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Wu D, Wang S, Wang F, Zhang Q, Zhang Z, Li X. Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA)-mediated lactate generation promotes pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension. J Transl Med 2024; 22:738. [PMID: 39103838 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05543-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of lactate are positively associated with prognosis and mortality in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) is a key enzyme for the production of lactate. This study is undertaken to investigate the role and molecular mechanisms of lactate and LDHA in PH. METHODS Lactate levels were measured by a lactate assay kit. LDHA expression and localization were detected by western blot and Immunofluorescence. Proliferation and migration were determined by CCK8, western blot, EdU assay and scratch-wound assay. The right heart catheterization and right heart ultrasound were measured to evaluate cardiopulmonary function. RESULTS In vitro, we found that lactate promoted proliferation and migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in an LDHA-dependent manner. In vivo, we found that LDHA knockdown reduced lactate overaccumulation in the lungs of mice exposed to hypoxia. Furthermore, LDHA knockdown ameliorated hypoxia-induced vascular remodeling and right ventricular dysfunction. In addition, the activation of Akt signaling by hypoxia was suppressed by LDHA knockdown both in vivo and in vitro. The overexpression of Akt reversed the inhibitory effect of LDHA knockdown on proliferation in PASMCs under hypoxia. Finally, LDHA inhibitor attenuated vascular remodeling and right ventricular dysfunction in Sugen/hypoxia mouse PH model, Monocrotaline (MCT)-induced rat PH model and chronic hypoxia-induced mouse PH model. CONCLUSIONS Thus, LDHA-mediated lactate production promotes pulmonary vascular remodeling in PH by activating Akt signaling pathway, suggesting the potential role of LDHA in regulating the metabolic reprogramming and vascular remodeling in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiqian Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute, Chengdu, 610014, PR China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, PR China
| | - Fengxian Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, PR China
| | - Qing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, PR China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute, Chengdu, 610014, PR China.
| | - Xingbing Li
- Department of Cardiology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400021, PR China.
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Zhang J, Liu S, Ding W, Wan J, Qin JJ, Wang M. Resolution of inflammation, an active process to restore the immune microenvironment balance: A novel drug target for treating arterial hypertension. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102352. [PMID: 38857706 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102352] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
The resolution of inflammation, the other side of the inflammatory response, is defined as an active and highly coordinated process that promotes the restoration of immune microenvironment balance and tissue repair. Inflammation resolution involves several key processes, including dampening proinflammatory signaling, specialized proresolving lipid mediator (SPM) production, nonlipid proresolving mediator production, efferocytosis and regulatory T-cell (Treg) induction. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the effects of inflammation resolution on hypertension. Furthermore, our previous studies reported the antihypertensive effects of SPMs. Therefore, in this review, we aim to summarize and discuss the detailed association between arterial hypertension and inflammation resolution. Additional, the association between gut microbe-mediated immune and hypertension is discussed. This findings suggested that accelerating the resolution of inflammation can have beneficial effects on hypertension and its related organ damage. Exploring novel drug targets by focusing on various pathways involved in accelerating inflammation resolution will contribute to the treatment and control of hypertensive diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jishou Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Siqi Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China; Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Juan-Juan Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Center for Healthy Aging, Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan, China.
| | - Menglong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China.
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3
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Rios FJ, de Ciuceis C, Georgiopoulos G, Lazaridis A, Nosalski R, Pavlidis G, Tual-Chalot S, Agabiti-Rosei C, Camargo LL, Dąbrowska E, Quarti-Trevano F, Hellmann M, Masi S, Lopreiato M, Mavraganis G, Mengozzi A, Montezano AC, Stavropoulos K, Winklewski PJ, Wolf J, Costantino S, Doumas M, Gkaliagkousi E, Grassi G, Guzik TJ, Ikonomidis I, Narkiewicz K, Paneni F, Rizzoni D, Stamatelopoulos K, Stellos K, Taddei S, Touyz RM, Virdis A. Mechanisms of Vascular Inflammation and Potential Therapeutic Targets: A Position Paper From the ESH Working Group on Small Arteries. Hypertension 2024; 81:1218-1232. [PMID: 38511317 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.22483] [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] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory responses in small vessels play an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, stroke, and small vessel disease. This involves various complex molecular processes including oxidative stress, inflammasome activation, immune-mediated responses, and protein misfolding, which together contribute to microvascular damage. In addition, epigenetic factors, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs influence vascular inflammation and injury. These phenomena may be acquired during the aging process or due to environmental factors. Activation of proinflammatory signaling pathways and molecular events induce low-grade and chronic inflammation with consequent cardiovascular damage. Identifying mechanism-specific targets might provide opportunities in the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Monoclonal antibodies targeting inflammatory cytokines and epigenetic drugs, show promise in reducing microvascular inflammation and associated cardiovascular diseases. In this article, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the complex mechanisms underlying microvascular inflammation and offer insights into innovative therapeutic strategies that may ameliorate vascular injury in cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Rios
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada (F.J.R., L.L.C., A.C.M., R.M.T.)
| | - Carolina de Ciuceis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia (C.d.C., C.A.-R., D.R.)
| | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- Angiology and Endothelial Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School (G.G., G.M., K. Stamatelopoulos), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
| | - Antonios Lazaridis
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou Hospital, Greece (A.L., E.G.)
| | - Ryszard Nosalski
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences; Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (R.N., T.J.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Medical Genomics OMICRON, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland (R.N., T.J.G.)
| | - George Pavlidis
- Medical School (G.P., I.I.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Preventive Cardiology Laboratory and Clinic of Cardiometabolic Diseases, 2-Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Athens, Greece (G.P., I.I.)
| | - Simon Tual-Chalot
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom (S.T.-C., K. Stellos)
| | - Claudia Agabiti-Rosei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia (C.d.C., C.A.-R., D.R.)
| | - Livia L Camargo
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada (F.J.R., L.L.C., A.C.M., R.M.T.)
| | - Edyta Dąbrowska
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Center of Translational Medicine (E.D., J.W., K.N.) and M.D.)
| | - Fosca Quarti-Trevano
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (F.Q.-T., G.G.)
| | - Marcin Hellmann
- Cardiac Diagnostics (M.H.), Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Stefano Masi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, United Kingdom (S.M.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy (S.M., M.L., A.M., S.T., A.V.)
| | - Mariarosaria Lopreiato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy (S.M., M.L., A.M., S.T., A.V.)
| | - Georgios Mavraganis
- Angiology and Endothelial Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School (G.G., G.M., K. Stamatelopoulos), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
| | - Alessandro Mengozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy (S.M., M.L., A.M., S.T., A.V.)
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (A.M., F.P.)
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa (A.M.)
| | - Augusto C Montezano
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada (F.J.R., L.L.C., A.C.M., R.M.T.)
| | - Konstantinos Stavropoulos
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (K. Stavropoulos)
| | - Pawel J Winklewski
- Departments of Human Physiology (P.J.W.), Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jacek Wolf
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Center of Translational Medicine (E.D., J.W., K.N.) and M.D.)
| | - Sarah Costantino
- University Heart Center (S.C., F.P.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Doumas
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Center of Translational Medicine (E.D., J.W., K.N.) and M.D.)
| | - Eugenia Gkaliagkousi
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou Hospital, Greece (A.L., E.G.)
| | - Guido Grassi
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy (F.Q.-T., G.G.)
| | - Tomasz J Guzik
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences; Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (R.N., T.J.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Medical Genomics OMICRON, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland (R.N., T.J.G.)
| | - Ignatios Ikonomidis
- Medical School (G.P., I.I.), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Preventive Cardiology Laboratory and Clinic of Cardiometabolic Diseases, 2-Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Athens, Greece (G.P., I.I.)
| | - Krzysztof Narkiewicz
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Center of Translational Medicine (E.D., J.W., K.N.) and M.D.)
| | - Francesco Paneni
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland (A.M., F.P.)
- University Heart Center (S.C., F.P.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Research and Education (F.P.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Damiano Rizzoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia (C.d.C., C.A.-R., D.R.)
- Division of Medicine, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Italy (D.R.)
| | - Kimon Stamatelopoulos
- Angiology and Endothelial Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School (G.G., G.M., K. Stamatelopoulos), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
| | - Konstantinos Stellos
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom (S.T.-C., K. Stellos)
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim (K. Stellos), Heidelberg University, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Mannheim (K. Stellos), Heidelberg University, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Heidelberg/Mannheim Partner Site (K. Stellos)
| | - Stefano Taddei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy (S.M., M.L., A.M., S.T., A.V.)
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada (F.J.R., L.L.C., A.C.M., R.M.T.)
| | - Agostino Virdis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy (S.M., M.L., A.M., S.T., A.V.)
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Liu N, Gong Z, Li Y, Xu Y, Guo Y, Chen W, Sun X, Yin X, Liu W. CTRP3 inhibits myocardial fibrosis through the P2X7R-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in SHR rats. J Hypertens 2024; 42:315-328. [PMID: 37850974 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Reducing hypertensive myocardial fibrosis is the fundamental approach to preventing hypertensive ventricular remodelling. C1q/TNF-related protein-3 (CTRP3) is closely associated with hypertension. However, the role and mechanism of CTRP3 in hypertensive myocardial fibrosis are unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of CTRP3 on hypertensive myocardial fibrosis and the potential mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS WKY and SHR rats were employed, blood pressure, body weight, heart weight, H/BW were measured, and fibrotic-related proteins, CTRP3 and Collagen I were tested in myocardium at 12 and 20 weeks by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting, respectively. The results showed that compared with the WKY, SBP, DBP, mean arterial pressure and heart rate (HR) were all significantly increased in SHR at 12 and 20 weeks, while heart weight and H/BW were only increased at 20 weeks. Meanwhile, CTRP3 decreased, while Collagen I increased significantly in the SHR rat myocardium at 20 weeks, which compared to the WKY. Moreover, the expression of α-SMA increased from 12 weeks, Collagen I/III and MMP2/9 increased and TIMP-2 decreased until 20 weeks. In order to explore the function and mechanism of CTRP3 in hypertensive fibrosis, Angiotensin II (Ang II) was used to induce hypertension in primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts in vitro . CTRP3 significantly inhibited the Ang II induced activation of fibrotic proteins, purinergic 2X7 receptor (P2X7R)-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. The P2X7R agonist BzATP significantly exacerbated Ang II-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which was decreased by the P2X7R antagonists A43079, CTRP3 and MCC950. CONCLUSION CTRP3 expression was decreased in the myocardium of SHR rats, and exogenous CTRP3 inhibited Ang II-induced fibrosis in cardiac fibroblasts by regulating the P2X7R-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, suggesting that CTRP3 is a potential drug for alleviating myocardial fibrosis in hypertensive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
| | - Zhaowei Gong
- Department of Cardiology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
| | - Yutong Guo
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
| | - Wenjia Chen
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
| | - Xinhua Yin
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
- Department of Cardiology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenxiu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
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Theofilis P, Oikonomou E, Chasikidis C, Tsioufis K, Tousoulis D. Inflammasomes in Atherosclerosis-From Pathophysiology to Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1211. [PMID: 37765019 PMCID: PMC10537692 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by arterial plaque accumulation, remains a significant global health challenge. In recent years, inflammasomes, the intracellular multiprotein complexes crucial for initiating innate immune responses, have emerged as key players in atherosclerosis pathophysiology. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of inflammasome activation and its impact on atherosclerosis development and progression. We explore the intricate interplay between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and inflammasome activation, leading to the perpetuation of inflammatory cascades that drive plaque formation and instability. The review focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammasome activation, including the role of pattern recognition receptors and cytokines in this process. Moreover, we discuss the contribution of inflammasomes to endothelial dysfunction, foam cell formation, and vascular inflammation. Additionally, recent advances in therapeutic strategies targeting inflammasomes are examined, including pharmacological agents and potential immunomodulatory approaches. By collating and analyzing the current evidence, this review provides valuable insights into the potential of inflammasome-targeted therapies for atherosclerosis management and treatment. Understanding the pivotal role of inflammasomes in atherosclerosis pathophysiology offers promising prospects for developing effective and personalized therapeutic interventions that can mitigate the burden of this prevalent cardiovascular disorder and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Theofilis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.)
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital “Sotiria”, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Chasikidis
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Corinth, 20100 Corinth, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.)
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.)
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hypertension remains a global health and socioeconomic burden. Immune mechanisms are now recognized as integral part of the multifactorial etiology of hypertension and related organ damage. The present review addresses inflammatory pathways and immune targets in hypertension, which may be important for an immunomodulatory treatment of hypertension aside from lowering arterial pressure. RECENT FINDINGS Anti-inflammatory interventions targeting single interleukins or almost the entire immune system show different beneficial effects. While immunomodulation (targeting specific portion of immune system) shows beneficial outcomes in certain groups of hypertensives, this does not pertain to immunosuppression (targeting entire immune system). Immunomodulatory interventions improve outcomes of hypertension independent of arterial pressure. The studies reveal interleukins, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-17 as targets of immunomodulation. Besides interleukins, targeting αvβ-3 integrin and matrix metalloproteinase-2 or using experimental cell-therapy demonstrate beneficial effects in hypertensive organ damage. The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome/IL-1β/endothelial cell/T-cell axis seems to be an important mediator in sustained inflammation during hypertension. SUMMARY Although immunomodulation may be advantageous as a causal therapy in hypertension, targeting immune networks rather than single interleukins appears of major importance. Further research is required to better identify these networks and their links to human hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Deussen
- Department of Physiology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Kiełbowski K, Bakinowska E, Pawlik A. The Potential Role of Connexins in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032600. [PMID: 36768920 PMCID: PMC9916887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are members of a protein family which enable extracellular and intercellular communication through hemichannels and gap junctions (GJ), respectively. Cx take part in transporting important cell-cell messengers such as 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), among others. Therefore, they play a significant role in regulating cell homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation. Alterations in Cx distribution, degradation, and post-translational modifications have been correlated with cancers, as well as cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Depending on the isoform, Cx have been shown either to promote or suppress the development of atherosclerosis, a progressive inflammatory disease affecting large and medium-sized arteries. Cx might contribute to the progression of the disease by enhancing endothelial dysfunction, monocyte recruitment, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation, or by inhibiting VSMC autophagy. Inhibition or modulation of the expression of specific isoforms could suppress atherosclerotic plaque formation and diminish pro-inflammatory conditions. A better understanding of the complexity of atherosclerosis pathophysiology linked with Cx could result in developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to present the role of Cx in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and discusses whether they can become novel therapeutic targets.
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Papadopoulos KI, Papadopoulou A, Aw TC. A protective erythropoietin evolutionary landscape, NLRP3 inflammasome regulation, and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Hum Cell 2023; 36:26-40. [PMID: 36310304 PMCID: PMC9618415 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00819-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The low incidence of pediatric severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) lack a unifying pathophysiological explanation, impeding effective prevention and therapy. Activation of the NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein (NLRP) 3 inflammasome in SARS-CoV-2 with perturbed regulation in MIS-C, has been reported. We posit that, early age physiological states and genetic determinants, such as certain polymorphisms of renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) molecules, promote a controlled RAAS hyperactive state, and form an evolutionary landscape involving an age-dependent erythropoietin (EPO) elevation, mediating ancestral innate immune defenses that, through appropriate NLRP3 regulation, mitigate tissue injury and pathogen invasion. SARS-CoV-2-induced downregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 expression in endothelial cells (EC), impairment of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) activity and downstream NO bioavailability, may promote a hyperactive RAAS with elevated angiotensin II and aldosterone that, can trigger, and accelerate NLRP3 inflammasome activation, while EPO-eNOS/NO abrogate it. Young age and a protective EPO evolutionary landscape may successfully inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and contain NLRP3 inflammasome activation. By contrast, increasing age and falling EPO levels, in genetically susceptible children with adverse genetic variants and co-morbidities, may lead to unopposed RAAS hyperactivity, NLRP3 inflammasome dysregulation, severe endotheliitis with pyroptotic cytokine storm, and development of autoantibodies, as already described in MIS-C. Our haplotype estimates, predicted from allele frequencies in population databases, are in concordance with MIS-C incidence reports in Europeans but indicate lower risks for Asians and African Americans. Targeted Mendelian approaches dissecting the influence of relevant genetic variants are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos I Papadopoulos
- Department of Research and Development, THAI StemLife Co., Ltd., 566/3 THAI StemLife Bldg., Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39 (Thepleela 1), Prachaouthit Rd., Wangthonglang, 10310, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Alexandra Papadopoulou
- Occupational and Environmental Health Services, Feelgood Lund, Ideon Science Park, Scheelevägen 17, 223 63, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tar-Choon Aw
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, 529889, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
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Angiotensin II Modulates Calcium/Phosphate Excretion in Experimental Model of Hypertension: Focus on Bone. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112928. [PMID: 36428495 PMCID: PMC9687632 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A link between hypertension and long-term bone health has been suggested. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic angiotensin II administration on urinary calcium/phosphate excretion, bone mineral density, bone remodeling and osteoblast population in a well-established experimental model of hypertension, in the absence of possible confounding factors that could affect bone metabolism. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided in the following groups: (a) Angiotensin II (Ang II, 200 ng/kg/min, osmotic minipumps, sub cutis, n = 8); (b) Ang II+losartan (Los, 50 mg/kg/day, per os, n = 6); (c) control group (physiological saline, sub cutis, n = 9); and (d) control+losartan (n = 6) were treated for four weeks. During the experimental period, 24-hour diuresis, urinary calcium, phosphate and sodium excretion were measured prior to the treatment, at two weeks of treatment, and at the end of the treatment. Systolic blood pressure was measured by plethysmography technique (tail cuff method). At the end of the experimental protocol, the rats were euthanized and peripheral quantitative computed tomography at the proximal metaphysis and at the diaphysis of the tibiae and quantitative bone histomorphometry on distal femora were performed. Angiotensin II-dependent hypertension is associated with increased calcium and phosphate excretion. AT1 receptor blockade prevented the increase of blood pressure and phosphate excretion but did not affect the increase of calcium excretion. These changes took place without significantly affecting bone density, bone histology or osteoblast population. In conclusion, in our experimental conditions, angiotensin II-dependent hypertension gave rise to an increased urinary excretion of calcium and phosphate without affecting bone density.
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