1
|
Strahlhofer-Augsten M, Schliefsteiner C, Cvitic S, George M, Lang-Olip I, Hirschmugl B, Marsche G, Lang U, Novakovic B, Saffery R, Desoye G, Wadsack C. The Distinct Role of the HDL Receptor SR-BI in Cholesterol Homeostasis of Human Placental Arterial and Venous Endothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105364. [PMID: 35628180 PMCID: PMC9141204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As opposed to adults, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the main cholesterol carrying lipoprotein in fetal circulation. The major HDL receptor, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), contributes to local cholesterol homeostasis. Arterial endothelial cells (ECA) from human placenta are enriched with cholesterol compared to venous endothelial cells (ECV). Moreover, umbilical venous and arterial plasma cholesterol levels differ markedly. We tested the hypothesis that the uptake of HDL-cholesteryl esters differs between ECA and ECV because of the differential expression of SR-BI. We aimed to identify the key regulators underlying these differences and the functional consequences. Immunohistochemistry was used for visualization of SR-BI in situ. ECA and ECV were isolated from the chorionic plate of human placenta and used for RT-qPCR, Western Blot, and HDL uptake assays with 3H- and 125I-labeled HDL. DNA was extracted for the methylation profiling of the SR-BI promoter. SR-BI regulation was studied by exposing ECA and ECV to differential oxygen concentrations or shear stress. Our results show elevated SR-BI expression and protein abundance in ECA compared to ECV in situ and in vitro. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that SR-BI is mainly expressed on the apical side of placental endothelial cells in situ, allowing interaction with mature HDL circulating in the fetal blood. This was functionally linked to a higher increase of selective cholesterol ester uptake from fetal HDL in ECA than in ECV, and resulted in increased cholesterol availability in ECA. SR-BI expression on ECV tended to decrease with shear stress, which, together with heterogeneous immunostaining, suggests that SR-BI expression is locally regulated in the placental vasculature. In addition, hypomethylation of several CpG sites within the SR-BI promoter region might contribute to differential expression of SR-BI between chorionic arteries and veins. Therefore, SR-BI contributes to a local cholesterol homeostasis in ECA and ECV of the human feto-placental vasculature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Strahlhofer-Augsten
- Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.S.-A.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (B.H.); (G.D.)
- BioBank Graz, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Carolin Schliefsteiner
- Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.S.-A.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (B.H.); (G.D.)
| | - Silvija Cvitic
- Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.S.-A.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (B.H.); (G.D.)
- Research Unit of Analytical Mass Spectrometry, Cell Biology and Biochemistry of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Meekha George
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pathophysiology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Ingrid Lang-Olip
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Divison of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Birgit Hirschmugl
- Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.S.-A.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (B.H.); (G.D.)
| | - Gunther Marsche
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Uwe Lang
- Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.S.-A.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (B.H.); (G.D.)
| | - Boris Novakovic
- Molecular Immunity, Infection and Immunity Theme, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (B.N.); (R.S.)
| | - Richard Saffery
- Molecular Immunity, Infection and Immunity Theme, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (B.N.); (R.S.)
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.S.-A.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (B.H.); (G.D.)
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (M.S.-A.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (B.H.); (G.D.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Metabolism in atherosclerotic plaques: immunoregulatory mechanisms in the arterial wall. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:435-454. [PMID: 35348183 PMCID: PMC8965849 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been a growing interest to understand the link between metabolism and the immune response in the context of metabolic diseases but also beyond, giving then birth to a new field of research. Termed 'immunometabolism', this interdisciplinary field explores paradigms of both immunology and metabolism to provided unique insights into different disease pathogenic processes, and the identification of new potential therapeutic targets. Similar to other inflammatory conditions, the atherosclerotic inflammatory process in the artery has been associated with a local dysregulated metabolic response. Thus, recent studies show that metabolites are more than just fuels in their metabolic pathways, and they can act as modulators of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. In this review article, we describe the most common immunometabolic pathways characterised in innate and adaptive immune cells, and discuss how macrophages' and T cells' metabolism may influence phenotypic changes in the plaque. Moreover, we discuss the potential of targeting immunometabolism to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Collapse
|
3
|
Excessive early-life cholesterol exposure may have later-life consequences for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2020; 12:229-236. [PMID: 32290895 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174420000239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The in utero and immediate postnatal environments are recognized as critical windows of developmental plasticity where offspring are highly susceptible to changes in the maternal metabolic milieu. Maternal hypercholesterolemia (MHC) is a pathological condition characterized by an exaggerated rise in maternal serum cholesterol during pregnancy which can program metabolic dysfunction in offspring, including dysregulation of hepatic lipid metabolism. Although there is currently no established reference range MHC, a loosely defined cutoff point for total cholesterol >280 mg/dL in the third trimester has been suggested. There are several unanswered questions regarding this condition particularly with regard to how the timing of cholesterol exposure influences hepatic lipid dysfunction and the mechanisms through which these adaptations manifest in adulthood. Gestational hypercholesterolemia increased fetal hepatic lipid concentrations and altered lipid regulatory mRNA and protein content. These early changes in hepatic lipid metabolism are evident in the postweaning environment and persist into adulthood. Further, changes to hepatic epigenetic signatures including microRNA (miR) and DNA methylation are observed in utero, at weaning, and are evident in adult offspring. In conclusion, early exposure to cholesterol during critical developmental periods can predispose offspring to the early development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which is characterized by altered regulatory function beginning in utero and persisting throughout the life cycle.
Collapse
|
4
|
Harrigan J, Ravi D, Ricks J, Rosenfeld ME. In Utero Exposure of Hyperlipidemic Mice to Diesel Exhaust: Lack of Effects on Atherosclerosis in Adult Offspring Fed a Regular Chow Diet. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2018; 17:417-425. [PMID: 28097517 PMCID: PMC5603628 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-017-9399-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Uterine stress is associated with an increased risk of later life metabolic diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of diesel exhaust (DE) exposure in utero on adult susceptibility to atherosclerosis in genetically hyperlipidemic mice. Pregnant apolipoprotein E-deficient mice received either DE exposure (~250–300 μg/m3 PM2.5 for 6 h/day, 5 days/week) or filtered air (FA) throughout gestation. Treatment effects on litter size and gender distribution were recorded. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were measured at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. Urinary 8-isoprostane and liver 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine levels were measured at killing at 16 weeks of age. Expression of the antioxidant genes heme oxygenase-1 and the glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier and catalytic subunits were measured in the lung, liver and aorta. The average area and frequency of atherosclerotic lesions were measured in the aortic sinus and innominate arteries. There were significantly smaller litters and higher postnatal mortality in the DE-exposed mice. There were no significant differences in plasma lipids or lipoprotein profiles, expression of antioxidant genes or markers of oxidative stress between treatment groups. There were also no significant differences in average atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic sinus or innominate arteries of the DE and FA groups although there was a higher frequency of lesions in the DE-exposed group. Our study indicates that in utero DE exposure does not influence later life lipoprotein metabolism, redox homeostasis or the risk of developing larger atherosclerotic lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Harrigan
- Program in Nutritional Sciences, University of Washington, Box 358050, Seattle, WA, 98109-4714, USA
| | - Divya Ravi
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jerry Ricks
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael E Rosenfeld
- Program in Nutritional Sciences, University of Washington, Box 358050, Seattle, WA, 98109-4714, USA. .,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dimova LG, Lohuis MAM, Bloks VW, Tietge UJF, Verkade HJ. Milk cholesterol concentration in mice is not affected by high cholesterol diet- or genetically-induced hypercholesterolaemia. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8824. [PMID: 29891894 PMCID: PMC5995842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27115-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast milk cholesterol content may imply to affect short- and long-term cholesterol homeostasis in the offspring. However, mechanisms of regulating milk cholesterol concentration are only partly understood. We used different mouse models to assess the impact of high cholesterol diet (HC)- or genetically-induced hypercholesterolaemia on milk cholesterol content. At day 14 postpartum we determined milk, plasma and tissue lipids in wild type (WT), LDL receptor knockout (Ldlr−/−), and ATP-binding cassette transporter G8 knockout (Abcg8−/−) mice fed either low- or 0.5% HC diet. In chow-fed mice, plasma cholesterol was higher in Ldlr−/− dams compared to WT. HC-feeding increased plasma cholesterol in all three models compared to chow diet. Despite the up to 5-fold change in plasma cholesterol concentration, the genetic and dietary conditions did not affect milk cholesterol levels. To detect possible compensatory changes, we quantified de novo cholesterol synthesis in mammary gland and liver, which was strongly reduced in the various hypercholesterolaemic conditions. Together, these data suggest that milk cholesterol concentration in mice is not affected by conditions of maternal hypercholesterolaemia and is maintained at stable levels via ABCG8- and LDLR-independent mechanisms. The robustness of milk cholesterol levels might indicate an important physiological function of cholesterol supply to the offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidiya G Dimova
- Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam A M Lohuis
- Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Vincent W Bloks
- Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Uwe J F Tietge
- Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henkjan J Verkade
- Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zaiken K, Raval KD. Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia in Pregnancy: Risks versus Benefits. J Pharm Technol 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/875512250502100504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To identify treatment options for hypercholesterolemia in pregnant women. Data Sources: A search was conducted of MEDLINE (1966–March 2004), EMBASE (1980–March 2004), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–March 2004). Key terms included fibric acid derivatives, plant stanol/sterols, niacin, ezetimibe, vitamin E, LDL-apheresis, and fish oil. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The articles evaluated described hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy and lipid therapy options. Data Synthesis: Elevated lipid levels in pregnant women may have a negative impact on the fetus. Case reports and clinical trials from 1966 to March 2004 were evaluated for information regarding the impact of various cholesterol-lowering agents on both the mother and fetus. These case reports and trials conclude that additional studies are needed to determine their overall safety in pregnant women. Conclusions: Lipid-lowering therapies have differing levels of safety and efficacy and are not well studied in pregnant women. Therefore, a diet low in cholesterol and fat is the recommended treatment for hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Zaiken
- KATHY ZAIKEN PharmD, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA
| | - Kalindi D Raval
- KALINDI D RAVAL PharmD, Consultant II Pharmacist, Drug Utilization Review Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pramukarso DT, Faradz SMH, Sari S, Hadisaputro S. Association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism and carotid intima medial thickness progression in post ischaemic stroke patient. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 3:324. [PMID: 26734634 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2015.12.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. The main cause of elevated levels of homocysteine is 677T allele, the gene encoded by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Carotid atherosclerosis progression, which can be measured by examination of carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), is a predictor of recurrent ischemic stroke. The objective of this study was to determine a relationship between MTHFR polymorphism, homocysteine levels, and increased C-IMT in post- ischemic stroke patients. METHODS This was an epidemiological prospective observational cohort study involving 71 patients with post-ischemic stroke subject of the first (onset 1 month) admitted in the Neurology Clinic of Kariadi Hospital during 2012 to 2013. C-IMT was examined using carotid duplex ultrasound at 1(st), 6(th), and 12(th) month after stroke onset. MTHFR gene polymorphism was examined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP). Homocysteine level was measured using Axis(®) Homocysteine EIA. RESULTS We found 3 categories of MTHFR gene variation, i.e., 677T/T, 677T/C, and 677C/C. The most frequent allele was MTHFR 677C (88.9%), while the MTHFR 677T allele frequency was 11.1%. The majority allele of the subject population was 677C/C, however, there were 3 subjects (4.2%) who had 677T/T allele. The 677T/T allele group had normal homocysteine level and the lowest mean C-IMT among others. CONCLUSIONS This study supports that the MTHFR 677T allele polymorphism is not associated with hyperhomocysteinemia as well as an increase in C-IMT in post ischemic stroke patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dodik T Pramukarso
- 1 Department of Neurology, 2 Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Sultana M H Faradz
- 1 Department of Neurology, 2 Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Stefani Sari
- 1 Department of Neurology, 2 Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Soeharyo Hadisaputro
- 1 Department of Neurology, 2 Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Oestrogens are important modulators of lipid metabolism, inflammation and vascular homeostasis. Endogenous oestrogens contribute to the low prevalence of atherosclerotic vascular disease in premenopausal women with intact ovarian function, and cessation of oestrogen production following menopause increases cardiovascular risk. Orally administered oestrogens such as postmenopausal hormone therapy increase HDL and reduce LDL cholesterol levels, and they increase triglyceride levels. Current guidelines do not recommend postmenopausal hormone therapy for cardiovascular prevention. RECENT FINDINGS Recent clinical studies have suggested potential benefits of natural oestrogen or selective oestrogen receptor modulators on cardiovascular outcomes, effects that are associated with lipid profile improvements. In contrast to earlier studies such as the Women's Health Initiative, the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study or the Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis trial, in which investigators used hormone mixtures derived from horse urine (misleadingly named 'conjugated oestrogens' with unknown activity on oestrogen receptors), triphasic oestrogen therapy started early after menopause as primary prevention study protocol improved outcome. New studies suggest therapeutic potential of natural oestrogens and certain selective oestrogen receptor modulators to reduce coronary artery disease risk in postmenopausal women. SUMMARY Endogenous oestrogens are important regulators of lipid metabolism and inhibit inflammation, vascular cell growth and plaque progression in premenopausal women. The recent trials warrant further studies, which should also determine how much of the potential benefits are due to improvements of lipid metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Barton
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
In 1913, exactly 100 years ago, Nikolai Nikolaevich Anichkov (1885-1964) and Semen Sergeevich Chalatov (1884-1951) discovered in St. Petersburg, Russia, that atherosclerosis of large arteries is critically dependent on cholesterol. The inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis was first observed and suggested by Rudolf Virchow in 1856. Today, we have orally active drugs at our disposition that not only lower cholesterol levels but also interfere with vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. The disease process is multifactorial and its development is accelerated by modifiable and given risk factors such as cigarette smoking, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, estrogen deficiency, chronic renal disease, genetic predisposition, and the physiological aging process, among others. The present issue of Current Opinion in Pharmacology features a collection of articles by clinicians and scientists-many of whom are world authorities in their field-on mechanisms, preventive measures, clinical complications, and treatment of coronary artery disease. This monograph provides a '2013 update' on the pathogenesis, prevention, and therapy of atherosclerosis.
Collapse
|
10
|
Effects of diabetes and/or hypercholesterolemia on skin development of rat fetuses. Nutrition 2012; 28:698-706. [PMID: 22342389 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2011.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of diabetes and/or hypercholesterolemia on skin development during in utero life at 15, 17 & 19 days old. METHODS Sixty pregnant female albino Wistar rats were arranged into three groups: control, diabetic (single i.p. 60 mg streptozotocin/kg B.wt) and hypercholesterolemic (diet supplement 3% cholesterol 6 week prior to conception and throughout gestation). Pregnant rats were sacrificed at 15, 17 & 19 days prenatal). Vibrissae skin biopsies were removed and allowed for scanning (SEM), light, and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) investigation. Also, DNA fragmentation and sodium dodecyl polyacrylamides gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were carried out. RESULTS Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed retarded hair follicle growth and deformations of their pattern structure. At light microscopic level, skin exhibited decreased epidermal cornification, as well as degeneration of hair follicles in fetuses of both diabetic and hypercholesterolemic groups. Transmission electron microscopy revealed abundant vacuolar spaces in the epidermis. Degenerative phases become more abundant in keratinocytes as well as in stratum germinativum cells. Fetal skin possessed altered protein expression and missing bands as well as separation of genomic DNA to several degraded bands in skin of 15-, 17-, and 19-day-old, maternally diabetic and/or hypercholesterolemic fetuses. CONCLUSION These findings showed that maternal diabetes and/or hypercholesterolemia increased average deformation of hair follicles, vacuolation, and degeneration of epidermal cell layers. The observed findings resulted from altered protein expression and increased DNA fragmentation, which, in turn, disrupt epidermal cell differentiation.
Collapse
|
11
|
Augsten M, Hackl H, Ebner B, Chemelli A, Glatter O, Marsche G, Lang U, Desoye G, Wadsack C. Fetal HDL/apoE: a novel regulator of gene expression in human placental endothelial cells. Physiol Genomics 2011; 43:1255-62. [DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00109.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal lipoproteins have been studied extensively in human pregnancies, but little is known about the role of fetal lipoproteins. The vascularized human placenta interfaces between the mother and fetus to transfer nutrients for sustaining pregnancy. Unlike that of adults, fetal high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is in contact with placental vessels, is characterized by a high proportion of apolipoprotein E (apoE). We hypothesize this unique composition of fetal HDL affects key functions of the growing fetal tissues. The aim was to identify genes regulated by apoE-HDL by incubating human placental endothelial cells (HPEC) with either fetal HDL or apoE-rich reconstituted HDL particles (apoE-rHDL). HPEC were exposed to 15 μg/ml fetal HDL, 15 μg/ml apoE-rHDL, or medium for 16 h, respectively. Microarray analysis determined genes regulated by fetal HDL and apoE. Characterization of HDL particles revealed a different hydrodynamic radius for apoE-rHDL (13.70 nm) compared with fetal HDL (18.11 nm). Stepwise gene clustering after microarray experiments identified 79 differentially expressed genes ( P < 0.05) when cells were exposed to HDL compared with controls. Among them 16 genes were downregulated, whereas five genes were upregulated by twofold, respectively. When HPEC were incubated with apoE-rHDL 18-fold more genes (1,417, 12% of transcripts) were regulated ( P < 0.05) in contrast to HDL. Thereof, 172 genes were downregulated and 376 genes upregulated (twofold). In the common subset of 38 genes regulated by both HDL particles, genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and cell protection prevailed. Strikingly, results suggest that HDL has the capability of regulating metallothioneins, which may have an effect on oxidative stress in HPEC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Augsten
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz
| | - Hubert Hackl
- Division of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck
| | - Birgit Ebner
- Center of Medical Research, Medical University of Graz
| | - Angela Chemelli
- Department of Chemistry, Karl-Franzens University of Graz; and
| | - Otto Glatter
- Department of Chemistry, Karl-Franzens University of Graz; and
| | - Gunther Marsche
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Uwe Lang
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pelster B, Gittenberger‐de Groot A, Poelmann R, Rombough P, Schwerte T, Thompson M. Functional Plasticity of the Developing Cardiovascular System: Examples from Different Vertebrates. Physiol Biochem Zool 2010; 83:775-91. [DOI: 10.1086/656004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
13
|
Raghavamenon A, Garelnabi M, Babu S, Aldrich A, Litvinov D, Parthasarathy S. Alpha-tocopherol is ineffective in preventing the decomposition of preformed lipid peroxides and may promote the accumulation of toxic aldehydes: a potential explanation for the failure of antioxidants to affect human atherosclerosis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2009; 11:1237-48. [PMID: 19186999 PMCID: PMC2842134 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2008.2248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The decomposition of peroxidized lipids of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been suggested to be involved in atherosclerosis. In this study, an in vitro system with 13-hydroperoxylinoleic acid (13-HPODE) was used to determine the effects of antioxidants on its decomposition. Decomposition of 13-HPODE was not affected by alpha-tocopherol, several other antioxidants, or antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, the inclusion of alpha-tocopherol during the decomposition of 13-HPODE resulted in an accumulation of aldehydes. Further oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids by a number of oxidases was prevented by alpha-tocopherol. Conversely, the formation of carboxylic acids may be conducive to plaque stabilization via immunomodulation, rapid degradation, and by calcium sequestration. Thus, the inhibition of formation of carboxylic acids could be a serious deleterious effect of antioxidant treatment. In contrast, alpha-keto acids, like pyruvic acid, promoted the conversion of 13-HPODE to 13-hydroxylinoleic acid (13-HODE) by readily undergoing decarboxylation into acetate. These observations suggest that agents that promote the reduction of lipid peroxides into lipid hydroxides could be far more effective in treating cardiovascular diseases as opposed alpha-tocopherol-like antioxidants that could affect additional steps in the oxidation cascade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Achuthan Raghavamenon
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Palinski W, Nicolaides E, Liguori A, Napoli C. Influence of maternal dysmetabolic conditions during pregnancy on cardiovascular disease. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2009; 2:277-85. [PMID: 19655024 PMCID: PMC2719748 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-009-9108-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2009] [Accepted: 05/11/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic factors associated with maternal hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and diabetic conditions during pregnancy influence fetal development and predispose offspring to cardiovascular disease. Animal models have established cause–effect relationships consistent with epidemiological findings in humans and have demonstrated, in principle, that interventions before or during pregnancy can reduce or prevent pathogenic in utero programming. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which maternal dysmetabolic conditions enhance disease susceptibility in offspring. Identification of these mechanisms is rendered more difficult by the fact that programming effects in offspring may be latent and may require conventional risk factors and inherited genetic co-factors to become clinically manifest. Given the increasing prevalence of maternal risk factors, which is expected to lead to a wave of cardiovascular disease in the coming decades, and the length of prospective studies on developmental programming in humans, greater-than-usual emphasis on experimental models and translational studies is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wulf Palinski
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0682, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Salter AM, Tarling EJ, Langley-Evans SC. Influence of maternal nutrition on the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk in the offspring. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.2217/clp.09.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
16
|
Méndez-Cruz AR, Paez A, Jiménez-Flores R, Reyes-Reali J, Varela E, Cerbulo-Vazquez A, Rodriguez E, López-Marure R, Masso FA, Flores-Romo L, Montaño LF. Increased expression of inflammation-related co-stimulatory molecules by HUVECs from newborns with a strong family history of myocardial infarction stimulated with TNF-alpha and oxLDL. Immunol Lett 2007; 111:116-23. [PMID: 17675167 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2007.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2007] [Revised: 06/13/2007] [Accepted: 06/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent findings indicate that atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory process, might start during childhood. Nevertheless, the expression of inflammation-related molecules of endothelial cell isolated from healthy neonates with a strong family history of myocardial infarction (SFHMI) has been rarely analyzed. METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from children with SFHMI were assessed for the expression of CD40 and CD40L, in the presence of TNF-alpha and oxLDL. The intracellular content of CD80, CXCL8 and tissue factor by HUVECs stimulated with a CD40 agonist monoclonal antibody as well as monocytes/lymphocyte adhesion to TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVECs was also evaluated. RESULTS The basal expression of CD40 and CD40L was higher in SFHMI-positive HUVECs in comparison to controls. TNF-alpha and oxLDL upregulated the expression of CD40 and CD40L in SFHMI versus control HUVECs (p<0.001). The intracellular expression of CXCL8, tissue factor and CD80 was also higher than in controls, and the adhesion of lymphocyte- and monocyte-like cells augmented upon TNF-alpha stimulation. CONCLUSIONS It is possible that the modifications observed in the SFHMI-positive HUVECs, all of them relevant to the atherosclerosis process, may lead to early inflammatory reactions, thus contributing to the premature initiation of atherosclerotic lesions in these children.
Collapse
|
17
|
Arciniegas E, Neves YC, Carrillo LM. Potential role for insulin-like growth factor II and vitronectin in the endothelial–mesenchymal transition process. Differentiation 2006; 74:277-92. [PMID: 16831197 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-0436.2006.00079.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is a process through which certain subsets of endothelial cells lose endothelial characteristics and transform into mesenchymal or smooth muscle-like cells. Emerging evidence suggests that this process plays an important role during vascular development and in many vascular pathologies. As in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, EndoMT seems to progress through a series of important steps whose interdependence and order are not clear, and that some of them are regulated by soluble growth factors. Insulin-like growth factor II (IGFII), apart from being considered important in cancer, angiogenesis, and atherosclerotic lesions, is also considered as essential to embryonic development. Here, we report that addition of IGFII promoted the EndoMT process in the presence of very low amounts of chicken serum to arrested primary embryonic aortic chicken endothelial cells attached to fibronectin (FN), gelatin, or native type I collagen. This was demonstrated by cell spreading, loss of cell-cell contacts, detachment, migration, and transformation. These cellular events also occurred when IGFII was added to medium containing vitronectin (VN). Additionally, we demonstrated that these proteins were present in the spontaneous intimal thickenings that are observed at day 11-13 of chicken embryo development. We also show that alterations in the distribution of VE-cadherin and beta-catenin occur after IGFII and serum or VN stimulation, and propose that the via VN IGFII effects may be facilitated by interaction of the mannose-6-phosphate/IGFII receptor (M6P/IGFIIR) with the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and its ligand (uPA). Collectively, these findings provide the first evidence for a potential role of the IGFII-VN complex during the EndoMT process. From our observations and previous studies, we postulate a working hypothesis supporting a fundamental role for these molecules during EndoMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Arciniegas
- Servicio Autónomo Instituto de Biomedicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Apartado de correos 4043, Carmelitas, Caracas 1010, Venezuela.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Charakida M, Deanfield JE, Halcox JPJ. The role of nitric oxide in early atherosclerosis. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/s00228-005-0007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
19
|
Affiliation(s)
- O A Khan
- Centre for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 5YA, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Children already have intimal thickenings occupying over half of the vascular lumen. Intimal thickening is one of the first steps in atherogenesis. Classical risk factors such as hypercholesterolaemia, genetic background and acute noxious factors play a role in its development. Genetic origin of the children from high-risk groups for coronary heart disease seems to be a determinant of the magnitude of thickenings. Extrinsic factors such as infections also seem to play a role. The magnitude of the thickening is related to viral and bacterial infections. Infections may lead to endothelial injury and secondary intimal thickening. The process may advance stepwise with acute exacerbations of endothelial dysfunction and intimal thickening followed by incomplete healing. In particular, repeated acute infections might lead to permanent damage. Morphological evidence for early atherogenesis in children is presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Pesonen
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Boot MJ, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Poelmann RE, van Iperen L, Gittenberger-de Groot AC. Homocysteine Induces Endothelial Cell Detachment and Vessel Wall Thickening During Chick Embryonic Development. Circ Res 2004; 94:542-9. [PMID: 14699014 DOI: 10.1161/01.res.0000115556.03792.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Homocysteine affects the migration and differentiation of neural crest cells in vitro and can result in neural tube defects in vivo. Furthermore, homocysteine has been described as an important determinant in vascular disease in human adults. However, little is known about the effects of homocysteine on the development of embryonic vessels. In this study, we injected homocysteine (30 μmol/L) into the neural tube lumen of chick embryos at the time point of neural crest cell emigration, and analyzed the effects on the neural crest–derived pharyngeal arch arteries, like the brachiocephalic arteries, and the mesoderm-derived arteries, such as the dorsal aorta. By stage HH35, we observed detachment of the endothelium, decreased expression of the extracellular matrix proteins fibrillin-2, and fibronectin in the pharyngeal arch arteries, whereas the dorsal aorta was identical in homocysteine-neural tube–injected and control embryos. No effect of homocysteine on endothelin-1 mRNA expression was observed. By stage HH40, the brachiocephalic arteries of homocysteine-neural tube–injected embryos displayed a decreased lumen diameter, an increased intima- and media-thickness, and an increased number of actin layers compared with the brachiocephalic arteries in control embryos. We propose that homocysteine affects the neural crest–derived smooth muscle cells and their extracellular matrix proteins in the pharyngeal arch arteries, resulting in an abnormal smooth muscle to endothelial cell interaction, leading to endothelial cell detachment. We suggest that, as in adult life, increased homocysteine concentrations lead to vascular damage in the embryo. This prenatal damage might increase the susceptibility to develop vessel pathology later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marit J Boot
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Nishina H, Green LR, McGarrigle HHG, Noakes DE, Poston L, Hanson MA. Effect of nutritional restriction in early pregnancy on isolated femoral artery function in mid-gestation fetal sheep. J Physiol 2003; 553:637-47. [PMID: 12949230 PMCID: PMC2343559 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2003.045278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Unbalanced maternal nutrition affects fetal endocrine and cardiovascular systems, sometimes accompanied by changes in growth, although this is usually in late gestation. We determined the effect of moderate restriction for the first half of gestation of maternal dietary protein, or of total calorific intake on isolated resistance artery function of mid-gestation fetal sheep. Welsh Mountain ewes were nutritionally restricted by 30 % of the recommended nutrient intake (globally restricted) or 30 % of the recommended protein intake (protein-restricted), compared to control ewes fed 100 % of recommended nutrient intake, for ~12 days prior to conception and for the subsequent 70 days of gestation. At mid-gestation, fetal and placental weights were similar in all dietary groups. In isolated femoral arteries, the response curve to noradrenaline was reduced in protein-restricted group fetuses (P < 0.05). Maximal relaxation (P < 0.01) and sensitivity (P < 0.05) to acetylcholine were markedly reduced in protein-restricted group fetuses, and to a smaller extent in globally restricted group fetuses (response curve, P < 0.05). The dilator response (P < 0.05) and sensitivity (P < 0.05) to the alpha2 agonist UK14304 was lower in protein-, but not in globally restricted group fetuses. The response (P < 0.05) and sensitivity (P < 0.05) to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside were reduced in protein-restricted group fetuses compared to controls. Our data show that dietary imbalance, in particular restricted protein, of the ewe can produce blunting of endothelial-dependent and -independent relaxation in systemic arteries from the mid-gestation fetus. These changes may precede perturbed late-gestation fetal and postnatal cardiovascular control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Nishina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London WC1 6HX, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Madsen C, Dagnaes-Hansen F, Møller J, Falk E. Hypercholesterolemia in pregnant mice does not affect atherosclerosis in adult offspring. Atherosclerosis 2003; 168:221-8. [PMID: 12801604 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9150(03)00092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In humans, maternal hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy promotes microscopical fatty streaks in the children. The mechanism is unknown. Fatty streaks are clinically silent, and many of them regress and never develop into advanced atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hypercholesterolemia in pregnant mice induced more advanced atherosclerosis in their adult progeny. Hypercholesterolemic (HC) apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE(-/-)) female mice were mated with normocholesterolemic (NC) wild-type (apoE(+/+)) males and vice versa. All parents were almost identical genetically except for apoE. Therefore, all progeny became genetically identical and heterozygous apoE(+/-). They were born of either HC (i.e. apoE(-/-)) or NC (i.e. apoE(+/+)) mothers. The progeny were killed 6 months after birth and the amount of atherosclerosis in the aortic root was assessed. Females developed more atherosclerosis than males (P<0.001) but, regardless of sex, maternal hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy had no influence on the amount of atherosclerosis in adult progeny. Males of HC mothers had lower plasma cholesterol levels than males of NC mothers. Thus, in mice, maternal hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy does not promote the development of advanced atherosclerosis in their adult progeny.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claus Madsen
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Experimental Clinical Research, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Palinski W, Napoli C. The fetal origins of atherosclerosis: maternal hypercholesterolemia, and cholesterol-lowering or antioxidant treatment during pregnancy influence in utero programming and postnatal susceptibility to atherogenesis. FASEB J 2002; 16:1348-60. [PMID: 12205026 DOI: 10.1096/fj.02-0226rev] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
It has long been postulated that pathogenic events during fetal development influence atherosclerosis-related diseases later in life, but the mechanisms involved are unknown. This review focuses on the evidence indicating that maternal hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy is responsible for one cascade of pathogenic events. Maternal hypercholesterolemia is associated with greatly increased fatty streak formation in human fetal arteries and accelerated progression of atherosclerosis during childhood. Recent experiments in genetically more homogeneous rabbits established that temporary diet-induced maternal hypercholesterolemia is sufficient to enhance fetal lesion formation. More important, maternal hypercholesterolemia or ensuing pathogenic events in the fetus increase postnatal atherogenesis in response to hypercholesterolemia. Maternal treatment with cholesterol-lowering agents or antioxidants greatly reduces fetal and postnatal atherogenesis, indicating a pathogenic role of lipid peroxidation and a potential involvement of oxidation-sensitive signaling pathways. Experiments in a murine model showed that differences in arterial gene expression between offspring of normo- and hypercholesterolemic mothers persist long after birth, supporting the assumption that fetal lesion formation is associated with genetic programming, which may in turn affect postnatal atherogenesis. A better understanding of pathogenic programming events in utero may lead to the identification of genes determining the susceptibility to atherosclerosis and define novel preventive approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wulf Palinski
- Department of Medicine 0682, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0682, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Napoli C, de Nigris F, Welch JS, Calara FB, Stuart RO, Glass CK, Palinski W. Maternal hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy promotes early atherogenesis in LDL receptor-deficient mice and alters aortic gene expression determined by microarray. Circulation 2002; 105:1360-7. [PMID: 11901049 DOI: 10.1161/hc1102.106792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy is associated with markedly enhanced fatty streak formation in human fetal aortas and accelerated progression of atherosclerosis in normocholesterolemic children. METHODS AND RESULTS To establish the causal role of maternal hypercholesterolemia in a genetically homogeneous murine model and to test the hypothesis that pathogenic events during fetal development result in persistent changes in arterial gene expression, female LDL receptor-deficient (LDLR(-/-)) mice were fed regular chow or high-fat diets supplemented with 0.075% or 1.25% cholesterol during pregnancy. Lesion sizes were determined in the aortic origin of their chow-fed offspring at 3 months. Maternal hypercholesterolemia more than doubled lesion sizes in male offspring (P<0.0001 for the 0.0075% cholesterol group). Microarray analysis of the expression of 11 000 murine genes in the nonatherosclerotic descending aorta by Affymetrix gene chips suggested that 139 genes were significantly regulated in offspring of hypercholesterolemic mothers. A subset of 12 of the upregulated transcripts was subjected to secondary analysis by semiquantitative PCR of pooled RNA and 4 genes were found to be upregulated >1.7-fold. Quantitative PCR for one of these genes using RNA from individual mice yielded similar results. Comparative immunostaining for several of the above genes also indicated increased protein content in offspring of hypercholesterolemic mothers. CONCLUSIONS These findings establish an atherogenic effect of maternal hypercholesterolemia in genetically uniform mice and indicate that changes in aortic gene expression persist long after fetal exposure to hypercholesterolemia. In addition to elucidating pathogenic mechanisms initiated during fetal development, this approach may identify genes in morphologically normal arteries that influence the susceptibility to classical risk factors of atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Napoli
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif 92093, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Napoli C, de Nigris F, Welch JS, Calara FB, Stuart RO, Glass CK, Palinski W. Maternal Hypercholesterolemia During Pregnancy Promotes Early Atherogenesis in LDL Receptor-Deficient Mice and Alters Aortic Gene Expression Determined by Microarray. Circulation 2002. [DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000013090.96919.fa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Napoli
- From the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Filomena de Nigris
- From the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif
| | - John S. Welch
- From the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Federico B. Calara
- From the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Robert O. Stuart
- From the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Christopher K. Glass
- From the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Wulf Palinski
- From the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Palinski W, D'Armiento FP, Witztum JL, de Nigris F, Casanada F, Condorelli M, Silvestre M, Napoli C. Maternal hypercholesterolemia and treatment during pregnancy influence the long-term progression of atherosclerosis in offspring of rabbits. Circ Res 2001; 89:991-6. [PMID: 11717155 DOI: 10.1161/hh2301.099646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Maternal hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy is associated with enhanced fatty streak formation in human fetuses and faster progression of atherosclerosis during childhood even under normocholesterolemic conditions. A causal role of maternal hypercholesterolemia in lesion formation during fetal development has previously been established in rabbits. The same experimental model is now used to establish that maternal hypercholesterolemia or ensuing pathogenic events in fetal arteries enhance atherogenesis later in life. Five groups of rabbit mothers were fed chow, cholesterol-enriched chow, or cholesterol-enriched chow plus 1000 IU vitamin E, 3% cholestyramine, or both during pregnancy. Offspring of all groups (n=136) were fed a mildly hypercholesterolemic diet for up to a year and had similar cholesterol levels. Aortic lesion sizes and lipid peroxidation products in plasma and lesions in offspring were determined at birth, 6 months, or 12 months. Lesion progression in offspring of hypercholesterolemic mothers was greater than in all other groups. At each time point, offspring of hypercholesterolemic mothers had 1.5- to 3-fold larger lesions than offspring of normocholesterolemic mothers (P<0.01), with the greatest absolute differences at 12 months. Maternal treatment reduced lesions by 19% to 53%, compared with offspring of untreated hypercholesterolemic mothers (P<0.01), with the greatest effect in the vitamin E groups. At 12 months, lesions in offspring of all vitamin E and cholestyramine-treated mothers were similar to those of normocholesterolemic mothers. Lipid peroxidation end-products in lesions and plasma showed analogous differences between groups as lesions (P<0.01). Thus, pathogenic programming in utero increases the susceptibility to atherogenic risk factors later in life and maternal intervention with cholesterol-lowering drugs or antioxidants reduce postnatal lipid peroxidation and atherosclerosis in their offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Palinski
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Napoli C, de Nigris F, Palinski W. Multiple role of reactive oxygen species in the arterial wall. J Cell Biochem 2001; 82:674-82. [PMID: 11500945 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.1198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Increased oxidative stress plays an important role in vascular dysfunction and atherogenesis. Both systemic factors, such as hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia, and local factors, such as activation of macrophages and T cells, may contribute to oxidative stress. Oxidation of lipids in lipoproteins and cell membranes leads to functionally important modifications of proteins that affect their recognition by cell surface receptors and protein-protein interactions within the cell, including DNA binding. Oxidized LDL and extracellular oxidation modulate oxidation-sensitive signaling pathways, but it is not clear to what extent this results from receptor-mediated activation or from direct effects on the intracellular redox-balance. Extensive evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate gene expression by modulating a large number of transcription factors, including the nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NFkappaB), the peroxisome proliferator activated receptorgamma (PPARgamma), and pathways linked to apoptosis. It is also increasingly recognized that cell differentiation and proliferation, cytokine expression, and programmed cell death are determined by the interactions between oxidation-sensitive regulatory pathways previously thought to lead to distinct outcomes. Because hypercholesterolemia exerts pro-oxidant effects both intra- and extracellularly and because increased ROS formation affects vascular reactivity and atherogenesis by modulating multiple signaling pathways and transcriptional events, future investigations of its atherogenic mechanisms should place greater emphasis on the net effect of such modulation on the expression of a large spectrum of genes. One way of doing this will be by defining clusters of genes responding to hypercholesterolemic stimuli--or interventions with structurally unrelated antioxidants--in analogous ways, irrespective of what regulatory pathway they are controlled by. Microarray technologies that allow simultaneous assessment of large numbers of genes may provide a tool for this approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Napoli
- University of California San Diego, Department of Medicine 0682, La Jolla, California 92093, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Napoli C, Lerman LO. Involvement of oxidation-sensitive mechanisms in the cardiovascular effects of hypercholesterolemia. Mayo Clin Proc 2001; 76:619-31. [PMID: 11393501 DOI: 10.4065/76.6.619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia is a common clinical metabolic and/or genetic disorder that promotes functional and structural vascular wall injury. The underlying mechanisms for these deleterious effects involve a local inflammatory response and release of cytokines and growth factors. Consequent activation of oxidation-sensitive mechanisms in the arterial wall, modulation of intracellular signaling pathways, increased oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and quenching of nitric oxide can all impair the functions controlled by the vascular wall and lead to the development of atherosclerosis. This cascade represents a common pathological mechanism activated by various cardiovascular risk factors and may partly underlie synergism among them as well as the early pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Antioxidant intervention and restoration of the bioavailability of nitric oxide have been shown to mitigate functional and structural arterial alterations and improve cardiovascular outcomes. Elucidation of the precise nature and role of early transductional signaling pathways and transcriptional events activated in hypercholesterolemia in children and adults, including mothers during pregnancy, and understanding their downstream effects responsible for atherogenesis may help in directing preventive and interventional measures against atherogenesis and vascular dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Napoli
- Department of Medicine, University of Naples, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stehbens WE. Coronary heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, and atherosclerosis. I. False premises. Exp Mol Pathol 2001; 70:103-19. [PMID: 11263954 DOI: 10.1006/exmp.2000.2340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lipid-rich caseous debris of advanced lesions stimulated interest in the role of cholesterol and lipids in atherosclerosis. Lipid-containing arterial lesions in cholesterol-overfed animals (cholesterolosis) and xanthomatous vascular lesions in subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia were then misrepresented as being atherosclerotic and led to the development of the hypercholesterolemic/lipid hypothesis. It is untenable that cholesterol, an essential multifunctional metabolite, is pathogenic at all blood levels and hypercholesterolemia is not prerequisite for human or experimental atherosclerosis. Serum cholesterol levels display a poor correlation with atherosclerosis at autopsy and with unreliable national coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in each sex. Atherosclerosis topography and its iatrogenic production in humans and experimentally in herbivores by hemodynamic means both support a biomechanical causation and preclude causality by any circulating humoral factor. CHD, not a specific disease, is a nonspecific complication of many diseases including atherosclerosis and cannot be equated with coronary atherosclerosis due to differences in pathology and pathogenesis. Thus, extrapolations from CHD risk factors or correlations with fallacious vital statistics to atherosclerosis are invalid. It follows that the hypercholesterolemic/lipid hypothesis evolving from false premises, misuse of CHD, scientific misrepresentation, and fallacious data has no legitimate basis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W E Stehbens
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Napoli C, Witztum JL, Calara F, de Nigris F, Palinski W. Maternal hypercholesterolemia enhances atherogenesis in normocholesterolemic rabbits, which is inhibited by antioxidant or lipid-lowering intervention during pregnancy: an experimental model of atherogenic mechanisms in human fetuses. Circ Res 2000; 87:946-52. [PMID: 11073892 DOI: 10.1161/01.res.87.10.946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Maternal hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy is associated with a marked increase in aortic fatty streak formation in human fetuses and faster progression of atherosclerosis during normocholesterolemic childhood. However, the mechanisms responsible are unknown, and the contribution of genetic differences is difficult to assess in humans. The goal of this study was to determine whether maternal hypercholesterolemia per se may cause enhanced fatty streak formation in offspring and whether interventions during pregnancy can reduce it. During pregnancy, 1 group of New Zealand White rabbits was fed control chow and 8 groups were fed hypercholesterolemic diets Chol 1 (yielding plasma cholesterol of 153 mg/dL) or Chol 2 (yielding 359 mg/dL) without or with cholestyramine, vitamin E, or both. Offspring (n=15 to 25 per group) were killed at birth. Maternal hypercholesterolemia enhanced mean lesion size in the aorta of their offspring at birth from 44+/-18x10(3) micrometer(2) per section in controls to 85+/-26x10(3) in Chol 1 and 156+/-49x10(3) in Chol 2 groups (P<0.0001 for both). Cholestyramine or vitamin E treatment of mothers significantly reduced atherosclerosis at birth by up to 39% compared with controls on the same diet. Oxidized fatty acids and malondialdehyde in aortic atherosclerotic lesions and plasma were similarly affected by diets and treatment as atherosclerosis. Our results establish the causal role of hypercholesterolemia and peroxidation in fetal atherogenesis and demonstrate that both lipid-lowering and antioxidant interventions during pregnancy can reduce it. If it can be established that interventions in mothers also affect progression of lesions after birth, this may indicate a novel approach for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Napoli
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|