A new class of glycomimetic drugs to prevent free fatty acid-induced endothelial dysfunction

Background: Carbohydrates play a major role in cell signaling in many biological processes. We have developed a set of glycomimetic drugs that mimic the structure of carbohydrates and represent a novel source of therapeutics for endothelial dysfunction, a key initiating factor in cardiovascular complications. Purpose: Our objective was to determine the protective effects of small molecule glycomimetics against free fatty acid­induced endothelial dysfunction, focusing on nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress pathways. Methods: Four glycomimetics were synthesized by the stepwise transformation of 2,5­dihydroxybenzoic acid to a range of 2,5­substituted benzoic acid derivatives, incorporating the key sulfate groups to mimic the interactions of heparan sulfate. Endothelial function was assessed using acetylcholine­induced, endotheliumdependent relaxation in mouse thoracic aortic rings using wire myography. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) behavior was evaluated in the presence or absence of the free fatty acid, palmitate, with or without glycomimetics (1µM). DAF­2 and H2DCF­DA assays were used to determine nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, respectively. Lipid peroxidation colorimetric and antioxidant enzyme activity assays were also carried out. RT­PCR and western blotting were utilized to measure Akt, eNOS, Nrf­2, NQO­1 and HO­1 expression. Results: Ex vivo endothelium­dependent relaxation was significantly improved by the glycomimetics under palmitate­induced oxidative stress. In vitro studies showed that the glycomimetics protected HUVECs against the palmitate­induced oxidative stress and enhanced NO production. We demonstrate that the protective effects of pre­incubation with glycomimetics occurred via upregulation of Akt/eNOS signaling, activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway, and suppression of ROS­induced lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: We have developed a novel set of small molecule glycomimetics that protect against free fatty acidinduced endothelial dysfunction and thus, represent a new category of therapeutic drugs to target endothelial damage, the first line of defense against cardiovascular disease

Modification of phospholipase C-gamma-induced Ca2+ signal generation by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate.

The mechanisms by which Ca(2+)-store-release channels and Ca(2+)-entry channels are coupled to receptor activation are poorly understood. Modification of Ca(2+) signals by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), suggests the agent may target entry channels or the machinery controlling their activation. In DT40 B-cells and Jurkat T-cells, complete Ca(2+) store release was induced by 2-APB (EC(50) 10-20 microM). At 75 microM, 2-APB emptied stores completely in both lymphocyte lines, but had no such effect on other cells. In DT40 cells, 2-APB mimicked B-cell receptor (BCR) cross-linking, but no effect was observed in mutant DT40 lines devoid of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptors (InsP(3)Rs) or phospholipase C-gamma2 (PLC-gamma2). Like the BCR, 2-APB activated transfected TRPC3 (canonical transient receptor potential) channels, which acted as sensors for PLC-gamma2-generated diacylglycerol in DT40 cells. The action of 2-APB on InsP(3)Rs and TRPC3 channels was prevented by PLC-inhibition, and required PLC-gamma2 catalytic activity. However, unlike BCR activation, no increased InsP(3) level could be measured in response to 2-APB. Also, calyculin A-induced cytoskeletal reorganization prevented 2-APB-induced InsP(3)R and TRPC3-channel activation, but not that induced by the BCR. 2-APB still activated TRPC3 channels in DT40 cells with fully depleted Ca(2+) stores, indicating its action was not via Ca(2+) release. Significantly, 2-APB-induced InsP(3)R and TRPC3 activation was prevented in DT40 knockout cells devoid of the BCR- and PLC-gamma2-coupled adaptor/kinases, Syk, Lyn, Btk or BLNK. The results suggest that 2-APB activates Ca(2+) signals in lymphocytes by initiating and enhancing coupling between components of the BCR-PLC-gamma2 complex and both Ca(2+)-entry and Ca(2+)-release channels

The Biomechanics And Ergonomics Of The Impact Of Anti-Fatigue Mats On Decreasing Whole Body Vibration

The standardization effort in vibration’s field has unfolded the interests of industries. This research aimed at better understanding of the impact of vibration on human body. In the past years, healthcare centers and manufacturers started to equip the workplace with Anti-fatigue Mats (AFM) for the improvement of the working conditions and quality at work. This study analyzed the impact of AFM on the reduction of vibrations transmitted during the weekly activity of manufacturing workers. Seven AFM marketed by Notrax Premium Superior Manufacturing Group were tested. The laser vibrometry technique was used in order to measure vibratory displacements at various points. Under the effect of the vibrations, AFM behaved differently according to their structure and geometries. In comparison, the values obtained showed that AFM absorbed the vibration. It permitted to decrease the risks of ligamentous, or articular pathologies, which can affect employees at work. Taking into account, different results obtained showing that AFM could be used effectively in different areas of workplace, such as in medical or manufacturing settings, in order to improve working conditions