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Zheng J, Qi R, Dai C, Li G, Sang M. Enzyme Catalysis Biomotor Engineering of Neutrophils for Nanodrug Delivery and Cell-Based Thrombolytic Therapy. ACS NANO 2022; 16:2330-2344. [PMID: 35138084 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c08538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Utilizing neutrophils (NEs) to target and deliver nanodrugs to inflammation sites has received considerable attention. NEs are involved in the formation and development of thrombosis by transforming into neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs); this indicates that NEs may be a natural thrombolytic drug delivery carrier. However, NEs lack an effective power system to overcome blood flow resistance and enhance targeting efficiency. Herein, we report the application of a urease catalysis micromotor powered NEs nanodrug delivery system to promote thrombolysis and suppress rethrombosis. The urease micromotor powered Janus NEs (UM-NEs) were prepared by immobilizing the enzyme asymmetrically onto the surface of natural NEs and then loading urokinase (UK) coupled silver (Ag) nanoparticles (Ag-UK) to obtain the UM-NEs (Ag-UK) system. Urease catalytic endogenous urea is used to generate thrust by producing ammonia and carbon dioxide, which propels NEs actively targeting the thrombus. The UM-NEs (Ag-UK) can be activated by enriched inflammatory cytokines to release NETs at the thrombosis site, resulting in a concomitant release of Ag-UK. Ag-UK induces thrombolysis to restore vascular recanalization. This urease micromotor-driven NEs drug delivery system can significantly reduce the hemorrhagic side effects, promote thrombolysis, and inhibit rethrombosis with high bioavailability and biosafety, which can be used for the treatment of thrombotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinrong Zheng
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 2999 Jinshan Road, Huli District, Xiamen, China 361006
| | - Ruiqiang Qi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 2999 Jinshan Road, Huli District, Xiamen, China 361006
| | - Cuilian Dai
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 2999 Jinshan Road, Huli District, Xiamen, China 361006
| | - Gang Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 2999 Jinshan Road, Huli District, Xiamen, China 361006
| | - Mangmang Sang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 2999 Jinshan Road, Huli District, Xiamen, China 361006
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2
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Liu X, Zhang R, Fu G, Sun Y, Wu J, Zhang M, Tian J, Gu X, Zheng Y, Shi C, Hou J, Yu B. Methotrexate Therapy Promotes Cell Coverage and Stability in in-Stent Neointima. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2021; 35:915-925. [PMID: 33394362 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-020-07121-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Anti-proliferative drugs released from drug-eluting stents delay cell coverage and vascular healing, which increases the risk of late stent thrombosis. We assessed the potential effects of systemic methotrexate (MTX) on cell coverage, vascular healing and inflammation activation in vivo and in vitro. METHODS We applied MTX in the right common carotid artery in a rabbit stenting model to determine the impact on cell coverage and inflammation activation using a serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis and elucidated the molecular mechanism of MTX in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). RESULTS Low-dose MTX promoted the development of cell coverage and vascular healing, which was associated with fewer uncovered struts (%) and cross-sections with any uncovered struts (%) at 4 weeks of stenting. The MTX group also exhibited lower rates of heterogeneity, microvessels and per-strut low-signal-intensity layers, indicating neointimal instability at 12 weeks of stenting. In vitro, low-dose MTX strongly inhibited HUVEC apoptosis, promoted proliferation and inhibited inflammatory activation by targeting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signalling pathway. CONCLUSION Low-dose MTX may be a key means of promoting early cell coverage via the inhibition of the inflammatory response and stability of neointima by targeting inflammatory pathways after stent implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Qingchundong Road No. 3, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ruoxi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Xuefu Road No. 246, Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Guosheng Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Qingchundong Road No. 3, Jianggan District, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Xuefu Road No. 246, Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Xuefu Road No. 246, Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Maomao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Xuefu Road No. 246, Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Jinwei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Xuefu Road No. 246, Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Xia Gu
- Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Xuefu Road No. 246, Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Xuefu Road No. 246, Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Chengming Shi
- Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Xuefu Road No. 246, Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Jingbo Hou
- Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Xuefu Road No. 246, Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China. .,Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Xuefu Road No. 246, Nangang District, Harbin, China. .,Department of Cardiology, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, China.
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3
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Shi X, Cai H, Wang F, Liu R, Xu X, Li M, Han Y, Yin Q, Ye R, Liu X. Cholesterol Crystals are Associated with Carotid Plaque Vulnerability: An Optical Coherence Tomography Study. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2019; 29:104579. [PMID: 31852598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.104579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vulnerable carotid plaque is associated with cerebrovascular events. Cholesterol crystals are often seen in the atherosclerotic plaques. However, the potential role of cholesterol crystals in carotid plaques destabilization is unknown. We aimed to identify the association between cholesterol crystals and carotid plaque vulnerability. METHODS Optical coherence tomography assessment of carotid plaque was performed in 95 patients. Clinical characteristics and plaque morphology were examined. The differences in plaque characteristics (thrombus, calcification, neovascularization, and macrophage accumulations) and clinical parameters (age, symptom, coronary heart disease, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein) between patients with or without cholesterol crystals were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Among 66 patients with acceptable carotid atherosclerotic optical coherence tomography images, 16 were with and 50 were without cholesterol crystals. 56.3% patients (9 of 16) with cholesterol crystals had cerebrovascular ischemic symptom related to ipsilateral internal carotid artery, whereas only 26.0% patients (13 of 50) without cholesterol crystals had symptom (OR, 3.66; 95% CI, 1.13-11.82; P = .025). 75.0% of the plaques with cholesterol crystals had concomitant macrophage accumulation (OR, 4.14; 95% CI, 1.17-14.65; P = .04). In segments with cholesterol crystals, a higher presence of calcification could be demonstrated compared to those without cholesterol crystals (62.5% versus 32.0%, P = .03). 70.0% plaques with cholesterol crystals and calcification were classified as symptomatic plaques (OR, 6.38; 95% CI, 1.46-27.91; P = .01). No association between plaque rupture and cholesterol crystals was identified. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age and macrophage accumulation were independently associated with cholesterol crystals. CONCLUSIONS Carotid atherosclerotic plaques with cholesterol crystals were more likely to have concomitant macrophage and calcification accumulations. Patients with cholesterol crystals plaque experienced more cerebrovascular symptoms. Thus, cholesterol crystals, especially together with macrophage and calcification, may serve as an important component of venerable carotid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Shi
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haodi Cai
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaohui Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunfei Han
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Yin
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruidong Ye
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xinfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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4
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Abstract
In-stent neoatherosclerosis is an important problem after percutaneous coronary intervention. To explore the mechanisms and treatment of in-stent neoatherosclerosis, an animal model is needed. To avoid the disadvantages of current animal models, such as excessive use of X-rays and a high mortality rate, we attempted to develop an improved animal model. We explored a method that uses a short time interval to establish a rabbit model of in-stent neoatherosclerosis with a high survival rate and to evaluate its indicators. Sixty rabbits were divided into three equal groups: group A, the traditional method; group B, the standard intervention method; and group C, the improved method. In group C, we made two small incisions in each rabbit's neck, separated the common carotid, punctured it, and implanted a stent. The incision was then sutured. Four weeks later, we used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to scan all rabbits for neoatherosclerosis. We found no significant differences in OCT data between our new animal model and the traditional and interventional groups (P > 0.05). The technological success rate was higher in the new animal model (P < 0.001). We developed a new method to establish an animal model of neoatherosclerosis, which had similar results to the traditional and interventional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education
| | - Xing Luo
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education
| | - Ruoxi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education
| | - Shuyuan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education
| | - Jingbo Hou
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education
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Esteves PJ, Abrantes J, Baldauf HM, BenMohamed L, Chen Y, Christensen N, González-Gallego J, Giacani L, Hu J, Kaplan G, Keppler OT, Knight KL, Kong XP, Lanning DK, Le Pendu J, de Matos AL, Liu J, Liu S, Lopes AM, Lu S, Lukehart S, Manabe YC, Neves F, McFadden G, Pan R, Peng X, de Sousa-Pereira P, Pinheiro A, Rahman M, Ruvoën-Clouet N, Subbian S, Tuñón MJ, van der Loo W, Vaine M, Via LE, Wang S, Mage R. The wide utility of rabbits as models of human diseases. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:1-10. [PMID: 29789565 PMCID: PMC5964082 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies using the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus contributed to elucidating numerous fundamental aspects of antibody structure and diversification mechanisms and continue to be valuable for the development and testing of therapeutic humanized polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, during the last two decades, the use of the European rabbit as an animal model has been increasingly extended to many human diseases. This review documents the continuing wide utility of the rabbit as a reliable disease model for development of therapeutics and vaccines and studies of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying many human diseases. Examples include syphilis, tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, acute hepatic failure and diseases caused by noroviruses, ocular herpes, and papillomaviruses. The use of rabbits for vaccine development studies, which began with Louis Pasteur’s rabies vaccine in 1881, continues today with targets that include the potentially blinding HSV-1 virus infection and HIV-AIDS. Additionally, two highly fatal viral diseases, rabbit hemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis, affect the European rabbit and provide unique models to understand co-evolution between a vertebrate host and viral pathogens. Rabbits offer a powerful complement to rodents as a model for studying human immunology, disease pathology, and responses to infectious disease. A review from Pedro Esteves at the University of Porto, Portugal, Rose Mage of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Bethesda, USA and colleagues highlights some of the areas of research where rabbits offer an edge over rats and mice. Rabbits have a particularly sophisticated adaptive immune system, which could provide useful insights into human biology and produce valuable research and clinical reagents. They are also excellent models for studying - infectious diseases such as syphilis and tuberculosis, which produce pathology that closely resembles that of human patients. Rabbit-specific infections such as myxomatosis are giving researchers insights into how pathogens and hosts can shape each other’s evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro J Esteves
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal. .,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal. .,Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde (CESPU), Gandra, Portugal.
| | - Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Hanna-Mari Baldauf
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute and Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Lbachir BenMohamed
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.,Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine School of Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Yuxing Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Neil Christensen
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Comparative Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Javier González-Gallego
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Giacani
- Departments of Medicine and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jiafen Hu
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Comparative Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Gilla Kaplan
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Oliver T Keppler
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute and Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Katherine L Knight
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY10016, USA
| | - Dennis K Lanning
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Jacques Le Pendu
- CRCINA, Inserm, Université d'Angers, Université de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Ana Lemos de Matos
- The Biodesign Institute, Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5401, USA
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Shuying Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Ana M Lopes
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.,Department of Anatomy and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Shan Lu
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Sheila Lukehart
- Departments of Medicine and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Yukari C Manabe
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fabiana Neves
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Grant McFadden
- The Biodesign Institute, Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5401, USA
| | - Ruimin Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY10016, USA
| | - Xuwen Peng
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Comparative Medicine, Penn State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Patricia de Sousa-Pereira
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.,Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.,Max von Pettenkofer Institute and Gene Center, Virology, National Reference Center for Retroviruses, Faculty of Medicine, LMU München, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ana Pinheiro
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Masmudur Rahman
- The Biodesign Institute, Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5401, USA
| | | | - Selvakumar Subbian
- The Public Health Research Institute (PHRI) at New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS), Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Maria Jesús Tuñón
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Wessel van der Loo
- CIBIO, InBIO, Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Michael Vaine
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Laura E Via
- Tubercolosis Research Section, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shixia Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Rose Mage
- Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Shih CC, Chen PY, Ma T, Zhou Q, Shung KK, Huang CC. Development of an intravascular ultrasound elastography based on a dual-element transducer. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:180138. [PMID: 29765694 PMCID: PMC5936959 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The ability to measure the elastic properties of plaques and vessels would be useful in clinical diagnoses, particularly for detecting a vulnerable plaque. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the combination of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and acoustic radiation force elasticity imaging for detecting the distribution of stiffness within atherosclerotic arteries ex vivo. A dual-frequency IVUS transducer with two elements was used to induce the propagation of the shear wave (by the 8.5 MHz pushing element) which could be simultaneously monitored by the 31 MHz imaging element. The wave-amplitude image and the wave-velocity image were reconstructed by measuring the peak displacement and wave velocity of shear wave propagation, respectively. System performance was verified using gelatin phantoms. The phantom results demonstrate that the stiffness differences of shear modulus of 1.6 kPa can be distinguished through the wave-amplitude and wave-velocity images. The stiffness distributions of the atherosclerotic aorta from a rabbit were obtained, for which the values of peak displacement and the shear wave velocity were 3.7 ± 1.2 µm and 0.38 ± 0.19 m s-1 for the lipid-rich plaques, and 1.0 ± 0.2 µm and 3.45 ± 0.45 m s-1 for the arterial walls, respectively. These results indicate that IVUS elasticity imaging can be used to distinguish the elastic properties of plaques and vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho-Chiang Shih
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yu Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Teng Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qifa Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - K. Kirk Shung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chih-Chung Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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7
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Progression and Characterization of the Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Iliac Artery of New Zealand White Rabbits: Effect of Simvastatin. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2018; 69:314-325. [PMID: 28207427 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although atherosclerosis is described in New Zealand White rabbit's iliac artery, yet details of time-dependent atherosclerosis progression are not well known. Further, a well characterized accelerated model of atherosclerosis is also required for the screening of candidate drugs to target specific steps of atherosclerosis development. The present study extensively characterizes the time-dependent plaque composition and functional responses of the atherosclerosis in rabbit iliac artery and its modification by simvastatin. METHODS Atherosclerosis was induced with a combination of balloon injury and atherogenic diet (AD) (1% cholesterol, 6% peanut oil) in rabbit's iliac artery. Atherosclerosis progression was evaluated on days 8, 10, 15, 21, 35, and 56 after AD feeding. The plaque characterization was done using histology, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and vasoreactivity experiments. The standard anti-hyperlipidemic drug, simvastatin (5 mg·kg·d), was used to investigate its effect on atherosclerotic changes. RESULTS Plasma lipids were elevated in a progressive manner after AD feeding from days 8 to 56. Similarly, arterial lipids, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) level along with infiltration of macrophages in the lesion area were also increased from day 15 onward. This resulted in a significant increase in the plaque area and intimal-medial thickness ratio in contrast to normal animals. Inflammatory milieu was observed with a significant increase in expression of pro-inflammatory regulators like MCP-1, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1), whereas anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 decreased as disease progressed. Endothelial dysfunction was also observed, specifically Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasorelaxation was reduced from day 8 onward, whereas the phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction response was progressively reduced from day 15 in the iliac artery. Ground substances including proteoglycans, α-actin, and collagen content along with metalloproteinase-9 and Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) inhibitors were significantly augmented at later time points, day 21 onward. Simvastatin treatment for 35 days, at a dose having no significant effect on plasma lipid levels, significantly reduced atherosclerotic progression as evident by reduced macrophage content, inflammatory burden, and extracellular matrix component like proteoglycans and metalloproteinase-9. CONCLUSIONS The authors observed that AD feeding with balloon injury in the rabbit iliac artery accelerated the progression of atherosclerosis and exhibited predominant features of type III human lesion within 8 weeks (56 days). Simvastatin treatment for 35 days exhibited anti-atherosclerotic efficacy without significantly lowering the circulating lipids. The current study thus provides an insight into the time-dependent atherosclerotic progression in rabbit iliac artery and highlights its utility for anti-atherosclerotic evaluation of the candidate drugs.
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8
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Abdali NT, Yaseen AH, Said E, Ibrahim TM. Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil mitigates high-cholesterol diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and vascular damage. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2017; 390:409-422. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-017-1343-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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9
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Zhang R, Chen S, Zhang H, Liu Q, Xing J, Zhao Q, Wang Y, Yu B, Hou J. Effects of Methotrexate in a Rabbit Model of In-Stent Neoatherosclerosis: An Optical Coherence Tomography Study. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33657. [PMID: 27644847 PMCID: PMC5028880 DOI: 10.1038/srep33657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to investigate the effects of systemic methotrexate, in combination with a drug-eluting stent, on in-stent neoatherosclerosis in a rabbit model. Sirolimus-eluting stents were surgically implanted in the right common carotid arteries of 200 male New Zealand White rabbits; the animals received a high-fat diet, beginning one week before stent implantation. Each animal was randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups, receiving intravenous injections of either methotrexate (0.4 mg/kg) or placebo weekly for 4 or 12 weeks. Stented arterial segments were harvested after stenting for 4 or 12 weeks, and processed for OCT and histological analysis. Prior to harvesting the arterial segments, blood was collected for the determinations of cytokine levels. Compared with the control animals, the methotrexate-treated animals showed lower rates of lipid-rich intima and per-strut low-signal intensity layers, smaller neointimal areas, and reduced neointimal thickness; larger fibrous cap thicknesses and smaller lumen areas were also seen in the animals receiving methotrexate. The levels of serum interleukin, adhesion molecules, and nuclear factor-κB p65 decreased and IL-10 level increased in the methotrexate-treated animals. Targeting the pro-inflammatory pathways may be an effective way to prevent restenosis without the long-term risk of late thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Shuyuan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Jianpang Xing
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Jingbo Hou
- Department of Cardiology, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
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Molecular Imaging of Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaques in Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17091511. [PMID: 27618031 PMCID: PMC5037788 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17091511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is characterized by intimal plaques of the arterial vessels that develop slowly and, in some cases, may undergo spontaneous rupture with subsequent heart attack or stroke. Currently, noninvasive diagnostic tools are inadequate to screen atherosclerotic lesions at high risk of acute complications. Therefore, the attention of the scientific community has been focused on the use of molecular imaging for identifying vulnerable plaques. Genetically engineered murine models such as ApoE−/− and ApoE−/−Fbn1C1039G+/− mice have been shown to be useful for testing new probes targeting biomarkers of relevant molecular processes for the characterization of vulnerable plaques, such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1, VEGFR-2, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, P-selectin, and integrins, and for the potential development of translational tools to identify high-risk patients who could benefit from early therapeutic interventions. This review summarizes the main animal models of vulnerable plaques, with an emphasis on genetically altered mice, and the state-of-the-art preclinical molecular imaging strategies.
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Analysis of the Usefulness of Optical Coherence Tomography and Intravascular Ultrasonography for the Examination of Rabbit Atherosclerotic Plaques. Ultrasound Q 2016; 32:75-81. [DOI: 10.1097/ruq.0000000000000167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Fulcher J, Patel S, Nicholls SJ, Bao S, Celermajer D. Optical coherence tomography for serial in vivo imaging of aortic plaque in the rabbit: a preliminary experience. Open Heart 2015; 2:e000314. [PMID: 26468403 PMCID: PMC4600250 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2015-000314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In this pilot feasibility study, we aimed to establish a reproducible means of performing serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) procedures in the abdominal aorta of the cholesterol-fed rabbit. Methods Eight cholesterol-fed New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to abdominal aortic balloon injury at baseline (n=6) or as controls (n=2). Three of the balloon injured rabbits received statins from weeks 6 to 12 post balloon injury. OCT of the abdominal aorta in each rabbit was performed at baseline±week 6±week 12 via alternate vascular access points (left or right femoral artery or left carotid artery). OCT sequences were analysed to derive an indexed plaque volume and other OCT measures of plaque complexity, and results were compared between groups. Histopathological correlations with OCT images were made following terminal procedures. Results Of the 16 OCT procedures in these rabbits (6 at baseline, 4 at 6 weeks, 6 at 12 weeks), excellent and analysable images were obtained on 15 occasions (94%). Inability to obtain adequate arterial access for the OCT catheter was the major experimental limitation encountered in the early part of our experience. Balloon injured rabbits developed larger volume and more complex plaque than non-balloon injured rabbits on all OCT indices measured (eg, both mean plaque volume and lumen stenosis were approximately double in the balloon injured group, p<0.0001). A significant correlation between 12 week measures of plaque area by OCT and histology was demonstrated (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.992, p<0.0001). Conclusions Our preliminary experience suggests that serial OCT of the abdominal aorta in the New Zealand White rabbit is feasible and a potentially promising means of performing serial studies of aortic atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Fulcher
- Department of Cardiology , Royal Prince Alfred Hospital , Camperdown, New South Wales , Australia ; NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre , Camperdown, New South Wales , Australia ; Heart Research Institute , Newtown, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Sanjay Patel
- Department of Cardiology , Royal Prince Alfred Hospital , Camperdown, New South Wales , Australia ; Heart Research Institute , Newtown, New South Wales , Australia ; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Stephen J Nicholls
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute , Adelaide, South Australia , Australia
| | - Shisan Bao
- Discipline of Pathology , The University of Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
| | - David Celermajer
- Department of Cardiology , Royal Prince Alfred Hospital , Camperdown, New South Wales , Australia ; Heart Research Institute , Newtown, New South Wales , Australia ; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
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Neves F, Abrantes J, Almeida T, de Matos AL, Costa PP, Esteves PJ. Genetic characterization of interleukins (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12A, IL-12B, IL-15 and IL-18) with relevant biological roles in lagomorphs. Innate Immun 2015; 21:787-801. [PMID: 26395994 PMCID: PMC4609935 DOI: 10.1177/1753425915606209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
ILs, as essential innate immune modulators, are involved in an array of biological processes. In the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12A, IL-12B, IL-15 and IL-18 have been implicated in inflammatory processes and in the immune response against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus and myxoma virus infections. In this study we characterized these ILs in six Lagomorpha species (European rabbit, pygmy rabbit, two cottontail rabbit species, European brown hare and American pika). Overall, these ILs are conserved between lagomorphs, including in their exon/intron structure. Most differences were observed between leporids and American pika. Indeed, when comparing both, some relevant differences were observed in American pika, such as the location of the stop codon in IL-1α and IL-2, the existence of a different transcript in IL8 and the number of cysteine residues in IL-1β. Changes at N-glycosylation motifs were also detected in IL-1, IL-10, IL-12B and IL-15. IL-1α is the protein that presents the highest evolutionary distances, which is in contrast to IL-12A where the distances between lagomorphs are the lowest. For all these ILs, sequences of human and European rabbit are more closely related than between human and mouse or European rabbit and mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Neves
- CIBIO, InBIO-Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal UMIB/UP-Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica/Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Abrantes
- CIBIO, InBIO-Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Tereza Almeida
- CIBIO, InBIO-Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Ana Lemos de Matos
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paulo P Costa
- UMIB/UP-Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica/Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal Departmento Genética, CSPGF, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro J Esteves
- CIBIO, InBIO-Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal CITS-Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias de Saúde, CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
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Curcuma oil attenuates accelerated atherosclerosis and macrophage foam-cell formation by modulating genes involved in plaque stability, lipid homeostasis and inflammation. Br J Nutr 2014; 113:100-13. [PMID: 25391643 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114514003195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the anti-atherosclerotic effect and the underlying mechanism of curcuma oil (C. oil), a lipophilic fraction from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), was evaluated in a hamster model of accelerated atherosclerosis and in THP-1 macrophages. Male golden Syrian hamsters were subjected to partial carotid ligation (PCL) or FeCl3-induced arterial oxidative injury (Ox-injury) after 1 week of treatment with a high-cholesterol (HC) diet or HC diet plus C. oil (100 and 300 mg/kg, orally). Hamsters fed with the HC diet were analysed at 1, 3 and 5 weeks following carotid injury. The HC diet plus C. oil-fed group was analysed at 5 weeks. In hyperlipidaemic hamsters with PCL or Ox-injury, C. oil (300 mg/kg) reduced elevated plasma and aortic lipid levels, arterial macrophage accumulation, and stenosis when compared with those subjected to arterial injury alone. Similarly, elevated mRNA transcripts of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, cluster of differentiation 45 (CD45), TNF-α, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced in atherosclerotic arteries, while those of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and IL-10 were increased after the C. oil treatment (300 mg/kg). The treatment with C. oil prevented HC diet- and oxidised LDL (OxLDL)-induced lipid accumulation, decreased the mRNA expression of CD68 and CD36, and increased the mRNA expression of PPARα, LXRα, ABCA1 and ABCG1 in both hyperlipidaemic hamster-derived peritoneal and THP-1 macrophages. The administration of C. oil suppressed the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ and increased the expression of TGF-β in peritoneal macrophages. In THP-1 macrophages, C. oil supplementation prevented OxLDL-induced production of TNF-α and IL-1β and increased the levels of TGF-β. The present study shows that C. oil attenuates arterial injury-induced accelerated atherosclerosis, inflammation and macrophage foam-cell formation.
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15
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A rat model of thrombosis in common carotid artery induced by implantable wireless light-emitting diode device. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:724134. [PMID: 25045695 PMCID: PMC4090467 DOI: 10.1155/2014/724134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This work has developed a novel approach to form common carotid artery (CCA) thrombus in rats with a wireless implantable light-emitting diode (LED) device. The device mainly consists of an external controller and an internal LED assembly. The controller was responsible for wirelessly transmitting electrical power. The internal LED assembly served as an implant to receive the power and irradiate light on CCA. The thrombus formation was identified with animal sonography, 7 T magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathologic examination. The present study showed that a LED assembly implanted on the outer surface of CCA could induce acute occlusion with single irradiation with 6 mW/cm(2) LED for 4 h. If intermittent irradiation with 4.3-4.5 mW/cm(2) LED for 2 h was shut off for 30 min, then irradiation for another 2 h was applied; the thrombus was observed to grow gradually and was totally occluded at 7 days. Compared with the contralateral CCA without LED irradiation, the arterial endothelium in the LED-irradiated artery was discontinued. Our study has shown that, by adjusting the duration of irradiation and the power intensity of LED, it is possible to produce acute occlusion and progressive thrombosis, which can be used as an animal model for antithrombotic drug development.
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16
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den Dekker WK, Tempel D, Speelman L, Huizingh J, Ramos A, Gijsen FJ, Wentzel JJ, Cheng C, Duckers HJ. Effect of shear stress alteration on atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Vasc Med 2014; 19:94-102. [PMID: 24829311 DOI: 10.1177/1358863x14529006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we created an experimental murine model for the induction of vulnerable plaque (VP). Although this murine model offers the opportunity to study the different molecular biological pathways that regulate plaque destabilization, the size of the animals severely limits the use of the model for in vivo diagnostics and percutaneous interventions. This study aimed to create a VP model in the rabbit, based on the murine model, to aid the assessment and development of novel diagnostic and interventional tools. New Zealand white rabbits were fed on a 2% cholesterol diet. After 1 week, a shear stress-altering device was implanted around the right carotid artery. Twelve weeks after cast placement, the carotid artery was isolated and processed for (immuno-)histological analysis to evaluate the presence of a VP phenotype. Atherosclerotic plaques with high lipid and macrophage content, low vascular smooth muscle cell content and intimal neovascularization were located upstream and downstream of the cast. The plaques lacked a significant necrotic core. In conclusion, we were able to create atherosclerotic plaques with a phenotype beyond that of a fatty streak, with a high percentage of lipids and macrophages, a thick cap with some vascular smooth muscle cells and neovascularization. However, as there was only a small necrotic core, the overall phenotype seems less vulnerable as compared to the thin fibrous cap atheroma in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wijnand K den Dekker
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, Experimental Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dennie Tempel
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, Experimental Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lambert Speelman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Huizingh
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, Experimental Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Allan Ramos
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, Experimental Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J Gijsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda J Wentzel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Cheng
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, Experimental Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henricus J Duckers
- Department of Cardiology, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Lipinski B, Pretorius E. Iron-induced fibrin in cardiovascular disease. Curr Neurovasc Res 2014; 10:269-74. [PMID: 23721262 PMCID: PMC3763776 DOI: 10.2174/15672026113109990016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence within the last two decades indicates the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic inflammatory state. Under normal conditions fibrin clots are gradually degraded by the fibrinolytic enzyme system, so no permanent insoluble deposits remain in the circulation. However, fibrinolytic therapy in coronary and cerebral thrombosis is ineffective unless it is installed within 3-5 hours of the onset. We have shown that trivalent iron (FeIII) initiates a hydroxyl radical-catalyzed conversion of fibrinogen into a fibrin-like polymer (parafibrin) that is remarkably resistant to the proteolytic dissolution and thus promotes its intravascular deposition. Here we suggest that the persistent presence of proteolysis-resistant fibrin clots causes chronic inflammation. We study the effects of certain amphiphilic substances on the iron- and thrombin-induced fibrinogen polymerization visualized using scanning electron microscopy. We argue that the culprit is an excessive accumulation of free iron in blood, known to be associated with CVD. The only way to prevent iron overload is by supplementation with iron chelating agents. However, administration of free radical scavengers as effective protection against persistent presence of fibrin-like deposits should also be investigated to contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular and other degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boguslaw Lipinski
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Khanna V, Jain M, Singh V, Kanshana JS, Prakash P, Barthwal MK, Murthy PSR, Dikshit M. Cholesterol diet withdrawal leads to an initial plaque instability and subsequent regression of accelerated iliac artery atherosclerosis in rabbits. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77037. [PMID: 24146955 PMCID: PMC3798418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Effect of long term cholesterol diet withdrawal on accelerated atherosclerosis in iliac artery of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits has not been explored so far. Atherosclerosis was thus induced in rabbits by a combination of balloon injury and atherogenic diet (AD) (1% cholesterol and 6% peanut oil) feeding for 8 weeks (baseline) followed by chow diet (CD) feeding for 4, 8, 16, 32, 50 and 64 weeks. The plaque characterization was done using histology, real time RT-PCR and vasoreactivity studies. Significant elevation in plasma lipids with AD feeding was normalized following 16 weeks of CD feeding. However, baseline comparison showed advanced plaque features even after 8 weeks of CD period with significant elevation in intima/media thickness ratio and plaque area later showing reduction at 50 and 64 weeks CD periods. Lesion lipid accumulation and CD68 positivity was maintained till 16 weeks of CD feeding which significantly reduced from 32 to 64 weeks CD periods. Baseline comparison showed significant increase in ground substance, MMP-9 and significant decrease in α-actin and collagen content at 8 weeks CD period indicating features of unstable plaque. These features regressed up to 64 weeks of CD. Partial restoration of functional vasoconstriction and vasorelaxation was seen after 64 weeks of CD feeding. mRNA expression of MCP-1, VCAM-1, collagen type I and III, MMP-9, TIMP-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10 and eNOS supported the above findings. The study thus reveals insights into initial plaque instability and subsequent regression on AD withdrawal in this model. These results are suggestive of an appropriate window for drug intervention for plaque stability/regression and restenosis as well as improves understanding of plaque regression phenomenon in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Khanna
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Manish Jain
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vishal Singh
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jitendra S. Kanshana
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Prem Prakash
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Manoj K. Barthwal
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Puvvada S. R. Murthy
- Toxicology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Madhu Dikshit
- Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, B.S. 10/1, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
- * E-mail:
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Validation of a new animal model of vulnerable plaques by intravascular optical coherence tomography in vivo. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:469726. [PMID: 23093846 PMCID: PMC3470894 DOI: 10.1155/2012/469726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to establish a rabbit model of vulnerable plaques (VPs) with the morphology and component characteristics of human VPs and to evaluate the microstructural features of VPs in vivo using intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT). Twelve rabbits underwent endothelial denudation of the carotid artery and consumed a 1% high-cholesterol diet (HCD). They were equally divided into two groups: group A (modified needle injury) and group B (balloon injury). OCT was undertaken thrice before injury as well as 1 h and 12 weeks after injury. The degree of acute artery injury after endothelial denudation was detected by OCT. Twelve weeks after injury, OCT showed that both groups generated VPs which had thin fibrous caps and a large lipid core, whereas plaques in group A had smaller lipid arcs (P < 0.0001). Histological findings demonstrated that a larger eccentricity index (EI) (P < 0.05) and greater infiltration of macrophages (P < 0.05) in group A than in group B. Qualitative and morphometric analyses of plaques showed a significant correlation between histological and OCT measurements. A combination of modified endothelial denudation and an HCD in rabbits produced more eccentric lesions similar to those seen in humans. These data suggest that OCT could be a useful tool for evaluation of the degree of injury and VPs in vivo.
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