Potential role of insulin receptor isoforms and IGF receptors in plaque instability of human and experimental atherosclerosis

MicroRNA-361-5p acts as a biomarker for carotid artery stenosis and promotes vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration

BACKGROUND

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) dysfunction participates in carotid artery stenosis (CAS). The study aimed to examine the expression pattern of miR-361-5p in CAS patients, and explore its role in VSMCs proliferation and migration.

METHODS

qRT-PCR was performed for the detection of miR-361-5p in serum samples of 150 CAS cases and 150 healthy people. Multiple logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was accomplished to detect diagnostic value via SPSS 21.0 statistical software. Cell function of VSMCs was evaluated. Target association was predicted through bioinformatic analysis and confirmed via luciferase activity.

RESULTS

Serum miR-361-5p was enhanced in CAS cases and was positively correlated with CAS degree. Logistic regression analysis determined the independent influence of miR-361-5p in CAS, and ROC curve demonstrated its diagnostic value with AUC of 0.892. miR-361-5p promoted VSMCs proliferation and migration, but the influence was counteracted by TIMP4.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-361-5p is a promising biomarker for CAS, and can be used as a potential target for early diagnosis and treatment of CAS. MiR-361-5p can promote VSMCs proliferation and migration via targeting TIMP4.

Knowledge mapping of exosomes in metabolic diseases: a bibliometric analysis (2007-2022)

Background

Research on exosomes in metabolic diseases has been gaining attention, but a comprehensive and objective report on the current state of research is lacking. This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of publications on "exosomes in metabolic diseases" to analyze the current status and trends of research using visualization methods.

Methods

The web of science core collection was searched for publications on exosomes in metabolic diseases from 2007 to 2022. Three software packages, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R package "bibliometrix" were used for the bibliometric analysis.

Results

A total of 532 papers were analyzed, authored by 29,705 researchers from 46 countries/regions and 923 institutions, published in 310 academic journals. The number of publications related to exosomes in metabolic diseases is gradually increasing. China and the United States were the most productive countries, while Ciber Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red was the most active institution. The International Journal of Molecular Sciences published the most relevant studies, and Plos One received the most citations. Khalyfa, Abdelnaby published the most papers and Thery, C was the most cited. The ten most co-cited references were considered as the knowledge base. After analysis, the most common keywords were microRNAs, biomarkers, insulin resistance, expression, and obesity. Applying basic research related on exosomes in metabolic diseases to clinical diagnosis and treatment is a research hotspot and trend.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive summary of research trends and developments in exosomes in metabolic diseases through bibliometrics. The information points out the research frontiers and hot directions in recent years and will provide a reference for researchers in this field.

IGF-Binding Proteins and Their Proteolysis as a Mechanism of Regulated IGF Release in the Nervous Tissue

Insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2) play a key role in the maintenance of the nervous tissue viability. IGF-1 and IGF-2 exhibit the neuroprotective effects by stimulating migration and proliferation of nervous cells, activating cellular metabolism, inducing regeneration of damaged cells, and regulating various stages of prenatal and postnatal development of the nervous system. The availability of IGFs for the cells is controlled via their interaction with the IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) that inhibit their activity. On the contrary, the cleavage of IGFBPs by specific proteases leads to the IGF release and activation of its cellular effects. The viability of neurons in the nervous tissue is controlled by a complex system of trophic factors secreted by auxiliary glial cells. The main source of IGF for the neurons are astrocytes. IGFs can accumulate as an extracellular free ligand near the neuronal membranes as a result of proteolytic degradation of IGFBPs by proteases secreted by astrocytes. This mechanism promotes interaction of IGFs with their genuine receptors and triggers intracellular signaling cascades. Therefore, the release of IGF by proteolytic cleavage of IGFBPs is an important mechanism of neuronal protection. This review summarizes the published data on the role of IGFs and IGFBPs as the key players in the neuroprotective regulation with a special focus on the specific proteolysis of IGFBPs as a mechanism for the regulation of IGF bioavailability and viability of neurons.

Implication of miR-155-5p and miR-143-3p in the Vascular Insulin Resistance and Instability of Human and Experimental Atherosclerotic Plaque

(1) Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main cause of death in developed countries, being atherosclerosis, a recurring process underlying their apparition. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate the expression of their targets and have emerged as key players in CVDs; (2) Methods: 18 miRNAs were selected (Pubmed and GEO database) for their possible role in promoting atherosclerosis and were analysed by RT-qPCR in the aorta from apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^−/−) mice. Afterwards, the altered miRNAs in the aorta from 18 weeks-ApoE^−/− mice were studied in human aortic and carotid samples; (3) Results: miR-155-5p was overexpressed and miR-143-3p was downregulated in mouse and human atherosclerotic lesions. In addition, a significant decrease in protein kinase B (AKT), target of miR-155-5p, and an increase in insulin-like growth factor type II receptor (IGF-IIR), target of miR-143-3p, were noted in aortic roots from ApoE^−/− mice and in carotid plaques from patients with advanced carotid atherosclerosis (ACA). Finally, the overexpression of miR-155-5p reduced AKT levels and its phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle cells, while miR-143-3p overexpression decreased IGF-IIR reducing apoptosis in vascular cells; (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that miR-155-5p and miR-143-3p may be implicated in insulin resistance and plaque instability by the modulation of their targets AKT and IGF-IIR, contributing to the progression of atherosclerosis.

The crosstalk between endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells aggravates high phosphorus-induced arterial calcification

Arterial calcification is highly prevalent, particularly in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is the critical process for the development of arterial calcification. However, the detailed mechanism of VSMCs calcification remains to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of exosomes (Exos) derived from endothelial cells (ECs) in arterial calcification and its potential mechanisms in ESRD. Accelerated VSMCs calcification was observed when VSMCs were exposed to ECs culture media stimulated by uremic serum or high concentration of inorganic phosphate (3.5 mM Pi). and the pro-calcification effect of the ECs culture media was attenuated by exosome depletion. Exosomes derived from high concentrations of inorganic phosphate-induced ECs (ECs^HPi-Exos) could be uptaken by VSMCs and promoted VSMCs calcification. Microarray analysis showed that miR-670-3p was dramatically increased in ECs^HPi-Exos compared with exosomes derived from normal concentrations of inorganic phosphate (0.9 mM Pi) induced ECs (ECs^NPi-Exos). Mechanistically, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was identified as the downstream target of miR-670-3p in regulating VSMCs calcification. Notably, ECs-specific knock-in of miR-670-3p of the 5/6 nephrectomy with a high-phosphate diet (miR-670-3p^EC-KI + NTP) mice that upregulated the level of miR-670-3p in artery tissues and significantly increased artery calcification. Finally, we validated that the level of circulation of plasma exosomal miR-670-3p was much higher in patients with ESRD compared with healthy controls. Elevated levels of plasma exosomal miR-670-3p were associated with a decline in IGF-1 and more severe artery calcification in patients with ESRD. Collectively, these findings suggested that ECs-derived exosomal miR-670-3p could promote arterial calcification by targeting IGF-1, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target for arterial calcification in ESRD patients.

Assessment of androgen receptor, IGF-IR and insulin receptor expression in male patients with severe peripheral artery disease

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) of the lower limbs is a common condition that can affect quality of life. Androgen receptor (AR) can exert sex-specific effects on metabolic system, endothelial function and vascular tone. IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) and insulin receptor (IR) may also be involved in the aforementioned functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate AR, IGF-IR and IR expression in the arterial vessel walls of PAD patients.

Results

This is a cross-sectional study examining 30 males with PAD undergoing open surgery procedures. Mean age was 75.9 ± 8.8y. All patients belonged to Rutherford stage 4–6. Median expression levels of IR, IGF-IR and AR significantly decreased from stage 4–6 (p < 0.05).

Significance

The study evidenced a progressive decrease of IR, IGF-IR and AR expression as the severity of disease increased. Altered levels of IR, IGF-IR and AR following PAD may be useful for the clinical evaluation of these patients.

Combination of TyG Index and GRACE Risk Score as Long-Term Prognostic Marker in Patients with ACS Complicated with T2DM Undergoing PCI

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index combined the with Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score in adult acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

The study enrolled total 899 ACS patients with T2DM who underwent PCI. TyG index and the GRACE risk score were calculated and assessed by median. The correlation was analyzed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The cumulative major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) curve was generated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression was used to identify predictors of MACEs. Additionally, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), net reclassification index (NRI) and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) were applied to analyze the performance of each single factor index and combined multivariate index in predicting MACE.

RESULTS

In the ACS patients with T2DM after PCI, there were significant differences in the TyG index and GRACE risk score between the MACE group and the MACE-free group (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the TyG index combined with the GRACE risk score was positively correlated with the occurrence of MACEs (log rank P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the TyG index, the GRACE risk score, and the TyG index combined with the GRACE risk score were independent predictors of long-term MACEs (adjusted HR: 1.805; 95% CI: 1.479-2.203, P < 0.001; adjusted HR: 1.012; 95% CI: 1.009-1.016, P < 0.001; and adjusted HR: 2.337; 95% CI: 1.805-3.025, P < 0.001, respectively). Correlation analysis indicated that the TyG index was positively correlated with the GRACE risk score (R = 0.140, P < 0.001). The analysis of AUC, NRI and IDI revealed that the combined multivariate index performed better prognostic role than each single factor index in predicting the occurrence of MACE.

CONCLUSION

Both the GRACE risk score and the TyG index could be significant and independent predictors of clinical outcomes in ACS patients with T2DM after PCI. A combination of them could be enhanced predictions of clinical outcomes in these patients.

Microarray analysis of the time-dependent expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs in the progression of vein graft stenotic disease

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in various biological processes, including cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, the expression profiles of lncRNAs in patients with vein graft restenosis remain unknown. In the present study, the time-dependent expression profiles of genes in vein bypass grafting models were examined by microarray analysis. A total of 2,572 lncRNAs and 1,652 mRNAs were identified to be persistently significantly differentially expressed. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the functions of these lncRNAs. A total of 360 lncRNAs and 135 protein-coding genes were predicted to be involved in the vascular remodeling process. Co-expression network analysis revealed the association between 194 lncRNAs and seven associated protein-coding genes, including transforming growth factor-β1, Fes, Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1, Src, insulin receptor and melanoma cell adhesion molecule. Moreover, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR results supported those of the microarray data, and overexpression of AF062402, which regulates the transcription of Src, stimulated the proliferation of primary vascular smooth muscle cells. The findings of the present study may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic targets for vein graft restenosis and may help to improve the prognosis of patients following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Transfer of microRNA-221 from mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles inhibits atherosclerotic plaque formation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a cell-based therapy in many diseases including atherosclerosis (AS) due to their capability of immunomodulation and tissue regeneration. However, the pathway for MSCs' antiatherosclerotic activity remains to be elucidated. Here, we test the hypothesis that microRNA-221 (miR-221) from MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) alleviates AS. Male ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce AS, and were then treated with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs by tail vein injection. The expression pattern of miR-221 and N-acetyltransferase-1 (NAT1) in AS mice was characterized by quantitative RNA analysis and their interaction was identified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. In other studies, human arterial smooth muscle cells treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein-were co-cultured with MSC-released EVs to evaluate the EV-mediated transfer of miR-221. NAT1 was highly expressed in atherosclerotic lesions. Adenovirus-mediated NAT1 knockdown resulted in a reduced lipid deposition in AS mice. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell -derived EVs carrying miR-221 were internalized by human arterial smooth muscle cells and transferred their miR-221 contents to downregulate the target gene NAT1. Injection of miR-221-containing EVs inhibited lipid deposition in AS mice, in part by downregulating NAT1. The present study provides evidence that miR-221 shuttled by MSC-derived EVs can inhibit atherosclerotic plaque formation in AS model mice, suggesting that miR-221 may serve as a target for improving MSC-based therapeutic strategy against AS.

Specific knockout of p85α in brown adipose tissue induces resistance to high-fat diet-induced obesity and its metabolic complications in male mice

Objective

An increase in mass and/or brown adipose tissue (BAT) functionality leads to an increase in energy expenditure, which may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of obesity. Moreover, distinct class I PI3K isoforms can participate in metabolic control as well as in systemic dysfunctions associated with obesity. In this regard, we analyzed in vivo whether the lack of p85α in BAT (BATp85αKO) could modulate the activity and insulin signaling of this tissue, thereby improving diet-induced obesity and its associated metabolic complications.

Methods

We generated BATp85αKO mice using Cre-LoxP technology, specifically deleting p85α in a conditional manner. To characterize this new mouse model, we used mice of 6 and 12 months of age. In addition, BATp85αKO mice were submitted to a high-fat diet (HFD) to challenge BAT functionality.

Results

Our results suggest that the loss of p85α in BAT improves its thermogenic functionality, high-fat diet–induced adiposity and body weight, insulin resistance, and liver steatosis. The potential mechanisms involved in the improvement of obesity include (1) increased insulin signaling and lower activation of JNK in BAT, (2) enhanced insulin receptor isoform B (IRB) expression and association with IRS-1 in BAT, (3) lower production of proinflammatory cytokines by the adipose organ, (4) increased iWAT browning, and (5) improved liver steatosis.

Conclusions

Our results provide new mechanisms involved in the resistance to obesity development, supporting the hypothesis that the gain of BAT activity induced by the lack of p85α has a direct impact on the prevention of diet-induced obesity and its associated metabolic complications.

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The lack of p85α in brown adipose tissue confers obesity resistance.

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BATp85αKO mice show improved thermogenic function, fatty liver and insulin resistance.

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High IRB levels in BAT and iWAT browning might explain the improvement of obesity.

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Increase in BAT functionality has a direct impact on the prevention of obesity.

MiR-210-3p attenuates lipid accumulation and inflammation in atherosclerosis by repressing IGF2

Previous studies have shown that miR-210-3p is involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, but its specific mechanisms are still unclear. This study aims to reveal the mechanism of miR-210-3p and its target genes in macrophage lipid deposition and inflammatory response, and provide new ideas for the treatment of atherosclerosis. We found miR-210-3p increased sharply in the first 12 h induced by higher doses of ox-LDL in THP-1 macrophages and then gradually decreased. MiR-210-3p mimic transfection inhibited lipid uptake and inflammatory cytokine production in ox-LDL-induced macrophages. By inhibiting IGF2/IGF2R, miR-210-3p suppressed the expression of fatty acid transcriptase CD36 and transcription factor NF-κB in ox-LDL-induced macrophages. In conclusion, miR-210-3p inhibits the expression of CD36 and NF-κB by inhibiting IGF2 / IGF2R, thereby reducing lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in ox-LDL-induced macrophages. Enhancing miR-210-3p expression may be a new strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis.