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Applewhite B, Andreopoulos F, Vazquez-Padron RI. Periadventitial biomaterials to improve arteriovenous fistula and graft outcomes. J Vasc Access 2024; 25:713-727. [PMID: 36349745 DOI: 10.1177/11297298221135621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Periadventitial biomaterials have been employed for nearly three decades to promote adaptive venous remodeling following hemodialysis vascular access creation in preclinical models and clinical trials. These systems are predicated on the combination of scaffolds, hydrogels, and/or particles with therapeutics (small molecules, proteins, genes, and cells) to prevent venous stenosis and subsequent maturation failure. Periadventitial biomaterial therapies have evolved from simple drug delivery vehicles for traditional drugs to more thoughtful designs tailored to the pathophysiology of access failure. The emergence of tissue engineering strategies and gene therapies are another exciting new direction. Despite favorable results in experimental and preclinical studies, no periadventitial therapy has been clinically approved to improve vascular access outcomes. After conducting an exhaustive review of the literature, we identify the seminal studies and clinical trials that utilize periadventitial biomaterials and discuss the key features of each biomaterial format and their respective shortcomings as they pertain to access maturation. This review provides a foundation from which clinicians, surgeons, biologists, and engineers can refer to and will hopefully inspire thoughtful, translatable treatments to finally address access failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Applewhite
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Fotios Andreopoulos
- DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Roberto I Vazquez-Padron
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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Klashami ZN, Mostafavi A, Roudbordeh MG, Abbasi A, Ebrahimi P, Asadi M, Amoli MM. Investigating the relationship between the VNTR variant of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene and coronary in-stent restenosis. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:8575-8587. [PMID: 37644369 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08759-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association between the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL-1RN) and coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) through the analysis of the VNTR variant based on the previously reported results. MATERIALS AND METHODS The samples were classified into two clearly defined groups: the case group, which comprised 45 patients diagnosed with in-stent restenosis (ISR+), and the control group, which included 60 patients without ISR (ISR-). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to examine the 86-bp VNTR variant of the IL-1RN gene. RESULTS In the analysis of six identified groups consisting of variant alleles of 86 base pairs of VNTR of the IL-1RN gene statistically significant difference was observed for the presence of IL1RN*2 allele between cases and controls (p = 0.04, OR; 0.045). CONCLUSION Individuals with allele 2 of the IL-1Ra gene may be more predisposed to ISR. This could be due to an imbalance between IL-1Ra and IL-1β which is crucial in preventing the initiation or advancement of inflammatory diseases in specific organs. The observed phenomenon can be characterized by increased production of IL-1β and potential reduction of IL-1Ra as a result of functional VNTR variation in IL-RN gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Nickhah Klashami
- Metabolic Disorders Research Centre, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atoosa Mostafavi
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Abbasi
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran university of medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pirooz Ebrahimi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata, Italy
| | - Mojgan Asadi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa M Amoli
- Metabolic Disorders Research Centre, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Klashami ZN, Roudbordeh MG, Asadi M, Ebrahimi P, Amoli MM. Association of ACE gene polymorphisms with in-stent restenosis by stent type (biomime, supraflex, xience). Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:6445-6455. [PMID: 37328581 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08554-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angiotensin Converting Enzyme or ACE is an exo-peptidase that causes the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, vasoconstriction, and aldosterone production. ACE gene polymorphism (I/D) affects enzyme activity and the risk of coronary artery disease or CAD. AIMS To examine the role of ACE (I/D) Gene Polymorphisms by Stent Types (Biomime, Supraflex, Xience) the Ace gene allele and genotype frequencies were determined in patients who underwent angioplasty. MATERIAL & METHODS Patients with in-stent restenosis (ISR+) (N = 53) and patients as non-ISR group (ISR-) (N = 68) have been enrolled in this study based on follow-up angiography > 1 year after PCI. Frequencies of allele and genotypes of the ACE (I/D) variant were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS The genotypes and allele frequencies were not significantly different between the studied populations (p-Values > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between people with a history of Clopidogrel use in the ISR- and ISR + groups observed (p-Values > 0.005). CONCLUSION In the present study, there was no statistically significant relationship between ACE (I/D) gene polymorphism and the incidence of restenosis in patients who underwent repeat angiography. The results showed that the number of patients who received Clopidogrel in the ISR + group was significantly less than the ISR- group. This issue can indicate the inhibitory effect of Clopidogrel in the recurrence of stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Nickhah Klashami
- Metabolic Disorders Research Centre, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mojgan Asadi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Dr. Shariati Hospital, Tehran, 14114, Iran.
| | - Pirooz Ebrahimi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata, Italy
| | - Mahsa M Amoli
- Metabolic Disorders Research Centre, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Centre (EMRC), Dr. Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
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Sharifi S, Pakdel A, Ebrahimie E, Aryan Y, Ghaderi Zefrehee M, Reecy JM. Prediction of key regulators and downstream targets of E. coli induced mastitis. J Appl Genet 2019; 60:367-373. [DOI: 10.1007/s13353-019-00499-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Role of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Its Ligands in Kidney Inflammation and Damage. Mediators Inflamm 2018; 2018:8739473. [PMID: 30670929 PMCID: PMC6323488 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8739473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by persistent inflammation and progressive fibrosis, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. Although many studies have investigated the factors involved in the progressive deterioration of renal function, current therapeutic strategies only delay disease progression, leaving an unmet need for effective therapeutic interventions that target the cause behind the inflammatory process and could slow down or reverse the development and progression of CKD. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (ERBB1), a membrane tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in the kidney, is activated after renal damage, and preclinical studies have evidenced its potential as a therapeutic target in CKD therapy. To date, seven official EGFR ligands have been described, including epidermal growth factor (EGF) (canonical ligand), transforming growth factor-α, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor, amphiregulin, betacellulin, epiregulin, and epigen. Recently, the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) has been described as a novel EGFR ligand. The direct activation of EGFR by its ligands can exert different cellular responses, depending on the specific ligand, tissue, and pathological condition. Among all EGFR ligands, CTGF/CCN2 is of special relevance in CKD. This growth factor, by binding to EGFR and downstream signaling pathway activation, regulates renal inflammation, cell growth, and fibrosis. EGFR can also be “transactivated” by extracellular stimuli, including several key factors involved in renal disease, such as angiotensin II, transforming growth factor beta (TGFB), and other cytokines, including members of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, showing another important mechanism involved in renal pathology. The aim of this review is to summarize the contribution of EGFR pathway activation in experimental kidney damage, with special attention to the regulation of the inflammatory response and the role of some EGFR ligands in this process. Better insights in EGFR signaling in renal disease could improve our current knowledge of renal pathology contributing to therapeutic strategies for CKD development and progression.
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Vieceli Dalla Sega F, Fortini F, Aquila G, Pavasini R, Biscaglia S, Bernucci D, Del Franco A, Tonet E, Rizzo P, Ferrari R, Campo G. Ticagrelor Improves Endothelial Function by Decreasing Circulating Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). Front Physiol 2018; 9:337. [PMID: 29686623 PMCID: PMC5900783 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticagrelor is one of the most powerful P2Y12 inhibitor. We have recently reported that, in patients with concomitant Stable Coronary Artery Disease (SCAD) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), treatment with ticagrelor, as compared to clopidogrel, is associated with an improvement of the endothelial function (Clinical Trial NCT02519608). In the present study, we showed that, in the same population, after 1 month treatment with ticagrelor, but not with clopidogrel, there is a decrease of the circulating levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and that these changes in circulating levels of EGF correlate with on-treatment platelet reactivity. Furthermore, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) incubated with sera of the patients treated with ticagrelor, but not with clopidogrel there is an increase of p-eNOS levels. Finally, analyzing the changes in EGF and p-eNOS levels after treatment, we observed an inverse correlation between p-eNOS and EGF changes only in the ticagrelor group. Causality between EGF and eNOS activation was assessed in vitro in HUVEC where we showed that EGF decreases eNOS activity in a dose dependent manner. Taken together our data indicate that ticagrelor improves endothelial function by lowering circulating EGF that results in the activation of eNOS in the vascular endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Vieceli Dalla Sega
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S. Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Fortini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S. Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Aquila
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S. Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Rita Pavasini
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Italy
| | - Simone Biscaglia
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Italy
| | - Davide Bernucci
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Italy
| | - Annamaria Del Franco
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tonet
- Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Italy
| | - Paola Rizzo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Ferrari
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S. Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Campo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Cardiovascular Institute, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Cona, Italy
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Lewis FC, Kumar SD, Ellison-Hughes GM. Non-invasive strategies for stimulating endogenous repair and regenerative mechanisms in the damaged heart. Pharmacol Res 2018; 127:33-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Lian C, Ruan L, Shang D, Wu Y, Lu Y, Lü P, Yang Y, Wei Y, Dong X, Ren D, Chen K, Liu H, Tu Z. Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Growth Factor as a Potent Target for Breast Cancer Therapy. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2016; 31:85-90. [DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2015.1956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Lian
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Lingling Ruan
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dongsheng Shang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yanfang Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yongjin Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Peng Lü
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yuhua Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yajun Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaojing Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dewan Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Keping Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hanqing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhigang Tu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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Shafi S, Codrington R, Gidden LM, Ferns GAA. Increased expression of phosphorylated forms of heat-shock protein-27 and p38MAPK in macrophage-rich regions of fibro-fatty atherosclerotic lesions in the rabbit. Int J Exp Pathol 2016; 97:56-65. [PMID: 26853073 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assess the expression and distribution of Hsp27, pHsp27 (Ser82), p38MAPK and p-p38MAPK in fibro-fatty atherosclerotic lesions and the myocardium of hypercholesterolaemic rabbits. Male New Zealand white rabbits were fed a high-cholesterol diet for 18 weeks, maintaining serum cholesterol at approximately 20 mmol/l over this period. Aortic arch and myocardial tissues were analysed by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence. Plasma Hsp27 levels were measured by ELISA. There was a significant increase in the expression of monomeric and dimeric forms of Hsp27, together with pHsp27 (Ser82), p38MAPK and p-p38MAPK in the fibro-fatty atherosclerotic lesions (P < 0.01; P < 0.05; P < 0.001; and P < 0.001, respectively) and the myocardial tissues (P < 0.001) from the cholesterol-fed rabbits compared with equivalent tissues from controls when the plasma concentration was low. Immunohistochemical analysis of the fibro-fatty lesions showed marked increases in Hsp27 and pHsp27 (Ser82) immunoreactivity. Double immunostaining showed intense expression of pHsp27 and p-p38MAPK in regions that were rich in macrophages, suggesting a close association with these inflammatory cells, whereas, in regions rich in smooth muscle cells, only p-p38MAPK was found to be strongly expressed. An increased expression of pHsp27 (Ser82) was spatially associated with increased p-p38MAPK within fibro-fatty atherosclerotic lesions and was colocalized to regions rich in macrophages. The initial increase in plasma Hsp27 levels may reflect the increase in systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in the early phases of disease. The falling concentrations subsequently may be coincident with the development of the advanced atherosclerotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Shafi
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | | | - Lewis Michael Gidden
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
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Elliott KJ, Eguchi S. Phosphorylation Regulation by Kinases and Phosphatases in Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118828533.ch35] [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: 11/12/2022]
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Mig-6 gene knockout induces neointimal hyperplasia in the vascular smooth muscle cell. DISEASE MARKERS 2014; 2014:549054. [PMID: 25574067 PMCID: PMC4276689 DOI: 10.1155/2014/549054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Although advances in vascular interventions can reduce the mortality associated with cardiovascular disease, neointimal hyperplasia remains a clinically significant obstacle limiting the success of current interventions. Identification of signaling pathways involved in migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is an important approach for the development of modalities to combat this disease. Herein we investigate the role of an immediate early response gene, mitogen-inducible gene-6 (Mig-6), in the development of neointimal hyperplasia using vascular smooth muscle specific Mig-6 knockout mice. We induced endoluminal injury to one side of femoral artery by balloon dilatation in both Mig-6 knockout and control mice. Four weeks following injury, the artery of Mig-6 knockout mice demonstrated a 5.3-fold increase in the neointima/media ratio compared with control mice (P = 0.04). In addition, Mig-6 knockout vascular SMCs displayed an increase in both cell migration and proliferation compared with wild-type SMCs. Taken together, our data suggest that Mig-6 plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. This finding provides new insight into the development of more effective ways to treat and prevent neointimal hyperplasia, particularly in-stent restenosis after percutaneous vascular intervention.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase with a wide implication in tumor biology, wound healing and development. Besides acting as a growth factor receptor activated by ligands such as EGF, the EGFR can also be transactivated and thereby mediate cross-talk with different signaling pathways. The aim of this review is to illustrate the Janus-faced function of the EGFR in the vasculature with its relevance for vascular biology and disease. RECENT FINDINGS Over recent years, the number of identified signaling partners of the EGFR has steadily increased, as have the biological processes in which the EGFR is thought to be involved. Recently, new models have allowed investigation of EGFR effects in vivo, shedding some light on the overall function of the EGFR in the vasculature. At the same time, EGFR inhibitors and antibodies have become increasingly established in cancer therapy, providing potential therapeutic tools for decreasing EGFR signaling. SUMMARY The EGFR is a versatile signaling pathway integrator associated with vascular homeostasis and disease. In addition to modulating basal vascular tone and tissue homeostasis, the EGFR also seems to be involved in proinflammatory, proliferative, migratory and remodeling processes, with enhanced deposition of extracellular matrix components, thereby promoting vascular diseases such as hypertension or atherosclerosis.
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The epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands in cardiovascular disease. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:20597-613. [PMID: 24132149 PMCID: PMC3821633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms141020597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family and its ligands serve as a switchboard for the regulation of multiple cellular processes. While it is clear that EGFR activity is essential for normal cardiac development, its function in the vasculature and its role in cardiovascular disease are only beginning to be elucidated. In the blood vessel, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells are both a source and a target of EGF-like ligands. Activation of EGFR has been implicated in blood pressure regulation, endothelial dysfunction, neointimal hyperplasia, atherogenesis, and cardiac remodeling. Furthermore, increased circulating EGF-like ligands may mediate accelerated vascular disease associated with chronic inflammation. Although EGFR inhibitors are currently being used clinically for the treatment of cancer, additional studies are necessary to determine whether abrogation of EGFR signaling is a potential strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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