La morphologie mitochondriale résulte d’un équilibre dynamique entre les processus de fusion et de fission, impactant la physiologie cellulaire. Plusieurs données montrent une relation entre la fonction mitochondriale, des maladies cardiovasculaires et le vieillissement. OPA1 (optic atrophy 1) est une protéine qui contrôle la fusion de la membrane interne de la mitochondrie, et dont la mutation induit la maladie ADOA (autosomal dominant optic atrophy). Les travaux menés récemment indiquent que la mutation OPA1 est impliquée dans le dysfonctionnement cardiaque mais son impact sur la fonction vasculaire est encore inconnu. Notre étude a pour ambition d’examiner le rôle d’OPA1 sur la fonction vasculaire, notamment dans le développement de l’hypertension artérielle et le vieillissement vasculaire. Avec un modèle de souris hétérozygotes Opa1+/-, nous montrons dans cette étude que la protéine OPA1 joue un rôle protecteur dans le système vasculaire. En effet, les souris déficientes en OPA1 développent une hypertension-L-NAME dépendante plus grave qui est associée avec une dysfonction endothéliale plus importante et une altération de remodelage vasculaire. D’autre part, présentant une fonction vasculaire normale à 6 mois, les souris Opa1+/- commencent à développer un dysfonctionnement vasculaire à 12 mois qui pourrait induire le développement de pathologies vasculaires. En conclusion, ces résultats suggèrent pour la première fois que la dynamique mitochondriale peut jouer un rôle important sur la fonction et l’adaptation des vaisseaux dans les conditions pathologiques et dans le vieillissement vasculaire. Des études complémentaires seront nécessaires afin de clarifier le rôle de la protéine OPA1 dans l’hypertension. Ces données peuvent contribuer à la recherche de nouvelles cibles thérapeutiques pour prévenir les complications de l’hypertension et les maladies vasculaires liées à l’âge. / Defects in mitochondrial dynamics have been associated with various disorders, including cardiovascular diseases. OPA1 is essential for mitochondrial inner membrane fusion. Mutation in Opa1 is associated with the autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA). Since then, OPA1 has been reported to be associated with cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, mitochondrial ATP synthesis, calcium homeostasis and ROS production. These data suggest that OPA1 has a potential role in vascular cells and subsequently affects vascular function. On the other hand,OPA1 is also associated with age-related changes of mitochondria and simultaneously contribute to the development of many dysfunctions in different organs. In this study, we investigated impacts of OPA1 mutation on vascular function in physiological and pathological condition like hypertension and vascular aging. By using an Opa1+/- heterozygote mouse model, we show that the OPA1 protein plays a protective role in the vascular system. Indeed, Opa1+/- mice developed a hypertension more severe than WT mice which was associated with more important endothelial dysfunction and altered vascular remodeling. In addition, although initial vascular function was normal, at 12 months, Opa1+/- mice displayed vascular dysfunction which might predict onset of vascular diseases at a later time. These results suggest for the first time that mitochondrial dynamics might play an important role in vascular function and adaptation in pathological conditions and in vascular aging. More studies are needed to clarify the role of the protein OPA1 in hypertension. These data may help to identify novel therapeutic targets to prevent complications of hypertension and vascular age-related diseases.

O mecanismo hemodinâmico responsável pela hipotensão pós-exercício aeróbico varia entre os indivíduos, sendo interessante avaliar a possível influência da capacidade de vasodilatação periférica nesses mecanismos. Para tanto, 22 homens normotensos submeteram-se a 2 sessões experimentais: Controle (C - repouso) e Exercício (E- cicloergômetro, 45 min, 50% VO2pico). Antes e 60 min após as intervenções, a pressão arterial (PA) sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD) e média (PAM), o débito cardíaco (DC), a resistência vascular periférica (RVP), o volume sistólico (VS), a frequência cardíaca (FC), o fluxo sanguíneo muscular (FS) e a capacidade vasodilatadora periférica (avaliada pelo FS máximo póshiperemia - FSMax e pela área sob a curva pós-hiperemia - ASC) foram medidos. A ANOVA de 2 fatores para amostras repetidas foi empregada. A correlação de Pearson foi calculada entre os índices de capacidade vasodilatadora medidos préexercício e respostas ao exercício (pós-pré). O exercício diminuiu a PAS, PAM e impediu o aumento da PAD. Após o exercício, o DC diminuiu em alguns indivíduos e a RVP diminuiu em outros. O VS diminuiu pós-exercício, enquanto que a FC aumentou em alguns indivíduos e diminuiu em outros. O FS da região inativa e o FSMax da região ativa aumentaram após o exercício. Os índices de capacidade vasodilatadora (FSmax e ASC) não se correlacionaram com as respostas dos mecanismos hemodinâmicos avaliados pós-exercício, mas o FS pré-exercício da região inativa se correlacionou negativamente com a resposta da PA pós-exercício e o FS pré-exercício da região ativa se correlacionou negativamente com a resposta do FS dessa região, do VS e do DC, e positivamente com a resposta da RVP e da FC pós-exercício. Dessa forma, é possível concluir que a sessão de exercício físico proposta promove hipotensão pós-exercício cujos determinantes hemodinâmicos diferem entre os indivíduos. A xvii capacidade vasodilatadora avaliada pela resposta à hiperemia não se relaciona aos determinantes hemodinâmicos da hipotensão pós-exercício. Porém, o FS da região ativa se relaciona, de modo quanto maior for esse fluxo pré-exercício, menor é o aumento dele pós-exercício, menor a redução a RVP e maior a redução do DC e do VS / The hemodynamic mechanism responsible for post-aerobic exercise hypotension varies among individuals, which makes it interesting to evaluate the possible influence of peripheral vasodilatory capacity on them. For this purpose, 22 normotensive men underwent two experimental sessions: control (C rest) and Exercise (E cycle ergometer, 45 min, 50% VO2peak). Both prior to and 60 min after the interventions, systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean (MBP) blood pressures (BP), cardiac output (CO), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR), muscle blood flow (BF) and peripheral vasodilatory capacity (assessed by the maximum BF after hyperemic maneuver BFMax, and the area under the curve after reactive hyperemia AUC) were measured. A two way ANOVA for repeated measures was employed. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated between the vasodilatory capacity measured pre exercise and the responses observed after exercise (post-pre). Exercise decreased both SBP and MBP, and prevented an increase in DBP. After exercise, CO decreased in some individuals, while SVR decreased in others. SV decreased after exercise, while HR increased in some subjects and decreased in others. BF of the inactive limb and BFMax of the active limb increased after exercise. The indices of vasodilatory capacity (BFMax and AUC) did not correlate with the hemodynamic mechanisms evaluated after exercise. However, pre-exercise BF measured on the inactive limb correlated negatively with the BP response after exercise, and pre-exercise BF of the active limb correlated negatively with SV, CO and BF of this limb after exercise, and positively with SVR and HR responses after exercise. Thus, we conclude that the exercise bout proposed in this study promotes post-exercise hypotension, but the hemodynamic determinants of this xix response differ between individuals. Vasodilatory capacity assessed by flow responses to hyperemia is not related to the hemodynamic determinants of postexercise hypotension, but the BF of the active limb is. Thus, the greater the preexercise BF of the active limb, the lower the increase in this flow and the reduction in SVR after exercise, and the greater the reduction in CO and SV

A ativação do receptor para tromboxano-prostanóide (TP) está relacionada com o processo de desenvolvimento e manutenção da hipertensão arterial. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar se a ativação do receptor TP promove a produção de fatores contráteis derivados do endotélio (EDCFs) e espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO), contribuindo para a disfunção vascular observada na hipertensão renovascular. Aortas de ratos normotensos (2R) ou hipertensos (2R-1C) foram utilizadas para avaliar a expressão proteica da enzima cicloxigenase (COX-1, COX- 2), expressão gênica do receptor TP, expressão proteica da enzima NO-Sintase endotelial fosforilada (fosfo-eNOS) e produção de TXA2 ativada pelo U46619. Células endoteliais (CE) e do músculo liso vascular (CMLV) foram utilizadas para avaliar a produção de NO e ERO pelo estímulo com o U46619. Em aortas com (E+) ou sem endotélio (E-) de ratos 2R e 2R-1C foram realizadas curvas concentraçãoefeito cumulativas para o U46619 na ausência ou presença de Tiron, Catalase (Cat) e em aortas E+, na presença de L-NAME, Ibuprofeno (Ibu) ou L-NAME + Ibu. Em aortas E+ contraídas com U46619, foram realizadas curvas concentração-efeito para acetilcolina (ACh), na ausência ou presença de Tiron, Cat ou Ibu. Os resultados mostram que a expressão gênica para o receptor TP foi menor e a expressão proteica da COX-1 e COX-2 foi maior em aortas de ratos 2R-1C do que em 2R. Em aorta de ratos 2R e 2R-1C, o U46619 não promoveu a geração de TXA2 e não alterou a expressão proteica da fosfo-eNOS. O estímulo com U46619 promoveu o aumento de NO em CE e ERO em CE e CMLV. Em aortas E- a potência (pD2) do U46619 em induzir contração foi maior em 2R e 2R-1C em relação às preparações E+. Em aortas E- de ratos 2R, a contração ao U46619 foi menor com Cat ou Ibu do que no controle. Em preparações E+, Ibu ou Ibu+Tiron (mas não Ibu+L-NAME) reduziram a potência do U46619 em relação ao controle. Em aortas E+ de ratos 2R- 1C, a contração ao U46619 foi maior com Tiron e menor em presença de Tiron+Ibu em relação ao controle. Tiron+L-NAME ou Ibu não modificou a resposta contrátil ao U46619. Em aortas E-, Tiron ou Cat não modificaram a contração ao U46619. Quando contraídas com U46619 (10 nmol/L), o relaxamento à ACh foi menor em aorta de ratos 2R-1C em relação a 2R. Em aortas E+ de ratos 2R e 2R-1C, o relaxamento à ACh foi menor quando contraídas com U46619 (100 nmol/L) do que com U46619 (10 nmol/L). Tiron, Cat ou Ibu não modificaram o relaxamento à ACh em aorta de ratos 2R-1C comparadas a 2R. Em aorta de ratos 2R, o peróxido de hidrogênio regula a atividade das enzimas COX e eNOS. Por outro lado, em aorta de ratos 2R-1C, a regulação da atividade da COX pelas ERO depende do endotélio e modula negativamente a síntese de EDCFs. Palavras-chave: receptor TP, NO, ERO, COX, função vascular, hipertensão. / TP receptor activation is involved on the development and maintenance of hypertension. This study aimed to investigate if TP receptor activation induces endothelium-derived contractile factors (EDCFs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and if it contributes to the vascular dysfunction in renal hypertensive rats. Normotensive (2K) and renal hypertensive (2K-1C) rat aortas were used to evaluate COX-1 and -2 expression, genic expression of TP receptor, p-eNOS expression and TXA2 production induced by TP agonist, U46619. Endothelial cells (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were stimulated with U46619 to evaluate NO and ROS production. U46619- stimulated concentration-effect curves were performed in intact (E+) and denuded-endothelium (E-) aortas of 2K and 2K-1C rats, in the absence (Control) or presence of Tiron or Catalase (Cat). In E+ aortas, we used L-NAME, Ibuprofen or the combination of both. Concentration-effect curves were performed for acetylcholine (ACh) in E+ aortas, contracted by U46619, in the absence or presence of Tiron, Catalase or Ibuprofen. In 2K-1C, the genic expression of TP receptor was lower and expression of COX-1 and -2 was higher than in 2K. The agonist did not have effect on TXA2 production or p-eNOS expression in both rat groups of aortas. U46619 induced production of NO in EC and ROS in EC and VSMC. The endothelium removal increased the potency of U46619 in 2K and 2K-1C aortas. In Eaortas of 2K, contraction induced by U46619 was impaired by Catalase. In E+ aortas, the potency was lower in the presence of Ibu ou Ibu+Tiron, but not Cat or Ibu+LNAME. In E+ aortas of 2K-1C, the contraction to U46619 was potentiated by Tiron but it was inhibited by Tiron+Ibu. Tiron and L-NAME or Ibuprofen had no effect on U46619-induced contraction. In E- aortas of 2K-1C, Tiron or Catalase had no effect on the contraction induced by U46619. ACh-induced relaxation was impaired in 2K and 2K-1C aortas contracted with 100 nmol/L U46619. Relaxation induced by ACh was lower in 2K-1C aortas contracted with 10 nmol/L U46619. Tiron, Catalase or Ibuprofen had no effect on the relaxation to ACh in 2K-1C rats aorta. Our results suggest that in 2K rat aortas, H2O2 regulates COX and eNOS activity. On the other hand, in 2K-1C rats aorta, ROS modulates COX activity and EDCFs production, which mechanisms are endothelium- dependent.

The aim of this thesis was to investigate the effect of antihypertensive therapy on vascular function and placental markers in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HTD). We prospectively studied 208 women at the Homerton and University College London Hospitals. Vascular and serum markers were measured in 80 with HTD [51 pre-eclampsia (PE), 29 gestational hypertension (GH)] and 80 normotensive controls. The same markers were measured in placental samples from another 48 women (14 PE, 10 GH, 24 controls). Pulse wave analysis indices [augmentation pressure (AP) and augmentation index at heart rate 75/minute (Aix-75)], serum and placental concentrations of soluble fms-like tyrosine-kinase-1 (sFlt-1), soluble endoglin (sEng), placental growth factor (PIGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), inhibin A, activin A, and uterine artery Doppler were measured before, and 24-48 hours after, initiating antihypertensive therapy. The three study groups were compared using ANOVA multiple comparisons with Bonferroni post hoc testing. Marker levels before and after antihypertensives were compared using paired t-test. In both pre-eclampsia (P < 0.0001) and gestational hypertension (P < 0.05), serum sFlt-1 was increased and PIGF reduced (P < 0.001) compared to controls. Serum sEng levels were also increased in pre-eclampsia. Placental sFlt-1 and sEng were significantly higher (P < 0.0001), and PIGF lower (P = 0.008), in pre-eclampsia compared to controls and gestational hypertension. Antihypertensive therapy was associated with a significant fall in serum and placental sFlt-1 and sEng in pre-eclampsia only (P < 0.05). In pre-eclampsia, but not gestational hypertension, treatment was associated with significantly (P < 0.05) lower serum and placental inhibin A and activin A. In women with pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension, both AP (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.05) and Aix-75 (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001) were significantly higher than controls. Antihypertensive therapy resulted in a significant fall in both AP and Aix-75 in pre-eclampsia only (P < 0.0001). Anti hypertensive drugs may have an effect on the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia other than their known anti hypertensive action.

A ativação do receptor para tromboxano-prostanóide (TP) está relacionada com o processo de desenvolvimento e manutenção da hipertensão arterial. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar se a ativação do receptor TP promove a produção de fatores contráteis derivados do endotélio (EDCFs) e espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO), contribuindo para a disfunção vascular observada na hipertensão renovascular. Aortas de ratos normotensos (2R) ou hipertensos (2R-1C) foram utilizadas para avaliar a expressão proteica da enzima cicloxigenase (COX-1, COX- 2), expressão gênica do receptor TP, expressão proteica da enzima NO-Sintase endotelial fosforilada (fosfo-eNOS) e produção de TXA2 ativada pelo U46619. Células endoteliais (CE) e do músculo liso vascular (CMLV) foram utilizadas para avaliar a produção de NO e ERO pelo estímulo com o U46619. Em aortas com (E+) ou sem endotélio (E-) de ratos 2R e 2R-1C foram realizadas curvas concentraçãoefeito cumulativas para o U46619 na ausência ou presença de Tiron, Catalase (Cat) e em aortas E+, na presença de L-NAME, Ibuprofeno (Ibu) ou L-NAME + Ibu. Em aortas E+ contraídas com U46619, foram realizadas curvas concentração-efeito para acetilcolina (ACh), na ausência ou presença de Tiron, Cat ou Ibu. Os resultados mostram que a expressão gênica para o receptor TP foi menor e a expressão proteica da COX-1 e COX-2 foi maior em aortas de ratos 2R-1C do que em 2R. Em aorta de ratos 2R e 2R-1C, o U46619 não promoveu a geração de TXA2 e não alterou a expressão proteica da fosfo-eNOS. O estímulo com U46619 promoveu o aumento de NO em CE e ERO em CE e CMLV. Em aortas E- a potência (pD2) do U46619 em induzir contração foi maior em 2R e 2R-1C em relação às preparações E+. Em aortas E- de ratos 2R, a contração ao U46619 foi menor com Cat ou Ibu do que no controle. Em preparações E+, Ibu ou Ibu+Tiron (mas não Ibu+L-NAME) reduziram a potência do U46619 em relação ao controle. Em aortas E+ de ratos 2R- 1C, a contração ao U46619 foi maior com Tiron e menor em presença de Tiron+Ibu em relação ao controle. Tiron+L-NAME ou Ibu não modificou a resposta contrátil ao U46619. Em aortas E-, Tiron ou Cat não modificaram a contração ao U46619. Quando contraídas com U46619 (10 nmol/L), o relaxamento à ACh foi menor em aorta de ratos 2R-1C em relação a 2R. Em aortas E+ de ratos 2R e 2R-1C, o relaxamento à ACh foi menor quando contraídas com U46619 (100 nmol/L) do que com U46619 (10 nmol/L). Tiron, Cat ou Ibu não modificaram o relaxamento à ACh em aorta de ratos 2R-1C comparadas a 2R. Em aorta de ratos 2R, o peróxido de hidrogênio regula a atividade das enzimas COX e eNOS. Por outro lado, em aorta de ratos 2R-1C, a regulação da atividade da COX pelas ERO depende do endotélio e modula negativamente a síntese de EDCFs. Palavras-chave: receptor TP, NO, ERO, COX, função vascular, hipertensão. / TP receptor activation is involved on the development and maintenance of hypertension. This study aimed to investigate if TP receptor activation induces endothelium-derived contractile factors (EDCFs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and if it contributes to the vascular dysfunction in renal hypertensive rats. Normotensive (2K) and renal hypertensive (2K-1C) rat aortas were used to evaluate COX-1 and -2 expression, genic expression of TP receptor, p-eNOS expression and TXA2 production induced by TP agonist, U46619. Endothelial cells (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were stimulated with U46619 to evaluate NO and ROS production. U46619- stimulated concentration-effect curves were performed in intact (E+) and denuded-endothelium (E-) aortas of 2K and 2K-1C rats, in the absence (Control) or presence of Tiron or Catalase (Cat). In E+ aortas, we used L-NAME, Ibuprofen or the combination of both. Concentration-effect curves were performed for acetylcholine (ACh) in E+ aortas, contracted by U46619, in the absence or presence of Tiron, Catalase or Ibuprofen. In 2K-1C, the genic expression of TP receptor was lower and expression of COX-1 and -2 was higher than in 2K. The agonist did not have effect on TXA2 production or p-eNOS expression in both rat groups of aortas. U46619 induced production of NO in EC and ROS in EC and VSMC. The endothelium removal increased the potency of U46619 in 2K and 2K-1C aortas. In Eaortas of 2K, contraction induced by U46619 was impaired by Catalase. In E+ aortas, the potency was lower in the presence of Ibu ou Ibu+Tiron, but not Cat or Ibu+LNAME. In E+ aortas of 2K-1C, the contraction to U46619 was potentiated by Tiron but it was inhibited by Tiron+Ibu. Tiron and L-NAME or Ibuprofen had no effect on U46619-induced contraction. In E- aortas of 2K-1C, Tiron or Catalase had no effect on the contraction induced by U46619. ACh-induced relaxation was impaired in 2K and 2K-1C aortas contracted with 100 nmol/L U46619. Relaxation induced by ACh was lower in 2K-1C aortas contracted with 10 nmol/L U46619. Tiron, Catalase or Ibuprofen had no effect on the relaxation to ACh in 2K-1C rats aorta. Our results suggest that in 2K rat aortas, H2O2 regulates COX and eNOS activity. On the other hand, in 2K-1C rats aorta, ROS modulates COX activity and EDCFs production, which mechanisms are endothelium- dependent.

Background: The incidence of coronary heart diseases, including atherosclerosis, increases with ageing. The factors which influence arterial function, and which may be changed with ageing, are multiple but effects of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) on large arteries have not previously been considered. A key role for nitric oxide (NO) in mediating the anti-contractile capacity of PVAT has been suggested. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) modulates the production of NO in vivo by tonic inhibition of eNOS. The influence of aortic PVAT and the contribution of NO to vascular reactivity in ageing C57BL/6 mice, atherosclerotic ApoE knockout mice (ApoE-/-), Cav-1 knockout mice (Cav-1-/-) and atheroprotected ApoECav-1 double knockout mice (ApoE-/-Cav-1-/-) is unknown. Hypothesis: The influence of PVAT on vascular function is modulated by ageing and the development of atherosclerosis via NO bioavailability. Methods: Male mice were used in this study. C57BL/6 mice were obtained at 4 weeks of age and maintained on a normal rodent diet (ND) for 8, 16 or 26 weeks. ApoE-/- and Cav-1-/- mice were bred from in-house colonies and ApoE-/-Cav-1-/- mice were generated by interbreeding ApoE-/- and Cav-1-/- mice. Upon weaning, ApoE-/-, Cav-1-/- and ApoE-/-Cav-1-/- mice were maintained on either a ND or Western-type diet (WD) for 8, 16 or 26 weeks. Vascular reactivity studies on isolated aortic ring preparations were performed in the presence or absence of PVAT. The contribution of NO to the vascular reactivity of aortic PVAT was determined using pharmacological inhibition of NO synthase. Aortic PVAT was assessed for evidence of morphological and/or compositional changes associated with ageing or a WD. Results: NO mediated an anti-contractile effect of aortic PVAT in C57BL/6 mice fed a ND up to 16 weeks. The anti-contractile capacity of aortic PVAT was lost after 26 weeks on a ND and preceded endothelial dysfunction. Loss of the PVAT anti-contractile effect was accompanied by alterations in PVAT morphology and composition. Aortic PVAT from ND-fed ApoE-/- mice was dysfunctional and did not exert an anti-contractile effect. Furthermore, a WD did not alter the influence of PVAT on vascular reactivity in ApoE-/- mice and PVAT morphology and composition was unchanged. NOS inhibition did not alter the contractile responses. The aortic PVAT of ND-fed Cav-1-/- mice did not exert an anti-contractile effect and PVAT composition was unchanged with increasing age. However, after 26 weeks on a WD, aortic PVAT from Cav-1-/- mice potentiated contractions to phenylephrine and white adipocyte hypertrophy was observed. NOS inhibition revealed a pro-contractile effect of aortic PVAT from Cav-1-/- mice. Loss of Cav-1-/- conferred significant protection against the development of atherosclerosis in WD-fed ApoE-/-Cav-1-/- mice despite a proatherogenic lipid profile. Aortic PVAT from ND-fed ApoE-/-Cav-1-/- mice did not exhibit an anti-contractile capacity and PVAT morphology was unchanged with ageing. Additionally, a WD did not influence the effect of PVAT on vascular reactivity in ApoE-/-Cav-1-/- mice although white adipocyte hypertrophy was observed after 26 weeks of high fat feeding. NOS inhibition revealed a pro-contractile effect of aortic PVAT in 8-week ND-fed ApoE-/-Cav-1-/- mice. Conclusions: This work has produced novel insights into the influence of aortic PVAT and NO on vascular reactivity and the morphology of aortic PVAT in ageing C57BL/6 mice, atherosclerotic ApoE-/- mice, Cav-1-/- mice and athero-protected ApoE-/-Cav-1-/- double knockout mice. Ageing to pre-middle age in C57BL/6 mice results in a loss of the anti-contractile effect of PVAT prior to endothelial dysfunction. This is associated with altered NO bioavailability and changes to the morphology and composition of PVAT. This may reveal potential therapeutic targets to restore the anti-contractile capacity of PVAT if comparable age-related PVAT dysfunction is observed in humans. Aortic PVAT of ApoE-/- mice does not exert an anti-contractile effect which may be attributed to decreased basal eNOS activity. A WD does not alter the vascular reactivity of PVAT. In addition, aortic PVAT from Cav-1-/- mice does not exhibit an anti-contractile capacity yet it exerts a pro-contractile effect after 26 weeks on a WD. The aortic PVAT of ApoE-/-Cav-1-/- mice does not modulate vascular reactivity and this is unaltered with feeding of a WD although white adipocyte hypertrophy was observed within the PVAT. The critical role of Cav-1 in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis is reinforced by the atheroprotected phenotype of the ApoE-/-Cav-1-/- mice even though a severely proatherogenic lipid profile is observed in both the ND and WD-fed mice. Therapeutically targeting LDL transcytosis into the arterial wall could potentially prevent or halt the development of atherosclerosis. Aortic PVAT of ND-fed Cav-1-/- and ApoE-/-Cav-1-/- mice may not be dysfunctional but unable to modulate vascular reactivity due to attenuated vasoconstrictor responses of PVAT-denuded aortic rings as a result of excess NO, although this requires further investigation.

Inflammation has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease and a potential underlying mechanism in the pathogenesis of impaired vascular function. Two different but complementary approaches were utilized to determine the role of inflammation on vascular function. First, to evaluate the effect of acute inflammation, we induced muscle damage to both small and large muscle mass and measured vascular function every 24 hours for up to 5 days of recovery. Eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage, in both small and large muscle mass, resulted in a transient increase in central arterial stiffness. Next, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were studied as a model of chronic inflammation. Measurements of vascular function were compared in habitually-exercising and sedentary SLE patients, and age-matched healthy controls. Individuals with SLE demonstrated lower vascular function than healthy controls. When SLE patients were grouped by exercise status, habitually-exercising SLE patients exhibited similar vascular function to healthy controls, and lower overall disease activity compared with sedentary SLE patients, supporting the beneficial effect of regular exercise in this population. Inflammatory biomarkers were associated with measures of macro- and microvascular function. In conclusion, acute muscle damage and chronic disease-related inflammation have a potent effect on measures of vascular function, suggesting that inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction and is an important biomarker for cardiovascular risk. / text

Motivation The objective of the South African Avocado Growers Association (SAAGA) is to increase the demand of avocados by advertising, promoting and other means deemed fit by them. In order to promote and advertise a product, consumer research has to be done to determine the consumers' attitudes towards and beliefs concerning the product. These findings then need to be followed up by scientific studies, targeted at specific problems and target groups to yield scientific evidence. Little consumer research has been done on avocados and studies investigating the health effects of avocados are limited, with available literature only focussing on the cholesterol lowering effect of avocados. Objectives Firstly, the objective is to investigate the beliefs and attitudes of the South African consumer towards avocados and health; to determine whether gender, age group, race or living standard influence the consumers beliefs towards avocados. Secondly, the objective is to dispel the myth that avocados are fattening and should therefore be avoided in energy restricted diets; to examine the effects of avocados, a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, as part of an energy restricted diet on weight loss, serum lipids, fibrinogen and vascular function in overweight and obese subjects. Methods Consumer study: One thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven South African individuals, randomly selected from metropolitan areas in South Africa, participated in this survey. Data were weighed to reflect the adult metropolitan population based on gender, age and race distribution. The total population (10 695 000) was representative of both genders (5 423 000 men and 5 272 000 women) and major race groups (2 615 000 whites, 6 252 000 blacks, 1 255 000 coloureds and 573 000 Indians) from different age groups and living standards. The questionnaires were designed by a multidisciplinary team and consisted of seventeen foodrelated questionnaires, of which one questioned the beliefs regarding avocados. Trained field workers administrated questionnaires by conducting face-to-face interviews with consumers. The market research company, MARKINOR, was contracted to collect the data. Quantitative data was statistically analysed in order to generate the relevant descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and statistical tests. SUMMARY Dietary intervention study: Sixty one free-living volunteers (13 men; 48 women), with a mean (standard deviation) body mass index (BMI) of 32 (3.9) kg/m2, participated in this randomised, controlled parallel study. The subjects were paired according to gender, BMI and age and randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group consumed 200 g of avocado (1 avocado) per day, substituting 30 g of other mixed dietary fats, and the control group excluded avocado from their energy restricted diet for six weeks. Seven-day isoenergetic menu plans were given according to mean energy requirements of both genders to provide 30% fat, 55% carbohydrates and 15% protein of total energy intake. Anthropometric measurements, physical activity, dietary intakes, blood pressure and arterial compliance were measured with standard methods at the beginning and end of the intervention. Fasting blood samples were drawn at the beginning and end of the intervention period. Results Consumer study: There were no practical significant differences in the consumers responses in terms of gender or age. Practical significant differences were found between different race and LSM (Living Standard Measure) groups for some variables. The overall response of consumers towards the effect of avocados on health, heart health, children's health and the health effects associated with the fat content of avocados were very positive. However, almost half the consumers are still not convinced of or are uncertain as to the cholesterol content of avocados, while 47% of the consumers still believe that avocados are fattening. More than 80% of the consumers agreed that avocados are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and 76% consider avocados to be a good source of fibre. Almost 70% of the consumers agreed that avocados are good for sportsmen and -women. Avocados were seen by 49% of the consumers to be an aphrodisiac. Dietary intervention study: Fifty-five subjects completed the study. Compliance with avocado intake in the experimental group was 94.6%. Anthropometric measurements (weight, body mass index and percentage body fat) decreased significantly in both groups during the study (p<0.001), and the change was similar in both groups. Serum lipid levels (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides), fibrinogen, blood pressure and arterial compliance did not change significantly within or between the two groups. SUMMARY Conclusions Consumer study: There are still a few myths and misconceptions that exist among some consumers regarding avocados, especially with regard to sexual functioning, cholesterol content, and fattening effect of avocados. The agricultural industry can use these results to plan different marketing campaigns focused on certain target groups to change the misperceptions concerning avocados and convey the positive nutritional value of avocados. Dietary intervention study: The consumption of 200 g avocado per day, within an energy restricted diet, does not compromise weight loss when substituted for 30 g of mixed dietary fat. The serum lipid levels, plasma fibrinogen, arterial compliance, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not affected by weight loss or avocado intake. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

This dissertation investigated the role of two therapeutic interventions (exercise training and hormone replacement therapy) on two different states of endothelial dysfunction, chronic coronary occlusion and aging. Despite remarkable evidence for the therapeutic benefits of physical activity, the mechanisms by which regular exercise improves vascular function in the setting of coronary artery disease are not fully understood. Similarly, the effects of aging and hormone replacement therapy on vascular function are often paradoxical and poorly understood. Thus, the first project utilized a model of chronic coronary artery occlusion to evaluate the effects of exercise training on cellular and molecular adaptations of collateral-dependent coronary vasculature compared to the nonoccluded control. This study provided new evidence that exercise training concomitantly enhanced the contributions of multiple vasodilator mechanisms, including nitric oxide, prostacyclin and BKCa channels to vascular function in the ischemic heart. Increased contribution of multiple vasodilator signaling pathways after exercise training appears to promote compensation or redundancy to ensure adequate vasodilation and coronary vascular blood flow. The second project utilized a model of aging to evaluate the interactive effects of age and hormone replacement therapy on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of cerebrovascular function. Although the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of estrogen on cerebrovascular function have been studied at length, the mechanisms responsible for age-dependent deleterious effects of estrogen are largely unknown. The results of this study revealed that estrogen exerts divergent effects on the cerebrovasculature with advancing age. In younger females, estrogen replacement treatment is beneficial, attenuating vasoconstriction primarily by the COX-1 dependent prostanoid pathway and increased PGI2 production. In contrast, in older reproductively senescent females, estrogen augmented vasoconstriction via the COX-2 dependent prostanoid pathway and increased TXA2 production. A better understanding the mechanisms by which estrogen exerts beneficial versus detrimental effects on the cerebrovasculature may lead to new gender-specific therapeutic agents designed specifically to target the cerebrovascular system and other estrogen-responsive tissues.

Motivation The objective of the South African Avocado Growers Association (SAAGA) is to increase the demand of avocados by advertising, promoting and other means deemed fit by them. In order to promote and advertise a product, consumer research has to be done to determine the consumers' attitudes towards and beliefs concerning the product. These findings then need to be followed up by scientific studies, targeted at specific problems and target groups to yield scientific evidence. Little consumer research has been done on avocados and studies investigating the health effects of avocados are limited, with available literature only focussing on the cholesterol lowering effect of avocados. Objectives Firstly, the objective is to investigate the beliefs and attitudes of the South African consumer towards avocados and health; to determine whether gender, age group, race or living standard influence the consumers beliefs towards avocados. Secondly, the objective is to dispel the myth that avocados are fattening and should therefore be avoided in energy restricted diets; to examine the effects of avocados, a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, as part of an energy restricted diet on weight loss, serum lipids, fibrinogen and vascular function in overweight and obese subjects. Methods Consumer study: One thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven South African individuals, randomly selected from metropolitan areas in South Africa, participated in this survey. Data were weighed to reflect the adult metropolitan population based on gender, age and race distribution. The total population (10 695 000) was representative of both genders (5 423 000 men and 5 272 000 women) and major race groups (2 615 000 whites, 6 252 000 blacks, 1 255 000 coloureds and 573 000 Indians) from different age groups and living standards. The questionnaires were designed by a multidisciplinary team and consisted of seventeen foodrelated questionnaires, of which one questioned the beliefs regarding avocados. Trained field workers administrated questionnaires by conducting face-to-face interviews with consumers. The market research company, MARKINOR, was contracted to collect the data. Quantitative data was statistically analysed in order to generate the relevant descriptive statistics, cross tabulations and statistical tests. SUMMARY Dietary intervention study: Sixty one free-living volunteers (13 men; 48 women), with a mean (standard deviation) body mass index (BMI) of 32 (3.9) kg/m2, participated in this randomised, controlled parallel study. The subjects were paired according to gender, BMI and age and randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group consumed 200 g of avocado (1 avocado) per day, substituting 30 g of other mixed dietary fats, and the control group excluded avocado from their energy restricted diet for six weeks. Seven-day isoenergetic menu plans were given according to mean energy requirements of both genders to provide 30% fat, 55% carbohydrates and 15% protein of total energy intake. Anthropometric measurements, physical activity, dietary intakes, blood pressure and arterial compliance were measured with standard methods at the beginning and end of the intervention. Fasting blood samples were drawn at the beginning and end of the intervention period. Results Consumer study: There were no practical significant differences in the consumers responses in terms of gender or age. Practical significant differences were found between different race and LSM (Living Standard Measure) groups for some variables. The overall response of consumers towards the effect of avocados on health, heart health, children's health and the health effects associated with the fat content of avocados were very positive. However, almost half the consumers are still not convinced of or are uncertain as to the cholesterol content of avocados, while 47% of the consumers still believe that avocados are fattening. More than 80% of the consumers agreed that avocados are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and 76% consider avocados to be a good source of fibre. Almost 70% of the consumers agreed that avocados are good for sportsmen and -women. Avocados were seen by 49% of the consumers to be an aphrodisiac. Dietary intervention study: Fifty-five subjects completed the study. Compliance with avocado intake in the experimental group was 94.6%. Anthropometric measurements (weight, body mass index and percentage body fat) decreased significantly in both groups during the study (p<0.001), and the change was similar in both groups. Serum lipid levels (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides), fibrinogen, blood pressure and arterial compliance did not change significantly within or between the two groups. SUMMARY Conclusions Consumer study: There are still a few myths and misconceptions that exist among some consumers regarding avocados, especially with regard to sexual functioning, cholesterol content, and fattening effect of avocados. The agricultural industry can use these results to plan different marketing campaigns focused on certain target groups to change the misperceptions concerning avocados and convey the positive nutritional value of avocados. Dietary intervention study: The consumption of 200 g avocado per day, within an energy restricted diet, does not compromise weight loss when substituted for 30 g of mixed dietary fat. The serum lipid levels, plasma fibrinogen, arterial compliance, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not affected by weight loss or avocado intake. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.