LEONARDO JENSEN SOCAS
Projetos de Pesquisa
Unidades Organizacionais
LIM/59 - Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina
14 resultados
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Agora exibindo 1 - 10 de 14
- Treatment of rabbits with atherosclerosis induced by cholesterol feeding with daunorubicin associated to a lipid core nanoparticle (LDE)(2023) ALBUQUERQUE, Camila Inagaki; TAVARES, Elaine Rufo; GUIDO, Maria Carolina; CARVALHO, Priscila Oliveira; TAVONI, Thauany Martins; LOPES, Natalia Menezes; SILVA, Bruna Miranda de Oliveira; JENSEN, Leonardo; STOLF, Noedir Antonio Groppo; MARANHA, Raul CavalcanteAtherosclerosis is a cell-proliferative, chronic inflammatory process. The aim was to investigate whether lipid core nanoparticles (LDE) carrying the anti-cancer agent daunorubicin could have anti-atherosclerotic effects. LDE is taken-up by cellular lipoprotein receptors and is capable of concentrating incorporated drugs in inflammed tissues. New Zealand male rabbits were fed 1% cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. Then, animals were treated with LDE-daunorubicin (6 mg/kg/week, IV, n = 9) or with LDE only (n = 7). Atherosclerotic lesions in LDE-daunorubicin group were 50% smaller than in LDE group. In LDE-daunorubicin, protein expressions of the pro-inflammatory markers CD68, TNF-alpha IL-6 and gene expression MCP-1 were lower than in LDE. Gene expression of IL-1 beta, IL-18 and IL-10 were similar. Protein expressions of VEGF and of pro-apoptotic caspase 3, caspase 9 and BAX, and both protein and gene expressions of VCAM-1 were all lower in LDE-daunorubicin. Gene expression of MMP-12 and protein expression of MMP-2 were lower in LDE-daunorubicin, but MMP-9 was not different. Daunorubicin is known as cardiotoxic, but at echocardiography, LDE-daunorubicin had no differences in arch aorta diameters, systolic and diastolic function and in cardiac hypertrophy compared to LDE group. LDEdaunorubicin was capable of reducing atherosclerotic lesions by different mechanisms without observable toxicities.
- Anserine is expressed in human cardiac and skeletal muscles(2023) GONCALVES, Livia de Souza; PEREIRA, Wagner Ribeiro; SILVA, Rafael Pires da; YAMAGUCHI, Guilherme Carvalho; CARVALHO, Victor Henrique; VARGAS, Bianca Scigliano; JENSEN, Leonardo; MEDEIROS, Marisa Helena Gennari de; ROSCHEL, Hamilton; ARTIOLI, Guilherme GianniniWe evaluated whether anserine, a methylated analog of the dipeptide carnosine, is present in the cardiac and skeletal muscles of humans and whether the CARNMT1 gene, which encodes the anserine synthesizing enzyme carnosine-N-methyltransferase, is expressed in human skeletal muscle. We found that anserine is present at low concentrations (low micromolar range) in both cardiac and skeletal muscles, and that anserine content in skeletal muscle is similar to 15 times higher than in cardiac muscle (cardiac muscle: 10.1 +/- 13.4 mu mol.kg(-1) of dry muscle, n = 12; skeletal muscle: 158.1 +/- 68.5 mu mol.kg(-1) of dry muscle, n = 11, p < 0.0001). Anserine content in the heart was highly variable between individuals, ranging from 1.4 to 45.4 mu mol.kg(-1) of dry muscle, but anserine content was not associated with sex, age, or body mass. We also showed that CARNMT1 gene is poorly expressed in skeletal muscle (n = 10). This is the first study to demonstrate that anserine is present in the ventricle of the human heart. The presence of anserine in human heart and the confirmation of its expression in human skeletal muscle open new avenues of investigation on the specific and differential physiological functions of histidine dipeptides in striated muscles.
- Treatment With Methotrexate Associated With Lipid Core Nanoparticles Prevents Aortic Dilation in a Murine Model of Marfan Syndrome(2022) GUIDO, Maria Carolina; LOPES, Natalia de Menezes; ALBUQUERQUE, Camila Inagaki; TAVARES, Elaine Rufo; JENSEN, Leonardo; CARVALHO, Priscila de Oliveira; TAVONI, Thauany Martins; DIAS, Ricardo Ribeiro; PEREIRA, Lygia da Veiga; LAURINDO, Francisco Rafael Martins; MARANHAO, Raul CavalcanteIn Marfan syndrome (MFS), dilation, dissection, and rupture of the aorta occur. Inflammation can be involved in the pathogenicity of aortic defects and can thus be a therapeutic target for MFS. Previously, we showed that the formulation of methotrexate (MTX) associated with lipid nanoparticles (LDE) has potent anti-inflammatory effects without toxicity. To investigate whether LDEMTX treatment can prevent the development of aortic lesions in the MFS murine model. Mg Delta loxPneo MFS (n = 40) and wild-type (WT, n = 60) mice were allocated to 6 groups weekly injected with IP solutions of: (1) only LDE; (2) commercial MTX; (3) LDEMTX (dose = 1mg/kg) between 3rd and 6th months of life. After 12 weeks of treatments, animals were examined by echocardiography and euthanatized for morphometric and molecular studies. MFS mice treated with LDEMTX showed narrower lumens in the aortic arch, as well as in the ascending and descending aorta. LDEMTX reduced fibrosis and the number of dissections in MFS but not the number of elastic fiber disruptions. In MFS mice, LDEMTX treatment lowered protein expression of pro-inflammatory factors macrophages (CD68), T-lymphocytes (CD3), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), apoptotic factor cleaved-caspase 3, and type 1 collagen and lowered the protein expression of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and SMAD3. Protein expression of CD68 and CD3 had a positive correlation with an area of aortic lumen (r(2) = 0.36; p < 0.001), suggesting the importance of inflammation in the causative mechanisms of aortic dilation. Enhanced adenosine availability by LDEMTX was suggested by higher aortic expression of an anti-adenosine A2a receptor (A2a) and lower adenosine deaminase expression. Commercial MTX had negligible effects. LDEMTX prevented the development of MFS-associated aortic defects and can thus be a candidate for testing in clinical studies.
- Histidine dipeptides are key regulators of excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac muscle: Evidence from a novel CARNS1 knockout rat model(2021) GONCALVES, Livia de Souza; SALES, Lucas Peixoto; SAITO, Tiemi Raquel; CAMPOS, Juliane Cruz; FERNANDES, Alan Lins; NATALI, Jose; JENSEN, Leonardo; ARNOLD, Alexandre; RAMALHO, Lisley; BECHARA, Luiz Roberto Grassmann; ESTECA, Marcos Vinicius; CORREA, Isis; SANT'ANNA, Diogo; CERONI, Alexandre; MICHELINI, Lisete Compagno; GUALANO, Bruno; TEODORO, Walcy; CARVALHO, Victor Henrique; VARGAS, Bianca Scigliano; MEDEIROS, Marisa Helena Gennari; BAPTISTA, Igor Luchini; IRIGOYEN, Maria Claudia; SALE, Craig; FERREIRA, Julio Cesar Batista; ARTIOLI, Guilherme GianniniHistidine-containing dipeptides (HCDs) are abundantly expressed in striated muscles. Although important properties have been ascribed to HCDs, including H+ buffering, regulation of Ca2+ transients and protection against oxidative stress, it remains unknown whether they play relevant functions in vivo. To investigate the in vivo roles of HCDs, we developed the first carnosine synthase knockout (CARNS1-/-) rat strain to investigate the impact of an absence of HCDs on skeletal and cardiac muscle function. Male wild-type (WT) and knockout rats (4 months-old) were used. Skeletal muscle function was assessed by an exercise tolerance test, contractile function in situ and muscle buffering capacity in vitro. Cardiac function was assessed in vivo by echocardiography and cardiac electrical activity by electrocardiography. Cardiomyocyte contractile function was assessed in isolated cardiomyocytes by measuring sarcomere contractility, along with the determination of Ca2+ transient. Markers of oxidative stress, mitochondrial function and expression of proteins were also evaluated in cardiac muscle. Animals were supplemented with carnosine (1.8% in drinking water for 12 weeks) in an attempt to rescue tissue HCDs levels and function. CARNS1-/- resulted in the complete absence of carnosine and anserine, but it did not affect exercise capacity, skeletal muscle force production, fatigability or buffering capacity in vitro, indicating that these are not essential for pH regulation and function in skeletal muscle. In cardiac muscle, however, CARNS1-/- resulted in a significant impairment of contractile function, which was confirmed both in vivo and ex vivo in isolated sarcomeres. Impaired systolic and diastolic dysfunction were accompanied by reduced intracellular Ca2+ peaks and slowed Ca2+ removal, but not by increased markers of oxidative stress or impaired mitochondrial respiration. No relevant increases in muscle carnosine content were observed after carnosine supplementation. Results show that a primary function of HCDs in cardiac muscle is the regulation of Ca2+ handling and excitation-contraction coupling.
- Blood-brain barrier lesion-a novel determinant of autonomic imbalance in heart failure and the effects of exercise training(2023) RAQUEL, Hiviny de Ataides; PEREGO, Sany M.; MASSON, Gustavo S.; JENSEN, Leonardo; COLQUHOUN, Alison; MICHELINI, Lisete C.Heart failure (HF) is characterized by reduced ventricular function, compensatory activa-tion of neurohormonal mechanisms and marked autonomic imbalance. Exercise training (T) is effective to reduce neurohormonal activation but the mechanism underlying the au-tonomic dysfunction remains elusive. Knowing that blood-brain barrier (BBB) lesion con-tributes to autonomic imbalance, we sought now to investigate its involvement in HF-and exercise-induced changes of autonomic control. Wistar rats submitted to coronary artery ligation or SHAM surgery were assigned to T or sedentary (S) protocol for 8 weeks. After hemodynamic/autonomic recordings and evaluation of BBB permeability, brains were har-vesting for ultrastructural analysis of BBB constituents, measurement of vesicles trafficking and tight junction's (TJ) tightness across the BBB (transmission electron microscopy) and caveolin-1 and claudin-5 immunofluorescence within autonomic brain areas. HF-S rats ver-sus SHAM-S exhibited reduced blood pressure, augmented vasomotor sympathetic activity, increased pressure and reduced heart rate variability, and, depressed reflex sensitivity. HF-S also presented increased caveolin-1 expression, augmented vesicle trafficking and a weak TJ (reduced TJ extension/capillary border), which determined increased BBB permeability. In contrast, exercise restored BBB permeability, reduced caveolin-1 content, normalized vesicles counting/capillary, augmented claudin-5 expression, increased TJ tightness and selectivity simultaneously with the normalization of both blood pressure and autonomic bal-ance. Data indicate that BBB dysfunction within autonomic nuclei (increased transcytosis and weak TJ allowing entrance of plasma constituents into the brain parenchyma) underlies the autonomic imbalance in HF. Data also disclose that exercise training corrects both tran-scytosis and paracellular transport and improves autonomic control even in the persistence of cardiac dysfunction.
- Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate sepsis-induced organ injury partially via cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway activation(2020) CAPCHA, Jose Manuel Condor; RODRIGUES, Camila Eleuterio; MOREIRA, Roberto de Souza; SILVEIRA, Marcelo Duarte; DOURADO, Paulo; SANTOS, Fernando dos; IRIGOYEN, Maria Claudia; JENSEN, Leonardo; GARNICA, Margoth Ramos; NORONHA, Irene L.; ANDRADE, Lucia; GOMES, Samirah AbreuSepsis induces organ dysfunction due to overexpression of the inflammatory host response, resulting in cardiopulmonary and autonomic dysfunction, thus increasing the associated morbidity and mortality. Wharton's jellyderived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) express genes and secrete factors with anti-inflammatory properties, neurological and immunological protection, as well as improve survival in experimental sepsis. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is mediated by alpha 7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (alpha 7nAChRs). which play an important role in the control of systemic inflammation. We hypothesized that WJ-MSCs attenuate sepsis-induced organ injury in the presence of an activated CAP pathway. To confirm our hypothesis, we evaluated the effects of WJ-MSCs as a treatment for cardiopulmonary injury and on neuroimmunomodulation. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (sham-operated); cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) alone; CL.P+WJ-MSCs (1 x 10(6) cells, at 6 h post-CLP); and CLP+methyllycaconifine (MLA)+WJ-MSCs (5 mg/kg body wt, at 53 h post-CLP, and 1 x 10(6) cells, at 6 h post-CLP. respectively). All experiments, including the assessment of echocardiographic parameters and heart rate variability, were performed 24 h after CLP. WJ-MSC treatment attenuated diastolic dysfunction and restored baroreflex sensitivity. WJ-MSCs also increased cardiac sympathetic and cardiovagal activity. WJ-MSCs reduced leukocyte infiltration and proinflammatory cytokines, effects that were abolished by administration of a selective alpha 7nAChR antagonist (MLA). In addition, WJ-MSC treatment also diminished apoptosis in the lungs and spleen. In cardiac and splenic tissue, WJ-MSCs downregulated alpha 7nAChR expression, as well as reduced the phospho-STAT3-tototal STAT3 ratio in the spleen. WJ-MSCs appear to protect against sepsis-induced organ injury by reducing systemic inflammation, at least in part, via a mechanism that is dependent on an activated CAP.
- Empagliflozin Inhibits Proximal Tubule NHE3 Activity, Preserves GFR, and Restores Euvolemia in Nondiabetic Rats with Induced Heart Failure(2021) BORGES-JUNIOR, Avio A.; SANTOS, Danubia Silva dos; BENETTI, Acaris; POLIDORO, Juliano Z.; WISNIVESKY, Aline C. T.; CRAJOINAS, Renato O.; ANTONIO, Ednei L.; JENSEN, Leonardo; CARAMELLI, Bruno; MALNIC, Gerhard; TUCCI, Paulo J.; GIRARDI, Adriana C. C.Background SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of heart failure (HF) mortality and morbidity, regardless of the presence or absence of diabetes, but the mechanisms underlying this benefit remain unclear. Experiments with nondiabetic HF rats tested the hypothesis that the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin (EMPA) inhibits proximal tubule (PT) NHE3 activity and improves renal salt and water handling. Methods Male Wistar rats were subjected to myocardial infarction or sham operation. After 4 weeks, rats that developed HF and sham rats were treated with EMPA or untreated for an additional 4 weeks. Immunoblotting and quantitative RT-PCR evaluated SGLT2 and NHE3 expression. Stationary in vivo microperfusion measured PT NHE3 activity. Results EMPA-treated HF rats displayed lower serum B-type natriuretic peptide levels and lower right ventricle and lung weight to tibia length than untreated HF rats. Uponsaline challenge, the diuretic and natriuretic responses of EMPA-treated HF rats were similar to those of sham rats and were higher than those of untreated HF rats. Additionally, EMPA treatment prevented GFR decline and renal atrophy in HF rats. PT NHE3 activity was higher in HF rats than in sham rats, whereas treatment with EMPA markedly reduced NHE3 activity. Unexpectedly, SGLT2 protein and mRNA abundance were upregulated in the PT of HF rats. Conclusions Prevention of HF progression by EMPA is associated with reduced PTNHE3 activity, restoration of euvolemia, and preservation of renal mass. Moreover, dysregulation of PT SGLT2 may be involved in the pathophysiology of nondiabetic HF.
- Cardioprotection Conferred by Sitagliptin Is Associated with Reduced Cardiac Angiotensin II/Angiotensin-(1-7) Balance in Experimental Chronic Kidney Disease(2019) BERALDO, Juliana Isa; BENETTI, Acaris; BORGES-JUNIOR, Flavio Araujo; ARRUDA-JUNIOR, Daniel F.; MARTINS, Flavia Leticia; JENSEN, Leonardo; DARIOLLI, Rafael; SHIMIZU, Maria Heloisa; SEGURO, Antonio C.; LUCHI, Weverton M.; GIRARDI, Adriana C. C.Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) inhibitors are antidiabetic agents that exert renoprotective actions independently of glucose lowering. Cardiac dysfunction is one of the main outcomes of chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the effects of DPPIV inhibition on cardiac impairment during CKD progression remain elusive. This study investigated whether DPPIV inhibition mitigates cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in rats with a 5/6 renal ablation and evaluated if these effects are associated with changes in the cardiac renin-angiotensin system (RAS). To this end, male Wistar rats underwent a 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) or sham operation, followed by an 8-week treatment period with the DPPIV inhibitor sitagliptin (IDPPIV) or vehicle. Nx rats had lower glomerular filtration rate, overt albuminuria and higher blood pressure compared to sham rats, whereas CKD progression was attenuated in Nx + IDPPIV rats. Additionally, Nx rats exhibited cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, which were associated with higher cardiac DPPIV activity and expression. The sitagliptin treatment prevented cardiac fibrosis and mitigated cardiac hypertrophy. The isovolumic relaxation time (IRVT) was higher in Nx than in sham rats, which was suggestive of CKD-associated-diastolic dysfunction. Sitagliptin significantly attenuated the increase in IRVT. Levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) in the heart tissue from Nx rats were higher while those of angiotensin-(1-7) Ang-(1-7) were lower than that in sham rats. This cardiac hormonal imbalance was completely prevented by sitagliptin. Collectively, these results suggest that DPPIV inhibition may delay the onset of cardiovascular impairment in CKD. Furthermore, these findings strengthen the hypothesis that a crosstalk between DPPIV and the renin-angiotensin system plays a role in the pathophysiology of cardiorenal syndromes.
- A Sodium Oxalate-Rich Diet Induces Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiac Dysfunction in Rats(2021) CRESTANI, Thayane; CRAJOINAS, Renato O.; JENSEN, Leonardo; DIMA, Leno L.; BURDEYRON, Perrine; HAUET, Thierry; GIRAUD, Sebastien; STEICHEN, ClaraChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health issue affecting 14% of the general population. However, research focusing on CKD mechanisms/treatment is limited because of a lack of animal models recapitulating the disease physiopathology, including its complications. We analyzed the effects of a three-week diet rich in sodium oxalate (OXA diet) on rats and showed that, compared to controls, rats developed a stable CKD with a 60% reduction in glomerular filtration rate, elevated blood urea levels and proteinuria. Histological analyses revealed massive cortical disorganization, tubular atrophy and fibrosis. Males and females were sensitive to the OXA diet, but decreasing the diet period to one week led to GFR significance but not stable diminution. Rats treated with the OXA diet also displayed classical CKD complications such as elevated blood pressure and reduced hematocrit. Functional cardiac analyses revealed that the OXA diet triggered significant cardiac dysfunction. Altogether, our results showed the feasibility of using a convenient and non-invasive strategy to induce CKD and its classical systemic complications in rats. This model, which avoids kidney mass loss or acute toxicity, has strong potential for research into CKD mechanisms and novel therapies, which could protect and postpone the use of dialysis or transplantation.
- Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibition Exerts Renoprotective Effects in Rats with Established Heart Failure(2016) ARRUDA-JUNIOR, Daniel F.; MARTINS, Flavia L.; DARIOLLI, Rafael; JENSEN, Leonardo; ANTONIO, Ednei L.; SANTOS, Leonardo dos; TUCCI, Paulo J. F.; GIRARDI, Adriana C. C.Circulating dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) activity is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes in humans and experimental heart failure (HF) models, suggesting that DPPIV may play a role in the pathophysiology of this syndrome. Renal dysfunction is one of the key features of HF, but it remains to be determined whether DPPIV inhibitors are capable of improving cardiorenal function after the onset of HF. Therefore, the present study aimed to test the hypothesis that DPPIV inhibition by vildagliptin improves renal water and salt handling and exerts anti-proteinuric effects in rats with established HF. To this end, male Wistar rats were subjected to left ventricle (LV) radiofrequency ablation or sham operation. Six weeks after surgery, radiofrequency-ablated rats who developed HF were randomly divided into two groups and treated for 4 weeks with vildagliptin (120 mg/kg/day) or vehicle by oral gavage. Echocardiography was performed before (pretreatment) and at the end of treatment (post-treatment) to evaluate cardiac function. The fractional area change (FAC) increased (34 +/- 5 vs. 45 +/- 3%, p < 0.05), and the isovolumic relaxation time decreased (33 +/- 2 vs. 27 +/- 1 ms; p < 0.05) in HF rats treated with vildagliptin (post-treatment vs. pretreatment). On the other hand, cardiac dysfunction deteriorated further in vehicle-treated HF rats. Renal function was impaired in vehicle-treated HF rats as evidenced by fluid retention, low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and high levels of urinary protein excretion. Vildagliptin treatment restored urinary flow. GFR, urinary sodium and urinary protein excretion to sham levels. Restoration of renal function in HF rats by DPPIV inhibition was associated with increased active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) serum concentration, reduced DPPIV activity and increased activity of protein kinase A in the renal cortex. Furthermore, the anti-proteinuric effect of vildagliptin treatment in rats with established HF was associated with upregulation of the apical proximal tubule endocytic receptor megalin and of the podocyte main slit diaphragm proteins nephrin and podocin. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that DPPIV inhibition exerts renoprotective effects and ameliorates cardiorenal function in rats with established HF. Long-term studies with DPPIV inhibitors are needed to ascertain whether these effects ultimately translate into improved clinical outcomes.