Role of TGF-beta1 in vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis induced by angiotensin II

The interplay of collagen, macrophages, and microcalcification in atherosclerotic plaque cap rupture mechanics

The rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque cap overlying a lipid pool and/or necrotic core can lead to thrombotic cardiovascular events. In essence, the rupture of the plaque cap is a mechanical event, which occurs when the local stress exceeds the local tissue strength. However, due to inter- and intra-cap heterogeneity, the resulting ultimate cap strength varies, causing proper assessment of the plaque at risk of rupture to be lacking. Important players involved in tissue strength include the load-bearing collagenous matrix, macrophages, as major promoters of extracellular matrix degradation, and microcalcifications, deposits that can exacerbate local stress, increasing tissue propensity for rupture. This review summarizes the role of these components individually in tissue mechanics, along with the interplay between them. We argue that to be able to improve risk assessment, a better understanding of the effect of these individual components, as well as their reciprocal relationships on cap mechanics, is required. Finally, we discuss potential future steps, including a holistic multidisciplinary approach, multifactorial 3D in vitro model systems, and advancements in imaging techniques. The obtained knowledge will ultimately serve as input to help diagnose, prevent, and treat atherosclerotic cap rupture.

Associations between retinal microvasculature/microstructure and renal function in type 2 diabetes patients with early chronic kidney disease

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.

ERK1/2 mediates lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and autophagy induced by apelin-13

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of apelin in the cell proliferation and autophagy of lung adenocarcinoma. The over-expression of APJ in lung adenocarcinoma was detected by immunohistochemistry, while plasma apelin level in lung cancer patients was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our findings revealed that apelin-13 significantly increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, the expression of cyclin D1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3A/B (LC3A/B), and beclin1, and confirmed that apelin-13 promoted A549 cell proliferation and induced A549 cell autophagy via ERK1/2 signaling. Moreover, there are pores on the surface of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 and apelin-13 causes cell surface smooth and glossy as observed under atomic force microscopy. These results suggested that ERK1/2 signaling pathway mediates apelin-13-induced lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation and autophagy. Under our experimental condition, autophagy associated with 3-methyladenine was not involved in cell proliferation.

Cell-based microfluidic device for screening anti-proliferative activity of drugs in vascular smooth muscle cells

This paper presents a microfluidic device consisting of five parallel microchambers with integrated readout-grid for the screening of anti-proliferative activity of drugs in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). A two-level SU-8 master was fabricated and replicated with poly(dimethylsiloxane), PDMS, using standard soft-lithographic methods. The relative small height (4-10 μm) of the integrated grid allowed the identification of single-cells or cell groups and the monitoring of their motility, morphology and size with time, without disturbing their proliferation pattern. This is of particular interest when considering VSMC which, apart of being crucial in the atherosclerotic process, do not proliferate in a single layer but in a non-homogenous hill and valley phenotype. The performance of the microfluidic device has been validated by comparison with conventional culturing methods, proving that the cell proliferation remains unaffected by the microchamber structure (with the integrated grid) and the experimental conditions. Finally, the microfluidic device was also used to evaluate the anti-proliferative activity of curcumin and colchicine in VSMC. With this cellular type, the anti-proliferative activity of curcumin (IC(50) =35 ± 5 μM) was found to be much lower than colchicine (IC(50) =3.2 ± 1.2 μM). These results demonstrate the good performance of the microfluidic device in the evaluation of the anti-proliferative activity (or cytotoxicity) of drugs.

The renin-angiotensin system in the breast and breast cancer

Much evidence now suggests that angiotensin II has roles in normal functions of the breast that may be altered or attenuated in cancer. Both angiotensin type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptors are present particularly in the secretory epithelium. Additionally, all the elements of a tissue renin-angiotensin system, angiotensinogen, prorenin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), are also present and distributed in different cell types in a manner suggesting a close relationship with sites of angiotensin II activity. These findings are consistent with the concept that stromal elements and myoepithelium are instrumental in maintaining normal epithelial structure and function. In disease, this system becomes disrupted, particularly in invasive carcinoma. Both AT1 and AT2 receptors are present in tumours and may be up-regulated in some. Experimentally, angiotensin II, acting via the AT1 receptor, increases tumour cell proliferation and angiogenesis, both these are inhibited by blocking its production or function. Epidemiological evidence on the effect of expression levels of ACE or the distribution of ACE or AT1 receptor variants in many types of cancer gives indirect support to these concepts. It is possible that there is a case for the therapeutic use of high doses of ACE inhibitors and AT1 receptor blockers in breast cancer, as there may be for AT2 receptor agonists, though this awaits full investigation. Attention is drawn to the possibility of blocking specific AT1-mediated intracellular signalling pathways, for example by AT1-directed antibodies, which exploit the possibility that the extracellular N-terminus of the AT1 receptor may have previously unsuspected signalling roles.

Transforming growth factor-β and atherosclerosis: interwoven atherogenic and atheroprotective aspects

Age-related progression of cardiovascular disease is by far the largest health problem in the US and involves vascular damage, progressive vascular fibrosis and the accumulation of lipid-rich atherosclerotic lesions. Advanced lesions can restrict flow to key organs and can trigger occlusive thrombosis resulting in a stroke or myocardial infarction. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a major orchestrator of the fibroproliferative response to tissue damage. In the early stages of repair, TGF-β is released from platelets and activated from matrix reservoirs; it then stimulates the chemotaxis of repair cells, modulates immunity and inflammation and induces matrix production. At later stages, it negatively regulates fibrosis through its strong antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on fibrotic cells. In advanced lesions, TGF-β might be important in arterial calcification, commonly referred to as "hardening of the arteries". Because TGF-β can signal through multiple pathways, namely the SMADs, a MAPK pathway and the Rho/ROCK pathways, selective defects in TGF-β signaling can disrupt otherwise coordinated pathways of tissue regeneration. TGF-β is known to control cell proliferation, cell migration, matrix synthesis, wound contraction, calcification and the immune response, all being major components of the atherosclerotic process. However, many of the effects of TGF-β are essential to normal tissue repair and thus, TGF-β is often thought to be "atheroprotective". The present review attempts to parse systematically the known effects of TGF-β on both the major risk factors for atherosclerosis and to isolate the role of TGF-β in the many component pathways involved in atherogenesis.

Role of TGF-beta1 and MAP kinases in the antiproliferative effect of aspirin in human vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

We aimed to test the antiproliferative effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from bypass surgery patients and the role of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1).

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

VSMC were isolated from remaining internal mammary artery from patients who underwent bypass surgery. Cell proliferation and DNA fragmentation were assessed by ELISA. Protein expression was assessed by Western blot. ASA inhibited BrdU incorporation at 2 mM. Anti-TGF-beta1 was able to reverse this effect. ASA (2 mM) induced TGF-beta1 secretion; however it was unable to induce Smad activation. ASA increased p38(MAPK) phosphorylation in a TGF-beta1-independent manner. Anti-CD105 (endoglin) was unable to reverse the antiproliferative effect of ASA. Pre-surgical serum levels of TGF-beta1 in patients who took at antiplatelet doses ASA were assessed by ELISA and remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

In vitro antiproliferative effects of aspirin (at antiinflammatory concentration) on human VSMC obtained from bypass patients are mediated by TGF-beta1 and p38(MAPK). Pre-surgical serum levels of TGF- beta1 from bypass patients who took aspirin at antiplatelet doses did not change.

The dilated aorta in patients with congenital cardiac defects

Many patients with congenital cardiac disease are at risk for progressive aortic dilation. The mechanisms underlying aortic dilation in this patient cohort are described, and the similarities to the pathophysiologic alterations seen in Marfan syndrome are highlighted. Indications for treatment are discussed.