Cadmium exposure activates NADPH oxidase, renin–angiotensin system and cyclooxygenase 2 pathways in arteries, inducing hypertension and vascular damage

Exposure to high concentrations of cadmium (Cd), widely used in many industries and found in air, food and contaminated water, is not uncommon. Cd damages the cardiovascular system, but the vascular mechanisms involved are not fully understood. This study investigated the mechanisms involved in cardiovascular damage after exposure to high Cd concentrations. Three-month-old male Wistar rats were treated intraperitoneally for 14 days with distilled water (Untreated group) or 1 mg/kg cadmium chloride (Cd group). We investigated the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and vascular reactivity of mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA) and the aorta by analysing contractile and relaxation responses in the absence and presence of the endothelium; we also evaluated pathways involved in vascular tone regulation. Superoxide anion production, COX-2 protein expression and in situ detection of COX-2, AT-1, and NOX-1 were evaluated. Oxidative status, creatinine level and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in plasma were also evaluated. Fourteen-day exposure to a high Cd concentration induced hypertension associated with vascular dysfunction in MRA and the aorta. In both vessels, there was increased participation of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor and NOX1. MRA also presented endothelial dysfunction, denoted by impaired acetylcholine-mediated relaxation. All vascular changes were accompanied by increased reactive oxygen species production and COX2, NOX1 and AT1 receptor expression in vascular tissue. Overall, high Cd concentrations induced cardiovascular damage: hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage in conductance and resistance arteries, NADPH oxidase, renin–angiotensin system and COX2 pathway activation.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Gomes Pinheiro Júnior, José Eudes, Zambelli Moraes, Paola, Diaz Rodriguez, Marina, Ronacher Simões, Maylla, Cibin, Francielli, Pinton, Simone, Barbosa Junior, Fernando, Peçanha, Franck Maciel, Vassallo, Dalton Valentim, Miguel, Marta, Wiggers, Giulia Alessandra
Other Authors:	Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (Brasil)
Format:	artículo biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier 2020
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/10261/228542 http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100003593 http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100002322 http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001807 http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100004263 http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100010598 http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100011033
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