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Liu B, Xue C, Lu H, Wang C, Duan S, Yang H. CT texture analysis of vertebrobasilar artery calcification to identify culprit plaques. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1381370. [PMID: 38803646 PMCID: PMC11128659 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1381370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to extract radiomic features from vertebrobasilar artery calcification (VBAC) on head computed tomography (CT) images and investigate its diagnostic performance to identify culprit lesions responsible for acute cerebral infarctions. Methods Patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease who underwent vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) and head CT examinations from a single center were retrospectively assessed for VBAC visual and textural analyses. Each calcified plaque was classified by the likelihood of having caused an acute cerebral infarction identified on VW-MRI as culprit or non-culprit. A predefined set of texture features extracted from VBAC segmentation was assessed using the minimum redundancy and maximum relevance method. Five key features were selected to integrate as a radiomic model using logistic regression by the Aikaike Information Criteria. The diagnostic value of the radiomic model was calculated for discriminating culprit lesions over VBAC visual assessments. Results A total of 1,218 radiomic features were extracted from 39 culprit and 50 non-culprit plaques, respectively. In the VBAC visual assessment, culprit plaques demonstrated more observed presence of multiple calcifications, spotty calcification, and intimal predominant calcification than non-culprit lesions (all p < 0.05). In the VBAC texture analysis, 55 (4.5%) of all extracted features were significantly different between culprit and non-culprit plaques (all p < 0.05). The radiomic model incorporating 5 selected features outperformed multiple calcifications [AUC = 0.81 with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.72, 0.90 vs. AUC = 0.61 with 95% CI of 0.49, 0.73; p = 0.001], intimal predominant calcification (AUC = 0.67 with 95% CI of 0.58, 0.76; p = 0.04) and spotty calcification (AUC = 0.62 with 95% CI of 0.52, 0.72; p = 0.005) in the identification of culprit lesions. Conclusion Culprit plaques in the vertebrobasilar artery exhibit distinct calcification radiomic features compared to non-culprit plaques. CT texture analysis of VBAC has potential value in identifying lesions responsible for acute cerebral infarctions, which may be helpful for stroke risk stratification in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chen Xue
- School of Medical Imaging, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Haoyu Lu
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Tai’an, Shandong, China
| | - Cuiyan Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | | | - Huan Yang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Bonfiglio R, Sisto R, Casciardi S, Palumbo V, Scioli MP, Giacobbi E, Servadei F, Melino G, Mauriello A, Scimeca M. Aluminium bioaccumulation in colon cancer, impinging on epithelial-mesenchymal-transition and cell death. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168335. [PMID: 37939965 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the presence of aluminium (Al) in human colon cancer samples and its potential association with biological processes involved in cancer progression, such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell death. 25 consecutive colon samples were collected from patients undergoing colonic resection. Both neoplastic and normal mucosa were collected from each patient and subjected to histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyses. Moreover, colon samples from two Al-positive patients underwent multi-omic analyses, including whole genome sequencing and RNA sequencing (RNAseq). Morin staining, used to identify in situ aluminium bioaccumulation, showed the presence of Al in tumor areas of 24 % of patients. Transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis confirmed the presence of Al specifically in intracytoplasmic electrondense nanodeposits adjacent to mitochondria of colon cancer cells. Immunohistochemical analyses for vimentin and nuclear β-catenin were performed to highlight the occurrence of the EMT phenomenon in association to Al bioaccumulation. Al-positive samples showed a significant increase in both the number of vimentin-positive and nuclear β-catenin-positive cancer cells compared to Al-negative samples. Moreover, Al-positive samples exhibited a significant decrease in the number of apoptotic cells, as well as the expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule BCL-2. Multi-omic analyses revealed a higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) in Al-positive colon cancers (n = 2) compared to a control cohort (n = 100). Additionally, somatic mutations in genes associated with EMT (GATA3) and apoptosis (TP53) were observed in Al-positive colon cancers. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence of Al bioaccumulation in colon cancer and its potential role in modulating molecular pathways involved in cancer progression, such as EMT and apoptosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Al toxicity might contribute to improve strategies for prevention, early detection, and targeted therapies for the management of colon cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Renata Sisto
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL Research, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome 00078, Italy.
| | - Stefano Casciardi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL Research, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome 00078, Italy.
| | - Valeria Palumbo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Scioli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Giacobbi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Servadei
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Saba L, Loewe C, Weikert T, Williams MC, Galea N, Budde RPJ, Vliegenthart R, Velthuis BK, Francone M, Bremerich J, Natale L, Nikolaou K, Dacher JN, Peebles C, Caobelli F, Redheuil A, Dewey M, Kreitner KF, Salgado R. State-of-the-art CT and MR imaging and assessment of atherosclerotic carotid artery disease: standardization of scanning protocols and measurements-a consensus document by the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR). Eur Radiol 2023; 33:1063-1087. [PMID: 36194267 PMCID: PMC9889495 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-09024-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR) is the European specialist society of cardiac and vascular imaging. This society's highest priority is the continuous improvement, development, and standardization of education, training, and best medical practice, based on experience and evidence. The present intra-society consensus is based on the existing scientific evidence and on the individual experience of the members of the ESCR writing group on carotid diseases, the members of the ESCR guidelines committee, and the members of the executive committee of the ESCR. The recommendations published herein reflect the evidence-based society opinion of ESCR. We have produced a twin-papers consensus, indicated through the documents as respectively "Part I" and "Part II." The first document (Part I) begins with a discussion of features, role, indications, and evidence for CT and MR imaging-based diagnosis of carotid artery disease for risk stratification and prediction of stroke (Section I). It then provides an extensive overview and insight into imaging-derived biomarkers and their potential use in risk stratification (Section II). Finally, detailed recommendations about optimized imaging technique and imaging strategies are summarized (Section III). The second part of this consensus paper (Part II) is focused on structured reporting of carotid imaging studies with CT/MR. KEY POINTS: • CT and MR imaging-based evaluation of carotid artery disease provides essential information for risk stratification and prediction of stroke. • Imaging-derived biomarkers and their potential use in risk stratification are evolving; their correct interpretation and use in clinical practice must be well-understood. • A correct imaging strategy and scan protocol will produce the best possible results for disease evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Christian Loewe
- Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Weikert
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michelle C Williams
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH164SB, UK
- Edinburgh Imaging Facility QMRI, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicola Galea
- Policlinico Umberto I, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ricardo P J Budde
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rozemarijn Vliegenthart
- Department of Radiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Birgitta K Velthuis
- Department of Radiology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Francone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Jens Bremerich
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Natale
- Department of Radiological Sciences - Institute of Radiology, Catholic University of Rome, "A. Gemelli" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Konstantin Nikolaou
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jean-Nicolas Dacher
- Department of Radiology, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1096 - Rouen University Hospital, F 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Charles Peebles
- Department of Cardiothoracic Radiology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Federico Caobelli
- University Clinic of Nuclear Medicine Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alban Redheuil
- Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic, Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Institute of Cardiology, APHP, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
- Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM 1146, CNRS 7371, Paris, France
| | - Marc Dewey
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl-Friedrich Kreitner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center, Mainz; Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Salgado
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital & Antwerp University, Holy Heart Lier, Belgium.
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Urbano N, Scimeca M, Bonanno E, Bonfiglio R, Mauriello A, Schillaci O. [ 99Tc]Sestamibi bioaccumulation induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells: an in vitro study. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:2319-2326. [PMID: 35524874 PMCID: PMC9499905 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04439-8] [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: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The main aim of this preliminary in vitro study was to evaluate both the uptake of [99Tc]Sestamibi into prostate cancer cells and the relationship among [99Tc]Sestamibi bioaccumulation, cancer cells proliferation and apoptosis. An in vitro study in which PC3 prostate cancer cell line was cultured with increasing doses of decayed sestamibi has been developed. Specifically, PC3 cells were incubated with three different concentrations of [99Tc]Sestamibi: 10 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL, and 0.1 µg/mL Expression of apoptotic caspase-3 and AIF, as well as the ultrastructure of PC3 cells, were evaluated at T0 and after 24, 48, 72, and 120 h following [99Tc]Sestamibi incubation. Data here reported showed the bioaccumulation of sestamibi in prostate cancer cells. As concern the cancer cell homeostasis, the treatment of PC3 cells with [99Tc]Sestamibi strongly influenced the cells proliferation. Indeed, a significant reduction in the number of mitosis was observed. Noteworthy, the accumulation of sestamibi in prostate cancer cells was associated with the appearance of morphological signs of apoptosis. The increase in AIF and caspase 3 expression in prostate cancer cells treated with 10 µg/mL of [99Tc]Sestamibi confirmed that this radiopharmaceutical can trigger the apoptosis. To the best of our knowledge, this preliminary study reported for the first time in vitro data about the uptake of sestamibi in prostate cancer cells. The evidence about the accumulation of sestamibi in prostate cancer cells and its role in the apoptosis process could open new clinical perspectives on the use of this radiopharmaceutical in both the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Urbano
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Oncohaematology, Policlinico "Tor Vergata", Viale Oxford 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 01, 00133, Rome, Italy. .,San Raffaele Open University of Rome, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy.
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 01, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 01, 00133, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 8607, Pozzilli, Italy
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5
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Nardi V, Benson J, Bois MC, Saba L, Larson AS, Özcan I, Ahmad A, Morse DW, Meyer FB, Brinjikji W, Lanzino G, Lerman LO, Savastano LE, Lerman A. Carotid Plaques From Symptomatic Patients With Mild Stenosis Is Associated With Intraplaque Hemorrhage. Hypertension 2022; 79:271-282. [PMID: 34878895 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Carotid plaque vulnerability features beyond the degree of stenosis may play a key role in the pathogenesis and recurrence of ischemic cerebrovascular events. This study sought to compare intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) as a marker of plaque vulnerability in symptomatic patients with mild (<50%), moderate (50%-69%), and severe (≥70%) carotid artery stenosis. We included patients who experienced ischemic cerebrovascular events with no other identifiable sources and underwent carotid endarterectomy for mild (n=32), moderate (n=47), and severe (n=58) carotid artery stenosis. The degree of stenosis and imaging hallmarks were assessed by computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography. Plaque specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Movat pentachrome staining. Carotid plaques of patients with mild stenosis had a higher extent of IPH (%) on tissue analysis compared with patients with moderate (mild, 15.7% [interquartile range, 7.8%-26.7%]; moderate, 3.9% [0.0%-9.2%]; P<0.001) and severe carotid artery stenosis (mild, 15.7% [interquartile range, 7.8%-26.7%]; severe, 2.5% [interquartile range, 0.0%-11.2%]; P<0.001). When considering the degree of carotid artery stenosis as a continuous variable, a lower lumen narrowing was associated with higher extent of IPH (P<0.001; R, -0.329). Our major finding is the association of IPH with mild carotid artery stenosis based on histological analysis. The current study may suggest that IPH potentially plays a role in the mechanism of stroke in patients with nonobstructive carotid stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Nardi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (V.N., I.Ö., A.A., D.W.M., A.L.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - John Benson
- Department of Radiology (J.C.B., A.S.L., W.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Melanie C Bois
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (M.C.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy (L.S.)
| | - Anthony S Larson
- Department of Radiology (J.C.B., A.S.L., W.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Ilke Özcan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (V.N., I.Ö., A.A., D.W.M., A.L.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Ali Ahmad
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (V.N., I.Ö., A.A., D.W.M., A.L.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - David W Morse
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (V.N., I.Ö., A.A., D.W.M., A.L.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Fredric B Meyer
- Department of Neurologic Surgery (F.B.M., G.L., L.E.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Waleed Brinjikji
- Department of Radiology (J.C.B., A.S.L., W.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Giuseppe Lanzino
- Department of Neurologic Surgery (F.B.M., G.L., L.E.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Lilach O Lerman
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension (L.O.L.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Luis E Savastano
- Department of Neurologic Surgery (F.B.M., G.L., L.E.S.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Amir Lerman
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine (V.N., I.Ö., A.A., D.W.M., A.L.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Scimeca M, Montanaro M, Cardellini M, Bonfiglio R, Anemona L, Urbano N, Bonanno E, Menghini R, Casagrande V, Martelli E, Servadei F, Giacobbi E, Ippoliti A, Bei R, Manzari V, Federici M, Schillaci O, Mauriello A. High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Increases the Risk of Carotid Plaque Instability in Male Dyslipidemic Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11112117. [PMID: 34829465 PMCID: PMC8624324 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate how the high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) values influence the risk of carotid plaque instability in association with other cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: One hundred and fifty-six carotid plaques from both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients requiring surgical carotid endarterectomy were retrospectively collected. According to the modified American Heart Association, atherosclerosis plaques have been histologically distinguished into unstable and stable. The following anamnestic and hematochemical data were also considered: age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking habit, therapy, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C, kidney failure and hs-CRP. Results: The results of our study clearly show that high levels of hs-CRP significantly increase the carotid plaque instability in dyslipidemic patients. Specifically, a 67% increase of the risk of carotid plaque instability was observed in patients with high LDL-C. Therefore, the highest risk was observed in male dyslipidemic patients 2333 (95% CI 0.73–7.48) and in aged female patients 2713 (95% CI 0.14–53.27). Discussion: These data strongly suggest a biological relationship between the hs-CRP values and the alteration of lipidic metabolism mostly in male patients affected by carotid atherosclerosis. The measurement of hs-CRP might be useful as a potential screening tool in the prevention of atheroscletotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (R.B.); (L.A.); (E.B.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (A.M.)
- San Raffaele University, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0620-903-934
| | - Manuela Montanaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (R.B.); (L.A.); (E.B.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Marina Cardellini
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (R.M.); (V.C.); (M.F.)
- Center for Atherosclerosis, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (R.B.); (L.A.); (E.B.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Lucia Anemona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (R.B.); (L.A.); (E.B.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Nicoletta Urbano
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Oncohaematology, Policlinico “Tor Vergata”, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (R.B.); (L.A.); (E.B.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Rossella Menghini
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (R.M.); (V.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Viviana Casagrande
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (R.M.); (V.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Eugenio Martelli
- Department of General and Specialist Surgery “P. Stefanini”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Division of Vascular Surgery, S. Anna and S. Sebastiano Hospital, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesca Servadei
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (R.B.); (L.A.); (E.B.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Erica Giacobbi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (R.B.); (L.A.); (E.B.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Arnaldo Ippoliti
- Vascular Surgery Unit, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.)
| | - Vittorio Manzari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.)
| | - Massimo Federici
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (R.M.); (V.C.); (M.F.)
- Center for Atherosclerosis, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- IRCCS Neuromed, Via Atinense, 18, 8607 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (R.B.); (L.A.); (E.B.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (A.M.)
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7
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Saba L, Nardi V, Cau R, Gupta A, Kamel H, Suri JS, Balestrieri A, Congiu T, Butler APH, Gieseg S, Fanni D, Cerrone G, Sanfilippo R, Puig J, Yang Q, Mannelli L, Faa G, Lanzino G. Carotid Artery Plaque Calcifications: Lessons From Histopathology to Diagnostic Imaging. Stroke 2021; 53:290-297. [PMID: 34753301 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.035692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The role of calcium in atherosclerosis is controversial and the relationship between vascular calcification and plaque vulnerability is not fully understood. Although calcifications are present in ≈50% to 60% of carotid plaques, their association with cerebrovascular ischemic events remains unclear. In this review, we summarize current understanding of carotid plaque calcification. We outline the role of calcium in atherosclerotic carotid disease by analyzing laboratory studies and histopathologic studies, as well as imaging findings to understand clinical implications of carotid artery calcifications. Differences in mechanism of calcium deposition express themselves into a wide range of calcification phenotypes in carotid plaques. Some patterns, such as rim calcification, are suggestive of plaques with inflammatory activity with leakage of the vasa vasourm and intraplaque hemorrhage. Other patterns such as dense, nodular calcifications may confer greater mechanical stability to the plaque and reduce the risk of embolization for a given degree of plaque size and luminal stenosis. Various distributions and patterns of carotid plaque calcification, often influenced by the underlying systemic pathological condition, have a different role in affecting plaque stability. Modern imaging techniques afford multiple approaches to assess geometry, pattern of distribution, size, and composition of carotid artery calcifications. Future investigations with these novel technologies will further improve our understanding of carotid artery calcification and will play an important role in understanding and minimizing stroke risk in patients with carotid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato s.s, Cagliari, Italy (L.S., R.C., A.B.)
| | - Valentina Nardi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. (V.N.)
| | - Riccardo Cau
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato s.s, Cagliari, Italy (L.S., R.C., A.B.)
| | - Ajay Gupta
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York. (A.G.)
| | - Hooman Kamel
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York. (H.K.)
| | - Jasjit S Suri
- Stroke Diagnosis and Monitoring Division, AtheroPoint LLC, Roseville, CA (J.S.S.)
| | - Antonella Balestrieri
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato s.s, Cagliari, Italy (L.S., R.C., A.B.)
| | - Terenzio Congiu
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari -Polo di Monserrato s.s, Cagliari, Italy (T.C., D.F., G.C., G.F.)
| | - Anthony P H Butler
- Department of Radiology, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand (A.P.H.B., S.G.)
| | - Steven Gieseg
- Department of Radiology, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand (A.P.H.B., S.G.)
| | - Daniela Fanni
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari -Polo di Monserrato s.s, Cagliari, Italy (T.C., D.F., G.C., G.F.)
| | - Giulia Cerrone
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari -Polo di Monserrato s.s, Cagliari, Italy (T.C., D.F., G.C., G.F.)
| | - Roberto Sanfilippo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari - Polo di Monserrato s.s, Cagliari, Italy (R.S.)
| | - Josep Puig
- Department of Radiology (IDI), Hospital Universitari de Girona, Spain (J.P.)
| | - Qi Yang
- Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, China (Q.Y.)
| | | | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), di Cagliari -Polo di Monserrato s.s, Cagliari, Italy (T.C., D.F., G.C., G.F.)
| | - Giuseppe Lanzino
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. (G.L.)
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8
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Chinetti G, Neels JG. Roles of Nuclear Receptors in Vascular Calcification. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6491. [PMID: 34204304 PMCID: PMC8235358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular calcification is defined as an inappropriate accumulation of calcium depots occurring in soft tissues, including the vascular wall. Growing evidence suggests that vascular calcification is an actively regulated process, sharing similar mechanisms with bone formation, implicating both inhibitory and inducible factors, mediated by osteoclast-like and osteoblast-like cells, respectively. This process, which occurs in nearly all the arterial beds and in both the medial and intimal layers, mainly involves vascular smooth muscle cells. In the vascular wall, calcification can have different clinical consequences, depending on the pattern, localization and nature of calcium deposition. Nuclear receptors are transcription factors widely expressed, activated by specific ligands that control the expression of target genes involved in a multitude of pathophysiological processes, including metabolism, cancer, inflammation and cell differentiation. Some of them act as drug targets. In this review we describe and discuss the role of different nuclear receptors in the control of vascular calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Chinetti
- Université Côte d’Azur, CHU, INSERM, C3M, 06204 Nice, France;
| | - Jaap G. Neels
- Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, C3M, 06204 Nice, France
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9
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Montanaro M, Scimeca M, Anemona L, Servadei F, Giacobbi E, Bonfiglio R, Bonanno E, Urbano N, Ippoliti A, Santeusanio G, Schillaci O, Mauriello A. The Paradox Effect of Calcification in Carotid Atherosclerosis: Microcalcification is Correlated with Plaque Instability. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010395. [PMID: 33401449 PMCID: PMC7796057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: this study aims to investigate the possible association among the histopathologic features of carotid plaque instability, the presence of micro- or macrocalcifications, the expression of in situ inflammatory biomarkers, and the occurrence of the major risk factors in this process in a large series of carotid plaques. Methods: a total of 687 carotid plaques from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were collected. Histological evaluation was performed to classify the calcium deposits in micro or macrocalcifications according to their morphological features (location and size). Immunohistochemistry was performed to study the expression of the main inflammatory biomarkers. Results: results here reported demonstrated that calcifications are very frequent in carotid plaques, with a significant difference between the presence of micro- and macrocalcifications. Specifically, microcalcifications were significantly associated to high inflamed unstable plaques. Paradoxically, macrocalcifications seem to stabilize the plaque and are associated to a M2 macrophage polarization instead. Discussion: the characterization of mechanisms involved in the formation of carotid calcifications can lay the foundation for developing new strategies for the management of patients affected by carotid atherosclerosis. Data of this study could provide key elements for an exhaustive evaluation of carotid plaque calcifications allowing to establish the risk of associated clinical events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Montanaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (R.B.); (E.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (R.B.); (E.B.); (G.S.)
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Anemona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (R.B.); (E.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Francesca Servadei
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (R.B.); (E.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Erica Giacobbi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (R.B.); (E.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (R.B.); (E.B.); (G.S.)
- Fondazione Umberto Veronesi (FUV), Piazza Velasca 5, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (R.B.); (E.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Nicoletta Urbano
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Oncohaematology, Policlinico “Tor Vergata”, viale oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Arnaldo Ippoliti
- Vascular Surgery, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Policlinico “Tor Vergata”, viale oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Santeusanio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (R.B.); (E.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (M.S.); (L.A.); (F.S.); (E.G.); (R.B.); (E.B.); (G.S.)
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0620903908
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10
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Molecular Aspects and Prognostic Significance of Microcalcifications in Human Pathology: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010120. [PMID: 33374380 PMCID: PMC7795544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of calcium deposits in human lesions is largely used as imaging biomarkers of human diseases such as breast cancer. Indeed, the presence of micro- or macrocalcifications is frequently associated with the development of both benign and malignant lesions. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of these calcium deposits, as well as the prognostic significance of their presence in human tissues, have not been completely elucidated. Therefore, a better characterization of the biological process related to the formation of calcifications in different tissues and organs, as well as the understanding of the prognostic significance of the presence of these calcium deposits into human tissues could significantly improve the management of patients characterized by microcalcifications associated lesions. Starting from these considerations, this narrative review highlights the most recent histopathological and molecular data concerning the formation of calcifications in breast, thyroid, lung, and ovarian diseases. Evidence reported here could deeply change the current point of view concerning the role of ectopic calcifications in the progression of human diseases and also in the patients’ management. In fact, the presence of calcifications can suggest an unfavorable prognosis due to dysregulation of normal tissues homeostasis.
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11
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Fender AC, Dobrev D. Contemporary plaque imaging for risk stratification of coronary artery disease: Are we getting there? IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2020; 31:100678. [PMID: 33294585 PMCID: PMC7695964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2020.100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anke C. Fender
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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12
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Can carotid artery calcifications on dental radiographs predict adverse vascular events? A systematic review. Clin Oral Investig 2020; 25:37-53. [PMID: 33245449 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-020-03696-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the predictive value of carotid artery calcifications (CACs) seen on dental imaging for future adverse events related to cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. METHODS Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS and Cochrane) and selected grey literature were searched. Outcomes included stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction (MI), angina, heart failure, future interventional revascularization procedures and death. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS 5 studies were selected from 1011 records. All were of moderate to low risk of bias. Results were heterogeneous but showed that patients with CACs on panoramic radiographs (PANs) were more likely to experience strokes, TIA, MI and future revascularization procedures compared to control groups. The differences between groups were not all found to be statistically significant. Bilateral vessel-outlining CACs were an independent risk marker for future vascular events. Patients who are not currently being managed for cardiovascular risk factors should be referred for further evaluation. Those already being treated for atherosclerosis may not benefit from additional investigations. CONCLUSION The evidence for the predictive value of CACs on PANs for adverse future vascular events is equivocal but can help to identify at-risk patients who require further evaluation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Dentists must be able to recognize CACs on PANs and make appropriate referrals for patients to be evaluated for cardiovascular risk factors, especially those who have not previously been assessed.
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13
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Cademartiri F, Balestrieri A, Cau R, Punzo B, Cavaliere C, Maffei E, Saba L. Insight from imaging on plaque vulnerability: similarities and differences between coronary and carotid arteries-implications for systemic therapies. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2020; 10:1150-1162. [PMID: 32968666 DOI: 10.21037/cdt-20-528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays it is widely accepted that the rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque in coronary and carotid arteries plays a fundamental role in the development of acute myocardial infarctions or cerebrovascular events. In recent years, imaging techniques have explored, with a new level of detail, the atherosclerotic disease generating new evidences that some plaque characteristics are significantly associated to the risk of rupture and subsequent thrombosis or embolization. Moreover, the recent evidence of the anti-atherosclerotic effects determined by lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory therapies poses a challenge for the choice of therapeutic approaches (best/optimal medical therapy vs. revascularization), maximized by the evidence that coronary and carotid atherosclerosis share common patterns but also differ regarding some important features. In this Review, we discuss the similarities and differences between coronary and carotid artery vulnerable plaque from the imaging point of view and the potential implications for systemic therapies according to the emerging evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Riccardo Cau
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Bruna Punzo
- Department of Radiology, SDN IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Erica Maffei
- Department of Radiology, Area Vasta 1, ASUR Marche, Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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14
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Scimeca M, Anemona L, Granaglia A, Bonfiglio R, Urbano N, Toschi N, Santeusanio G, Schiaroli S, Mauriello S, Tancredi V, Schillaci O, Bonanno E, Mauriello A. Plaque calcification is driven by different mechanisms of mineralization associated with specific cardiovascular risk factors. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2019; 29:1330-1336. [PMID: 31653516 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations among markers of mineralization, plaque instability and the main risk factors of atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS A Tissue MicroArray containing 52 samples of calcified carotid plaques from 52 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were built. TMA serial sections were used to study the expression of inflammatory and mineralization markers (BMP-2, BMP-4, VDR, RANKL, Osteopontin, Sclerostin, β-catenin and calmodulin) by immunohistochemistry. Our data clearly demonstrated the expression of mineralization markers in atheromatic plaques. Indeed, with the exception of RANKL, all investigated markers were expressed in at least 60% of cases. Specifically, multivariate analysis displayed significant associations between both the expression of BMP-2 and the presence of unstable plaques as well as between the expression of β-catenin and the presence of stable plaques. We also found a significant inverse association between both a) the presence of hypertension and VDR and b) smoking habits and calmodulin expression. Finally, we noted a higher density of RANKL positive cells in plaques from diabetic patients as compared to non-diabetic ones and a significant positive association between hypertriglyceridemia and BMP-4 expression. CONCLUSION Our results support the hypothesis that the process of atherosclerotic plaque calcification presents a number of similarities with the physiological processes that occur in bone, involving both osteoblasts- and osteoclasts-like arterial cells. Finally, the present study suggests that risk factors, such as hypertension, cigarette smoke and diabetes, can cause the destabilization of the atheromatic plaque acting on calcification process as well as inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy; San Raffaele University, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Umberto Veronesi (FUV), Piazza Velasca 5, 20122, Milano, Italy; Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro, 8, 00131 Rome, Italy.
| | - Lucia Anemona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Annarita Granaglia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy; Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Giuseppe Santeusanio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefania Schiaroli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvestro Mauriello
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy.
| | - Virginia Tancredi
- San Raffaele University, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Centre of Space Biomedicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro, 8, 00131 Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed Lab. "Diagnostica Medica"; and "Villa dei Platani", Avellino, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro, 8, 00131 Rome, Italy; TorVergata Oncoscience Research (TOR), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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15
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Bioimaging of macro- and microelements in blood vessels with calcified plaque in atherosclerosis obliterans by LA-ICP-MS. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.104090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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16
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Assessing carotid plaque neovascularity and calcifications in patients prior to endarterectomy. J Vasc Surg 2019; 70:1137-1144. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2019.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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17
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Herr JE, Hétu MF, Li TY, Ewart P, Johri AM. Presence of Calcium-Like Tissue Composition in Carotid Plaque is Indicative of Significant Coronary Artery Disease in High-Risk Patients. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2019; 32:633-642. [DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Saba L, Saam T, Jäger HR, Yuan C, Hatsukami TS, Saloner D, Wasserman BA, Bonati LH, Wintermark M. Imaging biomarkers of vulnerable carotid plaques for stroke risk prediction and their potential clinical implications. Lancet Neurol 2019; 18:559-572. [PMID: 30954372 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(19)30035-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Stroke represents a massive public health problem. Carotid atherosclerosis plays a fundamental part in the occurence of ischaemic stroke. European and US guidelines for prevention of stroke in patients with carotid plaques are based on quantification of the percentage reduction in luminal diameter due to the atherosclerotic process to select the best therapeutic approach. However, better strategies for prevention of stroke are needed because some subtypes of carotid plaques (eg, vulnerable plaques) can predict the occurrence of stroke independent of the degree of stenosis. Advances in imaging techniques have enabled routine characterisation and detection of the features of carotid plaque vulnerability. Intraplaque haemorrhage is accepted by neurologists and radiologists as one of the features of vulnerable plaques, but other characteristics-eg, plaque volume, neovascularisation, and inflammation-are promising as biomarkers of carotid plaque vulnerability. These biomarkers could change current management strategies based merely on the degree of stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Saba
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Tobias Saam
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany; Radiologisches Zentrum Rosenheim, Rosenheim, Germany
| | - H Rolf Jäger
- Neuroradiological Academic Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - David Saloner
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bruce A Wasserman
- The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leo H Bonati
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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19
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Scimeca M, Urbano N, Bonfiglio R, Schillaci O, Bonanno E. Breast osteoblast-like cells: a new biomarker for the management of breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2018; 119:1129-1132. [PMID: 30327566 PMCID: PMC6219492 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0255-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In this study, we investigated the relationship between the expression of the main in situ markers of breast cancer and the presence of breast osteoblast-like cells (BOLCs). Methods We collected 100 breast biopsies. Serial paraffin sections were obtained from each biopsy to perform histological classifications and immunohistochemical analyses (RUNX2, RANKL, vimentin, TGFβ, Ki67, CD44, ER, PR and HER2). Results Linear regression analysis showed a positive and significant correlation between the number of BOLCs and the expression of EMT-related markers (vimentin and TGFβ), Ki67 and ER. Conversely, we observed an inverse correlation between the number of CD44-positive breast cancer cells and the BOLCs. No significant differences were observed between the number of BOLCs and the HER2 scores. Conclusions Morphological and molecular characterisation of BOLCs can lay the foundations towards understanding the biological basis of the formation of breast microcalcifications, and breast cancer metastasis to bone. The data here reported may be useful for the identification of breast lesions with high potential to develop bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy.,University of San Raffaele, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy.,OrchideaLab S.r.l, Via del Grecale 6, Morlupo, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy. .,"Diagnostica Medica" and "Villa dei Platani", Avellino, Italy.
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20
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Nishizawa Y, Higuchi C, Nakaoka T, Omori H, Ogawa T, Sakura H, Nitta K. Compositional Analysis of Coronary Artery Calcification in Dialysis Patients in vivo by Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Angiography. Ther Apher Dial 2018; 22:365-370. [PMID: 29600583 DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
While vascular calcification is an important factor regulating prognosis in dialysis patients, its components have not been adequately studied. We analyzed in vivo components of calcification in the coronary arteries of dialysis patients using the effective atomic number from dual-energy computed tomography. In dialysis patients (hemodialysis, N = 10; peritoneal dialysis, N = 12), average of median effective atomic number was 13.8 in the hemodialysis group, and 13.7 in the peritoneal dialysis group. No significant differences were seen between groups, with calcium oxalate monohydrate identified as the most common component in each. To confirm the accuracy of this method, we investigated the composition of surgically removed calcified tissues using already established methods. Comparison with the effective atomic number from dual-energy computed tomography showed that the results of calcification analysis were the same. We concluded that calcium oxalate monohydrate might be one of the major components of coronary artery calcification in dialysis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Nishizawa
- Department of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Arakawa, Japan
| | - Chieko Higuchi
- Department of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Arakawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakaoka
- Department of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Arakawa, Japan
| | - Hisako Omori
- Department of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Arakawa, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ogawa
- Department of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Arakawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sakura
- Department of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Arakawa, Japan
| | - Kosaku Nitta
- Department of Medicine, Kidney Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Shinjuku, Japan
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21
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Rovella V, Anemona L, Cardellini M, Scimeca M, Saggini A, Santeusanio G, Bonanno E, Montanaro M, Legramante IM, Ippoliti A, Di Daniele N, Federici M, Mauriello A. The role of obesity in carotid plaque instability: interaction with age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2018; 17:46. [PMID: 29598820 PMCID: PMC5874994 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-018-0685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade, several studies have reported an unexpected and seemingly paradoxical inverse correlation between BMI and incidence of cardiovascular diseases. This so called "obesity paradox effect" has been mainly investigated through imaging methods instead of histologic evaluation, which is still the best method to study the instability of carotid plaque. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to evaluate by histology the role of obesity in destabilization of carotid plaques and the interaction with age, gender and other major cerebrovascular risk factors. METHODS A total of 390 carotid plaques from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients submitted to endarterectomy, for whom complete clinical and laboratory assessment of major cardiovascular risk factors was available, were studied by histology. Patients with a BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 were considered as obese. Data were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression and for each variable in the equation the estimated odds ratio (OR) was calculated. RESULTS Unstable carotid plaque OR for obese patients with age < 70 years was 5.91 (95% CI 1.17-29.80), thus being the highest OR compared to that of other risk factors. Unstable carotid plaque OR decreased to 4.61 (95% CI 0.54-39.19) in males ≥ 70 years, being only 0.93 (95% CI 0.25-3.52) among women. When obesity featured among metabolic syndrome risk factors, the OR for plaque destabilization was 3.97 (95% CI 1.81-6.22), a significantly higher value compared to OR in non-obese individuals with metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 0.86-2.31). Similar results were obtained when assessing the occurrence of acute cerebrovascular symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Results from our study appear to do not confirm any paradoxical effect of obesity on the carotid artery district. Conversely, obesity is confirmed to be an independent risk factor for carotid plaque destabilization, particularly in males aged < 70 years, significantly increasing such risk among patients with metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rovella
- Hypertension and Nephrology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Anemona
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Cardellini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy
- OrchideaLab S.r.l, Via del Grecale 6, Morlupo, Rome, RM Italy
| | - Andrea Saggini
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Santeusanio
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Montanaro
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Arnaldo Ippoliti
- Vascular Surgery, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Daniele
- Hypertension and Nephrology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Federici
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Scimeca M, Bischetti S, Lamsira HK, Bonfiglio R, Bonanno E. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis: A powerful tool in biomedical research and diagnosis. Eur J Histochem 2018; 62:2841. [PMID: 29569878 PMCID: PMC5907194 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2018.2841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis is a technique of elemental analysis associated to electron microscopy based on the generation of characteristic Xrays that reveals the presence of elements present in the specimens. The EDX microanalysis is used in different biomedical fields by many researchers and clinicians. Nevertheless, most of the scientific community is not fully aware of its possible applications. The spectrum of EDX microanalysis contains both semi-qualitative and semi-quantitative information. EDX technique is made useful in the study of drugs, such as in the study of drugs delivery in which the EDX is an important tool to detect nanoparticles (generally, used to improve the therapeutic performance of some chemotherapeutic agents). EDX is also used in the study of environmental pollution and in the characterization of mineral bioaccumulated in the tissues. In conclusion, the EDX can be considered as a useful tool in all works that require element determination, endogenous or exogenous, in the tissue, cell or any other sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Department of Biomedicine and Prevention.
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Iacobini C, Fantauzzi CB, Pugliese G, Menini S. Role of Galectin-3 in Bone Cell Differentiation, Bone Pathophysiology and Vascular Osteogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112481. [PMID: 29160796 PMCID: PMC5713447 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Galectin-3 is expressed in various tissues, including the bone, where it is considered a marker of chondrogenic and osteogenic cell lineages. Galectin-3 protein was found to be increased in the differentiated chondrocytes of the metaphyseal plate cartilage, where it favors chondrocyte survival and cartilage matrix mineralization. It was also shown to be highly expressed in differentiating osteoblasts and osteoclasts, in concomitance with expression of osteogenic markers and Runt-related transcription factor 2 and with the appearance of a mature phenotype. Galectin-3 is expressed also by osteocytes, though its function in these cells has not been fully elucidated. The effects of galectin-3 on bone cells were also investigated in galectin-3 null mice, further supporting its role in all stages of bone biology, from development to remodeling. Galectin-3 was also shown to act as a receptor for advanced glycation endproducts, which have been implicated in age-dependent and diabetes-associated bone fragility. Moreover, its regulatory role in inflammatory bone and joint disorders entitles galectin-3 as a possible therapeutic target. Finally, galectin-3 capacity to commit mesenchymal stem cells to the osteoblastic lineage and to favor transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells into an osteoblast-like phenotype open a new area of interest in bone and vascular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Iacobini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, La Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Giuseppe Pugliese
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, La Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefano Menini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, La Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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