Cerebral aneurysm progression suppressed by blockage of endothelin B receptor

Lumen-oriented versus wall-oriented treatment strategies for intracranial aneurysms - A systematic review of suggested therapeutic concepts

The development of new treatment strategies for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) has been and continues to be a major interest in neurovascular research. Initial treatment concepts were mainly based on a physical-mechanistic disease understanding for IA occlusion (lumen-oriented therapies). However, a growing body of literature indicates the important role of aneurysm wall biology (wall-oriented therapies) for complete IA obliteration. This systematic literature review identified studies that explored endovascular treatment strategies for aneurysm treatment in a preclinical setting. Of 5278 publications screened, 641 studies were included, categorized, and screened for eventual translation in a clinical trial. Lumen-oriented strategies included (1) enhanced intraluminal thrombus organization, (2) enhanced intraluminal packing, (3) bridging of the intraluminal space, and (4) other, alternative concepts. Wall-oriented strategies included (1) stimulation of proliferative response, (2) prevention of aneurysm wall cell injury, (3) inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress, and (4) inhibition of extracellular matrix degradation. Overall, lumen-oriented strategies numerically still dominate over wall-oriented strategies. Among the plethora of suggested preclinical treatment strategies, only a small minority were translated into clinically applicable concepts (36 of 400 lumen-oriented and 6 of 241 wall-oriented). This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview that may provide a starting point for the development of new treatment strategies.

Endogenous animal models of intracranial aneurysm development: a review

The pathogenesis and natural history of intracranial aneurysm (IA) remains poorly understood. To this end, animal models with induced cerebral vessel lesions mimicking human aneurysms have provided the ability to greatly expand our understanding. In this review, we comprehensively searched the published literature to identify studies that endogenously induced IA formation in animals. Studies that constructed aneurysms (i.e., by surgically creating a sac) were excluded. From the eligible studies, we reported information including the animal species, method for aneurysm induction, aneurysm definitions, evaluation methods, aneurysm characteristics, formation rate, rupture rate, and time course. Between 1960 and 2019, 174 articles reported endogenous animal models of IA. The majority used flow modification, hypertension, and vessel wall weakening (i.e., elastase treatment) to induce IAs, primarily in rats and mice. Most studies utilized subjective or qualitative descriptions to define experimental aneurysms and histology to study them. In general, experimental IAs resembled the pathobiology of the human disease in terms of internal elastic lamina loss, medial layer degradation, and inflammatory cell infiltration. After the early 2000s, many endogenous animal models of IA began to incorporate state-of-the-art technology, such as gene expression profiling and 9.4-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vivo imaging, to quantitatively analyze the biological mechanisms of IA. Future studies aimed at longitudinally assessing IA pathobiology in models that incorporate aneurysm growth will likely have the largest impact on our understanding of the disease. We believe this will be aided by high-resolution, small animal, survival imaging, in situ live-cell imaging, and next-generation omics technology.

Roles of inflammation in the natural history of intracranial saccular aneurysms

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is caused by intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture and results in high rates of mortality and morbidity. Factors contributing to IA generation, growth and rupture can involve genetics, injury, hemodynamics, environmental factors, and inflammation, in which inflammatory factors are believed to play central roles in the whole natural history. Inflammatory reactions that contribute to IA development may involve synthesis of many functional proteins and expression of genes induced by changes of blood flow, external stimuli such as smoking, internal balance such as hormonal status changes, and blood pressure. Meanwhile, inflammatory reactions itself can evoke inflammatory cytokines release and aggregation such as MMPs, MCP-1, TNF-α and ZO-1, directly or indirectly promoting aneurysm growth and rupture. However, the details of these inflammatory reactions and their action on inflammatory chemokines are still unknown. Moreover, some agents with the function of anti-inflammation, lipid-lowering, antihypertension or inflammatory factor inhibition may have the potential benefit to reduce the risk of aneurysm development or rupture in a group of population despite the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Consequently, we reviewed the potential inflammatory responses and their mechanisms contributing to aneurysm development and rupture and sought intervention targets that may prevent IA rupture or generation.

Preclinical Intracranial Aneurysm Models: A Systematic Review

Intracranial aneurysms (IA) are characterized by weakened cerebral vessel walls that may lead to rupture and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The mechanisms behind their formation and progression are yet unclear and warrant preclinical studies. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive, systematic overview of available animal models for the study of IA pathobiology. We conducted a systematic literature search using the PubMed database to identify preclinical studies employing IA animal models. Suitable articles were selected based on predefined eligibility criteria following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included studies were reviewed and categorized according to the experimental animal and aneurysm model. Of 4266 returned results, 3930 articles were excluded based on the title and/or abstract and further articles after screening the full text, leaving 123 studies for detailed analysis. A total of 20 different models were found in rats (nine), mice (five), rabbits (four), and dogs (two). Rat models constituted the most frequently employed intracranial experimental aneurysm model (79 studies), followed by mice (31 studies), rabbits (12 studies), and two studies in dogs. The most common techniques to induce cerebral aneurysms were surgical ligation of the common carotid artery with subsequent induction of hypertension by ligation of the renal arteries, followed by elastase-induced creation of IAs in combination with corticosterone- or angiotensin-induced hypertension. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the multitude of available IA models to study various aspects of aneurysm formation, growth, and rupture. It will serve as a useful reference for researchers by facilitating the selection of the most appropriate model and technique to answer their scientific question.

Intracranial Aneurysm as a Macrophage-mediated Inflammatory Disease

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is mainly attributable to the rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Although the outcome of SAH is considerably poor in spite of the recent intensive medical care, mechanisms regulating the progression of IAs or triggering rupture remain to be clarified, making the development of effective preemptive medicine to prevent SAH difficult. However, a series of recent studies have been expanding our understanding of the pathogenesis of IAs. These studies have suggested the crucial role of macrophage-mediated chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of IAs. In histopathological analyses of IA lesions in humans and induced in animal models, the number of macrophages infiltrating in lesions is positively correlated with enlargement or rupture of IAs. In animal models, a genetic deletion or an inhibition of monocyte chemotactic protein-1, a major chemoattractant for macrophages, or a pharmacological depletion of macrophages consistently suppresses the development and progression of IAs. Furthermore, a macrophage-specific deletion of Ptger2 (gene for prostaglandin E receptor subtype 2) or a macrophage-specific expression of a mutated form of IκBα which inhibits nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB significantly suppress the development of IAs, supporting the role of macrophages and the inflammatory signaling functioning there in the pathogenesis of IAs. The development of drug therapies suppressing macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses in situ can thus be a potential strategy in the pre-emptive medicine targeting SAH. In this manuscript, we summarize the experimental evidences about the pathogenesis of IAs focused on inflammatory responses and propose the definition of IAs as a macrophage-mediated inflammatory disease.

NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation in the Pathogenesis of Intracranial Aneurysm and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Does Autophagy Play a Role?

The rupture of saccular intracranial aneurysms (IA) is the commonest cause of non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)—the most serious form of stroke with a high mortality rate. Aneurysm walls are usually characterized by an active inflammatory response, and NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) has been identified as the main transcription factor regulating the induction of inflammation-related genes in IA lesions. This transcription factor has also been related to IA rupture and resulting SAH. We and others have shown that autophagy interacts with inflammation in many diseases, but there is no information of such interplay in IA. Moreover, NF-κB, which is a pivotal factor controlling inflammation, is regulated by autophagy-related proteins, and autophagy is regulated by NF-κB signaling. It was also shown that autophagy mediates the normal functioning of vessels, so its disturbance can be associated with vessel-related disorders. Early brain injury, delayed brain injury, and associated cerebral vasospasm are among the most serious consequences of IA rupture and are associated with impaired function of the autophagy⁻lysosomal system. Further studies on the role of the interplay between autophagy and NF-κB-mediated inflammation in IA can help to better understand IA pathogenesis and to identify IA patients with an increased SAH risk.

Preemptive Medicine for Cerebral Aneurysms

Most of cerebral aneurysms (CAs) are incidentally discovered without any neurological symptoms and the risk of rupture of CAs is relatively higher in Japanese population. The goal of treatments for patients with CAs is complete exclusion of the aneurysmal rupture risk for their lives. Since two currently available major treatments, microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling, have inherent incompleteness to achieve cure of CAs with some considerable treatment risks, and there is no effective surgical or medical intervention to inhibit the formation of CAs in patients with ruptured and unruptured CAs, new treatment strategies with lower risk and higher efficacy should be developed to prevent the formation, growth, and rupture of CAs. Preemptive medicine for CAs should be designed to prevent or delay the onset of symptoms from CAs found in an asymptomatic state or inhibit the de novo formation of CAs, but we have no definite methods to distinguish rupture-prone aneurysms from rupture-resistant ones. Recent advancements in the research of CAs have provided us with some clues, and one of the new treatment strategies for CAs will be developed based on the findings that several inflammatory pathways may be involved in the formation, growth, and rupture of CAs. Preemptive medicine for CAs will be established with specific biomarkers and imaging modalities which can sensor the development of CAs.

Cigarette smoke and inflammation: role in cerebral aneurysm formation and rupture

Smoking is an established risk factor for subarachnoid hemorrhage yet the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Recent data has implicated a role of inflammation in the development of cerebral aneurysms. Inflammation accompanying cigarette smoke exposure may thus be a critical pathway underlying the development, progression, and rupture of cerebral aneurysms. Various constituents of the inflammatory response appear to be involved including adhesion molecules, cytokines, reactive oxygen species, leukocytes, matrix metalloproteinases, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Characterization of the molecular basis of the inflammatory response accompanying cigarette smoke exposure will provide a rational approach for future targeted therapy. In this paper, we review the current body of knowledge implicating cigarette smoke-induced inflammation in cerebral aneurysm formation/rupture and attempt to highlight important avenues for future investigation.

Biology of intracranial aneurysms: role of inflammation

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) linger as a potentially devastating clinical problem. Despite intense investigation, our understanding of the mechanisms leading to aneurysm development, progression and rupture remain incompletely defined. An accumulating body of evidence implicates inflammation as a critical contributor to aneurysm pathogenesis. Intracranial aneurysm formation and progression appear to result from endothelial dysfunction, a mounting inflammatory response, and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation producing a pro-inflammatory phenotype. A later final common pathway appears to involve apoptosis of cellular constituents of the vessel wall. These changes result in degradation of the integrity of the vascular wall leading to aneurysmal dilation, progression and eventual rupture in certain aneurysms. Various aspects of the inflammatory response have been investigated as contributors to IA pathogenesis including leukocytes, complement, immunoglobulins, cytokines, and other humoral mediators. Furthermore, gene expression profiling of IA compared with control arteries has prominently featured differential expression of genes involved with immune response/inflammation. Preliminary data suggest that therapies targeting the inflammatory response may have efficacy in the future treatment of IA. Further investigation, however, is necessary to elucidate the precise role of inflammation in IA pathogenesis, which can be exploited to improve the prognosis of patients harboring IA.

Hemodynamic mechanisms underlying cerebral aneurysm pathogenesis

Intracranial aneurysms and associated subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are predominant cerebrovascular disorders that present a significant public health risk through high rates of morbidity and mortality. Unruptured aneurysms that become large enough compress cerebral tissue and manifest various neurological signs. But the largest danger presented by these cerebrovascular lesions is from the increased likelihood that the vessel will rupture, causing a SAH, a condition that creates higher risk of cerebral ischemia through reduced cerebral blood flow and vasospasm. The specific pathophysiological mechanisms that cause these lesions are not fully understood. The current literature focuses on understanding the effects of and links between hemodynamic forces, vascular remodeling and inflammation, and genetics in aneurysm formation, development, and rupture. The present study represents a survey of the complete hemodynamic pathogenesis of aneurysmal SAH detailing the many factors and their connections that contribute to the pathophysiology of this disorder.

Gene expression profiling of experimental saccular aneurysms using deoxyribonucleic acid microarrays

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The molecular characteristics of the pathophysiology of saccular aneurysms remain poorly understood. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the expression of various groups of genes at different stages of aneurysm age in elastase-induced saccular aneurysms in rabbits through the use of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) microarrays.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A microarray consisting of genes related to cell adhesion, apoptosis, cell signaling, growth, inflammation, vascular remodeling, and oxidative stress was constructed by using rabbit nucleotide sequences. Elastase-induced saccular aneurysms were created at the origin of the right common carotid artery (CCA) in 12 rabbits. Two weeks (n=6) and 12 weeks (n=6) after aneurysm creation, ribonucleic acid (RNA) was isolated from the aneurysm and the control unoperated left CCA and was used for microarray experiments. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for validation of microarray results.

RESULTS

Of 209 genes, 157 (75%) at 2 weeks and 88 (42%) at 12 weeks demonstrated statistically significant differential expression between aneurysm tissue and the control left CCA tissue (P < .05). Multiple genes implicated in vessel wall remodeling were found to be elevated at 2 weeks and at 12 weeks. Expression of cell adhesion molecules and antioxidant enzymes was down-regulated at 2 weeks but was not significantly different from that of controls at 12 weeks. Most transcription factors, inflammatory genes, and structural genes showed underexpression at both time points. The expression profiles of selected genes were confirmed by RT-PCR.

CONCLUSION

Multiple genes in diverse pathways have been differentially expressed in the rabbit aneurysm model.

Meta-analysis of whole-genome linkage scans for intracranial aneurysm

Genetic predisposition likely plays an important role in the development of intracranial aneurysms. We carried out a genome search meta-analysis to identified loci associated with intracranial aneurysm. We identified previous whole-genome linkage analyses by searching PUBMED. Five studies reported by separate investigators where detailed data could be obtained were included in our analysis. We synthesized the available genome-wide scan data by using a heterogeneity-based genome search meta-analyses. We identified two linkage sites on chromosomes 3 and 17 which had P-values <0.01 for association with intracranial aneurysm. Our findings confirm the association of a locus on chromosome 17 and identify a new linkage site on chromosome 3 for intracranial aneurysm. The new locus contains a number of potential gene candidates including kininogen-1 precursor, fibroblast growth factor-12 and endothelin converting enzyme 2.