Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a multifactorial clinical condition with significant public health implications. Excessive Na+ intake is linked to the development and progression of SAH, with potential harmful effects independent of hypertension. Cardiotonic steroids (CTS), such as ouabain (OUA), are classic ligands of Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) and studies show that some SAH patients exhibit elevated plasma levels of endogenous CTS, particularly OUA. The role of endogenous OUA is not well understood, but it is speculated to affect long-term salt homeostasis and blood pressure. Elevated plasma Na+ levels may correlate with increased endogenous OUA and potential kidney damage. However, the combined effects of OUA and Na+ on kidneys are obscure. This study aims to evaluate how OUA interacts with a hypernatremic medium affecting LLC-PK1 renal tubular cells in vitro. LLC-PK1 cells were submitted to different concentrations of OUA, NaCl, and mannitol (osmolarity control) for 48 h and assessed for morphology and cell viability (MTT assay). Western blot analyses were conducted to examine NKA ?1 and MAPK expression in these experimental groups. Cellular distress, observed via phase contrast microscopy, was pronounced in groups exposed to high OUA (100 nM), Na+ (>232 mM), and mannitol levels. The MTT assay confirmed reduced cell viability in these groups compared to controls, with significant enhanced viability in cells treated with 1 nM and 10 nM OUA, as well as those exposed to 80% or 100% Na+ medium + 1 nM OUA, but the same is not observed for mannitol. These results suggest that high concentrations of Na+ and OUA decrease cell viability, whereas lower OUA concentrations partially block the deleterious effect of Na+ overload. Preliminary protein expression analysis indicated a decline of NKA ?1 and p-ERK1/2 (100 nM OUA). Ongoing investigations are examining proteins related to cellular stress, viability, and transport mechanisms.
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the 8th Annual Meeting of the Cardiotonic Steroids and Na Pump, in collaboration with the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutic Society (SBFTE) and the Brazilian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SBBq). The event is scheduled to take place at the Federal University of São João del Rei (UFSJ) from August 20th to 23rd, 2024.
The Na pump meeting stands as one of Brazil's most enduring scientific gatherings. Over the past decade, it has been hosted by various Brazilian institutions, serving as a pivotal platform for scientific discussions that contribute significantly to the advancement of fundamental knowledge in Na, K-ATPase biochemistry, molecular biology, and related fields. Additionally, it serves as a forum for dialogues on scientific education and training, generating consensus that can influence public policies for the betterment of society.
For this year's meeting, the organizing committee has curated an engaging interdisciplinary program, featuring lectures by esteemed foreign scientists. These sessions will delve into the latest advancements and current challenges across a broad spectrum of research topics in Biochemistry and the Molecular Na pump signaling cascade.
We eagerly anticipate your participation in this exciting scientific event and hope to see you soon in Minas Gerais!
Best regards,
Scientific Committee
Comissão Organizadora
Dr Leandro Augusto Barbosa
Dr Vanessa Faria Cortes
Sílvia Ramos Silva
Marina Vieira
Anna Karolina de Oliveira Alfenas Gadelha - Mídias Sociais e Papelaria
Jessica Alves Faria - Coffee Break e Gráfica
Lucas Antônio Lisboa Ribeiro - Apresentação/Cerimonial
Poliana Amorim Santos - Abertura/ Encerramento/ parte recreativa
?Ana Gabriela Finamore dos Santo-Midias Sociais e Suporte Técnico.
Thiago Malverde de Oliveira - Divulgação (SJDR) e suporte
Maurício Gustavo Oliveira - Credenciamento
Ítalo Leonardo Diogo - Contato com a pós-graduação e Controle de Frequência
Julia Lopes Granato - Midias sociais e controle de frequência
Comissão Científica
Dr. Gustavo Blanco – Kansas University Medical Center, USA
Dr. John Hamlyn – University of Maryland, USA
Dr. Rúben Gerardo Contreras Patiño – CINVESTAV, Mexico
Dra. Vanessa Faria Cortes - Federal University of São João del-Rei, Brazil
Dr Carlos Frederico Leite Fontes - Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Dr Cristoforo Scavone - University of Sao Paulo
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