Impact of miRNA-22 in the vascular reactivity of obese mice

• Grant number: 18/26657-0
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2019
• Effective date (End): August 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal researcher: Gabriela Placoná Diniz
• Grantee: Camila Stephanie Balbino Silva
• Home Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The occurrence of obesity has progressively increased worldwide, which is primordially connected to lifestyle changes of population. Obesity is the major risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death worldwide. The adipose tissue accumulation evidenced in overweight and obesity promotes several alterations in heart and blood vessels, which compromise cardiac and vascular functions. In obesity, the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), located around the aorta, is expanded and loses its anti-constriction effect. Furthermore, it is known that the molecules secreted by this tissue may be directly linked to the endothelium dysfunction observed in obese individuals. Recent studies have reported the important role of miRNA-22 in the cardiovascular system. Moreover, a recent study from our laboratory demonstrated that loss of miRNA-22 attenuates the gain of visceral adipose tissue and the increased expression of inflammatory genes in the visceral adipose tissue of obese mice. Although recent studies have identified the contribution of miRNA-22 in the vascular injury response, the role of miRNA-22 in the vascular reactivity remains unclear, as well as the impact of PVAT on this response. Thus, the objective of the present work is to investigate the role of miRNA-22 in the vascular reactivity of the thoracic aorta in obese mice and the influence of PVAT in this process. (AU)