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Abstract
Hypertension is a frequent finding in elderly patients. Hypertension in older age can be both associated with frailty and represent a risk factor for frailty. Hypertension is recognized as a main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke and the occurrence of these diseases may provoke a decline in health status and/or worsen the degree of frailty. Blood pressure targets in hypertensive older and frail patients are not completely defined. However, specific evaluations of individual patients and their co-morbidities and assessment of domains and components of frailty, together with weighted consideration of drug use, may help in finding the appropriate therapy.
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Cohen GI, Bess R. Carotid Strands: Possible Mechanisms and Implications of a Novel Finding. CASE 2020; 4:343-346. [PMID: 33117925 PMCID: PMC7581642 DOI: 10.1016/j.case.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Carotid strands are a novel ultrasound finding of unknown prevalence. Three cases of carotid strands are reported in subjects with or at risk for carotid atheroma. In one subject, new material deposited in the bulb that disappeared with statin use. Strands appear to be associated with atherosclerosis and possibly atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald I Cohen
- Department of Noninvasive Cardiology, Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Renee Bess
- Department of Noninvasive Cardiology, Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
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3
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Dentali F, Nigro O, Squizzato A, Gianni M, Zuretti F, Grandi AM, Guasti L. Impact of neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio on major clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Int J Cardiol 2018; 266:31-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.02.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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4
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Li X, Shen F, Wang K, Lin S, Zhou L, Chen S, Wang J, Huang N. Endothelial mimetic multifunctional surfaces fabricated via polydopamine mediated copper immobilization. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:7582-7593. [DOI: 10.1039/c8tb01976b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), which is continuously released from the normal healthy endodermis cell layer of the vascular system, plays a crucial role in the stability and health maintenance of blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Key Laboratories of Advanced Technology for Materials of Education Ministry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Southwest Jiaotong University
- Chengdu
- China
| | | | - Kebing Wang
- Key Laboratories of Advanced Technology for Materials of Education Ministry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Southwest Jiaotong University
- Chengdu
- China
| | - Shuang Lin
- Key Laboratories of Advanced Technology for Materials of Education Ministry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Southwest Jiaotong University
- Chengdu
- China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Key Laboratories of Advanced Technology for Materials of Education Ministry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Southwest Jiaotong University
- Chengdu
- China
| | - Si Chen
- Key Laboratories of Advanced Technology for Materials of Education Ministry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Southwest Jiaotong University
- Chengdu
- China
| | - Jin Wang
- Key Laboratories of Advanced Technology for Materials of Education Ministry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Southwest Jiaotong University
- Chengdu
- China
| | - Nan Huang
- Key Laboratories of Advanced Technology for Materials of Education Ministry
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Southwest Jiaotong University
- Chengdu
- China
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Guasti L, Squizzato A, Moretto P, Vigetti D, Ageno W, Dentali F, Maresca AM, Campiotti L, Grandi AM, Passi A. In vitro effects of Apixaban on 5 different cancer cell lines. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185035. [PMID: 29023465 PMCID: PMC5638249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is associated with hypercoagulability. However, several data suggest that anticoagulant drugs may have an effect on tumor development and progression mediated by both coagulation dependent processes and non-coagulation dependent processes. Therefore, we investigated the in vitro effects of Apixaban on cell proliferation, mortality, cell migration, gene expression and matrix metalloproteinase in 5 different cancer cell lines. METHODS The following cancer cell lines, and 2 normal fibroblast cultures (lung and dermal fibroblasts), were studied: OVCAR3 (ovarian cancer), MDA MB 231 (breast cancer), CaCO-2 (colon cancer), LNCaP (prostate cancer) and U937 (histiocytic lymphoma). Proliferation and cell mortality were assessed in control cells and Apixaban treated cultures (dose from 0.1 to 5 μg/ml, 0 to 96-h). Necrosis/Apoptosis (fluorescence microscopy), cell migration (24-h after scratch test), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and mRNA expression (RT PCR) of p16, p21, p53 and HAS were also assessed. RESULTS High-dose (5 μg/ml) Apixaban incubation was associated with a significantly reduced proliferation in 3 cancer cell lines (OVCAR3, CaCO-2 and LNCaP) and with increased cancer cell mortality in all, except LNCaP, cancer lines. Apoptosis seems to account for the increased mortality. The migration capacity seems to be impaired after high-dose Apixaban incubation in OVCAR3 and CaCO-2 cells. Data on mRNA expression suggest a consistent increase in tumor suppression gene p16 in all cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that high-dose Apixaban may be able to interfere with cancer cell in vitro, reducing proliferation and increasing cancer cell mortality through apoptosis in several cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigina Guasti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- * E-mail: (AS); (LG)
| | - Alessandro Squizzato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- * E-mail: (AS); (LG)
| | - Paola Moretto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Davide Vigetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Walter Ageno
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Francesco Dentali
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Andrea M. Maresca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Leonardo Campiotti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Anna M. Grandi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Alberto Passi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Guasti L, Gaudio G, Lupi A, D'Avino M, Sala C, Mugellini A, Vulpis V, Felis S, Sarzani R, Vanasia M, Maffioli P, Derosa G. Ambulatory blood pressure parameters after canrenone addition to existing treatment regimens with maximum tolerated dose of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers plus hydrochlorothiazide in uncontrolled hypertensive patients. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2017; 11:2293-2300. [PMID: 28831241 PMCID: PMC5552154 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s134826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is a cornerstone in cardiovascular disease prevention and hypertension treatment. The relevance of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) has been widely confirmed for both increasing the accuracy of blood pressure (BP) measurements, particularly in pharmacological trials, and focusing on 24 h BP prognostic parameters. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of canrenone addition on ambulatory BP in uncontrolled hypertensive patients already treated with the highest tolerated dose of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonists plus hydrochlorothiazide (HCT). METHODS ABPM was performed at baseline and after 3 months of combination therapy in 158 outpatients with stage 1 or 2 hypertension who were randomized to add canrenone (50 or 100 mg) to the pre-existing therapy with ACE inhibitors or AT1R antagonists plus HCT. Twenty-four-hour systolic and diastolic BPs were considered normalized when the values were <130 and <80 mmHg, respectively. RESULTS The addition of canrenone was associated with a reduction in systolic and diastolic BPs (24 h and daytime and nighttime; P<0.001), mean arterial pressures (P<0.001), and pulse pressures (P<0.01). The Δ 24 h systolic/diastolic BPs were -13.5±11.2/-8±8 mmHg and -16.1±13.5/-11.2±8.3 mmHg (50 and 100 mg/day, respectively). In the 50 mg arm, the 24 h systolic and diastolic BPs were normalized in 67.5% and 74% of the patients, respectively, and in 61.6% and 68.5% of the patients in the 100 mg arm, respectively (P<0.05; P= not significant for 50 vs 100 mg). The percentage of patients whose nocturnal decrease was >10% with respect to diurnal values did not change during combination therapy. CONCLUSION Canrenone addition to ACE inhibitors or AT1R antagonists plus HCT was associated with a significant reduction of 24 h BP and to an increased number of patients meeting 24 h ABPM targets in a clinical setting of uncontrolled stage 1 or 2 hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigina Guasti
- Research Center on Dyslipidemia, Internal Medicine 1, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gaudio
- Internal Medicine Division, Ospedale Angelo Bellini, ASST Valle Olona Somma, Varese, Italy
| | - Alessandro Lupi
- Cardiology Unit, ASL VCO Verbania-Domodossola, Verbania, Italy
| | - Marinella D'Avino
- Unit for the Treatment of Arterial Hypertension, Ospedale Cardarelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Carla Sala
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milano, Italy.,Cardiovascular Unit, Fondazione IRCCSS Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Amedeo Mugellini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vito Vulpis
- Unit for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Arterial Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Sarzani
- ESH Center of Hypertension, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.,IRCCS-INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Pamela Maffioli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Derosa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Marino F, Schembri L, Rasini E, Pinoli M, Scanzano A, Luini A, Congiu T, Cosentino M. Characterization of human leukocyte-HUVEC adhesion: Effect of cell preparation methods. J Immunol Methods 2017; 443:55-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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8
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Yoon JJ, Lee YJ, Han BH, Choi ES, Kho MC, Park JH, Ahn YM, Kim HY, Kang DG, Lee HS. Protective effect of betulinic acid on early atherosclerosis in diabetic apolipoprotein-E gene knockout mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 796:224-232. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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9
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Guasti L, Maresca AM, Schembri L, Rasini E, Dentali F, Squizzato A, Klersy C, Robustelli Test L, Mongiardi C, Campiotti L, Ageno W, Grandi AM, Cosentino M, Marino F. Relationship between regulatory T cells subsets and lipid profile in dyslipidemic patients: a longitudinal study during atorvastatin treatment. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2016; 16:26. [PMID: 26822994 PMCID: PMC4731979 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-016-0201-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The CD4+ T-lymphocytes and their subtype CD4 + CD25highFoxP3+ regulatory T cells are receiving growing interest as major regulators of atherogenesis. We sought to investigate 1) whether the CD4 + cell subsets were expressed differently in dyslipidemic patients (Pts) and healthy subjects (HS) and 2) whether atorvastatin treatment could be associated in-vivo and in-vitro with cell changes in expression and functional response. Methods CD4+ subsets frequency (CD4 + CD25highFoxP3+, CD4 + CD25-FoxP3+) and mRNA expression for FoxP3, IL-10 and TGF-β were evaluated in 30 consecutive Pts at baseline and after a 3-month atorvastatin therapy, and in 17 HS. Results The % of CD4 + cells did not differ between HS and Pts. The % of CD4 + CD25highFoxP3+ was higher in Pts than HS and did not change during treatment. The CD4 + CD25-FoxP3+ cells were similar between the two groups and were lower in Pts at visit 2. Cytokine expression and FoxP3 did not differ in HS and Pts and no substantial change was observed during treatment. At visit 1, CD4 + CD25highFoxP3+ cells were significantly correlated with both total-cholesterol (r = 0.570, P = 0.0002), LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.715, P = 0.0001), Apolipoprotein B (r = 0.590, P = 0.0001). In-vitro atorvastatin (up to 5 μM) failed to induce any significant modulation of cell functions. Conclusion CD4 + CD25highFoxP3+ regulatory cells seem to be over-stimulated in the early pre-clinical phase of atherosclerosis and a relationship exists between their frequency and circulating lipids. A potential immuno-modulation by statin treatment is not achieved through a normalization in peripheral CD4 + cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigina Guasti
- Research Center on Dyslipidemia, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Andrea Maria Maresca
- Research Center on Dyslipidemia, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy. .,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Insubria, Viale Borri 57, Varese, 21100, Italy.
| | - Laura Schembri
- Research Center on Dyslipidemia, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Rasini
- Research Center on Dyslipidemia, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Francesco Dentali
- Research Center on Dyslipidemia, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | | | - Catherine Klersy
- Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Research Department, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | | | | | | | - Walter Ageno
- Research Center on Dyslipidemia, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Grandi
- Research Center on Dyslipidemia, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Marco Cosentino
- Research Center on Dyslipidemia, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Franca Marino
- Research Center on Dyslipidemia, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
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10
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Chiatante D, Tognetti R, Scippa GS, Congiu T, Baesso B, Terzaghi M, Montagnoli A. Interspecific variation in functional traits of oak seedlings (Quercus ilex, Quercus trojana, Quercus virgiliana) grown under artificial drought and fire conditions. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2015; 128:595-611. [PMID: 25968344 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-015-0729-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
To face summer drought and wildfire in Mediterranean-type ecosystems, plants adopt different strategies that involve considerable rearrangements of biomass allocation and physiological activity. This paper analyses morphological and physiological traits in seedlings of three oak species (Quercus ilex, Quercus trojana and Quercus virgiliana) co-occurring under natural conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate species-specific characteristics and the response of these oak seedlings to drought stress and fire treatment. Seedlings were kept in a growth chamber that mimicked natural environmental conditions. All three species showed a good degree of tolerance to drought and fire treatments. Differences in specific biomass allocation patterns and physiological traits resulted in phenotypic differences between species. In Q. ilex, drought tolerance depended upon adjustment of the allocation pattern. Q. trojana seedlings undergoing mild to severe drought presented a higher photosystem II (PSII) efficiency than control seedlings. Moreover, Q. trojana showed a very large root system, which corresponded to higher soil area exploitation, and bigger leaf midrib vascular bundles than the other two species. Morphological and physiological performances indicated Q. trojana as the most tolerant to drought and fire. These characteristics contribute to a high recruitment potential of Q. trojana seedlings, which might be the reason for the dominance of this species under natural conditions. Drought increase as a result of climate change is expected to favour Q. trojana, leading to an increase in its spatial distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Chiatante
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, University of Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
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11
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Quantitative characterization of endothelial cell morphologies depending on shear stress in different blood vessels of domestic pigs using a focused ion beam and high resolution scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). Tissue Cell 2014; 47:205-12. [PMID: 25622890 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Microstructured surfaces mimicking the endothelial cell (EC) morphology is a new approach to improve the blood compatibility of synthetic vascular grafts. The ECs are capable of changing their shapes depending on different shear conditions. However, the quantitative correlation between EC morphology and shear stress has not yet been investigated statistically. The aim of this study was to quantitatively investigate the morphology of ECs in dependence on the shear stress. Blood flow rates in different types of natural blood vessels (carotid, renal, hepatic and iliac arteries) originated from domestic pigs were first measured in vivo to calculate the shear stresses. The EC morphologies were quantitatively characterized ex vivo by imaging with high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cross-sectioning of the cells using a state-of-the-art focused ion beam (FIB). The relationships between EC geometrical parameters and shear stress were statistically analyzed and found to be exponential. ECs under high shear stress conditions had a longer length and narrower width, i.e. a higher aspect ratio, while the cell height was smaller compared to low shear conditions. Based on these results, suitable and valid geometrical parameters of microstructures mimicking EC can be derived for various shear conditions in synthetic vascular grafts to optimize blood compatibility.
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12
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Favero G, Rodella LF, Reiter RJ, Rezzani R. Melatonin and its atheroprotective effects: a review. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:926-37. [PMID: 24291636 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular disease in which oxidative stress and inflammation are commonly implicated as major causative factors. Identification of novel strategies that contribute to plaque stabilization or inhibition represents a continuing challenge for the medical community. The evidence from the last decade highlights that melatonin influences the cardiovascular system, but its mechanisms of action have not been definitively clarified. Melatonin has atheroprotective effects by acting on different pathogenic signaling processes; these result from its direct free radical scavenger activity, its indirect antioxidant properties and its anti-inflammatory actions. In this review, we summarize the many pieces of the puzzle which identified molecular targets for prevention and therapy against the atherosclerotic pathogenic processes and we evaluate the data documenting that melatonin treatment has important actions that protect against atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Favero
- Section of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luigi Fabrizio Rodella
- Section of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Rita Rezzani
- Section of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
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Starmans LWE, van Duijnhoven SMJ, Rossin R, Berben M, Aime S, Daemen MJAP, Nicolay K, Grüll H. Evaluation of 111In-Labeled EPep and FibPep as Tracers for Fibrin SPECT Imaging. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:4309-21. [DOI: 10.1021/mp400406x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas W. E. Starmans
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Center for Imaging Research and Education (CIRE), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sander M. J. van Duijnhoven
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Center for Imaging Research and Education (CIRE), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Raffaella Rossin
- Center for Imaging Research and Education (CIRE), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department
of Minimally Invasive Healthcare, Philips Research, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Monique Berben
- Center for Imaging Research and Education (CIRE), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department
of Minimally Invasive Healthcare, Philips Research, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Silvio Aime
- Department
of Chemistry IFM and Molecular Imaging Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Mat J. A. P. Daemen
- Department
of Pathology, Academical Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas Nicolay
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Center for Imaging Research and Education (CIRE), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Holger Grüll
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Center for Imaging Research and Education (CIRE), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department
of Minimally Invasive Healthcare, Philips Research, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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14
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Soluble RAGE plasma levels in patients with coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:584504. [PMID: 24228009 PMCID: PMC3817642 DOI: 10.1155/2013/584504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was define in a relatively large patient population with coronary artery disease (CAD) whether the concomitant presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is known to convey additional cardiovascular risk, was associated with different circulating levels of sRAGE with respect to CAD alone and control subjects. Clinical and laboratory parameters including the ankle brachial index (ABI) and sRAGE (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit) were investigated in 544 patients with angiographically documented CAD and 328 control subjects. 213/554 CAD patients (39%) showed an ABI <0.9 associated with typical symptoms (group CAD + PAD), whereas 331 patients were free from PAD. The concentration of plasma sRAGE was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in CAD population, with and without PAD, than in control subjects. Among CAD patients, those with PAD showed lower levels of sRAGE. The distribution of the three groups (CAD, CAD + PAD, and controls) according to sRAGE tertiles showed that lower levels were more frequent in patients with CAD and CAD + PAD, whereas higher levels were more frequently found in controls. CAD patients presenting with PAD have lower sRAGE levels than CAD patients without peripheral atherosclerosis showing that stable atherosclerotic lesions in different vascular districts are inversely related to soluble decoy receptor sRAGE.
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15
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Colonization of a Central Venous Catheter by the Hyaline Fungus Fusarium solani Species Complex: A Case Report and SEM Imaging. Case Rep Med 2013; 2013:618358. [PMID: 23935636 PMCID: PMC3713600 DOI: 10.1155/2013/618358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 05/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of opportunistic infections by filamentous fungi is increasing partly due to the widespread use of central venous catheters (CVC), indwelling medical devices, and antineoplastic/immunosuppressive drugs. The case of a 13-year-old boy under treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia is presented. The boy was readmitted to the Pediatric Ward for intermittent fever of unknown origin. Results of blood cultures drawn from peripheral venous sites or through the CVC were compared. CVC-derived bottles (but not those from peripheral veins) yielded hyaline fungi that, based on morphology, were identified as belonging to the Fusarium solani species complex. Gene amplification and direct sequencing of the fungal ITS1 rRNA region and the EF-1alpha gene confirmed the isolate as belonging to the Fusarium solani species complex. Portions of the CVC were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Fungi mycelia with long protruding hyphae were seen into the lumen. The firm adhesion of the fungal formation to the inner surface of the catheter was evident. In the absence of systemic infection, catheter removal and prophylactic voriconazole therapy were followed by disappearance of febrile events and recovery. Thus, indwelling catheters are prone to contamination by environmental fungi.
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16
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Gene expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells from patients with peripheral arterial disease is reduced after surgical revascularization and pharmacological treatment. Int J Vasc Med 2013; 2013:412761. [PMID: 23533763 PMCID: PMC3600181 DOI: 10.1155/2013/412761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by immunological activity, in which endothelial dysfunction represents an early event leading to subsequent inflammatory vascular damage. We investigated gene expression of the adhesion molecules (AMs) ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and β1-integrin in endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from venous blood (circulating EC, cEC) and purified from femoral plaques (pEC) obtained from 9 patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) submitted to femoral artery thrombendarterectomy (FEA). In addition, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the same subjects, we investigated gene expression of IFN-γ, IL-4, TGF-β, and IL-10. Patients were longitudinally evaluated 1 month before surgery, when statin treatment was established, at the time of surgery, and after 2 and 5 months. All AM mRNA levels, measured by means of real-time PCR, in cEC diminished during the study, up to 41–50% of initial levels at followup. AM mRNA expression was significantly higher in pEC than in cEC. During the study, in PBMCs, TGF-β and IL-10 mRNA levels remained unchanged while IFN-γ and IL-4 levels increased; however, the ratio IFN-γ/IL-4 showed no significant modification. In PAD patients, FEA and statin treatment induce a profound reduction of AM expression in cEC and affect cytokine mRNA expression in PBMCs.
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Clofent-Sanchez G, Jacobin-Valat MJ, Laroche-Traineau J. The growing interest of fibrin imaging in atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis 2012; 222:22-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2012.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Florea A, Crăciun C. Bee (Apis mellifera) venom produced toxic effects of higher amplitude in rat thoracic aorta than in skeletal muscle--an ultrastructural study. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2012; 18:304-316. [PMID: 22436333 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927611012876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In this study, changes produced in aorta and triceps surae muscle of Wistar rats as response to bee venom (BV) envenomation were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and morphometry. A subchronic treatment of 30 days with daily doses of 700 μg BV/kg and an acute-lethal treatment with a single dose of 62 mg BV/kg were performed. The subchronic treatment resulted in endothelial cell retraction, a thicker subendothelial layer, and thinner elastic laminae and musculoelastic layers in aorta, and thicker endothelium and basal laminae in skeletal muscle. In both tissues polymorphous, swollen mitochondria with disrupted cristae were observed. The acute treatment produced extensive endothelial lesions, breakdown of the collagen layer and migration of muscle cells toward the intima in the aorta, and dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum in the skeletal muscle cells. Mitochondria were almost devoid of cristae or with few circular cristae in the smooth muscle cells while most of the mitochondria presented abnormal circular cristae in the skeletal muscle cells. Degenerative alterations in the aorta were of higher intensity in our experiments-both the intima and media strongly responded to BV, in contrast to those found at the level of the skeletal muscle cells where a moderate degenerative myopathy was recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Florea
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur St., 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Makowski MR, Forbes SC, Blume U, Warley A, Jansen CHP, Schuster A, Wiethoff AJ, Botnar RM. In vivo assessment of intraplaque and endothelial fibrin in ApoE(-/-) mice by molecular MRI. Atherosclerosis 2012; 222:43-9. [PMID: 22284956 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2012.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2011] [Revised: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a promising non-invasive modality to characterize atherosclerotic vessel wall changes on a morphological and molecular level. Intraplaque and endothelial fibrin has recently been recognized to play an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of intraplaque and endothelial fibrin detection using a fibrin-targeted contrast-agent, FTCA (EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Lexington, MA), in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. METHODS Male apolipoproteinE-knockout mice (ApoE(-/-)) were fed a high fat diet (HFD) for one to three months. MRI of the brachiocephalic artery was performed prior to and 90 min after the administration of FTCA (n=8 per group). Contrast to noise ratios (CNR) and longitudinal relaxation rates (R1) of plaques were determined and compared to ex vivo fibrin density measurements on immunohistological sections stained with a fibrin-specific antibody and gadolinium concentrations measured by inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). RESULTS Molecular MRI after FTCA administration demonstrated a significant increase (p<0.05) in contrast agent uptake in brachiocephalic artery plaques. In vivo CNR measurements were in good agreement with ex vivo fibrin density measurements on immunohistochemistry (y=2.4x+11.3, R(2)=0.82) and ICP-MS (y=0.95x+7.1, R(2)=0.70). Late stage atherosclerotic plaques displayed the strongest increase in CNR, R1, ex vivo fibrin staining and gadolinium concentration (p<0.05). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the feasibility of intraplaque and endothelial fibrin imaging using FTCA. Direct in vivo fibrin detection and quantification could be useful for characterization and staging of coronary and carotid atherosclerotic lesions, which may aid diagnosis and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus R Makowski
- King's College London, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, London, UK.
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Qiu H, Yan H, Tang J, Zeng Z, Liu P. A study on the influence of ethanol over the primary cultured rat cortical neurons by using the scanning electron microscopy. Micron 2011; 43:135-40. [PMID: 21944548 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2011.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
As an inhibitor and toxic factor of central nervous system, ethanol inhibits the action of the neurons and causes various kinds of neuronal damage. However, the precise mechanisms that ethanol-induced neuronal damage in the central nervous system remain unclear. In spite of thousands of published studies, little information is available on the neurons' morphological alteration in the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated the morphological alterations of the primary cultured rat cortical neurons after they were treated by different concentrations of ethanol using the scanning electron microscopy. Our results showed that the moderate or high concentration of ethanol could lead to morphological changes of these cultured rat cortical neurons, and they were closely associated with the duration of time. Our study will provide a new base for further studies on the effects of ethanol in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanmei Qiu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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Beaufrère H, Nevarez JG, Holder K, Pariaut R, Tully TN, Wakamatsu N. Characterization and classification of psittacine atherosclerotic lesions by histopathology, digital image analysis, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Avian Pathol 2011; 40:531-44. [PMID: 21879992 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2011.607427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a degenerative and inflammatory vascular disease characterized in mammals and birds by the accumulation of inflammatory cells, lipids, calcium, and formation of large fibrofatty lesions within the intima of arteries resulting in the disorganization of the arterial wall and stenosis of the lumen. Despite the high incidence of atherosclerosis in parrots and the high number of case reports, there are few pathologic investigations and the ultrastructural study of the lesions has not been documented. Sixty-three major arteries were collected from 24 psittacine birds of 11 species during routine post-mortem examinations. Samples from the major arteries were fixed in 2% paraformaldehyde and 1.25% glutaraldehyde, and processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additional samples were fixed in 10% formalin and embedded in paraffin for histological examination. Additional histochemical stains for calcium, elastic fibres, and lipid were performed. Toluidine blue-stained 0.5 µm-thick resin sections were also obtained. Digital image analysis was performed to provide objective quantitative information on the different lesions. The histopathology and ultrastructure of psittacine atherosclerosis were found to be similar to other avian and mammalian species. Seven lesion types could be described, which were similar to the human classification system. Digital image analysis, TEM, and SEM helped to further describe the lesions and refine the classification system. TEM findings were similar to other avian and mammalian species with the notable presence of macrophage-derived and smooth muscle cell-derived foam cells and extracellular lipid. SEM revealed various stages of endothelial surface defects and, occasionally, adherent blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Beaufrère
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, LouisianaState University, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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