Protective effects of irbesartan and benazepril against vaginal vascular remodeling and fibrosis in female spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abstract

Objective To compare the potential beneficial effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) benazepril and the angiotensin II receptor 1 blocker (ARB) irbesartan on vaginal vascular remodeling and fibrosis in female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Methods Twelve-week-old female SHRs were treated with irbesartan or benazepril for 12 weeks. Vaginal renin angiotensin system (RAS) components were detected by polymerase chain reaction and western blot and vaginal α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and collagen III (Col III) were analyzed by western blot. Vaginal tissue sections were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, and immunohistochemical analysis of α-SMA and Col III. Results Irbesartan and benazepril had different impacts on vaginal RAS components. Both agents decreased vaginal α-SMA and Col III and increased eNOS expression in SHR. The wall/lumen thickness ratio of vaginal arterioles was similarly decreased following irbesartan and benazepril treatment. Both drugs also decreased collagen deposition in SHRs. There was no difference in vaginal vascular remodeling or fibrosis between the two groups. Conclusions Irbesartan and benazepril have different effects on vaginal RAS expression but similar positive effects against vaginal vascular remodeling and fibrosis.

Sacubitril/Valsartan Improves Sexual Function and Fibrosis of the Clitoral and Vaginal Tissues in Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

“…[71][72][73] Previous studies have shown that abundant a-SMA was found in a rat model of hypertension, including in the heart, 74,75 kidney, 76 and genitals. [77][78][79][80] Consistently, we showed that female SHRs had significantly increased levels of a-SMA in their clitoral and vaginal tissue. Collectively, we proved that hypertension damages female sexual function and increases the levels of a-SMA and collagen deposition (ie, Col-I and Col-III).…”

“…Previous studies showed that ARBs had the favorable effects on sexual function. 10,13,77,80 The previous clinical study showed that VAL treatment improved sexual function in hypertensive females: the perception of some dimensions of libido, including sexual desire and sexual relations. 13 Some animal experiments also confirmed that RAAS inhibition reversed hypertension-induced alterations in female genital structures.…”

“…13 Some animal experiments also confirmed that RAAS inhibition reversed hypertension-induced alterations in female genital structures. 77,80 Notably, SAC/VAL is a novel combination drug that has proven to be superior to conventional ACE inhibitions or ARBs in hypertension and HF. 30,[82][83][84][85] The upregulation of RAAS inhibition has been identified as a key pathological pathway resulting in fibrosis, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which is inhibited by the valsartan component.…”

Transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells ameliorates Echinococcus multilocularis-induced liver fibrosis in mice

“…IHC analysis was performed as previously described [28]. Briefly, paraffin sections were deparaffinized, rehydrated, antigen recovered, and incubated overnight at 4˚C in the presence of the following primary antibodies: anti-α-SMA (1:1000, ab124964, Abcam); anti-COL1A1 (1:100,ab34710, Abcam); anti-TGF-β (1:50, SC-130348, Santa Cruz Biotechnology); anti-TGFβ R1 (1:75, ab31013, Abcam) and anti-TGF-β R2 (1:50, ab61213, Abcam).…”