Intrauterine growth restriction-induced deleterious adaptations in endothelial progenitor cells: possible mechanism to impair endothelial function

Author(s)

Oliveira, V. ^[1] ; de Souza, L. V. ^[1] ; Fernandes, T. ^[2] ; Junior, S. D. S. ^[3] ; de Carvalho, M. H. C. ^[4] ; Akamine, E. H. ^[4] ; Michelini, L. C. ^[3] ; de Oliveira, E. M. ^[2] ; Franco, M. D. C. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Nephrol Div, Rua Botucatu 703, BR-04023062 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Phys Educ & Sport, Biochem & Mol Biol Lab, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Physiol Dept, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Pharmacol Dept, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE; v. 8, n. 6, p. 665-673, DEC 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can induce deleterious changes in the modulatory ability of the vascular endothelium, contributing to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in the long term. However, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Emerging evidence has suggested the potential role of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in vascular health and repair. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of IUGR on vascular reactivity and EPCs derived from the peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) in vitro. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed an ad libitum diet (control group) or 50% of the ad libitum diet (restricted group) throughout gestation. We determined vascular reactivity, nitric oxide (NO) concentration, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein expression by evaluating the thoracic aorta of adult male offspring from both groups (aged: 19-20 weeks). Moreover, the amount, functional capacity, and senescence of EPCs were assessed in vitro. Our results indicated that IUGR reduced vasodilation via acetylcholine in aorta rings, decreased NO levels, and increased eNOS phosphorylation at Thr495. The amount of EPCs was similar between both groups; however, IUGR decreased the functional capacity of EPCs from the PB and BM. Furthermore, the senescence process was accelerated in BM-derived EPCs from IUGR rats. In summary, our findings demonstrated the deleterious changes in EPCs from IUGR rats, such as reduced EPC function and accelerated senescence in vitro. These findings may contribute towards elucidating the possible mechanisms involved in endothelial dysfunction induced by fetal programming. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/00311-6 - Isolation and characterization of bone marrow and circulating progenitor endothelial cells of rats submitted to intrauterine undernutrition: impact of aerobic training and oxidative stress
• Grantee: Vanessa Aparecida de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/03139-0 - The interrelationship of birth weight, physical training and blood pressure levels: a clinical and experimental approach on the role of endothelial progenitor cells
• Grantee: Maria Do Carmo Pinho Franco
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants