3-nitrotyrosine and Fibrosis

Maternal undernutrition is known to reduce glomerular number but it may also affect tubulointerstitium, capillary density, and response to oxidative stress. To investigate whether the latter elements are affected, we examined the response to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), an established model of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, in the kidney of offspring from control and nutrient restricted rats. Six-week old male offspring from rats given food ad libitum (CON) and those subjected to 50% food restriction throughout pregnancy (NR) were subjected to UUO for 7 days. Body weight was significantly lower in NR. Systolic blood pressure and blood urea nitrogen increased similarly in CON and NR after UUO. Tubular necrosis in the obstructed kidney, on the other hand, was more extensive in NR. Also, the collagen area, a marker of fibrosis, of the obstructed kidney was significantly increased compared with the contralateral kidney only in NR. Capillary density was decreased similarly in the obstructed kidney of CON and NR compared with the contralateral kidney. Urine nitrate/nitrite, a marker of nitric oxide production, from the obstructed kidney was significantly increased in NR compared with CON. Nitrotyrosine, a marker of nitric oxide-mediated free radical injury, was increased in the obstructed kidney compared with the contralateral kidney in both CON and NR, but the extent was significantly greater in NR. In conclusion, more severe tubular necrosis and fibrosis after UUO was observed in NR, which was thought to be due to increased nitrosative stress.

Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Fibrosis; Kidney; Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute; Male; Malnutrition; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Nitrates; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Nitrites; Oxidative Stress; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tyrosine; Ureteral Obstruction

Beraprost sodium (BPS), as a prostacyclin analog, plays a significant role in various diseases based on its antiplatelet and vasodilation functions. However, its regulation and role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) still remain elusive. Here, we determined whether BPS could alleviate renal interstitial fibrosis, and improve the renal function and its therapeutic mechanism. In vitro, BPS increased angiogenesis in the HUVECs incubated with BPS detected by tube formation assay and repair damaged endothelial cell-cell junctions induced by hypoxia. In vivo, mice were randomly assigned to a sham-operation group (sham), a unilateral ureteral obstruction group (UUO), and a BPS intragastrical administration group (BPS), and sacrificed at days 3 and 7 post-surgery (six in each group). In UUO model, tissue hypoxia, renal inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrotic lesions were detected by q-PCR and Western blot techniques and peritubular capillaries (PTCs) injury was detected by a novel technique of fluorescent microangiography (FMA) and analyzed by MATLAB software. Meanwhile, we identified cells undergoing endothelial cell-to-myofibroblast transition by the coexpression of endothelial cell (CD31) and myofibroblast (a-SMA) markers in the obstructed kidney. In contrast, BPS protected against interstitial fibrosis and substantially reduced the number of endothelial cell-to-myofibroblast transition cells. In conclusion, our data indicate the potent therapeutic of BPS in mitigating fibrosis through repairing renal microvessels and suppressing endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) progression after inhibiting inflammatory and oxidative stress effects. KEY MESSAGES: BPS could improve renal recovery through anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative pathways. BPS could mitigate fibrosis through repairing renal microvessels and suppressing endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT).

Topics: Adult; Animals; Chemokine CCL2; Disease Models, Animal; Epoprostenol; Fibrosis; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Interleukin-6; Kidney; Kidney Function Tests; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microvessels; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Regeneration; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tyrosine; Uncoupling Protein 2; Ureteral Obstruction; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Colorectal laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) are morphologically subdivided into granular (LST-G) and nongranular (LST-NG) categories. We aimed to elucidate the differences in oncogenic characteristics between the two types.. Laterally spreading tumors resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection and surgery from March 2009 to May 2017 were examined for p53 positivity, Ki-67 labeling index (LI), microvessel density, degree of fibrosis, intensities of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitrotyrosine (NT), and expression of acid mucins. We compared these factors between adenomas, noninvasive cancers, and invasive cancers, both LST-G and LST-NG.. Ninety-three LST-G (53 adenomas [LST-GA] and 40 cancers [LST-GC]) and 55 LST-NG (24 adenomas [LST-NGA] and 31 cancers [LST-NGC]) were evaluated. Although p53 positivity was lower in LST-GA than in LST-NGA (P < 0.001), there was no difference between LST-GC and LST-NGC. Ki-67 LI was higher in LST-NGA than in LST-GA (P < 0.001) and higher in LST-NGC than in LST-GC of noninvasive cancers (P < 0.001). Microvessel density and degree of fibrosis were higher in LST-NGA than in LST-GA (P < 0.001), and intensities of iNOS and NT were also higher in LST-NGA than in LST-GA (P < 0.001). Expression of acid mucins was lower in LST-NGA than in LST-GA (P < 0.001). Although there were significant differences in p53 positivity, Ki-67 LI, microvessel density, degree of fibrosis, intensities of iNOS and NT, and expression of acid mucins between LST-GA and LST-NGA, these factors were only slightly different between LST-GC and LST-NGC of invasive cancers.. Unlike LST-GA, LST-NGA possessed phenotypic features similar to cancer.

Topics: Adenoma; Carcinogenesis; Cohort Studies; Colorectal Neoplasms; Fibrosis; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Ki-67 Antigen; Microvessels; Mucins; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Phenotype; Retrospective Studies; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Tyrosine

Age-related fibrosis is attenuated by aerobic exercise; however, little is known concerning the underlying molecular mechanism. To address this question, aged rats were given moderate-intensity exercise for 12 weeks. After exercise in aged rats, hydrogen sulfide levels in plasma and heart increased 39.8% and 90.9%, respectively. Exercise upregulated expression of cystathionine γ-lyase and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase in heart of aged rats. Furthermore, aged rats were given moderate-intensity exercise for 12 weeks or treated with NaHS (intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 mL/kg per day of 0.28 mol/L NaHS). After exercise in aged rats, Masson-trichrome staining area decreased 34.8% and myocardial hydroxyproline levels decreased 29.6%. Exercise downregulated expression of collagen-I and α- smooth muscle actin in heart of aged rats. Exercise in aged rats reduced malondialdehyde levels in plasma and heart and 3-nitrotyrosine in heart. Exercise in aged rats reduced mRNA and protein expression of C/EBP homologous protein, glucose regulated protein 78, and X-box protein 1. Exercise also reduced mRNA and protein expression of interleukin 6 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1and suppressed activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase in aging heart. Similar effects were demonstrated in aged rats treated with NaHS. Collectively, exercise restored bioavailability of hydrogen sulfide in the heart of aged rats, which partly explained the benefits of exercise against myocardial fibrosis of aged population.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Chemokine CCL2; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Fibrosis; Heart; Hydrogen Sulfide; Hydroxyproline; Interleukin-6; Male; Malondialdehyde; Myocardium; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Rats; Sulfides; Tyrosine

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthases that limits nitric oxide bioavailability. Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-1 (DDAH1) exerts a critical role for ADMA degradation and plays an important role in NO signaling. In the heart, DDAH1 is observed in endothelial cells and in the sarcolemma of cardiomyocytes. While NO signaling is important for cardiac adaptation to stress, DDAH1 impact on cardiomyocyte homeostasis is not clear. Here we used the MerCreMer-LoxP model to specifically disrupt cardiomyocyte DDAH1 expression in adult mice to determine the physiological impact of cardiomyocyte DDAH1 under basal conditions and during hypertrophic stress imposed by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Under control conditions, cardiomyocyte-specific DDAH1 knockout (cDDAH KO) had no detectable effect on plasma ADMA and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy or function in adult or aging mice. In response to TAC, DDAH1 levels were elevated 2.5-fold in WT mice, which exhibited no change in LV or plasma ADMA content and moderate LV hypertrophy and LV dysfunction. In contrast, cDDAH1 KO mice exposed to TAC showed no increase in LV DDAH1 expression, slightly increased LV tissue ADMA levels, no increase in plasma ADMA, but significantly exacerbated LV hypertrophy, fibrosis, nitrotyrosine production, and LV dysfunction. These findings indicate cardiomyocyte DDAH1 activity is dispensable for cardiac function under basal conditions, but plays an important role in attenuating cardiac hypertrophy and ventricular remodeling under stress conditions, possibly through locally confined regulation of subcellular ADMA and NO signaling.

Topics: Amidohydrolases; Animals; Arginine; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Disease Models, Animal; Fibrosis; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Male; Mice, Knockout; Myocytes, Cardiac; Nitric Oxide; Phenotype; Signal Transduction; Tyrosine; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Remodeling

Kallistatin is a serine protease inhibitor with anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-oxidative properties. Since oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, we studied the effect and mechanisms of action of kallistatin superinduction. Using ultrasound-microbubble-mediated gene transfer, kallistatin overexpression was induced in kidney tubules. In db/db mice, kallistatin overexpression reduced serum creatinine and BUN levels, ameliorated glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial injury, and attenuated renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β signaling. Additionally, downstream PAI-1 and collagens I and IV expression were reduced and kallistatin partially suppressed renal inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and decreasing tissue kallikrein activity. Kallistatin lowered blood pressure and attenuated oxidative stress as evidenced by suppressed levels of NADPH oxidase 4, and oxidative markers (nitrotyrosine, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and malondialdehyde) in diabetic renal tissue. Kallistatin also inhibited RAGE expression in the diabetic kidney and AGE-stimulated cultured proximal tubular cells. Reduced AGE-induced reactive oxygen species generation reflected an anti-oxidative mechanism via the AGE-RAGE-reactive oxygen species axis. These results indicate a renoprotective role of kallistatin against diabetic nephropathy by multiple mechanisms including suppression of oxidative stress, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory actions, and blood pressure lowering.

Topics: Animals; Diabetic Nephropathies; Fibrosis; Gene Transfer Techniques; Genetic Therapy; Kallikreins; Kidney; Kidney Function Tests; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; NADPH Oxidase 4; NADPH Oxidases; Neovascularization, Pathologic; NF-kappa B; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products; Serpins; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tyrosine; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Obesity-associated nephropathy is considered to be a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Resveratrol supplementation represents a promising therapy to attenuate kidney injury, but the poor solubility and limited bioavailability of this polyphenol limits its use in dietary intervention. Piceatannol, a resveratrol analogue, has been suggested as a better option. In this study, we aimed to provide evidence of a preventive action of piceatannol in very early stages of obesity-associated nephropathy. Thirty obese Zucker rats were divided into three experimental groups: one control and two groups orally treated for 6 weeks with 15 and 45 mg piceatannol/kg body weight/day. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to determine renal and urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1), renal fibrosis markers (transforming growth factor β1 and fibronectin) and renal sirtuin-1 protein. Oxidative stress was assessed in the kidney by measuring lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substrates and 3-nitrotyrosine levels, respectively) together with the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Renal fatty acids profile analysis was performed by thin-layer and gas chromatography. Piceatannol-treated rats displayed lower levels of urinary and renal Kim-1. Renal fibrosis biomarkers and lipid peroxidation exhibited a tendency to decrease in the piceatannol-treated groups. Piceatannol treatment did not modify superoxide dismutase activity or sirtuin-1 protein levels, while it seemed to increase the levels of polyunsaturated and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the kidneys. Our findings suggest a mild renoprotective effect of piceatannol in obese Zucker rats and the need of intervention at early stages of renal damage.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antioxidants; Biomarkers; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Dietary Supplements; Fibrosis; Kidney; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Obesity; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Random Allocation; Rats, Zucker; Renal Insufficiency; Severity of Illness Index; Stilbenes; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Tyrosine

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.. 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.. 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.. 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.

Topics: Anemia; Animals; Cardiotonic Agents; Ferric Compounds; Ferric Oxide, Saccharated; Fibrosis; Glucaric Acid; Inflammation; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Myocardium; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tyrosine; Ventricular Remodeling

The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat, a non-obese model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), was generated by the selective inbreeding of glucose-intolerant Wistar rats. This is a convenient model for studying diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy independently from the effects of the metabolic syndrome. We investigated the myocardial functional and structural changes and underlying molecular pathomechanisms of short-term and mild T2DM. The presence of DM was confirmed by an impaired oral glucose tolerance in the GK rats compared with the age-matched nondiabetic Wistar rats. Data from cardiac catheterization showed that in GK rats, although the systolic indexes were not altered, the diastolic stiffness was increased compared with nondiabetics (end-diastolic-pressure-volume-relationship: 0.12 ± 0.04 vs. 0.05 ± 0.01 mmHg/μl, P < 0.05). Additionally, DM was associated with left-ventricular hypertrophy and histological evidence of increased myocardial fibrosis. The plasma pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, the cardiac troponin-T, glucose, and the urinary glucose concentrations were significantly higher in GK rats. Among the 125 genes surveyed using PCR arrays, DM significantly altered the expression of five genes [upregulation of natriuretic peptide precursor-A and connective tissue growth factor, downregulation of c-reactive protein, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA-level]. Of the altered genes, which were evaluated by Western blot, only TNF-α protein expression was significantly decreased. The ECG recordings revealed no significant differences. In conclusion, while systolic dysfunction, myocardial inflammation, and abnormal electrical conduction remain absent, short-term and mild T2DM induce the alteration of cardiac TNF-α at both the mRNA and protein levels. Further assessments are required to reveal if TNF-α plays a role in the early stage of diabetic cardiomyopathy development.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Blood Glucose; C-Reactive Protein; Connective Tissue Growth Factor; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Down-Regulation; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Fibrosis; Glucose Tolerance Test; Glycosuria; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Nick-End Labeling; Inflammation; Interleukin-1beta; Male; Myocardium; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Oxidative Stress; Peptide Fragments; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rats; Rats, Wistar; RNA, Messenger; Signal Transduction; Troponin T; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Tyrosine; Up-Regulation; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Pressure

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are effective immunosuppressive agents for the successful treatment of childhood steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Because these patients require long-term treatment, the identification of early markers of CNI-induced nephrotoxicity (CNIN) is imperative. The monitoring of CNI trough levels, serum creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate is not an accurate marker of CNIN. The present study has been undertaken to identify early markers of CNIN in SRNS patients. Twenty-four pediatric SRNS patients were included with paired renal biopsies, before initiation (time zero biopsy) and at least 1 year after CNI therapy (protocol renal biopsy) with standard dosage. Semiquantitative morphologic grading of the histologic features was done for assessing CNIN. Immunohistochemical markers for oxidative stress (nitrotyrosine [NT]), fibrogenic cytokine (transforming growth factor β1 [TGF-β1]), and endothelial injury (endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS]) were evaluated. In addition, ultrastructural study was done to assess mitochondrial injury in endothelial and tubular epithelial cells. The protocol renal biopsies in comparison with time zero biopsies showed significant increase in glomerulosclerosis, juxtaglomerular apparatus hyperplasia, tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, arteriolar hyalinosis, and smooth muscle vacuolization (P < .05 - P < .001). Significantly higher immunoexpression of eNOS (91.6%), NT (71%), and TGF-β1 (87.5%) was noted in posttreatment biopsies. Mean mitochondrial injury grade among post-CNI cases in endothelial cells and proximal tubular cells was 2.28 and 1.4, whereas in pre-CNI, it was 0.28 and 0.27, respectively. We propose that immunohistochemical overexpression of NT, eNOS, and TGF-β1 is an early marker of CNIN. Endothelial and proximal tubular mitochondrial injury may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CNIN.

Topics: Adolescent; Atrophy; Biomarkers; Biopsy; Calcineurin Inhibitors; Child; Child, Preschool; Early Diagnosis; Endothelial Cells; Female; Fibrosis; Humans; Hyperplasia; Immunohistochemistry; Immunosuppressive Agents; Infant; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Tubules, Proximal; Male; Mitochondria; Nephrotic Syndrome; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Oxidative Stress; Predictive Value of Tests; Time Factors; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Treatment Outcome; Tyrosine; Up-Regulation

Increasing evidence suggests that both types of diabetes mellitus (DM) lead to cardiac structural and functional changes. In this study we investigated and compared functional characteristics and underlying subcellular pathological features in rat models of type-1 and type-2 diabetic cardiomyopathy. Type-1 DM was induced by streptozotocin. For type-2 DM, Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats were used. Left ventricular pressure-volume analysis was performed to assess cardiac function. Myocardial nitrotyrosine immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay, hematoxylin-eosin, and Masson's trichrome staining were performed. mRNA and protein expression were quantified by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Marked systolic dysfunction in type-1 DM was associated with severe nitrooxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis. These pathological features were less pronounced or absent, while cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was comparable in type-2 DM, which was associated with unaltered systolic function and increased diastolic stiffness. mRNA-expression of hypertrophy markers c-fos, c-jun, and β-MHC, as well as pro-apoptotic caspase-12, was elevated in type-1, while it remained unaltered or only slightly increased in type-2 DM. Expression of the profibrotic TGF-β 1 was upregulated in type-1 and showed a decrease in type-2 DM. We compared type-1 and type-2 diabetic cardiomyopathy in standard rat models and described an altered pattern of key pathophysiological features in the diabetic heart and corresponding functional consequences.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Diabetes Complications; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Fibrosis; Gene Expression Regulation; Heart; Heart Diseases; Hemodynamics; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Nick-End Labeling; Male; Myocardium; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats, Zucker; RNA, Messenger; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Tyrosine; Ventricular Function, Left

Recently, we demonstrated in female mice that protection against ANG II-induced hypertension and associated cardiovascular changes depend on cytochrome P-450 (CYP)1B1. The present study was conducted to determine if Cyp1b1 gene disruption ameliorates renal dysfunction and organ damage associated with ANG II-induced hypertension in female mice. ANG II (700 ng·kg(-1)·min(-1)) infused by miniosmotic pumps for 2 wk in female Cyp1b1(+/+) mice did not alter water consumption, urine output, Na(+) excretion, osmolality, or protein excretion. However, in Cyp1b1(-/-) mice, ANG II infusion significantly increased (P < 0.05) water intake (5.50 ± 0.42 ml/24 h with vehicle vs. 8.80 ± 0.60 ml/24 h with ANG II), urine output (1.44 ± 0.37 ml/24 h with vehicle vs. 4.30 ± 0.37 ml/24 h with ANG II), and urinary Na(+) excretion (0.031 ± 0.016 mmol/24 h with vehicle vs. 0.099 ± 0.010 mmol/24 h with ANG II), decreased osmolality (2,630 ± 79 mosM/kg with vehicle vs. 1,280 ± 205 mosM/kg with ANG II), and caused proteinuria (2.60 ± 0.30 mg/24 h with vehicle vs. 6.96 ± 0.55 mg/24 h with ANG II). Infusion of ANG II caused renal fibrosis, as indicated by an accumulation of renal interstitial α-smooth muscle actin, collagen, and transforming growth factor-β in Cyp1b1(-/-) but not Cyp1b1(+/+) mice. ANG II also increased renal production of ROS and urinary excretion of thiobarburic acid-reactive substances and reduced the activity of antioxidants and urinary excretion of nitrite/nitrate and the 17β-estradiol metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol in Cyp1b1(-/-) but not Cyp1b1(+/+) mice. These data suggest that Cyp1b1 plays a critical role in female mice in protecting against renal dysfunction and end-organ damage associated with ANG II-induced hypertension, in preventing oxidative stress, and in increasing activity of antioxidant systems, most likely via generation of 2-methoxyestradiol from 17β-estradiol.

Topics: Angiotensin II; Animals; Catalase; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1B1; Disease Models, Animal; Drinking; Estradiol; Female; Fibrosis; Genotype; Hypertension; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; NADPH Oxidases; Natriuresis; Oxidative Stress; Phenotype; Renin-Angiotensin System; Sex Factors; Superoxide Dismutase; Superoxides; Tyrosine; Urination

Several reports indicated that histone deacetylases (HDACs) play a crucial role in inflammation and fibrogenesis. Sodium butyrate (SB) is a short-chain fatty acid having HDAC inhibition potential. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of SB against L-arginine (L-Arg)-induced pancreatic fibrosis in Wistar rats. Pancreatic fibrosis was induced by twice intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 20% L-Arg (250 mg/100 g) at 2-h interval on day 1, 4, 7, and 10, whereas SB (800 mg/kg/day) was administrated for 10 days. At the end of the study, biochemical estimations, histological alterations, DNA damage, and the expression of various proteins were evaluated. Posttreatment of SB decreased L-Arg-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress, DNA damage, histological alterations, and fibrosis. Interestingly, posttreatment of SB significantly decreased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin, interleukin-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and 3-nitrotyrosine. The present study demonstrated that posttreatment of SB alleviates L-Arg-induced pancreatic damage and fibrosis in rat.

Topics: Animals; Arginine; Butyric Acid; Down-Regulation; Fibrosis; Inflammation; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Pancreas; Pancreatitis; Rats, Wistar; Tyrosine

In the present study, we aimed to determine whether ethanol extracts of Fructus Schisandrae (FS), the dried fruit of Schizandra chinensis Baillon, mitigates the development of dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy. Adult SPF/VAT outbred CrljOri:CD1 (ICR) mice were either treated with dexamethasone to induce muscle atrophy. Some mice were treated with various concentrations of FS or oxymetholone, a 17α-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid. Muscle thickness and weight, calf muscle strength, and serum creatine and creatine kinase (CK) levels were then measured. The administration of FS attenuated the decrease in calf thickness, gastrocnemius muscle thickness, muscle strength and weight, fiber diameter and serum lactate dehydrogenase levels in the gastrocnemius muscle bundles which was induced by dexamethasone in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with FS also prevented the dexamethasone-induced increase in serum creatine and creatine kinase levels, histopathological muscle fiber microvacuolation and fibrosis, and the immunoreactivity of muscle fibers for nitrotyrosine, 4-hydroxynonenal, inducible nitric oxide synthase and myostatin. In addition, the destruction of the gastrocnemius antioxidant defense system was also inhibited by the administration of FS in a dose-dependent manner. FS downregulated the mRNA expression of atrogin-1 and muscle ring-finger protein-1 (involved in muscle protein degradation), myostatin (a potent negative regulator of muscle growth) and sirtuin 1 (a representative inhibitor of muscle regeneration), but upregulated the mRNA expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Akt1, adenosine A1 receptor and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4, involved in muscle growth and the activation of protein synthesis. The overall effects of treatment with 500 mg/kg FS were comparable to those observed following treatment with 50 mg/kg oxymetholone. The results from the present study support the hypothesis that FS has a favorable ameliorating effect on muscle atrophy induced by dexamethasone, by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on muscle fibers, which may be due to an increase in protein synthesis and a decrease in protein degradation.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Creatine; Creatine Kinase; Dexamethasone; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Fibrosis; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Muscle Proteins; Muscle Strength; Muscle Tonus; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscular Atrophy; Myostatin; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Oxymetholone; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase; Protein Biosynthesis; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Receptor, Adenosine A1; RNA, Messenger; Schisandra; Sirtuin 1; SKP Cullin F-Box Protein Ligases; Tripartite Motif Proteins; TRPV Cation Channels; Tyrosine; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases

Chronic renal fibrosis is the final common pathway of end stage renal disease caused by glomerular or tubular pathologies. Genetic background has a strong influence on the progression of chronic renal fibrosis. We recently found that Rowett black hooded rats were resistant to renal fibrosis. We aimed to investigate the role of sustained inflammation and oxidative/nitrative stress in renal fibrosis progression using this new model. Our previous data suggested the involvement of podocytes, thus we investigated renal fibrosis initiated by doxorubicin-induced (5 mg/kg) podocyte damage. Doxorubicin induced progressive glomerular sclerosis followed by increasing proteinuria and reduced bodyweight gain in fibrosis-sensitive, Charles Dawley rats during an 8-week long observation period. In comparison, the fibrosis-resistant, Rowett black hooded rats had longer survival, milder proteinuria and reduced tubular damage as assessed by neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) excretion, reduced loss of the slit diaphragm protein, nephrin, less glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and matrix deposition assessed by periodic acid-Schiff, Picro-Sirius-red staining and fibronectin immunostaining. Less fibrosis was associated with reduced profibrotic transforming growth factor-beta, (TGF-β1) connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL-1a1) mRNA levels. Milder inflammation demonstrated by histology was confirmed by less monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) mRNA. As a consequence of less inflammation, less oxidative and nitrative stress was obvious by less neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (p47phox) and NADPH oxidase-2 (p91phox) mRNA. Reduced oxidative enzyme expression was accompanied by less lipid peroxidation as demonstrated by 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) and less protein nitrosylation demonstrated by nitrotyrosine (NT) immunohistochemistry and quantified by Western blot. Our results demonstrate that mediators of fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative/nitrative stress were suppressed in doxorubicin nephropathy in fibrosis-resistant Rowett black hooded rats underlying the importance of these pathomechanisms in the progression of renal fibrosis initiated by glomerular podocyte damage.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Body Weight; Chemokine CCL2; Connective Tissue Growth Factor; Disease Progression; Disease Resistance; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Doxorubicin; Fibrosis; Kidney; Male; Membrane Proteins; Oxidative Stress; Proteinuria; Rats; Reactive Nitrogen Species; Species Specificity; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Tyrosine

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an important regulator in glucose and lipid metabolism, and has been considered as a potential therapy for diabetes. The effect of FGF21 on the development and progression of diabetes-induced pathogenic changes in the aorta has not currently been addressed. To characterize these effects, type 1 diabetes was induced in both FGF21 knockout (FGF21KO) and C57BL/6 J wild type (WT) mice via multiple-dose streptozotocin injection. FGF21KO diabetic mice showed both earlier and more severe aortic remodeling indicated by aortic thickening, collagen accumulation and fibrotic mediator connective tissue growth factor expression. This was accompanied by significant aortic cell apoptosis than in WT diabetic mice. Further investigation found that FGF21 deletion exacerbated aortic inflammation and oxidative stress reflected by elevated expression of tumor necrosis factor α and transforming growth factor β, and the accumulation of 3-nitrotyrocine and 4-Hydroxynonenal. FGF21 administration can reverse the pathologic changes in FGF21KO diabetic mice. These findings demonstrate that FGF21 deletion aggravates aortic remodeling and cell death probably via exacerbation of aortic inflammation and oxidative stress. This marks FGF21 as a potential therapy for the treatment of aortic damage due to diabetes.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Aorta; Aortic Diseases; Apoptosis; Collagen; Connective Tissue Growth Factor; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetic Angiopathies; Fibroblast Growth Factors; Fibrosis; Gene Deletion; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Oxidative Stress; Phenotype; Signal Transduction; Time Factors; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Tyrosine; Vascular Remodeling

Wholegrain flaxseed (FS), and its lignan component (FLC) consisting mainly of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), have potent lung radioprotective properties while not abrogating the efficacy of radiotherapy. However, while the whole grain was recently shown to also have potent mitigating properties in a thoracic radiation pneumonopathy model, the bioactive component in the grain responsible for the mitigation of lung damage was never identified. Lungs may be exposed to radiation therapeutically for thoracic malignancies or incidentally following detonation of a radiological dispersion device. This could potentially lead to pulmonary inflammation, oxidative tissue injury, and fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the radiation mitigating effects of FLC in a mouse model of radiation pneumonopathy.. We evaluated FLC-supplemented diets containing SDG lignan levels comparable to those in 10% and 20% whole grain diets. 10% or 20% FLC diets as compared to an isocaloric control diet (0% FLC) were given to mice (C57/BL6) (n=15-30 mice/group) at 24, 48, or 72-hours after single-dose (13.5 Gy) thoracic x-ray treatment (XRT). Mice were evaluated 4 months post-XRT for blood oxygenation, lung inflammation, fibrosis, cytokine and oxidative damage levels, and survival.. FLC significantly mitigated radiation-related animal death. Specifically, mice fed 0% FLC demonstrated 36.7% survival 4 months post-XRT compared to 60-73.3% survival in mice fed 10%-20% FLC initiated 24-72 hours post-XRT. FLC also mitigated radiation-induced lung fibrosis whereby 10% FLC initiated 24-hours post-XRT significantly decreased fibrosis as compared to mice fed control diet while the corresponding TGF-beta1 levels detected immunohistochemically were also decreased. Additionally, 10-20% FLC initiated at any time point post radiation exposure, mitigated radiation-induced lung injury evidenced by decreased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) protein and inflammatory cytokine/chemokine release at 16 weeks post-XRT. Importantly, neutrophilic and overall inflammatory cell infiltrate in airways and levels of nitrotyrosine and malondialdehyde (protein and lipid oxidation, respectively) were also mitigated by the lignan diet.. Dietary FLC given early post-XRT mitigated radiation effects by decreasing inflammation, lung injury and eventual fibrosis while improving survival. FLC may be a useful agent, mitigating adverse effects of radiation in individuals exposed to incidental radiation, inhaled radioisotopes or even after the initiation of radiation therapy to treat malignancy.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Butylene Glycols; Cytokines; Female; Fibrosis; Flax; Glucosides; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Lignans; Lung; Lung Injury; Malondialdehyde; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neutrophils; Oxygen; Phytotherapy; Radiation Injuries, Experimental; Radiation Pneumonitis; Radiation-Protective Agents; Seeds; Survival Rate; Time Factors; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Tyrosine

Activation of RhoA/Rho-kinase (ROCK) is increasingly implicated in acute vasospasm and chronic vasoconstriction in major organ systems. Therefore we aimed to ascertain whether an increase in ROCK activity plays a role in the deterioration of coronary vascular function in early stage diabetes.. Synchrotron radiation microangiography was used to determine in vivo coronary responses in diabetic (3 weeks post streptozotocin 65 mg/kg ip) and vehicle treated male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8 and 6). Changes in vessel number and calibre during vasodilator stimulation before and after blockade of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase were compared between rats. Acute responses to ROCK inhibitor, fasudil (10 mg/kg iv) was evaluated. Further, perivascular and myocardial fibrosis, arterial intimal thickening were assessed by histology, and capillary density, nitrotyrosine and ROCK1/2 expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining.. Diabetic rats had significantly elevated plasma glucose (P < 0.001 vs control), but did not differ in fibrotic scores, media to lumen ratio, capillary density or baseline visible vessel number or calibre. Responses to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside stimulation were similar between groups. However, in comparison to control rats the diabetic rats showed more segmental constrictions during blockade, which were not completely alleviated by acetylcholine, but were alleviated by fasudil. Further, second order vessel branches in diabetic rats were significantly more dilated relative to baseline (37% vs 12% increase, P < 0.05) after fasudil treatment compared to control rats, while visible vessel number increased in both groups. ROCK2 expression was borderline greater in diabetic rat hearts (P < 0.053).. We found that ahead of the reported decline in coronary endothelial vasodilator function in diabetic rats there was moderate elevation in ROCK expression, more widespread segmental constriction when nitric oxide and prostacyclin production were inhibited and notably, increased calibre in second and third order small arteries-arterioles following ROCK inhibition. Based on nitrotyrosine staining oxidative stress was not significantly elevated in early diabetic rats. We conclude that tonic ROCK mediated vasoconstriction contributes to coronary vasomotor tone in early diabetes.

Topics: 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine; Animals; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Circulation; Coronary Vessels; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Angiopathies; Epoprostenol; Fibrosis; Male; Microcirculation; Myocardium; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; rho-Associated Kinases; Tyrosine; Vasoconstriction; Vasodilation; Vasodilator Agents

Recent data would suggest pre-menopausal insulin resistant women are more prone to diastolic dysfunction than men, yet it is unclear why. We and others have reported that transgenic (mRen2)27 (Ren2) rats overexpressing the murine renin transgene are insulin resistant due to oxidative stress in insulin sensitive tissues. As increased salt intake promotes inflammation and oxidative stress, we hypothesized that excess dietary salt would promote diastolic dysfunction in transgenic females under conditions of excess tissue Ang II and circulating aldosterone levels.. For this purpose we evaluated cardiac function in young female Ren2 rats or age-matched Sprague-Dawley (SD) littermates exposed to a high (4%) salt or normal rat chow intake for three weeks.. Compared to SD littermates, at 10weeks of age, female Ren2 rats fed normal chow showed elevations in left ventricular (LV) systolic pressures, LV and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and displayed reductions in LV initial filling rate accompanied by increases in 3-nitrotyrosine content as a marker of oxidant stress. Following 3weeks of a salt diet, female Ren2 rats exhibited no further changes in LV systolic pressure, insulin resistance, or markers of hypertrophy but exaggerated increases in type 1 collagen, 3-nitrotryosine content, and diastolic dysfunction. These findings occurred in parallel with ultrastructural findings of pericapillary fibrosis, increased LV remodeling, and mitochondrial biogenesis.. These data suggest that a diet high in salt in hypertensive female Ren2 rats promotes greater oxidative stress, maladaptive LV remodeling, fibrosis, and associated diastolic dysfunction without further changes in LV systolic pressure or hypertrophy.

Topics: Animals; Collagen; Female; Fibrosis; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Heart Failure, Diastolic; Hemodynamics; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Mitochondria, Heart; Myocardium; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats, Transgenic; Sodium, Dietary; Tyrosine; Ventricular Function, Left

This study was designed to evaluate the in vivo cardioprotective effects of food-derived sesamin in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The study was performed with 17-week-old male normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and SHR which are untreated or treated with orally administered sesamin for 16 weeks before they were sacrificed. Long-term treatment with sesamin obviously improved left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and fibrosis in SHR, as indicated by the decrease of LV weight/body weight, myocardial cell size, cardiac fibrosis and collagen type I expression as well as the amelioration of the LV ultrastructure. These effects were associated with reduced systolic blood pressure, enhanced cardiac total antioxidant capability and decreased malondialdehyde content, nitrotyrosine level and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) expression. All these results suggest that chronic treatment with sesamin improves LV remodeling in SHR through alleviation of oxidative and nitrative stress, reduction of blood pressure and downregulation of TGF-β1 expression.

Topics: Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Collagen Type I; Dioxoles; Disease Models, Animal; Down-Regulation; Fibrosis; Heart; Hypertension; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Lignans; Male; Malondialdehyde; Myocytes, Cardiac; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; RNA, Messenger; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Tyrosine; Ventricular Remodeling

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by microvascular damage, fibrosis of skin and visceral organs, and autoimmunity. Previous studies have shown that angiotensin II is involved in the synthesis of type I collagen. We investigated whether the blockade of angiotensin II receptor type I (AT1 ) by irbesartan reduces skin and lung fibrosis in 2 murine models of SSc.. SSc was induced by daily intradermal injection of HOCl into the backs of BALB/c mice (HOCl-induced SSc). Mice were treated daily with irbesartan by oral gavage.. Irbesartan reduced dermal thickness, collagen concentration, Smad2/3, and α-smooth muscle actin expression, as well as fibroblast proliferation and H-Ras expression in the skin of mice with HOCl-induced SSc. Mice treated with irbesartan also displayed less lung fibrosis, less inflammation, and a lower concentration of collagen in the lungs than untreated mice. Exhaled nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and 3-nitrotyrosine expression in the lungs were decreased following irbesartan treatment. Moreover, irbesartan reduced the number and the proliferation of splenic B and T cells and the serum levels of anti-DNA topoisomerase I autoantibodies.. Irbesartan, an AT1 antagonist, prevents fibrosis and inflammation and inhibits nitric oxide production in HOCl-induced models of systemic fibrosis. Our findings extend the indication of an AT1 antagonist to SSc patients with diffuse fibrosis, especially those with lung involvement.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; Animals; Biomarkers; Biphenyl Compounds; Breath Tests; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Fibrosis; Hypochlorous Acid; Injections, Intradermal; Irbesartan; Lung; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Oxidants; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Scleroderma, Systemic; Skin; Tetrazoles; Tyrosine

Fibrous cap formation is a key aspect of preventing clinical events but animal models to study this are limited and cellular stress plays a fundamental role in fibrous cap formation.. To characterise cellular stress markers in an established animal model to study coronary artery fibrous cap formation.. Male New Zealand White rabbits were fed a diet containing 0.5% cholesterol and 1% methionine for 4 weeks, then 9 weeks of normal diet to induce fibrous cap formation. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect CHOP, GRP78, nitrotyrosine HSP70, HSP90, iNOS and HSP32.. The core within the left main coronary artery atherosclerosis contained vast amount of foamy macrophages which readily stained for all markers. However, the smooth muscle cells within the formed fibrous cap were negative for all markers. The endothelium overlying the fibrous cap was positive for CHOP, GRP78, nitrotyrosine, iNOS and HSP32, however it was difficult to detect positive endothelial HSP70 or HSP90 immunoreactivity. Serial sectioning and immunohistochemistry for all factors showed clear dual iNOS+ / HSP32 + / HSP70- / HSP90- single cells within the fibrous cap formed.. Smooth muscle cells within fibrous caps appear 'stress free', however isolated single smooth muscle cells within caps and within the core show positive immunoreactivity for stress markers. This model could be used to understand the role of cellular stress in fibrous cap formation in the coronary artery.

Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Vessels; Disease Models, Animal; Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP; Endothelial Cells; Fibrosis; Heat-Shock Proteins; Heme Oxygenase-1; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Rabbits; Stress, Physiological; Transcription Factor CHOP; Tyrosine

The effects of cigarette smoke (CS) on cyclosporine (CsA)-induced nephrotoxicity are poorly studied. This study aims to assess the effects of previous exposure to CS on CsA nephrotoxicity.. Rats were either exposed to CS or sham (S) procedures for 10 min twice a day for 20 weeks. From the 16th to the 20th week, they received a low-salt diet. Beginning with the 17th week, they were given 2.5 mg/day CsA or vehicle (VH) for 3 weeks. The final groups were VH/CS, CsA/CS, VH/S, and CsA/S. On day 141, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal blood flow (RBF), renal vascular resistance (RVR), tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and CsA blood levels were measured and immunohistochemistry was analyzed for renal α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), nitrotyrosine, and vimentin.. CsA decrease in GFR was enhanced by CS exposure. CsA associated with CS induced higher periglomerular α-SMA and renal nitrotyrosine expression. CsA decreased RBF, but increased RVR, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and α-SMA and renal vimentin expression. These changes and the CsA blood levels were not affected by CS exposure.. CS aggravated the CsA-induced impairment of GFR and CS associated with CsA caused the development of periglomerular structural lesions and oxidative stress in a rat model of CsA nephrotoxicity.

Topics: Actins; Animals; Cyclosporine; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Synergism; Fibrosis; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Hematocrit; Hemodynamics; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney; Male; Nephritis, Interstitial; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Smoking; Tyrosine; Vimentin

Titanium is widely used clinically, yet little is known regarding the effects of modifying its three-dimensional surface geometry at the nanoscale level. In this project we have explored the in vivo response in terms of nitric oxide scavenging and fibrotic capsule formation to nano-modified titanium implant surfaces. We compared titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) nanotubes with 100 nm diameters fabricated by electrochemical anodization with TiO(2) control surfaces. Significantly lower nitric oxide was observed for the nanostructured surface in solution, suggesting that nanotubes break down nitric oxide. To evaluate the soft tissue response in vivo TiO(2) nanotube and TiO(2) control implants were placed in the rat abdominal wall for 1 and 6 weeks. A reduced fibrotic capsule thickness was observed for the nanotube surfaces for both time points. Significantly lower nitric oxide activity, measured as the presence of nitrotyrosine (P<0.05), was observed on the nanotube surface after 1 week, indicating that the reactive nitrogen species interaction is of importance. The differences observed between the titanium surfaces may be due to the catalytic properties of TiO(2), which are increased by the nanotube structure. These findings may be significant for the interaction between titanium implants in soft tissue as well as bone tissue and provide a mechanism by which to improve future clinical implants.

Topics: Animals; Cell Count; Fibrosis; Implants, Experimental; Macrophages; Male; Nanotubes; Nitric Oxide; Organ Specificity; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Silicon Dioxide; Surface Properties; Titanium; Tyrosine

Uncoupling of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) has been implicated in left ventricular (LV) remodeling and dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI). We hypothesized that inducible NOS (iNOS) plays a crucial role in LV remodeling after MI, depending on its coupling status. MI was created in wild-type, iNOS-knockout (iNOS(-/-)), endothelial NOS-knockout (eNOS(-/-)), and neuronal NOS-knockout (nNOS(-/-)) mice. iNOS and nNOS expressions were increased after MI associated with an increase in nitrotyrosine formation. The area of myocardial fibrosis and LV end-diastolic volume and ejection fraction were more deteriorated in eNOS(-/-) mice compared with other genotypes of mice 4 wk after MI. The expression of GTP cyclohydrolase was reduced, and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) was depleted in the heart after MI. Oral administration of sepiapterin after MI increased dihydrobiopterin (BH(2)), BH(4), and BH(4)-to-BH(2) ratio in the infarcted but not sham-operated heart. The increase in BH(4)-to-BH(2) ratio was associated with inhibition of nitrotyrosine formation and an increase in nitrite plus nitrate. However, this inhibition of NOS uncoupling was blunted in iNOS(-/-) mice. Sepiapterin increased capillary density and prevented LV remodeling and dysfunction after MI in wild-type, eNOS(-/-), and nNOS(-/-) but not iNOS(-/-) mice. N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester abrogated sepiapterin-induced increase in nitrite plus nitrate and angiogenesis and blocked the beneficial effects of sepiapterin on LV remodeling and function. These results suggest that sepiapterin enhances angiogenesis and functional recovery after MI by activating the salvage pathway for BH(4) synthesis and increasing bioavailable nitric oxide predominantly derived from iNOS.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; Animals; Biopterins; Blood Pressure; Cardiotonic Agents; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fibrosis; GTP Cyclohydrolase; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Myocardial Infarction; Myocardium; Neovascularization, Physiologic; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Pterins; Recovery of Function; Stroke Volume; Time Factors; Tyrosine; Ultrasonography; Ventricular Function, Left

Diets that ameliorate the adverse effects of uric acid (UA) on renal damage deserve attention. The effects of casein or soya protein combined with palm or safflower-seed oil on various serum parameters and renal histology were investigated on hyperuricaemic rats. Male Wistar rats administered with oxonic acid and UA to induce hyperuricaemia were fed with casein or soya protein plus palm- or safflower-seed oil-supplemented diets. Normal rats and hyperuricaemic rats with or without allopurinol treatment (150 mg/l in drinking water) were fed with casein plus maize oil-supplemented diets. After 8 weeks, allopurinol treatment and soya protein plus safflower-seed oil-supplemented diet significantly decreased serum UA in hyperuricaemic rats (one-way ANOVA; P < 0.05). In addition, soya protein and casein attenuated hyperuricaemia-induced decreases in serum albumin and insulin, respectively (two-way ANOVA; P < 0.05). Safflower-seed oil significantly decreased serum TAG and UA, whereas palm oil significantly increased serum cholesterol, TAG, blood urea N and creatinine. However, soya protein significantly decreased renal NO and nitrotyrosine and palm oil significantly decreased renal nitrotyrosine, TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma and increased renal transforming growth factor-beta. Casein with safflower-seed oil significantly attenuated renal tubulointerstitial nephritis, crystals and fibrosis. Comparing casein v. soya protein combined with palm or safflower-seed oil, the results support that casein with safflower-seed oil may be effective in attenuating hyperuricaemia-associated renal damage, while soya protein with safflower-seed oil may be beneficial in lowering serum UA and TAG.

Topics: Albumins; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Caseins; Cholesterol; Creatinine; Diet; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Drug Therapy, Combination; Fibrosis; Glycine max; Hyperuricemia; Insulin; Interferon-gamma; Kidney; Kidney Calculi; Male; Nephritis, Interstitial; Nitric Oxide; Oxonic Acid; Palm Oil; Plant Oils; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Safflower Oil; Soybean Proteins; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Triglycerides; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Tyrosine; Uric Acid

Recently, kidney fibrosis following transplantation has become recognized as a main contributor of chronic allograft nephropathy. In transplantation, transient ischemia is an inescapable event. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced acute kidney injury, as well as progression of fibrosis in various diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and ureteral obstruction. However, a role of ROS/oxidative stress in chronic kidney fibrosis following I/R injury remains to be defined. In this study, we investigated the involvement of ROS/oxidative stress in kidney fibrosis following kidney I/R in mice. Mice were subjected to 30 min of bilateral kidney ischemia followed by reperfusion on day 0 and then administered with either manganese (III) tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin (MnTMPyP, 5 mg/kg body wt ip), a cell permeable superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic, or 0.9% saline (vehicle) beginning at 48 h after I/R for 14 days. I/R significantly increased interstitial extension, collagen deposition, apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells, nitrotyrosine expression, hydrogen peroxide production, and lipid peroxidation and decreased copper-zinc SOD, manganese SOD, and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities in the kidneys 16 days after the procedure. MnTMPyP administration minimized these postischemic changes. In addition, MnTMPyP administration significantly attenuated the increases of alpha-smooth muscle actin, PCNA, S100A4, CD68, and heat shock protein 47 expression following I/R. We concluded that kidney fibrosis develops chronically following I/R injury, and this process is associated with the increase of ROS/oxidative stress.

Topics: Actins; Animals; Antigens, CD; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Collagen; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Fibrosis; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase; HSP47 Heat-Shock Proteins; Hydrogen Peroxide; Ischemia; Kidney; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Metalloporphyrins; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; Reactive Oxygen Species; Reperfusion Injury; S100 Calcium-Binding Protein A4; S100 Proteins; Superoxide Dismutase; Time Factors; Tyrosine; Vitamin E

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI), but the sources of oxidative stress remain unclear. We investigated the role of Nox2-containing reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase in the development of cardiac remodeling after MI. Adult Nox2(-/-) and matched wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to coronary artery ligation and studied 4 weeks later. Infarct size after MI was similar in Nox2(-/-) and WT mice. Nox2(-/-) mice exhibited significantly less left ventricular (LV) cavity dilatation and dysfunction after MI than WT mice (eg, echocardiographic LV end-diastolic volume: 75.7+/-5.8 versus 112.4+/-12.3 microL; ejection fraction: 41.6+/-3.7 versus 32.9+/-3.2%; both P<0.05). Similarly, in vivo LV systolic and diastolic functions were better preserved in Nox2(-/-) than WT mice (eg, LV dP/dt(max): 7969+/-385 versus 5746+/-234 mm Hg/s; LV end-diastolic pressure: 12.2+/-1.3 versus 18.0+/-1.8 mm Hg; both P<0.05). Nox2(-/-) mice exhibited less cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, apoptosis, and interstitial fibrosis; reduced increases in expression of connective tissue growth factor and procollagen 1 mRNA; and smaller increases in myocardial matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity than WT mice. These data suggest that the Nox2-containing reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase contributes significantly to the processes underlying adverse cardiac remodeling and contractile dysfunction post-MI.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Cardiac Catheterization; Cardiomegaly; Echocardiography; Fibrosis; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Membrane Glycoproteins; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Myocardial Infarction; Myocardium; NADPH Oxidase 2; NADPH Oxidase 4; NADPH Oxidases; RNA, Messenger; Staining and Labeling; Survival Analysis; Tyrosine; Ventricular Remodeling

Recent clinical studies have suggested a major protective role for the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx1) in diabetes-associated atherosclerosis. We induced diabetes in mice deficient for both GPx1 and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) to determine whether this is merely an association or whether GPx1 has a direct effect on diabetes-associated atherosclerosis.. ApoE-deficient (ApoE-/-) and ApoE/GPx1 double-knockout (ApoE-/- GPx1-/-) mice were made diabetic with streptozotocin and aortic lesion formation, and atherogenic pathways were assessed after 10 and 20 weeks of diabetes. Aortic proinflammatory and profibrotic markers were determined by both quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis after 10 weeks of diabetes and immunohistochemical analysis after 10 and 20 weeks of diabetes. Sham-injected nondiabetic counterparts served as controls. Atherosclerotic lesions within the aortic sinus region, as well as arch, thoracic, and abdominal lesions, were significantly increased in diabetic ApoE-/- GPx1-/- aortas compared with diabetic ApoE-/- aortas. This increase was accompanied by increased macrophages, alpha-smooth muscle actin, receptors for advanced glycation end products, and various proinflammatory (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) and profibrotic (vascular endothelial growth factor and connective tissue growth factor) markers. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed increased expression of receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and connective tissue growth factor. Nitrotyrosine levels were significantly increased in diabetic ApoE-/- GPx1-/- mouse aortas. These findings were observed despite upregulation of other antioxidants.. Lack of functional GPx1 accelerates diabetes-associated atherosclerosis via upregulation of proinflammatory and profibrotic pathways in ApoE-/- mice. Our study provides evidence of a protective role for GPx1 and establishes GPx1 as an important antiatherogenic therapeutic target in patients with or at risk of diabetic macrovascular disease.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Aortic Diseases; Apolipoproteins E; Atherosclerosis; Connective Tissue Growth Factor; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Angiopathies; Fibrosis; Gene Expression Regulation; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Peroxidase GPX1; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II; Immediate-Early Proteins; Inflammation; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Isoenzymes; Macrophages; Male; Membrane Glycoproteins; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; NADPH Oxidase 2; NADPH Oxidases; NF-kappa B; Oxidation-Reduction; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products; Receptors, Immunologic; Sinus of Valsalva; Streptozocin; Superoxide Dismutase; Tyrosine; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a lethal malignancy of the biliary epithelium associated with p53 mutations, bile duct injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Here, to validate these processes in CCA, we developed a liver cirrhosis model driven by chronic intermittent toxin exposure, which provokes bile duct injury/necrosis and proliferation, fibroblast recruitment, and progressive extracellular matrix (ECM) changes. Fibrotic changes in the matrix microenvironment, typified by increased type I and III collagens and fibroblast recruitment, were shown to stimulate biliary epithelium hyperplasia with subsequent progression to malignant intrahepatic CCA only in mice harboring a p53 mutant allele. These murine CCAs bear histologic and genetic features of human intrahepatic CCA, including dense peritumoral fibrosis, increased inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, c-Met activation, cErbB2 overexpression, down-regulation of membrane-associated E-cadherin, and p53 codon 248 mutation. Thus, p53 deficiency, chronic bile duct injury/proliferation, and the fibrotic matrix microenvironment cooperate to induce intrahepatic CCA, highlighting the key role of the ECM microenvironment in this common liver cancer.

Topics: Animals; Bile Duct Neoplasms; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Cadherins; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Cholangiocarcinoma; Cyclooxygenase 2; Extracellular Matrix; Female; Fibrosis; Germ-Line Mutation; Hyperplasia; Liver Cirrhosis; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met; Receptor, ErbB-2; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Tyrosine

Oxidative stress is an important susceptibility factor for dilated cardiomyopathy. We have investigated the effects of bisoprolol, a beta1-selective adrenoceptor blocker, on oxidative stress and the development of cardiac dysfunction in a model of dilated cardiomyopathy. Male TO-2 and control hamsters at 8 weeks of age were treated with bisoprolol (5 mg/kg per day) or vehicle for 4 weeks. Treatment with bisoprolol prevented the progression of cardiac dysfunction in TO-2 hamsters. This drug did not affect the increase in NADPH oxidase activity but prevented the reduction in activity and expression of mitochondrial manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase as well as the increases in the concentrations of interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the left ventricle of TO-2 hamsters. Attenuation of the development of cardiac dysfunction by bisoprolol may thus result in part from normalization of the associated increases in the levels of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the left ventricle.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Antioxidants; Bisoprolol; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Cricetinae; Disease Models, Animal; Echocardiography; Fibrosis; Glutathione; Heart Failure; Heart Rate; Interleukin-1; Isoenzymes; Male; NADPH Oxidases; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Superoxide Dismutase; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Tyrosine; Ventricular Function, Left

Although aldosterone, acting via mineralocorticoid receptors, causes left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in experimental models of high-aldosterone hypertension, little is known about the role of aldosterone or mineralocorticoid receptors in mediating adverse remodeling in response to chronic pressure overload.. We used the mineralocorticoid receptor-selective antagonist eplerenone (EPL) to test the role of mineralocorticoid receptors in mediating the transition from hypertrophy to failure in mice with chronic pressure overload caused by ascending aortic constriction (AAC). One week after AAC, mice were randomized to regular chow or chow containing EPL (200 mg/kg per day) for an additional 7 weeks. EPL had no significant effect on systolic blood pressure after AAC. Eight weeks after AAC, EPL treatment improved survival (94% versus 65%), attenuated the increases in LV end-diastolic (3.4+/-0.1 versus 3.7+/-0.1 mm) and end-systolic (2.0+/-0.1 versus 2.5+/-0.2 mm) dimensions, and ameliorated the decrease in fractional shortening (42+/-2% versus 34+/-4%). EPL also decreased myocardial fibrosis, myocyte apoptosis, and the ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-2/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2. These beneficial effects of EPL were associated with less myocardial oxidative stress, as assessed by 3-nitrotyrosine staining, reduced expression of the adhesion molecule intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and reduced infiltration by macrophages.. Mineralocorticoid receptors play an important role in mediating the transition from LV hypertrophy to failure with chronic pressure overload. The effects of mineralocorticoid receptor stimulation are associated with alterations in the interstitial matrix and myocyte apoptosis and may be mediated, at least in part, by oxidative stress and inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Apoptosis; Blood Pressure; Cell Size; Chronic Disease; Constriction, Pathologic; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Eplerenone; Fibrosis; Heart Failure; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Ligation; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Mice; Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; Myocarditis; Myocardium; Myocytes, Cardiac; Oxidative Stress; Pressure; Random Allocation; Receptors, Mineralocorticoid; Spironolactone; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; Tyrosine

Accumulation of interstitial collagen (fibrosis) between the endothelium and myocytes is one of the hallmarks of cardiac failure in renovascular hypertension (RVH). Renal insufficiency increases plasma homocysteine (Hcy), and levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) are inversely related to plasma Hcy levels. We hypothesize that in RVH, accumulation of collagen between the endothelium and myocytes leads to endothelial-myocyte disconnection and uncoupling, in part, by hyperhomocysteinemia. Furthermore, we hypothesize that Hcy increases reactive oxygen species, generates nitrotyrosine, activates latent matrix metalloproteinase, and decreases the levels of endothelial nitric oxide in response to antagonizing PPAR-gamma. To create RVH in mice, the left renal artery was clipped with 0.4-mm silver wire for the 2 kidney, 1 clip (2K1C) method. Sham surgery was used as a control. To induce PPAR-gamma, 8 microg/mL ciglitazone (CZ) was administered to drinking water 2 days before surgery and continued for 4 weeks. Mice were grouped as 2K1C, sham, 2K1C+CZ, or sham+CZ (n = 6 in each group). Plasma Hcy increased 2-fold in the 2K1C-treated group (p < 0.05) as compared with the sham, and CZ had no effect on Hcy levels as compared to the 2K1C-treated group. Hcy binding in cardiac tissue homogenates decreased in the 2K1C-treated group but was substantially higher in the CZ-treated group. Cardiac reactive oxygen species levels were increased and endothelial nitric oxide were decreased in the 2K1C-treated group. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities were increased in the 2K1C-treated group compared with the control. Levels of cardiac inhibitor of metalloproteinase were decreased, whereas there was no change in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression in the 2K1C-treated group vs. the sham-treated group. Collagen and nitrotyrosine levels were increased in the 2K1C-treated group, but mice treated with CZ showed lower levels comparatively. Cardiac transferase deoxyuridine nick-end labeling-positive cells were increased, and muscle cells were impaired in the 2K1C-treated mice vs. the sham-control mice. This was associated with decreased acetylcholine and bradykinin responses, which suggests endothelial-myocyte uncoupling in 2K1C-treated mice. Our results suggest that fibrosis between the endothelium and myocytes leads to an endothelial-myocyte disconnection and uncoupling by Hcy accumulation secondary to increased reactive oxygen s

Topics: Acetylcholine; Animals; Blotting, Western; Collagen; Endothelin-1; Endothelium, Vascular; Fibrosis; Homocysteine; Hypertension, Renovascular; Hypoglycemic Agents; Kidney; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Myocardial Contraction; Myocytes, Cardiac; Nitroprusside; PPAR gamma; Proteinuria; Thiazolidinediones; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; Tyrosine; Vasodilator Agents; Ventricular Remodeling

Renal accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has been linked to the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Cleavage of pre-formed AGEs within the kidney by a cross-link breaker, such as ALT-711, may confer renoprotection in diabetes. STZ diabetic rats were randomized into a) no treatment (D); b) treatment with the AGE cross-link breaker, ALT-711, weeks 16-32 (DALT early); and c) ALT-711, weeks 24-32 (DALT late). Treatment with ALT-711 resulted in a significant reduction in diabetes-induced serum and renal AGE peptide fluorescence, associated with decreases in renal carboxymethyllysine and RAGE immunostaining. Cross-linking of tail tendon collagen seen in diabetic groups was attenuated only by 16 weeks of ALT-711 treatment. ALT-711, independent of treatment duration, retarded albumin excretion rate (AER), reduced blood pressure, and renal hypertrophy. It also reduced diabetes-induced increases in gene expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and collagen IV. However, glomerulosclerotic index, tubulointerstitial area, total renal collagen, nitrotyrosine, protein expression of collagen IV, and TGF-beta1 only showed improvement with early ALT treatment alone. This study demonstrates the utility of a cross-link breaker as a treatment for diabetic nephropathy and describes effects not only on renal AGEs but on putative mediators of renal injury, such as prosclerotic cytokines and oxidative stress.

Topics: Albuminuria; Animal Population Groups; Animals; Blood Pressure; Collagen; Connective Tissue Growth Factor; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Nephropathies; Fibrosis; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Immediate-Early Proteins; Immunohistochemistry; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Kidney; Kinetics; Lysine; Models, Biological; Rats; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products; Receptors, Immunologic; Solubility; Thiazoles; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Tyrosine

Heart failure and hypertension have each been linked to an induction of oxidative stress transduced by neurohormones, such as angiotensin II and catecholamines. Herein, we hypothesized that aldosterone (ALDO) likewise induces oxidative stress and accounts for a proinflammatory/fibrogenic phenotype that appears at vascular and nonvascular sites of injury found in both right and left ventricles in response to ALDO/salt treatment and that would be sustained with chronic treatment. Uninephrectomized rats received ALDO (0.75 micro g/hour) together with 1% dietary NaCl, for 3, 4, or 5 weeks. Other groups received this regimen in combination with an ALDO receptor antagonist, spironolactone (200 mg/kg p.o. daily), or an antioxidant, either pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) (200 mg/kg s.c. daily) or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (200 mg/kg i.p. daily). Unoperated and untreated age- and gender-matched rats served as controls. We monitored spatial and temporal responses in molecular and cellular events using serial, coronal sections of right and left ventricles. Our studies included: assessment of systolic blood pressure; immunohistochemical detection of NADPH oxidase expression and activity; analysis of redox-sensitive nuclear factor-kappaB activation; in situ localization of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA expression; monitoring cell growth and infiltration of macrophages and T cells; and analysis of the appearance and quantity of fibrous tissue accumulation. At week 3 of ALDO/salt treatment and comparable to controls, there was no evidence of oxidative stress or pathological findings in the heart. However, at weeks 4 and 5 of treatment, increased gp91(phox) and 3-nitrotyrosine expression and persistent activation of RelA were found in endothelial cells and inflammatory cells that appeared in the perivascular space of intramural coronary arteries and at sites of lost cardiomyocytes in both ventricles. Coincident in time and space with these events was increased mRNA expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Macrophages, lymphocytes, and proliferating endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblast-like cells were seen at each of these sites, together with an accumulation of fibrillar collagen, or fibrosis, as evidenced by a significant increase in ventricular collagen volume fraction. Co-treatment with spiron

Topics: Aldosterone; Animals; Antioxidants; Cardiomyopathies; Cell Division; Cell Movement; Fibrosis; Heart; Immunologic Factors; Inflammation; Lymphocytes; Macrophages; Male; Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; Monocytes; Myocardium; NADPH Oxidases; NF-kappa B; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; RNA, Messenger; Spironolactone; Tyrosine