Role of NADPH oxidase and ANG II in diabetes-induced retinal leukostasis

We studied whether angiotensin II (ANG II) via superoxide may contribute to retinal leukostasis and thus to the pathogenesis of retinopathies. We studied: 1) whether intravitreal ANG II induces retinal leukostasis that is altered by antioxidants or by apocynin, a NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor and 2) whether retinal leukostasis induced by diabetes in rats is also altered by these treatments. Rats were injected intravitreally with ANG II (20 microg in 2 microl), and divided into the following three groups: 1) untreated; 2) treated with tempol doses ( approximately 3 mM/day) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC; approximately 1 g.kg(-1).day(-1)); and 3) treated with apocynin ( approximately 2 mM/day), both in the drinking water. Rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were similarly treated. Leukostasis was evaluated 48 h after ANG II or 2 wk after diabetes induction. ANG II increased retinal leukostasis from 0.3 +/- 0.5 to 3.7 +/- 0.4 leukocytes/ mm(2) (P < 0.01), and these changes were markedly decreased by treatment with tempol + NAC or apocynin, and also by a blocking antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor given intravitreally (P < 0.01). In addition, incubation of dihydroethidium-loaded retina sections with ANG II caused marked increase in superoxide formation. Compared with normal controls, retinal leukostasis in diabetic rats markedly increased from 0.2 +/- 0.3 to 3.8 +/- 0.1 leukocytes/mm(2) (P < 0.01). Diabetic retinal leukostasis was also decreased by treatment with tempol-NAC and normalized by apocynin. Thus increases in intravitreal ANG II can induce retinal leukostasis, which appears to be mediated via increasing superoxide generation by NAD(P)H oxidase, and by VEGF. The activity of NAD(P)H oxidase is required for leukostasis to occur in the diabetic retina.     

Evidence for contribution of vascular NAD(P)H oxidase to increased oxidative stress in animal models of diabetes and obesity

It is well established that oxidative stress is enhanced in diabetes. However, the major in vivo source of oxidative stress is not clear. Here we show that vascular NAD(P)H oxidase may be a major source of oxidative stress in diabetic and obese models. In vivo electron spin resonance (ESR)/spin probe was used to evaluate systemic oxidative stress in vivo. The signal decay rate of the spin probe (spin clearance rate; SpCR) significantly increased in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats 2 weeks after the onset of diabetes. This increase was completely normalized by treatment with the antioxidants alpha-tocopherol (40 mg/kg) and superoxide dismutase (5000 units/kg), and was significantly inhibited by treatment with a PKC-specific inhibitor, CGP41251 (50 mg/kg), and a NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor, apocynin (5 mg/kg). Both obese ob/ob mice (10 weeks old) with mild hyperglycemia and Zucker fatty rats (11 weeks old) with normoglycemia exhibited significantly increased SpCR as compared with controls. Again, this increase was inhibited by treatment with both CGP41251 and apocynin. Oral administration of insulin sensitizer, pioglitazone (10 mg/kg), for 7 days also completely normalized SpCR values. These results suggest that vascular NAD(P)H oxidase may be a major source of increased oxidative stress in diabetes and obesity.     

NAD(P)H oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species contribute to age-related impairments of endothelium-dependent dilation in rat soleus feed arteries

We tested the hypothesis that age-related endothelial dysfunction in rat soleus muscle feed arteries (SFA) is mediated in part by NAD(P)H oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). SFA from young (4 mo) and old (24 mo) Fischer 344 rats were isolated and cannulated for examination of vasodilator responses to flow and acetylcholine (ACh) in the absence or presence of a superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) scavenger (Tempol; 100 μM) or an NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor (apocynin; 100 μM). In the absence of inhibitors, flow- and ACh-induced dilations were attenuated in SFA from old rats compared with young rats. Tempol and apocynin improved flow- and ACh-induced dilation in SFA from old rats. In SFA from young rats, Tempol and apocynin had no effect on flow-induced dilation, and apocynin attenuated ACh-induced dilation. To determine the role of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), dilator responses were assessed in the absence and presence of catalase (100 U/ml) or PEG-catalase (200 U/ml). Neither H(2)O(2) scavenger altered flow-induced dilation, whereas both H(2)O(2) scavengers blunted ACh-induced dilation in SFA from young rats. In old SFA, catalase improved flow-induced dilation whereas PEG-catalase improved ACh-induced dilation. Compared with young SFA, in response to exogenous H(2)O(2) and NADPH, old rats exhibited blunted dilation and constriction, respectively. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the NAD(P)H oxidase subunit gp91phox protein content was greater in old SFA compared with young. These results suggest that NAD(P)H oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species contribute to impaired endothelium-dependent dilation in old SFA.     

NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor prevents blood pressure elevation and cardiovascular hypertrophy in aldosterone-infused rats

Increased bioavailability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of mineralocorticoid hypertension. To find out the source of ROS, we evaluated the role of NAD(P)H oxidase in blood pressure (BP) elevation, cardiovascular hypertrophy, and fibrosis in aldosterone-salt rats. Aldosterone infusion (0.75 microg/h) significantly increased BP, which is attenuated by apocynin (1.5 mmol/L). Cardiac hypertrophy developed by aldosterone infusion was also normalized with apocynin. Greater mRNA for p22phox and NAD(P)H oxidase activity (more than twofold) in aorta of aldosterone-infused rats was reduced in apocynin-treated rats. Aldosterone infusion increased marginally procollagen I and III expression in LV compared to controls and apocynin decreased procollagen. Masson's Trichrome stain showed increased cardiac perivascular fibrosis, which was reduced by apocynin. These results suggest that NAD(P)H oxidase plays an important role in cardiovascular damage associated with mineralocorticoid hypertension.     

NAD(P)H oxidase-stimulating activity of serum from type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy mediates enhanced endothelial expression of E-selectin

Endothelial expression of E-selectin is enhanced in diabetic patients with retinopathy, however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine if endothelial expression of E-selectin is stimulated with serum from type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy, and whether this process is related to NAD(P)H oxidase-derived oxidative stress. Serum was obtained from type 2 diabetic patients with (T2DR) or without (T2DM) retinopathy, and age-matched non-diabetic healthy person (Control). Serum was added to in vitro-grown human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), after which E-selectin expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and NAD(P)H oxidase activity were measured. Serum from T2DR induced a significantly higher expression of E-selectin than serum from T2DM and control in association with an enhanced production of ROS in HCAEC. T2DR serum enhanced E-selectin expression in a ROS-dependent manner since this process was significantly attenuated not only by tiron (1 mM), a superoxide scavenger, but also by DPI (10 micromol/L) and apocynin (100 micromol/L), inhibitors of NAD(P)H oxidase. Furthermore, the activity of NADH oxidase was markedly increased by T2DR serum, and this was accompanied by the enhanced membrane translocation of p47phox, a cytosolic subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase. These findings suggest that serum from T2DR induced up-regulation of E-selectin expression in HCAEC, and this process might be dependent on activation of endothelial NADH oxidase via an enhanced membrane translocation of p47phox.     

Glucose down-regulation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I expression in vascular smooth muscle cells involves NAD(P)H oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species

Reduced levels of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PKG-I) in vasculature have been shown to contribute to diabetic vascular dysfunctions. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this report, using primary rat aortic smooth muscle cells (VSMC), we investigated the mechanisms of glucose-mediated regulation of PKG-I expression. Our data showed that high glucose (30 mM glucose) exposure significantly reduced PKG-I production (protein and mRNA levels) as well as PKG-I activity in cultured VSMC. Glucose-mediated decreases in PKG-I levels were inhibited by a superoxide scavenger (tempol) or NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors (diphenylene iodonium or apocynin). High glucose exposure time-dependently increased superoxide production in VSMC, which was abolished by tempol or apocynin treatment, but not by other inhibitors of superoxide-producing enzymes (L-NAME, rotenone, or oxypurinol). Total protein levels and phosphorylated levels of p47phox (an NADPH oxidase subunit) were increased in VSMC after high glucose exposure. Transfection of cells with siRNA-p47phox abolished glucose-induced superoxide production and restored PKG-I protein levels in VSMC. Treatment of cells with PKC inhibitor prevented glucose-induced p47phox expression/phosphorylation and superoxide production and restored the PKG-I levels. Decreased PKG-I protein levels were also found in femoral arteries from diabetic mice, which were associated with the decreased DEA-NONOate-induced vasorelaxation. Taken together, the present results suggest that glucose-mediated down-regulation of PKG-I expression in VSMC occurs through PKC-dependent activation of NAD(P)H oxidase-derived superoxide production, contributing to diabetes-associated vessel dysfunctions.     

Cigarette smoke-induced proinflammatory alterations in the endothelial phenotype: role of NAD(P)H oxidase activation

Although the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality induced by cigarette smoking exceed those attributable to lung cancer, the molecular basis of smoking-induced vascular injury remains unclear. To test the link between cigarette smoke, oxidative stress, and vascular inflammation, rats were exposed to the smoke of five cigarettes per day (for 1 wk). Also, isolated arteries were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE; 0 to 40 microg/ml, for 6 h) in organoid culture. We found that smoking impaired acetylcholine-induced relaxations of carotid arteries, which could be improved by the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor apocynin. Lucigenin chemiluminescence measurements showed that both smoking and in vitro CSE exposure significantly increased vascular O(2)(*-) production. Dihydroethidine staining showed that increased O(2)(*-) generation was present both in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. CSE also increased vascular H(2)O(2) production (dichlorofluorescein fluorescence). Vascular mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha and that of inducible nitric oxide synthase was significantly increased by both smoking and CSE exposure, which could be prevented by inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase (diphenyleneiodonium and apocynin) or scavenging of H(2)O(2). In cultured endothelial cells, CSE elicited NF-kappaB activation and increased monocyte adhesiveness, which were prevented by apocynin and catalase. Thus we propose that water-soluble components of cigarette smoke (which are likely to be present in the bloodstream in vivo in smokers) activate the vascular NAD(P)H oxidase. NAD(P)H oxidase-derived H(2)O(2) activates NF-kappaB, leading to proinflammatory alterations in vascular phenotype, which likely promotes development of atherosclerosis, especially if other risk factors are also present.     

Preventing superoxide formation in epineurial arterioles of the sciatic nerve from diabetic rats restores endothelium-dependent vasodilation

We have previously reported that in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats that increased formation of superoxide and peroxynitrite is associated with impairment in vascular relaxation in epineurial arterioles of the sciatic nerve. In this study we demonstrate that pretreating epineurial arterioles from diabetic rats in vitro with alpha-lipoic acid, dihydrolipoic acid, tempol or arginine restores acetylcholine-mediated vascular relaxation to near the reactivity observed in vessels from control rats. Suggesting that increased oxidative stress and reduction in nitric oxide availability is partially responsible for the impairment in endothelium-dependent vasodilation observed in epineurial arterioles from diabetic rats. In contrast, pretreating epineurial arterioles from diabetic rats with aminoguanidine or allopurinol had no effect. Studies designed to investigate the source of superoxide formation provided results suggesting that complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and NAD(P)H oxidase are responsible for the increase in superoxide formation observed with epineurial arterioles from the sciatic nerve. Pretreating epineurial arterioles from diabetic rats with the protein kinase C inhibitor bisindolymaleimide I (GF 109203X) improved acetylcholine-mediated vascular relaxation but did not prevent the increase in superoxide formation suggesting that activation of protein kinase C by oxidative stress is downstream of superoxide formation. These studies imply that increased superoxide formation via the mitochondrial electron transport chain and perhaps NAD(P)H oxidase is partially responsible for reduced vascular reactivity observed in epineurial arterioles of the sciatic nerve from diabetic rats.     

Evaluation of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist on diabetes-induced changes in peripheral nerve function, metabolism, and antioxidative defense.

The role for nerve blood flow (NBF) vs. other factors in motor nerve conduction (MNC) slowing in short-term diabetes was assessed by evaluating alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin on NBF, MNC, as well as metabolic imbalances and oxidative stress in the neural tissue. Control and diabetic rats were treated with or without prazosin (5 mg.kg(-1).d(-1) for 3 wk). NBF was measured by hydrogen clearance. Both endoneurial vascular conductance and MNC velocity were decreased in diabetic rats vs. controls, and this decrease was prevented by prazosin. Free NAD(+):NADH ratios in mitochondrial cristae, matrix, and cytosol assessed by metabolite indicator method, as well as phosphocreatine levels and phosphocreatine/creatine ratios, were decreased in diabetic rats, and this reduction was ameliorated by prazosin. Neither diabetes-induced accumulation of two major glycation agents, glucose and fructose, as well as sorbitol and total malondialdehyde plus 4-hydroxyalkenals nor depletion of myo-inositol, GSH, and taurine or decrease in (Na/K)-ATP-ase activity were affected by prazosin. In conclusion, decreased NBF, but not metabolic imbalances or oxidative stress in the neural tissue, is a key mechanism of MNC slowing in short-term diabetes. Further experiments are needed to estimate whether preservation of NBF is sufficient for prevention of nerve dysfunction and morphological abnormalities in long-standing diabetes or whether the aforementioned metabolic imbalances closely associated with impaired neurotropism are of greater importance in advanced than in early diabetic neuropathy.     

Enhanced angiotensin II-mediated central sympathoexcitation in streptozotocin-induced diabetes: role of superoxide anion

Studies have shown that the superoxide mechanism is involved in angiotensin II (ANG II) signaling in the central nervous system. We hypothesized that ANG II activates sympathetic outflow by stimulation of superoxide anion in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In α-chloralose- and urethane-anesthetized rats, microinjection of ANG II into the PVN (50, 100, and 200 pmol) produced dose-dependent increases in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), arterial pressure (AP), and heart rate (HR) in control and STZ-induced diabetic rats. There was a potentiation of the increase in RSNA (35.0 ± 5.0 vs. 23.0 ± 4.3%, P < 0.05), AP, and HR due to ANG II type I (AT(1)) receptor activation in diabetic rats compared with control rats. Blocking endogenous AT(1) receptors within the PVN with AT(1) receptor antagonist losartan produced significantly greater decreases in RSNA, AP, and HR in diabetic rats compared with control rats. Concomitantly, there were significant increases in mRNA and protein expression of AT(1) receptor with increased superoxide levels and expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits p22(phox), p47(phox), and p67(phox) in the PVN of rats with diabetes. Pretreatment with losartan (10 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1) in drinking water for 3 wk) significantly reduced protein expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits (p22(phox) and p47(phox)) in the PVN of diabetic rats. Pretreatment with adenoviral vector-mediated overexpression of human cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase (AdCuZnSOD) within the PVN attenuated the increased central responses to ANG II in diabetes (RSNA: 20.4 ± 0.7 vs. 27.7 ± 2.1%, n = 6, P < 0.05). These data support the concept that superoxide anion contributes to an enhanced ANG II-mediated signaling in the PVN involved with the exaggerated sympathoexcitation in diabetes.     

NAD(P)H oxidase inhibiting with apocynin improved vascular reactivity in tail-suspended hindlimb unweighting rat

Recent studies suggested that reactive oxygen species derived from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD(P)H) oxidase is of functional importance in modulating vascular tone, and we have previously detected excessive superoxide production in tail-suspended hindlimb unweighting (HU) rat cerebral and carotid arteries. HU rat was a widely used model to simulate physiological effects on the vasculature. The present study tended to investigate whether NAD(P)H oxidase inhibition with apocynin influences vasoconstriction, endothelium-dependent relaxation, and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) content in HU rat cerebral and carotid arteries. Vascular contractile and dilate responses were assessed in a myograph organ bath. NOx content in cerebral and carotid arteries was measured. We found enhanced maximal contractile response and impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation in HU rat basilar (P < 0.01) and common carotid artery (P < 0.05); however, chronic treatment of apocynin (50 mg/kg/day) partially reversed abnormal vascular response. Furthermore, 21-day HU increased arterial NOx content (P < 0.01) in cerebral and carotid arteries compared with control rats; however, apocynin treatment restored it toward near-normal values. These data demonstrated that NAD(P)H oxidase-derived oxidative stress mediated abnormal vasoreactivity though nitric oxide mechanism in the settings of simulated microgravity.     

Effects of U83836E on nerve functions, hyperalgesia and oxidative stress in experimental diabetic neuropathy

Oxidative stress has been implicated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy, which is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus affecting more than 50% of diabetic patients. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of U83836E [(-)-2-((4-(2,6-Di-1-pyrrolidinyl-4-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazinyl)methyl)-3,4-dihydro-2,3,7,8-tetramethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-6-ol, 2HCl], a potent free radical scavenger in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic neuropathy in rats. STZ-induced diabetic rats showed significant deficit in motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), nerve blood flow (NBF) and thermal hyperalgesia after 8 weeks of diabetes induction, indicating development of diabetic neuropathy. Antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and catalase) levels were reduced and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in diabetic rats as compared to the age-matched control rats, this indicates the involvement of oxidative stress in diabetic neuropathy. The 2-week treatment with U83836E (3 and 9 mg/kg, i.p.) started 6 weeks after diabetes induction significantly ameliorated the alterations in MNCV, NBF, hyperalgesia, MDA levels and antioxidant enzymes in diabetic rats. Results of the present study suggest the potential of U83836E in treatment of diabetic neuropathy.     

Protective effects of 4-amino1,8-napthalimide, a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor in experimental diabetic neuropathy

Peripheral diabetic neuropathy is a heterogeneous group of disorders, and is known to affect 50-60% of diabetic patients. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation has been identified as one of the key components in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. In the present study we have targeted PARP overactivation in diabetic neuropathy using a known PARP inhibitor, 4 amino 1, 8-napthalimide (4-ANI). Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats developed neuropathy within 6 weeks, which was evident from significant reduction in motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), nerve blood flow (NBF) along with neuropathic pain and abnormal sensory perception. Six weeks after diabetes induction Sprague Dawley rats were treated with 4-ANI (3 and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) for a period of two weeks (seventh and eighth weeks). Two week treatment with 4-ANI showed improvement in nerve conduction, nerve blood flow and reduction in tail flick responses and mechanical allodynia in diabetic animals. 4-ANI also attenuated PAR immunoreactivity and NAD depletion in nerves of diabetic animals. Results of present study suggest the potential of PARP inhibitors like 4-ANI in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.     

Characteristics and actions of NAD(P)H oxidase on the sarcoplasmic reticulum of coronary artery smooth muscle

It has been reported that nonmitochondrial NAD(P)H oxidases make an important contribution to intracellular O2-* in vascular tissues and, thereby, the regulation of vascular function. Topological analyses have suggested that a well-known membrane-associated NAD(P)H oxidase may not release O2-* into the cytosol. It is imperative to clarify the source of intracellular O2-* associated with this enzyme and its physiological significance in vascular cells. The present study hypothesized that an NAD(P)H oxidase on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in coronary artery smooth muscle (CASM) regulates SR ryanodine receptor (RyR) activity by producing O2-* locally. Western blot analysis was used to detect NAD(P)H oxidase subunits in purified SR from CASM. Fluorescent spectrometric analysis demonstrated that incubation of SR with NADH time dependently produced O2-*, which could be substantially blocked by the specific NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors diphenylene iodonium and apocynin and by SOD or its mimetic tiron. This SR NAD(P)H oxidase activity was also confirmed by HPLC analysis of conversion of NADH to NAD+. In experiments of lipid bilayer channel reconstitution, addition of NADH to the cis solution significantly increased the activity of RyR/Ca2+ release channels from these SR preparations from CASM, with a maximal increase in channel open probability from 0.0044 +/- 0.0005 to 0.0213 +/- 0.0018; this effect of NADH was markedly blocked in the presence of SOD or tiron or the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors diphenylene iodonium, N-vanillylnonanamide, and apocynin. These results suggest that a local NAD(P)H oxidase system on SR from CASM regulates RyR/Ca2+ channel activity and Ca2+ release from SR by producing O2-*.     

NAD(P)H oxidase and eNOS play differential roles in cytomegalovirus infection-induced microvascular dysfunction

Primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection promotes oxidative stress and reduces nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability in endothelial cells. These events are among the earliest vascular responses to cardiovascular risk factors. We assessed the roles of NAD(P)H oxidase and NO bioavailability in microvascular responses to persistent CMV infection alone or with hypercholesterolemia. Wild-type (WT) or gp91^phox (NAD(P)H oxidase subunit) knockout mice received mock inoculum or 3 × 10⁴ PFU murine CMV (mCMV) ip 5 weeks before placement on a normal or high-cholesterol diet (HC) for 4 weeks before assessment of arteriolar function and venular blood cell recruitment using intravital microscopy. Some WT groups received sepiapterin (a precursor of the nitric oxide synthase cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin) or apocynin (NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor/antioxidant). Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was impaired in mCMV vs mock WT, regardless of diet. This was not affected by sepiapterin, and pharmacological inhibition of nitric oxide synthase reduced dilation similarly in mock and mCMV mice. Apocynin or deficiency of total, but not blood cell or vascular wall only (tested using bone marrow chimeras), gp91^phox protected against arteriolar dysfunction. Blood cell recruitment was induced by mCMV–HC. Sepiapterin, but not NAD(P)H oxidase deficiency/apocynin, reduced leukocyte accumulation, whereas platelet adhesion was reduced by sepiapterin, apocynin, or total, platelet-specific, or vascular wall gp91^phox deficiency. These data implicate activation of both hematopoietic and vessel wall NAD(P)H oxidase in mCMV-induced arteriolar dysfunction and platelet and vascular NAD(P)H oxidase in the thrombogenic phenotype induced by mCMV–HC. In contrast, findings with sepiapterin suggest that eNOS dysfunction, perhaps uncoupling, mediates venular, but not arteriolar, responses to mCMV–HC, thus indicating that NAD(P)H oxidase and eNOS differentially regulate microvascular responses to mCMV.     

Expression of NOX-I, gp91phox, p47phox and P67phox in the aorta segments above and below coarctation

Aorta coarctation results in hypertension (HTN) in the arterial tree proximal to stenosis and, as such, provides an ideal model to discern the effects of different levels of blood pressure on the vascular tissue in the same animal. Compelling evidence has emerged supporting the role of oxidative stress as a cause of HTN. However, whether or not HTN (independent of the circulating humoral factors) can cause oxidative stress is less certain. NAD(P)H oxidase isoforms are the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the vascular tissues. We therefore compared the expressions of NOX-I, gp91phox and the regulatory subunits of the enzyme in the aorta segments residing above and below coarctation in rats with abdominal aorta banding. Rats were studied 4 weeks after aorta banding above the renal arteries or sham operation. Subunits of NAD(P)H oxidase and its NOX-I isoform as well as endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and nitrotyrosine (footprint of NO oxidation by superoxide) were measured in the aorta segments above and below coarctation. The gp91phox, p47phox, and p67phox subunits of NAD(P)H oxidase, NOX-I isoform, eNOS and nitrotyrosine were markedly increased in the aorta segment above coarctation (hypertensive zone), but were virtually unchanged in the segment below coarctation. Since, excepting blood pressure, all other conditions were constant, the upregulation of NAD(P)H oxidase isoforms and the increased NO oxidation in the aorta segment above, but not below, coarctation prove that HTN, per se, independent of circulating mediators can cause oxidative/nitrosative stress in the arterial wall. These observations suggest that HTN control may represent a specific form of antioxidant therapy for hypertensive disorders.     

PPARgamma activation, by reducing oxidative stress, increases NO bioavailability in coronary arterioles of mice with Type 2 diabetes

We tested the hypothesis that short-term treatment of mice with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with rosiglitazone (ROSI), an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, ameliorates the impaired coronary arteriolar dilation by reducing oxidative stress via a mechanism unrelated to its effect on hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Control and Type 2 DM (db/db) mice were treated with ROSI (3 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) for 7 days, which did not significantly affect their serum concentration of glucose and insulin. Compared with controls, in db/db mice serum levels of 8-isoprostane and dihydroethydine-detectable superoxide production in carotid arteries were significantly elevated and were reduced by ROSI treatment. In coronary arterioles (diameter, approximately 80 microm) isolated from db/db mice, the reduced dilations to ACh, the nitric oxide (NO) donor NONOate, and increases in flow were significantly augmented either by in vitro administration of apocynin, an inhibitor of NAD(P)H-oxidase, or by in vivo ROSI treatment, responses that were then significantly reduced by the NO synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. In aortas of db/db mice, activity of SOD and catalase was reduced, whereas NAD(P)H oxidase activity was enhanced. ROSI treatment enhanced catalase and reduced NAD(P)H oxidase activity but did not affect the activity of SOD. These findings suggest that ROSI treatment enhances NO mediation of coronary arteriolar dilations due to the reduction of vascular NAD(P)H oxidase-derived superoxide production and enhancement of catalase activity. Thus, in addition to the previously revealed beneficial metabolic effects, the antioxidant action of rosiglitazone may protect coronary arteriolar function in Type 2 DM.     

阿托伐他汀通过RGS6改善糖尿病心肌病大鼠心功能的作用及其机制研究

目的:探讨阿托伐他汀通过调节RGS6/NAD(P)H氧化酶/活性氧生成通路保护糖尿病心肌病大鼠心功能的药理作用机制。方法:40只6周龄雄性Wistar大鼠按随机数字表法随机分为对照组,糖尿病心肌病模型组,低剂量阿托伐他汀组,高剂量阿托伐他汀组,每组10只。实验过程中动态监测大鼠体质量及血脂水平;实验结束后脉冲多普勒检测各组大鼠心功能指标;组织活性氧检测试剂盒检测心肌组织中活性氧的水平;免疫组化法检测大鼠心肌组织中RGS6的表达;Western blot法检测大鼠心肌组织中RGS6及NAD (P)H氧化酶活性亚单位p47phox和p67phox的水平。结果:与对照组相比,糖尿病心肌病模型大鼠体质量明显减少(P0.01),血脂水平明显升高(P0.01),心脏E/A、LVEF、FS值降低(P0.01),心肌组织活性氧生成明显增多(P0.01),心肌组织RGS6及p47phox、p67phox表达明显上调(P0.01),而不同剂量阿托伐他汀干预均可有效逆转上述指标的改变。结论:阿托伐他汀对糖尿病心肌病大鼠的心脏具有明显保护作用,其机制可能与对RGS6/NAD(P)H氧化酶/活性氧生成通路的抑制有关。     

Neuroprotective potential of combination of resveratrol and 4-amino 1,8 naphthalimide in experimental diabetic neuropathy: Focus on functional,sensorimotor and biochemical changes

The present study investigated whether combination of resveratrol and 4-amino 1,8 naphthalimide (4-ANI) is effective in the development of diabetic neuropathy (DN). After 6 weeks of diabetes induction, rats were treated for 2 weeks with resveratrol and 4-amino 1,8 naphthalimide (4-ANI) either alone or in combination. Experimental end points included functional, behavioural and biochemical parameters along with PAR immunohistochemistry and were performed at the end of treatment. Combination of resveratrol (10 mg/kg) and 4-ANI (3 mg/kg) attenuated conduction and nerve blood flow deficits and resulted in amelioration of diabetic neuropathic pain. Significant reversal of biochemical alterations (peroxynitrite, MDA and NAD levels) were also observed, as well as PAR accumulation in the sciatic nerve. This study suggests the beneficial effect of combining resveratrol and 4-ANI in experimental diabetic neuropathy.