Supraphysiological levels of testosterone induces endothelial injury via increasing generation of reactive oxygen species and ERK1/2 activation

• Published in: Physiology (Bethesda, Md.) Md.), 2023-05, Vol.38 (S1)
• Main Authors: Alves, Juliano, Costa, Rafael, Awata, Wanessa, Singh, Shubhnita, Bruder-Nascimento, Ariane, Barbosa, Gabriela, Bruder-Nascimento, Thiago
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1548-9213; 1548-9221
• DOI: 10.1152/physiol.2023.38.S1.5733006

Abstract only Introduction: High levels of testosterone (Testo) is associated with higher cardiovascular risk by positively modulate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory response. Excessive ROS generation by NADPH oxidases (NOX, major source of ROS in the vasculature) leads to endothelial dysfunction, apoptosis, and inflammation. However, the intracellular mechanisms whereby supraphysiological levels of Testo promote cardiovascular damage are still ill defined. We sought to determine whether supraphysiological levels of Testo induces endothelial cell dysfunction via ROS generation and ERK1/2 activation. Methods: To study whether Testo present the same effects independent on endothelial cell type, we used Primary Human Mesenteric vascular Endothelial Cells (HMEC) and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC). Cells were stimulated with Testo (10 −7 M, for different time points) in the presence or absence of superoxide dismutase mimetic (Tempol, 10 -4 M, for 30 min). NOX activity, gene expression, and protein expression were determined pharmacological assays and immunoblotting, respectively. Results: Testo increased superoxide anion (O 2 − ) generation in HMEC and HUVEC at short (10 min) stimulation times, which was abolished by superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic [(% of control) Ctrl: 100.0 ± 0.0 n=5 vs Testo: 363.2 ± 19.77 n=6 vs. Tempol+Testo: 156.7 ± 12.12 n=6, *P