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Ajoolabady A, Pratico D, Ren J. Endothelial dysfunction: mechanisms and contribution to diseases. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024:10.1038/s41401-024-01295-8. [PMID: 38773228 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01295-8] [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: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The endothelium, lining the inner surface of blood vessels and spanning approximately 3 m2, serves as the largest organ in the body. Comprised of endothelial cells, the endothelium interacts with other bodily components including the bloodstream, circulating cells, and the lymphatic system. Functionally, the endothelium primarily synchronizes vascular tone (by balancing vasodilation and vasoconstriction) and prevents vascular inflammation and pathologies. Consequently, endothelial dysfunction disrupts vascular homeostasis, leading to vascular injuries and diseases such as cardiovascular, cerebral, and metabolic diseases. In this opinion/perspective piece, we explore the recently identified mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction across various disease subsets and critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of current therapeutic interventions at the pre-clinical level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Ajoolabady
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Domenico Pratico
- Alzheimer's Center at Temple, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Casarella S, Ferla F, Di Francesco D, Canciani E, Rizzi M, Boccafoschi F. Focal Adhesion's Role in Cardiomyocytes Function: From Cardiomyogenesis to Mechanotransduction. Cells 2024; 13:664. [PMID: 38667279 PMCID: PMC11049660 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080664] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanotransduction refers to the ability of cells to sense mechanical stimuli and convert them into biochemical signals. In this context, the key players are focal adhesions (FAs): multiprotein complexes that link intracellular actin bundles and the extracellular matrix (ECM). FAs are involved in cellular adhesion, growth, differentiation, gene expression, migration, communication, force transmission, and contractility. Focal adhesion signaling molecules, including Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), integrins, vinculin, and paxillin, also play pivotal roles in cardiomyogenesis, impacting cell proliferation and heart tube looping. In fact, cardiomyocytes sense ECM stiffness through integrins, modulating signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin. Moreover, FAK/Src complex activation mediates cardiac hypertrophic growth and survival signaling in response to mechanical loads. This review provides an overview of the molecular and mechanical mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between FAs and cardiac differentiation, as well as the role of FA-mediated mechanotransduction in guiding cardiac muscle responses to mechanical stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Casarella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.C.); (D.D.F.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Federica Ferla
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.C.); (D.D.F.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Dalila Di Francesco
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.C.); (D.D.F.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, CRC-I, Department of Min-Met-Materials Engineering, University Hospital Research Center, Regenerative Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Elena Canciani
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.C.); (D.D.F.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Manuela Rizzi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.C.); (D.D.F.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Francesca Boccafoschi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.C.); (D.D.F.); (E.C.); (M.R.)
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Schmidt A, Singer D, Aden H, von Woedtke T, Bekeschus S. Gas Plasma Exposure Alters Microcirculation and Inflammation during Wound Healing in a Diabetic Mouse Model. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:68. [PMID: 38247492 PMCID: PMC10812527 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010068] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetes can disrupt physiological wound healing, caused by decreased levels or impaired activity of angiogenic factors. This can contribute to chronic inflammation, poor formation of new blood vessels, and delayed re-epithelialization. The present study describes the preclinical application of medical gas plasma to treat a dermal, full-thickness ear wound in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Gas plasma-mediated effects occurred in both sexes but with gender-specific differences. Hyperspectral imaging demonstrated gas plasma therapy changing microcirculatory parameters, particularly oxygen saturation levels during wound healing, presumably due to the gas plasma's tissue delivery of reactive species and other bioactive components. In addition, gas plasma treatment significantly affected cell adhesion by regulating focal adhesion kinase and vinculin, which is important in maintaining skin barrier function by regulating syndecan expression and increasing re-epithelialization. An anticipated stimulation of blood vessel formation was detected via transcriptional and translational increase of angiogenic factors in gas plasma-exposed wound tissue. Moreover, gas plasma treatment significantly affected inflammation by modulating systemic growth factors and cytokine levels. The presented findings may help explain the mode of action of successful clinical plasma therapy of wounds of diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Schmidt
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Debora Singer
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Rostock University Medical Center, Strempelstr. 13, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Henrike Aden
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas von Woedtke
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Greifswald University Medical Center, Sauerbruchstr., 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venerology, Rostock University Medical Center, Strempelstr. 13, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Dürig J, Calcagni M, Buschmann J. Transition metals in angiogenesis - A narrative review. Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100757. [PMID: 37593220 PMCID: PMC10430620 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to offer a narrative review of the literature regarding the influence of transition metals on angiogenesis, excluding lanthanides and actinides. To our knowledge there are not any reviews up to date offering such a summary, which inclined us to write this paper. Angiogenesis describes the process of blood vessel formation, which is an essential requirement for human growth and development. When the complex interplay between pro- and antiangiogenic mediators falls out of balance, angiogenesis can quickly become harmful. As it is so fundamental, both its inhibition and enhancement take part in various diseases, making it a target for therapeutic treatments. Current methods come with limitations, therefore, novel agents are constantly being researched, with metal agents offering promising results. Various transition metals have already been investigated in-depth, with studies indicating both pro- and antiangiogenic properties, respectively. The transition metals are being applied in various formulations, such as nanoparticles, complexes, or scaffold materials. Albeit the increasing attention this field is receiving, there remain many unanswered questions, mostly regarding the molecular mechanisms behind the observed effects. Notably, approximately half of all the transition metals have not yet been investigated regarding potential angiogenic effects. Considering the promising results which have already been established, it should be of great interest to begin investigating the remaining elements whilst also further analyzing the established effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Dürig
- University of Zürich, Faculty of Medicine, Pestalozzistrasse 3, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Hospital of Zürich, Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Calcagni
- University Hospital of Zürich, Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Buschmann
- University Hospital of Zürich, Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
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