Relaxant effect of sildenafil in the rabbit basilar artery
We hypothesized that sildenafil, inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), interacts with the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP pathway in the cerebral arteries and shows vasoactive effects. To prove it in the isolated rabbit basilar artery, we compared the effects of sildenafil with other PDE-5 inhibitors, assessed the endothelial dependence of the vasoactive responses, and used modulators of the cGMP and cAMP signaling processes. Sildenafil (10 nM-0.1 mM) induced concentration-dependent relaxations of endothelin-1 (10 nM)-precontracted basilar artery, which were partially inhibited both in endothelium-denuded arteries and in arteries precontracted by depolarization with KCl (50 mM). Endothelin-1 (1 …
Modulatory Role of Endothelial and Nonendothelial Nitric Oxide in 5-Hydroxytryptamine-induced Contraction in Cerebral Arteries after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
OBJECTIVE : Endothelial dysfunction is claimed to play a role in the pathogenesis of delayed cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We have examined the effect of experimental SAH on the modulatory action of endothelial and nonendothelial nitric oxide (NO) in the contractile response of goat middle cerebral artery to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). METHODS : We compared the 5-HT-induced contractile responses of cerebral arteries from control goats and from goats with SAH that had been experimentally induced 3 days earlier by delivery of autologous arterial blood into the subarachnoid space. Contractile responses were examined by recording the isometric tension in isolated cereb…
Changes in the cerebrovascular effects of endothelin-1 and nicardipine after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The role of endothelium-related factors in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has gained interest since the discovery of endothelin-1 (ET-1). We have examined, before and after SAH, the responsiveness of the cerebrovascular bed of the goat to ET-1, the sources of Ca2+ in ET-1-induced responses, and the ability of the Ca2+ entry blocker nicardipine to counteract them. Before SAH, injection of ET-1 into the cerebral circulation increased cerebrovascular resistance, thereby producing dose-dependent reductions in cerebral blood flow (CBF), which were prevented by nicardipine. In isolated middle cerebral arteries, ET-1 induced concentration-dependent contr…
Impairment of the modulatory role of nitric oxide on the endothelin-1-elicited contraction of cerebral arteries: a pathogenetic factor in cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage?
OBJECTIVE: Nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) are two endothelium-derived factors probably involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Our aim was twofold, i.e., to ascertain whether endothelial and nonendothelial NO modulates the contractile response of cerebral arteries to ET-1 and to analyze whether this relationship might be impaired after experimental SAH. METHODS: Rings of middle cerebral artery from goats in the control group and from goats with SAH were set up for isometric tension recordings. SAH was induced 3 days before the experiments by infusion of 10 ml of autologous arterial blood through a catheter previously inserted into t…
Single-dose ebselen does not afford sustained neuroprotection to rats subjected to severe focal cerebral ischemia
Oxygen free radicals have been involved in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia, especially after spontaneous or thrombolytic reperfusion. In this study with rats, we have combined a severe focal ischemic insult (2 h) and a prolonged reperfusion time (7 days) to assess the possible sustained neuroprotective effect of ebselen (10 or 100 mg/kg), a small, lipophilic organoselenium compound which mimics glutathione peroxidase. Parietal cortical perfusion was measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry, and focal cerebral ischemia was carried out by the intraluminal thread method. We have measured plasma selenium levels, brain reduced glutathione levels, as a marker of oxidative stress, and infarct …
Direct and neuromodulatory effects of histamine on isolated goat cerebral arteries.
1. The effects of histamine on isolated goat middle cerebral artery were examined using two experimental approaches: recording of isometric tension and measurement of [3H]-noradrenaline efflux. 2. Cumulative addition of histamine (10(-7)-3 x 10(-2)M) and 2-pyridylethylamine (2-PEA, 10(-6)-3 x 10(-2)M) produced concentration-dependent contractile responses. Preincubation with diphenhydramine (10(-7), 10(-6)M) or cimetidine (10(-7), 10(-6)M) competitively inhibited the histamine-induced contractile response. 3. Endothelium denudation enhanced the contractile effects of histamine. 4. Transmural electrical stimulation elicited contractions which were enhanced by histamine (10(-7)M), 2-PEA (10(-…
Insight into the molecular sex dimorphism of ischaemic stroke in rat cerebral cortex: Focus on neuroglobin, sex steroids and autophagy
Including sex is of paramount importance in preclinical and clinical stroke researches, and molecular studies dealing in depth with sex differences in stroke pathophysiology are needed. To gain insight into the molecular sex dimorphism of ischaemic stroke in rat cerebral cortex, male and female adult rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. The expression of neuroglobin (Ngb) and other functionally related molecules involved in sex steroid signalling (oestrogen and androgen receptors), steroidogenesis (StAR, TSPO and aromatase) and autophagic activity (LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratio, UCP2 and HIF-1 alpha) was assessed in the ipsilateral ischaemic and contralateral non-ischae…
Relaxant Effects of the Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, Bazedoxifene, and Estrogen Receptor Agonists in Isolated Rabbit Basilar Artery
We have previously shown that the selective estrogen receptor modulator, bazedoxifene, improves the consequences of ischemic stroke. Now we aimed to characterize the effects and mechanisms of action of bazedoxifene in cerebral arteries. Male rabbit isolated basilar arteries were used for isometric tension recording and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Bazedoxifene relaxed cerebral arteries, as 17-β-estradiol, 4,4',4″-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol [estrogen receptor (ER) α agonist], and G1 [G protein-coupled ER (GPER) agonist] did it (4,4',4″-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol > bazedoxifene = G1 > 17-β-estradiol). 2,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (E…
Mechanisms underlying the diabetes-induced hyporeactivity of the rabbit carotid artery to atrial natriuretic peptide
Abstract Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of the vascular complications in diabetes. The working hypothesis was that diabetes might modify the vascular actions of ANP in isolated rabbit carotid arteries and the mechanisms involved in these actions. ANP (10 −12 –10 −7 M) induced a relaxation of precontracted carotid arteries, which was lower in diabetic than in control rabbits. In arteries from both groups of animals, endothelium removal increased the ANP-induced relaxation. Isatin inhibited the relaxation to ANP both in arteries with and without endothelium. Carotid arteries from diabetic rabbits showed a decreased natriuretic peptide receptor…
Effects of Ca2+ entry blockers on CaCl2-, KCl- and noradrenaline-induced contractions of goat cerebral arteries
Abstract The effects of three Ca 2+ entry blockers, nicardipine, nimodipine and verapamil, on CaCl 2 -, KCl- and noradrenaline-induced contractions were examined in isolated goat middle cerebral artery. The relationship between the effects of Ca 2+ entry blockers and the extracellular Ca 2+ dependence of the contractions was also examined. In ‘nominally’ Ca 2+ -free medium, addition of CaCl 2 induced concentration-dependent contractions of previously depolarized arteries. Withdrawal of Ca 2+ from the extracellular medium caused strong inhibition of the KCl- and noradrenaline-induced arterial contractions. Addition of EGTA to the Ca 2+ -free medium almost abolished the noradrenaline-response…
Comparison of the anticonstrictor action of dihydropyridines (nimodipine and nicardipine) and Mg2+ in isolated human cerebral arteries.
The isometric tension recorded from ring segments of branches of human middle cerebral artery was the parameter used to study the inhibition of spasmogen-induced contractions as model for cerebral vasospasm. Concentration-response curves to 5-hydroxytryptamine (10(-9)-3 x 10(-5) M) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (10(-7)-3 x 10(-5) M) were inhibited in Ca(2+)-free medium and in Ca(2+)-free medium to which EGTA (1 mM) had been added, respectively. Nimodipine (10(-7), 10(-5) M), nicardipine (10(-7), 10(-5) M) and Mg2+ (magnesium sulfate 10(-4), 10(-2) M) inhibited the 5-HT-elicited contractions, and this inhibition was similar for the highest concentrations tested. In contrast, nimodipine and nica…
Unraveling the mechanisms of action of lactoferrin-derived antihypertensive peptides: ACE inhibition and beyond
Hypertension is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular and renal morbidity and mortality, and it represents a serious health problem in Western countries. Over the last few decades scientific interest in food-derived antihypertensive peptides has grown as an alternative to drugs in the control of systemic blood pressure. Most of these peptides target the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) but emerging evidence points to other antihypertensive mechanisms beyond ACE inhibition. The milk protein lactoferrin (LF) is a good source of orally active antihypertensive peptides the characterization of which, including ex vivo functional assays and in vivo approaches, shows that they mi…
Mechanisms involved in the relaxant action of testosterone in the renal artery from male normoglycemic and diabetic rabbits.
Kidney disease is a frequent complication in diabetes, and significant differences have been reported between male and female patients. Our working hypothesis was that diabetes might modify the vascular actions of testosterone in isolated rabbit renal arteries and the mechanisms involved in these actions. Testosterone (10(-8) to 10(-4)M) induced relaxation of precontracted arteries, without significant differences between control and diabetic rabbits. Both in control and diabetic rabbits endothelium removal inhibited testosterone relaxant action. In arteries with endothelium, incubation with indomethacin (10(-5)M), N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (10(-5)M) or tetraethylammonium (10(-5)M) did not modi…
Role of K+ and Ca2+ fluxes in the cerebroarterial vasoactive effects of sildenafil
The aim of this study was to assess the role of K(+) and Ca(2+) fluxes in the cerebroarterial vasoactive effects of the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil. We used isolated rabbit basilar arteries to assess the effects of extracellular K(+) raising on sildenafil-induced vasodilatation, and studied the pharmacological interaction of sildenafil with selective modulators of membrane K(+) and Ca(2+) channels. Expression of Kv1 subunits of K(+) channels was assessed at messenger and protein levels. Parallel experiments were carried out with zaprinast for comparison. Sildenafil (10 nM-0.1 mM) induced concentration-dependent relaxation of endothelin-1 (10 nM)-precontracted arteries, which wa…
Nitric oxide is involved in anoxic preconditioning neuroprotection in rat hippocampal slices.
Sublethal anoxia/ischemia protects against subsequent damaging insults in intact brain or hippocampal slices. To help further understand mechanisms underlying anoxic/ischemic preconditioning, we tested three hypotheses which were that: (a) anoxic preconditioning (APC) improves electrical recovery in rat hippocampal slices; (b) anoxic preconditioning requires nitric oxide (NO); and (c) anoxic preconditioning blocks mitochondrial dysfunction that occurs following re-oxygenation after anoxia. Control hippocampal slices underwent a single 'test' anoxic insult. Experimental slices were preconditioned by 3 short anoxic insults prior to the 'test' insult. Evoked potentials (EPs), and NADH redox st…
In vivo antihypertensive mechanism of lactoferrin-derived peptides: Reversion of angiotensin I- and angiotensin II-induced hypertension in Wistar rats
Novel peptides with antihypertensive effects in SHR rats have previously been identified in lactoferrin (LF) hydrolysates. To investigate their in vivo antihypertensive mechanism, we have assessed the blood pressure lowering effects of two of these LF-derived peptides (RPYL and DPYKLRP) in Wistar rats subjected to either angiotensin I- or angiotensin II-induced hypertension. Blood pressure was measured by the tail-cuff method, hypertension was induced by subcutaneous infusion of angiotensins, and then captopril, valsartan or LF-derived peptides orally administered. Angiotensin I- and angiotensin II-induced hypertension were reversed by captopril and valsartan, respectively. RPYL and DPYKLRP…
Emergent Uric Acid Treatment is Synergistic with Mechanical Recanalization in Improving Stroke Outcomes in Male and Female Rats.
Preclinical and clinical studies support a promising, albeit not definitive, neuroprotective effect of emergent uric acid (UA) administration in ischemic stroke. We assessed the effects of UA in an ischemic stroke model relevant to the current treatment paradigm of mechanical thrombectomy within the STAIR/RIGOR recommendations. A cohort of male and female Wistar rats was subjected to ischemic stroke with mechanical recanalization under physiological monitoring. The effects of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) with adjunctive UA (IV, 16 mg/kg) or vehicle treatment were assessed at 24 h and 7 days. Outcomes included neurofunctional impairment, brain infarct (TTC staining, MRI…
Optimised lyophilisation-based method for different biomolecule single-extractions from the same rat brain sample: Suitability for RNA and protein expression analyses after ischemic stroke
Abstract Background Optimisation of tissue processing procedures in preclinical studies reduces the number of animals used and allows integrated multilevel study in the same sample. Multiple extraction of different biomolecules from the same sample has several limitations. New method Using brain samples from rats subjected to ischemic stroke, we combined lyophilisation of flash-frozen tissue, mechanical pulverisation and cryopreservation in a method to optimise tissue handling and preservation for independent RNA or protein single-extract methods, and subsequent RT-qPCR or Western blot analyses. Results Lyophilisation resulted in 70% tissue weight loss. RNA (OD260/280∼1.8) and protein yield…
Iron-loaded transferrin (Tf) is detrimental whereas iron-free Tf confers protection against brain ischemia by modifying blood Tf saturation and subsequent neuronal damage
Despite transferrin being the main circulating carrier of iron in body fluids, and iron overload conditions being known to worsen stroke outcome through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage, the contribution of blood transferrin saturation (TSAT) to stroke brain damage is unknown. The objective of this study was to obtain evidence on whether TSAT determines the impact of experimental ischemic stroke on brain damage and whether iron-free transferrin (apotransferrin, ATf)-induced reduction of TSAT is neuroprotective. We found that experimental ischemic stroke promoted an early extravasation of circulating iron-loaded transferrin (holotransferrin, HTf) to the ischemic brain parenchyma.…
Comparative relaxant effects of the NO donors sodium nitroprusside, DEA/NO and SPER/NO in rabbit carotid arteries.
1. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10(-9)-3x10(-4) M), diethylamine/NO complex (DEA/NO, 10(-9)-10(-4) M) and spermine/NO complex (SPER/NO, 10(-8)-3x10(-4) M) induced concentration-dependent relaxation of isolated rabbit carotid arteries precontracted with KCl (50 mM) or with histamine (3x10(-6) M). 2. In KCl-precontracted arteries the order of potency was SNP=DEA/NO>SPER/NO, and in histamine-precontracted arteries the order of potency was SNP>DEA/NO>SPER/NO. Relaxations to the three NO donors were significantly higher in histamine-precontracted arteries than in KCl-precontracted arteries. 3. The guanylyl cyclase inhibitor methylene blue (10(-5) M) significantly inhibited relaxations to the three…
An antihypertensive lactoferrin hydrolysate inhibits angiotensin I-converting enzyme, modifies expression of hypertension-related genes and enhances nitric oxide production in cultured human endothelial cells
This study was aimed to explore whether an antihypertensive lactoferrin hydrolysate (LFH) can inhibit angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and modify the expression of genes related to hypertension in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). LFH induced significant inhibition of ACE activity but it did not affect ACE mRNA levels after 24 h of exposure. LFH treatment significantly affected the expression of genes encoding for proteins involved in nitric oxide pathway such as soluble guanylate cyclase 1 α3 subunit (GUCY1A3; 4.42-fold increase) and nitric oxide synthase trafficking (NOSTRIN; 2.45-fold decrease). Furthermore, expression of the PTGS2/COX-2 gene encoding prostagl…
The selective oestrogen receptor modulator, bazedoxifene, mimics the neuroprotective effect of 17β‐oestradiol in diabetic ischaemic stroke by modulating oestrogen receptor expression and the MAPK / ERK 1/2 signalling pathway
Because neuroprotection in stroke should be revisited in the era of recanalisation, the present study analysed the potential neuroprotective effect of the selective oestrogen receptor modulator, bazedoxifene acetate (BZA), in an animal model of diabetic ischaemic stroke that mimics thrombectomy combined with adjuvant administration of a putative neuroprotectant. Four weeks after induction of diabetes (40 mg kg-1 streptozotocin, i.p.), male Wistar rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (intraluminal thread technique, 60 minutes) and assigned to one of three groups treated with either: vehicle, BZA (3 mg kg-1 day-1 , i.p.) or 17β-oestradiol (E2 ) (100 μg kg-1 day-…
Pharmacological profile of phytoestrogens in cerebral vessels: in vitro study with rabbit basilar artery.
As a previous step to consider their use in the pharmacology for stroke, we investigated the effects of four phytoestrogens (i.e. genistein, daidzein, zearalanone and biochanin A) on cerebral vessels. Cerebral vascular responses were analyzed by conventional recording of isometric tension in rabbit basilar artery segments kept in organ bath under standard conditions. The four phytoestrogens elicited concentration-dependent relaxant responses of different potency in basilar artery segments previously contracted with either 5x10(-2) M KCl or 10(-4) M UTP. Neither endothelium removal, 10(-4) M N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor), 10(-5) M1 H-[1…
Novel antihypertensive hexa- and heptapeptides with ACE-inhibiting properties: From the in vitro ACE assay to the spontaneously hypertensive rat
Bioactive ACE inhibiting peptides are gaining interest in hypertension treatment. We have designed and screened six synthetic heptapeptides (PACEI48 to PACEI53) based on two hexapeptide leads (PACEI32 and PACEI34) to improve ACE inhibitory properties and assess their antihypertensive effects. ACE activity was assayed in vitro and ex vivo. Selected peptides were administered to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed with the MTT reduction test. The six heptapeptides at low micromolar concentration produced different degrees of in vitro inhibition of ACE activity using the synthetic substrate HHL or the natural subst…
Antihypertensive effects of lactoferrin hydrolyzates: Inhibition of angiotensin- and endothelin-converting enzymes
The potential of bovine lactoferrin (LF) as a source of antihypertensive peptides acting on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the endothelin (ET) system as dual vasopeptidase inhibitors has been examined. For this purpose enzymatic LF hydrolyzates (LFHs) were generated by trypsin and proteinase K digestions. Permeate fractions with molecular masses lower than 3 kDa (LFH <3 kDa) were orally administered to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Although both LFHs <3 kDa showed in vitro angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity, only proteinase K LFH <3 kDa exerted an in vivo antihypertensive effect. The proteinase K LFH <3 kDa and a previously characterized pepsin LFH <…
Changes in the adrenergic mechanisms of cerebral arteries after subarachnoid hemorrhage in goats.
We have examined the effects of experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), induced by delivering autologous blood into the subarachnoid space, on the adrenergic mechanisms of the goat cerebrovascular bed. To achieve this, the response to noradrenaline was recorded both in vivo, by measuring cerebral blood flow in unanesthetized animals, and in vitro, by recording isometric tension in isolated cerebral arteries. In addition, we checked the function of adrenergic innervation by measuring the tritium efflux evoked by electrical stimulation in cerebral arteries preloaded with [3H]-noradrenaline, and we examined this innervation by using both fluorescent and electron transmission microscopy. Al…
Bovine lactoferrin pepsin hydrolysate exerts inhibitory effect on angiotensin I-converting enzyme-dependent vasoconstriction
Abstract The inhibitory effect of a pepsin hydrolysate of bovine lactoferrin (LFH) on angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) has been examined using in vitro and ex vivo functional assays. In vitro assays showed a LFH inhibitory effect on ACE activity with an IC 50 value of 0.95±0.06 mg mL −1 . Ex vivo functional assays using rabbit carotid artery segments showed a LFH inhibitory effect on ACE-dependent angiotensin I-induced contraction, but not on angiotensin II-induced contraction, suggesting that the effect of LFH is not due to antagonism of receptors for angiotensin II. LFH was shown to possess ACE inhibitory effect with potential to modulate hypertension, although the possible inhibitor…
Mechanisms involved in the increased sensitivity of the rabbit basilar artery to atrial natriuretic peptide in diabetes.
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a vasodilator with significant regional differences and controversial effects in the cerebral circulation, a vascular bed particularly prone to diabetes-induced complications. The present study has investigated how alloxan-induced diabetes modifies the mechanisms involved in the response of the rabbit basilar artery to ANP. ANP (10(-12) -10(-7) M) relaxed precontracted basilar arteries, with higher potency in diabetic than in control rabbits. In arteries from both groups of animals, endothelium removal reduced ANP-induced relaxations. Inhibition of NO-synthesis attenuated ANP-induced relaxation but this attenuation was lower in diabetic than in control ra…
Characterization of the cortical laser-doppler flow and hippocampal degenerative patterns after global cerebral ischaemia in the goat.
Large-animal models offer several advantages in the study of cerebral ischaemia: easier control of physiological variables, easier neuropathological evaluation, etc. In the present study we have taken advantage of the unique cerebrovascular anatomy of the goat to reproduce a model of reversible, incomplete, global cerebral ischaemia in a large-sized animal species, in which the effects of successive manoeuvres to stop and re-start cerebral blood flow can be recorded continuously. Early cortical laser-Doppler flow response (up to 2 h) and delayed neuronal degeneration (7 days) in the hippocampal CA1 subfield have been analysed in goats undergoing 5, 10 or 20 min of transient, global cerebral…
Heterogeneity of P2-Purinoceptors in Brain Circulation
The existence of P2-purinoceptors in the cerebrovascular bed was examined by testing the effects of ATP and its stable analog, α,β-methylene-ATP, on CBF in the unanesthetized goat as well as on isometric tension in isolated goat middle cerebral artery. When injected directly into the cerebral circulation, ATP increased and α,β-methylene-ATP decreased CBF. Indomethacin did not modify either of these effects. The vasoconstrictor action of α,β-methylene-ATP was reduced by nicardipine. “In vitro,” both ATP and α,β-methylene-ATP contracted the cerebral arteries at resting tone, but the analog was more potent than ATP. Repeated application of α,β-methylene-ATP as well as indomethacin significant…
Acute effects of three isoflavone class phytoestrogens and a mycoestrogen on cerebral microcirculation.
Phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens are naturally occurring plant and fungus secondary metabolites with estrogen-like structure and/or actions. We aimed to check the hypothesis that phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens, due to their ability to elicit cerebral vasodilation, can induce acute increases in brain blood perfusion. For this purpose, we continuously recorded cerebrocortical perfusion by laser-Doppler flowmetry in anesthetized rats receiving intracarotid infusions (1 mg/kg) of one of the following estrogenic compounds: biochanin A, daidzein, genistein or zearalanone. We have shown the ability of two isoflavone class phytoestrogens (daidzein and biochanin A) and the mycoestrogen zearalanone…
Modulatory action of acetylcholine on cerebrovascular sympathetic neurotransmission
1. Acetylcholine (10 micrograms/min) diminished the electrically-induced cerebral blood flow reductions. Atropine (1-2 mg) partially blocked this inhibitory effect. 2. Exogenously administered noradrenaline (1-10 micrograms) and tyramine (50-500 micrograms) reduced cerebral blood flow but this effect was unchanged by acetylcholine infusion. 3. Acetylcholine inhibited the nonadrenergic component of the electrically-induced contraction at a concentration greater than or equal to 10(-6) M and potentiated the adrenergic component at a concentration greater than or equal to 10(5) M. Atropine 10(-7) M) inhibited both of these effects. In addition, acetylcholine (10(-4) M) enhanced the electricall…
Antihypertensive properties of lactoferricin B-derived peptides.
A set of eight lactoferricin B (LfcinB)-derived peptides was examined for inhibitory effects on angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and ACE-dependent vasoconstriction, and their hypotensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Peptides were derived from different elongations both at the C-terminal and N-terminal ends of the representative peptide LfcinB(20-25), which is known as the LfcinB antimicrobial core. All of the eight LfcinB-derived peptides showed in vitro inhibitory effects on ACE activity with different IC(50) values. Moreover, seven of them showed ex vivo inhibitory effects on ACE-dependent vasoconstriction. No clear correlation between in vitro and ex viv…
Effect of uric acid in animal models of ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Addition of uric acid (UA) to thrombolytic therapy, although safe, showed limited efficacy in improving patients’ stroke outcome, despite alleged neuroprotective effects of UA in preclinical research. This systematic review assessed the effects of UA on brain structural and functional outcomes in animal models of ischemic stroke. We searched Medline, Embase and Web of Science to identify 16 and 14 eligible rodent studies for qualitative and quantitative synthesis, respectively. Range of evidence met 10 of a possible 13 STAIR criteria. Median (Q1, Q3) quality score was 7.5 (6, 10) on the CAMARADES 15-item checklist. For each outcome, we used standardised mean difference (SMD) as effect size…
Relaxant effects of sodium nitroprusside and NONOates in goat middle cerebral artery: delayed impairment by global ischemia-reperfusion.
Global cerebral ischemia and subsequent reperfusion induce early impairment of the vasodilator responses to hypercapnia and vasoactive substances. Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in both health and disease. The present study was designed to assess possible changes in the cerebrovascular reactivity to NO donors induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in goats. Female goats (n = 9) were subjected to 20 min global cerebral ischemia under halothane/N2O anesthesia. Sixteen additional goats were sham-operated as a control group. One week later the effects of ischemia-reperfusion on relaxations to NO donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP), diethylamine/NO (…
Endothelin-1-Mediated Drug Resistance in EGFR-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma.
Abstract Progression on therapy in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is often evaluated radiographically, however, image-based evaluation of said therapies may not distinguish disease progression due to intrinsic tumor drug resistance or inefficient tumor penetration of the drugs. Here we report that the inhibition of mutated EGFR promotes the secretion of a potent vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1 (EDN1), which continues to increase as the cells become resistant with a mesenchymal phenotype. As EDN1 and its receptor (EDNR) is linked to cancer progression, EDNR-antagonists have been evaluated in several clinical trials with disappointing results. These trials were based on a hypothesis that…
Antihypertensive effect of a bovine lactoferrin pepsin hydrolysate: Identification of novel active peptides
et al.
Inhibition of iNOS activity by 1400W decreases glutamate release and ameliorates stroke outcome after experimental ischemia
Background and purpose. It has been shown that the reversed operation of glutamate transporters when ATP levels fall accounts for most glutamate release induced by severe cerebral ischemia. Nitric oxide (NO) is formed after ischemia and causes ATP depletion. Our purpose is to test if NO release from inducible NO synthase (iNOS) after stroke may cause a delayed glutamate release due to ATP depletion that might underlie progression of the ischemic infarct. We have studied the effect of the highly selective inhibitor of iNOS activity 1400W on brain ATP levels, extracellular glutamate, and stroke outcome after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Methods. To induce focal ischemia, the mid…
Characterization of 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptors in goat cerebral arteries
1. In isolated goat middle cerebral artery segments, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 10(-8)-3 x 10(-5) M) elicited concentration-dependent contractions with EC50 = 2.1 (1.9-2.5) x 10(-7) M and Emax = 64 +/- 2% of 50 mM KCl-induced contraction. 2. Several 5-HT receptor agonists were used: (a) the agonist of 5-HT2 receptors alpha-methyl-5-hydroxy-tryptamine (10(-7)-3 x 10(-4) M) induced strong contraction (51 +/- 6%); (b) the selective agonists of 5-HT1 receptors sumatriptan (10(-8)-10(-5) M) and 5-carboxamidotryptamine (10(-9)-10(-4) M) and the agonist of 5-HT1A receptors 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (10(-7)-3 x 10(-5) M) induced weak contractions (8, 18 and 14%, respectively); and (c) …
Temporospatial expression of HSP72 and c-JUN, and DNA fragmentation in goat hippocampus after global cerebral ischemia
The role of gene induction (expression of HSP72 and c-JUN proteins) and delayed ischemic cell death (in situ labeling of DNA fragmentation) have been investigated in the goat hippocampus after transient global cerebral ischemia. The animals were subjected to 20-min ischemia (bilateral occlusion of the external carotid arteries plus bilateral jugular vein compression) and allowed to reperfuse for 2 h, and then 1, 3, and 7 days. Histological signs of cell loss were not found in the hippocampus at 2 h, 1 day, or 3 days of reperfusion. However, such an ischemic insult produced extensive, selective, and delayed degeneration in the hippocampus, as 68% of the neurons in CA1 had died at 7 days, but…
Endothelin receptors mediating contraction in goat cerebral arteries
1. The aim of the present study was to identify the subtype of receptor mediating contraction to endothelin-1 and sarafotoxin S6b in goat isolated middle cerebral arteries. 2. Endothelin-1, endothelin-2 and endothelin-3 contracted cerebral arteries in a concentration-dependent manner. Although the three peptides were full agonists, the order of potency was endothelin-1 = endothelin-2 > endothelin-3, with a relative potency of endothelin-1 and endothelin-2 versus endothelin-3 of approximately 280. Sarafotoxin S6b induced concentration-dependent contractions with lower potency than endothelin-1/endothelin-2, higher potency than endothelin-3 and a higher maximum response than the three endothe…
Molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective role of atrial natriuretic peptide in experimental acute ischemic stroke
Abstract Along with its role in regulating blood pressure and fluid homeostasis, the natriuretic peptide system could be also part of an endogenous protective mechanism against brain damage. We aimed to assess the possibility that exogenous atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) could protect against acute ischemic stroke, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved. Three groups of rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO, intraluminal filament technique, 60 min) received intracerebroventricular vehicle, low-dose ANP (0.5 nmol) or high-dose ANP (2.5 nmol), at 30 min reperfusion. Neurofunctional condition, and brain infarct and edema volumes were measured at 24 h after…
Antihypertensive Mechanism of Lactoferrin-Derived Peptides: Angiotensin Receptor Blocking Effect
Texto del artículo, no incluye figuras ni tablas.
Diabetes impairs the atrial natriuretic peptide relaxant action mediated by potassium channels and prostacyclin in the rabbit renal artery.
Diabetes is associated with increased prevalence of hypertension, cardiovascular and renal disease. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) plays an important role in cardiovascular pathophysiology and is claimed to have cardioprotective and renoprotective effect in diabetic patients. The working hypothesis was that alloxan-induced diabetes might modify the vascular effects of ANP in isolated rabbit renal arteries and the mechanisms involved in such actions. Plasma ANP levels were higher in diabetic rabbits than in control rabbits. ANP (10(-12)-10(-7)M) induced a relaxation of precontracted renal arteries, which was lower in diabetic than in control rabbits. In arteries from both groups of animals…
Daidzein has neuroprotective effects through ligand-binding-independent PPARγ activation.
Phytoestrogens are a group of plant-derived compounds that include mainly isoflavones like daidzein. Phytoestrogens prevent neuronal damage and improve outcome in experimental stroke; however, the mechanisms of this neuroprotective action have not been fully elucidated. In this context, it has been postulated that phytoestrogens might activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), which exerts neuroprotective effects in several settings. The aim of this study was to determine whether the phytoestrogen daidzein elicits beneficial actions in neuronal cells by mechanisms involving activation of PPARγ. Our results show that daidzein (0.05-5 μM) decreases cell death induced b…
Clot Composition Analysis as a Diagnostic Tool to Gain Insight into Ischemic Stroke Etiology: A Systematic Review
Mechanical thrombectomy renders the occluding clot available for analysis. Insights into thrombus composition could help establish the stroke cause. We aimed to investigate the value of clot composition analysis as a complementary diagnostic tool in determining the etiology of large vessel occlusion (LVO) ischemic strokes (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews [PROSPERO] registration # CRD42020199436). Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we ran searches on Medline (using the PubMed interface) and Web of Science for studies reporting analyses of thrombi retrieved from LVO stroke patients subjected to mechani…
Vasoactive properties of antihypertensive lactoferrin-derived peptides in resistance vessels: Effects in small mesenteric arteries from SHR rats
Aims: Bovine lactoferrin (LF) hydrolysates and peptides identified thereof have shown antihypertensive effects in rat models, mainly but not exclusively by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition. In this study we aimed to assess the vasoactive effects and mechanisms of an ultrafiltered (< 3 kDa) pepsin LF hydrolysate (LFH) and a heptapeptide identified in a LF hydrolysate produced by yeast proteolysis (DPYKLRP) in peripheral resistance arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Main methods: We used a myograph system for isometric tension recording in isolated small mesenteric arteries from SHRs. Direct vasoactive effects of LFH (30–100 μg/mL) and DPYKLRP (30–100 μM) were asses…
Soy-derived phytoestrogens as preventive and acute neuroprotectors in experimental ischemic stroke: Influence of rat strain
The ability of a soy-based high-phytoestrogen diet (nutritional intervention) or genistein (pharmacological intervention), to limit ischemic brain damage in Wistar, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats, has been assessed. As to the nutritional intervention, two groups from each strain received either a phytoestrogen-free (PE-0) or a high-phytoestrogen (PE-600) diet from weaning to adulthood. As to the pharmacological intervention, all animals were fed the standard soy-free AIN-93G diet and subsequently separated into two groups from each strain to receive either pure genistein (aglycone form, 1mg/kg/day intraperitoneal) or vehicle at 30 min reperfusion. After an epis…
Involvement of prostacyclin and potassium channels in the diabetes-induced hyporeactivity of the rabbit carotid artery to B-type natriuretic peptide
The relation between diabetes and stroke is bidirectional: diabetes is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke, and acute stroke frequently induces hyperglycemia. On the other hand, plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are raised in diabetes and stroke. The purpose was to study how alloxan-induced diabetes might modify the effects of BNP in rabbit carotid arteries and the mechanisms involved in such actions. To do this, isometric tension in isolated rabbit carotid artery was recorded and prostanoids release and plasma NT-proBNP were measured by enzyme immunoassay. BNP induced a relaxation of phenylephrine-precontracted carotid arteries, and this relaxation was lower in diabet…
Dairy Debaryomyces hansenii strains produce the antihypertensive casein-derived peptides LHLPLP and HLPLP
The ability of dairy Debaryomyces hansenii, Kluyveromyces lactis and Kluyveromyces marxianus strains to release the casein-derived antihypertensive sequences RYLGY, AYFYPEL, LHLPLP, HLPLP, VPP and/or IPP was examined. Yeast strains were grown in medium with casein as sole nitrogen source and the yeast casein hydrolysates (CSHs) were analysed by HPLC-MS/MS to search for the six antihypertensive sequences. Only LHLPLP and HLPLP were identified in CSHs and exclusively in D. hansenii Dh1 and Dh14 hydrolysates in which both antihypertensive sequences represented approximately 6 (CSH Dh1) and 10% (CSH Dh14) of total peptide content. In addition, a complete analysis of selected CSHs by HPLC-MS/MS …
Effects of endothelin-1 on the cerebrovascular bed of the goat.
Abstract The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the cerebrovascular bed of the goat, the importance of endothelial integrity and the contribution of extracellular Ca2+ to these responses. We measured isometric tension and 45Ca2+ uptake in isolated middle cerebral arteries, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in unanesthetized animals. ET-1 elicited concentration-dependent contractions which were potentiated in arteries without endothelium. Ca2+-free medium and nicardipine inhibited, and Bay K 8644 potentiated the ET-1-induced contractions. ET-1 enhanced 45Ca2+ uptake in isolated arteries. Injections of ET-1 directly into the cerebral circulation decrease…
Bioavailability of antihypertensive lactoferricin B-derived peptides: Transepithelial transport and resistance to intestinal and plasma peptidases
The transepithelial transport of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory and antihypertensive lactoferricin B (LfcinB)-derived hexapeptide LfcinB20-25 (RRWQWR) and of its two main fragments RWQ and WQ were investigated using a human intestinal cell (Caco-2) monolayer. The three peptides were susceptible to the action of brush-border peptidases. Intact LfcinB20-25 was not transported across Caco-2 whereas RWQ and WQ were both absorbed through the cell monolayer. Apparent permeability (Papp) values for absorptive transport across the monolayer were 0.7×10-8cms-1 (RWQ) and 3.9×10-8cms-1 (WQ). The effect of pathway-selective inhibitors on peptide absorption suggested paracellular d…
Ca2+ entry blockers inhibit prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced cerebrovascular contractile responses in goats.
We examined the effects of extracellular Ca2+ withdrawal and of Ca2+ entry blockers on goat cerebrovascular responses to prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha). We measured isometric tension in isolated middle cerebral arteries, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in unanesthetized animals. PGF2 alpha produced concentration-dependent contractions of isolated arteries. The contractions were partially inhibited by incubation in Ca(2+)-free medium (by 63.1 +/- 1.8% without ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-amino-ethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetra-a cetate (EGTA), and by 82.4 +/- 3.7% with EGTA). The Ca2+ entry blockers inhibited PGF2 alpha-elicited contraction and relaxed PGF2 alpha-precontracted arteries (nicardipine…
Acute relaxant effects of 17-beta-estradiol through non-genomic mechanisms in rabbit carotid artery.
Estrogens could play a cardiovascular protective role not only by means of systemic effects but also by means of direct effects on vascular structure and function. We have studied the acute effects and mechanisms of action of 17-beta-estradiol on vascular tone of rabbit isolated carotid artery. 17-Beta-estradiol (10, 30, and 100 microM) elicited concentration-dependent relaxation of 50 mM KCl-induced active tone in male and female rabbit carotid artery. The stereoisomer 17-alpha-estradiol showed lesser relaxant effects in male rabbits. Endothelium removal did not modify relaxation induced by 17-beta-estradiol. The NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (100 microM) only reduced significantly relaxati…
Administration of transforming growth factor-α reduces infarct volume after transient focal cerebral ischemia in the rat
Growth factors promote cell growth and survival and protect the brain from developing injury after ischemia. In this article, the authors examined whether transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α was protective in transient focal ischemia and whether alteration of cerebral circulation was involved. Rats received intraventricular TGF-α (50 ng, either split into 2 doses given 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), or 1 dose given 30 minutes after MCAO) or vehicle. Rats were subjected to 1-hour intraluminal MCAO and cerebral blood flow was recorded continuously by laser-Doppler flowmetry. Infarct volume was measured 1 and 4 days later. The effects of TGF-α o…
Improvement of the circulatory function partially accounts for the neuroprotective action of the phytoestrogen genistein in experimental ischemic stroke
Abstract We tested the hypothesis that the phytoestrogen genistein protects the brain against ischemic stroke by improving the circulatory function in terms of reduced production of thromboxane A2 and leukocyte–platelet aggregates, and of preserved vascular reactivity. Ischemia-reperfusion (90 min-3 days, intraluminal filament) was induced in male Wistar rats, and functional score and cerebral infarct volume were the end points examined. Genistein (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (β-cyclodextrin) was administered at 30 min after ischemia or sham-operation. Production of thromboxane A2 and leukocyte–platelet aggregates, as well as reactivity of carotid artery to U-46619 (thromboxane A2 analogue) an…
Role of NO-synthases and cyclooxygenases in the hyperreactivity of male rabbit carotid artery to testosterone under experimental diabetes.
Abstract Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients, which in turn is also associated with low levels of serum testosterone. The working hypothesis was that diabetes might modify the mechanisms involved in the vascular actions of testosterone in isolated rabbit carotid arteries. Testosterone (10 −8 –3 × 10 −4 M) induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of precontracted carotid arteries, which was higher in diabetic than in control rabbits. In control rabbits neither endothelium removal nor the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N G -nitro- l -arginine ( l -NOArg, 10 −5 M) modified the relaxant action of testosterone, and the cyclooxyge…
Endothelial modulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contraction in goat cerebral arteries.
Abstract 1. 1. In isolated goat middle cerebral artery segments, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 10 −8 −3 × 10 −5 M) caused concentration-dependent contractions, with EC 50 = 2.1 (1.9−2.5) × 10 −7 M and E max = 60 ± 2% of 50 mM KCl-induced contraction. 2. 2. Mechanical removal of endothelium significantly increased the E max (91 ± 8%) and did not change the EC 50 value of 5-HT-elicited contractions. 3. 3. Incubation of unrubbed arteries with the irreversible inhibitor of EDRF, gossypol (10 −5 M), significantly increased the contractile response to 5-HT ( E max = 77 ± 4%). 4. 4. Incubation of unrubbed arteries with the competitive inhibitor of the NO synthesis, N G -nitro - l -arginine (L-NOARG) …
Comparative Proteomics Unveils LRRFIP1 as a New Player in the DAPK1 Interactome of Neurons Exposed to Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation
Altres ajuts: The group has received funding from 'la Caixa Foundation' CI15-00009, from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) PoC-2016-SPAIN-04, which receives support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, and from the 'Fundación para la Innovación y la Prospectiva en Salud en España (FIPSE)' program 3594-18. Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a pleiotropic hub of a number of networked distributed intracellular processes. Among them, DAPK1 is known to interact with the excitotoxicity driver NMDA receptor (NMDAR), and in sudden pathophysiological conditions of the brain, e.g., stroke, several lines of evidence link DAPK1 with t…
In vivo angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibition by long-term intake of antihypertensive lactoferrin hydrolysate in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Abstract We evaluated the effect of the long-term intake of a bovine lactoferrin hydrolysate enriched in low molecular weight peptides (LFH in vivo mechanism of action. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats received tap water (negative control), captopril (positive control, 76 mg/kg/day), LFH in vivo mechanism for the antihypertensive effect of long-term oral administration of LFH
Transient focal cerebral ischemia significantly alters not only EAATs but also VGLUTs expression in rats: relevance of changes in reactive astroglia
The involvement of plasma membrane glutamate transporters (EAATs - excitatory aminoacid transporters) in the pathophysiology of ischemia has been widely studied, but little is known about the role of vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) in the ischemic process. We analyzed the expression of VGLUT1-3 in the cortex and caudate-putamen of rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Western blot and immunohistochemistry revealed an increase of VGLUT1 signal in cortex and caudate-putamen until 3 days of reperfusion followed by a reduction 7 days after the ischemic insult. By contrast, VGLUT2 and 3 were drastically reduced. Confocal microscopy revealed an increase in VGLUT2…
Comparison of the contractile effects of endothelin-1 and sarafotoxin S6b in goat isolated cerebral arteries
1. The effects of endothelium-derived endothelin-1 and snake venom-derived sarafotoxin S6b, peptides with striking structural and functional similarities, were examined and compared in isolated middle cerebral arteries of goats. 2. Endothelin-1 and sarafotoxin S6b contracted cerebral arteries in a concentration-dependent manner. The potency of endothelin-1 (EC50 = 4.9 (3.9-6.2) x 10(-10) M) was about ten times higher than that of sarafotoxin S6b (EC50 = 5.5 (4.4-6.9) x 10(-9) M). The tension returned to basal values after repeated washings and contraction with endothelin-1 could be reproduced. Endothelin-1 and sarafotoxin S6b induced further contraction in arteries precontracted with prosta…
Novel Antihypertensive Lactoferrin-Derived Peptides Produced by Kluyveromyces marxianus: Gastrointestinal Stability Profile and In Vivo Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibition
Novel antihypertensive peptides released by Kluyveromyces marxianus from bovine lactoferrin (LF) have been identified. K. marxianus LF permeate was fractionated by semipreparative high performance liquid chromatography and 35 peptides contained in the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory fractions were identified by using an ion trap mass spectrometer. On the basis of peptide abundance and common structural features, six peptides were chemically synthesized. Four of them (DPYKLRP, PYKLRP, YKLRP, and GILRP) exerted in vitro inhibitory effects on ACE activity and effectively decreased systolic blood pressure after oral administration to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Stab…
Molecular mechanisms mediating the neuroprotective role of the selective estrogen receptor modulator, bazedoxifene, in acute ischemic stroke: A comparative study with 17β-estradiol
As the knowledge on the estrogenic system in the brain grows, the possibilities to modulate it in order to afford further neuroprotection in brain damaging disorders so do it. We have previously demonstrated the ability of the selective estrogen receptor modulator, bazedoxifene (BZA), to reduce experimental ischemic brain damage. The present study has been designed to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in such a neuroprotective action by investigating: 1) stroke-induced apoptotic cell death; 2) expression of estrogen receptors (ER) ERα, ERβ and the G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER); and 3) modulation of MAPK/ ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. For comparison, …
Intravenous SPION-labeled adipocyte-derived stem cells targeted to the brain by magnetic attraction in a rat stroke model: An ultrastructural insight into cell fate within the brain
Abstract Mesenchymal stem cell therapy after stroke is a promising option investigated in animal models and clinical trials. The intravenous route is commonly used in clinical settings guaranteeing an adequate safety profile although low yields of engraftment. In this report, rats subjected to ischemic stroke were injected with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) applying an external magnetic field in the skull to retain the cells. Although most published studies demonstrate viability of ADSCs, only a few have used ultrastructural techniques. In our study, the application of a local magnetic force resulted in a tendency for hig…
Reduction of infarct size by the NO donors sodium nitroprusside and spermine/NO after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats
Nitric oxide (NO) plays a dual role (neuroprotection and neurotoxicity) in cerebral ischemia. NO promoting strategies may be beneficial shortly after ischemia. Therefore, we have studied the hemodynamic and possible neuroprotective effects of two NO donors, the classical nitrovasodilator sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and the NONOate spermine/NO, after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Parietal cortical perfusion was measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry. The effects of increasing intravenous doses (10-300 microgram) of sodium nitroprusside and spermine/NO on cortical perfusion and arterial blood pressure were assessed. Transient (2 h) focal cerebral ischemia was carried out by the intra…
Dairy yeasts produce milk protein-derived antihypertensive hydrolysates
Abstract The potential of 20 dairy yeast strains belonging to Debaryomyces hansenii , Kluyveromyces lactis and Kluyveromyces marxianus species was examined for the production of milk protein-derived antihypertensive hydrolysates. For this purpose yeast strains were grown in microbiological medium with casein or lactoferrin as sole nitrogen source, and the inhibitory effects of casein and lactoferrin hydrolysates (CSHs and LFHs) on angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity were determined. Based on the ACE-inhibitory activity, four CSHs and five LFHs were selected, and permeate fractions with molecular masses lower than 3 kDa (pCSHs and pLFHs) were obtained. In vitro ACE-inhibitory pote…
The MDM2-p53 pathway is involved in preconditioning-induced neuronal tolerance to ischemia
Brain preconditioning (PC) refers to a state of transient tolerance against a lethal insult that can be evoked by a prior mild event. It is thought that PC may induce different pathways responsible for neuroprotection, which may involve the attenuation of cell damage pathways, including the apoptotic cell death. In this context, p53 is a stress sensor that accumulates during brain ischemia leading to neuronal death. The murine double minute 2 gene (MDM2), a p53-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase, is the main cellular antagonist of p53, mediating its degradation by the proteasome. Here, we study the role of MDM2-p53 pathway on PC-induced neuroprotection both in cultured neurons (in vitro) and rat …
Lactoferricin B-derived peptides with inhibitory effects on ECE-dependent vasoconstriction
Endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE), a key peptidase in the endothelin (ET) system, cleaves inactive big ET-1 to produce active ET-1, which binds to ET(A) receptors to exert its vasoconstrictor and pressor effects. ECE inhibition could be beneficial in the treatment of hypertension. In this study, a set of eight lactoferricin B (LfcinB)-derived peptides, previously characterized in our laboratory as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides, was examined for their inhibitory effects on ECE. In vitro inhibitory effects on ECE activity were assessed using both the synthetic fluorogenic peptide substrate V (FPS V) and the natural substrate big ET-1. To study vasoactive effects, an…