1
|
Grewal N, Dolmaci O, Klautz A, Legue J, Driessen A, Klautz R, Poelmann R. The role of transforming growth factor beta in bicuspid aortic valve aortopathy. Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2023; 39:270-279. [PMID: 38093932 PMCID: PMC10713891 DOI: 10.1007/s12055-023-01513-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most prevalent congenital cardiac deformity, which is associated with an increased risk to develop a thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or an aortic dissection as compared to persons with a tricuspid aortic valve. Due to the high prevalence of a BAV in the general population and the associated life-long increased risk for adverse vascular events, BAV disease places a considerable burden on the public health. The aim of the present review is to discuss the role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling in the development of the vascular wall and on how this complex signaling pathway may be involved in thoracic aortic aneurysm formation in tricuspid and BAV patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nimrat Grewal
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Onur Dolmaci
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Arthur Klautz
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Juno Legue
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Antoine Driessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Klautz
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Poelmann
- Institute of Biology, Animal Sciences and Health, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang M, Guan R, Qiu J, Gnamey AJE, Wang Y, Tian H, Sun H, Shi H, Sun W, Jia X, Wu J. Identification of immune-related signatures and pathogenesis differences between thoracic aortic aneurysm patients with bicuspid versus tricuspid valves via weighted gene co-expression network analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292673. [PMID: 37883426 PMCID: PMC10602290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) occurs due to pathological aortal dilation, and both individuals with normal tricuspid aortic valves (TAV) or abnormal bicuspid aortic valves (BAV), the latter being a congenital condition, are at risk. However, some differences are present between TAA/BAV and TAA/TAV with respect to their pathophysiological processes and molecular mechanisms, but their exact nature is still mostly unknown. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate TAA developmental differences among BAV vs. TAV patients. METHODS Publically-available gene expression datasets, aortic tissue derived from TAA/BAV and TAA/TAV individuals, were analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify gene modules associated with those conditions. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed on those modules to identify the enriched genes within those modules, which were verified by Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) on a dataset derived from aortic smooth muscle cell gene expression between TAA/TAV and TAV/BAV patients. Immune cell infiltration patterns were then analyzed by CIBERSORT, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed based on WGCNA and enrichment analysis results to identify hub genes, followed by validation via stepwise regression analysis. Three signatures most strongly associated with TAA/TAV were confirmed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and decision curve analyses (DCA) between prior-established training and testing gene sets. RESULTS WGCNA delineated 2 gene modules being associated with TAA/TAV vs. TAA/BAV; both were enriched for immune-associated genes, such as those relating to immune responses, etc., under enrichment analysis. TAA/TAV and TAA/BAV tissues also had differing infiltrating immune cell proportions, particularly with respect to dendritic, mast and CD4 memory T cells. Identified three signatures, CD86, integrin beta 2 (ITGB2) and alpha M (ITGAM), as yielding the strongest associations with TAA/TAV onset, which was verified by areas under the curve (AUC) at levels approximating 0.8 or above under ROC analysis, indicating their predictive value for TAA/TAV onset. However, we did not examine possible confounding variables, so there are many alternative explanations for this association. CONCLUSIONS TAA/TAV pathogenesis was found to be more associated with immune-related gene expression compared to TAA/BAV, and the identification of three strongly-associated genes could facilitate their usage as future biomarkers for diagnosing the likelihood of TAA/TAV onset vs. TAA/BAV, as well as for developing future treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Huang
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Rong Guan
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiawei Qiu
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Abla Judith Estelle Gnamey
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yusi Wang
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hai Tian
- Future Medical Laboratory, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haoran Sun
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hongbo Shi
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenjing Sun
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xueyuan Jia
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Preservation of Human Genetic Resources and Disease Control in China (Harbin Medical University), Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Future Medical Laboratory, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Beusch CM, Simonson OE, Wedin JO, Sabatier P, Felldin U, Kadekar S, Österholm C, Végvári Á, Zubarev RA, Fromell K, Nilson B, James S, Ståhle E, Grinnemo KH, Rodin S. Analysis of local extracellular matrix identifies different aetiologies behind bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve degeneration and suggests therapies. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:268. [PMID: 37632572 PMCID: PMC10460373 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Aortic valve degeneration (AVD) is a life-threatening condition that has no medical treatment and lacks individual therapies. Although extensively studied with standard approaches, aetiologies behind AVD are unclear. We compared abundances of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins from excised valve tissues of 88 patients with isolated AVD of normal tricuspid (TAV) and congenital bicuspid aortic valves (BAV), quantified more than 1400 proteins per ECM sample by mass spectrometry, and demonstrated that local ECM preserves molecular cues of the pathophysiological processes. The BAV ECM showed enrichment with fibrosis markers, namely Tenascin C, Osteoprotegerin, and Thrombospondin-2. The abnormal physical stress on BAV may cause a mechanical injury leading to a continuous Tenascin C-driven presence of myofibroblasts and persistent fibrosis. The TAV ECM exhibited enrichment with Annexin A3 (p = 1.1 × 10-16 and the fold change 6.5) and a significant deficit in proteins involved in high-density lipid metabolism. These results were validated by orthogonal methods. The difference in the ECM landscape suggests distinct aetiologies between AVD of BAV and TAV; warrants different treatments of the patients with BAV and TAV; elucidates the molecular basis of AVD; and implies possible new therapeutic approaches. Our publicly available database (human_avd_ecm.surgsci.uu.se) is a rich source for medical doctors and researchers who are interested in AVD or heart ECM in general. Systematic proteomic analysis of local ECM using the methods described here may facilitate future studies of various tissues and organs in development and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Beusch
- Division of Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oscar E Simonson
- Cardio-Thoracic Translational Medicine (CTTM) Lab, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 37, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and Anesthesia, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan O Wedin
- Cardio-Thoracic Translational Medicine (CTTM) Lab, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 37, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and Anesthesia, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pierre Sabatier
- Division of Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Cardio-Thoracic Translational Medicine (CTTM) Lab, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 37, Uppsala, Sweden
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulrika Felldin
- Cardio-Thoracic Translational Medicine (CTTM) Lab, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 37, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and Anesthesia, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sandeep Kadekar
- Cardio-Thoracic Translational Medicine (CTTM) Lab, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 37, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Österholm
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ákos Végvári
- Division of Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roman A Zubarev
- Division of Chemistry I, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Fromell
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bo Nilson
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stefan James
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 37, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Ståhle
- Cardio-Thoracic Translational Medicine (CTTM) Lab, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 37, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and Anesthesia, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karl-Henrik Grinnemo
- Cardio-Thoracic Translational Medicine (CTTM) Lab, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 37, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and Anesthesia, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sergey Rodin
- Cardio-Thoracic Translational Medicine (CTTM) Lab, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 37, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and Anesthesia, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Grewal N, Klautz R, Poelmann RE. Can transforming growth factor beta and downstream signalers distinguish bicuspid aortic valve patients susceptible for future aortic complications? Cardiovasc Pathol 2023; 63:107498. [PMID: 36403918 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2022.107498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with a bicuspid aortic valve have an extreme high risk to develop a thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD). TAADs form a leading cause of death worldwide, with the majority of deaths being preventable if individuals at risk are identified and properly managed. Risk stratification for TAADs in bicuspidy is so far solely based on the aortic diameter. Exclusive use of aortic wall dimension, as in the current guidelines, is however not sufficient in selecting patients vulnerable for future aortic wall complications. Moreover, there are no effective medical treatments for TAADs to retain progressive aortic dilatation and thus prevent or delay aortic complications. Only surgical replacement of the aorta increases life expectancy in patients with a risk for a TAAD. Therefore, the next major challenge in the management of TAADs is the development of a personalized patient-tailored risk stratification for early detection of patients with an increased risk for TAADs, who will benefit from surgical resection of the aorta. Several signaling pathways have been studied in recent times to develop a patient specific risk stratification model. In this paper we discuss TGF-β signaling and downstream signalers as potential markers for future aortic complications in bicuspid aortic valve patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nimrat Grewal
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Klautz
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robert E Poelmann
- Institute of Biology, Animal Sciences and Health, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dong CX, Malecki C, Robertson E, Hambly B, Jeremy R. Molecular Mechanisms in Genetic Aortopathy-Signaling Pathways and Potential Interventions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021795. [PMID: 36675309 PMCID: PMC9865322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic disease affects people of all ages and the majority of those aged <60 years have an underlying genetic cause. There is presently no effective medical therapy for thoracic aneurysm and surgery remains the principal intervention. Unlike abdominal aortic aneurysm, for which the inflammatory/atherosclerotic pathogenesis is well established, the mechanism of thoracic aneurysm is less understood. This paper examines the key cell signaling systems responsible for the growth and development of the aorta, homeostasis of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells and interactions between pathways. The evidence supporting a role for individual signaling pathways in pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysm is examined and potential novel therapeutic approaches are reviewed. Several key signaling pathways, notably TGF-β, WNT, NOTCH, PI3K/AKT and ANGII contribute to growth, proliferation, cell phenotype and survival for both vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells. There is crosstalk between pathways, and between vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, with both synergistic and antagonistic interactions. A common feature of the activation of each is response to injury or abnormal cell stress. Considerable experimental evidence supports a contribution of each of these pathways to aneurysm formation. Although human information is less, there is sufficient data to implicate each pathway in the pathogenesis of human thoracic aneurysm. As some pathways i.e., WNT and NOTCH, play key roles in tissue growth and organogenesis in early life, it is possible that dysregulation of these pathways results in an abnormal aortic architecture even in infancy, thereby setting the stage for aneurysm development in later life. Given the fine tuning of these signaling systems, functional polymorphisms in key signaling elements may set up a future risk of thoracic aneurysm. Multiple novel therapeutic agents have been developed, targeting cell signaling pathways, predominantly in cancer medicine. Future investigations addressing cell specific targeting, reduced toxicity and also less intense treatment effects may hold promise for effective new medical treatments of thoracic aortic aneurysm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Xue Dong
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Cassandra Malecki
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- The Baird Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2042, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Robertson
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Brett Hambly
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Richmond Jeremy
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- The Baird Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2042, Australia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kiema M, Sarin JK, Kauhanen SP, Torniainen J, Matikka H, Luoto ES, Jaakkola P, Saari P, Liimatainen T, Vanninen R, Ylä-Herttuala S, Hedman M, Laakkonen JP. Wall Shear Stress Predicts Media Degeneration and Biomechanical Changes in Thoracic Aorta. Front Physiol 2022; 13:934941. [PMID: 35874533 PMCID: PMC9301078 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.934941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: In thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) of the ascending aorta (AA), AA is progressively dilating due to the weakening of the aortic wall. Predicting and preventing aortic dissections and ruptures in TAA continues to be challenging, and more accurate assessment of the AA dilatation, identification of high-risk patients, and timing of repair surgery are required. We investigated whether wall shear stress (WSS) predicts pathological and biomechanical changes in the aortic wall in TAA. Methods: The study included 12 patients with bicuspid (BAV) and 20 patients with the tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed a day before aortic replacement surgery. Biomechanical and histological parameters, including assessing of wall strength, media degeneration, elastin, and cell content were analyzed from the resected AA samples. Results: WSSs were greater in the outer curves of the AA compared to the inner curves in all TAA patients. WSSs correlated with media degeneration of the aortic wall (ρ = -0.48, p < 0.01), elastin content (ρ = 0.47, p < 0.01), and aortic wall strength (ρ = -0.49, p = 0.029). Subsequently, the media of the outer curves was thinner, more rigid, and tolerated lower failure strains. Failure values were shown to correlate with smooth muscle cell (SMC) density (ρ = -0.45, p < 0.02), and indicated the more MYH10+ SMCs the lower the strength of the aortic wall structure. More macrophages were detected in patients with severe media degeneration and the areas with lower WSSs. Conclusion: The findings indicate that MRI-derived WSS predicts pathological and biomechanical changes in the aortic wall in patients with TAA and could be used for identification of high-risk patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miika Kiema
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jaakko K. Sarin
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Medical Physics, Medical Imaging Center, Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere, Finland
| | - S. Petteri Kauhanen
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Torniainen
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna Matikka
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Emma-Sofia Luoto
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pekka Jaakkola
- Department of Heart and Thoracic Surgery, Kuopio University Hospital, Heart Center, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Saari
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo Liimatainen
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ritva Vanninen
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marja Hedman
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Heart and Thoracic Surgery, Kuopio University Hospital, Heart Center, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna P. Laakkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- *Correspondence: Johanna P. Laakkonen,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Patient-derived microphysiological model identifies the therapeutic potential of metformin for thoracic aortic aneurysm. EBioMedicine 2022; 81:104080. [PMID: 35636318 PMCID: PMC9156889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is the permanent dilation of the thoracic aortic wall that predisposes patients to lethal events such as aortic dissection or rupture, for which effective medical therapy remains scarce. Human-relevant microphysiological models serve as a promising tool in drug screening and discovery. Methods We developed a dynamic, rhythmically stretching, three-dimensional microphysiological model. Using patient-derived human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMCs), we tested the biological features of the model and compared them with native aortic tissues. Drug testing was performed on the individualized TAA models, and the potentially effective drug was further tested using β-aminopropionitrile-treated mice and retrospective clinical data. Findings The HAoSMCs on the model recapitulated the expressions of many TAA-related genes in tissue. Phenotypic switching and mitochondrial dysfunction, two disease hallmarks of TAA, were highlighted on the microphysiological model: the TAA-derived HAoSMCs exhibited lower alpha-smooth muscle actin expression, lower mitochondrial membrane potential, lower oxygen consumption rate and higher superoxide accumulation than control cells, while these differences were not evidently reflected in two-dimensional culture flasks. Model-based drug testing demonstrated that metformin partially recovered contractile phenotype and mitochondrial function in TAA patients’ cells. Mouse experiment and clinical investigations also demonstrated better preserved aortic microstructure, higher nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide level and lower aortic diameter with metformin treatment. Interpretation These findings support the application of this human-relevant microphysiological model in studying personalized disease characteristics and facilitating drug discovery for TAA. Metformin may regulate contractile phenotypes and metabolic dysfunctions in diseased HAoSMCs and limit aortic dilation. Funding This work was supported by grants from National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFC1005002), National Natural Science Foundation of China (82070482, 81771971, 81772007, 51927805, and 21734003), the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (20ZR1411700, 18ZR1407000, 17JC1400200, and 20YF1406900), Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project (2017SHZDZX01), and Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (Innovation Program 2017-01-07-00-07-E00027). Y.S.Z. was not supported by any of these funds; instead, the Brigham Research Institute is acknowledged.
Collapse
|
8
|
Făgărășan A, Săsăran MO. The Predictive Role of Plasma Biomarkers in the Evolution of Aortopathies Associated with Congenital Heart Malformations. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094993. [PMID: 35563383 PMCID: PMC9102091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dilatation of the aorta is a constantly evolving condition that can lead to the ultimate life-threatening event, acute aortic dissection. Recent research has tried to identify quantifiable biomarkers, with both diagnostic and prognostic roles in different aortopathies. Most studies have focused on the bicuspid aortic valve, the most frequent congenital heart disease (CHD), and majorly evolved around matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Other candidate biomarkers, such as asymmetric dimethylarginine, soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products or transforming growth factor beta have also gained a lot of attention recently. Most of the aortic anomalies and dilatation-related studies have reported expression variation of tissular biomarkers. The ultimate goal remains, though, the identification of biomarkers among the serum plasma, with the upregulation of circulating MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) being reported in association to several aortopathies and related complications in recent research. These molecules are apparently quantifiable from the early ages and have been linked to several CHDs and hereditary aortopathies. Pediatric data on the matter is still limited, and further studies are warranted to elucidate the role of plasmatic biomarkers in the long term follow-up of potentially evolving congenital aortopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Făgărășan
- Department of Pediatrics III, Faculty of Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Maria Oana Săsăran
- Department of Pediatrics III, Faculty of Medicine in English, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-720-332-503
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang H, Liu D, Zhu S, Wang F, Sun X, Yang S, Wang C. Plasma Exosomal Mir-423-5p Is Involved in the Occurrence and Development of Bicuspid Aortopathy via TGF-β/SMAD2 Pathway. Front Physiol 2021; 12:759035. [PMID: 34955881 PMCID: PMC8702998 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.759035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) are at increased risk for ascending aortic dilation (AAD). Our study was aimed at systemically analyzing the expression profile and mechanism of circulating plasma exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) related to BAV and AAD. METHODS We isolated plasma exosomes from BAV patients (n=19), BAV patients with AAD (BAVAD, n=26), and healthy tricuspid aortic valve individuals with low cardiovascular risk (TAVnon, n=16). We applied a small RNA sequencing approach to identify the specific plasma exosomal miRNAs associated with BAV (n=8) and BAVAD (n=10) patients compared with healthy TAVnon (n=6) individuals. The candidate differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were selected and validated by RT-qPCR in the remaining samples. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed to illustrate the functions of target genes. Western blot analysis and luciferase reporter assay were conducted in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to verify the results of target gene prediction in vitro. Results: The expression levels of three up-regulated (miR-151a-3p, miR-423-5p, and miR-361-3p) and two down-regulated (miR-16-5p and miR-15a-5p) exosomal miRNAs were significantly altered in BAV disease. Additionally, miR-423-5p could be functionally involved in the occurrence and development of BAV and its complication BAVAD by regulating TGF-β signaling. miR-423-5p could target to SMAD2 and decreased the protein levels of SMAD2 and P-SMAD2. CONCLUSION Plasma exosomal miR-423-5p regulated TGF-β signaling by targeting SMAD2, thus exerting functions in the occurrence and development of BAV disease and its complication bicuspid aortopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaoning Sun
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Chunsheng Wang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lo Presti F, Guzzardi DG, Bancone C, Fedak PWM, Della Corte A. The science of BAV aortopathy. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 63:465-474. [PMID: 32599028 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aortopathy associated with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is an epidemiologically relevant source of chronic and acute aortic disease (aneurysm and dissection). However, its pathogenesis is still the object of scientific uncertainties and debates. Indeed, the mechanisms determining the diseases of the ascending aorta in BAV patients are most likely complex and multifactorial, i.e. resulting from variable modes of interplay between genetic and hemodynamic factors. Although few scientific studies have so far taken into adequate account this complexity, leaving the precise sequence of pathogenetic events still undiscovered, the accumulated evidence from previous research approaches have at least brought about important insights. While genetic studies have so far identified variants relevant to either valve malformation or aortic complications (including those in the genes NOTCH1, TGFBR2, ACTA2, GATA5, NKX2.5, SMAD6, ROBO4), however each explaining not more than 5% of the study population, other investigations have thoroughly described both the flow features, with consequent forces acting on the arterial wall (including skewed flow jet direction, rotational flow, wall shear stress), and the main changes in the molecular and cellular wall structure (including extracellular matrix degradation, smooth muscle cell changes, oxidative stress, unbalance of TGF-β signaling, aberrant endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition). All of this evidence, together with the recognition of the diverse phenotypes that the aortopathy can assume in BAV patients, holding possible prognostic significance, is reviewed in this chapter. The complex and multifaceted body of knowledge resulting from clinical and basic science studies on BAV aortopathy has the potential to importantly influence modes of clinical management of this disease in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Lo Presti
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - David G Guzzardi
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Ciro Bancone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paul W M Fedak
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Alessandro Della Corte
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bons LR, Geenen LW, van den Hoven AT, Dik WA, van den Bosch AE, Duijnhouwer AL, Siebelink HMJ, Budde RPJ, Boersma E, Wessels MW, van de Laar IMBH, DeRuiter MC, Goumans MJ, Loeys BL, Roos-Hesselink JW. Blood biomarkers in patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease. J Cardiol 2020; 76:287-294. [PMID: 32265086 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2020.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) are at risk of developing valve deterioration and aortic dilatation. We aimed to investigate whether blood biomarkers are associated with disease stage in patients with BAV. METHODS Serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), high sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and total transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) were measured in adult BAV patients with valve dysfunction or aortic pathology. Age-matched general population controls were included for TGFß-1 measurements. Correlation analyses and multivariable linear regression were used to determine the association between (2log-transformed) biomarker levels and aortic valve regurgitation, aortic valve stenosis, aortic dilatation, or left ventricular function. RESULTS hsCRP and hsTnT were measured in the total group of 183 patients (median age 34 years, 25th-75th percentile 23-46), NT-proBNP in 162 patients, and TGF-ß1 beta in 108 patients. Elevated levels of NT-proBNP were found in 20% of the BAV patients, elevated hsTnT in 6%, and elevated hsCRP in 7%. Higher hsTnT levels were independently associated with aortic regurgitation [odds ratio per doubling (OR2log) 1.34, 95% CI 1.01;1.76] and higher NT-proBNP levels with aortic valve maximal velocity (ß2log 0.17, 95%CI 0.07;0.28) and aortic regurgitation (OR2log 1.41, 95%CI 1.11;1.79). Both BAV patients with (9.9 ± 2.7 ng/mL) and without aortic dilatation (10.4 ± 2.9 ng/mL) showed lower TGF-ß1 levels compared to general population controls (n = 85, 11.8 ± 3.2 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS Higher NT-proBNP and hsTNT levels were associated with aortic valve disease in BAV patients. TGF-ß1 levels were lower in BAV patients than in the general population, and not related to aortic dilatation. Longitudinal data are needed to further investigate the prognostic value of biomarkers in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia R Bons
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laurie W Geenen
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Allard T van den Hoven
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem A Dik
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory Medical Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemien E van den Bosch
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ricardo P J Budde
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Boersma
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marja W Wessels
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid M B H van de Laar
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco C DeRuiter
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Laboratory for Cardiovascular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart L Loeys
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jolien W Roos-Hesselink
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pulignani S, Borghini A, Foffa I, Vecoli C, Ait-Alì L, Andreassi MG. Functional characterization and circulating expression profile of dysregulated microRNAs in BAV-associated aortopathy. Heart Vessels 2020; 35:432-440. [PMID: 31562552 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-019-01509-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Compelling evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRs) are involved in the pathophysiology of BAV-associated aortopathy. The purpose of this study was to assess the biological role as well as the circulating expression of two miRs (miR-424-3p and miR-3688-3p) that have been previously identified as significantly dysregulated in thoracic aortic aneurysm specimens of BAV patients. Bioinformatic tools were used to predict miR gene targets followed by functional validation transfecting synthetic miR mimics and negative controls into human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Levels of miRs and target genes were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The circulating miR expression profile analysis was assessed on plasma samples collected from a cohort of 72 patients with aortopathy including 39 BAV (33 males; 58 ± 13 years) and 33 TAV patients (26 males; 67 ± 9 years). Computational analysis revealed that SMAD7 and YAP1 were potential targets of miR-424-3p and miR-3688-3p, respectively. Transfection with mimics confirmed a significantly decreased gene expression of SMAD7 and YAP1 compared to mimic negative control (p = 0.04 and p = 0.0005, respectively) or blank control (p = 0.01 and p = 0.0007, respectively). Overexpression of miR-3688-3p also significantly upregulated pro-apoptotic caspase-3 gene expression compared to mimic negative control (p = 0.02) or blank control (p = 0.01). Furthermore, a significant down-regulation of the circulating miR-424-3p was observed in BAV compared to TAV patients (p = 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, the aortic valve morphology (β = - 0.29, p = 0.04) and the presence of aortic stenosis (β = - 0.28, p = 0.03) had a significant effect on the miR-424-3p expression. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-424-3p and miR-3688-3p directly targeted SMAD7 and YAP1 in HASMCs, pivotal genes of the TGF-β and Hippo-signaling pathways. Circulating miR-424-3p was also found to be significantly decreased in BAV patients when compared to TAV patients, especially in patients with aortic stenosis. Further large studies of well-characterized BAV patient cohorts are needed to define the clinical significance of the miR-424-3p.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pulignani
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Borghini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilenia Foffa
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Vecoli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lamia Ait-Alì
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Malashicheva A, Kostina A, Kostareva A, Irtyuga O, Gordeev M, Uspensky V. Notch signaling in the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysms: A bridge between embryonic and adult states. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165631. [PMID: 31816439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aneurysms of the thoracic aorta are a "silent killer" with no evident clinical signs until the fatal outcome. Molecular and genetic bases of thoracic aortic aneurysms mainly include transforming growth factor beta signaling, smooth muscle contractile units and metabolism genes, and extracellular matrix genes. In recent studies, a role of Notch signaling, among other pathways, has emerged in disease pathogenesis. Notch is a highly conserved signaling pathway that regulates the development and differentiation of many types of tissues and influences major cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Mutations in several Notch signaling components have been associated with a number of heart defects, demonstrating an essential role of Notch signaling both in cardiovascular system development and its maintenance during postnatal life. This review discusses the role of Notch signaling in the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysms considering development and maintenance of the aortic root and how developmental regulations by Notch signaling may influence thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Malashicheva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Akkuratova, 2, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretskiy, 4, 194064 Saint Petersburg, Russia; Saint Petersburg State University, Department of Embryology, Universitetskaya nab., 7/9, 199034, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Aleksandra Kostina
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Akkuratova, 2, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretskiy, 4, 194064 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Kostareva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Akkuratova, 2, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga Irtyuga
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Akkuratova, 2, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Mikhail Gordeev
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Akkuratova, 2, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vladimir Uspensky
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Akkuratova, 2, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tingting T, Wenjing F, Qian Z, Hengquan W, Simin Z, Zhisheng J, Shunlin Q. The TGF-β pathway plays a key role in aortic aneurysms. Clin Chim Acta 2019; 501:222-228. [PMID: 31707165 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aortic dissection and aortic aneurysms are currently among the most high-risk cardiovascular diseases due to their rapid onset and high mortality. Although aneurysm research has been extensive, the pathogenesis remains unknown. Studies have found that the TGF-β/Smad pathway and aneurysm formation appear linked. For example, the TGF-β signaling pathway was significantly activated in aneurysm development and aortic dissection. Aneurysms are not, however, mitigated following knockdown of TGF-β signaling pathway-related genes. Incidence and mortality rate of ruptured thoracic aneurysms increase with the down-regulation of the classical TGF-β signaling pathway. In this review, we summarize recent findings and evaluate the differential role of classical and non-classical TGF-β pathways on aortic aneurysm. It is postulated that the TGF-β signaling pathway is necessary to maintain vascular function, but over-activation will promote aneurysms whereas over-inhibition will lead to bypass pathway over-activation and promote aneurysm occurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tang Tingting
- Pathophysiology Department, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China
| | - Fan Wenjing
- Pathophysiology Department, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China; Emergency Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China
| | - Zeng Qian
- Pathophysiology Department, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China
| | - Wan Hengquan
- Pathophysiology Department, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China
| | - Zhao Simin
- Pathophysiology Department, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China
| | - Jiang Zhisheng
- Pathophysiology Department, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China
| | - Qu Shunlin
- Pathophysiology Department, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Stern C, Scharinger B, Tuerkcan A, Nebert C, Mimler T, Baranyi U, Doppler C, Aschacher T, Andreas M, Stelzmueller ME, Ehrlich M, Graf A, Laufer G, Bernhard D, Messner B. Strong Signs for a Weak Wall in Tricuspid Aortic Valve Associated Aneurysms and a Role for Osteopontin in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Associated Aneurysms. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194782. [PMID: 31561491 PMCID: PMC6802355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Central processes in the pathogenesis of TAV- (tricuspid aortic valve) and BAV- (bicuspid aortic valve) associated ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) development are still unknown. To gain new insights, we have collected aortic tissue and isolated smooth muscle cells of aneurysmal tissue and subjected them to in situ and in vitro analyses. We analyzed aortic tissue from 78 patients (31 controls, 28 TAV-ATAAs, and 19 BAV-ATAAs) and established 30 primary smooth muscle cell cultures. Analyses included histochemistry, immuno-, auto-fluorescence-based image analyses, and cellular analyses including smooth muscle cell contraction studies. With regard to TAV associated aneurysms, we observed a strong impairment of the vascular wall, which appears on different levels—structure and dimension of the layers (reduced media thickness, increased intima thickness, atherosclerotic changes, degeneration of aortic media, decrease of collagen, and increase of elastic fiber free area) as well as on the cellular level (accumulation of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts, and increase in the number of smooth muscle cells with a reduced alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SM actin) content per cell). The pathological changes in the aortic wall of BAV patients were much less pronounced—apart from an increased expression of osteopontin (OPN) in the vascular wall which stem from smooth muscle cells, we observed a trend towards increased calcification of the aortic wall (increase significantly associated with age). These observations provide strong evidence for different pathological processes and different disease mechanisms to occur in BAV- and TAV-associated aneurysms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Stern
- Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute for Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin-Luther- University, 06112 Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Scharinger
- Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Radiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Adrian Tuerkcan
- Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Clemens Nebert
- Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Teresa Mimler
- Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Ulrike Baranyi
- Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Christian Doppler
- Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, University Clinic for Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
- Division for Pathophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria.
| | - Thomas Aschacher
- Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martin Andreas
- Department of Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Marek Ehrlich
- Department of Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Alexandra Graf
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Guenther Laufer
- Department of Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - David Bernhard
- Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, University Clinic for Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
- Division for Pathophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria.
| | - Barbara Messner
- Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Borger MA, Fedak PWM, Stephens EH, Gleason TG, Girdauskas E, Ikonomidis JS, Khoynezhad A, Siu SC, Verma S, Hope MD, Cameron DE, Hammer DF, Coselli JS, Moon MR, Sundt TM, Barker AJ, Markl M, Della Corte A, Michelena HI, Elefteriades JA. The American Association for Thoracic Surgery consensus guidelines on bicuspid aortic valve-related aortopathy: Full online-only version. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2019; 156:e41-e74. [PMID: 30011777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2018.02.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bicuspid aortic valve disease is the most common congenital cardiac disorder, being present in 1% to 2% of the general population. Associated aortopathy is a common finding in patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease, with thoracic aortic dilation noted in approximately 40% of patients in referral centers. Several previous consensus statements and guidelines have addressed the management of bicuspid aortic valve-associated aortopathy, but none focused entirely on this disease process. The current guidelines cover all major aspects of bicuspid aortic valve aortopathy, including natural history, phenotypic expression, histology and molecular pathomechanisms, imaging, indications for surgery, surveillance, and follow-up, and recommendations for future research. It is intended to provide clinicians with a current and comprehensive review of bicuspid aortic valve aortopathy and to guide the daily management of these complex patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Borger
- Leipzig Heart Center, Cardiac Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Paul W M Fedak
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Thomas G Gleason
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Evaldas Girdauskas
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - John S Ikonomidis
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Ali Khoynezhad
- Memorial Care Heart and Vascular Institute, Memorial Care Long Beach Medical Center, Long Beach, Calif
| | - Samuel C Siu
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Subodh Verma
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael D Hope
- San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, Calif
| | - Duke E Cameron
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Donald F Hammer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Joseph S Coselli
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Texas Heart Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Marc R Moon
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo
| | - Thoralf M Sundt
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Alex J Barker
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill
| | - Michael Markl
- Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill
| | | | | | - John A Elefteriades
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tobin SW, Alibhai FJ, Lee MM, Yeganeh A, Wu J, Li SH, Guo J, Tsang K, Tumiati L, Rocha R, Butany J, Yau TM, Ouzounian M, David TE, Weisel RD, Li RK. Novel mediators of aneurysm progression in bicuspid aortic valve disease. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2019; 132:71-83. [PMID: 31047984 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is a congenital abnormality that is associated with ascending aortic aneurysm yet many of the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. To identify novel molecular mechanisms of aneurysm formation we completed microarray analysis of the proximal (severely dilated) and distal (less dilated) regions of the ascending aorta from five patients with BAV. We identified 180 differentially expressed genes, 40 of which were validated by RT-qPCR. Most genes had roles in inflammation and endothelial cell function including cytokines and growth factors, cell surface receptors and the Activator Protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor family (FOS, FOSB and JUN) which was chosen for further study. AP-1 was differentially expressed within paired BAV aneurysmal samples (n = 8) but not Marfan patients (n = 5). FOS protein was significantly enriched in BAV aortas compared to normal aortas but unexpectedly, ERK1/2 activity, an upstream regulator of FOS was reduced. ERK1/2 activity was restored when BAV smooth muscle cells were cultured in vitro. An mRNA-miRNA network within paired patient samples identified AP-1 as a central hub of miRNA regulation. FOS knockdown in BAV SMCs increased expression of miR-27a, a stretch responsive miRNA. AP-1 and miR-27a were also dysregulated in a mouse model of aortic constriction. In summary, this study identified a central role for AP-1 signaling in BAV aortic dilatation by using paired mRNA-miRNA patient sample. Upstream analysis of AP-1 regulation showed that the ERK1/2 signaling pathway is dysregulated and thus represents a novel chain of mediators of aortic dilatation in BAV which should be considered in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie W Tobin
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Faisal J Alibhai
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Myunghyun M Lee
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Azadeh Yeganeh
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jie Wu
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shu-Hong Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jian Guo
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine Tsang
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laura Tumiati
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rodolfo Rocha
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jagdish Butany
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Terrence M Yau
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maral Ouzounian
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tirone E David
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Richard D Weisel
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ren-Ke Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu T, Xie M, Lv Q, Li Y, Fang L, Zhang L, Deng W, Wang J. Bicuspid Aortic Valve: An Update in Morphology, Genetics, Biomarker, Complications, Imaging Diagnosis and Treatment. Front Physiol 2019; 9:1921. [PMID: 30761020 PMCID: PMC6363677 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The bicuspid aortic valve, a kind of heart disease that comes from parents, has been paid attention around the world. Although most bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients will suffer from some complications including aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, endocarditis, and heart dysfunction in the late stage of the disease, there is none symptom in the childhood, which restrains us to diagnose and treatment in the onset phase of BAV. Hemodynamic abnormalities induced by the malformations of the valves in BAV patients for a long time will cause BAV-associated aortopathy: including progress aortic dilation, aneurysm, dissection and rupture, cardiac cyst and even sudden death. At present, preventive surgical intervention is the only effective method used in this situation and the diameter of the aorta is the primary reference criterion for surgery. And the treatment effects are always not satisfactory for patients and clinicians. Therefore, we need more methods to evaluate the progression of BAV and the surgery value and the appropriate intervention time by combining basic research with clinical treatment. In this review, advances in morphology, genetic, biomarkers, diagnosis and treatments are summarized, which expects to provide an update about BAV. It is our supreme expectations to provide some evidences for BAV early screening and diagnosis, and in our opinion, personalized surgical strategy is the trend of future BAV treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingxing Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Lv
- Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuman Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingyun Fang
- Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenhui Deng
- Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Krizhanovskii C, Franco-Cereceda A. Diabetes, Incretin Therapy and Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm - What Does the Evidence Show? Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2018; 17:432-439. [PMID: 30156160 DOI: 10.2174/1570161116666180828155622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence supports a reduced prevalence of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) in patients with Diabetes (DM). The mechanisms underlying this negative association are unknown. Some studies support that hyperglycemia has effects on the Extracellular Matrix (ECM), resulting in collagen cross-links and altered proteolytic activity, which ultimately counteracts aneurysm formation. However, recent experimental research indicates that incretin- based anti-diabetic therapy and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) may reduce the formation of TAA. GLP-1 is a peptide hormone, released from intestinal L-cells in response to hormonal, neural and nutrient stimuli. In addition to potentiation of meal-stimulated insulin secretion, GLP-1 signaling exerts numerous pleiotropic effects on various tissues, including protective effects on the myocardium and vascular endothelium. Recent studies also report protective effects of GLP-1 based therapy on the formation of aneurysms in animal models and direct effects of GLP-1 signaling on the molecular mechanisms suggested to influence TAA formation, including inflammation, proteolytic activity and collagen composition. In this narrative review, we present the available evidence for effects of GLP-1 on experimental aneurysm development and discuss the potential role of GLP-1 in aneurysm formation based on available data from pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Krizhanovskii
- Sodertalje Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, SE-152 86 Sodertalje, Sweden.,Sodertalje Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Franco-Cereceda
- Sodertalje Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Majesky
- From the Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, and Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Washington.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Busch A, Chernogubova E, Jin H, Meurer F, Eckstein HH, Kim M, Maegdefessel L. Four Surgical Modifications to the Classic Elastase Perfusion Aneurysm Model Enable Haemodynamic Alterations and Extended Elastase Perfusion. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2018; 56:102-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2018.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
22
|
Altered DNA methylation indicates an oscillatory flow mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition signature in ascending aorta of patients with bicuspid aortic valve. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2777. [PMID: 29426841 PMCID: PMC5807320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20642-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbed flow has been suggested to contribute to aneurysm susceptibility in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients. Lately, flow has emerged as an important modulator of DNA methylation. Hear we combined global methylation analysis with in vitro studies of flow-sensitive methylation to identify biological processes associated with BAV-aortopathy and the potential contribution of flow. Biopsies from non-dilated and dilated ascending aortas were collected from BAV (n = 21) and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) patients (n = 23). DNA methylation and gene expression was measured in aortic intima-media tissue samples, and in EA.hy926 and primary aortic endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from BAV and TAV exposed to oscillatory (±12 dynes/cm2) or laminar (12 dynes/cm2) flow. We show methylation changes related to epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) in the non-dilated BAV aorta, associated with oscillatory flow related to endocytosis. The results indicate that the flow-response in BAV ECs involves hypomethylation and increased expression of WNT/β-catenin genes, as opposed to an angiogenic profile in TAV ECs. The EMT-signature was exasperated in dilated BAV aortas. Aberrant EMT in BAV aortic walls could contribute to increased aneurysm susceptibility, and may be due to disturbed flow-exposure. Perturbations during the spatiotemporally related embryonic development of ascending aorta and semilunar valves can however not be excluded.
Collapse
|
23
|
Goumans MJ, Ten Dijke P. TGF-β Signaling in Control of Cardiovascular Function. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:cshperspect.a022210. [PMID: 28348036 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a022210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic studies in animals and humans indicate that gene mutations that functionally perturb transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling are linked to specific hereditary vascular syndromes, including Osler-Rendu-Weber disease or hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and Marfan syndrome. Disturbed TGF-β signaling can also cause nonhereditary disorders like atherosclerosis and cardiac fibrosis. Accordingly, cell culture studies using endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells (SMCs), cultured alone or together in two- or three-dimensional cell culture assays, on plastic or embedded in matrix, have shown that TGF-β has a pivotal effect on endothelial and SMC proliferation, differentiation, migration, tube formation, and sprouting. Moreover, TGF-β can stimulate endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a process shown to be of key importance in heart valve cushion formation and in various pathological vascular processes. Here, we discuss the roles of TGF-β in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis and the deregulation of TGF-β signaling in cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
van de Pol V, Kurakula K, DeRuiter MC, Goumans MJ. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Development in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve: What Is the Role of Endothelial Cells? Front Physiol 2017; 8:938. [PMID: 29249976 PMCID: PMC5714935 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common type of congenital cardiac malformation. Patients with a BAV have a predisposition for the development of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). This pathological aortic dilation may result in aortic rupture, which is fatal in most cases. The abnormal aortic morphology of TAAs results from a complex series of events that alter the cellular structure and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition of the aortic wall. Because the major degeneration is located in the media of the aorta, most studies aim to unravel impaired smooth muscle cell (SMC) function in BAV TAA. However, recent studies suggest that endothelial cells play a key role in both the initiation and progression of TAAs by influencing the medial layer. Aortic endothelial cells are activated in BAV mediated TAAs and have a substantial influence on ECM composition and SMC phenotype, by secreting several key growth factors and matrix modulating enzymes. In recent years there have been significant advances in the genetic and molecular understanding of endothelial cells in BAV associated TAAs. In this review, the involvement of the endothelial cells in BAV TAA pathogenesis is discussed. Endothelial cell functioning in vessel homeostasis, flow response and signaling will be highlighted to give an overview of the importance and the under investigated potential of endothelial cells in BAV-associated TAA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera van de Pol
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Kondababu Kurakula
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marco C. DeRuiter
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ignatieva E, Kostina D, Irtyuga O, Uspensky V, Golovkin A, Gavriliuk N, Moiseeva O, Kostareva A, Malashicheva A. Mechanisms of Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation Are Distinctly Altered in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Associated with Bicuspid or Tricuspid Aortic Valves. Front Physiol 2017; 8:536. [PMID: 28790933 PMCID: PMC5524772 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of thoracic aortic aneurysm are not clear and therapeutic approaches are mostly absent. Thoracic aortic aneurysm is associated with defective differentiation of smooth muscle cells (SMC) of aortic wall. Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) comparing to tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) significantly predisposes to a risk of thoracic aortic aneurysms. It has been suggested recently that BAV-associated aortopathies represent a separate pathology comparing to TAV-associated dilations. The only proven candidate gene that has been associated with BAV remains NOTCH1. In this study we tested the hypothesis that Notch-dependent and related TGF-β and BMP differentiation pathways are differently altered in aortic SMC of BAV- vs. TAV-associated aortic aneurysms. SMC were isolated from aortic tissues of the patients with BAV- or TAV-associated aortic aneurysms and from healthy donors used as controls. Gene expression was verified by qPCR and Western blotting. For TGF-β induced differentiation SMC were treated with the medium containing TGF-β1. To induce proosteogenic signaling we cultured SMC in the presence of specific osteogenic factors. Notch-dependent differentiation was induced via lentiviral transduction of SMC with activated Notch1 domain. MYOCD expression, a master gene of SMC differentiation, was down regulated in SMC of both BAV and TAV patients. Discriminant analysis of gene expression patterns included a set of contractile genes specific for SMC, Notch-related genes and proosteogenic genes and revealed that control cells form a separate cluster from both BAV and TAV group, while BAV- and TAV-derived SMC are partially distinct with some overlapping. In differentiation experiments TGF-β caused similar patterns of target gene expression for BAV- and TAV derived cells while the induction was higher in the diseased cells than in control ones. Osteogenic induction caused significant change in RUNX2 expression exclusively in BAV group. Notch activation induced significant ACTA2 expression also exclusively in BAV group. We show that Notch acts synergistically with proosteogenic factors to induce ACTA2 transcription and osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion we have found differences in responsiveness of SMC to Notch and to proosteogenic induction between BAV- and TAV-associated aortic aneurysms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ignatieva
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Almazov Federal Medical Research CentreSaint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Daria Kostina
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Almazov Federal Medical Research CentreSaint Petersburg, Russia.,Department of Medical Physics, Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic UniversitySaint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga Irtyuga
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Almazov Federal Medical Research CentreSaint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vladimir Uspensky
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Almazov Federal Medical Research CentreSaint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexey Golovkin
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Almazov Federal Medical Research CentreSaint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia Gavriliuk
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Almazov Federal Medical Research CentreSaint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga Moiseeva
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Almazov Federal Medical Research CentreSaint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Kostareva
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Almazov Federal Medical Research CentreSaint Petersburg, Russia.,Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Institute of Translational Medicine, ITMO UniversitySaint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Malashicheva
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Almazov Federal Medical Research CentreSaint Petersburg, Russia.,Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Institute of Translational Medicine, ITMO UniversitySaint Petersburg, Russia.,Faculty of Biology, Saint-Petersburg State UniversitySaint Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Epigenetic regulation of TGF-β1 signalling in dilative aortopathy of the thoracic ascending aorta. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 130:1389-405. [PMID: 27389586 DOI: 10.1042/cs20160222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The term 'epigenetics' refers to heritable, reversible DNA or histone modifications that affect gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modulation of gene expression also includes the RNA interference mechanism. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is fundamental during development and throughout life, also playing a central role in disease progression. The transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and its downstream effectors are key players in tissue repair and fibrosis, extracellular matrix remodelling, inflammation, cell proliferation and migration. TGF-β1 can also induce cell switch in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, leading to myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Cellular pathways triggered by TGF-β1 in thoracic ascending aorta dilatation have relevant roles to play in remodelling of the vascular wall by virtue of their association with monogenic syndromes that implicate an aortic aneurysm, including Loeys-Dietz and Marfan's syndromes. Several studies and reviews have focused on the progression of aneurysms in the abdominal aorta, but research efforts are now increasingly being focused on pathogenic mechanisms of thoracic ascending aorta dilatation. The present review summarizes the most recent findings concerning the epigenetic regulation of effectors of TGF-β1 pathways, triggered by sporadic dilative aortopathy of the thoracic ascending aorta in the presence of a tricuspid or bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital malformation occurring in 0.5-2% of the general population. A more in-depth comprehension of the epigenetic alterations associated with TGF-β1 canonical and non-canonical pathways in dilatation of the ascending aorta could be helpful to clarify its pathogenesis, identify early potential biomarkers of disease, and, possibly, develop preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
27
|
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aorta, Abdominal/pathology
- Aorta, Abdominal/physiopathology
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aorta, Thoracic/pathology
- Aorta, Thoracic/physiopathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/epidemiology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/physiopathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/epidemiology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/pathology
- Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/physiopathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Humans
- Risk Factors
- Signal Transduction
- Vascular Remodeling
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Lu
- From the Department of Physiology, Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington.
| | - Alan Daugherty
- From the Department of Physiology, Saha Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Forte A, Bancone C, Cobellis G, Buonocore M, Santarpino G, Fischlein TJM, Cipollaro M, De Feo M, Della Corte A. A Possible Early Biomarker for Bicuspid Aortopathy: Circulating Transforming Growth Factor β-1 to Soluble Endoglin Ratio. Circ Res 2017; 120:1800-1811. [PMID: 28420669 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.117.310833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The pathogenesis of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV)-associated aortopathy is poorly understood, and no prognostic biomarker is currently available. OBJECTIVE We aimed to identify putative circulating biomarkers pathogenetically and prognostically linked to bicuspid aortopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS By reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we evaluated gene expression variations (versus normal aorta) of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-14, endoglin (ENG), and superoxide dismutase 3 in ascending aorta samples from 50 tricuspid and 70 patients with BAV undergoing surgery for aortic stenosis (aorta diameter ≤45 mm: BAVnon-dil or >45 mm: BAVdil). Expression changes of the TGF-β1 active dimer and ENG were analyzed also by Western blot in ascending aorta samples from other 10 tricuspid aortic valve, 10 BAVnon-dil, and 10 BAVdil patients. The serum concentration of study targets was assessed through ELISA and the ratio of serum TGF-β1/ENG (T/E) was evaluated. All BAVnon-dil patients underwent follow-up echocardiography to assess aortic growth rate. In BAVnon-dil patients, TGF-β1 and MMP-2 gene expression increased significantly, whereas MMP-14 and ENG expression decreased versus controls. Expression changes were confirmed at protein level for TGF-β1 and ENG. TGF-β1 serum concentration significantly decreased in tricuspid aortic valve and BAVnon-dil patients versus healthy subjects. ENG serum concentration decreased in all patients, more markedly in BAVdil. A significant increase of the T/E ratio versus healthy subjects was unique of patients with BAV. In BAVnon-dil patients, a T/E ≥9 was independently associated in multivariable analysis with higher MMP-2 and lower superoxide dismutase 3 gene expression, independent of age and aortic diameter. A significant correlation was observed between baseline T/E ratio and aortic diameter growth rate in BAVnon-dil patients (r=0.66, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The novel evidence of a possible value of the T/E ratio as a biomarker of BAV aortopathy was presented: further validation studies are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Forte
- From the Experimental Medicine (A.F., M.C.), Cardiothoracic Sciences (C.B., M.B., M.D.F., A.D.C.), and Biophysics, Biochemistry, and General Pathology (G.C.), University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Naples Italy; and Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany (G.S., T.J.M.F.).
| | - Ciro Bancone
- From the Experimental Medicine (A.F., M.C.), Cardiothoracic Sciences (C.B., M.B., M.D.F., A.D.C.), and Biophysics, Biochemistry, and General Pathology (G.C.), University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Naples Italy; and Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany (G.S., T.J.M.F.)
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- From the Experimental Medicine (A.F., M.C.), Cardiothoracic Sciences (C.B., M.B., M.D.F., A.D.C.), and Biophysics, Biochemistry, and General Pathology (G.C.), University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Naples Italy; and Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany (G.S., T.J.M.F.)
| | - Marianna Buonocore
- From the Experimental Medicine (A.F., M.C.), Cardiothoracic Sciences (C.B., M.B., M.D.F., A.D.C.), and Biophysics, Biochemistry, and General Pathology (G.C.), University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Naples Italy; and Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany (G.S., T.J.M.F.)
| | - Giuseppe Santarpino
- From the Experimental Medicine (A.F., M.C.), Cardiothoracic Sciences (C.B., M.B., M.D.F., A.D.C.), and Biophysics, Biochemistry, and General Pathology (G.C.), University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Naples Italy; and Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany (G.S., T.J.M.F.)
| | - Theodor J M Fischlein
- From the Experimental Medicine (A.F., M.C.), Cardiothoracic Sciences (C.B., M.B., M.D.F., A.D.C.), and Biophysics, Biochemistry, and General Pathology (G.C.), University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Naples Italy; and Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany (G.S., T.J.M.F.)
| | - Marilena Cipollaro
- From the Experimental Medicine (A.F., M.C.), Cardiothoracic Sciences (C.B., M.B., M.D.F., A.D.C.), and Biophysics, Biochemistry, and General Pathology (G.C.), University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Naples Italy; and Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany (G.S., T.J.M.F.)
| | - Marisa De Feo
- From the Experimental Medicine (A.F., M.C.), Cardiothoracic Sciences (C.B., M.B., M.D.F., A.D.C.), and Biophysics, Biochemistry, and General Pathology (G.C.), University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Naples Italy; and Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany (G.S., T.J.M.F.)
| | - Alessandro Della Corte
- From the Experimental Medicine (A.F., M.C.), Cardiothoracic Sciences (C.B., M.B., M.D.F., A.D.C.), and Biophysics, Biochemistry, and General Pathology (G.C.), University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli", Naples Italy; and Department of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, Paracelsus Medical University, Nürnberg, Germany (G.S., T.J.M.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Shiina Y, Niwa K. Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) and Plasma Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) Level Correlate with Aortopathy in Adults with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot. Pediatr Cardiol 2017; 38:338-343. [PMID: 27882423 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-016-1519-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
It is challenging to evaluate aortopathy in congenital heart disease using conventional investigations such as brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Therefore, we evaluated the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a dimension of the ascending aorta and plasma transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) level, in order to find novel noninvasive parameters of aortopathy in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Prospectively, we enrolled 42 consecutive adults with TOF (28 patients with repaired TOF were not on ARB, 8 patients with repaired TOF on ARB, 6 patients with no repair or only palliative repair) and 20 age-matched healthy controls. We measured CAVI, baPWV, plasma TGF-β1 level and a diameter of the ascending aorta using echocardiography. The mean age of repaired TOF without ARB were 31.9 ± 9.1 years. An aortic diameter of the ascending aorta, CAVI, and plasma TGF-β1 level were significantly higher in repaired TOF without ARB than those in controls, whereas baPWV did not differ. On a univariate analysis, CAVI, plasma TGF-β1 level and Rastelli procedure were important factors for an aortic diameter of the ascending aorta (r = 0.56, P < 0.01, r = 0.59, P < 0.01, r = 0.39, P < 0.05, respectively) in this population. There was no significant correlation with age, baPWV, NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), repair age, shunt duration, aortic regurgitation or right aortic arch. On the other hand, patients with unrepaired or palliative TOF, who had obvious volume overload, showed no significant correlation with CAVI, baPWV or plasma TGF-β1 level. CAVI and plasma TGF-β1 level, not baPWV, correlate to aortopathy in adults with repaired TOF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Shiina
- Cardiovascular Centre, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi, Chuoku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan
| | - Koichiro Niwa
- Cardiovascular Centre, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi, Chuoku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve exhibit distinct regional microrna signatures in mildly dilated ascending aorta. Heart Vessels 2017; 32:750-767. [DOI: 10.1007/s00380-016-0942-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
31
|
Wilson NK, Gould RA, Gallo MacFarlane E, Consortium ML. Pathophysiology of aortic aneurysm: insights from human genetics and mouse models. Pharmacogenomics 2016; 17:2071-2080. [PMID: 27922338 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aneurysms are local dilations of an artery that predispose the vessel to sudden rupture. They are often asymptomatic and undiagnosed, resulting in a high mortality rate. The predisposition to develop thoracic aortic aneurysms is often genetically inherited and associated with syndromes affecting connective tissue homeostasis. This review discusses how elucidation of the genetic causes of syndromic forms of thoracic aortic aneurysm has helped identify pathways that contribute to disease progression, including those activated by TGF-β, angiotensin II and Notch ligands. We also discuss how pharmacological manipulation of these signaling pathways has provided further insight into the mechanism of disease and identified compounds with therapeutic potential in these and related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Wilson
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Miller Research Building 532, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Russell A Gould
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Miller Research Building 532, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Elena Gallo MacFarlane
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Miller Research Building 532, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mesenchymal state of intimal cells may explain higher propensity to ascending aortic aneurysm in bicuspid aortic valves. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35712. [PMID: 27779199 PMCID: PMC5078843 DOI: 10.1038/srep35712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) are at significantly higher risk of developing aortic complications than individuals with tricuspid aortic valves (TAV) and defective signaling during the embryonic development and/or life time exposure to abnormal hemodynamic have been proposed as underlying factors. However, an explanation for the molecular mechanisms of aortopathy in BAV has not yet been provided. We combined proteomics, RNA analyses, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy to identify molecular differences in samples of non-dilated ascending aortas from BAV (N = 62) and TAV (N = 54) patients. Proteomic analysis was also performed for dilated aortas (N = 6 BAV and N = 5 TAV) to gain further insight into the aortopathy of BAV. Our results collectively showed the molecular signature of an endothelial/epithelial-mesenchymal (EndMT/EMT) transition-like process, associated with instability of intimal cell junctions and activation of RHOA pathway in the intima and media layers of ascending aorta in BAV patients. We propose that an improper regulation of EndMT/EMT during the spatiotemporally related embryogenesis of semilunar valves and ascending aorta in BAV individuals may result in aortic immaturity and instability prior to dilation. Exasperation of EndMT/EMT state in post embryonic life and/or exposure to non-physiological hemodynamic could lead to the aneurysm of ascending aorta in BAV individuals.
Collapse
|
33
|
Differentiation defect in neural crest-derived smooth muscle cells in patients with aortopathy associated with bicuspid aortic valves. EBioMedicine 2016; 10:282-90. [PMID: 27394642 PMCID: PMC5006642 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) are at a higher risk of developing thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) than patients with trileaflet aortic valves (TAV). The aneurysms associated with BAV most commonly involve the ascending aorta and spare the descending aorta. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the ascending and descending aorta arise from neural crest (NC) and paraxial mesoderm (PM), respectively. We hypothesized defective differentiation of the neural crest stem cells (NCSCs)-derived SMCs but not paraxial mesoderm cells (PMCs)-derived SMCs contributes to the aortopathy associated with BAV. When induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from BAV/TAA patients were differentiated into NCSC-derived SMCs, these cells demonstrated significantly decreased expression of marker of SMC differentiation (MYH11) and impaired contraction compared to normal control. In contrast, the PMC-derived SMCs were similar to control cells in these aspects. The NCSC-SMCs from the BAV/TAA also showed decreased TGF-β signaling based on phosphorylation of SMAD2, and increased mTOR signaling. Inhibition of mTOR pathway using rapamycin rescued the aberrant differentiation. Our data demonstrates that decreased differentiation and contraction of patient's NCSC-derived SMCs may contribute to that aortopathy associated with BAV. Model of the BAV/TAA is established using iPSCs differentiated into SMCs through distinct embryonic progenitors. BAV/TAA iPSCs differentiated SMCs from NCSCs were impaired in contractile function, whereas, iPSCs PMCs-SMCs were normal. NCSC-SMCs from BAV/TAA decreased in TGF-β signaling but increased in mTOR signaling. Rapamycin normalized contractile function.
Aneurysms associated with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) most commonly involve the ascending aorta and spare the descending aorta. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the ascending and descending aorta arise from neural crest (NC) and paraxial mesoderm (PM), respectively. When induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from BAV patients were differentiated into NC stem cells (NCSCs)-derived SMCs, these cells demonstrated impaired contraction compared to normal control. In contrast, the PM cells-derived SMCs were similar to control cells. The NCSC-SMCs from the BAV/TAA also showed increased mTOR signaling. Inhibition of mTOR pathway using rapamycin rescued the aberrant differentiation.
Collapse
|
34
|
Zaradzki M, Kallenbach K. Molekulare Mechanismen von Aortenerkrankungen. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR HERZ THORAX UND GEFASSCHIRURGIE 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00398-016-0068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|