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Wu C, Li Y, Liu S, Wang L, Wang X. Catalpol inhibits HHcy-induced EndMT in endothelial cells by modulating ROS/NF-κB signaling. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2024; 24:431. [PMID: 39148029 PMCID: PMC11328392 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-04046-z] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis (AS). Endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) refers to the process in which endothelial cells lose endothelial cell morphology and characteristic gene expression, and acquire phenotypic characteristics and gene expression related to mesenchymal cells. Numerous studies have confirmed that EndMT is involved in the formation of atherosclerosis. Catalpol is one of the active components of Rehmannia, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotective and other biological activities. Studies have shown that catalpol can reduce atherosclerotic plaque induced by high sugar or fat. However, the effect of catalpol on HHCY-induced EndMT is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS In vitro HHcy-treated primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to construct a cell model, and the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and catalase alcohol were administered. In vivo C57BL/6N mice were given a diet fed with 4.4% high methionine chow to construct a HHcy mice model and were treated with catalpol. The results showed that hhcy could induce morphological transformation of endothelial cells into mesenchymal cells, increase intracellular ROS content, up-regulate α-SMA, N-cadherin, p-p65 protein expression, down-regulate VE-cadherin, CD31 protein expression, induce pathological changes of aortic root endothelium, and increase aortic endothelial ROS content. Catalpol reversed these hhcy induced outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Catalpol inhibits HHcy-induced EndMT, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway. Catalpol may be a potential drug for the treatment of HHcy-related AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyan Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center of Xinxiang Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical, University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yuanhao Li
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center of Xinxiang Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical, University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Shuangshuang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center of Xinxiang Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical, University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Libo Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center of Xinxiang Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical, University, Xinxiang, China.
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.
| | - Xuehui Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center of Xinxiang Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical, University, Xinxiang, China.
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2
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Singh A, Bhatt KS, Nguyen HC, Frisbee JC, Singh KK. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cardiovascular Pathophysiology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6180. [PMID: 38892367 PMCID: PMC11173124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116180] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Under different pathophysiological conditions, endothelial cells lose endothelial phenotype and gain mesenchymal cell-like phenotype via a process known as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). At the molecular level, endothelial cells lose the expression of endothelial cell-specific markers such as CD31/platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule, von Willebrand factor, and vascular-endothelial cadherin and gain the expression of mesenchymal cell markers such as α-smooth muscle actin, N-cadherin, vimentin, fibroblast specific protein-1, and collagens. EndMT is induced by numerous different pathways triggered and modulated by multiple different and often redundant mechanisms in a context-dependent manner depending on the pathophysiological status of the cell. EndMT plays an essential role in embryonic development, particularly in atrioventricular valve development; however, EndMT is also implicated in the pathogenesis of several genetically determined and acquired diseases, including malignant, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and fibrotic disorders. Among cardiovascular diseases, aberrant EndMT is reported in atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, valvular disease, fibroelastosis, and cardiac fibrosis. Accordingly, understanding the mechanisms behind the cause and/or effect of EndMT to eventually target EndMT appears to be a promising strategy for treating aberrant EndMT-associated diseases. However, this approach is limited by a lack of precise functional and molecular pathways, causes and/or effects, and a lack of robust animal models and human data about EndMT in different diseases. Here, we review different mechanisms in EndMT and the role of EndMT in various cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Singh
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (A.S.); (K.S.B.); (H.C.N.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Kriti S. Bhatt
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (A.S.); (K.S.B.); (H.C.N.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Hien C. Nguyen
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (A.S.); (K.S.B.); (H.C.N.); (J.C.F.)
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Jefferson C. Frisbee
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (A.S.); (K.S.B.); (H.C.N.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Krishna K. Singh
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (A.S.); (K.S.B.); (H.C.N.); (J.C.F.)
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
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Zhang L, Wu X, Hong L. Endothelial Reprogramming in Atherosclerosis. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:325. [PMID: 38671747 PMCID: PMC11048243 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040325] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a severe vascular disease that results in millions of cases of mortality each year. The development of atherosclerosis is associated with vascular structural lesions, characterized by the accumulation of immune cells, mesenchymal cells, lipids, and an extracellular matrix at the intimal resulting in the formation of an atheromatous plaque. AS involves complex interactions among various cell types, including macrophages, endothelial cells (ECs), and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Endothelial dysfunction plays an essential role in the initiation and progression of AS. Endothelial dysfunction can encompass a constellation of various non-adaptive dynamic alterations of biology and function, termed "endothelial reprogramming". This phenomenon involves transitioning from a quiescent, anti-inflammatory state to a pro-inflammatory and proatherogenic state and alterations in endothelial cell identity, such as endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and endothelial-to-immune cell-like transition (EndIT). Targeting these processes to restore endothelial balance and prevent cell identity shifts, alongside modulating epigenetic factors, can attenuate atherosclerosis progression. In the present review, we discuss the role of endothelial cells in AS and summarize studies in endothelial reprogramming associated with the pathogenesis of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Liang Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Feng Q, Song Y, Ma Y, Deng Y, Xu P, Sheng K, Zhang Y, Li J, Wu S. Molecular engineering of benzenesulfonyl analogs for visual hydrogen polysulfide fluorescent probes based on Nile red skeleton. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 296:122658. [PMID: 36989690 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.122658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen polysulfide (H2Sn, n > 1) has a valuable function in various aspects of biological regulation. Therefore, it is of great significance to realize the visual monitoring of H2Sn levels in vivo. Herein, a series of fluorescent probes NR-BS were constructed by changing types and positions of substituents on the benzene ring of benzenesulfonyl. Among them, probe NR-BS4 was optimized due to its wide linear range (0 ∼ 350 μM) and little interference from biothiols. In addition, NR-BS4 has a broad pH tolerance range (pH = 4 ∼ 10) and high sensitivity (0.140 μM). In addition, the PET mechanism of probe NR-BS4 and H2Sn was demonstrated by DFT calculations and LC-MS. The intracellular imaging studies indicate that NR-BS4 can be successfully devoted to monitor the levels of exogenous and endogenous H2Sn in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Feng
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, PR China
| | - Yiming Song
- School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, PR China.
| | - Yixuan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, PR China
| | - Yan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, PR China
| | - Pengyue Xu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, PR China
| | - Kangjia Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, PR China
| | - Yongmin Zhang
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut Parisien de Chimie Moléculaire, UMR 8232, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jianli Li
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710127, PR China
| | - Shaoping Wu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Biomedicine Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, PR China.
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Xiao J, Xie Y, Duan Q, Liu T, Ye R, Duan X, Le Z, Deng N, Liu F. LIM Homeobox 2 Increases Adhesion-Regulating Molecule 1 Transcription to Facilitate the Pathological Progression of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Stimulated Atherosclerotic Cell Models. Int Heart J 2023; 64:750-758. [PMID: 37518356 DOI: 10.1536/ihj.22-669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and endothelial cell apoptosis have been documented to have a role in atherosclerosis (AS) progression. To deepen knowledge in this aspect, our study investigated the effect of LIM homeobox 2 (LHX2) and adhesion-regulating molecule 1 (ADRM1) on EndMT and endothelial cell apoptosis in the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) -stimulated AS cell model.Ox-LDL was utilized to treat human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) for constructing an AS model in vitro, followed by measurement of LHX2 and ADRM1 expressions. Afterward, gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed in HUVECs, followed by detection of cell viability, invasion, migration, and apoptosis and the expression of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α, interleukin (IL) -1β, and IL-6], EndMT-related proteins [CD31, vascular epithelium (VE) -cadherin, vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), Snai1, Snai2, and Twist1], and the apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3. Interactions between LHX2 and ADRM1 were analyzed with dual-luciferase reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.High levels of LHX2 and ADRM1 were observed in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs. In ox-LDL-treated HUVECs, LHX2, or ADRM1 knockdown promoted CD31 and VE-cadherin levels, viability, invasion, and migration and reduced apoptosis and the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, vimentin, α-SMA, Snai1, Snai2, Twist1, and cleaved caspase-3. Mechanistically, LHX2 bound to the ADRM1 promoter to promote ADRM1 transcription. Overexpression of ADRM1 annulled the aforementioned effects of LHX2 knockdown on ox-LDL-induced HUVECs.LHX2 facilitates the pathological progression of ox-LDL-stimulated AS cell models by increasing ADRM1 transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqi Xiao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University
| | - Qing Duan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University
| | - Tao Liu
- Medical Big Data Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University
| | - Rong Ye
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University
| | - Xunhong Duan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University
| | - Zhibiao Le
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University
| | - Nan Deng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University
| | - Fengen Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University
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Yu W, Ilyas I, Hu X, Xu S, Yu H. Therapeutic potential of paeoniflorin in atherosclerosis: A cellular action and mechanism-based perspective. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1072007. [PMID: 36618414 PMCID: PMC9811007 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1072007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence, prevalence and mortality of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are increasing globally. Atherosclerosis is characterized as a chronic inflammatory disease which involves inflammation and immune dysfunction. P. lactiflora Pall. is a plant origin traditional medicine that has been widely used for the treatment of various diseases for more than a millennium in China, Japan and Korean. Paeoniflorin is a bioactive monomer extracted from P. lactiflora Pall. with anti-atherosclerosis effects. In this article, we comprehensively reviewed the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanism whereby paeoniflorin protects against atherosclerosis from the unique angle of inflammation and immune-related pathway dysfunction in vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, monocytes, macrophages, platelets and mast cells. Paeoniflorin, with multiple protective effects in atherosclerosis, has the potential to be used as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of atherosclerosis and its complications. We conclude with a detailed discussion of the challenges and future perspective of paeoniflorin in translational cardiovascular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, China,Center for Drug Research and Development, Anhui Renovo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Center for Drug Research and Development, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Iqra Ilyas
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xuerui Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Materials Laminating Fabrication and Interfacial Controlling Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Hui Yu,
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Hong M, Wu Y, Zhang H, Gu J, Chen J, Guan Y, Qin X, Li Y, Cao J. Network pharmacology and experimental analysis to reveal the mechanism of Dan-Shen-Yin against endothelial to mesenchymal transition in atherosclerosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:946193. [PMID: 36091823 PMCID: PMC9449326 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.946193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of plaque and endothelial dysfunction. Under pro-inflammatory conditions, endothelial cells adopt a mesenchymal phenotype by a process called endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Dan-Shen-Yin (DSY) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the molecular mechanism whereby DSY mitigates atherosclerosis remains unknown. Therefore, we employed a network pharmacology-based strategy in this study to determine the therapeutic targets of DSY, and in vitro experiments to understand the molecular pharmacology mechanism. The targets of the active ingredients of DSY related to EndMT and atherosclerosis were obtained and used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network followed by network topology and functional enrichment analysis. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the PI3K/AKT pathway was the principal signaling pathway of DSY against EndMT in atherosclerosis. Molecular docking simulations indicated strong binding capabilities of DSY’s bioactive ingredients toward PI3K/AKT pathway molecules. Experimentally, DSY could efficiently modify expression of signature EndMT genes and decrease expression of PI3K/AKT pathway signals including integrin αV, integrin β1, PI3K, and AKT1 in TGF-β2-treated HUVECs. LASP1, which is upstream of the PI3K/AKT pathway, had strong binding affinity to the majority of DSY’s bioactive ingredients, was induced by EndMT-promoting stimuli involving IL-1β, TGF-β2, and hypoxia, and was downregulated by DSY. Knock-down of LASP1 attenuated the expression of integrin αV, integrin β1, PI3K, AKT1 and EndMT-related genes induced by TGF-β2, and minimized the effect of DSY. Thus, our study showed that DSY potentially exerted anti-EndMT activity through the LASP1/PI3K/AKT pathway, providing a possible new therapeutic intervention for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyun Hong
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubiao Wu
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyi Zhang
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinchao Gu
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juanjuan Chen
- Encephalopathy Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yancheng Guan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiude Qin
- Encephalopathy Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Li
- Nursing Department, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Cao
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Yang YW, Deng NH, Tian KJ, Liu LS, Wang Z, Wei DH, Liu HT, Jiang ZS. Development of hydrogen sulfide donors for anti-atherosclerosis therapeutics research: Challenges and future priorities. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:909178. [PMID: 36035922 PMCID: PMC9412017 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.909178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gas transmitter found in eukaryotic organisms, plays an essential role in several physiological processes. H2S is one of the three primary biological gas transmission signaling mediators, along with nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. Several animal and in vitro experiments have indicated that H2S can prevent coronary endothelial mesenchymal transition, reduce the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules, and stabilize intravascular plaques, suggesting its potential role in the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS). H2S donors are compounds that can release H2S under certain circumstances. Development of highly targeted H2S donors is a key imperative as these can allow for in-depth evaluation of the anti-atherosclerotic effects of exogenous H2S. More importantly, identification of an optimal H2S donor is critical for the creation of H2S anti-atherosclerotic prodrugs. In this review, we discuss a wide range of H2S donors with anti-AS potential along with their respective transport pathways and design-related limitations. We also discuss the utilization of nano-synthetic technologies to manufacture H2S donors. This innovative and effective design example sheds new light on the production of highly targeted H2S donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Wei Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Nian-Hua Deng
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Kai-Jiang Tian
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lu-Shan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zuo Wang
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Dang-Heng Wei
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hui-Ting Liu
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhi-Sheng Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical College, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Zhi-Sheng Jiang
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Diao H, Cheng J, Huang X, Huang B, Shao X, Zhao J, Lan D, Zhu Q, Yan M, Zhang Y, Rong X, Guo J. The Chinese medicine Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsule protects against atherosclerosis by suppressing EndMT via modulating Akt1/β-catenin signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 293:115261. [PMID: 35447198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi (FTZ) is a traditional Chinese herbal prescription that has been used to treat dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes and its complications in the clinic for almost ten years. Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is the key driver of atherosclerosis. However, the effects of FTZ on endothelial dysfunction and EndMT remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the therapeutic effects of FTZ against EndMT and the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS An in vivo model of atherosclerosis was established by feeding ApoE-/- mice with a high-fat diet (HFD). The body weight, lipid levels, plaque area, lipid deposition and EndMT were evaluated using standard assays 12 weeks after intragastric administration of FTZ and simvastatin. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to simulate EndMT in vitro. The degree of EndMT was assessed after treating the cells with FTZ or transfection with si-Akt1. The expression levels of genes involved in EndMT were quantified by real-time PCR or western blotting. RESULTS FTZ ameliorated dyslipidemia and endothelial dysfunction in the atherosclerotic mice. In addition, FTZ reduced body weight and the total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein levels, and increased that of high-density lipoproteins. FTZ also upregulated the expression of endothelial markers (CD31 and VE-cadherin) and decreased that of mesenchymal markers (ɑ-SMA and FSP1), indicating that it inhibits EndMT. Knocking down Akt1 exacerbated EndMT and reversed the therapeutic effect of FTZ. CONCLUSION FTZ delayed atherosclerosis by inhibiting EndMT via the Akt1/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Diao
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jiawen Cheng
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xueying Huang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Bingying Huang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xiaoqi Shao
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Dingming Lan
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Qing Zhu
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Meiling Yan
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xianglu Rong
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jiao Guo
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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