1
|
Xing Y, Lin X. Challenges and advances in the management of inflammation in atherosclerosis. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00253-4. [PMID: 38909884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.016] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atherosclerosis, traditionally considered a lipid-related disease, is now understood as a chronic inflammatory condition with significant global health implications. OBJECTIVES This review aims to delve into the complex interactions among immune cells, cytokines, and the inflammatory cascade in atherosclerosis, shedding light on how these elements influence both the initiation and progression of the disease. METHODS This review draws on recent clinical research to elucidate the roles of key immune cells, macrophages, T cells, endothelial cells, and clonal hematopoiesis in atherosclerosis development. It focuses on how these cells and process contribute to disease initiation and progression, particularly through inflammation-driven processes that lead to plaque formation and stabilization. Macrophages ingest oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), which partially converts to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or accumulates as lipid droplets, forming foam cells crucial for plaque stability. Additionally, macrophages exhibit diverse phenotypes within plaques, with pro-inflammatory types predominating and others specializing in debris clearance at rupture sites. The involvement of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells in these processes promotes inflammatory macrophage states, suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and enhances plaque instability. RESULTS The nuanced roles of macrophages, T cells, and the related immune cells within the atherosclerotic microenvironment are explored, revealing insights into the cellular and molecular pathways that fuel inflammation. This review also addresses recent advancements in imaging and biomarker technology that enhance our understanding of disease progression. Moreover, it points out the limitations of current treatment and highlights the potential of emerging anti-inflammatory strategies, including clinical trials for agents such as p38MAPK, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and IL-1β, their preliminary outcomes, and the promising effects of canakinumab, colchicine, and IL-6R antagonists. CONCLUSION This review explores cutting-edge anti-inflammatory interventions, their potential efficacy in preventing and alleviating atherosclerosis, and the role of nanotechnology in delivering drugs more effectively and safely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Xing
- Cardiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, Anhui Province, 230022, China
| | - Xianhe Lin
- Cardiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei City, Anhui Province, 230022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Banco D, Mustehsan M, Shah B. Update on the Role of Colchicine in Cardiovascular Disease. Curr Cardiol Rep 2024; 26:191-198. [PMID: 38340273 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-024-02026-5] [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] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review focuses on the use of colchicine to target inflammation to prevent cardiovascular events among those at-risk for or with established coronary artery disease. RECENT FINDINGS Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug that reduces cardiovascular events through its effect on the IL-1β/IL-6/CRP pathway, which promotes the progression and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Clinical trials have demonstrated that colchicine reduces cardiovascular events by 31% among those with chronic coronary disease, and by 23% among those with recent myocardial infarction. Its ability to dampen inflammation during an acute injury may broaden its scope of use in patients at risk for cardiovascular events after major non-cardiac surgery. Colchicine is an effective anti-inflammatory therapy in the prevention of acute coronary syndrome. Ongoing studies aim to assess when, and in whom, colchicine is most effective to prevent cardiovascular events in patients at-risk for or with established coronary artery disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darcy Banco
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Mohammad Mustehsan
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Binita Shah
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, 423 E 23rd Street, Office 12023-W, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yuan F, Wei J, Cheng Y, Wang F, Gu M, Li Y, Zhao X, Sun H, Ban R, Zhou J, Xia Z. SLAMF7 Promotes Foam Cell Formation of Macrophage by Suppressing NR4A1 Expression During Carotid Atherosclerosis. Inflammation 2024; 47:530-542. [PMID: 37971565 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01926-y] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage-derived lipid-laden foam cells from the subendothelium play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. However, the molecule mechanism that regulates the formation of foam cells is not completely understood. Here, we found that SLAMF7 was upregulated in mice bone marrow-derived macrophages and RAW264.7 cells stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). SLAMF7 promoted ox-LDL-mediated macrophage lipid accumulation and M1-type polarization. SLAMF7 deficiency reduced serum lipid levels and improved the lesions area of carotid plaque and aortic arch in high-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice. In response to ox-LDL, SLAMF7 downregulated NR4A1 and upregulated RUNX3 through transcriptome sequencing analysis. Overexpression NR4A1 reversed SLAMF7-induced lipid uptake and M1 polarization via inhibiting RUNX3 expression. Furthermore, RUNX3 enhanced foam cell formation and M1-type polarization. Taken together, the study suggested that SLAMF7 play contributing roles in the pro-atherogenic effects by regulating NR4A1-RUNX3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengjiao Yuan
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Medicine Research, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
- Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianmei Wei
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Medicine Research, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Medicine Research, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Medicine Research, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingliang Gu
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Medicine Research, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhui Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Liaocheng Chinese Medicine Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ru Ban
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhangyong Xia
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252000, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhu Y, Fang Y, Wang Y, Han D, Liu J, Tian L, Xu M, Wang Y, Cao F. Cluster of Differentiation-44-Targeting Prussian Blue Nanoparticles Onloaded with Colchicine for Atherosclerotic Plaque Regression in a Mice Model. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1530-1543. [PMID: 38372216 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis management heavily relies on the suppression of the inflammatory response of macrophages. Colchicine's potent anti-inflammatory properties make it a promising candidate for secondary prevention against cardiovascular disease. However, its high toxicity and numerous adverse effects limit its clinical use. To address this, there is an urgent need for specific drug delivery systems to boost the level of accumulation of colchicine within atherosclerotic plaques. In this study, the cluster of differentiation-44 receptor was verified to be overexpressed in inflammatory macrophages within plaques both in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, a Prussian blue-based nanomedical loading system with hyaluronic acid (HA) coating was constructed, and its effects were observed on the atherosclerosis regression. Colchicine and Cy5.5 were encapsulated within Prussian blue nanoparticles through self-assembly, followed by conjugation with hyaluronic acid to create col@PBNP@HA. The formulated col@PBNP@HA displayed a cubic shape and scattered distribution. Importantly, col@PBNP@HA demonstrated specific cellular uptake into lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. In vitro experiments showed that col@PBNP@HA more effectively inhibited expression of inflammatory factors and scavenged reactive oxygen species compared with the control group, which were treated with colchicine. Furthermore, col@PBNP@HA exhibited its specific and higher accumulation in aortic plaque analysis via fluorescence imaging of aortas. After 4 weeks, administration of col@PBNP@HA resulted in significant atherosclerosis regression in the mice model, with therapeutic effects superior to those of free colchicine. Similar to colchicine, col@PBNP@HA inhibited the secretion of inflammation factors and scavenged ROS through the regulation of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (Myd88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) signaling pathway. In summary, col@PBNP@HA demonstrated specific targeting ability to inflammatory plaques and exerted beneficial effects on atherosclerosis regression through TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB and PGC-1α modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yan Fang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yujia Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Dong Han
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Mengqi Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yabin Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Feng Cao
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wen SY, Zhi X, Liu HX, Wang X, Chen YY, Wang L. Is the suppression of CD36 a promising way for atherosclerosis therapy? Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115965. [PMID: 38043719 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115965] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the main underlying pathology of many cardiovascular diseases and is marked by plaque formation in the artery wall. It has posed a serious threat to the health of people all over the world. CD36 acts as a significant regulator of lipid homeostasis, which is closely associated with the onset and progression of atherosclerosis and may be a new therapeutic target. The abnormal overexpression of CD36 facilitates lipid accumulation, foam cell formation, inflammation, endothelial apoptosis, and thrombosis. Numerous natural products and lipid-lowering agents are found to target the suppression of CD36 or inhibit the upregulation of CD36 to prevent and treat atherosclerosis. Here, the structure, expression regulation and function of CD36 in atherosclerosis and its related pharmacological therapies are reviewed. This review highlights the importance of drugs targeting CD36 suppression in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis, in order to develop new therapeutic strategies and potential anti-atherosclerotic drugs both preclinically and clinically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yuan Wen
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhi
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hai-Xin Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yan-Yan Chen
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Li Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tang J, Li T, Xiong X, Yang Q, Su Z, Zheng M, Chen Q. Colchicine delivered by a novel nanoparticle platform alleviates atherosclerosis by targeted inhibition of NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways in inflammatory endothelial cells. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:460. [PMID: 38037046 PMCID: PMC10690998 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02228-z] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by arterial plaque formation, is one of the most prominent causes of cardiovascular diseases. However, the current treatments often do not adequately compromise the chronic inflammation-mediated plaque accumulation and the disease progression. Therefore, a new and effective strategy that blocks atherosclerosis-associated inflammation is urgently needed to further reduce the risk. Colchicine, a potent anti-inflammatory medication, has shown great potential in the treatment of atherosclerosis, but its adverse effects have hampered its clinical application. Herein, we developed a novel delivery nanosystem encapsulated with colchicine (VHPK-PLGA@COL), which exhibited improved biosafety and sustained drug release along with the gradual degradation of PLGA and PEG as confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. Surface modification of the nanoparticles with the VHPK peptide ensured its capability to specifically target inflammatory endothelial cells and alleviate atherosclerotic plaque accumulation. In the ApoE - / - atherosclerotic mouse model, both colchicine and VHPK-PLGA@COL treatment significantly decreased the plaque area and enhanced plaque stability by blocking the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways, while VHPK-PLGA@COL exhibited enhanced therapeutic effects due to its unique ability to target inflammatory endothelial cells without obvious long-term safety concerns. In summary, VHPK-PLGA@COL has the potential to overcome the key translational barriers of colchicine and open new avenues to repurpose this drug for anti-atherosclerotic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Tang
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The First People's Hospital of Ziyang, Sichuan, 641300, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People's Hospital of Ziyang, Sichuan, 641300, China
| | - Xiaojing Xiong
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Qiaoyun Yang
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Zedazhong Su
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Minming Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Qingwei Chen
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hutton M, Frazer M, Lin A, Patel S, Misra A. New Targets in Atherosclerosis: Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Plasticity and Macrophage Polarity. Clin Ther 2023; 45:1047-1054. [PMID: 37709601 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite an increase in treatment options, and substantial reductions in cardiovascular mortality over the past half-century, atherosclerosis remains the most prevalent cause of premature mortality worldwide. The development of innovative new therapies is crucial to further minimize atherosclerosis-related deaths. The diverse array of cell phenotypes derived from vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques are increasingly becoming recognized for their beneficial and detrimental roles in plaque stability and disease burden. This review explores how contemporary transcriptomics and fate-mapping studies have revealed vascular cell plasticity as a relatively unexplored target for therapeutic intervention. METHODS Recent literature for this narrative review was obtained by searching electronic databases (ie, Google Scholar, PubMed). Additional studies were sourced from reference lists and the authors' personal databases. FINDINGS The lipid-rich and inflammatory plaque milieu induces SMC phenotypic switching to both beneficial and detrimental phenotypes. Likewise, macrophage heterogeneity increases with disease burden to a variety of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activation states. These vascular cell phenotypes are determinants of plaque structure stability, and it is therefore highly likely that they influence clinical outcomes. Development of clinical treatments targeting deleterious phenotypes or promoting pro-healing phenotypes remains in its infancy. However, existing treatments (statins) have shown beneficial effects toward macrophage polarization, providing a rationale for more targeted approaches. In contrast, beneficial SMC phenotypic modulation with these pharmacologic agents has yet to be achieved. The range of modulated vascular cell phenotypes provides a multitude of novel targets and the potential to reduce future adverse events. IMPLICATIONS Vascular cell phenotypic heterogeneity must continue to be explored to lower cardiovascular events in the future. The rapidly increasing weight of evidence surrounding the role of SMC plasticity and macrophage polarity in plaque vulnerability provides a strong foundation upon which development of new therapeutics must follow. This approach may prove to be crucial in reducing cardiovascular events and improving patient benefit in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hutton
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Madeleine Frazer
- Atherosclerosis and Vascular Remodeling Group, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - 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
| | - Sanjay Patel
- Heart Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - 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.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao Y, Shen QR, Chen YX, Shi Y, Wu WB, Li Q, Li DJ, Shen FM, Fu H. Colchicine protects against the development of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:1533-1545. [PMID: 37748024 PMCID: PMC10550771 DOI: 10.1042/cs20230499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by at least 1.5-fold enlargement of the infrarenal aorta, a ruptured AAA is life-threatening. Colchicine is a medicine used to treat gout and familial Mediterranean fever, and recently, it was approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adult patients with established atherosclerotic disease. With an AAA mice model created by treatment with porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), this work was designed to explore whether colchicine could protect against the development of AAA. Here, we showed that colchicine could limit AAA formation, as evidenced by the decreased total aortic weight per body weight, AAA incidence, maximal abdominal aortic diameter and collagen deposition. We also found that colchicine could prevent the phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells from a contractile to synthetic state during AAA. In addition, it was demonstrated that colchicine was able to reduce vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, cell pyroptosis and immune cells infiltration to the aortic wall in the AAA mice model. Finally, it was proved that the protective action of colchicine against AAA formation was mainly mediated by preventing immune cells infiltration to the aortic wall. In summary, our findings demonstrated that colchicine could protect against the development of experimental AAA, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for AAA intervention in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Rui Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Xin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Bing Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University/ Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiao Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dong-Jie Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu-Ming Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li W, Lin A, Hutton M, Dhaliwal H, Nadel J, Rodor J, Tumanov S, Örd T, Hadden M, Mokry M, Mol BM, Pasterkamp G, Padula MP, Geczy CL, Ramaswamy Y, Sluimer JC, Kaikkonen MU, Stocker R, Baker AH, Fisher EA, Patel S, Misra A. Colchicine promotes atherosclerotic plaque stability independently of inflammation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.03.560632. [PMID: 37873248 PMCID: PMC10592948 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.560632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease which is driven in part by the aberrant trans -differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). No therapeutic drug has been shown to reverse detrimental SMC-derived cell phenotypes into protective phenotypes, a hypothesized enabler of plaque regression and improved patient outcome. Herein, we describe a novel function of colchicine in the beneficial modulation of SMC-derived cell phenotype, independent of its conventional anti-inflammatory effects. Using SMC fate mapping in an advanced atherosclerotic lesion model, colchicine induced plaque regression by converting pathogenic SMC-derived macrophage-like and osteoblast-like cells into protective myofibroblast-like cells which thickened, and thereby stabilized, the fibrous cap. This was dependent on Notch3 signaling in SMC-derived plaque cells. These findings may help explain the success of colchicine in clinical trials relative to other anti-inflammatory drugs. Thus, we demonstrate the potential of regulating SMC phenotype in advanced plaque regression through Notch3 signaling, in addition to the canonical anti-inflammatory actions of drugs to treat atherosclerosis.
Collapse
|
10
|
Theofilis P, Oikonomou E, Chasikidis C, Tsioufis K, Tousoulis D. Inflammasomes in Atherosclerosis-From Pathophysiology to Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1211. [PMID: 37765019 PMCID: PMC10537692 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by arterial plaque accumulation, remains a significant global health challenge. In recent years, inflammasomes, the intracellular multiprotein complexes crucial for initiating innate immune responses, have emerged as key players in atherosclerosis pathophysiology. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of inflammasome activation and its impact on atherosclerosis development and progression. We explore the intricate interplay between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and inflammasome activation, leading to the perpetuation of inflammatory cascades that drive plaque formation and instability. The review focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammasome activation, including the role of pattern recognition receptors and cytokines in this process. Moreover, we discuss the contribution of inflammasomes to endothelial dysfunction, foam cell formation, and vascular inflammation. Additionally, recent advances in therapeutic strategies targeting inflammasomes are examined, including pharmacological agents and potential immunomodulatory approaches. By collating and analyzing the current evidence, this review provides valuable insights into the potential of inflammasome-targeted therapies for atherosclerosis management and treatment. Understanding the pivotal role of inflammasomes in atherosclerosis pathophysiology offers promising prospects for developing effective and personalized therapeutic interventions that can mitigate the burden of this prevalent cardiovascular disorder and improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Theofilis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.)
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital “Sotiria”, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Chasikidis
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Corinth, 20100 Corinth, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.)
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.)
| |
Collapse
|