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Pius-Sadowska E, Kulig P, Niedźwiedź A, Baumert B, Łuczkowska K, Rogińska D, Sobuś A, Ulańczyk Z, Kawa M, Paczkowska E, Parczewski M, Machalińska A, Machaliński B. VEGFR and DPP-IV as Markers of Severe COVID-19 and Predictors of ICU Admission. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17003. [PMID: 38069327 PMCID: PMC10707633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of the severe course of COVID-19 is multifactorial and not entirely elucidated. However, it is well known that the hyperinflammatory response and cytokine storm are paramount events leading to further complications. In this paper, we investigated the vascular response in the pathophysiology of severe COVID-19 and aimed to identify novel biomarkers predictive of ICU admission. The study group consisted of 210 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (age range: 18-93; mean ± SD: 57.78 ± 14.16), while the control group consisted of 80 healthy individuals. We assessed the plasma concentrations of various vascular factors using the Luminex technique. Then, we isolated RNA from blood mononuclear cells and performed a bioinformatics analysis investigating various processes related to vascular response, inflammation and angiogenesis. Our results confirmed that severe COVID-19 is associated with vWF/ADAMTS 13 imbalance. High plasma concentrations of VEGFR and low DPP-IV may be potential predictors of ICU admission. SARS-CoV-2 infection impairs angiogenesis, hinders the generation of nitric oxide, and thus impedes vasodilation. The hypercoagulable state develops mainly in the early stages of the disease, which may contribute to the well-established complications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Pius-Sadowska
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.N.); (B.B.); (K.Ł.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (Z.U.); (E.P.)
| | - Piotr Kulig
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.N.); (B.B.); (K.Ł.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (Z.U.); (E.P.)
| | - Anna Niedźwiedź
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.N.); (B.B.); (K.Ł.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (Z.U.); (E.P.)
| | - Bartłomiej Baumert
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.N.); (B.B.); (K.Ł.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (Z.U.); (E.P.)
| | - Karolina Łuczkowska
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.N.); (B.B.); (K.Ł.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (Z.U.); (E.P.)
| | - Dorota Rogińska
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.N.); (B.B.); (K.Ł.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (Z.U.); (E.P.)
| | - Anna Sobuś
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.N.); (B.B.); (K.Ł.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (Z.U.); (E.P.)
| | - Zofia Ulańczyk
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.N.); (B.B.); (K.Ł.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (Z.U.); (E.P.)
| | - Miłosz Kawa
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.N.); (B.B.); (K.Ł.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (Z.U.); (E.P.)
| | - Edyta Paczkowska
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.N.); (B.B.); (K.Ł.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (Z.U.); (E.P.)
| | - Miłosz Parczewski
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Arkońska 4 Street, 71-455 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Anna Machalińska
- First Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Bogusław Machaliński
- Department of General Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (P.K.); (A.N.); (B.B.); (K.Ł.); (D.R.); (A.S.); (Z.U.); (E.P.)
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2
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Mohan M, Mannan A, Singh TG. Therapeutic implication of Sonic Hedgehog as a potential modulator in ischemic injury. Pharmacol Rep 2023:10.1007/s43440-023-00505-0. [PMID: 37347388 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00505-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Sonic Hedgehog (SHh) is a homology protein that is involved in the modeling and development of embryonic tissues. As SHh plays both protective and harmful roles in ischemia, any disruption in the transduction and regulation of the SHh signaling pathway causes ischemia to worsen. The SHh signal activation occurs when SHh binds to the receptor complex of Ptc-mediated Smoothened (Smo) (Ptc-smo), which initiates the downstream signaling cascade. This article will shed light on how pharmacological modifications to the SHh signaling pathway transduction mechanism alter ischemic conditions via canonical and non-canonical pathways by activating certain downstream signaling cascades with respect to protein kinase pathways, angiogenic cytokines, inflammatory mediators, oxidative parameters, and apoptotic pathways. The canonical pathway includes direct activation of interleukins (ILs), angiogenic cytokines like hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF-), which modulate ischemia. The non-canonical pathway includes indirect activation of certain pathways like mTOR, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, RhoA/ROCK, Wnt/-catenin, NOTCH, Forkhead box protein (FOXF), Toll-like receptors (TLR), oxidative parameters such as GSH, SOD, and CAT, and some apoptotic parameters such as Bcl2. This review provides comprehensive insights that contribute to our knowledge of how SHh impacts the progression and outcomes of ischemic injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maneesh Mohan
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India
| | - Ashi Mannan
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India
| | - Thakur Gurjeet Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India.
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3
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Masoud AG, Lin J, Zhu LF, Tao K, Ness NW, Kassiri Z, Moore RB, Vanhaesebroeck B, West L, Anderson CC, Oudit GY, Murray AG. Endothelial phosphoinositide 3-kinase-β inactivation confers protection from immune-mediated vascular injury. Am J Transplant 2023; 23:202-213. [PMID: 36804130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Heart transplant and recipient survival are limited by immune cell-mediated injury of the graft vasculature. We examined the role of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-β (PI3Kβ) isoform in endothelial cells (EC) during coronary vascular immune injury and repair in mice. In minor histocompatibility-antigen mismatched allogeneic heart grafts, a robust immune response was mounted to each wild-type, PI3Kβ inhibitor-treated, or endothelial-selective PI3Kβ knockout (ECβKO) graft transplanted to wild-type recipients. However, microvascular EC loss and progressive occlusive vasculopathy only developed in control, but not PI3Kβ-inactivated hearts. We observed a delay in inflammatory cell infiltration of the ECβKO grafts, particularly in the coronary arteries. Surprisingly, this was accompanied by an impaired display of proinflammatory chemokine and adhesion molecules by the ECβKO ECs. In vitro, tumor necrosis factor α-stimulated endothelial ICAM1 and VCAM1 expression was blocked by PI3Kβ inhibition or RNA interference. Selective PI3Kβ inhibition also blocked tumor necrosis factor α-stimulated degradation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa Bα and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B p65 in EC. These data identify PI3Kβ as a therapeutic target to reduce vascular inflammation and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Masoud
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Transplant Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jiaxin Lin
- Alberta Transplant Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lin F Zhu
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kesheng Tao
- Alberta Transplant Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nathan W Ness
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Transplant Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zamaneh Kassiri
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ronald B Moore
- Alberta Transplant Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Lori West
- Alberta Transplant Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Colin C Anderson
- Alberta Transplant Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gavin Y Oudit
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, England, UK; Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Allan G Murray
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Transplant Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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4
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Krebs R, Tikkanen JM, Raissadati A, Hollmén M, Dhaygude K, Lemström KB. Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors 1 and 2 Attenuates Natural Killer Cell and Innate Immune Responses in an Experimental Model for Obliterative Bronchiolitis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 192:254-269. [PMID: 34774518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) after lung transplantation is a nonreversible, life-threatening complication. We investigated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1 and -2 in the development of obliterative airway disease (OAD), an experimental model for OB. The nonimmunosuppressed recipients underwent transplantation with fully major histocompatibility complex mismatched heterotopic tracheal allografts and received VEGFR-1 and -2-specific monoclonal antibodies either alone or in combination or rat IgG as a control. The treatment with VEGFR-1- or -2-blocking antibody significantly decreased intragraft mRNA expression of natural killer cell activation markers early after transplantation. This was followed by reduced infiltration of CD11b+ cells and CD4+ T cells as well as down-regulated mRNA expression of proinflammatory chemokines and profibrotic growth factors. However, blocking of both VEGFR-1 and -2 was necessary to reduce luminal occlusion. Furthermore, concomitant inhibition of the calcineurin activation pathway almost totally abolished the development of OAD. This study proposes that blocking of VEGF receptors blunted natural killer cell and innate immune responses early after transplantation and attenuated the development of OAD. The results of this study suggest that further studies on the role of VEGFR-1 and -2 blocking in development of obliterative airway lesions might be rewarding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Krebs
- Translational Immunology Research Program, Transplantation Laboratory, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Jussi M Tikkanen
- Translational Immunology Research Program, Transplantation Laboratory, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alireza Raissadati
- Translational Immunology Research Program, Transplantation Laboratory, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Hollmén
- Translational Immunology Research Program, Transplantation Laboratory, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kishor Dhaygude
- Translational Immunology Research Program, Transplantation Laboratory, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karl B Lemström
- Translational Immunology Research Program, Transplantation Laboratory, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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5
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Uemura A, Fruttiger M, D'Amore PA, De Falco S, Joussen AM, Sennlaub F, Brunck LR, Johnson KT, Lambrou GN, Rittenhouse KD, Langmann T. VEGFR1 signaling in retinal angiogenesis and microinflammation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100954. [PMID: 33640465 PMCID: PMC8385046 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Five vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) ligands (VEGF-A, -B, -C, -D, and placental growth factor [PlGF]) constitute the VEGF family. VEGF-A binds VEGF receptors 1 and 2 (VEGFR1/2), whereas VEGF-B and PlGF only bind VEGFR1. Although much research has been conducted on VEGFR2 to elucidate its key role in retinal diseases, recent efforts have shown the importance and involvement of VEGFR1 and its family of ligands in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and microinflammatory cascades within the retina. Expression of VEGFR1 depends on the microenvironment, is differentially regulated under hypoxic and inflammatory conditions, and it has been detected in retinal and choroidal endothelial cells, pericytes, retinal and choroidal mononuclear phagocytes (including microglia), Müller cells, photoreceptor cells, and the retinal pigment epithelium. Whilst the VEGF-A decoy function of VEGFR1 is well established, consequences of its direct signaling are less clear. VEGFR1 activation can affect vascular permeability and induce macrophage and microglia production of proinflammatory and proangiogenic mediators. However the ability of the VEGFR1 ligands (VEGF-A, PlGF, and VEGF-B) to compete against each other for receptor binding and to heterodimerize complicates our understanding of the relative contribution of VEGFR1 signaling alone toward the pathologic processes seen in diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, retinopathy of prematurity, and age-related macular degeneration. Clinically, anti-VEGF drugs have proven transformational in these pathologies and their impact on modulation of VEGFR1 signaling is still an opportunity-rich field for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiyoshi Uemura
- Department of Retinal Vascular Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan.
| | - Marcus Fruttiger
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
| | - Patricia A D'Amore
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 20 Staniford Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Sandro De Falco
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; ANBITION S.r.l., Via Manzoni 1, 80123, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonia M Joussen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, and Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Florian Sennlaub
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, 17 rue Moreau, F-75012, Paris, France.
| | - Lynne R Brunck
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Kristian T Johnson
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - George N Lambrou
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Kay D Rittenhouse
- Bayer Consumer Care AG, Pharmaceuticals, Peter-Merian-Strasse 84, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Langmann
- Laboratory for Experimental Immunology of the Eye, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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6
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Inagaki T, Pearson JT, Tsuchimochi H, Schwenke DO, Saito S, Higuchi T, Masaki T, Umetani K, Shirai M, Nakaoka Y. Evaluation of right coronary vascular dysfunction in severe pulmonary hypertensive rats using synchrotron radiation microangiography. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1021-H1036. [PMID: 33481696 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00327.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) causes cardiac hypertrophy in the right ventricle (RV) and eventually leads to RV failure due to persistently elevated ventricular afterload. We hypothesized that the mechanical stress on the RV associated with increased afterload impairs vasodilator function of the right coronary artery (RCA) in PH. Coronary vascular response was assessed using microangiography with synchrotron radiation (SR) in two well-established PH rat models, monocrotaline injection or the combined exposure to chronic hypoxia and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor blockade with Su5416 (SuHx model). In the SuHx model, the effect of the treatment with the nonselective endothelin-1 receptor antagonist (ERA), macitentan, was also examined. Myocardial viability was determined in SuHx model rats, using 18F-FDG Positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilator responses were significantly attenuated in the medium and small arteries of severe PH rats. ERA treatment significantly improved RCA vascular function compared with the untreated group. ERA treatment improved both the decrease in ejection fraction and the increased glucose uptake, and reduced RV remodeling. In addition, the upregulation of inflammatory genes in the RV was almost suppressed by ERA treatment. We found impairment of vasodilator responses in the RCA of severe PH rat models. Endothelin-1 activation in the RCA plays a major role in impaired vascular function in PH rats and is partially restored by ERA treatment. Treatment of PH with ERA may improve RV function in part by indirectly attenuating right heart afterload and in part by associated improvements in right coronary endothelial function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrated for the first time the impairment of vascular responses in the right coronary artery (RCA) of the dysfunctional right heart in pulmonary hypertensive rats in vivo. Treatment with an endothelin-1 receptor antagonist ameliorated vascular dysfunction in the RCA, enabled tissue remodeling of the right heart, and improved cardiac function. Our results suggest that impaired RCA function might also contribute to the early progression to heart failure in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The endothelium of the coronary vasculature might be considered as a potential target in treatments to prevent heart failure in severe patients with PAH.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antihypertensive Agents/pharmacology
- Coronary Angiography
- Coronary Vessels/diagnostic imaging
- Coronary Vessels/drug effects
- Coronary Vessels/metabolism
- Coronary Vessels/physiopathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelin Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Endothelin-1/genetics
- Endothelin-1/metabolism
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/diagnostic imaging
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/drug therapy
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/metabolism
- Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular/physiopathology
- Hypoxia/complications
- Indoles
- Monocrotaline
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/diagnostic imaging
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/drug therapy
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/metabolism
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/physiopathology
- Pyrimidines/pharmacology
- Pyrroles
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Severity of Illness Index
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Synchrotrons
- Vasodilation/drug effects
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/diagnostic imaging
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/drug therapy
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/metabolism
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/physiopathology
- Ventricular Function, Right
- Ventricular Remodeling
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadakatsu Inagaki
- Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - James T Pearson
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Hirotsugu Tsuchimochi
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daryl O Schwenke
- Department of Physiology Heart-Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Shigeyoshi Saito
- Department of Bio_Medical Imaging, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Higuchi
- Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Takeshi Masaki
- Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiji Umetani
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Harima, Japan
| | - Mikiyasu Shirai
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Advanced Medical Research for Pulmonary Hypertension, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Nakaoka
- Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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7
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The Active Compounds of Yixin Ningshen Tablet and Their Potential Action Mechanism in Treating Coronary Heart Disease- A Network Pharmacology and Proteomics Approach. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:4912395. [PMID: 32419806 PMCID: PMC7204378 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4912395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Yixin Ningshen tablet is a CFDA-approved TCM formula for treating coronary heart disease (CHD) clinically. However, its active compounds and mechanism of action in treating CHD are unknown. In this study, a novel strategy with the combination of network pharmacology and proteomics was proposed to identify the active components of Yixin Ningshen tablet and the mechanism by which they treat CHD. With the application of network pharmacology, 62 active compounds in Yixin Ningshen tablet were screened out by text mining, and their 313 potential target proteins were identified by a tool in SwissTargetPrediction. These data were integrated with known CHD-related proteomics results to predict the most possible targets, which reduced the 313 potential target proteins to 218. The STRING database was retrieved to find the enriched pathways and related diseases of these target proteins, which indicated that the Calcium, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, cAMP, Rap1, AGE-RAGE, Relaxin, HIF-1, Prolactin, Sphingolipid, Estrogen, IL-17, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, necroptosis, arachidonic acid metabolism, insulin resistance, endocrine resistance, and steroid hormone biosynthesis might be the main pathways regulated by Yixin Ningshen tablet for the treatment of CHD. Through further enrichment analysis and literature study, EGFR, ERBB2, VGFR2, FGF1, ESR1, LOX15, PGH2, HMDH, ADRB1, and ADRB2 were selected and then validated to be the target proteins of Yixin Ningshen tablet by molecular docking, which indicated that Yixin Ningshen tablet might treat CHD mainly through promoting heart regeneration, new vessels' formation, and the blood supply of the myocardial region and reducing cardiac output, oxygen demand, and inflammation as well as arteriosclerosis (promoting vasodilation and intraplaque neoangiogenesis, lowering blood lipid). This study is expected to benefit the clinical application of Yixin Ningshen tablet for the treatment of CHD.
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8
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Falcon BL, Chintharlapalli S, Uhlik MT, Pytowski B. Antagonist antibodies to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) as anti-angiogenic agents. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 164:204-25. [PMID: 27288725 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interaction of numerous signaling pathways in endothelial and mesangial cells results in exquisite control of the process of physiological angiogenesis, with a central role played by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) and its cognate ligands. However, deregulated angiogenesis participates in numerous pathological processes. Excessive activation of VEGFR-2 has been found to mediate tissue-damaging vascular changes as well as the induction of blood vessel expansion to support the growth of solid tumors. Consequently, therapeutic intervention aimed at inhibiting the VEGFR-2 pathway has become a mainstay of treatment in cancer and retinal diseases. In this review, we introduce the concepts of physiological and pathological angiogenesis, the crucial role played by the VEGFR-2 pathway in these processes, and the various inhibitors of its activity that have entered the clinical practice. We primarily focus on the development of ramucirumab, the antagonist monoclonal antibody (mAb) that inhibits VEGFR-2 and has recently been approved for use in patients with gastric, colorectal, and lung cancers. We examine in-depth the pre-clinical studies using DC101, the mAb to mouse VEGFR-2, which provided a conceptual foundation for the role of VEGFR-2 in physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Finally, we discuss further clinical development of ramucirumab and the future of targeting the VEGF pathway for the treatment of cancer.
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9
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Rai R, Tallawi M, Frati C, Falco A, Gervasi A, Quaini F, Roether JA, Hochburger T, Schubert DW, Seik L, Barbani N, Lazzeri L, Rosellini E, Boccaccini AR. Bioactive electrospun fibers of poly(glycerol sebacate) and poly(ε-caprolactone) for cardiac patch application. Adv Healthc Mater 2015; 4:2012-25. [PMID: 26270628 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201500154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Scaffolds for cardiac patch application must meet stringent requirements such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and facilitate vascularization in the engineered tissue. Here, a bioactive, biocompatible, and biodegradable electrospun scaffold of poly(glycerol sebacate)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PGS-PCL) is proposed as a potential scaffold for cardiac patch application. The fibers are smooth bead free with average diameter = 0.8 ± 0.3 μm, mean pore size = 2.2 ± 1.2 μm, porosity = 62 ± 4%, and permeability higher than that of control biological tissue. For the first time, bioactive PGS-PCL fibers functionalized with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are developed, the approach used being chemical modification of the PGS-PCL fibers followed by subsequent binding of VEGF via amide bonding. The approach results in uniform immobilization of VEGF on the fibers; the concentrations are 1.0 μg cm(-2) for the PGS-PCL (H) and 0.60 μg cm(-2) for the PGS-PCL (L) samples. The bioactive scaffold supports the attachment and growth of seeded myogenic and vasculogenic cell lines. In fact, rat aortic endothelial cells also display angiogenic features indicating potential for the formation of vascular tree in the scaffold. These results therefore demonstrate the prospects of VEGF-functionalized PGS-PCL fibrous scaffold as promising matrix for cardiac patch application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjana Rai
- Institute of Biomaterials Department of Materials Science and Engineering; University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; 91058 Erlangen Germany
| | - Marwa Tallawi
- Institute of Biomaterials Department of Materials Science and Engineering; University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; 91058 Erlangen Germany
| | - Caterina Frati
- Department of Medicine and Pathology; University of Parma; 12-I 43126 Parma Italy
| | - Angela Falco
- Department of Medicine and Pathology; University of Parma; 12-I 43126 Parma Italy
| | - Andrea Gervasi
- Department of Medicine and Pathology; University of Parma; 12-I 43126 Parma Italy
| | - Federico Quaini
- Department of Medicine and Pathology; University of Parma; 12-I 43126 Parma Italy
| | - Judith A. Roether
- Institute of Polymeric Materials; Department of Materials Science and Engineering; University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; 91058 Erlangen Germany
| | - Tobias Hochburger
- Institute of Polymeric Materials; Department of Materials Science and Engineering; University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; 91058 Erlangen Germany
| | - Dirk W. Schubert
- Institute of Polymeric Materials; Department of Materials Science and Engineering; University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; 91058 Erlangen Germany
| | - Lothar Seik
- Ibt - Immunological and Biochemical Testsystems GmbH Wiesenstr. 17; 88521 Binzwangen Germany
| | - Niccoletta Barbani
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering; Largo Lucio Lazzarino; 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Luigi Lazzeri
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering; Largo Lucio Lazzarino; 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rosellini
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering; Largo Lucio Lazzarino; 56126 Pisa Italy
| | - Aldo R. Boccaccini
- Institute of Biomaterials Department of Materials Science and Engineering; University of Erlangen-Nuremberg; 91058 Erlangen Germany
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Heiske A, Roettger Y, Bacher M. Cytomegalovirus upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor and its second cellular kinase domain receptor in human fibroblasts. Viral Immunol 2012; 25:360-7. [PMID: 22985288 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2012.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) activation and elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been found to be associated with transplant rejection. However, information is lacking about whether elevated levels of this multifunctional factor are directly due to viral activation, or if they derive from impurities within the culture supernatant of infected cell cultures. We used purified as well as unpurified viral stocks to infect human fibroblasts in vitro and applied PCR, Western blot, ELISA, and immunofluorescence staining to investigate the expression of VEGF and its receptors. Our data suggest that HCMV infection triggers an early and sustained induction of VEGF and kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) mRNAs, whereas transcript levels of FLT-1 remain unchanged by viral infection. Analysis of the extracellular VEGF and cellular KDR protein expression after infection with purified and unpurified HCMV strains AD169 and TOLEDO showed, in clear contrast to UV-inactivated virus preparations, an increased release of VEGF and KDR proteins. In addition, immunofluorescence revealed that HCMV infection was also accompanied by a profound increase in intracellular VEGF and KDR levels. These results confirm that active HCMV infection is required to induce VEGF and the most important VEGF receptor KDR, and that the upregulation of VEGF and KDR are a direct viral effect and not a secondary effect mediated by inflammatory cytokines within the supernatant. The HCMV-dependent upregulation of VEGF and KDR contributes to the theory that viral-induced immune mediators play a key role in transplant rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Heiske
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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11
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Barzelay A, Hochhauser E, Entin-Meer M, Chepurko Y, Birk E, Afek A, Barshack I, Pinhas L, Rivo Y, Ben-Shoshan J, Maysel-Auslender S, Keren G, George J. Islet-1 gene delivery improves myocardial performance after experimental infarction. Atherosclerosis 2012; 223:284-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2012.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2011] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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12
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Zhang J, Razavian M, Tavakoli S, Nie L, Tellides G, Backer JM, Backer MV, Bender JR, Sadeghi MM. Molecular imaging of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in graft arteriosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2012; 32:1849-55. [PMID: 22723442 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.112.252510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling plays a key role in the pathogenesis of vascular remodeling, including graft arteriosclerosis. Graft arteriosclerosis is the major cause of late organ failure in cardiac transplantation. We used molecular near-infrared fluorescent imaging with an engineered Cy5.5-labeled single-chain VEGF tracer (scVEGF/Cy) to detect VEGF receptors and vascular remodeling in human coronary artery grafts by molecular imaging. METHODS AND RESULTS VEGF receptor specificity of probe uptake was shown by flow cytometry in endothelial cells. In severe combined immunodeficiency mice, transplantation of human coronary artery segments into the aorta followed by adoptive transfer of allogeneic human peripheral blood mononuclear cells led to significant neointima formation in the grafts over a period of 4 weeks. Near-infrared fluorescent imaging of transplant recipients at 4 weeks demonstrated focal uptake of scVEGF/Cy in remodeling artery grafts. Uptake specificity was demonstrated using an inactive homolog of scVEGF/Cy. scVEGF/Cy uptake predominantly localized in the neointima of remodeling coronary arteries and correlated with VEGF receptor-1 but not VEGF receptor-2 expression. There was a significant correlation between scVEGF/Cy uptake and transplanted artery neointima area. CONCLUSIONS Molecular imaging of VEGF receptors may provide a noninvasive tool for detection of graft arteriosclerosis in solid organ transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Zhang
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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13
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Valenzuela NM, Reed EF. The link between major histocompatibility complex antibodies and cell proliferation. Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2011; 25:154-66. [PMID: 21803559 PMCID: PMC3177030 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2011.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2010] [Revised: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Experimental evidence indicates that donor-specific antibodies targeting major histocompatibility complex classes I and II molecules can elicit the key features of transplant vasculopathy by acting on the graft vasculature in 3 ways: directly activating proliferative, prosurvival, and migratory signaling in the target endothelial and smooth muscle cells; increasing expression of mitogenic factors in vascular endothelial cells, creating a potential proliferative autocrine loop; and promoting recruitment of inflammatory cells that produce mitogenic factors and elicit chronic inflammation, proliferation, and fibrosis. Here, we review the experimental literature showing the complement and Fc-independent effects of major histocompatibility complex classes I and II antibodies on graft vascular cells that may directly contribute to the proliferative aspect of transplant vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Valenzuela
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1652, USA
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14
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Vuiblet V, Birembaut P, François A, Cordonnier C, Noel LH, Goujon JM, Paraf F, Machet MC, Girardot-Seguin S, Lebranchu Y, Rieu P. Sirolimus-based regimen is associated with decreased expression of glomerular vascular endothelial growth factor. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2011; 27:411-6. [PMID: 21617191 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfr261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sirolimus (SRL) is a potent immunosuppressant used in organ transplantation. It is known to decrease vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) synthesis, making it an interesting treatment option for transplant patients who develop Kaposi sarcoma or other malignant diseases. Because VEGF plays a key role in glomerular function and vascular remodelling, we determined the effect of SRL on renal VEGF expression. METHODS Using immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis, we examined renal VEGF expression in routine kidney biopsies performed at 1 year post-transplant in the CONCEPT study, a prospective randomized study comparing a cyclosporine (CsA)-based regimen to a SRL-based regimen in association with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). RESULTS A total of 74 patients were included in this substudy; 35 were randomized to the CsA group and 39 to the SRL group. Using continuous variables, the mean percentage of glomerular VEGF expression at Week 52 was significantly lower in the SRL group (14.7 ± 13%) compared to CsA group (21.2 ± 14%: P = 0.02). The percentage of glomerular VEGF expression at Week 52 was not influenced by recipient or donor age, gender, renal function, CsA dose, CsA blood level, SRL dose or SRL blood level. It was significantly lower in patients with a proteinuria over versus below 0.5 g/day (11.58 ± 7.9 versus 19.45 ± 15.53; P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS There is emerging evidence that the VEGF system can play either a beneficial or a detrimental role depending on the specific pathologic situations. Therefore, modulating the renal VEGF axis by using an SRL-based regimen may influence the evolution of kidney injury associated with renal transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Vuiblet
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation, University Hospital, Reims, France
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15
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Luan X, Gao C, Zhang N, Chen Y, Sun Q, Tan C, Liu H, Jin Y, Jiang Y. Exploration of acridine scaffold as a potentially interesting scaffold for discovering novel multi-target VEGFR-2 and Src kinase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2011; 19:3312-9. [PMID: 21576023 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Revised: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
VEGFR-2 and Src kinases both play important roles in cancers. In certain cancers, Src works synergistically with VEGFR-2 to promote its activation. Development of multi-target drugs against VEGFR-2 and Src is of therapeutic advantage against these cancers. By using molecular docking and SVM virtual screening methods and based on subsequent synthesis and bioassay studies, we identified 9-aminoacridine derivatives with an acridine scaffold as potentially interesting novel dual VEGFR-2 and Src inhibitors. The acridine scaffold has been historically used for deriving topoisomerase inhibitors, but has not been found in existing VEGFR-2 inhibitors and Src inhibitors. A series of 21 acridine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activities against K562, HepG-2, and MCF-7 cells. Some of these compounds showed better activities against K562 cells in vitro than imatinib. The structure-activity relationships (SAR) of these compounds were analyzed. One of the compounds (7r) showed low μM activity against K562 and HepG-2 cancer cell-lines, and inhibited VEGFR-2 and Src at inhibition rates of 44% and 8% at 50μM, respectively, without inhibition of topoisomerase. Moreover, 10μM compound 7r could reduce the levels of activated ERK1/2 in a time dependant manner, a downstream effector of both VEGFR-2 and Src. Our study suggested that acridine scaffold is a potentially interesting scaffold for developing novel multi-target kinase inhibitors such as VEGFR-2 and Src dual inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Luan
- The Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
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16
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17
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Mariscalco G, Lorusso R, Sessa F, Bruno VD, Piffaretti G, Banach M, Cattaneo P, Cozzi GP, Sala A. Imbalance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors in rheumatic and mixomatous mitral valves. Int J Cardiol 2010; 152:337-44. [PMID: 20832876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Revised: 07/02/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A balance between angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors is critical in tissue development, tissue repair and homeostasis. Aberrant angiogenesis has been implicated in several pathologic conditions, including valvular heart disease. The aim of this study was to ascertain the pathogenetic role of angiogenesis in rheumatic and mixomatous mitral valve diseases. METHODS Leaflets from mixomatous (n=20) and rheumatic (n=20) mitral valves removed from surgical patients, and normal mitral valve (n=6) obtained at autopsy were collected. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on sequential valve sections, evaluating CD31, CD34, α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR1), VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), and chondromodulin-I (Chm-I). RESULTS Immunohistochemistry revealed significant differences among groups in CD31 (p=0.001), CD34 (p<0.001), α-SMA (p<0.001), VEGF (p<0.001), VEGFR1 (p=0.007), VEGFR2 (p=0.011), and Chm-I (p<0.001) expressions. Rheumatic valves demonstrated a severe up-regulation and down-regulation in pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors, respectively, compared with mixomatous and normal mitral valves. On the contrary, mixomatous valves showed a significant up-regulation of anti-angiogenic factors with respect to rheumatic and normal valves. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence that an imbalance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors is implicated in mitral valve disease. Pro-angiogenic factors are up-regulated in rheumatic disease, while anti-angiogenic ones in mixomatous mitral valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Mariscalco
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Cardiac Surgery Unit, Varese University Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
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18
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Zhang J, Silva T, Yarovinsky T, Manes TD, Tavakoli S, Nie L, Tellides G, Pober JS, Bender JR, Sadeghi MM. VEGF blockade inhibits lymphocyte recruitment and ameliorates immune-mediated vascular remodeling. Circ Res 2010; 107:408-17. [PMID: 20538685 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.109.210963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE There are conflicting data on the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vascular remodeling. Furthermore, there are species-specific differences in leukocyte and vascular cell biology and little is known about the role of VEGF in remodeling of human arteries. OBJECTIVE We sought to address the role of VEGF blockade on remodeling of human arteries in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS We used an anti-VEGF antibody, bevacizumab, to study the effect of VEGF blockade on remodeling of human coronary artery transplants in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Bevacizumab ameliorated peripheral blood mononuclear cell-induced but not interferon-gamma-induced neointimal formation. This inhibitory effect was associated with a reduction in graft T-cell accumulation without affecting T-cell activation. VEGF enhanced T-cell capture by activated endothelium under flow conditions. The VEGF effect could be recapitulated when a combination of recombinant intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 rather than endothelial cells was used to capture T cells. A subpopulation of CD3+ T cells expressed VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1 by immunostaining and FACS analysis. VEGFR-1 mRNA was also detectable in purified CD4+ T cells and Jurkat and HSB-2 T-cell lines. Stimulation of HSB-2 and T cells with VEGF triggered downstream ERK phosphorylation, demonstrating the functionality of VEGFR-1 in human T cells. CONCLUSIONS VEGF contributes to vascular remodeling in human arteries through a direct effect on human T cells that enhances their recruitment to the vessel. These findings raise the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches to vascular remodeling based on inhibition of VEGF signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Zhang
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., USA
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Aharinejad S, Krenn K, Zuckermann A, Schäfer R, Gmeiner M, Thomas A, Aliabadi A, Schneider B, Grimm M. Serum matrix metalloprotease-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor--a predict cardiac allograft rejection. Am J Transplant 2009; 9:149-59. [PMID: 19067665 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2008.02470.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac allograft rejection is currently diagnosed from endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) that are invasive and impractical to repeat. A serological marker could facilitate rejection monitoring and minimize EMB-associated risks. We investigated the relation of serum matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A concentrations to cardiac allograft rejection, using 1176 EMBs and serum samples obtained from 208 recipients. Acute cellular rejection was diagnosed in 186 EMBs. Mean week 1 and week 2 serum MMP-1 concentrations predicted rejection (p = 0.001, AUC = 0.80). At the optimal cut-off level of >or=7.5 ng/mL, MMP-1 predicted rejection with 82% sensitivity and 72% specificity. Initial serum MMP-1 <5.3 ng/mL (lowest quartile) was associated with rejection-free outcome in 80% of patients. Both MMP-1 (p < 0.001, AUC = 0.67-0.75) and VEGF-A (p < 0.01, AUC = 0.62-0.67) predicted rejection on the next EMB, while rejection at EMB was identified only by VEGF-A (p < 0.02, AUC = 0.70-0.77). Patients receiving combined cyclosporine-A and everolimus had the lowest serum MMP-1 concentrations. While serum MMP-1 predicts rejection-free outcome and VEGF-A identifies rejection on EMB, both markers predict rejection in follow-up of cardiac transplant recipients. Combination of serum MMP-1 and VEGF-A concentration may be a noninvasive prognostic marker of cardiac allograft rejection, and could have important implications for choice of surveillance and immunosuppression protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Aharinejad
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Malmström NK, Kallio EA, Rintala JM, Nykänen AI, Räisänen-Sokolowski AK, Paavonen T, Lemström KB, Koskinen PK. Vascular endothelial growth factor in chronic rat allograft nephropathy. Transpl Immunol 2008; 19:136-44. [PMID: 18503889 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2008.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2007] [Revised: 01/14/2008] [Accepted: 01/16/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is a complex process of alloimmune responses and chronic inflammation leading to fibrosis and vasculopathy. We examined the biological role of proinflammatory vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a rat renal transplantation model of CAN. METHODS Syngraft and allograft recipients were treated with a suboptimal dose of cyclosporine A which allows acute rejection and CAN to develop. Intragraft VEGF, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 expressions were determined at 5, 14, 30 and 60 days. Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor PTK787 was used to inhibit VEGFR activity. RESULTS In nontransplanted kidneys and syngrafts, mild VEGF expression was observed in the glomeruli and tubuli. VEGFR-1 was detected in vascular structures and VEGFR-2 in glomeruli as well. In allografts, total intragraft VEGF expression and interstitial inflammatory cell VEGF expression were induced and correlated with the chronic allograft damage index (CADI) score. Total intragraft and interstitial inflammatory cell VEGFR-1 expression was induced and interstitial cell VEGFR-1 expression correlated with the CADI score. Blocking VEGF receptor signaling with PTK787 significantly reduced fibrosis and the CADI score, but did not affect early inflammation or VEGF, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 expressions compared to vehicle treated group. CONCLUSIONS Interstitial inflammatory cell VEGF and VEGFR-1 expressions are induced during the development of CAN. Increased VEGF activity may enhance the alloimmune induced inflammatory responses leading to fibrosis and CAN.
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Antiangiogenic Treatment Prevents Adventitial Constrictive Remodeling in Graft Arteriosclerosis. Transplantation 2008; 85:281-9. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e318160500a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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