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Liu C, Xiong J, Yi X, Song S, Yang H, Tan W, Yang X, Zheng L, Yu J, Xu C. Decreased plasma ELABELA level as a novel screening indicator for heart failure: a cohort and observational study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11333. [PMID: 38760403 PMCID: PMC11101417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61480-x] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The predictive power of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is limited by its low specificity in patients with heart failure (HF). Discovery of more novel biomarkers for HF better diagnosis is necessary and urgent. ELABELA, an early endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ (Apelin peptide jejunum, Apelin receptor), exhibits cardioprotective actions. However, the relationship between plasma ELABELA and cardiac function in HF patients is unclear. To evaluate plasma ELABELA level and its diagnostic value in HF patients, a total of 335 patients with or without HF were recruited for our monocentric observational study. Plasma ELABELA and Apelin levels were detected by immunoassay in all patients. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between plasma ELABELA or Apelin levels and study variables. The receiver operating characteristic curves were used to access the predictive power of plasma ELABELA or Apelin levels. Plasma ELABELA levels were lower, while plasma Apelin levels were higher in HF patients than in non-HF patients. Plasma ELABELA levels were gradually decreased with increasing New York Heart Association grade or decreasing LVEF. Plasma ELABELA levels were negatively correlated with BNP, left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and left ventricular posterior wall thickness and positively correlated with LVEF in HF patients. In contrast, the correlation between plasma Apelin levels and these parameters is utterly opposite to ELABELA. The diagnostic value of ELABELA, Apelin, and LVEF for all HF patients was 0.835, 0.673, and 0.612; the sensitivity was 62.52, 66.20, and 32.97%; and the specificity was 95.92, 67.23, and 87.49%, respectively. All these parameters in HF patients with preserved ejection fraction were comparable to those in total HF patients. Overall, plasma ELABELA levels were significantly reduced and negatively correlated with cardiac function in HF patients. Decreased plasma ELABELA levels may function as a novel screening biomarker for HF. A combined assessment of BNP and ELABELA may be a good choice to increase the accuracy of the diagnosis of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunju Liu
- Translational Medicine Centre, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jianhua Xiong
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xiaoli Yi
- Translational Medicine Centre, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Shanshan Song
- Translational Medicine Centre, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Huiru Yang
- Translational Medicine Centre, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Wenting Tan
- Translational Medicine Centre, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Lixiang Zheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research and Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Chuanming Xu
- Translational Medicine Centre, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China.
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Zheng P, Zhang W, Wang J, Gong Q, Xu N, Chen N. Bioinformatics and functional experiments reveal that MRC2 inhibits atrial fibrillation via the PPAR signaling pathway. J Thorac Dis 2023; 15:5625-5639. [PMID: 37969297 PMCID: PMC10636429 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-23-1235] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia that requires improved clinical markers to increase diagnostic accuracy and provide insight into its pathogenesis. Although some biomarkers are available, new ones need to be discovered to better capture the complex physiology of AF. However, their limitations are still not fully addressed. Bioinformatics and functional studies can help find new clinical markers and improve the understanding of AF, meeting the need for early diagnosis and individualized treatment. Methods To identify AF-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs), We applied the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profile retrieved in Series Matrix File format from the GSE143924 microarray dataset obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and then used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify the overlapping genes. These genes were analyzed by enrichment analysis, expression analysis and others to obtain the hub gene. Additionally, the potential signaling pathway of hub gene in AF was explored and verified by functional experiments, like quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and Western blotting (WB) assay. Results From the GSE143924 data (410 DEGs) and tan module (57 genes), 10 overlapping genes were identified. A central down-regulated gene in AF, MRC2, was identified through bioinformatics analysis. based on these results, it was hypothesized that the PPAR signaling pathway is related to the mechanism of action of MRC2 in AF. Moreover, over-MRC2 markedly reduced the growth speed of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) and increased apoptosis. Conversely, knockdown of MRC2 promoted HCFs cell proliferation number. Additionally, MRC2 over-expression increased the protein expression level of PPARα, PPARγ, CPT-1, and SIRT3 in Ang II-induced HCFs. Conclusions While meeting the need for new biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of AF, this study reveals the inherent limitations of current biomarkers. We identified MRC2 as a key player as an inhibitory gene in AF, highlighting its role in suppressing AF progression through the PPAR signaling pathway. MRC2 may not only serve as a diagnostic indicator, but also as a promising therapeutic target for patients with AF, which is expected to be applied in clinical practice and open up new avenues for individualized interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxiang Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjia Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qunlin Gong
- Department of Cardiology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nannan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Gao S, Chen H. Therapeutic potential of apelin and Elabela in cardiovascular disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115268. [PMID: 37562237 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Apelin and Elabela (Ela) are peptides encoded by APLN and APELA, respectively, which act on their receptor APJ and play crucial roles in the body. Recent research has shown that they not only have important effects on the endocrine system, but also promote vascular development and maintain the homeostasis of myocardial cells. From a molecular biology perspective, we explored the roles of Ela and apelin in the cardiovascular system and summarized the mechanisms of apelin-APJ signaling in the progression of myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, preeclampsia, and congenital heart disease. Evidences indicated that apelin and Ela play important roles in cardiovascular diseases, and there are many studies focused on developing apelin, Ela, and their analogues for clinical treatments. However, the literature on the therapeutic potential of apelin, Ela and their analogues and other APJ agonists in the cardiovascular system is still limited. This review summarized the regulatory pathways of apelin/ELA-APJ axis in cardiovascular function and cardiovascular-related diseases, and the therapeutic effects of their analogues in cardiovascular diseases were also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghan Gao
- Department of Histology and embryology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Queen Mary School, Medical Department, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Hongping Chen
- Department of Histology and embryology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China.
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Xu C. Cardiovascular aspects of ELABELA: A potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Vascul Pharmacol 2023; 151:107193. [PMID: 37433415 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107193] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
ELABELA, an early endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ (apelin peptide jejunum, apelin receptor), has been known as an important regulator in cardiovascular homeostasis and may be a novel therapeutic target for multiple cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). At the physiological level, ELABELA exhibits angiogenic and vasorelaxant effects and is essential for heart development. At the pathological level, circulating ELABELA levels may be a novel diagnostic biomarker for various CVDs. ELABELA peripherally displays antihypertensive, vascular-protective, and cardioprotective effects, whereas central administration of ELABELA elevated BP and caused cardiovascular remodeling. This review highlights the physiological and pathological roles of ELABELA in the cardiovascular system. Enhancement of the peripheral ELABELA may be a promising pharmacological therapeutic strategy for CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanming Xu
- Translational Medicine Centre, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330002, Jiangxi, China.
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Xie S, Xu F, Lu Y, Zhang Y, Li X, Yu M, Cui W. Elabela Attenuates the TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells in Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:890881. [PMID: 35800446 PMCID: PMC9253381 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.890881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal fibrosis (PF), a common complication in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD), is primarily caused by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). PF is the main reason for patients on PD to withdraw from PD. Effective treatment is unavailable for this complication at present. Elabela (ELA) is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the vascular endothelium and kidney. Peptide hormones ELA and apelin (APLN) have various protective effects on the cardiovascular and urinary systems and have potential therapeutic effects on organ fibrosis. ELA and APLN are less studied in PD population. Here, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of ELA in patients on PD and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of ELA on EMT of HPMCs. Compared with those in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease who are not on dialysis, serum ELA levels in patients on PD increased with the improvement of residual renal function at PD duration <36 months and decreased to pre-dialysis levels at PD duration ≥36 months, suggesting that dialysis duration is the main risk factor affecting serum ELA levels in patients on PD. In addition, serum APLN levels decreased in the early stage of PD and recovered to the pre-dialysis level with the prolongation of dialysis time. Notably, serum APLN levels were positively correlated with dialysis duration in patients undergoing PD. To establish the EMT model, we stimulated HPMCs using transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in cell experiments performed in vitro. ELA-32 treatment reversed the TGF-β1-induced reduction in the expression of the epithelial cell marker and suppressed the expression of mesenchymal cell markers by inhibiting the phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, ERK1/2, and AKT. Therefore, our findings imply that ELA-32 can interfere with the EMT of HPMCs by inhibiting the activation of the TGF-β/SMAD2/3, ERK1/2, and AKT pathways, providing novel insights on the potential therapeutic use of ELA for treating PD-related PF.
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Sun WP, Du X, Chen JJ. Biomarkers for Predicting the Occurrence and Progression of Atrial Fibrillation: Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 Protein and Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1. Int J Clin Pract 2022; 2022:6926510. [PMID: 36683600 PMCID: PMC9825235 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6926510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 protein (sST2) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 are involved in multiple pathogenic pathways, including cardiac remodeling, which is the main pathology of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aims to investigate the previously unexplored relationship between the serum levels of sST2, TIMP-1, and AF. METHODS This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at the Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Anzhen Hospital between June 2019 and July 2020, with a total of 359 participants. The clinical characteristics and laboratory results of the patients were compared, and multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between serum sST2, TIMP-1, and AF. RESULTS The participants included 110 patients with sinus rhythm (SR), 113 with paroxysmal AF (the paroxysmal AF group), and 136 with persistent AF (the persistent AF group). It was found that the sST2 levels gradually increased in these three groups, from 9.1 (6.7-12.4 pg/ml) in the SR group to 14.0 (10.4-20.8 pg/ml) in the paroxysmal AF group and to 19.0 (13.1-27.8) pg/ml) in the persistent AF group (p < 0.001). The multivariable ordinal logistic regression model for sST2 and TIMP-1 demonstrated that sST2 had an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.797 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.749-0.846, p < 0.001) and TIMP-1 had an AUC of 0.795 (95% CI 0.750-0.841, p=0.000). The multivariable ordinal logistic regression model for sST2 and TIMP-1 showed good discrimination between SR and AF, with an AUC of 0.846, and the addition of clinical factors, such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), left atrial diameter, age, and gender, to the biomarker model improved the detection of SR and AF (AUC 0.901). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort study, sST2 and TIMP-1 were associated with AF progression, independent of clinical characteristics and biomarkers. Soluble ST2 and TIMP-1 combined with age, elevated N-terminal-pro hormone BNP(NT-BNP), and an enlarged left atrium were able to demonstrate the progression of AF reliably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ping Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Du
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Jun Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Disease, Beijing, China
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