Targeting myeloid cell coagulation signaling blocks MAP kinase/TGF-β1-driven fibrotic remodeling in ischemic heart failure

The brain-heart axis: Integrative analysis of the shared genetic etiology between neuropsychiatric disorders and cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND

Multiple observational studies have reported substantial comorbidity between neuropsychiatric disorders and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.

METHODS

Using GWAS summary datasets of 8 neuropsychiatric disorders and 6 cardiovascular diseases, an integrative analysis incorporating linkage-disequilibrium-score-regression (LDSC), Mendelian randomization (MR), functional mapping and annotation (FUMA), and functional enrichment analysis, was conducted to investigate shared genetic etiology of the brain-heart axis from the whole genome level, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) level, gene level, and biological pathway level.

RESULTS

In LDSC analysis, 18 pairwise traits between neuropsychiatric disorders and CVD were identified with significant genetic overlaps, revealing extensive genome-wide genetic correlations. In bidirectional MR analysis, 19 pairwise traits were identified with significant causal relationships. Genetic liabilities to neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and major depressive disorder, conferred extensive significant causal effects on the risk of CVD, while hypertension seemed to be a risk factor for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, with no significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy. In FUMA analysis, 13 shared independent significant SNPs and 887 overlapping protein-coding genes were detected between neuropsychiatric disorders and CVD. With GO and KEEG functional enrichment analysis, biological pathways of the brain-heart axis were highly concentrated in neurotransmitter synaptic transmission, lipid metabolism, aldosterone synthesis and secretion, glutathione metabolism, and MAPK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Extensive genetic correlations and genetic overlaps between neuropsychiatric disorders and CVD were identified in this study, which might provide some new insights into the brain-heart axis and the therapeutic targets in clinical practice.

Macrophages in cardiovascular diseases: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets

The immune response holds a pivotal role in cardiovascular disease development. As multifunctional cells of the innate immune system, macrophages play an essential role in initial inflammatory response that occurs following cardiovascular injury, thereby inducing subsequent damage while also facilitating recovery. Meanwhile, the diverse phenotypes and phenotypic alterations of macrophages strongly associate with distinct types and severity of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, valvular disease, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, atherosclerosis and aneurysm, which underscores the importance of investigating macrophage regulatory mechanisms within the context of specific diseases. Besides, recent strides in single-cell sequencing technologies have revealed macrophage heterogeneity, cell-cell interactions, and downstream mechanisms of therapeutic targets at a higher resolution, which brings new perspectives into macrophage-mediated mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases. Remarkably, myocardial fibrosis, a prevalent characteristic in most cardiac diseases, remains a formidable clinical challenge, necessitating a profound investigation into the impact of macrophages on myocardial fibrosis within the context of cardiac diseases. In this review, we systematically summarize the diverse phenotypic and functional plasticity of macrophages in regulatory mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases and unprecedented insights introduced by single-cell sequencing technologies, with a focus on different causes and characteristics of diseases, especially the relationship between inflammation and fibrosis in cardiac diseases (myocardial infarction, pressure overload, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy and cardiac aging) and the relationship between inflammation and vascular injury in vascular diseases (atherosclerosis and aneurysm). Finally, we also highlight the preclinical/clinical macrophage targeting strategies and translational implications.

Illustrated State-of-the-Art Capsules of the ISTH 2024 Congress

Here, we present a series of illustrated capsules from the State of the Art (SOA) speakers at the 2024 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. This year's Congress marks the first time that the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis has held its flagship scientific meeting in Southeast Asia and is the first to be organized by an international Planning Committee. The Bangkok program will feature innovative science and clinical updates from around the world, reflecting the diversity and multidisciplinary growth of our field. In these illustrated SOA capsules, you will find an exploration of novel models of thrombosis and bleeding and biomaterial discoveries that can trigger or block coagulation. Thromboinflammation is now understood to drive many disease states, and the SOA speakers cover cellular and coagulation responses to COVID-19 and other infections. The theme of crosstalk between coagulation and inflammation expands with capsules on protein S signaling, complement, and fibrinolytic inhibitors. Novel agents for hemophilia and thrombosis prevention are introduced. Challenging clinical conditions are also covered, such as inherited platelet disorders and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. The scientific program in Bangkok will also showcase the work of clinicians and scientists from all parts of the world and chronicle real-world challenges. For example, 2 SOA capsules address the diagnosis and management of von Willebrand disease in low-income settings. Take some time to browse through these short illustrated reviews; we're sure that you'll be entertained, educated, and inspired to further explore the world of thrombosis and hemostasis.

Targeting the tissue factor coagulation initiation complex prevents antiphospholipid antibody development

ABSTRACT

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are a major cause for acquired thrombophilia, but specific interventions preventing autoimmune aPL development are an unmet clinical need. Although autoimmune aPL cross react with various coagulation regulatory proteins, lipid-reactive aPL, including those derived from patients with COVID-19, recognize the endolysosomal phospholipid lysobisphosphatidic acid presented by the cell surface-expressed endothelial protein C receptor. This specific recognition leads to complement-mediated activation of tissue factor (TF)-dependent proinflammatory signaling and thrombosis. Here, we show that specific inhibition of the TF coagulation initiation complex with nematode anticoagulant protein c2 (NAPc2) prevents the prothrombotic effects of aPL derived from patients with COVID-19 in mice and the aPL-induced proinflammatory and prothrombotic activation of monocytes. The induction of experimental APS is dependent on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex, and NAPc2 suppresses monocyte endosomal reactive oxygen species production requiring the TF cytoplasmic domain and interferon-α secretion from dendritic cells. Latent infection with murine cytomegalovirus causes TF cytoplasmic domain-dependent development of persistent aPL and circulating phospholipid-reactive B1 cells, which is prevented by short-term intervention with NAPc2 during acute viral infection. In addition, treatment of lupus prone MRL-lpr mice with NAPc2, but not with heparin, suppresses dendritic-cell activation in the spleen, aPL production and circulating phospholipid-reactive B1 cells, and attenuates lupus pathology. These data demonstrate a convergent TF-dependent mechanism of aPL development in latent viral infection and autoimmune disease and provide initial evidence that specific targeting of the TF initiation complex has therapeutic benefits beyond currently used clinical anticoagulant strategies.

Nucleic acid sensing promotes inflammatory monocyte migration through biased coagulation factor VIIa signaling

ABSTRACT

Protease activated receptors (PARs) are cleaved by coagulation proteases and thereby connect hemostasis with innate immune responses. Signaling of the tissue factor (TF) complex with factor VIIa (FVIIa) via PAR2 stimulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation and cancer cell migration, but functions of cell autonomous TF-FVIIa signaling in immune cells are unknown. Here, we show that myeloid cell expression of FVII but not of FX is crucial for inflammatory cell recruitment to the alveolar space after challenge with the double-stranded viral RNA mimic polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [Poly(I:C)]. In line with these data, genetically modified mice completely resistant to PAR2 cleavage but not FXa-resistant PAR2-mutant mice are protected from lung inflammation. Poly(I:C)-stimulated migration of monocytes/macrophages is dependent on ERK activation and mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) but independent of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3). Monocyte/macrophage-synthesized FVIIa cleaving PAR2 is required for integrin αMβ2-dependent migration on fibrinogen but not for integrin β1-dependent migration on fibronectin. To further dissect the downstream signaling pathway, we generated PAR2S365/T368A-mutant mice deficient in β-arrestin recruitment and ERK scaffolding. This mutation reduces cytosolic, but not nuclear ERK phosphorylation by Poly(I:C) stimulation, and prevents macrophage migration on fibrinogen but not fibronectin after stimulation with Poly(I:C) or CpG-B, a single-stranded DNA TLR9 agonist. In addition, PAR2S365/T368A-mutant mice display markedly reduced immune cell recruitment to the alveolar space after Poly(I:C) challenge. These results identify TF-FVIIa-PAR2-β-arrestin-biased signaling as a driver for lung infiltration in response to viral nucleic acids and suggest potential therapeutic interventions specifically targeting TF-VIIa signaling in thrombo-inflammation.

Identifying OGN as a Biomarker Covering Multiple Pathogenic Pathways for Diagnosing Heart Failure: From Machine Learning to Mechanism Interpretation

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiologic heterogeneity of heart failure (HF) necessitates a more detailed identification of diagnostic biomarkers that can reflect its diverse pathogenic pathways.

METHODS

We conducted weighted gene and multiscale embedded gene co-expression network analysis on differentially expressed genes obtained from HF and non-HF specimens. We employed a machine learning integration framework and protein-protein interaction network to identify diagnostic biomarkers. Additionally, we integrated gene set variation analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and transcription factor (TF)-target analysis to unravel the biomarker-dominant pathways. Leveraging single-sample GSEA and molecular docking, we predicted immune cells and therapeutic drugs related to biomarkers. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction validated the expressions of biomarkers in the plasma of HF patients. A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was implemented to investigate the causal impact of biomarkers on HF.

RESULTS

We first identified COL14A1, OGN, MFAP4, and SFRP4 as candidate biomarkers with robust diagnostic performance. We revealed that regulating biomarkers in HF pathogenesis involves TFs (BNC2, MEOX2) and pathways (cell adhesion molecules, chemokine signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, oxidative phosphorylation). Moreover, we observed the elevated infiltration of effector memory CD4+ T cells in HF, which was highly related to biomarkers and could impact immune pathways. Captopril, aldosterone antagonist, cyclopenthiazide, estradiol, tolazoline, and genistein were predicted as therapeutic drugs alleviating HF via interactions with biomarkers. In vitro study confirmed the up-regulation of OGN as a plasma biomarker of HF. Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that genetic predisposition toward higher plasma OGN promoted the risk of HF.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose OGN as a diagnostic biomarker for HF, which may advance our understanding of the diagnosis and pathogenesis of HF.

Effects of scutellarin on the mechanism of cardiovascular diseases: a review

Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant worldwide problem, jeopardizing individuals' physical and mental wellbeing as well as their quality of life as a result of their widespread incidence and fatality. With the aging society, the occurrence of Cardiovascular diseases is progressively rising each year. However, although drugs developed for treating Cardiovascular diseases have clear targets and proven efficacy, they still carry certain toxic and side effect risks. Therefore, finding safe, effective, and practical treatment options is crucial. Scutellarin is the primary constituent of Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz. This article aims to establish a theoretical foundation for the creation and use of secure, productive, and logical medications for Scutellarin in curing heart-related illnesses. Additionally, the examination and analysis of the signal pathway and its associated mechanisms with regard to the employment of SCU in treating heart diseases will impart innovative resolving concepts for the treatment and prevention of Cardiovascular diseases.

The suppression of MAPK/NOX/MMP signaling prompts renoprotection conferred by prenatal naproxen in weaning preeclamptic rats

Although nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used for fever and pain during pregnancy, their possible interaction with perinatal renal injury induced by preeclampsia (PE) has not been addressed. Here, studies were undertaken in the N(gamma)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) PE model to assess the influence of gestational NSAIDs on renal damage in weaning dams. PE-evoked increments and decrements in urine protein and creatinine clearance, respectively, were intensified by celecoxib and weakened by diclofenac or naproxen. Naproxen also improved renal cloudy swelling, necrosis, and reduced glomerular area evoked by PE. The concomitant rises in renal expression of markers of oxidative stress (NOX2/4), extracellular matrix metaloproteinase deposition (MMP9), and prostanoids (PGE2, PGF2α, TXA2) were all more effectively reduced by naproxen compared with celecoxib or diclofenac. Western blotting showed tripled expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs; p-p38, p-JNK1, p-ERK1, p-ERK2) in PE kidneys that was overturned by all NSAIDs, with naproxen producing the largest drop in p-ERK2 expression. The PE-provoked elevation in renal expression of autophagic marker LC3 was reduced by naproxen and diclofenac, but not celecoxib. The data suggests superior effect for naproxen over other NSAIDs in rectifying preeclamptic renal injury and predisposing inflammatory, oxidative, autophagic, and fibrotic signals.

The contribution of the exposome to the burden of cardiovascular disease

Large epidemiological and health impact assessment studies at the global scale, such as the Global Burden of Disease project, indicate that chronic non-communicable diseases, such as atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus, caused almost two-thirds of the annual global deaths in 2020. By 2030, 77% of all deaths are expected to be caused by non-communicable diseases. Although this increase is mainly due to the ageing of the general population in Western societies, other reasons include the increasing effects of soil, water, air and noise pollution on health, together with the effects of other environmental risk factors such as climate change, unhealthy city designs (including lack of green spaces), unhealthy lifestyle habits and psychosocial stress. The exposome concept was established in 2005 as a new strategy to study the effect of the environment on health. The exposome describes the harmful biochemical and metabolic changes that occur in our body owing to the totality of different environmental exposures throughout the life course, which ultimately lead to adverse health effects and premature deaths. In this Review, we describe the exposome concept with a focus on environmental physical and chemical exposures and their effects on the burden of cardiovascular disease. We discuss selected exposome studies and highlight the relevance of the exposome concept for future health research as well as preventive medicine. We also discuss the challenges and limitations of exposome studies.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and atherosclerosis: A close but complicated relationship

Targeted cancer therapies have revolutionized the treatment of the disease in the past decade. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) class of drugs is a widely used option for treating various cancers. Despite numerous advances, clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated the atherosclerosis-inducing properties of these drugs that can cause adverse cardiovascular events. TKIs also have an atherosclerosis-preventing role in patients with cancer through different mechanisms under various conditions, suggesting that specific drugs play different roles in atherosclerosis regulation. Given these contradictory properties, this review summarizes the outcomes of previously performed clinical and basic experiments and shows how the targeted effects of novel TKIs affect atherosclerosis. Future collaborative efforts are warranted to enhance our understanding of the association between TKIs and atherosclerosis.

Trametinib-Induced Epidermal Thinning Accelerates a Mouse Model of Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) patients experience skin and epithelial fragility due to a pathological deficiency in genes associated with epidermal adhesion. Disease severity ranges from post-natal lethality to localized skin involvement with persistent blistering followed by granulation tissue formation and atrophic scarring. We evaluated the potential of utilizing Trametinib, an MEK inhibitor previously shown to target fibrosis, with and without the documented EB-anti-fibrotic Losartan for reducing disease severity in a mouse model of JEB; Lamc2^jeb mice. We found that Trametinib treatment accelerated disease onset and decreased epidermal thickness, which was in large part ameliorated by Losartan treatment. Interestingly, a range of disease severity was observed in Trametinib-treated animals that tracked with epidermal thickness; those animals grouped with higher disease severity had thinner epidermis. To examine if the difference in severity was related to inflammation, we conducted immunohistochemistry for the immune cell markers CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD45 as well as the fibrotic marker αSMA in mouse ears. We used a positive pixel algorithm to analyze the resulting images and demonstrated that Trametinib caused a non-significant reduction in CD4 expression that inversely tracked with increased fibrotic severity. With the addition of Losartan to Trametinib, CD4 expression was similar to control. Together, these data suggest that Trametinib causes a reduction in both epidermal proliferation and immune cell infiltration/proliferation, with concurrent acceleration of skin fragility, while Losartan counteracts Trametinib's adverse effects in a mouse model of JEB.

Promoted Skin Wound Healing by Tail-Amputated Eisenia foetida Proteins via the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway

Skin wound healing is an important fundamental problem in biological and medical fields. This study aimed to investigate wound healing promotion of protein extract from tail-amputated Eisenia foetida (E. foetida) and reveal the mechanism correlated with the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Proteins extracted from tail-amputated E. foetida were applied on rats' full-thickness excisional wounds to evaluate their regenerative efficacy. Rat skin tissues around surgical defects were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot methods. The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway was further investigated in vitro using the NIH3T3 cell line. A tail-amputated protein extract (ES2) from E. foetida significantly accelerated rat wound healing ability via higher re-epithelialization and ECM deposition in the tissue section compared to the blank control and un-amputated earthworm extract groups. Furthermore, ES2 treatment dramatically accumulated the expressions of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and hydroxyproline (HYP) in wound areas on day 7 without their accumulation on day 21 post-wounding, diminishing excessive scar formation. Accelerated wound healing ability with the ES2 was proved to correlate with the up-regulation of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. The mRNA expression of this pathway increased significantly in NIH3T3 cells after being treated with the ES2 at an appropriate concentration. The tail-amputated E. foetida proteins (ES2) can significantly promote skin wound healing better than the un-amputated earthworm tissue extract without excessive scar tissue formation. This effect was related to the up-regulation of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.