FP6 priority

1.1.1   Genomics and Biotechnology for Health

1.1.2.1

Title of the proposal

Pathogenesis and protection of the myocardium mediated by the endothelium

Institute

Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute for Heart Research
Dubravska cesta 9, 842 33 Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Contact

Research subject for a potential FP6 project

The endothelium is known as a structural substrate, dysfunction of which is considered to be initiative reaction coming before the development of the myocardial damage in various pathophysiological processes (ischemia/reperfusion, diabetes mellitus, hypertension).

Endothelium produces numerous vasoactive substances, which are important in the regulating of myocardial function. Endothelial dysfunction is mainly connected with disorders of NO/cGMP-dependent myocardial relaxation as well as with structural alterations and impaired communi-cation of endothelial cell via intercellular connection. Integration and coordination of the endothelial function in physiological and pathophysiological conditions represent critical requirement responsible for motoric tone, circulatory homeostasis and myocardial function. Endothelial dysfunction can be observed on the level of metabolic changes (using histochemical and cytochemical detection of enzyme activities and immunodetection of enzymes), subcellular alterations, which affect the integrity and permeability of endothelium resulting in the functional changes.

Studying mechanisms and factors involved in damage of endothelium mainly of capillary network and the examination of the effect of some substances on the endothelial function and integrity may considerable extent contribute to avoid the myocardial damage.

Recent international cooperation of the research team

Proposer´s relevant publications related to the research subject

Okruhlicova L., Tribulova N., Eckly A., Lugnier C., Slezak J.: Cytochemical distribution of cAMP-dependent 3‘, 5‘-nucleotide phosphodiesterase in the rat myocardium. Histochem.J. 28, 165-172, 1996
Andriantsitohaina R., Okruhlicova L., Cortes S.D., Lagaud G.J.L., et al.: Role of endothelial nitric oxide in the response to angiotensine II os small mesenteric arteries of the rat. J.Vasc.Res. 33, 5, 386-394, 1996
Sotnikova R., Okruhlicova L., Noskovic P.: Endothelial protective effect of astobadine on ischaemia/reperfusion-induced injury. Gen.Physiol. Biophys. 17, 253-264, 1998
Stefek M., Sotnikova R., Okruhlicova L. et al.: Effect of dietary supplemetation with the pyridoindole antioxidant stobadine on antioxidant state and ultratructure of diabetic rat myocardium. Acta Diabetol. 37, 111-117, 2000