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Yang Y, Li Z, Liu Q, Guo Y, Mei Y, Lyu J, Zhao M, Feng Y, Xie G. Carotid arterial wall MRI of apolipoprotein e-deficient mouse at 7 T using DANTE-prepared variable-flip-angle rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement. Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 86:1-9. [PMID: 34688846 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2021.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To optimize a sequence combining the delay alternating with nutation for tailored excitation (DANTE) preparative module with the variable-flip-angle rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (VF-RARE) sequence (DANTE-VF-RARE) and to investigate its feasibility for vessel wall imaging in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient (ApoE-/-) mouse at 7 Tesla (T). MATERIALS AND METHODS Specific T1/T2 values were used for producing a sharper vessel wall in the variable-flip-angle optimization scheme. The DANTE RF pulse flip angle and pulse train length were optimized for maximizing the wall-lumen contrast. ApoE-/- (fed high fat diet for 20/40/ 60 weeks, n = 9/4/4) and wild-type mice (controls, n = 3) were imaged at 7 T using VF-RARE, DANTE-VF-RARE, time-of-flight (TOF) angiography, and multi-slice T1-weighted 2D RARE coupled with inflow outflow saturation bands (IOSB-RARE). Wall-lumen contrast-to-noise-ratio efficiency (CNReff), lumen area (LA), and wall area (WA) were compared between DANTE-VF-RARE and 2D IOSB-RARE sequences. Additionally, linear regression analysis was conducted between MR measurements and histomorphometric planimetry results. RESULTS Residual blood signal was observed in the four out of eighteen carotids on VF-RARE images, whereas it was significantly suppressed on DANTE-VF-RARE images. Compared with IOSB-RARE, DANTE-VF-RARE offered significantly improved CNReff (P < 0.001). The LA and WA were both comparable (P = 0.085 and 0.112, respectively) and showed excellent agreement between DANTE-VF-RARE and IOSB-RARE (ICC = 0.96 and 0.95, respectively). The luminal stenosis identified by DANTE-VF-RARE was in consistent with the results of TOF. Strong correlations were found between MR measurements and histopathological analysis for both WA (DANTE-VF-RARE: r = 0.92, slope = 0.94, P < 0.001; IOSB-RARE: r = 0.93, slope = 0.94, P < 0.001) and LA (DANTE-VF-RARE: r = 0.82, slope = 0.54, P < 0.001; IOSB-RARE: r = 0.78, slope = 0.50, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION DANTE-VF-RARE achieves effective blood signal suppression and is a feasible approach for the 3D carotid arterial wall imaging of ApoE-/- mouse at 7 T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbo Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhonghao Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab for Shock and Microcirculation Research of Guangdong, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yihao Guo
- MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthcare Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingjie Mei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Philips Healthcare, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Lyu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab for Shock and Microcirculation Research of Guangdong, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanqiu Feng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Guoxi Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Liu L, Li Q, Yin J, Zhao Z, Sun L, Ran Q, Du X, Wang Y, Li Y, Yang Q, Chen Y, Weng X, Cai W, Zhu X. ShenLian Extract Enhances TGF-β Functions in the Macrophage-SMC Unit and Stabilizes Atherosclerotic Plaques. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:669730. [PMID: 34122091 PMCID: PMC8193129 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.669730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim: Macrophage polarization and phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are multi-faceted events dominating atherosclerosis (AS) progression. TGF-β was proved to been one of the bridge on the crosstalk between macrophage and SMC. ShenLian (SL) was extracted from a potent anti-atherosclerotic formula. However, its exact mechanism rebalancing inflammatory microenvironment of AS remain largely unknown. Within the entirety of macrophage and SMC, this study investigated the pharmacological effects of SL on stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: The main components of SL were examined by high performance liquid chromatography. Co-culture and conditioned medium models of macrophage/SMC interactions were designed to identify the relationship between macrophage polarization and switching of SMC phenotypes. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescent staining, RT-PCR, western blotting, and ELISA were used to determine the expression of molecules relating to AS progression. An atherosclerosis animal model, established by placing a perivascular collar on the right common carotid artery in ApoE−/− mice, was used to investigate whether TGF-β is the key molecular mediator of SL in crosstalk between macrophage and SMC. Plaque size was defined by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Key markers related to phenotypic transformation of macrophage and SMC were determined by immunohistochemical staining. Results: Results revealed that, accompanied by rebalanced M2 macrophage polarization, SL supported SMC phenotypic transformation and functionally reconstruct the ECM of plaques specifically in macrophage-SMC co-cultural model. Molecularly, such activity of SL closely related to the activation of STAT3/SOCS3 pathway. Furthermore, in co-culture system, up-regulation of α-SMA induced by SL could neutralized by 1D11, a TGF-β neutralizing antibody, indicating that SL mediated Macrophage-SMC communication by enhancing TGF-β. In the AS model constructed by ApoE−/− mice, effects of SL on phenotypic transformation of macrophage and SMC has been well verified. Specific blocking of TGF-β largely attenuated the aforementioned effects of SL. Conclusion: Our findings highlighted that TGF-β might be the responsive factor of SL within macrophage and SMC communication. This study revealed that crosstalk between macrophage and SMC forms a holistic entirety promoting atherosclerotic plaque stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Zheng Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lidong Sun
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingsen Ran
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinke Du
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yujie Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaogang Weng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weiyan Cai
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxin Zhu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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3
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杨 渊, 李 忠, 刘 蔷, 谢 国, 冯 衍. [Carotid artery wall imaging using 7.0T magnetic resonance imaging with threedimensional DANTE-prepared FLASH in ApoE -/- mice]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:216-222. [PMID: 33624594 PMCID: PMC7905245 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.02.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) vessel wall imaging of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE-/- mice using 7.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with delays alternating with nutations for tailored excitation (DANTE)-prepared fast low-angle shot (DANTE-FLASH) technique. OBJECTIVE Numerical simulations were performed for optimizing imaging parameters to maximize the wall-lumen contrast. Six ApoE-/- and three wild-type mice were scanned using a 7.0T MRI scanner with DANTE-FLASH and multi-slice 2D RARE coupled with inflow outflow saturation bands (2D-IOSBRARE). The wall signal-to-noise ratio (SNRwall), lumen SNR (SNRlumen), wall-lumen contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), lumen area (LA), and wall area (WA) were compared between DANTE- FLASH and 2D-IOSB-RARE sequences. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation between the MRI measurements and histopathological measurements of LA and WA. OBJECTIVE Based on the simulation results, a flip angle of 15° and a train length of 150 were implemented in the live imaging study. Compared with 2D-IOSB-RARE, DANTE-FLASH provided a slightly reduced CNR (P < 0.001) but much improved slice resolution. The LA and WA measurements from the DANTE-FLASH and 2D-IOSB- RARE showed excellent agreement based on ICC analysis (LA: ICC=0.94, P < 0.001; WA: ICC=0.93, P < 0.001) and Bland-Altman plots. Strong correlations were observed between the MRI and histopathological measurements for both LA (P < 0.0001) and WA (P < 0.0001). OBJECTIVE As a 3D black-blood MR sequence, DANTE-FLASH provides isotropic high spatial resolution to allow reliable visualization and quantitative evaluation of the arteriosclerotic lesions within the carotid artery of ApoE-/- mice using a 7.0T MRI scanner.
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Affiliation(s)
- 渊博 杨
- 南方医科大学生物医学工程学院,广东 广州 510515School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- 南方医科大学广东省医学图像处理重点实验室,广东 广州 510515Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 忠豪 李
- 南方医科大学基础医学院//广东省病理生理教研室//广东省休克与微循环研究重点实验室,广东 广州 510515Department of Pathophysiology//Key Lab for Shock and Microcirculation Research of Guangdong Province//School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - 蔷 刘
- 南方医科大学生物医学工程学院,广东 广州 510515School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- 南方医科大学广东省医学图像处理重点实验室,广东 广州 510515Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 国喜 谢
- 广州医科大学基础学院,第六附属医院,生物医学工程系,广东 广州 511436Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - 衍秋 冯
- 南方医科大学生物医学工程学院,广东 广州 510515School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- 南方医科大学广东省医学图像处理重点实验室,广东 广州 510515Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Andelovic K, Winter P, Jakob PM, Bauer WR, Herold V, Zernecke A. Evaluation of Plaque Characteristics and Inflammation Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Biomedicines 2021; 9:185. [PMID: 33673124 PMCID: PMC7917750 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of large and medium-sized arteries, characterized by the growth of atherosclerotic lesions (plaques). These plaques often develop at inner curvatures of arteries, branchpoints, and bifurcations, where the endothelial wall shear stress is low and oscillatory. In conjunction with other processes such as lipid deposition, biomechanical factors lead to local vascular inflammation and plaque growth. There is also evidence that low and oscillatory shear stress contribute to arterial remodeling, entailing a loss in arterial elasticity and, therefore, an increased pulse-wave velocity. Although altered shear stress profiles, elasticity and inflammation are closely intertwined and critical for plaque growth, preclinical and clinical investigations for atherosclerosis mostly focus on the investigation of one of these parameters only due to the experimental limitations. However, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been demonstrated to be a potent tool which can be used to provide insights into a large range of biological parameters in one experimental session. It enables the evaluation of the dynamic process of atherosclerotic lesion formation without the need for harmful radiation. Flow-sensitive MRI provides the assessment of hemodynamic parameters such as wall shear stress and pulse wave velocity which may replace invasive and radiation-based techniques for imaging of the vascular function and the characterization of early plaque development. In combination with inflammation imaging, the analyses and correlations of these parameters could not only significantly advance basic preclinical investigations of atherosclerotic lesion formation and progression, but also the diagnostic clinical evaluation for early identification of high-risk plaques, which are prone to rupture. In this review, we summarize the key applications of magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of plaque characteristics through flow sensitive and morphological measurements. The simultaneous measurements of functional and structural parameters will further preclinical research on atherosclerosis and has the potential to fundamentally improve the detection of inflammation and vulnerable plaques in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Andelovic
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Experimental Physics V, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (P.W.); (P.M.J.); (V.H.)
| | - Patrick Winter
- Experimental Physics V, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (P.W.); (P.M.J.); (V.H.)
- Internal Medicine I, Cardiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Peter Michael Jakob
- Experimental Physics V, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (P.W.); (P.M.J.); (V.H.)
| | - Wolfgang Rudolf Bauer
- Internal Medicine I, Cardiology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Volker Herold
- Experimental Physics V, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; (P.W.); (P.M.J.); (V.H.)
| | - Alma Zernecke
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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5
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Panteleev MA, Korin N, Reesink KD, Bark DL, Cosemans JMEM, Gardiner EE, Mangin PH. Wall shear rates in human and mouse arteries: Standardization of hemodynamics for in vitro blood flow assays: Communication from the ISTH SSC subcommittee on biorheology. J Thromb Haemost 2021; 19:588-595. [PMID: 34396692 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hemodynamics play a central role in hemostasis and thrombosis by affecting all aspects linked to platelet functions and coagulation. In vitro flow devices are extensively used in basic research, pharmacological studies, antiplatelet agent screening, and development of diagnostic tools. Because hemodynamic conditions vary tremendously throughout the vascular tree and among different (patho)physiological processes, it is important to use flow conditions based on relevant biorheological reference ranges. Surprisingly, it is particularly difficult to find a concise overview of relevant hemodynamic parameters in various human and mouse vessels. To our knowledge, this is the first time an inventory of flow conditions in healthy, non-diseased, human and mouse vessels has been created. The objective of providing such a repertoire is to aid researchers in the field of hemostasis and thrombosis in choosing rheological conditions relevant in in vitro flow experiments and to promote harmonization of flow-based assays to facilitate comparative evaluations between studies. With reference to the human, we discuss relevant similarities and discrepancies in wall shear rates in the mouse, which are typically one order of magnitude greater in agreement with allometric scaling laws between species. Importantly, we bring the attention of the researchers to the fact that the relevant range of average wall shear rates in human arteries where clinically relevant arterial thrombosis occurs may fall as low as 100 to 200 s-1, thus significantly overlapping with what are considered "venous" shear rates. The same range for the murine arteries used for arterial thrombosis models may significantly exceed 1000 s-1 reaching values considered to be "pathological."
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail A Panteleev
- Center for Theoretical Problems of Physicochemical Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology named after Dmitry Rogachev, Moscow, Russia
| | - Netanel Korin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering Technion, Israel Institute of Technology Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Koen D Reesink
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - David L Bark
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Judith M E M Cosemans
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth E Gardiner
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Pierre H Mangin
- INSERM, EFS Grand-Est, BPPS UMR-S1255, FMTS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Sangha GS, Goergen CJ, Prior SJ, Ranadive SM, Clyne AM. Preclinical techniques to investigate exercise training in vascular pathophysiology. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1566-H1600. [PMID: 33385323 PMCID: PMC8260379 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00719.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process starting with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation and eventually leading to life-threatening arterial plaques. Exercise generally improves endothelial function in a dose-dependent manner by altering hemodynamics, specifically by increased arterial pressure, pulsatility, and shear stress. However, athletes who regularly participate in high-intensity training can develop arterial plaques, suggesting alternative mechanisms through which excessive exercise promotes vascular disease. Understanding the mechanisms that drive atherosclerosis in sedentary versus exercise states may lead to novel rehabilitative methods aimed at improving exercise compliance and physical activity. Preclinical tools, including in vitro cell assays, in vivo animal models, and in silico computational methods, broaden our capabilities to study the mechanisms through which exercise impacts atherogenesis, from molecular maladaptation to vascular remodeling. Here, we describe how preclinical research tools have and can be used to study exercise effects on atherosclerosis. We then propose how advanced bioengineering techniques can be used to address gaps in our current understanding of vascular pathophysiology, including integrating in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies across multiple tissue systems and size scales. Improving our understanding of the antiatherogenic exercise effects will enable engaging, targeted, and individualized exercise recommendations to promote cardiovascular health rather than treating cardiovascular disease that results from a sedentary lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurneet S Sangha
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Craig J Goergen
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Steven J Prior
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sushant M Ranadive
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, Maryland
| | - Alisa M Clyne
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
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Strecker C, Krafft AJ, Kaufhold L, Hüllebrandt M, Weber S, Ludwig U, Wolkewitz M, Hennemuth A, Hennig J, Harloff A. Carotid geometry is an independent predictor of wall thickness - a 3D cardiovascular magnetic resonance study in patients with high cardiovascular risk. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2020; 22:67. [PMID: 32912285 PMCID: PMC7488078 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-020-00657-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The posterior wall of the proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) is the predilection site for the development of stenosis. To optimally prevent stroke, identification of new risk factors for plaque progression is of high interest. Therefore, we studied the impact of carotid geometry and wall shear stress on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-depicted wall thickness in the ICA of patients with high cardiovascular disease risk. METHODS One hundred twenty-one consecutive patients ≥50 years with hypertension, ≥1 additional cardiovascular risk factor and ICA plaque ≥1.5 mm thickness and < 50% stenosis were prospectively included. High-resolution 3D-multi-contrast (time of flight, T1, T2, proton density) and 4D flow CMR were performed for the assessment of morphological (bifurcation angle, ICA/common carotid artery (CCA) diameter ratio, tortuosity, and wall thickness) and hemodynamic parameters (absolute/systolic wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI)) in 242 carotid bifurcations. RESULTS We found lower absolute/systolic WSS, higher OSI and increased wall thickness in the posterior compared to the anterior wall of the ICA bulb (p < 0.001), whereas this correlation disappeared in ≥10% stenosis. Higher carotid tortuosity (regression coefficient = 0.764; p < 0.001) and lower ICA/CCA diameter ratio (regression coefficient = - 0.302; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of increased wall thickness even after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. This association was not found for bifurcation angle, WSS or OSI in multivariate regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS High carotid tortuosity and low ICA diameter were independent predictors for wall thickness of the ICA bulb in this cross-sectional study, whereas this association was not present for WSS or OSI. Thus, consideration of geometric parameters of the carotid bifurcation could be helpful to identify patients at increased risk of carotid plaque generation. However, this association and the potential benefit of WSS measurement need to be further explored in a longitudinal study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Strecker
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstrasse 64, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Axel Joachim Krafft
- Department of Radiology - Medical Physics, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lilli Kaufhold
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany
- Institute for Imaging Science and Computational Modelling in Cardiovascular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Hüllebrandt
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany
- Institute for Imaging Science and Computational Modelling in Cardiovascular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Weber
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ute Ludwig
- Department of Radiology - Medical Physics, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Wolkewitz
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Hennemuth
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany
- Institute for Imaging Science and Computational Modelling in Cardiovascular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hennig
- Department of Radiology - Medical Physics, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Harloff
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstrasse 64, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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8
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Franck G, Even G, Gautier A, Salinas M, Loste A, Procopio E, Gaston AT, Morvan M, Dupont S, Deschildre C, Berissi S, Laschet J, Nataf P, Nicoletti A, Michel JB, Caligiuri G. Haemodynamic stress-induced breaches of the arterial intima trigger inflammation and drive atherogenesis. Eur Heart J 2020; 40:928-937. [PMID: 30541066 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Inflammatory mediators, including blood cells and their products, contribute critically to atherogenesis, but the igniting triggers of inflammation remain elusive. Atherosclerosis develops at sites of flow perturbation, where the enhanced haemodynamic stress could initiate the atherogenic inflammatory process due to the occurrence of mechanic injury. We investigated the role of haemodynamic stress-induced breaches, allowing the entry of blood cells in the arterial intima, in triggering inflammation-driven atherogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS Human coronary samples isolated from explanted hearts, (n = 47) displayed signs of blood entry (detected by the presence of iron, ferritin, and glycophorin A) in the subintimal space (54%) as assessed by histology, immunofluorescence, high resolution episcopic microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Computational flow dynamic analysis showed that intimal haemorrhagic events occurred at sites of flow disturbance. Experimental carotid arteries from Apoe deficient mice showed discrete endothelial breaches and intimal haemorrhagic events specifically occurring at the site of flow perturbation, within 3 days after the exacerbation of the local haemodynamic stress. Endothelial tearing was associated with increased VCAM-1 expression and, within 7 days, substantial Ly6G+ leucocytes accumulated at the sites of erythrocyte-derived iron and lipids droplets accumulation, pathological intimal thickening and positive oil red O staining. The formation of fatty streaks at the sites of intimal breaches was prevented by the depletion of Ly6G+ leucocytes, suggesting that the local injury driven by haemodynamic stress-induced breaches triggers atherogenic inflammation. CONCLUSION Haemodynamic-driven breaches of the arterial intima drive atherogenic inflammation by triggering the recruitment of leucocyte at sites of disturbed arterial flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégory Franck
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Even
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Gautier
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Manuel Salinas
- Department of Engineering and Technology, College of Engineering and Computing, Nova Southeastern University, College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Alexia Loste
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Emanuele Procopio
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Anh-Thu Gaston
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Marion Morvan
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Dupont
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Deschildre
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Berissi
- Histomorphology platform, SFR Necker INSERM (INSERM US24-CNRS UMS3633), 24, bd du Montparnasse Paris, France
| | - Jamila Laschet
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Nataf
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Xavier Bichat, AP-HP, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Antonino Nicoletti
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Michel
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
| | - Giuseppina Caligiuri
- INSERM U1148, Laboratory for Vascular Translational Science (LVTS), DHU FIRE, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Xavier Bichat, AP-HP, 46 rue Henri Huchard, Paris, France
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Ning K, Wang MJ, Lin G, Zhang YL, Li MY, Yang BF, Chen Y, Huang Y, Li ZM, Huang YJ, Zhu L, Liang K, Yu B, Zhu YZ, Zhu YC. eNOS-Nitric Oxide System Contributes to a Novel Antiatherogenic Effect of Leonurine via Inflammation Inhibition and Plaque Stabilization. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 373:463-475. [PMID: 32238453 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.264887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Leonurine (LEO) is a bioactive small molecular compound that has protective effects on the cardiovascular system and prevents the early progression of atherosclerosis; however, it is not clear whether LEO is effective for plaque stability. A novel mouse atherosclerosis model involving tandem stenosis (TS) of the right carotid artery combined with western diet (WD) feeding was used. Apolipoprotein E gene-deficient mice were fed with a WD and received LEO administration daily for 13 weeks. TS was introduced 6 weeks after the onset of experiments. We found that LEO enhanced plaque stability by increasing fibrous cap thickness and collagen content while decreasing the population of CD68-positive cells. Enhanced plaque stability by LEO was associated with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-nitric oxide (NO) system. LEO restored the balance between endothelial NOS(E)- and inducible NOS(iNOS)-derived NO production; suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway; reduced the level of the inflammatory infiltration in plaque, including cytokine interleukin 6; and downregulated the expression of adhesion molecules. These findings support the distinct role of LEO in plaque stabilization. In vitro studies with oxidized low-density lipoprotein-challenged human umbilical vein endothelial cells revealed that LEO balanced NO production and inhibited NF-κB/P65 nuclear translocation, thus mitigating inflammation. In conclusion, the restored balance of the NOS-NO system and mitigated inflammation contribute to the plaque-stabilizing effect of LEO. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: LEO restored the balance between endothelial NOS and inducible NOS in NO production and inhibited excessive inflammation in atherosclerotic "unstable" and rupture-prone plaques in apolipoprotein E gene-deficient mice. The protective effect of LEO for stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques was due to improved collagen content, increased fibrous cap thickness, and decreased accumulation of macrophages/foam cells. So far, LEO has passed the safety and feasibility test of phase I clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ning
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Ming-Jie Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Ge Lin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Yi-Lin Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Meng-Yao Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Bao-Feng Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Ying Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Yong Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Zhi-Ming Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Yi-Jun Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Lei Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Kun Liang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Bo Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Yi-Zhun Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
| | - Yi-Chun Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Geriatric Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Medical College, School of Basic Medical Sciences (K.N., M.-J.W., G.L., Y.-L.Z., M.-Y.L., Y.C., Y.H., Z.-M.L., Y.-C.Z.), Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital (Y.-J.H., L.Z., K.L., B.Y.), and Institutes of Science and Technology for Brain-inspired intelligence (B.-F.Y.), Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China (Y.-Z.Z.)
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Vallatos A, Al-Mubarak HFI, Mullin JM, Holmes WM. Accuracy of phase-contrast velocimetry in systems with skewed intravoxel velocity distributions. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2018; 296:121-129. [PMID: 30245475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Phase contrast velocimetry (PCV) has been widely used to investigate flow properties in numerous systems. Several authors have reported errors in velocity measurements and have speculated on the sources, which have ranged from eddy current effects to acceleration artefacts. An often overlooked assumption in the theory of PCV, which may not be met in complex or unsteady flows, is that the intravoxel displacement distributions (propagators) are symmetric. Here, the effect of the higher moments of the displacement distribution (variance, skewness and kurtosis) on the accuracy of PCV is investigated experimentally and theoretically. Phase and propagator measurements are performed on tailored intravoxel distributions, achieved using a simple phantom combined with a single large voxel. Asymmetric distributions (Skewness ≠ 0) are shown to generate important phase measurement errors that lead to significant velocimetry errors. Simulations of the phase of the spin vector sum, based on experimentally measured propagators, are shown to quantitatively reproduce the relationship between measured phase and experimental parameters. These allow relating the observed velocimetry errors to a discrepancy between the average phase of intravoxel spins considered in PCV theory and the vector phase actually measured by a PFG experiment. A theoretical expression is derived for PCV velocimetry errors as a function of the moments of the displacement distribution. Positively skewed distributions result in an underestimation of the true mean velocity, while negatively skewed distributions result in an overestimation. The magnitude of these errors is shown to increase with the variance and decrease with the kurtosis of the intravoxel displacement distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Vallatos
- Glasgow Experimental MRI Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Haitham F I Al-Mubarak
- Glasgow Experimental MRI Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - James M Mullin
- Glasgow Experimental MRI Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - William M Holmes
- Glasgow Experimental MRI Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, UK.
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11
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Li B, Jiao Y, Fu C, Xie B, Ma G, Teng G, Yao Y. Contralateral artery enlargement predicts carotid plaque progression based on machine learning algorithm models in apoE -/- mice. Biomed Eng Online 2016; 15:146. [PMID: 28155719 PMCID: PMC5259854 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-016-0265-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study specifically focused on anatomical MRI characterization of the low shear stress-induced atherosclerotic plaque in mice. We used machine learning algorithms to analyze multiple correlation factors of plaque to generate predictive models and to find the predictive factor for vulnerable plaque. METHODS Branches of the left carotid artery in apoE-/- and C57BL/6J mice were ligated to produce the partial left carotid artery model. Before surgery, and 7, 14, and 28 days after surgery, in vivo serial MRI measurements of carotid artery diameter were obtained. Meanwhile, proximal blood flow was evaluated. After image acquisition and animal sacrifice, carotid arteries were harvested for histological analysis. Support vector machine (SVM) and decision tree (DT) were used to select features and generate predictive models of vulnerable plaque progression. RESULT Seven days after surgery, neointima formation was visualized on micro-MRI in both apoE-/- and C57BL/6J mice. Ultrasonography showed that blood flow had significantly decreased compared to that in the contralateral artery. Partial ligation of the carotid artery for 4 weeks in apoE-/- mice induced vulnerable plaque; however, in C57BL/6J mice this same technique performed for 4 weeks induced arterial stenosis. Contralateral carotid artery diameter at 7 days after surgery was the most reliable predictive factor in plaque progression. We achieved over 87.5% accuracy, 80% sensitivity, and 95% specificity with SVM. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for the DT classifier were 90, 90, and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to demonstrate that SVM and DT methods could be suitable models for identifying vulnerable plaque progression in mice. And contralateral artery enlargement can predict the vulnerable plaque in carotid artery at the very early stage. It may be a valuable tool which helps to optimize the clinical work flow process by providing more decision in selecting patients for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Jiao
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Molecular and Function Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Cong Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bo Xie
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Molecular and Function Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Genshan Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gaojun Teng
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Molecular and Function Imaging, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuyu Yao
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Cibis M, Potters WV, Gijsen FJ, Marquering H, van Ooij P, vanBavel E, Wentzel JJ, Nederveen AJ. The Effect of Spatial and Temporal Resolution of Cine Phase Contrast MRI on Wall Shear Stress and Oscillatory Shear Index Assessment. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163316. [PMID: 27669568 PMCID: PMC5036833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) are associated with atherosclerotic disease. Both parameters are derived from blood velocities, which can be measured with phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI). Limitations in spatiotemporal resolution of PC-MRI are known to affect these measurements. Our aim was to investigate the effect of spatiotemporal resolution using a carotid artery phantom. Methods A carotid artery phantom was connected to a flow set-up supplying pulsatile flow. MRI measurement planes were placed at the common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA). Two-dimensional PC-MRI measurements were performed with thirty different spatiotemporal resolution settings. The MRI flow measurement was validated with ultrasound probe measurements. Mean flow, peak flow, flow waveform, WSS and OSI were compared for these spatiotemporal resolutions using regression analysis. The slopes of the regression lines were reported in %/mm and %/100ms. The distribution of low and high WSS and OSI was compared between different spatiotemporal resolutions. Results The mean PC-MRI CCA flow (2.5±0.2mL/s) agreed with the ultrasound probe measurements (2.7±0.02mL/s). Mean flow (mL/s) depended only on spatial resolution (CCA:-13%/mm, ICA:-49%/mm). Peak flow (mL/s) depended on both spatial (CCA:-13%/mm, ICA:-17%/mm) and temporal resolution (CCA:-19%/100ms, ICA:-24%/100ms). Mean WSS (Pa) was in inverse relationship only with spatial resolution (CCA:-19%/mm, ICA:-33%/mm). OSI was dependent on spatial resolution for CCA (-26%/mm) and temporal resolution for ICA (-16%/100ms). The regions of low and high WSS and OSI matched for most of the spatiotemporal resolutions (CCA:30/30, ICA:28/30 cases for WSS; CCA:23/30, ICA:29/30 cases for OSI). Conclusion We show that both mean flow and mean WSS are independent of temporal resolution. Peak flow and OSI are dependent on both spatial and temporal resolution. However, the magnitude of mean and peak flow, WSS and OSI, and the spatial distribution of OSI and WSS did not exhibit a strong dependency on spatiotemporal resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merih Cibis
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Wouter V. Potters
- Radiology Department, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Gijsen
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Marquering
- Radiology Department, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Biomedical Engineering and Physics Department, AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pim van Ooij
- Radiology Department, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ed vanBavel
- Biomedical Engineering and Physics Department, AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda J. Wentzel
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aart J. Nederveen
- Radiology Department, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Assessment of shear stress related parameters in the carotid bifurcation using mouse-specific FSI simulations. J Biomech 2016; 49:2135-2142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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14
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Vanhoutte L, Gerber BL, Gallez B, Po C, Magat J, Balligand JL, Feron O, Moniotte S. High field magnetic resonance imaging of rodents in cardiovascular research. Basic Res Cardiol 2016; 111:46. [PMID: 27287250 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-016-0565-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic and gene knockout rodent models are primordial to study pathophysiological processes in cardiovascular research. Over time, cardiac MRI has become a gold standard for in vivo evaluation of such models. Technical advances have led to the development of magnets with increasingly high field strength, allowing specific investigation of cardiac anatomy, global and regional function, viability, perfusion or vascular parameters. The aim of this report is to provide a review of the various sequences and techniques available to image mice on 7-11.7 T magnets and relevant to the clinical setting in humans. Specific technical aspects due to the rise of the magnetic field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Vanhoutte
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Cliniques universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium. .,Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Bernhard L Gerber
- Division of Cardiology, Cliniques universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium.,Pole of Cardiovascular Research (CARD), Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bernard Gallez
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Unit (REMA), Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chrystelle Po
- CNRS, ICube, FMTS, Institut de Physique Biologique, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Magat
- L'Institut de RYthmologie et de Modélisation Cardiaque (LIRYC), Inserm U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Luc Balligand
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Feron
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stéphane Moniotte
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Cliniques universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
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Speelman L, Teng Z, Nederveen AJ, van der Lugt A, Gillard JH. MRI-based biomechanical parameters for carotid artery plaque vulnerability assessment. Thromb Haemost 2016; 115:493-500. [PMID: 26791734 DOI: 10.1160/th15-09-0712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Carotid atherosclerotic plaques are a major cause of ischaemic stroke. The biomechanical environment to which the arterial wall and plaque is subjected to plays an important role in the initiation, progression and rupture of carotid plaques. MRI is frequently used to characterize the morphology of a carotid plaque, but new developments in MRI enable more functional assessment of carotid plaques. In this review, MRI based biomechanical parameters are evaluated on their current status, clinical applicability, and future developments. Blood flow related biomechanical parameters, including endothelial wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index, have been shown to be related to plaque formation. Deriving these parameters directly from MRI flow measurements is feasible and has great potential for future carotid plaque development prediction. Blood pressure induced stresses in a plaque may exceed the tissue strength, potentially leading to plaque rupture. Multi-contrast MRI based stress calculations in combination with tissue strength assessment based on MRI inflammation imaging may provide a plaque stress-strength balance that can be used to assess the plaque rupture risk potential. Direct plaque strain analysis based on dynamic MRI is already able to identify local plaque displacement during the cardiac cycle. However, clinical evidence linking MRI strain to plaque vulnerability is still lacking. MRI based biomechanical parameters may lead to improved assessment of carotid plaque development and rupture risk. However, better MRI systems and faster sequences are required to improve the spatial and temporal resolution, as well as increase the image contrast and signal-to-noise ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lambert Speelman
- Dr. Lambert Speelman, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ee 23.38B, P.O Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Tel.: +31 10 70 44039, Fax: +31 10 70 44720, E-mail:
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Peng SL, Wang FN, Yang TC, Hsu JC, Wu YC, Peng HH. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of wall shear stress in the common carotid artery of a spontaneously hypertensive rat model at 7T: Location-specific change, regional distribution along the vascular circumference, and reproducibility analysis. Magn Reson Imaging 2015; 34:624-31. [PMID: 26712655 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2015.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To measure wall shear stress (WSS) in the common carotid arteries (CCA) of a spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model and a normotensive Wistar Kyoto rat (WKY) model by 2D phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS PC-MRI was performed on 7 SHR and 7 WKY at ages of 4 and 7months at a 7T scanner. Images in the middle CCA (CCAmid) and in the bifurcation of CCA (CCAbifur) were acquired. The WSS values for differentiating characteristics between two models were calculated. Further, its location-specific change, regional distribution along the CCA circumference, and the reproducibility were evaluated. RESULTS In the 4-month-old rats, SHR showed lower temporal averaged WSS (WSSavg) and peak systolic WSS (WSSs) in the CCAbifur in comparison with WKY (WSSavg: 0.95±0.18 vs. 1.30±0.36N/m(2) (P<0.01); WSSs: 1.68±0.70 vs. 3.22±2.49N/m(2) (P<0.05)). We observed the same trends in the 7-month-old rats. In the SHR model, the WSSavg was lower in the CCAbifur than in the CCAmid. The regional distribution of WSSavg along the circumference of CCA showed lower values in WKY, particularly in posterior segments of CCAbifur. The intra-observer, intra-scan and inter-scan reproducibility was acceptable and the disagreements were ranged from -0.05 to 0.06N/m(2). CONCLUSION This study evaluated WSS in SHR and WKY models by 2D PC-MRI. High reproducibility analyses further indicated the reliability of measurements of WSS in the CCA of SHR and WKY models using PC-MRI at 7T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Lei Peng
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fu-Nien Wang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tao-Chieh Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jee-Ching Hsu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Chun Wu
- Center for Advanced Molecular Imaging and Translation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsu-Hsia Peng
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
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Bakermans AJ, Abdurrachim D, Moonen RPM, Motaal AG, Prompers JJ, Strijkers GJ, Vandoorne K, Nicolay K. Small animal cardiovascular MR imaging and spectroscopy. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2015; 88-89:1-47. [PMID: 26282195 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of MR imaging and spectroscopy for studying cardiovascular disease processes in small animals has increased tremendously over the past decade. This is the result of the remarkable advances in MR technologies and the increased availability of genetically modified mice. MR techniques provide a window on the entire timeline of cardiovascular disease development, ranging from subtle early changes in myocardial metabolism that often mark disease onset to severe myocardial dysfunction associated with end-stage heart failure. MR imaging and spectroscopy techniques play an important role in basic cardiovascular research and in cardiovascular disease diagnosis and therapy follow-up. This is due to the broad range of functional, structural and metabolic parameters that can be quantified by MR under in vivo conditions non-invasively. This review describes the spectrum of MR techniques that are employed in small animal cardiovascular disease research and how the technological challenges resulting from the small dimensions of heart and blood vessels as well as high heart and respiratory rates, particularly in mice, are tackled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianus J Bakermans
- Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Desiree Abdurrachim
- Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rik P M Moonen
- Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Abdallah G Motaal
- Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanine J Prompers
- Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gustav J Strijkers
- Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katrien Vandoorne
- Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas Nicolay
- Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
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Bar A, Skorka T, Jasinski K, Chlopicki S. MRI-based assessment of endothelial function in mice in vivo. Pharmacol Rep 2015; 67:765-70. [PMID: 26321279 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
While a healthy endothelium serves to maintain vascular haemostasis, a malfunctioning endothelium leads to various cardiovascular diseases, including atherothrombosis. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by increased vascular permeability, impaired endothelium-dependent responses and various pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic changes in endothelial phenotype, all of which could provide the basis for an in vivo diagnosis of endothelial dysfunction. In the present review, we briefly summarize the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based methods available for assessing endothelial function in animal models, especially in mice. These methods are aimed to assess biochemical phenotype using molecular imaging, endothelium-dependent responses or changes in endothelial permeability. All these approaches provide a complementary insight into the endothelial dysfunction in vivo and may offer a unique opportunity to study endothelium-based mechanisms of diseases and endothelial response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bar
- Department of MRI, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland; Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tomasz Skorka
- Department of MRI, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Jasinski
- Department of MRI, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Stefan Chlopicki
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland; Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Velocity mapping of the aortic flow at 9.4 T in healthy mice and mice with induced heart failure using time-resolved three-dimensional phase-contrast MRI (4D PC MRI). MAGNETIC RESONANCE MATERIALS IN PHYSICS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2014; 28:315-27. [PMID: 25381179 PMCID: PMC4515240 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-014-0466-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objectives In this study, we established and validated a time-resolved three-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging method (4D PC MRI) on a 9.4 T small-animal MRI system. Herein we present the feasibility of 4D PC MRI in terms of qualitative and quantitative flow pattern analysis in mice with transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Materials and methods 4D PC FLASH images of a flow phantom and mouse heart were acquired at 9.4 T using a four-point phase-encoding scheme. The method was compared with slice-selective PC FLASH and ultrasound using Bland–Altman analysis. Advanced 3D streamlines were visualized utilizing Voreen volume-rendering software. Results In vitro, 4D PC MRI flow profiles showed the transition between laminar and turbulent flow with increasing velocities. In vivo, 4D PC MRI data of the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery were confirmed by ultrasound, resulting in linear regressions of R2 > 0.93. Magnitude- and direction-encoded streamlines differed substantially pre- and post-TAC surgery. Conclusions 4D PC MRI is a feasible tool for in vivo velocity measurements on high-field small-animal scanners. Similar to clinical measurement, this method provides a complete spatially and temporally resolved dataset of the murine cardiovascular blood flow and allows for three-dimensional flow pattern analysis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10334-014-0466-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Millon A, Canet-Soulas E, Boussel L, Fayad Z, Douek P. Animal models of atherosclerosis and magnetic resonance imaging for monitoring plaque progression. Vascular 2014; 22:221-37. [DOI: 10.1177/1708538113478758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, the main cause of heart attack and stroke, is the leading cause of death in most modern countries. Preventing clinical events depends on a better understanding of the mechanism of atherosclerotic plaque destabilization. Our knowledge on the characteristics of vulnerable plaques in humans has grown past decades. Histological studies have provided a precise definition of high-risk lesions and novel imaging methods for human atherosclerotic plaque characterization have made significant progress. However the pathological mechanisms leading from stable lesions to the formation of vulnerable plaques remain uncertain and the related clinical events are unpredictable. An animal model mimicking human plaque destablization is required as well as an in vivo imaging method to assess and monitor atherosclerosis progression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used for in vivo assessment of atherosclerotic plaques in the human carotids. MRI provides well-characterized morphological and functional features of human atherosclerotic plaque which can be also assessed in animal models. This review summarizes the most common species used as animal models for experimental atherosclerosis, the techniques to induce atherosclerosis and to obtain vulnerable plaques, together with the role of MRI for monitoring atherosclerotic plaques in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Millon
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Lyon, 69000 Lyon, France
- CREATIS, UMR CNRS 5515, INSERM U630, Lyon University, 69000 Lyon, France
| | | | - Loic Boussel
- CREATIS, UMR CNRS 5515, INSERM U630, Lyon University, 69000 Lyon, France
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Cardiovasculaire et Pneumologique, Louis Pradel, 69000 Lyon, France
| | - Zahi Fayad
- Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Philippe Douek
- CREATIS, UMR CNRS 5515, INSERM U630, Lyon University, 69000 Lyon, France
- Department of Radiology, Hôpital Cardiovasculaire et Pneumologique, Louis Pradel, 69000 Lyon, France
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Galizia MS, Barker A, Liao Y, Collins J, Carr J, McDermott MM, Markl M. Wall morphology, blood flow and wall shear stress: MR findings in patients with peripheral artery disease. Eur Radiol 2013; 24:850-6. [PMID: 24326757 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-013-3081-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the influence of atherosclerotic plaques on femoral haemodynamics assessed by two-dimensional (2D) phase-contrast (PC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with three-directional velocity encoding. METHODS During 1 year, patients with peripheral artery disease and an ankle brachial index <1.00 were enrolled. After institutional review board approval and written informed consent, 44 patients (age, 70 ± 12 years) underwent common femoral artery MRI. Patients with contra-indications for MRI were excluded. Sequences included 2D time-of-flight, proton-density, T1-weighted and T2-weighted MRI. Electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated 2D PC-MRI with 3D velocity encoding was acquired. A radiologist classified images in five categories. Blood flow, velocity and wall shear stress (WSS) along the vessel circumference were quantified from the PC-MRI data. RESULTS The acquired images were of good quality for interpretation. There were no image quality problems related to poor ECG-gating or slice positioning. Velocities, oscillatory shear stress and total flow were similar between patients with normal arteries and wall thickening/plaque. Patients with plaques demonstrated regionally increased peak systolic WSS and enhanced WSS eccentricity. CONCLUSIONS Combined multi-contrast morphological imaging of the peripheral arterial wall with PC-MRI with three-directional velocity encoding is a feasible technique. Further study is needed to determine whether flow is an appropriate marker for altered endothelial cell function, vascular remodelling and plaque progression. KEY POINTS • Femoral plaques are associated with altered dynamics of peripheral blood flow. • Multi-contrast MRI can investigate the presence and type of atherosclerotic plaques. • Three-dimensional velocity-encoding phase-contrast MRI can investigate flow and wall shear stress. • Atherosclerotic peripheral arteries demonstrate increased systolic velocities and wall shear stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio S Galizia
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Seneviratne A, Hulsmans M, Holvoet P, Monaco C. Biomechanical factors and macrophages in plaque stability. Cardiovasc Res 2013; 99:284-93. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvt097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Phinikaridou A, Hua N, Pham T, Hamilton JA. Regions of low endothelial shear stress colocalize with positive vascular remodeling and atherosclerotic plaque disruption: an in vivo magnetic resonance imaging study. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2013; 6:302-10. [PMID: 23357244 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.112.000176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local hemodynamic factors, particularly low endothelial shear stress (ESS), play a role in the focal formation of atherosclerosis. We used in vivo MRI to investigate the role of the magnitude of ESS on vascular remodeling, plaque burden, and disruption using a rabbit model of controlled atherothrombosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Atherosclerosis was induced in New Zealand white rabbits by cholesterol diet and endothelial denudation. MRI was performed before (pretrigger) and after (posttrigger) inducing plaque disruption with Russell viper venom and histamine. Of the 134 vascular segments studied, 28 contained thrombus (disrupted) and 106 did not (nondisrupted). Disrupted plaques were histologically characterized by a thin, inflamed fibrous cap, a dense lipid core, and mural thrombus. Pretriggered MRI revealed that disrupted plaques clustered at regions with low mean ESS (11.55±5.3 versus 20.9±9.74 dynes/cm(2); P<0.001) and low peak ESS (21.5±11.2 versus 49.2±21.5 dynes/cm(2); P<0.001) compared with nondisrupted plaques. The peak ESS negatively correlated with the plaque area (r=-0.56, P<0.001) and remodeling ratio (r=-0.4, P=0.008). There was also a negative correlation between the mean ESS and the remodeling ratio (r=-0.55, P<0.001). Both the peak ESS and the mean ESS did not correlate with the % stenosis; there was a weak but statistically significant correlation with the % cross-sectional narrowing (r=0.3, P=0.002 and r=0.2, P=0.04, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that both mean (AUC=0.78; 95% CI, 0.69-0.87) and peak ESS (AUC=0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.93) identified disrupted plaques. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that low ESS is associated with plaque burden, positive vascular remodeling, and plaque disruption in a rabbit model. Assessment of ESS by noninvasive MRI might be useful for assessing atherosclerotic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alkystis Phinikaridou
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Frueh J, Maimari N, Lui Y, Kis Z, Mehta V, Pormehr N, Grant C, Chalkias E, Falck-Hansen M, Bovens S, Pedrigi R, Homma T, Coppola G, Krams R. Systems and synthetic biology of the vessel wall. FEBS Lett 2012; 586:2164-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Kuhlmann MT, Cuhlmann S, Hoppe I, Krams R, Evans PC, Strijkers GJ, Nicolay K, Hermann S, Schäfers M. Implantation of a carotid cuff for triggering shear-stress induced atherosclerosis in mice. J Vis Exp 2012:3308. [PMID: 22294044 DOI: 10.3791/3308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that alterations in vascular shear stress trigger the expression of inflammatory genes in endothelial cells and thereby induce atherosclerosis (reviewed in (1) and (2)). The role of shear stress has been extensively studied in vitro investigating the influence of flow dynamics on cultured endothelial cells and in vivo in larger animals and humans. However, highly reproducible small animal models allowing systematic investigation of the influence of shear stress on plaque development are rare. Recently, Nam et al. introduced a mouse model in which the ligation of branches of the carotid artery creates a region of low and oscillatory flow. Although this model causes endothelial dysfunction and rapid formation of atherosclerotic lesions in hyperlipidemic mice, it cannot be excluded that the observed inflammatory response is, at least in part, a consequence of endothelial and/or vessel damage due to ligation. In order to avoid such limitations, a shear stress modifying cuff has been developed based upon calculated fluid dynamics, whose cone shaped inner lumen was selected to create defined regions of low, high and oscillatory shear stress within the common carotid artery. By applying this model in Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout mice fed a high cholesterol western type diet, vascular lesions develop upstream and downstream from the cuff. Their phenotype is correlated with the regional flow dynamics as confirmed by in vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Low and laminar shear stress upstream of the cuff causes the formation of extensive plaques of a more vulnerable phenotype, whereas oscillatory shear stress downstream of the cuff induces stable atherosclerotic lesions. In those regions of high shear stress and high laminar flow within the cuff, typically no atherosclerotic plaques are observed. In conclusion, the shear stress-modifying cuff procedure is a reliable surgical approach to produce phenotypically different atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE-deficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Kuhlmann
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Germany
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Hu L, Hockett FD, Chen J, Zhang L, Caruthers SD, Lanza GM, Wickline SA. A generalized strategy for designing 19F/1H dual-frequency MRI coil for small animal imaging at 4.7 Tesla. J Magn Reson Imaging 2011; 34:245-52. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.22516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Correlation between Fc γ R III a and aortic atherosclerotic plaque destabilization in ApoE knockout mice and intervention effects of effective components of Chuanxiong Rhizome and Red Peony Root. Chin J Integr Med 2011; 17:355-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s11655-011-0726-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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van Bochove GS, Paulis LEM, Segers D, Mulder WJM, Krams R, Nicolay K, Strijkers GJ. Contrast enhancement by differently sized paramagnetic MRI contrast agents in mice with two phenotypes of atherosclerotic plaque. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2010; 6:35-45. [PMID: 20882509 DOI: 10.1002/cmmi.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2010] [Revised: 04/27/2010] [Accepted: 05/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Interest in the use of contrast-enhanced MRI to enable in vivo specific characterization of atherosclerotic plaques is increasing. In this study the intrinsic ability of three differently sized gadolinium-based contrast agents to permeate different mouse plaque phenotypes was evaluated with MRI. A tapered cast was implanted around the right carotid artery of apoE(-/-) mice to induce two different plaque phenotypes: a thin cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) and a non-TCFA lesion. Both plaques were allowed to develop over 6 and 9 weeks, leading to an intermediate and advanced lesion, respectively. Signal enhancement in the carotid artery wall, following intravenous injection of Gd-HP-DO3A as well as paramagnetic micelles and liposomes was evaluated. In vivo T(1) -weighted MRI plaque enhancement characteristics were complemented by fluorescence microscopy and correlated to lesion phenotype. The two smallest contrast agents, i.e. Gd-HP-DO3A and micelles, were found to enhance contrast in T(1) -weighted MR images of all investigated plaque phenotypes. Maximum contrast enhancement ranged between 53 and 70% at 6 min after injection of Gd-HP-DO3A with highest enhancement and longest retention in the non-TCFA lesion. Twenty-four hours after injection of micelles maximum contrast enhancement ranged between 24 and 35% in all plaque phenotypes. Administration of the larger liposomes did not cause significant contrast enhancement in the atherosclerotic plaques. Confocal fluorescence microscopy confirmed the MRI-based differences in plaque permeation between micelles and liposomes. Plaque permeation of contrast agents was strongly dependent on size. Our results implicate that, when equipped with targeting ligands, liposomes are most suitable for the imaging of plaque-associated endothelial markers due to low background enhancement, whereas micelles, which accumulate extravascularly on a long timescale, are suited for imaging of less abundant markers inside plaques. Low molecular weight compounds may be employed for target-specific imaging of highly abundant extravascular plaque-associated targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenda S van Bochove
- Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands
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