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Reactive oxygen species are an important element of redox regulation in cells and tissues. During physiological processes, molecules undergo chemical changes caused by reduction and oxidation reactions. Free radicals are involved in interactions with other molecules, leading to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress works two ways depending on the levels of oxidizing agents and products. Excessive action of oxidizing agents damages biomolecules, while a moderate physiological level of oxidative stress (oxidative eustress) is necessary to control life processes through redox signaling required for normal cellular operation. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediate pathological changes. Oxidative stress helps to regulate cellular phenotypes in physiological and pathological conditions. Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, NFE2L2) transcription factor functions as a target nuclear receptor against oxidative stress and is a key factor in redox regulation in hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Nrf2 mediates transcriptional regulation of a variety of target genes. The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE system regulates many detoxification and antioxidant enzymes in cells after the exposure to reactive oxygen species and electrophiles. Activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling is differentially regulated during acute and chronic stress. Keap1 normally maintains Nrf2 in the cytosol and stimulates its degradation through ubiquitination. During acute oxidative stress, oxidized molecules modify the interaction of Nrf2 and Keap1, when Nrf2 is released from the cytoplasm into the nucleus where it binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE). This triggers the expression of antioxidant and detoxification genes. The consequence of long-term chronic oxidative stress is activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta) inhibiting Nrf2 activity and function. PPARgamma (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) is a nuclear receptor playing an important role in the management of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. PPARgamma targeting of genes with peroxisome proliferator response element (PPRE) has led to the identification of several genes involved in lipid metabolism or oxidative stress. PPARgamma stimulation is triggered by endogenous and exogenous ligands - agonists and it is involved in the activation of several cellular signaling pathways involved in oxidative stress response, such as the PI3K/Akt/NOS pathway. Nrf2 and PPARgamma are linked together with their several activators and Nrf2/ARE and PPARgamma/PPRE pathways can control several types of diseases.

Background: Large epidemiological studies point towards a link between the incidence of arterial hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, metabolic disease and exposure to traffic noise, supporting t...

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a nuclear receptor and nutrition factor which takes part in the cellular signaling by several agonists such as pioglitazone. PPARγ can serve as potential target in treatments of metabolic syndrome diseases and/or hypertension. In the present study we investigated the effects of pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, on hypertension development in young and adult borderline hypertensive rats (BHR). In renal signaling we observed connections between PPARγ and Nrf2, antioxidant in adult animals and differences between young and adult BHR in Nrf2-activated detoxificant outputs (NQO1, HO-1) and NO-synthases. Blood pressure in animals had been detected by cuff plethysmography, cell signaling in the kidney was studied by gene expression determination using qPCR, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was measured by radioactive detection. Pioglitazone treatment in adult BHR caused no detectable changes in antioxidant and detoxificant responses. The main effects were observed in blood pressure improvement, endothelial NOS expression and NOS activities in both young and adult BHR.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) belong to the nuclear superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. PPARγ acts as a nutrient sensor that regulates several homeostatic functions. Its disruption can lead to vascular pathologies, disorders of fatty acid/lipid metabolism and insulin resistance. PPARγ can modulate several signaling pathways connected with blood pressure regulation. Firstly, it affects the insulin signaling pathway and endothelial dysfunction by modulation of expression and/or phosphorylation of signaling molecules through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS or MAPK/ET-1 pathways. Secondly, it can modulate gene expression of the renin- angiotensin system – cascade proteins, which potentially slow down the progression of atherosclerosis and hypertension. Thirdly, it can modulate oxidative stress response either directly through PPAR or indirectly through Nrf2 activation. In this context, activation and functioning of PPARγ is very important in the regulation of several disorders such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and/or metabolic syndrome.

Deficiency of nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress can be a cause, a consequence, or, more often, a potentiating factor for hypertension and hypertensive renal disease. Both NO and superoxide anions are radical molecules that interact with each other, leading to oxidative damage of such organs as the kidney. In the present study, we investigated the effect of chronic-specific (neuronal NOS inhibition) and nonspecific NOS inhibition on the oxidative state and antioxidant response and associated oxidative damage of the kidney of young normotensive and hypertensive rats. Young male normotensive Wistar rats (WRs, age 4 weeks) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs, age 4 weeks) were divided into three groups for each strain by the type of administered compounds. The first group was treated with 7-nitroindazole (WR+7-NI; SHR+7-NI), the second group was treated with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (WR+L-NAME; SHR+L-NAME), and the control group was treated with pure drinking water (WR; SHR) continuously for up to 6 weeks. Systolic blood pressure increased in WR+L-NAME after the first week of administration and increased slightly in SHR+L-NAME in the third week of treatment. 7-NI had no effect on blood pressure. While total NOS activity was not affected by chronic NOS inhibition in any of the WR groups, it was attenuated in SHR+7-NI and SHR+L-NAME. Nitration of proteins (3-nitrotyrosine expression) was significantly reduced in WR+7NI but not in WR+L-NAME and increased in SHR+7-NI and SHR+L-NAME. Immunoblotting analysis of SOD isoforms showed decreased SOD2 and SOD3 expressions in both WR+7-NI and WR+L-NAME followed by increased SOD activity in WR+L-NAME. Conversely, increased expression of SOD2 and SOD3 was observed in SHR+L-NAME and SHR+7-NI, respectively. SOD1 expression and total activity of SOD did not change in the SHR groups. Our results show that the antioxidant defense system plays an important role in maintaining the oxidative state during NO deficiency. While the functioning antioxidant system seeks to balance the oxidation state in the renal cortex of normotensive WRs, the impaired antioxidant activity leads to the development of oxidative damage of proteins in the kidney induced by peroxynitrite in SHRs.

Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production can influence blood pressure regulation and increase hypertension. Asymmetric dimethylarginine, ADMA, an analogue of L-arginine, can inhibit NO synthesis, impair endothelial function, and is a risk marker of cardiovascular diseases. Homocysteine (Hcy) level affects oxidative stress production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hypertension and also influences changes in signaling and cell damage. The present study was focused on experimental effects of exogenous NOS inhibitors and their effect on ADMA, an endogenous NOS inhibitor, homocysteine and ROS production measured as reactive oxidative metabolites (ROM). We compared effects of the two potential exogenous NO-inhibitors: NG-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and 7-nitroindazole (7-NI). Levels of ADMA, Hcy, ROM and total thiols (TTL) were not changed in the L-NAME group. With 7-NI administration, we observed unchanged NOS activity in the left ventricle and a pronounced decrease of ADMA and Hcy levels, accompanied by ROM over-production in plasma. TTL/ROM ratio was more favorable than in the L-NAME group. We observed that 7-NI, an exogenous NOinhibitor, can decrease and improve the levels of ADMA, Hcy, and ROM, and increase TTL/ROM ratio in the plasma of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) might induce transcription and expression of different antioxidant enzymes and also of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms. Thus, we aimed at studying the effect of NF-κB inhibition, caused by JSH-23 (4-methyl-N1-(3-phenyl-propyl)-benzene-1,2-diamine) injection, on ROS and NO generation in hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HTG) rats. 12-week-old, male Wistar and HTG rats were treated with JSH-23 (bolus, 10μmol, i.v.). After one week, blood pressure (BP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, SOD1, endothelial NOS (eNOS), and NF-κB (p65) protein expressions were higher in the heart of HTG rats compared to control rats. On the other hand, NOS activity was decreased. In HTG rats, JSH-23 treatment increased BP and heart conjugated dienes (CD) concentration (measured as the marker of tissue oxidative damage). Concomitantly, SOD activity together with SOD1 expression was decreased, while NOS activity and eNOS protein expression were increased significantly. In conclusion, NF-κB inhibition in HTG rats led to decreased ROS degradation by SOD followed by increased oxidative damage in the heart and BP elevation. In these conditions, increased NO generation may represent rather a counterregulatory mechanism activated by ROS. Nevertheless, this mechanism was not sufficient enough to compensate BP increase in HTG rats.

Quercetin (QCT) is flavonoid that possesses various biological functions including anti-oxidative and radical-scavenging activities. Moreover, QCT exerts some preventive actions in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of present study was to explore effects of prolonged administration of QCT on changes induced by repeated application of doxorubicin (DOX) in rat hearts. We focused on the ultrastructure of myocardium, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), biometric parameters, and apoptosis induction. Our aim was also to examine effects of QCT on ischemic tolerance in hearts exposed to chronic effects of DOX, and to determine possible mechanisms underlying effects of QCT. Our results showed that QCT prevented several negative chronic effects of DOX: (I) reversed DOX-induced blood pressure increase, (II) mediated improvement of deleterious effects of DOX on ultrastructure of left ventricle, (III) prevented DOX-induced effects on tissue MMP-2 activation, and (iv) reversed effects of DOX on apoptosis induction and superoxide dismutase inhibition. Moreover, we showed that rat hearts exposed to effects of QCT were more resistant to ischemia/reperfusion injury. Effects of QCT on modulation of ischemic tolerance were linked to Akt kinase activation and connexin-43 up-regulation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that prolonged treatment with QCT prevented negative chronic effects of DOX on blood pressure, cellular damage, MMP-2 activation, and apoptosis induction. Moreover, QCT influenced myocardial responses to acute ischemic stress. These facts bring new insights into mechanisms of QCT action on rat hearts exposed to the chronic effects of DOX.

Although the role of nitric oxide (NO) in essential hypertension is still unclear, the effects of long-term NO deficiency have not yet been investigated during the critical juvenile period in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We aimed to analyze the effects of chronic NO synthase (NOS) inhibition on systolic blood pressure (sBP), vasoactivity, morphological changes and superoxide level in the thoracic aorta (TA), NOS activity in different tissues, and general biomarkers of oxidative stress in plasma of young SHR. Four-week-old SHR were treated with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 4-5 weeks. L-NAME treatment induced a transient sBP increase only, and surprisingly, slightly inhibited endothelium-dependent relaxation of TA. Hereby, the inhibition of NOS activity varied from tissue to tissue, ranging from the lowest in the TA and the kidney to the highest in the brain stem. In spite of an increased sensitivity of adrenergic receptors, the maximal adrenergic contraction of TA was unchanged, which was associated with changes in elastin arrangement and an increase in wall thickness. The production of reactive oxygen species in the TA was increased; however, the level of selected biomarkers of oxidative stress did not change. Our findings proved that the TA of young SHR responded to chronic NO deficiency by the development of adaptive mechanisms on the functional (preserved NO-derived vasorelaxation, unincreased contraction) and molecular (preserved NOS activity) level.

Background The brain stem contains important nuclei that control cardiovascular function via the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is strongly influenced by nitric oxide. Its biological activity is also largely determined by oxygen free radicals. Despite many experimental studies, the role of AT1R-NAD(P)H oxidase-superoxide pathway in NO-deficiency is not yet sufficiently clarified. We determined changes in free radical signaling and antioxidant and detoxification response in the brain stem of young and adult Wistar rats during chronic administration of exogenous NO inhibitors. Methods Young (4 weeks) and adult (10 weeks) Wistar rats were treated with 7-nitroindazole (7-NI group, 10 mg/kg/day), a specific nNOS inhibitor, with NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME group, 50 mg/kg/day), a nonspecific NOS inhibitor, and with drinking water (Control group) during 6 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was measured by non-invasive plethysmography. Expression of genes (AT1R, AT2R, p22phox, SOD and NOS isoforms, HO-1, MDR1a, housekeeper GAPDH) was identified by real-time PCR. NOS activity was detected by conversion of [3H]-L-arginine to [3H]-L-citrulline and SOD activity was measured using UV VIS spectroscopy. Results We observed a blood pressure elevation and decrease in NOS activity only after L-NAME application in both age groups. Gene expression of nNOS (youngs) and eNOS (adults) in the brain stem decreased after both inhibitors. The radical signaling pathway triggered by AT1R and p22phox was elevated in L-NAME adults, but not in young rats. Moreover, L-NAME-induced NOS inhibition increased antioxidant response, as indicated by the observed elevation of mRNA SOD3, HO-1, AT2R and MDR1a in adult rats. 7-NI did not have a significant effect on AT1R-NADPH oxidase-superoxide pathway, yet it affected antioxidant response of mRNA expression of SOD1 and stimulated total activity of SOD in young rats and mRNA expression of AT2R in adult rats. Conclusion Our results show that chronic NOS inhibition by two different NOS inhibitors has age-dependent effect on radical signaling and antioxidant/detoxificant response in Wistar rats. While 7-NI had neuroprotective effect in the brain stem of young Wistar rats, L-NAME- induced NOS inhibition evoked activation of AT1R-NAD(P)H oxidase pathway in adult Wistar rats. Triggering of the radical pathway was followed by activation of protective compensation mechanism at the gene expression level. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12929-017-0366-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Introduction NO inhibition can influence blood pressure regulation and increase hypertension. Asymmetric dimethylarginine ADMA, is an analogue of L-arginine and its elevation inhibits NO synthesis, impairs endothelial function and is risk marker of cardiovascular diseases. In hypertension also reactive oxygen metabolites influence changes in signalisation and cell damages. In our study we focus on changes in ADMA level and oxidative stress in NO sythase inhibitors (L-NAME and 7-nitroindazole) treatment. Materials and Methods Spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) were chronically treated (up to 6 weeks) by L-NAME (50mg/kg) or 7NI (10mg/kg) and were comparing with control group. HPLC method withfluorescence detection has beenused to simultaneously analyse the levels of L-arginineand methylated stereoisomers: ADMA and SDMA. Plasma samples underwent solid-phase extraction followed by derivatization. Data acquisitions were achieved either using a classical standard method from calibration curve of an internal standard N-monomethyl-L-arginine- MMA (method 1) or using the method of several standard addition from linear regression extrapolation (method 2). Redox status has been determined by comparision of TTL vs. ROM level in plasma. Reactive oxygen metabolites – dROMsassay (Diacron, Grosseto, Italy) is a spectrophotometric method for determination of the hydroperoxides concetration reacting with a chromogenic substrate to develop a colored derivative. Total thiols levels -TTL assay (RelAssay, Gaziantep, Turkey) is based on the ability of free thiol groups to develop a colored complex when reacted with 5,5-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB). The color intensity is directly related to the thiol groups which are not affected by oxidation. ROM and TTL plasma biomarkers were measured on a clinical autoanalyzerUnicelDxC 800 (Beckman-Coulter, Woerden, the Netherlands). Results and discussion Effects of the two potential exogenous NO-inhibitors: L-NAME and 7-NI, were compared. ADMA level, ROS and TTL have not been changed in the L-NAME group comparing to control SHR. Hovewer the administration of 7-NI markedly decreased the ADMA over-production in plasma (7NI 0,0630±0,012 µM vs Control 0,208± 0,033µM) and also increased and improve TTL/ROM redox level comparing to L-NAME group. It has been observed that 7-NI exogenous NO-inhibitor can correlated levels of ADMA, ROM and TTL in plasma of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) can elevate inhibition of NO synthesis as a risk marker of cardiovascular diseases. Reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) inhibit elevated ADMA level and is connected with homocysteine (Hcy). In our study we focused on ADMA and Hcy level changes and ROM in plasma of young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in chronic treatment by NO-sythase inhibitors (L-NAME and 7-nitroindazole). HPLC method with fluorescence detection has been used to analyse the levels of ADMA. Detection of Hcy has been measured by UV absorbance 340 nm (Analytx, Slovakia). Reactive oxygen metabolites – dROMs assay and Total thiols levels -TTL assay and TTL vs. ROM level in plasma was detected by clinical autoanalyzer UnicelDxC 800 (Beckman-Coulter, Netherlands). ADMA level, Hcy level, ROM and TTL has not been changed in the L-NAME. In 7-NI group was observed markedly decrease the ADMA overproduction, which was correlated with Hcy level decrease and redox status of ROM in plasma. Changes among total TTL and ROM production (TTL/ROM) has been improved redox level in 7-NI group comparing to L-NAME. It has been observed that 7-NI can influence decrease of ADMA,=Hcy, ROS level and improved TTL/ROM in SHR.

This study investigated the influence of chronic crowding stress on nitric oxide (NO) production, vascular function and oxidative status in young Wistar-Kyoto (WKY), borderline hypertensive (BHR) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) female rats. Five-week old rats were exposed to crowding for two weeks. Crowding elevated plasma corticosterone(P<0.05)and accelerated BP (P<0.01versus basal) only in BHR. NO production and superoxide concentration were significantly higher in the aortas of control BHR and SHR versus WKY. Total acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation in the femoral artery was reduced in control SHR versus WKY and BHR, and stress did not affect it significantly in any genotype. The attenuation of ACh-induced relaxation in SHR versus WKY was associated with reduction of its NO-independent component. Crowding elevated NO production in all strains investigated but superoxide concentration was increased only in WKY, which resulted in reduced NO-dependent relaxation in WKY. In crowded BHR and SHR, superoxide concentration was either unchanged or reduced, respectively, but NO-dependent relaxation was unchanged in both BHR and SHR versus their respective control group. This study points to genotype-related differences in stress vulnerability in young female rats. The most pronounced negative influence of stress was observed in BHR despite preserved endothelial function.

PPARγ plays an important role in kidney physiology of cardiovascular system, contributes in hypertension and signaling pathways. In our study we focused on the effect of PPARγ agonist pioglitazone (PIO) on the RAS, redox regulation, NOS activities, redox regulation and ADMA levels in two models of young borderline hypertensive (BHR) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. Gene expression was detected by qRT-PCR. Protein level was determined using Western blot analysis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities was determined spectrophotometrically and with radioactive method. ADMA levels has been analysed by HPLC method with fluorescence detection. PIO decreased (in BHR) and slowed blood pressure development (in SHR). Gene and protein expressions of NOS isoforms and total NOS activities was improved in both experimental rats and affected ADMA changes. In AT1R/NADPH - oxidase pathway the treatment was not significantly influenced, but mRNA expression in Mas, AT2R receptors and redox regulation (Nrf2 and SOD isoforms) was up-regulated. The largest effect of PPARγ has been observed in SOD1, SOD3 and Mas receptor genes in different way: SOD1 was increased in SHR and Mas receptor in BHR rats.

L1210/VCR cell line (R) was obtained by adaptation of the L1210 mouse leukaemia cells (S) to vincristine and showed P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated multidrug resistance (MDR). R cells were observed to be more sensitive to high external calcium as parental S. More pronounced calcium uptake was observed for R cells. Moreover, differences in intracellular calcium cell localization between S and R cells were found ultrastructurally following a calcium precipitating cytochemical method. In S cells, calcium precipitates were found to be localized predominantly along the cell surface coat and within mitochondria delineating the cristae. In R cells, precipitates were also found inside nuclei, at the border of heterochromatin clumps, and scattered within the cytoplasm. High extracellular calcium did not influence the P-gp mediated extrusion of calcein/AM as P-gp substrate. These results indicate that calcium enters and consequently damages the MDR cells to a higher extent than parental cells.

Dysregulation of redox- sensitive signaling plays an important role in develompment of hypertension. PPAR gamma belongs to nuclear receptors and is a potent nutritional sensor and redox regulator. In our study we focused on the role of PPAR gamma activation of RAS/ROS regulation, and antioxidant response in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Treatment was performed by gavage with PPAR gamma agonist pioglitazone (PIO - 10 mg/kg/day, 10 days). Treatment with PPAR gamma agonist PIO in influenced blood pressure, redox- sensitive responses, lipid profile and homocystein level in age- dependent manner. The improvement parameters in hypertension and redox regulation have been observed in young animals, but not in adult SHR rats. PIO treatment influenced redox regulation (gene expression of Nrf2 and SOD isoforms) correlated with SOD a CAT activity and NO bioavailibility. PPAR gamma activation has been corelated with downregulation of and AT1R - RAS axis and „up-regulation“ of AT2R and Mas receptor. This most sensitive tissue responses in RAS/ROS signaling and NO level have been found primary in kidney of young hypertensive rats.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is chemotherapeutic agent frequently used in treatment of many types of malignancies. Limitation of its use is toxicity on several organs. The aim of study was to investigate mechanisms involved in chronic effects of DOX on rat hearts and to search for effects of flavonoid quercetin (QCT) on DOX-induced changes. In the study, male Wistar rats were used. DOX was administered by i.p. injection of seven doses (cumulative dose 15 mg.kg-1). QCT (20 mg/kg/day) was administered 3 weeks during and 3 weeks after DOX treatment. DOX induced subcellular alterations of cardiomyocytes and disorganizations of cardiac extracellular space. Effects of DOX were associated with MMP-2 activation, decreased SOD activity, increased superoxide content, caspase-3 activation, and iNOS induction. QCT prevented the deleterious effects of DOX on ultrastructure of the tissue of left ventricle and reversed the DOX-induced effects on MMP-2 activation. QCT application also prevented effects of DOX on apoptosis induction and SOD inhibition. Moreover, QCT increased myocardial resistance to ischemia/reperfusion injury in DOX-treated rat hearts. These effects of QCT were linked to Akt kinase/GSK-3s/beta-catenin signaling and associated with connexin-43 up-regulation.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is rapidly becoming prevalent worldwide, is long known to be associated with hypertension and recently with oxidative stress. Of note is that oxidative stress in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), where sympathetic premotor neurons reside, contributes to sympathoexcitation and hypertension. This study sought to identify the source of tissue oxidative stress in RVLM and their roles in neural mechanism of hypertension associated with MetS. Adult normotensive rats subjected to a high-fructose diet for 8 weeks developed metabolic traits of MetS, alongside increases in sympathetic vasomotor activity and blood pressure. In RVLM of these MetS rats, the tissue level of reactive oxygen species was increased, nitric oxide (NO) was decreased, and mitochondrial electron transport capacity was reduced. Whereas the protein expression of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) or protein inhibitor of nNOS was increased, the ratio of nNOS dimer/monomer was significantly decreased. Oral intake of pioglitazone or intracisternal infusion of tempol or coenzyme Q 10 significantly abrogated all those molecular events in high-fructose diet–fed rats and ameliorated sympathoexcitation and hypertension. Gene silencing of protein inhibitor of nNOS mRNA in RVLM using lentivirus carrying small hairpin RNA inhibited protein inhibitor of nNOS expression, increased the ratio of nNOS dimer/monomer, restored NO content, and alleviated oxidative stress in RVLM of high-fructose diet–fed rats, alongside significantly reduced sympathoexcitation and hypertension. These results suggest that redox-sensitive and protein inhibitor of nNOS–mediated nNOS uncoupling is engaged in a vicious cycle that sustains the production of reactive oxygen species in RVLM, resulting in sympathoexcitation and hypertension associated with MetS.

The photoeffect of new proflavine derivatives with DNA-binding and antitumour activities, 3,6-bis((1-alkyl-5-oxo-imidazolidin-2-yliden)imino)acridine hydrochlorides (AcrDIMs), was studied to evaluate them as potential photosensitizers for photodynamic antitumor therapy. EPR measurements showed that superoxide radical anion and singlet oxygen were produced upon irradiation of AcrDIMs with UV-A light (>300 nm) in the presence of molecular oxygen. This indicates that AcrDIMs may act as photosensitizers. The most active pentyl-AcrDIM and hexyl-AcrDIM displayed photocytotoxic effect toward the mouse lymphocytic leukemia cell line L1210 and human ovarian cancer cells A2780. Antitumor activity of pentyl-AcrDIM increased as high as about 12 times (72 h incubation) after irradiation of A2780 cells (365 nm, 1.05 J/cm2). The photocytotoxicity seems to be associated with oxidative stress. Concerning the cell cycle, flow cytometry showed an arrest in the S-phase already 4 h after irradiation. In a comet assay, no genotoxicity of AcrDIMs was found. Typical morphologic changes and formation of DNA-ladders indicated induction of apoptotic cell death, though no activation of caspase-3 was observed. Investigation of intracellular localization of pentyl-AcrDIM confirmed its partial accumulation in mitochondria and lysosomes. After irradiation of the A2780 cells, colocalization of pentyl-AcrDIM with monodansylcadaverine, a lysosomal dye, was proven, suggesting that lysosomes in the irradiated cells may be involved in the cell death.

While the unequivocal pattern of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibition in cardiovascular control is recognized, the role of NO produced by neuronal NOS (nNOS) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of chronic treatment with 7-nitroindazole (7-NI, nNOS inhibitor) and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME, general and predominantly eNOS inhibitor) on cardiovascular system of young normotensive rats. Wistar rats (4 weeks old) were used: controls and rats administered either 7-NI (10 mg/kg bw/day) or L-NAME (50 mg/kg bw/day) in drinking water for 6 weeks. The systolic blood pressure (sBP) was measured by plethysmographic method, and the vasoactivity of isolated arteries was recorded. 7-NI-treatment did not affect sBP; however, the sBP was increased after L-NAME-treatment. L-NAME inhibited acetylcholine-induced relaxation of thoracic aorta (TA), whereas it remained unchanged after 7-NI-treatment. The response of TA to sodium nitroprusside was increased in both experimental groups. The expression of eNOS and nNOS in TA was unchanged in both experimental groups, whereas the activity of NOS was decreased in L-NAME-treated group. Noradrenaline- and angiotensin II-induced contractions of TA were reduced in L-NAME-treated group; however, the contractions remained unchanged in 7-NI-treated group. In all groups, the endogenous angiotensin II participated in adrenergic contraction of TA; this contribution was significantly increased in L-NAME-treated group. Neurogenic contractions in mesenteric artery (MA) remained unchanged after 7-NI-treatment, but increased after L-NAME-treatment. Results show that NO deficiency induced by administration of 7-NI and L-NAME had different cardiovascular effects: eNOS and nNOS triggered distinct signaling pathways in young normotensive rats.

PPARγ receptor plays an important role in oxidative stress response. Its agonists can influence vascular contractility in experimental hypertension. Our study was focused on the effects of a PPARγ agonist pioglitazone (PIO) on blood pressure regulation, vasoactivity of vessels, and redox-sensitive signaling at the central (brainstem, BS) and peripheral (left ventricle, LV) levels in young prehypertensive rats. 5-week-old SHR were treated either with PIO (10 mg/kg/day, 2 weeks) or with saline using gastric gavage. Administration of PIO significantly slowed down blood pressure increase and improved lipid profile and aortic relaxation after insulin stimulation. A significant increase in PPARγ expression was found only in BS, not in LV. PIO treatment did not influence NOS changes, but had tissue-dependent effect on SOD regulation and increased SOD activity, observed in LV. The treatment with PIO differentially affected also the levels of other intracellular signaling components: Akt kinase increased in the the BS, while β-catenin level was down-regulated in the BS and up-regulated in the LV. We found that the lowering of blood pressure in young SHR can be connected with insulin sensitivity of vessels and that β-catenin and SOD levels are important agents mediating PIO effects in the BS and LV., PPAR Research, 2013, ISSN:1687-4757, ISSN:1687-4765

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced in the endothelium in response to vasorelaxants, such as acetylcholine, and acts on vascular smooth muscle cells to induce vasorelaxation. Previously, we found that the smooth muscle of endothelium-denuded arteries expresses functional NO synthase. We hypothesized that the destruction of arterial anatomical integrity induced by denuding arteries of their endothelial layers causes the vessels to become insensitive to vasodilators as a consequence of oxidative stress. In this study, we examined whether the acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation observed in deendothelialized arteries is mediated by NO and/or affected by oxidative stress. For functional relaxation studies, the isolated thoracic aorta and pulmonary artery of male Wistar rats were used. Vessel superoxide production was assessed in preserved and endothelium-denuded arteries by the lucigenin chemiluminescence method. In all arteries with intact endothelia, acetylcholine evoked vasorelaxation; this effect was inhibited in endothelium-denuded rings. Pretreatment of denuded rings with the free-radical scavenger tempol improved acetylcholine-induced relaxation. This effect was inhibited by the coadministration of 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-α]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, or N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of NO synthase. The chemiluminescent assay revealed that endothelial denudation of both vessel types increased the production of superoxide radicals which has been decreased after tempol administration. Our results show that non-endothelial NO could represent an additional source of physiologically active NO and that the insensitivity of endothelium-denuded vessels to vasodilators could be a consequence of oxidative stress. These findings question the concept that endothelial cells play an obligatory role in vasorelaxation.

We aimed to perform a chemical analysis of both Alibernet red wine and an alcohol-free Alibernet red wine extract (AWE) and to investigate the effects of AWE on nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production as well as blood pressure development in normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Total antioxidant capacity together with total phenolic and selected mineral content was measured in wine and AWE. Young 6-week-old male WKY and SHR were treated with AWE (24,2 mg/kg/day) for 3 weeks. Total NOS and SOD activities, eNOS and SOD1 protein expressions, and superoxide production were determined in the tissues. Both antioxidant capacity and phenolic content were significantly higher in AWE compared to wine. The AWE increased NOS activity in the left ventricle, aorta, and kidney of SHR, while it did not change NOS activity in WKY rats. Similarly, increased SOD activity in the plasma and left ventricle was observed in SHR only. There were no changes in eNOS and SOD1 expressions. In conclusion, phenolics and minerals included in AWE may contribute directly to increased NOS and SOD activities of SHR. Nevertheless, 3 weeks of AWE treatment failed to affect blood pressure of SHR.

To investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the responses of rats to a prolonged doxorubicin (DOX) treatment. Male Wistar rats were used. DOX was administered by intraperitoneal injections of seven doses (cumulative dose was 15 mg/kg). Control animals were treated with saline. Tissue or plasma samples were collected at four and eight weeks after the application of the last dose. Protein levels were determined by immunoblot assay, and MMP activities were measured by gelatin zymography. Superoxide content was analyzed using a lucigenin chemiluminescence assay and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities with a SOD assay kit. Qualitative structural alterations of the heart were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Systolic blood pressure was higher in DOX-treated rats as compared with the control rats at 8 weeks after treatment. In contrast, there were no differences in the heart rate between the control and DOX-treated rats. DOX treatment caused marked heterogeneous subcellular alterations of cardiomyocytes and structural disorganizations of the cardiac extracellular space. The effects of DOX were linked to a stimulation of plasma MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities that had already increased by 4 weeks after the end of the treatment. In the left ventricle, however, DOX only led to increased MMP-2 activation at 8 weeks after the end of treatment. These changes in tissue MMP-2 were connected with stimulation of Akt kinase activation, inhibition of SOD, an increase in superoxide levels, induction of iNOS protein expression and caspase-3 activation. Our results show that MMPs are involved in the chronic cardiotoxicity of DOX in rats. The data also suggest that reactive oxygen species (superoxide), NO production (iNOS) and the Akt kinase pathway can modulate MMP-2 activities in rat hearts influenced by DOX.

Nitric oxide (NO) produced by endothelium in response to vasorelaxants, such as acetylcholine, induces vasorelaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). It has been found that VSMC express NO-synthase, however, the principal question remained unanswered, if it is physiologically relevant. Because injury of endothelium triggers free-radical production which decreases NO availability we hypothesized that the destruction of arterial anatomical integrity by rubbing off endothelial layer made vessels insensitive to vasodilators as a consequence of oxidative stress. We examined acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation in deendothelized thoracic aorta (TA), mesenteric artery (MA) and pulmonary artery (PA) of Wistar rats under protection against oxidative stress. Acetylcholine produced vasorelaxation in arteries with intact endothelium, whereas the relaxation in endothelium-denuded ringswas inhibited. Pretreatment of TA,MAandPAdenuded ringswith tempol, free-radical scavenger, improved relaxation to acetylcholine compared to untreated rings. The improved relaxation in all denuded rings was inhibited when ODQ, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, or L-NAME, an inhibitor of NOsynthase, were administered contemporary with tempol. Chemiluminiscence method revealed that endothelial denudation of TA and PA increased the production of superoxides. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed expression of NOS3-isoform in both intimal and medial cells in all arteries. Results revealed that deendothelized arteries under protection against oxidative stress exerted relaxation to acetylcholine which was mediated by NO and cGMP. The study suggests that VSMC can release NO in amounts sufficient to account for the vasorelaxation. This finding challenges the concept of the exclusive role of endothelial cells in the relaxation of VSMC.

This paper reviews and compares major approaches and strategies to modulation of antioxidative response in the therapy of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.There are two major strategies of modulation of antioxidative response in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases: (i) modulation of NO levels by NOS stimulation, increase of NO bioavailability, administration of NO, and NOS gene incorporation; (ii) scavenging of superoxide and suppression of oxidative stress by activation of antioxidant gene expression or by suppression of selected genes by RNA silencing. These strategies are accomplished by several concepts, including (1) delivery of external agents, (2) antioxidant gene therapy and RNA silencing, and (3) combined therapies and approaches.Combined therapies and approches often achieve multiplicative effects and are the most promising attitude in antioxidant-oriented therapy of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

The status of nitric oxide (NO) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) is unclear and its bioavailability may be affected by imbalance with reactive oxygen species. We studied cardiovascular effects of an NO donor, pentaerythrityl tetranitrate (PETN) in SHR. We used Wistar rats, SHR and SHR treated with PETN (200 mg/kg/day). After six weeks, myocardium and aorta from each group were taken for biochemical and iliac artery for functional and morphological study. Long-term administration of PETN to SHR increased cGMP level in platelets and did not affect blood pressure. In myocardium, the therapy resulted in a decrease in cardiac hypertrophy and MDA level, and the increased antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). In aorta, PETN decreased the NO-synthase activity and had no affect on the enzyme activities of SOD and GPx or on MDA level. In the iliac artery, the endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine was slightly improved and the maximum vasoconstriction to noradrenaline was decreased. Wall thickness, cross-sectional area, inner diameter, and wall thickness/ inner diameter measured after perfusion fixation (120 mmHg) were not affected. The small effect of PETN on cardiovascular system suggests that NO deficiency is probably not the main cause of pathological alterations in SHR.

The attenuated nitric oxide (NO) formation and/or elevated production of reactive oxygen species are often found in experimental and human hypertension. We aimed to determine possible effects of N-acetylcysteine (1.5 g/kg/day) and N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (melatonin, 10 mg/kg/day) in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with established hypertension. After a six-week-treatment, blood pressure was measured and NO synthase (NOS) activity, concentration of conjugated dienes, protein expression of endothelial NOS, inducible NOS and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in the left ventricle were determined. Both treatments improved the NO pathway by means of enhanced NOS activity and reduced reactive oxygen species level as indicated by decreased conjugated diene concentrations and lowered NF-kappaB expression. N-acetylcysteine (but not melatonin) also increased the endothelial NOS protein expression. However, only melatonin was able to reduce blood pressure significantly. Subsequent in vitro study revealed that both N-acetylcysteine and melatonin lowered the tone of phenylephrine-precontracted femoral artery via NO-dependent relaxation. Nevertheless, melatonin-induced relaxation also involved NO-independent component which was preserved even after the blockade of soluble guanylate cyclase by oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one. In conclusion, both N-acetylcysteine and melatonin were able to improve the NO/reactive oxygen species balance in adult SHR, but blood pressure was significantly lowered by melatonin only. This implies that a partial restoration of NO/reactive oxygen species balance achieved by the antioxidants such as N-acetylcysteine has no therapeutic effect in adult rats with established hypertension. The observed antihypertensive effect of melatonin is thus mediated by additional mechanisms independent of NO pathway.

Multidrug resistance of neoplastic tissue is often associated with the overexpression and increased drug transport activity of plasma membrane transporters like P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance associated proteins (MRPs) or breast cancer resistance protein, as well as with the elevation of the glutathione detoxification pathway. We have already described the overexpression of P-gp under the selection pressure of vincristine in L1210 mouse leukemia cells. In the present study, mechanisms of multidrug resistance induced in L1210 cells cultivated in the presence of doxorubicin were analyzed. The selection pressure of both vincristine (yielding a resistant subline of L1210 cells, RV) and doxorubicin (yielding a resistant subline of L1210 cells, RD) induced a dramatic depression of cell sensitivity to both drugs. Both RV and RD cells demonstrated a lack of ability to accumulate calcein/AM and fluo-3/AM as fluorescent substrates of Pgp and MRP. The retention of dyes could be reached in both cell sublines by the application of inhibitors of P-gp (like verapamil) but not by probenecid – an inhibitor of anion transporters, including MRPs. Massive protein bands, at a Mr range of 130–180 kDa that interact with c219 antibody against P-gp, were detected in the crude membrane fraction isolated from both RV and RD (but not from L1210) cells by Western blot. The cytosolic activity of glutathione S-transferase was found to be similar in RV and RD cells and did not differ significantly from the activity ascertained in parental L1210 cells. Neither the RV nor RD cell sublines differed considerably, as measured by cell ultrastructure. In conclusion, based on P-gp overexpression, both doxorubicin and vincristine induce a common multidrug resistance phenotype in L1210 cells. � 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multidrug resistance of murine leukaemic cell line L1210/VCR (obtained by adaptation of parental drug-sensitive L1210 cells to vincristine) is associated with overexpression of mdr1 gene product P-glycoprotein (Pgp)—the ATP-dependent drug efflux pump. 31 P-NMR spectra of L1210 and L1210/VCR cells (the latter in the presence of vincristine) revealed, besides the decrease of ATP level, a considerable lower level of UDP-saccharides in L1210/VCR cells. Histochemical staining of negatively charged cell surface binding sites (mostly sialic acid) by ruthenium red (RR) revealed a compact layer of RR bound to the external coat of sensitive cells. In resistant cells cultivated in the absence or presence of vincristine, the RR layer is either reduced or absent. Consistently, resistant cells were found to be less sensitive to Concanavalin A (ConA). Moreover, differences in the amount and spectrum of glycoproteins interacting with ConA-Sepharose were demonstrated between sensitive and resistant cells. Finally, the content of glycogen in resistant cells is lower than in sensitive cells. All the above facts indicate that multidrug resistance of L1210/VCR cells mediated predominantly by drug efflux activity of Pgp is accompanied by a considerable depression of oligo- and/or polysaccharides biosynthesis.

Several metal complex agents have already been introduced into clinical tumor therapy and others are subject of antitumor studies. In this study we focused on the tetraaza macrocyclic copper complex (Cu(TAAB)Cl-2). We studied the influence of the substance on cell growth, cell cycle, membrane integrity, necrosis, apotosis and glutathione level on the leukemic cell line L1210 in 1-day (22 h) and 3-day (72 h) experiments. The metal complex shows a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect, without affecting cell cycle phases. The present results confirm that copper complex can damage plasmatic membranes and trigger apoptosis, and that after treatment of leukemic cells with the copper complex, glutathione levels were increased. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Benzamide riboside (BR), a new synthetic nucleoside analogue, has demonstrated a potent cytotoxic activity in murine leukemia in vitro. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the antitumor activity of BR in mice bearing leukemia L1210. The results revealed that BR possesses a potent antitumor activity in vivo. It increases life-span of mice with leukemia. Synergistic cytotoxicity of BR with select DNA damaging agents, cisplatin (cis-Pt) and staurosporine (STP) was examined in MTT chemosensitivity assay, FACS analyses and apoptotic DNA fragmentation on L1210 cells in culture. A simultaneous treatment of leukemia L1210 cells with the combination of BR and STP resulted in synergistic cytotoxicity that correlated with increased apoptotic activity in those cells. On the other hand, treatment of L1210 cells with combination of BR and cis-Pt resulted in antagonistic cytotoxic effect. Finally, to elucidate the synergistic effect of BR and STP in inducing apoptosis, the attention was directed to the activation of cell death processes through various cell cycle signals. This is the first report describing in vivo antitumor activity of BR and its utilization in combination chemotherapy.

The present survey summarizes the data about the structure, function and methods of investigation of the natural substance alpha-lipoic acid. This compound is an important growth factor of many microorganisms and at the same time a disulfide cofactor of dehydrogenases in oxidative phosphorylation. It is a physiological constituent of biological membranes, an efficient antioxidant and a scavenger of free radicals. Lipoic acid possesses anticarcinogenic and preventive effects which protect the calls from damage.

Calmodulin (CaM) interactions with bilayer lipid membranes (BLM) were studied by measuring modulus of elasticity in direction perpendicular to the membrane plane (E perpendicular) and intramembrane potential delta psi. Upon interaction of CaM with egg phosphatidylcholine and asolectin BLM the parameter E perpendicular grew slightly (not more than by 10% as compared to the respective vale for nonmodified BLM), suggesting a weak effect on the ordering of the hydrophobic moiety of the lipid bilayer. In the presence of mesocaine (Mes), a calmodulin inhibitor, CaM affected the incorporation of Mes into the membrane. It can be concluded that CaM affects the ordering of the polar (superficial) membrane region.

Mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, particularly in aged population, are not fully elucidated. We have previously shown an increased propensity of old guinea pigs (GPs) heart to inducible AF when comparing to young animals. This study aimed to verify our hypothesis that susceptibility of aged heart to AF may be attributed to abnormalities in myocardial connexin-43 (Cx43) and extracellular matrix that affect cardiac electrical properties. Experiments were conducted on male and female 4-week-old and 24-week-old GPs. Atrial tissue was processed for analysis of Cx43 topology using immunohistochemistry, expression of Cx43 protein using immunobloting, and expression of mRNA of Cx43 and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) using real time PCR. Immunohistochemistry revealed uniform Cx43 distribution predominantly on lateral sides of the cardiomyocytes of young male and female GP atria. In contrast, non-uniform distribution, mislocalization and reduced immunolabeling of Cx43 were detected in atria of old GPs. In parallel, the atrial tissue levels of Cx43 mRNA were significantly decreased, while mRNA expression of MMP-2 was significantly increased in old versus young GPs. The changes were more pronounced in old GPs males comparing to females. Findings indicate that age-related down-regulation of atrial Cx43 and up-regulation of MMP-2 as well as disordered Cx43 distribution can facilitate development of AF in old guinea pig hearts.

The macrocyclic Cu(II)-tetraanhydroaminobenzaldehyde complex Cu(TAAB)C12 induces various cytotoxic effects in the dependence on a cell line, concentration and time of exposition. The highest complex concentration of 914 nmol/l induces degeneration of certain part of the HeLa cells population after 24 hours of cultivation. The concentration of 183 nmol/l causes a delayed cytotoxic effect on HeLa and HepG2 cells. After 24 hours of culturing 15.4-28.4% of cell population proliferated but after 48 and 72 hours 2.0-42.3% of the cell population degenerated. The cytotoxic effect on V79 cells is directly dependent on the actual concentration and time of the complex influence. The cytotoxic concentrations of Cu(TAAB)Cl2 induce an integrity damage of cytoplasmatic membrane and two phase unbalanced growth. Cu(TAAB)Cl2 possesses an antileukemic activity which at the dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight is not accompanied by side toxic effects on mice.