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Zhao C, Lv R, Maehara A, Wang L, Gao Z, Xu Y, Guo X, Zhu Y, Huang M, Zhang X, Zhu J, Yu B, Jia H, Mintz GS, Tang D. Plaque Ruptures Are Related to High Plaque Stress and Strain Conditions: Direct Verification by Using In Vivo OCT Rupture Data and FSI Models. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1617-1627. [PMID: 38721707 PMCID: PMC11208065 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.124.320764] [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] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While it has been hypothesized that high plaque stress and strain may be related to plaque rupture, its direct verification using in vivo coronary plaque rupture data and full 3-dimensional fluid-structure interaction models is lacking in the current literature due to difficulty in obtaining in vivo plaque rupture imaging data from patients with acute coronary syndrome. This case-control study aims to use high-resolution optical coherence tomography-verified in vivo plaque rupture data and 3-dimensional fluid-structure interaction models to seek direct evidence for the high plaque stress/strain hypothesis. METHODS In vivo coronary plaque optical coherence tomography data (5 ruptured plaques, 5 no-rupture plaques) were acquired from patients using a protocol approved by the local institutional review board with informed consent obtained. The ruptured caps were reconstructed to their prerupture morphology using neighboring plaque cap and vessel geometries. Optical coherence tomography-based 3-dimensional fluid-structure interaction models were constructed to obtain plaque stress, strain, and flow shear stress data for comparative analysis. The rank-sum test in the nonparametric test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Our results showed that the average maximum cap stress and strain values of ruptured plaques were 142% (457.70 versus 189.22 kPa; P=0.0278) and 48% (0.2267 versus 0.1527 kPa; P=0.0476) higher than that for no-rupture plaques, respectively. The mean values of maximum flow shear stresses for ruptured and no-rupture plaques were 145.02 dyn/cm2 and 81.92 dyn/cm2 (P=0.1111), respectively. However, the flow shear stress difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary case-control study showed that the ruptured plaque group had higher mean maximum stress and strain values. Due to our small study size, larger scale studies are needed to further validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
- The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
| | - Rui Lv
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan, China (R.L.)
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China (R.L., L.W., Y.Z., M.H., D.T.)
| | - Akiko Maehara
- The Cardiovascular Research Foundation, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.M., G.S.M.)
| | - Liang Wang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China (R.L., L.W., Y.Z., M.H., D.T.)
| | - Zhanqun Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
| | - Yishuo Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
- The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
| | - Xiaoya Guo
- School of Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China (X.G.)
| | - Yanwen Zhu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China (R.L., L.W., Y.Z., M.H., D.T.)
| | - Mengde Huang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China (R.L., L.W., Y.Z., M.H., D.T.)
| | - Xiaoguo Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, China (X.Z., J.Z.)
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, China (X.Z., J.Z.)
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
- The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
| | - Haibo Jia
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
- The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, China (C.Z., Z.G., Y.X., B.Y., H.J.)
| | - Gary S. Mintz
- The Cardiovascular Research Foundation, Columbia University, New York, NY (A.M., G.S.M.)
| | - Dalin Tang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China (R.L., L.W., Y.Z., M.H., D.T.)
- Mathematical Sciences Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA (D.T.)
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Shim YD, Chen MC, Ha S, Chang HJ, Baek S, Lee EH. Multi-scaled temporal modeling of cardiovascular disease progression: An illustration of proximal arteries in pulmonary hypertension. J Biomech 2024; 168:112059. [PMID: 38631187 PMCID: PMC11096051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The progression of cardiovascular disease is intricately influenced by a complex interplay between physiological pathways, biochemical processes, and physical mechanisms. This study aimed to develop an in-silico physics-based approach to comprehensively model the multifaceted vascular pathophysiological adaptations. This approach focused on capturing the progression of proximal pulmonary arterial hypertension, which is significantly associated with the irreversible degradation of arterial walls and compensatory stress-induced growth and remodeling. This study incorporated critical characteristics related to the distinct time scales for the deformation, thus reflecting the impact of mean pressure on artery growth and tissue damage. The in-silico simulation of the progression of pulmonary hypertension was realized based on computational code combined with the finite element method (FEM) for the simulation of disease progression. The parametric studies further explored the consequences of these irreversible processes. This computational modeling approach may advance our understanding of pulmonary hypertension and its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Dae Shim
- Department of Smart Fabrication Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mei-Cen Chen
- Department of Smart Fabrication Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seongmin Ha
- Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine 250, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyuk-Jae Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine 250, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seungik Baek
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States.
| | - Eun-Ho Lee
- Department of Smart Fabrication Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea; School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Intelligent Robotics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Cai Y, Li Z. Mathematical modeling of plaque progression and associated microenvironment: How far from predicting the fate of atherosclerosis? COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 211:106435. [PMID: 34619601 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2021.106435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mathematical modeling contributes to pathophysiological research of atherosclerosis by helping to elucidate mechanisms and by providing quantitative predictions that can be validated. In turn, the complexity of atherosclerosis is well suited to quantitative approaches as it provides challenges and opportunities for new developments of modeling. In this review, we summarize the current 'state of the art' on the mathematical modeling of the effects of biomechanical factors and microenvironmental factors on the plaque progression, and its potential help in prediction of plaque development. We begin with models that describe the biomechanical environment inside and outside the plaque and its influence on its growth and rupture. We then discuss mathematical models that describe the dynamic evolution of plaque microenvironmental factors, such as lipid deposition, inflammation, smooth muscle cells migration and intraplaque hemorrhage, followed by studies on plaque growth and progression using these modelling approaches. Moreover, we present several key questions for future research. Mathematical models can complement experimental and clinical studies, but also challenge current paradigms, redefine our understanding of mechanisms driving plaque vulnerability and propose future potential direction in therapy for cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cai
- School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Zhiyong Li
- School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
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Wang Q, Huang Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Xie Y, Zhang L, Lu Y, Chen M. Carotid artery vulnerable plaque model for cerebrovascular events by conventional ultrasound & contrast-enhanced ultrasound: A preliminary study. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc 2021; 80:197-209. [PMID: 34511491 DOI: 10.3233/ch-211216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound play an important role in the application of carotid plaque. AIMS To establish carotid artery vulnerable plaques model by conventional ultrasound combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound, identify high-risk plaques that may lead to cerebrovascular events, and provide clinical risk warning of high-risk plaques of stroke. METHODS 205 cases of patients selected in 5053 patients with symptoms from 2018 to 2019 who were verified carotid plaques by conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound image characteristics, 147 cases as a training set, establishing the carotid artery plaque model, analyzing the characteristic of the plaques and the relationship between cerebrovascular event, with 58 cases as a test set, verify the model. Routine carotid ultrasound and contrast-enhanced carotid ultrasound were performed in all enrolled patients. RESULTS The gray-level characteristics of conventional ultrasound in the training concentration showed statistical differences in plaque morphology, fibrous cap morphology, uniformity and calcification degree in cerebrovascular events. The contrast enhanced ultrasound characteristics of plaques showed statistical differences in neovascularization and perfusion mode in cerebrovascular events. In the test set, there were statistical differences in the above conventional gray scale features and CEUS features. CONCLUSION The vulnerable plaque model established by conventional ultrasound combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound has good diagnostic value for the characteristic plaque of carotid artery with cerebrovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tong Ren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunqian Huang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tong Ren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuke Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tong Ren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqun Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tong Ren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanchun Xie
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tong Ren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tong Ren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tong Ren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Man Chen
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tong Ren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Circulating Biomarkers Reflecting Destabilization Mechanisms of Coronary Artery Plaques: Are We Looking for the Impossible? Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060881. [PMID: 34198543 PMCID: PMC8231770 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant strides to mitigate the complications of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), this clinical entity still represents a major global health burden. It has so far been well-established that most of the plaques leading to ACS are not a result of gradual narrowing of the vessel lumen, but rather a result of sudden disruption of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. As most of the developed imaging modalities for vulnerable plaque detection are invasive, multiple biomarkers were proposed to identify their presence. Owing to the pivotal role of lipids and inflammation in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, most of the biomarkers originated from one of those processes, whereas recent advancements in molecular sciences shed light on the use of microRNAs. Yet, at present there are no clinically implemented biomarkers or any other method for that matter that could non-invasively, yet reliably, diagnose the vulnerable plaque. Hence, in this review we summarized the available knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of plaque instability, the current evidence on potential biomarkers associated with plaque destabilization and finally, we discussed if search for biomarkers could one day bring us to non-invasive, cost-effective, yet valid way of diagnosing the vulnerable, rupture-prone coronary artery plaques.
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Pan J, Cai Y, Liu M, Li Z. Role of vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching in plaque progression: A hybrid modeling study. J Theor Biol 2021; 526:110794. [PMID: 34087268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Growing genetic lineage mapping experiments have definitively shown a wide-ranging plasticity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in atherosclerotic plaque and suggested that VSMCs can modulate their phenotypes in response to plaque microenvironment. Here, a multiscale hybrid discrete-continuous (HDC) modeling system is established to investigate the complex role of VSMC phenotypic switching within atherosclerotic lesions. The cellular behaviors of VSMCs and macrophages, including proliferation, migration, phenotypic transformation and necrosis, are determined by cellular automata (CA) rules in discrete model. While the dynamics of plaque microenvironmental factors, such as lipid, extracellular matrix (ECM) and chemokines, are described by continuous reaction-diffusion equations in macroscopy. The simulation results demonstrate how the VSMC activities change the extracellular microenvironment and consequently affect the plaque morphology and stability. The regulation of VSMC phenotypes can affect not only the plaque morphology (necrotic core size and fibrous cap thickness) but also the deposition and distribution of microenvironmental factors (lipoprotein, ECM, and chemokines). In addition, it is found that plaque vulnerability can be inhibited by blocking VSMC transdifferentiation to a macrophage-like state and promoting it to a myofibroblastic phenotype, which suggests that targeting VSMC phenotypic switching could be a potential and promising therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichao Pan
- School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yan Cai
- School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Mengchen Liu
- School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- School of Biological Sciences and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia.
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