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Guo X, Zhong J, Zhao Y, Fu Y, Sun LY, Yuan A, Liu J, Chen AF, Pu J. LXRα Promotes Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation Through UHRF1 Epigenetic Modification of miR-26b-3p. Circulation 2024; 150:30-46. [PMID: 38557060 PMCID: PMC11219073 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.065202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe aortic disease without effective pharmacological approaches. The nuclear hormone receptor LXRα (liver X receptor α), encoded by the NR1H3 gene, serves as a critical transcriptional mediator linked to several vascular pathologies, but its role in AAA remains elusive. METHODS Through integrated analyses of human and murine AAA gene expression microarray data sets, we identified NR1H3 as a candidate gene regulating AAA formation. To investigate the role of LXRα in AAA formation, we used global Nr1h3-knockout and vascular smooth muscle cell-specific Nr1h3-knockout mice in 2 AAA mouse models induced with angiotensin II (1000 ng·kg·min; 28 days) or calcium chloride (CaCl2; 0.5 mol/L; 42 days). RESULTS Upregulated LXRα was observed in the aortas of patients with AAA and in angiotensin II- or CaCl2-treated mice. Global or vascular smooth muscle cell-specific Nr1h3 knockout inhibited AAA formation in 2 mouse models. Loss of LXRα function prevented extracellular matrix degeneration, inflammation, and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching. Uhrf1, an epigenetic master regulator, was identified as a direct target gene of LXRα by integrated analysis of transcriptome sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing. Susceptibility to AAA development was consistently enhanced by UHRF1 (ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domains 1) in both angiotensin II- and CaCl2-induced mouse models. We then determined the CpG methylation status and promoter accessibility of UHRF1-mediated genes using CUT&Tag (cleavage under targets and tagmentation), RRBS (reduced representation bisulfite sequencing), and ATAC-seq (assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing) in vascular smooth muscle cells, which revealed that the recruitment of UHRF1 to the promoter of miR-26b led to DNA hypermethylation accompanied by relatively closed chromatin states, and caused downregulation of miR-26b expression in AAA. Regarding clinical significance, we found that underexpression of miR-26b-3p correlated with high risk in patients with AAA. Maintaining miR-26b-3p expression prevented AAA progression and alleviated the overall pathological process. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals a pivotal role of the LXRα/UHRF1/miR-26b-3p axis in AAA and provides potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AAA.
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MESH Headings
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/chemically induced
- Animals
- Liver X Receptors/metabolism
- Liver X Receptors/genetics
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Humans
- CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins/genetics
- CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics
- Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism
- Male
- Disease Models, Animal
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- DNA Methylation
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Angiotensin II/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Guo
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital (X.G., J.Z., Y.Z., Y.F., L.-y.S., A.Y., J.L., J.P.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmei Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital (X.G., J.Z., Y.Z., Y.F., L.-y.S., A.Y., J.L., J.P.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichao Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital (X.G., J.Z., Y.Z., Y.F., L.-y.S., A.Y., J.L., J.P.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Fu
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital (X.G., J.Z., Y.Z., Y.F., L.-y.S., A.Y., J.L., J.P.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling-yue Sun
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital (X.G., J.Z., Y.Z., Y.F., L.-y.S., A.Y., J.L., J.P.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ancai Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital (X.G., J.Z., Y.Z., Y.F., L.-y.S., A.Y., J.L., J.P.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junling Liu
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital (X.G., J.Z., Y.Z., Y.F., L.-y.S., A.Y., J.L., J.P.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education (J.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Alex F. Chen
- Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, Xinhua Hospital (A.F.C.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Pu
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital (X.G., J.Z., Y.Z., Y.F., L.-y.S., A.Y., J.L., J.P.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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2
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Liu Y, Sun X, Gou Z, Deng Z, Zhang Y, Zhao P, Sun W, Bai Y, Jing Y. Epigenetic modifications in abdominal aortic aneurysms: from basic to clinical. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1394889. [PMID: 38895538 PMCID: PMC11183338 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1394889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a disease characterized by localized dilation of the abdominal aorta, involving multiple factors in its occurrence and development, ultimately leading to vessel rupture and severe bleeding. AAA has a high mortality rate, and there is a lack of targeted therapeutic drugs. Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in AAA, and the treatment of AAA in the epigenetic field may involve a series of related genes and pathways. Abnormal expression of these genes may be a key factor in the occurrence of the disease and could potentially serve as promising therapeutic targets. Understanding the epigenetic regulation of AAA is of significant importance in revealing the mechanisms underlying the disease and identifying new therapeutic targets. This knowledge can contribute to offering AAA patients better clinical treatment options beyond surgery. This review systematically explores various aspects of epigenetic regulation in AAA, including DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA, and RNA modification. The analysis of the roles of these regulatory mechanisms, along with the identification of relevant genes and pathways associated with AAA, is discussed comprehensively. Additionally, a comprehensive discussion is provided on existing treatment strategies and prospects for epigenetics-based treatments, offering insights for future clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- YuChen Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - XiaoYun Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhen Gou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - ZhenKun Deng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - YunRui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - PingPing Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - YuChen Jing
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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3
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Zhang YS, Chen YQ. Dysfunctional regulatory T cell: May be an obstacle to immunotherapy in cardiovascular diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116359. [PMID: 38430633 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory responses are linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in various forms. Tregs, members of CD4+ T cells, play important roles in regulating immune system and suppressing inflammatory response, thus contributing to maintaining immune homeostasis. However, Tregs exert their powerful suppressive function relying on the stable phenotype and function. The stability of Tregs primarily depends on the FOXP3 (Forkhead box P3) expression and epigenetic regulation. Although Tregs are quite stable under physiological conditions, prolonged exposure to inflammatory cues, Tregs may lose suppressive function and require proinflammatory phenotype, namely plastic Tregs or ex-Tregs. There are extensive researches have established the beneficial role of Tregs in CVDs. Nevertheless, the potential risks of dysfunctional Tregs lack deep research. Anti-inflammatory and immunological modulation have been hotspots in the treatment of CVDs. Tregs are appealing because of their crucial role in resolving inflammation and promoting tissue repair. If alleviating inflammatory response through modulating Tregs could be a new therapeutic strategy for CVDs, the next step to consider is how to prevent the formation of dysfunctional Tregs or reverse detrimental Tregs to normal phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Sha Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Ya-Qin Chen
- Department of Cardiology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China.
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4
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Fekete M, Major D, Feher A, Fazekas-Pongor V, Lehoczki A. Geroscience and pathology: a new frontier in understanding age-related diseases. Pathol Oncol Res 2024; 30:1611623. [PMID: 38463143 PMCID: PMC10922957 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2024.1611623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Geroscience, a burgeoning discipline at the intersection of aging and disease, aims to unravel the intricate relationship between the aging process and pathogenesis of age-related diseases. This paper explores the pivotal role played by geroscience in reshaping our understanding of pathology, with a particular focus on age-related diseases. These diseases, spanning cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, malignancies, and neurodegenerative conditions, significantly contribute to the morbidity and mortality of older individuals. We delve into the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence, and elucidate their profound implications for the pathogenesis of various age-related diseases. Emphasis is placed on the importance of assessing key biomarkers of aging and biological age within the realm of pathology. We also scrutinize the interplay between cellular senescence and cancer biology as a central area of focus, underscoring its paramount significance in contemporary pathological research. Moreover, we shed light on the integration of anti-aging interventions that target fundamental aging processes, such as senolytics, mitochondria-targeted treatments, and interventions that influence epigenetic regulation within the domain of pathology research. In conclusion, the integration of geroscience concepts into pathological research heralds a transformative paradigm shift in our understanding of disease pathogenesis and promises breakthroughs in disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fekete
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David Major
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agnes Feher
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Andrea Lehoczki
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Departments of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, South Pest Central Hospital, National Institute of Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Saint Ladislaus Campus, Budapest, Hungary
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5
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Xu Y, Yang S, Xue G. The role of long non-coding RNA in abdominal aortic aneurysm. Front Genet 2023; 14:1153899. [PMID: 37007957 PMCID: PMC10050724 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1153899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by segmental expansion of the abdominal aorta and a high mortality rate. The characteristics of AAA suggest that apoptosis of smooth muscle cells, the production of reactive oxygen species, and inflammation are potential pathways for the formation and development of AAA. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is becoming a new and essential regulator of gene expression. Researchers and physicians are focusing on these lncRNAs to use them as clinical biomarkers and new treatment targets for AAAs. LncRNA studies are beginning to emerge, suggesting that they may play a significant but yet unidentified role in vascular physiology and disease. This review examines the role of lncRNA and their target genes in AAA to increase our understanding of the disease’s onset and progression, which is crucial for developing potential AAA therapies.
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6
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Towards Precritical Medical Therapy of the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123066. [PMID: 36551822 PMCID: PMC9775372 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123066] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacotherapy for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can be useful for prevention, especially in people at higher risk, for slowing down AAA progression, as well as for post-surgery adjuvant treatment. Our review focuses on novel pharmacotherapy approaches targeted towards slowing down progression of AAA, known also as secondary prevention therapy. Guidelines for AAA are not specific to slow down the expansion rate of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and therefore no medical therapy is recommended. New ideas are urgently needed to develop a novel medical therapy. We are hopeful that in the future, pharmacologic treatment will play a key role in the prevention and treatment of AAA.
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7
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Kalyanasundaram A, Elefteriades J. The Genetics of Inheritable Aortic Diseases. CURRENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12170-022-00687-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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8
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation with a Focus on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020191. [PMID: 35207478 PMCID: PMC8880357 DOI: 10.3390/life12020191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a lethal degenerative vascular disease that affects, mostly, the elder population, with a high mortality rate (>80%) upon rupture. It features a dilation of the aortic diameter to larger than 30 mm or more than 50%. Diverse pathological processes are involved in the development of AAA, including aortic wall inflammation, elastin breakdown, oxidative stress, smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic switching and dysfunction, and extracellular matrix degradation. With open surgery being the only therapeutic option up to date, the lack of pharmaceutical treatment approach calls for identifying novel and effective targets and further understanding the pathological process of AAA. Both lifestyle and genetic predisposition have an important role in increasing the risk of AAA. Several cell types are closely related to the pathogenesis of AAA. Among them, vascular SMCs (VSMCs) are gaining much attention as a critical contributor for AAA initiation and/or progression. In this review, we summarize what is known about AAA, including the risk factors, the pathophysiology, and the established animal models of AAA. In particular, we focus on the VSMC phenotypic switching and dysfunction in AAA formation. Further understanding the regulation of VSMC phenotypic changes may provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment or prevention of AAA.
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9
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Mangum K, Gallagher K, Davis FM. The Role of Epigenetic Modifications in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Pathogenesis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020172. [PMID: 35204673 PMCID: PMC8961599 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease associated with high morbidity and mortality in the setting of acute rupture. Recently, advances in surgical and endovascular repair of AAA have been achieved; however, pharmaceutical therapies to prevent AAA expansion and rupture remain lacking. This highlights an ongoing need to improve the understanding the pathological mechanisms that initiate formation, maintain growth, and promote rupture of AAA. Over the past decade, epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modifications, and non-coding RNA, have emerged as important regulators of cellular function. Accumulating studies reveal the importance of epigenetic enzymes in the dynamic regulation of key signaling pathways that alter cellular phenotypes and have emerged as major intracellular players in a wide range of biological processes. In this review, we discuss the roles and implications of epigenetic modifications in AAA animal models and their relevance to human AAA pathology.
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10
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Niu F, Liu Z, Liu P, Pan H, Bi J, Li P, Luo G, Chen Y, Zhang X, Dai X. Identification of novel genetic biomarkers and treatment targets for arteriosclerosis-related abdominal aortic aneurysm using bioinformatic tools. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2021; 18:9761-9774. [PMID: 34814367 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2021478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A large number of epidemiological studies have confirmed that arteriosclerosis (AS) is a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). However, the relationship between AS and AAA remains controversial. The objective of this work is to better understand the association between the two diseases by identifying the co-differentially expressed genes under both pathological conditions, so as to identify potential genetic biomarkers and treatment targets for atherosclerosis-related aneurysms. Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) shared by both AS and AAA patients were identified by bioinformatics analyses of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE100927 and GSE7084. These DEGs were then subjected to bioinformatic analyses of protein-protein interaction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Finally, the identified hub genes were further validated by qRT-PCR in AS (n = 4), AAA (n = 4), and healthy (n = 4) individuals. Differential expression analysis revealed a total of 169 and 37 genes that had increased and decreased expression levels, respectively, in both AS and AAA patients compared with healthy controls. The construction of a PPI network and key modules resulted in the identification of five hub genes (SPI1, TYROBP, TLR2, FCER1G, and MMP9) as candidate diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets for patients with AS-related AAA. AS and AAA are indeed correlated; SPI1, TYROBP, TLR2, FCER1G and MMP9 genes are potential new genetic biomarkers for AS-related AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Niu
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zongwei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peidong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongrui Pan
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaxue Bi
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangze Luo
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yonghui Chen
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoxing Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangchen Dai
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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11
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Liu P, Zhang J, Du D, Zhang D, Jin Z, Qiu W, Zhou X, Dong S, Zhou M, Zhao H, Zhang W, Ma J, Sun S, Fu W, Liu Y, Wang L. Altered DNA methylation pattern reveals epigenetic regulation of Hox genes in thoracic aortic dissection and serves as a biomarker in disease diagnosis. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:124. [PMID: 34103071 PMCID: PMC8186232 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01110-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a severe disease with limited understandings in its pathogenesis. Altered DNA methylation has been revealed to be involved in many diseases etiology. Few studies have examined the role of DNA methylation in the development of TAD. This study explored alterations of the DNA methylation landscape in TAD and examined the potential role of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation as a biomarker in TAD diagnosis. RESULTS Ascending aortic tissues from TAD patients (Stanford type A; n = 6) and healthy controls (n = 6) were first examined via whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). While no obvious global methylation shift was observed, numerous differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified, with associated genes enriched in the areas of vasculature and heart development. We further confirmed the methylation and expression changes in homeobox (Hox) clusters with 10 independent samples using bisulfite pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Among these, HOXA5, HOXB6 and HOXC6 were significantly down-regulated in TAD samples relative to controls. To evaluate cfDNA methylation pattern as a biomarker in TAD diagnosis, cfDNA from TAD patients (Stanford type A; n = 7) and healthy controls (n = 4) were examined by WGBS. A prediction model was built using DMRs identified previously from aortic tissues on methylation data from cfDNA. Both high sensitivity (86%) and specificity (75%) were achieved in patient classification (AUC = 0.96). CONCLUSIONS These findings showed an altered epigenetic regulation in TAD patients. This altered epigenetic regulation and subsequent altered expression of genes associated with vasculature and heart development, such as Hox family genes, may contribute to the loss of aortic integrity and TAD pathogenesis. Additionally, the cfDNA methylation in TAD was highly disease specific, which can be used as a non-invasive biomarker for disease prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiru Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Vascular Surgery Department, Zhongshan Xiamen Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China.,Vascular Surgery Department, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Duo Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zelin Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqing Qiu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiushi Zhou
- Vascular Surgery Department, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shulong Dong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyu Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Heyu Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Vascular Surgery Department, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiakang Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoyang Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiguo Fu
- Vascular Surgery Department, Zhongshan Xiamen Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China. .,Vascular Surgery Department, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yun Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lixin Wang
- Vascular Surgery Department, Zhongshan Xiamen Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China. .,Vascular Surgery Department, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Davis FM, Tsoi LC, Melvin WJ, denDekker A, Wasikowski R, Joshi AD, Wolf S, Obi AT, Billi AC, Xing X, Audu C, Moore BB, Kunkel SL, Daugherty A, Lu HS, Gudjonsson JE, Gallagher KA. Inhibition of macrophage histone demethylase JMJD3 protects against abdominal aortic aneurysms. J Exp Med 2021; 218:211922. [PMID: 33779682 PMCID: PMC8008365 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20201839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a life-threatening disease for which there is a lack of effective therapy preventing aortic rupture. During AAA formation, pathological vascular remodeling is driven by macrophage infiltration, and the mechanisms regulating macrophage-mediated inflammation remain undefined. Recent evidence suggests that an epigenetic enzyme, JMJD3, plays a critical role in establishing macrophage phenotype. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of human AAA tissues, we identified increased JMJD3 in aortic monocyte/macrophages resulting in up-regulation of an inflammatory immune response. Mechanistically, we report that interferon-β regulates Jmjd3 expression via JAK/STAT and that JMJD3 induces NF-κB–mediated inflammatory gene transcription in infiltrating aortic macrophages. In vivo targeted inhibition of JMJD3 with myeloid-specific genetic depletion (JMJD3f/fLyz2Cre+) or pharmacological inhibition in the elastase or angiotensin II–induced AAA model preserved the repressive H3K27me3 on inflammatory gene promoters and markedly reduced AAA expansion and attenuated macrophage-mediated inflammation. Together, our findings suggest that cell-specific pharmacologic therapy targeting JMJD3 may be an effective intervention for AAA expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M Davis
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lam C Tsoi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Computation Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - William J Melvin
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Aaron denDekker
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Amrita D Joshi
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sonya Wolf
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Andrea T Obi
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Allison C Billi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Xianying Xing
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Christopher Audu
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Bethany B Moore
- Department Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Steven L Kunkel
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Department of Physiology, Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Hong S Lu
- Department of Physiology, Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | | | - Katherine A Gallagher
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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13
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Mechanisms of Vascular Aging, A Geroscience Perspective: JACC Focus Seminar. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020; 75:931-941. [PMID: 32130929 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.11.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Age-related pathological alterations of the vasculature have a critical role in morbidity and mortality of older adults. In epidemiological studies, age is the single most important cardiovascular risk factor that dwarfs the impact of traditional risk factors. To develop novel therapeutic interventions for prevention of age-related vascular pathologies, it is crucial to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of vascular aging. In this review, shared molecular mechanisms of aging are considered in terms of their contribution to the pathogenesis of macrovascular and microvascular diseases associated with old age. The role of cellular senescence in development of vascular aging phenotypes is highlighted, and potential interventions to prevent senescence and to eliminate senescent cells for prevention of vascular pathologies are presented. The evidence supporting a role for interorgan communication and circulating progeronic and antigeronic factors in vascular aging is discussed.
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14
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Gurung R, Choong AM, Woo CC, Foo R, Sorokin V. Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176334. [PMID: 32878347 PMCID: PMC7504666 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) refers to the localized dilatation of the infra-renal aorta, in which the diameter exceeds 3.0 cm. Loss of vascular smooth muscle cells, degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), vascular inflammation, and oxidative stress are hallmarks of AAA pathogenesis and contribute to the progressive thinning of the media and adventitia of the aortic wall. With increasing AAA diameter, and left untreated, aortic rupture ensues with high mortality. Collective evidence of recent genetic and epigenetic studies has shown that phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) towards dedifferentiation and proliferative state, which associate with the ECM remodeling of the vascular wall and accompanied with increased cell senescence and inflammation, is seen in in vitro and in vivo models of the disease. This review critically analyses existing publications on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms implicated in the complex role of SMCs within the aortic wall in AAA formation and reflects the importance of SMCs plasticity in AAA formation. Although evidence from the wide variety of mouse models is convincing, how this knowledge is applied to human biology needs to be addressed urgently leveraging modern in vitro and in vivo experimental technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rijan Gurung
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (R.G.); (R.F.)
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Andrew Mark Choong
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 8, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (A.M.C.); (C.C.W.)
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Chin Cheng Woo
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 8, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (A.M.C.); (C.C.W.)
| | - Roger Foo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (R.G.); (R.F.)
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Vitaly Sorokin
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 8, Singapore 119228, Singapore; (A.M.C.); (C.C.W.)
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 9, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-6779-5555
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15
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Forte M, Stanzione R, Cotugno M, Bianchi F, Marchitti S, Rubattu S. Vascular ageing in hypertension: Focus on mitochondria. Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 189:111267. [PMID: 32473170 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is a common age-related disease, along with vascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Vascular ageing increases during hypertension, but hypertension itself accelerates vascular ageing, thus creating a vicious circle. Vascular stiffening, endothelial dysfunction, impaired contractility and vasorelaxation are the main alterations related to vascular ageing, as a consequence of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells senescence. Several molecular mechanisms have been involved into the functional and morphological changes of the aged vessels. Among them, oxidative stress, inflammation, extracellular matrix deregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction are the best characterized. In the present review, we discuss relevant literature about the biology of vascular and cerebrovascular ageing with a particular focus on mitochondria signalling. We underline the therapeutic strategies, able to improve mitochondrial health, which may represent a promising tool to decrease vascular dysfunction associated with ageing and hypertension-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Forte
- IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli IS, Italy
| | | | - Maria Cotugno
- IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli IS, Italy
| | - Franca Bianchi
- IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli IS, Italy
| | | | - Speranza Rubattu
- IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 86077 Pozzilli IS, Italy; Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy.
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16
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Mangum KD, Farber MA. Genetic and epigenetic regulation of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Clin Genet 2020; 97:815-826. [PMID: 31957007 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are focal dilations of the aorta that develop from degenerative changes in the media and adventitia of the vessel. Ruptured AAAs have a mortality of up to 85%, thus it is important to identify patients with AAA at increased risk for rupture who would benefit from increased surveillance and/or surgical repair. Although the exact genetic and epigenetic mechanisms regulating AAA formation are not completely understood, Mendelian cases of AAA, which result from pathologic variants in a single gene, have helped provide a basic understanding of AAA pathophysiology. More recently, genome wide associated studies (GWAS) have identified additional variants, termed single nucleotide polymorphisms, in humans that may be associated with AAAs. While some variants may be associated with AAAs and play causal roles in aneurysm pathogenesis, it should be emphasized that the majority of SNPs do not actually cause disease. In addition to GWAS, other studies have uncovered epigenetic causes of disease that regulate expression of genes known to be important in AAA pathogenesis. This review describes many of these genetic and epigenetic contributors of AAAs, which altogether provide a deeper insight into AAA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Mangum
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mark A Farber
- Division of Vascular Surgery, UNC Department of Surgery, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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17
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Abstract
Dissections or ruptures of aortic aneurysms remain a leading cause of death in the developed world, with the majority of deaths being preventable if individuals at risk are identified and properly managed. Genetic variants predispose individuals to these aortic diseases. In the case of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissections (thoracic aortic disease), genetic data can be used to identify some at-risk individuals and dictate management of the associated vascular disease. For abdominal aortic aneurysms, genetic associations have been identified, which provide insight on the molecular pathogenesis but cannot be used clinically yet to identify individuals at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms. This compendium will discuss our current understanding of the genetic basis of thoracic aortic disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm disease. Although both diseases share several pathogenic similarities, including proteolytic elastic tissue degeneration and smooth muscle dysfunction, they also have several distinct differences, including population prevalence and modes of inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Pinard
- From the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School; University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (A.P., D.M.M.)
| | - Gregory T Jones
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand (G.T.J.)
| | - Dianna M Milewicz
- From the Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School; University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (A.P., D.M.M.)
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18
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Abstract
Aging of the vasculature plays a central role in morbidity and mortality of older people. To develop novel treatments for amelioration of unsuccessful vascular aging and prevention of age-related vascular pathologies, it is essential to understand the cellular and functional changes that occur in the vasculature during aging. In this review, the pathophysiological roles of fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired resistance to molecular stressors, chronic low-grade inflammation, genomic instability, cellular senescence, epigenetic alterations, loss of protein homeostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, and stem cell dysfunction in the vascular system are considered in terms of their contribution to the pathogenesis of both microvascular and macrovascular diseases associated with old age. The importance of progeronic and antigeronic circulating factors in relation to development of vascular aging phenotypes are discussed. Finally, future directions and opportunities to develop novel interventions to prevent/delay age-related vascular pathologies by targeting fundamental cellular and molecular aging processes are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Ungvari
- From the Vascular Cognitive Impairment Laboratory, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging (Z.U., S.T., A.C.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Translational Geroscience Laboratory (Z.U., S.T., A.C.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, University of Szeged, Hungary (Z.U., A.C.)
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary (Z.U.)
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- From the Vascular Cognitive Impairment Laboratory, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging (Z.U., S.T., A.C.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Translational Geroscience Laboratory (Z.U., S.T., A.C.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Anthony J Donato
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (A.J.D.)
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center-Salt Lake City, Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, UT (A.J.D.)
| | - Veronica Galvan
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies (V.G.), University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Department of Physiology (V.G.), University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | - Anna Csiszar
- From the Vascular Cognitive Impairment Laboratory, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging (Z.U., S.T., A.C.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Translational Geroscience Laboratory (Z.U., S.T., A.C.), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, University of Szeged, Hungary (Z.U., A.C.)
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19
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Xia Q, Zhang J, Han Y, Zhang X, Jiang H, Lun Y, Wu X, Gang Q, Liu Z, Böckler D, Duan Z, Xin S. Epigenetic regulation of regulatory T cells in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. FEBS Open Bio 2019; 9:1137-1143. [PMID: 31001930 PMCID: PMC6551495 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal arterial aneurysm (AAA) shares many features with autoimmune diseases and appears to be a T-cell-mediated process. In addition, certain epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, are associated with AAA. In this study, we investigated epigenetic modifications in regulatory T cells (Tregs) from AAA patients. We used flow cytometry to sort FOXP3+ CD4+ CD25+ Tregs from the peripheral blood of AAA patients and from healthy controls (HC), and then detected DNA methylation and histone modifications by ELISA. The DNA methylation rate of Tregs was significantly higher in AAA patients than in the HC group (0.159 ± 0.08% vs 0.098 ± 0.03%, P < 0.05), while the acetylation rates of H3 and H3K9 histones were lower in the AAA than in the HC group. We also examined the expression of mRNA encoding enzymes that catalyze making and removing epigenetic modifications by real-time PCR: we found that mRNA levels of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 1 and DNMT3A were higher in the AAA than in the HC group, mRNA levels of methyl-CpG-binding domain protein (MBD) 2 and MBD4 were higher in the AAA than in the HC group (MBD2: 6.21 ± 2.57 vs 3.04 ± 1.45; MBD4: 7.76 ± 3.48 vs 4.97 ± 3.10; both P < 0.05), and mRNA levels of histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 and HDAC5 were significantly up-regulated in the AAA compared with the HC group (HDAC1: 2.17 ± 1.18 vs 1.51 ± 0.99; HDAC5: 1.35 ± 0.49 vs 0.94 ± 0.76; both P < 0.05). Together, our results reveal that rates of DNA methylation and histone modifications of Tregs are significantly altered in AAA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xia
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanshuo Han
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Han Jiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Lun
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qingwei Gang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhimin Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dittmar Böckler
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zhiquan Duan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shijie Xin
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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20
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Salhi L, Rompen E, Sakalihasan N, Laleman I, Teughels W, Michel JB, Lambert F. Can Periodontitis Influence the Progression of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm? A Systematic Review. Angiology 2018; 70:479-491. [DOI: 10.1177/0003319718821243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Salhi
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Eric Rompen
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Natzi Sakalihasan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Surgical Research Centre, GIGA-Cardiovascular Science Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Laleman
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, KU Leuven & Dentistry University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Teughels
- Department of Periodontology, Research Group for Microbial Adhesion, Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Baptiste Michel
- DRE Laboratory for Translational Vascular Science, Inserm Denis Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - France Lambert
- Dental Biomaterials Research Unit, Head of Clinic, Department of Periodontology and Oral Surgery, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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21
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Altobelli E, Rapacchietta L, Profeta VF, Fagnano R. Risk Factors for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Population-Based Studies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15122805. [PMID: 30544688 PMCID: PMC6313801 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) represents an important public health problem with a prevalence between 1.3% and 12.5%. Several population-based randomized trials have evaluated ultrasound screening for AAA providing evidence of a reduction in aneurysm-related mortality in the screened population. The aim of our study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk factors for AAA. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies and we performed a meta-analysis that evaluated the following risk factors: gender, smoking habits, hypertension, coronary artery disease and family history of AAA. Respect to a previous a meta-analysis we added the funnel plot to examine the effect sizes estimated from individual studies as measure of their precision; sensitivity analysis to check the stability of study findings and estimate how the overall effect size would be modified by removal of one study; cumulative analysis to evaluate the trend between studies in relation to publication year. Abdominal aortic aneurysm prevalence is higher in smokers and in males. On the other hand, while diabetes is a risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases, it is not a risk factor for AAA. In addition, it is important to underline that all countries, where AAA screening was set up, had high income level and the majority belong to Western Europe (United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, Poland, Spain and Belgium). Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening is fundamental for public health. It could avoid deaths, ruptures, and emergency surgical interventions if abdominal aortic aneurysm was diagnosed early in the population target for screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Altobelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Local Health Unit, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | | | - Valerio F Profeta
- Department of community Health, Local Health Unit, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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22
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Oporto GH, Salazar LA. DNA is hypomethylated in circadian manifestations of bruxism. Oral Dis 2018; 24:1132-1139. [PMID: 29575322 DOI: 10.1111/odi.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the global DNA methylation levels in patients under bruxism treatment and a control group. METHODS Subjects undergoing bruxism treatment were classified in awake bruxism (42 patients), sleep bruxism (32 patients) and both conditions (42 patients). The control group included 42 individuals. A colorimetric assay (MethylFlash Methylated DNA 5-mC Quantification Kit, Epigenetic Group Inc., NY, USA) was used to determine the global DNA methylation levels. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found in amounts of methylated DNA in all circadian manifestations of bruxism compared with a control group (sleep bruxism = 0.95% ± 2.02%; awake bruxism = 0.87% ± 2.1%; sleep and awake bruxism = 0.17% ± 0.25%; Control = 1.69% ± 1.6%; Kruskal-Wallis test [p = .0001] followed by Dunn's test [p < .05]). CONCLUSION Patients undergoing bruxism treatment exhibited hypomethylated DNA levels when compared to control group. Our results suggest that DNA hypomethylation might be a novel aetiologic factor in bruxism aetiology. Further researches must be performed exploring the role of epigenetics modifications in circadian manifestations of bruxism.
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Affiliation(s)
- G H Oporto
- Centro de Biología Molecular & Farmacogenética, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Departamento de Odontología Adultos, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Núcleo Científico y Tecnológico en Biorecursos (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Odontológicas (CICO), Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - L A Salazar
- Centro de Biología Molecular & Farmacogenética, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Núcleo Científico y Tecnológico en Biorecursos (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
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23
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Carino D, Sarac TP, Ziganshin BA, Elefteriades JA. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Evolving Controversies and Uncertainties. Int J Angiol 2018; 27:58-80. [PMID: 29896039 PMCID: PMC5995687 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1657771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as a permanent dilatation of the abdominal aorta that exceeds 3 cm. Most AAAs arise in the portion of abdominal aorta distal to the renal arteries and are defined as infrarenal. Most AAAs are totally asymptomatic until catastrophic rupture. The strongest predictor of AAA rupture is the diameter. Surgery is indicated to prevent rupture when the risk of rupture exceeds the risk of surgery. In this review, we aim to analyze this disease comprehensively, starting from an epidemiological perspective, exploring etiology and pathophysiology, and concluding with surgical controversies. We will pursue these goals by addressing eight specific questions regarding AAA: (1) Is the incidence of AAA increasing? (2) Are ultrasound screening programs for AAA effective? (3) What causes AAA: Genes versus environment? (4) Animal models: Are they really relevant? (5) What pathophysiology leads to AAA? (6) Indications for AAA surgery: Are surgeons over-eager to operate? (7) Elective AAA repair: Open or endovascular? (8) Emergency AAA repair: Open or endovascular?
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Carino
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Timur P. Sarac
- Section of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Bulat A. Ziganshin
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Surgical Diseases # 2, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Russia
| | - John A. Elefteriades
- Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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24
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Toghill BJ, Saratzis A, Freeman PJ, Sylvius N, Bown MJ. SMYD2 promoter DNA methylation is associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and SMYD2 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:29. [PMID: 29507647 PMCID: PMC5833080 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a deadly cardiovascular disease characterised by the gradual, irreversible dilation of the abdominal aorta. AAA is a complex genetic disease but little is known about the role of epigenetics. Our objective was to determine if global DNA methylation and CpG-specific methylation at known AAA risk loci is associated with AAA, and the functional effects of methylation changes. Results We assessed global methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cell DNA from 92 individuals with AAA and 93 controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, identifying hyper-methylation in those with large AAA and a positive linear association with AAA diameter (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.3175).We then determined CpG methylation status of regulatory regions in genes located at AAA risk loci identified in genome-wide association studies, using bisulphite next-generation sequencing (NGS) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) taken from aortic tissues of 44 individuals (24 AAAs and 20 controls). In IL6R, 2 CpGs were hyper-methylated (P = 0.0145); in ERG, 13 CpGs were hyper-methylated (P = 0.0005); in SERPINB9, 6 CpGs were hypo-methylated (P = 0.0037) and 1 CpG was hyper-methylated (P = 0.0098); and in SMYD2, 4 CpGs were hypo-methylated (P = 0.0012).RT-qPCR was performed for each differentially methylated gene on mRNA from the same VSMCs and compared with methylation. This analysis revealed downregulation of SMYD2 and SERPINB9 in AAA, and a direct linear relationship between SMYD2 promoter methylation and SMYD2 expression (P = 0.038). Furthermore, downregulation of SMYD2 at the site of aneurysm in the aortic wall was further corroborated in 6 of the same samples used for methylation and gene expression analysis with immunohistochemistry. Conclusions This study is the first to assess DNA methylation in VSMCs from individuals with AAA using NGS, and provides further evidence there is an epigenetic basis to AAA. Our study shows that methylation status of the SMYD2 promoter may be linked with decreased SMYD2 expression in disease pathobiology. In support of our work, downregulated SMYD2 has previously been associated with adverse cardiovascular physiology and inflammation, which are both hallmarks of AAA. The identification of such adverse epigenetic modifications could potentially contribute towards the development of epigenetic treatment strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Toghill
- 1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE2 7LX UK
| | - Athanasios Saratzis
- 1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE2 7LX UK
| | - Peter J Freeman
- 2Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH UK
| | - Nicolas Sylvius
- 2Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH UK
| | | | - Matthew J Bown
- 1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE2 7LX UK
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Kidholm CL, Beck HC, Madsen JB, Palstrøm NB, Lindholt JS, Rasmussen LM. Preliminary analysis of proteome alterations in non-aneurysmal, internal mammary artery tissue from patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192957. [PMID: 29470511 PMCID: PMC5823374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) involves a disturbed balance of breakdown and buildup of arterial proteins. We envision that individuals with AAA carry generalized arterial protein alterations either because of effects of genetically or environmental AAA risk factors or because of compensatory changes due to signaling molecules released from the affected aneurysmal tissue. Approach Protein extraction and quantitative proteome analysis by LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) was done on individual samples from the internal mammary artery from 11 individuals with AAA and 33 sex- and age-matched controls without AAA. Samples were selected from a biobank of leftover internal mammary arterial tissue gathered at coronary by-pass operations. Results We identified and quantitated 877 proteins, of which 44 were differentially expressed between the two groups (nominal p-values without correction for multiple testing). Some proteins related to the extracellular matrix displayed altered concentrations in the AAA group, particularly among elastin-related molecules [elastin, microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4), lysyl oxidase]. In addition, several histones e.g. (e.g. HIST1H1E, HIST1H2BB) and other vascular cell proteins (e.g. versican, type VI collagen) were altered. Conclusions Our results support the notion that generalized alterations occur in the arterial tree in patients with AAA. Elastin-related proteins and histones seem to be part of such changes, however these preliminary results require replication in an independent set of specimens and validation by functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lund Kidholm
- Centre of Individualized Medicine in Arterial Disease (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Hans Christian Beck
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Julie Bukh Madsen
- Centre of Individualized Medicine in Arterial Disease (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Nikolai Bjødstrup Palstrøm
- Centre of Individualized Medicine in Arterial Disease (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jes Sanddal Lindholt
- Centre of Individualized Medicine in Arterial Disease (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars Melholt Rasmussen
- Centre of Individualized Medicine in Arterial Disease (CIMA), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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The Society for Vascular Surgery practice guidelines on the care of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. J Vasc Surg 2018; 67:2-77.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2017.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1150] [Impact Index Per Article: 191.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Epigenetic Regulation of Vascular Aging and Age-Related Vascular Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1086:55-75. [PMID: 30232752 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-1117-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vascular aging refers to the structural and functional defects that occur in the aorta during the aging process and is characterized by increased vascular cell senescence, vascular dyshomeostasis, and vascular remodeling. Vascular aging is a major risk factor for vascular diseases. However, the current understanding of the biological process of vascular aging and age-related diseases is insufficient. Epigenetic regulation can influence gene expression independently of the gene sequence and mainly includes DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA-based gene regulation. Epigenetic regulation plays important roles in many physiological and pathophysiological processes and may explain some gaps in our knowledge regarding the interaction between genes and diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of the epigenetic regulation of vascular aging and age-related diseases in terms of vascular cell senescence, vascular dyshomeostasis, and vascular remodeling. Moreover, the possibility of targeting epigenetic regulation to delay vascular aging and treat age-related vascular diseases is also discussed.
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Chun H. Ascending aortic diameter and metabolic syndrome in Korean men. J Investig Med 2017; 65:1125-1130. [DOI: 10.1136/jim-2016-000367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the association of ascending aortic diameter (AAD) measured by low-dose chest CT (LDCT) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in Korean men. AAD was measured with LDCT in 1046 healthy Korean men (mean age 50.7±9.7 years, range 28 to 69 years) participating in medical health check-up in a university health promotion center. AAD was defined as the longest length measured from the left main coronary ostium to the level of the right pulmonary artery in the axial plane in LDCT. The association between AAD and MS was examined using logistic regression. The mean of AAD was significantly higher in cases with MS (37.2±4.2 mm) compared with those without MS (35.1±4.3 mm) (p<0.001). Logistic regression with AAD showed that ORs and 95% CI of MS in Q2 (1.72, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.53), Q3 (2.59, 95% CI 1.85 to 5.81) and Q4 (4.71, 95% CI 1.63 to 8.79) were significantly higher compared with Q1 (the lowest quartile). In variable (age, body surface area, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, smoking, alcohol intake and exercise) adjusted multiple linear regression analysis, Q4 (the highest quartile of AAD) was significantly associated with MS compared with Q1 (OR 4.52, 95% CI 1.67 to 9.87). In conclusion, AAD measured by LDCT is significantly associated with the prevalence of MS in Korean men.
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The Management of Cardiovascular Risk through Epigenetic Biomarkers. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:9158572. [PMID: 28785591 PMCID: PMC5530445 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9158572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic sciences study heritable changes in gene expression not related to changes in the genomic DNA sequence. The most important epigenetic mechanisms are DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modification, and gene regulation by noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are responsible for at least one-third of premature deaths worldwide and represent a heavy burden of healthcare expenditure. We will discuss in this review the most recent findings dealing with epigenetic alterations linked to cardiovascular physiopathology in patients. A particular focus will be put on the way these changes can be translated in the clinic, to develop innovative and groundbreaking biomarkers in CVD field.
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Toghill BJ, Saratzis A, Bown MJ. Abdominal aortic aneurysm-an independent disease to atherosclerosis? Cardiovasc Pathol 2017; 27:71-75. [PMID: 28189002 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are multifactorial and polygenic diseases with known environmental and genetic risk factors that contribute toward disease development. Atherosclerosis represents an important independent risk factor for AAA, as people with AAA often have atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that comorbidity is usually between ~25% and 55%, but it is still not fully known whether this association is causal or a result of common shared risk profiles. Most recent epidemiological, clinical, and biological evidence suggests that the two pathologies are more distinct than traditionally thought. For instance diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity are high risk for atherosclerosis development but are not as pronounced in AAA, whereas smoking, gender, and ethnicity are particularly high risk for AAA but less so for atherosclerosis. In addition, genetic and epigenetic studies have identified independent risk loci involved in AAA susceptibility that are not associated with other cardiovascular diseases, and research on important common cardiovascular biomarkers has illustrated discrepancies in those with AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley J Toghill
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the NIHR Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK..
| | - Athanasios Saratzis
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the NIHR Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Matthew J Bown
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the NIHR Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Aortic Aneurysms. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:7268521. [PMID: 28116311 PMCID: PMC5237727 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7268521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aneurysms are characterized by structural deterioration of the vascular wall leading to progressive dilatation and, potentially, rupture of the aorta. While aortic aneurysms often remain clinically silent, the morbidity and mortality associated with aneurysm expansion and rupture are considerable. Over 13,000 deaths annually in the United States are attributable to aortic aneurysm rupture with less than 1 in 3 persons with aortic aneurysm rupture surviving to surgical intervention. Environmental and epidemiologic risk factors including smoking, male gender, hypertension, older age, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and family history are highly associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms, while heritable genetic mutations are commonly associated with aneurysms of the thoracic aorta. Similar to other forms of cardiovascular disease, family history, genetic variation, and heritable mutations modify the risk of aortic aneurysm formation and provide mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of human aortic aneurysms. This review will examine the relationship between heritable genetic and epigenetic influences on thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm formation and rupture.
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Gianfagna F, Veronesi G, Bertù L, Tozzi M, Tarallo A, Ferrario MM, Castelli P. Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms and its relation with cardiovascular risk stratification: protocol of the Risk of Cardiovascular diseases and abdominal aortic Aneurysm in Varese (RoCAV) population based study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2016; 16:243. [PMID: 27894269 PMCID: PMC5127056 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-016-0420-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent meta-analyses suggested that screening program for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in 65-year old males is cost-effective at prevalence of about 1%. Since some events occur also in females and among the youngers, screening could be feasible among those at higher risk, such as smokers or individuals with a family history of AAA. The RoCAV (Risk of Cardiovascular diseases and abdominal aortic Aneurysms in Varese) Project is a population-based study aimed to evaluate AAA prevalence in Northern Italy in males over-65 years as well as among females and younger males, and to identify new markers for risk stratification by collecting a large set of CVD risk factors. The aims of the project are: (i) cross-sectional evaluation of AAA prevalence (ii); evaluation of standard CVD risk score as criteria for selecting subgroup at higher risk to be included in a screening program; (iii) identification of new risk markers and risk score algorithm for AAA and CVD risk stratification; (iv) cost-effective evaluation during the follow-up. METHODS Males aged 50-75 years and females aged 60-75 years, resident in the city of Varese (Lombardy Region), were randomly selected from the civil registry. Among 5198 successfully invited, 3777 subjects accepted to participate and were finally recruited (participation rate 63.8%) from June 2013 to May 2016. Trained operators administered a computerized anamnestic questionnaire, measured anthropometric parameters (BMI, body circumferences, skinfolds), blood pressure, ankle-brachial index, pulse wave velocity and performed abdominal aortic ultrasound scan, ECG and spirometry. All methods were internationally validated. A blood sample was collected and stored in biobank. A follow-up will be carried out through linkage with electronic records. DISCUSSION Participation rate and data quality assessment were as expected and will reasonably allow to reach the project aims. The expected impact in public health of the RoCAV project will be the potential implementation of a AAA screening program to the whole region as well as the formulation of new criteria for risk assessment of AAA and CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gianfagna
- EPIMED Research Center, University of Insubria, via Rossi 9, Varese, 21100, Italy.,Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, via Atinense 18, Pozzilli, 86077, Italy
| | - G Veronesi
- EPIMED Research Center, University of Insubria, via Rossi 9, Varese, 21100, Italy
| | - L Bertù
- EPIMED Research Center, University of Insubria, via Rossi 9, Varese, 21100, Italy
| | - M Tozzi
- Vascular Surgery, Varese Hospital - ASST dei Sette Laghi, viale L Borri 57, Varese, 2100, Italy.,Department of Surgery and Morphological Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Guicciardini 9, Varese, 21100, Italy
| | - A Tarallo
- Vascular Surgery, Varese Hospital - ASST dei Sette Laghi, viale L Borri 57, Varese, 2100, Italy
| | - M M Ferrario
- EPIMED Research Center, University of Insubria, via Rossi 9, Varese, 21100, Italy. .,Occupational, Preventive Medicine and Toxicology, Varese Hospital - ASST dei Sette Laghi, viale L Borri 57, Varese, 21100, Italy.
| | - P Castelli
- Vascular Surgery, Varese Hospital - ASST dei Sette Laghi, viale L Borri 57, Varese, 2100, Italy.,Department of Surgery and Morphological Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Guicciardini 9, Varese, 21100, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a pathological condition of permanent dilation that portends the potentially fatal consequence of aortic rupture. This review emphasizes recent advances in mechanistic insight into aneurysm pathogenesis and potential pharmacologic therapies that are on the horizon for AAAs. RECENT FINDINGS An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that genetic factors, including 3p12.3, DAB2IP, LDLr, LRP1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, TGFBR2, and SORT1 loci, are associated with AAA development. Current human studies and animal models have shown that many leukocytes and inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1, IL-17, TGF-β, and angiotensin II, are involved in the pathogenesis of AAAs. Leukocytic infiltration into aortic media leads to smooth muscle cell depletion, generation of reactive oxygen species, and extracellular matrix fragmentation. Preclinical investigations into pharmacological therapies for AAAs have provided intriguing insight into the roles of microRNAs in regulating many pathological pathways in AAA development. Several large clinical trials are ongoing, seeking to translate preclinical findings into therapeutic options. SUMMARY Recent studies have identified many potential mechanisms involved in AAA pathogenesis that provide insight into the development of a medical treatment for this disease.
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Kuivaniemi H, Ryer EJ, Elmore JR, Tromp G. Understanding the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2016; 13:975-87. [PMID: 26308600 DOI: 10.1586/14779072.2015.1074861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
An aortic aneurysm is a dilatation in which the aortic diameter is ≥3.0 cm. If left untreated, the aortic wall continues to weaken and becomes unable to withstand the forces of the luminal blood pressure resulting in progressive dilatation and rupture, a catastrophic event associated with a mortality of 50-80%. Smoking and positive family history are important risk factors for the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Several genetic risk factors have also been identified. On the histological level, visible hallmarks of AAA pathogenesis include inflammation, smooth muscle cell apoptosis, extracellular matrix degradation and oxidative stress. We expect that large genetic, genomic, epigenetic, proteomic and metabolomic studies will be undertaken by international consortia to identify additional risk factors and biomarkers, and to enhance our understanding of the pathobiology of AAA. Collaboration between different research groups will be important in overcoming the challenges to develop pharmacological treatments for AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Kuivaniemi
- a 1 Sigfried and Janet Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA
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Hu PP, Liu H, Zhen SJ, Li CM, Huang CZ. Nanosilver-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic determination of DNA methyltransferase activity through real-time hybridization chain reaction. Biosens Bioelectron 2015; 73:228-233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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