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Cooper STE, Lokman AB, Riley PR. Role of the Lymphatics in Cardiac Disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1181-1190. [PMID: 38634279 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.124.319854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases remain the largest cause of death worldwide with recent evidence increasingly attributing the development and progression of these diseases to an exacerbated inflammatory response. As a result, significant research is now focused on modifying the immune environment to prevent the disease progression. This in turn has highlighted the lymphatic system in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases owing, in part, to its established function in immune cell surveillance and trafficking. In this review, we highlight the role of the cardiac lymphatic system and its potential as an immunomodulatory therapeutic target in selected cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna T E Cooper
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Adam B Lokman
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R Riley
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
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2
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Schelemei P, Wagner E, Picard FSR, Winkels H. Macrophage mediators and mechanisms in cardiovascular disease. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23424. [PMID: 38275140 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302001r] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages are major players in myocardial infarction (MI) and atherosclerosis, two major cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Atherosclerosis is caused by the buildup of cholesterol-rich lipoproteins in blood vessels, causing inflammation, vascular injury, and plaque formation. Plaque rupture or erosion can cause thrombus formation resulting in inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle and MI. Inflammation, particularly driven by macrophages, plays a central role in both atherosclerosis and MI. Recent integrative approaches of single-cell analysis-based classifications in both murine and human atherosclerosis as well as experimental MI showed overlap in origin, diversity, and function of macrophages in the aorta and the heart. We here discuss differences and communalities between macrophages in the heart and aorta at steady state and in atherosclerosis or upon MI. We focus on markers, mediators, and functional states of macrophage subpopulations. Recent trials testing anti-inflammatory agents show a major benefit in reducing the inflammatory burden of CVD patients, but highlight a necessity for a broader understanding of immune cell ontogeny and heterogeneity in CVD. The novel insights into macrophage biology in CVD represent exciting opportunities for the development of novel treatment strategies against CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Schelemei
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinic III for Internal Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elena Wagner
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinic III for Internal Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Felix Simon Ruben Picard
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinic III for Internal Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Holger Winkels
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinic III for Internal Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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3
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Gusev E, Sarapultsev A. Atherosclerosis and Inflammation: Insights from the Theory of General Pathological Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097910. [PMID: 37175617 PMCID: PMC10178362 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances have greatly improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind atherosclerosis pathogenesis. However, there is still a need to systematize this data from a general pathology perspective, particularly with regard to atherogenesis patterns in the context of both canonical and non-classical inflammation types. In this review, we analyze various typical phenomena and outcomes of cellular pro-inflammatory stress in atherosclerosis, as well as the role of endothelial dysfunction in local and systemic manifestations of low-grade inflammation. We also present the features of immune mechanisms in the development of productive inflammation in stable and unstable plaques, along with their similarities and differences compared to canonical inflammation. There are numerous factors that act as inducers of the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis, including vascular endothelium aging, metabolic dysfunctions, autoimmune, and in some cases, infectious damage factors. Life-critical complications of atherosclerosis, such as cardiogenic shock and severe strokes, are associated with the development of acute systemic hyperinflammation. Additionally, critical atherosclerotic ischemia of the lower extremities induces paracoagulation and the development of chronic systemic inflammation. Conversely, sepsis, other critical conditions, and severe systemic chronic diseases contribute to atherogenesis. In summary, atherosclerosis can be characterized as an independent form of inflammation, sharing similarities but also having fundamental differences from low-grade inflammation and various variants of canonical inflammation (classic vasculitis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Gusev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia
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Promotion of Lymphangiogenesis by Targeted Delivery of VEGF-C Improves Diabetic Wound Healing. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030472. [PMID: 36766814 PMCID: PMC9913977 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic wounds represent a major therapeutic challenge. Lymphatic vessel function is impaired in chronic ulcers but the role of lymphangiogenesis in wound healing has remained unclear. We found that lymphatic vessels are largely absent from chronic human wounds as evaluated in patient biopsies. Excisional wound healing studies were conducted using transgenic mice with or without an increased number of cutaneous lymphatic vessels, as well as antibody-mediated inhibition of lymphangiogenesis. We found that a lack of lymphatic vessels mediated a proinflammatory wound microenvironment and delayed wound closure, and that the VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling axis is required for wound lymphangiogenesis. Treatment of diabetic mice (db/db mice) with the F8-VEGF-C fusion protein that targets the alternatively spliced extra domain A (EDA) of fibronectin, expressed in remodeling tissue, promoted wound healing, and potently induced wound lymphangiogenesis. The treatment also reduced tissue inflammation and exerted beneficial effects on the wound microenvironment, including myofibroblast density and collagen deposition. These findings indicate that activating the lymphatic vasculature might represent a new therapeutic strategy for treating chronic non-healing wounds.
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Liu X, Cui K, Wu H, Li KS, Peng Q, Wang D, Cowan DB, Dixon JB, Srinivasan RS, Bielenberg DR, Chen K, Wang DZ, Chen Y, Chen H. Promoting Lymphangiogenesis and Lymphatic Growth and Remodeling to Treat Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:e1-e10. [PMID: 36453280 PMCID: PMC9780193 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels are low-pressure, blind-ended tubular structures that play a crucial role in the maintenance of tissue fluid homeostasis, immune cell trafficking, and dietary lipid uptake and transport. Emerging research has indicated that the promotion of lymphatic vascular growth, remodeling, and function can reduce inflammation and diminish disease severity in several pathophysiologic conditions. In particular, recent groundbreaking studies have shown that lymphangiogenesis, which describes the formation of new lymphatic vessels from the existing lymphatic vasculature, can be beneficial for the alleviation and resolution of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, promoting lymphangiogenesis represents a promising therapeutic approach. This brief review summarizes the most recent findings related to the modulation of lymphatic function to treat metabolic and cardiovascular diseases such as obesity, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. We also discuss experimental and therapeutic approaches to enforce lymphatic growth and remodeling as well as efforts to define the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Liu
- Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics Research, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kui Cui
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Hao Wu
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kathryn S. Li
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Qianman Peng
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Donghai Wang
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Douglas B. Cowan
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - J. Brandon Dixon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - R. Sathish Srinivasan
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Diane R. Bielenberg
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kaifu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Da-Zhi Wang
- USF Heart Institute, Center for Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Yabing Chen
- Department of Pathology, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Hong Chen
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Goldberg AR, Ferguson M, Pal S, Cohen R, Orlicky DJ, McCullough RL, Rutkowski JM, Burchill MA, Tamburini BAJ. Oxidized low density lipoprotein in the liver causes decreased permeability of liver lymphatic- but not liver sinusoidal-endothelial cells via VEGFR-3 regulation of VE-Cadherin. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1021038. [PMID: 36338478 PMCID: PMC9626955 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1021038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic vasculature of the liver is vital for liver function as it maintains fluid and protein homeostasis and is important for immune cell transport to the lymph node. Chronic liver disease is associated with increased expression of inflammatory mediators including oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Intrahepatic levels of oxLDL are elevated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and cholestatic liver diseases. To determine if liver lymphatic function is impaired in chronic liver diseases, in which increased oxLDL has been documented, we measured liver lymphatic function in murine models of NAFLD, ALD and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We found that Mdr2-/- (PSC), Lieber-DeCarli ethanol fed (ALD) and high fat and high cholesterol diet fed (NAFLD) mice all had a significant impairment in the ability to traffic FITC labeled dextran from the liver parenchyma to the liver draining lymph nodes. Utilizing an in vitro permeability assay, we found that oxLDL decreased the permeability of lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC)s, but not liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC)s. Here we demonstrate that LECs and LSECs differentially regulate SRC-family kinases, MAPK kinase and VE-Cadherin in response to oxLDL. Furthermore, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)C or D (VEGFR-3 ligands) appear to regulate VE-Cadherin expression as well as decrease cellular permeability of LECs in vitro and in vivo after oxLDL treatment. These findings suggest that oxLDL acts to impede protein transport through the lymphatics through tightening of the cell-cell junctions. Importantly, engagement of VEGFR-3 by its ligands prevents VE-Cadherin upregulation and improves lymphatic permeability. These studies provide a potential therapeutic target to restore liver lymphatic function and improve liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa R. Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition. Children’s Hospital Colorado, Digestive Health Institute- Pediatric Liver Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Megan Ferguson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Sarit Pal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rachel Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - David J. Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rebecca L. McCullough
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Joseph M. Rutkowski
- Division of Lymphatic Biology, Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Matthew A. Burchill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Beth A. Jirón Tamburini
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
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Georgakis MK, Bernhagen J, Heitman LH, Weber C, Dichgans M. Targeting the CCL2-CCR2 axis for atheroprotection. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:1799-1808. [PMID: 35567558 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades of research have established atherosclerosis as an inflammatory disease. Only recently though, clinical trials provided proof-of-concept evidence for the efficacy of anti-inflammatory strategies with respect to cardiovascular events, thus offering a new paradigm for lowering residual vascular risk. Efforts to target the inflammasome-interleukin-1β-interleukin-6 pathway have been highly successful, but inter-individual variations in drug response, a lack of reduction in all-cause mortality, and a higher rate of infections also highlight the need for a second generation of anti-inflammatory agents targeting atherosclerosis-specific immune mechanisms while minimizing systemic side effects. CC-motif chemokine ligand 2/monocyte-chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL2/MCP-1) orchestrates inflammatory monocyte trafficking between the bone marrow, circulation, and atherosclerotic plaques by binding to its cognate receptor CCR2. Adding to a strong body of data from experimental atherosclerosis models, a coherent series of recent large-scale genetic and observational epidemiological studies along with data from human atherosclerotic plaques highlight the relevance and therapeutic potential of the CCL2-CCR2 axis in human atherosclerosis. Here, we summarize experimental and human data pinpointing the CCL2-CCR2 pathway as an emerging drug target in cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, we contextualize previous efforts to interfere with this pathway, scrutinize approaches of ligand targeting vs. receptor targeting, and discuss possible pathway-intrinsic opportunities and challenges related to pharmacological targeting of the CCL2-CCR2 axis in human atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios K Georgakis
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, D-81377 Munich, Germany
- Center of Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jürgen Bernhagen
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, D-81377 Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura H Heitman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Weber
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Germany
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, UoS of Milan, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Dichgans
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, D-81377 Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
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Ambler W, Santambrogio L, Lu TT. Advances in understanding and examining lymphatic function: relevance for understanding autoimmunity. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2022; 34:133-138. [PMID: 34954700 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to give insights into how novel lymphatics functions may influence autoimmunity. RECENT FINDINGS The lymphatic system connects peripheral tissues to draining lymph nodes to regulate adaptive immunity and directly interfaces with leukocytes in lymph vessels and in the lymph node. Here, we discuss recent findings showing evidence of dysfunctional lymphatics in autoimmune disease, new understanding of how afferent lymphatic regulation can modulate immunity, lymph node lymphatic heterogeneity and how these lymphatics can directly modulate lymphocyte function, how this understanding can be harnessed for new therapeutics, and new tools for the investigation of lymphatic and immune biology. SUMMARY Lymphatics have an active role in the regulation of inflammation and the adaptive immune response. Here, we review recent findings in lymphatics biology in peripheral tissues and lymph nodes and emphasize the relevance for better understanding autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Ambler
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery
| | - Laura Santambrogio
- Englander Institute of Precision Medicine
- Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine
| | - Theresa T Lu
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery
- Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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9
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The Role of the VEGF Family in Atherosclerosis Development and Its Potential as Treatment Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020931. [PMID: 35055117 PMCID: PMC8781560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, the crucial regulator of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, lipid metabolism and inflammation, is involved in the development of atherosclerosis and further CVDs (cardiovascular diseases). This review discusses the general regulation and functions of VEGFs, their role in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis development and progression. These functions present the great potential of applying the VEGF family as a target in the treatment of atherosclerosis and related CVDs. In addition, we discuss several modern anti-atherosclerosis VEGFs-targeted experimental procedures, drugs and natural compounds, which could significantly improve the efficiency of atherosclerosis and related CVDs' treatment.
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Andone S, Bajko Z, Motataianu A, Mosora O, Balasa R. The Role of Biomarkers in Atherothrombotic Stroke-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169032. [PMID: 34445740 PMCID: PMC8396595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke represents the primary debilitating disease in adults and is the second-highest cause of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis, the most prevalent etiology for vascular conditions, is a continuous process that gradually creates and develops endothelial lesions known as atherosclerotic plaques. These lesions lead to the appearance of atherothrombotic stroke. In the last decades, the role of biological biomarkers has emerged as either diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic targets. This article aims to create a list of potential biomarkers related to atherothrombotic stroke by reviewing the currently available literature. We identified 23 biomarkers and assessed their roles as risk factors, detection markers, prognostic predictors, and therapeutic targets. The central aspect of these biomarkers is related to risk stratification, especially for patients who have not yet suffered a stroke. Other valuable data are focused on the predictive capabilities for stroke patients regarding short-term and long-term prognosis, including their influence over the acute phase treatment, such as rt-PA thrombolysis. Although the role of biomarkers is anticipated to be of extreme value in the future, they cannot yet compete with traditional stroke neuroimaging markers but could be used as additional tools for etiological diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Andone
- Doctoral School, ‘George Emil Palade’ University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (S.A.); (R.B.)
- 1st Neurology Clinic, Mures County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania; (A.M.); (O.M.)
| | - Zoltan Bajko
- 1st Neurology Clinic, Mures County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania; (A.M.); (O.M.)
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Anca Motataianu
- 1st Neurology Clinic, Mures County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania; (A.M.); (O.M.)
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Oana Mosora
- 1st Neurology Clinic, Mures County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania; (A.M.); (O.M.)
| | - Rodica Balasa
- Doctoral School, ‘George Emil Palade’ University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (S.A.); (R.B.)
- 1st Neurology Clinic, Mures County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania; (A.M.); (O.M.)
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
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Miyazaki T, Miyazaki A. Hypercholesterolemia and Lymphatic Defects: The Chicken or the Egg? Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:701229. [PMID: 34250049 PMCID: PMC8262609 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.701229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels are necessary for maintaining tissue fluid balance, trafficking of immune cells, and transport of dietary lipids. Growing evidence suggest that lymphatic functions are limited under hypercholesterolemic conditions, which is closely related to atherosclerotic development involving the coronary and other large arteries. Indeed, ablation of lymphatic systems by Chy-mutation as well as depletion of lymphangiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor-C and -D, in mice perturbs lipoprotein composition to augment hypercholesterolemia. Several investigations have reported that periarterial microlymphatics were attracted by atheroma-derived lymphangiogenic factors, which facilitated lymphatic invasion into the intima of atherosclerotic lesions, thereby modifying immune cell trafficking. In contrast to the lipomodulatory and immunomodulatory roles of the lymphatic systems, the critical drivers of lymphangiogenesis and the details of lymphatic insults under hypercholesterolemic conditions have not been fully elucidated. Interestingly, cholesterol-lowering trials enable hypercholesterolemic prevention of lymphatic drainage in mice; however, a causal relationship between hypercholesterolemia and lymphatic defects remains elusive. In this review, the contribution of aberrant lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic cholesterol transport to hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis was highlighted. The causal relationship between hypercholesterolemia and lymphatic insults as well as the current achievements in the field were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuro Miyazaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Miyazaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Targeting inflammation in atherosclerosis - from experimental insights to the clinic. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:589-610. [PMID: 33976384 PMCID: PMC8112476 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00198-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 447] [Impact Index Per Article: 149.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a dominant and growing cause of death and disability worldwide, involves inflammation from its inception to the emergence of complications. Targeting inflammatory pathways could therefore provide a promising new avenue to prevent and treat atherosclerosis. Indeed, clinical studies have now demonstrated unequivocally that modulation of inflammation can forestall the clinical complications of atherosclerosis. This progress pinpoints the need for preclinical investigations to refine strategies for combatting inflammation in the human disease. In this Review, we consider a gamut of attractive possibilities for modifying inflammation in atherosclerosis, including targeting pivotal inflammatory pathways such as the inflammasomes, inhibiting cytokines, manipulating adaptive immunity and promoting pro-resolution mechanisms. Along with lifestyle measures, pharmacological interventions to mute inflammation could complement traditional targets, such as lipids and hypertension, to make new inroads into the management of atherosclerotic risk.
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