1
|
Johnson RT, Solanki R, Wostear F, Ahmed S, Taylor JCK, Rees J, Abel G, McColl J, Jørgensen HF, Morris CJ, Bidula S, Warren DT. Piezo1-mediated regulation of smooth muscle cell volume in response to enhanced extracellular matrix rigidity. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1576-1595. [PMID: 38044463 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16294] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Decreased aortic compliance is a precursor to numerous cardiovascular diseases. Compliance is regulated by the rigidity of the aortic wall and the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Extracellular matrix stiffening, observed during ageing, reduces compliance. In response to increased rigidity, VSMCs generate enhanced contractile forces that result in VSMC stiffening and a further reduction in compliance. Mechanisms driving VSMC response to matrix rigidity remain poorly defined. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Human aortic-VSMCs were seeded onto polyacrylamide hydrogels whose rigidity mimicked either healthy (12 kPa) or aged/diseased (72 kPa) aortae. VSMCs were treated with pharmacological agents prior to agonist stimulation to identify regulators of VSMC volume regulation. KEY RESULTS On pliable matrices, VSMCs contracted and decreased in cell area. Meanwhile, on rigid matrices VSMCs displayed a hypertrophic-like response, increasing in area and volume. Piezo1 activation stimulated increased VSMC volume by promoting calcium ion influx and subsequent activation of PKC and aquaporin-1. Pharmacological blockade of this pathway prevented the enhanced VSMC volume response on rigid matrices whilst maintaining contractility on pliable matrices. Importantly, both piezo1 and aquaporin-1 gene expression were up-regulated during VSMC phenotypic modulation in atherosclerosis and after carotid ligation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In response to extracellular matrix rigidity, VSMC volume is increased by a piezo1/PKC/aquaporin-1 mediated pathway. Pharmacological targeting of this pathway specifically blocks the matrix rigidity enhanced VSMC volume response, leaving VSMC contractility on healthy mimicking matrices intact. Importantly, upregulation of both piezo1 and aquaporin-1 gene expression is observed in disease relevant VSMC phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Reesha Solanki
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Finn Wostear
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Sultan Ahmed
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - James C K Taylor
- Section of Cardiorespiratory Medicine, University of Cambridge, VPD Heart and Lung Research Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jasmine Rees
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Geraad Abel
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - James McColl
- Henry Wellcome Laboratory for Cell Imaging, University of East Anglia, Norfolk, UK
| | - Helle F Jørgensen
- Section of Cardiorespiratory Medicine, University of Cambridge, VPD Heart and Lung Research Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chris J Morris
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stefan Bidula
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Derek T Warren
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Grinevich AA, Chemeris NK. Frequency-Dependent Variability of Pulse Wave Transit Time: Pilot Study. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2024; 516:107-110. [PMID: 38795243 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672924700807] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
The dynamics of the pulse wave (PW) associated with the PW transit time variability (PWTTV) determines the peripheral pulse rate variability, which is used as a surrogate for heart rate variability (HRV). The aim of the work is to analyze the frequency-dependent dynamics of PWTTV and to identify the possible frequency-phase modulation of PW velocity oscillations on the transit from the heart to the soft tissues of the distal parts of the upper extremities. RR-interval recordings and synchronous records of photoplethysmograms of 12 conditionally healthy subjects from the PhysioNet open database were used in this work. Using the Hilbert-Huang transform 3 spectral components of PWTTV and HRV were identified. It was shown that the amplitudes of PWTTV oscillations were many times (up to 8.4 times) smaller than the amplitudes of HRV, and the peaks of PWTTV spectral components were shifted towards higher frequencies than those of HRV. Functional relations between PWTTV and HRV, which can determine the phase modulation of periodic changes in the PW propagation velocity, were revealed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A Grinevich
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia.
| | - N K Chemeris
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marino M, Sauty B, Vairo G. Unraveling the complexity of vascular tone regulation: a multiscale computational approach to integrating chemo-mechano-biological pathways with cardiovascular biomechanics. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024:10.1007/s10237-024-01826-6. [PMID: 38507180 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-024-01826-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Vascular tone regulation is a crucial aspect of cardiovascular physiology, with significant implications for overall cardiovascular health. However, the precise physiological mechanisms governing smooth muscle cell contraction and relaxation remain uncertain. The complexity of vascular tone regulation stems from its multiscale and multifactorial nature, involving global hemodynamics, local flow conditions, tissue mechanics, and biochemical pathways. Bridging this knowledge gap and translating it into clinical practice presents a challenge. In this paper, a computational model is presented to integrate chemo-mechano-biological pathways with cardiovascular biomechanics, aiming to unravel the intricacies of vascular tone regulation. The computational framework combines an algebraic description of global hemodynamics with detailed finite element analyses at the scale of vascular segments for describing their passive and active mechanical response, as well as the molecular transport problem linked with chemo-biological pathways triggered by wall shear stresses. Their coupling is accounted for by considering a two-way interaction. Specifically, the focus is on the role of nitric oxide-related molecular pathways, which play a critical role in modulating smooth muscle contraction and relaxation to maintain vascular tone. The computational framework is employed to examine the interplay between localized alterations in the biomechanical response of a specific vessel segment-such as those induced by calcifications or endothelial dysfunction-and the broader global hemodynamic conditions-both under basal and altered states. The proposed approach aims to advance our understanding of vascular tone regulation and its impact on cardiovascular health. By incorporating chemo-mechano-biological mechanisms into in silico models, this study allows us to investigate cardiovascular responses to multifactorial stimuli and incorporate the role of adaptive homeostasis in computational biomechanics frameworks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Marino
- Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Science Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Bastien Sauty
- Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Science Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U1059 SAINBIOSE, F-42023, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Giuseppe Vairo
- Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Science Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bosman M, Krüger D, Van Assche C, Boen H, Neutel C, Favere K, Franssen C, Martinet W, Roth L, De Meyer GRY, Cillero-Pastor B, Delrue L, Heggermont W, Van Craenenbroeck EM, Guns PJ. Doxorubicin-induced cardiovascular toxicity: a longitudinal evaluation of functional and molecular markers. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:2579-2590. [PMID: 37625456 PMCID: PMC10676457 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Apart from cardiotoxicity, the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (DOX) induces vascular toxicity, represented by arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. Both parameters are of interest for cardiovascular risk stratification as they are independent predictors of future cardiovascular events in the general population. However, the time course of DOX-induced cardiovascular toxicity remains unclear. Moreover, current biomarkers for cardiovascular toxicity prove insufficient. Here, we longitudinally evaluated functional and molecular markers of DOX-induced cardiovascular toxicity in a murine model. Molecular markers were further validated in patient plasma. METHODS AND RESULTS DOX (4 mg/kg) or saline (vehicle) was administered intra-peritoneally to young, male mice weekly for 6 weeks. In vivo cardiovascular function and ex vivo arterial stiffness and vascular reactivity were evaluated at baseline, during DOX therapy (Weeks 2 and 4) and after therapy cessation (Weeks 6, 9, and 15). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) declined from Week 4 in the DOX group. DOX increased arterial stiffness in vivo and ex vivo at Week 2, which reverted thereafter. Importantly, DOX-induced arterial stiffness preceded reduced LVEF. Further, DOX impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation at Weeks 2 and 6, which recovered at Weeks 9 and 15. Conversely, contraction with phenylephrine was consistently higher in the DOX-treated group. Furthermore, proteomic analysis on aortic tissue identified increased thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (SERPINA3) at Weeks 2 and 6. Up-regulated THBS1 and SERPINA3 persisted during follow-up. Finally, THBS1 and SERPINA3 were quantified in plasma of patients. Cancer survivors with anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AICT; LVEF < 50%) showed elevated THBS1 and SERPINA3 levels compared with age-matched control patients (LVEF ≥ 60%). CONCLUSIONS DOX increased arterial stiffness and impaired endothelial function, which both preceded reduced LVEF. Vascular dysfunction restored after DOX therapy cessation, whereas cardiac dysfunction persisted. Further, we identified SERPINA3 and THBS1 as promising biomarkers of DOX-induced cardiovascular toxicity, which were confirmed in AICT patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bosman
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp B-2610, Belgium
| | - Dustin Krüger
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp B-2610, Belgium
| | - Charles Van Assche
- Research Group M4I—Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS); Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hanne Boen
- Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp B-2610, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Drie Eikenstraat 655, Edegem B-2650, Belgium
| | - Cédric Neutel
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp B-2610, Belgium
| | - Kasper Favere
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp B-2610, Belgium
- Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp B-2610, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Drie Eikenstraat 655, Edegem B-2650, Belgium
| | - Constantijn Franssen
- Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp B-2610, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Drie Eikenstraat 655, Edegem B-2650, Belgium
| | - Wim Martinet
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp B-2610, Belgium
| | - Lynn Roth
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp B-2610, Belgium
| | - Guido R Y De Meyer
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp B-2610, Belgium
| | - Berta Cillero-Pastor
- Research Group M4I—Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS); Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht/Room C3.577, PO Box 616, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Leen Delrue
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center OLV Hospital Aalst, Moorselbaan 164, Aalst B-9300, Belgium
| | - Ward Heggermont
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center OLV Hospital Aalst, Moorselbaan 164, Aalst B-9300, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Emeline M Van Craenenbroeck
- Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp B-2610, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Drie Eikenstraat 655, Edegem B-2650, Belgium
| | - Pieter-Jan Guns
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Antwerp B-2610, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Neutel CHG, Weyns AS, Leloup A, De Moudt S, Guns PJ, Fransen P. Increasing pulse pressure ex vivo, mimicking acute physical exercise, induces smooth muscle cell-mediated de-stiffening of murine aortic segments. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1137. [PMID: 37945735 PMCID: PMC10636049 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05530-6] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which physical activity affects cardiovascular function and physiology are complex and multifactorial. In the present study, cardiac output during rest or acute physical activity was simulated in isolated aortic segments of healthy C57BL/6J wild-type mice. This was performed using the Rodent Oscillatory Tension Set-up to study Arterial Compliance (ROTSAC) by applying cyclic stretch of different amplitude, duration and frequency in well-controlled and manageable experimental conditions. Our data show that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of the aorta have the intrinsic ability to "de-stiffen" or "relax" after periods of high cyclic stretch and to "re-stiffen" slowly thereafter upon return to normal distension pressures. Thereby, certain conditions have to be fulfilled: 1) VSMC contraction and repetitive stretching (loading/unloading cycles) are a prerequisite to induce post-exercise de-stiffening; 2) one bout of high cyclic stretch is enough to induce de- and re-stiffening. Aortic de-stiffening was highly dependent on cyclic stretch amplitude and on the manner and timing of contraction with probable involvement of focal adhesion phosphorylation/activation. Results of this study may have implications for the therapeutic potential of regular and acute physical activity and its role in the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric H G Neutel
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Anne-Sophie Weyns
- Natural Products & Food Research and Analysis-Pharmaceutical Technology (NatuRA-PT), University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Arthur Leloup
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sofie De Moudt
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter-Jan Guns
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul Fransen
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang X, Carpenter HJ, Ghayesh MH, Kotousov A, Zander AC, Amabili M, Psaltis PJ. A review on the biomechanical behaviour of the aorta. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 144:105922. [PMID: 37320894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.105922] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Large aortic aneurysm and acute and chronic aortic dissection are pathologies of the aorta requiring surgery. Recent advances in medical intervention have improved patient outcomes; however, a clear understanding of the mechanisms leading to aortic failure and, hence, a better understanding of failure risk, is still missing. Biomechanical analysis of the aorta could provide insights into the development and progression of aortic abnormalities, giving clinicians a powerful tool in risk stratification. The complexity of the aortic system presents significant challenges for a biomechanical study and requires various approaches to analyse the aorta. To address this, here we present a holistic review of the biomechanical studies of the aorta by categorising articles into four broad approaches, namely theoretical, in vivo, experimental and combined investigations. Experimental studies that focus on identifying mechanical properties of the aortic tissue are also included. By reviewing the literature and discussing drawbacks, limitations and future challenges in each area, we hope to present a more complete picture of the state-of-the-art of aortic biomechanics to stimulate research on critical topics. Combining experimental modalities and computational approaches could lead to more comprehensive results in risk prediction for the aortic system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Wang
- School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Harry J Carpenter
- School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Mergen H Ghayesh
- School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Andrei Kotousov
- School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Anthony C Zander
- School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Marco Amabili
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0C3, Canada
| | - Peter J Psaltis
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia; Vascular Research Centre, Heart Health Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ganizada BH, Reesink KD, Parikh S, Ramaekers MJFG, Akbulut AC, Saraber PJMH, Debeij GP, Jaminon AM, Natour E, Lorusso R, Wildberger JE, Mees B, Schurink GW, Jacobs MJ, Cleutjens J, Krapels I, Gombert A, Maessen JG, Accord R, Delhaas T, Schalla S, Schurgers LJ, Bidar E. The Maastricht Acquisition Platform for Studying Mechanisms of Cell-Matrix Crosstalk (MAPEX): An Interdisciplinary and Systems Approach towards Understanding Thoracic Aortic Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2095. [PMID: 37626592 PMCID: PMC10452257 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Current management guidelines for ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAA) recommend intervention once ascending or sinus diameter reaches 5-5.5 cm or shows a growth rate of >0.5 cm/year estimated from echo/CT/MRI. However, many aTAA dissections (aTAAD) occur in vessels with diameters below the surgical intervention threshold of <55 mm. Moreover, during aTAA repair surgeons observe and experience considerable variations in tissue strength, thickness, and stiffness that appear not fully explained by patient risk factors. To improve the understanding of aTAA pathophysiology, we established a multi-disciplinary research infrastructure: The Maastricht acquisition platform for studying mechanisms of tissue-cell crosstalk (MAPEX). The explicit scientific focus of the platform is on the dynamic interactions between vascular smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix (i.e., cell-matrix crosstalk), which play an essential role in aortic wall mechanical homeostasis. Accordingly, we consider pathophysiological influences of wall shear stress, wall stress, and smooth muscle cell phenotypic diversity and modulation. Co-registrations of hemodynamics and deep phenotyping at the histological and cell biology level are key innovations of our platform and are critical for understanding aneurysm formation and dissection at a fundamental level. The MAPEX platform enables the interpretation of the data in a well-defined clinical context and therefore has real potential for narrowing existing knowledge gaps. A better understanding of aortic mechanical homeostasis and its derangement may ultimately improve diagnostic and prognostic possibilities to identify and treat symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with existing and developing aneurysms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berta H. Ganizada
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
- Department of Biochemistry, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen D. Reesink
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Shaiv Parikh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mitch J. F. G. Ramaekers
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Asim C. Akbulut
- Department of Biochemistry, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Stem Cell Research University Maastricht Facility, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Pepijn J. M. H. Saraber
- Department of Biochemistry, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs P. Debeij
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - MUMC-TAA Student Team
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
| | - Armand M. Jaminon
- Department of Biochemistry, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ehsan Natour
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
| | - Roberto Lorusso
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
| | - Joachim E. Wildberger
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Barend Mees
- Department of Vascular Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Willem Schurink
- Department of Vascular Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael J. Jacobs
- Department of Vascular Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jack Cleutjens
- Department of Pathology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Krapels
- Department of Clinical Genetics, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Gombert
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jos G. Maessen
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
| | - Ryan Accord
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Center for Congenital Heart Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tammo Delhaas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Schalla
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leon J. Schurgers
- Department of Biochemistry, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Stem Cell Research University Maastricht Facility, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Elham Bidar
- Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (B.H.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ojha KR, Kim H, Padgham S, Hopkins L, Zamen RJ, Chattopadhyay A, Han G, Milewicz DM, Massett MP, Trache A. Smooth Muscle-Alpha Actin R149C Pathogenic Variant Downregulates Integrin Recruitment at Cell-Matrix Adhesions and Decreases Cellular Contractility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9616. [PMID: 37298565 PMCID: PMC10253315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119616] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm is found in patients with ACTA2 pathogenic variants. ACTA2 missense variants are associated with impaired aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction. This study tested the hypothesis that the Acta2R149C/+ variant alters actin isoform expression and decreases integrin recruitment, thus, reducing aortic contractility. Stress relaxation measurements in thoracic aortic rings showed two functional regimes with a reduction of stress relaxation in the aorta from Acta2R149C/+ mice at low tension, but not at high tension values. Contractile responses to phenylephrine and potassium chloride were 50% lower in Acta2R149C/+ mice than in wild-type (WT) mice. Additionally, SMC were immunofluorescently labeled for specific proteins and imaged by confocal or total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. The quantification of protein fluorescence of Acta2R149C/+ SMC showed a downregulation in smooth muscle α-actin (SMα-actin) and a compensatory upregulation of smooth muscle γ-actin (SMγ-actin) compared to WT cells. These results suggest that downregulation of SMα-actin leads to reduced SMC contractility, while upregulation of SMγ-actin may lead to increased SMC stiffness. Decreased α5β1 and α2β1 integrin recruitment at cell-matrix adhesions further reduce the ability of mutant cells to participate in cell-matrix crosstalk. Collectively, the results suggest that mutant Acta2R149C/+ aortic SMC have reduced contractility and interaction with the matrix, which are potential long-term contributing factors to thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krishna R. Ojha
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Hyoseon Kim
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Samuel Padgham
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Laura Hopkins
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Robert J. Zamen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Abhijnan Chattopadhyay
- Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gang Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Dianna M. Milewicz
- Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael P. Massett
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Andreea Trache
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Modi AD, Khan AN, Cheng WYE, Modi DM. KCCs, NKCCs, and NCC: Potential targets for cardiovascular therapeutics? A comprehensive review of cell and region specific expression and function. Acta Histochem 2023; 125:152045. [PMID: 37201245 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2023.152045] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases, the leading life-threatening conditions, involve cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and heart valve disease that are associated with the altered functioning of cation-chloride cotransporters. The decreased number of cation-chloride cotransporters leads to reduced reactivity to adrenergic stimulation. The KCC family is crucial for numerous physiological processes including cell proliferation and invasion, regulation of membrane trafficking, maintaining ionic and osmotic homeostasis, erythrocyte swelling, dendritic spine formation, maturation of postsynaptic GABAergic inhibition, and inhibitory/excitatory signaling in neural tracts. KCC2 maintains intracellular chlorine homeostasis and opposes β-adrenergic stimulation-induced Cl- influx to prevent arrhythmogenesis. KCC3-inactivated cardiac tissue shows increased vascular resistance, aortic distensibility, heart size and weight (i.e. hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). Due to KCC4's high affinity for K+, it plays a vital role in cardiac ischemia with increased extracellular K+. The NKCC and NCC families play a vital role in the regulation of saliva volume, establishing the potassium-rich endolymph in the cochlea, sodium uptake in astrocytes, inhibiting myogenic response in microcirculatory beds, regulation of smooth muscle tone in resistance vessels, and blood pressure. NKCC1 regulates chlorine homeostasis and knocking it out impairs cardiomyocyte depolarization and cardiac contractility as well as impairs depolarization and contractility of vascular smooth muscle rings in the aorta. The activation of NCC in vascular cells promotes the formation of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. This narrative review provides a deep insight into the structure and function of KCCs, NKCCs, and NCC in human physiology and cardiac pathobiology. Also, it provides cell-specific (21 cell types) and region-specific (6 regions) expression of KCC1, KCC2, KCC3, KCC4, NKCC1, NKCC2, and NCC in heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akshat D Modi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada.
| | - Areej Naim Khan
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3J6, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wing Yan Elizabeth Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Laubrie JD, Bezmalinovic A, García-Herrera CM, Celentano DJ, Herrera EA, Avril S, Llanos AJ. Hyperelastic and damage properties of the hypoxic aorta treated with Cinaciguat. J Biomech 2023; 147:111457. [PMID: 36701962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111457] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hypoxia during gestation and postnatal period induces pulmonary hypertension, aorta stiffening and vascular remodeling. In this study, we hypothesized that a postnatal treatment with Cinaciguat, a guanylate cyclase activator, may improve the vascular function by enhancing NO-sGC pathways that induce vasodilation. To assess this, we collected aortas from six lambs gestated, born and raised at 3600 masl. Half of these lambs received a Cinaciguat postnatal treatment, while the other half was used as control (vehicle). Uniaxial tension was applied on samples of each group of aortas (control and Cinaciguat-treated) through cyclic loading. The obtained stress-stretch curves were used to identify constitutive parameters of a hyperelastic damage model. These material constants allowed us to assess the softening/dissipation behavior and to characterize the treatment effects. Results showed that Cinaciguat has an effect on the damage behavior at large strains, altering the damage onset under uniaxial tension. We conclude that Cinaciguat, as a vasodilator, can prevent the very early effects of vascular remodeling caused by perinatal hypoxia, and improve the aortic-tissue damage properties of hypoxic lambs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan D Laubrie
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Bezmalinovic
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio M García-Herrera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Diego J Celentano
- Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica y Metalúrgica, Instituto de Ingeniería Biológica y Médica, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Emilio A Herrera
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Putre, Chile
| | - Stéphane Avril
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Univ Jean Monnet, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, F - 42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Aníbal J Llanos
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Putre, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Connecting Aortic Stiffness to Vascular Contraction: Does Sex Matter? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911314. [PMID: 36232616 PMCID: PMC9569837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to connect aortic stiffness to vascular contraction in young male and female Wistar rats. We hypothesized that female animals display reduced intrinsic media-layer stiffness, which associates with improved vascular function. Atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nanoindentation analysis was used to derive stiffness (Young’s modulus) in biaxially (i.e., longitudinal and circumferential) unloaded aortic rings. Reactivity studies compatible with uniaxial loading (i.e., circumferential) were used to assess vascular responses to a selective α1 adrenergic receptor agonist in the presence or absence of extracellular calcium. Elastin and collagen levels were indirectly evaluated with fluorescence microscopy and a picrosirius red staining kit, respectively. We report that male and female Wistar rats display similar AFM-derived aortic media-layer stiffness, even though female animals withstand higher aortic intima-media thickness-to-diameter ratio than males. Female animals also present reduced phenylephrine-induced aortic force development in concentration-response and time-force curves. Specifically, we observed impaired force displacement in both parts of the contraction curve (Aphasic and Atonic) in experiments conducted with and without extracellular calcium. Additionally, collagen levels were lower in female animals without significant elastin content and fragmentation changes. In summary, sex-related functional differences in isolated aortas appear to be related to dissimilarities in the dynamics of vascular reactivity and extracellular matrix composition rather than a direct response to a shift in intrinsic media-layer stiffness.
Collapse
|
12
|
De Moudt S, Hendrickx JO, De Meyer GRY, Martinet W, Fransen P. Disparate biomechanical properties of the aorta in non-aneurysmal and aneurysmal mice treated with angiotensin II. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15410. [PMID: 36117398 PMCID: PMC9483617 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo angiotensin II (AngII)-treatment is a widely used experimental model to induce cardiovascular disease and results in a high likelihood of abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA) formation. This involves progressive and irreversible focal dilation of the abdominal aorta and induces adverse aortic connective tissue remodeling contributing to aortic wall stiffening through inflammation, elastin degradation, and collagen restructuring. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate how AAA formation in AngII-treated mice affects aortic function and biomechanics. To this end, C57Bl/6J mice were treated with AngII (1000 ng/[kg.min]) or PBS infusion for 28 days. Peripheral blood pressure, echocardiography, and aortic pulse wave velocity were measured in vivo. Thoracic aorta rings were studied ex vivo in organ chambers, while aortic vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype was investigated histologically. We confirmed peripheral hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, aortic stiffening, and increased VSMC proliferation and migration after AngII-treatment. Abdominal aorta aneurysm formation was observed in 8/13 AngII-treated mice. Ex vivo thoracic aortic rings of both aneurysmal and non-aneurysmal AngII-treated mice showed high isobaric aortic stiffness, endothelial dysfunction, heightened α1 -adrenergic contractility, and altered VSMC contractile calcium signaling. However, aortic biomechanics were differently affected, with heightened α1 -adrenoreceptor mediated aortic stiffening in non-aneurysmal mice, whereas contraction-dependent stiffening was impaired in aneurysmal mice. In conclusion, although aneurysmal and non-aneurysmal 4-week AngII-treated mice displayed similar changes in aortic physiology, aortic biomechanics were dissimilarly affected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie De Moudt
- Laboratory of PhysiopharmacologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | | | | | - Wim Martinet
- Laboratory of PhysiopharmacologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Paul Fransen
- Laboratory of PhysiopharmacologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vasorelaxant Effect of Trachelospermi caulis Extract on Rat Mesenteric Resistance Arteries. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165300. [PMID: 36014534 PMCID: PMC9413539 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background: Trachelospermi caulis (T. caulis) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Asian countries. Although it is well known that T. caulis has beneficial effects, no sufficient research data are available on the cardiovascular effect of T. caulis. We investigated whether T. caulis extract has vascular effects in rat resistance arteries in this study. Methods: To examine whether T. caulis extract affects vascular reactivity, we measured isometric tension of rat mesenteric resistance arteries using a multi-wire myograph system. T. caulis extract was administered after arteries were pre-contracted with high K+ (70 mM) or phenylephrine (5 µM). Vanillin, a single active component of T. caulis, was used to treat mesenteric arteries. Results: T. caulis extract caused vascular relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner, which was endothelium-independent. To further identify the mechanism, we incubated the arteries in Ca2+-free solution containing high K+, followed by a cumulative administration of CaCl2 (0.01–2.0 mM) with or without T. caulis extract (250 µg/mL). The treatment of T. caulis extract decreased contractile responses induced by the addition of Ca2+, which suggested that the extracellular Ca2+ influx was inhibited by the T. caulis extract. Moreover, an active compound of T. caulis extract, vanillin, also induced vasodilation in mesenteric resistance arteries. Conclusion: T. caulis extract and its active compound, vanillin, concentration-dependently induced vascular relaxation in mesenteric resistance arteries. These results suggest that the administration of T. caulis extract could help decrease blood pressure.
Collapse
|
14
|
Progressive aortic stiffness in aging C57Bl/6 mice displays altered contractile behaviour and extracellular matrix changes. Commun Biol 2022; 5:605. [PMID: 35710942 PMCID: PMC9203497 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03563-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aortic stiffness is a hallmark of cardiovascular disease, but its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. This study presents an in-dept characterization of aortic aging in male C57Bl/6 mice (2–24 months). Cardiovascular measurements include echocardiography, blood pressure measurement, and ex vivo organ chamber experiments. In vivo and ex vivo aortic stiffness increases with age, and precede the development of cardiac hypertrophy and peripheral blood pressure alterations. Contraction-independent stiffening (due to extracellular matrix changes) is pressure-dependent. Contraction-dependent aortic stiffening develops through heightened α1-adrenergic contractility, aberrant voltage-gated calcium channel function, and altered vascular smooth muscle cell calcium handling. Endothelial dysfunction is limited to a modest decrease in sensitivity to acetylcholine-induced relaxation with age. Our findings demonstrate that progressive arterial stiffening in C57Bl/6 mice precedes associated cardiovascular disease. Aortic aging is due to changes in extracellular matrix and vascular smooth muscle cell signalling, and not to altered endothelial function. A 24-month aging study in male C57Bl/6 mice reveals that aortic aging precedes cardiovascular disease and is due to changes in the extracellular matrix and vascular smooth muscle cell signaling.
Collapse
|
15
|
De Moudt S, Hendrickx JO, Neutel C, De Munck D, Leloup A, De Meyer GR, Martinet W, Fransen P. Aortic Stiffness in L-NAME Treated C57Bl/6 Mice Displays a Shift From Early Endothelial Dysfunction to Late-Term Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Dysfunction. Front Physiol 2022; 13:874015. [PMID: 35800344 PMCID: PMC9254682 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.874015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and Aims: Endothelial dysfunction is recognized as a cardiovascular aging hallmark. Administration of nitric oxide synthase blocker N-Ω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) constitutes a well-known small animal model of cardiovascular aging. Despite extensive phenotypic characterization, the exact aortic function changes in L-NAME treated mice are largely unknown. Therefore, this study presents a longitudinal characterization of the aortic reactivity and biomechanical alterations in L-NAME treated C57Bl/6 mice. Methods and Results: Male C57Bl/6 mice were treated with L-NAME (0.5 mg/ml drinking water) for 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 weeks. Peripheral blood pressure measurement (tail-cuff) and transthoracic echocardiograms were recorded, showing progressive hypertension after 4 weeks of treatment and progressive cardiac hypertrophy after 8–16 weeks of treatment. Aortic stiffness was measured in vivo as aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV, ultrasound) and ex vivo as Peterson modulus (Ep). Aortic reactivity and biomechanics were investigated ex vivo in thoracic aortic rings, mounted isometrically or dynamically-stretched in organ bath set-ups. Aortic stiffening was heightened in L-NAME treated mice after all treatment durations, thereby preceding the development of hypertension and cardiac aging. L-NAME treatment doubled the rate of arterial stiffening compared to control mice, and displayed an attenuation of the elevated aortic stiffness at high distending pressure, possibly due to late-term reduction of medial collagen types I, III, and IV content. Remarkably, endothelial dysfunction, measured by acetylcholine concentration-response stimulation in precontracted aortic rings, was only observed after short-term (1–4 weeks) treatment, followed by restoration of endothelial function which coincided with increased phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (S1177). In the late-disease phase (8–16 weeks), vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction developed, including increased contribution of voltage-dependent calcium channels (assessed by inhibition with diltiazem), basal VSMC cytoplasmic calcium loading (assessed by removal of extracellular calcium), and heightened intracellular contractile calcium handling (assessed by measurement of sarcoplasmic reticulum-mediated transient contractions). Conclusion: Arterial stiffness precedes peripheral hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy in chronic L-NAME treated male C57Bl/6 mice. The underlying aortic disease mechanisms underwent a distinct shift from early endothelial dysfunction to late-term VSMC dysfunction, with continued disease progression.
Collapse
|
16
|
Thandapilly SJ, Louis X, Kalt W, Raj P, Stobart JL, Aloud BM, Vinqvist‐Tymchuk M, Yu L, Kaminski J, Latruffe N, Anderson CM, Anderson HD, Netticadan T. Effects of blueberry polyphenolic extract on vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14227. [DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xavier Louis
- Canadian Centre for Agri‐Food Research in Health and Medicine Winnipeg Canada
| | | | - Pema Raj
- Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada Winnipeg Canada
- Canadian Centre for Agri‐Food Research in Health and Medicine Winnipeg Canada
| | - Jillian L. Stobart
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics University of Manitoba Winnipeg Canada
| | - Basma M. Aloud
- Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada Winnipeg Canada
- Canadian Centre for Agri‐Food Research in Health and Medicine Winnipeg Canada
| | | | - Liping Yu
- Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada Winnipeg Canada
- Canadian Centre for Agri‐Food Research in Health and Medicine Winnipeg Canada
| | - Jacques Kaminski
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Metabolism and Nutrition University of Burgundy Dijon France
| | - Norbert Latruffe
- Laboratory of Biochemistry of Metabolism and Nutrition University of Burgundy Dijon France
| | | | - Hope D. Anderson
- Canadian Centre for Agri‐Food Research in Health and Medicine Winnipeg Canada
- College of Pharmacy University of Manitoba Winnipeg Canada
| | - Thomas Netticadan
- Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada Winnipeg Canada
- Canadian Centre for Agri‐Food Research in Health and Medicine Winnipeg Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology University of Manitoba Winnipeg Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
De Moudt S, Hendrickx JO, De Meyer GRY, Martinet W, Fransen P. Basal Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Tone in eNOS Knockout Mice Can Be Reversed by Cyclic Stretch and Is Independent of Age. Front Physiol 2022; 13:882527. [PMID: 35574444 PMCID: PMC9096105 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.882527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and Aims: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) knockout mice develop pronounced cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we describe the alterations in aortic physiology and biomechanics of eNOS knockout and C57Bl/6 control mice at 2–12 months of age, including a thorough physiological investigation of age and cyclic stretch-dependent VSMC contractility and aortic stiffness. Methods and Results: Peripheral blood pressure and aortic pulse wave velocity were measured in vivo, and aortic biomechanical studies and isometric contractions were investigated ex vivo. Age-dependent progression of aortic stiffness, peripheral hypertension, and aortic contractility in eNOS knockout mice was absent, attenuated, or similar to C57Bl/6 control mice. Voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC)-dependent calcium influx inversely affected isometric contraction and aortic stiffening by α1-adrenergic stimulation in eNOS knockout mice. Baseline aortic stiffness was selectively reduced in eNOS knockout mice after ex vivo cyclic stretch exposure in an amplitude-dependent manner, which prompted us to investigate cyclic stretch dependent regulation of aortic contractility and stiffness. Aortic stiffness, both in baseline conditions and after activation of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) contraction, was reduced with increasing cyclic stretch amplitude. This cyclic stretch dependency was attenuated with age, although aged eNOS knockout mice displayed better preservation of cyclic stretch-dependency compared to C57Bl/6 control mice. Store operated calcium entry-medicated aortic stiffening as induced by inhibiting sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase pumps with 10 µM CPA was most pronounced in the aorta of aged mice and at low cyclic stretch amplitude, but independent of eNOS. Basal aortic tonus and VSMC depolarization were highly dependent on eNOS, and were most pronounced at low cyclic stretch, with attenuation at increasing cyclic stretch amplitude. Conclusion: eNOS knockout mice display attenuated progression of arterial disease as compared to C57Bl/6 control mice. Basal VSMC tone in eNOS knockout mice could be reduced by ex vivo exposure to cyclic stretch through stretch-dependent regulation of cytosolic calcium. Both baseline and active aortic stiffness were highly dependent on cyclic stretch regulation, which was more pronounced in young versus aged mice. Other mediators of VSMC contraction and calcium handling were dependent on cyclic stretch mechanotransduction, but independent of eNOS.
Collapse
|
18
|
Van den Bergh G, Van den Branden A, Opdebeeck B, Fransen P, Neven E, De Meyer G, D’Haese PC, Verhulst A. Endothelial dysfunction aggravates arterial media calcification in warfarin administered rats. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22315. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101919r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Van den Bergh
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Astrid Van den Branden
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Britt Opdebeeck
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Paul Fransen
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Ellen Neven
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Guido De Meyer
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Patrick C. D’Haese
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Anja Verhulst
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Antwerp Wilrijk Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
De Munck DG, Leloup AJA, De Moudt S, De Meyer GRY, Martinet W, Fransen P. Mouse aortic biomechanics are affected by short-term defective autophagy in vascular smooth muscle cells. J Physiol Sci 2022; 72:7. [PMID: 35277137 PMCID: PMC10717727 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-022-00829-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The physiology of vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) cells is affected by autophagy, a catabolic cellular mechanism responsible for nutrient recycling. Autophagy-inducing compounds may reverse arterial stiffening, whereas congenital VSMC-specific autophagy deficiency promotes arterial stiffening. The elevated aortic stiffness in 3.5-month-old C57Bl/6 mice, in which the essential autophagy-related gene Atg7 was specifically deleted in the VSMCs (Atg7F/F SM22α-Cre+ mice) was mainly due to passive aortic wall remodeling. The present study investigated whether aortic stiffness was also modulated by a shorter duration of autophagy deficiency. Therefore, aortic segments of 2-month-old Atg7F/F SM22α-Cre+ mice were studied. Similarly to the older mice, autophagy deficiency in VSMCs promoted aortic stiffening by elastin degradation and elastin breaks, and increased the expression of the calcium binding protein S100A4 (+ 157%), the aortic wall thickness (+ 27%), the sensitivity of the VSMCs to depolarization and the contribution of VGCC mediated Ca2+ influx to α1 adrenergic contractions. Hence, all these phenomena occurred before the age of 2 months. When compared to autophagy deficiency in VSMCs at 3.5 months, shorter term autophagy deficiency led to higher segment diameter at 80 mmHg (+ 7% versus - 2%), normal baseline tonus (versus increased), unchanged IP3-mediated phasic contractions (versus enhanced), and enhanced endothelial cell function (versus normal). Overall, and because in vivo cardiac parameters or aortic pulse wave velocity were not affected, these observations indicate that congenital autophagy deficiency in VSMCs of Atg7F/F SM22α-Cre+ mice initiates compensatory mechanisms to maintain circulatory homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorien G De Munck
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Arthur J A Leloup
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sofie De Moudt
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido R Y De Meyer
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Martinet
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul Fransen
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mammoto A, Matus K, Mammoto T. Extracellular Matrix in Aging Aorta. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:822561. [PMID: 35265616 PMCID: PMC8898904 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.822561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aging population is booming all over the world and arterial aging causes various age-associated pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aorta is the largest elastic artery, and transforms pulsatile flow generated by the left ventricle into steady flow to maintain circulation in distal tissues and organs. Age-associated structural and functional changes in the aortic wall such as dilation, tortuousness, stiffening and losing elasticity hamper stable peripheral circulation, lead to tissue and organ dysfunctions in aged people. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional network of macromolecules produced by resident cells. The composition and organization of key ECM components determine the structure-function relationships of the aorta and therefore maintaining their homeostasis is critical for a healthy performance. Age-associated remodeling of the ECM structural components, including fragmentation of elastic fibers and excessive deposition and crosslinking of collagens, is a hallmark of aging and leads to functional stiffening of the aorta. In this mini review, we discuss age-associated alterations of the ECM in the aortic wall and shed light on how understanding the mechanisms of aortic aging can lead to the development of efficient strategy for aortic pathologies and CVDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Mammoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Akiko Mammoto, ; Tadanori Mammoto,
| | - Kienna Matus
- Department of Pediatrics, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Tadanori Mammoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Akiko Mammoto, ; Tadanori Mammoto,
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Doxorubicin Impairs Smooth Muscle Cell Contraction: Novel Insights in Vascular Toxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312812. [PMID: 34884612 PMCID: PMC8657832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical and animal studies have demonstrated that chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (DOX) increases arterial stiffness, a predictor of cardiovascular risk. Despite consensus about DOX-impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation as a contributing mechanism, some studies have reported conflicting results on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function after DOX treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of DOX on VSMC function. To this end, mice received a single injection of 4 mg DOX/kg, or mouse aortic segments were treated ex vivo with 1 μM DOX, followed by vascular reactivity evaluation 16 h later. Phenylephrine (PE)-induced VSMC contraction was decreased after DOX treatment. DOX did not affect the transient PE contraction dependent on Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (0 mM Ca2+), but it reduced the subsequent tonic phase characterised by Ca2+ influx. These findings were supported by similar angiotensin II and attenuated endothelin-1 contractions. The involvement of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in DOX-decreased contraction was excluded by using levcromakalim and diltiazem in PE-induced contraction and corroborated by similar K+ and serotonin contractions. Despite the evaluation of multiple blockers of transient receptor potential channels, the exact mechanism for DOX-decreased VSMC contraction remains elusive. Surprisingly, DOX reduced ex vivo but not in vivo arterial stiffness, highlighting the importance of appropriate timing for evaluating arterial stiffness in DOX-treated patients.
Collapse
|
22
|
Endothelial Contribution to Warfarin-Induced Arterial Media Calcification in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111615. [PMID: 34769044 PMCID: PMC8583869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Arterial media calcification (AMC) is predominantly regulated by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which transdifferentiate into pro-calcifying cells. In contrast, there is little evidence for endothelial cells playing a role in the disease. The current study investigates cellular functioning and molecular pathways underlying AMC, respectively by, an ex vivo isometric organ bath set-up to explore the interaction between VSMCs and ECs and quantitative proteomics followed by functional pathway interpretation. AMC development, which was induced in mice by dietary warfarin administration, was proved by positive Von Kossa staining and a significantly increased calcium content in the aorta compared to that of control mice. The ex vivo organ bath set-up showed calcified aortic segments to be significantly more sensitive to phenylephrine induced contraction, compared to control segments. This, together with the fact that calcified segments as compared to control segments, showed a significantly smaller contraction in the absence of extracellular calcium, argues for a reduced basal NO production in the calcified segments. Moreover, proteomic data revealed a reduced eNOS activation to be part of the vascular calcification process. In summary, this study identifies a poor endothelial function, next to classic pro-calcifying stimuli, as a possible initiator of arterial calcification.
Collapse
|
23
|
Gangadharan N, Venkatachalapathi A, Jebaraj B, Zachariah SM, Devasahayam S, Saravana Kumar G, Subramani S. Electrical modelling of tissue experiments confirms precise locations of resistance and compliance in systemic arterial tree-they are mutually exclusive. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 49:242-253. [PMID: 34706396 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study presents electrical modelling of the arterial system to understand the effect of adrenaline on the aortae and small arteries in terms of their resistance and compliance. There is no categorical documentation in the current literature on the precise locations of arterial resistance (R) and compliance (C) in vasculature. Knowledge of their exact locations in the arterial tree enables re-assessment of the differential action of vasoactive drugs on resistance versus compliance vessels once we resolve beat-to-beat changes in R and C in response to these drugs. Isolated goat aortae and small arteries were perfused with a pulsatile pump and lumen pressures were recorded before and after addition of adrenaline. Equivalent electrical models were simulated, and biological data was compared against the electrical equivalents to derive interpretations. In the aortae, systolic pressure increased, diastolic pressure decreased, pulse pressure increased (P = .018); but the mean pressure remained the same (P = .357). Whereas in small artery, vasoconstriction caused an increase in systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures (P = .028). Simulations allow us to infer that vasoconstriction in the aorta leads to a reduction in compliance, but an increase in resistance if any, is not sufficient to alter the mean aortic pressure. Whereas vasoconstriction in small arteries increases resistance, but a decrease in compliance, if any, does not affect any of the pressure parameters measured. The presented study is first of its kind to give experimental evidence that large arteries and aorta are the only compliance vessels and small arteries are the only resistance vessels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Gangadharan
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India.,Department of Bioengineering, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.,Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, India
| | | | - Benjamin Jebaraj
- Department of Physiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | | | | | - Sathya Subramani
- Department of Physiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Neutel CHG, Corradin G, Puylaert P, De Meyer GRY, Martinet W, Guns PJ. High Pulsatile Load Decreases Arterial Stiffness: An ex vivo Study. Front Physiol 2021; 12:741346. [PMID: 34744784 PMCID: PMC8569808 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.741346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Measuring arterial stiffness has recently gained a lot of interest because it is a strong predictor for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. However, assessing blood vessel stiffness is not easy and the in vivo measurements currently used provide only limited information. Ex vivo experiments allow for a more thorough investigation of (altered) arterial biomechanical properties. Such experiments can be performed either statically or dynamically, where the latter better corresponds to physiological conditions. In a dynamic setup, arterial segments oscillate between two predefined forces, mimicking the diastolic and systolic pressures from an in vivo setting. Consequently, these oscillations result in a pulsatile load (i.e., the pulse pressure). The importance of pulse pressure on the ex vivo measurement of arterial stiffness is not completely understood. Here, we demonstrate that pulsatile load modulates the overall stiffness of the aortic tissue in an ex vivo setup. More specifically, increasing pulsatile load softens the aortic tissue. Moreover, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function was affected by pulse pressure. VSMC contraction and basal tonus showed a dependence on the amplitude of the applied pulse pressure. In addition, two distinct regions of the aorta, namely the thoracic descending aorta (TDA) and the abdominal infrarenal aorta (AIA), responded differently to changes in pulse pressure. Our data indicate that pulse pressure alters ex vivo measurements of arterial stiffness and should be considered as an important variable in future experiments. More research should be conducted in order to determine which biomechanical properties are affected due to changes in pulse pressure. The elucidation of the underlying pulse pressure-sensitive properties would improve our understanding of blood vessel biomechanics and could potentially yield new therapeutic insights.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric H. G. Neutel
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Giulia Corradin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Pauline Puylaert
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido R. Y. De Meyer
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Martinet
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter-Jan Guns
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
De Moudt S, Leloup A, Fransen P. Aortic Stiffness Hysteresis in Isolated Mouse Aortic Segments Is Intensified by Contractile Stimuli, Attenuated by Age, and Reversed by Elastin Degradation. Front Physiol 2021; 12:723972. [PMID: 34650441 PMCID: PMC8507434 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.723972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Cyclic stretch of vascular tissue at any given pressure reveals greater dimensions during unloading than during loading, which determines the cardiac beat-by-beat hysteresis loop on the pressure-diameter/volume relationship. The present study did not focus on hysteresis during a single stretch cycle but investigated whether aortic stiffness determined during continuous stretch at different pressures also displayed hysteresis phenomena. Methods: Aortic segments from C57Bl6 mice were mounted in the Rodent Oscillatory Set-up for Arterial Compliance (ROTSAC), where they were subjected to high frequency (10 Hz) cyclic stretch at alternating loads equivalent to a constant theoretical pulse pressure of 40 mm Hg. Diastolic and systolic diameter, compliance, and the Peterson elastic modulus (Ep), as a measure of aortic stiffness, was determined starting at cyclic stretch between alternating loads corresponding to 40 and 80 mm Hg, at each gradual load increase equivalent to 20 mm Hg, up to loads equivalent to pressures of 220 and 260 mm Hg (loading direction) and then repeated in the downward direction (unloading direction). This was performed in baseline conditions and following contraction by α1 adrenergic stimulation with phenylephrine or by depolarization with high extracellular K+ in aortas of young (5 months), aged (26 months) mice, and in segments treated with elastase. Results: In baseline conditions, diastolic/systolic diameters and compliance for a pulse pressure of 40 mm Hg were larger at any given pressure upon unloading (decreasing pressure) than loading (increasing pressure) of the aortic segments. The pressure-aortic stiffness (Ep) relationship was similar in the loading and unloading directions, and aortic hysteresis was absent. On the other hand, hysteresis was evident after activation of the VSMCs with the α1 adrenergic agonist phenylephrine and with depolarization by high extracellular K+, especially after inhibition of basal NO release with L-NAME. Aortic stiffness was significantly smaller in the unloading than in the loading direction. In comparison with young mice, old-mouse aortic segments also displayed contraction-dependent aortic hysteresis, but hysteresis was shifted to a lower pressure range. Elastase-treated segments showed higher stiffness upon unloading over nearly the whole pressure range. Conclusions: Mouse aortic segments display pressure- and contraction-dependent diameter, compliance, and stiffness hysteresis phenomena, which are modulated by age and VSMC-extracellular matrix interactions. This may have implications for aortic biomechanics in pathophysiological conditions and aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie De Moudt
- Physiopharmacology, Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Arthur Leloup
- Physiopharmacology, Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Paul Fransen
- Physiopharmacology, Department Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bosman M, Favere K, Neutel CHG, Jacobs G, De Meyer GRY, Martinet W, Van Craenenbroeck EM, Guns PJDF. Doxorubicin induces arterial stiffness: A comprehensive in vivo and ex vivo evaluation of vascular toxicity in mice. Toxicol Lett 2021; 346:23-33. [PMID: 33895255 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Arterial stiffness is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk. Clinical studies have demonstrated that arterial stiffness increases in cancer patients treated with the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (DOX). However, the mechanisms of DOX-induced arterial stiffness remain largely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate artery stiffening in DOX-treated mice using in vivo and ex vivo techniques. Male C57BL/6J mice were treated for 2 weeks with 2 mg/kg (low dose) or 4 mg/kg (high dose) of DOX weekly. Arterial stiffness was assessed in vivo with ultrasound imaging (abdominal aorta pulse wave velocity (aaPWV)) and applanation tonometry (carotid-femoral PWV) combined with ex vivo vascular stiffness and reactivity evaluation. The high dose increased aaPWV, while cfPWV did not reach statistical significance. Phenylephrine (PE)-contracted aortic segments showed a higher Peterson's modulus (Ep) in the high dose group, while Ep did not differ when vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were relaxed by a NO donor (DEANO). In addition, aortic rings of DOX-treated mice showed increased PE contraction, decreased basal nitric oxide (NO) index and impaired acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation. DOX treatment contributed to endothelial cell loss and reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in the aorta. In conclusion, we have replicated DOX-induced arterial stiffness in a murine model and this aortic stiffness is driven by impaired endothelial function, contributing to increased vascular tone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bosman
- University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Kasper Favere
- University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, GENCOR, Antwerp, Belgium; Ghent University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, C. Heymanslaan 10, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Department of Cardiology, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Cédric H G Neutel
- University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Griet Jacobs
- University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido R Y De Meyer
- University of Antwerp, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Martinet
- University of Antwerp, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Emeline M Van Craenenbroeck
- University of Antwerp, Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, GENCOR, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Department of Cardiology, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Pieter-Jan D F Guns
- University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
van der Bruggen MM, Reesink KD, Spronck PJM, Bitsch N, Hameleers J, Megens RTA, Schalkwijk CG, Delhaas T, Spronck B. An integrated set-up for ex vivo characterisation of biaxial murine artery biomechanics under pulsatile conditions. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2671. [PMID: 33514757 PMCID: PMC7846753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81151-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo characterisation of arterial biomechanics enables detailed discrimination of the various cellular and extracellular contributions to arterial stiffness. However, ex vivo biomechanical studies are commonly performed under quasi-static conditions, whereas dynamic biomechanical behaviour (as relevant in vivo) may differ substantially. Hence, we aim to (1) develop an integrated set-up for quasi-static and dynamic biaxial biomechanical testing, (2) quantify set-up reproducibility, and (3) illustrate the differences in measured arterial stiffness between quasi-static and dynamic conditions. Twenty-two mouse carotid arteries were mounted between glass micropipettes and kept fully vasodilated. While recording pressure, axial force (F), and inner diameter, arteries were exposed to (1) quasi-static pressure inflation from 0 to 200 mmHg; (2) 300 bpm dynamic pressure inflation (peaking at 80/120/160 mmHg); and (3) axial stretch (λz) variation at constant pressures of 10/60/100/140/200 mmHg. Measurements were performed in duplicate. Single-point pulse wave velocities (PWV; Bramwell-Hill) and axial stiffness coefficients (cax = dF/dλz) were calculated at the in vivo value of λz. Within-subject coefficients of variation were ~ 20%. Dynamic PWVs were consistently higher than quasi-static PWVs (p < 0.001); cax increased with increasing pressure. We demonstrated the feasibility of ex vivo biomechanical characterisation of biaxially-loaded murine carotid arteries under pulsatile conditions, and quantified reproducibility allowing for well-powered future study design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myrthe M van der Bruggen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Room 3.359, 6229ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen D Reesink
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Room 3.359, 6229ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Nicole Bitsch
- Muroidean Facility, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hameleers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Room 3.359, 6229ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Remco T A Megens
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Room 3.359, 6229ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Casper G Schalkwijk
- Department of Internal Medicine, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tammo Delhaas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Room 3.359, 6229ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Spronck
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Room 3.359, 6229ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering & Applied Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Iddawela S, Ravendren A, Harky A. Bio-chemo-mechanics of the thoracic aorta. VASCULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 3:R25-R33. [PMID: 33659859 PMCID: PMC7923035 DOI: 10.1530/vb-20-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection is poorly understood, despite high mortality. An evidence review was conducted to examine the biomechanical, chemical and genetic factors involved in thoracic aortic pathology. The composition of connective tissue and smooth muscle cells can mediate important mechanical properties that allow the thoracic aorta to withstand and transmit pressures. Genetic syndromes can affect connective tissue and signalling proteins that interrupt smooth muscle function, leading to tissue failure. There are complex interplaying factors that maintain thoracic aortic function in health and are disrupted in disease, signifying an area for extensive research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sashini Iddawela
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hsu CPD, Hutcheson JD, Ramaswamy S. Oscillatory fluid-induced mechanobiology in heart valves with parallels to the vasculature. VASCULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 2:R59-R71. [PMID: 32923975 PMCID: PMC7439923 DOI: 10.1530/vb-19-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Forces generated by blood flow are known to contribute to cardiovascular development and remodeling. These hemodynamic forces induce molecular signals that are communicated from the endothelium to various cell types. The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and the vasculature, and together they deliver nutrients throughout the body. While heart valves and blood vessels experience different environmental forces and differ in morphology as well as cell types, they both can undergo pathological remodeling and become susceptible to calcification. In addition, while the plaque morphology is similar in valvular and vascular diseases, therapeutic targets available for the latter condition are not effective in the management of heart valve calcification. Therefore, research in valvular and vascular pathologies and treatments have largely remained independent. Nonetheless, understanding the similarities and differences in development, calcific/fibrous pathologies and healthy remodeling events between the valvular and vascular systems can help us better identify future treatments for both types of tissues, particularly for heart valve pathologies which have been understudied in comparison to arterial diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Pei Denise Hsu
- Engineering Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Joshua D Hutcheson
- Engineering Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sharan Ramaswamy
- Engineering Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Aqueous Fraction from Hibiscus sabdariffa Relaxes Mesenteric Arteries of Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats through Calcium Current Reduction and Possibly Potassium Channels Modulation. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12061782. [PMID: 32549326 PMCID: PMC7353181 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (H. sabdariffa (HS)) extract has a vascular relaxant effect on isolated rat thoracic aorta, but data on small resistance arteries, which play an important role on the development of hypertension, are still missing. The purposes of this study were (1) to assess the effect on isolated mesenteric arteries (MA) from normotensive (Wistar and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY)) and spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR); (2) to elucidate the mechanism(s) of action underling the relaxant effect in light of bioactive components. METHODS Vascular effects of HS aqueous fraction (AF) on isolated MA rings, as well as its mechanisms of action, were assessed using the contractility and intracellular microelectrode technique. The patch clamp technique was used to evaluate the effect of HS AF on the L-type calcium current. Extraction and enrichment of AF were carried out using liquid-liquid extraction, and the yield was analyzed using HPLC. RESULTS The HS AF induced a concentration-dependent relaxant effect on MA rings of SHR (EC50 = 0.83 ± 0.08 mg/mL), WKY (EC50 = 0.46 ± 0.04 mg/mL), and Wistar rats (EC50 = 0.44 ± 0.08 mg/mL) pre-contracted with phenylephrine (10 µM). In Wistar rats, the HS AF maximum relaxant effect was not modified after endothelium removal or when a guanylate cyclase inhibitor (ODQ, 10 µM) and a selective β2-adrenergic receptor antagonist (ICI-118551, 1 µM) were incubated with the preparation. Otherwise, it was reduced by 34.57 ± 10.66% when vascular rings were pre-contracted with an 80 mM [K+] solution (p < 0.001), which suggests an effect on ionic channels. HS AF 2 mg/mL significantly decreased the peak of the L-type calcium current observed in cardiac myocytes by 24.4%. Moreover, though the vasorelaxant effect of HS, AF was reduced by 27% when the nonselective potassium channels blocker (tetraethylammonium (TEA) 20 mM) was added to the bath (p < 0.01). The extract did not induce a membrane hyperpolarization of smooth muscle cells, which might suggest an absence of a direct effect on background potassium current. CONCLUSION These results highlight that the antihypertensive effect of HS probably involves a vasorelaxant effect on small resistance arteries, which is endothelium independent. L-type calcium current reduction contributes to this effect. The results could also provide a link between the vasorelaxant effect and the bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanins.
Collapse
|
31
|
LncRNA ANRIL acts as a modular scaffold of WDR5 and HDAC3 complexes and promotes alteration of the vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:435. [PMID: 32513988 PMCID: PMC7280314 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2645-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have shown that long-noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is associated with cardiovascular disease, but its molecular mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we explored the role of lncRNA ANRIL in ox-LDL-induced phenotypic transition of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC). The results of quantitative fluorescence PCR showed that the expression of ANRIL in patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD) was significantly higher than that in normal subjects. RNA-FISH detection showed that the ANRIL expression increased in HASMC treated by ox-LDL. Ox-LDL could upregulate the expression of ANRIL and ROS and promote the phenotypic transition of HASMC. After downregulation of ANRIL by siRNA, ROS level decreased and HASMC phenotypic transition alleviated. ANRIL could act as a molecular scaffold to promote the binding of WDR5 and HDAC3 to form WDR5 and HDAC3 complexes, they regulated target genes such as NOX1 expression by histone modification, upregulated ROS level and promote HASMC phenotype transition. Therefore, we found a new epigenetic regulatory mechanism for phenotype transition of VSMC, ANRIL was a treatment target of occlusive vascular diseases.
Collapse
|
32
|
De Munck DG, Leloup AJA, De Meyer GRY, Martinet W, Fransen P. Defective autophagy in vascular smooth muscle cells increases passive stiffness of the mouse aortic vessel wall. Pflugers Arch 2020; 472:1031-1040. [PMID: 32488322 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02408-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aging and associated progressive arterial stiffening are both important predictors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Recent evidence showed that autophagy, a catabolic cellular mechanism responsible for nutrient recycling, plays a major role in the physiology of vascular cells such as endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Moreover, several autophagy inducing compounds are effective in treating arterial stiffness. Yet, a direct link between VSMC autophagy and arterial stiffness remains largely unidentified. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a VSMC-specific deletion of the essential autophagy-related gene Atg7 in young mice (3.5 months) (Atg7F/F SM22α-Cre+ mice) on the biomechanical properties of the aorta, using an in-house developed Rodent Oscillatory Tension Set-up to study Arterial Compliance (ROTSAC). Aortic segments of Atg7F/F SM22α-Cre+ mice displayed attenuated compliance and higher arterial stiffness, which was more evident at higher distention pressures. Passive aortic wall remodeling, rather than differences in VSMC tone, is responsible for these phenomena, since differences in compliance and stiffness between Atg7+/+ SM22α-Cre+ and Atg7F/F SM22α-Cre+ aortas were more pronounced when VSMCs were completely relaxed by the addition of exogenous nitric oxide. These observations are supported by histological data showing a 13% increase in medial wall thickness and a 14% decrease in elastin along with elevated elastin fragmentation. In addition, expression of the calcium-binding protein S100A4, which is linked to matrix remodeling, was elevated in aortic segments of Atg7F/F SM22α-Cre+ mice. Overall, these findings illustrate that autophagy exerts a crucial role in defining arterial wall compliance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorien G De Munck
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Arthur J A Leloup
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido R Y De Meyer
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Martinet
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul Fransen
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Leloup AJA, Van Hove CE, De Moudt S, De Keulenaer GW, Fransen P. Ex vivo aortic stiffness in mice with different eNOS activity. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H1233-H1244. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00737.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial function and NO bioavailability are important determinants of aortic biomechanics and function. With a new technique we investigated the ex vivo aortic segment biomechanics of different mouse models with altered NO signaling. Our experiments clearly show that chronic distortion of NO signaling triggered several compensatory mechanisms that reflect the organism’s attempt to maintain optimal central hemodynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur J. A. Leloup
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Cor E. Van Hove
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sofie De Moudt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gilles W. De Keulenaer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Middelheim Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul Fransen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
De Munck DG, De Meyer GR, Martinet W. Autophagy as an emerging therapeutic target for age-related vascular pathologies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:131-145. [PMID: 31985292 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1723079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The incidence of age-related vascular diseases such as arterial stiffness, hypertension and atherosclerosis, is rising dramatically and is substantially impacting healthcare systems. Mounting evidence suggests that there is an important role for autophagy in maintaining (cardio)vascular health. Impaired vascular autophagy has been linked to arterial aging and the initiation of vascular disease.Areas covered: The function and implications of autophagy in vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells are discussed in healthy blood vessels and arterial disease. Furthermore, we discuss current treatment options for vascular disease and their links with autophagy. A literature search was conducted in PubMed up to October 2019.Expert opinion: Although the therapeutic potential of inducing autophagy in age-related vascular pathologies is considerable, several issues should be addressed before autophagy induction can be clinically used to treat vascular disease. These issues include uncertainty regarding the most effective drug target as well as the lack of potency and selectivity of autophagy inducing drugs. Moreover, drug tolerance or autophagy mediated cell death have been reported as possible adverse effects. Special attention is required for determining the cause of autophagy deficiency to optimize the treatment strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorien G De Munck
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido Ry De Meyer
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Martinet
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zhu Y, Qu J, He L, Zhang F, Zhou Z, Yang S, Zhou Y. Calcium in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Elasticity and Adhesion: Novel Insights Into the Mechanism of Action. Front Physiol 2019; 10:852. [PMID: 31440163 PMCID: PMC6693425 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are the predominant cell type in the arterial wall. These cells play a critical role in maintaining vascular homeostasis including vasoconstriction and vasodilatation through active contraction and relaxation. Dysregulation of VSMC function alters the response of blood vessels to mechanical stress, contributing to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis and hypertension. The stiffness of VSMCs is a major regulator of vascular function. Previous studies suggest that intracellular Ca2+ controls the stiffness of VSMCs by a mechanism involving myosin contractile apparatus. More recent studies highlight important functions of cytoskeletal α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), α5β1 integrin, and integrin-mediated cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions in Ca2+-dependent regulation of VSMC stiffness and adhesion to the ECM, providing novel insights into the mechanism of calcium action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jing Qu
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li He
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Feng Zhang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zijing Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shanzhong Yang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|