduction was significantly greater for olmesartan. In salt-loaded SHR-SP, the number of days to reach a 60% survival rate was 25 and 42 in placebo and valsartan-treated rats, respectively, and this represented a significant difference. The survival rate in olmesartan-treated rats was 95% at day 42, when valsartan-treated rats reached 60% survival, and this difference was also significant. In the surviving rats, olmesartan, but not valsartan, augmented acetylcholine-induced vascular relaxation and attenuated vascular p22(phox) expression. Thus, heterogeneity in binding affinity to AT(1) receptors among ARBs may result in different degrees of vascular protection and lifespan extension.

Chymase inhibition provides pancreatic islet protection in hamsters with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Angiotensin II may be involved in pancreatic disorganization, but the involvement of chymase has been unclear. In the present study, we examined whether chymase is involved in pancreatic disorganization in hamsters with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Hamsters were injected with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg), and non-injected hamsters served as controls. To investigate the effect of a chymase inhibitor, TY-51469 (30 mg/kg per day), hamsters in the STZ group were administered TY-51469 or placebo from 2 weeks after STZ injection, for 1 week. A significant increase in blood glucose level was observed at 1 week after STZ injection. This was maintained at 2 weeks, and a further significant increase was observed at 3 weeks. Until 2 weeks after STZ injection, all angiotensin II-related enzyme activities were unchanged, but at 3 weeks pancreatic chymase and total angiotensin II-forming activities, but not angiotensin-converting enzyme activity, were significantly increased. TY-51469 significantly attenuated blood glucose level along with reductions of chymase and total angiotensin II-forming activities and malondialdehyde level. Furthermore, there were significantly more pancreatic islets in the TY-51469 group than in the placebo group. In conclusion, chymase inhibition might protect against pancreatic islet disorganization.

Involvement of vascular angiotensin II-forming enzymes in the progression of aortic abdominal aneurysms in angiotensin II- infused ApoE-deficient mice.

AIM: Angiotensin (Ang) II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in apoE-deficient mice has been used as a model of human AAA, but it has been unclear why the progression of AAA continues after stopping the Ang II infusion. The involvement of vascular Ang II-forming enzymes in the progression of AAA was studied. METHODS: ApoE-deficient mice were infused with Ang II (1,000 ng/kg/min) for 4 weeks and evaluated until 20 weeks after the Ang II infusion. Just after and 20 weeks after stopping the Ang II infusion, the degree of AAA, as well as the ACE and chymase activities, was evaluated. An Ang II receptor blocker (candesartan, 30 mg/kg/day) and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (lisinopril, 60 mg/kg/day) were given for 20 weeks after stopping the Ang II infusion. RESULTS: The aortic diameter expanded just after stopping the Ang II infusion and progressed for a further 20 weeks after the infusion was stopped. Just after stopping the infusion, aortic ACE and chymase activities were significantly increased, but only the increase in chymase activity continued until 20 weeks after the infusion was stopped. Candesartan and lisinopril significantly attenuated aortic diameter expansion. CONCLUSION: The increases in vascular Ang II-forming activities were involved in the progression of AAA after stopping the Ang II infusion.

Chymase plays an important role in left ventricular remodeling induced by intermittent hypoxia in mice.

Intermittent hypoxia caused by sleep apnea is associated with cardiovascular disease. Chymase has been reported to play an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease, but it is unclear whether chymase is involved in the pathogenesis of left ventricular remodeling induced by intermittent hypoxia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel chymase inhibitor (NK3201) on hypoxia-induced left ventricular remodeling in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice (9 weeks old) were exposed to intermittent hypoxia or normoxia and were treated with NK3201 (10 mg/kg per day) or the vehicle for 10 days. Left ventricular systolic pressure showed no significant differences among all of the experimental groups. Exposure to intermittent hypoxia increased left ventricular chymase activity and angiotensin II expression, which were both suppressed by treatment with NK3201. Intermittent hypoxia also increased the mean cardiomyocyte diameter, perivascular fibrosis, expression of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and NADPH-dependent superoxide production in the left ventricular myocardium. These changes were all suppressed by NK3201 treatment. Therefore, chymase might play an important role in intermittent hypoxia-induced left ventricular remodeling, which is independent of the systemic blood pressure.