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Ding Y, Warlick L, Chen M, Taddese E, Collins C, Fu R, Duan C, Wang X, Ware H, Sun C, Ameer G. 3D-printed, citrate-based bioresorbable vascular scaffolds for coronary artery angioplasty. Bioact Mater 2024; 38:195-206. [PMID: 38756202 PMCID: PMC11096684 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Fully bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVSs) aim to overcome the limitations of metallic drug-eluting stents (DESs). However, polymer-based BVSs, such as Abbott's Absorb, the only US FDA-approved BVS, have had limited use due to increased strut thickness (157 μm for Absorb), exacerbated tissue inflammation, and increased risk of major cardiac events leading to inferior clinical performance when compared to metallic DESs. Herein we report the development of a drug-eluting BVS (DE-BVS) through the innovative use of a photopolymerizable, citrate-based biomaterial and a high-precision additive manufacturing process. BVS with a clinically relevant strut thickness of 62 μm can be produced in a high-throughput manner, i.e. one BVS per minute, and controlled release of the anti-restenosis drug everolimus can be achieved by engineering the structure of polymer coatings to fabricate drug-eluting BVS. We achieved the successful deployment of BVSs and DE-BVSs in swine coronary arteries using a custom-built balloon catheter and BVS delivery system and confirmed BVS safety and efficacy regarding maintenance of vessel patency for 28 days, observing an inflammation profile for BVS and DE-BVS that was comparable to the commercial XIENCE™ DES (Abbott Vascular).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghui Ding
- Centre for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Liam Warlick
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Mian Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Eden Taddese
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Caralyn Collins
- Centre for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Rao Fu
- Centre for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Chongwen Duan
- Centre for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Xinlong Wang
- Centre for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Henry Ware
- Centre for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Cheng Sun
- Centre for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Guillermo Ameer
- Centre for Advanced Regenerative Engineering (CARE), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Yang S, Zhao Y, Cao S, Liu X, Feng M, Chen Y, Ma C, Zhan T, Zhang Q, Jia H, Zhao Y, Tong M, Yu Y, Liu X, Yang B, Zhang Y. Kanglexin counters vascular smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation and associated arteriosclerosis through inhibiting PDGFR. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 130:155704. [PMID: 38759316 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function leads to a variety of diseases such as atherosclerosis and hyperplasia after injury. However, antiproliferative drug targeting VSMC exhibits poor specificity. Therefore, there is an urgent to develop highly specific antiproliferative drugs to prevention and treatment VSMC dedifferentiation associated arteriosclerosis. Kanglexin (KLX), a new anthraquinone compound designed by our team, has potential to regulate VSMC phenotype according to the physicochemical properties. PURPOSE This project aims to evaluate the therapeutic role of KLX in VSMC dedifferentiation and atherosclerosis, neointimal formation and illustrates the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS In vivo, the ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for a duration of 13 weeks to establish the atherosclerotic model. And rat carotid artery injury model was performed to establish the neointimal formation model. In vitro, PDGF-BB was used to induce VSMC dedifferentiation. RESULTS We found that KLX ameliorated the atherosclerotic progression including atherosclerotic lesion formation, lipid deposition and collagen deposition in aorta and aortic sinus in atherosclerotic mouse model. In addition, The administration of KLX effectively ameliorated neointimal formation in the carotid artery following balloon injury in SD rats. The findings derived from molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments unequivocally demonstrate that KLX had potential to bind PDGFR-β. Mechanism research work proved that KLX prevented VSMC proliferation, migration and dedifferentiation via activating the PDGFR-β-MEK -ERK-ELK-1/KLF4 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Collectively, we demonstrated that KLX effectively attenuated the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice and carotid arterial neointimal formation in SD rats by inhibiting VSMC phenotypic conversion via PDGFR-β-MEK-ERK-ELK-1/KLF4 signaling. KLX exhibits promising potential as a viable therapeutic agent for the treatment of VSMC phenotype conversion associated arteriosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yixiu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Shifeng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Min Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Chunyue Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Tingting Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Honglin Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Ming Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Baofeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China; Research Unit of Noninfectious Chronic Diseases in Frigid Zone (2019RU070), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin 150081, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology (State Key Labratoray -Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China.
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3
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Xiao W, Lee LY, Loscalzo J. Metabolic Responses to Redox Stress in Vascular Cells. Antioxid Redox Signal 2024. [PMID: 38985660 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Significance: Redox stress underlies numerous vascular disease mechanisms. Metabolic adaptability is essential for vascular cells to preserve energy and redox homeostasis. Recent Advances: Single-cell technologies and multiomic studies demonstrate significant metabolic heterogeneity among vascular cells in health and disease. Increasing evidence shows that reductive or oxidative stress can induce metabolic reprogramming of vascular cells. A recent example is intracellular L-2-hydroxyglutarate accumulation in response to hypoxic reductive stress, which attenuates the glucose flux through glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration in pulmonary vascular cells and provides protection against further reductive stress. Critical Issues: Regulation of cellular redox homeostasis is highly compartmentalized and complex. Vascular cells rely on multiple metabolic pathways, but the precise connectivity among these pathways and their regulatory mechanisms is only partially defined. There is also a critical need to understand better the cross-regulatory mechanisms between the redox system and metabolic pathways as perturbations in either systems or their cross talk can be detrimental. Future Directions: Future studies are needed to define further how multiple metabolic pathways are wired in vascular cells individually and as a network of closely intertwined processes given that a perturbation in one metabolic compartment often affects others. There also needs to be a comprehensive understanding of how different types of redox perturbations are sensed by and regulate different cellular metabolic pathways with specific attention to subcellular compartmentalization. Lastly, integration of dynamic changes occurring in multiple metabolic pathways and their cross talk with the redox system is an important goal in this multiomics era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wusheng Xiao
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Laurel Y Lee
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph Loscalzo
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Maier A, Hartung M, Abovsky M, Adamowicz K, Bader G, Baier S, Blumenthal D, Chen J, Elkjaer M, Garcia-Hernandez C, Helmy M, Hoffmann M, Jurisica I, Kotlyar M, Lazareva O, Levi H, List M, Lobentanzer S, Loscalzo J, Malod-Dognin N, Manz Q, Matschinske J, Mee M, Oubounyt M, Pastrello C, Pico A, Pillich R, Poschenrieder J, Pratt D, Pržulj N, Sadegh S, Saez-Rodriguez J, Sarkar S, Shaked G, Shamir R, Trummer N, Turhan U, Wang RS, Zolotareva O, Baumbach J. Drugst.One - a plug-and-play solution for online systems medicine and network-based drug repurposing. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:W481-W488. [PMID: 38783119 PMCID: PMC11223884 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the development of new drugs has become increasingly expensive and inefficient, and the molecular mechanisms of most pharmaceuticals remain poorly understood. In response, computational systems and network medicine tools have emerged to identify potential drug repurposing candidates. However, these tools often require complex installation and lack intuitive visual network mining capabilities. To tackle these challenges, we introduce Drugst.One, a platform that assists specialized computational medicine tools in becoming user-friendly, web-based utilities for drug repurposing. With just three lines of code, Drugst.One turns any systems biology software into an interactive web tool for modeling and analyzing complex protein-drug-disease networks. Demonstrating its broad adaptability, Drugst.One has been successfully integrated with 21 computational systems medicine tools. Available at https://drugst.one, Drugst.One has significant potential for streamlining the drug discovery process, allowing researchers to focus on essential aspects of pharmaceutical treatment research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Maier
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hartung
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mark Abovsky
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Data Science Discovery Centre for Chronic Diseases, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Klaudia Adamowicz
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gary D Bader
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sylvie Baier
- Data Science in Systems Biology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - David B Blumenthal
- Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Maria L Elkjaer
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Mohamed Helmy
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), University of Saskatchewan, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, Lakehead University, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, Idaho State University, USA
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Markus Hoffmann
- Data Science in Systems Biology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Germany
- National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Igor Jurisica
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Data Science Discovery Centre for Chronic Diseases, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Departments of Medical Biophysics and Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Max Kotlyar
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Data Science Discovery Centre for Chronic Diseases, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Olga Lazareva
- Division of Computational Genomics and Systems Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Junior Clinical Cooperation Unit Multiparametric methods for early detection of prostate cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hagai Levi
- Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Markus List
- Data Science in Systems Biology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Lobentanzer
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Medicine, and Heidelberg University Hospital, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joseph Loscalzo
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Quirin Manz
- Data Science in Systems Biology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julian Matschinske
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Data Science in Systems Biology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Miles Mee
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mhaned Oubounyt
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Chiara Pastrello
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Data Science Discovery Centre for Chronic Diseases, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Alexander R Pico
- Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, Gladstone Institutes, 1650 Owens Street, San Francisco, 94158 California, USA
| | - Rudolf T Pillich
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Julian M Poschenrieder
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Data Science in Systems Biology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dexter Pratt
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nataša Pržulj
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sepideh Sadegh
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Data Science in Systems Biology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Genome Center, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Julio Saez-Rodriguez
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Medicine, and Heidelberg University Hospital, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Suryadipto Sarkar
- Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering (AIBE), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gideon Shaked
- Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ron Shamir
- Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Nico Trummer
- Data Science in Systems Biology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ugur Turhan
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rui-Sheng Wang
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Olga Zolotareva
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Data Science in Systems Biology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Baumbach
- Institute for Computational Systems Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Computational Biomedicine Lab, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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5
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Ravindran A, Holappa L, Niskanen H, Skovorodkin I, Kaisto S, Beter M, Kiema M, Selvarajan I, Nurminen V, Aavik E, Aherrahrou R, Pasonen-Seppänen S, Fortino V, Laakkonen JP, Ylä-Herttuala S, Vainio S, Örd T, Kaikkonen MU. Translatome profiling reveals Itih4 as a novel smooth muscle cell-specific gene in atherosclerosis. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:869-882. [PMID: 38289873 PMCID: PMC11218691 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and their derivatives are key contributors to the development of atherosclerosis. However, studying changes in SMC gene expression in heterogeneous vascular tissues is challenging due to the technical limitations and high cost associated with current approaches. In this paper, we apply translating ribosome affinity purification sequencing to profile SMC-specific gene expression directly from tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS To facilitate SMC-specific translatome analysis, we generated SMCTRAP mice, a transgenic mouse line expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged ribosomal protein L10a (EGFP-L10a) under the control of the SMC-specific αSMA promoter. These mice were further crossed with the atherosclerosis model Ldlr-/-, ApoB100/100 to generate SMCTRAP-AS mice and used to profile atherosclerosis-associated SMCs in thoracic aorta samples of 15-month-old SMCTRAP and SMCTRAP-AS mice. Our analysis of SMCTRAP-AS mice showed that EGFP-L10a expression was localized to SMCs in various tissues, including the aortic wall and plaque. The TRAP fraction demonstrated high enrichment of known SMC-specific genes, confirming the specificity of our approach. We identified several genes, including Cemip, Lum, Mfge8, Spp1, and Serpina3, which are known to be involved in atherosclerosis-induced gene expression. Moreover, we identified several novel genes not previously linked to SMCs in atherosclerosis, such as Anxa4, Cd276, inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor-4 (Itih4), Myof, Pcdh11x, Rab31, Serpinb6b, Slc35e4, Slc8a3, and Spink5. Among them, we confirmed the SMC-specific expression of Itih4 in atherosclerotic lesions using immunofluorescence staining of mouse aortic roots and spatial transcriptomics of human carotid arteries. Furthermore, our more detailed analysis of Itih4 showed its link to coronary artery disease through the colocalization of genome-wide association studies, splice quantitative trait loci (QTL), and protein QTL signals. CONCLUSION We generated a SMC-specific TRAP mouse line to study atherosclerosis and identified Itih4 as a novel SMC-expressed gene in atherosclerotic plaques, warranting further investigation of its putative function in extracellular matrix stability and genetic evidence of causality.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Aortic Diseases/genetics
- Aortic Diseases/pathology
- Aortic Diseases/metabolism
- Ribosomal Proteins/genetics
- Ribosomal Proteins/metabolism
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Male
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Phenotype
- Transcriptome
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Receptors, LDL/metabolism
- Apolipoprotein B-100/genetics
- Apolipoprotein B-100/metabolism
- Mice, Knockout
- Humans
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Aorta/metabolism
- Aorta/pathology
- Female
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarthi Ravindran
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Lari Holappa
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Henri Niskanen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ilya Skovorodkin
- Disease networks research unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Kvantum Institute, Infotech Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Susanna Kaisto
- Disease networks research unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Kvantum Institute, Infotech Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mustafa Beter
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Miika Kiema
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ilakya Selvarajan
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Valtteri Nurminen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Einari Aavik
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Rédouane Aherrahrou
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, Universität zu Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, University Heart Centre Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sanna Pasonen-Seppänen
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Vittorio Fortino
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna P Laakkonen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Vainio
- Disease networks research unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Kvantum Institute, Infotech Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tiit Örd
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Minna U Kaikkonen
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
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6
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Li H, Zhang J, Tan M, Yin Y, Song Y, Zhao Y, Yan L, Li N, Zhang X, Bai J, Jiang T, Li H. Exosomes based strategies for cardiovascular diseases: Opportunities and challenges. Biomaterials 2024; 308:122544. [PMID: 38579591 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Exosomes, as nanoscale extracellular vesicles (EVs), are secreted by all types of cells to facilitate intercellular communication in living organisms. After being taken up by neighboring or distant cells, exosomes can alter the expression levels of target genes in recipient cells and thereby affect their pathophysiological outcomes depending on payloads encapsulated therein. The functions and mechanisms of exosomes in cardiovascular diseases have attracted much attention in recent years and are thought to have cardioprotective and regenerative potential. This review summarizes the biogenesis and molecular contents of exosomes and details the roles played by exosomes released from various cells in the progression and recovery of cardiovascular disease. The review also discusses the current status of traditional exosomes in cardiovascular tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, pointing out several limitations in their application. It emphasizes that some of the existing emerging industrial or bioengineering technologies are promising to compensate for these shortcomings, and the combined application of exosomes and biomaterials provides an opportunity for mutual enhancement of their performance. The integration of exosome-based cell-free diagnostic and therapeutic options will contribute to the further development of cardiovascular regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, PR China
| | - Mingyue Tan
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, PR China; Department of Geriatrics, Cardiovascular Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, PR China
| | - Yunfei Yin
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, PR China
| | - Yiyi Song
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, PR China
| | - Yongjian Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, PR China
| | - Lin Yan
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, PR China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, PR China
| | - Xianzuo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, PR China
| | - Jiaxiang Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, PR China; National Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai) SHU Branch, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, PR China.
| | - Tingbo Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, PR China.
| | - Hongxia Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215006, PR China.
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7
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Zhang Y, Dai D, Geng S, Rong C, Zou R, Leng X, Xiang J, Liu J, Ding J. PCSK9 expression in fibrous cap possesses a marker for rupture in advanced plaque. Vasc Med 2024:1358863X241252370. [PMID: 38860436 DOI: 10.1177/1358863x241252370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, PCSK9 inhibitors are well known for eliminating cardiac and cerebral artery ischemia events by lowering the serum lipid level. However, the pathophysiological value of in-plaque PCSK9 expression is still unclear. METHODS Advanced plaques removed by carotid endarterectomy were sectioned and stained to identify the PCSK9 expression pattern and its co-expression with rupture-relevant markers. To investigate the correlation of PCSK9 expression with regional blood shear flow, hemodynamic characteristics were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics, and representative parameters were compared between PCSK9 positive and negative staining plaques. To explore this phenomenon in vitro, human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells were used to overexpress and knock down PCSK9. The impacts of PCSK9 modulations on mechanical sensor activity were testified by western blot and immunofluorescence. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the transcription levels of downstream rupture-prone effectors. RESULTS PCSK9 distribution in plaque preferred cap and shoulder regions, residing predominantly in smooth muscle actin-positive cells. Cap PCSK9 expression correlated with fibrous cap thickness negatively and co-expressed with MMP-9, both pointing to the direction of plaque rupture. A hemodynamic profile indicated a rupture-prone feature of cap PCSK9 expression. In vitro, overexpression and knockdown of PCSK9 in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells has positive modulation on mechanical sensor Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) activity and transcription levels of its downstream rupture-prone effectors. Serial section staining verified in situ colocalization among PCSK9, YAP, and downstream effectors. CONCLUSIONS Cap PCSK9 possesses a biomarker for rupture risk, and its modulation may lead to a novel biomechanical angle for plaque interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongwei Dai
- Department of Neurovascular Center, Naval Medical University Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fudan University Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | - Rong Zou
- ArteryFlow Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Jianmin Liu
- Department of Neurovascular Center, Naval Medical University Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Ding
- Department of Neurology, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China
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8
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Zhang R, Wang H, Cheng X, Fan K, Gao T, Qi X, Gao S, Zheng G, Dong H. High estrogen induces trans-differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells to a macrophage-like phenotype resulting in aortic inflammation via inhibiting VHL/HIF1a/KLF4 axis. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:9876-9898. [PMID: 38843385 PMCID: PMC11210252 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen is thought to have a role in slowing down aging and protecting cardiovascular and cognitive function. However, high doses of estrogen are still positively associated with autoimmune diseases and tumors with systemic inflammation. First, we administered exogenous estrogen to female mice for three consecutive months and found that the aorta of mice on estrogen develops inflammatory manifestations similar to Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Then, in vitro estrogen intervention was performed on mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (MOVAS cells). Stimulated by high concentrations of estradiol, MOVAS cells showed decreased expression of contractile phenotypic markers and increased expression of macrophage-like phenotypic markers. This shift was blocked by tamoxifen and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) inhibitors and enhanced by Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) interaction inhibitors. It suggests that estrogen-targeted regulation of the VHL/HIF-1α/KLF4 axis induces phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In addition, estrogen-regulated phenotypic conversion of VSMC to macrophages is a key mechanism of estrogen-induced vascular inflammation, which justifies the risk of clinical use of estrogen replacement therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Kruppel-Like Factor 4
- Animals
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/genetics
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Mice
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Female
- Estrogens/pharmacology
- Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein/metabolism
- Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein/genetics
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Cell Transdifferentiation/drug effects
- Phenotype
- Aorta/pathology
- Aorta/drug effects
- Inflammation/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xing Cheng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Keyi Fan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Tingting Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaotong Qi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Siqi Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Guoping Zheng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Honglin Dong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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9
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Fan X, Han J, Zhong L, Zheng W, Shao R, Zhang Y, Shi S, Lin S, Huang Z, Huang W, Cai X, Ye B. Macrophage-Derived GSDMD Plays an Essential Role in Atherosclerosis and Cross Talk Between Macrophages via the Mitochondria-STING-IRF3/NF-κB Axis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1365-1378. [PMID: 38695170 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophages play a crucial role in atherosclerotic plaque formation, and the death of macrophages is a vital factor in determining the fate of atherosclerosis. GSDMD (gasdermin D)-mediated pyroptosis is a programmed cell death, characterized by membrane pore formation and inflammatory factor release. METHODS ApoE-/- and Gsdmd-/- ApoE-/- mice, bone marrow transplantation, and AAV (adeno-associated virus serotype 9)-F4/80-shGSDMD (shRNA-GSDMD) were used to examine the effect of macrophage-derived GSDMD on atherosclerosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing was used to investigate the changing profile of different cellular components and the cellular localization of GSDMD during atherosclerosis. RESULTS First, we found that GSDMD is activated in human and mouse atherosclerotic plaques and Gsdmd-/- attenuates the atherosclerotic lesion area in high-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of ApoE-/- and Gsdmd-/- ApoE-/- mouse aortas and showed that GSDMD is principally expressed in atherosclerotic macrophages. Using bone marrow transplantation and AAV-F4/80-shGSDMD, we identified the potential role of macrophage-derived GSDMD in aortic pyroptosis and atherosclerotic injuries in vivo. Mechanistically, GSDMD contributes to mitochondrial perforation and mitochondrial DNA leakage and subsequently activates the STING (stimulator of interferon gene)-IRF3 (interferon regulatory factor 3)/NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) axis. Meanwhile, GSDMD regulates the STING pathway activation and macrophage migration via cytokine secretion. Inhibition of GSDMD with GSDMD-specific inhibitor GI-Y1 (GSDMD inhibitor Y1) can effectively alleviate the progression of atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study has provided a novel macrophage-derived GSDMD mechanism in the promotion of atherosclerosis and demonstrated that GSDMD can be a potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxi Fan
- Department of Cardiology and The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China (X.F., L.Z., R.S., Y.Z., Z.H., W.H., X.C., B.Y.)
| | - Jibo Han
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Zhejiang, China (J.H.)
| | - Lingfeng Zhong
- Department of Cardiology and The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China (X.F., L.Z., R.S., Y.Z., Z.H., W.H., X.C., B.Y.)
| | - Wenyuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Atherosclerosis Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Cardiology, Affiliated First Hospital of Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China (W.Z., B.Y.)
| | - Ruiyin Shao
- Department of Cardiology and The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China (X.F., L.Z., R.S., Y.Z., Z.H., W.H., X.C., B.Y.)
| | - Yucong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology and The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China (X.F., L.Z., R.S., Y.Z., Z.H., W.H., X.C., B.Y.)
| | - Si Shi
- First School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China (S.S.)
| | - Shuang Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Ningbo Medical Center Li Huili Hospital, Zhejiang, China (S.L.)
| | - Zhouqing Huang
- Department of Cardiology and The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China (X.F., L.Z., R.S., Y.Z., Z.H., W.H., X.C., B.Y.)
| | - Weijian Huang
- Department of Cardiology and The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China (X.F., L.Z., R.S., Y.Z., Z.H., W.H., X.C., B.Y.)
| | - Xueli Cai
- Department of Cardiology and The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China (X.F., L.Z., R.S., Y.Z., Z.H., W.H., X.C., B.Y.)
| | - Bozhi Ye
- Department of Cardiology and The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China (X.F., L.Z., R.S., Y.Z., Z.H., W.H., X.C., B.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Atherosclerosis Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Cardiology, Affiliated First Hospital of Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China (W.Z., B.Y.)
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10
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Niu K, Zhang C, Yang M, Maguire EM, Shi Z, Sun S, Wu J, Liu C, An W, Wang X, Gao S, Ge S, Xiao Q. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 18 controls vascular smooth muscle cell contractile phenotype and neointimal hyperplasia. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:796-810. [PMID: 38498586 PMCID: PMC11135647 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 18 (SNHG18) has been widely implicated in cancers. However, little is known about its functional involvement in vascular diseases. Herein, we attempted to explore a role for SNHG18 in modulating vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) contractile phenotype and injury-induced neointima formation. METHODS AND RESULTS Analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing and transcriptomic datasets showed decreased levels of SNHG18 in injured and atherosclerotic murine and human arteries, which is positively associated with VSMC contractile genes. SNHG18 was upregulated in VSMCs by TGFβ1 through transcription factors Sp1 and SMAD3. SNHG18 gene gain/loss-of-function studies revealed that VSMC contractile phenotype was positively regulated by SNHG18. Mechanistic studies showed that SNHG18 promotes a contractile VSMC phenotype by up-regulating miR-22-3p. SNHG18 up-regulates miR-22 biogenesis and miR-22-3p production by competitive binding with the A-to-I RNA editing enzyme, adenosine deaminase acting on RNA-2 (ADAR2). Surprisingly, we observed that ADAR2 inhibited miR-22 biogenesis not through increasing A-to-I editing within primary miR-22, but by interfering with the binding of microprocessor complex subunit DGCR8 to primary miR-22. Importantly, perivascular SNHG18 overexpression in the injured vessels dramatically up-regulated the expression levels of miR-22-3p and VSMC contractile genes, and prevented injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia. Such modulatory effects were reverted by miR-22-3p inhibition in the injured arteries. Finally, we observed a similar regulator role for SNHG18 in human VSMCs and a decreased expression level of both SNHG18 and miR-22-3p in diseased human arteries; and we found that the expression level of SNHG18 was positively associated with that of miR-22-3p in both healthy and diseased human arteries. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that SNHG18 is a novel regulator in governing VSMC contractile phenotype and preventing injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia. Our findings have important implications for therapeutic targeting snhg18/miR-22-3p signalling in vascular diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Neointima
- Humans
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- Animals
- Phenotype
- Hyperplasia
- Carotid Artery Injuries/pathology
- Carotid Artery Injuries/genetics
- Carotid Artery Injuries/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Male
- Signal Transduction
- RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout, ApoE
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Niu
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 390, Huaihe Road, LuYang District, Hefei, Anhui, 230061, PR China
| | - Chengxin Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, PR China
| | - Mei Yang
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Eithne Margaret Maguire
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Zhenning Shi
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Shasha Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Wu
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Chenxin Liu
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Weiwei An
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, PR China
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical College, Anhui Medical University, No. 81, Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, PR China
| | - Shenglin Ge
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, PR China
| | - Qingzhong Xiao
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218, Jixi Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, PR China
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical College, Anhui Medical University, No. 81, Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, PR China
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11
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Hernandes MS, Griendling KK. RNA Sequencing Atherosclerosis Data Sets: Expanding Potential Therapeutic Targets. Circ Res 2024; 134:1424-1426. [PMID: 38781303 PMCID: PMC11125524 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.124.324239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathy K Griendling
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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12
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Qin X, Zhu L, Zhong Y, Wang Y, Luo X, Li J, Yan F, Wu G, Qiu J, Wang G, Qu K, Zhang K, Wu W. Universal cell membrane camouflaged nano-prodrugs with right-side-out orientation adapting for positive pathological vascular remodeling in atherosclerosis. Chem Sci 2024; 15:7524-7544. [PMID: 38784734 PMCID: PMC11110172 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc00761a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A right-side-out orientated self-assembly of cell membrane-camouflaged nanotherapeutics is crucial for ensuring their biological functionality inherited from the source cells. In this study, a universal and spontaneous right-side-out coupling-driven ROS-responsive nanotherapeutic approach, based on the intrinsic affinity between phosphatidylserine (PS) on the inner leaflet and PS-targeted peptide modified nanoparticles, has been developed to target foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Considering the increased osteopontin (OPN) secretion from foam cells in plaques, a bioengineered cell membrane (OEM) with an overexpression of integrin α9β1 is integrated with ROS-cleavable prodrugs, OEM-coated ETBNPs (OEM-ETBNPs), to enhance targeted drug delivery and on-demand drug release in the local lesion of atherosclerosis. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental results confirm that OEM-ETBNPs are able to inhibit cellular lipid uptake and simultaneously promote intracellular lipid efflux, regulating the positive cellular phenotypic conversion. This finding offers a versatile platform for the biomedical applications of universal cell membrane camouflaging biomimetic nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Qin
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
- Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing Municipality Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Chongqing 404000 China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University Chongqing 404010 China
| | - Li Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
| | - Yuan Zhong
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University Chongqing 400016 China
| | - Xiaoshan Luo
- Guizhou Information Engineering University Bijie 551700 China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing Municipality Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Chongqing 404000 China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University Chongqing 404010 China
| | - Fei Yan
- Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing Municipality Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Chongqing 404000 China
| | - Guicheng Wu
- Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing Municipality Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Chongqing 404000 China
| | - Juhui Qiu
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
| | - Guixue Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
- JinFeng Laboratory Chongqing 401329 China
| | - Kai Qu
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
- Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing Municipality Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Chongqing 404000 China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University Chongqing 404010 China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
- Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing Municipality Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Chongqing 404000 China
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University Chongqing 404010 China
| | - Wei Wu
- Key Laboratory for Biorheological Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Vascular Implants, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University Chongqing 400030 China
- JinFeng Laboratory Chongqing 401329 China
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13
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Poznyak AV, Yakovlev AA, Popov MА, Zhigmitova EB, Sukhorukov VN, Orekhov AN. Atherosclerosis originating from childhood: Specific features. J Biomed Res 2024; 38:233-240. [PMID: 38777340 PMCID: PMC11144930 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.37.20230198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is extremely widespread. Traditionally, it is considered a disease of older people, who most often experience problems with the heart and blood vessels. While much attention from the scientific community has been paid to studying the association between aging and atherosclerosis, as well as its consequences, there is evidence that atherosclerosis occurs at an early age. Atherosclerosis may form both during intrauterine development and in childhood. Nutrition plays an important role in childhood atherosclerosis, along with previous infectious diseases and excess weight of both the child and the mother. In the present review, we examined the development of atherosclerosis and the prerequisites in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexey A. Yakovlev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology, Moscow 109240, Russia
| | - Mikhail А. Popov
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow 129110, Russia
| | - Elena B. Zhigmitova
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow 125315, Russia
| | - Vasily N. Sukhorukov
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow 125315, Russia
| | - Alexander N. Orekhov
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow 125315, Russia
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14
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Liu X, Zheng T, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Liu F, Dai S, Zhang M, Zhang W, Zhang C, Zhang M, Li X. Endothelial Dickkopf-1 Promotes Smooth Muscle Cell-derived Foam Cell Formation via USP53-mediated Deubiquitination of SR-A During Atherosclerosis. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2943-2964. [PMID: 38904030 PMCID: PMC11186357 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.91957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Shear stress-induced Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) secretion by endothelial cells (ECs) promotes EC dysfunction and accelerates atherosclerosis (AS). However, the paracrine role of endothelial DKK1 in modulating adjacent smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in atherosclerosis remains unclear. This study investigated the role of EC-secreted DKK1 in SMC-derived foam cell formation under shear stress, in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Parallel-plate co-culture flow system was used to explore the cellular communication between ECs and SMCs under shear stress in vitro. Endothelium-specific knockout of DKK1 (DKK1ECKO/APOE-/-) and endothelium-specific overexpression of DKK1 (DKK1ECTg) mice were constructed to investigate the role of endothelial DKK1 in atherosclerosis and SMC-derived foam cell formation in vivo. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to identify the downstream targets of DKK1. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot, coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments were conducted to explore the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Results: DKK1 is transcriptionally upregulated in ECs under conditions of low shear stress, but not in co-cultured SMCs. However, DKK1 protein in co-cultured SMCs is increased via uptake of low shear stress-induced endothelial DKK1, thereby promoting lipid uptake and foam cell formation in co-cultured SMCs via the post-translational upregulation of scavenger receptor-A (SR-A) verified in parallel-plate co-culture flow system, DKK1ECKO and DKK1ECTg mice. RNA sequencing revealed that DKK1-induced SR-A upregulation in SMCs is dependent on Ubiquitin-specific Protease 53 (USP53), which bound to SR-A via its USP domain and cysteine at position 41, exerting deubiquitination to maintain the stability of the SR-A protein by removing the K48 ubiquitin chain and preventing proteasomal pathway degradation, thereby mediating the effect of DKK1 on lipid uptake in SMCs. Moreover, DKK1 regulates the transcription of USP53 by facilitating the binding of transcription factor CREB to the USP53 promoter. SMC-specific overexpression of USP53 via adeno-associated virus serotype 2 vectors in DKK1ECKO/APOE-/- mice reversed the alleviation of atherosclerotic plaque burden, SR-A expression and lipid accumulation in SMCs within plaques resulting from DKK1 deficiency. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that, endothelial DKK1, induced by pathological low shear stress, acts as an intercellular mediator, promoted the foam cell formation of SMCs. These results suggest that targeted intervention with endothelial DKK1 may confer beneficial effects on atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Liu
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tengfei Zheng
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yachao Zhao
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fengming Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shen Dai
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Li
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory; The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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15
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Peng Z, Kan Q, Wang K, Deng T, Wang S, Wu R, Yao C. Deciphering smooth muscle cell heterogeneity in atherosclerotic plaques and constructing model: a multi-omics approach with focus on KLF15/IGFBP4 axis. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:490. [PMID: 38760675 PMCID: PMC11102212 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10379-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ruptured atherosclerotic plaques often precipitate severe ischemic events, such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Unraveling the intricate molecular mechanisms governing vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behavior in plaque stabilization remains a formidable challenge. METHODS In this study, we leveraged single-cell and transcriptomic datasets from atherosclerotic plaques retrieved from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Employing a combination of single-cell population differential analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and transcriptome differential analysis techniques, we identified specific genes steering the transformation of VSMCs in atherosclerotic plaques. Diagnostic models were developed and validated through gene intersection, utilizing the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and random forest (RF) methods. Nomograms for plaque assessment were constructed. Tissue localization and expression validation were performed on specimens from animal models, utilizing immunofluorescence co-localization, western blot, and reverse-transcription quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Various online databases were harnessed to predict transcription factors (TFs) and their interacting compounds, with determination of the cell-specific localization of TF expression using single-cell data. RESULTS Following rigorous quality control procedures, we obtained a total of 40,953 cells, with 6,261 representing VSMCs. The VSMC population was subsequently clustered into 5 distinct subpopulations. Analyzing inter-subpopulation cellular communication, we focused on the SMC2 and SMC5 subpopulations. Single-cell subpopulation and WGCNA analyses revealed significant module enrichments, notably in collagen-containing extracellular matrix and cell-substrate junctions. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP4), apolipoprotein E (APOE), and cathepsin C (CTSC) were identified as potential diagnostic markers for early and advanced plaques. Notably, gene expression pattern analysis suggested that IGFBP4 might serve as a protective gene, a hypothesis validated through tissue localization and expression analysis. Finally, we predicted TFs capable of binding to IGFBP4, with Krüppel-like family 15 (KLF15) emerging as a prominent candidate showing relative specificity within smooth muscle cells. Predictions about compounds associated with affecting KLF15 expression were also made. CONCLUSION Our study established a plaque diagnostic and assessment model and analyzed the molecular interaction mechanisms of smooth muscle cells within plaques. Further analysis revealed that the transcription factor KLF15 may regulate the biological behaviors of smooth muscle cells through the KLF15/IGFBP4 axis, thereby influencing the stability of advanced plaques via modulation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This could potentially serve as a target for plaque stability assessment and therapy, thus driving advancements in the management and treatment of atherosclerotic plaques.
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MESH Headings
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/metabolism
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/genetics
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Animals
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/genetics
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 4/metabolism
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 4/genetics
- Humans
- Mice
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Single-Cell Analysis
- Transcriptome
- Gene Regulatory Networks
- Male
- Multiomics
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanli Peng
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Qinghui Kan
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Kangjie Wang
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tang Deng
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Shenming Wang
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ridong Wu
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China.
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
| | - Chen Yao
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China.
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
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16
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Govatati S, Kumar R, Boro M, Traylor JG, Orr AW, Lusis AJ, Rao GN. TRIM13 reduces cholesterol efflux and increases oxidized LDL uptake leading to foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107224. [PMID: 38537695 PMCID: PMC11053335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Impaired cholesterol efflux and/or uptake can influence arterial lipid accumulation leading to atherosclerosis. Here, we report that tripartite motif-containing protein 13 (TRIM13), a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase, plays a role in arterial lipid accumulation leading to atherosclerosis. Using molecular approaches and KO mouse model, we found that TRIM13 expression was induced both in the aorta and peritoneal macrophages (pMφ) of ApoE-/- mice in response to Western diet (WD) in vivo. Furthermore, proatherogenic cytokine interleukin-1β also induced TRIM13 expression both in pMφ and vascular smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, we found that TRIM13 via ubiquitination and degradation of liver X receptor (LXR)α/β downregulates the expression of their target genes ABCA1/G1 and thereby inhibits cholesterol efflux. In addition, TRIM13 by ubiquitinating and degrading suppressor of cytokine signaling 1/3 (SOCS1/3) mediates signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activation, CD36 expression, and foam cell formation. In line with these observations, genetic deletion of TRIM13 by rescuing cholesterol efflux and inhibiting foam cell formation protects against diet-induced atherosclerosis. We also found that while TRIM13 and CD36 levels were increased, LXRα/β, ABCA1/G1, and SOCS3 levels were decreased both in Mφ and smooth muscle cells of stenotic human coronary arteries as compared to nonstenotic arteries. More intriguingly, the expression levels of TRIM13 and its downstream signaling molecules were correlated with the severity of stenotic lesions. Together, these observations reveal for the first time that TRIM13 plays a crucial role in diet-induced atherosclerosis, and that it could be a potential drug target against this vascular lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Govatati
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Raj Kumar
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Monoranjan Boro
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - James G Traylor
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - A Wayne Orr
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Aldons J Lusis
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gadiparthi N Rao
- Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
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17
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Borges LF, Falcão RSP, Taboga SR, Gutierrez PS, Michel JB. Are telocytes related to maintenance of vascular homeostasis in normal and pathological aorta? Cardiovasc Pathol 2024; 70:107617. [PMID: 38309490 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2024.107617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The telocyte (TC) is a new interstitial cell type described in a wide variety of organs and loose connective tissues around small vessels, but its presence in large arteries remains unexplored. TCs have small cell bodies and remarkably thin, long, moniliform processes called telopods (Tps). Using transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence, we identified TCs in normal human thoracic aortas and in those with aneurysm or acute dissection (TAAD). In normal aortas the TCs were distributed throughout the connective tissue of the adventitial layer, in its innermost portion and at the zone of transition with the medial layer, with their long axes oriented parallel to the external elastic lamellae, forming a three-dimensional network, without prevalence in the media layer. In contrast, TAAD TCs were present in the medial layer and in regions of neovascularization. The most important feature of the adventitia of diseased aortas was the presence of numerous contacts between TCs and stem cells, including vascular progenitor cells. Although the biologically functional correlations need to be elucidated, the morphological observations presented here provide strong evidence of the involvement of TCs in maintaining vascular homeostasis in pathological situations of tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Figueiredo Borges
- Morphophysiology & Pathology Sector, Biological Sciences Department, Federal University of São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil.
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18
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Yuan X, Jiang C, Xue Y, Guo F, Luo M, Guo L, Gao Y, Yuan T, Xu H, Chen H. KLF13 promotes VSMCs phenotypic dedifferentiation by directly binding to the SM22α promoter. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31251. [PMID: 38634445 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Krüppel-like factor 13 (KLF13), a zinc finger transcription factor, is considered as a potential regulator of cardiomyocyte differentiation and proliferation during heart morphogenesis. However, its precise role in the dedifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during atherosclerosis and neointimal formation after injury remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the relationship between KLF13 and SM22α expression in normal and atherosclerotic plaques by bioanalysis, and observed a significant increase in KLF13 levels in the atherosclerotic plaques of both human patients and ApoE-/- mice. Knockdown of KLF13 was found to ameliorate intimal hyperplasia following carotid artery injury. Furthermore, we discovered that KLF13 directly binds to the SM22α promoter, leading to the phenotypic dedifferentiation of VSMCs. Remarkably, we observed a significant inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor BB-induced VSMCs dedifferentiation, proliferation, and migration when knocked down KLF13 in VSMCs. This inhibitory effect of KLF13 knockdown on VCMC function was, at least in part, mediated by the inactivation of p-AKT signaling in VSMCs. Overall, our findings shed light on a potential therapeutic target for treating atherosclerotic lesions and restenosis after vascular injury.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Carotid Artery Injuries/pathology
- Carotid Artery Injuries/genetics
- Carotid Artery Injuries/metabolism
- Cell Dedifferentiation
- Cell Movement/genetics
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Cells, Cultured
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/genetics
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Muscle Proteins/genetics
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Neointima/metabolism
- Neointima/pathology
- Neointima/genetics
- Phenotype
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/pathology
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/metabolism
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/genetics
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Repressor Proteins/genetics
- Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Cell Cycle Proteins
- Microfilament Proteins/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Yuan
- Department of General Practice, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuzhou Xue
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fuqiang Guo
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Minghao Luo
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of General Practice, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tongling Yuan
- Department of General Practice, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of General Practice, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of General Practice, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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19
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Chien HC, Wang YL, Tu YC, Tsui PF, Tsai MC. Activation of heme oxygenase-1 by laminar shear stress ameliorates high glucose-induced endothelial cell and smooth muscle cell dysfunction. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30563. [PMID: 38591551 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
High glucose (HG)-induced endothelial cell (EC) and smooth muscle cell (SMC) dysfunction is critical in diabetes-associated atherosclerosis. However, the roles of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a stress-response protein, in hemodynamic force-generated shear stress and HG-induced metabolic stress remain unclear. This investigation examined the cellular effects and mechanisms of HO-1 under physiologically high shear stress (HSS) in HG-treated ECs and adjacent SMCs. We found that exposure of human aortic ECs to HSS significantly increased HO-1 expression; however, this upregulation appeared to be independent of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, a regulator of HO-1. Furthermore, HSS inhibited the expression of HG-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in ECs. In an EC/SMC co-culture, compared with static conditions, subjecting ECs close to SMCs to HSS and HG significantly suppressed SMC proliferation while increasing the expression of physiological contractile phenotype markers, such as α-smooth muscle actin and serum response factor. Moreover, HSS and HG decreased the expression of vimentin, an atherogenic synthetic phenotypic marker, in SMCs. Transfecting ECs with HO-1-specific small interfering (si)RNA reversed HSS inhibition on HG-induced inflammation and ROS production in ECs. Similarly, reversed HSS inhibition on HG-induced proliferation and synthetic phenotype formation were observed in co-cultured SMCs. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying EC-SMC interplay during HG-induced metabolic stress. Strategies to promote HSS in the vessel wall, such as continuous exercise, or the development of HO-1 analogs and mimics of the HSS effect, could provide an effective approach for preventing and treating diabetes-related atherosclerotic vascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Che Chien
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lin Wang
- Center of General Education, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Chin Tu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Fen Tsui
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Min-Chien Tsai
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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20
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Hu P, Du Y, Xu Y, Ye P, Xia J. The role of transcription factors in the pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting of vascular diseases. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1384294. [PMID: 38745757 PMCID: PMC11091331 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1384294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) constitute an essential component of epigenetic regulation. They contribute to the progression of vascular diseases by regulating epigenetic gene expression in several vascular diseases. Recently, numerous regulatory mechanisms related to vascular pathology, ranging from general TFs that are continuously activated to histiocyte-specific TFs that are activated under specific circumstances, have been studied. TFs participate in the progression of vascular-related diseases by epigenetically regulating vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The Krüppel-like family (KLF) TF family is widely recognized as the foremost regulator of vascular diseases. KLF11 prevents aneurysm progression by inhibiting the apoptosis of VSMCs and enhancing their contractile function. The presence of KLF4, another crucial member, suppresses the progression of atherosclerosis (AS) and pulmonary hypertension by attenuating the formation of VSMCs-derived foam cells, ameliorating endothelial dysfunction, and inducing vasodilatory effects. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of the progression of vascular-related diseases by TFs has remained elusive. The present study categorized the TFs involved in vascular diseases and their regulatory mechanisms to shed light on the potential pathogenesis of vascular diseases, and provide novel insights into their diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poyi Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifan Du
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Ye
- Central Hospital of Wuhan, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahong Xia
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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21
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Wang T, Ding J, Cheng X, Yang Q, Hu P. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: new strategies and therapeutic targets to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1396656. [PMID: 38720777 PMCID: PMC11076696 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1396656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality and is increasingly prevalent in our population. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) can safely and effectively lower glucose levels while concurrently managing the full spectrum of ASCVD risk factors and improving patients' long-term prognosis. Several cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) have been carried out to further investigate the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1RAs. Analyzing data from CVOTs can provide insights into the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which GLP-1RAs are linked to ASCVD and define the use of GLP-1RAs in clinical practice. Here, we discussed various mechanisms hypothesized in previous animal and preclinical human studies, including blockade of the production of adhesion molecules and inflammatory factors, induction of endothelial cells' synthesis of nitric oxide, protection of mitochondrial function and restriction of oxidative stress, suppression of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein three inflammasome, reduction of foam cell formation and macrophage inflammation, and amelioration of vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction, to help explain the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1RAs in CVOTs. This paper provides an overview of the clinical research, molecular processes, and possible therapeutic applications of GLP-1RAs in ASCVD, while also addressing current limitations in the literature and suggesting future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- Department of The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juncan Ding
- Department of The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Cheng
- Department of The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Yang
- Department of The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Hu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Sun H, Ma X, Ma H, Li S, Xia Y, Yao L, Wang Y, Pang X, Zhong J, Yao G, Liu X, Zhang M. High glucose levels accelerate atherosclerosis via NLRP3-IL/ MAPK/NF-κB-related inflammation pathways. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 704:149702. [PMID: 38422898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a chronic inflammatory disease, diabetes mellitus (DM) contributes to the development of atherosclerosis (AS). However, how the NLRP3 inflammasome participates in diabetes-related AS remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism through which NLRP3 uses high glucose (HG) levels to promote AS. METHODS Serum and coronary artery tissues were collected from coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with and without DM, respectively. The expression of NLRP3 was detected, and the effects of this inflammasome on diabetes-associated AS were evaluated using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic apoE-/- mice injected with Adenovirus-mediated NLRP3 interference (Ad-NLRP3i). To elucidate the potential mechanism involved, ox-LDL-irritated human aortic smooth muscle cells were divided into the control, high-glucose, Si-NC, and Si-NLRP3 groups to observe the changes induced by downregulating NLRP3 expression. For up-regulating NLRP3, control and plasmid contained NLRP3 were used. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, phosphorylated and total p38, JNK, p65, and IκBα expression levels were detected following the downregulation or upregulation of NLRP3 expression. RESULTS Patients with comorbid CAD and DM showed higher serum levels and expression of NLRP3 in the coronary artery than those with only CAD. Moreover, mice in the Ad-NLRP3i group showed markedly smaller and more stable atherosclerotic lesions compared to those in other DM groups. These mice had decreased inflammatory cytokine production and improved glucose tolerance, which demonstrated the substantial effects of NLRP3 in the progression of diabetes-associated AS. Furthermore, using the siRNA or plasmid to downregulate or upregulate NLRP3 expression in vitro altered cytokines and the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. CONCLUSIONS NLRP3 expression was significantly increased under hyperglycemia. Additionally, it accelerated AS by promoting inflammation via the IL/MAPK/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Sun
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaotian Ma
- Department of Medicine Experimental Center, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Qingdao Branch of Shandong Public Health Clinical Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuen Li
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Xia
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Lijie Yao
- Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingcui Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuelian Pang
- Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingquan Zhong
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guihua Yao
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoling Liu
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Mei Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Li X, Yang Y, Wang Z, Lin X, Fu X, He X, Liu M, Wang JX, Yu T, Sun P. CircHIPK3 targets DRP1 to mediate hydrogen peroxide-induced necroptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells and atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque formation. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00154-1. [PMID: 38621622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Necroptosis triggered by H2O2 is hypothesized to be a critical factor in the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques, which may precipitate acute cardiovascular events. Nevertheless, the specific regulatory molecules of this development remain unclear. We aims to elucidate a mechanism from the perspective of circular RNA. OBJECTIVES There are few studies on circRNA in VSMCs necroptosis. The objective of our research is to shed light on the intricate roles that circHIPK3 plays in the process of necroptosis in VSMCs and the development of atherosclerotic plaques that are prone to rupture. Our study elucidates the specific molecular mechanisms by which circHIPK3 regulates necroptosis and atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque formation through targeted proteins. Identifying this mechanism at the cellular level offers a molecular framework for understanding plaque progression and stability regulation, as well as a potential biomarker for the prognosis of susceptible atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS We collected clinical vascular tissue for HE staining and Masson staining to determine the presence and stability of plaques. Then, NCBI database was used to screen out circRNA with elevated expression level in plaque tissue, and the up-regulated circRNA, circHIPK3, was verified by qRT-PCR and FISH. Further, we synthesized circHIPK3's small interference sequence and overexpressed plasmid in vitro, and verified its regulation effect on necroptosis of VSMCs under physiological and pathological conditions by WB, qRT-PCR and PI staining. Through RNA pull down, mass spectrometry and RNA immunoprecipitation, DRP1 was identified as circHIPK3 binding protein and was positively regulated by circHIPK3. Meanwhile, on the basis of silencing of DRP1, the regulation of circHIPK3 on necroptosis is verified to be mediated by DRP1. Finally, we validated the regulation of circHIPK3 on vulnerable plaque formation in ApoE-/- mice. RESULTS We investigated that circHIPK3 was highly expressed in vulnerable plaques, and the increase in expression level promoted H2O2 induced necroptosis of VSMCs. CircHIPK3 targeted the protein DRP1, leading to an elevation in mitochondrial division rate, resulting in increased reactive oxygen species and impaired mitochondrial function, ultimately leading to necroptosis of VSMCs and vulnerable plaque formation. CONCLUSION CircHIPK3 interact with DRP1 involve in H2O2 induced Mitochondrial damage and necroptosis of VSMCs, and Silencing circHIPK3 in vivo can reduce atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque formation. Our research findings may have applications in providing diagnostic biomarkers for vulnerable plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Li
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhibin Wang
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotong Lin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao 266011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuxiu Fu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangqin He
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meixin Liu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Xun Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China; Center for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Pin Sun
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China.
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24
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Miceli G, Basso MG, Pintus C, Pennacchio AR, Cocciola E, Cuffaro M, Profita M, Rizzo G, Tuttolomondo A. Molecular Pathways of Vulnerable Carotid Plaques at Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4351. [PMID: 38673936 PMCID: PMC11050267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of vulnerable carotid plaques is pivotal in understanding the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke secondary to large-artery atherosclerosis. In macroscopic evaluation, vulnerable plaques are characterized by one or more of the following features: microcalcification; neovascularization; lipid-rich necrotic cores (LRNCs); intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH); thin fibrous caps; plaque surface ulceration; huge dimensions, suggesting stenosis; and plaque rupture. Recognizing these macroscopic characteristics is crucial for estimating the risk of cerebrovascular events, also in the case of non-significant (less than 50%) stenosis. Inflammatory biomarkers, such as cytokines and adhesion molecules, lipid-related markers like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and proteolytic enzymes capable of degrading extracellular matrix components are among the key molecules that are scrutinized for their associative roles in plaque instability. Through their quantification and evaluation, these biomarkers reveal intricate molecular cross-talk governing plaque inflammation, rupture potential, and thrombogenicity. The current evidence demonstrates that plaque vulnerability phenotypes are multiple and heterogeneous and are associated with many highly complex molecular pathways that determine the activation of an immune-mediated cascade that culminates in thromboinflammation. This narrative review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current knowledge on molecular biomarkers expressed by symptomatic carotid plaques. It explores the association of these biomarkers with the structural and compositional attributes that characterize vulnerable plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Miceli
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Basso
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Pintus
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Roberta Pennacchio
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Cocciola
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mariagiovanna Cuffaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Martina Profita
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuliana Rizzo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Tuttolomondo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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25
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Zheng Y, Shao M, Zheng Y, Sun W, Qin S, Sun Z, Zhu L, Guan Y, Wang Q, Wang Y, Li L. PPARs in atherosclerosis: The spatial and temporal features from mechanism to druggable targets. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00120-6. [PMID: 38555000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is a chronic and complex disease caused by lipid disorder, inflammation, and other factors. It is closely related to cardiovascular diseases, the chief cause of death globally. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are valuable anti-atherosclerosis targets that showcase multiple roles at different pathological stages of atherosclerosis and for cell types at different tissue sites. AIM OF REVIEW Considering the spatial and temporal characteristics of the pathological evolution of atherosclerosis, the roles and pharmacological and clinical studies of PPARs were summarized systematically and updated under different pathological stages and in different vascular cells of atherosclerosis. Moreover, selective PPAR modulators and PPAR-pan agonists can exert their synergistic effects meanwhile reducing the side effects, thereby providing novel insight into future drug development for precise spatial-temporal therapeutic strategy of anti-atherosclerosis targeting PPARs. KEY SCIENTIFIC Concepts of Review: Based on the spatial and temporal characteristics of atherosclerosis, we have proposed the importance of stage- and cell type-dependent precision therapy. Initially, PPARs improve endothelial cells' dysfunction by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress and then regulate macrophages' lipid metabolism and polarization to improve fatty streak. Finally, PPARs reduce fibrous cap formation by suppressing the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Therefore, research on the cell type-specific mechanisms of PPARs can provide the foundation for space-time drug treatment. Moreover, pharmacological studies have demonstrated that several drugs or compounds can exert their effects by the activation of PPARs. Selective PPAR modulators (that specifically activate gene subsets of PPARs) can exert tissue and cell-specific effects. Furthermore, the dual- or pan-PPAR agonist could perform a better role in balancing efficacy and side effects. Therefore, research on cells/tissue-specific activation of PPARs and PPAR-pan agonists can provide the basis for precision therapy and drug development of PPARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Mingyan Shao
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yanfei Zheng
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wenlong Sun
- Institute of Biomedical Research, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Si Qin
- Lab of Food Function and Nutrigenomics, College of Food Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Ziwei Sun
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Linghui Zhu
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuanyuan Guan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Qi Wang
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; First School of Clinical Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China.
| | - Lingru Li
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
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26
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Yu F, Liu J, Wei X. Circ-ABCA1 promotes oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced inflammation and phenotypic switch in vascular smooth muscle cells. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2024; 79:100343. [PMID: 38554490 PMCID: PMC10998038 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2024.100343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall, in which Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (HVSMCs) are involved. Nevertheless, the functions and mechanisms of circRNAs in oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced vascular smooth muscle cells remain unclear. METHODS Circ-ABCA1 expression was measured in the models of AS. Then, in the vitro model, oligonucleotide transfection was performed, followed by an analysis of VSMC proliferation, migration, inflammation, and phenotypic switch. Also, in the in vivo model, mice were injected with shRNA lentivirus, followed by histological examination of aortic tissues. Finally, the interaction of circ-ABCA1, miR-885-5p, and ROCK2 was identified. RESULTS Circ-ABCA1, was confirmed to be overexpressed in ox-LDL-induced VSMCs and mouse models of AS. Functionally, silencing circ-ABCA1 via oligonucleotide transfection suppressed VSMC proliferation, migration, inflammation, and phenotypic switch in vitro and prevented AS development in mice in vivo. Mechanistically, circ-ABCA1 absorbed miR-885-5p, which targeted ROCK2. CONCLUSION Taken together, the data from this study suggest that circ-ABCA1 mediates cellular inflammation and phenotype switching through the miR-885-5p/ROCK2 axis in ox-LDL-induced VSMCs, and the circ-ABCA1/miR-885-5p/ROCK2 axis is a new potential biomarker for the treatment of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yu
- Department of Cardiac Catheterization Room, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai City, Shandong Province, China
| | - JiWei Liu
- Department of Emergency, Ezhou Central Hospital, Ezhou City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Department of 120 Emergency Center, The First People's Hospital of Jiangxia District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.
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27
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Li C, Liu R, Xiong Z, Bao X, Liang S, Zeng H, Jin W, Gong Q, Liu L, Guo J. Ferroptosis: a potential target for the treatment of atherosclerosis. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024; 56:331-344. [PMID: 38327187 PMCID: PMC10984869 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS), the main contributor to acute cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, is characterized by necrotic core formation and plaque instability induced by cell death. The mechanisms of cell death in AS have recently been identified and elucidated. Ferroptosis, a novel iron-dependent form of cell death, has been proven to participate in atherosclerotic progression by increasing endothelial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, accumulated intracellular iron activates various signaling pathways or risk factors for AS, such as abnormal lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation, which can eventually lead to the disordered function of macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cells, and vascular endothelial cells. However, the molecular pathways through which ferroptosis affects AS development and progression are not entirely understood. This review systematically summarizes the interactions between AS and ferroptosis and provides a feasible approach for inhibiting AS progression from the perspective of ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyi Li
- School of MedicineYangtze UniversityJingzhou434020China
| | - Ran Liu
- School of MedicineYangtze UniversityJingzhou434020China
| | - Zhenyu Xiong
- School of MedicineYangtze UniversityJingzhou434020China
| | - Xue Bao
- School of MedicineYangtze UniversityJingzhou434020China
| | - Sijia Liang
- Department of PharmacologyZhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat-Sen UniversityGuangzhou510120China
| | - Haotian Zeng
- Department of GastroenterologyShenzhen People’s HospitalThe Second Clinical Medical CollegeJinan UniversityShenzhen518000China
| | - Wei Jin
- Department of Second Ward of General PediatricsSuizhou Central HospitalHubei University of MedicineSuizhou441300China
| | - Quan Gong
- School of MedicineYangtze UniversityJingzhou434020China
| | - Lian Liu
- School of MedicineYangtze UniversityJingzhou434020China
| | - Jiawei Guo
- School of MedicineYangtze UniversityJingzhou434020China
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28
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Sun J, Wang M, Jia F, Song J, Ren J, Hu B. FTO Stabilizes MIS12 to Inhibit Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Senescence in Atherosclerotic Plaque. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:1857-1871. [PMID: 38523689 PMCID: PMC10961024 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s447379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Atherosclerosis is the main cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we aimed to uncover the role and mechanisms of fat mass and obesity-associated genes (FTO) in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) senescence in atherosclerotic plaques. Methods ApoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) were used to establish an atherosclerotic animal model. Immunohistochemistry, and the staining of hematoxylin-eosin, Oil Red O, Sirius red, and Masson were performed to confirm the role of FTO in atherosclerosis in vivo. Subsequently, FTO expression in primary VSMCs is either upregulated or downregulated. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to treat VSMCs, followed by EdU staining, flow cytometry, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, immunofluorescence, telomere detection, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting to determine the molecular mechanisms by which FTO inhibits VSMC senescence. Results Decreased FTO expression was observed in progressive atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE-/- mice fed with HFD. FTO upregulation inhibits atherosclerotic lesions in mice. FTO inhibits VSMC aging in atherosclerotic plaques by helping VSMC withstand ox-LDL-induced cell cycle arrest and senescence. This process is achieved by stabilizing the MIS12 protein in VSMC through a proteasome-mediated pathway. Conclusion FTO inhibits VSMC senescence and subsequently slows the progression of atherosclerotic plaques by stabilizing the MIS12 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhao Sun
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengqi Wang
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fengming Jia
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiantao Song
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinlin Ren
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
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Luo J, Zhang X, Li W, Wang T, Cui S, Li T, Wang Y, Xu W, Ma Y, Yang B, Luo Y, Yang G, Xu R, Jiao L. eIF2α-mediated integrated stress response links multiple intracellular signaling pathways to reprogram vascular smooth muscle cell fate in carotid artery plaque. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26904. [PMID: 38434290 PMCID: PMC10907769 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Carotid arterial atherosclerotic stenosis is a well-recognized pathological basis of ischemic stroke; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play fundamental roles in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Organelle dynamics have been reported to affect atherosclerosis development. However, the association between organelle dynamics and various cellular stresses in atherosclerotic progression remain ambiguous. Methods In this study, we conducted transcriptomics and bioinformatics analyses of stable and vulnerable carotid plaques. Primary VSMCs were isolated from carotid plaques and subjected to histopathological staining to determine their expression profiles. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, and lysosome dynamics were observed in primary VSMCs and VSMC cell lines using live-cell imaging. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying disordered organelle dynamics were investigated using comprehensive biological approaches. Results ER whorls, a representative structural change under ER stress, are prominent dynamic reconstructions of VSMCs between vulnerable and stable plaques, followed by fragmented mitochondria and enlarged lysosomes, suggesting mitochondrial stress and lysosomal defects, respectively. Induction of mitochondrial stress alleviated ER stress and autophagy in an eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF)-2α-dependent manner. Furthermore, the effects of eIF2α on ER stress, mitochondrial stress, and lysosomal defects were validated using clinical samples. Conclusion Our results indicate that morphological and functional changes in VSMC organelles, especially in ER whorls, can be used as reliable biomarkers for atherosclerotic progression. Moreover, eIF2α plays an important role in integrating multiple stress-signaling pathways to determine the behavior and fate of VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichang Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Laboratory of Computational Biology and Machine Intelligence, National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Shengyan Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Tianhua Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Yilin Wang
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenlong Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Yumin Luo
- Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease Research and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Yang
- Laboratory of Computational Biology and Machine Intelligence, National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Liqun Jiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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30
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Wesseling M, Diez-Benavente E, Mokry M, den Ruijter HM, Pasterkamp G. A critical appreciation of pathway analysis in atherosclerotic disease. Cellular phenotypic plasticity as an illustrative example. Vascul Pharmacol 2024; 154:107286. [PMID: 38408531 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2024.107286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The rapid advancements in genome-scale (omics) techniques has created significant opportunities to investigate complex disease mechanisms in tissues and cells. Nevertheless, interpreting -omics data can be challenging, and pathway enrichment analysis is a frequently used method to identify candidate molecular pathways that drive gene expression changes. With a growing number of -omics studies dedicated to atherosclerosis, there has been a significant increase in studies and hypotheses relying on enrichment analysis. This brief review discusses the benefits and limitations of pathway enrichment analysis within atherosclerosis research. We highlight the challenges of identifying complex biological processes, such as cell phenotypic switching, within -omics data. Additionally, we emphasize the need for more comprehensive and curated gene sets that reflect the biological complexity of atherosclerosis. Pathway enrichment analysis is a valuable tool for gaining insights into the molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remain aware of the intrinsic limitations of this approach. By addressing these weaknesses, enrichment analysis in atherosclerosis can lead to breakthroughs in identifying the mechanisms of disease progresses, the identification of key driver genes, and consequently, advance personalized patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wesseling
- Central Diagnostics Laboratories, Department of Laboratory, pharmacy and biomedical genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - E Diez-Benavente
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M Mokry
- Central Diagnostics Laboratories, Department of Laboratory, pharmacy and biomedical genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - H M den Ruijter
- Experimental Cardiology Laboratory, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - G Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostics Laboratories, Department of Laboratory, pharmacy and biomedical genetics, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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31
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Lv N, Wang L, Zeng M, Wang Y, Yu B, Zeng W, Jiang X, Suo Y. Saponins as therapeutic candidates for atherosclerosis. Phytother Res 2024; 38:1651-1680. [PMID: 38299680 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Drug development for atherosclerosis, the underlying pathological state of ischemic cardiovascular diseases, has posed a longstanding challenge. Saponins, classified as steroid or triterpenoid glycosides, have shown promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Through an exhaustive examination of scientific literature spanning from May 2013 to May 2023, we identified 82 references evaluating 37 types of saponins in terms of their prospective impacts on atherosclerosis. These studies suggest that saponins have the potential to ameliorate atherosclerosis by regulating lipid metabolism, inhibiting inflammation, suppressing apoptosis, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, as well as regulating gut microbiota, autophagy, endothelial senescence, and angiogenesis. Notably, ginsenosides exhibit significant potential and manifest essential pharmacological attributes, including lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidative stress effects. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the pharmacological attributes of saponins in atherosclerosis, with particular emphasis on their role in the regulation of lipid metabolism regulation and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, saponins may warrant further investigation as a potential therapy for atherosclerosis. However, due to various reasons such as low oral bioavailability, the clinical application of saponins in the treatment of atherosclerosis still needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuan Lv
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Luming Wang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Miao Zeng
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yijing Wang
- School of Nursing, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Bin Yu
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyun Zeng
- Oncology Department, Ganzhou people's hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xijuan Jiang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanrong Suo
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Ganzhou people's hospital, Ganzhou, China
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32
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Chen C, Ma J, Ren L, Sun B, Shi Y, Chen L, Wang D, Wei J, Sun Y, Cao X. Rosmarinic Acid Activates the Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway via the miR-25-3p/SIRT6 Axis to Inhibit Vascular Remodeling. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:4008-4022. [PMID: 38373191 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c02916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The vital pathological processes in intimal hyperplasia include aberrant vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural phenolic acid compound. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of RA in neointimal hyperplasia is still unclear. Our analysis illustrated that miR-25-3p mimics significantly enhanced PDGF-BB-mediated VSMCs proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching while RA partially weakened the effect of miR-25-3p. Mechanistically, we found that miR-25-3p directly targets sirtuin (SIRT6). The suppressive effect of the miR-25-3p inhibitor on PDGF-BB-induced VSMCs proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switch was partially eliminated by SIRT6 knockdown. The suppression of the PDGF-BB-stimulated Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway that was activated by the miR-25-3p inhibitor was exacerbated by the SIRT6 knockdown. In in vivo experiments, RA reduced the degree of intimal hyperplasia while miR-25-3p agomir partially reversed the suppressive effect of RA in vascular remodeling. Our results indicate that RA activates the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway via the miR-25-3p/SIRT6 axis to inhibit vascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 13002, China
| | - Jiulong Ma
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 13002, China
| | - Liqun Ren
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 13002, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 13002, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 13002, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 13002, China
| | - Danqi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 13002, China
| | - Jiaxin Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 13002, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- Changsha Medical College, 1501 Leifeng Avenue, Wangcheng District, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Xia Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, 1266 Fujin Road, Changchun, Jilin 13002, China
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Doboszewska U, Maret W, Wlaź P. GPR39: An orphan receptor begging for ligands. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103861. [PMID: 38122967 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Progress in the understanding of the receptor GPR39 is held up by inconsistent pharmacological data. First, the endogenous ligand(s) remain(s) contentious. Data pointing to zinc ions (Zn2+) and/or eicosanoids as endogenous ligands are a matter of debate. Second, there are uncertainties in the specificity of the widely used synthetic ligand (agonist) TC-G 1008. Third, activation of GPR39 has been often proposed as a novel treatment strategy, but new data also support that inhibition might be beneficial in certain disease contexts. Constitutive activity/promiscuous signaling suggests the need for antagonists/inverse agonists in addition to (biased) agonists. Here, we scrutinize data on the signaling and functions of GPR39 and critically assess factors that might have contributed to divergent outcomes and interpretations of investigations on this important receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Doboszewska
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Wolfgang Maret
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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He J, Gao Y, Yang C, Guo Y, Liu L, Lu S, He H. Navigating the landscape: Prospects and hurdles in targeting vascular smooth muscle cells for atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy. J Control Release 2024; 366:261-281. [PMID: 38161032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have emerged as pivotal contributors throughout all phases of atherosclerotic plaque development, effectively dispelling prior underestimations of their prevalence and significance. Recent lineage tracing studies have unveiled the clonal nature and remarkable adaptability inherent to VSMCs, thereby illuminating their intricate and multifaceted roles in the context of atherosclerosis. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of the intricate mechanisms and distinctive characteristics that define VSMCs across various physiological processes, firmly underscoring their paramount importance in shaping the course of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, this review offers a thorough examination of the significant strides made over the past two decades in advancing imaging techniques and therapeutic strategies with a precise focus on targeting VSMCs within atherosclerotic plaques, notably spotlighting meticulously engineered nanoparticles as a promising avenue. We envision the potential of VSMC-targeted nanoparticles, thoughtfully loaded with medications or combination therapies, to effectively mitigate pro-atherogenic VSMC processes. These advancements are poised to contribute significantly to the pivotal objective of modulating VSMC phenotypes and enhancing plaque stability. Moreover, our paper also delves into recent breakthroughs in VSMC-targeted imaging technologies, showcasing their remarkable precision in locating microcalcifications, dynamically monitoring plaque fibrous cap integrity, and assessing the therapeutic efficacy of medical interventions. Lastly, we conscientiously explore the opportunities and challenges inherent in this innovative approach, providing a holistic perspective on the potential of VSMC-targeted strategies in the evolving landscape of atherosclerosis research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua He
- School of Pharmacy, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu Gao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Can Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China
| | - Lisha Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shan Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Preparations, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongliang He
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Devices, School of Biological Sciences & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
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35
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Skeyni A, Pradignac A, Matz RL, Terrand J, Boucher P. Cholesterol trafficking, lysosomal function, and atherosclerosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C473-C486. [PMID: 38145298 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00415.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite years of study and major research advances over the past 50 years, atherosclerotic diseases continue to rank as the leading global cause of death. Accumulation of cholesterol within the vascular wall remains the main problem and represents one of the early steps in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. There is a complex relationship between vesicular cholesterol transport and atherosclerosis, and abnormalities in cholesterol trafficking can contribute to the development and progression of the lesions. The dysregulation of vesicular cholesterol transport and lysosomal function fosters the buildup of cholesterol within various intracytoplasmic compartments, including lysosomes and lipid droplets. This, in turn, promotes the hallmark formation of foam cells, a defining feature of early atherosclerosis. Multiple cellular processes, encompassing endocytosis, exocytosis, intracellular trafficking, and autophagy, play crucial roles in influencing foam cell formation and atherosclerotic plaque stability. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the understanding of the intricate mechanisms of vesicular cholesterol transport and its relationship with atherosclerosis and discuss the importance of understanding these mechanisms in developing strategies to prevent or treat this prevalent cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Skeyni
- UMR-S INSERM 1109, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alain Pradignac
- UMR-S INSERM 1109, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Rachel L Matz
- UMR-S INSERM 1109, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jérôme Terrand
- UMR-S INSERM 1109, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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36
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Ping L, Zhi-Ming L, Bi-Shan Z, Lei Z, Bo Y, Yi-Chun Z, Ming-Jie W. S-propargyl-cysteine promotes the stability of atherosclerotic plaque via maintaining vascular muscle contractile phenotype. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1291170. [PMID: 38328305 PMCID: PMC10847265 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1291170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Plaque rupture in atherosclerosis contributes to various acute cardiovascular events. As a new sulfide-containing donor, S-propargyl-cysteine (SPRC) has been reported to play a beneficial role in cardioprotection, potentially through its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-atherogenic activities. Our previous study observed an increase in eNOS phosphorylation in endothelial cells. However, it remains unclear whether SPRC influences vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) within the plaque and if this effect contributes to plaque stabilization. Methods: An atherosclerotic unstable plaque mouse model was established by subjecting ApoE-/- mice to tandem stenosis of the right carotid artery along with a Western diet. Daily SPRC administration was conducted for 13 weeks. Plaque morphology and stability were assessed using MRI scanning and histopathological staining. In our in vitro studies, we stimulated human artery vascular smooth muscle cells (HAVSMCs) with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), both with and without 100 μM SPRC treatment. Cell phenotype was assessed using both Western blot and Real-time PCR. Cell proliferation was assessed using the BrdU cell proliferation kit and immunofluorescence of Ki-67, while cell migration was measured using scratch wound healing and transwell assay. MiR-143-3p overexpression and knockdown experiments were used to investigate whether it mediates the effect of SPRC on VSMC phenotype. Results and Discussion: SPRC treatment reduced plasma lipid levels, increased collagen content and decreased cell apoptosis in atherosclerotic plaques, indicating improved plaque stability. Both in vivo and in vitro studies elucidated the role of SPRC in preserving the contractile phenotype of VSMCs through up-regulation of miR-143-3p expression. Furthermore, SPRC suppressed the pro-proliferation and pro-migration effects of PDGF-BB on HAVSMCs. Overall, these findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of SPRC on phenotype switch from contractile to synthetic VSMCs may contribute to its beneficial role in enhancing plaque stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ping
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhi-Ming
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhang Bi-Shan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu Lei
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Bo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu Yi-Chun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Ming-Jie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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37
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Liu H, Zhao Y, Zhao G, Deng Y, Chen YE, Zhang J. SWI/SNF Complex in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Its Implications in Cardiovascular Pathologies. Cells 2024; 13:168. [PMID: 38247859 PMCID: PMC10814623 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mature vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) exhibit a remarkable degree of plasticity, a characteristic that has intrigued cardiovascular researchers for decades. Recently, it has become increasingly evident that the chromatin remodeler SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex plays a pivotal role in orchestrating chromatin conformation, which is critical for gene regulation. In this review, we provide a summary of research related to the involvement of the SWI/SNF complexes in VSMC and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), integrating these discoveries into the current landscape of epigenetic and transcriptional regulation in VSMC. These novel discoveries shed light on our understanding of VSMC biology and pave the way for developing innovative therapeutic strategies in CVD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Guizhen Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yongjie Deng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Y. Eugene Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, University of Michigan Medical Center, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (H.L.); (Y.Z.)
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Lin A, Brittan M, Baker AH, Dimmeler S, Fisher EA, Sluimer JC, Misra A. Clonal Expansion in Cardiovascular Pathology. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2024; 9:120-144. [PMID: 38362345 PMCID: PMC10864919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Clonal expansion refers to the proliferation and selection of advantageous "clones" that are better suited for survival in a Darwinian manner. In recent years, we have greatly enhanced our understanding of cell clonality in the cardiovascular context. However, our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms behind this clonal selection is still severely limited. There is a transpiring pattern of clonal expansion of smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells-and, in some cases, macrophages-in numerous cardiovascular diseases irrespective of their differing microenvironments. These findings indirectly suggest the possible existence of stem-like vascular cells which are primed to respond during disease. Subsequent clones may undergo further phenotypic changes to adopt either protective or detrimental roles. By investigating these clone-forming vascular cells, we may be able to harness this inherent clonal nature for future therapeutic intervention. This review comprehensively discusses what is currently known about clonal expansion across the cardiovascular field. Comparisons of the clonal nature of vascular cells in atherosclerosis (including clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential), pulmonary hypertension, aneurysm, blood vessel injury, ischemia- and tumor-induced angiogenesis, and cerebral cavernous malformations are evaluated. Finally, we discuss the potential clinical implications of these findings and propose that proper understanding and specific targeting of these clonal cells may provide unique therapeutic options for the treatment of these cardiovascular conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lin
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mairi Brittan
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew H. Baker
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Berlin, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Edward A. Fisher
- Department of Medicine/Division of Cardiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Judith C. Sluimer
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Sciences, Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ashish Misra
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Heart Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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39
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Lv N, Zhang Y, Wang L, Suo Y, Zeng W, Yu Q, Yu B, Jiang X. LncRNA/CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA Axis in Atherosclerotic Inflammation: Research Progress. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2024; 25:1021-1040. [PMID: 37842894 DOI: 10.2174/0113892010267577231005102901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the arterial wall. However, the exact mechanism underlying atherosclerosis-related inflammation has not been fully elucidated. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying the inflammatory process that leads to atherosclerosis, there is need to identify novel molecular markers. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-protein-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have gained prominence in recent years. LncRNAs/circRNAs act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) that bind to miRNAs via microRNA response elements (MREs), thereby inhibiting the silencing of miRNA target mRNAs. Inflammatory mediators and inflammatory signaling pathways are closely regulated by ceRNA regulatory networks in atherosclerosis. In this review, we discuss the role of LncRNA/CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis in atherosclerotic inflammation and how it can be targeted for early clinical detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuan Lv
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yilin Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Luming Wang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanrong Suo
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Wenyun Zeng
- Oncology Department, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Qun Yu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Bin Yu
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xijuan Jiang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Raíssa-Oliveira B, Lara-Ribeiro AC, Rezende-Ribeiro J, Bahia ABQ, Verano-Braga T. Cardioproteomics: Insights on Cardiovascular Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1443:159-171. [PMID: 38409420 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-50624-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a global health challenge and are the leading cause of deaths worldwide. Proteomics has emerged as a valuable tool for unraveling the complex molecular mechanisms underlying CVDs, offering insights into biomarker discovery, drug targets, and personalized medicine. This review explores key breakthroughs in proteomic applications related to CVDs, mainly coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemic heart diseases such as myocardial infarction (MI), and cardiomyopathies. Notable findings include potential biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and insights into disease pathogenesis. The review highlights the importance of proteomics in advancing our understanding of CVDs and shaping future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Raíssa-Oliveira
- Núcleo de Proteômica Funcional (NPF), Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- INCT-Nanobiofar, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Lara-Ribeiro
- Núcleo de Proteômica Funcional (NPF), Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- INCT-Nanobiofar, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Júlia Rezende-Ribeiro
- Núcleo de Proteômica Funcional (NPF), Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- INCT-Nanobiofar, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz Queiroz Bahia
- Núcleo de Proteômica Funcional (NPF), Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- INCT-Nanobiofar, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thiago Verano-Braga
- Núcleo de Proteômica Funcional (NPF), Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- INCT-Nanobiofar, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Li X, Peng X, Zoulikha M, Boafo GF, Magar KT, Ju Y, He W. Multifunctional nanoparticle-mediated combining therapy for human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:1. [PMID: 38161204 PMCID: PMC10758001 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01668-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Combining existing drug therapy is essential in developing new therapeutic agents in disease prevention and treatment. In preclinical investigations, combined effect of certain known drugs has been well established in treating extensive human diseases. Attributed to synergistic effects by targeting various disease pathways and advantages, such as reduced administration dose, decreased toxicity, and alleviated drug resistance, combinatorial treatment is now being pursued by delivering therapeutic agents to combat major clinical illnesses, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, myocarditis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Combinatorial therapy involves combining or co-delivering two or more drugs for treating a specific disease. Nanoparticle (NP)-mediated drug delivery systems, i.e., liposomal NPs, polymeric NPs and nanocrystals, are of great interest in combinatorial therapy for a wide range of disorders due to targeted drug delivery, extended drug release, and higher drug stability to avoid rapid clearance at infected areas. This review summarizes various targets of diseases, preclinical or clinically approved drug combinations and the development of multifunctional NPs for combining therapy and emphasizes combinatorial therapeutic strategies based on drug delivery for treating severe clinical diseases. Ultimately, we discuss the challenging of developing NP-codelivery and translation and provide potential approaches to address the limitations. This review offers a comprehensive overview for recent cutting-edge and challenging in developing NP-mediated combination therapy for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Xiuju Peng
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Makhloufi Zoulikha
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - George Frimpong Boafo
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China
| | - Kosheli Thapa Magar
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Yanmin Ju
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China.
| | - Wei He
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China.
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Yang J, Liu S, Hu S, Dai H, Cai K. Moxibustion's protective role against atherosclerosis: Inhibition of Ca 2+ overload-triggered oxidative stress and inflammatory response via P2Y12/PI3K/AKT pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:228-237. [PMID: 37688784 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the protective mechanism of moxibustion in combating atherosclerosis (AS). METHODS Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-deficient mice, aged 8 weeks, were randomly assigned into four groups: the model group (n = 6), SC79 group (n = 6), moxibustion group (n = 6), and moxibustion+SC79 group (n = 6). All mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Concurrently, 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice of the same genetic background were utilized as the control group (n = 6) and were given a regular diet. Macrophages were isolated via flow cytometry. The intracellular Ca2+ expression in macrophages was evaluated, and aortic plaques were quantitatively assessed through en face oil red O and Masson staining. The presence of macrophages and smooth muscle cells in AS plaques was determined by MAC-3 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunohistochemistry. The relative fluorescence intensity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in macrophages was identified by immunofluorescence staining. The expressions of proteins related to the P2Y12/phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway were examined by Western blotting. RESULTS Moxibustion reduced free Ca2+ expression in macrophage cytoplasm, inhibiting Ca2+ influx and oxidative stress. Significant reductions in atherosclerotic plaque formation and inflammation markers, including TNF-α and IL-1β, were noted in the moxibustion group. Moxibustion modulated the P2Y12/PI3K/AKT pathway, impacting various inflammatory and oxidative stress-related proteins. Introduction of the AKT activator SC79 counteracted moxibustion's benefits, highlighting the P2Y12/PI3K/AKT pathway's central role. CONCLUSION Moxibustion, through the P2Y12/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, can inhibit Ca2+ overload-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response, decrease macrophage infiltration, and increase the content of smooth muscle cells and collagen, thereby exerting a protective effect against AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yang
- College of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shouyao Liu
- Clinic of Surgery of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shiwan Hu
- College of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hanxi Dai
- College of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Cai
- Department of Intelligent Manufacturing, Petro-Cyberworks Information Technology Company, Limited, Beijing, China
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Scipione CA, Hyduk SJ, Polenz CK, Cybulsky MI. Unveiling the Hidden Landscape of Arterial Diseases at Single-Cell Resolution. Can J Cardiol 2023; 39:1781-1794. [PMID: 37716639 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
High-resolution single-cell technologies have shed light on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases by enabling the discovery of novel cellular and transcriptomic signatures associated with various conditions, and uncovering new contributions of inflammatory processes, immunity, metabolic stress, and risk factors. We review the information obtained from studies using single-cell technologies in tissues with atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms. Insights are provided on the biology of endothelial, smooth muscle, and immune cells in the arterial intima and media. In addition to cellular diversity, numerous examples of plasticity and phenotype switching are highlighted and presented in the context of normal cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey A Scipione
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Sharon J Hyduk
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chanele K Polenz
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Myron I Cybulsky
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Ren H, Dai R, Nik Nabil WN, Xi Z, Wang F, Xu H. Unveiling the dual role of autophagy in vascular remodelling and its related diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115643. [PMID: 37839111 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular remodelling is an adaptive response to physiological and pathological stimuli that leads to structural and functional changes in the vascular intima, media, and adventitia. Pathological vascular remodelling is a hallmark feature of numerous vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, abdominal aortic aneurysm, pulmonary hypertension and preeclampsia. Autophagy is critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis, and its dysregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including vascular diseases. However, despite emerging evidence, the role of autophagy and its dual effects on vascular remodelling has garnered limited attention. Autophagy can exert protective and detrimental effects on the vascular intima, media and adventitia, thereby substantially influencing the course of vascular remodelling and its related vascular diseases. Currently, there has not been a review that thoroughly describes the regulation of autophagy in vascular remodelling and its impact on related diseases. Therefore, this review aimed to bridge this gap by focusing on the regulatory roles of autophagy in diseases related to vascular remodelling. This review also summarizes recent advancements in therapeutic agents targeting autophagy to regulate vascular remodelling. Additionally, this review offers an overview of recent breakthroughs in therapeutic agents targeting autophagy to regulate vascular remodelling. A deeper understanding of how autophagy orchestrates vascular remodelling can drive the development of targeted therapies for vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangui Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rongchen Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wan Najbah Nik Nabil
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai 201203, China; Pharmaceutical Services Program, Ministry of Health, Selangor 46200, Malaysia
| | - Zhichao Xi
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200137, China.
| | - Hongxi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Dubourg V, Schwerdt G, Schreier B, Kopf M, Mildenberger S, Benndorf RA, Gekle M. Transcriptional impact of EGFR activation in human female vascular smooth muscle cells. iScience 2023; 26:108286. [PMID: 38026216 PMCID: PMC10651680 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are critical for the vascular tone, but they can also drive the development of vascular diseases when they lose their contractile phenotype and de-differentiate. Previous studies showed that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) of VSMC is critical for vascular health, but most of the underlying mechanisms by which VSMC-EGFR controls vascular fate have remained unknown. We combined RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to characterize the effect of EGFR-activation on the transcriptome of human primary VSMC (from different female donors) and to identify potentially affected cellular processes. Our results indicate that the activation of human VSMC-EGFR is sufficient to trigger a phenotypical switch toward a proliferative and inflammatory phenotype. The extent of this effect is nonetheless partly donor-dependent. Our hypothesis-generating study thus provides a first insight into mechanisms that could partly explain variable susceptibilities to vascular diseases in between individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gerald Schwerdt
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Kopf
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf A. Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Molinuevo MS, Cortizo AM, Sedlinsky C. Effects of advanced glycation end-products, diabetes and metformin on the osteoblastic transdifferentiation capacity of vascular smooth muscle cells: In vivo and in vitro studies. J Diabetes Complications 2023; 37:108626. [PMID: 37839167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2023.108626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Our objective was to study the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) osteoblastic transdifferentiation in AGE exposed cells or those from diabetic animals, and its response to metformin treatment. METHODS VSMC were obtained from non-diabetic rats, grown with or without AGE; while VSMC of in vivo-ex vivo studies were obtained from non-diabetic control animals (C), diabetic (D), C treated with metformin (M) and D treated with metformin (D-M). We studied the osteoblastic differentiation by evaluating alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen (Col) and mineral deposit. RESULTS In vitro, AGE increased proliferation, migration, and osteoblastic differentiation of VSMC. Metformin cotreatment prevented the AGE induced proliferation and migration. Both AGE and metformin stimulated the expression of ALP and Col. AGE induced mineralization was prevented by metformin. VSMC from D expressed a higher production of Col and ALP. Those from D-M showed an ALP increase vs C and M, and a partial decrease vs D. Cultured in osteogenic medium, ALP, Col and mineralization increased in D vs C, remained unchanged in M, and were prevented in D-M animals. CONCLUSION Both AGE and DM favor VSMC differentiation towards the osteogenic phenotype and this effect can be prevented by metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Silvina Molinuevo
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Osteopatías y Metabolismo Mineral UNLP-CICPBA, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 50 y 115, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Ana María Cortizo
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Osteopatías y Metabolismo Mineral UNLP-CICPBA, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 50 y 115, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Claudia Sedlinsky
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Osteopatías y Metabolismo Mineral UNLP-CICPBA, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 50 y 115, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
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He X, Bai Q, Zhang X, Zhang L. MgCl 2 Attenuates ox-LDL-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle-Derived Foam Cells Pyroptosis by Downregulating the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:5242-5256. [PMID: 36719541 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03585-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death that is generally upregulated during atherosclerosis (AS). Magnesium, an important cation in the body, has exhibited an antiatherosclerotic effect. We collected AS model datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and explored the correlation between pyroptosis and AS through a series of bioinformatics methods. We next investigated the impact of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) on primary cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) foaminess and pyroptosis. Finally, foam cells were preconditioned with different concentrations of MgCl2 to explore its influence on ox-LDL-induced VSMCs pyroptosis. NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis plays a core role in regulating AS progression as shown by bioinformatic analysis. Ox-LDL (50/75/100 mg/L) increased CE/TE ratio (> 50%) in VSMCs and prompted VSMC-derived foam cell formation, and (75/100 mg/L) ox-LDL-induced pyroptosis. Compared to 1 mmol/L MgCl2, 10 mmol/L MgCl2 significantly downregulated the expression of pyroptosis related molecules in VSMCs induced by 75 mg/L ox-LDL, including NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and GSDMD. The secretion of IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH was also inhibited by MgCl2. According to CCK-8 and Hoechst 33,342/PI staining, the damage to VSMCs viability induced by ox-LDL was ameliorated by MgCl2. In addition, MgCl2 attenuated the upregulation of TLR4, IKKβ, and p65 and the downregulation of IκBα in VSMCs induced by ox-LDL. The present study demonstrated that pyroptosis-related genes were the core genes in AS. We also revealed the effect and underlying mechanism of MgCl2 on ox-LDL-induced VSMCs pyroptosis, suggesting that MgCl2 has promising clinical applications for AS pyroptosis prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao He
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 You Zheng Street, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Qingquan Bai
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité University Medical Center, Augustenburger Pl. 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xiaosi Zhang
- Metro-Medic Clinic, 1538 Sherbrooke Ouest, Suite 100, Montreal, QC, H3G 1L5, Canada.
| | - Liming Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 You Zheng Street, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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Li Y, Zhang J, He J, Chen X, Zhang X, Wu H, Ding Y. Association of the L3MBTL3 rs1125970 and rs4897367 Gene Polymorphisms With Coronary Heart Disease Susceptibility in the Chinese Population: A Case-Control Study. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2023; 82:350-363. [PMID: 37523690 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a prevalent heart disease with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide, and its pathogenesis is related to genetic factors. L3MBTL3 has been reported to be potentially linked to CHD susceptibility. This study aims to explore the correlation between L3MBTL3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and CHD risk in the Chinese population. Three SNPs (rs1125970 A/T, rs4897367 T/C, and rs2068957 A/G) in L3MBTL3 from 649 patients with CHD and 649 healthy controls were genotyped using the Agena MassARRAY platform. The relationship between SNPs and CHD risk was evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Our study indicated that rs1125970 (TT: odds ratio [OR] = 0.76, P = 0.014) and rs4897367 (TT: OR = 0.74, P = 0.021) were related to a decreased susceptibility to CHD. Stratified analyses showed that rs1125970 could reduce the risk of CHD in males, subjects aged <60 years, with a body mass index <24 kg/m 2 , and nonhypertensive patients. rs4897367 exerted a risk-decreasing influence on CHD in nondiabetic patients. In the haplotype analysis, individuals with the T rs4897367 A rs2068957 haplotype were less likely to develop CHD (OR = 0.74, P = 0.024). In summary, L3MBTL3 rs1125970 and rs4897367 were significantly correlated with a decreased susceptibility to CHD in the Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongdong Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, People's Hospital of Wanning, Wanning, Hainan, China
| | - Jiaqiang Zhang
- Department of Science and Education, People's Hospital of Wanning, Wanning, Hainan, China; and
| | - Jun He
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, People's Hospital of Wanning, Wanning, Hainan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, People's Hospital of Wanning, Wanning, Hainan, China
| | - Xianbo Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, People's Hospital of Wanning, Wanning, Hainan, China
| | - Haiqing Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, People's Hospital of Wanning, Wanning, Hainan, China
| | - Yipeng Ding
- Department of General Practice, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Schneider MK, Wang J, Kare A, Adkar SS, Salmi D, Bell CF, Alsaigh T, Wagh D, Coller J, Mayer A, Snyder SJ, Borowsky AD, Long SR, Lansberg MG, Steinberg GK, Heit JJ, Leeper NJ, Ferrara KW. Combined near infrared photoacoustic imaging and ultrasound detects vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque. Biomaterials 2023; 302:122314. [PMID: 37776766 PMCID: PMC10872807 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process resulting in the deposition of cholesterol and cellular debris, narrowing of the vessel lumen and clot formation. Characterization of the morphology and vulnerability of the lesion is essential for effective clinical management. Here, near-infrared auto-photoacoustic (NIRAPA) imaging is shown to detect plaque components and, when combined with ultrasound imaging, to differentiate stable and vulnerable plaque. In an ex vivo study of photoacoustic imaging of excised plaque from 25 patients, 88.2% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity were achieved using a clinically-relevant protocol. In order to determine the origin of the NIRAPA signal, immunohistochemistry, spatial transcriptomics and spatial proteomics were co-registered with imaging and applied to adjacent plaque sections. The highest NIRAPA signal was spatially correlated with bilirubin and associated blood-based residue and with the cytoplasmic contents of inflammatory macrophages bearing CD74, HLA-DR, CD14 and CD163 markers. In summary, we establish the potential to apply the NIRAPA-ultrasound imaging combination to detect vulnerable carotid plaque and a methodology for fusing molecular imaging with spatial transcriptomic and proteomic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Karl Schneider
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford and Bio-X Program, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - James Wang
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford and Bio-X Program, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Aris Kare
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford and Bio-X Program, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Shaunak S Adkar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Darren Salmi
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Caitlin F Bell
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Tom Alsaigh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Dhananjay Wagh
- Sequencing Group Stanford Genomics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - John Coller
- Sequencing Group Stanford Genomics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Sarah J Snyder
- Department of Radiology and Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Alexander D Borowsky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Steven R Long
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Maarten G Lansberg
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gary K Steinberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jeremy J Heit
- Department of Radiology and Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nicholas J Leeper
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Katherine W Ferrara
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford and Bio-X Program, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA.
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Cardoso Dos Santos LM, Azar P, Brun C, König S, Roatti A, Baertschi AJ, Chaabane C, Bochaton-Piallat ML. Apelin is expressed in intimal smooth muscle cells and promotes their phenotypic transition. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18736. [PMID: 37907514 PMCID: PMC10618247 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45470-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During atherosclerotic plaque formation, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) switch from a contractile/differentiated to a synthetic/dedifferentiated phenotype. We previously isolated differentiated spindle-shaped (S) and dedifferentiated rhomboid (R) SMCs from porcine coronary artery. R-SMCs express S100A4, a calcium-binding protein. We investigated the role of apelin in this phenotypic conversion, as well as its relationship with S100A4. We found that apelin was highly expressed in R-SMCs compared with S-SMCs. We observed a nuclear expression of apelin in SMCs within experimentally-induced intimal thickening of the porcine coronary artery and rat aorta. Plasmids targeting apelin to the nucleus (N. Ap) and to the secretory vesicles (S. Ap) were transfected into S-SMCs where apelin was barely detectable. Both plasmids induced the SMC transition towards a R-phenotype. Overexpression of N. Ap, and to a lesser degree S. Ap, led to a nuclear localization of S100A4. Stimulation of S-SMCs with platelet-derived growth factor-BB, known to induce the transition toward the R-phenotype, yielded the direct interaction and nuclear expression of both apelin and S100A4. In conclusion, apelin induces a SMC phenotypic transition towards the synthetic phenotype. These results suggest that apelin acts via nuclear re-localization of S100A4, raising the possibility of a new pro-atherogenic relationship between apelin and S100A4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pascal Azar
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Brun
- Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane König
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Angela Roatti
- Department of Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alex J Baertschi
- Department of Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chiraz Chaabane
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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