Homocysteine & Angiotensin II in Renovascular Remodeling

University Of Louisville, Louisville KY

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Although it is not clear whether hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), an elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level, causes hypertension, recent clinical data suggest an association between systolic hypertension and HHcy. Both angiotensin II (Ang II) and Hcy decrease blood flow; however, the role of Hcy in Ang II mediated decrease in blood flow and vascular density is unclear. Interestingly, preliminary studies of this proposal suggest that Ang II increases plasma Hcy level in mice. Treatment of Ang II animals with folic acid (FA) decreases plasma Hcy and mitigates hypertension. Based on our preliminary studies, in this proposal, we hypothesize that HHcy decreases blood flow in part by decreasing vascular density, increasing oxidative, pro-inflammatory, pro-fibrotic and anti-angiogenic factors in Ang II mediated renovascular remodeling. FA treatment through Hcy clearance mechanism reduces plasma Hcy level that mitigates renal remodeling. The hypothesis will be tested by following their specific aims: (1) To determine whether the Hcy contributes to Ang II hypertension, in part, by inducing oxidative stress (Nox2, gp47phox, Nox4 and mtROS), exacerbating renal inflammation by inducing MCP-1, MIP-2, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and if FA ameliorates these changes; (2) To determine whether the Hcy instigates Ang II hypertension and renovascular fibrosis, in part, by inducing collagen IV, MMP-2, -9, -13; TIMP-1,-2, -3, -4; and if FA mitigates this renovascular fibrosis; and (3) To determine whether the Hcy promotes Ang II hypertension and decreases renovascular blood flow, in part, by unbalancing of angiogenic (VEGF) and anti-angiogenic factors (angiostatin and endostatin), and if FA increases vascular density and blood flow. WT (C57BL/6J) mouse, genetic mouse model of HHcy (CBS) and mouse deficient with angiotensin receptor I (AT1R-/-) will be used in this study. In WT and CBS mice, hypertension will be created by infusing Ang II (1000 ng/kg/min for 4 weeks) through alzet mini pump. Control animals will receive only vehicle. In a separate group of animals FA (0.015g/L, in drinking water) will be introduced after 2 weeks of Ang II infusion and will be continued until the end of experiments (total 2 weeks). Appropriate FA controls will be used. AT1R-/- mice will be treated with or without Hcy (1.8 g/L for 4 weeks) to determine whether the effect of HHcy is AT1R dependent. Ambulatory blood pressure will be measured by DSI radiotelemetry (model TA11PA- C10). Plasma Hcy will be measured by HPLC. Vascular density will be measured by in vivo soft-tissue Barium sulfate-contrast X-ray angiography and renal cortical blood flow by moorFLPI full-filled laser perfusion imager. Renal function will be determined by measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Histological kidney sections will be used to detect ROS, collagen, mesangial widening and podocyte injury. Plasma MCP-1, MIP-2, VCAM- 1 and ICAM-1 will be measured by ELISA. Tissue collagen, MMPs, TIMPs, Nox2, p47phox, Nox4, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 protein expressions will be measured by Western blot and immunostaining. MMPs activities will be measured by in gel zymography, TIMPs activity by reverse zymography, and mRNA abundance by Q-PCR. In addition to confirming the preliminary studies, the scope of the research will be extended to understand the implications of FA treatment in Ang II-induced hypertension to modulate pro-inflammatory, pro-fibrotic and anti- angiogenic factors. The results of this study will increase our understanding of role of Hcy in Ang II hypertension and renovascular remodeling. Additionally, the research outcome will provide the missing information of HHcy as a potential risk factor of renovascular fibrosis, which exacerbates hypertension, and will lead to develop or modify current therapeutic strategies of renovascular disease.