UMLS:C0020538 - FACTA Search

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Query: UMLS:C0020538 (hypertension)
170,190 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Puberty accelerates microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, including nephropathy. Animal studies confirm a different renal hypertrophic response to diabetes before and after puberty, probably due to differences in the production of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Many of the complex physiological changes during puberty could affect potentially pathogenic mechanisms of diabetic kidney disease. Increased blood pressure, activation of the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor I axis, and production of sex steroids could all play a role in pubertal susceptibility to diabetic renal hypertrophy and nephropathy. These factors may influence the effects of hyperglycemia and several systems that ultimately control TGF-beta production, including the renin-angiotensin system, cellular redox systems, the polyol pathway, and protein kinase C. These phenomena may also explain gender differences in kidney function and incidence of end-stage renal disease. Normal changes during puberty, when coupled with diabetes and superimposed on a genetically susceptible milieu, are capable of accelerating diabetic hypertrophy and microvascular lesions. A better understanding of these processes may lead to new treatments to prevent renal failure in diabetes mellitus.
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PMID:Diabetic kidney disease: impact of puberty. 1221 49

In patients with cyclosporine-induced hypertension, upregulation of the nitric oxide system and oxidative stress were shown, which could induce hypertension, remodeling, and chronic rejection by increasing nitric oxide catabolism. However, it is still debated whether cyclosporine and tacrolimus exert a different action. The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of cyclosporine and tacrolimus on markers of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in kidney transplant patients with posttransplant hypertension. Monocyte p22, a NADH/NADPH system subunit, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and endothelial NOS gene expression were measured in 16 patients. Angiotensin II is a potent stimulator of oxidative stress and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition may blunt this effect. Therefore, the same parameters were measured before and after 2 months of treatment with ramipril (5 mg/d). At baseline, in cyclosporine-and tacrolimus-treated patients, p22 and TGF-beta mRNA were similarly increased in comparison with normotensive healthy controls (0.90 +/- 0.05 d.u. and 0.83 +/- 0.05 in cyclosporine, 0.89 +/- 0.07 and 0.84 +/- 0.05 in tacrolimus; 0.53 +/- 0.07 and 0.75 +/- 0.03 in controls, respectively; p < 0.001). Endothelial NOS mRNA was increased in cyclosporine-and tacrolimus-treated patients in comparison with controls (0.92 +/- 0.09, 0.96 +/- 0.04, and 0.37 +/- 0.05 respectively; p < 0.001), whereas no difference was found between patients and controls in HO-1 mRNA. Ramipril reduced blood pressure (from 140 +/- 11/91 +/- 7 mm Hg to 129 +/- 6/85 +/- 5 mm Hg in cyclosporine and from 138 +/- 7/92 +/- 7 mm Hg to 127 +/- 10/82 +/- 6 mm Hg in tacrolimus group; p < 0.02 with no difference between groups). Ramipril also reduced p22 (to 0.83 +/- 0.05 in cyclosporine, p < 0.03 and to 0.81 +/- 0.08 in tacrolimus; p < 0.01) and TGF-beta mRNA (to 0.72 +/- 01 in cyclosporine, p < 0.02, and to 0.73 +/- 0.05 in tacrolimus; p < 0.01) with no difference between groups, but it did not change HO-1 and ecNOS mRNA. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus induce a comparable oxidative stress in kidney transplant patients with posttransplant hypertension. The association of ramipril normalizes blood pressure and reduces the oxidative stress induced by both drugs.
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PMID:Oxidative stress in kidney transplant patients with calcineurin inhibitor-induced hypertension: effect of ramipril. 1235 26

Primary pulmonary hypertension has been described as either sporadic or clustered in families. Familial primary pulmonary hypertension segregates as an autosomal dominant trait with markedly reduced disease gene penetrance. Defects within bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II gene, coding for a receptor member of the transforming growth factor-beta family, underlie familial primary pulmonary hypertension. Several lines of evidence point to the potential requirement of additional factors, either environmental or genetic, in the pathogenesis of the disease. In addition, a proportion of so-called sporadic primary pulmonary hypertension turns out to have an inherited basis, as demonstrated by germline bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II gene mutations. Analysis of cases in association with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia led to the demonstration that pulmonary arterial hypertension can involve activin-receptor-like kinase 1 mutations, a type I transforming growth factor-beta receptor. These findings emphasise the critical role of the transforming growth factor-beta signalling pathway in pulmonary arterial hypertension. While this achievement has generated extreme interest, the pathobiology of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension remains unclear and genomic approaches to pulmonary hypertension research may identify additional molecular determinants for this disorder. Finally, there is an urgent need to develop relevant guidelines for genetic counselling to assist patients, their relatives and pulmonary vascular specialists to utilise these recent observations.
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PMID:Genetics of pulmonary hypertension: from bench to bedside. 1235 20

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is characterised by the presence of pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure >25 mmHg at rest or >30 mmHg during exercise ) and normal pulmonary wedge pressure (<12 mmHg). Several risk factors for pulmonary arterial hypertension have been described. In the absence of any factor or condition suspected to play a causal or facilitating role in the process, pulmonary hypertension is "unexplained" (primary pulmonary hypertension, PPH). PPH is a rare condition, with an estimated incidence of 2 per million people. Recent genetic studies have identified mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor-II (BMPR-II) gene, a receptor member of the transforming growth factor-beta family, in a majority of familial cases of PPH. Interestingly, 25% of patients displaying sporadic PPH may also have mutations in the BMPR-II gene, emphasising the relevance of genetic susceptibility for this severe condition. Other molecular and biochemical processes behind the complex vascular changes associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension are currently investigated. Type 1a glycogen storage disease caused by a deficiency of glucose-6-phosphatase has an estimated incidence of 1 per 100000 with a few reported cases of unexplained severe pulmonary hypertension. The occurrence of pulmonary arterial hypertension in type 1a glycogen storage disease could be due to vasoconstrictive amines such as serotonin, a pulmonary vasoconstrictor and growth factor for vascular smooth muscle cells stored in platelets.
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PMID:Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension in type 1 glycogen storage disease. 1237 80

The past two decades have yielded major advances in our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms that cause diabetic nephropathy. Of particular interest is the emerging paradigm of the recapitulation of developmental programmes within the diabetic kidney. Recently we have used the complementary techniques of suppression subtractive hybridization and Affymetrix GeneChips to assess changes in gene expression in human mesangial cells subjected to high ambient glucose concentrations and cyclic mechanical strain in vitro, the latter being models of hyperglycaemia and glomerular hypertension, respectively. In this review, we will focus on the potential role of one such differentially expressed gene, namely gremlin, in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. In the context of developmental nephrology, gremlin warrants special mention. Gremlin is a 184 amino acid protein and a member of the cysteine knot superfamily. The protein is highly conserved during evolution and is present in soluble and cell-associated forms. It belongs to a novel family of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists that includes the head-inducing factor Cerberus and the tumour suppressor DAN. These proteins play important roles in limb development and neural crest cell differentiation. Evidence will be presented that mesangial cell gremlin expression is up-regulated by high ambient glucose, cyclic mechanical strain and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and that gremlin may be an important modulator of mesangial cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation in a diabetic milieu.
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PMID:Gremlin: an example of the re-emergence of developmental programmes in diabetic nephropathy. 1238 93

We recently reported that overexpression of the angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor downregulates the AT1a receptor through the bradykinin/NO pathway in a ligand-independent manner in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In the present study, we investigated the effect of AT2 receptor overexpression on the expression of the AT1a receptor and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) receptor subtypes in VSMCs from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Transfection of the AT2 receptor gene downregulated expression of the AT1a receptor in VSMCs from WKY, but did not affect expression of the AT1a receptor in VSMCs from SHR. Transfection of the AT2 receptor abolished DNA synthesis in response to angiotensin II in VSMCs from WKY; in VSMCs from SHR, basal DNA synthesis was suppressed, but DNA synthesis in response to Ang II was not altered. The NO substrate L-arginine augmented downregulation of the AT1a receptor in VSMCs from WKY, whereas it did not affect expression of the AT1a receptor in VSMCs from SHR. In response to AT2 receptor transfection, expression of TGF-beta type I receptor mRNA was suppressed significantly in VSMCs from WKY, whereas expression of TGF-beta type I receptor was not altered in VSMCs from SHR. These results suggest that the AT2 receptor downregulates AT1a and TGF-beta type I receptors in normal VSMCs, but not in SHR-derived VSMCs. The lack of downregulation of the AT1a receptor may contribute, in part, to the exaggerated growth of VSMCs from SHR.
Hypertension 2002 Dec
PMID:Effect of AT2 receptor on expression of AT1 and TGF-beta receptors in VSMCs from SHR. 1246 69

In addition to hyperglycemia, hypertension and the renin-angiotensin system have been consistently implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Each of these pathogenetic factors may induce changes in cellular function by a common intracellular signaling pathway, the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) beta. The present study thus sought to determine the in vivo effect of PKC beta inhibition in experimental diabetic nephropathy in the setting of continued hyperglycemia, hypertension, and activation of the RAS. Studies were conducted in the (mRen-2)27 rat, a rodent that is transgenic for the entire mouse renin gene (Ren-2) and develops many of the structural, functional, and molecular characteristics of human diabetic nephropathy when experimental diabetes is induced with streptozotocin (STZ). Six-week-old female Ren-2 rats received an injection of STZ or vehicle and were maintained for 6 months. Within 24 h, diabetic rats were further randomized to receive treatment with the specific PKC beta inhibitor, LY333531, admixed in diet (10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) or no treatment (n = 8/group). Diabetic rats developed albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis with a concomitant increase in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Western blot analysis demonstrated increased PKC beta in diabetic animals, localized by immunofluorescence to the glomerular mesangium. In vivo inhibition of PKC beta with LY333531 led to a reduction in albuminuria, structural injury, and TGF-beta expression, despite continued hypertension and hyperglycemia.
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PMID:Protein kinase C beta inhibition attenuates the progression of experimental diabetic nephropathy in the presence of continued hypertension. 1254 Jun 29

Etiopathogenesis of arterial hypertension and coronary disease involves interaction of numerous exogenous factors which determine the clinical course and therapeutic response in genetically predisposed individuals. The role of numerous cardiovascular risk factors has been reevaluated during the past few years, yet some unresolved issues and gaps still remain. One of the still insufficiently studied factors is lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] which belongs to a subclass of LDL lipoproteins. Its important component is apolipoprotein (a) which is structurally similar to plasminogen. This characteristic can be followed through evolution and is probably crucial for its physiologic but also pathophysiologic role. Actually, through its competition with plasminogen, Lp (a) interferes with the process of fibrinolysis and may contribute to tissue healing and restoration but also support and accelerate atherothrombotic process. Lp (a) concentration is stable and genetically determined in an individual and the indication that persons with elevated levels are permanently exposed to increased risk is supported by the data on twofold incidence of myocardial infarction in mothers of children with highest Lp (a) concentrations. Apart from competing with plasminogen via apolipoprotein (a), Lp (a) increases the activity of inhibitors of plasminogen-I activator and reduces the activity of transforming growth factor-beta. This results both in the absence of fibrinolysis and promotion of migration and proliferation of media smooth muscle cells, which are important in the onset of atherosclerotic process. Lp (a) binds to elastin via apolipoprotein B, resulting in oxidation and facilitated entry into macrophages and their transition into the so-called foam cells, also an important sign of early atherosclerosis. Although many pathophysiologic processes by which Lp (a) contributes to atherosclerosis have also been confirmed by animal experiments as well as by the presence of histologic evidence, clinical significance of elevated Lp (a) concentration is still questionable. However, results of prospective studies and metaanalyses were published few months ago and identified decisively Lp (a) as a factor that increases cardiovascular risk primarily in patients in whom other risk factors were also present. According to currently prevailing attitude, routine determination of Lp (a) is not justified and, according to most authors, its determination is useful in patients who had a cardiovascular incident at the age under 55 years, in those with recurrent coronary stenosis, or those with positive family history of such incidents. As Lp (a) is genetically determined, its detection in the early stages of essential hypertension might be a useful prognostic marker but a period of observation is still necessary for correct selection of hypertensive patients. Apart from the observation that hormone replacement therapy significantly decreases the Lp (a) level, there is currently no information on the effectiveness of either dietary or drug therapy. Due to Lp (a) antifibrotic effects, small aspirin doses may be beneficial to these patients, as well as B complex vitamins since hyperhomocysteinemia enhances atherogenicity of Lp (a). Therapeutic approach to patient with increased Lp (a) levels is currently based on as strict regulation of arterial pressure, glycemia and other dislipidemias as possible. In the present clinical practice, the elevated level of this lipoprotein indicates a patients with elevated cardiovascular risk, regardless of the fact whether Lp (a) is only a marker or an active factor of pathophysiologic process. Increased Lp (a) concentration may refer to the need for therapy, frequent monitoring and determination of even stricter aims for these individuals by selecting metabolically neutral and best tolerated drugs.
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PMID:[Lipoprotein (a)--a mysterious factor in atherogenesis]. 1267 78

Prevalence of diabetic nephropathy is increasing. Understanding of pathogenesis and clinical picture helps to manage this disease. Recent data of the research of this disease support that the renin-angiotensin system plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis. Hyperglycaemia activates the renin-angiotensin system and induces transforming growth factor-beta expression. These both lead to glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Diabetic nephropathy develops earlier and progress faster in patients with DD or ID genotypes of angiotensin-I-converting-enzyme gene. Angiotensinogen and type 1 angiotensin-II-receptor gene mutations may be also predisposing factors for diabetic nephropathy. All these factors can be responsible for the hyperfiltration, albuminuria, salt sensitivity, and hypertension, which are characteristic features of diabetic nephropathy. According to these, one can suppose that inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system are effective in the prevention and treatment of this disease. Evidence of clinical studies suggests that angiotensin-I-converting-enzyme inhibitors in type 1 diabetes can prevent overt nephropathy, decrease proteinuria, inhibit the loss of the glomerular filtration and decelerate progression. Angiotensin-II-receptor blockers exert the same effect in type 2 diabetic patients, and presumably angiotensin-I-converting-enzyme inhibitors have similar activity in this group of patients. That is why, in the case of intolerance of one class of drugs, the other should be substituted. Combination therapy of angiotensin-I-converting-enzyme inhibitors with angiotensin-II-receptor blockers can be the choice of treatment in the future.
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PMID:[Role of the renin-angiotensin system in the pathogenesis, clinical picture and treatment of diabetic nephropathy]. 1272 86

Ramipril is safe and effective in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure, but this is not reviewed here. Ramipril is a lipophilic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor suitable for once-daily administration. In addition to decreasing angiotensin II and increasing bradykinin levels, ramipril increases the levels of vasodilatory renal medullary neutral lipids and inhibits platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation of glomerulus cells. Ramipril also decreases transforming growth factor-beta in the kidney. Changes in kidney structure and proteinuria are characteristics of the streptozotocin (STZ) rat model of diabetes, and these are prevented by ramipril. In STZ diabetes, doses of ramipril that have no effect on blood pressure reverse vascular hypertrophy. In animal models of kidney failure (subtotal nephrectomy, stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats), ramipril is renoprotective and some of this renoprotective effect is independent of blood pressure lowering. In humans, clinical doses of ramipril probably do not modify glucose metabolism but do reduce the levels of LDL- and HDL-cholesterol. In clinical trials of renal effects, ramipril has been shown to increase cortical nephron flow in hypertension and to reduce proteinuria in patients with and without diabetes and/or hypertension. Some of the smaller clinical trials showed beneficial effects on kidney function with low doses of ramipril that do not lower blood pressure. A large clinical trial in nondiabetic proteinuria, the Ramipril Efficacy in Nephropathy (REIN) trial, has shown that ramipril 1.25 mg/day, which does not lower blood pressure, arrested the decline in glomerular filtration rate and prolonged the time to end-stage renal failure. In diabetic patients who have had a previous cardiovascular event or having one other cardiovascular risk factor, the MICRO-HOPE clinical trial showed that ramipril lowers the combined risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular death by 25%. In conclusion, ramipril has proven beneficial effects in kidney disease alone or in association with diabetes and in diabetes without kidney disease, and is the pril for diabetes and kidney disease. (c) 2001 Prous Science. All rights reserved.
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PMID:Is Ramipril the pril for diabetes and kidney disease? 1276 20

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