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Wang Q, Ni S, Ling L, Wang S, Xie H, Ren Z. Ginkgolide B Blocks Vascular Remodeling after Vascular Injury via Regulating Tgf β1/Smad Signaling Pathway. Cardiovasc Ther 2023; 2023:8848808. [PMID: 38125702 PMCID: PMC10732976 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8848808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease worldwide, resulting in myocardial infarction (MI) and even sudden death. Following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), restenosis caused by vascular remodeling is always formed at the stent implantation site. Here, we show that Ginkgolide B (GB), a naturally occurring terpene lactone, effectively suppresses vascular remodeling and subsequent restenosis in wild-type mice following left carotid artery (LCA) injury. Additional experiments reveal that GB exerts a protective effect on vascular remodeling and further restenosis through modulation of the Tgfβ1/Smad signaling pathway in vivo and in human vascular smooth muscle cells (HVSMAs) but not in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Moreover, the beneficial effect of GB is abolished after incubated with pirfenidone (PFD, a drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, IPF), which can inhibit Tgfβ1. In Tgfβ1-/- mice, treatment with pirfenidone capsules and Yinxingneizhi Zhusheye (including Ginkgolide B) fails to improve vascular remodeling and restenosis. In conclusion, our data identify that GB could be a potential novel therapeutic agent to block vessel injury-associated vascular remodeling and further restenosis and show significant repression of Tgfβ1/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Wang
- Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Shuai Ni
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Li Ling
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Hanbin Xie
- Collections Conservation Research Center, Shanghai Natural History Museum (Branch of Shanghai Science and Technology Museum), Shanghai 200041, China
| | - Zhanhong Ren
- Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
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2
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Abdallah HY, Fareed A, Abdelmaogood AKK, Allam S, Abdelgawad M, Deen LATE. Introducing Circulating Vasculature-Related Transcripts as Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:243-259. [PMID: 36538237 PMCID: PMC10008268 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00622-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic plaque is considered the hallmark of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary atherosclerosis (CAS), the primary pathogenesis in coronary artery disease (CAD), which develops and progresses through a complex interplay between immune cells, vascular cells, and endothelial shear stresses. Early diagnosis of CAS is critical for avoiding plaque rupture and sudden death. Therefore, identifying new CAD biomarkers linked to vessel wall functions, such as RNA molecules with their distinct signature, is a promising development for these patients. With this rationale, the present study investigated the expression level of the vascular-related RNA transcripts (lncRNA ANRIL, miRNA-126-5p, CDK4, CDK6, TGF-β, E-cadherin, and TNF-α) implicated in the cellular vascular function, proliferation, and inflammatory processes. METHODS A case-control study design with a total of 180 subjects classified participants into two groups; CAD and control groups. The relative expression levels of the seven transcripts under study-selected using online bioinformatics tools and current literature-were assessed in the plasma of all study participants using RT-qPCR. Their predictive significance testing, scoring of disease prioritization, enrichment analysis, and the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was investigated. RESULTS The relative expression levels of all seven of the circulating vascular-related transcripts under study were statistically significant between CAD patients and controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis results indicated the statistical significance of all the transcripts under study with CDK4 showing the highest area under the curve (AUC) equivalent to 0.91, followed by E-cadherin (0.90), miRNA-126-5p (0.83), ANRIL (0.82), TNF-α (0.63), TGF-β (0.62), and CDK6 (0.59), in descending order. A strong association was detected between most of the transcripts studied in CAD patients with a significant Spearman's correlation coefficient with a two-tailed significance of p < 0.001. Network analysis revealed a strong relationship between the five circulating vasculature transcripts studied and their target miRNAs and miR-126-5p, but not for ANRIL. CONCLUSION The seven circulating vascular-related RNA transcripts under study could serve as potential CAD biomarkers, reflecting the cellular vascular function, proliferation, and inflammatory processes in CAD patients. Therefore, blood transcriptome analysis opens new frontiers for the non-invasive diagnosis of CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Y Abdallah
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt. .,Center of Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Fareed
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Asmaa K K Abdelmaogood
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Sahar Allam
- Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mai Abdelgawad
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences (PSAS), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Loaa A Tag El Deen
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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3
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The mechanism and therapy of aortic aneurysms. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:55. [PMID: 36737432 PMCID: PMC9898314 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01325-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic aneurysm is a chronic aortic disease affected by many factors. Although it is generally asymptomatic, it poses a significant threat to human life due to a high risk of rupture. Because of its strong concealment, it is difficult to diagnose the disease in the early stage. At present, there are no effective drugs for the treatment of aneurysms. Surgical intervention and endovascular treatment are the only therapies. Although current studies have discovered that inflammatory responses as well as the production and activation of various proteases promote aortic aneurysm, the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Researchers are further exploring the pathogenesis of aneurysms to find new targets for diagnosis and treatment. To better understand aortic aneurysm, this review elaborates on the discovery history of aortic aneurysm, main classification and clinical manifestations, related molecular mechanisms, clinical cohort studies and animal models, with the ultimate goal of providing insights into the treatment of this devastating disease. The underlying problem with aneurysm disease is weakening of the aortic wall, leading to progressive dilation. If not treated in time, the aortic aneurysm eventually ruptures. An aortic aneurysm is a local enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the aortic wall. The disease is usually asymptomatic but leads to high mortality due to the risk of artery rupture.
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Dalvand A, da Silva Rosa SC, Ghavami S, Marzban H. Potential role of TGFΒ and autophagy in early crebellum development. Biochem Biophys Rep 2022; 32:101358. [PMID: 36213145 PMCID: PMC9535406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, the interconnected generation of various neural cell types within the cerebellar primordium is essential. Over embryonic (E) days E9-E13, Purkinje cells (PCs), and cerebellar nuclei (CN) neurons are among the created primordial neurons. The molecular and cellular mechanisms fundamental for the early cerebellar neurogenesis, migration/differentiation, and connectivity are not clear yet. Autophagy has a vital role in controlling cellular phenotypes, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is the main player in pre-and postnatal development and controlling cellular morphological type via various mechanisms, such as autophagy. Thus, we hypothesized that TGF-β1 may regulate early cerebellar development by modifying the levels of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and consequently autophagy pathway in the mouse cerebellar primordium. We demonstrated the stimulation of the canonical TGF-β1 signaling pathway at the point that concurs with the generation of the nuclear transitory zone and PC plate in mice. Furthermore, our data show that the stimulated TGF-β1 signaling pathway progressively and chronologically could upregulate the expression of β-catenin (CTNNB1) and N-cadherin (CDH2) with the most expression at E11 and E12, leading to upregulation of chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8 (CDH8) and neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1) expression, at E12 and E13. Finally, we demonstrated that the stimulated TGF-β signaling pathway may impede the autophagic flux at E11/E12. Nevertheless, basal autophagy flux happens at earlier developmental phases from E9-E10. Our study determined potential role of the TGF-β signaling and its regulatory impacts on autophagic flux during cerebellar development and cadherin expression, which can facilitate the proliferation, migration/differentiation, and placement of PCs and the CN neurons in their designated areas.
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Tong KL, Tan KE, Lim YY, Tien XY, Wong PF. CircRNA-miRNA interactions in atherogenesis. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:2703-2733. [PMID: 35604519 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04455-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the major cause of coronary artery disease (CAD) which includes unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. The onset of atherogenesis, a process of atherosclerotic lesion formation in the intima of arteries, is driven by lipid accumulation, a vicious cycle of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions leading to endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation, and foam cell formation which further fuel plaque formation and destabilization. In recent years, there is a surge in the number of publications reporting the involvement of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and metabolic syndromes. These studies have advanced our understanding on the biological functions of circRNAs. One of the most common mechanism of action of circRNAs reported is the sponging of microRNAs (miRNAs) by binding to the miRNAs response element (MRE), thereby indirectly increases the transcription of their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Individual networks of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA associated with atherogenesis have been extensively reported, however, there is a need to connect these findings for a complete overview. This review aims to provide an update on atherogenesis-related circRNAs and analyze the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions in atherogenesis. The atherogenic mechanisms and clinical relevance of each atherogenesis-related circRNA were systematically discussed for better understanding of the knowledge gap in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kind-Leng Tong
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ke-En Tan
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yat-Yuen Lim
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Xin-Yi Tien
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pooi-Fong Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Bonetti J, Corti A, Lerouge L, Pompella A, Gaucher C. Phenotypic Modulation of Macrophages and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Atherosclerosis-Nitro-Redox Interconnections. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10040516. [PMID: 33810295 PMCID: PMC8066740 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10040516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Monocytes/macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) are the main cell types implicated in atherosclerosis development, and unlike other mature cell types, both retain a remarkable plasticity. In mature vessels, differentiated vSMCs control the vascular tone and the blood pressure. In response to vascular injury and modifications of the local environment (inflammation, oxidative stress), vSMCs switch from a contractile to a secretory phenotype and also display macrophagic markers expression and a macrophagic behaviour. Endothelial dysfunction promotes adhesion to the endothelium of monocytes, which infiltrate the sub-endothelium and differentiate into macrophages. The latter become polarised into M1 (pro-inflammatory), M2 (anti-inflammatory) or Mox macrophages (oxidative stress phenotype). Both monocyte-derived macrophages and macrophage-like vSMCs are able to internalise and accumulate oxLDL, leading to formation of “foam cells” within atherosclerotic plaques. Variations in the levels of nitric oxide (NO) can affect several of the molecular pathways implicated in the described phenomena. Elucidation of the underlying mechanisms could help to identify novel specific therapeutic targets, but to date much remains to be explored. The present article is an overview of the different factors and signalling pathways implicated in plaque formation and of the effects of NO on the molecular steps of the phenotypic switch of macrophages and vSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Bonetti
- CITHEFOR, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (J.B.); (L.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Alessandro Corti
- Department of Translational Research NTMS, University of Pisa Medical School, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Lucie Lerouge
- CITHEFOR, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (J.B.); (L.L.); (C.G.)
| | - Alfonso Pompella
- Department of Translational Research NTMS, University of Pisa Medical School, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-2218-537
| | - Caroline Gaucher
- CITHEFOR, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (J.B.); (L.L.); (C.G.)
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Bruijn LE, van den Akker BEWM, van Rhijn CM, Hamming JF, Lindeman JHN. Extreme Diversity of the Human Vascular Mesenchymal Cell Landscape. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e017094. [PMID: 33190596 PMCID: PMC7763765 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.017094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Human mesenchymal cells are culprit factors in vascular (patho)physiology and are hallmarked by phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. At present, they are subdivided by classic umbrella terms, such as "fibroblasts," "myofibroblasts," "smooth muscle cells," "fibrocytes," "mesangial cells," and "pericytes." However, a discriminative marker-based subclassification has to date not been established. Methods and Results As a first effort toward a classification scheme, a systematic literature search was performed to identify the most commonly used phenotypical and functional protein markers for characterizing and classifying vascular mesenchymal cell subpopulation(s). We next applied immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to inventory the expression pattern of identified markers on human aorta specimens representing early, intermediate, and end stages of human atherosclerotic disease. Included markers comprise markers for mesenchymal lineage (vimentin, FSP-1 [fibroblast-specific protein-1]/S100A4, cluster of differentiation (CD) 90/thymocyte differentiation antigen 1, and FAP [fibroblast activation protein]), contractile/non-contractile phenotype (α-smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, and nonmuscle myosin heavy chain), and auxiliary contractile markers (h1-Calponin, h-Caldesmon, Desmin, SM22α [smooth muscle protein 22α], non-muscle myosin heavy chain, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, Smoothelin-B, α-Tropomyosin, and Telokin) or adhesion proteins (Paxillin and Vinculin). Vimentin classified as the most inclusive lineage marker. Subset markers did not separate along classic lines of smooth muscle cell, myofibroblast, or fibroblast, but showed clear temporal and spatial diversity. Strong indications were found for presence of stem cells/Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal cell Transition and fibrocytes in specific aspects of the human atherosclerotic process. Conclusions This systematic evaluation shows a highly diverse and dynamic landscape for the human vascular mesenchymal cell population that is not captured by the classic nomenclature. Our observations stress the need for a consensus multiparameter subclass designation along the lines of the cluster of differentiation classification for leucocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Bruijn
- Division of Vascular SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | | | - Connie M. van Rhijn
- Division of Vascular SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | - Jaap F. Hamming
- Division of Vascular SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
| | - Jan H. N. Lindeman
- Division of Vascular SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenthe Netherlands
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8
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Zhuang X, Cao D, Zeng Y, Yang D, Yao J, Kuang J, Xie J, He M, Cai D, Zhang S, Wang W, Zhang L. Associations between retinal microvasculature/microstructure and renal function in type 2 diabetes patients with early chronic kidney disease. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2020; 168:108373. [PMID: 32827591 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2020.108373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To explore the associations between the microvascular/microstructural changes in the retina measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and renal function in type 2 diabetes patients with early chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS This cross-sectional study, including 150 type 2 diabetes patients, was conducted from July 2017 to January 2019. We obtained retinal vessel density (VD) and retinal thickness using OCTA. The correlations between OCTA-derived parameters and CKD-related systemic data were assessed by multiple regression analyses. RESULTS We found a significant decrease of VD in patients with CKD. Multiple regression analyses showed that: a) decreased eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) was significantly correlated with decreased VD of superficial vascular complex (SVC) in macular area; b) increased UACR (urine albumin to creatinine ratio) was significantly associated with increased macular thickness; c) decreased HGB/HCT (Hemoglobin or Hematocrit) was significantly correlated with both decreased VD of SVC and increased retinal thickness in macular area. CONCLUSIONS Decrease in the microcirculation of the retina and thickening of the macula associated with impaired renal function in type 2 diabetes. Our finding encourages the application of OCTA-derived metrics in diabetic eyes to monitor the progression of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuenan Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong, China
| | - Dan Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunkao Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong, China
| | - Dawei Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Kuang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianteng Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Miao He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Danna Cai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuting Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjian Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong, China.
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Wu J, Zhao X, Sun Q, Jiang Y, Zhang W, Luo J, Li Y. Synergic effect of PD-1 blockade and endostar on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy and angiogenesis in Lewis lung carcinoma mouse model. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 125:109746. [PMID: 32106386 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy has been shown to be effective as a first-line treatment option for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Unfortunately, it has failed to acquire an anticipant anti-tumour effect for relatively lower clinical benefit rates. It is therefore important to identify novel strategies for improving immunotherapy. Endostar is a novel recombinant human endostatin that exerts its anti-angiogenic effects via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-related signalling pathways. Anti-programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) antibody is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that was developed to stimulate the immune system. In this study, the synergy of PD-1 blockade and endostar was assessed in a lung carcinoma mouse model. METHODS Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC)-bearing mice were randomly assigned into three groups: controls, anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-1+endostar. The levels of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-17, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were measured with enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of VEGF, CD34 and CD31 was assessed with immunohistochemistry (IHC). The proportion of mature dendritic cells (mDC) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) was analysed with flow cytometry. The major proteins in PI3K/AKT/mTOR and autophagy were quantified with Western blot. RESULTS Anti-PD-1 combined with endostar dramatically suppressed tumour growth in LLC mouse models. This synergistic effect resulted in decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 and immunosuppressive factor TGF-β1 levels, increased IFN-γ secretion, reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) accumulation, and reversed CD8 + T cell suppression. The expression of VEGF, CD34 and CD31 was significantly down-regulated, while tumour cell apoptosis and PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy was up-regulated. CONCLUSION The combination of anti-PD-1 and endostar has a remarkably synergic effect on LLC tumour growth by means of improving the tumour microenvironment and activating autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China; Key Laboratory of Chest Cancer, Shandong University,Jinan, China
| | - Xiaogang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China; Key Laboratory of Chest Cancer, Shandong University,Jinan, China
| | - Qifeng Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yunfeng Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, YantaiYuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Weiquan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China; Key Laboratory of Chest Cancer, Shandong University,Jinan, China
| | - Junwen Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China; Key Laboratory of Chest Cancer, Shandong University,Jinan, China
| | - Yixin Li
- Key Laboratory of Chest Cancer, Shandong University,Jinan, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Petsophonsakul P, Furmanik M, Forsythe R, Dweck M, Schurink GW, Natour E, Reutelingsperger C, Jacobs M, Mees B, Schurgers L. Role of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switching and Calcification in Aortic Aneurysm Formation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2019; 39:1351-1368. [PMID: 31144989 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.312787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Aortic aneurysm is a vascular disease whereby the ECM (extracellular matrix) of a blood vessel degenerates, leading to dilation and eventually vessel wall rupture. Recently, it was shown that calcification of the vessel wall is involved in both the initiation and progression of aneurysms. Changes in aortic wall structure that lead to aneurysm formation and vascular calcification are actively mediated by vascular smooth muscle cells. Vascular smooth muscle cells in a healthy vessel wall are termed contractile as they maintain vascular tone and remain quiescent. However, in pathological conditions they can dedifferentiate into a synthetic phenotype, whereby they secrete extracellular vesicles, proliferate, and migrate to repair injury. This process is called phenotypic switching and is often the first step in vascular pathology. Additionally, healthy vascular smooth muscle cells synthesize VKDPs (vitamin K-dependent proteins), which are involved in inhibition of vascular calcification. The metabolism of these proteins is known to be disrupted in vascular pathologies. In this review, we summarize the current literature on vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching and vascular calcification in relation to aneurysm. Moreover, we address the role of vitamin K and VKDPs that are involved in vascular calcification and aneurysm. Visual Overview- An online visual overview is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ploingarm Petsophonsakul
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., M.F., C.R., L.S.)
| | - Malgorzata Furmanik
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., M.F., C.R., L.S.)
| | - Rachael Forsythe
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (R.F., M.D.)
| | - Marc Dweck
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (R.F., M.D.)
| | - Geert Willem Schurink
- Department of Vascular Surgery (G.W.S., M.J., B.M.), Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ehsan Natour
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery (E.N.), Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, the Netherlands.,European Vascular Center Aachen-Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands (E.N., M.J., B.M.)
| | - Chris Reutelingsperger
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., M.F., C.R., L.S.)
| | - Michael Jacobs
- Department of Vascular Surgery (G.W.S., M.J., B.M.), Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, the Netherlands.,European Vascular Center Aachen-Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands (E.N., M.J., B.M.)
| | - Barend Mees
- Department of Vascular Surgery (G.W.S., M.J., B.M.), Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, the Netherlands.,European Vascular Center Aachen-Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands (E.N., M.J., B.M.)
| | - Leon Schurgers
- From the Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., M.F., C.R., L.S.)
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11
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Is there a role for autophagy in ascending aortopathy associated with tricuspid or bicuspid aortic valve? Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:805-819. [PMID: 30991346 DOI: 10.1042/cs20181092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a conserved process by which cytoplasmatic elements are sequestered in vesicles and degraded after their fusion with lysosomes, thus recycling the precursor molecules. The autophagy-mediated removal of redundant/harmful/damaged organelles and biomolecules plays not only a replenishing function, but protects against stressful conditions through an adaptive mechanism. Autophagy, known to play a role in several pathological conditions, is now gaining increasing attention also in the perspective of the identification of the pathogenetic mechanisms at the basis of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), a localized or diffused dilatation of the aorta with an abnormal widening greater than 50 percent of the vessel's normal diameter. TAA is less frequent than abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), but is encountered with a higher percentage in patients with congenital heart disease or known genetic syndromes. Several biological aspects of TAA pathophysiology remain to be elucitated and therapeutic needs are still widely unmet. One of the most controversial and epidemiologically important forms of TAA is that associated with the congenital bicuspid malformation of the aortic valve (BAV). Dysregulated autophagy in response, for example, to wall shear stress alterations, has been demonstrated to affect the phenotype of vascular cells relevant to aortopathy, with potential consequences on signaling, remodeling, and angiogenesis. The most recent findings and hypotheses concerning the multiple aspects of autophagy and of its dysregulation are summarized, both in general and in the context of the different vascular cell types and of TAA progression, with particular reference to BAV-related aortopathy.
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Zhang Q, Liu H, Yang J. Regulation of TGF-β1 on PI3KC3 and its role in hypertension-induced vascular injuries. Exp Ther Med 2018; 17:1717-1727. [PMID: 30783440 PMCID: PMC6364233 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.7128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3 (PI3KC3) in the peripheral blood in patients with hypertension. A total of 28 patients with primary hypertension and 20 healthy control subjects were included. Peripheral blood samples were collected. The mRNA and protein expression levels were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis, respectively. Cell counting kit-8 assay, Transwell chamber assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect the cell proliferation, migration ability and cellular apoptosis, respectively. Laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to detect the intracellular autophagosomes. The expression of TGF-β1 was significantly elevated, whereas the expression of PI3KC3 was significantly downregulated in the patients with hypertension compared with controls. There was negative correlation between the TGF-β1 and PI3KC3 expression. Following treatment with TGF-β1, the protein expression of PI3KC3 was significantly decreased in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and the autophagic activity was significantly decreased. Furthermore, following the treatment of TGF-β1 the proliferation of HUVECs was significantly reduced in the HUVECs, the hypoxia-induced apoptosis rates were significantly elevated and the number of penetrating cells were significantly declined (indicating declined migration ability). However, the overexpression of PI3KC3 significantly ameliorated the proliferation, migration ability and hypoxia tolerance of TGF-β1-treated HUVECs. In conclusion, the present results indicated that TGF-β1 expression was elevated in the peripheral blood in hypertensive patients and negatively correlated with the PI3KC3 expression; and that TGF-β1 regulates the PI3KC3 signaling pathway to inhibit the autophagic activity of vascular endothelial cells, and regulate the cell proliferation, migration and anti-apoptosis ability, thus aggregating the endothelial cell injuries in hypertension. The results of the current study revealed a novel mechanism of TGF-β1 in the regulation of endothelial cell injury in hypertension, which may provide a potential target for disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277101, P.R. China
| | - Hu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277101, P.R. China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277101, P.R. China
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