Title
The angiotensin-(1-7)/mas axis counteracts angiotensin II-dependent and -independent pro-inflammatory signaling in human vascular smooth muscle cells
Date Issued
01 January 2016
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Villalobos L.A.
Hipólito-Luengo Á.S.
Cercas E.
Vallejo S.
Romero A.
Romacho T.
Carraro R.
Sánchez-Ferrer C.F.
Peiró C.
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Publisher(s)
Frontiers Media S.A.
Abstract
Background and Aims: Targeting inflammation is nowadays considered as a challenging pharmacological strategy to prevent or delay the development of vascular diseases. Angiotensin-(1-7) is a member of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that binds Mas receptors and has gained growing attention in the last years as a regulator of vascular homeostasis. Here, we explored the capacity of Ang-(1-7) to counteract human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) inflammation triggered by RAS-dependent and -independent stimuli, such as Ang II or interleukin (IL)-1β. Methods and Results: In cultured HASMC, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the release of nitric oxide were stimulated by both Ang II and IL-1β, as determined by Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence or the Griess method, respectively. iNOS induction was inhibited by Ang-(1-7) in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect was equally blocked by two different Mas receptor antagonists, A779 and D-Pro7-Ang-(1-7), suggesting the participation of a unique Mas receptor subtype. Using pharmacological inhibitors, the induction of iNOS was proven to rely on the consecutive upstream activation of NADPH oxidase and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Indeed, Ang-(1-7) markedly inhibited the activation of the NADPH oxidase and subsequently of NF-κB, as determined by lucigenin-derived chemiluminescence and electromobility shift assay, respectively. Conclusion: Ang-(1-7) can act as a counter-regulator of the inflammation of vascular smooth muscle cells triggered by Ang II, but also by other stimuli beyond the RAS. Activating or mimicking the Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis may represent a pharmacological opportunity to attenuate the pro-inflammatory environment that promotes and sustains the development of vascular diseases.
Volume
7
Issue
DEC
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Farmacología, Farmacia
Subjects
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85009168545
Source
Frontiers in Pharmacology
ISSN of the container
16639812
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus