0000000000461572
AUTHOR
Thomas Czech
Stimulation of the AT2 receptor reduced atherogenesis in ApoE−/−/AT1A−/− double knock out mice
AT1 receptor blockers (ARB) and in part ACE inhibitors (ACI) potentially exert beneficial effects on atherogenesis independent of AT1 receptor inhibition. These pleiotropic effects might be related to angiotensin II mediated activation of the AT2 receptor. To analyze this hypothesis we investigated the development of atherosclerosis and the role of ACIs and ARBs in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice and in ApoE/AT1A receptor double knockout mice (ApoE(-/-)/AT1A(-/-)). ApoE(-/-) mice and ApoE(-/-)/AT1A(-/-) mice were fed cholesterol-rich diet for 7 weeks. Vascular oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerotic lesion formation were evident in ApoE(-/-) mice, but were…
Physical inactivity increases oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis.
Objective— Sedentary lifestyle is associated with increased cardiovascular events. The underlying molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. An important source of vascular ROS is the NADPH oxidase. Methods and Results— C57BL6 mice were subjected to regular housing (physical inactivity) or voluntary training on running wheels (6 weeks). Inactivity increased vascular lipid peroxidation to 148±9% and upregulated superoxide release to 176±17% (L-012 chemiluminescence) and 188±29% (cytochrome C reduction assay), respectively. ROS production was predominantly increased in the endothelium and the medi…