Abstract 71: Novel Bach1 Modulators Increase HMOX1 and Suppress Hypertension in the Goldblatt Model of Renovascular Hypertension

Abstract

We report for the first time a novel class of compounds that specifically modulate the Bach1 transcriptional repressor pathway. In cellula, the compounds selectively inhibit the activity of the transcriptional repressor Bach1 resulting in transcription of a network of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes including HMOX1. HPP-1971, a member of this class, is a potent and selective Bach1 inhibitor that induces HMOX1 > 40-fold with a potency of 408 nM in human lung fibroblasts. To assess activity in vivo, we tested HPP-1971 in the Goldblatt model of renovascular hypertension. Sprague Dawley rats were implanted with in dwelling pressure telemeter probes and subsequently underwent sham surgery or placement of a 0.25 mm silver clip around the left renal artery. HPP-1971 treatment, dosed orally at 1,3,10 and 30 mpk, commenced three days following clip surgery, and continued for 18 days. At study completion, blood pressure, clipped kidney weight, renal HMOX1 enzyme activity and plasma aldosterone levels were measured (see Table). HPP-1971 attenuated both kidney atrophy and the increase in blood pressure in a dose dependent manner with significant differences seen at 3, 10 and 30 mpk (p<.0001). HMOX1 enzyme activity in the clipped kidney increased with treatment, reaching a maximum of 5.7 ± 0.9 nM/hr/mg at 30 mpk relative to sham operated animals (p<.0001). Plasma aldosterone levels increased in 2K1C animals compared to sham controls but were reduced by HPP-1971 treatment. These findings define a novel role for Bach1 suppressors in counteracting the influence of the RAAS system on hypertension and kidney atrophy in the 2K1C model of renovascular hypertension.