| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Hypertension. 2006;48:1103.)
© 2006 American Heart Association, Inc.
Original Articles |
From the Franz Volhard Clinical Research Center (S.E., M.B., J. Janke, F.C.L., J. Jordan), Medical Faculty of the Charité and Helios Klinikum, Berlin, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt (P.F., L.B., M.H.), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany; and the Department of Nephrology and Hypertension (J.T.), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen, Nürnberg, Germany.
Correspondence to Jens Jordan, Franz Volhard Clinical Research Center, Haus 129, Charité Campus Buch, Wiltbergstr 50, 13125 Berlin, Germany. E-mail jens.jordan{at}charite.de
| Abstract |
|---|
|
|
|---|
Key Words: adipose tissue gene expression renin angiotensinogen aldosterone atrial natriuretic peptide sodium intake
| Introduction |
|---|
|
|
|---|
| Methods |
|---|
|
|
|---|
Dietary Intervention
Subjects were submitted to a 28-day study with 4 separate periods. During the first 6-day period, subjects ingested 0.7 mmol of Na per kilogram of body weight (BW) per day (low sodium). During the second 6-day period, they ingested 2.8 mmmol of Na per kilogram of BW per day corresponding with the "normal" sodium intake in Germany. Then, sodium intake was increased to 7.7 mmol of Na per kilogram of BW per day for 10 days (high sodium). Finally, subjects ingested 0.7 mmol of Na per kilogram of BW per day for another 6 days. Approximately 95% of the ingested sodium was sodium chloride. All of the subjects had a constant fluid intake of 40 mL per kilogram of BW per day including
300 mL per day of water produced by nutrient oxidation. The diet of the test subjects was individually tailored according to their BW and resting metabolic rate. Protein intake was 1.4 g per kilogram of BW per day, fat intake was <30% of the caloric intake, and the remaining calories were provided by carbohydrates. Potassium intake was 110 mmol per day. Calcium intake was kept constant at 1000 mg per day. The daily intake level of all other nutrients matched the German dietary recommended intake.11
Measurements
All of the reported results refer to day 5 or 6 (blood samples) of the first low-sodium period and to day 9 or 10 (blood samples) of the high-sodium period. BW was measured every morning after voiding and before breakfast with a precision scale (Sartorius, Precision Scale, BP2100S; sensitivity ±5 g). Urine was collected as 24-hour urine from 7:00 AM one morning (emptying bladder) to 7:00 AM the next morning. Blood pressure was measured by sphygmomanometry (BOSO-Medicus, Bosch and Sohn) 3 times with a 2-minute period between measurements every morning before the subjects stand up. Fasting blood samples were drawn at 7:00 AM before standing up under standardized conditions. Blood was drawn from the subjects in the supine body position without venostasis through an indwelling catheter in an antecubital vein that was inserted
30 minutes before blood sampling. Blood for analysis of arginine vasopressin (AVP), ANP, and renin was collected in ice-chilled tubes. To analyze serum electrolytes, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and aldosterone concentrations blood was collected in tubes without any additive. Renin (IRMA, Nichols Institute) and aldosterone concentrations (MAIA, Adaltis) were measured by radioimmunoassay kits. ACE activity in the serum was determined by a colorimetric assay (Sigma Diagnostics), and ANP was determined by radioimmunoassay as described previously.12
Subcutaneous Microdialysis
One CMA/60 microdialysis probe was inserted into abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue and connected to a CMA/102 microdialysis pump (CMA Microdialysis AB) as described.13,14 After probe insertion, tissue perfusion with a 50 mmol/L glucose infusion solution (Serumwerk Bernburg AG) was started at a flow rate of 2 µL/min. After instrumentation, subjects recovered for
60 minutes. Then, perfusion rate was lowered to 0.3 µL/min to achieve almost complete sodium recovery. Dialysates were collected every 15 minutes for 150 minutes.
Adipose Tissue Biopsies and Gene Expression Analysis
Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were taken by needle biopsy from the periumbilical region.3,7 Isolation of total RNA and cDNA synthesis for real-time PCR (TaqMan technology by PE Biosystems) were performed as described previously.3,7 The standard curve method was used for the target genes and internal control genes (GAPDH, 18S rRNA). We determined the expression of AGT, renin, ACE, the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, ANP, NPR-A, and NPR-C. Human GAPDH and 18S ribosomal RNA genes were both measured to select an appropriate internal control gene. However, both genes are suitable, because they did not change expression levels between the low- and high-salt periods. Thus, expression of all of the target genes was normalized by GAPDH expression in each sample, and the results are given in arbitrary units. Primer sequences are available on request.
Data Analysis
All of the data are given as mean±SEM. Intraindividual differences were compared by paired t test (parametric data) or the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test (nonparametric data). A P value <0.05 indicates statistical significant differences between groups.
| Results |
|---|
|
|
|---|
BW and Blood Pressure
BW increased from 71.0±1.2 kg at the end of the low-salt period to 72.7±1.3 kg at the end of the high-salt period (P<0.001 by paired-sample t test). Weight gain because of excess calorie intake can be excluded, because the energy content of the diet was adjusted to exactly match daily needs. Furthermore, a 1.7-kg weight gain through increased adipose tissue mass would require a positive energy balance of
11 900 kcal (1.700 g of adipose tissuex7 kcal/g of adipose tissue). Mean arterial pressure in the morning was 101±2 mm Hg in the low-sodium period versus 99±3 mm Hg in the high-sodium period (P value not significant, data not shown).
Sodium Regulating Hormones
Venous renin and aldosterone concentrations were profoundly suppressed with the high-sodium diet (Figure 1). Venous ANP was slightly but significantly increased with the high-sodium diet. Serum ACE activity was similar with low- and high-sodium diets. Circulating vasopressin concentration was 1.0±0.2 pg/mL with low- and 1.0±0.2 pg/mL with high- sodium intake (P value not significant).
|
Adipose-Tissue Gene Expression
We obtained good quality adipose tissue biopsies in 8 subjects. One subject experienced a vasovagal syncope and could not complete the procedure. Figure 2 illustrates AGT, renin, ACE, and AT1-receptor mRNA expression with the low-sodium and high-sodium diet. ACE gene expression was slightly increased with the high-sodium diet. Renin, AGT, and AT1-receptor gene expressions were similar with both diets. Adipose tissue gene expression of the NPR-A and NPR-C receptors did not change, whereas ANP mRNA expression increased moderately but significantly with the high-sodium diet (Figure 3).
|
|
| Discussion |
|---|
|
|
|---|
10-fold greater urinary sodium excretion with the high- compared with the low-sodium diet. Serum and interstitial sodium concentrations in adipose tissue did not change with high- or low-sodium intake. Changes in sodium intake were associated with the expected changes in the activities of the systemic RAAS and the natriuretic peptide system. With the high-sodium diet, circulating renin activity and aldosterone concentrations were strongly suppressed as expected,18 whereas circulating ANP was slightly increased. Thus, we are confident that the physiological stimulus elicited by the change in dietary sodium intake was sufficiently robust. Furthermore, we suggest that our study encompasses the range of sodium intakes that could be reasonably expected in industrialized countries. To our surprise, we did not find a strong response of the adipose-tissue RAAS to the high-salt diet. Instead, only ACE gene expression increased slightly with high-sodium intake. Renin, AGT, and AT1-receptor mRNA expression did not change. Our data also suggest that changes in systemic RAAS activity have a rather limited effect on local AT1 receptors in adipose tissue.
Previous studies assessed systemic and tissue RAAS responses to changes in salt intake in various rat models.19 Our study is the first to address the issue in human subjects. Salt loading in most2022 but not all of the studies23 decreased renin expression in the kidney. Salt loading activated AGT expression in the kidney, heart, and aorta in Sabra and Dahl rats.19,20 In contrast, salt depletion increased AGT expression in the kidney and aortic smooth muscle layer of SpragueDawley and WistarKyoto rats.15,21,23 Hepatic AGT expression was not salt responsive.24 Cardiac ACE activity and gene expression was activated in response to a high-salt diet in WistarKyoto and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).25 AT1 receptor gene expression in the kidney was not responsive to increased dietary sodium intake in Sabra rats20 but was increased in SpragueDawley rats.22 One study in WistarKyoto rats assessed adipose tissue AGT expression in periaortic adipose tissue. In this study, AGT gene expression was not salt responsive.15 Thus, RAAS gene expression at the tissue level responds in a tissue-specific and strain-specific fashion. Responses in human adipose tissue cannot be extrapolated from animal studies.
Our findings suggest that the human adipose-tissue RAAS is not part of a feedback mechanism regulating sodium homeostasis and blood pressure. Nevertheless, the adipose RAAS may have impact on blood pressure control. The idea is supported by the observations that adipose tissue-derived AGT is secreted into the systemic circulation and elicits an increase in blood pressure.8 The strong relationship between adipose-tissue AGT expression and circulating AGT levels in humans further supports this idea.3 Given the potential contribution of adipose-tissuederived AGT to systemic blood pressure, mechanisms regulating AGT expression deserve attention. Adipose-tissue AGT expression differs between lean and obese subjects.3,7,26 Weight loss alters AGT expression as well.3 A recent study showed that insulin stimulates adipose-tissue angiotensin II production in vitro. The response seems to be mediated through tumor necrosis factor-
and is reversed with PPAR
stimulation.27 Tumor necrosis factor
is upregulated in obesity and declines with weight loss.28 We suggest that adipose-tissue RAAS activity may be regulated through metabolic factors and tissue inflammation rather than sodium intake.
One possible explanation for the disparate regulation of systemic and adipose tissue RAAS activity is that both systems serve different physiological purposes. We recently applied angiotensin II to the interstitial compartment using the microdialysis technique.29 Interstitial angiotensin II had a limited effect on tissue perfusion. Yet, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism responded to angiotensin II in a tissue-specific fashion. Bradykinin, which is degraded by ACE, may also influence adipose tissue metabolism.30 We speculate that an increase in adipose ACE expression with high-sodium diet may lead to secondary changes in tissue metabolism. Indeed, reduction in dietary sodium intake decreases whole body insulin sensitivity and influences brown adipose tissue thermogenesis.31,32
Increased sodium intake was associated with augmented ANP mRNA expression in adipose tissue. ANP secretion by adipocytes has not been demonstrated. Other cells may have contributed to the increase in ANP gene expression on high-sodium diet.33 Whether or not ANP produced by adipose tissue significantly contributes to systemic ANP concentrations and, thus, volume and blood pressure regulation, is unknown. ANP regulates adipose tissue metabolism. In vitro, ANP activates hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) through an increase in cGMP production and HSL phosphorylation in human adipocytes.33 We showed recently that ANP in physiological concentrations increases adipose tissue lipolysis in human subjects.34 Increased ANP production in adipose tissue in response to a salt load could conceivably stimulate lipolysis locally in an autocrine or paracrine fashion.
The mechanism mediating the effect of dietary sodium intake on adipose tissue gene expression is unknown. Sodium could have a direct effect on adipose-tissue gene expression. In rice plants,
57 genes are regulated by direct exposure to increased sodium concentrations.35 To address the issue, we assessed interstitial sodium concentrations in adipose tissue using near equilibrium microdialysis. Microdialysate sodium concentrations were similar with low-sodium and high-sodium diets. Thus, changes in adipose tissue gene expression cannot be explained by differences in interstitial sodium concentrations. The notion of nonosmotically active sodium storage has been raised recently that postulates sodium binding to glycosaminoglycans,36 which are abundant in the adipose tissue pieces that we sampled. We speculate that nonosmotically active sodium may have influenced adipose tissue gene expression. It is also possible that changes of an unknown circulating factor led to secondary changes in adipose tissue gene expression.
The major limitation of our study is that we relied on mRNA expression in adipose tissue. We do not have data on protein expression or local RAAS function. Furthermore, we changed sodium intake over a relatively brief period of time. We cannot exclude the possibility that the adipose-tissue RAAS shows a delayed response to a change in sodium intake.
Perspectives
Previous studies suggested that systemic RAAS activity is increased in obese subjects, particularly in those with arterial hypertension, whereas the ANP peptide system is suppressed. Adipose tissue mechanisms may contribute to the disbalance between both sodium regulating systems. Our study suggests that the systemic and the adipose-tissue RAAS are regulated at least in part independent from each other. The adipose tissue RAAS is not responsive to increased sodium intake and may be regulated by metabolic factors. In contrast, systemic ANP and adipose tissue ANP seem to respond in a similar fashion to changes in sodium intake.
| Acknowledgments |
|---|
Sources of Funding
The study was supported by grants from the Directorate of Space Programs at Deutsches Institut für Luft-und Raumfahrt and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.
Disclosures
M.H. is supported by a Directorate Grant from the Deutsches Institut für Luft-und Raumfahrt. The remaining authors report no conflicts.
Received April 4, 2006; first decision April 23, 2006; accepted September 26, 2006.
| References |
|---|
|
|
|---|
2. Tuck ML, Sowers J, Dornfeld L, Kledzik G, Maxwell M. The effect of weight reduction on blood pressure, plasma renin activity, and plasma aldosterone levels in obese patients. N Engl J Med. 1981; 304: 930933.[Abstract]
3. Engeli S, Böhnke J, Gorzelniak K, Janke J, Schling P, Bader M, Luft FC, Sharma AM. Weight loss and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Hypertension. 2005; 45: 356362.
4. Dessi-Fulgheri P, Sarzani R, Tamburrini P, Moraca A, Espinosa E, Cola G, Giantomassi L, Rappelli A. Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide and natriuretic peptide receptor gene expression in adipose tissue of normotensive and hypertensive obese patients. J Hypertens. 1997; 15: 16951699.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
5. Licata G, Volpe M, Scaglione R, Rubattu S. Salt-regulating hormones in young normotensive obese subjects. Effects of saline load. Hypertension. 1994; 23 (suppl): I20I24.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
6. Dessi-Fulgheri P, Sarzani R, Serenelli M, Tamburrini P, Spagnolo D, Giantomassi L, Espinosa E, Rappelli A. Low calorie diet enhances renal, hemodynamic, and humoral effects of exogenous atrial natriuretic peptide in obese hypertensives. Hypertension. 1999; 33: 658662.
7. Gorzelniak K, Engeli S, Janke J, Luft FC, Sharma AM. Hormonal regulation of the human adipose-tissue renin-angiotensin system: relationship to obesity and hypertension. J Hypertens. 2002; 20: 965973.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
8. Massiera F, Bloch-Faure M, Ceiler D, Murakami K, Fukamizu A, Gasc JM, Quignard-Boulange A, Negrel R, Ailhaud G, Seydoux J, Meneton P, Teboul M. Adipose angiotensinogen is involved in adipose tissue growth and blood pressure regulation. FASEB J. 2001; 15: 27272729.
9. Sarzani R, Dessi-Fulgheri P, Paci VM, Espinosa E, Rappelli A. Expression of natriuretic peptide receptors in human adipose and other tissues. J Endocrinol Invest. 1996; 19: 581585.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
10. Sarzani R, Paci VM, Zingaretti CM, Pierleoni C, Cinti S, Cola G, Rappelli A, Dessi-Fulgheri P. Fasting inhibits natriuretic peptides clearance receptor expression in rat adipose tissue. J Hypertens. 1995; 13: 12411246.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
11. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung. Referenzwerte fuer die Naehrstoffzufuhr. Frankfurt am Main, Germany: Umschau/Braus Verlag; 2000.
12. Drummer C, Gerzer R, Heer M, Molz B, Bie P, Schlossberger M, Stadaeger C, Rocker L, Strollo F, Heyduck B. Effects of an acute saline infusion on fluid and electrolyte metabolism in humans. Am J Physiol. 1992; 262: F744F754.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
13. Jordan J, Tank J, Stoffels M, Franke G, Christensen NJ, Luft FC, Boschmann M. Interaction between beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation and nitric oxide release on tissue perfusion and metabolism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001; 86: 28032810.
14. Boschmann M, Engeli S, Adams F, Gorzelniak K, Franke G, Klaua S, Kreuzberg U, Lüdtke S, Kettritz R, Sharma AM, Luft FC, Jordan J. Adipose tissue metabolism and CD11b expression on monocytes in obese hypertensives. Hypertension. 2005; 46: 130136.
15. Naftilan AJ, Zuo WM, Inglefinger J, Ryan TJ, Pratt RE, Dzau VJ. Localization and differential regulation of angiotensinogen mRNA expression in the vessel wall. J Clin Invest. 1991; 87: 13001311.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
16. Hall JE. The kidney, hypertension, and obesity. Hypertension. 2003; 41: 625633.
17. Engeli S, Sharma AM. The renin-angiotensin system and natriuretic peptides in obesity-associated hypertension. J Mol Med. 2001; 79: 2129.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
18. Sharma AM, Schorr U, Oelkers W, Distler A. Effects of sodium salts on plasma renin activity and norepinephrine response to orthostasis in salt-sensitive normotensive subjects. Am J Hypertens. 1993; 6: 780785.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
19. Tamura K, Chiba E, Yokoyama N, Sumida Y, Yabana M, Tamura N, Takasaki I, Takagi N, Ishii M, Hofashi M, Umemura S. Renin-angiotensin system and fibronectin gene expression in Dahl Iwai salt-sensitive and salt-resistant rats. J Hypertens. 1999; 17: 8189.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
20. Lippoldt A, Gross V, Schneider K, Hansson A, Nadaud S, Schneider W, Bader M, Yagil C, Yagil Y, Luft FC. Nitric oxide synthase and renin-angiotensin system gene exprssion in salt-sensitive and salt-resistant Sabra rats. Hypertension. 1997; 30: 409415.
21. Singh I, Grams M, Wang WH, Yang T, Killen P, Smart A, Schnermann J, Briggs JP. Coordinate regulation or renal expression of nitric oxide synthase, renin, and angiotensinogen mRNA by dietary salt. Am J Physiol. 1996; 270: F1027F1037.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
22. Barta P, Monti J, Maass PG, Gorzelniak K, Müller DN, Dechend R, Luft FC, Hübner N, Sharma AM. A gene expression analysis in rat kidney following high and low salt intake. J Hypertens. 2002; 20: 11151120.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
23. Dzau VJ, Ingelfinger JR, Pratt RE. Regulation of tissue renin and angiotensinogen gene expressions. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 1986; 8 (suppl 10): S11S16.
24. Ingelfinger JR, Pratt RE, Ellison K, Dzau VJ. Sodium regulation of angiotensinogen mRNA expression in rat kidney cortex and medulla. J Clin Invest. 1986; 78: 13111315.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
25. Kreutz R, Fernandez-Alfonso MS, Liu Y, Ganten D, Paul M. Induction of cardiac angiotensin I-converting enzyme with dietary NaCl-loading in genetically hypertensive and normotensive rats. J Mol Med. 1995; 73: 243248.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
26. van Harmelen V, Ariapart P, Hoffstedt J, Lundkvist I, Bringman S, Arner P. Increased adipose angiotensinogen gene expression in human obesity. Obes Res. 2000; 8: 337341.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
27. Harte A, McTernan P, Chetty R, Coppack S, Katz J, Smith S, Kumar S. Insulin-mediated upregulation of the renin angiotensin system in human subcutaneous adipocytes is reduced by rosiglitazone. Circulation. 2005; 111: 19541961.
28. Bruun JM, Helge JW, Richelsen B, Stallknecht B. Diet and exercise reduce low-grade inflammation and macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue but not in skeletal muscle in severely obese subjects. Am J Physiol. 2006; 290: E961E967.
29. Boschmann M, Jordan J, Adams F, Christensen NJ, Tank J, Franke G, Stoffels M, Sharma AM, Luft FC, Klaus S. Tissue-specific response to interstitial angiotensin II in humans. Hypertension. 2003; 41: 3741.
30. Kishi K, Muromoto N, Nakaya Y, Miyata I, Hagi A, Hayashi H, Ebina Y. Bradykinin directly triggers GLUT4 translocation via an insulin-independent pathway. Diabetes. 1998; 47: 550558.[Abstract]
31. Sharma AM, Schorr U, Distler A. Insulin resistance in young salt-sensitive normotensive subjects. Hypertension. 1993; 21: 273279.
32. Engeli S. Does salt restriction change brown adipose tissue thermogenesis? Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2006; 16: 8890.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
33. Sengenes C, Berlan M, De GI, Lafontan M, Galitzky J. Natriuretic peptides: a new lipolytic pathway in human adipocytes. FASEB J. 2000; 14: 13451351.
34. Birkenfeld AL, Boschmann M, Moro C, Adams F, Heusser K, Franke G, Berlan M, Luft FC, Lafontan M, Jordan J. Lipid mobilization with physiological atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005; 90: 36223628.
35. Rabbani MA, Maruyama K, Abe H, Khan MA, Katsura K, Ito Y, Yoshiwara K, Seki M, Shinozaki K, Yamaguchi-Shinozaki K. Monitoring expression profiles of rice genes under cold, drought, and high-slinity stresses and abscisic acid application using cDNA microarray and RNA gel-blot analyses. Plant Physiology. 2003; 133: 17551767.
36. Titze J, Shakibaei M, Schafflhuber M, Schulze-Tanzil G, Porst M, Schwind KH, Dietsch P, Hilgers KF. Glycosaminoglycan polymerization may enable osmotically inactive Na+ storage in the skin. Am J Physiol. 2004; 287: H203H208.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Hypertension Home | Subscriptions | Archives | Feedback | Authors | Help | AHA Journals Home | Search Copyright © 2006 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited. |