Expression of hippocampal corticosteroid receptors,as well as corticotrophin-releasing hormone and vasopressin in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus,in fornix transected rats

BACKGROUND： The hippocampus regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis through negative feedback. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus receives neuronal input from the hippocampus via the fomix, OBJECTIVE： To explore whether the negative feedback effect of the hippocampus on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is contributed to the inhibitory effect of mineralocorticoid receptor （MR） and glucocorticoid receptor （GR） in the hippocampus on the paraventricular nucleus via the fornix. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled, animal experiment. The study was performed at the Department of Histology and Embryology, China Medical University between September 2006 and September 2008. MATERIALS： Rabbit anti-rat anti-MR and rabbit anti-rat anti-GR antibodies were purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA. Rabbit anti-rat anti-corticotrophin releasing hormone （CRH） and rabbit anti-rat anti-arginine vasopressin antibodies were purchased from Wuhan Boster. METHODS： A total of 90 male, Wistar rats were randomly divided into model and sham-surgery groups （n = 45）. Fornix transection was performed in the model group, while the sham-surgery group underwent surgery, but no fornix transection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Immunohistochemistry was used to examine MR and GR expression in the hippocampus, as well as CRH and anti-arginine vasopressin in the paraventricular nucleus. Western blot was used to measure alterations in MR, GR, and CRH protein expression following fomix transection. RESULTS： Compared with the sham-surgery group, there were no obvious changes in MR and GR expression in the hippocampus, or CRH and anti-arginine vasopressin expression in the paraventdcular nucleus within 4 days of fornix transection. However, after 7-10 days, significantly decreased MR and GR expression in the hippocampus, and increased CRH and anti-arginine vasopmssin expression in the paraventricular nucleus were observed （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. CONCLUSION： Negative feedback from the hippocampus on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis might be mediated through the fornix, and the corticosterene actions mediated by hippocampal corticosteroid receptors indirectly modulated the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Aortic Cell Apoptosis in Rat Primary Aldosteronism Model

This study aimed to determine whether aldosterone could induce vascular cell apoptosis in vivo.Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:vehicle(control),aldosterone,aldosterone plus eplerenone or hydralazine.They were then implanted with an osmotic mini-pump that infused either aldosterone or the vehicle.Systolic blood pressure(SBP) was measured weekly by the tail-cuff method.After 8 weeks,plasma aldosterone concentration(PAC) and renin activity(PRA) were determined by radioimmunoassay.Aorti...

Advances in Medical Treatment of Primary Aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism(PA)is the most common form of secondary hypertension,with its main manifestations including hypertension and hypokalemia.Early identification of PA is extremely important as PA patients can easily develop cardiovascular complications such as atrial fibrillation,stroke,and myocardial infarction.The past decade has witnessed the rapid advances in the genetics of PA,which has shed new light on PA treatment.While surgery is the first choice for unilateral diseases,bilateral lesions can be treated with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists(MRAs).The next-generation non-steroidal MRAs are under investigations.New medications including calcium channel blockers,macrophage antibiotics,and aldosterone synthase inhibitors have provided a new perspective for the medical treatment of PA.

Renin-angiotensin system blockers-SGLT2 inhibitorsmineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in diabetic kidney disease:A tale of the past two decades!

Several pharmacological agents to prevent the progression of diabetic kidney disease(DKD)have been tested in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)in the past two decades.With the exception of renin-angiotensin system blockers that have shown a significant reduction in the progression of DKD in 2001,no other pharmacological agent tested in the past two decades have shown any clinically meaningful result.Recently,the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor(SGLT-2i),canagliflozin,has shown a significant reduction in the composite of hard renal and cardiovascular(CV)endpoints including progression of end-stage kidney disease in patients with DKD with T2DM at the top of reninangiotensin system blocker use.Another SGLT-2i,dapagliflozin,has also shown a significant reduction in the composite of renal and CV endpoints including death in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD),regardless of T2DM status.Similar positive findings on renal outcomes were recently reported as a top-line result of the empagliflozin trial in patients with CKD regardless of T2DM.However,the full results of this trial have not yet been published.While the use of older steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists(MRAs)such as spironolactone in DKD is associated with a significant reduction in albuminuria outcomes,a novel non-steroidal MRA finerenone has additionally shown a significant reduction in the composite of hard renal and CV endpoints in patients with DKD and T2DM,with reasonably acceptable side effects.

Effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists on responses to hemorrhagic shock in rats

AIM To evaluate the effects of mineralocorticoid receptor(MR) antagonists on mortality and inflammatory responses after hemorrhagic shock(HS) in rats.METHODS One hundred and two male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: Control, spironolactone (SPL), and eplerenone(EP) groups. HS was induced by the removal of blood. One half of rats were evaluated to determine mortality, hemodynamics, plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) concentrations, and arterial blood gas at 8 h afterHS recovery. In the remainder of rats, the expression levels of genes encoding cytokines were evaluated in liver tissue samples at 1 h after HS recovery. RESULTS The survival rates 8 h after HS recovery were 71%, 94%, and 82% in the control, SPL, and EP groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in survival rates among the three groups (P = 0.219). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in gene expression levels in the liver or plasma TNF-α concentrations among the three groups(P = 0.888).CONCLUSION Pretreatment with MR antagonists did not improve mortality or cytokine responses in the liver after HS recovery in rats.

Kidney in primary aldosteronism: A key determinant of treatment outcome

Recently, it has been suggested that primary aldosteronism(PA) is associated with a variety of cardiac,vascular, metabolic, and renal sequelae that reflect the capability of elevated aldosterone to induce organ damage beyond that induced by hypertension itself. The evidence supporting of these views has been obtained from experiments conducted in rodents and clinica studies conducted in patients with this endocrine disorder. It has been suggested that untoward effects of high-salt intake are dependent on activation of mineralocorticoid receptors that might result from increased oxidative stress and changes in the intracellular redox potential. Unilateral adrenalectomy or treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are the current options for treating an aldosterone-producing adrena adenoma or idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia. Treatments are largely effective in correcting hypertension and hypokalemia, and currently available information on their capability to prevent deterioration of renal function indicates that surgery and medical treatment are equallybeneficial in the long term. This editorial review will focus on the renal aspects of PA and highlights the role of the kidney as a key determinant of both adaptation to aldosterone-induced volume retention and response of blood pressure to treatment.

Comparison of Cardiac Structural Improvement in Patients with Primary Aldosteronism after Surgical Therapy and Drug Therapy: A Meta-Analysis

Background: At present, in clinical practice, patients with primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) are mainly treated by surgery or medical drugs (spironolactone/spironolactone, epridone, etc.). Some studies show that the left ventricular hypertrophy of patients can be significantly improved after treatment. However, at present, the relevant research is very limited, and there is still controversy on the improvement of cardiac structure and function between the two treatment methods. No reliable conclusions have been drawn. Objective: We conducted this meta-analysis to compare the improvement of cardiac structure of patients after surgical treatment and drug treatment, so as to clarify the efficacy of surgical treatment and drug treatment for PA patients. Methods: In order to examine the cardiac color ultrasound data of PA patients receiving surgical treatment and drug therapy (spironolactone, antisterone), randomized or observational studies were searched through Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Meta-analysis was then carried out on the comprehensive and individual outcomes. The ROINBS-I scale is utilized to assess the offset risk of study inclusion. Outcomes: A total of nine studies involving 799 patients with PA into meta analysis, according to the results of the surgery in the treatment of patients with PA, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) changes in value (drop range) is significantly higher than drug therapy (Mean difference IV: —2.32, P In 6 studies, after surgical treatment of interventricular septal thickness (IVSD), changes in value (drop range) are also higher than drug therapy (Mean difference IV: —0.35, P In 2 studies, the surgical treatment of plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) drop degree is superior to drug therapy (Mean difference IV: —12.63, P < 0.05), and blood pressure to improve the degree of surgery and drug treatment has no obvious difference. Conclusions: This meta-analysis result confirmed that after medical and surgical treatment of PA can obviously improve the patient’s blood pressure, and no difference between the two treatments. But for the heart structure improvement, including left ventricular hypertrophy and interventricular septum thickness, surgical treatment effect is significantly better than the medicine treatment, so the adrenalectomy can be used as unilateral PA optimal choice of treatment.

Does MR play a vital role in the development of depressive disorder~

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. However the biological and molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder remain to be unknown. Stress is a disposing factor in the development of depression, which could lead to HPA axis activation and the release of glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids have two receptors, one is GR, the other is MR. Despite the fact that GR has been extensively studied, there is increasingly awareness that MR has a crucial role in the development of depression. This review summarizes how the MR plays a role in the pathophysiology of depression in HPA axis regulation, inflammation, neurogenesis as well as stress-related behav- iors. Considering that the research about MR in the development of depression is limited, further investigation of MR is needed for better understanding of this disease, which could contribute to the prevention and treatment of de- pressive disorder.

GRK5 is an essential co-repressor of the cardiac mineralocorticoid receptor and is selectively induced by finerenone

BACKGROUND In the heart,aldosterone(Aldo)binds the mineralocorticoid receptor(MR)to exert damaging,adverse remodeling-promoting effects.We recently showed that G protein-coupled receptor-kinase(GRK)-5 blocks the cardiac MR by directly phosphorylating it,thereby repressing its transcriptional activity.MR antagonist(MRA)drugs block the cardiac MR reducing morbidity and mortality of advanced human heart failure.Non-steroidal MRAs,such as finerenone,may provide better cardio-protection against Aldo than classic,steroidal MRAs,like spironolactone and eplerenone.AIM To investigate potential differences between finerenone and eplerenone at engaging GRK5-dependent cardiac MR phosphorylation and subsequent blockade.METHODS We used H9c2 cardiomyocytes,which endogenously express the MR and GRK5.RESULTS GRK5 phosphorylates the MR in H9c2 cardiomyocytes in response to finerenone but not to eplerenone.Unlike eplerenone,finerenone alone potently and efficiently suppresses cardiac MR transcriptional activity,thus displaying inverse agonism.GRK5 is necessary for finerenone’s inverse agonism,since GRK5 genetic deletion renders finerenone incapable of blocking cardiac MR transcriptional activity.Eplerenone alone does not fully suppress cardiac MR basal activity regardless of GRK5 expression levels.Finally,GRK5 is necessary for the antiapoptotic,anti-oxidative,and anti-fibrotic effects of both finerenone and eplerenone against Aldo,as well as for the higher efficacy and potency of finerenone at blocking Aldo-induced apoptosis,oxidative stress,and fibrosis.CONCLUSION Finerenone,but not eplerenone,induces GRK5-dependent cardiac MR inhibition,which underlies,at least in part,its higher potency and efficacy,compared to eplerenone,as an MRA in the heart.GRK5 acts as a co-repressor of the cardiac MR and is essential for efficient MR antagonism in the myocardium.

MicroRNA-155 mediates endogenous angiotensin II type 1 receptor regulation:implications for innovative type 2 diabetes mellitus management

Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a lifelong condition and a threat to human health.Thorough understanding of its pathogenesis is acutely needed in order to devise innovative,preventative,and potentially curative pharmacological interventions.MicroRNAs(miRNA),are small,non-coding,one-stranded RNA molecules,that can target and silence around 60%of all human genes through translational repression.MiR-155 is an ancient,evolutionarily well-conserved miRNA,with distinct expression profiles and multifunctionality,and a target repertoire of over 241 genes involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes including hematopoietic lineage differentiation,immunity,inflammation,viral infections,cancer,cardiovascular conditions,and particularly diabetes mellitus.MiR-155 Levels are progressively reduced in aging,obesity,sarcopenia,and T2DM.Thus,the loss of coordinated repression of multiple miR-155 targets acting as negative regulators,such as C/EBPβ,HDAC4,and SOCS1 impacts insulin signaling,deteriorating glucose homeostasis,and causing insulin resistance(IR).Moreover,deranged regulation of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system(RAAS)through loss of Angiotensin II Type 1 receptor downregulation,and negated repression of ETS-1,results in unopposed detrimental Angiotensin II effects,further promoting IR.Finally,loss of BACH1 and SOCS1 repression abolishes cytoprotective,anti-oxidant,anti-apoptotic,and anti-inflam matory cellular pathways,and promotesβ-cell loss.In contrast to RAAS inhibitor treatments that further decrease already reduced miR-155 Levels,strategies to increase an ailing miR-155 production in T2DM,e.g.,the use of metformin,mineralocorticoid receptor blockers(spironolactone,eplerenone,finerenone),and verapamil,alone or in various combinations,represent current treatment options.In the future,direct tissue delivery of miRNA analogs is likely.

Severe Ectopic Cushing’s Syndrome Due to ACTH-Secreting Pheochromocytoma

We report a new case of ectopic Cushing’s syndrome caused by an ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma. A 55-year-old woman presented with a history of severe proximal muscle weakness, polyuria, progressive virilization, anxiety, dyspnea on exercise, difficult to treat hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus since 4 months. The laboratory data demonstrated ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism. The abdominal computed tomography scan showed a 30 mm well-defined mass in the left adrenal gland suggestive for pheochromocytoma. The adrenal veins were sampled, with intraprocedural cortisol measurement, to dosing selective ACTH and cathecolamines. The results established clearly the left adrenal gland as the source of ACTH overproduction. A left sided adrenalectomy was performed with subsequent resolution of Cushing’s syndrome. The patient was discharged in good clinical condition.

Achieving control of resistant hypertension:Not just the number of blood pressure medications

Resistant hypertension(RH) has a prevalence of around 12% and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, progression to end-stage renal disease, and even mortality. In 2017, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association released updated guidelines that detail steps to ensure proper diagnosis of RH, including the exclusion of pseudoresistance.Lifestyle modifications, such as low salt diet and physical exercise, remain at the forefront of optimizing blood pressure control. Secondary causes of RH also need to be investigated, including screening for obstructive sleep apnea. Notably, the guidelines demonstrate a major change in medication management recommendations to include mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. In addition to advances in medication optimization, there are several device-based therapies that have been showing efficacy in the treatment of RH. Renal denervation therapy has struggled to show efficacy for blood pressure control, but with a redesigned catheter device, it is once again being tested in clinical trials. Carotid baroreceptor activation therapy(BAT) via an implantable pulse generator has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure both acutely and in longterm follow up data, but there is some concern about the safety profile. Both a second-generation pulse generator and an endovascular implant are being tested in new clinical trials with hopes for improved safety profiles while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Both renal denervation and carotid BAT need continued study before widespread clinical implementation. Central arteriovenous anastomosis has emerged as another possible therapy and is being actively explored. The ongoing pursuit of blood pressure control is a vital part of minimizing adverse patient outcomes. The future landscape appears hopeful for helping patients achieve blood pressure goals not only through the optimization of antihypertensive medications but also through device-based therapies in select individuals.

Finally, Some Reason for Hope in Proteinuric Kidney Disease

Background: After years of predictable outcomes with limited tools to combat the ravages of proteinuric chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with or without diabetes, exciting new options are available to slow the progression of CKD. Purpose: Focusing on sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE I), and new mineralocorticoid antagonists (MRA), this review examines how these agents compliment the standard of care in an attempt to educate and stimulate broader use of these agents. Methods: Using the search terms “mineralocorticoid antagonist, sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, proteinuria, albuminuria, and diabetic kidney disease,” five randomized controlled clinical trials were identified and then analyzed in the context of the results found from the Irbesartan Diabetic Nephropathy Trial (IDNT). Two trials using SGLT2 and 2 using MRA were reviewed. Results: In the 2 SGLT2 trials renal outcomes were reduced by 30% - 39% among patients with estimated GFR ranging from roughly 25 - 90 mL/min. In the 2 MRA trials, renal outcomes fell by 13% - 18% among patients with estimated GFR ranging from 25 - 90 mL/min. In the IDNT, renal outcomes fell by 19%. Trial duration ranged from 28 - 41 months, and in all trials, the IDNT, Ace inhibitors (ACE I) and ARBs use was uniform. There is small overlap in the 5 trials in which both MRA and SGLT2 agents were used. Conclusions: Over a wide range of renal function, both MRA and SGLT2 inhibitors demonstrate outstanding efficacy in diabetic and non-diabetic (SGLT2) proteinuric kidney disease. Compared to the prior standard of care, these agents dramatically improve outcomes.

Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor expression in critical illness:A narrative review

The glucocorticoid receptor(GCR)and the mineralocorticoid receptor(MR)are members of the steroid receptor superfamily of hormone-dependent transcription factors.The receptors are structurally and functionally related.They are localized in the cytosol and translocate into the nucleus after ligand binding.GCRs and MRs can be co-expressed within the same cell,and it is believed that the balance in GCR and MR expression is crucial for homeostasis and plays a key role in normal adaptation.In critical illness,the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is activated,and as a consequence,serum cortisol concentrations are high.However,a number of patients exhibit relatively low cortisol levels for the degree of illness severity.Glucocorticoid(GC)actions are facilitated by GCR,whose dysfunction leads to GC tissue resistance.The MR is unique in this family in that it binds to both aldosterone and cortisol.Endogenous GCs play a critical role in controlling inflammatory responses in critical illness.Intracellular GC concentrations can differ greatly from blood levels due to the action of the two 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isozymes,type 1 and type 2.11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases interconvert endogenous active cortisol and intrinsically inert cortisone.The degree of expression of the two isozymes has the potential to dramatically influence local GC availability within cells and tissues.In this review,we will explore the clinical studies that aimed to elucidate the role of MR and GCR expression in the inflammatory response seen in critical illness.

Huoxue Jiedu Huayu recipe(活血解毒化瘀方)inhibits macrophage-secreted vascular endothelial growth factor-a on angiogenesis and alleviates renal fibrosis in the contralateral kidneys of unilateral ureteral obstruction rats

OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the mechanism by which Huoxue Jiedu Huayu recipe(活血解毒化瘀方,HJHR)regulates angiogenesis in the contralateral kidney of unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO)rats and the mechanism by which it reduces of renal fibrosis.METHODS:Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:the sham group,UUO group(180 d of left ureter ligation),UUO plus eplerenone(EPL)group,and UUO plus HJHR group.After 180 d of oral drug administration,blood and contralateral kidneys were collected for analysis.Angiogenesis-and fibrosis-related indexes were detected.RESULTS:HJHR and EPL improved structural damage and renal interstitial fibrosis in the contralateral kidney and reduced the protein expression levels ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),vimentin and collagen I.Moreover,these treatments could reduce the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A(VEGFA)by inhibiting the infiltration of macrophages.Furthermore,HJHR and EPL significantly reduced the expression of CD34 and CD105 by downregulating VEGFA production,which inhibited angiogenesis.Finally,the coexpressions of CD34,CD105 andα-SMA were decreased in the HJHR and EPL groups,indicating that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition was inhibited.CONCLUSIONS:These findings confirm that HJHR alleviates contralateral renal fibrosis by inhibiting VEGFAinduced angiogenesis,encourage the use of HJHR against renal interstitial fibrosis and provide a theoretical basis for the clinical management of patients with CKD.

相关受体与类固醇激素鼓室内给药

由于血-迷路屏障的存在，常规的给药方法对治疗内耳疾病往往难以奏效，鼓室内给药可避开该屏障，直接进入内耳，使外、内淋巴液获得较高的药物浓度，同时避免了全身用药的副作用。从1956年首次介绍鼓室内注入链霉素以控制梅尼埃病的眩晕症状以来，鼓室给药已经广泛应用于临床。本文就鼓室给药后内耳中受体变化方面的研究做一综述。

Mineralocorticoid receptor: a critical player in vascular remodeling

Vascular remodeling is a pathological condition with structural changes of blood vessels.Both inside-out and outside-in hypothesis have been put forward to describe mechanisms of vascular remodeling.An integrated model of these two hypotheses emphasizes the importance of immune cells such as monocytes/macrophages,T cells,and dendritic cells.These immune cells are at the center stage to orchestrate cellular proliferation,migration,and interactions of themselves and other vascular cells including endothelial cells(ECs),vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs),and fibroblasts.These changes on vascular wall lead to inflammation and oxidative stress that are largely responsible for vascular remodeling.Mineralocorticoid receptor(MR)is a classic nuclear receptor.MR agonist promotes inflammation and oxidative stress and therefore exacerbates vascular remodeling.Conversely,MR antagonists have the opposite effects.MR has direct roles on vascular cells through non-genomic or genomic actions to modulate inflammation and oxidative stress.Recent studies using genetic mouse models have revealed that MR in myeloid cells,VSMCs and ECs all contribute to vascular remodeling.In conclusion,data in the past years have demonstrated that MR is a critical control point in modulating vascular remodeling.Studies will continue to provide evidence with more detailed mechanisms to support this notion.

Huoxue Jiedu Huayu recipe(活血解毒化瘀方)alleviates contralateral renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction rats by inhibiting the transformation of macrophages to myofibroblast

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the action and underlying mechanisms of Huoxue Jiedu Huayu recipe(活血解毒化瘀方,HJHR)against unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO)-induced injury in the contralateral kidney.METHODS:Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing(200±10)g were used in this study and randomly assigned to 4 groups:a sham group,a UUO group,a UUO+eplerenone(EPL)group,and a UUO+HJHR group.The contralateral kidneys were harvested for further study 180 d after surgery.Histological analysis,immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to study the fibrosis of the contralateral kidneys obtained from UUO rats.Contralateral kidney damagerelated pathway proteins were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.RESULTS:HJHR significantly inhibited fibrosis of the contralateral kidney in UUO rats by attenuating the UUOinduced macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition(MMT)in the contralateral kidney.Moreover,HJHR attenuated fibrosis in the contralateral kidney of UUO rats by preventing MMT through the aldosterone/mineralocorticoid receptor/serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 pathway.CONCLUSIONS:Our findings suggest that HJHR may be a potential treatment for renal interstitial fibrosis of obstructive nephropathy.

Mosaic theory revised:inflammation and salt play central roles in arterial hypertension

The mosaic theory of hypertension was advocated by Irvine Page~80 years ago and suggested that hypertension resulted from the close interactions of different causes.Increasing evidence indicates that hypertension and hypertensive end-organ damage are not only mediated by the proposed mechanisms that result in hemodynamic injury.Inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology and contributes to the deleterious consequences of arterial hypertension.Sodium intake is indispensable for normal body function but can be detrimental when it exceeds dietary requirements.Recent data show that sodium levels also modulate the function of monocytes/macrophages,dendritic cells,and different T-cell subsets.Some of these effects are mediated by changes in the microbiome and metabolome due to high-salt intake.The purpose of this review is to propose a revised and extended version of the mosaic theory by summarizing and integrating recent advances in salt,immunity,and hypertension research.Salt and inflammation are placed in the middle of the mosaic because both factors influence each of the remaining pieces.

An alternative splicing variant of mineralocorticoid receptor discovered in preeclampsia tissues and its effect on endothelial dysfunction

The pathophysiology of preeclampsia(PE)remains unclear.PE spiral artery remodeling dysfunction and PE offspring cardiovascular future development has been a worldwide concern.We collected placental and umbilical artery samples from normotensive and PE pregnancies.Mineralocorticoid receptor(MR)and its alternative splicing variant(ASV)expression and their biological effects on PE were examined.An MR ASV was found to be highly expressed in all PE samples and slightly expressed in about half of the normotensive samples(umbilical artery,~57.58%;placenta,~36.84%).The MR ASV expression was positively associated with blood pressure in both groups.The MR ASV protein changed the aldosterone-induced expression pattern of MR target genes related to ion exchanges and cell signaling pathways.The MR ASV can also impair the proliferation,migration,and tube formation ability of endothelial cells.These findings indicate that MR ASV in PE placenta plays a pathogenic role in PE pathophysiology,especially in endothelial dysfunction,and the existence of the MR ASV in PE umbilical artery provides a new direction in the study of PE offspring with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.