The single-chain relaxin mimetic, B7-33, maintains the cardioprotective effects of relaxin and more rapidly reduces left ventricular fibrosis compared to perindopril in an experimental model of cardiomyopathy.

The hormone, relaxin (RLX), exerts various organ-protective effects independently of etiology. However, its complex two-chain and three disulphide bonded structure is a limitation to its preparation and affordability. Hence, a single chain-derivative of RLX, B7-33, was developed and shown to retain the anti-fibrotic effects of RLX in vitro and in vivo.

High intraluminal pressure promotes vascular inflammation via caveolin-1.

The aetiology and progression of hypertension involves various endogenous systems, such as the renin angiotensin system, the sympathetic nervous system, and endothelial dysfunction. Recent data suggest that vascular inflammation may also play a key role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. This study sought to determine whether high intraluminal pressure results in vascular inflammation.

Chronic sympathetic driven hypertension promotes atherosclerosis by enhancing hematopoiesis.

Hypertension is a major, independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, this pathology can arise through multiple pathways, which could influence vascular disease through distinct mechanisms. An overactive sympathetic nervous system is a dominant pathway that can precipitate in elevated blood pressure.

Effects of high- and low-dose aspirin on adaptive immunity and hypertension in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat.

Despite its well-known antithrombotic properties, the effect of aspirin on blood pressure (BP) and hypertension pathology is unclear. The hugely varying doses used clinically have contributed to this confusion, with high-dose aspirin still commonly used due to concerns about the efficacy of low-dose aspirin. Because prostaglandins have been shown to both promote and inhibit T-cell activation, we also explored the immunomodulatory properties of aspirin in hypertension.

Y-chromosome lineage determines cardiovascular organ T-cell infiltration in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat.

The essential role of the Y chromosome in male sex determination has largely overshadowed the possibility that it may exert other biologic roles. Here, we show that Y-chromosome lineage is a strong determinant of perivascular and renal T-cell infiltration in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat, which, in turn, may influence vascular function and blood pressure (BP). We also show, for the first time to our knowledge, that augmented perivascular T-cell levels can directly instigate vascular dysfunction, and that the production of reactive oxygen species that stimulate cyclo-oxygenase underlies this.

Vascular dysfunction in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat is dependent on constrictor prostanoid activity and Y chromosome lineage.

Vascular dysfunction is a hallmark of hypertension and the strongest risk factor to date for coronary artery disease. As Y chromosome lineage has emerged as one of the strongest genetic predictors of cardiovascular disease risk to date, we investigated if Y chromosome lineage modulated this important facet in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) using consomic strains. Here, we show that vascular dysfunction in the SHRSP is attributable to differential cyclooxygenase (COX) activity with nitric oxide (NO) levels playing a less significant role.

Nitroxyl: a vasodilator of human vessels that is not susceptible to tolerance.

Pre-clinical studies have identified nitroxyl (HNO), the reduced congener of nitric oxide (NO•), as a potent vasodilator which is resistant to tolerance development. The present study explores the efficacy of HNO in human blood vessels and describes, for the first time, a vasodilator for humans that is not susceptible to tolerance. Human radial arteries and saphenous veins were obtained from patients undergoing coronary artery graft surgery and mounted in organ baths.

Raised soluble P-selectin moderately accelerates atherosclerotic plaque progression.

Soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), a biomarker of inflammatory related pathologies including cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases, also has pro-atherosclerotic effects including the ability to increase leukocyte recruitment and modulate thrombotic responses in vivo. The current study explores its role in progressing atherosclerotic plaque disease. Apoe-/- mice placed on a high fat diet (HFD) were given daily injections of recombinant dimeric murine P-selectin (22.

Impaired acetylcholine-induced release of nitric oxide in the aorta of male aromatase-knockout mice: regulation of nitric oxide production by endogenous sex hormones in males.

The consequences of estrogen deficiency on the cardiovascular system have been widely examined in females. The effects of endogenous estrogen deficiency in males are less clear. The aromatase-knockout (ArKO) mouse lacks a functional Cyp19 gene, which encodes aromatase, and is thus incapable of synthesizing endogenous estrogen.

Insulin inhibits acetylcholine responses in rat isolated mesenteric arteries via a non-nitric oxide nonprostanoid pathway.

Hyperinsulinemia is a risk factor for hypertension and arteriosclerosis. The mechanism by which it contributes to disease progression is not known. The present study examines the effects of insulin on endothelium-derived relaxing factors.