Endothelial cell metabolism in normal and diseased vasculature

Progress of organoid platform in cardiovascular research

Cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of death in humans. Various models are necessary for the study of cardiovascular diseases, but once cellular and animal models have some defects, such as insufficient fidelity. As a new technology, organoid has certain advantages and has been used in many applications in the study of cardiovascular diseases. This article aims to summarize the application of organoid platforms in cardiovascular diseases, including organoid construction schemes, modeling, and application of cardiovascular organoids. Advances in cardiovascular organoid research have provided many models for different cardiovascular diseases in a variety of areas, including myocardium, blood vessels, and valves. Physiological and pathological models of different diseases, drug research models, and methods for evaluating and promoting the maturation of different kinds of organ tissues are provided for various cardiovascular diseases, including cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, and atherosclerosis. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research progress in cardiovascular organ tissues, including construction protocols for cardiovascular organoid tissues and their evaluation system, different types of disease models, and applications of cardiovascular organoid models in various studies. The problems and possible solutions in organoid development are summarized.

Epigenetic mechanisms in cardiovascular complications of diabetes: towards future therapies

The pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and microvascular complications in diabetes have been extensively studied, but effective methods of prevention and treatment are still lacking. In recent years, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs have arisen as possible mechanisms involved in the development, maintenance, and progression of micro- and macro-vascular complications of diabetes. Epigenetic changes have the characteristic of being heritable or deletable. For this reason, they are now being studied as a therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes and the prevention or for slowing down its complications, aiming to alleviate the personal and social burden of the disease.This review addresses current knowledge of the pathophysiological links between diabetes and cardiovascular complications, focusing on the role of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications. In addition, although the treatment of complications of diabetes with "epidrugs" is still far from being a reality and faces several challenges, we present the most promising molecules and approaches in this field.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of ferrostatin-based diamide derivatives as new ferroptosis inhibitors

Ferroptosis, a distinct type of cell death caused by iron and lipid peroxidation, has been associated with several diseases, including cardiovascular disorders. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) is a known ferroptosis inhibitor, but its clinical application is limited by low efficacy and stability. In the present study, a series of Fer-1-based diamide derivatives was synthesized and evaluated to enhance ferroptosis inhibition and in vitro metabolic stability. The synthesized compounds were tested for their protective effects against Erastin-induced injury in human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Among the derivatives, compound 36 exhibited the most potent anti-ferroptosis activity with an EC50 value of 0.58 ± 0.02 µM. Remarkably, compound 36 also demonstrated superior stability in both microsomal (human and mouse) and mouse plasma assays. These findings indicated ferroptosis inhibitor 36 as a promising hit for further developing potential therapeutic drug candidates in cardiovascular diseases.

Pathogenic role of PFKFB3 in endothelial inflammatory diseases

The differentiation of vascular endothelial cells and the formation of new blood vessels are inseparable from the energy supply and regulation of metabolism. The budding of blood vessels is a starting point of glycolysis pathway in angiogenesis. Phosphofructokinase-2/fructose 2,6-biophosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), a key rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis, exhibits strong kinase activity. Inhibition of PFKFB3 can reduce the rate of glycolysis, thereby inhibiting the budding of blood vessels, resulting in inhibition of pathological angiogenesis. In this review, the role of PFKFB3 in the angiogenesis of inflammatory diseases was summarized, and the endothelial inflammatory diseases associated with PFKFB3 were reviewed.

Circular RNA HMGCS1 sponges MIR4521 to aggravate type 2 diabetes-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction

Noncoding RNA plays a pivotal role as novel regulators of endothelial cell function. Type 2 diabetes, acknowledged as a primary contributor to cardiovascular diseases, plays a vital role in vascular endothelial cell dysfunction due to induced abnormalities of glucolipid metabolism and oxidative stress. In this study, aberrant expression levels of circHMGCS1 and MIR4521 were observed in diabetes-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell dysfunction. Persistent inhibition of MIR4521 accelerated development and exacerbated vascular endothelial dysfunction in diabetic mice. Mechanistically, circHMGCS1 upregulated arginase 1 by sponging MIR4521, leading to decrease in vascular nitric oxide secretion and inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, and an increase in the expression of adhesion molecules and generation of cellular reactive oxygen species, reduced vasodilation and accelerated the impairment of vascular endothelial function. Collectively, these findings illuminate the physiological role and interacting mechanisms of circHMGCS1 and MIR4521 in diabetes-induced cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that modulating the expression of circHMGCS1 and MIR4521 could serve as a potential strategy to prevent diabetes-associated cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, our findings provide a novel technical avenue for unraveling ncRNAs regulatory roles of ncRNAs in diabetes and its associated complications.

Flow shear force destabilizes carotid plaques by affecting CHOP and GRP78 proteins

BACKGROUND

Various factors, including blood, inflammatory, infectious, and immune factors, can cause ischemic stroke. However, the primary cause is often the instability of cervical arteriosclerosis plaque. It is estimated that 18-25% of ischemic strokes are caused by the rupture of carotid plaque.1 Plaque stability is crucial in determining patient prognosis. Developing a highly accurate, non-invasive, or minimally invasive technique to assess carotid plaque stability is crucial for diagnosing and treating stroke.Previous research by our group has demonstrated that the expression levels of CHOP (C/EBP homologous protein) and GRP78 (glucose-regulated protein 78) are correlated with the stability of atherosclerotic plaques.2 OBJECT: This research assesses changes in GRP78 and CHOP expressions in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC) following experiments within the hemodynamic influencing factors test system. Additionally, it includes conducting an empirical study on the impact of blood flow shear force on the stability of human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. The objective is to explore the implications of blood flow shear force on the stability of carotid atherosclerotic plaques.

METHOD

The hemodynamic influencing factors test bench system was configured with low (Group A, 4 dyns/cm²), medium (Group B, 8 dyns/cm²), and high shear force groups (Group C, 12 dyns/cm²). Relative expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP proteins in human umbilical vein endothelial cells were measured using Western blot analysis, and quantitative analysis of GRP78 and CHOP mRNA was conducted using RT-qPCR. Meanwhile, plaques from 60 carotid artery patients, retrieved via Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA), were classified into stable (S) and unstable (U) groups based on pathological criteria. Shear force at the carotid bifurcation was measured preoperatively using ultrasound. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to analyze the relative expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP proteins and mRNA, respectively, in the plaque specimens from both groups.

RESULT

Expression levels of GRP78, CHOP proteins, and their mRNAs were assessed in groups A, B, and C via Western blot and RT-qPCR. Results showed that in the low-shear group, all markers were elevated in group A compared to groups B and C. Statistical analysis revealed significantly lower shear forces at the carotid bifurcation in group U compared to group S. In group U plaques, GRP78 and CHOP expressions were significantly higher in group U than in group S.

CONCLUSION

Blood flow shear forces variably affect the expression of GRP78 and CHOP proteins, as well as their mRNA levels, in vascular endothelial cells. The lower the shear force and fluid flow rate, the higher the expression of GRP78 and CHOP, potentially leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS), which may destabilize the plaque.

Inhibiting endothelial Rhoj blocks profibrotic vascular intussusception and angiocrine factors to sustain lung regeneration

Lung regeneration after fibrosis requires formation of functional new vasculature, which is essential for gas exchange and cellular cross-talk with other lung cells. It remains unknown how the lung vasculature can be regenerated without fibrosis. Here, we tested the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of forkhead box protein O1 (Foxo1) mRNA in lung regeneration after pneumonectomy (PNX) in mice, a model for lung regrowth after surgical resection. Endothelial cell (EC)-specific knockout of methyltransferase-like 3 (Mettl3) and Foxo1 caused nonproductive intussusceptive angiogenesis (IA), which impaired regeneration and enhanced fibrosis. This nonproductive IA was characterized by enhanced endothelial proliferation and increased vascular splitting with increased numbers of pillar ECs. Endothelial-selective knockout of Mettl3 in mice stimulated nonproductive IA and up-regulation of profibrotic factors after PNX, promoting regeneration to fibrotic transition. EC-specific mutation of m6A modification sites in the Foxo1 gene in mice revealed that endothelial Mettl3 modified A504 and A2035 sites in the Foxo1 mRNA to maintain pro-regenerative endothelial glycolysis, ensuring productive IA and lung regeneration without fibrosis. Suppression of Mettl3-Foxo1 signaling stimulated a subset of hyperglycolytic and hyperproliferative 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (Pfkfb3)+, Ras homolog family member J (Rhoj)+, and platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (Pdgfb)+ ECs in both human and mouse lungs with fibrosis. Inhibiting this Pfkfb3+Rhoj+Pdgfb+ EC subset normalized IA, alleviated fibrosis, and restored regeneration in bleomycin (BLM)-injured mouse lungs. We found that m6A modification of Foxo1 in the mouse vasculature promoted lung regeneration over fibrosis after PNX and BLM injury.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields regulate metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial fission in endothelial cells for angiogenesis

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has been extensively investigated in clinical studies for the treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases. However, there is a lack of research on the impact of PEMFs on energy metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics during angiogenesis. The present study included tube formation and CCK-8 assays. A Seahorse assay was conducted to analyze energy metabolism, and mitochondrial membrane potential assays, mitochondrial imaging, and reactive oxygen species assays were used to measure changes in mitochondrial structure and function in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to PEMFs. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the mRNA expression levels of antioxidants, glycolytic pathway-related genes, and genes associated with mitochondrial fission and fusion. The tube formation assay demonstrated a significantly greater tube network in the PEMF group compared to the control group. The glycolysis and mitochondrial stress tests revealed that PEMFs promoted a shift in the energy metabolism pattern of HUVECs from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis. Mitochondrial imaging revealed a wire-like mitochondrial morphology in the control group, and treatment with PEMFs led to shorter and more granular mitochondria. Our major findings indicate that exposure to PEMFs accelerates angiogenesis in HUVECs, likely by inducing energy metabolism reprogramming and mitochondrial fission.

Generation of hiPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells using a combination of directed differentiation and transcriptional reprogramming strategies

The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by specialized brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), regulates brain function in health and disease. In vitro modeling of the human BBB is limited by the lack of robust hiPSC protocols to generate BMECs. Here, we report generation, transcriptomic and functional characterization of reprogrammed BMECs (rBMECs) by combining hiPSC differentiation into BBB-primed endothelial cells and reprogramming with two BBB transcription factors FOXF2 and ZIC3. rBMECs express a subset of the BBB gene repertoire including tight junctions and transporters, exhibit stronger paracellular barrier properties, lower caveolar-mediated transcytosis, and similar p-Glycoprotein activity compared to primary HBMECs. They can acquire an inflammatory phenotype when treated with oligomeric Aβ42. rBMECs integrate with hiPSC-derived pericytes and astrocytes to form a 3D neurovascular system using the MIMETAS microfluidics platform. This novel 3D system resembles the in vivo BBB at structural and functional levels to enable investigation of pathogenic mechanisms of neurological diseases.

Recent advances in targeted therapy for inflammatory vascular diseases

Vascular diseases constitute a significant contributor to worldwide mortality rates, placing a substantial strain on healthcare systems and socio-economic aspects. They are closely associated with inflammatory responses, as sustained inflammation could impact endothelial function, the release of inflammatory mediators, and platelet activation, thus accelerating the progression of vascular diseases. Consequently, directing therapeutic efforts towards mitigating inflammation represents a crucial approach in the management of vascular diseases. Traditional anti-inflammatory medications may have extensive effects on multiple tissues and organs when absorbed through the bloodstream. Conversely, treatments targeting inflammatory vascular diseases, such as monoclonal antibodies, drug-eluting stents, and nano-drugs, can achieve more precise effects, including precise intervention, minimal non-specific effects, and prolonged efficacy. In addition, personalized therapy is an important development trend in targeted therapy for inflammatory vascular diseases. Leveraging advanced simulation algorithms and clinical trial data, treatment strategies are gradually being personalized based on patients' genetic, biomarker, and clinical profiles. It is expected that the application of precision medicine in the field of vascular diseases will have a broader future. In conclusion, targeting therapies offer enhanced safety and efficacy compared to conventional medications; investigating novel targeting therapies and promoting clinical transformation may be a promising direction in improving the prognosis of patients with inflammatory vascular diseases. This article reviews the pathogenesis of inflammatory vascular diseases and presents a comprehensive overview of the potential for targeted therapies in managing this condition.

CircHIPK3/miR-124 affects angiogenesis in early-onset preeclampsia via CPT1A-mediated fatty acid oxidation

Multiple theories have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE), and angiogenic dysfunction is an important part of this pathogenesis. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1A) is a key rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolic process of fatty acid oxidation (FAO). FAO regulates endothelial cell (EC) proliferation during vascular germination and is also essential for ab initio deoxyribonucleotide synthesis, but its role in EOPE needs to be further elucidated. In the present study, we investigated its functional role in EOPE by targeting the circHIPK3/miR-124-3p/CPT1A axis. In our study, reduced expression of circHIPK3 and CPT1A and increased expression of miR-124-3p in placental tissues from patients with EOPE were associated with EC dysfunction. Here, we confirmed that CPT1A regulates fatty acid oxidative activity, cell proliferation, and tube formation in ECs by regulating FAO. Functionally, knockdown of circHIPK3 suppressed EC angiogenesis by inhibiting CPT1A-mediated fatty acid oxidative activity, which was ameliorated by CPT1A overexpression. In addition, circHIPK3 regulates CPT1A expression by sponging miR-124-3p. Hence, circHIPK3 knockdown reduced fatty acid oxidation in ECs by sponging miR-124-3p in a CPT1A-dependent manner and inhibited EC proliferation and tube formation, which may have led to aberrant angiogenesis in EOPE. Thus, strategies targeting CPT1A-driven FAO may be promising approaches for the treatment of EOPE. KEY MESSAGES: Decreased Carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1A) expression in preeclampsia(PE). CPT1A overexpression promotes FAO activity and tube formation in ECs. CircHIPK3 can affect CPT1A expression and impaire angiogenesis of EOPE. CircHIPK3 regulates CPT1A expression by acting as a ceRNA of miR-124-3p in HUVECs. Confirming the effect of circHIPK3/miR-124-3p/CPT1A axis on EOPE.

PLK-3-mediated phosphorylation of BAP1 prevents diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, and its main clinical manifestation is retinal vascular dysfunction. DR causes blindness and is a problem with significant global health implications. However, treating DR is still challenging. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of polo-like kinase-3 (PLK-3) and the potential regulatory mechanism in DR. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg) to induce a rat model of DR, and rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RRMECs) were treated with high glucose (HG, 25 mmol/L glucose) to develop a cell model of DR. We found that PLK-3 was significantly downregulated in the retinal tissues of STZ-induced diabetic rats and HG-induced RRMECs. Lentivirus-mediated PLK-3 overexpression alleviated the histological damages in DR rats. After HG stimulation, cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in RRMECs were inhibited after PLK-3 upregulation. By using label-free proteomics, we identified 82 differentially expressed proteins downstream of PLK-3, including BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1), which was significantly upregulated in PLK-3-overexpressed RRMECs compared to control cells under the HG condition. In vivo and in vitro assays indicated that the forced expression of PLK-3 increased the phosphorylation of BAP1 at serine 592 and caspase-8 expression. Detailed evidence showed that BAP1-shRNA-mediated knockdown restored the cell function in HG-treated RRMECs when PLK-3 was overexpressed. Collectively, this study shows that PLK-3 alleviates retinal vascular dysfunction in DR by inhibiting the phosphorylation of BAP1. Thus, PLK-3 may develop as a promising target for the therapy of DR.

Identification of plasma miR-4505, miR-4743-5p and miR-4750-3p as novel diagnostic biomarkers for coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are commonly coexisting clinical entities with still growing incidence worldwide. Recently, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as novel molecular players in cardiometabolic diseases. This study aimed to identify a specific miRNA signature as a candidate biomarker for CAD in T2DM and to delineate potential miRNA-dependent mechanisms contributing to diabetic atherosclerosis.

METHODS

A total of 38 plasma samples from T2DM patients with and without CAD, CAD patients and healthy controls were collected for expression profiling of 2,578 miRNAs using microarrays. To investigate the regulatory role of differentially expressed (DE)-miRNA target genes, functional annotation and pathway enrichment analyses were performed utilizing multiple bioinformatics tools. Then, protein-protein interaction networks were established leveraging the STRING database in Cytoscape software, followed by cluster analysis and hub gene identification. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was carried out for microarray data validation in the larger replication cohort of 94 participants. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was applied to evaluate the diagnostic values of miRNAs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop miRNA-based diagnostic models.

RESULTS

In the discovery stage, overexpression of hsa-miR-4505, hsa-miR-4743-5p, hsa-miR-6846-5p, and down-regulation of hsa-miR-3613-3p, hsa-miR-4668-5p, hsa-miR-4706, hsa-miR-6511b-5p, hsa-miR-6750-5p, hsa-miR-4750-3p, hsa-miR-320e, hsa-miR-4717-3p, hsa-miR-7850-5p were detected in T2DM-CAD patients. The DE-miRNA target genes were significantly enriched in calcium ion binding, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and gene expression. hsa-miR-4505, hsa-miR-4743-5p, and hsa-miR-4750-3p were found to be involved in fatty acid metabolism, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and neurotrophin signaling pathway. Dysregulation of hsa-miR-4505, hsa-miR-4743-5p, and hsa-miR-4750-3p in T2DM-CAD patients compared with T2DM subjects and controls (all p < 0.001) was further confirmed by RT-qPCR. All validated miRNAs demonstrated good discriminatory values for T2DM-CAD (AUC = 0.833-0.876). The best performance in detecting CAD in T2DM was achieved for a combination of three miRNAs (AUC = 0.959, 100% sensitivity, 86.67% specificity).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed a unique profile of plasma-derived miRNAs in T2DM patients with CAD. Potential miRNA-regulated pathways were also identified, exploring the underlying pathogenesis of CAD in T2DM. We developed a specific three-miRNA panel of hsa-miR-4505, hsa-miR-4743-5p and hsa-miR-4750-3p, that could serve as a novel non-invasive biomarker for CAD in patients with T2DM.

Devastating the Supply Wagons: Multifaceted Liposomes Capable of Exhausting Tumor to Death via Triple Energy Depletion

The anabolism of tumor cells can not only support their proliferation, but also endow them with a steady influx of exogenous nutrients. Therefore, consuming metabolic substrates or limiting access to energy supply can be an effective strategy to impede tumor growth. Herein, a novel treatment paradigm of starving-like therapy-triple energy-depleting therapy-is illustrated by glucose oxidase (GOx)/dc-IR825/sorafenib liposomes (termed GISLs), and such a triple energy-depleting therapy exhibits a more effective tumor-killing effect than conventional starvation therapy that only cuts off one of the energy supplies. Specifically, GOx can continuously consume glucose and generate toxic H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment (including tumor cells). After endocytosis, dc-IR825 (a near-infrared cyanine dye) can precisely target mitochondria and exert photodynamic and photothermal activities upon laser irradiation to destroy mitochondria. The anti-angiogenesis effect of sorafenib can further block energy and nutrition supply from blood. This work exemplifies a facile and safe method to exhaust the energy in a tumor from three aspects and starve the tumor to death and also highlights the importance of energy depletion in tumor treatment. It is hoped that this work will inspire the development of more advanced platforms that can combine multiple energy depletion therapies to realize more effective tumor treatment.

Collagen density regulates tip-stalk cell rearrangement during angiogenesis via cellular bioenergetics

Tumor vasculature plays a crucial role in tumor progression, affecting nutrition and oxygen transportation as well as the efficiency of drug delivery. While targeting pro-angiogenic growth factors has been a significant focus for treating tumor angiogenesis, recent studies indicate that metabolism also plays a role in regulating endothelial cell behavior. Like cancer cells, tumor endothelial cells undergo metabolic changes that regulate rearrangement for tip cell position during angiogenesis. Our previous studies have shown that altered mechanical properties of the collagen matrix regulate angiogenesis and can promote a tumor vasculature phenotype. Here, we examine the effect of collagen density on endothelial cell tip-stalk cell rearrangement and cellular energetics during angiogenic sprouting. We find that increased collagen density leads to an elevated energy state and an increased rate of tip-stalk cell switching, which is correlated with the energy state of the cells. Tip cells exhibit higher glucose uptake than stalk cells, and inhibition of glucose uptake revealed that invading sprouts rely on glucose to meet elevated energy requirements for invasion in dense matrices. This work helps to elucidate the complex interplay between the mechanical microenvironment and the endothelial cell metabolic status during angiogenesis, which could have important implications for developing new anti-cancer therapies.

Brain microvascular endothelial cell metabolism and its ties to barrier function

Brain microvascular endothelial cells, which lie at the interface between blood and brain, are critical to brain energetics. These cells must precisely balance metabolizing nutrients for their own demands with transporting nutrients into the brain to sustain parenchymal cells. It is essential to understand this integrated metabolism and transport so that we can develop better diagnostics and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. In this chapter, we first describe brain microvascular endothelial cell metabolism and how these cells regulate both blood flow and nutrient transport. We then explain the impact of brain microvascular endothelial cell metabolism on the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, as well as how metabolites produced by the endothelial cells impact other brain cells. We detail some ways that cell metabolism is typically measured experimentally and modeled computationally. Finally, we describe changes in brain microvascular endothelial cell metabolism in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. At the end of the chapter, we highlight areas for future research in brain microvascular endothelial cell metabolism. The goal of this chapter is to underscore the importance of nutrient metabolism and transport at the brain endothelium for cerebral health and neurovascular disease treatment.

Shear Stress-Induced AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Modulation in Endothelial Cells: Its Role in Metabolic Adaptions and Cardiovascular Disease

Endothelial cells (ECs) line the inner surface of all blood vessels and form a barrier that facilitates the controlled transfer of nutrients and oxygen from the circulatory system to surrounding tissues. Exposed to both laminar and turbulent blood flow, ECs are continuously subject to differential mechanical stimulation. It has been well established that the shear stress associated with laminar flow (LF) is atheroprotective, while shear stress in areas with turbulent flow (TF) correlates with EC dysfunction. Moreover, ECs show metabolic adaptions to physiological changes, such as metabolic shifts from quiescence to a proliferative state during angiogenesis. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is at the center of these phenomena. AMPK has a central role as a metabolic sensor in several cell types. Moreover, in ECs, AMPK is mechanosensitive, linking mechanosensation with metabolic adaptions. Finally, recent studies indicate that AMPK dysregulation is at the center of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and that pharmacological targeting of AMPK is a promising and novel strategy to treat CVDs such as atherosclerosis or ischemic injury. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge relevant to this topic, with a focus on shear stress-induced AMPK modulation and its consequences for vascular health and disease.

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells rely on oxidative phosphorylation but avoid processing long-chain fatty acids in their mitochondria

BACKGROUND

It is generally accepted that endothelial cells (ECs), primarily rely on glycolysis for ATP production, despite having functional mitochondria. However, it is also known that ECs are heterogeneous, and their phenotypic features depend on the vascular bed. Emerging evidence suggests that liver sinusoidal ECs (LSECs), located in the metabolically rich environment of the liver, show high metabolic plasticity. However, the substrate preference for energy metabolism in LSECs remains unclear.

METHODS

Investigations were conducted in primary murine LSECs in vitro using the Seahorse XF technique for functional bioenergetic assays, untargeted mass spectrometry-based proteomics to analyse the LSEC proteome involved in energy metabolism pathways, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based analysis of acyl-carnitine species and Raman spectroscopy imaging to track intracellular palmitic acid.

RESULTS

This study comprehensively characterized the energy metabolism of LSECs, which were found to depend on oxidative phosphorylation, efficiently fuelled by glucose-derived pyruvate, short- and medium-chain fatty acids and glutamine. Furthermore, despite its high availability, palmitic acid was not directly oxidized in LSEC mitochondria, as evidenced by the acylcarnitine profile and etomoxir's lack of effect on oxygen consumption. However, together with L-carnitine, palmitic acid supported mitochondrial respiration, which is compatible with the chain-shortening role of peroxisomal β-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids before further degradation and energy generation in mitochondria.

CONCLUSIONS

LSECs show a unique bioenergetic profile of highly metabolically plastic ECs adapted to the liver environment. The functional reliance of LSECs on oxidative phosphorylation, which is not a typical feature of ECs, remains to be determined.

Metabolic reprogramming and interventions in angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

Endothelial cell (EC) metabolism plays a crucial role in the process of angiogenesis. Intrinsic metabolic events such as glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and glutamine metabolism, support secure vascular migration and proliferation, energy and biomass production, as well as redox homeostasis maintenance during vessel formation. Nevertheless, perturbation of EC metabolism instigates vascular dysregulation-associated diseases, especially cancer.

AIM OF REVIEW

In this review, we aim to discuss the metabolic regulation of angiogenesis by EC metabolites and metabolic enzymes, as well as prospect the possible therapeutic opportunities and strategies targeting EC metabolism.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

In this work, we discuss various aspects of EC metabolism considering normal and diseased vasculature. Of relevance, we highlight that the implications of EC metabolism-targeted intervention (chiefly by metabolic enzymes or metabolites) could be harnessed in orchestrating a spectrum of pathological angiogenesis-associated diseases.

An integrated analysis revealing the angiogenic function of TP53I11 in tumor microenvironment

Despite growing evidence suggesting an important contribution of Tumor Protein P53 Inducible Protein 11 (TP53I11) in cancer progression, the role of TP53I11 remains unclear. Our first pan-cancer analysis of TP53I11 showed some tumor tissues displayed reduced TP53I11 expression compared to normal tissues, while others exhibited high TP53I11 expression. Meanwhile, TP53I11 expression carries a particular pan-cancer risk, as high TP53I11 expression levels are detrimental to survival for BRCA, KIRP, MESO, and UVM, but to beneficial survival for KIRC. We demonstrated that TP53I11 expression negatively correlates with DNA methylation in most cancers, and the S14 residue of TP53I11 is phosphorylated in several cancer types. Additionally, TP53I11 was found to be associated with endothelial cells in pan-cancer, and functional enrichment analysis provided strong evidence for its role in tumor angiogenesis. In vitro angiogenesis assays confirmed that TP53I11 can promote angiogenic function of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Mechanistic investigations reveal that TP53I11 is transcriptionally up-regulated by HIF2A under hypoxia.

The role of transcription factors in the pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting of vascular diseases

Transcription factors (TFs) constitute an essential component of epigenetic regulation. They contribute to the progression of vascular diseases by regulating epigenetic gene expression in several vascular diseases. Recently, numerous regulatory mechanisms related to vascular pathology, ranging from general TFs that are continuously activated to histiocyte-specific TFs that are activated under specific circumstances, have been studied. TFs participate in the progression of vascular-related diseases by epigenetically regulating vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The Krüppel-like family (KLF) TF family is widely recognized as the foremost regulator of vascular diseases. KLF11 prevents aneurysm progression by inhibiting the apoptosis of VSMCs and enhancing their contractile function. The presence of KLF4, another crucial member, suppresses the progression of atherosclerosis (AS) and pulmonary hypertension by attenuating the formation of VSMCs-derived foam cells, ameliorating endothelial dysfunction, and inducing vasodilatory effects. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of the progression of vascular-related diseases by TFs has remained elusive. The present study categorized the TFs involved in vascular diseases and their regulatory mechanisms to shed light on the potential pathogenesis of vascular diseases, and provide novel insights into their diagnosis and treatment.

Atherosclerosis and the Bidirectional Relationship between Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: From Bench to Bedside-Part 1

Atherosclerosis, a complex metabolic-immune disease characterized by chronic inflammation driven by the buildup of lipid-rich plaques within arterial walls, has emerged as a pivotal factor in the intricate interplay between cancer and cardiovascular disease. This bidirectional relationship, marked by shared risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms, underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of how these two formidable health challenges intersect and influence each other. Cancer and its treatments can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, while atherosclerosis, with its inflammatory microenvironment, can exert profound effects on cancer development and outcomes. Both cancer and cardiovascular disease involve intricate interactions between general and personal exposomes. In this review, we aim to summarize the state of the art of translational data and try to show how oncologic studies on cardiotoxicity can broaden our knowledge of crucial pathways in cardiovascular biology and exert a positive impact on precision cardiology and cardio-oncology.

The interaction between particles and vascular endothelium in blood flow

Particle-based drug delivery systems have shown promising application potential to treat human diseases; however, an incomplete understanding of their interactions with vascular endothelium in blood flow prevents their inclusion into mainstream clinical applications. The flow performance of nano/micro-sized particles in the blood are disturbed by many external/internal factors, including blood constituents, particle properties, and endothelium bioactivities, affecting the fate of particles in vivo and therapeutic effects for diseases. This review highlights how the blood constituents, hemodynamic environment and particle properties influence the interactions and particle activities in vivo. Moreover, we briefly summarized the structure and functions of endothelium and simulated devices for studying particle performance under blood flow conditions. Finally, based on particle-endothelium interactions, we propose future opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies and provide solutions to challenges in particle delivery systems for accelerating their clinical translation. This review helps provoke an increasing in-depth understanding of particle-endothelium interactions and inspires more strategies that may benefit the development of particle medicine.

Evaluation of endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic changes can be attributed to early endothelial damage in individuals with hypertension. We aimed to explore the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in newly diagnosed children without end-organ damage, considering carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and functional capillaroscopy parameters. We also analyzed the differences between dipper and non-dipper patients.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 20 patients diagnosed with essential hypertension with no target organ damage, and 20 age and sex-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled. The patient group comprised newly diagnosed individuals not receiving antihypertensive treatment. Hypertensive patients were divided into two groups (dipper and non-dipper patients). The measurements of CIMT, brachial FMD, and functional capillaroscopy were performed before starting treatment.

RESULTS

Among the patients, 11 were boys, and 9 were girls, with a median age of 16.0 (2.13) years. Of 20 hypertensive patients, 10 were dipper and 10 were non-dipper. Significant differences were observed between the hypertensive patients and controls in terms of CIMT (p = 0.04), brachial artery FMD (p = 0.02), and functional capillary density (p < 0.001). Hypertensive patients exhibited increased CIMT, reduced brachial artery FMD, and lower capillary density. However, there were no differences between dippers and non-dippers regarding age, sex, height SDS, weight SDS, CIMT SDS, brachial artery FMD, and capillary density.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the vascular consequences associated with essential hypertension emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of hypertension. Herein, we have effectively highlighted significant endothelial changes through the analysis of three parameters in newly diagnosed children without apparent target organ damage.

Nur77 mitigates endothelial dysfunction through activation of both nitric oxide production and anti-oxidant pathways

BACKGROUND

Nur77 belongs to the member of orphan nuclear receptor 4A family that plays critical roles in maintaining vascular homeostasis. This study aims to determine whether Nur77 plays a role in attenuating vascular dysfunction, and if so, to determine the molecular mechanisms involved.

METHODS

Both Nur77 knockout (Nur77 KO) and Nur77 endothelial specific transgenic mice (Nur77-Tg) were employed to examine the functional significance of Nur77 in vascular endothelium in vivo. Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation to acetylcholine (Ach) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was determined under inflammatory and high glucose conditions. Expression of genes was determined by real-time PCR and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

In response to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) treatment and diabetes, the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation to Ach was significantly impaired in aorta from Nur77 KO as compared with those from the wild-type (WT) mice. Endothelial specific overexpression of Nur77 markedly prevented both TNF-α- and high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction. Compared with WT mice, after TNF-α and high glucose treatment, ROS production in aorta was significantly increased in Nur77 KO mice, but it was inhibited in Nur77-Tg mice, as determined by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Nur77 overexpression substantially increased the expression of several key enzymes involved in nitric oxide (NO) production and ROS scavenging, including endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH-1), glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1), and superoxide dismutases (SODs). Mechanistically, we found that Nur77 increased GCH1 mRNA stability by inhibiting the expression of microRNA-133a, while Nur77 upregulated SOD1 expression through directly binding to the human SOD1 promoter in vascular endothelial cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that Nur77 plays an essential role in attenuating endothelial dysfunction through activating NO production and anti-oxidant pathways in vascular endothelium. Targeted activation of Nur77 may provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction.

Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Tetrabromobisphenol A Exposure Impends Neurovascular Formation through Perturbing Mitochondrial Metabolism in Zebrafish Embryos and Human Primary Endothelial Cells

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), the most extensively utilized brominated flame retardant, has raised growing concerns regarding its environmental and health risks. Neurovascular formation is essential for metabolically supporting neuronal networks. However, previous studies primarily concerned the neuronal injuries of TBBPA, its impact on the neurovascularture, and molecular mechanism, which are yet to be elucidated. In this study, 5, 30, 100, 300 μg/L of TBBPA were administered to Tg (fli1a: eGFP) zebrafish larvae at 2-72 h postfertilization (hpf). The findings revealed that TBBPA impaired cerebral and ocular angiogenesis in zebrafish. Metabolomics analysis showed that TBBPA-treated neuroendothelial cells exhibited disruption of the TCA cycle and the Warburg effect pathway. TBBPA induced a significant reduction in glycolysis and mitochondrial ATP production rates, accompanied by mitochondrial fragmentation and an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) production in neuroendothelial cells. The supplementation of alpha-ketoglutaric acid, a key metabolite of the TCA cycle, mitigated TBBPA-induced mitochondrial damage, reduced mitoROS production, and restored angiogenesis in zebrafish larvae. Our results suggested that TBBPA exposure impeded neurovascular injury via mitochondrial metabolic perturbation mediated by mitoROS signaling, providing novel insight into the neurovascular toxicity and mode of action of TBBPA.

Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids for improving wound healing

Wounds are one of the most common health issues, and the cost of wound care and healing has continued to increase over the past decade. In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing innovative strategies to enhance the efficacy of wound healing. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) have emerged as a promising tool for wound healing applications due to their unique structural and functional properties. Therefore, it is of great significance to summarize the applications of tFNAs for wound healing. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of tFNAs as a novel therapeutic approach for wound healing. In this review, we discuss the possible mechanisms of tFNAs in wound healing and highlight the role of tFNAs in modulating key processes involved in wound healing, such as cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. The targeted delivery and controlled release capabilities of tFNAs offer advantages in terms of localized and sustained delivery of therapeutic agents to the wound site. In addition, the latest research progress on tFNAs in wound healing is systematically introduced. We also discuss the biocompatibility and biosafety of tFNAs, along with their potential applications and future directions for research. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of tFNAs are briefly discussed to promote wider applications.

Nitric oxide nano-reactor DNMF/PLGA enables tumor vascular microenvironment and chemo-hyperthermia synergetic therapy

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer ranks first among malignant tumors, of which triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by its highly invasive behavior and the worst prognosis. Timely diagnosis and precise treatment of TNBC are substantially challenging. Abnormal tumor vessels play a crucial role in TNBC progression and treatment. Nitric oxide (NO) regulates angiogenesis and maintains vascular homeostasis, while effective NO delivery can normalize the tumor vasculature. Accordingly, we have proposed here a tumor vascular microenvironment remodeling strategy based on NO-induced vessel normalization and extracellular matrix collagen degradation with multimodality imaging-guided nanoparticles against TNBC called DNMF/PLGA.

RESULTS

Nanoparticles were synthesized using a chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX), a NO donor L-arginine (L-Arg), ultrasmall spinel ferrites (MnFe2O4), and a poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) shell. Nanoparticle distribution in the tumor was accurately monitored in real-time through highly enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and photoacoustic imaging. Near-infrared irradiation of tumor cells revealed that MnFe2O4 catalyzes the production of a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from H2O2, resulting in a cascade catalysis of L-Arg to trigger NO production in the presence of ROS. In addition, DOX activates niacinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase to generate and supply H2O2. The generated NO improves the vascular endothelial cell integrity and pericellular contractility to promote vessel normalization and induces the activation of endogenous matrix metalloproteinases (mainly MMP-1 and MMP-2) so as to promote extravascular collagen degradation, thereby providing an auxiliary mechanism for efficient nanoparticle delivery and DOX penetration. Moreover, the chemotherapeutic effect of DOX and the photothermal effect of MnFe2O4 served as a chemo-hyperthermia synergistic therapy against TNBC.

CONCLUSION

The two therapeutic mechanisms, along with an auxiliary mechanism, were perfectly combined to enhance the therapeutic effects. Briefly, multimodality image-guided nanoparticles provide a reliable strategy for the potential application in the fight against TNBC.

Traditional Chinese medicine and its active substances reduce vascular injury in diabetes via regulating autophagic activity

Due to its high prevalence, poor prognosis, and heavy burden on healthcare costs, diabetic vascular complications have become a significant public health issue. Currently, the molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying diabetes-induced vascular complications remain incompletely understood. Autophagy, a highly conserved process of lysosomal degradation, maintains intracellular homeostasis and energy balance via removing protein aggregates, damaged organelles, and exogenous pathogens. Increasing evidence suggests that dysregulated autophagy may contribute to vascular abnormalities in various types of blood vessels, including both microvessels and large vessels, under diabetic conditions. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses the characteristics of "multiple components, multiple targets and multiple pathways," and its safety has been demonstrated, particularly with minimal toxicity in liver and kidney. Thus, TCM has gained increasing attention from researchers. Moreover, recent studies have indicated that Chinese herbal medicine and its active compounds can improve vascular damage in diabetes by regulating autophagy. Based on this background, this review summarizes the classification, occurrence process, and related molecular mechanisms of autophagy, with a focus on discussing the role of autophagy in diabetic vascular damage and the protective effects of TCM and its active compounds through the regulation of autophagy in diabetes. Moreover, we systematically elucidate the autophagic mechanisms by which TCM formulations, individual herbal extracts, and active compounds regulate diabetic vascular damage, thereby providing new candidate drugs for clinical treatment of vascular complications in diabetes. Therefore, further exploration of TCM and its active compounds with autophagy-regulating effects holds significant research value for achieving targeted therapeutic approaches for diabetic vascular complications.

New Insights into Endothelial Dysfunction in Cardiometabolic Diseases: Potential Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

The endothelium is a monocellular layer covering the inner surface of blood vessels. It maintains vascular homeostasis regulating vascular tone and permeability and exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-thrombotic functions. When the endothelium is exposed to detrimental stimuli including hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and neurohormonal imbalance, different biological pathways are activated leading to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, increased secretion of adipokines, cytokines, endothelin-1, and fibroblast growth factor, and reduced nitric oxide production, leading eventually to a loss of integrity. Endothelial dysfunction has emerged as a hallmark of dysmetabolic vascular impairment and contributes to detrimental effects on cardiac metabolism and diastolic dysfunction, and to the development of cardiovascular diseases including heart failure. Different biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction have been proposed to predict cardiovascular diseases in order to identify microvascular and macrovascular damage and the development of atherosclerosis, particularly in metabolic disorders. Endothelial dysfunction also plays an important role in the development of severe COVID-19 and cardiovascular complications in dysmetabolic patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we will discuss the biological mechanisms involved in endothelial dysregulation in the context of cardiometabolic diseases as well as the available and promising biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in clinical practice.

Angiogenesis is promoted by hypoxic cervical carcinoma-derived extracellular vesicles depending on the endothelial cell environment

INTRODUCTION

Cancer needs perfusion for its growth and metastasis. Cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (CA-EVs) alter the tumor microenvironment (TME), potentially promoting angiogenesis. We hypothesize that conditions in the tumor, e.g., hypoxia, and in the target cells of the TME, e.g., nutrient deprivation or extracellular matrix, can affect the angiogenic potential of CA-EVs, which would contribute to explaining the regulation of tumor vascularization and its influence on cancer growth and metastasis.

METHODS

CA-EVs were isolated and characterized from cervical carcinoma cell lines HeLa and SiHa cultured under normoxia and hypoxia, and their angiogenic potential was evaluated in vitro in three endothelial cells (ECs) lines and aortic rings, cultured in basal (growth factor-reduced) or complete medium.

RESULTS

Hypoxia increased EV production 10-100 times and protein content 2-4 times compared to normoxic CA-EVs. HeLa-EVs contained six times more RNA than SiHa-EVs, and this concentration was not affected by hypoxia. Treatment with CA-EVs increased tube formation and sprouting in ECs and aortic rings cultured in basal medium and long-term stabilized the stablished vascular networks formed by ECs cultured in complete medium.

CONCLUSION

Hypoxia differentially affects CA-EVs in a cell line-dependent manner. The cellular environment (nutrient availability and extracellular matrix scaffold) influences the effect of CA-EV on the angiogenic potential of ECs.

Nrf2-mediated redox balance alleviates LPS-induced vascular endothelial cell inflammation by inhibiting endothelial cell ferroptosis

Ferroptosis plays an important role in inflammation and oxidative stress. Whether ferroptosis is involved in the inflammation of vascular endothelial cells and its regulation mechanism remains unclear. We estimated the correlation between serum iron ion levels and the inflammation index of 33 patients with arteriosclerosis. In vitro, HUVECs with or without ferrostatin-1 were exposed to Lipopolysaccharide. Corresponding cell models to verify the target signaling pathway. The results showed that serum iron ion levels had a significant positive correlation with N ratio, N/L, LDL level, and LDL/HDL (P < 0.05), and a negative correlation with L ratio (P < 0.05) in the arteriosclerosis patients. In vitro, ferroptosis is involved in HUVECs inflammation. Ferrostatin-1 can rescue LPS-induced HUVECs inflammation by decreasing HMGB1/IL-6/TNF-α expression. Nrf2 high expression could protect HUVECs against ferroptosis by activating the GPX4/GSH system, inhibiting ferritinophagy, and alleviating inflammation in HUVECs by inhibiting HMGB1/IL-6/TNF-α expression. It also found that Nrf2 is a key adaptive regulatory factor in the oxidative damage of HUVECs induced by NOX4 activation. These findings indicated that ferroptosis contributed to the pathogenesis of vascular endothelial cell damage by mediating endothelial cell inflammation. Nrf2-mediated redox balance in vascular inflammation may be a therapeutic strategy in vascular diseases.

Gestational Hypoxia Impaired Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthesis Via miR-155-5p/NADPH Oxidase/Reactive Oxygen Species Axis in Male Offspring Vessels

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) is the most important vasodilator secreted by vascular endothelial cells, and its abnormal synthesis is involved in the development of cardiovascular disease. The prenatal period is a critical time for development and largely determines lifelong vascular health in offspring. Given the high incidence and severity of gestational hypoxia in mid-late pregnancy, it is urgent to further explore whether it affects the long-term synthesis of NO in offspring vascular endothelial cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were housed in a normoxic or hypoxic (10.5% O2) chamber from gestation days 10 to 20. The thoracic aortas of fetal and adult male offspring were isolated for experiments. Gestational hypoxia significantly reduces the NO-dependent vasodilation mediated by acetylcholine in both the fetal and adult offspring thoracic aorta rings. Meanwhile, acetylcholine-induced NO synthesis is impaired in vascular endothelial cells from hypoxic offspring thoracic aortas. We demonstrate that gestational hypoxic offspring exhibit a reduced endothelial NO synthesis capacity, primarily due to increased expression of NADPH oxidase 2 and enhanced reactive oxygen species. Additionally, gestational hypoxic offspring show elevated levels of miR-155-5p in vascular endothelial cells, which is associated with increased expression of NADPH oxidase 2 and reactive oxygen species generation, as well as impaired NO synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study is the first to demonstrate that gestational hypoxia impairs endothelial NO synthesis via the miR-155-5p/NADPH oxidase 2/reactive oxygen species axis in offspring vessels. These novel findings indicate that the detrimental effects of gestational hypoxia on fetal vascular function can persist into adulthood, providing new insights into the development of vascular diseases.

Arterial hypertension in the chronic evolution of migraine: bystander or risk factor? An overview

BACKGROUND

Several risk factors are associated with the chronic evolution of migraine. Clinical and preclinical studies have provided data about the role of hypertension (HT) as one of the potential modifiable risk factors of chronic migraine (CM). This review is focused on the biological and clinical evidence supporting common mechanisms underlying HT and migraine and the potential role of HT in the transition from episodic to chronic migraine.

METHODS

We conducted a narrative review from a literature search covering the available evidence from studies investigating: i) the role of HT in the transition to CM in clinical practice; ii) the biological mechanisms potentially underpinning the association between HT and evolution to CM; iii) the role of antihypertensive medications in migraine prophylaxis.

RESULTS

HT proved to be at the base of multiple mechanisms underlying migraine and migraine chronicization. Endothelial dysfunction, blood-brain barrier alterations, calcitonin gene-related peptide signaling, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system dysregulation are involved in the worsening effect of HT on migraine frequency, and the role of HT in the transition to CM is supported by clinical observations.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed evidence supports HT contribution to CM evolution due to shared pathophysiologic mechanisms. While a bidirectional influence appears to be ascertained, data are still lacking about the one-way role of HT as direct risk factor for CM transition. Further research is needed to confirm a causal role of HT in this process.

Dendrobine regulates STAT3 to attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence in vascular endothelial cells triggered by oxidized low-density lipoprotein

Our previous studies have highlighted the potential therapeutic efficacy of dendrobine, an alkaloid, in atherosclerosis (AS), nevertheless, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study employs a combination of network pharmacology and in vitro experiments to explore the regulatory pathways involved. Through network pharmacology, the biological function for intersection targets between dendrobine and AS were identified. Molecular docking was conducted to investigate the interaction between the dominant target and dendrobine. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to mimic AS, and the effects of dendrobine on cell viability, lipid deposition, mitochondrial function, and cellular senescence were evaluated. Subsequently, cells were treated with the mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi-1 and the STAT3 agonist colivelin to assess the role of mitophagy and STAT3 signaling in dendrobine regulation. Intersection targets were associated with biological processes, including reactive oxygen species production. Dendrobine attenuated the effects of ox-LDL treatment on HUVECs, mitigating changes in cell activity, lipid deposition, mitochondrial function, and cellular senescence. Both Mdivi-1 and colivelin treatments resulted in decreased cell viability and increased cellular senescence, with colivelin suppressing mitophagy. Cotreatment with Mdivi-1 and colivelin further aggravated cellular senescence and inhibited FoxO signaling. Together, this study indicated that dendrobine regulated the STAT3/FoxO signaling pathway, alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence. This study contributes valuable insights to the potential clinical application of dendrobine.

Microbiota derived D-malate inhibits skeletal muscle growth and angiogenesis during aging via acetylation of Cyclin A

Metabolites derived from the intestinal microbiota play an important role in maintaining skeletal muscle growth, function, and metabolism. Here, we found that D-malate (DMA) is produced by mouse intestinal microorganisms and its levels increase during aging. Moreover, we observed that dietary supplementation of 2% DMA inhibits metabolism in mice, resulting in reduced muscle mass, strength, and the number of blood vessels, as well as the skeletal muscle fiber type I/IIb ratio. In vitro assays demonstrate that DMA decreases the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and suppresses the formation of blood vessels. In vivo, we further demonstrated that boosting angiogenesis by muscular VEGFB injection rescues the inhibitory effects of D-malate on muscle mass and fiber area. By transcriptomics analysis, we identified that the mechanism underlying the effects of DMA depends on the elevated intracellular acetyl-CoA content and increased Cyclin A acetylation rather than redox balance. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which gut microbes impair muscle angiogenesis and may provide a therapeutic target for skeletal muscle dysfunction in cancer or aging.

PIM1 drives lipid droplet accumulation to promote proliferation and survival in prostate cancer

Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic organelles with a neutral lipid core surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer. Solid tumors exhibit LD accumulation, and it is believed that LDs promote cell survival by providing an energy source during energy deprivation. However, the precise mechanisms controlling LD accumulation and utilization in prostate cancer are not well known. Here, we show peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) acts downstream of PIM1 kinase to accelerate LD accumulation and promote cell proliferation in prostate cancer. Mechanistically, PIM1 inactivates glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) via serine 9 phosphorylation. GSK3β inhibition stabilizes PPARα and enhances the transcription of genes linked to peroxisomal biogenesis (PEX3 and PEX5) and LD growth (Tip47). The effects of PIM1 on LD accumulation are abrogated with GW6471, a specific inhibitor for PPARα. Notably, LD accumulation downstream of PIM1 provides a significant survival advantage for prostate cancer cells during nutrient stress, such as glucose depletion. Inhibiting PIM reduces LD accumulation in vivo alongside slow tumor growth and proliferation. Furthermore, TKO mice, lacking PIM isoforms, exhibit suppression in circulating triglycerides. Overall, our findings establish PIM1 as an important regulator of LD accumulation through GSK3β-PPARα signaling axis to promote cell proliferation and survival during nutrient stress.

Magnesium promotes vascularization and osseointegration in diabetic states

Diabetes has long been considered a risk factor in implant therapy and impaired wound healing in soft and hard oral tissues. Magnesium has been proved to promote bone healing under normal conditions. Here, we elucidate the mechanism by which Mg2+ promotes angiogenesis and osseointegration in diabetic status. We generated a diabetic mice model and demonstrated the alveolar bone healing was compromised, with significantly decreased angiogenesis. We then developed Mg-coating implants with hydrothermal synthesis. These implants successfully improved the vascularization and osseointegration in diabetic status. Mechanically, Mg2+ promoted the degradation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and the nucleation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by up-regulating the expression of sestrin 2 (SESN2) in endothelial cells, thus reducing the elevated levels of oxidative stress in mitochondria and relieving endothelial cell dysfunction under hyperglycemia. Altogether, our data suggested that Mg2+ promoted angiogenesis and osseointegration in diabetic mice by regulating endothelial mitochondrial metabolism.

NMDARs activation regulates endothelial ferroptosis via the PP2A-AMPK-HMGB1 axis

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are ligand-gated, voltage-dependent channels of the ionotropic glutamate receptor family. The present study explored whether NMDAR activation induced ferroptosis in vascular endothelial cells and its complicated mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. Various detection approaches were used to determine the ferroptosis-related cellular iron content, lipid reactive oxygen species (LOS), siRNA molecules, RNA-sequence, MDA, GSH, and western blotting. The AMPK activator Acadesine (AICAR), HMGB1 inhibitor glycyrrhizin (GLY), PP2A inhibitor LB-100, and NMDAR inhibitor MK801 were used to investigate the involved in vivo and in vitro pathways. The activation of NMDAR with L-glutamic acid (GLU) or NMDA significantly promoted cellular ferroptosis, iron content, MDA, and the PTGS2 expression, while decreasing GPX4 expression and GSH concentration in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which was reversed by ferroptosis inhibitors Ferrostatin-1(Fer-1), Liproxstatin-1 (Lip-1), or Deferoxamine (DFO). RNA-seq revealed that ferroptosis and SLC7A11 participate in NMDA or GLU-mediated NMDAR activation. The PP2A-AMPK-HMGB1 pathway was majorly associated with NMDAR activation-induced ferroptosis, validated using the PP2A inhibitor LB-100, AMPK activator AICAR, or HMGB1 siRNA. The role of NMDAR in ferroptosis was validated in HUVECs induced with the ferroptosis activator errasin or RSL3 and counteracted by the NMDAR inhibitor MK-801. The in vivo results showed that NMDA- or GLU-induced ferroptosis and LOS production was reversed by MK-801, LB-100, AICAR, MK-801, and GLY, confirming that the PP2A-AMPK-HMGB1 pathway is involved in NMDAR activation-induced vascular endothelium ferroptosis. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated a novel role of NMDAR in endothelial cell injury by regulating ferroptosis via the PP2A-AMPK-HMGB1 pathway.

FUNDC1/USP15/Drp1 ameliorated TNF-α-induced pulmonary artery endothelial cell proliferation by regulating mitochondrial dynamics

Mitochondrial dysfunction in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) is related to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The mitochondrial receptor protein FUN14 domain containing 1 (FUNDC1) was found to be involved in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation in PH. However, its role in PAECs remains unclear. We investigated FUNDC1 expression in the pulmonary artery endothelium in both monocrotaline-induced animal models and TNF-α-stimulated cell models. Additionally, the effect of FUNDC1 on PAECs proliferation and its possible mechanism were also investigated. We observed decreased FUNDC1 protein levels in animals and in vitro in PAECs. FUNDC1 deficiency in PAECs upregulated the expression of the deubiquitination enzyme ubiquitin-specific peptidase 15 (USP15), enhanced dynamin-related protein1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial division, and increased mitochondrial ROS levels via the deubiquitination of Drp1. Additionally, FUNDC1 deficiency increased aerobic glycolysis, the production of ATP and lactic acid, and glucose uptake. FUNDC1 overexpression inhibited PAECs proliferation. Moreover, FUNDC1 overexpression in combination with a mitochondrial division or aerobic glycolysis inhibitor enhanced its inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Our study findings suggest that FUNDC1 deficiency induced by inflammation can promote PAECs proliferation by regulating mitochondrial dynamics and cell energy metabolism via the USP15/Drp1 pathway.

A Preliminary Study of the Role of Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transitory Factor SOX 2 and CD147 in the Microvascularization of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to detect the possible endothelial expression of embryonic-type cancer stem cells (CSC) marker SOX2 and the stemness-type CSC marker CD147 in oral potential malignant disorders (OPMDs), oral leukoplakia (OL) in particular, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

METHODS

This study focuses on the immunohistochemical pattern of expression of CSC protein-biomarkers SOX2 and CD147 in paraffin-embedded samples of 21 OSCCs of different grades of differentiation and 30 cases of OLs with different grades of dysplasia, compared to normal oral mucosa.

RESULTS

The protein biomarker SOX2 was expressed in the endothelial cells, but without establishing any statistically significant correlation among OSCC, OL, and normal tissue specimens. However, SOX endothelial staining was noticed in 7/30 (23.3%) cases of OL (one non-dysplastic, one mildly dysplastic, one moderately dysplastic, and four severely dysplastic cases) and 5/21 (23.8%) cases of OSCC (two well-differentiated, one moderately differentiated, and two poorly differentiated cases). Although CD147 is expressed in normal oral epithelium, OL, and OSCC neoplastic cells, its vascular-endothelial expression was noticed in only 2/5 (40%) cases of normal oral epithelium, 1/30 (3.3%) cases of OL (one severely dysplastic case), and 4/21 (19%) cases of OSCC (two well-differentiated, one moderately differentiated, and one poorly differentiated case). Therefore, no statistically significant correlation among OSCC, OL, and normal tissue specimens was established.

CONCLUSION

The endothelial presence of SOX2 both in oral potentially malignant and malignant lesions suggests that SOX2 may be implicated in the microvascularization process and associated with the degree of dysplasia in OL. The expression of CD147 may be attributed both to local inflammation and tumorigenesis. The implementation of CD147 in larger groups of tissue samples will shed some light on its role in cancer and inflammation. The evidence so far supports the need for more studies, which may support the clinical significance of these novel cancer stem cell biomarkers.

Suppression of angiopoietin-like 4 reprograms endothelial cell metabolism and inhibits angiogenesis

Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is known to regulate various cellular and systemic functions. However, its cell-specific role in endothelial cells (ECs) function and metabolic homeostasis remains to be elucidated. Here, using endothelial-specific Angptl4 knock-out mice (Angptl4iΔEC), and transcriptomics and metabolic flux analysis, we demonstrate that ANGPTL4 is required for maintaining EC metabolic function vital for vascular permeability and angiogenesis. Knockdown of ANGPTL4 in ECs promotes lipase-mediated lipoprotein lipolysis, which results in increased fatty acid (FA) uptake and oxidation. This is also paralleled by a decrease in proper glucose utilization for angiogenic activation of ECs. Mice with endothelial-specific deletion of Angptl4 showed decreased pathological neovascularization with stable vessel structures characterized by increased pericyte coverage and reduced permeability. Together, our study denotes the role of endothelial-ANGPTL4 in regulating cellular metabolism and angiogenic functions of EC.

Metabolic changes with the occurrence of atherosclerotic plaques and the effects of statins

Atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease caused by the abnormal expression of multiple factors and genes influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. The primary manifestation of atherosclerosis is plaque formation, which occurs when inflammatory cells consume excess lipids, affecting their retention and modification within the arterial intima. This triggers endothelial cell (EC) activation, immune cell infiltration, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration, foam cell formation, lipid streaks, and fibrous plaque development. These processes can lead to vascular wall sclerosis, lumen stenosis, and thrombosis. Immune cells, ECs, and VSMCs in atherosclerotic plaques undergo significant metabolic changes and inflammatory responses. The interaction of cytokines and chemokines secreted by these cells leads to the onset, progression, and regression of atherosclerosis. The regulation of cell- or cytokine-based immune responses is a novel therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis. Statins are currently the primary pharmacological agents utilised for managing unstable plaques owing to their ability to enhance endothelial function, regulate VSMC proliferation and apoptosis by reducing cholesterol levels, and mitigate the expression and activity of inflammatory cytokines. In this review, we provide an overview of the metabolic changes associated with atherosclerosis, describe the effects of inflammatory responses on atherosclerotic plaques, and discuss the mechanisms through which statins contribute to plaque stabilisation. Additionally, we examine the role of statins in combination with other drugs in the management of atherosclerosis.

Crosstalk between neutrophil extracellular traps and immune regulation: insights into pathobiology and therapeutic implications of transfusion-related acute lung injury

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion-associated death, occurring during or within 6 hours after transfusion. Reports indicate that TRALI can be categorized as having or lacking acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) risk factors. There are two types of TRALI in terms of its pathogenesis: antibody-mediated and non-antibody-mediated. The key initiation steps involve the priming and activation of neutrophils, with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) being established as effector molecules formed by activated neutrophils in response to various stimuli. These NETs contribute to the production and release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and participate in the destruction of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells. The significant role of NETs in TRALI is well recognized, offering a potential pathway for TRALI treatment. Moreover, platelets, macrophages, endothelial cells, and complements have been identified as promoters of NET formation. Concurrently, studies have demonstrated that the storage of platelets and concentrated red blood cells (RBC) can induce TRALI through bioactive lipids. In this article, recent clinical and pre-clinical studies on the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of TRALI are reviewed to further illuminate the mechanism through which NETs induce TRALI. This review aims to propose new therapeutic strategies for TRALI, with the hope of effectively improving its poor prognosis.

Glycolysis Promotes Angiotensin II-Induced Aortic Remodeling Through Regulating Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via the Corepressor C-Terminal Binding Protein 1

BACKGROUND

Endothelial dysfunction plays a crucial role in aortic remodeling. Aerobic glycolysis and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) have, respectively, been suggested to contribute to endothelial dysfunction in many cardiovascular diseases. Here, we tested the hypothesis that glycolytic reprogramming is critical for EndoMT induction in aortic remodeling through an epigenetic mechanism mediated by a transcriptional corepressor CtBP1 (C-terminal binding protein 1), a sensor of glycolysis-derived NADH.

METHODS

EndoMT program, aortic remodeling, and endothelial expression of the glycolytic activator PFKFB3 (6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase isoform 3) were evaluated in Ang (angiotensin) II-infused mice. Mice with endothelial-specific Pfkfb3 deficiency or CtBP1 inactivation, immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assay were employed to elucidate whether and how PFKFB3/CtBP1 epigenetically controls EndoMT.

RESULTS

The EndoMT program and increased endothelial PFKFB3 expression were induced in remodeled thoracic aortas. In TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β)-treated human endothelial cells, activated SMAD2/3 (SMAD Family Member 2/3) transcriptionally upregulated PFKFB3 expression. In turn, the TGF-β/SMAD signaling and EndoMT were compromised by silencing or inhibition of PFKFB3. Mechanistic studies revealed that PFKFB3-mediated glycolysis increased NADH content and activated the NADH-sensitive CtBP1. Through interaction with the transcription repressor E2F4 (E2F Transcription Factor 4), CtBP1 enhanced E2F4-mediated transcriptional repression of SMURF2 (SMAD ubiquitin regulatory factor 2), a negative regulator of TGF-β/SMAD2 signaling. Additionally, EC-specific Pfkfb3 deficiency or CtBP1 inactivation in mice led to attenuated Ang II-induced aortic remodeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate a glycolysis-mediated positive feedback loop of the TGF-β signaling to induce EndoMT and indicate that therapeutically targeting endothelial PFKFB3 or CtBP1 activity could provide a basis for treating EndoMT-linked aortic remodeling.

Systems levels analysis of lipid metabolism in oxygen-induced retinopathy

Hyperoxia induces glutamine-fueled anaplerosis in the Muller cells, endothelial cells, and retinal explants. Anaplerosis takes away glutamine from the biosynthetic pathway to the energy-producing TCA cycle. This process depletes biosynthetic precursors from newly proliferating endothelial cells. The induction of anaplerosis in the hyperoxic retina is a compensatory response, either to decreased glycolysis or decreased flux from glycolysis to the TCA cycle. We hypothesized that by providing substrates that feed into TCA, we could reverse or prevent glutamine-fueled anaplerosis, thereby abating the glutamine wastage for energy generation. Using an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model, we first compared the difference in fatty acid metabolism between OIR-resistant BALB/cByJ and OIR susceptible C57BL/6J strains to understand if these strains exhibit metabolic difference that protects BALB/cByJ from the hyperoxic conditions and prevents their vasculature in oxygen-induced retinopathy model. Based on our findings from the metabolic comparison between two mouse strains, we hypothesized that the medium-chain fatty acid, octanoate, can feed into the TCA and serve as an alternative energy source in response to hyperoxia. Our systems levels analysis of OIR model shows that the medium chain fatty acid can serve as an alternative source to feed TCA. We here, for the first time, demonstrate that the retina can use medium-chain fatty acid octanoate to replenish TCA in normoxic and at a higher rate in hyperoxic conditions.

The Role of Perivascular Adipose Tissue in the Pathogenesis of Endothelial Dysfunction in Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two of the four major chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) representing the leading cause of death worldwide. Several studies demonstrate that endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of these chronic diseases. Although it is well known that systemic chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are primarily involved in the development of ED, recent studies have shown that perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is implicated in its pathogenesis, also contributing to the progression of atherosclerosis and to insulin resistance (IR). In this review, we describe the relationship between PVAT and ED, and we also analyse the role of PVAT in the pathogenesis of CVDs and T2DM, further assessing its potential therapeutic target with the aim of restoring normal ED and reducing global cardiovascular risk.

Senescent Endothelial Cells Sustain Their Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) through Enhanced Fatty Acid Oxidation

Cellular senescence is closely linked to endothelial dysfunction, a key factor in age-related vascular diseases. Senescent endothelial cells exhibit a proinflammatory phenotype known as SASP, leading to chronic inflammation (inflammaging) and vascular impairments. Albeit in a state of permanent growth arrest, senescent cells paradoxically display a high metabolic activity. The relationship between metabolism and inflammation is complex and varies across cell types and senescence inductions. While some cell types shift towards glycolysis during senescence, others favor oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Despite the high availability of oxygen, quiescent endothelial cells (ECs) tend to rely on glycolysis for their bioenergetic needs. However, there are limited data on the metabolic behavior of senescent ECs. Here, we characterized the metabolic profiles of young and senescent human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to establish a possible link between the metabolic status and the proinflammatory phenotype of senescent ECs. Senescent ECs internalize a smaller amount of glucose, have a lower glycolytic rate, and produce/release less lactate than younger cells. On the other hand, an increased fatty acid oxidation activity was observed in senescent HUVECs, together with a greater intracellular content of ATP. Interestingly, blockade of glycolysis with 2-deoxy-D-glucose in young cells resulted in enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines, while the inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), a key rate-limiting enzyme of fatty acid oxidation, ameliorated the SASP in senescent ECs. In summary, metabolic changes in senescent ECs are complex, and this research seeks to uncover potential strategies for modulating these metabolic pathways to influence the SASP.

New Dawn for Atherosclerosis: Vascular Endothelial Cell Senescence and Death

Endothelial cells (ECs) form the inner linings of blood vessels, and are directly exposed to endogenous hazard signals and metabolites in the circulatory system. The senescence and death of ECs are not only adverse outcomes, but also causal contributors to endothelial dysfunction, an early risk marker of atherosclerosis. The pathophysiological process of EC senescence involves both structural and functional changes and has been linked to various factors, including oxidative stress, dysregulated cell cycle, hyperuricemia, vascular inflammation, and aberrant metabolite sensing and signaling. Multiple forms of EC death have been documented in atherosclerosis, including autophagic cell death, apoptosis, pyroptosis, NETosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms underlying EC senescence or death in atherogenesis are not fully understood. To provide a comprehensive update on the subject, this review examines the historic and latest findings on the molecular mechanisms and functional alterations associated with EC senescence and death in different stages of atherosclerosis.

Vascular organoids: unveiling advantages, applications, challenges, and disease modelling strategies

Understanding mechanisms and manifestations of cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes, on vascular cells such as endothelial cells, pericytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells, remains elusive partly due to the lack of appropriate disease models. Therefore, here we explore different aspects for the development of advanced 3D in vitro disease models that recapitulate human blood vessel complications using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, which retain the epigenetic, transcriptomic, and metabolic memory of their patient-of-origin. In this review, we highlight the superiority of 3D blood vessel organoids over conventional 2D cell culture systems for vascular research. We outline the key benefits of vascular organoids in both health and disease contexts and discuss the current challenges associated with organoid technology, providing potential solutions. Furthermore, we discuss the diverse applications of vascular organoids and emphasize the importance of incorporating all relevant cellular components in a 3D model to accurately recapitulate vascular pathophysiology. As a specific example, we present a comprehensive overview of diabetic vasculopathy, demonstrating how the interplay of different vascular cell types is critical for the successful modelling of complex disease processes in vitro. Finally, we propose a strategy for creating an organ-specific diabetic vasculopathy model, serving as a valuable template for modelling other types of vascular complications in cardiovascular diseases by incorporating disease-specific stressors and organotypic modifications.