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Lv F, Fang H, Huang L, Wang Q, Cao S, Zhao W, Zhou Z, Zhou W, Wang X. Curcumin Equipped Nanozyme-Like Metal-Organic Framework Platform for the Targeted Atherosclerosis Treatment with Lipid Regulation and Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Capability. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2309062. [PMID: 38696653 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has become the leading cause of death worldwide, and early diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis (AS) are crucial for reducing the occurrence of acute cardiovascular events. However, early diagnosis of AS is challenging, and oral anti-AS drugs suffer from limitations like imprecise targeting and low bioavailability. To overcome the aforementioned shortcomings, Cur/MOF@DS is developed, a nanoplatform integrating diagnosis and treatment by loading curcumin (Cur) into metal-organic frameworks with nanozymes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) properties. In addition, the surface-modification of dextran sulfate (DS) enables PCN-222(Mn) effectively target scavenger receptor class A in macrophages or foam cells within the plaque region. This nanoplatform employs mechanisms that effectively scavenge excessive reactive oxygen species in the plaque microenvironment, promote macrophage autophagy and regulate macrophage polarization to realize lipid regulation. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirm that this nanoplatform has outstanding MRI performance and anti-AS effects, which may provide a new option for early diagnosis and treatment of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanzhen Lv
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Huaqiang Fang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Qingqing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Shuangyuan Cao
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Wenpeng Zhao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Zhibin Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Weimin Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Xiaolei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
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Park JY, Kim HJ, Chae JR, Cho YL, Kang WJ. Preclinical evaluation of an 18F-labeled Tenascin-C aptamer for PET imaging of atherosclerotic plaque in mouse models of atherosclerosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 703:149650. [PMID: 38377941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149650] [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: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Tenascin-C is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein strongly expressed in coronary atherosclerotic plaque. Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind to specific target molecules with high affinity. This study hypothesized that tenascin-C expression at atherosclerotic plaque in vivo could be detected by tenascin-C specific aptamers using positron emission tomography (PET). This paper reports the radiosynthesis of a fluorine-18 (18F)-labeled tenascin-C aptamer for the biodistribution and PET imaging of the tenascin-C expression in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice. The aortas ApoE-/- mice showed significantly increased positive areas of Oil red O staining than control C57BL/6 mice, and tenascin-C expression was detected in foam cells accumulated in the subendothelial lesions of ApoE-/- mice. The ex vivo biodistribution of the 18F-labeled tenascin-C aptamer showed significantly increased uptake at the aorta of ApoE-/- mice, and ex vivo autoradiography of aorta revealed the high accumulation of the 18F-labeled tenascin-C aptamer in the atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE-/- mice, which was consistent with the location of the atherosclerotic plaques detected by Oil red O staining. PET imaging of the 18F-labeled tenascin-C aptamer revealed a significantly higher mean standardized uptake in the aorta of the ApoE-/- mice than the control C57BL/6 mice. These data highlight the potential use of tenascin-C aptamer to diagnose atherosclerotic lesions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Young Park
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jeong Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 363 Dongbaekjukjeon-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin, 16995, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Ri Chae
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Lim Cho
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Jun Kang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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Ji T, Yan D, Huang Y, Luo M, Zhang Y, Xu T, Gao S, Zhang L, Ruan L, Zhang C. Fibulin 1, targeted by microRNA-24-3p, promotes cell proliferation and migration in vascular smooth muscle cells, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis in APOE -/- mice. Gene 2024; 898:148129. [PMID: 38184021 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148129] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the main components of atherosclerosis (AS) plaque. VSMCs participate in plaque formation through phenotypic transformation. The complex interplay between ECM and VSMCs plays vital roles in the progression of AS throughout the disease. An in-depth investigation into the functions of ECM-related molecules in VSMC development might contribute to deciphering the complexity of AS pathogenesis. In this study, the roles and molecular mechanisms of the ECM-related molecule Fibulin-1 (FBLN1) in the development of AS and VSMCs were explored using RNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and cell experiments. Furthermore, the expression of FBLN1, as determined by western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and real-time quantitative PCR, was significantly increased in AS vascular samples compared to normal vascular samples. Silencing the FBLN1 through AAV viral injection in mice revealed an improvement in AS. Functional analyses revealed that FBLN1 promoted VSMC proliferation, migration, and wound healing. Combined with RNA sequencing and TargetScan7.2 prediction data, 22 microRNAs (miRNAs) were found to have the potential for direct interaction with the FBLN1 3'UTR in VSMCs. Among these 22 miRNAs, it was demonstrated that microRNA-24-3p (miR-24-3p) could negatively regulate FBLN1 expression by directly binding to the FBLN1 3'UTR. Moreover, miR-24-3p inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and wound healing, and suppressed the expression of Ki67, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP2/9) by targeting FBLN1 in VSMCs. Meanwhile, inhibition of FBLN1 expression could restrain VSMC phenotypic transformation. In conclusion, miR-24-3p inhibited VSMC proliferation and migration by targeting FBLN1. Additionally, multiple miRNAs with the potential to interact with the FBLN1 3'UTR were identified. These findings might deepen our understanding of ECM gene regulatory networks and the complex etiology of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Ji
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Dan Yan
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Mandi Luo
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yucong Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Shangbang Gao
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Lei Ruan
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
| | - Cuntai Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
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Ma S, Xie X, Yuan R, Xin Q, Miao Y, Leng SX, Chen K, Cong W. Vascular Aging and Atherosclerosis: A Perspective on Aging. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0201-1. [PMID: 38502584 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0201-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular aging (VA) is recognized as a pivotal factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Although various epidemiological and clinical research has demonstrated an intimate connection between aging and AS, the candidate mechanisms still require thorough examination. This review adopts an aging-centric perspective to deepen the comprehension of the intricate relationship between biological aging, vascular cell senescence, and AS. Various aging-related physiological factors influence the physical system's reactions, including oxygen radicals, inflammation, lipids, angiotensin II, mechanical forces, glucose levels, and insulin resistance. These factors cause endothelial dysfunction, barrier damage, sclerosis, and inflammation for VA and promote AS via distinct or shared pathways. Furthermore, the increase of senescent cells inside the vascular tissues, caused by genetic damage, dysregulation, secretome changes, and epigenetic modifications, might be the primary cause of VA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudong Ma
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuena Xie
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Rong Yuan
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiqi Xin
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Miao
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sean Xiao Leng
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Keji Chen
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weihong Cong
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
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5
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Aherrahrou R, Baig F, Theofilatos K, Lue D, Beele A, Örd T, Kaikkonen MU, Aherrahrou Z, Cheng Q, Ghosh S, Karnewar S, Karnewar V, Finn A, Owens GK, Joner M, Mayr M, Civelek M. Secreted protein profiling of human aortic smooth muscle cells identifies vascular disease associations. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.10.23298351. [PMID: 37986932 PMCID: PMC10659471 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.10.23298351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Background Smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which make up the medial layer of arteries, are key cell types involved in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In response to microenvironment alterations, SMCs dedifferentiate from a "contractile" to a "synthetic" phenotype characterized by an increased proliferation, migration, production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and decreased expression of SMC-specific contractile markers. These phenotypic changes result in vascular remodeling and contribute to the pathogenesis of CVD, including coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, hypertension, and aortic aneurysms. Here, we aim to identify the genetic variants that regulate ECM secretion in SMCs and predict the causal proteins associated with vascular disease-related loci identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Methods Using human aortic SMCs from 123 multi-ancestry healthy heart transplant donors, we collected the serum-free media in which the cells were cultured for 24 hours and conducted Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based proteomic analysis of the conditioned media. Results We measured the abundance of 270 ECM and related proteins. Next, we performed protein quantitative trait locus mapping (pQTL) and identified 20 loci associated with secreted protein abundance in SMCs. We functionally annotated these loci using a colocalization approach. This approach prioritized the genetic variant rs6739323-A at the 2p22.3 locus, which is associated with lower expression of LTBP1 in SMCs and atherosclerosis-prone areas of the aorta, and increased risk for SMC calcification. We found that LTBP1 expression is abundant in SMCs, and its expression at mRNA and protein levels was reduced in unstable and advanced atherosclerotic plaque lesions. Conclusions Our results unravel the SMC proteome signature associated with vascular disorders, which may help identify potential therapeutic targets to accelerate the pathway to translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rédouane Aherrahrou
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, Universität zu Lübeck; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany; University Heart Centre Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ferheen Baig
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dillon Lue
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Alicia Beele
- CVPath Institute, Inc., 19 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Tiit Örd
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - Minna U Kaikkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - Zouhair Aherrahrou
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, Universität zu Lübeck; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany; University Heart Centre Lübeck, Germany
| | - Qi Cheng
- CVPath Institute, Inc., 19 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Saikat Ghosh
- CVPath Institute, Inc., 19 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Santosh Karnewar
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Vaishnavi Karnewar
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Aloke Finn
- CVPath Institute, Inc., 19 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Gary K. Owens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States of America
| | - Michael Joner
- Klinik für Herz-und Kreislauferkrankungen, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Manuel Mayr
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mete Civelek
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
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Patel P, Rai V, Agrawal DK. Role of oncostatin-M in ECM remodeling and plaque vulnerability. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2451-2460. [PMID: 36856919 PMCID: PMC10579161 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04673-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease characterized by the development of plaque formation leading to occlusion of the vessel and hypoxia of the tissue supplied by the vessel. Chronic inflammation and altered collagen expression render stable plaque to unstable and increase plaque vulnerability. Thinned and weakened fibrous cap results in plaque rupture and formation of thrombosis and emboli formation leading to acute ischemic events such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Inflammatory mediators including TREM-1, TLRs, MMPs, and immune cells play a critical role in plaque vulnerability. Among the other inflammatory mediators, oncostatin-M (OSM), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, play an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, however, the role of OSM in plaque vulnerability and extracellular matrix remodeling (ECM) is not well understood and studied. Since ECM remodeling plays an important role in atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability, a detailed investigation on the role of OSM in ECM remodeling and plaque vulnerability is critical. This is important because the role of OSM has been discussed in the context of proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and regulation of cytokine expression but the role of OSM is scarcely discussed in relation to ECM remodeling and plaque vulnerability. This review focuses on critically discussing the role of OSM in ECM remodeling and plaque vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Patel
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA
| | - Vikrant Rai
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA.
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Hamrangsekachaee M, Wen K, Yazdani N, Willits RK, Bencherif SA, Ebong EE. Endothelial glycocalyx sensitivity to chemical and mechanical sub-endothelial substrate properties. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1250348. [PMID: 38026846 PMCID: PMC10643223 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1250348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycocalyx (GCX) is a carbohydrate-rich structure that coats the surface of endothelial cells (ECs) and lines the blood vessel lumen. Mechanical perturbations in the vascular environment, such as blood vessel stiffness, can be transduced and sent to ECs through mechanosensors such as GCX. Adverse stiffness alters GCX-mediated mechanotransduction and leads to EC dysfunction and eventually atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. To understand GCX-regulated mechanotransduction events, an in vitro model emulating in vivo vessel conditions is needed. To this end, we investigated the impact of matrix chemical and mechanical properties on GCX expression via fabricating a tunable non-swelling matrix based on the collagen-derived polypeptide, gelatin. To study the effect of matrix composition, we conducted a comparative analysis of GCX expression using different concentrations (60-25,000 μg/mL) of gelatin and gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) in comparison to fibronectin (60 μg/mL), a standard coating material for GCX-related studies. Using immunocytochemistry analysis, we showed for the first time that different substrate compositions and concentrations altered the overall GCX expression on human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs). Subsequently, GelMA hydrogels were fabricated with stiffnesses of 2.5 and 5 kPa, representing healthy vessel tissues, and 10 kPa, corresponding to diseased vessel tissues. Immunocytochemistry analysis showed that on hydrogels with different levels of stiffness, the GCX expression in HUVECs remained unchanged, while its major polysaccharide components exhibited dysregulation in distinct patterns. For example, there was a significant decrease in heparan sulfate expression on pathological substrates (10 kPa), while sialic acid expression increased with increased matrix stiffness. This study suggests the specific mechanisms through which GCX may influence ECs in modulating barrier function, immune cell adhesion, and mechanotransduction function under distinct chemical and mechanical conditions of both healthy and diseased substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ke Wen
- Chemical Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Narges Yazdani
- Bioengineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rebecca K. Willits
- Chemical Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Bioengineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sidi A. Bencherif
- Chemical Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Bioengineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Laboratoire de BioMécanique et BioIngénierie (BMBI), UMR CNRS, Sorbonne Universités, Université de Technologie of Compiègne (UTC), Compiègne, France
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Eno E. Ebong
- Chemical Engineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Bioengineering Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Neuroscience Department, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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8
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Zhu Y, Xu H, Wang T, Xie Y, Liu L, He X, Liu C, Zhao Q, Song X, Zheng L, Huang W. Pro-inflammation and pro-atherosclerotic responses to short-term air pollution exposure associated with alterations in sphingolipid ceramides and neutrophil extracellular traps. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122301. [PMID: 37541379 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution has been associated with the development of atherosclerosis; however, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying pro-atherosclerotic effects of air pollution exposure remain unclear. We conducted a prospective panel study in Beijing and recruited 152 participants with four monthly visits from September 2019 to January 2020. Linear mixed-effect models were applied to estimate the associations linking short-term air pollution exposure to biomarkers relevant to ceramide metabolism, pro-inflammation (neutrophil extracellular traps formation and systemic inflammation) and pro-atherosclerotic responses (endothelial stimulation, plaque instability, coagulation activation, and elevated blood pressure). We further explored whether ceramides and inflammatory indicators could mediate the alterations in the profiles of pro-atherosclerotic responses. We found that significant increases in levels of circulating ceramides of 9.7% (95% CIs: 0.7, 19.5) to 96.9% (95% CIs: 23.1, 214.9) were associated with interquartile range increases in moving averages of ambient air pollutant metrics, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon, particles in size fractions of 100-560 nm, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide at prior up to 7 days. Higher air pollution levels were also associated with activated neutrophils (increases in citrullinated histone H3, neutrophil elastase, double-stranded DNA, and myeloperoxidase) and exacerbation of pro-atherosclerotic responses (e.g., increases in vascular endothelial growth factor, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, matrix metalloproteinase-8, P-selectin, and blood pressure). Mediation analyses further showed that dysregulated ceramide metabolism and potentiated inflammation could mediate PM2.5-associated pro-atherosclerotic responses. Our findings extend the understanding on potential mechanisms of air pollution-associated atherosclerosis, and suggest the significance of reducing air pollution as priority in urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Zhu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, and Peking University Institute of Environmental Medicine, Beijing, 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongbing Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, and Peking University Institute of Environmental Medicine, Beijing, 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, and Peking University Institute of Environmental Medicine, Beijing, 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yunfei Xie
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, and Peking University Institute of Environmental Medicine, Beijing, 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lingyan Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, and Peking University Institute of Environmental Medicine, Beijing, 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xinghou He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, and Peking University Institute of Environmental Medicine, Beijing, 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Changjie Liu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, and Peking University Institute of Environmental Medicine, Beijing, 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaoming Song
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, and Peking University Institute of Environmental Medicine, Beijing, 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lemin Zheng
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Institute of Systems Biomedicine, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, and Peking University Institute of Environmental Medicine, Beijing, 100191, China; State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Kopyto E, Czeczelewski M, Mikos E, Stępniak K, Kopyto M, Matuszek M, Nieoczym K, Czarnecki A, Kuczyńska M, Cheda M, Drelich-Zbroja A, Jargiełło T. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Feasibility in Assessing Carotid Plaque Vulnerability-Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6416. [PMID: 37835061 PMCID: PMC10573420 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk assessment for carotid atherosclerotic lesions involves not only determining the degree of stenosis but also plaque morphology and its composition. Recently, carotid contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has gained importance for evaluating vulnerable plaques. This review explores CEUS's utility in detecting carotid plaque surface irregularities and ulcerations as well as intraplaque neovascularization and its alignment with histology. Initial indications suggest that CEUS might have the potential to anticipate cerebrovascular incidents. Nevertheless, there is a need for extensive, multicenter prospective studies that explore the relationships between CEUS observations and patient clinical outcomes in cases of carotid atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kopyto
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Marcin Czeczelewski
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Eryk Mikos
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Karol Stępniak
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Maja Kopyto
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Małgorzata Matuszek
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Karolina Nieoczym
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Adam Czarnecki
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (E.M.); (K.S.); (M.K.); (M.M.); (K.N.); (A.C.)
| | - Maryla Kuczyńska
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.D.-Z.); (T.J.)
| | - Mateusz Cheda
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.D.-Z.); (T.J.)
| | - Anna Drelich-Zbroja
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.D.-Z.); (T.J.)
| | - Tomasz Jargiełło
- Department of Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-594 Lublin, Poland; (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.D.-Z.); (T.J.)
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10
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Fu Y, Deng Y, Zhang J, Chua SL, Khoo BL. Biofilms exacerbate atherogenesis through macrophage-induced inflammatory responses in a fibrous plaque microsystem model. Acta Biomater 2023; 168:333-345. [PMID: 37385520 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbes have been implicated in atherosclerosis development and progression, but the impact of bacterial-based biofilms on fibrous plaque rupture remains poorly understood. RESULTS Here, we developed a comprehensive atherosclerotic model to reflect the progression of fibrous plaque under biofilm-induced inflammation (FP-I). High expressions of biofilm-specific biomarkers algD, pelA and pslB validated the presence of biofilms. Biofilm promotes the polarization of macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory (M1) phenotype, as demonstrated by an increase in M1 macrophage-specific marker CD80 expression in CD68+ macrophages. The increase in the number of intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) and foam cell percentage highlighted the potential role of biofilms on lipid synthesis or metabolic pathways in macrophage-derived foam cells. In addition, collagen I production by myofibroblasts associated with the fibrous cap was significantly reduced along with the promotion of apoptosis of myofibroblasts, indicating that biofilms affect the structural integrity of the fibrous cap and potentially undermine its strength. CONCLUSION We validated the unique role of biofilm-based inflammation in exacerbating fibrous plaque damage in the FP-I model, increasing fibrous plaque instability and risk of thrombosis. Our results lay the foundation for mechanistic studies of the role of biofilms in fibrous plaques, allowing the evaluation of preclinical combination strategies for drug therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE A microsystem-based model was developed to reveal interactions in fibrous plaque during biofilm-induced inflammation (FP-I). Real-time assessment of biofilm formation and its role in fibrous plaque progression was achieved. The presence of biofilms enhanced the expression of pro-inflammatory (M1) specific marker CD80, lipid droplets, and foam cells and reduced anti-inflammatory (M2) specific marker CD206 expression. Fibrous plaque exposure to biofilm-based inflammation reduced collagen I expression and increased apoptosis marker Caspase-3 expression significantly. Overall, we demonstrate the unique role of biofilm-based inflammation in exacerbating fibrous plaque damage in the FP-I model, promoting fibrous plaque instability and enhanced thrombosis risk. Our findings lay the groundwork for mechanistic studies, facilitating the evaluation of preclinical drug combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatian Fu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Center for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE)
| | - Yanlin Deng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong
| | - Song Lin Chua
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Food Biological Safety Control; Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Bee Luan Khoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Center for Cerebro-Cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE); City University of Hong Kong - Futian Shenzhen Research Institute.
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11
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Theofilatos K, Stojkovic S, Hasman M, van der Laan SW, Baig F, Barallobre-Barreiro J, Schmidt LE, Yin S, Yin X, Burnap S, Singh B, Popham J, Harkot O, Kampf S, Nackenhorst MC, Strassl A, Loewe C, Demyanets S, Neumayer C, Bilban M, Hengstenberg C, Huber K, Pasterkamp G, Wojta J, Mayr M. Proteomic Atlas of Atherosclerosis: The Contribution of Proteoglycans to Sex Differences, Plaque Phenotypes, and Outcomes. Circ Res 2023; 133:542-558. [PMID: 37646165 PMCID: PMC10498884 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.322590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using proteomics, we aimed to reveal molecular types of human atherosclerotic lesions and study their associations with histology, imaging, and cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS Two hundred nineteen carotid endarterectomy samples were procured from 120 patients. A sequential protein extraction protocol was employed in conjunction with multiplexed, discovery proteomics. To focus on extracellular proteins, parallel reaction monitoring was employed for targeted proteomics. Proteomic signatures were integrated with bulk, single-cell, and spatial RNA-sequencing data, and validated in 200 patients from the Athero-Express Biobank study. RESULTS This extensive proteomics analysis identified plaque inflammation and calcification signatures, which were inversely correlated and validated using targeted proteomics. The inflammation signature was characterized by the presence of neutrophil-derived proteins, such as S100A8/9 (calprotectin) and myeloperoxidase, whereas the calcification signature included fetuin-A, osteopontin, and gamma-carboxylated proteins. The proteomics data also revealed sex differences in atherosclerosis, with large-aggregating proteoglycans versican and aggrecan being more abundant in females and exhibiting an inverse correlation with estradiol levels. The integration of RNA-sequencing data attributed the inflammation signature predominantly to neutrophils and macrophages, and the calcification and sex signatures to smooth muscle cells, except for certain plasma proteins that were not expressed but retained in plaques, such as fetuin-A. Dimensionality reduction and machine learning techniques were applied to identify 4 distinct plaque phenotypes based on proteomics data. A protein signature of 4 key proteins (calponin, protein C, serpin H1, and versican) predicted future cardiovascular mortality with an area under the curve of 75% and 67.5% in the discovery and validation cohort, respectively, surpassing the prognostic performance of imaging and histology. CONCLUSIONS Plaque proteomics redefined clinically relevant patient groups with distinct outcomes, identifying subgroups of male and female patients with elevated risk of future cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Theofilatos
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, Kings College London, United Kingdom (K.T., M.H., F.B., J.B.B., L.E.S., S.Y., X.Y., S.B., B.S., J.P., M.M.)
| | - Stefan Stojkovic
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II (S.S., O.H., C.H., J.W., M.M.), Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Hasman
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, Kings College London, United Kingdom (K.T., M.H., F.B., J.B.B., L.E.S., S.Y., X.Y., S.B., B.S., J.P., M.M.)
| | - Sander W. van der Laan
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, Division Laboratories, Pharmacy, and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands (S.W.v.d.L., G.P.)
| | - Ferheen Baig
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, Kings College London, United Kingdom (K.T., M.H., F.B., J.B.B., L.E.S., S.Y., X.Y., S.B., B.S., J.P., M.M.)
| | - Javier Barallobre-Barreiro
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, Kings College London, United Kingdom (K.T., M.H., F.B., J.B.B., L.E.S., S.Y., X.Y., S.B., B.S., J.P., M.M.)
| | - Lukas Emanuel Schmidt
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, Kings College London, United Kingdom (K.T., M.H., F.B., J.B.B., L.E.S., S.Y., X.Y., S.B., B.S., J.P., M.M.)
| | - Siqi Yin
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, Kings College London, United Kingdom (K.T., M.H., F.B., J.B.B., L.E.S., S.Y., X.Y., S.B., B.S., J.P., M.M.)
| | - Xiaoke Yin
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, Kings College London, United Kingdom (K.T., M.H., F.B., J.B.B., L.E.S., S.Y., X.Y., S.B., B.S., J.P., M.M.)
| | - Sean Burnap
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, Kings College London, United Kingdom (K.T., M.H., F.B., J.B.B., L.E.S., S.Y., X.Y., S.B., B.S., J.P., M.M.)
| | - Bhawana Singh
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, Kings College London, United Kingdom (K.T., M.H., F.B., J.B.B., L.E.S., S.Y., X.Y., S.B., B.S., J.P., M.M.)
| | - Jude Popham
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, Kings College London, United Kingdom (K.T., M.H., F.B., J.B.B., L.E.S., S.Y., X.Y., S.B., B.S., J.P., M.M.)
| | - Olesya Harkot
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II (S.S., O.H., C.H., J.W., M.M.), Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephanie Kampf
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery (S.K., C.N.), Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Andreas Strassl
- Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy (A.S., C.L.), Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Loewe
- Division of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy (A.S., C.L.), Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Svitlana Demyanets
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (S.D.), Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Neumayer
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery (S.K., C.N.), Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Bilban
- Core Facilities (M.B.), Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Hengstenberg
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II (S.S., O.H., C.H., J.W., M.M.), Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Kurt Huber
- Third Medical Department, Wilhelminenspital, and Sigmund Freud University, Medical Faculty, Vienna, Austria (K.H.)
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, Division Laboratories, Pharmacy, and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands (S.W.v.d.L., G.P.)
| | - Johann Wojta
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II (S.S., O.H., C.H., J.W., M.M.), Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria (J.W.)
| | - Manuel Mayr
- King’s British Heart Foundation Centre, Kings College London, United Kingdom (K.T., M.H., F.B., J.B.B., L.E.S., S.Y., X.Y., S.B., B.S., J.P., M.M.)
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II (S.S., O.H., C.H., J.W., M.M.), Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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12
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Bai Z, Hu H, Hu F, Ji J, Ji Z. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cellsderived exosomes stabilize atherosclerosis through inhibiting pyroptosis. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:441. [PMID: 37679676 PMCID: PMC10486039 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03453-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived exosomes (BMSC-EXO) on atherosclerosis (AS), and its related underlying mechanisms. METHODS Exosomes were isolated from mouse BMSCs, and identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Nanosight (NTA), and western blot. A mouse AS model was established, and exosomes were injected into the tail vein. Total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were detected using their corresponding assay kits. The contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum were detected by ELISA. The mRNA and protein expression levels of GSDMD, Caspase1, and NLRP3 were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Finally, aortic tissues in the Model and BMSC-EXO groups were sent for sequencing. RESULTS TEM, NTA, and western blot indicated successful isolation of exosomes. Compared with the control group, the TC, TG contents, IL-1β and IL-18 concentrations of the mice in the Model group were significantly increased; nonetheless, were significantly lower after injected with BMSC-EXO than those in the Model group (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD were significantly up-regulated in the Model group (p < 0.05), while the expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD were significantly down-regulated by BMSC-EXO. By sequencing, a total of 3852 DEGs were identified between the Model and BMSC-EXO group and were significantly enriched in various biological processes and pathways related to mitochondrial function, metabolism, inflammation, and immune response. CONCLUSION AS can induce pyroptosis, and BMSC-EXO can reduce inflammation and alleviate the progression of AS by inhibiting NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD in the pyroptosis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Bai
- Center of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Medical School, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haolin Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Medical School, ZhongDa Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fangfang Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Medical School, ZhongDa Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiajie Ji
- Center of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Medical School, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenling Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Medical School, ZhongDa Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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13
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Zhang X, Centurion F, Misra A, Patel S, Gu Z. Molecularly targeted nanomedicine enabled by inorganic nanoparticles for atherosclerosis diagnosis and treatment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 194:114709. [PMID: 36690300 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a chronic cardiovascular disease caused by plaque development in arteries, remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by the expression and regulation of key molecules such as cell surface receptors, cytokines, and signaling pathway proteins, potentially facilitating precise diagnosis and treatment on a molecular level by specifically targeting the characteristic molecules. In this review, we highlight the recent progress in the past five years on developing molecularly targeted nanomedicine for imaging detection and treatment of atherosclerosis with the use of inorganic nanoparticles. Through targeted delivery of imaging contrast nanoparticles to specific molecules in atherogenesis, atherosclerotic plaque development at different stages could be identified and monitored via various molecular imaging modalities. We also review molecularly targeted therapeutic approaches that target and regulate molecules associated with lipid regulation, inflammation, and apoptosis. The review is concluded with discussion on current challenges and future development of nanomedicine for atherosclerotic diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuwen Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Franco Centurion
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Ashish Misra
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sanjay Patel
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2042, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Zi Gu
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Australian Centre for NanoMedicine (ACN), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; UNSW RNA Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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14
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Matrix metallopeptidase-9 prognostic role in STEMI patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in one-year follow-up period. COR ET VASA 2023. [DOI: 10.33678/cor.2022.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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15
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Zhou QQ, Xiao HT, Yang F, Wang YD, Li P, Zheng ZG. Advancing targeted protein degradation for metabolic diseases therapy. Pharmacol Res 2023; 188:106627. [PMID: 36566001 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The development and application of traditional drugs represented by small molecule chemical drugs and biological agents, especially inhibitors, have become the mainstream drug development. In recent years, targeted protein degradation (TPD) technology has become one of the most promising methods to remove specific disease-related proteins using cell self-destruction mechanisms. Many different TPD strategies are emerging based on the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP), including but not limited to proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC), molecular glues (MG), lysosome targeting chimeras (LYTAC), chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA)-targeting chimeras, autophagy-targeting chimera (AUTAC), autophagosome-tethering compound (ATTEC), and autophagy-targeting chimera (AUTOTAC). The advent of targeted degradation technology can change most protein targets in human cells from undruggable to druggable, greatly expanding the therapeutic prospect of refractory diseases such as metabolic syndrome. Here, we summarize the latest progress of major TPD technologies, especially in metabolic syndrome and look forward to providing new insights for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hai-Tao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong-Dan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zu-Guo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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16
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Metformin Directly Binds to MMP-9 to Improve Plaque Stability. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:jcdd10020054. [PMID: 36826550 PMCID: PMC9962015 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10020054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the principal mechanism that accounts for myocardial infarction and stroke. High matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and activity have been proven to lead to plaque instability. Metformin, a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, is beneficial to plaque vulnerability. However, the mechanism underlying its anti-atherogenic effect remains unclear. Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance experiments showed that metformin directly interacts with MMP-9, and incubated MMP-9 overexpressing HEK293A cells with metformin (1 μmol·L-1) significantly attenuates MMP-9's activity using zymography and MMP activity assays. Moreover, metformin treatment drives MMP-9 degradation. Next, we constructed a carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque model and administered consecutive 14-day metformin (200 mg·kg-1·d-1) treatment by intragastric gavage. Immunofluorescence staining of the right carotid common artery and serum MMP activity assay results showed that metformin treatment decreased local plaque MMP-9 protein level and circulating MMP-9 activity, respectively. Histochemical staining revealed that after metformin treatment, the collagen content in plaque was significantly preserved, and the plaque vulnerability index decreased. These findings suggested that metformin improved atherosclerotic plaque stability by directly binding to MMP-9 and driving its degradation.
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17
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ROS-triggered drug release of puerarin from boronic ester modified nanoparticles to reduce oxidative damage in HUVECs. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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18
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Dong Z, Zhao Y, Chen Y, Liu Z, Song H, Li H, Shi D, Zhou C, Zhou J, Liu R. Evaluating Atherosclerosis of the Abdominal Aorta in Rabbits Using 2-D Strain Imaging. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:2199-2206. [PMID: 35953348 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2022.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
After establishment of an animal model of atherosclerosis, speckle tracking imaging was performed to analyze the correlation between ultrasound characteristics and pathological manifestations. Rabbits were divided into the normal control (NC) and atherosclerosis (AS) groups. Rabbits in the AS group were subjected to ultrasound-guided balloon injury of the abdominal aorta and fed a high-fat diet for 16 wk. Rabbits in the NC group were fed a normal diet for the same period. After 16 wk, all animals underwent serological tests, ultrasound and speckle tracking circumferential strain analysis. In the AS group, 28 hypo-echoic plaques had formed. The circumferential strain of six segments at the short axis of plaques in the AS group was lower than that in the NC group (p < 0.001), and global circumferential strain (GCS) in the AS group was significantly reduced compared with the NC group (p < 0.001). In the AS group, the area ratio of type I to type III collagen fibers was smaller than that in the NC group. The GCS of atherosclerotic plaques was positively correlated with the area ratio of type I to type III collagen fibers in plaques (r = 0.7181, p < 0.001). In conclusion, there is a significant positive correlation between the decreased circumferential strain and the decreased area ratio of type I to type III collagen fibers in hypo-echoic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhi Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China; Central Laboratory, First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China; Central Laboratory, First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China
| | - Zulin Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China
| | - Haiying Song
- Department of Ultrasound, First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China
| | - Douzi Shi
- Department of Ultrasound, First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China; Central Laboratory, First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China
| | - Chang Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's Hospital, Yichang, China.
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Influence of Shear Stress, Inflammation and BRD4 Inhibition on Human Endothelial Cells: A Holistic Proteomic Approach. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193086. [PMID: 36231049 PMCID: PMC9563250 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193086] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is an important risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to increased plasma lipid concentrations, irregular/oscillatory shear stress and inflammatory processes trigger atherosclerosis. Inhibitors of the transcription modulatory bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) protein family (BETi) could offer a possible therapeutic approach due to their epigenetic mechanism and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the influence of laminar shear stress, inflammation and BETi treatment on human endothelial cells was investigated using global protein expression profiling by ion mobility separation-enhanced data independent acquisition mass spectrometry (IMS-DIA-MS). For this purpose, primary human umbilical cord derived vascular endothelial cells were treated with TNFα to mimic inflammation and exposed to laminar shear stress in the presence or absence of the BRD4 inhibitor JQ1. IMS-DIA-MS detected over 4037 proteins expressed in endothelial cells. Inflammation, shear stress and BETi led to pronounced changes in protein expression patterns with JQ1 having the greatest effect. To our knowledge, this is the first proteomics study on primary endothelial cells, which provides an extensive database for the effects of shear stress, inflammation and BETi on the endothelial proteome.
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20
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Caselli C, Di Giorgi N, Ragusa R, Lorenzoni V, Smit J, El Mahdiui M, Buechel RR, Teresinska A, Pizzi MN, Roque A, Poddighe R, Knuuti J, Schütte M, Parodi O, Pelosi G, Scholte A, Rocchiccioli S, Neglia D. Association of MMP9 with adverse features of plaque progression and residual inflammatory risk in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Vascul Pharmacol 2022; 146:107098. [PMID: 36100166 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2022.107098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS MMP-9 is a predictor of atherosclerotic plaque instability and adverse cardiovascular events, but longitudinal data on the association between MMP9 and coronary disease progression are lacking. This study is aimed at investigating whether MMP9 is associated with atherosclerotic plaque progression and the related molecular basis in stable patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). METHODS MMP9 serum levels were measured in 157 CCS patients (58 ± 8 years of age; 66% male) undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography at baseline and after a follow up period of 6.5 ± 1.1 years to assess progression of Total, Fibrous, Fibro-fatty, Necrotic Core, and Dense Calcium plaque volumes (PV). Gene expression analysis was evaluated in whole blood using a transcriptomic approach by RNA-seq. RESULTS At multivariate analysis, serum MMP9 was associated with annual change of Total and Necrotic Core PV (Coefficient 3.205, SE 1.321, P = 0.017; 1.449, SE 0.690, P = 0.038, respectively), while MMP9 gene expression with Necrotic Core PV (Coefficient 70.559, SE 32.629, P = 0.034), independently from traditional cardiovascular risk factors, medications, and presence of obstructive CAD. After transcriptomic analysis, MMP9 expression was linked to expression of genes involved in the innate immunity. CONCLUSIONS Among CCS patients, MMP9 is an independent predictive marker of progression of adverse coronary plaques, possibly reflecting the activity of inflammatory pathways conditioning adverse plaque phenotypes. Thus, blood MMP9 might be used for the identification of patients with residual risk even with optimal management of classical cardiovascular risk factors who may derive the greatest benefit from targeted anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Caselli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Rosetta Ragusa
- Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Valentina Lorenzoni
- Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 33, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Jeff Smit
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Center, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, RC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Mohammed El Mahdiui
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Center, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, RC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Ronny R Buechel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cardiac Imaging, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Maria N Pizzi
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Roque
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Juhani Knuuti
- PET Center, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, Turku, Finland.
| | - Moritz Schütte
- Alacris Theranostics GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 3, 12489 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Oberdan Parodi
- Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gualtiero Pelosi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Arthur Scholte
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Lung Center, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, RC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Danilo Neglia
- Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa, Italy.
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Electronic Cigarette and Atherosclerosis: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Latest Evidences. Int J Vasc Med 2022; 2022:4136811. [PMID: 36093338 PMCID: PMC9453087 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4136811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery diseases (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease (CHD), are the world’s leading cause of death. The basis of coronary artery disease is the narrowing of the heart coronary artery lumen due to atherosclerosis. The use of electronic cigarettes has increased significantly over the years. However, harmful effects of electronic cigarettes are still not firm. The aim of this article is to review the impact of electronic cigarette and its role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis from recent studies. The results showed that several chemical compounds, such as nicotine, propylene glycol, particulate matters, heavy metals, and flavorings, in electronic cigarette induce atherosclerosis with each molecular mechanism that lead to atherosclerosis progression by formation of ROS, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. Further research is still needed to determine the exact mechanism and provide more clinical evidence.
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22
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Zha Y, Zhuang W, Yang Y, Zhou Y, Li H, Liang J. Senescence in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:910580. [PMID: 35722104 PMCID: PMC9198250 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.910580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the primary cell type involved in the atherosclerosis process; senescent VSMCs are observed in both aged vessels and atherosclerotic plaques. Factors associated with the atherosclerotic process, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and calcium-regulating factors, are closely linked to senescence in VSMCs. A number of experimental studies using traditional cellular aging markers have suggested that anti-aging biochemical agents could be used to treat atherosclerosis. However, doubt has recently been cast on such potential due to the increasingly apparent complexity of VSMCs status and an incomplete understanding of the role that these cells play in the atherosclerosis process, as well as a lack of specific or spectrum-limited cellular aging markers. The utility of anti-aging drugs in atherosclerosis treatment should be reevaluated. Promotion of a healthy lifestyle, exploring in depth the characteristics of each cell type associated with atherosclerosis, including VSMCs, and development of targeted drug delivery systems will ensure efficacy whilst evaluation of the safety and tolerability of drug use should be key aims of future anti-atherosclerosis research. This review summarizes the characteristics of VSMC senescence during the atherosclerosis process, the factors regulating this process, as well as an overview of progress toward the development and application of anti-aging drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zha
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Zhuang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yongqi Yang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hongliang Li,
| | - Jingyan Liang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jingyan Liang,
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23
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Andersen T, Ueland T, Aukrust P, Nilsen DW, Grundt H, Staines H, Kontny F. Podocan and Adverse Clinical Outcome in Patients Admitted With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndromes. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:867944. [PMID: 35669474 PMCID: PMC9163367 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.867944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Markers of bone and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling may be associated with adverse outcomes in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Podocan is a newly discovered ECM glycoprotein, previously not studied in a chest pain population. We wanted to study the association between Podocan levels on admission and the risk of adverse outcomes in a chest pain population with suspected acute coronary syndromes. Methods A total of 815 patients from the Risk markers in Acute Coronary Syndrome (RACS) trial with suspected coronary chest pain were followed for 7 years. Blood samples were taken immediately after inclusion and stored in the biobank. Associations between Podocan and endpoints were assessed with Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results The median admission level of Podocan was 0.674 ng/ml (0.566–0.908 ng/ml). No significant association was found between Podocan quartile levels and all-cause death, neither at 1 year nor 2- or 7-years follow-up (p > 0.05 for all). Furthermore, no significant association could be shown between Podocan and cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or the composites of all-cause death/MI/stroke or cardiac death/MI/stroke (p > 0.05 for all). Similarly, in a subgroup of patients with Troponin T-positive (n = 432) there was no significant association between Podocan and any of the outcome measures (p > 0.05 for all endpoints and points in time). Conclusion Podocan, a novel ECM biomarker, is not associated with all-cause mortality or other major cardiovascular adverse events in patients admitted with acute chest pain suspected to be of coronary origin. Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT00521976.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Andersen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- *Correspondence: Thomas Andersen
| | - Thor Ueland
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Thrombosis Research and Expertise Center, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Pål Aukrust
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Section of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dennis W. Nilsen
- Department of Cardiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Heidi Grundt
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pulmonology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Harry Staines
- Sigma Statistical Services, Balmullo, United Kingdom
| | - Frederic Kontny
- Department of Cardiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Drammen Heart Center, Drammen, Norway
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Niu Y, Li H, Wang W, Wang C, Liu C, Du X, Zhang Q, Li J, Shi S, Meng X, Chen R, Kan H. Ozone exposure and prothrombosis: Mechanistic insights from a randomized controlled exposure trial. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 429:128322. [PMID: 35086041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have associated ozone exposure with cardiovascular diseases, but the molecular mechanisms were not elucidated. We performed an untargeted serum proteomic analysis in a randomized, crossover, controlled exposure trial. We recruited 32 healthy young adults and asked them to receive filtered air and 200-ppb ozone exposures for 2 h in a random order before serum collection. Linear mixed-effect models were used to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between the two exposures and Gene Ontology enrichment and ingenuity pathway analysis were performed to determine their biological function. A total of 56 DEPs were identified. For example, acute ozone exposure increased coagulation factor X and factor VII-activating protease by 20.96% and 28.35%, respectively. Whereas, protein Z, protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor, and plasminogen decreased by 13.62%, 33.54%, and 10.47%, respectively. We also observed a 42.32% decrease in paraoxonase 3 and evident changes in four apolipoproteins. Additionally, we found 18.21% and 95.82% increases in L-selectin and β2-microglobulin, respectively, and significant changes in three complements. DEPs and enriched pathways suggest that short-term ozone exposure may promote coagulation, suppress fibrinolysis, disrupt lipoprotein metabolism, activate immune responses, and affect the complement system. These findings provide additional insights into the mechanisms linking acute ozone exposure to thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Niu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Huichu Li
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Weidong Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Cuiping Wang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Cong Liu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xihao Du
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qingli Zhang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jingguang Li
- Shanghai Research Institute of Building Sciences (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Su Shi
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xia Meng
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Renjie Chen
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Haidong Kan
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children's Health, Shanghai 201102, China.
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25
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Khomtchouk BB, Lee YS, Khan ML, Sun P, Mero D, Davidson MH. Targeting the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix in cardiovascular disease drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:443-460. [PMID: 35258387 PMCID: PMC9050939 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2047645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Currently, cardiovascular disease (CVD) drug discovery has focused primarily on addressing the inflammation and immunopathology aspects inherent to various CVD phenotypes such as cardiac fibrosis and coronary artery disease. However, recent findings suggest new biological pathways for cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation across diverse CVDs, such as the roles of matricellular proteins (e.g. tenascin-C) in regulating the cellular microenvironment. The success of anti-inflammatory drugs like colchicine, which targets microtubule polymerization, further suggests that the cardiac cytoskeleton and ECM provide prospective therapeutic opportunities. AREAS COVERED Potential therapeutic targets include proteins such as gelsolin and calponin 2, which play pivotal roles in plaque development. This review focuses on the dynamic role that the cytoskeleton and ECM play in CVD pathophysiology, highlighting how novel target discovery in cytoskeletal and ECM-related genes may enable therapeutics development to alter the regulation of cellular architecture in plaque formation and rupture, cardiac contractility, and other molecular mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION Further research into the cardiac cytoskeleton and its associated ECM proteins is an area ripe for novel target discovery. Furthermore, the structural connection between the cytoskeleton and the ECM provides an opportunity to evaluate both entities as sources of potential therapeutic targets for CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdan B Khomtchouk
- Department of Medicine, Section of Computational Biomedicine and Biomedical Data Science, Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yoon Seo Lee
- The College of the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maha L Khan
- The College of the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Patrick Sun
- The College of the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Michael H Davidson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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26
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Gholipour A, Shakerian F, Zahedmehr A, Irani S, Mowla SJ, Malakootian M. Downregulation of Talin-1 is associated with the increased expression of miR-182-5p and miR-9-5p in coronary artery disease. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24252. [PMID: 35156729 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence indicates that the dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components can lead to cardiovascular diseases. The Talin-1 (TLN1) gene is a major component of the ECM, and it mediates integrin adhesion to the ECM. In this study, we aimed to determine microRNAs (miRs) that regulate the expression of TLN1 and determine expression alterations in TLN1 and its targeting miRs in coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS Data sets of CAD and normal samples of blood exosomes were downloaded, and TLN1 was chosen as one of the genes with differential expressions in an in silico analysis. Next, miR-182-5p and miR-9-5p, which have a binding site on 3´-UTR of TLN1, were selected using bioinformatics tools. Then, the miR target site was cloned in the psiCHECK-2 vector, and direct interaction between the miR target site and the TLN1 3'-UTR putative target site was investigated by luciferase assay. The expression of miR-182-5p, miR-9-5p, and TLN1 in the serum samples of CAD and non-CAD individuals was assessed via a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Our data revealed that miR-182-5p directly regulated the expression of TLN1. Moreover, miR-182-5p and miR-9-5p were significantly upregulated in the CAD group. Hence, both bioinformatics and experimental analyses determined the downregulated expression of TLN1 in the CAD samples. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that miR-182-5p and miR-9-5p could play significant roles in TLN1 regulation and participate in CAD development by targeting TLN1. These findings introduce novel biomarkers with a potential role in CAD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Gholipour
- Department of Biology, Science and Research branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad Shakerian
- Cardiogenetic Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cardiovascular Intervention Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zahedmehr
- Cardiovascular Intervention Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Irani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Javad Mowla
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Malakootian
- Cardiogenetic Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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27
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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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28
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Chan YH, Alotibi R, Alahmadi A, Ramji DP. Monitoring Cellularity and Expression of Key Markers in Atherosclerotic Plaques. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2419:497-506. [PMID: 35237984 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic plaques are highly diverse and heterogeneous structures, even within the same individual, and can vary depending on its anatomical location within the vascular bed. Early in the disease and throughout its progression, immune cells infiltrate the lesion, contributing to the plaque phenotype via different mechanisms. Detailed characterization of constituent cell populations within plaques is hence required for more accurate assessment of disease severity and inflammatory burden. A wide range of fluorophore-conjugated antibodies targeted to key cell types implicated in all stages of the disease are commercially available, enabling visualization of the dynamic cellular landscape present within lesions. This chapter describes the use of immunofluorescence staining of atherosclerotic plaque sections to study plaque cellularity and expression of key markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee-Hung Chan
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Reem Alotibi
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Alaa Alahmadi
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Dipak P Ramji
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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29
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Extracellular Matrix Components as Diagnostic Tools in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10101024. [PMID: 34681123 PMCID: PMC8533508 DOI: 10.3390/biology10101024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary For decades, the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been defined as a structure component playing a rather neglected role in the human body. In recent years, research has shed light on the role of ECM within cellular processes, including proliferation, migration and differentiation, as well as in inflammation. In inflammation, ECM composition is constantly being remodeled and undergoes dynamic and rapid changes. Tracking these changes could serve as a novel diagnostic tool. Inflammatory bowel disease is accompanied by complications such as fibrosis, stenosis and fistulas. All of these structural complications involve excessive synthesis or degradation of ECM. With this review, we explored whether the analysis of ECM composition can be of support in diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease and whether changes within ECM can help to predict a complicated disease course early on. Abstract Work from the last years indicates that the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a direct role in various cellular processes, including proliferation, migration and differentiation. Besides homeostatic processes, its regulatory function in inflammation becomes more and more evident. In inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease, the ECM composition is constantly remodeled, and this can result in a structuring of fistulizing disease course. Thus, tracking early ECM changes might bear the potential to predict the disease course. In this review, we provide an overview of relevant diagnostic methods, focusing on ECM changes.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical for all aspects of vascular pathobiology. In vascular disease the balance of its structural components is shifted. In atherosclerotic plaques there is in fact a dynamic battle between stabilizing and proinflammatory responses. This review explores the most recent strides that have been made to detail the active role of the ECM - and its main binding partners - in driving atherosclerotic plaque development and destabilization. RECENT FINDINGS Proteoglycans-glycosaminoglycans (PGs-GAGs) synthesis and remodelling, as well as elastin synthesis, cross-linking, degradation and its elastokines potentially affect disease progression, providing multiple steps for potential therapeutic intervention and diagnostic targeted imaging. Of note, GAGs biosynthetic enzymes modulate the phenotype of vascular resident and infiltrating cells. In addition, while plaque collagen structure exerts very palpable effects on its immediate surroundings, a new role for collagen is also emerging on a more systemic level as a biomarker for cardiovascular disease as well as a target for selective drug-delivery. SUMMARY The importance of studying the ECM in atherosclerosis is more and more acknowledged and various systems are being developed to visualize, target and mimic it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysostomi Gialeli
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Malmö
| | - Annelie Shami
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Malmö
| | - Isabel Gonçalves
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, Malmö
- Department of Cardiology, Malmö, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Sweden
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31
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Status of biomarkers for the identification of stable or vulnerable plaques in atherosclerosis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:1981-1997. [PMID: 34414413 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a systemic inflammation of the arteries characterized by atherosclerotic plaque due to the accumulation of lipids, inflammatory cells, apoptotic cells, calcium and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Stable plaques present a chronic inflammatory infiltration, whereas vulnerable plaques present an 'active' inflammation involved in the thinning of the fibrous cap that predisposes to plaque rupture. Several complex biological cellular processes lead plaques to evolve from stable to vulnerable predisposing them to rupture and thrombosis. In this review, we analyze some emerging circulating biomarkers related to inflammation, ECM and lipid infiltration, angiogenesis, metalloproteinases and microRNA (miRNA), as possible diagnostic and prognostic indicators of plaque vulnerability.
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Jensen LF, Bentzon JF, Albarrán-Juárez J. The Phenotypic Responses of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Exposed to Mechanical Cues. Cells 2021; 10:2209. [PMID: 34571858 PMCID: PMC8469800 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the development of atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases, vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) located in the intima and media of blood vessels shift from a contractile state towards other phenotypes that differ substantially from differentiated SMCs. In addition, these cells acquire new functions, such as the production of alternative extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and signal molecules. A similar shift in cell phenotype is observed when SMCs are removed from their native environment and placed in a culture, presumably due to the absence of the physiological signals that maintain and regulate the SMC phenotype in the vasculature. The far majority of studies describing SMC functions have been performed under standard culture conditions in which cells adhere to a rigid and static plastic plate. While these studies have contributed to discovering key molecular pathways regulating SMCs, they have a significant limitation: the ECM microenvironment and the mechanical forces transmitted through the matrix to SMCs are generally not considered. Here, we review and discuss the recent literature on how the mechanical forces and derived biochemical signals have been shown to modulate the vascular SMC phenotype and provide new perspectives about their importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Filt Jensen
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.F.J.); (J.F.B.)
| | - Jacob Fog Bentzon
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.F.J.); (J.F.B.)
- Experimental Pathology of Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Julian Albarrán-Juárez
- Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.F.J.); (J.F.B.)
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Sofias AM, De Lorenzi F, Peña Q, Azadkhah Shalmani A, Vucur M, Wang JW, Kiessling F, Shi Y, Consolino L, Storm G, Lammers T. Therapeutic and diagnostic targeting of fibrosis in metabolic, proliferative and viral disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 175:113831. [PMID: 34139255 PMCID: PMC7611899 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common denominator in many pathologies and crucially affects disease progression, drug delivery efficiency and therapy outcome. We here summarize therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for fibrosis targeting in atherosclerosis and cardiac disease, cancer, diabetes, liver diseases and viral infections. We address various anti-fibrotic targets, ranging from cells and genes to metabolites and proteins, primarily focusing on fibrosis-promoting features that are conserved among the different diseases. We discuss how anti-fibrotic therapies have progressed over the years, and how nanomedicine formulations can potentiate anti-fibrotic treatment efficacy. From a diagnostic point of view, we discuss how medical imaging can be employed to facilitate the diagnosis, staging and treatment monitoring of fibrotic disorders. Altogether, this comprehensive overview serves as a basis for developing individualized and improved treatment strategies for patients suffering from fibrosis-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Marios Sofias
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Mildred Scheel School of Oncology (MSSO), Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD)), University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Federica De Lorenzi
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Quim Peña
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Armin Azadkhah Shalmani
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mihael Vucur
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty at Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jiong-Wei Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Nanomedicine Translational Research Programme, Centre for NanoMedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lorena Consolino
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Gert Storm
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Nanomedicine Translational Research Programme, Centre for NanoMedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
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Enarsson M, Feldreich T, Byberg L, Nowak C, Lind L, Ärnlöv J. Association between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Circulating Proteins in 50-Year-Old Swedish Men and Women: a Cross-Sectional Study. SPORTS MEDICINE-OPEN 2021; 7:52. [PMID: 34312731 PMCID: PMC8313632 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00343-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A strong cardiorespiratory fitness is suggested to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk; the exact mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of fitness remain uncertain. Our aim was to investigate associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and multiple plasma proteins, in order to obtain insights about physiological pathways associated with the effects of exercise on cardiovascular health. METHODS In the Prospective investigation of Obesity, Energy and Metabolism (POEM) study (n=444 adults aged 50 years, 50% women), cardiorespiratory fitness was measured by a maximal exercise test on bicycle ergometer with gas exchange (VO2peak) normalized for body lean mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)). We measured 82 cardiovascular proteins associated with cardiovascular pathology and inflammation in plasma samples with a proximity extension assay. RESULTS In sex-adjusted linear regression, VO2peak was associated with 18 proteins after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (p<0.0006). Following additional adjustment for fat mass (DXA), fasting glucose (mmol/L), low-density lipoprotein (LDL, mmol/L), smoking status, waist/hip ratio, blood pressure (mmHg), education level, and lpnr (lab sequence number), higher VO2peak was significantly associated with lower levels of 6 proteins: fatty-acid binding protein-4 (FABP4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leptin, cystatin-B (CSTB), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), and higher levels of 3 proteins: galanin, kallikrein-6 (KLK6), and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), at nominal p-values (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS We identified multiple novel associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and plasma proteins involved in several atherosclerotic processes and key cellular mechanisms such as inflammation, energy homeostasis, and protease activity, which shed new light on how exercise asserts its beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Our findings encourage additional studies in order to understand the underlying causal mechanisms for these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Enarsson
- Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Region Dalarna, Nissers väg 3, 79182, Falun, Sweden
| | - Tobias Feldreich
- School of Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, 79188, Falun, Sweden
| | - Liisa Byberg
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Orthopedics, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 14, B 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christoph Nowak
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, 14183, Huddinge, SE, Sweden
| | - Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskölds väg 10B, 75237, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Ärnlöv
- School of Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, 79188, Falun, Sweden. .,Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, 14183, Huddinge, SE, Sweden.
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35
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Holm Nielsen S, Edsfeldt A, Tengryd C, Gustafsson H, Shore AC, Natali A, Khan F, Genovese F, Bengtsson E, Karsdal M, Leeming DJ, Nilsson J, Goncalves I. The novel collagen matrikine, endotrophin, is associated with mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerosis. J Intern Med 2021; 290:179-189. [PMID: 33951242 PMCID: PMC8359970 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13253] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rupture of atherosclerotic plaques is the major cause of acute cardiovascular events. The biomarker PRO-C6 measuring Endotrophin, a matrikine of collagen type VI, may provide valuable information detecting subjects in need of intensified strategies for secondary prevention. OBJECTIVE In this study, we evaluate endotrophin in human atherosclerotic plaques and circulating levels of PRO-C6 in patients with atherosclerosis, to determine the predictive potential of the biomarker. METHODS Sections from the stenotic human carotid plaques were stained with the PRO-C6 antibody. PRO-C6 was measured in serum of patients enrolled in the Carotid Plaque Imagining Project (CPIP) (discovery cohort, n = 577) and the innovative medicines initiative surrogate markers for micro- and macrovascular hard end-points for innovative diabetes tools (IMI-SUMMIT, validation cohort, n = 1,378). Median follow-up was 43 months. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were performed in the discovery cohort. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis (HR with 95% CI) was used in the discovery cohort and binary logistic regression (OR with 95% CI) in the validation cohort. RESULTS PRO-C6 was localized in the core and shoulder of the atherosclerotic plaque. In the discovery cohort, PRO-C6 independently predicted future cardiovascular events (HR 1.089 [95% CI 1.019 -1.164], p = 0.01), cardiovascular death (HR 1.118 [95% CI 1.008 -1.241], p = 0.04) and all-cause death (HR 1.087 [95% CI 1.008 -1.172], p = 0.03). In the validation cohort, PRO-C6 predicted future cardiovascular events (OR 1.063 [95% CI 1.011 -1.117], p = 0.017). CONCLUSION PRO-C6 is present in the atherosclerotic plaque and associated with future cardiovascular events, cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality in two large prospective cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Holm Nielsen
- Nordic Bioscience, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - A Edsfeldt
- Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - C Tengryd
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - H Gustafsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - A C Shore
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, University of Exeter, Medical School, National Institute for Health Research Exeter Clinical Research Facility, Exeter, UK
| | - A Natali
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Khan
- Division of Molecular and Clinical medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - E Bengtsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | | | - J Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - I Goncalves
- Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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36
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Kowara M, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A. Different Approaches in Therapy Aiming to Stabilize an Unstable Atherosclerotic Plaque. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094354. [PMID: 33919446 PMCID: PMC8122261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability is a vital clinical problem as vulnerable plaques tend to rupture, which results in atherosclerosis complications—myocardial infarctions and subsequent cardiovascular deaths. Therefore, methods aiming to stabilize such plaques are in great demand. In this brief review, the idea of atherosclerotic plaque stabilization and five main approaches—towards the regulation of metabolism, macrophages and cellular death, inflammation, reactive oxygen species, and extracellular matrix remodeling have been presented. Moreover, apart from classical approaches (targeted at the general mechanisms of plaque destabilization), there are also alternative approaches targeted either at certain plaques which have just become vulnerable or targeted at the minimization of the consequences of atherosclerotic plaque erosion or rupture. These alternative approaches have also been briefly mentioned in this review.
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37
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Altered Vascular Extracellular Matrix in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2021; 14:647-660. [PMID: 33420681 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-020-10091-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease continues to grow as a massive global health burden, with coronary artery disease being one of its most lethal varieties. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis induces changes in the blood vessel and its extracellular matrix (ECM) in each vascular layer. The alteration of the ECM homeostasis has significant modulatory effects on the inflammatory response, the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, neointimal formation, and vascular fibrosis seen in atherosclerosis. In this literature review, the role of the ECM, the multitude of components, and alterations to these components in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are discussed with a focus on versatile cellular phenotypes in the structure of blood vessel. An understanding of the various effects of ECM alterations opens up a plethora of therapeutic options that would mitigate the substantial health toll of atherosclerosis on the global population.
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38
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Tornifoglio B, Stone AJ, Johnston RD, Shahid SS, Kerskens C, Lally C. Diffusion tensor imaging and arterial tissue: establishing the influence of arterial tissue microstructure on fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity and tractography. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20718. [PMID: 33244026 PMCID: PMC7693170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77675-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for providing microstructural insight into changes in arterial tissue by exploring how cell, collagen and elastin content effect fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD) and tractography. Five ex vivo porcine carotid artery models (n = 6 each) were compared-native, fixed native, collagen degraded, elastin degraded and decellularised. Vessels were imaged at 7 T using a DTI protocol with b = 0 and 800 s/mm2 and 10 isotopically distributed directions. FA and MD were evaluated in the vessel media and compared across models. FA values measured in native (p < 0.0001), fixed native (p < 0.0001) and collagen degraded (p = 0.0018, p = 0.0016, respectively) were significantly higher than those in elastin degraded and decellularised arteries. Native and fixed native had significantly lower MD values than elastin degraded (p < 0.0001) and decellularised tissue (p = 0.0032, p = 0.0003, respectively). Significantly lower MD was measured in collagen degraded compared with the elastin degraded model (p = 0.0001). Tractography yielded helically arranged tracts for native and collagen degraded vessels only. FA, MD and tractography were found to be highly sensitive to changes in the microstructural composition of arterial tissue, specifically pointing to cell, not collagen, content as the dominant source of the measured anisotropy in the vessel wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Tornifoglio
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A J Stone
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - R D Johnston
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S S Shahid
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - C Kerskens
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Lally
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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39
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The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:3872367. [PMID: 33082709 PMCID: PMC7557896 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3872367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) belongs to the MMP family and has been widely investigated. Excessive MMP-9 expression can enhance extracellular matrix degradation and promote plaque instability. Studies have demonstrated that MMP-9 levels are higher in vulnerable plaques than in stable plaques. Additionally, several human studies have demonstrated that MMP-9 may be a predictor of atherosclerotic plaque instability and a risk factor for future adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. MMP-9 deficiency or blocking MMP-9 expression can inhibit plaque inflammation and prevent atherosclerotic plaque instability. All of these results suggest that MMP-9 may be a useful predictive biomarker for vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, as well as a therapeutic target for preventing atherosclerotic plaque instability. In this review, we describe the structure, function, and regulation of MMP-9. We also discuss the role of MMP-9 in predicting and preventing atherosclerotic plaque instability.
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40
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Bonaventura A, Liberale L, Carbone F, Vecchié A, Montecucco F. Plaque vulnerability and adverse outcomes: The long road to fight atherosclerosis. Eur J Clin Invest 2020; 50:e13253. [PMID: 32329065 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Bonaventura
- Pauley Heart Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Liberale
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Federico Carbone
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova - Italian Cardiovascular Network, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vecchié
- Pauley Heart Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montecucco
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova - Italian Cardiovascular Network, Genoa, Italy.,First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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41
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Rickel AP, Sanyour HJ, Leyda NA, Hong Z. Extracellular Matrix Proteins and Substrate Stiffness Synergistically Regulate Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Cortical Cytoskeleton Organization. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:2360-2369. [PMID: 34327310 PMCID: PMC8318011 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration is a critical step in the progression of cardiovascular disease and aging. Migrating VSMCs encounter a highly heterogeneous environment with the varying extracellular matrix (ECM) composition due to the differential synthesis of collagen and fibronectin (FN) in different regions and greatly changing stiffness, ranging from the soft necrotic core of plaques to hard calcifications within blood vessel walls. In this study, we demonstrate an application of a two-dimensional (2D) model consisting of an elastically tunable polyacrylamide gel of varying stiffness and ECM protein coating to study VSMC migration. This model mimics the in vivo microenvironment that VSMCs experience within a blood vessel wall, which may help identify potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis. We found that substrate stiffness had differential effects on VSMC migration on type 1 collagen (COL1) and FN-coated substrates. VSMCs on COL1-coated substrates showed significantly diminished migration distance on stiffer substrates, while on FN-coated substrates VSMCs had significantly increased migration distance. In addition, cortical stress fiber orientation increased in VSMCs cultured on more rigid COL1-coated substrates, while decreasing on stiffer FN-coated substrates. On both proteins, a more disorganized cytoskeletal architecture was associated with faster migration. Overall, these results demonstrate that different ECM proteins can cause substrate stiffness to have differential effects on VSMC migration in the progression of cardiovascular diseases and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex P Rickel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107, United States; BIOSNTR, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107, United States
| | - Hanna J Sanyour
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107, United States; BIOSNTR, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107, United States
| | - Neil A Leyda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, United States
| | - Zhongkui Hong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107, United States; BIOSNTR, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107, United States
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