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Robichaud S, Rochon V, Emerton C, Laval T, Ouimet M. Trehalose promotes atherosclerosis regression in female mice. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1298014. [PMID: 38433753 PMCID: PMC10906268 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1298014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the deposition of lipids within the artery wall. During atherogenesis, efficient autophagy is needed to facilitate efferocytosis and cholesterol efflux, limit inflammation and lipid droplet buildup, and eliminate defective mitochondria and protein aggregates. Central to the regulation of autophagy is the transcription factor EB (TFEB), which coordinates the expression of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy genes. In recent years, trehalose has been shown to promote TFEB activation and protect against atherogenesis. Here, we sought to investigate the role of autophagy activation during atherosclerosis regression. Methods and results Atherosclerosis was established in C57BL/6N mice by injecting AAV-PCSK9 and 16 weeks of Western diet feeding, followed by switching to a chow diet to induce atherosclerosis regression. During the regression period, mice were either injected with trehalose concomitant with trehalose supplementation in their drinking water or injected with saline for 6 weeks. Female mice receiving trehalose had reduced atherosclerosis burden, as evidenced by reduced plaque lipid content, macrophage numbers and IL-1β content in parallel with increased plaque collagen deposition, which was not observed in their male counterparts. In addition, trehalose-treated female mice had lower levels of circulating leukocytes, including inflammatory monocytes and CD4+ T cells. Lastly, we found that autophagy flux in male mice was basally higher than in female mice during atherosclerosis progression. Conclusions Our data demonstrate a sex-specific effect of trehalose in atherosclerosis regression, whereby trehalose reduced lipid content, inflammation, and increased collagen content in female mice but not in male mice. Furthermore, we discovered inherent differences in the autophagy flux capacities between the sexes: female mice exhibited lower plaque autophagy than males, which rendered the female mice more responsive to atherosclerosis regression. Our work highlights the importance of understanding sex differences in atherosclerosis to personalize the development of future therapies to treat cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Robichaud
- Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cardiovascular Metabolism and Cell Biology Laboratory, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Valérie Rochon
- Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cardiovascular Metabolism and Cell Biology Laboratory, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Christina Emerton
- Cardiovascular Metabolism and Cell Biology Laboratory, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas Laval
- Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cardiovascular Metabolism and Cell Biology Laboratory, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mireille Ouimet
- Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Cardiovascular Metabolism and Cell Biology Laboratory, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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2
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Zhang X, Rotllan N, Canfrán-Duque A, Sun J, Toczek J, Moshnikova A, Malik S, Price NL, Araldi E, Zhong W, Sadeghi MM, Andreev OA, Bahal R, Reshetnyak YK, Suárez Y, Fernández-Hernando C. Targeted Suppression of miRNA-33 Using pHLIP Improves Atherosclerosis Regression. Circ Res 2022; 131:77-90. [PMID: 35534923 PMCID: PMC9640270 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.320296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND miRNA therapeutics have gained attention during the past decade. These oligonucleotide treatments can modulate the expression of miRNAs in vivo and could be used to correct the imbalance of gene expression found in human diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis. The in vivo efficacy of current anti-miRNA technologies hindered by physiological and cellular barriers to delivery into targeted cells and the nature of miRNAs that allows one to target an entire pathway that may lead to deleterious off-target effects. For these reasons, novel targeted delivery systems to inhibit miRNAs in specific tissues will be important for developing effective therapeutic strategies for numerous diseases including atherosclerosis. METHODS We used pH low-insertion peptide (pHLIP) constructs as vehicles to deliver microRNA-33-5p (miR-33) antisense oligonucleotides to atherosclerotic plaques. Immunohistochemistry and histology analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of miR-33 silencing in atherosclerotic lesions. We also assessed how miR-33 inhibition affects gene expression in monocytes/macrophages by single-cell RNA transcriptomics. RESULTS The anti-miR-33 conjugated pHLIP constructs are preferentially delivered to atherosclerotic plaque macrophages. The inhibition of miR-33 using pHLIP-directed macrophage targeting improves atherosclerosis regression by increasing collagen content and decreased lipid accumulation within vascular lesions. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed higher expression of fibrotic genes (Col2a1, Col3a1, Col1a2, Fn1, etc) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (Timp3) and downregulation of Mmp12 in macrophages from atherosclerotic lesions targeted by pHLIP-anti-miR-33. CONCLUSIONS This study provides proof of principle for the application of pHLIP for treating advanced atherosclerosis via pharmacological inhibition of miR-33 in macrophages that avoid the deleterious effects in other metabolic tissues. This may open new therapeutic opportunities for atherosclerosis-associated cardiovascular diseases via selective delivery of other protective miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbo Zhang
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism Program, Department of Comparative Medicine and Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Noemi Rotllan
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism Program, Department of Comparative Medicine and Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alberto Canfrán-Duque
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism Program, Department of Comparative Medicine and Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jonathan Sun
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism Program, Department of Comparative Medicine and Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jakub Toczek
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Section of Cardiology, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anna Moshnikova
- Department Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Shipra Malik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nathan L. Price
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism Program, Department of Comparative Medicine and Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Elisa Araldi
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism Program, Department of Comparative Medicine and Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Wen Zhong
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism Program, Department of Comparative Medicine and Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mehran M. Sadeghi
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Cardiovascular Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine and Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Section of Cardiology, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Oleg A. Andreev
- Department Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Raman Bahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yana K. Reshetnyak
- Department Physics, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Yajaira Suárez
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism Program, Department of Comparative Medicine and Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Carlos Fernández-Hernando
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism Program, Department of Comparative Medicine and Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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von Ehr A, Bode C, Hilgendorf I. Macrophages in Atheromatous Plaque Developmental Stages. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:865367. [PMID: 35548412 PMCID: PMC9081876 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.865367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the main pathomechanism leading to cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction or stroke. There is consensus that atherosclerosis is not only a metabolic disorder but rather a chronic inflammatory disease influenced by various immune cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. Macrophages constitute the largest population of inflammatory cells in atherosclerotic lesions. They play a critical role in all stages of atherogenesis. The heterogenous macrophage population can be subdivided on the basis of their origins into resident, yolk sac and fetal liver monocyte-derived macrophages and postnatal monocyte-derived, recruited macrophages. Recent transcriptomic analyses revealed that the major macrophage populations in atherosclerosis include resident, inflammatory and foamy macrophages, representing a more functional classification. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the trafficking, fate, and functional aspects of the different macrophage populations in the "life cycle" of an atheromatous plaque. Understanding the chronic inflammatory state in atherosclerotic lesions is an important basis for developing new therapeutic approaches to abolish lesion growth and promote plaque regression in addition to general cholesterol lowering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander von Ehr
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Bode
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Hilgendorf
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Survey of Approaches for Investigation of Atherosclerosis In Vivo. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2419:57-72. [PMID: 35237958 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Although in vitro model systems are useful for investigation of atherosclerosis-associated processes, they represent simplification of complex events that occur in vivo, which involve interactions between many different cell types together with their environment. The use of animal model systems is important for more in-depth insights of the molecular mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis and for identifying potential targets for agents that can prevent plaque formation and even reverse existing disease. This chapter will provide a survey of such animal models and associated techniques that are routinely used for research of atherosclerosis in vivo.
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5
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Vascular Pathobiology: Atherosclerosis and Large Vessel Disease. Cardiovasc Pathol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822224-9.00006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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6
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Tomas L, Prica F, Schulz C. Trafficking of Mononuclear Phagocytes in Healthy Arteries and Atherosclerosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:718432. [PMID: 34759917 PMCID: PMC8573388 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.718432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Monocytes and macrophages play essential roles in all stages of atherosclerosis – from early precursor lesions to advanced stages of the disease. Intima-resident macrophages are among the first cells to be confronted with the influx and retention of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins at the onset of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis development. In this review, we outline the trafficking of monocytes and macrophages in and out of the healthy aorta, as well as the adaptation of their migratory behaviour during hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, we discuss the functional and ontogenetic composition of the aortic pool of mononuclear phagocytes and its link to the atherosclerotic disease process. The development of mouse models of atherosclerosis regression in recent years, has enabled scientists to investigate the behaviour of monocytes and macrophages during the resolution of atherosclerosis. Herein, we describe the dynamics of these mononuclear phagocytes upon cessation of hypercholesterolemia and how they contribute to the restoration of tissue homeostasis. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into the trafficking, fate and disease-relevant dynamics of monocytes and macrophages during atherosclerosis, and to highlight remaining questions. We focus on the results of rodent studies, as analysis of cellular fates requires experimental manipulations that cannot be performed in humans but point out findings that could be replicated in human tissues. Understanding of the biology of macrophages in atherosclerosis provides an important basis for the development of therapeutic strategies to limit lesion formation and promote plaque regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Tomas
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Filip Prica
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Schulz
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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7
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Efficacy of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) on Impulsive Behaviours and Aggressiveness in Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020620. [PMID: 33435512 PMCID: PMC7826871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is the focus of increasing interest to investigate the effects of long-chain n-3 and long-chain n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs; LC n-6 PUFAs) on psychiatric symptoms in a transdiagnostic perspective. There is some evidence that low levels of LC n-3 PUFAs and a higher ratio of LC n-6 to LC n-3 PUFAs in plasma and blood cells are associated with aggressive and impulsive behaviours. Therefore, implementation of LC n-3 PUFAs may produce positive effects on hostility, aggression, and impulsivity in both psychiatric and non-psychiatric samples across different stages of life. A possible mechanism of action of LC n-3 PUFAs in conditions characterized by a high level of impulsivity and aggression is due to the effect of these compounds on the serotonin system and membrane stability. Studies that evaluated the effects of LC n-3 PUFAs on impulsivity and aggressiveness indicated that addition of rather low doses of these agents to antipsychotic treatment might reduce agitation and violent behaviours in psychosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, personality disorders, and impulsive control and conduct disorders. The present review is aimed at examining and discussing available data from recent trials on this topic.
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8
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Poznyak AV, Silaeva YY, Orekhov AN, Deykin AV. Animal models of human atherosclerosis: current progress. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 53:e9557. [PMID: 32428130 PMCID: PMC7266502 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20209557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis retains the leading position among the causes of global morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in the industrialized countries. Despite the continuing efforts to investigate disease pathogenesis and find the potential points of effective therapeutic intervention, our understanding of atherosclerosis mechanisms remains limited. This is partly due to the multifactorial nature of the disease pathogenesis, when several factors so different as altered lipid metabolism, increased oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation act together leading to the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Adequate animal models are currently indispensable for studying these processes and searching for novel therapies. Animal models based on rodents, such as mice and rats, and rabbits represent important tools for studying atherosclerosis. Currently, genetically modified animals allow for previously unknown possibilities in modelling the disease and its most relevant aspects. In this review, we describe the recent progress made in creating such models and discuss the most important findings obtained with them to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Poznyak
- Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, Skolkovo Innovative Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - Y Y Silaeva
- Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A N Orekhov
- Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, Skolkovo Innovative Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Deykin
- Core Facility Centre, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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9
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Navarro E, Mallén A, Cruzado JM, Torras J, Hueso M. Unveiling ncRNA regulatory axes in atherosclerosis progression. Clin Transl Med 2020; 9:5. [PMID: 32009226 PMCID: PMC6995802 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-020-0256-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Completion of the human genome sequencing project highlighted the richness of the cellular RNA world, and opened the door to the discovery of a plethora of short and long non-coding RNAs (the dark transcriptome) with regulatory or structural potential, which shifted the balance of pathological gene alterations from coding to non-coding RNAs. Thus, disease risk assessment currently has to also evaluate the expression of new RNAs such as small micro RNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), retrogressed elements, 3'UTRs of mRNAs, etc. We are interested in the pathogenic mechanisms of atherosclerosis (ATH) progression in patients suffering Chronic Kidney Disease, and in this review, we will focus in the role of the dark transcriptome (non-coding RNAs) in ATH progression. We will focus in miRNAs and in the formation of regulatory axes or networks with their mRNA targets and with the lncRNAs that function as miRNA sponges or competitive inhibitors of miRNA activity. In this sense, we will pay special attention to retrogressed genomic elements, such as processed pseudogenes and Alu repeated elements, that have been recently seen to also function as miRNA sponges, as well as to the use or miRNA derivatives in gene silencing, anti-ATH therapies. Along the review, we will discuss technical developments associated to research in lncRNAs, from sequencing technologies to databases, repositories and algorithms to predict miRNA targets, as well as new approaches to miRNA function, such as integrative or enrichment analysis and their potential to unveil RNA regulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estanislao Navarro
- Independent Researcher, Barcelona, Spain. .,Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge and Bellvitge Research Institute (IDIBELL), C/Feixa Llarga, s/n; L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Adrian Mallén
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge and Bellvitge Research Institute (IDIBELL), C/Feixa Llarga, s/n; L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M Cruzado
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge and Bellvitge Research Institute (IDIBELL), C/Feixa Llarga, s/n; L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Torras
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge and Bellvitge Research Institute (IDIBELL), C/Feixa Llarga, s/n; L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Hueso
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge and Bellvitge Research Institute (IDIBELL), C/Feixa Llarga, s/n; L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain.
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10
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Pouwer MG, Pieterman EJ, Worms N, Keijzer N, Jukema JW, Gromada J, Gusarova V, Princen HMG. Alirocumab, evinacumab, and atorvastatin triple therapy regresses plaque lesions and improves lesion composition in mice. J Lipid Res 2019; 61:365-375. [PMID: 31843957 PMCID: PMC7053846 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.ra119000419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis-related CVD causes nearly 20 million deaths annually. Most patients are treated after plaques develop, so therapies must regress existing lesions. Current therapies reduce plaque volume, but targeting all apoB-containing lipoproteins with intensive combinations that include alirocumab or evinacumab, monoclonal antibodies against cholesterol-regulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 and angiopoietin-like protein 3, may provide more benefit. We investigated the effect of such lipid-lowering interventions on atherosclerosis in APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice, a well-established model for hyperlipidemia. Mice were fed a Western-type diet for 13 weeks and thereafter matched into a baseline group (euthanized at 13 weeks) and five groups that received diet alone (control) or with treatment [atorvastatin; atorvastatin and alirocumab; atorvastatin and evinacumab; or atorvastatin, alirocumab, and evinacumab (triple therapy)] for 25 weeks. We measured effects on cholesterol levels, plaque composition and morphology, monocyte adherence, and macrophage proliferation. All interventions reduced plasma total cholesterol (37% with atorvastatin to 80% with triple treatment; all P < 0.001). Triple treatment decreased non-HDL-C to 1.0 mmol/l (91% difference from control; P < 0.001). Atorvastatin reduced atherosclerosis progression by 28% versus control (P < 0.001); double treatment completely blocked progression and diminished lesion severity. Triple treatment regressed lesion size versus baseline in the thoracic aorta by 50% and the aortic root by 36% (both P < 0.05 vs. baseline), decreased macrophage accumulation through reduced proliferation, and abated lesion severity. Thus, high-intensive cholesterol-lowering triple treatment targeting all apoB-containing lipoproteins regresses atherosclerotic lesion area and improves lesion composition in mice, making it a promising potential approach for treating atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne G Pouwer
- Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization of Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Gaubius Laboratory, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elsbet J Pieterman
- Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization of Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Gaubius Laboratory, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Worms
- Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization of Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Gaubius Laboratory, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nanda Keijzer
- Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization of Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Gaubius Laboratory, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J Wouter Jukema
- Department of Cardiology Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Hans M G Princen
- Metabolic Health Research, The Netherlands Organization of Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Gaubius Laboratory, Leiden, The Netherlands
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11
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Pennig J, Scherrer P, Gissler MC, Anto-Michel N, Hoppe N, Füner L, Härdtner C, Stachon P, Wolf D, Hilgendorf I, Mullick A, Bode C, Zirlik A, Goldberg IJ, Willecke F. Glucose lowering by SGLT2-inhibitor empagliflozin accelerates atherosclerosis regression in hyperglycemic STZ-diabetic mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17937. [PMID: 31784656 PMCID: PMC6884628 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54224-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes worsens atherosclerosis progression and leads to a defect in repair of arteries after cholesterol reduction, a process termed regression. Empagliflozin reduces blood glucose levels via inhibition of the sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) in the kidney and has been shown to lead to a marked reduction in cardiovascular events in humans. To determine whether glucose lowering by empagliflozin accelerates atherosclerosis regression in a mouse model, male C57BL/6J mice were treated intraperitoneally with LDLR- and SRB1- antisense oligonucleotides and fed a high cholesterol diet for 16 weeks to induce severe hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis progression. At week 14 all mice were rendered diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ) injections. At week 16 a baseline group was sacrificed and displayed substantial atherosclerosis of the aortic root. In the remaining mice, plasma cholesterol was lowered by switching to chow diet and treatment with LDLR sense oligonucleotides to induce atherosclerosis regression. These mice then received either empagliflozin or vehicle for three weeks. Atherosclerotic plaques in the empagliflozin treated mice were significantly smaller, showed decreased lipid and CD68+ macrophage content, as well as greater collagen content. Proliferation of plaque resident macrophages and leukocyte adhesion to the vascular wall were significantly decreased in empagliflozin-treated mice. In summary, plasma glucose lowering by empagliflozin improves plaque regression in diabetic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Pennig
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Scherrer
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mark Colin Gissler
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nathaly Anto-Michel
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Natalie Hoppe
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Füner
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carmen Härdtner
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Stachon
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Wolf
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Hilgendorf
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Adam Mullick
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Christoph Bode
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Zirlik
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ira J Goldberg
- Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Florian Willecke
- University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Cardiology and Angiology I, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Klinik für Allgemeine und Interventionelle Kardiologie/Angiologie, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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Burke AC, Sutherland BG, Telford DE, Morrow MR, Sawyez CG, Edwards JY, Huff MW. Naringenin enhances the regression of atherosclerosis induced by a chow diet in Ldlr -/- mice. Atherosclerosis 2019; 286:60-70. [PMID: 31102954 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Naringenin is a citrus-derived flavonoid with lipid-lowering and insulin-sensitizing effects leading to athero-protection in Ldlr-/- mice fed a high-fat diet. However, the ability of naringenin to promote atherosclerosis regression is unknown. In the present study, we assessed the capacity of naringenin to enhance regression in Ldlr-/- mice with diet-induced intermediate atherosclerosis intervened with a chow diet. METHODS Male Ldlr-/- mice were fed a high-fat, cholesterol-containing (HFHC) diet for 12 weeks to induce intermediate atherosclerosis and metabolic dysfunction. Subsequently, a group of these mice were sacrificed for baseline analyses and the remainder either 1) continued on the HFHC diet, 2) switched to a chow diet or 3) switched to chow diet supplemented with naringenin. RESULTS After 12 weeks induction, intermediate lesions developed in the aortic sinus. Intervention with chow alone slowed lesion growth, while intervention with naringenin-supplemented chow completely halted lesion growth. Lesions were characterized by features of improved morphology. Compared to chow alone, naringenin reduced plaque macrophages and modestly increased smooth muscle cells. Investigating processes that contributed to improved plaque morphology, we showed naringenin further reduced plasma triglycerides and cholesterol compared to chow alone. Furthermore, elevated monocytosis and myelopoiesis were further corrected by intervention with naringenin compared to chow alone. Metabolically, naringenin enhanced the correction of insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and obesity compared to chow alone, potentially contributing to enhanced regression. CONCLUSIONS Naringenin supplementation to chow enhances atherosclerosis regression in male Ldlr-/- mice. These studies further underscore the potential therapeutic utility of naringenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Burke
- Molecular Medicine, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Brian G Sutherland
- Molecular Medicine, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Dawn E Telford
- Molecular Medicine, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Marisa R Morrow
- Molecular Medicine, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Cynthia G Sawyez
- Molecular Medicine, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Jane Y Edwards
- Molecular Medicine, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Murray W Huff
- Molecular Medicine, Robarts Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St N., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada.
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Zeng Y, Guan M, Li C, Xu L, Zheng Z, Li J, Xue Y. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) attenuates atherosclerosis in apo-E knock-out mice possibly through reducing triglyceride and anti-inflammation. Lipids Health Dis 2018; 17:251. [PMID: 30400958 PMCID: PMC6220495 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-018-0896-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bitter melon (BM, Momordica charantia) has been accepted as an effective complementary treatment of metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and etc. However it is unclear whether BM can prevent the progression of atherosclerosis. To confirm the effects of BM on atherosclerosis and explore its underlying mechanisms, we design this study. METHODS Twenty four male apolipoprotein E knock-out (ApoE-/-) mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into control group fed with high fat diet (HFD) only and BM group fed with HFD mixed with 1.2%w/w BM. After 16 weeks, body weight, food intake, blood glucose, serum lipids were measured and the atherosclerotic plaque area and its histological composition were analyzed. The expression of vascular cell adhesive molecules and inflammatory cytokines in the aortas were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Body weight gain and serum triglycerides (TG) significantly decreased in BM group. BM reduced not only the atherosclerotic plaque area and the contents of collagen fibers in atherosclerotic plaques but also the serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and P-selectin levels, as well as the expressions of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and interleukin (IL)-6 in aortas. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that dietary BM can attenuate the development of atherosclerosis in ApoeE-/- mice possibly through reducing triglyceride and anti-inflammation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Zeng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838, Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Meiping Guan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838, Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Chenzhong Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838, Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Lingling Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838, Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhongji Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838, Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jimin Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838, Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaoming Xue
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838, Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline S Dron
- From the Department of Biochemistry (J.S.D., J.L., R.A.H.), Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute (J.S.D., J.L., R.A.H.), Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Julieta Lazarte
- From the Department of Biochemistry (J.S.D., J.L., R.A.H.), Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute (J.S.D., J.L., R.A.H.), Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine (J.L., R.A.H.), Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Robert A Hegele
- From the Department of Biochemistry (J.S.D., J.L., R.A.H.), Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute (J.S.D., J.L., R.A.H.), Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine (J.L., R.A.H.), Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Burke AC, Sutherland BG, Telford DE, Morrow MR, Sawyez CG, Edwards JY, Drangova M, Huff MW. Intervention with citrus flavonoids reverses obesity and improves metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis in obese Ldlr-/- mice. J Lipid Res 2018; 59:1714-1728. [PMID: 30008441 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m087387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and its associated metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease risk represent a leading cause of adult morbidity worldwide. Currently available pharmacological therapies for obesity have had limited success in reversing existing obesity and metabolic dysregulation. Previous prevention studies demonstrated that the citrus flavonoids, naringenin and nobiletin, protect against obesity and metabolic dysfunction in Ldlr-/- mice fed a high-fat cholesterol-containing (HFHC) diet. However, their effects in an intervention model are unknown. In this report, we show that, in Ldlr-/- mice with diet-induced obesity, citrus flavonoid supplementation to a HFHC diet reversed existing obesity and adipocyte size and number through enhanced energy expenditure and increased hepatic fatty acid oxidation. Caloric intake was unaffected and no evidence of white adipose tissue browning was observed. Reversal of adiposity was accompanied by improvements in hyperlipidemia, insulin sensitivity, hepatic steatosis, and a modest reduction in blood monocytes. Together, this resulted in atherosclerotic lesions that were unchanged in size, but characterized by reduced macrophage content, consistent with a more stable plaque phenotype. These studies further suggest potential therapeutic utility of citrus flavonoids, especially in the context of existing obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Burke
- Molecular Medicine University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7; Robarts Research Institute, Departments of Biochemistry University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - Brian G Sutherland
- Molecular Medicine University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - Dawn E Telford
- Molecular Medicine University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7; Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - Marisa R Morrow
- Molecular Medicine University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - Cynthia G Sawyez
- Molecular Medicine University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7; Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - Jane Y Edwards
- Molecular Medicine University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7; Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - Maria Drangova
- Imaging Research Laboratories, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - Murray W Huff
- Molecular Medicine University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7; Robarts Research Institute, Departments of Biochemistry University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7; Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7.
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