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Rivera CF, Farra YM, Silvestro M, Medvedovsky S, Matz J, Pratama MY, Vlahos J, Ramkhelawon B, Bellini C. Mapping the unicellular transcriptome of the ascending thoracic aorta to changes in mechanosensing and mechanoadaptation during aging. Aging Cell 2024:e14197. [PMID: 38825882 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14197] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Aortic stiffening is an inevitable manifestation of chronological aging, yet the mechano-molecular programs that orchestrate region- and layer-specific adaptations along the length and through the wall of the aorta are incompletely defined. Here, we show that the decline in passive cyclic distensibility is more pronounced in the ascending thoracic aorta (ATA) compared to distal segments of the aorta and that collagen content increases in both the medial and adventitial compartments of the ATA during aging. The single-cell RNA sequencing of aged ATA tissues reveals altered cellular senescence, remodeling, and inflammatory responses accompanied by enrichment of T-lymphocytes and rarefaction of vascular smooth muscle cells, compared to young samples. T lymphocyte clusters accumulate in the adventitia, while the activation of mechanosensitive Piezo-1 enhances vasoconstriction and contributes to the overall functional decline of ATA tissues. These results portray the immuno-mechanical aging of the ATA as a process that culminates in a stiffer conduit permissive to the accrual of multi-gerogenic signals priming to disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristobal F Rivera
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yasmeen M Farra
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michele Silvestro
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Steven Medvedovsky
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jacqueline Matz
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Muhammad Yogi Pratama
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - John Vlahos
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bhama Ramkhelawon
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chiara Bellini
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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2
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Reeve EH, Barnes JN, Moir ME, Walker AE. Impact of arterial stiffness on cerebrovascular function: a review of evidence from humans and preclincal models. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H689-H704. [PMID: 38214904 PMCID: PMC11221809 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00592.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
With advancing age, the cerebral vasculature becomes dysfunctional, and this dysfunction is associated with cognitive decline. However, the initiating cause of these age-related cerebrovascular impairments remains incompletely understood. A characteristic feature of the aging vasculature is the increase in stiffness of the large elastic arteries. This increase in arterial stiffness is associated with elevated pulse pressure and blood flow pulsatility in the cerebral vasculature. Evidence from both humans and rodents supports that increases in large elastic artery stiffness are associated with cerebrovascular impairments. These impacts on cerebrovascular function are wide-ranging and include reductions in global and regional cerebral blood flow, cerebral small vessel disease, endothelial cell dysfunction, and impaired perivascular clearance. Furthermore, recent findings suggest that the relationship between arterial stiffness and cerebrovascular function may be influenced by genetics, specifically APOE and NOTCH genotypes. Given the strength of the evidence that age-related increases in arterial stiffness have deleterious impacts on the brain, interventions that target arterial stiffness are needed. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence from human and rodent studies, supporting the role of increased arterial stiffness in age-related cerebrovascular impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily H Reeve
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States
| | - Jill N Barnes
- Department of Kinesiology University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - M Erin Moir
- Department of Kinesiology University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Ashley E Walker
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, United States
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3
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Xiao P, Zhang Y, Zeng Y, Yang D, Mo J, Zheng Z, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhou Z, Zhong X, Yan W. Impaired angiogenesis in ageing: the central role of the extracellular matrix. J Transl Med 2023; 21:457. [PMID: 37434156 PMCID: PMC10334673 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04315-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Each step in angiogenesis is regulated by the extracellular matrix (ECM). Accumulating evidence indicates that ageing-related changes in the ECM driven by cellular senescence lead to a reduction in neovascularisation, reduced microvascular density, and an increased risk of tissue ischaemic injury. These changes can lead to health events that have major negative impacts on quality of life and place a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Elucidating interactions between the ECM and cells during angiogenesis in the context of ageing is neceary to clarify the mechanisms underlying reduced angiogenesis in older adults. In this review, we summarize ageing-related changes in the composition, structure, and function of the ECM and their relevance for angiogenesis. Then, we explore in detail the mechanisms of interaction between the aged ECM and cells during impaired angiogenesis in the older population for the first time, discussing diseases caused by restricted angiogenesis. We also outline several novel pro-angiogenic therapeutic strategies targeting the ECM that can provide new insights into the choice of appropriate treatments for a variety of age-related diseases. Based on the knowledge gathered from recent reports and journal articles, we provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying impaired angiogenesis with age and contribute to the development of effective treatments that will enhance quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xiao
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Yuting Zeng
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Dehong Yang
- Department of Orthopedics Spinal Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jiayao Mo
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ziting Zheng
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jilei Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhiyan Zhou
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xincen Zhong
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wenjuan Yan
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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4
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Longtine AG, Venkatasubramanian R, Zigler MC, Lindquist AJ, Mahoney SA, Greenberg NT, VanDongen NS, Ludwig KR, Moreau KL, Seals DR, Clayton ZS. Female C57BL/6N mice are a viable model of aortic aging in women. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 324:H893-H904. [PMID: 37115626 PMCID: PMC10202480 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00120.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The aorta stiffens with aging in both men and women, which predicts cardiovascular mortality. Aortic wall structural and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, induced in part by chronic low-grade inflammation, contribute to aortic stiffening. Male mice are an established model of aortic aging. However, there is little information regarding whether female mice are an appropriate model of aortic aging in women, which we aimed to elucidate in the present study. We assessed two strains of mice and found that in C57BL/6N mice, in vivo aortic stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV) was higher with aging in both sexes, whereas in B6D2F1 mice, PWV was higher in old versus young male mice, but not in old versus young female mice. Because the age-related stiffening that occurs in men and women was reflected in male and female C57BL/6N mice, we examined the mechanisms of stiffening in this strain. In both sexes, aortic modulus of elasticity (pin myography) was lower in old mice, occurred in conjunction with and was related to higher plasma levels of the elastin-degrading enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and was accompanied by higher numbers of aortic elastin breaks and higher abundance of adventitial collagen-1. Plasma levels of the inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ, interleukin 6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were higher in both sexes of old mice. In conclusion, female C57BL/6N mice exhibit aortic stiffening, reduced modulus of elasticity and structural/ECM remodeling, and associated increases in MMP-9 and systemic inflammation with aging, and thus are an appropriate model of aortic aging in women.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study demonstrates that with aging, female C57BL/6N mice exhibit higher in vivo aortic stiffness, reduced modulus of elasticity, aortic wall structural and extracellular matrix remodeling, and elevations in systemic inflammation. These changes are largely reflective of those that occur with aging in women. Thus, female C57BL/6N mice are a viable model of human aortic aging and the utility of these animals should be considered in future biomedical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail G Longtine
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | | | - Melanie C Zigler
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Alexandra J Lindquist
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Sophia A Mahoney
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Nathan T Greenberg
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Nicholas S VanDongen
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Katelyn R Ludwig
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Douglas R Seals
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Zachary S Clayton
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
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5
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Linka K, Cavinato C, Humphrey JD, Cyron CJ. Predicting and understanding arterial elasticity from key microstructural features by bidirectional deep learning. Acta Biomater 2022; 147:63-72. [PMID: 35643194 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Microstructural features and mechanical properties are closely related in all soft biological tissues. Both yet exhibit considerable inter-individual differences and are affected by factors such as aging and disease and its progression. Histological analysis, modern in situ imaging, and biomechanical testing have deepened our understanding of these complex interrelations, yet two key questions remain: (1) Given the specific microstructure, can one predict the macroscopic mechanical properties without mechanical testing? (2) Can one quantify individual contributions of the different microstructural features to the macroscopic mechanical properties in an automated, systematic and largely unbiased way? Here we propose a bidirectional deep learning architecture to address these two questions. Our architecture uses data from standard histological analyses, two-photon microscopy and biaxial biomechanical testing. Its capabilities are demonstrated by predicting with high accuracy (R2=0.92) the evolving mechanical properties of the murine aorta during maturation and aging. Moreover, our architecture reveals that the extracellular matrix composition and organization are the most prominent factors governing the macroscopic mechanical properties of the tissues studied herein. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: .
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Linka
- Institute for Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cristina Cavinato
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christian J Cyron
- Institute for Continuum and Material Mechanics, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Material Systems Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany.
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6
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Knutsen RH, Gober LM, Kronquist EK, Kaur M, Donahue DR, Springer D, Yu ZX, Chen MY, Fu YP, Choobdar F, Nguyen ML, Osgood S, Freeman JL, Raja N, Levin MD, Kozel BA. Elastin Insufficiency Confers Proximal and Distal Pulmonary Vasculopathy in Mice, Partially Remedied by the KATP Channel Opener Minoxidil: Considerations and Cautions for the Treatment of People With Williams-Beuren Syndrome. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:886813. [PMID: 35665242 PMCID: PMC9160528 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.886813] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Williams Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a recurrent microdeletion disorder that removes one copy of elastin (ELN), resulting in large artery vasculopathy. Early stenosis of the pulmonary vascular tree is common, but few data are available on longer-term implications of the condition. Methods Computed tomography (CT) angiogram (n = 11) and echocardiogram (n = 20) were performed in children with WBS aged 3.4–17.8 years. Controls (n = 11, aged 4.4–16.8 years) also underwent echocardiogram. Eln+/− mice were analyzed by invasive catheter, echocardiogram, micro-CT (μCT), histology, and pressure myography. We subsequently tested whether minoxidil resulted in improved pulmonary vascular endpoints. Results WBS participants with a history of main or branch pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis requiring intervention continued to exhibit increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP, echocardiogram) relative to their peers without intervention (p < 0.01), with no clear difference in PA size. Untreated Eln+/− mice also show elevated RVSP by invasive catheterization (p < 0.0001), increased normalized right heart mass (p < 0.01) and reduced caliber branch PAs by pressure myography (p < 0.0001). Eln+/− main PA medias are thickened histologically relative to Eln+/+ (p < 0.0001). Most Eln+/− phenotypes are shared by both sexes, but PA medial thickness is substantially greater in Eln+/− males (p < 0.001). Eln+/− mice showed more acute proximal branching angles (p < 0.0001) and longer vascular segment lengths (p < 0.0001) (μCT), with genotype differences emerging by P7. Diminished PA acceleration time (p < 0.001) and systolic notching (p < 0.0001) were also observed in Eln+/− echocardiography. Vascular casting plus μCT revealed longer generation-specific PA arcade length (p < 0.0001), with increased PA branching detectable by P90 (p < 0.0001). Post-weaning minoxidil decreased RVSP (p < 0.01) and normalized PA caliber (p < 0.0001) but not early-onset proximal branching angle or segment length, nor later-developing peripheral branch number. Conclusions Vascular deficiencies beyond arterial caliber persist in individuals with WBS who have undergone PA stenosis intervention. Evaluation of Eln+/− mice reveals complex vascular changes that affect the proximal and distal vasculatures. Minoxidil, given post-weaning, decreases RVSP and improves lumen diameter, but does not alter other earlier-onset vascular patterns. Our data suggest additional therapies including minoxidil could be a useful adjunct to surgical therapy, and future trials should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell H. Knutsen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Leah M. Gober
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Elise K. Kronquist
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Maninder Kaur
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Danielle R. Donahue
- Mouse Imaging Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Danielle Springer
- Murine Phenotyping Core, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Zu Xi Yu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yi-Ping Fu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Feri Choobdar
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - My-Le Nguyen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sharon Osgood
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joy L. Freeman
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Neelam Raja
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mark D. Levin
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Beth A. Kozel
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Beth A. Kozel
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7
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Lin CJ, Cocciolone AJ, Wagenseil JE. Elastin, arterial mechanics, and stenosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 322:C875-C886. [PMID: 35196168 PMCID: PMC9037699 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00448.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Elastin is a long-lived extracellular matrix protein that is organized into elastic fibers that provide elasticity to the arterial wall, allowing stretch and recoil with each cardiac cycle. By forming lamellar units with smooth muscle cells, elastic fibers transduce tissue-level mechanics to cell-level changes through mechanobiological signaling. Altered amounts or assembly of elastic fibers leads to changes in arterial structure and mechanical behavior that compromise cardiovascular function. In particular, genetic mutations in the elastin gene (ELN) that reduce elastin protein levels are associated with focal arterial stenosis, or narrowing of the arterial lumen, such as that seen in supravalvular aortic stenosis and Williams-Beuren syndrome. Global reduction of Eln levels in mice allows investigation of the tissue- and cell-level arterial mechanical changes and associated alterations in smooth muscle cell phenotype that may contribute to stenosis formation. A loxP-floxed Eln allele in mice highlights cell type- and developmental origin-specific mechanobiological effects of reduced elastin amounts. Eln production is required in distinct cell types for elastic layer formation in different parts of the mouse vasculature. Eln deletion in smooth muscle cells from different developmental origins in the ascending aorta leads to characteristic patterns of vascular stenosis and neointima. Dissecting the mechanobiological signaling associated with local Eln depletion and subsequent smooth muscle cell response may help develop new therapeutic interventions for elastin-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Jung Lin
- 1Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri,2Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Austin J. Cocciolone
- 3Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jessica E. Wagenseil
- 4Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
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8
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Kiss T, Nyúl-Tóth Á, Gulej R, Tarantini S, Csipo T, Mukli P, Ungvari A, Balasubramanian P, Yabluchanskiy A, Benyo Z, Conley SM, Wren JD, Garman L, Huffman DM, Csiszar A, Ungvari Z. Old blood from heterochronic parabionts accelerates vascular aging in young mice: transcriptomic signature of pathologic smooth muscle remodeling. GeroScience 2022; 44:953-981. [PMID: 35124764 PMCID: PMC9135944 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00519-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular aging has a central role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases contributing to increased mortality of older adults. There is increasing evidence that, in addition to the documented role of cell-autonomous mechanisms of aging, cell-nonautonomous mechanisms also play a critical role in the regulation of vascular aging processes. Our recent transcriptomic studies (Kiss T. et al. Geroscience. 2020;42(2):727-748) demonstrated that circulating anti-geronic factors from young blood promote vascular rejuvenation in aged mice. The present study was designed to expand upon the results of this study by testing the hypothesis that circulating pro-geronic factors also contribute to the genesis of vascular aging phenotypes. To test this hypothesis, through heterochronic parabiosis, we determined the extent to which shifts in the vascular transcriptome (RNA-seq) are modulated by the old systemic environment. We reanalyzed existing RNA-seq data, comparing the transcriptome in the aorta arch samples isolated from isochronic parabiont aged (20-month-old) C57BL/6 mice [A-(A); parabiosis for 8 weeks] and young isochronic parabiont (6-month-old) mice [Y-(Y)] and also assessing transcriptomic changes in the aortic arch in young (6-month-old) parabiont mice [Y-(A); heterochronic parabiosis for 8 weeks] induced by the presence of old blood derived from aged (20-month-old) parabionts. We identified 528 concordant genes whose expression levels differed in the aged phenotype and were shifted towards the aged phenotype by the presence of old blood in young Y-(A) animals. Among them, the expression of 221 concordant genes was unaffected by the presence of young blood in A-(Y) mice. GO enrichment analysis suggests that old blood-regulated genes may contribute to pathologic vascular remodeling. IPA Upstream Regulator analysis (performed to identify upstream transcriptional regulators that may contribute to the observed transcriptomic changes) suggests that the mechanism of action of pro-geronic factors present in old blood may include inhibition of pathways mediated by SRF (serum response factor), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and VEGF-A. In conclusion, relatively short-term exposure to old blood can accelerate vascular aging processes. Our findings provide additional evidence supporting the significant plasticity of vascular aging and the existence of circulating pro-geronic factors mediating pathological remodeling of the vascular smooth muscle cells and the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Kiss
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, First Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Nyúl-Tóth
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Szeged, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rafal Gulej
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 USA
| | - Tamas Csipo
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Mukli
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Ungvari
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Priya Balasubramanian
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Zoltan Benyo
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Shannon M. Conley
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Jonathan D. Wren
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Lori Garman
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Genes & Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Derek M. Huffman
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
- Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY USA
| | - Anna Csiszar
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration Program, Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- The Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 USA
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Gkousioudi A, Yu X, Ferruzzi J, Qian J, Wainford RD, Seta F, Zhang Y. Biomechanical Properties of Mouse Carotid Arteries With Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome and Aging. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:862996. [PMID: 35392404 PMCID: PMC8980683 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.862996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Arteries gradually stiffen with aging; however, it can be worsened by the presence of conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of diet-induced metabolic syndrome and aging on the biomechanical properties of mouse common carotid arteries (CCA). Male mice at 2 months of age were fed a normal or a high fat and high sucrose (HFHS) diet for 2 (young group), 8 (adult group) and 18–20 (old group) months. CCAs were excised and subjected to in vitro biaxial inflation-extension tests and the Cauchy stress-stretch relationships were determined in both the circumferential and longitudinal directions. The elastic energy storage of CCAs was obtained using a four-fiber family constitutive model, while the material stiffness in the circumferential and longitudinal directions was computed. Our study showed that aging is a dominant factor affecting arterial remodeling in the adult and old mice, to a similar extent, with stiffening manifested with a significantly reduced capability of energy storage by ∼50% (p < 0.05) and decreases in material stiffness and stress (p < 0.05), regardless of diet. On the other hand, high fat high sucrose diet resulted in an accelerated arterial remodeling in the young group at pre-diabetic stage by affecting the circumferential material stiffness and stress (p < 0.05), which was eventually overshadowed by aging progression. These findings have important implications on the effects of metabolic syndrome on elastic arteries in the younger populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Gkousioudi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xunjie Yu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jacopo Ferruzzi
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Juncheng Qian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Richard D. Wainford
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, The Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Francesca Seta
- Vascular Biology Section, The Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yanhang Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Yanhang Zhang,
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Cavinato C, Murtada SI, Rojas A, Humphrey JD. Evolving structure-function relations during aortic maturation and aging revealed by multiphoton microscopy. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 196:111471. [PMID: 33741396 PMCID: PMC8154707 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The evolving microstructure and mechanical properties that promote homeostasis in the aorta are fundamental to age-specific adaptations and disease progression. We combine ex vivo multiphoton microscopy and biaxial biomechanical phenotyping to quantify and correlate layer-specific microstructural parameters, for the primary extracellular matrix components (fibrillar collagen and elastic lamellae) and cells (endothelial, smooth muscle, and adventitial), with mechanical properties of the mouse aorta from weaning through natural aging up to one year. The aging endothelium was characterized by progressive reductions in cell density and altered cellular orientation. The media similarly showed a progressive decrease in smooth muscle cell density and alignment though with inter-lamellar widening from intermediate to older ages, suggesting cell hypertrophy, matrix accumulation, or both. Despite not changing in tissue thickness, the aging adventitia exhibited a marked thickening and straightening of collagen fiber bundles and reduction in cell density, suggestive of age-related remodeling not growth. Multiple microstructural changes correlated with age-related increases in circumferential and axial material stiffness, among other mechanical metrics. Because of the importance of aging as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, understanding the normal progression of structural and functional changes is essential when evaluating superimposed disease-related changes as a function of the age of onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cavinato
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexia Rojas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Troia A, Knutsen RH, Halabi CM, Malide D, Yu ZX, Wardlaw-Pickett A, Kronquist EK, Tsang KM, Kovacs A, Mecham RP, Kozel BA. Inhibition of NOX1 Mitigates Blood Pressure Increases in Elastin Insufficiency. FUNCTION (OXFORD, ENGLAND) 2021; 2:zqab015. [PMID: 34223172 PMCID: PMC8248879 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Elastin (ELN) insufficiency leads to the cardiovascular hallmarks of the contiguous gene deletion disorder, Williams-Beuren syndrome, including hypertension and vascular stiffness. Previous studies showed that Williams-Beuren syndrome deletions, which extended to include the NCF1 gene, were associated with lower blood pressure (BP) and reduced vascular stiffness. NCF1 encodes for p47phox, the regulatory component of the NOX1 NADPH oxidase complex that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the vascular wall. Dihydroethidium and 8-hydroxyguanosine staining of mouse aortas confirmed that Eln heterozygotes (Eln+/- ) had greater ROS levels than the wild-types (Eln+/+ ), a finding that was negated in vessels cultured without hemodynamic stressors. To analyze the Nox effect on ELN insufficiency, we used both genetic and chemical manipulations. Both Ncf1 haploinsufficiency (Ncf1+/- ) and Nox1 insufficiency (Nox1-/y ) decreased oxidative stress and systolic BP in Eln+/- without modifying vascular structure. Chronic treatment with apocynin, a p47phox inhibitor, lowered systolic BP in Eln+/- , but had no impact on Eln+/+ controls. In vivo dosing with phenylephrine (PE) produced an augmented BP response in Eln+/- relative to Eln+/+ , and genetic modifications or drug-based interventions that lower Nox1 expression reduced the hypercontractile response to PE in Eln+/- mice to Eln+/+ levels. These results indicate that the mechanical and structural differences caused by ELN insufficiency leading to oscillatory flow can perpetuate oxidative stress conditions, which are linked to hypertension, and that by lowering the Nox1-mediated capacity for vascular ROS production, BP differences can be normalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Troia
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Russell H Knutsen
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carmen M Halabi
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Daniela Malide
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zu Xi Yu
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amanda Wardlaw-Pickett
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elise K Kronquist
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kit Man Tsang
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Attila Kovacs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Robert P Mecham
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Beth A Kozel
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA,Address correspondence to B.A.K. (e-mail: )
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