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Chinetti G, Neels JG. Roles of Nuclear Receptors in Vascular Calcification. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6491. [PMID: 34204304 PMCID: PMC8235358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification is defined as an inappropriate accumulation of calcium depots occurring in soft tissues, including the vascular wall. Growing evidence suggests that vascular calcification is an actively regulated process, sharing similar mechanisms with bone formation, implicating both inhibitory and inducible factors, mediated by osteoclast-like and osteoblast-like cells, respectively. This process, which occurs in nearly all the arterial beds and in both the medial and intimal layers, mainly involves vascular smooth muscle cells. In the vascular wall, calcification can have different clinical consequences, depending on the pattern, localization and nature of calcium deposition. Nuclear receptors are transcription factors widely expressed, activated by specific ligands that control the expression of target genes involved in a multitude of pathophysiological processes, including metabolism, cancer, inflammation and cell differentiation. Some of them act as drug targets. In this review we describe and discuss the role of different nuclear receptors in the control of vascular calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Chinetti
- Université Côte d’Azur, CHU, INSERM, C3M, 06204 Nice, France;
| | - Jaap G. Neels
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, C3M, 06204 Nice, France
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Luo P, Shi W, Wang Y, Ma H, Liu T, Yan D, Huo S, Guo J, Wang M, Li C, Lin J, Zhang C, Li S, Lv J, Lin L. Raloxifene inhibits IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and protects against high-fat-induced atherosclerosis in ApoE -/- mice. Life Sci 2020; 261:118304. [PMID: 32828944 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway plays an important role in inflammatory cascade process. Our previous studies found that Raloxifene targeted against IL-6/GP130 protein-protein interface and inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation induced by IL-6 in cancer cells. However, whether Raloxifene could suppress IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and attenuate atherosclerosis in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mice remains unknown. The objective of this study was to explore the potential effect of Raloxifene on the prevention of atherosclerosis. MAIN METHODS HFD-induced atherosclerosis was established in apoliprotein E-deficient (ApoE -/-) mice. Mice by daily intragastric gavage with Raloxifene or vehicle as controls were provided. The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), Rat VSMC and RAW264.7 cell lines were used to evaluate the effect of Raloxifene in vitro. KEY FINDINGS We demonstrated that Raloxifene was effective in ameliorating HFD- induced atherosclerosis plaque burden and size. Histological analysis showed that the expression of IL-6, P-STAT3, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, CD68 and α-SMA were significantly decreased in the Raloxifene intervention group compared to HFD group. Moreover, we observed that IL-6 increased migration and cell viability of VSMCs and RAW264.7 cells, while Raloxifene treatment decreased migration and reduced cell viability of VSMCs and RAW264.7 cells stimulated by IL-6. Furthermore, this effect was related to blocking IL-6/STAT3 pathway. SIGNIFICANCE Raloxifene has effects on inhibiting atherosclerosis development, the underlying mechanisms might involve in inhibiting inflammation-related IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Luo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yina Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiyan Ma
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, First People's Hospital of ShangQiu, Shangqiu, China
| | - Tianshu Liu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Yan
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengqi Huo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junyi Guo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Moran Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenglong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cuntai Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiagao Lv
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Li Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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García-Gómez MC, Vilahur G. Osteoporosis and vascular calcification: A shared scenario. CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN ARTERIOSCLEROSIS 2019; 32:33-42. [PMID: 31221532 DOI: 10.1016/j.arteri.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease, characterised by low bone mass and deterioration in the micro-architecture of bone tissue, which causes increased bone fragility and consequently greater susceptibility to fractures. It is the most frequent metabolic bone disease in our population, and fractures resulting from osteoporosis are becoming more common. Furthermore, vascular calcification is a recognised risk factor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that historically has been considered a passive and degenerative process. However, it is currently recognised as an active process, which has histopathological characteristics, mineral composition and initiation and development mechanisms characteristic of bone formation. Paradoxically, patients with osteoporosis frequently show vascular calcifications. Traditionally, they have been considered as independent processes related to age, although more recent epidemiological studies have shown that there is a close relationship between the loss of bone mass and vascular calcification, regardless of age. In fact, both conditions share risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. These include the relationship between proteins of bone origin, such as osteopontin and osteoprotegerin (OPG), with vascular pathology, and the intercellular protein system RANK/RANKL/OPG and the Wnt signalling pathway. The mechanisms linked in both pathologies should be considered in clinical decisions, given that treatments for osteoporosis could have unforeseen effects on vascular calcification, and vice versa. In short, a better understanding of the relationship between both entities can help in proposing strategies to reduce the increasing prevalence of vascular calcification and osteoporosis in the aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gemma Vilahur
- Programa ICCC-Institut de Recerca Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Barcelona, España; CIBERCV Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, España.
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Seo DH, Cho Y, Lee S, Park S, Kim SI, Park BW, Rhee Y. Aromatase inhibitor use is a risk factor of carotid plaque presence in endocrine-responsive breast cancer patients. Korean J Intern Med 2019; 34:579-587. [PMID: 28838227 PMCID: PMC6506747 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2016.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are well known anti-hormonal therapy in endocrine-responsive breast cancer patients. It can lead to dyslipidemia and be the risk factor of cardiovascular disease due to low estrogen level. However, some recent studies comparing AIs with placebo have shown controversial results. The aim of this study was to investigate lipid profiles, measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and the presence of plaque among endocrine-responsive breast cancer treated with AIs compared to ones that were not treated with AIs. METHODS A total of 85 postmenopausal women, who underwent breast cancer surgery during the age of 50 to 64 without history of statin use were included. There were 42 patients who were treated with AIs over 1 year (group 1) and 43 patients without AIs use (group 2). Serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, carotid IMT, and presence of plaque were assessed. RESULTS The baseline characteristics were similar between two groups and there was no significant difference in carotid IMT irrespective of AIs administration. However, ultrasonographic evaluation of carotid artery revealed that the presence of plaque in AI users was significantly higher than in non-AI users (66.7% vs. 41.9%, p = 0.02; odds ratio, 4.21 in adjusted model; p = 0.01). History of diabetes was also the significant risk factor for the plaque formation. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in lipid profile itself between two groups, but more importantly the presence of the plaque was much higher indicating possible detrimental effect of AI on cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Hea Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Research Institute, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yongin Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Research Institute, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sujin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Seho Park
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Il Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byeong Woo Park
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yumie Rhee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Research Institute, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Correspondence to Yumie Rhee, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Research Institute, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea Tel: +82-2-2228-1973 Fax: +82-2-393-6884 E-mail:
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Szpak D, Izem L, Verbovetskiy D, Soloviev DA, Yakubenko VP, Pluskota E. α Mβ 2 Is Antiatherogenic in Female but Not Male Mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 200:2426-2438. [PMID: 29459405 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a complex inflammatory process characterized by monocyte recruitment into the arterial wall, their differentiation into macrophages, and lipid accumulation. Because integrin αMβ2 (CD11b/CD18) mediates multiple diverse functions of leukocytes, we examined its role in atherogenesis. αM-/-/ApoE-/- and ApoE-/- mice were fed a control or high fat diet for 3 or 16 wk to induce atherogenesis. Unexpectedly, αM deficiency accelerated development of atherosclerosis in female but not in male mice. The size of aortic root lesions was 3-4.5-fold larger in female αM-/-/ApoE-/- than in ApoE-/- mice. Monocyte and macrophage content within the lesions was increased 2.5-fold in female αM-/-/ApoE-/- mice due to enhanced proliferation. αMβ2 elimination promoted gender-dependent foam cell formation due to enhanced uptake of cholesterol by αM-/-/ApoE-/- macrophages. This difference was attributed to enhanced expression of lipid uptake receptors, CD36 and scavenger receptor A1 (SR-A1), in female mice. Macrophages from female αM-/-/ApoE-/- mice showed dramatically reduced expression of FoxM1 transcription factor and estrogen receptors (ER) α and β. As their antagonists inhibited the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2), E2 decreased CD36, SR-A1, and foam cell formation in ApoE-/- macrophages in an ERα- and ERβ-dependent manner. However, female αM-/-/ApoE-/- macrophages failed to respond to E2 and maintained elevated CD36, SR-A1, and lipid accumulation. FoxM1 inhibition in ApoE-/- macrophages reduced ERs and enhanced CD36 and SR-A1 expression, whereas FoxM1 overexpression in αM-/-/ApoE-/- macrophages reversed their proatherogenic phenotype. We demonstrate a new, surprising atheroprotective role of αMβ2 in female ApoE-/- mice. αMβ2 maintains ER expression in macrophages and E2-dependent inhibition of foam cell formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Szpak
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195
| | - Lahoucine Izem
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195; and
| | | | - Dmitry A Soloviev
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195
| | - Valentin P Yakubenko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, TN 37614
| | - Elzbieta Pluskota
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195;
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Liu YR, Huang RQ, Xiao BK, Yang JY, Dong JX. (1)H NMR metabolic profiling analysis offers evaluation of Nilestriol treatment in ovariectomised rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 387:19-34. [PMID: 24565896 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Nilestriol (NIL) has been applied to treat menopausal dysfunctions, yet its mechanism has remained unknown. To understand the relationship between the changes in homeostatic metabolites and ovarian oestrogen deficiency syndromes after NIL treatment, proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ((1)H NMR)-based metabonomic technologies were used to analyse a rat model of oestrogen deficiency. An orthogonal partial least-squares regression (OPLS) differentiation model was used on 12-week metabolic analyses of ovariectomised (OVX) rats treated or mock treated with NIL. Furthermore, data analysis using Chenomx software quantified results to identify the most significantly altered metabolite concentrations, allowing for metabolic explanations of the effects of NIL therapies. In this study, PLS results revealed that there are considerably distinct differences between treatment groups. Additionally, a total of 45 metabolites shown to have a high variation between groups were selected for target quantification. Using a one-way LSD ANOVA analysis, 32 metabolite concentrations were significantly altered in the OVX group. A total of 21 metabolites were altered significantly in the NIL-treatment group but later returned to normal. According to the OPLS VIP calculation, the metabolites most affected by NIL treatment were mostly involved in insulin resistance. In addition, abnormal concentration changes in lactate in the NIL-treatment group and 3-indoxylsulfate in the OVX group were observed. To our knowledge, this study is the first to address the molecular mechanism of NIL from a metabonomic perspective, and, more specifically, to establish a catalogue of endo-molecular changes effected by NIL in the regulation of oestrogen deficiency disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ru Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Rd, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, PR China; Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No. 27, Taiping Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, PR China
| | - Rong-Qing Huang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No. 27, Taiping Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, PR China.
| | - Bing-Kun Xiao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No. 27, Taiping Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, PR China
| | - Jian-Yun Yang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No. 27, Taiping Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, PR China
| | - Jun-Xing Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103, Wenhua Rd, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, PR China; Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No. 27, Taiping Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, PR China.
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Yavropoulou MP, Pikilidou M, Yovos JG. Anti-osteoporotic drugs and vascular calcification: the bidirectional calcium traffic. J Vasc Res 2013; 51:37-49. [PMID: 24280985 DOI: 10.1159/000355204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last years, numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated a direct relationship between vascular calcification and low bone mineral density. This observation is in line with experimental data demonstrating the osteogenic characteristics of calcified arteries. Various common risk factors have been suggested to link vascular calcification and bone loss, including aging, estrogen deficiency, vitamin D and K deficiency, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, smoking, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Although the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms are not yet clear, current research is focusing on anti-osteoporotic agents that could potentially affect the deposition of calcium in the arterial wall and thus provide an additional therapeutic strategy in elderly osteoporotic women prone to calcific cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P Yavropoulou
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Oestrogens are important modulators of lipid metabolism, inflammation and vascular homeostasis. Endogenous oestrogens contribute to the low prevalence of atherosclerotic vascular disease in premenopausal women with intact ovarian function, and cessation of oestrogen production following menopause increases cardiovascular risk. Orally administered oestrogens such as postmenopausal hormone therapy increase HDL and reduce LDL cholesterol levels, and they increase triglyceride levels. Current guidelines do not recommend postmenopausal hormone therapy for cardiovascular prevention. RECENT FINDINGS Recent clinical studies have suggested potential benefits of natural oestrogen or selective oestrogen receptor modulators on cardiovascular outcomes, effects that are associated with lipid profile improvements. In contrast to earlier studies such as the Women's Health Initiative, the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study or the Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis trial, in which investigators used hormone mixtures derived from horse urine (misleadingly named 'conjugated oestrogens' with unknown activity on oestrogen receptors), triphasic oestrogen therapy started early after menopause as primary prevention study protocol improved outcome. New studies suggest therapeutic potential of natural oestrogens and certain selective oestrogen receptor modulators to reduce coronary artery disease risk in postmenopausal women. SUMMARY Endogenous oestrogens are important regulators of lipid metabolism and inhibit inflammation, vascular cell growth and plaque progression in premenopausal women. The recent trials warrant further studies, which should also determine how much of the potential benefits are due to improvements of lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Barton
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Shen C, Chen J, Fan S, Li Z, Hu Y, Zhong Q. Association between the polymorphism of estrogen receptor α and coronary artery disease in a Chinese population. Eur J Intern Med 2012; 23:175-8. [PMID: 22284250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2011.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Revised: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of estrogen receptor α (ERα) polymorphism in coronary artery disease (CAD) was investigated previously in several populations. There are few data on relation between ERa polymorphism and CAD in Chinese population. Our study was to investigate the possible association between ERα polymorphism and CAD in Chinese population. METHODS A total of 539 patients with CAD and 539 age and sex matched controls were examined for ERa polymorphism. DNA was obtained and ERa polymorphism was analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS The frequencies of the PvuII C allele were significantly higher in CAD patients than in control individuals (P<0.05). Using T allele as a reference, the odds ratio for CAD patients with C allele was 1.24 (95%CI=1.03-1.48). Using TT genotype as a reference, the odds ratio for TC genotype was 1.17 (95%CI=0.90-1.50), and for CC genotype was 1.58 (95%CI=1.05-2.38). The odds ratio for CC genotype was 1.42 (95%CI=0.94-2.15) in women and 1.72 (95%CI=1.41-2.10) in men. There were no significant differences in XbaI allele and genotype between CAD patients and control individuals. CONCLUSIONS The ERa PvuII polymorphism is associated with the increased risk of CAD in men of a Chinese population. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanism underlying the association between ERα polymorphism and CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
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Atherosclerosis and thrombosis: insights from large animal models. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:907575. [PMID: 21274431 PMCID: PMC3022266 DOI: 10.1155/2011/907575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications are responsible for remarkably high numbers of deaths. The combination of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental approaches has largely contributed to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the atherothrombotic process. Indeed, different animal models have been implemented in atherosclerosis and thrombosis research in order to provide new insights into the mechanisms that have already been outlined in isolated cells and protein studies. Yet, although no model completely mimics the human pathology, large animal models have demonstrated better suitability for translation to humans. Indeed, direct translation from mice to humans should be taken with caution because of the well-reported species-related differences. This paper provides an overview of the available atherothrombotic-like animal models, with a particular focus on large animal models of thrombosis and atherosclerosis, and examines their applicability for translational research purposes as well as highlights species-related differences with humans.
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Santovito D, Mezzetti A, Cipollone F. Cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin synthases: roles in plaque stability and instability in humans. Curr Opin Lipidol 2009; 20:402-8. [PMID: 19741338 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0b013e32832fa22c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cyclooxygenase (COX) is the key enzyme of the arachidonic acid metabolism and it plays a major role in development of both coronary and cerebrovascular disease. In this review, we will analyze the role of COX and prostaglandin synthases in plaque stability. RECENT FINDINGS As shown by experimental studies based on biochemical measurement of eicosanoid biosynthesis and by the results of clinical trials, COX plays a key role in plaque evolution. Two COX-isozymes have been identified, COX-1 and COX-2, with different tissue distribution, substrate specificity, regulatory mechanism and susceptibility to drugs inhibition. Whereas, the role of platelet COX-1 in acute coronary syndrome and ischemic stroke is definitely established through several large clinical studies with aspirin, the role of COX-2 in these settings is still under investigation because this enzyme was characterized only recently and its inhibitors (coxibs) became available only in 1998. Recent findings seem to suggest that functional consequences of COX-2 expression and inhibition in different clinical settings may depend on different expression of upstream and downstream receptors as well as by genetic polymorphism. SUMMARY COX-2 and prostaglandin synthases and their modulation play a major role in plaque homeostasis and in its clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Santovito
- Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, Abruzzo section, Chieti, Italy
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Prossnitz ER, Barton M. Signaling, physiological functions and clinical relevance of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor GPER. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2009; 89:89-97. [PMID: 19442754 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2009.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2009] [Revised: 05/01/2009] [Accepted: 05/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
GPR30, now named GPER1 (G protein-coupled estrogen receptor1) or GPER here, was first identified as an orphan 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor by multiple laboratories using either homology cloning or differential expression and subsequently shown to be required for estrogen-mediated signaling in certain cancer cells. The actions of estrogen are extensive in the body and are thought to be mediated predominantly by classical nuclear estrogen receptors that act as transcription factors/regulators. Nevertheless, certain aspects of estrogen function remain incompatible with the generally accepted mechanisms of classical estrogen receptor action. Many recent studies have revealed that GPER contributes to some of the actions of estrogen, including rapid signaling events and rapid transcriptional activation. With the introduction of GPER-selective ligands and GPER knockout mice, the functions of GPER are becoming more clearly defined. In many cases, there appears to be a complex interplay between the two receptor systems, suggesting that estrogen-mediated physiological responses may be mediated by either receptor or a combination of both receptor types, with important medical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Prossnitz
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology and UNM Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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