The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on expression of connexin-40 in Wistar rat aorta after lipopolysaccharide administration

J Physiol Pharmacol. 2014 Feb;65(1):83-94.

Abstract

Connexin (Cx)-channels can represent one of targets of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in protection of cardiovascular system against injury. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of 10-day n-3 PUFA intake (30 mg/kg/day for 10 days) on expression of Cx40 isoform in the aorta of Wistar rats injected with a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg/kg, i.p.). LPS resulted in up-regulation of Cx40 expression in the aorta associated with reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation. LPS increased levels of inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde in circulation as well as NOS activity and CD68 expression in aortic tissue indicating presence of moderate inflammation. N-3 PUFA supplementation decreased expression of both Cx40 and CD68 in aortic tissue and suppressed concentrations of C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde of endotoxemic rats. N-3 PUFA did not improve NO-dependent relaxation of aorta and NOS activity in LPS rats. The results indicate the involvement of Cx40 in development of LPS-induced endothelium-dependent functional impairment of the aorta and partial health benefits of n-3 PUFA diet associated with improved Cx40 expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylglucosaminidase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / metabolism
  • Aorta / drug effects*
  • Aorta / metabolism
  • Aorta / physiology
  • Aorta / ultrastructure
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Connexins / metabolism*
  • Endothelial Cells / drug effects
  • Endothelial Cells / ultrastructure
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / pharmacology*
  • Gap Junction alpha-5 Protein
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Male
  • Malondialdehyde / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Nitric Oxide / physiology
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Vasodilation / physiology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic
  • CD68 protein, rat
  • Connexins
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Malondialdehyde
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Acetylglucosaminidase