Endothelial and smooth muscle cell transformation in atherosclerosis

Reversal of atherosclerosis by restoration of vascular copper homeostasis

Atherosclerosis has traditionally been considered as a disorder characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol and thrombotic materials within the arterial wall. However, it is now understood to be a complex inflammatory disease involving multiple factors. Central to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are the interactions among monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils, which play pivotal roles in the initiation, progression, and destabilization of atherosclerotic lesions. Recent advances in our understanding of atherosclerosis pathogenesis, coupled with results obtained from experimental interventions, lead us to propose the hypothesis that atherosclerosis may be reversible. This paper outlines the evolution of this hypothesis and presents corroborating evidence that supports the potential for atherosclerosis regression through the restoration of vascular copper homeostasis. We posit that these insights may pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at the reversal of atherosclerosis.

IRE1α: from the function to the potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis

Inositol requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) is generally thought to control the most conserved pathway in the unfolded protein response (UPR). Two isoforms of IRE1, IRE1α and IRE1β, have been reported in mammals. IRE1α is a ubiquitously expressed protein whose knockout shows marked lethality. In contrast, the expression of IRE1β is exclusively restricted in the epithelial cells of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and IRE1β-knockout mice are phenotypically normal. As research continues to deepen, IRE1α was showed to be tightly linked to inflammation, lipid metabolism regulation, cell death and so on. Growing evidence also suggests an important role for IRE1α in promoting atherosclerosis (AS) progression and acute cardiovascular events through disrupting lipid metabolism balance, facilitating cells apoptosis, accelerating inflammatory responses and promoting foam cell formation. In addition, IRE1α was recognized as novel potential therapeutic target in AS prevention. This review provides some clues about the relationship between IRE1α and AS, hoping to contribute to further understanding roles of IRE1α in atherogenesis and to be helpful for the design of novel efficacious therapeutics agents targeting IRE1α-related pathways.

Atherosclerosis and the Bidirectional Relationship between Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: From Bench to Bedside-Part 1

Atherosclerosis, a complex metabolic-immune disease characterized by chronic inflammation driven by the buildup of lipid-rich plaques within arterial walls, has emerged as a pivotal factor in the intricate interplay between cancer and cardiovascular disease. This bidirectional relationship, marked by shared risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms, underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of how these two formidable health challenges intersect and influence each other. Cancer and its treatments can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, while atherosclerosis, with its inflammatory microenvironment, can exert profound effects on cancer development and outcomes. Both cancer and cardiovascular disease involve intricate interactions between general and personal exposomes. In this review, we aim to summarize the state of the art of translational data and try to show how oncologic studies on cardiotoxicity can broaden our knowledge of crucial pathways in cardiovascular biology and exert a positive impact on precision cardiology and cardio-oncology.

MiR-130a-3p inhibits endothelial inflammation by regulating the expression of MAPK8 in endothelial cells

MicroRNA-130a-3p (miR-130a-3p) has been reported as closely related to atherosclerosis (AS). This study is to survey the effects of miR-130a-3p in endothelial cells (ECs) treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and explore underlying mechanisms. The proliferation and apoptosis of ox-LDL-treated HUVEC cells were determined by CCK-8, EdU, and flow cytometry assays. ELISA and Western blot analysis measured the expressions of cytokines and protein levels. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to predict and confirm that Mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK8) was a direct target of miR-130a-3p, and MAPK8 was negatively associated with miR-130a-3p. As expected, miR-130a-3p was down-regulated in ox-LDL-treated HUVEC cells, and up-regulation of miR-130a-3p promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of ox-LDL-treated HUVEC cells. Furthermore, miR-130a-3p mimics suppressed the expressions of TNF-α and IL-6 and decreased the protein levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin. MAPK8 was highly expressed in ox-LDL-treated HUVEC cells, and silence of MAPK8 promoted proliferation inhibited apoptosis, suppressed inflammatory responses, and decreased the levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin, over-expression of MAPK8 partially restored the functional effects of miR-130a-3p on proliferation, inflammatory responses, and the expressions of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin. This study indicates that miR-130a-3p may emerge as an effective target for treating AS.

LncRNA/CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA Axis in Atherosclerotic Inflammation: Research Progress

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.

Advances in the study of exosomes in cardiovascular diseases

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been the leading cause of death worldwide for many years. In recent years, exosomes have gained extensive attention in the cardiovascular system due to their excellent biocompatibility. Studies have extensively researched miRNAs in exosomes and found that they play critical roles in various physiological and pathological processes in the cardiovascular system. These processes include promoting or inhibiting inflammatory responses, promoting angiogenesis, participating in cell proliferation and migration, and promoting pathological progression such as fibrosis.

AIM OF REVIEW

This systematic review examines the role of exosomes in various cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure and cardiomyopathy. It also presents the latest treatment and prevention methods utilizing exosomes. The study aims to provide new insights and approaches for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases by exploring the relationship between exosomes and these conditions. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the potential clinical use of exosomes as biomarkers for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles surrounded by lipid bilayers that are secreted by most cells in the body. They are heterogeneous, varying in size and composition, with a diameter typically ranging from 40 to 160 nm. Exosomes serve as a means of information communication between cells, carrying various biologically active substances, including lipids, proteins, and small RNAs such as miRNAs and lncRNAs. As a result, they participate in both physiological and pathological processes within the body.

The Chemical Inhibitors of Endocytosis: From Mechanisms to Potential Clinical Applications

Endocytosis is one of the major ways cells communicate with their environment. This process is frequently hijacked by pathogens. Endocytosis also participates in the oncogenic transformation. Here, we review the approaches to inhibit endocytosis, discuss chemical inhibitors of this process, and discuss potential clinical applications of the endocytosis inhibitors.

Properties and fate of human mesenchymal stem cells upon miRNA let-7f-promoted recruitment to atherosclerotic plaques

AIMS

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries leading to the formation of atheromatous plaques. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are recruited from the circulation into plaques where in response to their environment they adopt a phenotype with immunomodulatory properties. However, the mechanisms underlying hMSC function in these processes are unclear. Recently, we described that miRNA let-7f controls hMSC invasion guided by inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Here, we investigated the role of let-7f in hMSC tropism to human atheromas and the effects of the plaque microenvironment on cell fate and release of soluble factors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Incubation of hMSCs with LL-37, an antimicrobial peptide abundantly found in plaques, increased biosynthesis of let-7f and N-formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), enabling chemotactic invasion of the cells towards LL-37, as determined by qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and cell invasion assay analysis. In an Apoe-/- mouse model of atherosclerosis, circulating hMSCs preferentially adhered to athero-prone endothelium. This property was facilitated by elevated levels of let-7f in the hMSCs, as assayed by ex vivo artery perfusion and two-photon laser scanning microscopy. Exposure of hMSCs to homogenized human atheromatous plaque material considerably induced the production of various cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, as studied by PCR array and western blot analysis. Moreover, exposure to human plaque extracts elicited differentiation of hMSCs into cells of the myogenic lineage, suggesting a potentially plaque-stabilizing effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that let-7f promotes hMSC tropism towards atheromas through the LL-37/FPR2 axis and demonstrate that hMSCs upon contact with human plaque environment develop a potentially athero-protective signature impacting the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis.

Artificial Extracellular Matrix Composed of Heparin-Mimicking Polymers for Efficient Anticoagulation and Promotion of Endothelial Cell Proliferation

Heparin-mimicking polymers have emerged as an alternative to heparin to construct effective and safe anticoagulant surfaces. However, the present heparin-mimicking polymers are usually limited to the combinations of glucose and sulfonic acid units, and the structure origin of their anticoagulant properties remains vague. Inspired by the structure of natural heparin, we synthesized a series of novel heparin-mimicking polymers (named GSAs) composed of three units, glucose, sulfonic acid, and carboxylic acid. Then, we constructed artificial extracellular matrices composed of GSAs and two typical cationic polymers, polyethyleneimine and chitosan, to investigate the anticoagulation and endothelialization of GSAs. By changing the ratio of the three units, their functions in the matrices were studied systematically. We found that an increase in the sulfonic acid content enhanced surface anticoagulant activity, an increase in glucose and sulfonic acid content promoted the proliferation of human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells, and an increase in the carboxylic acid content inhibited the adherence of human umbilical vein vascular smooth muscle cells. This work uncovers the important role of the GSAs structure to the anticoagulation properties, which sheds new light on the design and preparation of heparin-mimicking polymers for practical engineering applications.

Regulation of cholesterol homeostasis in health and diseases: from mechanisms to targeted therapeutics

Disturbed cholesterol homeostasis plays critical roles in the development of multiple diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), neurodegenerative diseases and cancers, particularly the CVD in which the accumulation of lipids (mainly the cholesteryl esters) within macrophage/foam cells underneath the endothelial layer drives the formation of atherosclerotic lesions eventually. More and more studies have shown that lowering cholesterol level, especially low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, protects cardiovascular system and prevents cardiovascular events effectively. Maintaining cholesterol homeostasis is determined by cholesterol biosynthesis, uptake, efflux, transport, storage, utilization, and/or excretion. All the processes should be precisely controlled by the multiple regulatory pathways. Based on the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis, many interventions have been developed to lower cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake or enhancing cholesterol utilization and excretion. Herein, we summarize the historical review and research events, the current understandings of the molecular pathways playing key roles in regulating cholesterol homeostasis, and the cholesterol-lowering interventions in clinics or in preclinical studies as well as new cholesterol-lowering targets and their clinical advances. More importantly, we review and discuss the benefits of those interventions for the treatment of multiple diseases including atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, osteoporosis and virus infection.

Experimental Animal Models for Moyamoya Disease: A Species-Oriented Scoping Review

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disease characterized by progressive stenosis of large intracranial arteries and a hazy network of basal collaterals called moyamoya vessels. The etiology and pathogenesis of MMD are still obscure. The biggest obstacles in the basic research of MMD are difficulty in obtaining specimens and the lack of an animal model. It is necessary to use appropriate and rationally designed animal models for the correct evaluation. Several animal models and methods have been developed to produce an effective MMD model, such as zebrafish, mice and rats, rabbits, primates, felines, canines, and peripheral blood cells, each with advantages and disadvantages. There are three mechanisms for developing animal models, including genetic, immunological/inflammatory, and ischemic animal models. This review aims to analyze the characteristics of currently available models, providing an overview of the animal models framework and the convenience of selecting model types for MMD research. It will be a great benefit to identify strategies for future model generations.

SESN1 attenuates the Ox‑LDL‑induced inflammation, apoptosis and endothelial‑mesenchymal transition of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by regulating AMPK/SIRT1/LOX1 signaling

Endothelial cells are an important component of the heart and vasculature and form a crucial link between the cardiovascular system and the immune system. Sestrin 1 (SESN1) has an important role in atherosclerosis by inhibiting NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome activation. However, whether SESN1 is involved in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury caused by atherosclerosis has remained to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the functions of SESN1 in the inflammatory response, apoptosis and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) of HUVECs following stimulation with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL). SESN1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis. Following SESN1 overexpression in Ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs, cell viability was determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling staining was employed to detect cell apoptosis and western blot analysis was used to determine the levels of apoptosis-related proteins. RT-qPCR, ELISA and western blot were utilized to determine the levels of inflammatory factors. Immunofluorescence staining, RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were employed to assess the EndMT of Ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs. The results revealed that SESN1 exhibited a low expression in HUVECs following Ox-LDL stimulation. SESN1 overexpression suppressed inflammation, apoptosis and EndMT in Ox-LDL-induced HUVECs. In addition, SESN1 stimulated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit α1/sirtuin 1 signaling to suppress Ox-LDL receptor-1 expression. An AMPK and SIRT1 inhibitor reversed the effects of SESN1 overexpression on the inflammatory response, apoptosis and EndMT of HUVECs exposed to Ox-LDL. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that SENS1 exerts a suppressive effect on Ox-LDL-induced inflammation, apoptosis and EndMT of HUVECs, suggesting that SENS1 may be used as a novel biomarker for endothelial injury-related disorders.

MiR-125b downregulates macrophage scavenger receptor type B1 and reverse cholesterol transport

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether miR-125b regulates cholesterol efflux in vivo and in vitro through the regulation of scavenger receptor type B1 (SR-B1).

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We demonstrated that miR-125b is up-regulated in the human aortas of patients with CAD and is located in macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We identified SCARB1 as a direct target of miR-125b by repressing the activity of the SCARB1 3'-untranslated region reporter construct. Moreover, the overexpression of miR-125b in both human and mouse macrophages as well as VSMCs was found to downregulated the expression of the SCARB1 and the SR-B1 protein levels, thereby impairing α-HDL-mediated macrophage cholesterol efflux in vitro. The in vivo reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) rate from non-cholesterol-loaded macrophages transfected with miR-125b to feces was also found to be decreased when compared with that of control mimic-transfected macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these results provide evidence that miR-125b downregulates SCARB1 and SR-B1 in both human and mouse macrophages as well as VSMCs, thereby impairing macrophage cholesterol efflux in vitro and the whole macrophage-specific RCT pathway in vivo.

Bioactive components to inhibit foam cell formation in atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

The production of lipid-laden cells in macrophages after significant ingestion of oxidized low-density lipoprotein is considered the most critical phase in the creation of atherosclerotic lesions, which is known as foam cell formation. Targeting foam cell development to find a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of atherosclerosis has yielded numerous promising outcomes. Multiple variables influence foam cell growth, including scavenger receptor expression, cholesterol transporter expression acyl CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase activity, and neutral cholesteryl ester hydrolase activity. Plants used during herbal therapy have been shown to assist with a variety of ailments.

RESULT

In this study, we found medicinal plants and their bioactive components suppress foam cell formation in a variety of ways; some inhibit cholesterol transporter and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 upregulation, while others inhibit the function of acyl CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase activity, and neutral cholesteryl ester hydrolase activity.

CONCLUSION

Recent study findings related to the synthesis of the new active component from plant sources by focusing on the typical process involved in the generation of foam cells. We're also looking at using a cellular target-based therapeutic approach to generate novel plant-based medications for the cure of atherosclerosis.

Small interfering RNA-induced silencing lncRNA PVT1 inhibits atherosclerosis via inactivating the MAPK/NF-κB pathway

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic disease of the arterial wall. The role of lncRNAs in AS has been acknowledged. This study investigated the role of lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) in AS via the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Serum samples were collected from AS and non-AS patients. Serum levels of PVT1, CRP, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were determined. AS mouse model was established and transfected with si-PVT1. Levels of TG, TC, HDL, LDL, MAPK, NF-κB, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and macrophage content were detected. Human arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs) induced by 50 mg/mL _oxLDL were transfected with si-PVT1 or oe-PVT1 and added with MAPK inhibitor U0126. Viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, colony formation and DNA replication were assessed. Levels of apoptosis-related proteins were detected. Consequently, PVT1 was highly expressed in AS patients. Silencing PVT1 decreased levels of TG, TC, LDL, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-9, CRP, TIMP-1, MAPK, and NF-κB, increased HDL, reduced atherosclerotic plaques and macrophage content in mice, inhibited viability, clones and EdU positive rates in HA-VSMCs, but promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Inhibition of MAPK/NF-κB pathway suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HA-VSMCs while PVT1 overexpression facilitated AS development. Briefly, silencing PVT1 inhibited AS development by downregulating MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

Molecular Interactions Between Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Macrophages in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the largest contributor toward life-threatening cardiovascular events. Cellular activity and cholesterol accumulation lead to vascular remodeling and the formation of fatty plaques. Complications arise from blood clots, forming at sites of plaque development, which may detach and result in thrombotic occlusions. Vascular smooth muscle cells and macrophages play dominant roles in atherosclerosis. A firm understanding of how these cells influence and modulate each other is pivotal for a better understanding of the disease and the development of novel therapeutics. Recent studies have investigated molecular interactions between both cell types and their impact on disease progression. Here we aim to review the current knowledge. Intercellular communications through soluble factors, physical contact, and extracellular vesicles are discussed. We also present relevant background on scientific methods used to study the disease, the general pathophysiology and intracellular factors involved in phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells. We conclude this review with a discussion of the current state, shortcomings and potential future directions of the field.

Cellular heterogeneity and immune microenvironment revealed by single-cell transcriptome in venous malformation and cavernous venous malformation

Venous malformation (VM) and cavernous venous malformation (CVM) are two types of vascular malformations. Even if the two diseases are similar in appearance and imaging, the distinct cellular components and signaling pathways between them might help distinguish the two from a molecular perspective. Here, we performed single-cell profiling of 35,245 cells from two VM samples and three CVM samples, with a focus on endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and immune microenvironment (IME). Clustering analysis based on differential gene expression unveiled 11 specific cell types, and determined CVM had more SMCs. Re-clustering of ECs and SMCs indicated CVM was dominated by arterial components, while VM is dominated by venous components. Gene set variation analysis suggested the activation of inflammation-related pathways in VM ECs, and upregulation of myogenesis pathway in CVM SMCs. In IME analysis, immune cells were identified to accounted for nearly 30% of the total cell number, including macrophages, monocytes, NK cells, T cells and B cells. Notably, more macrophages and monocytes were discovered in VM, indicating innate immune responses might be more closely related to VM pathogenesis. In addition, angiogenesis pathway was highlighted among the significant pathways of macrophages & monocytes between CVM and VM. In VM, VEGFA was highly expressed in macrophages & monocytes, while its receptors were all abundantly present in ECs. The close interaction of VEGFA on macrophages with its receptors on ECs was also predicted by CellPhoneDB analysis. Our results document cellular composition, significant pathways, and critical IME in CVM and VM development.

Punicalagin Attenuates Disturbed Flow-Induced Vascular Dysfunction by Inhibiting Force-Specific Activation of Smad1/5

Background

Pathophysiological vascular remodeling in response to disturbed flow with low and oscillatory shear stress (OSS) plays important roles in atherosclerosis progression. Pomegranate extraction (PE) was reported having anti-atherogenic effects. However, whether it can exert a beneficial effect against disturbed flow-induced pathophysiological vascular remodeling to inhibit atherosclerosis remains unclear. The present study aims at investigating the anti-atherogenic effects of pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPP) extraction and its purified compound punicalagin (PU), as well as their protective effects on disturbed flow-induced vascular dysfunction and their underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

The anti-atherogenic effects of PPP/PU were examined on low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice fed with a high fat diet. The vaso-protective effects of PPP/PU were examined in rat aortas using myograph assay. A combination of in vivo experiments on rats and in vitro flow system with human endothelial cells (ECs) was used to investigate the pharmacological actions of PPP/PU on EC dysfunction induced by disturbed flow. In addition, the effects of PPP/PU on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction were also examined.

Results

PU is the effective component in PPP against atherosclerosis. PPP/PU evoked endothelium-dependent relaxation in rat aortas. PPP/PU inhibited the activation of Smad1/5 in the EC layers at post-stenotic regions of rat aortas exposed to disturbed flow with OSS. PPP/PU suppressed OSS-induced expression of cell cycle regulatory and pro-inflammatory genes in ECs. Moreover, PPP/PU inhibited inflammation-induced VSMC dysfunction.

Conclusion

PPP/PU protect against OSS-induced vascular remodeling through inhibiting force-specific activation of Smad1/5 in ECs and this mechanism contributes to their anti-atherogenic effects.

Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Moyamoya Disease: Current Situation and Controversial Issues

Due to the lack of animal models and difficulty in obtaining specimens, the study of pathogenesis of moyamoya disease (MMD) almost stagnated. In recent years, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have attracted more and more attention in vascular diseases due to their important role in neovascularization. With the aid of paradigms and methods in cardiovascular diseases research, people began to explore the role of EPCs in the processing of MMD. In the past decade, studies have shown that abnormalities in cell amounts and functions of EPCs were closely related to the vascular pathological changes in MMD. However, the lack of consistent criteria, such as isolation, cultivation, and identification standards, is also blocking the way forward. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current situation and controversial issues relevant to studies about EPCs in the pathogenesis and etiology of MMD.

RETRACTED: Mouse bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells-secreted exosomal microRNA-125b-5p suppresses atherosclerotic plaque formation via inhibiting Map4k4

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. Concern was raised about the reliability of the Western blot results in Figs. 2D and 4E, which appear to have the same eyebrow shaped phenotype as many other publications tabulated here (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/149EjFXVxpwkBXYJOnOHb6RhAqT4a2llhj9LM60MBffM/edit#gid=0). The journal requested the corresponding author comment on these concerns and provide the raw data. However the authors were not able to satisfactorily fulfil this request and therefore the Editor-in-Chief decided to retract the article.

MiR-506-3p Promotes the Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via Targeting KLF4

BACKGROUND

The dysregulation of proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is one of the major causes of atherosclerosis (AS). Accumulating studies confirm that Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) can regulate the proliferation and differentiation of VSMCs through multiple signaling pathways. However, the mechanism of KLF4 dysregulation remains unknown.

METHODS

Apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE-/-) mice and human VSMCs were used to establish AS animal model and cell model, respectively. qRT-PCR was employed to determine the expressions of miR-506-3p and KLF4. Cell Counting Kit -8, Transwell, TUNEL assays, and flow cytometry were performed to measure the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of VSMCs. The upstream miRNAs of KLF4 were predicted by microT, miRanda, miRmap, and TargetScan databases. The interaction between KLF4 and miR-506-3p was confirmed using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and luciferase reporter gene assay.

RESULTS

KLF4 expression was significantly decreased in the VSMCs of ApoE-/- mice fed with high-fat diet and in human VSMCs treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein in time-dependent and dose-dependent manners. The transfection of miR-506-3p mimics or KLF4 shRNA promoted the proliferation and migration of VSMCs but inhibited the apoptosis while miR-506-3p inhibitors and pcDNA3.1-KLF4 exerted opposite effects. Additionally, KLF4 was confirmed as a target gene of miR-506-3p and could be negatively regulated by miR-506-3p.

CONCLUSION

MiR-506-3p can promote the proliferation and migration of VSMCs via targeting KLF4, which can probably contribute to the pathogenesis of AS.

Extracellular-vesicle containing miRNA-503-5p released by macrophages contributes to atherosclerosis

Endothelial dysfunction, and the differentiation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) into proliferative, secretory phenotypes, are two major pathophysiological processes in atherosclerosis. SMCs have the potential to recruit macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques, in which macrophages drive inflammatory responses. In this study, we found that microRNA-503-5p (miR-503-5p) was enriched in either extracellular vesicles (EVs), secreted by oxidized low-density lipoprotein-treated macrophages, or the EVs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of atherosclerosis patients. miR-503-5p was transferred intercellularly from macrophages to the co-cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and HCASMCs via EVs, thus reducing the proliferative and angiogenic abilities of HCAECs and accelerating the proliferative and migrating abilities of HCASMCs. Smad family members 1, 2 and 7 were negatively regulated by miR-503-5p in HCAECs and HCASMCs. miR-503-5p was verified as an enhancer of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules released by macrophages, in part via the down-regulation of smad family members 1, 2 and 7. The inhibition of miR-503-5p by lentivirus reduced atherosclerotic lesion formations in the aorta of atherosclerotic mice. Our work demonstrated a miR-503-5p- and EV-mediated mechanism for macrophage communication with HCAECs and HCASMCs in atherosclerosis. miR-503-5p is pro-atherosclerotic stimuli that may be a therapeutic target for atherosclerosis treatment.

Exosomes in atherosclerosis: performers, bystanders, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets

Exosomes are nanosized lipid vesicles originating from the endosomal system that carry many macromolecules from their parental cells and play important roles in intercellular communication. The functions and underlying mechanisms of exosomes in atherosclerosis have recently been intensively studied. In this review, we briefly introduce exosome biology and then focus on advances in the roles of exosomes in atherosclerosis, specifically exosomal changes associated with atherosclerosis, their cellular origins and potential functional cargos, and their detailed impacts on recipient cells. We also discuss the potential of exosomes as biomarkers and drug carriers for managing atherosclerosis.

Extreme Diversity of the Human Vascular Mesenchymal Cell Landscape

Background Human mesenchymal cells are culprit factors in vascular (patho)physiology and are hallmarked by phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. At present, they are subdivided by classic umbrella terms, such as "fibroblasts," "myofibroblasts," "smooth muscle cells," "fibrocytes," "mesangial cells," and "pericytes." However, a discriminative marker-based subclassification has to date not been established. Methods and Results As a first effort toward a classification scheme, a systematic literature search was performed to identify the most commonly used phenotypical and functional protein markers for characterizing and classifying vascular mesenchymal cell subpopulation(s). We next applied immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to inventory the expression pattern of identified markers on human aorta specimens representing early, intermediate, and end stages of human atherosclerotic disease. Included markers comprise markers for mesenchymal lineage (vimentin, FSP-1 [fibroblast-specific protein-1]/S100A4, cluster of differentiation (CD) 90/thymocyte differentiation antigen 1, and FAP [fibroblast activation protein]), contractile/non-contractile phenotype (α-smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, and nonmuscle myosin heavy chain), and auxiliary contractile markers (h1-Calponin, h-Caldesmon, Desmin, SM22α [smooth muscle protein 22α], non-muscle myosin heavy chain, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, Smoothelin-B, α-Tropomyosin, and Telokin) or adhesion proteins (Paxillin and Vinculin). Vimentin classified as the most inclusive lineage marker. Subset markers did not separate along classic lines of smooth muscle cell, myofibroblast, or fibroblast, but showed clear temporal and spatial diversity. Strong indications were found for presence of stem cells/Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal cell Transition and fibrocytes in specific aspects of the human atherosclerotic process. Conclusions This systematic evaluation shows a highly diverse and dynamic landscape for the human vascular mesenchymal cell population that is not captured by the classic nomenclature. Our observations stress the need for a consensus multiparameter subclass designation along the lines of the cluster of differentiation classification for leucocytes.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor connects dysregulated immune cells to atherosclerosis

As a chronic inflammatory disease with autoimmune components, atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have revealed that the development of atherosclerosis is strongly linked to the functional activities of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a chemical sensor that is also important for the development, maintenance, and function of a variety of immune cells. In this review, we focus on the impact of AHR signaling on the different cell types that are closely related to the atherogenesis, including T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, foam cells, and hematopoietic stem cells in the arterial walls, and summarize the latest development on the interplay between this environmental sensor and immune cells in the context of atherosclerosis. Hopefully, elucidation of the role of AHR in atherosclerosis will facilitate the understanding of case variation in disease prevalence and may aid in the development of novel therapies.

Functionalized Vascular Structure in Bioengineered Liver Identified with Proteomics

Vascularization has been a major challenge in the development of a bioengineered liver. We aimed to develop a functionalized vascular structure in bioengineered liver and to identify the biological vascularization processes at different time points using proteomics. Decellularized rat liver scaffolds were vascularized with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) for 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. HUVECs adhered to the internal surface and formed a functional barrier structure within 7 days. Vascularized liver scaffolds with biological activity were sustained for more than 21 days in vitro. Proteomics analysis indicated distinct characteristics after 14 days of culture compared with other time points. The biological processes of proteins expressed at days 1, 3, and 7 mainly involved cell adhesion, protein synthesis, and energy metabolism; however, different biological processes associated with muscle contraction and muscle filament sliding were identified at days 14 and 21. Coexpressed proteins at days 14 and 21 participated in 7 biological processes that could be classified as angiogenesis, myogenesis, or vascular function. Furthermore, the validation of related proteins revealed that basement membrane assembly, phenotype plasticity of HUVECs, and the regulation of adherence junctions contribute to the formation of a functionalized vascular structure. The biological vascularization processes at different time points identified with proteomics revealed development characteristics of vascular structure in a bioengineered liver, and at least 14 days of in vitro culture should be recommended for developing a functionalized vascular structure. This study may help to provide a better understanding of the mechanism of vascularization and facilitate the construction of a functional bioengineered liver for future clinical applications.

miR-141-3p inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration via regulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

miR-141-3p is proven to play a prominent role in various inflammation-related diseases. Nonetheless, little is known concerning the function of miR-141-3p in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) dysfunction and the underlying mechanism. ApoE knockdown (ApoE^-/- ) C57BL/6 mice and human VSMCs were employed to establish atherosclerosis (AS) animal model and cell model, respectively. The expressions of miR-141-3p and Keap1 mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to determine inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-β and TNF-α. Cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis were analyzed by BrdU assay, Transwell assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was carried out to determine the regulatory relationship between miR-141-3p and Keap1. Additionally, Western blot was used to detect the function of miR-141-3p on the expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2 and HO-1 in VSMCs. miR-141-3p was remarkably down-regulated in both AS animal model and cell model while the expression of Keap1 was elevated. Proliferation and migration of VSMCs were suppressed after miR-141-3p mimics transfection and cell apoptosis was promoted. miR-141-3p also inhibited the expressions of IL-6, IL-β, TNF-α and Keap1 but promoted the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1. Moreover, the binding site between miR-141-3p and the 3'UTR of Keap1 was confirmed. miR-141-3p is down-regulated during AS, and it can alleviate VSMCs' dysfunction by targeting the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 axis.

Overexpression of MicroRNA-16 Alleviates Atherosclerosis by Inhibition of Inflammatory Pathways

Background

Our previous study demonstrated that the expression of miR-16 was downregulated in the cell and animal models of atherosclerosis (AS), a main contributor to coronary artery disease (CAD). Overexpression of miR-16 inhibited the formation of foam cells by exerting anti-inflammatory roles. These findings indicated miR-16 may be an anti-atherogenic and CAD miRNA. The goal of this study was to further validate the expression of miR-16 in CAD patients and explore its therapeutic roles in an AS animal model.

Methods

A total of 40 CAD patients and 40 non-CAD people were prospectively registered in our study. The AS model was established in ApoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet. The model mice were randomly treated with miR-16 agomiR (n = 10) or miR-negative control (n = 10). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted for histopathological examination in thoracic aorta samples. ELISA and immunohistochemistry were performed to determine the expression levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1β, IL-10, and TGF-β). qRT-PCR and western blotting were carried out to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of PDCD4, miR-16, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway-related genes.

Results

Compared with the normal control, miR-16 was downregulated in the plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell of CAD patients, and its expression level was negatively associated with IL-6 and the severity of CAD evaluated by the Gensini score, but positively related with IL-10. Injection of miR-16 agomiR in ApoE-/- mice reduced the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and suppressed the accumulation of proinflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-1β) in the plasma and tissues but promoted the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10 and TGF-β). Mechanism analysis showed overexpression of miR-16 might downregulate target mRNA PDCD4 and then activate p38 and ERK1/2, but inactivate the JNK pathway.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest miR-16 may be a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for atherosclerotic CAD.

Nϵ-Carboxymethyl-Lysine Deteriorates Vascular Calcification in Diabetic Atherosclerosis Induced by Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell-Derived Foam Cells

Nϵ-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML), an advanced glycation end product, is involved in vascular calcification (VC) in diabetic atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CML on VC in diabetic atherosclerosis induced by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)–derived foam cells. Human studies, animal studies and cell studies were performed. The human study results from 100 patients revealed a poor blood glucose and lipid status and more severe coronary lesions and stenosis in patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus. Intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin combined with a high-fat diet was used to build a diabetic atherosclerosis model in ApoE^−/− mice. The animal study results indicated that CML accelerated VC progression in diabetic atherosclerosis by accelerating the accumulation of VSMC-derived foam cells in ApoE^−/− mice. The cell study results illustrated that CML induced VSMC-derived foam cells apoptosis and aggravated foam cells calcification. Consistent with this finding, calcium content and the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase, bone morphogenetic protein 2 and runt-related transcription factor 2 were significantly elevated in A7r5 cells treated with oxidation-low-density lipoprotein and CML. Thus, we concluded that CML promoted VSMC-derived foam cells calcification to aggravate VC in diabetic atherosclerosis, providing evidence for the contribution of foam cells to diabetic VC.

The effect of olmesartan on aortic intimal thickening after balloon injury through Apelin/APJ

PURPOSE

Restenosis is the main complication after percutaneous coronary intervention. The proliferation of new intima contributes to the process. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of olmesartan on intimal thickening after balloon injury and possible mechanism.

METHODS

Aortic endothelial denudation model was made by a 2F balloon catheter. Thirty-six rats were randomly allocated into three groups: Control (n = 12) Surgery (n = 12, received vascular balloon injury) and Olmesartan (n = 12, received 3 mg^.kg^-1.d^-1olmesartan after injury). Fourteen and 28 days after injury, HE staining was used to assess the aortic endothelial injury. Radioimmunological method was used to examine the level of angiotensin II (Ang II). Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerse chain reaction (RT-PCR) were employed to detect the protein and mRNA level of Apelin/APJ.

RESULTS

After vascular balloon injury, the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and the intimal thickening were increased. The mRNA and protein level of Ang II, AT1, Apelin and APJ mRNA were promoted by vascular balloon injury. Olmesartan decreased the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and the intimal thickening. Olmesartan decreased the expression of Ang II and AT1, but further increased the expression of Apelin and APJ. Balloon injury also induced the activation of Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling and olmesartan decreased the effect.

CONCLUSION

Olmesartan inhibits the intimal thickening through activating Apelin/APJ and inhibiting AngII-AT1 and ERK pathway.

Ginsenoside Rg3 Alleviates ox-LDL Induced Endothelial Dysfunction and Prevents Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- Mice by Regulating PPARγ/FAK Signaling Pathway

The initiation of atherosclerosis (AS) induced by dyslipidemia is accompanied by endothelial dysfunction, including decreased healing ability and increased recruitment of monocytes. Studies showed ginsenoside Rg3 has potential to treat diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction which can protects against antineoplastic drugs induced cardiotoxicity by repairing endothelial function, while the effect and mechanism of Rg3 on dyslipidemia induced endothelial dysfunction and AS are not clear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of Rg3 on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) dysfunction and high-fat diets (HFD) induced atherosclerosis in ApoE^−/− mice, as well as the mechanism. For in vitro assay, Rg3 enhanced healing of HUVECs and inhibited human monocytes (THP-1) adhesion to HUVECs disturbed by ox-LDL, down-regulated focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-mediated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1); restrained the FAK-mediated non-adherent dependent pathway containing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/9 expression, activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), high mRNA levels of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), besides Rg3 up-regulated peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs. GW9662, the PPARγ-specific inhibitor, can repressed the effects of Rg3 on ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs. For in vivo assay, Rg3 significantly reduced atherosclerotic pathological changes in ApoE^−/− mice fed with HFD, up-regulated PPARγ, and inhibited activation FAK in aorta, thus inhibited expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 in intima. We conclude that Rg3 may protect endothelial cells and inhibit atherosclerosis by up-regulating PPARγ via repressing FAK-mediated pathways, indicating that Rg3 have good potential in preventing dyslipidemia induced atherosclerosis.

The Protective Effect of Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban on DNA Oxidative Changes in a Model of Vascular Endothelial Damage with Oxidized Cholesterol

Background: Atherosclerotic plaques are unstable, and their release may result in thrombosis; therefore, currently, antiplatelet therapy with anticoagulants is recommended for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of oxidized cholesterol on human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). The study also examines the protective and repairing effect of dabigatran and rivaroxaban in a model of vascular endothelial damage with 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC). Methods: HUVECs were treated with compounds induce DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) using the comet assay. Oxidative DNA damage was detected using endonuclease III (Nth) or human 8 oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (hOOG1). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was determined using flow cytometry. Results: 25-hydroxycholesterol caused DNA SSBs, induced oxidative damage and increased ROS in the HUVECs; ROS level was lowered by dabigatran and rivaroxaban. Only dabigatran was able to completely repair the DNA SSBs induced by oxysterol. Dabigatran was able to reduce the level of oxidative damage of pyrimidines induced by oxysterol to the level of control cells. Conclusions: Observed changes strongly suggest that the tested anticoagulants induced indirect repair of DNA by inhibiting ROS production. Furthermore, dabigatran appears to have a higher antioxidant activity than rivaroxaban.

Enzyme-injected method of enzymatic dispersion at low temperature is effective for isolation of smooth muscle cells from human esophagogastric junction

The present study was conducted to examine the feasibility of in vitro isolation and primary culture of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). Smooth muscles of EGJ were harvested from 23 patients with esophageal cancer during esophagostomy from January 2015 to December 2017. Enzymatic dispersion (ED) was performed for isolation. Collagenase II and Trypsin/EDTA were applied by enzyme injection (EI) into tissue fragments or immersion of tissue fragments into enzyme solution. Growth characteristics and proliferation [Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8)] of cells were recorded for both smooth muscle cell medium (SMCM) and DMEM/F12 containing 10% newborn bovine serum (10%-F12). All ED methods could isolate primary cells; EI was the most effective method with low collagenase II concentration (0.5 mg/ml) at 4˚C for 14-24 h. Primary cells demonstrated mainly spindle- and long-spindle-shaped with ‘hills and valleys’ morphology. The CCK-8 assay in SMCM showed better proliferation results than in 10%-F12. After passaging for 4-8 generations in SMCM or 2-4 generations in 10%-F12, cells enlarged gradually with passages and lost spindle structures. mRNA and proteins of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), smooth muscle 22 α (SM22α), vimentin, desmin, CD90 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were detected in tissues and cells with different levels of expression. SMCs of esophageal circular muscle, esophageal longitudinal muscle, gastric circular muscle near sling in gastric bottom and gastric circular muscle near clasp in lesser gastric curvature, all cultured in 10%-F12, exhibited superior smooth muscle phenotypes compared with SMCs cultured in SMCM in terms of α-SMA, SM22α and vimentin expression. The EI method of ED at low temperature appears effective for isolation and primary culture of SMCs from human EGJ in vitro.

Inhibition of cholesteryl ester synthesis by polyacetylenes from Atractylodes rhizome

Using activity guided purification, four known compounds, sesquiterpene atractylenolide III (1), and the polyacetylenes 14-acetoxy-12-senecioyloxytetradeca-2E,8E,10E-trien-4,6-diyn-1-ol (2), 14-acetoxy-12-α-methylbutyl-2E,8E,10E-trien-4,6-diyn-1-ol (3), and 14-acetoxy-12-β -methylbutyl-2E,8E,10E-trien-4,6-diyn-1-ol (4), were isolated from a traditional herbal medicine, Atractylodes rhizome. Structurally similar 3 and 4 (3/4 mixture) were obtained as a mixture. In intact Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) K1 cell assays, 1, 2, and a 3/4 mixture selectively inhibited cholesterol [¹⁴C]oleate synthesis from [¹⁴C]oleate with IC₅₀ values of 73.5 µM, 35.4 µM, and 10.2 µM, respectively, without any effects on cytotoxicity. As a potential target of these inhibitors involved in cholesteryl ester (CE) synthesis, effects on sterol O-acyltransferase (SOAT) activity were investigated using microsomes prepared from CHO-K1 cells as an enzyme source. Hence, these compounds inhibit SOAT activity with IC₅₀ values (211 µM for 1, 29.0 µM for 2, and 11.8 µM for 3/4 mixture) that correlate well with those measured from intact cell assays. Our results strongly suggest that these compounds inhibit CE synthesis by blocking SOAT activity in CHO-K1 cells.

Immunobiology of Atherosclerosis: A Complex Net of Interactions

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and atherosclerosis the principal factor underlying cardiovascular events. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction, intimal lipid deposition, smooth muscle cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and necrosis, and local and systemic inflammation, involving key contributions to from innate and adaptive immunity. The balance between proatherogenic inflammatory and atheroprotective anti-inflammatory responses is modulated by a complex network of interactions among vascular components and immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T, B, and foam cells; these interactions modulate the further progression and stability of the atherosclerotic lesion. In this review, we take a global perspective on existing knowledge about the pathogenesis of immune responses in the atherosclerotic microenvironment and the interplay between the major innate and adaptive immune factors in atherosclerosis. Studies such as this are the basis for the development of new therapies against atherosclerosis.

Overexpression of UHRF1 promoted the proliferation of vascular smooth cells via the regulation of Geminin protein levels

Geminin is an inhibitor of DNA replication licensing and cell cycle. Our previous study demonstrates that Geminin plays an important role in regulating phenotypic diversity and growth of vascular smooth cells (VSMCs). Ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING Finger domains 1 (UHRF1) is an epigenetic coordinator, whose RING domain confers intrinsic E3 ligase activity, mediating the ubiquitination of several proteins and the protein-protein interaction. Aberrant expression of UHRF1 was related to aggressiveness of multiple human malignancies, where knockdown of UHRF1 led to decreased proliferation of cancer cells. However, it is unclear whether proper UHRF1 function is involved in aberrant proliferation and phenotypic switching of VSMCs via altering Geminin protein levels. In present study, in UHRF1-overexpressing A10 cells, 3H-thymidine and 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU) and CCK8 were used to examine the proliferation of VSMCs. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to investigate whether UHRF1-mediated effects were achieved by altering Geminin expression in VSMCs. RNA-seq analysis was performed to dissect related mechanisms or signaling pathways of these effects. The results of in vitro experiments suggested that UHRF1 prompted proliferation and cell cycle of VSMCs via the down-regulation of Geminin protein levels with no change in Geminin mRNA expression. Besides, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was increased upon UHRF1 up-regulation. Our study demonstrated that overexpressing UHRF1 was involved in VSMCs proliferation through reducing inhibitory Geminin protein levels to promote cell cycle as well as activating PI3K-Akt signaling. This may provide key knowledge for the development of better strategies to prevent diseases related to VSMCs abnormal proliferation.

Tissue-specific epigenetics of atherosclerosis-related ANGPT and ANGPTL genes

Aim:

To understand tissue-specific regulation of angiopoietin/angiopoietin-like (ANGPT/ANGPTL) genes (especially the five genes embedded in introns of host genes) and their association with atherosclerosis.

Methods:

Transcription and epigenomic databases from various normal tissues were examined in the vicinity of ANGPT1, ANGPT2, ANGPTL1, ANGPTL2, ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL8.

Results:

We identified tissue-specific enhancer chromatin regions that are likely to regulate transcription of ANGPT/ANGPTL genes and were intragenic, intergenic or host gene-linked. In addition, we found atherosclerosis-linked differentially methylated regions associated with ANGPT2 and with sequences encoding miR-145, a microRNA that targets ANGPT2 mRNA in cancers.

Conclusion:

Our findings implicate enhancers as major contributors to tissue-specific expression of ANGPT/ANGPTL genes, which play critical roles in angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, cancer, and inflammatory and metabolic diseases.

The association of functional polymorphisms in genes expressed in endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells with the myocardial infarction

Background

The association of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A), and KIAA1462 in myocardial infarction (MI) was investigated. The study included 401 Han Chinese MI patients and 409 controls. Three tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—PECAM1 rs1867624, HIF1A rs2057482, and KIAA1462 rs3739998—were selected. SNP genotyping was performed by an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction assay. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies including 3314 cases and 2687 controls on the association of 5 HIF1A SNPs and the overall risk of MI or coronary artery disease (CAD) was performed.

Results

The rs1867624 variants were associated with high TG concentrations (p = 0.040) and the rs2057482 variants were associated with decreased HDL-C in MI patients compared with the control group (p = 0.003). Rs2057482 SNP interacted with age to influence TC levels. The SNP of rs3739998 interacted with sex and hypertension to modulate CRE and TG levels, respectively (p < 3.04E-5-0.002). No association between the three SNPs and susceptibility to MI was found (p > 0.05 for all). In the meta-analysis of HIF1A, the rs11549465 C > T and rs10873142 T > C polymorphisms, but not rs2057482, rs11549467, and rs41508050, were correlated with overall MI or CAD risk.

Conclusions

Taken together, this study provides additional evidence that genetic variation of the PECAM1 rs1867624 and HIF1A rs2057482 can mediate lipid levels in MI patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40246-018-0189-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells co-cultured with endothelial cells is modulated by PDGFR-β/IQGAP1 signaling in LPS-induced intravascular injury

Background Sepsis, a leading cause of death in intensive care units, is generally associated with vascular dysfunction. However, its pathophysiological process has not been fully clarified, lacking in-depth knowledge of its pathophysiological process may hinder the improvement of diagnosis and therapy for sepsis. Hence, as the key parts of the vascular wall, the interaction between endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) under septic situation need to be further studied. Methods ECs and SMCs were co-cultured using Transwell plates. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce sepsis. A scratch-wound assay was used to assess cell migration, and western blotting was used to assess the level of redifferentiation of SMCs as well as the expression of PDGFR-β and IQGAP1. Results Co-culture with ECs reduced the redifferentiation of SMCs induced by LPS (10 μg/ml), which was characterized by increased migration ability and decreased expression of contractile proteins (e.g., SM22 and α-SMA). The production of TNF-α could decrease the level of PDGFR-β in SMCs. Treatment of SMCs with the PDGFR-β inhibitor imatinib (5 μM) was able to counteract LPS-induced SMC redifferentiation and reduce IQGAP1 protein expression, especially when SMCs were co-cultured with ECs. Conclusion The phenotype of vascular SMCs co-cultured with ECs was modulated by IQGAP1 through the PDGFR-β pathway, which may lead to vascular remodeling and homeostasis in LPS-induced intravascular injury. This pathway could be a novel target for the treatment of vascular damage.

Abnormally expressed miR-23b in Chinese Mongolian at high cardiovascular risk may contribute to monocyte/macrophage inflammatory reaction in atherosclerosis

Background: The prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) appears to be high among Chinese Mongolians. MiR-23b has been proven to play a key role in atherosclerosis. The expression and role of miR-23b in the Mongolians at high cardiovascular risk were explored in the present study.

Methods: Forty cases of blood samples from the Mongolians at high cardiovascular risk were enrolled in the present study. The expression of miR-23b was quantified by quantitative real-time PCR. To induce monocytes differentiation into macrophages, HP-1 cells were cultured with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. The level of inflammatory markers was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The interaction between miR-23b and A20 was explored by the dual luciferase reporter assay.

Results: The expression of miR-23b in the Mongolian at high cardiovascular risk was higher than that in healthy Mongolian volunteers. Decrease in ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 caused by miR-23b is responsible for TC accumulation in the Mongolian at high cardiovascular risk. MiR-23b enhanced the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced inflammatory response of THP-1 derived macrophage. MiR-23b regulated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway through targeting A20. MiR-23b mediated oxLDL-induced inflammatory response of peripheral blood mononuclear cell in the Mongolian at high cardiovascular risk.

Conclusion MiR-23b enhanced oxLDL-induced inflammatory response of macrophages in the Mongolian at high cardiovascular risk through the A20/NF-κB signaling pathway, and thus contributing to atherosclerosis.

The obesogen tributyltin induces features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a review

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by abnormal reproductive cycles, irregular ovulation, and hyperandrogenism. This complex disorder has its origins both within and outside the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Cardio-metabolic factors, such as obesity and insulin resistance, contribute to the manifestation of the PCOS phenotype. Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age. Growing evidence suggested an association between reproductive and metabolic features of PCOS and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC), such as bisphenol A. Further, the environmental obesogen tributyltin (TBT) was shown to induce reproductive, metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities resembling those found in women and animal models of PCOS. However, the causal link between TBT exposure and PCOS development remains unclear. The objective of this review was to summarize the most recent research findings on the potential association between TBT exposure and development of PCOS-like features in animal models and humans.

The risk association of plasma total homocysteine with acute myocardial infarction is modified by serum vitamin A

Background

Plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Vitamin A (Vit-A) is involved in homocysteine metabolism and we therefore explored the potential interaction between plasma tHcy and serum Vit-A in relation to incident acute myocardial infarction.

Methods

Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the prospective relationships between tHcy and acute myocardial infarction in 2205 patients from Western Norway undergoing elective coronary angiography for suspected stable angina pectoris. Results are reported as hazard ratio per standard deviation increase in log-transformed tHcy. An interaction term for tHcy × Vit-A was added to multivariate models including age, sex, smoking, apolipoprotein B fasting, statin and aspirin prescription and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Results

Geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) age of the participants (64.3% men) was 62.3 (1.24) years. Plasma tHcy was higher among participants in the upper versus lower Vit-A tertile. During 7 (2.4) years of follow-up, 15.1% suffered an AMI. A significant association of plasma tHcy with AMI in the total study population was observed. When we stratified the population according to Vit-A tertiles, plasma tHcy was associated with acute myocardial infarction only in the upper Vit-A tertile (hazard ratio per SD: 1.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.53, pinteraction = 0.03).

Conclusions

The risk relationship between plasma tHcy and acute myocardial infarction was modified by serum concentrations of Vit-A in patients with suspected stable angina pectoris. This finding may clarify the relationship between tHcy and cardiovascular disease.

Endocytosis of lipoproteins

During their metabolism, all lipoproteins undergo endocytosis, either to be degraded intracellularly, for example in hepatocytes or macrophages, or to be re-secreted, for example in the course of transcytosis by endothelial cells. Moreover, there are several examples of internalized lipoproteins sequestered intracellularly, possibly to exert intracellular functions, for example the cytolysis of trypanosoma. Endocytosis and the subsequent intracellular itinerary of lipoproteins hence are key areas for understanding the regulation of plasma lipid levels as well as the biological functions of lipoproteins. Indeed, the identification of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptor and the unraveling of its transcriptional regulation led to the elucidation of familial hypercholesterolemia as well as to the development of statins, the most successful therapeutics for lowering of cholesterol levels and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Novel limiting factors of intracellular trafficking of LDL and the LDL receptor continue to be discovered and to provide drug targets such as PCSK9. Surprisingly, the receptors mediating endocytosis of high-density lipoproteins or lipoprotein(a) are still a matter of controversy or even new discovery. Finally, the receptors and mechanisms, which mediate the uptake of lipoproteins into non-degrading intracellular itineraries for re-secretion (transcytosis, retroendocytosis), storage, or execution of intracellular functions, are largely unknown.

The CD44-HA axis and inflammation in atherosclerosis: A temporal perspective

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to atherosclerosis is a disease of chronic inflammation at both the systemic and the tissue level. CD44 has previously been implicated in atherosclerosis in both humans and mice. This multi-faceted receptor plays a critical part in the inflammatory response during the onset of CVD, though little is known of CD44's role during the latter stages of the disease. This review focuses on the role of CD44-dependent HA-dependent effects on inflammatory cells in several key processes, from disease initiation throughout the progression of atherosclerosis. Understanding how CD44 and HA regulate inflammation in atherogenesis is key in determining the utility of the CD44-HA axis as a therapeutic target to halt disease and potentially promote disease regression.

The interaction between XBP1 and eNOS contributes to endothelial cell migration

The X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) is a pivotal transcription factor in the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. Our previous studies have proven that XBP1 is involved in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and angiogenesis. In this study, we used EC monolayer wound healing, tube formation and transwell migration models to explore the role of XBP1splicing in EC migration. We found that scratching on EC monolayer triggered XBP1splicing, which was attenuated by the presence of SU5416and LY294002, suggesting that VEGF signalling pathways may be involved. Over-expression of the spliced XBP1 (XBP1s) via Ad-XBP1s gene transfer increased while knockdown of IRE1αor XBP1 by ShRNA lentivirus suppressed EC migration. Over-expression of XBP1s up-regulated the nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3)mRNA through the 3'UTR-mediated stabilisation and increased eNOS protein translation. Further experiments demonstrated that miR-24 participated in the XBP1s-induced eNOSup-regulation and EC migration. Further co-IP and immunofluorescence staining assays revealed that protein kinase B (Akt), eNOS andXBP1s form a complex, resulting in Akt and eNOS nucleus relocation. These results suggest that XBP1 splicing can regulate eNOS expression and cellular location, leading to EC migration and therefore contributing to wound healing and angiogenesis.