Emerging translational approaches to target STAT3 signalling and its impact on vascular disease

Changes in adrenomedullin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid with chorioamnionitis in a sheep-based model

BACKGROUND

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a potent angiogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory peptide protecting the developing lung from injury due to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) of the preterm infant. At this stage, no data on the potential effects of chorioamnionitis (CA) occurrence and glucocorticoids (GC) administration on AM in developing lungs are still lacking.

OBJECTIVE

to investigate, in a sheep-based model, the positive/side-effects of combined exposure to CA and GC on AM concentrations measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).

METHODS

Time-mated ewes were randomly admitted to one of six treatment groups receiving injection: saline (controls); lipopolysaccharide (L) in intra-amniotic fluid treated alone at 7 or 14 d before delivery or associated with betamethasone (B) intramuscularly; B treated alone (7d) or associated with L (14d). Lambs were surgically delivered at 120 days gestation and euthanized. BALF was used for AM measurement in the studied groups.

RESULTS

AM BALF levels significantly (p < 0.05, for all) changed both to B and L exposure in a time-dependent manner. The latter was characterized by AM levels at short term superimposable to controls, whilst significantly (p > 0.05) decreased at long-term. The former showed increased AM at short and decreased at long-term (p < 0.05, for all), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

the present results showing AM BALF changes in a sheep-based model support the AM role in the hemodynamic patterns due to CA and BPD occurrence and open the way to further studies investigating the role of vasoactive agents as trustable markers of lung development/damage.

Inflammatory Pathways in Coronary Artery Disease: Which Ones to Target for Secondary Prevention?

Coronary artery disease (CAD), the build-up of atherosclerotic plaques on the wall of blood vessels, causes adverse cardiovascular events. Secondary prevention focuses on treating patients with existing plaques to prevent disease progression. Recent studies have shown that inflammation is an independent risk factor that drives disease progression, and targeting inflammation could be an effective therapeutic strategy for secondary prevention. In this review, we highlighted the roles of several inflammatory pathways in rupture and erosion, two major processes through which established plaques lead to adverse cardiovascular events. In the past 15 years, numerous clinical trials have tested the therapeutic potential of targeting these pathways, including neutralizing inflammatory cytokines and blocking signaling transduction of the inflammatory pathways. Only colchicine was approved for clinical use in patients with CAD. This is primarily due to the multifaceted roles of inflammatory pathways in disease progression. Commonly used pre-clinical models provided robust information for the onset of early disease but limited understanding of the inflammatory network in established plaques. This review will summarize lessons learned from successful and failed clinical trials to advocate for assessing inflammation in established plaques before designing therapeutics for secondary prevention.

Emerging role of IRE1α in vascular diseases

A mounting body of evidence suggests that the endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response are involved in the underlying mechanisms responsible for vascular diseases. Inositol-requiring protein 1α (IRE1α), the most ancient branch among the UPR-related signaling pathways, can possess both serine/threonine kinase and endoribonuclease (RNase) activity and can perform physiological and pathological functions. The IRE1α-signaling pathway plays a critical role in the pathology of various vascular diseases. In this review, we provide a general overview of the physiological function of IRE1α and its pathophysiological role in vascular diseases.

Parthenolide attenuates hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension through inhibiting STAT3 signaling

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic lung disease characterized by the progressive pulmonary vascular remodeling with increased pulmonary arterial pressure and right ventricular failure. Pulmonary vascular remodeling involves the proliferation, migration, and resistance to apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth cells (PASMCs). Parthenolide (PTN) is a bioactive compound derived from a traditional medical plant feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), and it has been studied for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and other related ailments. However, the function of PTN in the treatment of PH has not been studied.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis effects of PTN on PH and investigate its potential mechanisms.

METHODS

An in vivo hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH) model was established by maintaining male rats in a hypoxia chamber (10% O2) for 3 weeks, and PTN was intraperitoneally administered at the dose of 10 or 30 mg/kg. We assessed the impact of PTN on mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), pulmonary vascular remodeling, and right ventricular hypertrophy. In vitro, we evaluated hypoxia-induced cellular proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of rat PASMCs. Proteins related to the STAT3 signaling axis were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Recovery experiments were performed using the STAT3 activator, colivelin TFA.

RESULTS

PTN significantly alleviated the symptoms of HPH rats by attenuating pulmonary arterial remodeling. It also prevented the proliferation and migration of PASMCs. PTN also induced the apoptosis of PASMCs. PTN could directly interact with STAT3 and markedly inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. In vitro, and in vivo experiments demonstrated that overexpression of STAT3 partially suppressed the effect of PTN.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that PTN alleviated hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats by suppressing STAT3 activity.

Inhibition of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Activity Improves Cognitive Function in Mice Subjected to Myocardial Infarction

Cognitive impairment is a commonly observed complication following myocardial infarction; however, the underlying mechanisms are still not well understood. The most recent research suggests that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) plays a critical role in the development and occurrence of cognitive dysfunction-related diseases. This study aims to explore whether the ERK inhibitor U0126 targets the ERK/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1) pathway to ameliorate cognitive impairment after myocardial infarction. To establish a mouse model of myocardial infarction, we utilized various techniques including Echocardiography, Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Elisa, Open field test, Elevated plus maze test, and Western blot analysis to assess mouse cardiac function, cognitive function, and signal transduction pathways. For further investigation into the mechanisms of cognitive function and signal transduction, we administered the ERK inhibitor U0126 via intraperitoneal injection. Reduced total distance and activity range were observed in mice subjected to myocardial infarction during the open field test, along with decreased exploration of the open arms in the elevated plus maze test. However, U0126 treatment exhibited a significant improvement in cognitive decline, indicating a protective effect through the inhibition of the ERK/STAT1 signaling pathway. Hence, this study highlights the involvement of the ERK/STAT1 pathway in regulating cognitive dysfunction following myocardial infarction and establishes U0126 as a promising therapeutic target.

The potential of vascular normalization for sensitization to radiotherapy

Radiotherapy causes apoptosis mainly through direct or indirect damage to DNA via ionizing radiation, leading to DNA strand breaks. However, the efficacy of radiotherapy is attenuated in malignant tumor microenvironment (TME), such as hypoxia. Tumor vasculature, due to the imbalance of various angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors, leads to irregular morphology of tumor neovasculature, disordered arrangement of endothelial cells, and too little peripheral coverage. This ultimately leads to a TME characterized by hypoxia, low pH and high interstitial pressure. This deleterious TME further exacerbates the adverse effects of tumor neovascularization and weakens the efficacy of conventional radiotherapy. Whereas normalization of blood vessels improves TME and thus the efficacy of radiotherapy. In addition to describing the research progress of radiotherapy sensitization and vascular normalization, this review focuses on the strategy and application prospect of modulating vascular normalization to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy sensitization.

STAT protein family and cardiovascular diseases: overview of pathological mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the significant causes of death and are considered a major concern of human society. One of the most crucial objectives of scientists is to reveal the mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of CVD, which has attracted the attention of many scientists. Accumulating evidence showed that the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is involved in various physiological and pathological processes. According to research on the molecular mechanisms of CVDs, the STAT family of proteins is one of the most crucial players in these diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated the undeniable relevance of STAT family proteins in various CVDs. The aim of this review is to shed light on how STAT signaling pathways are related to CVD and the potential for using these signaling pathways as therapeutic targets.

Nek6 knockdown polarized macrophages into a pro-inflammatory phenotype via inhibiting STAT3 expression

Recently macrophage polarization has emerged as playing an essential role in the oathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which is the most important underlying process in many types of cardiovascular diseases. Although Nek6 has been reported to be involved in various cellular processes, the effect of Nek6 on macrophage polarization remains unknown. Macrophages exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or IL-4 were used to establish an in vitro model for the study of regulation of classically (M1) or alternatively (M2) activated macrophage. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) transfected with short hairpin RNA-targeting Nek6 were then in functional studies. We observed that Nek6 expression was decreased in both peritoneal macrophages (PMs) and BMDMs stimulated by LPS. This effect was seen at both mRNA and protein level. The opposite results were obtained after administration of IL-4. Macrophage-specific Nek6 knockdown significantly exacerbated pro-inflammatory M1 polarized macrophage gene expression in response to LPS challenge, but the anti-inflammatory response gene expression that is related to M2 macrophages was attenuated by Nek6 silencing followed by treatment with IL-4. Mechanistic studies exhibited that Nek6 knockdown inhibited the phosphorylated STAT3 expression that mediated the effect on macrophage polarization regulated by AdshNek6. Moreover, decreased Nek6 expression was also observed in atherosclerotic plaques. Collectively, these evidences suggested that Nek6 acts as a crucial site in macrophage polarization, and that this operates in a STAT3-dependent manner.

Sam68 promotes osteogenic differentiation of aortic valvular interstitial cells by TNF-α/STAT3/autophagy axis

Calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a major non-rheumatic heart valve disease in the world, with a high mortality rate and without suitable pharmaceutical therapy due to its complex mechanisms. Src-associated in mitosis 68-KD (Sam68), an RNA binding protein, has been reported as a signaling adaptor in numerous signaling pathways (Huot in Mol Cell Biol, 29(7), 1933-1943, 2009), particularly in inflammatory signaling pathways. The effects of Sam68 on the osteogenic differentiation process of hVICs and its regulation on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway have been investigated in this study. Human aortic valve samples detection found that Sam68 expression was up-regulated in human calcific aortic valves. We used tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) as an activator for osteogenic differentiation in vitro and the result indicated that Sam68 was highly expressed after TNF-α stimulation. Overexpression of Sam68 promoted osteogenic differentiation of hVICs while Sam68 knockdown reversed this effect. Sam68 interaction with STAT3 was predicted by using String database and was verified in this study. Sam68 knockdown reduced phosphorylation of STAT3 activated by TNF-α and the downstream gene expression, which further influenced autophagy flux in hVICs. STAT3 knockdown alleviated the osteogenic differentiation and calcium deposition promoted by Sam68 overexpression. In conclusion, Sam68 interacts with STAT3 and participates in its phosphorylation to promote osteogenic differentiation of hVICs to induce valve calcification. Thus, Sam68 may be a new therapeutic target for CAVD. Regulatory of Sam68 in TNF-α/STAT3/Autophagy Axis in promoting osteogenesis of hVICs.

Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Approach to Identify the Pathogenetic Link Between Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Disease

Objective

This study aimed to identify hub genes and common pathways shared between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) using bioinformatics analysis and predict the transcription factors (TFs) of hub genes.

Methods

GSE133555 data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between involved and uninvolved skin lesions in psoriasis, employing the limma package in R. Additionally, CVD-related genes were obtained from the GeneCards database. The intersection of DEGs and CVD-related genes yielded CVD-DEGs. Gene Ontology and signaling pathway analyses were performed using the clusterProfiler package in R. Hub genes were identified by intersecting six algorithms in the CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape. To identify potential biomarkers, the GSE14905 dataset was subjected to receiver operating characteristic analysis, resulting in the identification of eight central hub genes. Finally, the NetworkAnalyst web tool was used to identify the TFs of the eight hub genes.

Results

We identified 92 significant DEGs out of 1825 CVD-related genes in psoriasis obtained from the GSE13355 and GeneCard data. Functional enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of these genes in various signaling pathways, including the interleukin-17 signaling, tumor necrosis factor signaling, lipid and atherosclerosis, chemokine signaling, and cytokine signaling pathways in the immune system. The eight hub genes identified included interleukin-1 beta, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, C-C motif chemokine ligand 2, arginase 1, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4, cyclin D1, and matrix metallopeptidase 9, with forkhead box C1 also identified as an associated TF of these genes. These hub genes and TF may act as key regulators in the context of CVD.

Conclusion

This study identified several hub genes and signaling pathways associated with both CVD and psoriasis. These findings lay the groundwork for potential therapeutic interventions for patients with psoriasis affected by CVD.

RNA Binding Protein Quaking Promotes Hypoxia-induced Smooth Muscle Reprogramming in Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a devastating disease characterized by progressive increases in pulmonary vascular resistance and remodeling, which eventually leads to right ventricular failure and death. The aim of this study was to identify novel molecular mechanisms involved in the hyperproliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in PH. In this study, we first demonstrated that the mRNA and protein expression amounts of QKI (Quaking), an RNA-binding protein, were elevated in human and rodent PH lung and pulmonary artery tissues and hypoxic human PASMCs. QKI deficiency attenuated PASMC proliferation in vitro and vascular remodeling in vivo. Next, we elucidated that QKI increases STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) mRNA stability by binding to its 3' untranslated region. QKI inhibition reduced STAT3 expression and alleviated PASMC proliferation in vitro. Moreover, we also observed that the upregulated expression of STAT3 promoted PASMC proliferation in vitro and in vivo. In addition, as a transcription factor, STAT3 bound to microRNA (miR)-146b promoter to enhance its expression. We further showed that miR-146b promoted the proliferation of smooth muscle cells by inhibiting STAT1 and TET2 (Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2) during pulmonary vascular remodeling. This study has demonstrated new mechanistic insights into hypoxic reprogramming that arouses vascular remodeling, thus providing proof of concept for targeting vascular remodeling by directly modulating the QKI-STAT3-miR-146b pathway in PH.

Monogenic early-onset lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity: Natural history of STAT3 gain-of-function syndrome

BACKGROUND

In 2014, germline signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 gain-of-function (GOF) mutations were first described to cause a novel multisystem disease of early-onset lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity.

OBJECTIVE

This pivotal cohort study defines the scope, natural history, treatment, and overall survival of a large global cohort of patients with pathogenic STAT3 GOF variants.

METHODS

We identified 191 patients from 33 countries with 72 unique mutations. Inclusion criteria included symptoms of immune dysregulation and a biochemically confirmed germline heterozygous GOF variant in STAT3.

RESULTS

Overall survival was 88%, median age at onset of symptoms was 2.3 years, and median age at diagnosis was 12 years. Immune dysregulatory features were present in all patients: lymphoproliferation was the most common manifestation (73%); increased frequencies of double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells were found in 83% of patients tested. Autoimmune cytopenias were the second most common clinical manifestation (67%), followed by growth delay, enteropathy, skin disease, pulmonary disease, endocrinopathy, arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, neurologic disease, vasculopathy, renal disease, and malignancy. Infections were reported in 72% of the cohort. A cellular and humoral immunodeficiency was observed in 37% and 51% of patients, respectively. Clinical symptoms dramatically improved in patients treated with JAK inhibitors, while a variety of other immunomodulatory treatment modalities were less efficacious. Thus far, 23 patients have undergone bone marrow transplantation, with a 62% survival rate.

CONCLUSION

STAT3 GOF patients present with a wide array of immune-mediated disease including lymphoproliferation, autoimmune cytopenias, and multisystem autoimmunity. Patient care tends to be siloed, without a clear treatment strategy. Thus, early identification and prompt treatment implementation are lifesaving for STAT3 GOF syndrome.

Transcription factors in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension-Current knowledge and therapeutic potential

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease characterized by elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary artery pressure. Mortality remains high in severe cases despite significant advances in management and pharmacotherapy. Since currently approved PAH therapies are unable to significantly reverse pathological vessel remodeling, novel disease-modifying, targeted therapeutics are needed. Pathogenetically, PAH is characterized by vessel wall cell dysfunction with consecutive remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature and the right heart. Transcription factors (TFs) regulate the process of transcribing DNA into RNA and, in the pulmonary circulation, control the response of pulmonary vascular cells to macro- and microenvironmental stimuli. Often, TFs form complex protein interaction networks with other TFs or co-factors to allow for fine-tuning of gene expression. Therefore, identification of the underlying molecular mechanisms of TF (dys-)function is essential to develop tailored modulation strategies in PAH. This current review provides a compendium-style overview of TFs and TF complexes associated with PAH pathogenesis and highlights their potential as targets for vasculoregenerative or reverse remodeling therapies.

Disulfiram attenuates hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting GSDMD cleavage and pyroptosis in HPASMCs

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by progressive pulmonary arterial remodelling, associated with different severities of inflammation and altered immune processes. Disulfiram eliminates the formation of N-gasdermin D (GSDMD) plasma membrane pores to prevent pyroptosis. Pyroptosis is a form of lytic cell death characterized by inflammasome activation and proinflammatory cytokine release that acts in the development of PH. We sought to investigate whether disulfiram could alleviate hypoxia-induced PH by inhibiting pyroptosis.

METHODS

To investigate whether disulfiram alleviates the progression of pulmonary hypertension, rodents were exposed to chronic hypoxia (10% oxygen, 4 weeks) to induce PH. The severity of PH was assessed by measuring right ventricular systolic pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and the degree of right ventricular hypertrophy. Western blotting was used to measure proteins associated with the pyroptosis pathway, and ELISA was performed to measure the secretion of IL-18 and IL-1β, both of which are the primary methods for assessing pyroptosis.

RESULTS

IL-18 and IL-1β concentrations were higher in patients with PH than in normal controls. Disulfiram suppressed the progression of PH in mice and rats through the alleviation of pulmonary arterial remodelling. Pyroptosis-related proteins and the inflammasome were activated in rodent models of PH. Disulfiram inhibited the processing of GSDMD into N-GSDMD and attenuated the secretion of IL-1β and IL18. In vivo experiments showed that disulfiram also inhibited lytic death in HPASMCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Disulfiram treatment reduces PH progression through suppressing vascular remodelling by inhibiting GSDMD cleavage and pyroptosis. It might become a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of PH.

Macrophages regulate vascular smooth muscle cell function during atherosclerosis progression through IL-1β/STAT3 signaling

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a central role in atherosclerosis progression, but the functional changes in VSMCs and the associated cellular crosstalk during atherosclerosis progression remain unknown. Here we show that scRNA-seq analysis of proximal adjacent (PA) and atherosclerotic core (AC) regions of human carotid artery plaques identifies functional alterations in macrophage-like VSMCs, elucidating the main state differences between PA and AC VSMCs. And, IL-1β mediates macrophage-macrophage-like VSMC crosstalk through regulating key transcription factors involved in macrophage-like VSMCs functional alterations during atherosclerosis progression. In vitro assays reveal VSMCs trans-differentiated into a macrophage-like phenotype and then functional alterations in response to macrophage-derived stimuli. IL-1β promots the adhesion, inflammation, and apoptosis of macrophage-like VSMCs in a STAT3 dependent manner. The current findings provide interesting insight into the macrophages-macrophage-like VSMC crosstalk, which would drive functional alterations in the latter cell type through IL-1β/STAT3 axis during atherosclerosis progression.

Inflammation and immune cell abnormalities in intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH): Relevant signaling pathways and therapeutic strategies

Intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a cerebrovascular disorder associated with high overall mortality. Currently, the underlying mechanisms of pathological reaction after aneurysm rupture are still unclear, especially in the immune microenvironment, inflammation, and relevant signaling pathways. SAH-induced immune cell population alteration, immune inflammatory signaling pathway activation, and active substance generation are associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunosuppression, and brain injury. Crosstalk between immune disorders and hyperactivation of inflammatory signals aggravated the devastating consequences of brain injury and cerebral vasospasm and increased the risk of infection. In this review, we discussed the role of inflammation and immune cell responses in the occurrence and development of aneurysm SAH, as well as the most relevant immune inflammatory signaling pathways [PI3K/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), STAT, SIRT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), NLRP3, TLR4/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and Keap1/nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)/ARE cascades] and biomarkers in aneurysm SAH. In addition, we also summarized potential therapeutic drugs targeting the aneurysm SAH immune inflammatory responses, such as nimodipine, dexmedetomidine (DEX), fingolimod, and genomic variation-related aneurysm prophylactic agent sunitinib. The intervention of immune inflammatory responses and immune microenvironment significantly reduces the secondary brain injury, thereby improving the prognosis of patients admitted to SAH. Future studies should focus on exploring potential immune inflammatory mechanisms and developing additional therapeutic strategies for precise aneurysm SAH immune inflammatory regulation and genomic variants associated with aneurysm formation.

PCSK9 Confers Inflammatory Properties to Extracellular Vesicles Released by Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are key participants in both early- and late-stage atherosclerosis and influence neighbouring cells possibly by means of bioactive molecules, some of which are packed into extracellular vesicles (EVs). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is expressed and secreted by VSMCs. This study aimed to unravel the role of PCSK9 on VSMCs-derived EVs in terms of content and functionality. EVs were isolated from human VSMCs overexpressing human PCSK9 (VSMCPCSK9-EVs) and tested on endothelial cells, monocytes, macrophages and in a model of zebrafish embryos. Compared to EVs released from wild-type VSMCs, VSMCPCSK9-EVs caused a rise in the expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells and of pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes. These acquired an increased migratory capacity, a reduced oxidative phosphorylation and secreted proteins involved in immune response and immune effector processes. Concerning macrophages, VSMCPCSK9-EVs enhanced inflammatory milieu and uptake of oxidized low-density lipoproteins, whereas the migratory capacity was reduced. When injected into zebrafish embryos, VSMCPCSK9-EVs favoured the recruitment of macrophages toward the site of injection. The results of the present study provide evidence that PCSK9 plays an inflammatory role by means of EVs, at least by those derived from smooth muscle cells of vascular origin.

Potential active compounds and molecular mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction for atherosclerosis, based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

To explore the potential active compounds and molecular mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XFZYD) in the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The effective components and action targets of XFZYD were screened by using TCMSP database. And then, the action targets of AS were collected by GeneCards database. The intersection targets between the effective components' targets of XFZYD and AS-related action targets were used to construct PPI networks. GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were performed on these intersection targets. Finally, molecular docking software was used to excavate the active compounds of the core targets VEGFA and AKT1. We detected 225 active components of XFZYD, and found that quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, naringenin, β-sitosterol, isorhamnetin, stigmasterol, baicalein, nobiletin, and β-carotene are the potential active compounds of XFZYD; STAT3, IL6, JUN, VEGFA, MAPK14, and AKT1 are the core target proteins of the active compounds, among which VEGFA and AKT1 are the key target proteins. PPI network results showed that β-carotene, quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and naringenin had higher degree values and more corresponding targets than other 5 active compounds and had the stable binding ability to regulatory proteins VEGFA and AKT1. The core components β-carotene, quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin exerted their therapeutic effects on AS by acting on the key target proteins VEGFA and AKT1 to regulate fluid shear stress and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway of diabetic complications of AS. The molecular docking results showed that VEGFA and AKT1 had great docking ability with the targeted active compounds, and β-carotene is the best. The active components of XFZYD, including β -carotene, quercetin, kamanol, and luteolin, can act on VEGFA and AKT1. These active ingredients play a role in alleviating and treating AS by regulating fluid shear stress and participating in signaling pathways such AS AGE-RAGE of atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus complicated with AS. β-carotene is a potential inhibitor of VEGFA and AKT1 and treats AS through antioxidant action.

Mining the Plasma Proteome for Insights into the Molecular Pathology of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Rationale: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by structural remodeling of pulmonary arteries and arterioles. Underlying biological processes are likely reflected in a perturbation of circulating proteins. Objectives: To quantify and analyze the plasma proteome of patients with PAH using inherited genetic variation to inform on underlying molecular drivers. Methods: An aptamer-based assay was used to measure plasma proteins in 357 patients with idiopathic or heritable PAH, 103 healthy volunteers, and 23 relatives of patients with PAH. In discovery and replication subgroups, the plasma proteomes of PAH and healthy individuals were compared, and the relationship to transplantation-free survival in PAH was determined. To examine causal relationships to PAH, protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) that influenced protein levels in the patient population were used as instruments for Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Measurements and Main Results: From 4,152 annotated plasma proteins, levels of 208 differed between patients with PAH and healthy subjects, and 49 predicted long-term survival. MR based on cis-pQTL located in proximity to the encoding gene for proteins that were prognostic and distinguished PAH from health estimated an adverse effect for higher levels of netrin-4 (odds ratio [OR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-2.08) and a protective effect for higher levels of thrombospondin-2 (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74-0.94) on PAH. Both proteins tracked the development of PAH in previously healthy relatives and changes in thrombospondin-2 associated with pulmonary arterial pressure at disease onset. Conclusions: Integrated analysis of the plasma proteome and genome implicates two secreted matrix-binding proteins, netrin-4 and thrombospondin-2, in the pathobiology of PAH.

Study on Mechanism of Invigorating Qi and Promoting Blood Circulation in Treatment of Angiogenesis after Myocardial Infarction Using Network Pharmacology

Objective

This article aims to explore the impact and mechanism of invigorating qi and promoting blood circulation (IQPBC) on angiogenesis after myocardial infarction (AMI) by using network pharmacology approach.

Methods

First, IQPBC was searched on the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), and the main active ingredients and targets of IQPBC were screened and obtained. Second, by virtue of GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases, the targets related to AMI are screened and then obtained. Then, the intersection targets between IQPBC and AMI can be obtained by using online tool Venny 2.1.0. Third, based on the STRING database, the interaction of target proteins is established and some key targets can be analyzed and obtained. Finally, the IQPBC-AMI interaction network is constructed by using Cytoscape, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses are executed by DAVID and OmicShare databases.

Results

143 intersection targets between IQPBC and AMI are obtained. Besides, key active ingredients, namely, quercetin, tanshinone, kaempferol, and luteolin, are shown. Furthermore, AKT1, VEGFA, STAT3, HIF-1α, and other 10 key targets are obtained. A total of 752 enrichment results are acquired by using GO analysis. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis shows 241 signaling pathways, focusing on cancer, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and TNF and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Conclusion

This article studies the potential targets and signaling pathways of IQPBC drugs acting on AMI via the network pharmacology approach, which better illustrates the effect and mechanism, and provides some good ideas for the following mechanism research studies.

Deletion of Smooth Muscle Lethal Giant Larvae 1 Promotes Neointimal Hyperplasia in Mice

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration contribute to neointimal hyperplasia after injury, which causes vascular remodeling related to arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and restenosis. Lethal giant larvae 1 (LGL1) is a highly conserved protein and plays an important role in cell polarity and tumor suppression. However, whether LGL1 affects neointimal hyperplasia is still unknown. In this study, we used smooth muscle-specific LGL1 knockout (LGL1^SMKO) mice generated by cross-breeding LGL1^flox/flox mice with α-SMA-Cre mice. LGL1 expression was significantly decreased during both carotid artery ligation in vivo and PDGF-BB stimulation in vitro. LGL1 overexpression inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Mechanistically, LGL1 could bind with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and promote its degradation via the proteasomal pathway. In the carotid artery ligation animal model, smooth muscle-specific deletion of LGL1 accelerated neointimal hyperplasia, which was attenuated by the STAT3 inhibitor SH-4-54. In conclusion, LGL1 may inhibit neointimal hyperplasia by repressing VSMC proliferation and migration via promoting STAT3 proteasomal degradation.

Pathogenesis and Clinical Significance of In-Stent Restenosis in Patients with Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a strong risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In the population of people living with DM, PAD is characterised by multi-level atherosclerotic lesions as well as greater involvement of the arteries below the knee. DM is also a factor that significantly increases the risk of lower limb amputation. Percutaneous balloon angioplasty with or without stent implantation is an important method of the treatment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, but restenosis is a factor limiting its long-term effectiveness. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in the course of DM differs slightly from that in the general population. In the population of people living with DM, more attention is drawn to such factors as inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet dysfunction, blood rheological properties, hypercoagulability, and additional factors stimulating vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. DM is a risk factor for restenosis. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature and to present the most important information on the current state of knowledge on mechanisms and the clinical significance of restenosis and in-stent restenosis in patients with DM, especially in association with the endovascular treatment of PAD. The role of such processes as inflammation, neointimal hyperplasia and neoatherosclerosis, allergy, resistance to antimitotic drugs used for coating stents and balloons, genetic factors, and technical and mechanical factors are discussed. The information on restenosis collected in this publication may be helpful in planning further research in this field, which may contribute to the formulation of more and more precise recommendations for the clinical practice.

Minimally modified low-density lipoprotein upregulates mouse mesenteric arterial 5-HT1B receptor in vivo via activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway

OBJECTIVES

To explore whether minimally modified low-density lipoprotein (mmLDL) upregulates mesenteric arterial 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B (5-HT_1B) receptor expression by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

METHODS

Mice were randomly divided into the following groups: the normal saline (NS), LDL, mmLDL, mmLDL+galiellactone (GL, a JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor), and mmLDL+DMSO groups. The dose-response curve of mesenteric arterial ring constriction after administration of 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT), an agonist of 5-HT_1B, was recorded with a microvascular tensiometer. JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3, and 5-HT_1B receptor protein expression levels were determined by Western blotting. 5-HT_1B receptor mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR. 5-HT_1B receptor protein expression was determined by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Injection of mmLDL into the tail vein significantly increased the contractile dose-response curve after 5-CT stimulation, as the E_max was 82.15 ± 6.15% in the NS group and 171.88 ± 5.78% in the mmLDL group (P < 0.01); significantly elevated 5-HT_1B receptor mRNA and protein expression levels; and significantly increased p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expression levels. After intraperitoneal injection of GL, the vasoconstrictive response was significantly reduced compared with that in the mmLDL group, as the E_max was decreased to 97.14 ± 1.20% (P < 0.01); 5-HT_1B receptor mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly reduced; STAT3 phosphorylation and p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expression were not significantly changed; and 5-HT_1B receptor expression was altered via inhibition of p-STAT3 binding to DNA, which suppressed transcription.

CONCLUSIONS

mmLDL can upregulate 5-HT_1B receptor expression in mouse mesenteric arteries by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Adrenomedullin Deficiency Potentiates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Experimental Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Neonatal Mice

Lung inflammation interrupts alveolarization and causes bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Besides mechanical ventilation and hyperoxia, sepsis contributes to BPD pathogenesis. Adrenomedullin (Adm) is a multifunctional peptide that exerts anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs of adult rodents. Whether Adm mitigates sepsis-induced neonatal lung injury is unknown. The lung phenotype of mice exposed to early postnatal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was recently shown to be similar to that in human BPD. This model was used to test the hypothesis that Adm-deficient neonatal mice will display increased LPS-induced lung injury than their wild-type (WT) littermates. Adm-deficient mice or their WT littermates were intraperitoneally administered 6 mg/kg of LPS or vehicle daily on postnatal days (PNDs) 3 to 5. The lungs were harvested at several time points to quantify inflammation, alveolarization, and vascularization. The extent of LPS-induced lung inflammation in Adm-deficient mice was 1.6-fold to 10-fold higher than their WT littermates. Strikingly, Adm deficiency induced STAT1 activation and potentiated STAT3 activation in LPS-exposed lungs. The severity of LPS-induced interruption of lung development was also greater in Adm-deficient mice at PND7. At PND14, LPS-exposed WT littermates displayed substantial improvement in lung development, whereas LPS-exposed Adm-deficient mice continued to have decreased lung development. These data indicate that Adm is necessary to decrease lung inflammation and injury and promote repair of the injured lungs in LPS-exposed neonatal mice.

Temporal multi-omics identifies LRG1 as a vascular niche instructor of metastasis

Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality. Tumor cell interactions with cells of the vessel wall are decisive and potentially rate-limiting for metastasis. The molecular nature of this cross-talk is, beyond candidate gene approaches, hitherto poorly understood. Using endothelial cell (EC) bulk and single-cell transcriptomics in combination with serum proteomics, we traced the evolution of the metastatic vascular niche in surgical models of lung metastasis. Temporal multiomics revealed that primary tumors systemically reprogram the body’s vascular endothelium to perturb homeostasis and to precondition the vascular niche for metastatic growth. The vasculature with its enormous surface thereby serves as amplifier of tumor-induced instructive signals. Comparative analysis of lung EC gene expression and secretome identified the transforming growth factor–β (TGFβ) pathway specifier LRG1, leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1, as an early instructor of metastasis. In the presence of a primary tumor, ECs systemically up-regulated LRG1 in a signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)–dependent manner. A meta-analysis of retrospective clinical studies revealed a corresponding up-regulation of LRG1 concentrations in the serum of patients with cancer. Functionally, systemic up-regulation of LRG1 promoted metastasis in mice by increasing the number of prometastatic neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2)+ perivascular cells. In turn, genetic deletion of Lrg1 hampered growth of lung metastasis. Postsurgical adjuvant administration of an LRG1-neutralizing antibody delayed metastatic growth and increased overall survival. This study has established a systems map of early primary tumor-induced vascular changes and identified LRG1 as a therapeutic target for metastasis.

Protective effects of BP-1-102 against intracranial aneurysms-induced impairments in mice

The development of non-invasive pharmacological therapies to prevent the progression and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is an important field of research. This study attempts to reveal the role of BP-1-102, an oral bioavailable signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor, in IA. We first constructed an IA mouse model by injecting elastase into the cerebrospinal fluid with simultaneous induction of hypertension by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) implantation. The results showed that the proportion of IA rupture in mice after BP-1-102 administration was significantly reduced, and the survival time was significantly extended. Further research showed that compared with the vehicle group, the proportion of macrophages infiltrated at the aneurysm and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the BP-1-102 administration group were significantly reduced. The contractile phenotype vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) specific markers, SM22α and αSMA, were significantly upregulated in the BP-1-102 group. Furthermore, we found that BP-1-102 inhibited the expression of critical proteins in the nuclear factor kappa-B and Janus kinase 2/STAT3 signalling pathways. Our study shows that BP-1-102 significantly decreases the rupture of IA, reduces the inflammatory responses and modulates the phenotype of VSMCs, suggesting that BP-1-102 could be utilised as a potential intervention drug for IA.

Identification of Potential Key Genes and Regulatory Markers in Essential Thrombocythemia Through Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis and Clinical Validation

Introduction

Essential thrombocytosis (ET) is a group of myeloproliferative neoplasms characterized by abnormal proliferation of platelet and megakaryocytes. Research on potential key genes and novel regulatory markers in essential thrombocythemia (ET) is still limited.

Methods

Downloading array profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through comprehensive bioinformatic analysis. GO, and REACTOME pathway enrichment analysis was used to predict the potential functions of DEGs. Besides, constructing a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network through the STRING database, we validated the expression level of hub genes in an independent cohort of ET, and the transcription factors (TFs) were detected in the regulatory networks of TFs and DEGs. And the candidate drugs that are targeting hub genes were identified using the DGIdb database.

Results

We identified 63 overlap DEGs that included 21 common up-regulated and 42 common down-regulated genes from two datasets. Functional enrichment analysis shows that the DEGs are mainly enriched in the immune system and inflammatory processes. Through PPI network analysis, ACTB, PTPRC, ACTR2, FYB, STAT1, ETS1, IL7R, IKZF1, FGL2, and CTSS were selected as hub genes. Interestingly, we found that the dysregulated hub genes are also aberrantly expressed in a bone marrow cohort of ET. Moreover, we found that the expression of CTSS, FGL2, IKZF1, STAT1, FYB, ACTR2, PTPRC, and ACTB genes were significantly under-expressed in ET (P<0.05), which is consistent with our bioinformatics analysis. The ROC curve analysis also shows that these hub genes have good diagnostic value. Besides, we identified 4 TFs (SPI1, IRF4, SRF, and AR) as master transcriptional regulators that were associated with regulating the DEGs in ET. Cyclophosphamide, prednisone, fluorouracil, ruxolitinib, and lenalidomide were predicted as potential candidate drugs for the treatment of ET.

Discussion

These dysregulated genes and predicted key regulators had a significant relationship with the occurrence of ET with affecting the immune system and inflammation of the processes. Some of the immunomodulatory drugs have potential value by targeting ACTB, PTPRC, IL7R, and IKZF1 genes in the treatment of ET.

Novel molecular insights and public omics data in pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare disease with high morbidity and mortality which mainly affects women of reproductive age. Despite recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, the high heterogeneity in the presentation of the disease among different patients makes it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis and to apply this knowledge to effective treatments. Therefore, new studies are required to focus on translational and personalized medicine to overcome the lack of specificity and efficacy of current management. Here, we review the majority of public databases storing 'omics' data of pulmonary hypertension studies, from animal models to human patients. Moreover, we review some of the new molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, including non-coding RNAs and the application of 'omics' data to understand this pathology, hoping that these new approaches will provide insights to guide the way to personalized diagnosis and treatment.

Reduction of serum-induced endothelial STAT3(Y705) activation is associated with preeclampsia

OBJECTIVES

Preeclampsia is associated with maternal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy, and also an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk later in life. During preeclampsia, alterations in secreted placental factors leading to systemic maternal endothelial dysfunction are evident. However, little is known about the associated endothelial intracellular signaling. STAT3 is a latent cytoplasmic transcription factor involved in endothelial cell differentiation, survival, and angiogenesis. We aimed to test if preeclampsia and preeclampsia-related placental factors could alter serum-induced STAT3(Y705) activation in endothelial cells. Furthermore, if altered serum-induced endothelial STAT3 (Y705) activation is related to post-preeclamptic CVD risk.

STUDY DESIGN

HUVECs were used as a model of maternal endothelium. Experiments entailed addition of 20% human pregnancy serum as well as addition of recombinant PlGF, sFLT1 and VEGF-A_165a to the cells.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Levels of pSTAT3(Y705) related to STAT3 levels were evaluated by immunoblotting analysis.

RESULTS

Our results show that preeclamptic serum induces significantly lower STAT3(Y705) phosphorylation compared with uncomplicated pregnancy serum (P = 0.0089) in endothelial cells. Furthermore, STAT3(Y705) phosphorylation was not changed upon addition of PlGF, sFLT1, or VEGF-A_165a together with pregnancy sera compared with sera alone. Finally, sera from women with previous preeclampsia and current hypertension and carotid atherosclerotic plaques show significantly lower STAT3(Y705) phosphorylation capabilities compared with healthy women with previous uncomplicated pregnancies 8-18 years after deliveries (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction in serum-induced endothelial STAT3(Y705) activation may play an important role in the preeclampsia-associated endothelial dysfunction. Additionally, reduced endothelial STAT3(Y705) phosphorylation may contribute to increased post-preeclamptic CVD risk 8-18 years after delivery.

Senescence-induced inflammation: an important player and key therapeutic target in atherosclerosis

Inflammation is a hallmark and potent driver of pathological vascular remodelling in atherosclerosis. However, current anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies have shown mixed results. As an alternative perspective on the conundrum of chronic inflammation emerging evidence points towards a small subset of senescent cells as a critical player and central node driving atherosclerosis. Senescent cells belonging to various cell types are a dominant and chronic source of a large array of pro-inflammatory cytokines and various additional plaque destabilizing factors, being involved with various aspects of atherosclerosis pathogenesis. Antagonizing these key agitators of local chronic inflammation and plaque instability may provide a causative and multi-purpose therapeutic strategy to treat atherosclerosis. Anti-senescence treatment options with translational potential are currently in development. However, several questions and challenges remain to be addressed before these novel treatment approaches may enter the clinical setting.

Progressive and Coordinated Mobilization of the Skeletal Muscle Niche throughout Tissue Repair Revealed by Single-Cell Proteomic Analysis

Background: Skeletal muscle is one of the only mammalian tissues capable of rapid and efficient regeneration after trauma or in pathological conditions. Skeletal muscle regeneration is driven by the muscle satellite cells, the stem cell population in interaction with their niche. Upon injury, muscle fibers undergo necrosis and muscle stem cells activate, proliferate and fuse to form new myofibers. In addition to myogenic cell populations, interaction with other cell types such as inflammatory cells, mesenchymal (fibroadipogenic progenitors—FAPs, pericytes) and vascular (endothelial) lineages are important for efficient muscle repair. While the role of the distinct populations involved in skeletal muscle regeneration is well characterized, the quantitative changes in the muscle stem cell and niche during the regeneration process remain poorly characterized. Methods: We have used mass cytometry to follow the main muscle cell types (muscle stem cells, vascular, mesenchymal and immune cell lineages) during early activation and over the course of muscle regeneration at D0, D2, D5 and D7 compared with uninjured muscles. Results: Early activation induces a number of rapid changes in the proteome of multiple cell types. Following the induction of damage, we observe a drastic loss of myogenic, vascular and mesenchymal cell lineages while immune cells invade the damaged tissue to clear debris and promote muscle repair. Immune cells constitute up to 80% of the mononuclear cells 5 days post-injury. We show that muscle stem cells are quickly activated in order to form new myofibers and reconstitute the quiescent muscle stem cell pool. In addition, our study provides a quantitative analysis of the various myogenic populations during muscle repair. Conclusions: We have developed a mass cytometry panel to investigate the dynamic nature of muscle regeneration at a single-cell level. Using our panel, we have identified early changes in the proteome of stressed satellite and niche cells. We have also quantified changes in the major cell types of skeletal muscle during regeneration and analyzed myogenic transcription factor expression in satellite cells throughout this process. Our results highlight the progressive dynamic shifts in cell populations and the distinct states of muscle stem cells adopted during skeletal muscle regeneration. Our findings give a deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular aspects of muscle regeneration.

Sodium Selenite Attenuates Balloon Injury-Induced and Monocrotaline-Induced Vascular Remodeling in Rats

Vascular remodeling (VR), induced by the massive proliferation and reduced apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), is primarily responsible for many cardiovascular conditions, such as restenosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Sodium selenite (SSE) is an inorganic selenium, which can block proliferation and stimulate apoptosis of tumor cells; still, its protective effects on VR remains unknown. In this study, we established rat models with carotid artery balloon injury and monocrotaline induced pulmonary arterial hypertension and administered them SSE (0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg/day) orally by feeding tube for 14 consecutive days. We found that SSE treatment greatly ameliorated the development of VR as evidenced by an improvement of its characteristic features, including elevation of the ratio of carotid artery intimal area to medial area, right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary arterial wall hypertrophy and right ventricular systolic pressure. Furthermore, PCNA and TUNEL staining of the arteries showed that SSE suppressed proliferation and enhanced apoptosis of VSMCs in both models. Compared with the untreated VR rats, lower expression of PCNA and CyclinD1, but higher levels of Cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 were observed in the SSE-treated rats. Moreover, the increased protein expression of MMP2, MMP9, p-AKT, p-ERK, p-GSK3β and β-catenin that occurred in the VR rats were significantly inhibited by SSE. Collectively, treatment with SSE remarkably attenuates the pathogenesis of VR, and this protection may be associated with the inhibition of AKT and ERK signaling and prevention of VSMC’s dysfunction. Our study suggest that SSE is a potential agent for treatment of VR-related diseases.

Inhibition of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)-Activated Protein Kinase 2 (MK2) is Protective in Pulmonary Hypertension

[Figure: see text].

Osteogenic differentiation and calcification of human aortic smooth muscle cells is induced by the RCN2/STAT3/miR-155-5p feedback loop

BACKGROUND

Vascular calcification (VC) is associated with the high morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases in dialysis patients and is a process in which vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) actively differentiate into osteoblast-like cells. Reticulocalbin-2 (RCN2) is involved in the process of osteogenic differentiation under diabetic conditions, but its regulatory role under hyperphosphatemic conditions and the related mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the importance of the interactions among RCN2, STAT3 and miR-155-5p during the osteogenic differentiation and calcification of human aortic VSMCs (HASMCs) were investigated.

METHODS

RCN2 was measured in femoropopliteal artery plaque specimens from 6 peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 6 PAD patients without CKD. RCN2 protein and mRNA expression were assessed in the high phosphate-induced aortic rings culture ex vivo model. In vitro calcification assays and molecular mechanism studies were performed in HASMCs.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical staining results revealed increased RCN2 expression in the calcified plaques of femoral arteries of patients with CKD and in a high phosphate-induced aortic culture ex vivo model. RCN2 promoted HASMCs osteogenic differentiation and calcification by inducing STAT3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, inhibition of STAT3 activation by cryptotanshinone (CT) promoted miR-155-5p expression in HASMCs. In turn, miR-155-5p inhibited RCN2 mRNA expression, while RCN2 overexpression partially offset the miR-155-5p-mediated inhibition of HASMC calcification, acting as a positive feedback loop.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that RCN2 is a crucial regulator of VC under hyperphosphatemic conditions. RCN2/STAT3/miR-155-5p feedback loop is important in VC and targeting each member of this feedback loop could potentially reverse high phosphate-induced VC.

Unraveling the molecular mechanisms between inflammation and tumor angiogenesis

Inflammatory mediators in tumor microenvironment influence cancer occurrence, growth and metastasis through complex signaling networks. Excessive inflammation is closely associated with elevated cancer risk and mortality, in part through inflammation-induced angiogenesis. Mechanistically, multiple tumor-associated inflammatory cells increase the release and accumulation of various inflammatory products in cancerous sites. These products in turn activate tumor associated signaling cascades such as STAT3, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK, which mediate the recruitment of inflammatory cells and secretion of pro-inflammatory factors. More importantly, these events promote the secretion of various pro-angiogenesis factors from endothelial, tumor and inflammatory cells, which then drive malignancy in endothelial cells in a paracrine and/or autocrine manner. Its ultimate effect is to promote endothelial cell proliferation, migration, survival and tube formation, and to hence the formation of blood vessels in tumors. This review describes the signaling network that connects the interaction between inflammation and cancer, especially those involved in inflammation-induced angiogenesis. This will reveal potential targets for the design of anti-inflammatory treatments and drugs that inhibites tumor growth and angiogenesis.

Characterization of Antiphospholipid Syndrome Atherothrombotic Risk by Unsupervised Integrated Transcriptomic Analyses

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to characterize distinctive clinical antiphospholipid syndrome phenotypes and identify novel microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA-intracellular signaling regulatory networks in monocytes linked to cardiovascular disease. Approach and Results: Microarray analysis in antiphospholipid syndrome monocytes revealed 547 differentially expressed genes, mainly involved in inflammatory, cardiovascular, and reproductive disorders. Besides, this approach identified several genes related to inflammatory, renal, and dermatologic diseases. Functional analyses further demonstrated phosphorylation of intracellular kinases related to thrombosis and immune-mediated chronic inflammation. miRNA profiling showed altered expression of 22 miRNAs, enriched in pathways related to immune functions, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune-associated pathologies. Unbiased integrated mRNA-miRNA analysis identified a signature of 9 miRNAs as potential modulators of 17 interconnected genes related to cardiovascular disease. The altered expression of that miRNA-mRNA signature was proven to be stable along time and distinctive of nonautoimmune thrombotic patients. Transfection studies and luciferase assays established the relationship between specific miRNAs and their identified target genes and proteins, along with their involvement in the regulation of monocytes procoagulant activity and cell adhesion. Correlation analyses showed relationship among altered miRNAs and their interconnected genes with aPL (antiphospholipid antibodies)-titers, along with microvascular endothelial dysfunction. In vitro studies demonstrated modulation in healthy monocytes by IgG-aPLs of several genes/miRNAs, which further intermediated downstream effects on endothelial function. The identified transcriptomic signature allowed the unsupervised division of three clusters of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome showing distinctive clinical profiles, mainly associated with their prothrombotic risk (thrombosis, autoantibody profile, cardiovascular risk factors, and atherosclerosis).

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive molecular profiling of monocytes in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome might help to identify distinctive clinical phenotypes, thus enabling new patients' tailored treatments.

Hyaloid Vasculature as a Major Source of STAT3+ (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3) Myeloid Cells for Pathogenic Retinal Neovascularization in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy

OBJECTIVE

Myeloid cells are critically involved in inflammation-induced angiogenesis, although their pathogenic role in the ischemic retina remains controversial. We hypothesize that myeloid cells contribute to pathogenic neovascularization in retinopathy of prematurity through STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) activation. Approach and Results: Using the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy, we show that myeloid cells (CD45⁺IsolectinB4 [IB4]⁺) and particularly M2-type macrophages (CD45⁺ Arg1⁺), comprise a major source of STAT3 activation (pSTAT3) in the immature ischemic retina. Most of the pSTAT3-expressing myeloid cells concentrated at the hyaloid vasculature and their numbers were strongly correlated with the severity of pathogenic neovascular tuft formation. Pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 reduced the load of IB4⁺ cells in the hyaloid vasculature and significantly reduced the formation of pathogenic neovascular tufts during oxygen-induced retinopathy, leading to improved long-term visual outcomes (ie, increased retinal thickness and scotopic b-wave electroretinogram responses). Genetic deletion of SOCS3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3), an endogenous inhibitor of STAT3, in myeloid cells, enhanced pathological and physiological neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy, indicating that myeloid-STAT3 signaling is crucial for retinal angiogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating myeloid cells may migrate to the immature ischemic retina through the hyaloid vasculature and contribute to retinal neovascularization via activation of STAT3. Understanding how STAT3 modulates myeloid cells for vascular repair/pathology may provide novel therapeutic options in pathogenic angiogenesis.

JAK/STAT pathway in pathology of rheumatoid arthritis (Review)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classified as an inflammatory, chronic autoimmune and disabling disease based on the intricate interplay between environmental and genetic factors. With a prevalence ranging from 0.3 to 1%, RA is the most prevalent inflammatory joint disease observed in adults. Disruption of immune tolerance becomes evident when abnormal stimulation of the innate and adaptive immune system occurs. This cascade of events causes persistent joint inflammation, proliferative synovitis and, ultimately, damage of the underlying cartilage as well as the subchondral bone, leading to permanent joint destruction, deformity and subsequent loss of function. With cytokines being the key to a multitude of biological processes, including inflammation, hematopoiesis and overall immune response, one must inevitably look at the main pathways through which a significant number of those molecules exert their function. Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STATs) represent one such pathway and, recently, JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) have shown promise in the treatment of several inflammatory diseases, including RA. This narrative review focuses on the intricate signaling pathways involved as well as on the clinical aspects and safety profiles of JAKinibs approved for the treatment of RA.

Interactive and independent effects of early lipopolysaccharide and hyperoxia exposure on developing murine lungs

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic infantile lung disease that lacks curative therapies. Infants with BPD-associated PH are often exposed to hyperoxia and additional insults such as sepsis that contribute to disease pathogenesis. Animal models that simulate these scenarios are necessary to develop effective therapies; therefore, we investigated whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and hyperoxia exposure during saccular lung development cooperatively induce experimental BPD-PH in mice. C57BL/6J mice were exposed to normoxia or 70% O₂ (hyperoxia) during postnatal days (PNDs) 1-5 and intraperitoneally injected with varying LPS doses or a vehicle on PNDs 3-5. On PND 14, we performed morphometry, echocardiography, and gene and protein expression studies to determine the effects of hyperoxia and LPS on lung development, vascular remodeling and function, inflammation, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. LPS and hyperoxia independently and cooperatively affected lung development, inflammation, and apoptosis. Growth rate and antioxidant enzyme expression were predominantly affected by LPS and hyperoxia, respectively, while cell proliferation and vascular remodeling and function were mainly affected by combined exposure to LPS and hyperoxia. Mice treated with lower LPS doses developed adaptive responses and hyperoxia exposure did not worsen their BPD phenotype, whereas those mice treated with higher LPS doses displayed the most severe BPD phenotype when exposed to hyperoxia and were the only group that developed PH. Collectively, our data suggest that an additional insult such as LPS may be necessary for models utilizing short-term exposure to moderate hyperoxia to recapitulate human BPD-PH.

Leptin, Resistin, and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9: The Role of STAT3

In a condition of dysfunctional visceral fat depots, as in the case of obesity, alterations in adipokine levels may be detrimental for the cardiovascular system. The proinflammatory leptin and resistin adipokines have been described as possible links between obesity and atherosclerosis. The present study was aimed at evaluating whether proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein metabolism, is induced by leptin and resistin through the involvement of the inflammatory pathway of STAT3. In HepG2 cells, leptin and resistin up-regulated PCSK9 gene and protein expression, as well as the phosphorylation of STAT3. Upon STAT3 silencing, leptin and resistin lost their ability to activate PCSK9. The knockdown of STAT3 did not affect the expression of leptin and resistin receptors or that of PCSK9. The analysis of the human PCSK9 promoter region showed that the two adipokines raised PCSK9 promoter activity via the involvement of a sterol regulatory element motif. In healthy males, a positive association between circulating leptin and PCSK9 levels was found only when the body mass index was <25 kg/m². In conclusion, this study identified STAT3 as one of the molecular regulators of leptin- and resistin-mediated transcriptional induction of PCSK9.

Integrated Datasets of Proteomic and Metabolomic Biomarkers to Predict Its Impacts on Comorbidities of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the current study is to accomplish a relative exploration of the biological roles of differentially dysregulated genes (DRGs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study aimed to determine the impact of these DRGs on the biological pathways and networks that are related to the associated disorders and complications in T2DM and to predict its role as prospective biomarkers.

METHODS

Datasets obtained from metabolomic and proteomic profiling were used for investigation of the differential expression of the genes. A subset of DRGs was integrated into IPA software to explore its biological pathways, related diseases, and their regulation in T2DM. Upon entry into the IPA, only 94 of the DRGs were recognizable, mapped, and matched within the database.

RESULTS

The study identified networks that explore the dysregulation of several functions; cell components such as degranulation of cells; molecular transport process and metabolism of cellular proteins; and inflammatory responses. Top disorders associated with DRGs in T2DM are related to organ injuries such as renal damage, connective tissue disorders, and acute inflammatory disorders. Upstream regulator analysis predicted the role of several transcription factors of interest, such as STAT3 and HIF alpha, as well as many kinases such as JAK kinases, which affects the gene expression of the dataset in T2DM. Interleukin 6 (IL6) is the top regulator of the DRGs, followed by leptin (LEP). Monitoring the dysregulation of the coupled expression of the following biomarkers (TNF, IL6, LEP, AGT, APOE, F2, SPP1, and INS) highlights that they could be used as potential prognostic biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

The integration of data obtained by advanced metabolomic and proteomic technologies has made it probable to advantage in understanding the role of these biomarkers in the identification of significant biological processes, pathways, and regulators that are associated with T2DM and its comorbidities.

Role of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 protein in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVES

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a key event in the pathogenesis of CVD. The functional and phenotypic changes in vascular cells are mediated by complex signaling cascades that initiate and control genetic reprogramming. Many studies have demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) regulates a diverse array of functions relevant to atherosclerosis.

METHODS

In this review, we summarize the studies on the STAT3-mediated proliferation of VSMCs and subsequent CVDs such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction. Furthermore, we describe the general background of STAT3, its structure, function and regulation as well as the STAT3 signaling pathway. Finally, we highlight some potential issues and propose some solutions to these issues.Results and conclusions: STAT3 activation promotes the proliferation of VSMCs by regulating the transcription of genes. Studying the mechanism of VSMC proliferation induced by the STAT3 pathway is valuable for finding therapeutic targets for CVD.

In silico analysis of the molecular regulatory networks in peripheral arterial occlusive disease

BACKGROUND

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is a global public health concern that decreases the quality of life of the patients and can lead to disabilities and death. The aim of this study was to identify the genes and pathways associated with PAOD pathogenesis, and the potential therapeutic targets.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs related to PAOD were extracted from the GSE57691 dataset and through text mining. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis was applied to explore gene ontology, pathways and protein-protein interaction of those DEGs. The potential miRNAs targeting the DEGs and the transcription factors (TFs) regulating miRNAs were predicted by multiple different databases.

RESULTS

A total of 59 DEGs were identified, which were significantly enriched in the inflammatory response, immune response, chemokine-mediated signaling pathway and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Thirteen genes including IL6, CXCL12, IL1B, and STAT3 were hub genes in protein-protein interaction network. In addition, 513 miRNA-target gene pairs were identified, of which CXCL12 and PTPN11 were the potential targets of miRNA-143, and IL1B of miRNA-21. STAT3 was differentially expressed and regulated 27 potential target miRNAs including miRNA-143 and miRNA-21 in TF-miRNA regulatory network.

CONCLUSION

In summary, inflammation, immune response and STAT3-mediated miRNA-target genes axis play an important role in PAOD development and progression.

Targeting STAT-3 signaling pathway in cancer for development of novel drugs: Advancements and challenges

Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT-3) is a transcription factor that regulates the gene expression of several target genes. These factors are activated by the binding of cytokines and growth factors with STAT-3 specific receptors on cell membrane. Few years ago, STAT-3 was considered an acute phase response element having several cellular functions such as inflammation, cell survival, invasion, metastasis and proliferation, genetic alteration, and angiogenesis. STAT-3 is activated by several types of inflammatory cytokines, carcinogens, viruses, growth factors, and oncogenes. Thus, the STAT3 pathway is a potential target for cancer therapeutics. Abnormal STAT-3 activity in tumor development and cellular transformation can be targeted by several genomic and pharmacological methodologies. An extensive review of the literature has been conducted to emphasize the role of STAT-3 as a unique cancer drug target. This review article discusses in detail the wide range of STAT-3 inhibitors that show antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, targeting constitutive STAT-3 signaling is a remarkable therapeutic methodology for tumor progression. Finally, current limitations, trials and future perspectives of STAT-3 inhibitors are also critically discussed.

Septin4 Prevents PDGF-BB-induced HAVSMC Phenotypic Transformation, Proliferation and Migration by Promoting SIRT1-STAT3 Deacetylation and Dephosphorylation

SIRT1 and STAT3 are key to human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HAVSMCs) proliferation, migration and phenotypic transformation, but the regulatory mechanism of SIRT1-STAT3 in this process is still unclear. Septin4 is a cytoskeleton-related protein that regulates oxidative stress-vascular endothelial injury. However, the role and underlying mechanism of Septin4 in atherosclerosis remains unknown. Here, we revealed the role and mechanism of Septin4 in regulating SIRT1-STAT3 in atherosclerosis. We determined that the expression of Septin4 were markedly increased in Apoe^-/- atherosclerosis mice and PDGF-BB-induced HAVSMCs. Knockdown of Septin4 significantly increased PDGF-BB-induced HAVSMCs proliferation, migration and phenotypic transformation, while overexpression of Septin4 had the opposite effects. Mechanically, co-immunoprecipitation results demonstrated that Septin4 was a novel interacting protein of STAT3 and SIRT1. Septin4 formed a complex with SIRT1-STAT3, enhancing the interaction between SIRT1 and STAT3, ensuing promoting SIRT1-regulated STAT3-K685 deacetylation and STAT3-Y705 dephosphorylation, which inhibited PDGF-BB-induced HAVSMCs proliferation, migration and phenotype transformation. Therefore, our findings provide novel insights into the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Protein 3 (STAT3): An Update on its Direct Inhibitors as Promising Anticancer Agents

BACKGROUND

Since Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor which plays an important role in multiple aspects of cancer, including progression and migration, and it is constitutively activated in various human tumors, STAT3 inhibition has emerged as a validated strategy for the treatment of several malignancies. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the identification of new promising direct inhibitors targeting STAT3 domains, as potential anticancer agents.

METHODS

A thorough literature search focused on recently reported STAT3 direct inhibitors was undertaken. We considered the relevant developments regarding the STAT3 domains, which have been identified as potential drug targets.

RESULTS

In detail, 135 peer-reviewed papers and 7 patents were cited; the inhibitors we took into account targeted the DNA binding domain (compounds were grouped into natural derivatives, small molecules, peptides, aptamers and oligonucleotides), the SH2 binding domain (natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic compounds) and specific residues, like cysteines (natural, semi-synthetic, synthetic compounds and dual inhibitors) and tyrosine 705.

CONCLUSION

The huge number of direct STAT3 inhibitors recently identified demonstrates a strong interest in the investigation of this target, although it represents a challenging task considering that no drug targeting this enzyme is currently available for anticancer therapy. Notably, many studies on the available inhibitors evidenced that some of them possess a dual mechanism of action.

Embelin as a Novel Inhibitor of PKC in the Prevention of Platelet Activation and Thrombus Formation

Embelin is a quinone derivative and found in the fruits of Embelia ribes Burm.f. Embelin has been identified as a small molecular inhibitor of X-chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, and has multiple biological activities, including antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antitumor effects. However, the effect of embelin in platelets remains unclear. Thus, this study investigated the antiplatelet mechanism of embelin. Our data revealed that embelin could inhibit platelet aggregation induced by various agonists, including the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu). Embelin, as well as the PKC inhibitor Ro 31-8220, markedly reduced PDBu-mediated phosphorylation of the PKC substrate, suggesting that embelin may be a PKC inhibitor for platelets. Embelin could block PKC downstream signaling and events, including the inhibition of protein kinase B and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, granule release, and glycoprotein IIbIIIa activation. Moreover, embelin could delay thrombus formation in the mesenteric microvessels of mice, but did not significantly affect the tail bleeding time. In conclusion, we demonstrated that embelin is a PKC inhibitor and possesses antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects. The further analysis is necessary to more accurately determine clinical therapeutic potential of embelin in all clinical thromboembolic events with disturbance of thrombocyte function.

The S52F FOXF1 Mutation Inhibits STAT3 Signaling and Causes Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia

Rationale: Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACDMPV) is a lethal congenital disorder causing respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension shortly after birth. There are no effective treatments for ACDMPV other than lung transplant, and new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Although ACDMPV is linked to mutations in the FOXF1 gene, molecular mechanisms through which FOXF1 mutations cause ACDMPV are unknown.Objectives: To identify molecular mechanisms by which S52F FOXF1 mutations cause ACDMPV.Methods: We generated a clinically relevant mouse model of ACDMPV by introducing the S52F FOXF1 mutation into the mouse Foxf1 gene locus using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Immunohistochemistry, whole-lung imaging, and biochemical methods were used to examine vasculature in Foxf1WT/S52F lungs and identify molecular mechanisms regulated by FOXF1.Measurements and Main Results: FOXF1 mutations were identified in 28 subjects with ACDMPV. Foxf1WT/S52F knock-in mice recapitulated histopathologic findings in ACDMPV infants. The S52F FOXF1 mutation disrupted STAT3-FOXF1 protein-protein interactions and inhibited transcription of Stat3, a critical transcriptional regulator of angiogenesis. STAT3 signaling and endothelial proliferation were reduced in Foxf1WT/S52F mice and human ACDMPV lungs. S52F FOXF1 mutant protein did not bind chromatin and was transcriptionally inactive. Furthermore, we have developed a novel formulation of highly efficient nanoparticles and demonstrated that nanoparticle delivery of STAT3 cDNA into the neonatal circulation restored endothelial proliferation and stimulated lung angiogenesis in Foxf1WT/S52F mice.Conclusions: FOXF1 acts through STAT3 to stimulate neonatal lung angiogenesis. Nanoparticle delivery of STAT3 is a promising strategy to treat ACDMPV associated with decreased STAT3 signaling.