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Miyoshi M, Shimosato T, Takaya T. Myogenic Anti-Nucleolin Aptamer iSN04 Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Differentiation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Biomolecules 2024; 14:709. [PMID: 38927112 PMCID: PMC11201766 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
De-differentiation and subsequent increased proliferation and inflammation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is one of the mechanisms of atherogenesis. Maintaining VSMCs in a contractile differentiated state is therefore a promising therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis. We have reported the 18-base myogenetic oligodeoxynucleotide, iSN04, which serves as an anti-nucleolin aptamer and promotes skeletal and myocardial differentiation. The present study investigated the effect of iSN04 on VSMCs because nucleolin has been reported to contribute to VSMC de-differentiation under pathophysiological conditions. Nucleolin is localized in the nucleoplasm and nucleoli of both rat and human VSMCs. iSN04 without a carrier was spontaneously incorporated into VSMCs, indicating that iSN04 would serve as an anti-nucleolin aptamer. iSN04 treatment decreased the ratio of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU)-positive proliferating VSMCs and increased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin, a contractile marker of VSMCs. iSN04 also suppressed angiogenesis of mouse aortic rings ex vivo, which is a model of pathological angiogenesis involved in plaque formation, growth, and rupture. These results demonstrate that antagonizing nucleolin with iSN04 preserves VSMC differentiation, providing a nucleic acid drug candidate for the treatment of vascular disease.
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MESH Headings
- Nucleolin
- Animals
- RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/pharmacology
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Phosphoproteins/metabolism
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Humans
- Rats
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology
- Mice
- Cells, Cultured
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/pharmacology
- Male
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Miyoshi
- Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina, Nagano 399-4598, Japan
| | - Takeshi Shimosato
- Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina, Nagano 399-4598, Japan
- Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina, Nagano 399-4598, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina, Nagano 399-4598, Japan
| | - Tomohide Takaya
- Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina, Nagano 399-4598, Japan
- Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina, Nagano 399-4598, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-ina, Nagano 399-4598, Japan
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Li W, Liu Y, Liu J, Guo Q, Li J, Wang A, Zheng H. Remnant cholesterol is associated with unstable carotid plaque in a neurologically healthy population. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2024:svn-2023-002888. [PMID: 38754970 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2023-002888] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remnant cholesterol (RC) is considered to be one of the most significant and important risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Nonetheless, the association between RC and unstable carotid plaque remains unclear. Our primary objective is to ascertain whether RC exhibits an independent and significant association with unstable carotid plaque in a neurologically healthy population. METHODS In the cross-sectional study, we enrolled neurologically healthy participants who visited our centre for health checkups between 2021 and 2022. All eligible participants underwent a standardised questionnaire, physical examinations and laboratory testing. The carotid plaque was evaluated with a standard carotid ultrasound and an advanced ultrasound imaging technique called superb microvascular imaging. The correlation between lipids and unstable carotid plaque was primarily assessed utilising univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS The study totally enrolled 1100 participants who had an average age of 57.00 years (IQR: 49.00-63.00), with 67.55% being men. Among the participants, 321 (29.18%) had unstable carotid plaque. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, higher RC had an independent association with an elevated incidence of unstable carotid plaque compared with the lowest concentrations of RC (OR=1.673, 95% CI 1.113 to 2.515, p=0.0134), but not other lipids. In addition, apolipoprotein A1 was negatively related to unstable carotid plaque (OR=0.549, 95% CI 0.364 to 0.830, p=0.0045). CONCLUSIONS Elevated concentrations of RC are independently and excellently correlated with unstable carotid plaque within a neurologically healthy population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Health Management Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qirui Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Li
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Anxin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huaguang Zheng
- Health Management Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Qiao Q, Wang B, Xu M, Qi Z. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound evaluation of plaque vulnerability and the relationship between peripheral blood leukocytes. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2024; 87:187-197. [PMID: 38427471 DOI: 10.3233/ch-232034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate plaque vulnerability by carotid contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and to analyze the correlation between plaque vulnerability and peripheral blood leukocyte classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS 135 patients with carotid plaque were examined by contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Plaque vulnerability was assessed by semiquantitative visual classification. Baseline clinical data and peripheral leukocyte classification were collected. Ordered logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between plaque neovascularization grade and peripheral leukocyte classification count. RESULTS There were significant differences in leukocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, mean platelet volume, lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts between different neovascular plaque grades and peripheral blood (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that leukocyte, monocyte, and neutrophil counts were significantly positively correlated. CONCLUSION The increase in plaque neovascularization is associated with an increase in circulating leukocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils. Therefore, CEUS combined with peripheral blood leukocytes may serve as an early warning of plaque vulnerability and provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Qiao
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Ultrasound, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Bingshuang Wang
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Minzhe Xu
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Ultrasound, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Zhengqin Qi
- Department of Ultrasound, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
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Asaro RJ, Profumo E, Buttari B, Cabrales P. The Double-Edged Sword of Erythrocytes in Health and Disease via Their Adhesiveness. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10382. [PMID: 37373527 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Their widespread presence throughout the vasculature, coupled with their reactivity, and thereby to their potential to release reactive oxidative species, or to utilize their anti-oxidative capacities, has promoted much discussion of the role(s) of red blood cells (RBCs) in the progression of health or, alternatively, a wide range of disease states. Moreover, these role(s) have been linked to the development of adhesiveness and, in fact, thereby to the essential pathway to their eventual clearance, e.g., by macrophages in the spleen. These disparate roles coupled with the mechanisms involved are reviewed and given. Following an analysis, novel perspectives are provided; these perspectives can lead to novel assays for identifying the potential for RBC adhesiveness as suggested herein. We describe this paradigm, that involves RBC adhesiveness, hemolysis, and ghost formation, with examples including, inter alia, the progression of atherosclerosis and the suppression of tumor growth along with other disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Asaro
- Department of Structural Engineering, University of California, La Jolla, CA 92093-0085, USA
| | - Elisabetta Profumo
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Brigitta Buttari
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Pedro Cabrales
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, La Jolla, CA 92093-0085, USA
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Mekke JM, Verwer MC, Stroes ESG, Kroon J, Timmers L, Pasterkamp G, de Borst GJ, van der Laan SW, de Kleijn DPV. Plasma Lipoprotein Lipase Is Associated with Risk of Future Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients Following Carotid Endarterectomy. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2023; 65:700-709. [PMID: 36708756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2023.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Carotid plaque intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH) is associated with future cardiovascular events. It was hypothesised that plasma proteins associated with carotid plaque IPH are also likely to be associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS In pre-operative blood samples from patients undergoing CEA within the Athero-Express biobank, proteins involved in cardiovascular disease were measured using three OLINK proteomics immunoassays. The association between proteins and IPH was analysed using logistic regression analyses. Subsequently, the association between the IPH associated plasma proteins and the three year post-operative risk of MACE (including stroke, myocardial infarction, or cardiovascular death) was analysed. RESULTS Within the three year follow up, 130 patients (18.9%) of 688 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients undergoing CEA developed MACE. Six of 276 plasma proteins were found to be significantly associated with IPH, from which only lipoprotein lipase (LPL) was associated with the post-operative risk of MACE undergoing CEA. Within the 30 day peri-operative period, high plasma LPL was independently associated with an increased risk of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] per standard deviation [SD] 1.60, 1.10 - 2.30), p = .014). From 30 days to three years, however, high LPL was associated with a lower risk of MACE (adjusted HR per SD 0.80, 0.65 - 0.99, p= .036). CONCLUSION High LPL concentrations were found to be associated with a higher risk of MACE in the first 30 post-operative days but with a lower risk MACE between 30 days and three years, meaning that LPL has different hazards at different time points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost M Mekke
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten C Verwer
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Erik S G Stroes
- Department of Experimental Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey Kroon
- Department of Experimental Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Leo Timmers
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Division Laboratories and Pharmacy, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gert J de Borst
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sander W van der Laan
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Division Laboratories and Pharmacy, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Dominique P V de Kleijn
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Dhar I, Svingen GF, Bjørnestad EØ, Ulvik A, Saeed S, Nygård OK. B-vitamin treatment modifies the mortality risk associated with calcium channel blockers in patients with suspected stable angina pectoris: A prospective cohort study. Am J Clin Nutr 2023:S0002-9165(23)48891-0. [PMID: 37121550 PMCID: PMC10375456 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.04.033] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including angina pectoris, and hypertension; however, the effect on survival remains uncertain. CCBs impair fibrinolysis and have been linked to elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy), a CVD risk marker. OBJECTIVE We explored the association between CCB use and mortality in a large prospective cohort of patients with suspected stable angina pectoris (SAP), and potential effect modifications by Hcy-lowering B-vitamin treatment (folic acid, B12 and/or B6) as 61.8% of the patients participated in a randomized placebo-controlled B-vitamin intervention trial. METHODS Patient baseline continuous characteristics according to CCB treatment were tested by linear regression. Hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality associated with CCB treatment, also according to B-vitamin intervention, were examined using Cox regression analysis. The multivariable model included cardiovascular risk factors, medical histories, and use of CVD medications. RESULTS A total of 3991 patients (71.5 % men) were included, of whom 907 were prescribed CCBs at discharge. During 10.3 years of median follow-up, 20.6% died and 8.9% from cardiovascular- and 11.6% from non-cardiovascular causes. Patients treated with CCBs had higher plasma Hcy, fibrinogen levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (all P<0.001). Further, CCB use was positively associated with mortality, also after multivariable adjustments (HRs [95% CIs]: 1.34 [1.15-1.57], 1.35 [1.08-1.70] and 1.33 [1.09-1.64] for total, CVD and non-CVD death, respectively). Numerically stronger associations were observed among patients not treated with B-vitamins (HR [95% CI]: 1.54 [1.25-1.88], 1.69 [1.25-2.30] and 1.41 [1.06- 1.86] for total, CVD and non-CVD death, respectively), whereas, no association was seen in patients treated with B-vitamins (HR [95% CI]: 1.15 [0.91-1.46], 1.09 [0.76-1.57] and 1.20 [0.88-1.65]). CONCLUSIONS In patients with suspected SAP, CCB treatment was associated with increased mortality risk primarily among patients not treated with B-vitamins. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION-URL https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00354081?term=NCT00354081&draw=2&rank=1. Clinical Trial Registration-Unique identifier (NCT number): NCT00354081.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indu Dhar
- Mohn Nutrition Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Centre for Nutrition, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway.
| | - Gard Ft Svingen
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Espen Ø Bjørnestad
- Department of Cardiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | | | - Sahrai Saeed
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ottar K Nygård
- Mohn Nutrition Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Centre for Nutrition, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Chen J, Zhao F, Lei C, Qi T, Xue X, Meng Y, Zhang W, Zhang H, Wang J, Zhu H, Cheng C, Wang Q, Bi C, Song B, Jin C, Niu Q, An F, Li B, Huo X, Zhao Y, Li B. Effect of evolocumab on the progression of intraplaque neovascularization of the carotid based on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (EPIC study): A prospective single-arm, open-label study. Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:999224. [PMID: 36686711 PMCID: PMC9846542 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.999224] [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: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of half a year of evolocumab plus moderate-intensity statin treatment on carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) and blood lipid levels. Methods: A total of 31 patients with 33 carotid plaques who received evolocumab plus statin treatment were included. Blood lipid levels, B-mode ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) at baseline and after half a year of evolocumab plus statin therapy were collected. The area under the curve (AUC) reflected the total amount of acoustic developer entering the plaque or lumen within the 180 s measurement period. The enhanced intensity reflected the peak blood flow intensity during the monitoring period, and the contrast agent area reflected the area of vessels in the plaques. Results: Except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), all other lipid indices decreased. Compared with baseline, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) decreased by approximately 57% (p < 0.001); total cholesterol (TC) decreased by approximately 34% (p < 0.001); small dense low-density lipoprotein (sd-LDL) decreased by approximately 52% (p < 0.001); and HDL-c increased by approximately 20% (p < 0.001). B-mode ultrasonography showed that the length and thickness of the plaque and the hypoechoic area ratio were reduced (p < 0.05). The plaque area, calcified area ratio, and lumen cross-sectional area changed little (p > 0.05). CEUS revealed that the area under the curve of plaque/lumen [AUC (P/L)] decreased from 0.27 ± 0.13 to 0.19 ± 0.11 (p < 0.001). The enhanced intensity ratio of plaque/lumen [intensity ratio (P/L)] decreased from 0.37 ± 0.16 to 0.31 ± 0.14 (p = 0.009). The contrast agent area in plaque/area of plaque decreased from 19.20 ± 13.23 to 12.66 ± 9.59 (p = 0.003). The neovascularization score decreased from 2.64 ± 0.54 to 2.06 ± 0.86 (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis based on statin duration (<6 months and ≥6 months) showed that there was no significant difference in the AUC (P/L) or intensity ratio (P/L) at baseline or after half a year of evolocumab treatment. Conclusion: This study found that evolocumab combined with moderate-intensity statins significantly improved the blood lipid profile and reduced carotid IPN. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; identifier: NCT04423406.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Chen
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Faming Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China,Department of Infectious Disease, Zibo Infectious Disease Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Chengbin Lei
- Laboratory Department, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Tianjun Qi
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Xin Xue
- Laboratory Department, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Yuan Meng
- Laboratory Department, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Wenzhong Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Haijun Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Qilei Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Chenglong Bi
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Beibei Song
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Chengwei Jin
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Qiang Niu
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Fengshuang An
- Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Cardiology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoguang Huo
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoguang Huo, ; Yunhe Zhao, ; Bo Li,
| | - Yunhe Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoguang Huo, ; Yunhe Zhao, ; Bo Li,
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoguang Huo, ; Yunhe Zhao, ; Bo Li,
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Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Pathological and Therapeutic Roles of Pericytes in Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911663. [PMID: 36232962 PMCID: PMC9570222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911663] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells playing an active role in angiogenesis, vessel stabilisation, maturation, remodelling, blood flow regulation and are able to trans-differentiate into other cells of the mesenchymal lineage. In this review, we summarised recent data demonstrating that pericytes play a key role in the pathogenesis and development of atherosclerosis (AS). Pericytes are involved in lipid accumulation, inflammation, growth, and vascularization of the atherosclerotic plaque. Decreased pericyte coverage, endothelial and pericyte dysfunction is associated with intraplaque angiogenesis and haemorrhage, calcification and cholesterol clefts deposition. At the same time, pericytes can be used as a novel therapeutic target to promote vessel maturity and stability, thus reducing plaque vulnerability. Finally, we discuss recent studies exploring effective AS treatments with pericyte-mediated anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.
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Chai T, Tian M, Yang X, Qiu Z, Lin X, Chen L. Genome-Wide Identification of Associations of Circulating Molecules With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:874912. [PMID: 35571188 PMCID: PMC9091499 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.874912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating proteins play functional roles in various biological processes and disease pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to highlight circulating proteins associated with aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). We examined the associations of circulating molecule levels with SCAD by integrating data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of CanSCAD and 7 pQTL studies. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was applied to examine the associations between circulating molecule levels and AAD by using data from UK Biobank GWAS and pQTL studies. The SCAD-associated SNPs in 1q21.2 were strongly associated with circulating levels of extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) and 25 other proteins (encoded by CTSS, CAT, CNDP1, KNG1, SLAMF7, TIE1, CXCL1, MBL2, ESD, CXCL16, CCL14, KCNE5, CST7, PSME1, GPC3, MAP2K4, SPOCK3, LRPPRC, CLEC4M, NOG, C1QTNF9, CX3CL1, SCP2D1, SERPINF2, and FN1). These proteins were enriched in biological processes such as regulation of peptidase activity and regulation of cellular protein metabolic processes. Proteins (FGF6, FGF9, HGF, BCL2L1, and VEGFA) involved in the Ras signaling pathway were identified to be related to AAD. In addition, SCAD- and AAD-associated SNPs were associated with cytokine and lipid levels. MR analysis showed that circulating ECM1, SPOCK3 and IL1b levels were associated with AAD. Circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and small very-low-density lipoprotein particles were strongly associated with AAD. The present study found associations between circulating proteins and lipids and SCAD and AAD. Circulating ECM1 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol may play a role in the pathology of SCAD and AAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianci Chai
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Fujian Medical University), Fuzhou, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xinyi People’s Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mengyue Tian
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Yang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Fujian Medical University), Fuzhou, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhihuang Qiu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Fujian Medical University), Fuzhou, China
| | - Xinjian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liangwan Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (Fujian Medical University), Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liangwan Chen,
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You D, Qiao Q, Ono K, Wei M, Tan W, Wang C, Liu Y, Liu G, Zheng M. miR-223-3p inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis via down-regulating the activation of MEK1/ERK1/2 in macrophages. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:1865-1878. [PMID: 35202001 PMCID: PMC8908932 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND microRNAs (miRNAs) have drawn more attention to the progression of atherosclerosis (AS), due to their noticeable inflammation function in cardiovascular disease. Macrophages play a crucial role in disrupting atherosclerotic plaque, thereby we explored the involvement of miR-223-3p in the inflammatory response in macrophages. METHODS RT-qPCR was used to analyze the miR-223-3p levels in carotid arteries and serum of AS patients. ROC curve was used to assess the diagnostic value of miR-223-3p. Movat staining was applied to evaluate the morphological differences. FISH was used to identify the expression of miR-223-3p in macrophages of atherosclerotic lesions. Bioinformatic analysis was performed. Double-immunofluorescence and western blot were performed to assess the inflammatory cytokine secretion and p-ERK1/2. C16-PAF was injected into the culture medium of the miR-223-3p mimic/NC-transfected macrophages with ox-LDL. RESULTS MiR-223-3p was up-regulated in AS patients and was associated with a higher overall survival rate. MiR-223-3p was co-localized with CD68+ macrophages in vulnerable atherosclerotic lesions. MiR-223-3p mimics decreased atherosclerotic lesions, macrophages numbers whereas increased SMCs numbers in the lesions. The TNF-a immune-positive areas were reduced by miR-223-3p mimics. MAP2K1 was negatively associated with miR-223-3p. MiR-223-3p mimics reduced the inflammation and the MEK1/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. C16-PAF reversed the effects of miR-223-3p mimics on inflammation and ERK1/2 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS MiR-223-3p negatively regulates inflammatory responses by the MEK1/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Our study provides new insight into how miR-223-3p protects against atherosclerosis, representing a broader therapeutic prospect for treating atherosclerosis by miR-223-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daofeng You
- Hebei Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050023, Hebei, China
| | - Qiuge Qiao
- Hebei Medical University Second Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050023, Hebei, China
| | - Katsushige Ono
- Department of Pathophysiology, Oita University School of Medicine, Hasama, Yufu, Ōita-shi, Japan
| | - Mei Wei
- Hebei Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050023, Hebei, China
| | - Wenyun Tan
- Hebei Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050023, Hebei, China
| | - Cuihua Wang
- Hebei Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050023, Hebei, China
| | - Yangong Liu
- Hebei Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050023, Hebei, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Hebei Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050023, Hebei, China
| | - Mingqi Zheng
- Hebei Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050023, Hebei, China
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11
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The Role of the VEGF Family in Atherosclerosis Development and Its Potential as Treatment Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020931. [PMID: 35055117 PMCID: PMC8781560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020931] [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: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, the crucial regulator of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, lipid metabolism and inflammation, is involved in the development of atherosclerosis and further CVDs (cardiovascular diseases). This review discusses the general regulation and functions of VEGFs, their role in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis development and progression. These functions present the great potential of applying the VEGF family as a target in the treatment of atherosclerosis and related CVDs. In addition, we discuss several modern anti-atherosclerosis VEGFs-targeted experimental procedures, drugs and natural compounds, which could significantly improve the efficiency of atherosclerosis and related CVDs' treatment.
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12
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Pan C, Ning Y, Jia Y, Cheng S, Wen Y, Yang X, Meng P, Li C, Zhang H, Chen Y, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Zhang F. Transcriptome-wide association study identified candidate genes associated with gut microbiota. Gut Pathog 2021; 13:74. [PMID: 34922623 PMCID: PMC8684646 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-021-00474-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gut microbiota is closely associated with host health and disease occurrence. Host genetic factor plays an important role in shaping gut microbial communities. The specific mechanism of host-regulated gene expression affecting gut microbiota has not been elucidated yet. Here we conducted a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) for gut microbiota by leveraging expression imputation from large-scale GWAS data sets. Results TWAS detected multiple tissue-specific candidate genes for gut microbiota, such as FUT2 for genus Bifidobacterium in transverse colon (PPERM.ANL = 1.68 × 10–3) and SFTPD for an unclassified genus of Proteobacteria in transverse colon (PPERM.ANL = 5.69 × 10–3). Fine mapping replicated 3 candidate genes in TWAS, such as HELLS for Streptococcus (PIP = 0.685) in sigmoid colon, ANO7 for Erysipelotrichaceae (PIP = 0.449) in sigmoid colon. Functional analyses detected 94 significant GO terms and 11 pathways for various taxa in total, such as GO_NUCLEOSIDE_DIPHOSPHATASE_ACTIVITY for Butyrivibrio (FDR P = 1.30 × 10–4), KEGG_RENIN_ANGIOTENSIN_SYSTEM for Anaerostipes (FDR P = 3.16 × 10–2). Literature search results showed 12 genes prioritized by TWAS were associated with 12 diseases. For instance, SFTPD for an unclassified genus of Proteobacteria was related to atherosclerosis, and FUT2 for Bifidobacterium was associated with Crohn’s disease. Conclusions Our study results provided novel insights for understanding the genetic mechanism of gut microbiota, and attempted to provide clues for revealing the influence of genetic factors on gut microbiota for the occurrence and development of diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13099-021-00474-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuyu Pan
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China
| | - Yujie Ning
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China
| | - Yumeng Jia
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China
| | - Shiqiang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China
| | - Yan Wen
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China
| | - Xuena Yang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China
| | - Peilin Meng
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China
| | - Chun'e Li
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China
| | - Yujing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China
| | - Jingxi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 71006, China.
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Characteristics of atherosclerosis in femoropopliteal artery and its clinical relevance. Atherosclerosis 2021; 335:31-40. [PMID: 34547588 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease with different faces. Despite identical or similar pathogenetic mechanisms, atherosclerotic lesions and their clinical manifestations vary in different parts of the vascular system. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) represents one of the most frequent clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis with predominant location in the superficial femoral artery (SFA). Morphological characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques in peripheral arteries differ from lesions in the coronary and carotid arteries. Plaques in SFA have more fibrotic components, less lipids and inflammatory cells, which makes them more stable and less prone to rupture. Factors that determine the different structure of plaques in SFA compared to coronary arteries include hemodynamic forces, vasa vasorum and calcification. Low shear stress in SFA in the adductor canal is one of the factors which determines frequent atherosclerotic lesions in this region. Lower lipid content and fewer inflammatory cells explain higher stability of SFA plaques. The specific structure of SFA plaques may require preventive and therapeutic measures, which to some extent differ from prevention of coronary atherosclerosis and may include inhibition of fibrotic proliferation in SFA plaques and calcification. Revascularization of PAD differs from procedures used in coronary arteries and requires specific technical expertise and devices.
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14
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Yücel C, Gürsoy M, Ketenciler S, Tenekeciğil A, Kızıltan F, Kayalar N. Is Biochemical Follow Up Possible in Peripheral Arterial Disease Treatment: Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 Alpha? Vasc Specialist Int 2021; 37:29. [PMID: 34429387 PMCID: PMC8385279 DOI: 10.5758/vsi.210011] [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: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1 is a dimeric protein complex that plays an integral role in the body’s response to hypoxia. This study aimed to analyze the regulation of HIF-1α following vascular and/or endovascular surgery in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients. Methods Materials and A total of 40 patients with PAD (≥Rutherford category 3) were included in this prospective study. The mean age was 61.9±9.2 years. Open surgery was performed in 16 patients, and endovascular intervention was performed in 34 patients. At preoperative (T1), postoperative day 1 (T2), and month 3 (T3), the serum HIF-1α levels were checked using the ELISA technique. Results At T3, the ankle-brachial index was significantly higher than the preoperative value (P<0.001). Serum HIF-1α levels at T1, T2, and T3 were 2.0±1.7 ng/mL, 1.9±1.7 ng/mL, and 1.6±1.4 ng/mL, respectively. Serum HIF-1α levels between T1 and T3 and between T2 and T3 were significantly different (P<0.05). The preoperative HIF-1α levels were lowest in iliac lesions compared to femoropopliteal or tibial lesions. Conclusion The HIF-1α levels were decreased in all patients on postoperative days, T2 and T3, compared with the preoperative values. Our results indicated that HIF-1α may be a surrogate marker after revascularization in patients with PAD. Further studies are needed to analyze the sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off values of HIF-1α in patients with PAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cihan Yücel
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Prof Dr Cemil Tascıoglu City Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Mete Gürsoy
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Prof Dr Cemil Tascıoglu City Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Serkan Ketenciler
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Prof Dr Cemil Tascıoglu City Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Aslıhan Tenekeciğil
- Medical Laboratory, Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Feryaz Kızıltan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Prof Dr Cemil Tascıoglu City Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nihan Kayalar
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Prof Dr Cemil Tascıoglu City Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
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15
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Tillie RJHA, Theelen TL, van Kuijk K, Temmerman L, de Bruijn J, Gijbels M, Betsholtz C, Biessen EAL, Sluimer JC. A Switch from Cell-Associated to Soluble PDGF-B Protects against Atherosclerosis, despite Driving Extramedullary Hematopoiesis. Cells 2021; 10:1746. [PMID: 34359916 PMCID: PMC8308020 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) is a mitogenic, migratory and survival factor. Cell-associated PDGF-B recruits stabilizing pericytes towards blood vessels through retention in extracellular matrix. We hypothesized that the genetic ablation of cell-associated PDGF-B by retention motif deletion would reduce the local availability of PDGF-B, resulting in microvascular pericyte loss, microvascular permeability and exacerbated atherosclerosis. Therefore, Ldlr-/-Pdgfbret/ret mice were fed a high cholesterol diet. Although plaque size was increased in the aortic root of Pdgfbret/ret mice, microvessel density and intraplaque hemorrhage were unexpectedly unaffected. Plaque macrophage content was reduced, which is likely attributable to increased apoptosis, as judged by increased TUNEL+ cells in Pdgfbret/ret plaques (2.1-fold) and increased Pdgfbret/ret macrophage apoptosis upon 7-ketocholesterol or oxidized LDL incubation in vitro. Moreover, Pdgfbret/ret plaque collagen content increased independent of mesenchymal cell density. The decreased macrophage matrix metalloproteinase activity could partly explain Pdgfbret/ret collagen content. In addition to the beneficial vascular effects, we observed reduced body weight gain related to smaller fat deposition in Pdgfbret/ret liver and adipose tissue. While dampening plaque inflammation, Pdgfbret/ret paradoxically induced systemic leukocytosis. The increased incorporation of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine indicated increased extramedullary hematopoiesis and the increased proliferation of circulating leukocytes. We concluded that Pdgfbret/ret confers vascular and metabolic effects, which appeared to be protective against diet-induced cardiovascular burden. These effects were unrelated to arterial mesenchymal cell content or adventitial microvessel density and leakage. In contrast, the deletion drives splenic hematopoiesis and subsequent leukocytosis in hypercholesterolemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée J. H. A. Tillie
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (R.J.H.A.T.); (T.L.T.); (K.v.K.); (L.T.); (J.d.B.); (M.G.); (E.A.L.B.)
| | - Thomas L. Theelen
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (R.J.H.A.T.); (T.L.T.); (K.v.K.); (L.T.); (J.d.B.); (M.G.); (E.A.L.B.)
| | - Kim van Kuijk
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (R.J.H.A.T.); (T.L.T.); (K.v.K.); (L.T.); (J.d.B.); (M.G.); (E.A.L.B.)
| | - Lieve Temmerman
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (R.J.H.A.T.); (T.L.T.); (K.v.K.); (L.T.); (J.d.B.); (M.G.); (E.A.L.B.)
| | - Jenny de Bruijn
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (R.J.H.A.T.); (T.L.T.); (K.v.K.); (L.T.); (J.d.B.); (M.G.); (E.A.L.B.)
| | - Marion Gijbels
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (R.J.H.A.T.); (T.L.T.); (K.v.K.); (L.T.); (J.d.B.); (M.G.); (E.A.L.B.)
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Experimental Vascular Biology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christer Betsholtz
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Erik A. L. Biessen
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (R.J.H.A.T.); (T.L.T.); (K.v.K.); (L.T.); (J.d.B.); (M.G.); (E.A.L.B.)
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Judith C. Sluimer
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (R.J.H.A.T.); (T.L.T.); (K.v.K.); (L.T.); (J.d.B.); (M.G.); (E.A.L.B.)
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences (CVS), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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16
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Wang X, Fu Y, Xie Z, Cao M, Qu W, Xi X, Zhong S, Piao M, Peng X, Jia Y, Meng L, Tian J. Establishment of a Novel Mouse Model for Atherosclerotic Vulnerable Plaque. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:642751. [PMID: 33796572 PMCID: PMC8007762 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.642751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a group of clinical syndromes characterized by rupture or erosion of atherosclerotic unstable plaques. Effective intervention for vulnerable plaques (VP) is of great significance to reduce adverse cardiovascular events. Methods: Fbn1C1039G+/− mice were crossbred with LDLR−/− mice to obtain a novel model for atherosclerotic VP. After the mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 or 24 weeks, pathological staining and immunohistochemistry analyses were employed to evaluate atherosclerotic lesions. Results: Compared to control mice, Fbn1C1039G+/−LDLR−/− mice developed more severe atherosclerotic lesions, and the positive area of oil red O staining in the aortic sinus was significantly increased after 12 weeks (21.7 ± 2.0 vs. 6.3 ± 2.1) and 24 weeks (32.6 ± 2.5 vs. 18.7 ± 2.6) on a HFD. Additional vulnerable plaque characteristics, including significantly larger necrotic cores (280 ± 19 vs. 105 ± 7), thinner fiber caps (14.0 ± 2.8 vs. 32.6 ± 2.7), apparent elastin fiber fragmentation and vessel dilation (3,010 ± 67 vs. 1,465 ± 49), a 2-fold increase in macrophage number (8.5 ± 1.0 vs. 5.0 ± 0.6), obviously decreased smooth muscle cell number (0.6 ± 0.1 vs. 2.1 ± 0.2) and an ~25% decrease in total collagen content (33.6 ± 0.3 vs. 44.9 ± 9.1) were observed in Fbn1C1039G+/−LDLR−/− mice compared with control mice after 24 weeks. Furthermore, spontaneous plaque rupture, neovascularization, and intraplaque hemorrhage were detected in the model mouse plaque regions but not in those of the control mice. Conclusions: Plaques in Fbn1C1039G+/−LDLR−/− mice fed a HFD show many features of human advanced atherosclerotic unstable plaques. These results suggest that the Fbn1C1039G+/−LDLR−/− mouse is a novel model for investigating the pathological and physiological mechanisms of advanced atherosclerotic unstable plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yahong Fu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Zulong Xie
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Muhua Cao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Wenbo Qu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Xiangwen Xi
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Shan Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Minghui Piao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Xiang Peng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Ying Jia
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Lingbo Meng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jinwei Tian
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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17
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VEGF-A in Cardiomyocytes and Heart Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155294. [PMID: 32722551 PMCID: PMC7432634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a homodimeric vasoactive glycoprotein, is the key mediator of angiogenesis. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is responsible for a wide variety of physio/pathological processes, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Cardiomyocytes (CM), the main cell type present in the heart, are the source and target of VEGF-A and express its receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, on their cell surface. The relationship between VEGF-A and the heart is double-sided. On the one hand, VEGF-A activates CM, inducing morphogenesis, contractility and wound healing. On the other hand, VEGF-A is produced by CM during inflammation, mechanical stress and cytokine stimulation. Moreover, high concentrations of VEGF-A have been found in patients affected by different CVD, and are often correlated with an unfavorable prognosis and disease severity. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge about the expression and effects of VEGF-A on CM and the role of VEGF-A in CVD, which are the most important cause of disability and premature death worldwide. Based on clinical studies on angiogenesis therapy conducted to date, it is possible to think that the control of angiogenesis and VEGF-A can lead to better quality and span of life of patients with heart disease.
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18
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Perrotta P, Van der Veken B, Van Der Veken P, Pintelon I, Roosens L, Adriaenssens E, Timmerman V, Guns PJ, De Meyer GR, Martinet W. Partial Inhibition of Glycolysis Reduces Atherogenesis Independent of Intraplaque Neovascularization in Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:1168-1181. [PMID: 32188275 PMCID: PMC7176341 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.119.313692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intraplaque neovascularization is an important feature of unstable human atherosclerotic plaques. However, its impact on plaque formation and stability is poorly studied. Because proliferating endothelial cells generate up to 85% of their ATP from glycolysis, we investigated whether pharmacological inhibition of glycolytic flux by the small-molecule 3PO (3-[3-pyridinyl]-1-[4-pyridinyl]-2-propen-1-one) could have beneficial effects on plaque formation and composition. Approach and Results: ApoE-/- (apolipoprotein E deficient) mice treated with 3PO (50 µg/g, ip; 4×/wk, 4 weeks) showed a metabolic switch toward ketone body formation. Treatment of ApoE-/-Fbn1C1039G+/- mice with 3PO (50 µg/g, ip) either after 4 (preventive, twice/wk, 10 weeks) or 16 weeks of Western diet (curative, 4×/wk, 4 weeks) inhibited intraplaque neovascularization by 50% and 38%, respectively. Plaque formation was significantly reduced in all 3PO-treated animals. This effect was independent of intraplaque neovascularization. In vitro experiments showed that 3PO favors an anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage subtype and suppresses an M1 proinflammatory phenotype. Moreover, 3PO induced autophagy, which in turn impaired NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B) signaling and inhibited TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha)-mediated VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) and ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) upregulation. Consistently, a preventive 3PO regimen reduced endothelial VCAM-1 expression in vivo. Furthermore, 3PO improved cardiac function in ApoE-/-Fbn1C1039G+/- mice after 10 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Partial inhibition of glycolysis restrained intraplaque angiogenesis without affecting plaque composition. However, less plaques were formed, which was accompanied by downregulation of endothelial adhesion molecules-an event that depends on autophagy induction. Inhibition of coronary plaque formation by 3PO resulted in an overall improved cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Perrotta
- From the Laboratory of Physiopharmacology (P.P., B.V.d.V., P.-J.G., G.R.Y.D.M., W.M.), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bieke Van der Veken
- From the Laboratory of Physiopharmacology (P.P., B.V.d.V., P.-J.G., G.R.Y.D.M., W.M.), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Isabel Pintelon
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology (I.P.), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Laurence Roosens
- Antwerp University Hospital, Laboratory Medicine, Belgium (L.R.)
| | - Elias Adriaenssens
- Peripheral Neuropathy Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute Born Bunge (E.A., V.T.), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vincent Timmerman
- Peripheral Neuropathy Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute Born Bunge (E.A., V.T.), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter-Jan Guns
- From the Laboratory of Physiopharmacology (P.P., B.V.d.V., P.-J.G., G.R.Y.D.M., W.M.), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido R.Y. De Meyer
- From the Laboratory of Physiopharmacology (P.P., B.V.d.V., P.-J.G., G.R.Y.D.M., W.M.), University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Martinet
- From the Laboratory of Physiopharmacology (P.P., B.V.d.V., P.-J.G., G.R.Y.D.M., W.M.), University of Antwerp, Belgium
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Jin F, Zheng X, Yang Y, Yao G, Ye L, Doeppner TR, Hermann DM, Wang H, Dai Y. Impairment of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis by LDL involves a HIF-centered signaling network linking inflammatory TNFα and angiogenic VEGF. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:328-349. [PMID: 30659163 PMCID: PMC6366960 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) mediate angiogenesis via up-regulation of various pro-angiogenic factors (particularly VEGF) in response to hypoxia. Here, we report that hypoxia unexpectedly induced robust production of the pro-inflammatory factor TNFα by endothelial cells (ECs), suggesting an autocrine loop that in turn activated HIFs via an NF-κB-dependent process, resulting in production of VEGF and thereby promotion of angiogenesis. In contrast, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) prevented expression of HIFs in ECs exposed to either hypoxia or TNFα, while knockdown of either HIF-1α or HIF-2α strikingly attenuated hypoxia-induced production of VEGF by ECs as well as EC colony formation and tube formation. Significantly, LDL attenuated hypoxia-induced angiogenesis by disrupting the TNFα/NF-κB/HIF/VEGF signaling cascade via down-regulation of the TNF receptor TNF-R1, rather than TNFα itself, and multiple key components of both canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways. By doing so, LDL was able to either inhibit or down-regulate a wide spectrum of HIF-dependent pro-angiogenic downstream targets and signals. Together, these findings argue existence of a self-regulatory TNFα/NF-κB/HIF/VEGF signaling network in ECs, which mediates and fine-tones angiogenesis, at least in response to hypoxia. They also suggest that LDL impairs angiogenesis by disrupting this network, which might represent a novel mechanism underlying anti-angiogenic property of LDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyan Jin
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiangyu Zheng
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yanping Yang
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Gang Yao
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Long Ye
- Laboratory of Cancer Precision Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Thorsten R Doeppner
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dirk M Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen Medical School, Essen, Germany
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yun Dai
- Laboratory of Cancer Precision Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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20
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Du R, Cai J, Cui B, Wu H, Zhao XQ, Ye P. Rapid improvement in carotid adventitial angiogenesis and plaque neovascularization after rosuvastatin therapy in statin treatment-naïve subjects. J Clin Lipidol 2019; 13:847-853. [PMID: 31783975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statin therapy can improve plaque stability. However, the time course of effects of statin on adventitial angiogenesis and plaque neovascularization has not been studied. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate whether statin therapy reduces plaque neovascularization, associated with adventitial angiogenesis, over 24 months as assessed by using carotid dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). METHODS Forty-three lipid treatment-naïve subjects with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis received rosuvastatin (5-20 mg/d) to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to <80 mg/dL for 24 months. Carotid DCE-MRI was performed at baseline, 3, 12 and 24 months. Vascularity (Vp = fractional plasma volume) and vascular permeability (Ktrans = transfer constant) derived from kinetic modeling of DCE-MRI were measured in both adventitia and plaque. RESULTS Adventitia Vp and adventitia Ktrans were significantly correlated with plaque Vp and plaque Ktrans at baseline. Rosuvastatin significantly reduced both adventitial and plaque Vp significantly at 3 months from 0.121 ± 0.064 to 0.085 ± 0.049 (P = .008) and from 0.096 ± 0.052 to 0.067 ± 0.043 (P = .013). Adventitial and plaque Vp continued to decrease by 43% and 34% at 12 months and by 49% and 45% at 24 months. However, the continued reductions from 3 to 12 months and from 12 to 24 months were not statistically significant. Adventitial and plaque Ktrans showed similar trends, but nonstatistically significant decreases during the 24 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Rosuvastatin therapy rapidly and significantly decreased adventitial and plaque neovascularization at 3 months followed by continued, but nonstatistically significant, decreases at 12 and 24 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Du
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Cai
- Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bao Cui
- Department of Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Wu
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Qiao Zhao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Ping Ye
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatric Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Tesfamariam B. Periadventitial local drug delivery to target restenosis. Vascul Pharmacol 2017; 107:S1537-1891(17)30235-5. [PMID: 29247786 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2017.12.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The adventitia functions as a dynamic compartment for cell trafficking into and out of the artery wall, and communicates with medial and intimal cells. The resident cells in the tunica adventitia play an integral role in the regulation of vessel wall structure, repair, tone, and remodeling. Following injury to the vascular wall, adventitial fibroblasts are activated, which proliferate and differentiate into migratory myofibroblasts, and initiate inflammation through the secretion of soluble factors such as chemokines, cytokines, and adhesion molecules. The secreted factors subsequently promote leukocyte recruitment and extravasation into the media and intima. The adventitia generates reactive oxygen species and growth factors that participate in cell proliferation, migration, and hypertrophy, resulting in intimal thickening. The adventitial vasa vasorum undergoes neovascularization and serves as a port of entry for the delivery of inflammatory cells and resident stem/progenitor cells into the intima, and thus facilitates vascular remodeling. This review highlights the contribution of multilineage cells in the adventitia along with de-differentiated smooth muscle-like cells to the formation of neointimal hyperplasia, and discusses the potential of periadventitial local drug delivery for the prevention of vascular restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belay Tesfamariam
- Division of Cardiovascular and Renal Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA, 10903 New Hampshire Ave, Bldg 22, Rm 4176, Silver Spring, MD, United States.
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