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Prabhakar AP, Lopez-Candales A. Calcific aortic valve disease and cardiometabolic triggers: an explanation behind progression of aortic valvular disease and failure of medical therapy interventions. Postgrad Med 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39297302 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2024.2406740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), a nonrheumatic stenosis of the trileaflet aortic valve, is a complex, multifaceted cardiovascular condition involving a widespread inflammatory process and an analogous atheromatous process affecting the arteries. It is currently the most encountered valvular abnormality in cardiology. Although distinctive abnormal mechanical forces are at the core propelling a responsive mechanosensitive feedback cascade, implicated in both initiation and perpetuation of CAVD; we propose a conundrum of metabolic abnormalities including hypertension, elevated fasting blood sugar, decreased high-density lipoprotein, hypertriglyceridemia, and abdominal obesity as perpetuators of this process. Furthermore, we suggest CAVD as a cardio metabolic disorder. New perspectives as well as which pathways we believe are critically involved and ideas for early intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akruti Patel Prabhakar
- Advanced Cardiac Imaging Research Fellow, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Angel Lopez-Candales
- Cardiology Section, Dayton VA Medical Center, Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA
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Jain H, Goyal A, Khan AT, Khan NU, Jain J, Chopra S, Sulaiman SA, Reddy MM, Patel K, Khullar K, Daoud M, Sohail AH. Insights into calcific aortic valve stenosis: a comprehensive overview of the disease and advancing treatment strategies. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:3577-3590. [PMID: 38846838 PMCID: PMC11152847 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000002106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Aortic valve stenosis is a disease characterized by thickening and narrowing of the aortic valve (AV), most commonly due to calcification, which leads to left ventricular outflow obstruction called calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). CAVD presents as a progressive clinical syndrome with cardiorespiratory symptoms, often with rapid deterioration. The modern-day pathophysiology of CAVD involves a complex interplay of genetic factors, chronic inflammation, lipid deposition, and valve calcification, with early CAVD stages resembling atherosclerosis. Various imaging modalities have been used to evaluate CAVD, with a recent trend of using advanced imaging to measure numerous AV parameters, such as peak jet velocity. Significant improvements in mortality have been achieved with transcatheter AV repair, but numerous therapeutics and modalities are being researched to delay the progression of CAVD. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of CAVD, explore recent developments, and provide insights into future treatments with various novel modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hritvik Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur
| | - Aman Goyal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas (GS) Medical College and King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, Mumbai
| | | | - Noor U. Khan
- Department of Public Health, Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jyoti Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur
| | - Shrey Chopra
- Department of Internal Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi
| | | | | | - Kush Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baroda Medical College, Gujarat
| | - Kaarvi Khullar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Gondia, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mohamed Daoud
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Amir H. Sohail
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Lin R, Zhu Y, Chen W, Wang Z, Wang Y, Du J. Identification of Circulating Inflammatory Proteins Associated with Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis by Multiplex Analysis. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2024; 24:499-512. [PMID: 38589550 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-024-09854-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) is characterized by increasing inflammation and progressive calcification in the aortic valve leaflets and is a major cause of death in the aging population. This study aimed to identify the inflammatory proteins involved in CAVS and provide potential therapeutic targets. We investigated the observational and causal associations of 92 inflammatory proteins, which were measured using affinity-based proteomic assays. Firstly, the case-control cohort identified differential proteins associated with the occurrence and progression of CAVS. Subsequently, we delved into exploring the causal impacts of these associated proteins through Mendelian randomization. This involved utilizing genetic instruments derived from cis-protein quantitative loci identified in genome-wide association studies, encompassing a cohort of over 400,000 individuals. Finally, we investigated the gene transcription and protein expression levels of inflammatory proteins by single-cell and immunohistochemistry analysis. Multivariate logistic regression and spearman's correlation analysis showed that five proteins showed a significant positive correlation with disease severity. Mendelian randomization showed that elevated levels of two proteins, namely, matrix metallopeptidase-1 (MMP1) and sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), were associated with an increased risk of CAVS. Immunohistochemistry and single-cell transcriptomes showed that expression levels of MMP1 and SIRT2 at the tissue and cell levels were significantly higher in calcified valves than in non-calcified control valves. These findings indicate that MMP1 and SIRT2 are causally related to CAVS and open up the possibility for identifying novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuexin Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Weiyao Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zhiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Jie Du
- The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Anzhen Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Zhu Z, Liu Z, Zhang D, Li L, Pei J, Cai L. Models for calcific aortic valve disease in vivo and in vitro. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 13:6. [PMID: 38424219 PMCID: PMC10904700 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-024-00189-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Calcific Aortic Valve Disease (CAVD) is prevalent among the elderly as the most common valvular heart disease. Currently, no pharmaceutical interventions can effectively reverse or prevent CAVD, making valve replacement the primary therapeutic recourse. Extensive research spanning decades has contributed to the establishment of animal and in vitro cell models, which facilitates a deeper understanding of the pathophysiological progression and underlying mechanisms of CAVD. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of the strengths and limitations associated with commonly employed models for the study of valve calcification. We specifically emphasize the advancements in three-dimensional culture technologies, which replicate the structural complexity of the valve. Furthermore, we delve into prospective recommendations for advancing in vivo and in vitro model studies of CAVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Zhirong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Donghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China.
| | - Jianqiu Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disorders Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Lin Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Science, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, China.
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Liu D, Billington CJ, Raja N, Wong ZC, Levin MD, Resch W, Alba C, Hupalo DN, Biamino E, Bedeschi MF, Digilio MC, Squeo GM, Villa R, Parrish PCR, Knutsen RH, Osgood S, Freeman JA, Dalgard CL, Merla G, Pober BR, Mervis CB, Roberts AE, Morris CA, Osborne LR, Kozel BA. Matrisome and Immune Pathways Contribute to Extreme Vascular Outcomes in Williams-Beuren Syndrome. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e031377. [PMID: 38293922 PMCID: PMC11056152 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supravalvar aortic stenosis (SVAS) is a characteristic feature of Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS). Its severity varies: ~20% of people with Williams-Beuren syndrome have SVAS requiring surgical intervention, whereas ~35% have no appreciable SVAS. The remaining individuals have SVAS of intermediate severity. Little is known about genetic modifiers that contribute to this variability. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed genome sequencing on 473 individuals with Williams-Beuren syndrome and developed strategies for modifier discovery in this rare disease population. Approaches include extreme phenotyping and nonsynonymous variant prioritization, followed by gene set enrichment and pathway-level association tests. We next used GTEx v8 and proteomic data sets to verify expression of candidate modifiers in relevant tissues. Finally, we evaluated overlap between the genes/pathways identified here and those ascertained through larger aortic disease/trait genome-wide association studies. We show that SVAS severity in Williams-Beuren syndrome is associated with increased frequency of common and rarer variants in matrisome and immune pathways. Two implicated matrisome genes (ACAN and LTBP4) were uniquely expressed in the aorta. Many genes in the identified pathways were previously reported in genome-wide association studies for aneurysm, bicuspid aortic valve, or aortic size. CONCLUSIONS Smaller sample sizes in rare disease studies necessitate new approaches to detect modifiers. Our strategies identified variation in matrisome and immune pathways that are associated with SVAS severity. These findings suggest that, like other aortopathies, SVAS may be influenced by the balance of synthesis and degradation of matrisome proteins. Leveraging multiomic data and results from larger aorta-focused genome-wide association studies may accelerate modifier discovery for rare aortopathies like SVAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delong Liu
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Charles J. Billington
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMN
| | - Neelam Raja
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Zoe C. Wong
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Mark D. Levin
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Wulfgang Resch
- The High Performance Computing FacilityCenter for Information Technology, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Camille Alba
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineBethesdaMD
| | - Daniel N. Hupalo
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicineBethesdaMD
| | | | | | | | - Gabriella Maria Squeo
- Laboratory of Regulatory and Functional GenomicsFondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della SofferenzaSan Giovanni Rotondo (Foggia)Italy
| | - Roberta Villa
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Medical Genetic UnitMilanItaly
| | - Pheobe C. R. Parrish
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
- Department of Genome SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA
| | - Russell H. Knutsen
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Sharon Osgood
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Joy A. Freeman
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Clifton L. Dalgard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, School of Medicinethe Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesdaMD
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Laboratory of Regulatory and Functional GenomicsFondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della SofferenzaSan Giovanni Rotondo (Foggia)Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical BiotechnologyUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Barbara R. Pober
- Section of Genetics, Department of PediatricsMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA
| | - Carolyn B. Mervis
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Amy E. Roberts
- Department of Cardiology and Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of PediatricsBoston Children’s HospitalBostonMA
| | - Colleen A. Morris
- Department of PediatricsKirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLVLas VegasNV
| | - Lucy R. Osborne
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of TorontoCanada
| | - Beth A. Kozel
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
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Notenboom ML, Van Hoof L, Schuermans A, Takkenberg JJM, Rega FR, Taverne YJHJ. Aortic Valve Embryology, Mechanobiology, and Second Messenger Pathways: Implications for Clinical Practice. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:49. [PMID: 38392263 PMCID: PMC10888685 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11020049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
During the Renaissance, Leonardo Da Vinci was the first person to successfully detail the anatomy of the aortic root and its adjacent structures. Ever since, novel insights into morphology, function, and their interplay have accumulated, resulting in advanced knowledge on the complex functional characteristics of the aortic valve (AV) and root. This has shifted our vision from the AV as being a static structure towards that of a dynamic interconnected apparatus within the aortic root as a functional unit, exhibiting a complex interplay with adjacent structures via both humoral and mechanical stimuli. This paradigm shift has stimulated surgical treatment strategies of valvular disease that seek to recapitulate healthy AV function, whereby AV disease can no longer be seen as an isolated morphological pathology which needs to be replaced. As prostheses still cannot reproduce the complexity of human nature, treatment of diseased AVs, whether stenotic or insufficient, has tremendously evolved, with a similar shift towards treatments options that are more hemodynamically centered, such as the Ross procedure and valve-conserving surgery. Native AV and root components allow for an efficient Venturi effect over the valve to allow for optimal opening during the cardiac cycle, while also alleviating the left ventricle. Next to that, several receptors are present on native AV leaflets, enabling messenger pathways based on their interaction with blood and other shear-stress-related stimuli. Many of these physiological and hemodynamical processes are under-acknowledged but may hold important clues for innovative treatment strategies, or as potential novel targets for therapeutic agents that halt or reverse the process of valve degeneration. A structured overview of these pathways and their implications for cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists is lacking. As such, we provide an overview on embryology, hemodynamics, and messenger pathways of the healthy and diseased AV and its implications for clinical practice, by relating this knowledge to current treatment alternatives and clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliaan L Notenboom
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lucas Van Hoof
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Art Schuermans
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johanna J M Takkenberg
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Filip R Rega
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yannick J H J Taverne
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Yang J, Pei T, Su G, Duan P, Liu X. AnnexinA6: a potential therapeutic target gene for extracellular matrix mineralization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1201200. [PMID: 37727505 PMCID: PMC10506415 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1201200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The mineralization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential and crucial process for physiological bone formation and pathological calcification. The abnormal function of ECM mineralization contributes to the worldwide risk of developing mineralization-related diseases; for instance, vascular calcification is attributed to the hyperfunction of ECM mineralization, while osteoporosis is due to hypofunction. AnnexinA6 (AnxA6), a Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding protein, has been extensively reported as an essential target in mineralization-related diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, osteosarcoma, and calcific aortic valve disease. To date, AnxA6, as the largest member of the Annexin family, has attracted much attention due to its significant contribution to matrix vesicles (MVs) production and release, MVs-ECM interaction, cytoplasmic Ca2+ influx, and maturation of hydroxyapatite, making it an essential target in ECM mineralization. In this review, we outlined the recent advancements in the role of AnxA6 in mineralization-related diseases and the potential mechanisms of AnxA6 under normal and mineralization-related pathological conditions. AnxA6 could promote ECM mineralization for bone regeneration in the manner described previously. Therefore, AnxA6 may be a potential osteogenic target for ECM mineralization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaoheng Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Koschinsky ML, Stroes ESG, Kronenberg F. Daring to dream: Targeting lipoprotein(a) as a causal and risk-enhancing factor. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106843. [PMID: 37406784 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a distinct lipoprotein class, has become a major focus for cardiovascular research. This review is written in light of the recent guideline and consensus statements on Lp(a) and focuses on 1) the causal association between Lp(a) and cardiovascular outcomes, 2) the potential mechanisms by which elevated Lp(a) contributes to cardiovascular diseases, 3) the metabolic insights on the production and clearance of Lp(a) and 4) the current and future therapeutic approaches to lower Lp(a) concentrations. The concentrations of Lp(a) are under strict genetic control. There exists a continuous relationship between the Lp(a) concentrations and risk for various endpoints of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). One in five people in the Caucasian population is considered to have increased Lp(a) concentrations; the prevalence of elevated Lp(a) is even higher in black populations. This makes Lp(a) a cardiovascular risk factor of major public health relevance. Besides the association between Lp(a) and myocardial infarction, the relationship with aortic valve stenosis has become a major focus of research during the last decade. Genetic studies provided strong support for a causal association between Lp(a) and cardiovascular outcomes: carriers of genetic variants associated with lifelong increased Lp(a) concentration are significantly more frequent in patients with ASCVD. This has triggered the development of drugs that can specifically lower Lp(a) concentrations: mRNA-targeting therapies such as anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies and short interfering RNA (siRNA) therapies have opened new avenues to lower Lp(a) concentrations more than 95%. Ongoing Phase II and III clinical trials of these compounds are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlys L Koschinsky
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erik S G Stroes
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Florian Kronenberg
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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