scholarly journals The AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Plays a Role in Antioxidant Defense and Regulation of Vascular Inflammation

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Jansen ◽  
Miroslava Kvandová ◽  
Andreas Daiber ◽  
Paul Stamm ◽  
Katie Frenis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Antioxidant Defense ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Amp Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Vascular Oxidative Stress ◽  
Antioxidant Effects

Cardiovascular diseases represent the leading cause of global deaths and life years spent with a severe disability. Endothelial dysfunction and vascular oxidative stress are early precursors of atherosclerotic processes in the vascular wall, all of which are hallmarks in the development of cardiovascular diseases and predictors of future cardiovascular events. There is growing evidence that inflammatory processes represent a major trigger for endothelial dysfunction, vascular oxidative stress and atherosclerosis and clinical data identified inflammation as a cardiovascular risk factor on its own. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a central enzyme of cellular energy balance and metabolism that has been shown to confer cardio-protection and antioxidant defense which thereby contributes to vascular health. Interestingly, AMPK is also redox-regulated itself. We have previously shown that AMPK largely contributes to a healthy endothelium, confers potent antioxidant effects and prevents arterial hypertension. Recently, we provided deep mechanistic insights into the role of AMPK in cardiovascular protection and redox homeostasis by studies on arterial hypertension in endothelial and myelomonocytic cell-specific AMPK knockout (Cadh5CrexAMPKfl/fl and LysMCrexAMPKfl/fl) mice. Using these cell-specific knockout mice, we revealed the potent anti-inflammatory properties of AMPK representing the molecular basis of the antihypertensive effects of AMPK. Here, we discuss our own findings in the context of literature data with respect to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of AMPK in the specific setting of arterial hypertension as well as cardiovascular diseases in general.

Protective Effects of Pomegranate in Endothelial Dysfunction

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (30) ◽  
pp. 3684-3699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie T.B. Delgado ◽  
Wender N. Rouver ◽  
Roger L. dos Santos
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Endothelial Function ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Blood Lipid ◽  
Punica Granatum ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Background: Punica granatum L. is an infructescence native of occidental Asia and Mediterranean Europe, popularly referred to as pomegranate. It has been used in ethnomedicine for several applications, including the treatment of obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and the regulation of blood lipid parameters. Thus, pomegranate has been linked to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases that have endothelial dysfunction as a common factor acting mainly against oxidative stress due to its high polyphenol content. Its biocomponents have antihypertensive, antiatherogenic, antihyperglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which promote cardiovascular protection through the improvement of endothelial function. Methods: Different electronic databases were searched in a non-systematic way to uncover the literature of interest. Conclusion: This review article presents updated information on the role of pomegranate in the context of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. We have shown that pomegranate, or rather its components (e.g., tannins, flavonoids, phytoestrogens, anthocyanins, alkaloids, etc.), have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, improving parameters such as oxidative stress and the enzymatic antioxidant system, reducing reactive oxygen species formation and acting in an anti-inflammatory way. Thus, this review may contribute to a better understanding of pomegranate's beneficial actions on endothelial function and possibly to the development of strategies associated with conventional treatments of cardiovascular diseases.

scholarly journals The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular Diseases

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 755
Author(s):  
Yoana Rabanal-Ruiz ◽  
Emilio Llanos-González ◽  
Francisco J. Alcain
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Contractile Function ◽  
Artery Bypass ◽  
Bypass Graft ◽  
No Bioavailability ◽  
Coq10 Supplementation ◽  
Endogenous Antioxidant

CoQ10 is an endogenous antioxidant produced in all cells that plays an essential role in energy metabolism and antioxidant protection. CoQ10 distribution is not uniform among different organs, and the highest concentration is observed in the heart, though its levels decrease with age. Advanced age is the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and endothelial dysfunction triggered by oxidative stress that impairs mitochondrial bioenergetic and reduces NO bioavailability, thus affecting vasodilatation. The rationale of the use of CoQ10 in cardiovascular diseases is that the loss of contractile function due to an energy depletion status in the mitochondria and reduced levels of NO for vasodilatation has been associated with low endogenous CoQ10 levels. Clinical evidence shows that CoQ10 supplementation for prolonged periods is safe, well-tolerated and significantly increases the concentration of CoQ10 in plasma up to 3–5 µg/mL. CoQ10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and mortality from cardiovascular causes and improves clinical outcome in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, prevents the accumulation of oxLDL in arteries, decreases vascular stiffness and hypertension, improves endothelial dysfunction by reducing the source of ROS in the vascular system and increases the NO levels for vasodilation.

scholarly journals Regulation of miRNAs by Natural Antioxidants in Cardiovascular Diseases: Focus on SIRT1 and eNOS

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 377
Author(s):  
Yunna Lee ◽  
Eunok Im
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Natural Antioxidants ◽  
Sirtuin 1 ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Oxide Synthase ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The potential benefits of natural antioxidants derived from supplemental nutrients against CVDs are well known. Remarkably, natural antioxidants exert cardioprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, increasing vasodilation, and normalizing endothelial dysfunction. Recently, considerable evidence has highlighted an important role played by the synergistic interaction between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in the maintenance of endothelial function. To provide a new perspective on the role of natural antioxidants against CVDs, we focused on microRNAs (miRNAs), which are important posttranscriptional modulators in human diseases. Several miRNAs are regulated via the consumption of natural antioxidants and are related to the regulation of oxidative stress by targeting eNOS and/or SIRT1. In this review, we have discussed the specific molecular regulation of eNOS/SIRT1-related endothelial dysfunction and its contribution to CVD pathologies; furthermore, we selected nine different miRNAs that target the expression of eNOS and SIRT1 in CVDs. Additionally, we have summarized the alteration of miRNA expression and regulation of activities of miRNA through natural antioxidant consumption.

scholarly journals Phytochemical Analysis of Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Mahonia aquifolium Flower and Fruit Extracts

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andra-Diana Andreicut ◽  
Alina Elena Pârvu ◽  
Augustin Cătălin Mot ◽  
Marcel Pârvu ◽  
Eva Fischer Fodor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Tnf Alpha ◽  
Phytochemical Analysis ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Mahonia Aquifolium ◽  
Antioxidant Effects

Oxidative stress and inflammation are interlinked processes. The aim of the study was to perform a phytochemical analysis and to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic Mahonia aquifolium flower (MF), green fruit (MGF), and ripe fruit (MRF) extracts. Plant extract chemical composition was evaluated by HLPC. A DPPH test was used for the in vitro antioxidant activity. The in vivo antioxidant effects and the anti-inflammatory potential were tested on a rat turpentine oil-induced inflammation, by measuring serum nitric oxide (NOx) and TNF-alpha, total oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidant reactivity (TAR), oxidative stress index (OSI), 3-nitrothyrosine (3NT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total thiols (SH). Extracts were administrated orally in three dilutions (100%, 50%, and 25%) for seven days prior to inflammation. The effects were compared to diclofenac. The HPLC polyphenol and alkaloid analysis revealed chlorogenic acid as the most abundant compound. All extracts had a good in vitro antioxidant activity, decreased NOx, TOS, and 3NT, and increased SH. TNF-alpha was reduced, and TAR increased only by MF and MGF. MDA was not influenced. Our findings suggest that M. aquifolium has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that support the use in primary prevention of the inflammatory processes.

Oxidative stress in diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction involvement of nitric oxide and protein kinase C

2003 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 683-694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavia Pricci ◽  
Gaetano Leto ◽  
Lorena Amadio ◽  
Carla Iacobini ◽  
Samantha Cordone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Protein Kinase C ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Kinase C

Abstract 337: Activation of Myocardial AMP-activated Protein Kinase by Metformin Prevents Progression of Heart Failure in Dogs; Involvement of eNOS Activation

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideyuki Sasaki ◽  
Hiroshi Asanuma ◽  
Masashi Fujita ◽  
Hiroyuki Takahama ◽  
Masanori Asakura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Vehicle Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Compound C ◽  
Amp Activated Protein Kinase

Background; Several studies have shown that metformin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which mediates potent cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. AMPK is also activated in experimental failing myocardium, suggesting that activation of AMPK is beneficial for the pathophysiology of heart failure. We investigated whether metformin prevents oxidative stress-induced cell death in rat cardiomyocytes and attenuates the progression of heart failure in dogs. Methods and Results; The treatment with metformin (10 μmol/L) protected the rat cultured cardiomyocytes against cell death due to H 2 O 2 exposure (50 μmol/L) as indicated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), TUNEL staining, and flow cytometry. These effects were blunted by an AMPK inhibitor, compound-C (20 μmol/L), suggesting that the activation of AMPK decreased the extent of apoptosis-induced cell death due to H 2 O 2 exposure. Continuous rapid ventricular pacing (230/min for 4 weeks) in dogs caused heart failure and the treatment with metformin (100 mg/kg/day PO, n=8) decreased left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension (32.8±0.4 vs. 36.5±1.0 mm, p< 0.01) and pressure (11.8±1.1 vs. 22±0.9 mmHg, p< 0.01), and increased LV fractional shortening (18.6±1.8 vs. 9.6±0.7 %, p< 0.01) along with enhanced phosphorylation of AMPK and the decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells of the LV myocardium compared with the vehicle group (n=8). Interestingly, metformin increased the protein and mRNA levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase of the LV myocardium and plasma nitric oxide levels. Metformin improved the plasma insulin resistance without increased myocardial GLUT-4 translocation. Furthermore, the subcutaneous administration of AICAR (50 mg/kg/every other day), another AMPK activator mediated the equivalent effects to metformin, strengthening the pivotal role of AMPK in reduction of apoptosis and prevention of heart failure. Conclusions; Activation of myocardial AMPK attenuated the oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and prevented the progression of heart failure in dogs, along with eNOS activation. Thus, metformin or AICAR may be applicable as a novel therapy for heart failure.

scholarly journals The Role of Uridine Adenosine Tetraphosphate in the Vascular System

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takayuki Matsumoto ◽  
Rita C. Tostes ◽  
R. Clinton Webb
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Vascular Function ◽  
Purinergic Receptors ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Vascular System

The endothelium plays a pivotal role in vascular homeostasis, and endothelial dysfunction is a major feature of cardiovascular diseases, such as arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Recently, uridine adenosine tetraphosphate (Up4A) has been identified as a novel and potent endothelium-derived contracting factor (EDCF). Up4A structurally contains both purine and pyrimidine moieties, which activate purinergic receptors. There is an accumulating body of evidence to show that Up4A modulates vascular function by actions on endothelial and smooth muscle cells. In this paper, we discuss the effects of Up4A on vascular function and a potential role for Up4A in cardiovascular diseases.

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