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Zhao H, Fang L, Chen Y, Ma Y, Zhou Q, Xu S, Shuai Z, Cai G, Pan F. Could endothelial progenitor cells complement the diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Investig Med 2023; 71:929-940. [PMID: 37381710 DOI: 10.1177/10815589231182320] [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: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this meta-analysis was to systematically review existing evidence and evaluate variations in levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) among individuals with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Relevant studies were identified through database searches, and 20 records were enrolled. We used the fixed-effect model or random-effect model to estimate the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in circulating EPC levels between inflammatory arthritis patients and controls. The results showed that circulating EPC levels differed among subtypes of inflammatory arthritis, with significantly lower levels in patients with RA (SMD = -0.848, 95% CI = -1.474 to -0.221, p = 0.008) and PsA (SMD = -0.791, 95% CI = -1.136 to -0.446, p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was found in circulating EPC levels between patients with JIA and controls (SMD = -1.160, 95% CI = -2.578 to 0.259, p = 0.109). Subgroup analyses suggested that in patients with RA, circulating EPC levels were influenced by age, disease activity, and duration. Although many studies have investigated circulating EPC levels in patients with inflammatory arthritis, the results have been inconsistent. This meta-analysis offers a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence and emphasizes the association between levels of circulating EPCs and various types of arthritis. However, further research is needed to determine the specific mechanisms underlying the observed differences in EPC levels in different types of arthritis and to establish the clinical utility of this biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yubo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shengqian Xu
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunity, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zongwen Shuai
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunity, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guoqi Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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2
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Baquet-Walscheid K, Wildschütz L, Kasper M, Busch M, Thanos S, Bauer D, Stoll M, König S, Heiligenhaus A. Assessment of angiogenesis-related parameters in juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:6093-6102. [PMID: 35359237 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07398-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis (JIAU) may run a chronic and treatment-resistant course, and occasionally, alterations of the iris vasculature may be observed clinically. METHODS Iris tissue (IT), aqueous humor (AH) and serum samples from patients with clinically inactive JIAU (n = 30), acute anterior uveitis (AAU; n = 18), and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG; n = 20) were obtained during trabeculectomy or cataract surgery. Samples were analyzed by RNA-Seq, qRT-PCR, LC-IMS, Western-Blot, and LEGENDplex™ analysis. Pattern of iris vasculature in JIAU patients was assessed qualitatively via fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography (FLA/ICGA). RESULTS RNA-Seq of IT showed significantly differential expression (DE) of 136 genes between JIAU and POAG, of which 15 were associated with angiogenesis. qRT-PCR, performed to validate RNA-Seq results, showed upregulation of the angiogenesis-related genes Kdr, Angpt-1, Tie-1, Tie-2 and Mmrn2 in IT (JIAU vs POAG, p > 0.05). LC-IMS of IT revealed a total number of 56 DE proteins (JIAU vs POAG), of which Angiopoetin, Lumican and Decorin were associated with angiogenesis and showed increased (p > 0.05) expression on Western-Blot analysis. LEGENDplex™ analysis showed upregulation of ANGPT-2 in AH from JIAU compared to AAU and POAG, whereas VEGF was upregulated in AAU. Iris vascular leakage, hypoperfusion and neovascularization were observed by FLA/ICGA in JIA patients with treatment-refractory complicated course of uveitis. CONCLUSION Angiogenesis-related factors could play a role in long-standing complicated JIAU, leading to clinically visible alterations in selected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Baquet-Walscheid
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ophtha-Lab, St. Franziskus-Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145, Münster, Germany. .,University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Lena Wildschütz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ophtha-Lab, St. Franziskus-Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145, Münster, Germany
| | - Maren Kasper
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ophtha-Lab, St. Franziskus-Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Busch
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ophtha-Lab, St. Franziskus-Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145, Münster, Germany
| | - Solon Thanos
- Institute of Experimental Ophthalmology, University of Muenster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dirk Bauer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ophtha-Lab, St. Franziskus-Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145, Münster, Germany
| | - Monika Stoll
- Core Facility Genomics, University of Muenster, Münster, Germany.,Department "Genetic Epidemiology", Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Simone König
- Core Unit Proteomics, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University of Muenster, Münster, Germany
| | - Arnd Heiligenhaus
- Department of Ophthalmology and Ophtha-Lab, St. Franziskus-Hospital, Hohenzollernring 74, 48145, Münster, Germany.,University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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3
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Arsenaki E, Georgakopoulos P, Mitropoulou P, Koutli E, Thomas K, Charakida M, Georgiopoulos G. Cardiovascular Disease in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2020; 18:580-591. [DOI: 10.2174/1570161118666200408121307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is a term used to describe a group of inflammatory disorders
beginning before the age of 16 years. Although for the majority of children remission is achieved
early, those with systemic or polyarticular form of the disease may present persistent symptoms in
adulthood. Considering that there is overlap in the pathogenesis of JIA with adult rheumatic diseases,
concerns have been raised as to whether JIA patients could be at increased cardiovascular (CV) risk in
the long-term. In this review, we summarize evidence for CV involvement in JIA and present data on
CV risk factors and surrogate markers of arterial disease. We also provide information on beneficial and
harmful CV effects of anti-inflammatory medications in the context of JIA and suggest strategies for
CV screening. Overall, patients with systemic forms of JIA demonstrate an adverse lipid profile and
early arterial changes relevant to accelerated arterial disease progression. Although there is paucity of
data on CV outcomes, we recommend a holistic approach in the management of JIA patients, which
includes CV risk factor monitoring and lifestyle modification as well as use, when necessary, of antiinflammatory
therapies with documented CV safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Panagiotis Georgakopoulos
- National Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Evangelia Koutli
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantinos Thomas
- Joint Rheumatology Program, Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marietta Charakida
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College, London, United Kingdom
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4
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Lo Gullo A, Aragona CO, Scuruchi M, Versace AG, Saitta A, Imbalzano E, Loddo S, Campo GM, Mandraffino G. Endothelial progenitor cells and rheumatic disease modifying therapy. Vascul Pharmacol 2018; 108:8-14. [PMID: 29842927 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatic diseases are associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms underlying the higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease are not completely clarified, but it is likely that a pivotal role is played by vascular inflammation and consequently to altered vascular endothelium homeostasis. Also, high prevalence of traditional risk factors, proatherogenic activation and endothelial dysfunction further contribute to vascular damage. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can restore dysfunctional endothelium and protect against atherosclerotic vascular disease. However, abnormalities in number and function of these cells in patients with rheumatic condition have been extensively reported. During the last years, growing interest in the mechanisms of endothelial renewal and its potential as a therapy for CVD has been shown; in addition, pioneering studies show that EPC dysfunction might be improved with pharmacological strategies. However, how to restore EPC function, and whether achieving this aim may be effective in preventing cardiovascular complications in rheumatic disease, remain to be established. In this review we report an overview on the current stand of knowledge on the effect of pharmaceutical and lifestyle intervention in improving EPCs number and function in rheumatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Lo Gullo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy.
| | | | - Michele Scuruchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Saitta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Egidio Imbalzano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Saverio Loddo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
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5
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Li H, Liu Q, Wang N, Xu Y, Kang L, Ren Y, Zhu G. Transplantation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells Overexpressing miR-126-3p Improves Heart Function in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy. Circ J 2018; 82:2332-2341. [PMID: 29998929 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-17-1251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a previous study, a low level of miR-126-3p in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) was linked to the outcome of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients. However, it remains unclear whether transplantation with miR-126-3p-overexpressing EPCs (MO-EPCs) can improve the cardiac function of ICM animal models. Methods and Results: miR-126-3p overexpression by lentiviral vector significantly increased migration and tube-like structures of EPCs from ICM patients. MO-EPCs or non-modified EPCs (NM-EPCs) were transplanted into nude rats with ICM induced by coronary artery ligation. MO-EPC transplantation increased capillary density and EPC survival rate in myocardial tissues of nude rats. Cytokines were also assessed by antibody array and real-time RT-PCR. G-CSF, VEGF-A, IL-3, IL-10, IGF-1, angiogenin, HGF, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were upregulated, and IL-8, MCP-1, MCP-2, TNF-α, TNF-β and MIP-1β were downregulated after miR-126-3p overexpression in EPCs. The same results were obtained in infarction tissues of nude rats after MO-EPC transplantation. Eight weeks after MO-EPC transplantation, left ventricular function improved significantly with clearly decreased infarction size, increased anterior wall thickness, and inhibition of inflammation compared with the results for NM-EPC transplantation. However, MO-EPC transplantation showed no increase in survival time of nude rats with ICM during 8 weeks of observation. CONCLUSIONS miR-126-3p can restore the biology of EPCs from ICM patients. Moreover, MO-EPC transplantation improves cardiac function effectively, representing a promising future treatment for ICM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Gerontology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
| | - Ningfu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
| | - Yizhou Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
| | - Lan Kang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
| | - Yaqi Ren
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
| | - Gangjie Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
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Bian N, Du G, Ip MF, Ding J, Chang Q, Li Z. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide attenuates tumor necrosis factor-α-induced apoptosis in endothelial colony-forming cells. Biomed Rep 2017; 7:11-16. [PMID: 28685053 PMCID: PMC5492523 DOI: 10.3892/br.2017.917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are important in angiogenesis and vascular proliferation. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a significant risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and a key proinflammatory cytokine known to induce apoptosis in endothelial cells. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is one of the members of the vasoactive intestinal peptide/secretin/growth hormone-releasing hormone/glucagon superfamily and exists in two biological active forms, PACAP 38 and PACAP 27. PACAP has been reported to help prevent endothelial apoptosis via an anti-inflammatory mechanism. However, to the best of our knowledge, the anti-apoptotic potential of PACAP has not been investigated in ECFCs. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the efficacy of PACAP for decreasing TNF-α-induced apoptosis in ECFCs. The results indicated that PACAP exerts a cytoprotective effect on ECFCs exposed to TNF-α. Furthermore, PACAP partially rescues the proliferation potential of ECFCs inhibited by prolonged TNF-α exposure. These findings support an anti-inflammatory role for PACAP in circulation diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Bian
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Gang Du
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Man Fai Ip
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China.,Department of Cardiology, Macau Kernel Earl General Hospital, Macau 820200, P.R. China
| | - Juan Ding
- Department of Cardiology, North Branch, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ürümqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 830054, P.R. China
| | - Qing Chang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Zicheng Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
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7
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Giancane G, Minoia F, Davì S, Bracciolini G, Consolaro A, Ravelli A. IL-1 Inhibition in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:467. [PMID: 27999545 PMCID: PMC5138234 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is the form of childhood arthritis whose treatment is most challenging. The demonstration of the prominent involvement of interleukin (IL)-1 in disease pathogenesis has provided the rationale for the treatment with biologic medications that antagonize this cytokine. The three IL-1 blockers that have been tested so far (anakinra, canakinumab, and rilonacept) have all been proven effective and safe, although only canakinumab is currently approved for use in sJIA. The studies on IL-1 inhibition in sJIA published in the past few years suggest that children with fewer affected joints, higher neutrophil count, younger age at disease onset, shorter disease duration, or, possibly, higher ferritin level may respond better to anti-IL-1 treatment. In addition, it has been postulated that use of IL-1 blockade as first-line therapy may take advantage of a "window of opportunity," in which disease pathophysiology can be altered to prevent the occurrence of chronic arthritis. In this review, we analyze the published literature on IL-1 inhibitors in sJIA and discuss the rationale underlying the use of these medications, the results of therapeutic studies, and the controversial issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Giancane
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Istituto Giannina GasliniGenova, Italy
- Pediatria II, Università degli Studi di GenovaGenova, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Davì
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Istituto Giannina GasliniGenova, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Consolaro
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Istituto Giannina GasliniGenova, Italy
- Pediatria II, Università degli Studi di GenovaGenova, Italy
| | - Angelo Ravelli
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Istituto Giannina GasliniGenova, Italy
- Pediatria II, Università degli Studi di GenovaGenova, Italy
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8
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Mandraffino G, Aragona CO, Imbalzano E. Surrogate markers of HDL functionality and arterial stiffening: Which role in rheumatoid arthritis? Atherosclerosis 2016; 251:538-539. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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Su CM, Huang CY, Tang CH. Characteristics of resistin in rheumatoid arthritis angiogenesis. Biomark Med 2016; 10:651-60. [PMID: 26867862 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.15.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipokines have been reported to be involved in the regulation of various physiological processes, including the immune response. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an example of a systemic immune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the synovium and bone destruction in the joint. Recent therapeutic strategies based on the understanding of the role of cytokines and cellular mechanisms in RA have improved our understanding of angiogenesis. On the other hand, endogenous endothelial progenitor cells, which are a population isolated from peripheral blood monocytes have recently been identified as a homing target for pro-angiogeneic factor and vessel formation. In this review, we summarize the effects of common adipokines, such as adiponectin, leptin and resistin in RA pathogenesis and discuss other potential mechanisms of relevance for the therapeutic treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Ming Su
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Laboratory, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China.,Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yin Huang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yun-Lin County, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Tang
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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10
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Lo Gullo A, Mandraffino G, Bagnato G, Aragona CO, Imbalzano E, D’Ascola A, Rotondo F, Cinquegrani A, Mormina E, Saitta C, Versace AG, Sardo MA, Lo Gullo R, Loddo S, Saitta A. Vitamin D Status in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammation, Arterial Stiffness and Circulating Progenitor Cell Number. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134602. [PMID: 26241902 PMCID: PMC4524708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Suboptimal vitamin D status was recently acknowledged as an independent predictor of cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality in several clinical settings, and its serum levels are commonly reduced in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Patients affected by RA present accelerated atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with respect to the general population. In RA, it has been reported an impairment of the number and the activity of circulating proangiogenic haematopoietic cells (PHCs), including CD34+, that may play a role in endothelial homeostasis. The purpose of the study is to investigate the association between vitamin D levels and PHCs, inflammatory markers, and arterial stiffening in patients with RA. Methods and Results CD34+ cells were isolated from 27 RA patients and 41 controls. Vitamin D levels, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) were also evaluated. CD34+ count and vitamin D levels were lower in RA patients as compared to controls, while fibrinogen, CRP, PWV and cIMT were higher in RA patients. CD34+ cell number appeared to be associated with vitamin D levels, and negatively correlated to fibrinogen and early atherosclerosis markers (PWV and cIMT); vitamin D levels appear also to be inversely associated to fibrinogen. Conclusions RA patients with moderate disease activity presented with low vitamin D levels, low CD34+ cell count, increased PWV and cIMT; we found that vitamin D deficiency is associated to CD34+ cell reduction in peripheral blood, and with fibrinogen levels. This suggests that vitamin D might contribute to endothelial homeostasis in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Lo Gullo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mandraffino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Gianluca Bagnato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Egidio Imbalzano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela D’Ascola
- Department of Biochemical, Physiological and Nutritional Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Rotondo
- Department of General Surgery and Oncology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Cinquegrani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and of Morphologic and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Enricomaria Mormina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and of Morphologic and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carlo Saitta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Maria Adriana Sardo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Renato Lo Gullo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Saverio Loddo
- Department of Biochemical, Physiological and Nutritional Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonino Saitta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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