Cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (CIAPIN1) accelerates vascular remodelling via p53 and JAK2-STAT3 regulation in vascular smooth muscle cells

Quercetin Attenuates KLF4-Mediated Phenotypic Switch of VSMCs to Macrophage-like Cells in Atherosclerosis: A Critical Role for the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway

The objective of this study was to elucidate the protective role of quercetin in atherosclerosis by examining its effect on the phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to macrophage-like cells and the underlying regulatory pathways. Aorta tissues from apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE KO) mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), treated with or without 100 mg/kg/day quercetin, were analyzed for histopathological changes and molecular mechanisms. Quercetin was found to decrease the size of atherosclerotic lesions and mitigate lipid accumulation induced by HFD. Fluorescence co-localization analysis revealed a higher presence of macrophage-like vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) co-localizing with phospho-Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in regions of foam cell aggregation within aortic plaques. However, this co-localization was reduced following treatment with quercetin. Quercetin treatment effectively inhibited the KLF4-mediated phenotypic switch in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-loaded mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (MOVAS), as indicated by decreased expressions of KLF4, LGALS3, CD68, and F4/80, increased expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), reduced intracellular fluorescence Dil-ox-LDL uptake, and decreased lipid accumulation. In contrast, APTO-253, a KLF4 activator, was found to reverse the effects of quercetin. Furthermore, AG490, a JAK2 inhibitor, effectively counteracted the ox-LDL-induced JAK2/STAT3 pathway-dependent switch to a macrophage-like phenotype and lipid accumulation in MOVAS cells. These effects were significantly mitigated by quercetin but exacerbated by coumermycin A1, a JAK2 activator. Our research illustrates that quercetin inhibits the KLF4-mediated phenotypic switch of VSMCs to macrophage-like cells and reduces atherosclerosis by suppressing the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Inhibition of the RPS6KA1/FoxO1 signaling axis by hydroxycitric acid attenuates HFD-induced obesity through MCE suppression

BACKGROUND

Because obesity is associated with a hyperplasia-mediated increase in adipose tissue, inhibiting cell proliferation during mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) is a leading strategy for preventing obesity. Although (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is used to control obesity, the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects on MCE are poorly understood.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of HCA on MCE and underlying molecular mechanisms affecting adipogenesis and obesity improvements.

METHODS

Preadipocyte cell line, 3T3-L1, were treated with HCA; oil red O, cell proliferation, cell cycle, and related alterations in signaling pathways were examined. High-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice were administered HCA for 12 weeks; body and adipose tissues weights were evaluated, and the regulation of signaling pathways in epidydimal white adipose tissue were examined in vivo.

RESULTS

Here, we report that during MCE, HCA attenuates the proliferation of the preadipocyte cell line, 3T3-L1, by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. In addition, HCA markedly inhibits Forkhead Box O1 (FoxO1) phosphorylation, thereby inducing the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B and suppressing the levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 2, cyclin E1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and phosphorylated retinoblastoma. Importantly, we found that ribosomal protein S6 kinase A1 (RPS6KA1) influences HCA-mediated inactivation of FoxO1 and its nuclear exclusion. An animal model of obesity revealed that HCA reduced high-fat diet-induced obesity by suppressing adipocyte numbers as well as epididymal and mesenteric white adipose tissue mass, which is attributed to the regulation of RPS6KA1, FoxO1, CDKN1B and PCNA that had been consistently identified in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide novel insights into the mechanism by which HCA regulates adipogenesis and highlight the RPS6KA1/FoxO1 signaling axis as a therapeutic target for obesity.

Elucidating the anti-hypertensive mechanisms of Uncaria rhynchophylla-Alisma plantago-aquatica L: an integrated network pharmacology, cluster analysis, and molecular docking approach

Background: With the increasing global prevalence of hypertension, a condition that can severely affect multiple organs, there is a growing need for effective treatment options. Uncaria rhynchophylla-Alisma plantago-aquatica L. (UR-AP) is a traditional drug pair used for treating hypertension based on the liver-kidney synergy concept. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying its efficacy remain unclear. Methods: This study utilized an integrative approach combining network pharmacology, cluster analysis, and molecular docking to uncover the bioactive components and targets of UR-AP in the treatment of hypertension. Initially, we extracted data from public databases to identify these components and targets. A Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed, followed by enrichment analysis to pinpoint the bioactive components, core targets, and pivotal pathways. Cluster analysis helped in identifying key sub-networks and hypothesizing primary targets. Furthermore, molecular docking was conducted to validate the interaction between the core targets and major bioactive components, thus confirming their potential efficacy in hypertension treatment. Results: Network pharmacological analysis identified 58 bioactive compounds in UR-AP, notably quercetin, kaempferol, beta-sitosterol (from Uncaria rhynchophylla), and Alisol B, alisol B 23-acetate (from Alisma plantago-aquatica L.), as pivotal bioactives. We pinpointed 143 targets common to both UR-AP and hypertension, highlighting MAPK1, IL6, AKT1, VEGFA, EGFR, and TP53 as central targets involved in key pathways like diastolic and endothelial function, anti-atherosclerosis, AGE-RAGE signaling, and calcium signaling. Cluster analysis emphasized IL6, TNF, AKT1, and VEGFA's roles in atherosclerosis and inflammation. Molecular docking confirmed strong interactions between these targets and UR-AP's main bioactives, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Conclusion: This research delineates UR-AP's pharmacological profile in hypertension treatment, linking traditional medicine with modern pharmacology. It highlights key bioactive components and their interactions with principal targets, suggesting UR-AP's potential as a novel therapeutic option for hypertension. The evidence from molecular docking studies supports these interactions, indicating the relevance of these components in affecting hypertension pathways. However, the study acknowledges its limitations, including the reliance on in silico analyses and the need for in vivo validation. These findings pave the way for future clinical research, aiming to integrate traditional medicine insights with contemporary scientific approaches for developing innovative hypertension therapies.

Deficiency of protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 exacerbates atherosclerosis by modulating VSMC phenotypic switching

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays an essential role in the development of atherosclerosis. Protein inhibitor of activated STAT (Pias) regulates VSMCs phenotype via acting as sumo E3 ligase to promote protein sumoylation. Our previous study indicated that Pias3 expression decreased in atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the role of Pias3 on VSMCs phenotype switching during atherosclerosis.

METHODS

ApoE-/- and ApoE-/-Pias3-/- double-deficient mice were fed with high-fat/high-cholesterol diet to induce atherosclerosis. Aorta tissues and primary VSMCs were collected to assess plaque formation and VSMCs phenotype. In vitro, Pias3 was overexpressed in A7r5, a VSMCs cell line, by transfection with Pias3 plasmid. Real-time quantitative PCR, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, were used to analyze the effect of Pias3 on VSMCs phenotypic switching.

RESULTS

Pias3 deficiency significantly exacerbated atherosclerotic plaque formation and promoted VSMCs phenotypic switching to a synthetic state within lesion. In vitro, overexpressing Pias3 in VSMCs increased the expression of contractile markers (myosin heavy chain 11, calponin 1), while it decreased the level of synthetic marker (vimentin). Additionally, Pias3 overexpression blocked PDGF-BB-induced VSMCs proliferation and migration. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry results showed that Pias3 enhanced sumoylation and ubiquitination of vimentin, and shortened its half-life. Moreover, the ubiquitination level of vimentin was impaired by 2-D08, a sumoylation inhibitor. This suggests that Pias3 might accelerate the ubiquitination-degradation of vimentin by promoting its sumoylation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that Pias3 might ameliorate atherosclerosis progression by suppressing VSMCs phenotypic switching and reducing vimentin protein stability.

Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Phenotypic Switching in Cardiovascular Diseases

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the major cell type in the arterial vessel wall, have a contractile phenotype that maintains the normal vessel structure and function under physiological conditions. In response to stress or vascular injury, contractile VSMCs can switch to a less differentiated state (synthetic phenotype) to acquire the proliferative, migratory, and synthetic capabilities for tissue reparation. Imbalances in VSMCs phenotypic switching can result in a variety of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, in-stent restenosis, aortic aneurysms, and vascular calcification. It is very important to identify the molecular mechanisms regulating VSMCs phenotypic switching to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases with high morbidity and mortality. However, the key molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways participating in VSMCs phenotypic switching have still not been fully elucidated despite long-term efforts by cardiovascular researchers. In this review, we provide an updated summary of the recent studies and systematic knowledge of VSMCs phenotypic switching in atherosclerosis, in-stent restenosis, aortic aneurysms, and vascular calcification, which may help guide future research and provide novel insights into the prevention and treatment of related diseases.

Euonymine inhibits in-stent restenosis through enhancing contractile phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells via modulating the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an effective treatment for acute myocardial infarction, but the postoperative in-stent re-stenosis (ISR) remains a major risk factor that affects the prognosis of PCI. Clinically, drug-eluting stents (DES) are widely applied to prevent and treat ISR. However, only a few stent coating drugs are currently available for clinical use, including paclitaxel and rapamycin (sirolimus) and their derivatives. These stent-coated drugs have led to a decrease in restenosis rates, but the major adverse outcomes, such as delayed endothelial healing and increased in-stent thrombosis, seriously reduce their therapeutic effects.

PURPOSE

Herein, we explored the potential efficacy of Euonymine (Euo), an alkaloid extracted from Tripterygium Hypoglaucum (Levl) Hutch (THH, Lei gong Teng), for the prevention against ISR after PCI.

STUDY DESIGN

Our study depicts the potential efficacy of Euo in treating ISR and explores its mechanism with in vitro and in vivo models.

METHODS

Primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from the rabbit thoracic aorta were cultured, and the proliferation and migration of VSMCs were monitored. Apoptosis was measured by Transmission Electron Microscopy and TUNEL staining assay. Protein and gene levels were measured to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. In vivo models of porcine coronary implantation and rabbit carotid balloon injury are used to validate the efficacy of Euo in inhibiting ISR after PCI.

RESULTS

With an ox-LDL-injured cell model, we showed that Euo suppressed the proliferation and migration of the rabbit thoracic aorta primary VSMCs, while inducing their apoptosis. We next established a rabbit carotid balloon injury model in which the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT1 (Ser473) as well as mTOR activity were significantly elevated compared to the sham-operated control. These activities were significantly attenuated by the Euo intervention. Additionally, the balloon angioplasty significantly increased the expression of Bcl-2, while decreased the expression of Bax and caspase-3. Euo intervention significantly increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and the level of caspase-3. Taken together, Euo may enhance the VSMCs contractile phenotype by modulating the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, with two in vivo models, the porcine coronary artery implantation model, and the rabbit carotid balloon injury model, we demonstrated that Euo-eluting stents indeed inhibited ISR after PCI.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, this study delineates the potential efficacy of Euo, derived from Tripterygium Hypoglaucum (Levl) Hutch, in ameliorating ISR after PCI with two in vivo models. The phytochemical targets PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to increase the contractile phenotype of VSMCs and exerts anti-proliferative, anti-migratory as well as pro-apoptotic effects, thereby inhibiting the ISR.

Macrophages regulate vascular smooth muscle cell function during atherosclerosis progression through IL-1β/STAT3 signaling

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a central role in atherosclerosis progression, but the functional changes in VSMCs and the associated cellular crosstalk during atherosclerosis progression remain unknown. Here we show that scRNA-seq analysis of proximal adjacent (PA) and atherosclerotic core (AC) regions of human carotid artery plaques identifies functional alterations in macrophage-like VSMCs, elucidating the main state differences between PA and AC VSMCs. And, IL-1β mediates macrophage-macrophage-like VSMC crosstalk through regulating key transcription factors involved in macrophage-like VSMCs functional alterations during atherosclerosis progression. In vitro assays reveal VSMCs trans-differentiated into a macrophage-like phenotype and then functional alterations in response to macrophage-derived stimuli. IL-1β promots the adhesion, inflammation, and apoptosis of macrophage-like VSMCs in a STAT3 dependent manner. The current findings provide interesting insight into the macrophages-macrophage-like VSMC crosstalk, which would drive functional alterations in the latter cell type through IL-1β/STAT3 axis during atherosclerosis progression.

Effects of Genetics and Sex on Acute Gene Expression Changes in the Hippocampus Following Neonatal Ethanol Exposure in BXD Recombinant Inbred Mouse Strains

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders. Genetics have been shown to have a role in the severity of alcohol's teratogenic effects on the developing brain. We previously identified recombinant inbred BXD mouse strains that show high (HCD) or low cell death (LCD) in the hippocampus following ethanol exposure. The present study aimed to identify gene networks that influence this susceptibility. On postnatal day 7 (3rd-trimester-equivalent), male and female neonates were treated with ethanol (5.0 g/kg) or saline, and hippocampi were collected 7hrs later. Using the Affymetrix microarray platform, ethanol-induced gene expression changes were identified in all strains with divergent expression sets found between sexes. Genes, such as Bcl2l11, Jun, and Tgfb3, showed significant strain-by-treatment interactions and were involved in many apoptosis pathways. Comparison of HCD versus LCD showed twice as many ethanol-induced genes changes in the HCD. Interestingly, these changes were regulated in the same direction suggesting (1) more perturbed effects in HCD compared to LCD and (2) limited gene expression changes that confer resistance to ethanol-induced cell death in LCD. These results demonstrate that genetic background and sex are important factors that affect differential cell death pathways after alcohol exposure during development that could have long-term consequences.

Adropin Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Osteogenic Differentiation to Alleviate Vascular Calcification via the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Vascular calcification is characterized as the deposition of hydroxyapatite mineral in the form of calcium-phosphate complexes in the vasculature. Transdifferentiation between vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and osteoblast-like cells is considered essential in the progression of vascular calcification. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying vascular calcification and VSMC osteogenic differentiation remain to be fully elucidated, and the development of novel therapies is required. In the present study, PCR and western blot analysis were conducted to quantify the mRNA and protein expression levels of calcification-associated markers (bone morphogenetic protein 2, alkaline phosphatase, osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, and runt-related transcription factor 2) and adropin in VSMCs and rat vascular tissues. The calcification of VSMCs was assessed using alizarin red staining. Moreover, adropin expression levels in VSMCs were analyzed using immunofluorescence. Lentiviral transfection and small interfering RNA were used for overexpression and knockdown of adropin in VSMCs, respectively. The results demonstrated that adropin alleviated vascular calcification in vivo. Moreover, adropin also inhibited osteogenic differentiation and the calcification of VSMCs in vitro. Notably, results of the present study revealed that the tyrosine protein kinase JAK2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway played a key role in the aforementioned inhibition. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that adropin inhibited VSMC osteogenic differentiation to alleviate vascular calcification via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Role of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in progression of atherosclerosis

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration are critical events that contribute to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, and hypertension. Recent findings have revealed that VSMC phenotype switching is associated with metabolic switch, which is related to the role of mitochondria. Mitochondrial dynamics are directly associated with mitochondrial function and cellular homeostasis. Interestingly, it has been suggested that mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy play crucial roles in the regulation of VSMC proliferation and migration through various mechanisms. Especially, dynamin-related protein-1 and mitofusion-2 are two main molecules that play a key role in regulating mitochondrial dynamics to induce VSMC proliferation and migration. Therefore, this review describes the function and role of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy in VSMC homeostasis as well as the underlying mechanisms. This will provide insight into the development of innovative approaches to treat atherosclerosis.

Knockdown of lnc-KCNC3-3:1 Alleviates the Development of Atherosclerosis via Downregulation of JAK1/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

Background: Atherosclerosis is a major cause of coronary artery disease (CAD), and CAD is one of the main causes leading to death in most countries. It has been reported that lncRNAs play important roles in the development of atherosclerosis; thus, we aimed to explore lncRNAs that are closely related to the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.

Methods: The data GSE113079 from the GEO database was used to explore the dysregulated lncRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) between 93 patients with CAD and 48 healthy controls. Next, RT-qPCR was performed to detect the level of lncRNAs in HUVEC cells and CCK-8 was performed to detect cell viability. Then, flow cytometry assays were used to determine the apoptosis of HUVEC. In addition, ELISA assay was used to measure the concentrations of triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Moreover, western blot assay was used to detect the expression of proteins.

Results: lnc-KCNC3-3:1 was significantly upregulated in PBMCs of patients with CAD. In addition, oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) notably inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of HUVEC, while this phenomenon was notably reversed by lnc-KCNC3-3:1 knockdown. Moreover, oxLDL significantly promoted the migration of HUVECs, which was significantly restored by knockdown of lnc-KCNC3-3:1. Moreover, lnc-KCNC3-3:1 siRNA1 could reverse oxLDL-induced HUVEC growth inhibition, and lnc-KCNC3-3:1 silencing could inhibit the expressions of p-JAK1 and p-STAT3 in oxLDL-treated HUVECs. Animal study revealed that knockdown of lnc-KCNC3-3:1 alleviated the symptom of atherosclerosis, and it could inhibit the expressions of p-JAK1, p-STAT3 and p-Akt in tissues of atherosclerosis mice.

Conclusion: Knockdown of lnc-KCNC3-3:1 alleviates the development of atherosclerosis via downregulation of JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. These data indicated that lnc-KCNC3-3:1 might serve as a potential target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.