Inhibition of sphingomyelinase attenuates diet – Induced increases in aortic stiffness
Sphingomyelinases ensure ceramide production and play an integral role in cell turnover, inward budding of vesicles and outward release of exosomes. Recent data indicate a unique role for neutral sphingomyelinase (nSMase) in the control of ceramide-dependent exosome release and inflammatory pathways. Further, while inhibition of nSMase in vascular tissue attenuates the progression of atherosclerosis, little is known regarding its role on metabolic signaling and arterial vasomotor function. Accordingly, we hypothesized that nSMase inhibition with GW4869, would attenuate Western diet (WD) - induced increases in aortic stiffness through alterations in pathways which lead to oxidative stress, inflammation and vascular remodeling.
Source: Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology - Category: Cytology Authors: Javad Habibi, Vincent G. DeMarco, Jack L. Hulse, Melvin R. Hayden, Adam Whaley-Connell, Michael A. Hill, James R. Sowers, Guanghong Jia Source Type: research