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Zhao L, Ma D, Wang L, Su X, Feng L, Zhu L, Chen Y, Hao Y, Wang X, Feng J. Metabolic changes with the occurrence of atherosclerotic plaques and the effects of statins. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1301051. [PMID: 38143759 PMCID: PMC10739339 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1301051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease caused by the abnormal expression of multiple factors and genes influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. The primary manifestation of atherosclerosis is plaque formation, which occurs when inflammatory cells consume excess lipids, affecting their retention and modification within the arterial intima. This triggers endothelial cell (EC) activation, immune cell infiltration, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration, foam cell formation, lipid streaks, and fibrous plaque development. These processes can lead to vascular wall sclerosis, lumen stenosis, and thrombosis. Immune cells, ECs, and VSMCs in atherosclerotic plaques undergo significant metabolic changes and inflammatory responses. The interaction of cytokines and chemokines secreted by these cells leads to the onset, progression, and regression of atherosclerosis. The regulation of cell- or cytokine-based immune responses is a novel therapeutic approach for atherosclerosis. Statins are currently the primary pharmacological agents utilised for managing unstable plaques owing to their ability to enhance endothelial function, regulate VSMC proliferation and apoptosis by reducing cholesterol levels, and mitigate the expression and activity of inflammatory cytokines. In this review, we provide an overview of the metabolic changes associated with atherosclerosis, describe the effects of inflammatory responses on atherosclerotic plaques, and discuss the mechanisms through which statins contribute to plaque stabilisation. Additionally, we examine the role of statins in combination with other drugs in the management of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Di Ma
- Bethune First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - LiJuan Wang
- Bethune First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Chen J, Lai K, Yong X, Yin H, Chen Z, Wang H, Chen K, Zheng J. Silencing METTL3 Stabilizes Atherosclerotic Plaques by Regulating the Phenotypic Transformation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via the miR-375-3p/PDK1 Axis. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2022; 37:471-486. [PMID: 35704246 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-022-07348-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Atherosclerosis (AS) is a primary cause of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the mechanism of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in AS plaques via modulating the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS AS mouse models and MOVAS cell models were established through high-fat diet and the treatment of ox-LDL, respectively. METTL3 expression in AS models was detected via RT-qPCR and Western blot. The AS plaques, lipid deposition, and collagen fibers were examined via histological staining. The levels of Ly-6c, α-SMA, and OPN were examined via Western blot. The blood lipid indexes in mouse aortic tissues were determined using kits. The proliferation and migration of MOVAS cells were detected via CCK-8 and Transwell assays. The m6A modification level of mRNA was quantified. The binding relationship between pri-miR-375 and DGCR8, and the enrichment of m6A on pri-miR-375 were detected via RIP. The binding relationship between miR-375-3p and 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1) was verified via dual-luciferase assay. Joint experiments were designed to investigate the role of miR-375-3P/PDK1 in the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs. RESULTS METTL3 was highly expressed in AS. Silencing METTL3 alleviated AS progression and stabilized AS plaques in mice, and limited the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs induced by ox-LDL. Silencing METTL3 inhibited m6A level and decreased the binding of DGCR8 to pri-miR-375 and further limited miR-375-3p expression. miR-375-3p targeted PDK1 transcription. miR-375-3p upregulation or PDK1 downregulation facilitated the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs. CONCLUSION METTL3-mediated m6A modification promoted VSMC phenotype transformation and made AS plaques more vulnerable via the miR-375-3p/PDK1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingquan Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 Maoyuan south road, Shunqing district, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Kun Lai
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 Maoyuan south road, Shunqing district, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Yong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 Maoyuan south road, Shunqing district, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongshun Yin
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 Maoyuan south road, Shunqing district, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhilong Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 Maoyuan south road, Shunqing district, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Haifei Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 Maoyuan south road, Shunqing district, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 Maoyuan south road, Shunqing district, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianghua Zheng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, No.1 Maoyuan south road, Shunqing district, Nanchong, 637000, Sichuan, China.
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Zhang Y, Feng X, Du M, Ding J, Liu P. Salvianolic acid B attenuates the inflammatory response in atherosclerosis by regulating MAPKs/ NF-κB signaling pathways in LDLR-/- mice and RAW264.7 cells. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2022; 36:3946320221079468. [PMID: 35285334 PMCID: PMC9118216 DOI: 10.1177/03946320221079468] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is the main effective water-soluble
component of Salvia miltiorrhiza. In this study, the anti-inflammatory
effect of Sal B was explored in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced LDLR-/- mice and oxidized
low-density-lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7
cells. Methods: The LDLR-/- mice were randomly divided into four groups after
12 weeks of high-fat diet. Then, the mice were administrated with 0.9% saline or Sal B
(25 mg/kg) or Atorvastatin (1.3 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. RAW 264.7 cells were induced with
ox-LDL/LPS, or ox-LDL/LPS plus different concentrations of Sal B (1.25 μg/mL, 2.5 μg/mL,
5 μg/mL), or ox-LDL plus Sal B plus MAPKs activators. ELISA was used for detecting serum
lipid profiles and inflammatory cytokines, RT-qPCR used for gene expression, Oil Red O
used for plaque sizes, and immunofluorescence staining used for NF-κB p65 and TNF-α
production. Inflammation-related proteins and MAPKs pathways were detected by Western
Blot. Results: The results showed that Sal B decreased the levels of serum
lipids (TC, TG, and LDL-C), attenuated inflammatory cytokines, and improved lipid
accumulation in the aorta. Sal B also attenuated the elevation of inflammatory cytokines
induced by ox-LDL or LPS in RAW264.7 cells, and the phosphorylation of MAPKs/NF-κB
pathways in the aorta and RAW264.7 cells, resulting in a significant decrease in the
contents of p-JNK, p-ERK 1/2, p-P38, p-IκB, and p-NF-κB p65. Conclusions: Sal
B could exert anti-inflammatory effects on atherosclerosis via MAPKs/NF-κB signaling
pathways in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoteng Feng
- Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Du
- Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Naji MT. Statin therapy associated with decreased neuronal injury measured by serum S100β levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci 2021; 11:246-252. [PMID: 35070915 PMCID: PMC8725813 DOI: 10.4103/ijciis.ijciis_7_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute ischemic strokes (AIS) are a common cause of morbidity, mortality, and disability. The serum biomarker S100β correlates with poor neurological outcomes in the setting of AIS. This study describes the impact of statin treatment on S100β levels following AIS. Methods This was a prospective case-control study of AIS patients compared to healthy controls. Patients were stratified into three groups: (1) AIS patients on statin therapy, (2) AIS patients not on statin therapy, and (3) healthy controls. Demographics, clinical parameters, stroke risk scores (SRS), and S100β levels were recorded for all patients. Results Blood pressure, lipids, and SRS scores were higher in stroke versus control patients (all P < 0.05), and lower in Group I versus II (all P < 0.05). S100β levels were higher in stroke versus nonstroke patients (P = 0.001), and lower in Group I versus II (P = 0.001). Furthermore, patients on atorvastatin showed greater S100β reductions than those on rosuvastatin therapy (P = 0.01). Conclusion In acute stroke patients, statins therapy correlated with reductions in the neuronal injury biomarker S100β, with greater reductions observed for atorvastatin than rosuvastatin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicine, College of Medicine Almustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicine, College of Medicine Almustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Marwa Thaier Naji
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicine, College of Medicine Almustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
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Chen Y, Zhang H, Hu L, Shi H, Liu X, Jia J, Sun S, Ou Y, Luo X, Zhou G, Shen W. Pravastatin attenuates atherosclerosis after myocardial infarction by inhibiting inflammatory Ly6C high monocytosis in apolipoprotein E knockout mice. J Int Med Res 2021; 48:300060520932816. [PMID: 32662710 PMCID: PMC7361503 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520932816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the protective effect of pravastatin on atherosclerotic development and inflammatory monocyte subset in atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E (ApoE)−/− mice after myocardial infarction (MI). Methods Male ApoE−/− mice (8 weeks old) were fed a high-fat diet for 14 weeks throughout the experiment. A MI model was produced using 18-week-old ApoE−/− mice. They were randomly divided into three groups: sham group, MI group, and MI+Pra group (40 mg/kg/day pravastatin). After 4 weeks (at the end of the study period), the mice were sacrificed and cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Aortic lesion areas were evaluated using oil red O staining. Plaque macrophage in aortic sinus was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to explore the proportions of monocyte subsets in the blood, spleen, and bone marrow. Results Pravastatin improved cardiac function and reduced lesion areas. It also attenuated the supply of monocytes in spleen, especially the inflammatory Ly6Chigh monocyte subset. Pravastatin also subsequently reduced macrophage accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions. Conclusions MI accelerated chronic atherosclerosis progress. Pravastatin suppressed atherosclerotic development and inhibited inflammatory monocytosis after MI in ApoE−/− mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongqi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Cardiovascular Institute of Zhengzhou University, Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haiming Shi
- Department of Cardiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojin Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianguo Jia
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengjia Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Ou
- Department of Cardiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinping Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guomin Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Truong R, Thankam FG, Agrawal DK. Immunological mechanisms underlying sterile inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis: potential sites for intervention. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 17:37-50. [PMID: 33280442 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1860757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Innate and adaptive immunity play a critical role in the underlying pathological mechanisms of atherosclerosis and potential target sites of sterile inflammation open opportunities to develop novel therapeutics. In response to oxidized LDL in the intimal layer, T cell subsets are recruited and activated at the site of atheroma to upregulate pro-atherogenic cytokines which exacerbate plaque formation instability.Areas covered: A systematic search of PubMed and the Web of Science was performed between January 2001- September 2020 and relevant articles in sterile inflammation and atherosclerosis were critically reviewed. The original information was collected on the interconnection between danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) as the mediators of sterile inflammation and the receptor complex of CD36-TLR4-TLR6 that primes and activates inflammasomes in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Mediators of sterile inflammation are identified to target therapeutic strategies in the management of atherosclerosis.Expert opinion: Sterile inflammation via NLRP3 inflammasome is perpetuated by the activation of IL-1β and IL-18 and induction of pyroptosis resulting in the release of additional inflammatory cytokines and DAMPs. Challenges with current inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome lie in the specificity, stability, and efficacy in targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome constituents without ameliorating upstream or downstream responses necessary for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Truong
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
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Effects of Cervical Rotatory Manipulation (CRM) on Carotid Atherosclerosis Plaque in Vulnerability: A Histological and Immunohistochemical Study Using Animal Model. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:3793840. [PMID: 30863777 PMCID: PMC6378770 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3793840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The safety of cervical rotatory manipulation (CRM) is still controversial, especially in patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis (CAS). The study aimed to investigate the effects of CRM on carotid plaques in vulnerability. Methods 50 rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: model rabbits with CRM [CAS-CRM (n=15)]; model rabbits without CRM [CAS (n=15)]; normal rabbits with CRM [Normal-CRM (n=10)]; and Blank-control group (n=10). CAS disease models were induced by carotid artery balloon injury combined with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Then, CRM technique was performed in CAS-CRM and Normal-CRM groups for 3 weeks. In the end, determination of serum level of hs-CRP and Lp-PLA2, histological analysis under HE and Masson trichromic staining, and immunohistochemical analysis with CD34 and CD68 antibody were completed in order. Results Carotid stenosis rates on successful model rabbits ranged from 70% to 98%. The CAS-CRM group had an increased level of hs-CRP (P<0.05), in comparison with the CAS group, whereas effects were not significant between the Normal-CRM group and Blank-control group. In comparison with the CAS group, the positive expression of CD34 and CD68 in the CAS-CRM group increased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion CRM therapy may increase the vulnerability of carotid plaque in rabbits with severe CAS.
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