Aorta remodeling responses to distinct atherogenic stimuli: hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and turbulent flow/low wall shear stress

Altered shear stress on endothelial cells leads to remodeling of extracellular matrix and induction of angiogenesis

Endothelial cells (ECs) are subjected to physical forces such as shear stress (SS) induced by blood flow that leads to significant changes in morphology, physiology and gene expression. The abnormal mechanical forces applied in the cardiovascular system can influence the development of conditions and diseases such as thrombosis, hypertension and atherosclerosis. This study investigated the expression of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans and extracellular matrix molecules in ECs exposed to normal and altered SS. ECs were exposed to SS of 12 dyn/cm² (artery physiological condition) and 4 dyn/cm² (artery pathological condition). Subsequently, ECs were subjected to immunofluorescence, qPCR, GAG biosynthesis analyses and cell-based assays. SS induced changes in ECs morphology. There were other pathological consequences of altered SS, including inhibited adhesion, stimulation of migration and capillary-like tube formation, as well as increases of GAG synthesis. We observed higher expression of syndecan-4, perlecan, decorin, fibronectin and collagen III α1 and growth factors, including VEGF-A and TGFβ-1. ECs exposed to SS displayed extracellular matrix remodeling as well as expression of cell-matrix and cell-cell interaction molecules. This study contributes to the understanding of how vascular biology is affected by mechanical forces and how these molecules can be affected in cardiovascular diseases.

Computer diagnosis in cardiology: oxidative stress hypothesis

BACKGROUND

Virtual scanning is one of the emerging technologies in complementary medicine practice. The diagnostic principle is hinged on perception and ultra weak light emission, while the treatment options associated with it includes diet, flash light, exercise and relaxation. However, a mechanism that links the diagnostic and treatment principles has yet to be elucidated.

AIMS

The objective here is to further explanation of oxidative stress concept as the biochemical basis of the technology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using available literature and basic science textbook, the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenalin axis as neuro-endocrine physiological system that is strongly linked to the rate of alterations in biochemical processes through to cardiovascular complications is articulated.

RESULTS

The hypothesis brings to fore the potential of using the alterations in biochemical processes associated with cognition as tool to validate the Virtual Scanning technology for possible incorporation into clinical practice. Or vice versa to use Virtual Scanning technology to determine the chemiluminescence-related biochemical changes resulting from pathologies that could benefit from relaxation, light therapy, exercise and antioxidant nutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

This article advances the applicability of cognitive test procedure for indication of the disease(s) affecting heart function. The implication for some laboratory indices that are already available in clinical practice is highlighted. Investigation of this hypothesis will help provide clear link between plausible mechanism and the theory proposed.