Impact of aging on cardiac function in a female rat model of menopause: role of autonomic control, inflammation, and oxidative stress

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aging on metabolic, cardiovascular, autonomic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters after ovarian hormone deprivation (OVX).MethodsFemale Wistar rats (3 or 22 months old) were divided into: young controls, young ovariectomized, old controls, and old ovariectomized (bilateral ovaries removal). After a 9-week follow-up, physical capacity, metabolic parameters, and morphometric and cardiac functions were assessed. Subsequently, arterial pressure was recorded and cardiac autonomic control was evaluated. Oxidative stress was measured on the cardiac tissue, while inflammatory profile was assessed in the plasma.ResultsAging or OVX caused an increase in body and fat weight and triglyceride concentration and a decrease in both insulin sensitivity and aerobic exercise capacity. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and increased cardiac overload (myocardial performance index) were reported in old groups when compared with young groups. Aging and OVX led to an increased sympathetic tonus, and vagal tonus was lower only for the old groups. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were increased in old groups when compared with young groups. Glutathione redox balance (GSH/GSSG) was reduced in young ovariectomized, old controls, and old ovariectomized groups when compared with young controls, indicating an increased oxidative stress. A negative correlation was found between GSH/GSSG and tumor necrosis factor-α (r=−0.6, P<0.003). Correlations were found between interleukin-6 with adipose tissue (r=0.5, P<0.009) and vagal tonus (r=−0.7, P<0.0002); and among myocardial performance index with interleukin-6 (r=0.65, P<0.0002), sympathetic tonus (r=0.55, P<0.006), and physical capacity (r=−0.55, P<0.003). The findings in this trial showed that ovariectomy aggravated the impairment of cardiac and functional effects of aging in female rats, probably associated with exacerbated autonomic dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Fetal liver mesenchymal stem cells restore ovarian function in premature ovarian insufficiency by targeting MT1

“…2). The disorder of oxidative stress has been implicated in the causal pathways for POF [33, 34]. The generation of ROS plays a role in cellular metabolism under normal physiological conditions, whereas increased ROS levels directly oxidize protein and DNA or indirectly activate intracellular signaling pathways that induce cellular damage [35–37].…”

Could Cardiovascular Parameters Be Affected by Dental Impression?

“…In the fertility period, female hormones could maintain vascular function in optimal condition and provide stability and balance between the two systems. However, after menopause, the cardiac function remains intact while due to the subsidence of female hormones, vascular system function significantly reduces (20,21). Therefore, the coordination of the autonomic system in the new state disrupts or falls into a delay.…”

Chronic Exposure to PM2.5 Aggravates SLE Manifestations in Lupus-Prone Mice

“…Pro-oxidant (NADPH oxidase and hydrogen peroxide) and antioxidant (FRAP) assays were performed for oxidative stress analysis of kidneys following procedures described elsewhere [39]. Firstly, kidneys were homogenized in an Ultra80 Turrax Blender (UltraStirrer, Switzerland) with 120 mM KCl and 20 nM sodium phosphate buffer (1 g tissue/4 mL solution) and centrifuged at 600 rpm/10 min.…”