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Moll TO, Klemek ML, Farber SA. Directly Measuring Atherogenic Lipoprotein Kinetics in Zebrafish with the Photoconvertible LipoTimer Reporter. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596423. [PMID: 38853962 PMCID: PMC11160697 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Lipoprotein kinetics are a crucial factor in understanding lipoprotein metabolism since a prolonged time in circulation can contribute to the atherogenic character of apolipoprotein-B (ApoB)-containing lipoproteins (B-lps). Here, we report a method to directly measure lipoprotein kinetics in live developing animals. We developed a zebrafish geneticly encoded reporter, LipoTimer, in which endogenous ApoBb.1 is fused to the photoconvertible fluorophore Dendra2 which shift its emission profile from green to red upon UV exposure. By quantifying the red population of ApoB-Dendra2 over time, we found that B-lp turnover in wild-type larvae becomes faster as development proceeds. Mutants with impaired B-lp uptake or lipolysis present with increased B-lp levels and half-life. In contrast, mutants with impaired B-lp triglyceride loading display slightly fewer and smaller-B-lps, which have a significantly shorter B-lp half-life. Further, we showed that chronic high-cholesterol feeding is associated with a longer B-lp half-life in wild-type juveniles but does not lead to changes in B-lp half-life in lipolysis deficient apoC2 mutants. These data support the hypothesis that B-lp lipolysis is suppressed by the flood of intestinal-derived B-lps that follow a high-fat meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea O.C. Moll
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Steven A. Farber
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Moll TOC, Farber SA. Zebrafish ApoB-Containing Lipoprotein Metabolism: A Closer Look. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:1053-1064. [PMID: 38482694 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.318287] [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] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Zebrafish have become a powerful model of mammalian lipoprotein metabolism and lipid cell biology. Most key proteins involved in lipid metabolism, including cholesteryl ester transfer protein, are conserved in zebrafish. Consequently, zebrafish exhibit a human-like lipoprotein profile. Zebrafish with mutations in genes linked to human metabolic diseases often mimic the human phenotype. Zebrafish larvae develop rapidly and externally around the maternally deposited yolk. Recent work revealed that any disturbance of lipoprotein formation leads to the accumulation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets and an opaque yolk, providing a visible phenotype to investigate disturbances of the lipoprotein pathway, already leading to discoveries in MTTP (microsomal triglyceride transfer protein) and ApoB (apolipoprotein B). By 5 days of development, the digestive system is functional, making it possible to study fluorescently labeled lipid uptake in the transparent larvae. These and other approaches enabled the first in vivo description of the STAB (stabilin) receptors, showing lipoprotein uptake in endothelial cells. Various zebrafish models have been developed to mimic human diseases by mutating genes known to influence lipoproteins (eg, ldlra, apoC2). This review aims to discuss the most recent research in the zebrafish ApoB-containing lipoprotein and lipid metabolism field. We also summarize new insights into lipid processing within the yolk cell and how changes in lipid flux alter yolk opacity. This curious new finding, coupled with the development of several techniques, can be deployed to identify new players in lipoprotein research directly relevant to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea O C Moll
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Steven A Farber
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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Tamargo IA, Baek KI, Kim Y, Park C, Jo H. Flow-induced reprogramming of endothelial cells in atherosclerosis. Nat Rev Cardiol 2023; 20:738-753. [PMID: 37225873 PMCID: PMC10206587 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-023-00883-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic diseases such as myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and peripheral artery disease continue to be leading causes of death worldwide despite the success of treatments with cholesterol-lowering drugs and drug-eluting stents, raising the need to identify additional therapeutic targets. Interestingly, atherosclerosis preferentially develops in curved and branching arterial regions, where endothelial cells are exposed to disturbed blood flow with characteristic low-magnitude oscillatory shear stress. By contrast, straight arterial regions exposed to stable flow, which is associated with high-magnitude, unidirectional shear stress, are relatively well protected from the disease through shear-dependent, atheroprotective endothelial cell responses. Flow potently regulates structural, functional, transcriptomic, epigenomic and metabolic changes in endothelial cells through mechanosensors and mechanosignal transduction pathways. A study using single-cell RNA sequencing and chromatin accessibility analysis in a mouse model of flow-induced atherosclerosis demonstrated that disturbed flow reprogrammes arterial endothelial cells in situ from healthy phenotypes to diseased ones characterized by endothelial inflammation, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, endothelial-to-immune cell-like transition and metabolic changes. In this Review, we discuss this emerging concept of disturbed-flow-induced reprogramming of endothelial cells (FIRE) as a potential pro-atherogenic mechanism. Defining the flow-induced mechanisms through which endothelial cells are reprogrammed to promote atherosclerosis is a crucial area of research that could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets to combat the high prevalence of atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Tamargo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kyung In Baek
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yerin Kim
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christian Park
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hanjoong Jo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Zebrafish Models to Study Ectopic Calcification and Calcium-Associated Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043366. [PMID: 36834795 PMCID: PMC9967340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectopic calcification refers to the pathological accumulation of calcium ions in soft tissues and is often the result of a dysregulated action or disrupted function of proteins involved in extracellular matrix mineralization. While the mouse has traditionally been the go-to model organism for the study of pathologies associated with abnormal calcium deposition, many mouse mutants often have exacerbated phenotypes and die prematurely, limiting the understanding of the disease and the development of effective therapies. Since the mechanisms underlying ectopic calcification share some analogy with those of bone formation, the zebrafish (Danio rerio)-a well-established model for studying osteogenesis and mineralogenesis-has recently gained momentum as a model to study ectopic calcification disorders. In this review, we outline the mechanisms of ectopic mineralization in zebrafish, provide insights into zebrafish mutants that share phenotypic similarities with human pathological mineralization disorders, list the compounds capable of rescuing mutant phenotypes, and describe current methods to induce and characterize ectopic calcification in zebrafish.
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May L, Bartolo B, Harrison D, Guzik T, Drummond G, Figtree G, Ritchie R, Rye KA, de Haan J. Translating atherosclerosis research from bench to bedside: navigating the barriers for effective preclinical drug discovery. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:1731-1758. [PMID: 36459456 PMCID: PMC9727216 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. An ongoing challenge remains the development of novel pharmacotherapies to treat CVD, particularly atherosclerosis. Effective mechanism-informed development and translation of new drugs requires a deep understanding of the known and currently unknown biological mechanisms underpinning atherosclerosis, accompanied by optimization of traditional drug discovery approaches. Current animal models do not precisely recapitulate the pathobiology underpinning human CVD. Accordingly, a fundamental limitation in early-stage drug discovery has been the lack of consensus regarding an appropriate experimental in vivo model that can mimic human atherosclerosis. However, when coupled with a clear understanding of the specific advantages and limitations of the model employed, preclinical animal models remain a crucial component for evaluating pharmacological interventions. Within this perspective, we will provide an overview of the mechanisms and modalities of atherosclerotic drugs, including those in the preclinical and early clinical development stage. Additionally, we highlight recent preclinical models that have improved our understanding of atherosclerosis and associated clinical consequences and propose model adaptations to facilitate the development of new and effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T. May
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | | | - David G. Harrison
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN, U.S.A
| | - Tomasz Guzik
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, U.K
- Department of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grant R. Drummond
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gemma A. Figtree
- Kolling Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Imaging and Phenotyping Laboratory, Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca H. Ritchie
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kerry-Anne Rye
- Lipid Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Judy B. de Haan
- Cardiovascular Inflammation and Redox Biology Lab, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
- Department Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
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Kamato D, Ilyas I, Xu S, Little PJ. Non-Mouse Models of Atherosclerosis: Approaches to Exploring the Translational Potential of New Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12964. [PMID: 36361754 PMCID: PMC9656683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the largest single cause of disease-related mortality worldwide and the major underlying pathology is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis develops as a complex process of vascular lipid deposition and retention by modified proteoglycans, endothelial dysfunction and unresolved chronic inflammation. There are a multitude of current therapeutic agents, most based on lowering plasma lipid levels, but, overall, they have a lower than optimum level of efficacy and many deaths continue to arise from cardiovascular disease world-wide. To identify and evaluate potential novel cardiovascular drugs, suitable animal models that reproduce human atherosclerosis with a high degree of fidelity are required as essential pre-clinical research tools. Commonly used animal models of atherosclerosis include mice (ApoE-/-, LDLR-/- mice and others), rabbits (WHHL rabbits and others), rats, pigs, hamster, zebrafish and non-human primates. Models based on various wild-type and genetically modified mice have been extensively reviewed but mice may not always be appropriate. Thus, here, we provide an overview of the advantages and shortcomings of various non-mouse animal models of atherosclerotic plaque formation, and plaque rupture, as well as commonly used interventional strategies. Taken together, the combinatorial selection of suitable animal models readily facilitates reproducible and rigorous translational research in discovering and validating novel anti-atherosclerotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Iqra Ilyas
- Laboratory of Metabolics and Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Laboratory of Metabolics and Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Peter J. Little
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute and School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
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The Citrus Flavonoid Nobiletin Downregulates Angiopoietin-like Protein 3 (ANGPTL3) Expression and Exhibits Lipid-Modulating Effects in Hepatic Cells and Adult Zebrafish Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012485. [PMID: 36293338 PMCID: PMC9604320 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nobiletin, a dietary citrus flavonoid, exerts biological activities against hyperlipidemia, obesity, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs). The aim of this study was to explore the lipid-lowering effects of nobiletin and the underlying molecular mechanisms in vitro in hepatic cells and in vivo in zebrafish models. Transcriptome and gene ontology (GO) analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that a set of twenty-eight core enrichment DEGs associated with “GO BP regulation of lipid metabolic process” (GO: 0019216) were significantly downregulated in nobiletin-treated cells. Among these genes, angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3), an inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity that regulates TG-rich lipoprotein (TGRL) metabolism in circulation, was the protein most markedly downregulated by nobiletin. Nobiletin (20 and 40 μM) significantly reduced the levels of ANGPTL3 mRNA and intracellular and secreted ANGPTL3 proteins in hepatic cell lines. Furthermore, alleviation of secreted ANGPTL3 production by nobiletin was found to reinstate LPL catalytic activity. Nobiletin significantly inhibited ANGPTL3 promoter activity and attenuated the transcription factor liver X receptor-α (LXRα)-mediated ANGPTL3 transcription. Molecular docking analysis predicted that nobiletin could bind to the ligand-binding domain of LXRα, thereby counteracting LXRα activation. In animal studies, orally administered nobiletin significantly alleviated the levels of plasma triglycerides (TGs) and cholesterol in zebrafish fed a high-fat diet. Moreover, nobiletin significantly reduced the amounts of hepatic ANGPTL3 protein in zebrafish. Our findings suggest that nobiletin may regulate the LXRα-ANGPTL3-LPL axis and exhibit lipid-modulating effects in vitro and in vivo. Thus, nobiletin is a potential ANGPTL3 inhibitor for the regulation of lipid metabolism to ameliorate dyslipidemia and ASCVDs.
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Vesnina A, Prosekov A, Atuchin V, Minina V, Ponasenko A. Tackling Atherosclerosis via Selected Nutrition. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8233. [PMID: 35897799 PMCID: PMC9368664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are significantly influenced by lifestyle, particularly nutrition. The modern level of science and technology development promote personalized nutrition as an efficient preventive measure against atherosclerosis. In this survey, the factors were revealed that contribute to the formation of an individual approach to nutrition: genetic characteristics, the state of the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and environmental factors (diets, bioactive components, cardioprotectors, etc.). In the course of the work, it was found that in order to analyze the predisposition to atherosclerosis associated with nutrition, genetic features affecting the metabolism of nutrients are significant. The genetic features include the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of genes and epigenetic factors. The influence of telomere length on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and circadian rhythms was also considered. Relatively new is the study of the relationship between chrono-nutrition and the development of metabolic diseases. That is, to obtain the relationship between nutrition and atherosclerosis, a large number of genetic markers should be considered. In this relation, the question arises: "How many genetic features need to be analyzed in order to form a personalized diet for the consumer?" Basically, companies engaged in nutrigenetic research and choosing a diet for the prevention of a number of metabolic diseases use SNP analysis of genes that accounts for lipid metabolism, vitamins, the body's antioxidant defense system, taste characteristics, etc. There is no set number of genetic markers. The main diets effective against the development of atherosclerosis were considered, and the most popular were the ketogenic, Mediterranean, and DASH-diets. The advantage of these diets is the content of foods with a low amount of carbohydrates, a high amount of vegetables, fruits and berries, as well as foods rich in antioxidants. However, due to the restrictions associated with climatic, geographical, material features, these diets are not available for a number of consumers. The way out is the use of functional products, dietary supplements. In this approach, the promising biologically active substances (BAS) that exhibit anti-atherosclerotic potential are: baicalin, resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin and other plant metabolites. Among the substances, those of animal origin are popular: squalene, coenzyme Q10, omega-3. For the prevention of atherosclerosis through personalized nutrition, it is necessary to analyze the genetic characteristics (SNP) associated with the metabolism of nutrients, to assess the state of the microbiota of the GIT. Based on the data obtained and food preferences, as well as the individual capabilities of the consumer, the optimal diet can be selected. It is topical to exclude nutrients of which their excess consumption stimulates the occurrence and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and to enrich the diet with functional foods (FF), BAS containing the necessary anti-atherosclerotic, and stimulating microbiota of the GIT nutrients. Personalized nutrition is a topical preventive measure and there are a number of problems hindering the active use of this approach among consumers. The key factors include weak evidence of the influence of a number of genetic features, the high cost of the approach, and difficulties in the interpretation of the results. Eliminating these deficiencies will contribute to the maintenance of a healthy state of the population through nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Vesnina
- Laboratory of Natural Nutraceuticals Biotesting, Research Department, Kemerovo State University, 650043 Kemerovo, Russia;
| | - Alexander Prosekov
- Laboratory of Biocatalysis, Kemerovo State University, 650043 Kemerovo, Russia;
| | - Victor Atuchin
- Laboratory of Optical Materials and Structures, Institute of Semiconductor Physics, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Research and Development Department, Kemerovo State University, 650000 Kemerovo, Russia
- Laboratory of Applied Physics, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Department of Industrial Machinery Design, Novosibirsk State Technical University, 630073 Novosibirsk, Russia
- R&D Center “Advanced Electronic Technologies”, Tomsk State University, 634034 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Varvara Minina
- Department of Genetic and Fundamental Medicine, Kemerovo State University, 650000 Kemerovo, Russia;
| | - Anastasia Ponasenko
- Laboratory of Genome Medicine, Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, 650002 Kemerovo, Russia;
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Torzewski M. C-Reactive Protein: Friend or Foe? Phylogeny From Heavy Metals to Modified Lipoproteins and SARS-CoV-2. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:797116. [PMID: 35402541 PMCID: PMC8987351 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.797116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal C-reactive protein (CRP) has a widespread existence throughout phylogeny implying that these proteins have essential functions mandatory to be preserved. About 500 million years of evolution teach us that there is a continuous interplay between emerging antigens and components of innate immunity. The most archaic physiological roles of CRP seem to be detoxication of heavy metals and other chemicals followed or accompanied by an acute phase response and host defense against bacterial, viral as well as parasitic infection. On the other hand, unusual antigens have emerged questioning the black-and-white perception of CRP as being invariably beneficial. Such antigens came along either as autoantigens like excessive tissue-stranded modified lipoprotein due to misdirected food intake linking CRP with atherosclerosis with an as yet open net effect, or as foreign antigens like SARS-CoV-2 inducing an uncontrolled CRP-mediated autoimmune response. The latter two examples impressingly demonstrate that a component of ancient immunity like CRP should not be considered under identical “beneficial” auspices throughout phylogeny but might effect quite the reverse as well.
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Tucker C, Collins R, Denvir MA, McDougald WA. PET/CT Technology in Adult Zebrafish: A Pilot Study Toward Live Longitudinal Imaging. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:725548. [PMID: 34708053 PMCID: PMC8542982 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.725548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades of research have confirmed the beneficial and advantageous use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model of human disease in biomedical studies. Not only are 71% of human genes shared with the zebrafish many of these genes are linked to human diseases. Currently, numerous transgenic and mutant genetic zebrafish lines are now widely available for use in research. Furthermore, zebrafish are relatively inexpensive to maintain compared to rodents. However, a limiting factor to fully utilising adult zebrafish in research is not the fish but the technological imaging tools available. In order to increase the utilisation of adult zebrafish, which are not naturally transparent, requires new imaging approaches. Therefore, this feasibility study: (1) presents an innovative designed PET/CT adult zebrafish imaging platform, capable of maintaining normal aquatic physiology during scanning; (2) assesses the practical aspects of adult zebrafish imaging; and (3) set basic procedural guidelines for zebrafish imaging during a PET/CT acquisition. Methods: With computer aided design (CAD) software an imaging platform was developed for 3D printing. A 3D printed zebrafish model was created from a CT acquisition of a zebrafish using the CAD software. This model and subsequently euthanised zebrafish were imaged post-injection using different concentrations of the radiotracer [18F]FDG with CT contrast. Results: PET/CT imaging was successful, revealing levels as low as 0.01 MBq could be detected in the fish. In the zebrafish imaging post-injection distribution of the radiotracer was observed away from the injection site as well as tissue uptake. Potential preliminary husbandry and welfare guidelines for the fish during and after PET/CT imaging were determined. Conclusion: Using PET/CT for adult zebrafish imaging as a viable non-invasive technological tool is feasible. Adult zebrafish PET/CT imaging has the potential to be a key imaging technique offering the possibilities of enhanced biomedical understanding and new translational data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Tucker
- Bioresearch & Veterinary Services (BVS) Aquatics Facility, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Collins
- Edinburgh College of Arts, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Martin A. Denvir
- British Heart Foundation (BHF)-Centre for Cardiovascular Science, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy A. McDougald
- British Heart Foundation (BHF)-Centre for Cardiovascular Science, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Preclinical Imaging, Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Han J, Zhang R, Zhang X, Dong J, Chen M, Pan Y, Liao Z, Zhong M, He J, Wang F, Yue Y, Shang J. Zebrafish Model for Screening Antiatherosclerosis Drugs. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:9995401. [PMID: 34257830 PMCID: PMC8245221 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9995401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
This study is aimed at establishing a zebrafish model of AS, which can be applied for high-throughput screening anti-AS drugs. A zebrafish AS model was induced by high cholesterol diet (HCD) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the early stage of modeling, HCD induced zebrafish to show some early symptoms similar to human AS, mainly cholesterol accumulation, vascular inflammation, lipid metabolism disorder, and oxidative stress. In addition to lipid metabolism disorders, LPS also induced the same symptoms. And when HCD and LPS exist at the same time, these AS symptoms in zebrafish become more severe. When the modeling time reached 45 days, HCD and LPS induce the formation of plaques in zebrafish blood vessels, and these plaques contain fibrous tissue and lipids, which are similar to human AS plaques. We also evaluated the efficacy of some anti-AS drugs (atorvastatin, aspirin, and vitamin C) through these zebrafish AS models. The results found that atorvastatin can significantly reduce the symptoms of AS induced by HCD and LPS, and aspirin and vitamins can significantly reduce the symptoms of AS induced by LPS. It is feasible to use zebrafish to establish an AS model, and the zebrafish AS model can be used for high-throughput screening of anti-AS drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichun Han
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Dong
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 Jiangsu, China
| | - Minghan Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 Jiangsu, China
| | - Yumin Pan
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 Jiangsu, China
| | - Zixian Liao
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Zhong
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingwen He
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 Jiangsu, China
| | - Feiqiang Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunyun Yue
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Shang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 Jiangsu, China
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Zebrafish and Flavonoids: Adjuvants against Obesity. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26103014. [PMID: 34069388 PMCID: PMC8158719 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26103014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a pathological condition, defined as an excessive accumulation of fat, primarily caused by an energy imbalance. The storage of excess energy in the form of triglycerides within the adipocyte leads to lipotoxicity and promotes the phenotypic switch in the M1/M2 macrophage. These changes induce the development of a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, subsequently generating obesity-related complications, commonly known as metabolic syndromes. Over the past decade, obesity has been studied in many animal models. However, due to its competitive aspects and unique characteristics, the use of zebrafish has begun to gain traction in experimental obesity research. To counteract obesity and its related comorbidities, several natural substances have been studied. One of those natural substances reported to have substantial biological effects on obesity are flavonoids. This review summarizes the results of studies that examined the effects of flavonoids on obesity and related diseases and the emergence of zebrafish as a model of diet-induced obesity.
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