R01HL157584

Enhancing Parasympathetic Activity to Reduce Vascular Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction - Project Summary

Endothelial dysfunction, a pro-thrombotic, inflammatory condition that causes impaired vascular reactivity, is an early reversible step in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Multiple studies consistently show that African Americans (AAs) have impaired endothelial function compared to Whites. African Americans also experience disproportionately higher CV morbidity and 20% higher mortality than Whites or Hispanics.

Endothelial dysfunction is caused by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly superoxide, which interferes with endothelial-derived nitric oxide signaling pathways. One of the major sources of superoxide is NADPH oxidase. Our previous work found that activation of NADPH oxidase contributes to vascular oxidation through the formation of highly immunogenic isolevuglandins (ISOLG-protein adducts) in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which stimulates antigen presenting cells (APC) and inflammatory mediators.

Inflammation and oxidative stress are modulated by the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). We and others found that AAs have reduced PNS activity compared with Whites. Our preliminary data in obese AA women found that stimulation of the PNS cholinergic transmission with the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, galantamine, blocked the production of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines induced by lipids.

The overall goal of the current proposal is to determine if prolonged treatment with galantamine improves endothelial dysfunction and vascular oxidative stress in AAs. For this purpose, we will conduct a proof-of-concept, blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study to test the effect of 3-month treatment with galantamine (16 mg/day) on vascular oxidative stress and impaired vascular reactivity in AAs. Specifically, we will evaluate whether galantamine treatment inhibits the activation of NADPH-ISOLG formation and the subsequent immunogenic responses in PBMCs. Furthermore, we will determine if galantamine decreases markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in harvested endothelial cells (ECs) and improves vascular reactivity in the same study subjects.

The planned studies will provide a comprehensive assessment of the mechanism underlying the effect of increased PNS cholinergic transmission on endothelial dysfunction. If our hypothesis is correct, and galantamine improves endothelial dysfunction in AAs, a population with a high risk for CVD, we will discover a novel mechanism that could alter the oxidative and immunogenic responses in this population and will offer a potential pathway for the development of more effective therapies aimed at decreasing CVD.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

NOT APPLICABLE

93.837 - Cardiovascular Diseases Research

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) [HHS - NIH]

Nashville, Tennessee 37203 United States

Single Zip Code

Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Required) (PA-20-183)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 343% from $683,558 to $3,026,236.