Endothelial CCRL2 induced by disturbed flow promotes atherosclerosis via chemerin-dependent β2 integrin activation in monocytes

Endothelial IGFBP6 suppresses vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis

Beyond dyslipidemia, inflammation contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. However, intrinsic factors that counteract vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis remain scarce. Here we identify insulin-like growth factor binding protein 6 (IGFBP6) as a homeostasis-associated molecule that restrains endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis. IGFBP6 levels are significantly reduced in human atherosclerotic arteries and patient serum. Reduction of IGFBP6 in human endothelial cells by siRNA increases inflammatory molecule expression and monocyte adhesion. Conversely, pro-inflammatory effects mediated by disturbed flow (DF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are reversed by IGFBP6 overexpression. Mechanistic investigations further reveal that IGFBP6 executes anti-inflammatory effects directly through the major vault protein (MVP)-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling axis. Finally, IGFBP6-deficient mice show aggravated diet- and DF-induced atherosclerosis, whereas endothelial-cell-specific IGFBP6-overexpressing mice protect against atherosclerosis. Based on these findings, we propose that reduction of endothelial IGFBP6 is a predisposing factor in vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis, which can be therapeutically targeted.

Diverse Cytokines Secreted by Adipocyte in Linking Cardio-Metabolic Disorder and SLE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-factorial autoimmune-mediated disease with hyper-stimulation of immune cells especially the T lymphocytes. By this method, it might facilitate the systematic damages in multiple tissues and organs. Otherwise, SLE is also correlated with diverse cardio-metabolic comorbidities, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension. It is worth-noting that the risk of cardio-metabolic disorders is significantly higher compared with the healthy patients which was reported as approximately one-third of SLE patients were proved as obesity. Notably, current focus is shifting to implementing cardio-metabolic protective strategies as well as elucidating underlying mechanisms of lupus-mediated obese status. On the other hand, adipocyte, as the most abundant endocrine cell in fat tissue, are dysfunctional in obese individuals with aberrant secretion of adipokines. It is proposing that the adipokine might link the pathology of cardio-metabolic disorders and SLE, whereas the related mechanism is complicated. In the current review, the functions of adipokine and the potential mechanisms by which the adipokine link cardio-metabolic disorders and SLE was well listed. Furthermore, the recommendations, which identify the adipokine as the potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of cardio-metabolic disorders and SLE, were also summarized.

Chemerin in the Spotlight: Revealing Its Multifaceted Role in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Chemerin, an adipokine known for its role in adipogenesis and inflammation, has emerged as a significant biomarker in cardiovascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Recent studies have highlighted chemerin's involvement in the pathophysiological processes of coronary artery disease (CAD), where it modulates inflammatory responses, endothelial function, and vascular remodelling. Elevated levels of chemerin have been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including increased myocardial injury, left ventricular dysfunction, and heightened inflammatory states post-AMI. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of chemerin's role in AMI, detailing its molecular mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, we explore the therapeutic prospects of targeting chemerin pathways to mitigate myocardial damage and improve clinical outcomes in AMI patients. By synthesizing the latest research findings, this review seeks to elucidate the multifaceted role of chemerin in AMI and its promise as a target for innovative therapeutic strategies.

Immune disease dialogue of chemokine-based cell communications as revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing meta-analysis

Immune-mediated diseases are characterized by aberrant immune responses, posing significant challenges to global health. In both inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, dysregulated immune reactions mediated by tissue-residing immune and non-immune cells precipitate chronic inflammation and tissue damage that is amplified by peripheral immune cell extravasation into the tissue. Chemokine receptors are pivotal in orchestrating immune cell migration, yet deciphering the signaling code across cell types, diseases and tissues remains an open challenge. To delineate disease-specific cell-cell communications involved in immune cell migration, we conducted a meta-analysis of publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data across diverse immune diseases and tissues. Our comprehensive analysis spanned multiple immune disorders affecting major organs: atopic dermatitis and psoriasis (skin), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (lung), ulcerative colitis (colon), IgA nephropathy and lupus nephritis (kidney). By interrogating ligand-receptor (L-R) interactions, alterations in cell proportions, and differential gene expression, we unveiled intricate disease-specific and common immune cell chemoattraction and extravasation patterns. Our findings delineate disease-specific L-R networks and shed light on shared immune responses across tissues and diseases. Insights gleaned from this analysis hold promise for the development of targeted therapeutics aimed at modulating immune cell migration to mitigate inflammation and tissue damage. This nuanced understanding of immune cell dynamics at the single-cell resolution opens avenues for precision medicine in immune disease management.

Leptin receptor (+) stromal cells respond to periodontitis and attenuate alveolar bone repair via CCRL2-mediated Wnt inhibition

The impaired bone healing in tooth extraction sockets due to periodontitis presents a major obstacle to restoring oral health. The mechanisms regulating the osteogenic capacity of jawbone-derived stromal cells in the periodontitis microenvironment remain elusive. Leptin receptor (LepR) expressing stromal cells, which largely overlap with Cxcl12-abundant reticular (CAR) cells in bone tissue, rapidly proliferate and differentiate into bone-forming cells during extraction socket healing to support alveolar bone repair. In this study, we identify that CCRL2 is significantly expressed and inhibits osteogenesis in LepR+/CAR cells of alveolar bones with periodontitis. The Ccrl2-KO mice exhibit significant improvements in bone healing in extraction sockets with periodontitis. Specifically, the binding of CCRL2 to SFRP1 on the surface of LepR+/CAR cells can amplify the suppressive effect of SFRP1 on Wnt signaling under inflammation, thus hindering the osteogenic differentiation of LepR+/CAR cells and resulting in poor bone healing in extraction sockets with periodontitis. Together, we clarify that the CCRL2 receptor of LepR+/CAR cells can respond to periodontitis and crosstalk with Wnt signaling to deteriorate extraction socket healing.

Impact of Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 on atherosclerotic plaque and its mechanism

Atherosclerosis is viewed as not just as a problem of lipid build-up in blood vessels, but also as a chronic inflammatory disease involving both innate and acquired immunity. In atherosclerosis, the inflammation of the arterial walls is the key characteristic that significantly contributes to both the instability of plaque and the occlusion of arteries by blood clots. These events ultimately lead to stroke and acute coronary syndrome. Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when consumed in the right quantities, offer advantages for one's health. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 (ATCC 14917) on the development of atherosclerotic plaques and its underlying mechanism in Apo lipoprotein E-knockout (Apoe-/- mice). In this study, Apoe-/- mice at approximately 8 weeks of age were randomly assigned to three groups: a Normal group that received a normal chow diet, a high fat diet group that received a gavage of PBS, and a Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 group that received a high fat diet and a gavage of 0.2 ml ATCC 14917 (2 × 109 CFU/mL) per day for a duration of 12 weeks. Our strain effectively reduced the size of plaques in Apoe-/- mice by regulating the expression of inflammatory markers, immune cell markers, chemokines/chemokine receptors, and tight junction proteins (TJPs). Specifically, it decreased the levels of inflammatory markers (ICAM-1, CD-60 MCP-1, F4/80, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1) in the thoracic aorta, (Ccr7, cd11c, cd4, cd80, IL-1β, TNF-α) in the colon, and increased the activity of ROS-scavenging enzymes (SOD-1 and SOD-2). It also influenced the expression of TJPs (occludin, ZO-1, claudin-3, and MUC-3). In addition, the treatment of ATCC 14917 significantly reduced the level of lipopolysaccharide in the mesenteric adipose tissue. The findings of our study demonstrated that our strain effectively decreased the size of atherosclerotic plaques by modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, intestinal integrity, and intestinal immunity.

Constructing a competitive endogenous RNA network of EndMT-related atherosclerosis through weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction and plaque formation. Under pro-inflammatory conditions, endothelial cells can undergo endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), contributing to atherosclerosis development. However, the specific regulatory mechanisms by which EndMT contributes to atherosclerosis remain unclear and require further investigation. Dan-Shen-Yin (DSY), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, is commonly used for cardiovascular diseases, but its molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Emerging evidence indicates that competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks play critical roles in atherosclerosis pathogenesis. In this study, we constructed an EndMT-associated ceRNA network during atherosclerosis progression by integrating gene expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed this EndMT-related ceRNA network is predominantly involved in inflammatory responses. ROC curve analysis showed the identified hub genes can effectively distinguish between normal vasculature and atherosclerotic lesions. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that high expression of IL1B significantly predicts ischemic events in atherosclerosis. Molecular docking revealed most DSY bioactive components can bind key EndMT-related lncRNAs, including AC003092.1, MIR181A1HG, MIR155HG, WEE2-AS1, and MIR137HG, suggesting DSY may mitigate EndMT in atherosclerosis by modulating the ceRNA network.