Hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a progressive disease that is mainly caused by chronic exposure to high altitude, chronic obstructive lung disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. The increased pulmonary vascular resistance and increased pulmonary arterial pressure result in increased right ventricular afterload, leading to right heart failure and increased morbidity. There are several clinical reports suggesting a link between PH and diabetes, insulin resistance, or obesity; however, it is unclear whether HPH is associated with diabetes as a progressive complication in diabetes. The major goal of this study is to examine the effect of diabetic ''preconditioning'' or priming effect on the progression of HPH and define the molecular mechanisms that explain the link between diabetes and HPH. Our data show that HPH is significantly enhanced in diabetic mice, while endothelium-dependent relaxation in pulmonary arteries is significantly attenuated in chronically hypoxic diabetic mice (DH). In addition, we demonstrate that mouse pulmonary endothelial cells (MPECs) isolated from DH mice exhibit a significant increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration and decreased SOD2 protein expression. Finally, scavenging mitochondrial ROS by mitoTempol restores endothelium-dependent relaxation in pulmonary arteries that is attenuated in DH mice. These data suggest that excessive mitochondrial ROS production in diabetic MPECs leads to the development of severe HPH in diabetic mice exposed to hypoxia.

No description available.

No description available.

A produção e liberação de substâncias vasodilatadoras pelas células endoteliais requer uma elevação sustentada na concentração intracelular de cálcio; essa elevação é consequente a um influxo de cálcio. Porém, a identidade do (s) canal (is) envolvido (s) nesse influxo ainda não foi (ram) determinada (s) conclusivamente. Existem evidências de que o gene TRPV4 (que codifica uma proteína permeável a cátions, inclusive ao cálcio) é expresso em células endoteliais. Porém, a falta de agentes que modulem especificamente a função dessa proteína não permitiu que o papel do TRPV4 no controle da função endotelial pudesse ser elucidado. Recentemente foram descritos dois novos compostos, o GSK1016790A (GSK) e o HC-067047 (HC), com ação ativadora e bloqueadora seletiva desse canal, respectivamente. Consequentemente, nesta dissertação descrevemos e interpretamos os resultados obtidos em experimentos concebidos para caracterizar o efeito do GSK1016790A (e com fins comparativos o efeito do 4PDD) em artérias isoladas de várias espécies. Para isso, empregamos anéis de artérias suspensos em cubas para órgão isolado para registro da tensão desenvolvida por esses anéis durante a contração isométrica provocada pela adição de fenilefrina; todos os experimentos foram realizados com solução de Krebs contendo diclofenaco (10 M). Inicialmente verificamos mediante imunohistoquímica a presença de imunorreatividade para o TRPV4 no endotélio da aorta torácica de rato. A adição de concentrações isoladas ou cumulativas de GSK produziu relaxamentos dependentes da concentração na aorta torácica de rato (CE50=0,5 nM; IC95%=0,35-0,72 nM; n=7); o 4PDD (1-10 µM), em concentrações isoladas, também produziu relaxamentos na aorta torácica de rato. Resultados semelhantes foram observados para o GSK na aorta torácica de coelho (CE50= 4,3 nM; IC95%=3,58-5,14 nM; n=5), de camundongo (CE50=1,4 nM; IC95%=0,85-2,24 nM; n=3) e de cobaia (CE50=0,2 nM; IC95%=0,12-0,22 nM; n=4). GSK relaxou também a aorta abdominal (CE50=6,5 nM; IC95%=3,71-11,3 nM; n=3) e a artéria femoral de coelho (CE50=17 nM; IC95%=16,8-18,7 nM; n=4); Os relaxamentos produzidos por ambas as drogas apareceram 1-2 min após a adição e atingiram o máximo em 5-8 min, foram reversíveis e não apresentaram taquifilaxia. Em todas as artérias os relaxamentos foram estritamente dependentes de endotélio e da presença de cálcio no meio extracelular. Na aorta torácica de rato, a pré-incubação com HC (5 minutos) aboliu o efeito do GSK sem afetar os relaxamentos produzidos pela acetilcolina. Em todas as artérias testadas os efeitos do GSK e do 4PDD foram revertidos completamente pelo HC (1-3 µM) ou pelo vermelho de rutênio (aorta torácica de rato e artérias de coelho, 1µM, VR). Esses resultados demonstram que os canais TRPV4 estão presentes na célula endotelial e que a sua ativação leva à produção de fatores relaxantes. Como corolário, esses resultados constituem indícios de que os canais TRPV4 podem participar da regulação da função das células endoteliais em situações fisiológicas e/ ou fisiopatológicas. / Production and release of vasodilator substances by endothelial cells require a sustained elevation of intracellular calcium which depends on calcium influx. The identity of the channels involved in this influx remains to be established. There is evidence that the TRPV4 gene (which encodes for a cation permeable channel including calcium) is expressed in endothelial cells; the lack of pharmacologic agents that selectively modulate the activity of TRPV4 channels has hindered the elucidation of its function in endothelial cells. Recently two new compounds, GSK1016790A (GSK) and HC-067047 (HC), which selectively activate or block TRPV4 channels, respectively, were described. This dissertation consists in the description and interpretation of results from experiments conceived to characterize the effect of GSK (and of 4PDD for comparison) in isolated arterial rings from several animal species. To this aim we used arterial rings mounted in isolated organ chambers; we recorded continuously the tension developed by them during isometric contractions elicited by phenylephrine (Phe); all the experiments were conducted using Krebs solution containing diclofenac (10 µM). Initially, we confirmed by immunohistochemistry the presence of anti-TRPV4 immunoreactivity in the endothelium of rat thoracic aorta. In rat thoracic aortic rings pre-constricted with Phe (0.1 µM) the addition of different concentrations of GSK (either single or cumulative concentrations) caused concentration-dependent relaxations (EC50=0.5 nM, 95%CI=0.35-0.72 nM, n=7); 4PDD (in single concentrations) also caused relaxations of rat thoracic aortic rings. Similar results were observed for GSK in thoracic aortic rings from rabbit (EC50=4.3 nM, 95%CI=3.58-5.14 nM, n=5), mouse (EC50=1.4 nM, 95%CI=0.85-2.24 nM, n=3) and guinea-pig (EC50=0.2 nM, 95%CI=0.12-0.22 nM, n=4). GSK also produced relaxations of rings from rabbit abdominal aorta (EC50=6.5 nM, 95%CI=3.71-11.3 nM, n=3) and femoral artery (EC50=17 nM, 95%CI=16.8-18.7 nM, n=4). Relaxations caused by both GSK and 4PDD started 1-2 min after their addition and reached a steady-state in 5-8min; they were reversible after washing-out and did not exhibit tachyphylaxis. In all the studied arteries GSK or 4PDD induced- relaxations were strictly endothelium- and extracellular calcium- dependent. Pre-incubation of rat thoracic aortic rings with HC (1 µM for 5min) abolished the effect of GSK but did not affect relaxations elicited by Ach (1 µM). In all the arterial rings HC (1-3 µM) also completely reverted the relaxations caused by GSK or 4PDD; in rabbit and rat thoracic aortic rings ruthenium red (1 µM) also completely reverted the relaxations caused by GSK or 4PDD. The present findings showing that TRPV4 channels are present in endothelial cells and that their activation results in the production and release of relaxing factors constitute an indication that TRPV4 channels could be involved in the regulation of endothelial cell functions under physiological or patho-physiological conditions.

Esta dissertação investigou os mecanismos envolvidos na vasodilatação focando no papel das cavéolas e na possível interação com a isoforma endotelial da sintase de óxido nítrico (eNOS)/ óxido nítrico e neuronal (nNOS)/ peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) em aorta de camundongos tratados com isoproterenol (ISO). Anéis de aorta foram montados em banho de órgãos para medida de tensão isométrica. A expressão das proteínas foi avaliada a partir da técnica de Western blot. Os resultados demonstraram que o tratamento com ISO: 1) não modifica nem a vasodilatação à acetilcolina (ACh) nem ao nitroprussiato de sódio; 2) aumenta a dependência das cavéolas na resposta vasodilatadora à ACh e ao ionóforo de cálcio e a expressão proteica da caveolina-1, mas não da caveolina-3; 3) aumenta a modulação das NOS, principalmente a nNOS, à ACh; 4) aumenta a participação do H2O2 na vasodilatação à ACh e 5) aumenta a expressão de proteínas da defesa antioxidante. Conclui-se que a hiperativação β-AR com ISO ativa mecanismos vasodilatadores compensatórios em resposta à ACh nas aortas de camundongos. / The aim of this thesis was to investigate the mechanisms involved on the endothelium-dependent vasodilation focusing on the role of caveolae and the possible interaction between endothelial nitric synthase (eNOS)/ nitric oxide and neuronal (nNOS)/ hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in aorta of ISO-treated mice. Aortic rings were mounted in an organ bath for measurement of isometric tension. The expression of proteins was evaluated using Western blot. The results demonstrated that ISO treatment: 1) did not change acetylcholine (ACh) or NO donor-induced relaxation; 2) increases the caveolae participation in ACh and calcium ionophore-induced relaxation and caveolin-1 protein expression, while did not change caveolin-3; 3) increases the constitutive NOS modulation to ACh-induced relaxation, mainly through nNOS; 4) increases the H2O2 involvement on the vasodilation-induced to ACh and 5) increases the antioxidant proteins. It is concluded that β-AR hyperactivation ISO active vasodilators compensatory mechanisms in response to ACh in the aortas of mice.

Dong Yingying. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-125). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Declaration --- p.i / Acknowledgement --- p.ii / Publication list --- p.iii / Abstract (English) --- p.ix / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.xii / Abbreviations --- p.xiv / List of figures / tables --- p.xvi / Chapter Chapter 1. --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- The role of endothelium in regulating vascular tone --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Nitric oxide (NO) --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Prostacyclin (PGI2) --- p.20 / Chapter 1.2 --- EDHF-mediated endothelial function in coronary circulation --- p.22 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Role of EDHF in coronary microarteries --- p.23 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Role of EDHF in cardiac veins --- p.24 / Chapter 1.3 --- Effect of ischemia-reperfusion on endothelial function in coronary circulation --- p.25 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Ischemia-reperfusion injury --- p.26 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Effect of ischemia-reperfusion on endothelial function in coronary microarteries --- p.28 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Effect of ischemia-reperfusion on endothelial function in cardiac veins --- p.29 / Chapter 1.4 --- Alteration of endothelial function during cardiac surgery / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Cardioplegia and organ preservation solutions --- p.31 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Combined effects of hypoxia-reoxygenation and ST solution on endothelial function in coronary microarteries/cardiac veins --- p.34 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Effect of nicorandil on endothelial function --- p.34 / Chapter Chapter 2. --- Materials and Methods --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1 --- Isometric force study in micro arteries/veins --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Preparation of vessels --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.1.1 --- Preparation of porcine coronary microarteries --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.1.2 --- Preparation of porcine cardiac veins --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Technique of setting up --- p.39 / Chapter 2.1.2.1 --- Mounting of microvessels --- p.39 / Chapter 2.1.2.2 --- Normalization procedure for microvessels --- p.39 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- EDHF-mediated vasorelaxation --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.3.1 --- Precontraction and stimuli of EDHF --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.3.2. --- “Truéحresponse of EDHF --- p.40 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Data acquisition and analysis --- p.41 / Chapter 2.2 --- Hypoxia and reoxygenation --- p.41 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Calibration of 02-special electrode --- p.41 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Measurement of --- p.02 / Chapter 2.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4 --- Chemicals --- p.43 / Chapter Chapter 3. --- Hypoxia-Reoxygenation in Coronary Microarteries: Combined Effect with St Thomas Cardioplegia and Temperature on the Endothelium- derived Hyperpolarizing Factor and Protective Effect of Nicorandil --- p.44 / Chapter 3.1 --- Abstract --- p.44 / Chapter 3.2 --- Introduction --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3 --- Experimental design and analysis --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Vessel Preparation --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Normalization --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Hypoxia --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Effect of H-R on EDHF-mediated relaxation in coronary microarteries --- p.49 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Combined effects ofH-R and ST solution on EDHF-mediated relaxation in coronary microarteries --- p.49 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Effect of addition of nicorandil Krebs or ST solution under H-R on EDHF-mediated relaxation in coronary microarteries --- p.49 / Chapter 3.3.7 --- Data analysis --- p.50 / Chapter 3.4 --- Results --- p.51 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Resting force --- p.51 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- U46619-induced contraction force --- p.51 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Partial pressure of oxygen in hypoxia --- p.51 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- EDHF-mediated relaxation in coronary microarteries --- p.51 / Chapter 3.4.4.1 --- Effect of H-R --- p.51 / Chapter 3.4.4.2 --- Combined effects ofH-R and ST solution on EDHF-mediated relaxation --- p.52 / Chapter 3.4.4.3 --- Effects of addition of nicorandil to Krebs or ST solution under H-R on EDHF-mediated relaxation --- p.52 / Chapter 3.5 --- Discussion --- p.53 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- EDHF-mediated relaxation after exposure to H-R --- p.53 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- EDHF-mediated relaxation after H-R in ST solution at different temperature --- p.54 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Effect of addition of nicorandil to Krebs or ST solution during H-R on EDHF-mediated relaxation --- p.55 / Chapter 3.5.4 --- Clinical implications --- p.56 / Chapter Chapter 4. --- Hypoxia-Reoxygenation in Cardiac Microveins: Combined Effect with Cardioplegia and Temperature on the Endothelial Function --- p.68 / Chapter 4.1 --- Abstract --- p.68 / Chapter 4.2 --- Introduction --- p.69 / Chapter 4.3 --- Experimental design and analysis --- p.73 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Vessel Preparation --- p.73 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Normalization --- p.73 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Hypoxia --- p.73 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Effect of H-R on EDHF-mediated relaxation in cardiac micro veins --- p.74 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Combined effects of H-R and ST solution on EDHF-mediated relaxation in cardiac microveins --- p.74 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- Data analysis --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Resting force --- p.75 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- U46619-induced contraction force --- p.76 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Partial pressure of oxygen in hypoxia --- p.76 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- EDHF-mediated relaxation after H-R in Krebs solution at 37°C --- p.76 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- EDHF-mediated relaxation after exposure to H-R in ST solution at different temperatures --- p.77 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussion --- p.78 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Effect of H-R on EDHF-mediated relaxation --- p.78 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- Combined effects of H-R with ST solution on EDHF-mediated relaxation --- p.80 / Chapter 4.5.3 --- Clinical implications / Chapter Chapter 5. --- General Discussion --- p.89 / Chapter 5.1 --- EDHF-mediated endothelial function in porcine coronary circulation --- p.89 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- EDHF in porcine coronary microarteries --- p.92 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- EDHF in porcine cardiac veins --- p.90 / Chapter 5.2 --- Alteration of EDHF-mediated function after exposure to H-R --- p.91 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- In coronary microarteries --- p.91 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- In cardiac veins --- p.92 / Chapter 5.3 --- Alteration of EDHF-mediated function after exposure to ST solution under H-R --- p.92 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- In coronary microarteries --- p.93 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- In cardiac veins --- p.93 / Chapter 5.4 --- EDHF-mediated function in nicorandil-supplemented ST solution under H-R in coronary microarteries --- p.93 / Chapter 5.5 --- Clinical implications / Chapter 5.5.1 --- H-R injury --- p.94 / Chapter 5.5.2 --- H-R injury and cardioplegic solution --- p.95 / Chapter 5.5.2 --- Nicorandil-supplementation in cardioplegic solution --- p.95 / Chapter 5.6 --- Limitation of the study --- p.96 / Chapter 5.7 --- Future investigations --- p.96 / Chapter 5.8 --- Conclusions --- p.97 / References --- p.99

A produção e liberação de substâncias vasodilatadoras pelas células endoteliais requer uma elevação sustentada na concentração intracelular de cálcio; essa elevação é consequente a um influxo de cálcio. Porém, a identidade do (s) canal (is) envolvido (s) nesse influxo ainda não foi (ram) determinada (s) conclusivamente. Existem evidências de que o gene TRPV4 (que codifica uma proteína permeável a cátions, inclusive ao cálcio) é expresso em células endoteliais. Porém, a falta de agentes que modulem especificamente a função dessa proteína não permitiu que o papel do TRPV4 no controle da função endotelial pudesse ser elucidado. Recentemente foram descritos dois novos compostos, o GSK1016790A (GSK) e o HC-067047 (HC), com ação ativadora e bloqueadora seletiva desse canal, respectivamente. Consequentemente, nesta dissertação descrevemos e interpretamos os resultados obtidos em experimentos concebidos para caracterizar o efeito do GSK1016790A (e com fins comparativos o efeito do 4PDD) em artérias isoladas de várias espécies. Para isso, empregamos anéis de artérias suspensos em cubas para órgão isolado para registro da tensão desenvolvida por esses anéis durante a contração isométrica provocada pela adição de fenilefrina; todos os experimentos foram realizados com solução de Krebs contendo diclofenaco (10 M). Inicialmente verificamos mediante imunohistoquímica a presença de imunorreatividade para o TRPV4 no endotélio da aorta torácica de rato. A adição de concentrações isoladas ou cumulativas de GSK produziu relaxamentos dependentes da concentração na aorta torácica de rato (CE50=0,5 nM; IC95%=0,35-0,72 nM; n=7); o 4PDD (1-10 µM), em concentrações isoladas, também produziu relaxamentos na aorta torácica de rato. Resultados semelhantes foram observados para o GSK na aorta torácica de coelho (CE50= 4,3 nM; IC95%=3,58-5,14 nM; n=5), de camundongo (CE50=1,4 nM; IC95%=0,85-2,24 nM; n=3) e de cobaia (CE50=0,2 nM; IC95%=0,12-0,22 nM; n=4). GSK relaxou também a aorta abdominal (CE50=6,5 nM; IC95%=3,71-11,3 nM; n=3) e a artéria femoral de coelho (CE50=17 nM; IC95%=16,8-18,7 nM; n=4); Os relaxamentos produzidos por ambas as drogas apareceram 1-2 min após a adição e atingiram o máximo em 5-8 min, foram reversíveis e não apresentaram taquifilaxia. Em todas as artérias os relaxamentos foram estritamente dependentes de endotélio e da presença de cálcio no meio extracelular. Na aorta torácica de rato, a pré-incubação com HC (5 minutos) aboliu o efeito do GSK sem afetar os relaxamentos produzidos pela acetilcolina. Em todas as artérias testadas os efeitos do GSK e do 4PDD foram revertidos completamente pelo HC (1-3 µM) ou pelo vermelho de rutênio (aorta torácica de rato e artérias de coelho, 1µM, VR). Esses resultados demonstram que os canais TRPV4 estão presentes na célula endotelial e que a sua ativação leva à produção de fatores relaxantes. Como corolário, esses resultados constituem indícios de que os canais TRPV4 podem participar da regulação da função das células endoteliais em situações fisiológicas e/ ou fisiopatológicas. / Production and release of vasodilator substances by endothelial cells require a sustained elevation of intracellular calcium which depends on calcium influx. The identity of the channels involved in this influx remains to be established. There is evidence that the TRPV4 gene (which encodes for a cation permeable channel including calcium) is expressed in endothelial cells; the lack of pharmacologic agents that selectively modulate the activity of TRPV4 channels has hindered the elucidation of its function in endothelial cells. Recently two new compounds, GSK1016790A (GSK) and HC-067047 (HC), which selectively activate or block TRPV4 channels, respectively, were described. This dissertation consists in the description and interpretation of results from experiments conceived to characterize the effect of GSK (and of 4PDD for comparison) in isolated arterial rings from several animal species. To this aim we used arterial rings mounted in isolated organ chambers; we recorded continuously the tension developed by them during isometric contractions elicited by phenylephrine (Phe); all the experiments were conducted using Krebs solution containing diclofenac (10 µM). Initially, we confirmed by immunohistochemistry the presence of anti-TRPV4 immunoreactivity in the endothelium of rat thoracic aorta. In rat thoracic aortic rings pre-constricted with Phe (0.1 µM) the addition of different concentrations of GSK (either single or cumulative concentrations) caused concentration-dependent relaxations (EC50=0.5 nM, 95%CI=0.35-0.72 nM, n=7); 4PDD (in single concentrations) also caused relaxations of rat thoracic aortic rings. Similar results were observed for GSK in thoracic aortic rings from rabbit (EC50=4.3 nM, 95%CI=3.58-5.14 nM, n=5), mouse (EC50=1.4 nM, 95%CI=0.85-2.24 nM, n=3) and guinea-pig (EC50=0.2 nM, 95%CI=0.12-0.22 nM, n=4). GSK also produced relaxations of rings from rabbit abdominal aorta (EC50=6.5 nM, 95%CI=3.71-11.3 nM, n=3) and femoral artery (EC50=17 nM, 95%CI=16.8-18.7 nM, n=4). Relaxations caused by both GSK and 4PDD started 1-2 min after their addition and reached a steady-state in 5-8min; they were reversible after washing-out and did not exhibit tachyphylaxis. In all the studied arteries GSK or 4PDD induced- relaxations were strictly endothelium- and extracellular calcium- dependent. Pre-incubation of rat thoracic aortic rings with HC (1 µM for 5min) abolished the effect of GSK but did not affect relaxations elicited by Ach (1 µM). In all the arterial rings HC (1-3 µM) also completely reverted the relaxations caused by GSK or 4PDD; in rabbit and rat thoracic aortic rings ruthenium red (1 µM) also completely reverted the relaxations caused by GSK or 4PDD. The present findings showing that TRPV4 channels are present in endothelial cells and that their activation results in the production and release of relaxing factors constitute an indication that TRPV4 channels could be involved in the regulation of endothelial cell functions under physiological or patho-physiological conditions.

Submitted by Erika Demachki (erikademachki@gmail.com) on 2014-09-25T21:01:36Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Lais Moraes de Oliveira - 2012 - dissertação.pdf: 1880277 bytes, checksum: e1834355b94c2185f2db85cc1b9d7023 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-09-26T11:58:07Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Lais Moraes de Oliveira - 2012 - dissertação.pdf: 1880277 bytes, checksum: e1834355b94c2185f2db85cc1b9d7023 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-09-26T11:58:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Lais Moraes de Oliveira - 2012 - dissertação.pdf: 1880277 bytes, checksum: e1834355b94c2185f2db85cc1b9d7023 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-07-17 / Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (“pequi”) is a native plant from the Cerrado region of Brazil that contains several bioactive components. Data from literature has demonstrated that dietary supplementation with pequi decreased the arterial pressure of volunteer athletes. In this work, we evaluated the vasorelaxant effect of the crude hydroalcoholic extract (CHE) of C. brasiliense leaves, and its organic fractions (hexane (HF), chloroform (CF), ethyl acetate (AEF), butanol (BF)), in the rat thoracic aorta. We found that CHE completely relaxed, in a concentration-dependent manner, rat aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine, while butanolic fraction (BF) produced an effect similar to that of the CHE. Induced aortic relaxation BF by was abolished by endothelium removal, by incubation with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME), and the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (ODQ). However, incubation with either atropine (a muscarinic receptor antagonist) or pyrilamine (a histamine H1-receptor antagonist) had no effect on the BF-induced vasorelaxation. Moreover, this effect was not inhibited by indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) and tetraethylammonium (a non-selective K+ channel blocker). The vasorelaxation induced by BF in endothelium-intact aortic rings precontracted with KCl was reduced after incubation with L-NAME. Taken together, the results reveal that C. brasiliense possesses in vitro vasorelaxant effect in rat thoracic aorta and this effect involves stimulation of the nitric oxide/cyclic GMP pathway. / Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (“pequi”) é uma planta nativa do Cerrado Brasileiro que apresenta diversos componentes bioativos. Dados da literatura demonstraram que a suplementação dietética à base de pequi diminuiu a pressão arterial de atletas voluntários. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o efeito vasorelaxante do extrato bruto hidroalcoólico (EBH) das folhas de C. brasiliense e de suas frações orgânicas (hexânica (FH), clorofórmica (FC), acetato de etila (FAE), butanólica (FB)) em preparações de aorta torácica de ratos. O EBH relaxou, de modo concentraçãodependente, anéis de aorta torácica pré-contraídos com fenilefrina, sendo que a FB promoveu efeito semelhante ao observado com o EBH. O relaxamento aórtico induzido pela FB foi abolido pela remoção do endotélio vascular, pela incubação prévia do inibidor da sintase de óxido nítrico (L-NAME) e pelo inibidor da guanilato ciclase (ODQ). Entretanto, a incubação das preparações aórticas com atropina (antagonista muscarínico) e pirilamina (antagonista histaminérgico H1) não inibiu o vasorelaxamento induzido pela FB. Este efeito também não foi inibido pela indometacina (inibidor da ciclooxigenase) ou pelo tetraetilamônio (bloqueador não seletivo de canais de potássio). O efeito vasorelaxante da FB, em anéis aórticos com endotélio e pré-contraídos com KCl, foi reduzido após a incubação com L-NAME. Conjuntamente, os resultados demonstram que o efeito vasorelaxante in vitro de C. brasiliense em aorta torácica de ratos envolve a estimulação da via do óxido nítrico/GMP cíclico.

In systemic sclerosis (SSc), interstitial lung disease (ILD) and engagement of the vascular system lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this thesis was to elucidate, in a consecutively included cohort of SSc (limited and diffuse) patients (n = 33), the T cell cytokine profile driving the disease in ILD and to explore the role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and its inhibitor: tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) in the extracellular matrix (ECM) degrading process leading to fibrous scarring and honey combing. Moreover, to characterize the role of nitric oxide (NO) in vascular engagement. Peripheral arterial changes cause Raynaud’s phenomenon and digital ulcers. Nitric oxide (NO) a main inducer of vasodilation is produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in response to changes in blood flow or by inflammatory cytokine inducible (i) NOS. In the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) NO activates guanylate cyclase to produce cGMP, causing relaxation. We showed elevated plasma nitrate, a degradation product of NO, and increased urinary excretion of nitrate and cGMP. Plasma nitrate correlated with elevated levels of endothelial adhesion molecules: endothelial (E) selectin and vascular adhesion molecule 1, indicating that the activated endothelium is the site of NO synthesis by iNOS. Endothelial staining for E-selectin and the finding of iNOS and eNOS in SSc skin biopsies supported this notion. In SSc increased vascular stiffness may limit the NO vasodilatory effects. We found normal endothelium-dependent (i.e. flow mediated (FMD%)) and endothelium-independent (i.e. nitroglycerin-induced (NTG%)) vasodilation in the brachial artery. Radial arterial wall stiffness measured as maximum increase in pulse pressure (dP/dtmax) was increased. FMD% and especially NTG% correlated negatively and dP/dtmax positively to measures of endothelial inflammation: plasma- nitrate and adhesion molecule levels. Thus inflammatory vascular wall changes may interfere with dilation as may the presence of nitrate tolerance. We found elevated alveolar MMP-9 in both its pro- and active form in ILD. The levels correlated to decline in lung capacity, pointing at a causal relation. We suggest that neutrophils secrete MMP-9, which may degrade collagen IV, (the main constituent of basal membranes), collagen V, gelatins, proteoglycans and elastin. MMP-9 activity is partly regulated by the binding of pro- and active form to TIMP-1. Alveolar TIMP-1, which even stimulates fibroblast ECM synthesis, was increased independent of ILD. The inflammatory process in ILD is orchestrated by activated T helper (h) lymphocytes. We found a mixed Th1/Th2 reaction in SSc alveolar T cells expressing messenger for interferon gamma (Th1), IL-6 and IL-10 (both Th2). No particular cytokine mRNA profile distinguished alveolar T cells in ILD. Neutrophils invaded the bronchial epithelium, which seemed otherwise inert as levels of inflammatory cytokine sensitive transcription factors and their nuclear translocation tended to be low. The neutrophil recruitment pathway is uncertain as chemoattractants and endothelial adhesion molecules were normally expressed. In conclusion, MMP-9 probably causes degradation of lung tissue in ILD and may represent a future therapeutic target. Alveolar T cells show a mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine profile independent of ILD. Neutrophils invade the bronchial epithelium. Activated endothelium produces increased amounts of NO and adhesion molecules and the level of activation influences brachial arterial FMD% and NTG% and radial arterial compliance. Nitrate tolerance may be present.

Introdução: A doença cardiovascular é a principal causa de morbidade e mortalidade em pacientes com síndrome metabólica ou diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Como a disfunção endotelial precede o desenvolvimento da doença cardiovascular, seria desejável identificar e tratar a disfunção endotelial antes que a aterosclerose se desenvolva. Hoje, existe evidência clara para sustentar o efeito protetor do exercício físico regular em pacientes com síndrome metabólica ou diabetes mellitus. O que está menos claro é a relação da intensidade de treinamento e melhora na função endotelial. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de um programa de exercício físico, de alta e baixa intensidade, na função endotelial de pacientes com Síndrome Metabólica ou Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2. Métodos: Foram estudados 31 pacientes com diabetes melittus tipo 2 ou síndrome metabólica, de idade média (±DP) de 58±6 anos, randomizados para treinamento aeróbio de alta intensidade (AI: 75 a 85% freqüência cardíaca máxima, n = 10), treinamento aeróbio de baixa intensidade (BI: 50 a 60% freqüência cardíaca máxima, n = 10) e controle (n = 11). O treinamento foi realizado por 50 minutos, 4 vezes por semana. Antes e após 6 semanas de treinamento, os sujeitos realizaram teste de esforço e estudo da função endotelial, por ultra-som de alta resolução da artéria braquial, avaliados após hiperemia reativa (dependente do endotélio) e após administração de nitrato (independente do endotélio). Resultados: O programa de treinamento aeróbio de alta intensidade resultou em um maior aumento da capacidade funcional, avaliado pelo tempo máximo tolerado no teste de esforço (AI antes 9,39±1,22 minutos e depois 12,12±1,24 minutos; BI antes 8,84s±1,82 minutos e depois 10,41±1,99 minutos; Controle antes 9,36±.1,21minutos e depois 8,96±.1,35minutos; p < 0,05). A diferença no diâmetro do vaso após hiperemia foi significativamente maior para o grupo de alta intensidade (AI antes 4,28±.0,73mm e depois 5,62±.0,95mm; BI antes 4,24±.0,49mm e depois 5,01±.0,56mm; Controle antes 4,31±.0,37mm e depois 4,23±.0,23mm; p < 0,05). Após nitrato, não houve diferença significativa para nenhum dos grupos (AI antes 5,13±.1,17mm e depois 5,20±.1,10mm; BI antes 4,93±.0,88mm e depois 5,07±.0,70mm; Controle antes 4,96±.0,36mm e depois 4,62±.0,36mm; p = 0,565). Conclusões: Quando comparado ao treinamento aeróbio de baixa intensidade e controle, o treinamento aeróbio de alta intensidade melhorou a capacidade funcional e resposta vasodilatadora dependente do endotélio, em pacientes com síndrome metabólica ou diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Estes achados sugerem que o treinamento físico de alta intensidade possa ser considerado como alternativa preventiva nestes pacientes. / Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with the metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus type 2. As the endothelial dysfunction precedes the development of cardiovascular disease, it would be desirable to identify and treat the endothelial dysfunction before the development of atherosclerosis. There is currently clear evidence to support the protective effect of regular physical exercise on patients with metabolic syndrome or diabetes mellitus. What is less clear is the relationship between training intensity and improvement in endothelial function. Objective: Evaluate effect of a physical exercise program, of high and low intensity, on endothelial function of patients with Metabolic Syndrome or Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. Methods: Thirty one patients with Diabetes Mellitus type 2 or metabolic syndrome were studied, with mean age (±SD) of 58±6 years, randomized for high intensity aerobic training (AI: 75-85% of maximum heart rate, n = 10), low intensity aerobic training (BI: 50-60% maximum heart rate, n = 10) and control (n = 11). The training was performed for 50 minutes, four times a week. Before and after 6 weeks of training, subjects performed the exercise testing and had been studied for endothelial function, by high resolution ultrasound of the brachial artery, assessed after reactive hyperemia (endothelium dependent) and after nitrate administration (endothelium independent). Results: The high intensity aerobic training resulted in a higher increase of the functional capacity, assessed by maximum tolerated time on the exercise testing (AI before 9.39±1.22 minutes and after 12.12±1.24 minutes; BI before 8.84s±1.82 minutes and after 10.41±1.99 minutes; Controls before 9.36±.1.21minutes and after 8.96±.1.35minutes; p < 0.05). The diameter difference of the vessel after hyperemia was significantly higher for the high intensity group (AI before 4.28±0.73mm and after 5.62±0.95mm; BI before 4.24±0.49mm and after 5.01±0.56mm; Controls before 4.31±0.37mm and after 4.23±.0.23mm; p < 0.05). After nitrate, there was no significant difference for none of the groups (AI before 5.13±.1.17mm and after 5.20±.1.10mm; BI before 4.93±.0.88mm and after 5.07±.0.70mm; Controls before 4.96±.0.36mm and after 4.62±.0.36mm; p = 0.565). Conclusions: When compared to the low intensity aerobic training and controls, the high intensity aerobic training improved the functional capacity and vasodilator response endothelium-dependent in patients with metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus type 2. These findings suggest that physical training of high intensity might be considered as a preventive alternative in those patients.