Impact of the interaction between the polymorphisms and hypermethylation of the CD36 gene on a new biomarker of type 2 diabetes mellitus: circulating soluble CD36 (sCD36) in Senegalese females.

Background: Several predisposing factors for diabetes mellitus have been identified, including cluster determinant 36 (CD36) receptor expression. We aimed to determine the effects of CD36 gene polymorphisms and hypermethylation on the plasma CD36 protein levels in type 2 diabetes.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 100 females (lean healthy control subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes).

Role of AMP-activated Protein Kinase in NO- and EDHF-mediated Endothelium-dependent Relaxations to Red Wine Polyphenols.

Background: Several epidemiological studies have shown that regular consumption of moderate amounts of wine, in particular red wine, is associated with a decreased total mortality due, in part, to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. The protective effect has been attributable to polyphenols, which are potent vasodilators and have anti-thrombotic properties. Polyphenols have been shown to induce pronounced endothelium-dependent relaxations of arteries by causing the redox-sensitive PI3-kinase-dependent formation of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF).

Dyslipidemia, obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors in the adult population in Senegal.

Introduction: According to the WHO, 50% of deaths worldwide (40.1% in developing countries) are due to chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Of these chronic NCDs, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death and disability in developed countries.

Concerted regulation of cGMP and cAMP phosphodiesterases in early cardiac hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II.

Left ventricular hypertrophy leads to heart failure and represents a high risk leading to premature death. Cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP) play a major role in heart contractility and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are involved in different stages of advanced cardiac diseases. We have investigated their contributions in the very initial stages of left ventricular hypertrophy development.

Endothelium-derived contracting factors mediate the Ang II-induced endothelial dysfunction in the rat aorta: preventive effect of red wine polyphenols.

Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension is associated with vascular oxidative stress and an endothelial dysfunction. This study examined the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endothelium-derived contracting factors in Ang II-induced endothelial dysfunction and whether these effects are prevented by red wine polyphenols (RWPs), a rich source of natural antioxidants. Rats were infused with Ang II for 14 days.

In vitro vasorelaxation mechanisms of bioactive compounds extracted from Hibiscus sabdariffa on rat thoracic aorta.

Background: In this study, we suggested characterizing the vasodilator effects and the phytochemical characteristics of a plant with food usage also used in traditional treatment of arterial high blood pressure in Senegal.

Methods: Vascular effects of crude extract of dried and powdered calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa were evaluated on isolated thoracic aorta of male Wistar rats on organ chambers. The crude extract was also enriched by liquid-liquid extraction.

Role of gender and estrogen receptors in the rat aorta endothelium-dependent relaxation to red wine polyphenols.

Regular intake of moderate amounts of beverages rich in polyphenols such as red wine is associated with a protective effect on the vascular system, in part, by increasing the endothelial formation of nitric oxide (NO), a major vasoprotective factor. Since estrogens are potent inducers of NO formation and polyphenols have been shown to have phytoestrogen properties, we determined whether estrogen receptors mediate the stimulatory effect of red wine polyphenols (RWPs) on the endothelial formation of NO using isolated rat aortic rings and cultured endothelial cells. RWPs caused endothelium-dependent relaxations, which were more pronounced in the aorta of female than male rats.

Angiotensin II-induced hypertension is associated with a selective inhibition of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated responses in the rat mesenteric artery.

Hypertension has been shown to be associated with impaired endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated arterial relaxation and hyperpolarization. Treatments of hypertensive rats with inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system have been shown to restore both EDHF-mediated responses and the expression of connexins involved in the intercellular transfer of the hyperpolarization in mesenteric arteries. The present study was designed to determine whether chronic treatment of rats with angiotensin II impairs EDHF-mediated responses and the expression of connexins in the mesenteric arterial wall.

Angiotensin II induces the vascular expression of VEGF and MMP-2 in vivo: preventive effect of red wine polyphenols.

Objective: Previous investigations have indicated that angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension and endothelial dysfunction are prevented by intake of red wine polyphenols (RWPs). Ang II has also been shown to increase the expression of VEGF and MMP-2, two major pro-inflammatory factors, in vascular diseases. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether intake of RWPs is able to prevent these effects in rats and, if so, to characterize the underlying mechanism.