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Kumar AAW, Huangfu G, Figtree GA, Dwivedi G. Atherosclerosis as the Damocles' sword of human evolution: insights from nonhuman ape-like primates, ancient human remains, and isolated modern human populations. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H821-H831. [PMID: 38305751 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00744.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide, and the predominant risk factors are advanced age and high-circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, the findings of atherosclerosis in relatively young mummified remains and a lack of atherosclerosis in chimpanzees despite high LDL-C call into question the role of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The inflammatory theory of atherosclerosis may explain the discrepancies between traditional risk factors and observed phenomena in current literature. Following the divergence from chimpanzees several millennia ago, loss of function mutations in immune regulatory genes and changes in gene expression have resulted in an overactive human immune system. The ubiquity of atherosclerosis in the modern era may reflect a selective pressure that enhanced the innate immune response at the cost of atherogenesis and other chronic disease states. Evidence provided from the fields of genetics, evolutionary biology, and paleoanthropology demonstrates a sort of circular dependency between inflammation, immune system functioning, and evolution at both a species and cellular level. More recently, the role of proinflammatory stimuli, somatic mutations, and the gene-environment effect appear to be underappreciated elements in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Neurobiological stress, metabolic syndrome, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors may instead function as intermediary links between inflammation and atherosclerosis. Therefore, considering evolution as a mechanistic process and atherosclerosis as part of the inertia of evolution, greater insight into future preventative and therapeutic interventions for atherosclerosis can be gained by examining the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annora Ai-Wei Kumar
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gavin Huangfu
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gemma A Figtree
- Cardiovascular Discovery Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Girish Dwivedi
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
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Li F, Peng J, Lu Y, Zhou M, Liang J, Le C, Ding J, Wang J, Dai J, Wan C, Wang J, Luo P, Xia B. Blockade of CXCR4 promotes macrophage autophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to alleviate coronary heart disease. Int J Cardiol 2023; 392:131303. [PMID: 37652272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autophagy is important in regulating inflammation and cholesterol efflux, suggesting that targeting autophagy may slow down atherosclerosis (AS). Since the pathological basis of coronary artery disease (CAD) is atherosclerosis, it is crucial to investigate the role of autophagy in atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the role of the chemokine CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in promoting macrophage autophagy through the phosphoinositide-3 kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway to alleviate coronary artery disease. METHODS The human left coronary artery and myocardium were collected to detect CXCR4, MAP1LC3(LC3) and SQSTM1(p62) expression. ApoE-/- mice were used to establish an atherosclerosis mice model, while human monocytes (THP-1) were used to establish a foam cell model and co-cultured with foam cells using siRNACXCR4. Western blotting was conducted to quantify CXCR4, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway protein, LC3, Beclin1 and p62 protein levels. The left coronary artery from humans and mouse aorta and myocardium were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), macrophages with Oil Red O staining and foam cells were assessed by Movat's staining. CXCR4 levels, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway protein, LC3 and p62 were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence assays. Detection of autophagosomes in macrophages using transmission electron microscopy. We further assessed whether the effect of CXCR4-mediated macrophage autophagy on the formation of atherosclerosis and structural changes in the myocardium was mediated via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. RESULTS CXCR4 and p62 proteins were upregulated in human coronary lesions, mouse aorta, myocardial tissue, and foam cells, while LC3II/LC3I was downregulated. p85 (P-PI3K), Ser473 (P-AKT), and Ser2448 (P-mTOR) phosphorylated proteins associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were detected in AS and foam cell models. Upregulated CXCR4 inhibited autophagy of macrophages and increased the severity of atherosclerotic lesions. After specific knockdown of CXCR4 by adeno-associated virus (AAV9-CXCR4-RNAi) and siRNACXCR4, the above indicators were reversed, macrophage autophagy was promoted, the severity of atherosclerotic lesions was reduced, and the disorganized arrangement of myocardial architecture was improved. CONCLUSION Knockdown of CXCR4 reduces the extent of coronary artery disease by promoting macrophage autophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to attenuate atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangqin Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Jin Peng
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Yanlin Lu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- School of Forensic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Jingwei Liang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Cuiyun Le
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Jiuyang Ding
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Jiawen Wang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Jialin Dai
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Changwu Wan
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Peng Luo
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Bing Xia
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China.
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Dileepan KN, Raveendran VV, Sharma R, Abraham H, Barua R, Singh V, Sharma R, Sharma M. Mast cell-mediated immune regulation in health and disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1213320. [PMID: 37663654 PMCID: PMC10470157 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1213320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cells are important components of the immune system, and they perform pro-inflammatory as well as anti-inflammatory roles in the complex process of immune regulation in health and disease. Because of their strategic perivascular localization, sensitivity and adaptability to the microenvironment, and ability to release a variety of preformed and newly synthesized effector molecules, mast cells perform unique functions in almost all organs. Additionally, Mast cells express a wide range of surface and cytoplasmic receptors which enable them to respond to a variety of cytokines, chemicals, and pathogens. The mast cell's role as a cellular interface between external and internal environments as well as between vasculature and tissues is critical for protection and repair. Mast cell interactions with different immune and nonimmune cells through secreted inflammatory mediators may also turn in favor of disease promoting agents. First and forefront, mast cells are well recognized for their multifaceted functions in allergic diseases. Reciprocal communication between mast cells and endothelial cells in the presence of bacterial toxins in chronic/sub-clinical infections induce persistent vascular inflammation. We have shown that mast cell proteases and histamine induce endothelial inflammatory responses that are synergistically amplified by bacterial toxins. Mast cells have been shown to exacerbate vascular changes in normal states as well as in chronic or subclinical infections, particularly among cigarette smokers. Furthermore, a potential role of mast cells in SARS-CoV-2-induced dysfunction of the capillary-alveolar interface adds to the growing understanding of mast cells in viral infections. The interaction between mast cells and microglial cells in the brain further highlights their significance in neuroinflammation. This review highlights the significant role of mast cells as the interface that acts as sensor and early responder through interactions with cells in systemic organs and the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kottarappat N. Dileepan
- Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Vineesh V. Raveendran
- Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Rishi Sharma
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Harita Abraham
- Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Rajat Barua
- Cardiology Section, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Vikas Singh
- Neurology Section, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Ram Sharma
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Mukut Sharma
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Midwest Veterans’ Biomedical Research Foundation (MVBRF), Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas, MO, United States
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Probiotics Bring New Hope for Atherosclerosis Prevention and Treatment. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3900835. [PMID: 36193065 PMCID: PMC9526629 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3900835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of human mortality and morbidity worldwide. Atherosclerosis (AS) is the underlying pathological responsible in most acute and severe cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction and stroke. However, current drugs applied to the treatment of AS are not clinically effective, and there is a large residual risk of cardiovascular disease and multiple side effects. Increasing evidence supports a close relationship between microorganisms and the incidence of AS. Recent data have shown that probiotics can improve multiple key factors involved in the development and progression of AS, including cholesterol metabolism imbalance, endothelial dysfunction, proinflammatory factor production, macrophage polarization, intestinal flora disturbance, and infection with pathogenic microorganisms, and therefore probiotics have attracted great interest as a novel potential “medicine”. This review is aimed at summarizing the effects of probiotics on various influencing factors, and providing valuable insights in the search for early prevention and potential therapeutic strategies for AS.
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Colombo F, Illescas O, Noci S, Minnai F, Pintarelli G, Pettinicchio A, Vannelli A, Sorrentino L, Battaglia L, Cosimelli M, Dragani TA, Gariboldi M. Gut microbiota composition in colorectal cancer patients is genetically regulated. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11424. [PMID: 35794137 PMCID: PMC9259655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15230-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) depends on environmental and genetic factors. Among environmental factors, an imbalance in the gut microbiota can increase CRC risk. Also, microbiota is influenced by host genetics. However, it is not known if germline variants influence CRC development by modulating microbiota composition. We investigated germline variants associated with the abundance of bacterial populations in the normal (non-involved) colorectal mucosa of 93 CRC patients and evaluated their possible role in disease. Using a multivariable linear regression, we assessed the association between germline variants identified by genome wide genotyping and bacteria abundances determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We identified 37 germline variants associated with the abundance of the genera Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium and Gemmiger and with alpha diversity. These variants are correlated with the expression of 58 genes involved in inflammatory responses, cell adhesion, apoptosis and barrier integrity. Genes and bacteria appear to be involved in the same processes. In fact, expression of the pro-inflammatory genes GAL, GSDMD and LY6H was correlated with the abundance of Bacteroides, which has pro-inflammatory properties; abundance of the anti-inflammatory genus Faecalibacterium correlated with expression of KAZN, with barrier-enhancing functions. Both the microbiota composition and local inflammation are regulated, at least partially, by the same germline variants. These variants may regulate the microenvironment in which bacteria grow and predispose to the development of cancer. Identification of these variants is the first step to identifying higher-risk individuals and proposing tailored preventive treatments that increase beneficial bacterial populations.
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The Yin and Yang of toll-like receptors in endothelial dysfunction. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108768. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Miao G, Zhao X, Chan SL, Zhang L, Li Y, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Wang B. Vascular smooth muscle cell c-Fos is critical for foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. Metabolism 2022; 132:155213. [PMID: 35513168 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperlipidemia-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-derived foam cell formation is considered a crucial event in the development of atherosclerosis. Since c-Fos emerges as a key modulator of lipid metabolism, we investigated whether c-Fos plays a role in hyperlipidemia-induced VSMC-derived foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS c-Fos expression was observed in VSMCs in atherosclerotic plaques from patients and western diet-fed atherosclerosis-prone LDLR-/- and ApoE-/- mice by immunofluorescence staining. To ascertain c-Fos's function in atherosclerosis development, VSMC-specific c-Fos deficient mice in ApoE-/- background were established. Western diet-fed c-FosVSMCKOApoE-/- mice exhibited a significant reduction of atherosclerotic lesion formation as measured by hematoxylin and eosin staining, accompanied by decreased lipid deposition within aortic roots as determined by Oil red O staining. Primary rat VSMCs were isolated to examine the role of c-Fos in lipid uptake and foam cell formation. oxLDL stimulation resulted in VSMC-derived foam cell formation and elevated intracellular mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), c-Fos and LOX-1 levels, whereas specific inhibition of mtROS, c-Fos or LOX-1 lessened lipid accumulation in oxLDL-stimulated VSMCs. Mechanistically, oxLDL acts through mtROS to enhance transcription activity of c-Fos to facilitate the expression of LOX-1, exerting a feedforward mechanism with oxLDL to increase lipid uptake and propel VSMC-derived foam cell formation and atherogenesis. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates a fundamental role of mtROS/c-Fos/LOX-1 signaling pathway in promoting oxLDL uptake and VSMC-derived foam cell formation during atherosclerosis. c-Fos may represent a promising therapeutic target amenable to clinical translation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guolin Miao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Siu-Lung Chan
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaohua Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuke Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Beibei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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Zhao X, Miao G, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Zhao H, Xu Z, Wang B, Zhang L. Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection Induces Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Atherosclerosis Through Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated JunB-Fra-1 Activation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:879023. [PMID: 35493076 PMCID: PMC9039263 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.879023] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection is closely related to atherosclerosis, which is a major pathological basis for cardiovascular diseases. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration is an important trigger in development of atherosclerosis that is associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) infection. However, the mechanism of VSMC migration remains unclear, and whether antioxidant could be a therapeutic target for C. pneumoniae infection-induced atherosclerosis also remains unknown. The results showed that C. pneumoniae infection mainly impaired mitochondrial function and increased the level of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). The expressions of protein JunB, Fra-1 and Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP) evidently increased after C. pneumoniae infection, and the interaction between JunB and Fra-1 was also enhanced. After scavenging mtROS by antioxidant Mito-TEMPO, the increasing expressions of JunB, Fra-1, MMP2 and the capacity of VSMC migration induced by C. pneumoniae infection were all inhibited. In comparison with infected ApoE-/- mice, the level of ROS in atherosclerotic lesion in ApoE-/-TLR2-/- mice with C. pneumoniae infection decreased. Knocking out TLR2 suppressed the expressions of JunB, Fra-1 and MMP2 in VSMCs and the formation of atherosclerotic lesion after C. pneumoniae infection. Furthermore, after using small interfering RNA to inhibit the expression of TLR2, the level of mtROS and the expressions of JunB, Fra-1 and MMP2 apparently decreased. Taken together, C. pneumoniae infection may promote VSMC migration and atherosclerosis development by increasing the level of mtROS through TLR2 to activate the JunB-Fra-1/MMP2 signaling pathway. The data provide the first evidence that antioxidant could reduce C. pneumoniae infection-induced VSMC migration and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guolin Miao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuke Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huanhuan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhelong Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Beibei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Chlamydia pneumoniae Interferes with Macrophage Differentiation and Cell Cycle Regulation to Promote Its Replication. Cell Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/9854449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae is a ubiquitous intracellular bacterium which infects humans via the respiratory route. The tendency of C. pneumoniae to persist in monocytes and macrophages is well known, but the underlying host-chlamydial interactions remain elusive. In this work, we have described changes in macrophage intracellular signaling pathways induced by C. pneumoniae infection. Label-free quantitative proteome analysis and pathway analysis tools were used to identify changes in human THP-1-derived macrophages upon C. pneumoniae CV6 infection. At 48-h postinfection, pathways associated to nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) regulation were stressed, while negative regulation on cell cycle control was prominent at both 48 h and 72 h. Upregulation of S100A8 and S100A9 calcium binding proteins, osteopontin, and purine nucleoside hydrolase, laccase domain containing protein 1 (LACC1) underlined the proinflammatory consequences of the infection, while elevated NF-κB2 levels in infected macrophages indicates interaction with the noncanonical NF-κB pathway. Infection-induced alteration of cell cycle control was obvious by the downregulation of mini chromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins MCM2-7, and the significance of host cell cycle regulation for C. pneumoniae replication was demonstrated by the ability of a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib to promote C. pneumoniae replication and infectious progeny production. The infection was found to suppress retinoblastoma expression in the macrophages in both protein and mRNA levels, and this change was reverted by treatment with a histone deacetylase inhibitor. The epigenetic suppression of retinoblastoma, along with upregulation of S100A8 and S100A9, indicate host cell changes associated with myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) phenotype.
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Investigation of Possible Role of Chlamydia in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.116962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES) is a systemic disease characterized by the aggregation of fibrillar extracellular material in intraocular and extraocular tissues with unknown etiology. Clarifying the etiopathogenesis of PES would be important for public health. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the possible role of Chlamydia in the etiology of PES. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the ophthalmology clinic of a tertiary hospital. The study included two groups, including the patient group (PES patients with nuclear cataracts) and the control group (patients with nuclear cataracts). Patients with other ophthalmic problems and systemic diseases were excluded. Blood samples and conjunctival swabs taken from 49 patients and 42 controls were used in the study. Anti-Chlamydia trachomatis IgG and IgM, anti-C. pneumoniae IgG and IgM, Interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-20 were studied in the serum samples. The PCR study was performed with conjunctival swab samples and sequence analysis of PCR-positive samples was performed. Results: According to the results of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of anti-C. trachmatis IgG, anti-C. trachmatis IgM, anti-C. pneumoniae IgM, IL-6, and PCR results. There was a statistically significant difference between patient and control groups in terms of anti-C. pneumoniae IgG and IL-20 levels. The DNA sequencing of all PCR products was found to be compatible with C. pneumoniae. Conclusions: It seems that C. pneumoniae might have an important role in the etiology and development of PES. However, further studies in larger groups are needed to clarify these results.
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Infection and food combine to cause atherosclerotic coronary heart disease - Review and hypothesis. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2021; 35:100807. [PMID: 34286061 PMCID: PMC8273202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2021.100807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypothesis It is hypothesised that a combination of childhood and later life infections and excess food consumption, particularly of Western style food, initiates and contributes to atherosclerotic coronary heart disease. To consider this hypothesis we have conducted a brief review of the role of childhood infections, food, and their combined influence on atherosclerosis. Evidence (i) Studies of populations with high prevalence of infections and low “hunter gather” like food consumption, have extremely low prevalence of atherosclerosis, (ii) there are consistent associations between infections in childhood and adult atherosclerotic coronary heart disease, (iii) there is an association between increased body weight, (an indication of excess eating), and atherosclerotic heart disease, and (iv) there is evidence that a combination of increased body weight and infections influences the development of atherosclerotic coronary heart disease. Infections do not appear to act independently to cause atherosclerosis. A combination of both food and infection appears to be required to cause atheroma. Conclusion The hypothesis that infections when combined with excess eating initiates atherosclerosis, is plausible. Action Action aimed at prevention of atherosclerotic heart disease is possible. There are three safe approaches to prevention (i) encouragement of Mediterranean like diets, (ii) avoidance of overeating and (iii) vigorous control of infections among all age groups. There is a need to monitor patients with a history of serious childhood infections and poor nutrition. In addition, for high risk subjects, cholesterol lowering statins are of proven and safe value.
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The association of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection with atherosclerosis: Review and update of in vitro and animal studies. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104803. [PMID: 33609645 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104803] [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: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have tended to relate Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) infection to atherosclerosis. However, while serological studies have mostly reinforced this hypothesis, inconsistent and even contradictory findings have been reported in various researches. Recent papers have pointed to the significance of Cpn in atherosclerotic lesions, which are regarded as the initiator and cause of chronic inflammation. This bacterium develops atherosclerosis by phenotypic changes in vascular smooth muscle cells, dysregulation of endothelin-1 in the vascular wall, and releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines from Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2). Furthermore, Cpn infection, particularly under hyperlipidemic conditions, enhances monocyte adhesion to endothelium; changes the physiology of the host, e.g., cholesterol homeostasis; and activates the Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, which is the initial step in atherogenesis. On the other hand, it has been reported that Cpn, even without the immune system of the host, has the ability to stimulate arterial thickening. Moreover, there is evidence that Cpn can increase the impact of the classical risk factors such as hyperlipidemia, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and smoking for atherosclerosis. Furthermore, animal studies have shown that Cpn infection can induce atherosclerotic, which alongside hyperlipidemia is a co-risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although the exact link between Cpn and atherosclerosis has not been determined yet, previous studies have reported possible mechanisms of pathogenesis for this bacterium. Accordingly, investigating the exact role of this infection in causing atherosclerosis may be helpful in controlling the disease.
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