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Qin Q, Liu R, Li Z, Liu M, Wu X, Wang H, Yang S, Sun X, Yi X. Resolving candidate genes of duck ovarian tissue transplantation via RNA-Seq and expression network analyses. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103788. [PMID: 38692177 PMCID: PMC11070914 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103788] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to identify candidate genes related to ovarian development after ovarian tissue transplantation through transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and expression network analyses, as well as to provide a reference for determining the molecular mechanism of improving ovarian development following ovarian tissue transplantation. We collected ovarian tissues from 15 thirty-day-old ducks and split each ovary into 4 equal portions of comparable sizes before orthotopically transplanting them into 2-day-old ducks. Samples were collected on days 0 (untransplanted), 3, 6, and 9. The samples were paraffin sectioned and then subjected to Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and follicular counting. We extracted RNA from ovarian samples via the Trizol method to construct a transcriptome library, which was then sequenced by the Illumina Novaseq 6000 sequencing platform. The sequencing results were examined for differentially expressed genes (DEG) through gene ontology (GO) function and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Some of the candidate genes were selected for verification using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Histological analysis revealed a significant reduction in the number of morphologically normal follicles at 3, 6, and 9 d after ovarian transplantation, along with significantly higher abnormality rates (P < 0.05). The transcriptome analysis results revealed 2,114, 2,224, and 2,257 upregulated DEGs and 2,647, 2,883, and 2,665 downregulated DEGs at 3, 6, and 9 d after ovarian transplantation, respectively. Enrichment analysis revealed the involvement multiple pathways in inflammatory signaling, signal transduction, and cellular processes. Furthermore, WGCNA yielded 13 modules, with 10, 4, and 6 candidate genes mined at 3, 6 and 9 d after ovarian transplantation, respectively. Transcription factor (TF) prediction showed that STAT1 was the most important TF. Finally, the qRT-PCR verification results revealed that 12 candidate genes exhibited an expression trend consistent with sequencing data. In summary, significant differences were observed in the number of follicles in duck ovaries following ovarian transplantation. Candidate genes involved in ovarian vascular remodeling and proliferation were screened using RNA-Seq and WGCNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingming Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province, 464000, P. R. China
| | - Rongxu Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province, 464000, P. R. China
| | - Zhili Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province, 464000, P. R. China
| | - Midi Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province, 464000, P. R. China
| | - Xian Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province, 464000, P. R. China
| | - Huimin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province, 464000, P. R. China
| | - Shuailiang Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province, 464000, P. R. China
| | - Xuyang Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province, 464000, P. R. China
| | - Xianguo Yi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang, Henan Province, 464000, P. R. China.
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Lu M, Zhang L, Pan J, Shi H, Zhang M, Li C. Advances in the study of the vascular protective effects and molecular mechanisms of hawthorn ( Crataegus anamesa Sarg.) extracts in cardiovascular diseases. Food Funct 2023. [PMID: 37337667 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo01688a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Hawthorn belongs to the rose family and is a type of functional food. It contains various chemicals, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and organic acid compounds. This study aimed to review the vascular protective effects and molecular mechanisms of hawthorn and its extracts on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Hawthorn has a wide range of biological functions. Evidence suggests that the active components of HE reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, regulate lipid levels to prevent lipid accumulation, and inhibit free cholesterol accumulation in macrophages and foam cell formation. Additionally, hawthorn extract (HE) can protect vascular endothelial function, regulate endothelial dysfunction, and promote vascular endothelial relaxation. It has also been reported that the effective components of hawthorn can prevent age-related endothelial dysfunction, increase cellular calcium levels, cause antiplatelet aggregation, and promote antithrombosis. In clinical trials, HE has been proved to reduce the adverse effects of CVDs on blood lipids, blood pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, heart rate, and exercise tolerance. Previous studies have pointed to the benefits of hawthorn and its extracts in treating atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases. Therefore, as both medicine and food, hawthorn can be used as a new drug source for treating cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengkai Lu
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Jinyuan Pan
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Huishan Shi
- School of Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Muxin Zhang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Chao Li
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
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Johnson MP, Brennecke SP, East CE, Dyer TD, Roten LT, Proffitt JM, Melton PE, Fenstad MH, Aalto-Viljakainen T, Mäkikallio K, Heinonen S, Kajantie E, Kere J, Laivuori H, Austgulen R, Blangero J, Moses EK. Genetic dissection of the pre-eclampsia susceptibility locus on chromosome 2q22 reveals shared novel risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19:423-37. [PMID: 23420841 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is an idiopathic pregnancy disorder promoting morbidity and mortality to both mother and child. Delivery of the fetus is the only means to resolve severe symptoms. Women with pre-eclamptic pregnancies demonstrate increased risk for later life cardiovascular disease (CVD) and good evidence suggests these two syndromes share several risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. To elucidate the genetic architecture of pre-eclampsia we have dissected our chromosome 2q22 susceptibility locus in an extended Australian and New Zealand familial cohort. Positional candidate genes were prioritized for exon-centric sequencing using bioinformatics, SNPing, transcriptional profiling and QTL-walking. In total, we interrogated 1598 variants from 52 genes. Four independent SNP associations satisfied our gene-centric multiple testing correction criteria: a missense LCT SNP (rs2322659, P = 0.0027), a synonymous LRP1B SNP (rs35821928, P = 0.0001), an UTR-3 RND3 SNP (rs115015150, P = 0.0024) and a missense GCA SNP (rs17783344, P = 0.0020). We replicated the LCT SNP association (P = 0.02) and observed a borderline association for the GCA SNP (P = 0.07) in an independent Australian case-control population. The LRP1B and RND3 SNP associations were not replicated in this same Australian singleton cohort. Moreover, these four SNP associations could not be replicated in two additional case-control populations from Norway and Finland. These four SNPs, however, exhibit pleiotropic effects with several quantitative CVD-related traits. Our results underscore the genetic complexity of pre-eclampsia and present novel empirical evidence of possible shared genetic mechanisms underlying both pre-eclampsia and other CVD-related risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Johnson
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
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Rubio-Guerra AF, Vargas-Robles H, Serrano AM, Vargas-Ayala G, Rodriguez-Lopez L, Escalante-Acosta BA. Correlation Between the Levels of Circulating Adhesion Molecules and Atherosclerosis in Hypertensive Type-2 Diabetic Patients. Clin Exp Hypertens 2010; 32:308-10. [DOI: 10.3109/10641960903443533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Rubio-Guerra AF, Vargas-Robles H, Serrano AM, Lozano-Nuevo JJ, Escalante-Acosta BA. Correlation between the levels of circulating adhesion molecules and atherosclerosis in type-2 diabetic normotensive patients: circulating adhesion molecules and atherosclerosis. Cell Adh Migr 2009; 3:369-72. [PMID: 19717975 PMCID: PMC2802750 DOI: 10.4161/cam.3.4.9463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Accepted: 07/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Endothelial dysfunction is a common feature in type-2 diabetic patients and is associated with inflammation, increased levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules and the degree of atherosclerosis in normotensive type-2 diabetic patients. RESULTS We found significant correlations between ICAM-1 (r = 0.69, p < 0.001 95% IC 0.65 to 0.82) and VCAM-1 (r = 0.4, p < 0.03, 95% IC 0.65 to 0.82) levels and maximal carotid artery intimal-medial thickness, whereas no correlation was observed with E-selectin. METHODS We studied 30 normotensive type-2 diabetic patients in whom VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin were measured by ELISA. Additionally, the intimal-medial thickness of both the common and internal carotid arteries was measured (B-mode ultrasound). The levels of circulating adhesion molecules and maximal carotid artery intimal-medial thicknesses were correlated using the Spearman correlation coefficient test. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are markers associated, and correlated with the degree of atherosclerosis in normotensive type-2 diabetic patients.
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Rubio-Guerra AF, Vargas-Robles H, Vargas-Ayala G, Rodriguez-Lopez L, Escalante-Acosta BA. The effect of trandolapril and its fixed-dose combination with verapamil on circulating adhesion molecules levels in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes. Clin Exp Hypertens 2009; 30:682-8. [PMID: 18855271 DOI: 10.1080/10641960802251941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients is associated with increased levels of circulating soluble adhesion molecules (SAM). SAM participate in the development of diabetic macroangiopathy and microangiopathy. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of trandolapril (T) and its fixed-dose combination with verapamil (FDTV) on SAM levels in hypertensive type-2 diabetic patients. METHODS Forty type-2 diabetic patients with never-treated hypertension were randomly assigned to two groups. One group (FDTV) received 2/180 mg once a day; the other group received T 2 mg once a day. Study drugs were administered for three months in both groups. VCAM-1, ICAM, and E-selectin were measured by ELISA at the beginning and end of the study. Patients were evaluated monthly for blood pressure, fasting serum glucose, and adverse events. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA. RESULTS Both therapeutics regimens reduced significantly the levels of the SAM tested. When both groups were compared, we did not find a significant difference in ICAM and E-selectin reduction. However, VCAM-1 presented a significantly greater reduction (p = 0.022) in the trandolapril-verapamil group. No patient suffered adverse events. CONCLUSION Our results show that FDTV produces a greater reduction of VCAM-1 circulating levels than trandolapril alone. This may explain some of the beneficial effects of this fixed dosed combination that are non-related to its antihypertensive effects.
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Contribution of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 to the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 579:260-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2007] [Revised: 08/22/2007] [Accepted: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Vistoropsky Y, Trofimov S, Pantsulaia I, Livshits G. Genetic and environmental determinants of variation of soluble adhesion molecules. Ann Hum Genet 2006; 70:749-58. [PMID: 17044849 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1809.2006.00275.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In our research we examined the contribution of putative genetic sources on interindividual variation and cross-sectional correlations of several adhesion molecules, including intracellular (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM-1) and E-selectin, in a population-based sample of ethnically homogeneous families of European origin. The plasma levels of these molecules were measured in 947 apparently healthy individuals from 217 nuclear families. Quantitative statistical-genetic analysis implementing the model fitting technique revealed significant parent/offspring and sibling correlations (p < 0.01) for all three molecules. The putative genetic effects explained 55.2 +/- 7.2% (VCAM-1), 63.3 +/- 7.5% (ICAM) and 63.8 +/- 8.1% (E-selectin) of the variation. Common family environmental factors also significantly influenced the variation of E-selectin (13%) and VCAM-1 (28.6%). The main results of our bivariate analysis showed that the observed phenotypic correlations between ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and between ICAM-1 and E-selectin, were mostly attributable to shared environmental factors (r(E)= 0.896 and 0.737, respectively; p < 0.01). However, the correlation between VCAM-1 and E-selectin was likely caused by common genetic effects (r(G)= 0.334, p < 0.05). Our results show that familial clustering of adhesion molecules is likely due to strong genetic effects, supplemented with shared environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Vistoropsky
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
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Lutsey PL, Cushman M, Steffen LM, Green D, Barr RG, Herrington D, Ouyang P, Folsom AR. Plasma hemostatic factors and endothelial markers in four racial/ethnic groups: the MESA study. J Thromb Haemost 2006; 4:2629-35. [PMID: 17002663 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2006.02237.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemostatic factors and endothelial markers may play some role in racial/ethnic differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates. However, little information exists on hemostatic factors and endothelial markers across racial/ethnic groups. OBJECTIVES To describe, in four American racial/ethnic groups (Caucasian, Black, Hispanic, and Chinese), mean levels of selected hemostatic factors and endothelial markers. PATIENTS AND METHODS Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis baseline data were used (participant age: 45-84 years). Sex-specific analysis of covariance models, and t-tests for pairwise comparisons, were used to compare means of factors and markers. Adjustments were made for demographics and traditional CVD risk factors. Differences were significant at P < 0.05. RESULTS Blacks had the highest levels of factor VIII, D-Dimer, plasmin-antiplasmin (PAP), and von Willebrand factor, among the highest levels of fibrinogen and E-selectin (women only), but among the lowest levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and, in men, the lowest levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Whites and Hispanics tended to have intermediate levels of factors and markers, although they had the highest levels of ICAM-1, and Hispanics had the highest mean levels of fibrinogen and E-selectin (women only). Chinese participants had among the highest levels of PAI-1, but the lowest, or among the lowest, of all other factors and markers. No soluble thrombomodulin differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS In this large cohort, hemostatic factor and endothelial marker mean levels varied by race/ethnicity, even after adjustment for traditional CVD risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Lutsey
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Kent JW, Mahaney MC, Comuzzie AG, Göring HHH, Almasy L, Dyer TD, Cole SA, MacCluer JW, Blangero J. Quantitative trait locus on Chromosome 19 for circulating levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in Mexican Americans. Atherosclerosis 2006; 195:367-73. [PMID: 17112530 PMCID: PMC2719976 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2006.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2006] [Revised: 09/22/2006] [Accepted: 10/06/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Circulating soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) is a biochemical marker of inflammation. We performed variance-components-based quantitative genetic analyses in SOLAR of sICAM-1 in 1170 individuals from Mexican American families in the San Antonio Family Heart Study. The trait is heritable (h(2)=0.50+/-0.06, P<10(-6)). Multipoint linkage analysis using a approximately 10-cM microsatellite map revealed a region on Chromosome 19p near marker D19S586 showing strong evidence of linkage for sICAM-1 (empirically adjusted univariate-equivalent LOD=4.95), coincident with the structural gene ICAM1. This region has been identified previously as a QTL for inflammatory, autoimmune, and metabolic syndrome traits. There is significant evidence (P=0.0023) of locus heterogeneity for sICAM-1 in this sample: a subset of pedigrees contributes most of the linkage signal for sICAM-1 on Chromosome 19, suggesting a logical focus for future genetic dissection of the trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack W Kent
- Department of Genetics, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, P.O. Box 760549, San Antonio, TX 78245-0549, USA.
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Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Alexandraki K, Piperi C, Protogerou A, Katsikis I, Paterakis T, Lekakis J, Panidis D. Inflammatory and endothelial markers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Eur J Clin Invest 2006; 36:691-7. [PMID: 16968464 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2006.01712.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) carry a pattern of cardiovascular risk factors. Endothelial dysfunction and chronic inflammation are early findings in the atherosclerotic process. The purpose of the study was to investigate the coexistence of active inflammation markers and endothelial dysfunction in young women with PCOS, and their relationship with metabolic and hormonal abnormalities of the syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five young women with PCOS and 25 controls of similar age and body mass index (BMI) were studied. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) on the brachial artery and smooth muscle cells injury was excluded by nitrate-induced dilatation (NID). Plasma levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured. Hormonal and metabolic profiles were determined in both groups. RESULTS Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was statistically lower in PCOS (P < 0.001), whereas nitrate-induced dilatation (NID) was similar within the two groups. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) had statistically higher levels of ET-1 (P = 0.03), sICAM-1 (P = 0.01), sVCAM-1 (P = 0.02) and hsCRP (P = 0.01). Furthermore FMD was statistically higher in PCOS population with hsCRP 1 mg L(-1) when compared with PCOS population with hsCRP > 1 mg L(-1) (P = 0.02). Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was negatively related to hsCRP (r = -0.512, P = 0.015); ET-1 was positively related to free androgen index (r = 0.27, P = 0.05) and negatively to sex hormone-binding globulin (r = -0.465, P = 0.022); sVCAM-1 was positively related to total testosterone (r = 0.431, P = 0.036); hsCRP was positively related to BMI (r = 0.647, P = 0.001), and negatively related to FMD (r = -0.512, P = 0.015), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (r = -0.499, P = 0.018), and MATSUDA index (r = -0.445, P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates that endothelial dysfunction coexists and is influenced by the presence of increased serum levels of inflammation and endothelial activation markers in young women with PCOS. These parameters appear to be interrelated with hyperandrogenaemia in this insulin-resistant population.
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Tsai WC, Li YH, Huang YY, Lin CC, Chao TH, Chen JH. Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor as a marker for early vascular damage in hypertension. Clin Sci (Lond) 2005; 109:39-43. [PMID: 15740459 DOI: 10.1042/cs20040307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Elevation of plasma VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) has been noted in patients with hypertension or atherosclerosis. VEGF has been regarded as a marker for endothelial dysfunction. However, the role of VEGF in hypertension-induced vascular injury and its relationship with endothelial function have not been studied. This study included 20 untreated hypertensive men with grade 1 or 2 hypertensive retinopathy, 10 untreated hypertensive men without hypertensive retinopathy and 10 healthy controls. None of the hypertensive patients had diabetes, renal impairment or overt vascular diseases. Plasma VEGF and adhesion molecules were measured using ELISAs. Endothelial function was measured by FMD (flow-mediated vasodilation) of the brachial artery. Plasma levels of VEGF, excluding adhesion molecules, were significantly higher in hypertensive patients with retinopathy when compared with patients without retinopathy (152.4+/-80.8 pg/ml versus 104.7+/-27.2 pg/ml, P = 0.035) or controls (152.4+/-80.8 pg/ml versus 98.9+/-23.7 pg/ml, P = 0.025). Levels of FMD were significantly lower in hypertensive patients than controls, but there were no significant differences between patients with or without retinopathy. Degrees of FMD were inversely correlated with VEGF levels (r = -0.351, P = 0.031). Elevation of plasma VEGF was associated with hypertensive retinopathy. Plasma VEGF could be used as a marker of early vascular damage induced by hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chuan Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Medical Centre, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Hwang YS, Tsai WC, Lu YH, Lin CC, Tsai KY. Effects of angiotensin II-receptor blockers on soluble cell adhesion molecule levels in uncomplicated systemic hypertension: An observational, controlled pilot study in Taiwanese adults. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2005; 66:181-94. [PMID: 24672122 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2005.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversy exists as to whether individuals with hypertension without risk factors for atherosclerosis (eg, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether (1) levels of solubleCAMs (sCAMs) (soluble E-selectin [sE-selectin], soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1 ], soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [sVCAM-1 ], and von Willebrand factor [vWF]) are elevated in Taiwanese adults with uncomplicated essential hypertension without other risk factors; (2) CAM levels increase with severity (stage) of hypertension; and (3) monotherapy with the angiotensin II-receptor blocker (ARB) irbesartan modulates CAM expression in a subgroup of these patients. METHODS This observational, controlled pilot study was conducted at the Hypertension Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Adult patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension without other risk factors (eg, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity) and normotensive controls were eligible. Blood pressure (BP) was determined using 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in all participants, and the staging of hypertension was classified based on criteria in The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (normotensive, prehypertension, stage I hypertension, and stage II hypertension). The SCAM levels and 24-hour ABPM were measured before and after 8 weeks of open-label irbesartan monotherapy in a subgroup of the patients with hypertension. Patients who had difficulty achieving the target BP values on irbesartan monotherapy were treated with combination therapy (2 or 3 antihypertensive agents); levels of sCAMs were not measured in these patients. Plasma levels of sE-selectin, the sCAMs, and vWF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The study comprised 61 patients with uncomplicated essentialhypertension (33 men and 28 women; mean [SD] age, 51 [12] years) and 17 normotensive controls (11 men, 6 women; mean [SD] age, 52 [ 11 ] years). The mean (SD) dose of irbesartan was 243 (63) mg. Hypertensive patients had significantly higher circulating levels of sICAM-1 compared with normotensive controls (P = 0.009). No significant differences in levels of sVCAM-1, sE-selectin, or vWF were found between hypertensive patients and controls. The mean sICAM-1 level was significantly higher in the prehypertensive patients compared with normotensive controls (P = 0.03). The mean sE-selectin level was significantly higher in the patients with stage I hypertension compared with the prehypertensive group (P = 0.01). The 18 patients given 8 weeks of irbesartan monotherapy showed a significant decrease from baseline in systolic and diastolic BP (both, P = 0.001) and sE-selectin (P= 0.006), but not in sVCAM-1 or sICAM. Forty-three patients did not reach target BP on irbesartan monotherapy and thus were treated with combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of this observational, controlled pilotstudy in Taiwanese patients, we suggest that ARB therapy, in addition to reducing BP, has the potential to suppress CAM expression and to improve endothelial dysfunction in hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeo-Shin Hwang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chan Tsai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ye-Hsu Lu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Cheng Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Yen Tsai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Blann AD. Assessment of Endothelial Dysfunction: Focus on Atherothrombotic Disease. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF HAEMOSTASIS AND THROMBOSIS 2005; 33:256-61. [PMID: 15692226 DOI: 10.1159/000083811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
As the endothelium is crucial to cardiovascular disease, the accurate assessment of this organ is a valuable tool, especially if such assessments are clinically relevant. As functions of the endothelium focus on haemostasis and the maintenance of correct vascular tone, and dysfunction results in changes that promote thrombosis and hypertension, thus assessment of endothelial function therefore follows these processes. Foremost in the plasma markers of vascular function is von Willebrand factor, a molecule that interacts with platelets. Lack of nitric oxide results in poor blood pressure control that can be quantified by impaired flow mediated dilatation. More recently, increased numbers of circulating endothelial cells have been described that indicate severe damage to the endothelium. Unsurprisingly, these three markers correlate with each other and former two predict adverse outcome in long-term follow up studies. The assessment of vascular damage is becoming recognised as having an increasingly prominent part in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Blann
- Haemostasis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology Unit, University Department of Medicine City Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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